The People of Terradeth
Korrigan - Korrigan was originally apart of the Tribelands until it was colonized by the Darini, causing most of the people born in the there to have both Darini and Tribeland blood in their veins. However, when Korrigan became a popular port city, people from all over Terradeth have come through its harbor. Some found their way in chains as slaves, while others arrived wrapped in silks and gold. The refugee crisis has only served to diversify Korrigan's streets further.
The Kingdom of Darin
The Kingdom of Darin has ruled Terradeth's oceans and key port cities for centuries. Second only to the Serket Empire in size and without equal in terms of wealth, the Darini are believed to live in utopias of marble and gold. Although these materials are quite popular, the wealth that defines this kingdom to the outside world is held closely to the crown and the nobility surrounding it. What money trickles down is fought over viciously, often leaving the weakest and poorest with nothing. In this culture, the poor in every city are forced to turn to crime in order to survive. In the slums of Darini cities, muggings, murders, and gang wars are commonplace, while the rich are up to their own depravity. Nobles and rich merchants scheme against their enemies in perfumed mansions while attempting to survive the climb up a treacherous social ladder.
The Darini are also well known for their parties and love for indulgence. Brothels can be found in any city, while wine flows to even the most desolate of slums. Entertainment for these parties often include music, dancing, drugs, sex, gambling, and beloved gladiatorial games. Although most gladiators are slaves, many have become household names and heroes among the free citizens of the kingdom.
The religion of Darin is focused on the god Sacris and his parents, Vestalia and Themos. Vestalia, popularly known as the Mother of the Harbor, is a loving deity credited with guiding sailors home and keeping their families warm while they are away. She is represented by calm and controlled flames whether they are at the top of lighthouses or in the hearth. Themos, the Father of the Sea, is a harsher deity than his wife. In addition to being the god of the ocean, Themos is also the god of law. He rewards the good and just by allowing them safe passage to their destination, while the wicked are tossed about and drowned by violent waves. He is unforgiving and unrelenting. Only the bravest of sailors to dare to face him. Sacris is the center of Darini religion and beloved by the masses. He is a trickster and a hero, with many tales of courageous and mischievous deeds alike. His most famous story is of the time his father grew weary of mankind and desired to flood all of Terradeth. Sacris, who loved mortals, begged his father to reconsider and told him her could prove their worth. Sacris descended to earth as a man, but then was hanged from a tree by a man he trusted. Then, he returned as a young maiden who would be raped and stabbed. Then, he incarnated as a horse and was beaten to death by his owner when he did not cross a stream. He returned and was betrayed countless times, but was shown kindness as a spider when a boy refused to step on him. Although his father was reluctant, Themos spared mankind.
Although Darin once had laws prohibiting magic, most have been lifted or lightened since King Aurelius began his reign. Although he has not officially taken a stance in the war, the king's decision to grant refugees asylum has not been ignored by Jerum. As the Darini are not a daft people, they have increased their security and strengthened their resolve in anticipation of a Jerumian attack.
The Darini are also well known for their parties and love for indulgence. Brothels can be found in any city, while wine flows to even the most desolate of slums. Entertainment for these parties often include music, dancing, drugs, sex, gambling, and beloved gladiatorial games. Although most gladiators are slaves, many have become household names and heroes among the free citizens of the kingdom.
The religion of Darin is focused on the god Sacris and his parents, Vestalia and Themos. Vestalia, popularly known as the Mother of the Harbor, is a loving deity credited with guiding sailors home and keeping their families warm while they are away. She is represented by calm and controlled flames whether they are at the top of lighthouses or in the hearth. Themos, the Father of the Sea, is a harsher deity than his wife. In addition to being the god of the ocean, Themos is also the god of law. He rewards the good and just by allowing them safe passage to their destination, while the wicked are tossed about and drowned by violent waves. He is unforgiving and unrelenting. Only the bravest of sailors to dare to face him. Sacris is the center of Darini religion and beloved by the masses. He is a trickster and a hero, with many tales of courageous and mischievous deeds alike. His most famous story is of the time his father grew weary of mankind and desired to flood all of Terradeth. Sacris, who loved mortals, begged his father to reconsider and told him her could prove their worth. Sacris descended to earth as a man, but then was hanged from a tree by a man he trusted. Then, he returned as a young maiden who would be raped and stabbed. Then, he incarnated as a horse and was beaten to death by his owner when he did not cross a stream. He returned and was betrayed countless times, but was shown kindness as a spider when a boy refused to step on him. Although his father was reluctant, Themos spared mankind.
Although Darin once had laws prohibiting magic, most have been lifted or lightened since King Aurelius began his reign. Although he has not officially taken a stance in the war, the king's decision to grant refugees asylum has not been ignored by Jerum. As the Darini are not a daft people, they have increased their security and strengthened their resolve in anticipation of a Jerumian attack.
Skin Color: Pale, Fair, Olive, Copper
Hair Color: Blonde, Brown, Black
Eye Color: Blue, Brown, Gray, Green, Hazel
Build: Typically tall and lean
Home Country: Darin
Language: Darini
Ruler: King Aurelius and Queen Bellona
Racial Distinctions: Tend to be skilled sailors and merchants. At all ranks and levels of wealth, the Darini are known to be notoriously ambitious and willing to do anything in the pursuit of their goals.
The Kingdom of Jerum
Although not a country of considerable size, the kingdom of Jerum is one of the wealthiest and fiercest nations in all of Terradeth. Its military is ferocious and loyal, notorious for ripping through hoards with deadly precision. Although this is credited in part to a council of skilled generals and deep rooted national pride, the true force driving Jerum's forces to victory is their union of metal workers. Thanks to the rich mines throughout Jerum and centuries of dedication to the craft of metal work, Jerumian blacksmiths are without equal. They produce the finest weapons and armors in Terradeth.
Jerum is a rather conservative country and prides itself on upholding ideals such as chastity, modesty, and honesty in order to honor its goddess. Jerumians, specifically men, are notoriously blunt and speak their mind freely, as holding ones tongue is often seen as a form of dishonesty. They are also infamous for their strict laws and harsh punishment of criminals, executing petty thieves almost on a weekly basis. This uncompromising judgement extends to all mages and magicians, as magic is seen by the Jerumians as an unnatural and evil force. Their Witch Hunters, elite soldiers in the war again magic, are armed with iron blades and the favor of their goddess.
Jerumians exclusively worship Nazariel, the Great Judge. She appears in many forms, but is typically portrayed as a winged figure with a black veil covering her face. Her many eyes watch the people of Terradeth closely, examining their every action. She is often accompanied by her saints, mortals that earned her favor through acts of heroism and devotion. These saints are often evoked by Jerumians alongside their matron. Nazariel encourages her devotees to live their lives with humility, honor, and devotion to their ideals. This often comes into play against the forces of Eisheth, the Mother of Witches and Deceiver of Man.
As the centuries have passed, king after king assisted in the radicalization of Jerum. The people of this great kingdom cling desperately to their ideals and their fears, driving away all things foreign and unknown. Change was resisted time and time again and, two decades ago, Jerum closed its borders. No other nation could have known what the new Jerumian king was beginning to plan. After several years, the so-called "Iron Kingdom" opened to trade once more, but this proved to be little more than the first step in a devious plot. They brought down the Serket Empire and claimed war on all "heretic nations" fostering witches and magicians. They conquered many small kingdoms, burning every mage they found in the streets. Their war has grown larger than anyone expected and some believe it may swallow the entire world.
Jerum is a rather conservative country and prides itself on upholding ideals such as chastity, modesty, and honesty in order to honor its goddess. Jerumians, specifically men, are notoriously blunt and speak their mind freely, as holding ones tongue is often seen as a form of dishonesty. They are also infamous for their strict laws and harsh punishment of criminals, executing petty thieves almost on a weekly basis. This uncompromising judgement extends to all mages and magicians, as magic is seen by the Jerumians as an unnatural and evil force. Their Witch Hunters, elite soldiers in the war again magic, are armed with iron blades and the favor of their goddess.
Jerumians exclusively worship Nazariel, the Great Judge. She appears in many forms, but is typically portrayed as a winged figure with a black veil covering her face. Her many eyes watch the people of Terradeth closely, examining their every action. She is often accompanied by her saints, mortals that earned her favor through acts of heroism and devotion. These saints are often evoked by Jerumians alongside their matron. Nazariel encourages her devotees to live their lives with humility, honor, and devotion to their ideals. This often comes into play against the forces of Eisheth, the Mother of Witches and Deceiver of Man.
As the centuries have passed, king after king assisted in the radicalization of Jerum. The people of this great kingdom cling desperately to their ideals and their fears, driving away all things foreign and unknown. Change was resisted time and time again and, two decades ago, Jerum closed its borders. No other nation could have known what the new Jerumian king was beginning to plan. After several years, the so-called "Iron Kingdom" opened to trade once more, but this proved to be little more than the first step in a devious plot. They brought down the Serket Empire and claimed war on all "heretic nations" fostering witches and magicians. They conquered many small kingdoms, burning every mage they found in the streets. Their war has grown larger than anyone expected and some believe it may swallow the entire world.
Skin Color: Pale, Fair, Olive
Hair Color: Blonde, Brown, Black, Red
Eye Color: Blue, Brown, Gray, Green, Hazel
Build: Tend to be tall and stocky, but their is variety among their builds.
Home Country: Jerum
Language: Jerumian
Ruler: King Uradel and Queen Lorelei
Racial Distinctions: Possess the finest weapons, armors, and metal workings in all of Terradeth. They have a fear and hate of magic, causing them to take action against any they believe to be witches.
The Serket Empire
Once a massive and diverse kingdom in the northern deserts, the Serket Empire is the largest to fall prey to Jerum. Before its fall, the Serket Empire united all the tribes and nations of the Amundra Sands and was the center of knowledge in Terradeth. Although most of its population was made up of shepherds, merchants, traders, and slaves, the upper class of this nation was almost entirely scholars and mages. Home to the largest libraries and most respected colleges, students of all arts would travel to the Serket Empire to educate themselves. Unlike other nations, a basic education was guaranteed to all free citizens and forms of magic could be found throughout all social ranks of the empire.
Although the people of Serket worship many gods, none are as highly revered as the manticore, Imototh. He appears as a lion with a scorpion's tail and a manās face. He is a keeper of knowledge and contains the very secrets of the universe within the tip of his tail, as its venom can extinguish life or bring back the dead. Imototh is worshiped in the pursuit of wisdom, in sacred acts such as reading and the weaving of magic. He is reclusive and rarely called on for assistance, as he encourages his followers to acquire wisdom and solve problems by themselves. His image is nearly everywhere in the wreckage of Serket.
Serketās embrace and encouragement of magic attracted the attention of Jerum. Witch Hunters infiltrated nearly every part of the empire and, with one fatal strike, brought down the emperor, his top generals, and the nationās beloved high priestess. The Jerumian army stormed the capital and brought the empire to its knees within a matter of months. Some citizens have managed to escape to other nations, but most are not as lucky. The majority of the Serket people are still in their homeland, attempting to survive a harsh Jerumian rule. A few have attempted to resist, but with very little results.
Although the people of Serket worship many gods, none are as highly revered as the manticore, Imototh. He appears as a lion with a scorpion's tail and a manās face. He is a keeper of knowledge and contains the very secrets of the universe within the tip of his tail, as its venom can extinguish life or bring back the dead. Imototh is worshiped in the pursuit of wisdom, in sacred acts such as reading and the weaving of magic. He is reclusive and rarely called on for assistance, as he encourages his followers to acquire wisdom and solve problems by themselves. His image is nearly everywhere in the wreckage of Serket.
Serketās embrace and encouragement of magic attracted the attention of Jerum. Witch Hunters infiltrated nearly every part of the empire and, with one fatal strike, brought down the emperor, his top generals, and the nationās beloved high priestess. The Jerumian army stormed the capital and brought the empire to its knees within a matter of months. Some citizens have managed to escape to other nations, but most are not as lucky. The majority of the Serket people are still in their homeland, attempting to survive a harsh Jerumian rule. A few have attempted to resist, but with very little results.
Skin Color: Olive, Copper, Light Brown, Dark Brown
Hair Color: Brown, Black
Eye Color: Brown, Hazel, Grey
Build: Diverse
Home Country: The Amundra Sands
Language: Serket, but various racial groups possess their own languages
Ruler: (Formerly) Emperor Horet
Racial Distinctions: All free citizens are capable of reading and writing, regardless of their economic class. Because magic is so common among the Serket, many magicians and mages come from this empire.
The Arijiong States
Known for its endless fertile fields, the Arijiong States are respected and well liked in Terradeth, as they supply many countries with a variety of crops, ranging from simple grain to the hallucinogenic magehood plant that is often ingested recreationally. Although the states are united by a monarch, the current dowager queen and her young son are little more than figureheads to please the public. The true power among the Arijiong lies with the lords and clan leaders that rule over this nationās various provinces, acting independently of the crown. Although separated by small differences in their cultures, the clans of the Arijiong share a strong value for honor and loyalty to oneās kin.
The Arijiong worship the Seven Dragon Lords, each of which represent a different Arijiong element; Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Thunder, Wood, and Metal. These Dragon Lords are believed to fight amongst themselves frequently, causing natural disasters with every battle. The Arijiongās affinity for Worldly Magic and element manipulation is said to be attributed to their supposed blood connection with these deities. Ā
As Worldly Magic is quite common and utilized by many Arijiong farmers to plow fields and water crops, Jerum set its eyes on the States not long after the fall of Serket. Some western provinces have been taken, but the impressive Ryangu Mountains have managed to slow the Jerumiansā progress and provide the rest of the Arijiong with just enough of an edge to hold out against their assaults.
The Arijiong worship the Seven Dragon Lords, each of which represent a different Arijiong element; Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Thunder, Wood, and Metal. These Dragon Lords are believed to fight amongst themselves frequently, causing natural disasters with every battle. The Arijiongās affinity for Worldly Magic and element manipulation is said to be attributed to their supposed blood connection with these deities. Ā
As Worldly Magic is quite common and utilized by many Arijiong farmers to plow fields and water crops, Jerum set its eyes on the States not long after the fall of Serket. Some western provinces have been taken, but the impressive Ryangu Mountains have managed to slow the Jerumiansā progress and provide the rest of the Arijiong with just enough of an edge to hold out against their assaults.
Skin Color: Olive, Copper, Light Brown
Hair Color: Brown, Black
Eye Color: Brown, Hazel
Build: Typically shorter and slimmer than other races
Home Country: The Arijiong States
Language: Arashi, however dialects change the language drastically from province to province
Ruler: Symbolically ruled by Dowager Queen Huang and her young son, King Ao Ji. True power lies with the lords ruling over the various Arijiong provinces.
Racial Distinctions: The Arijiong have natural affinity for Worldy Magic and elemental manipulation. Most use this magic to assist with farming and mundane tasks, but the Arijiong army harness the forces of nature in their battle strategies.
The Tribelands
Just beyond the city limits of Korrigan, this massive stretch of open plains, forests, and mountains is home to countless barbarian tribes known as the Free Folk. Due to their muscular builds and prowess in battle, they are said to be descendants of giants and monsters. In truth, their brawn most likely developed from their war-centric lifestyles and cultures. The Free Folk are constantly battling each other for resources and pillaging has become a way of life for many of these tribes. Because of this, many have become nomadic, moving around the Tribelands in an attempt to evade raiders and war bands. Although Korrigan and the Free Folk have had a tense past, the city has managed to create an alliance with several prominent tribes, exchanging higher quality armor, weapons, and clothes for food, furs, plants, and protection from more aggressive tribesmen.
Unlike most countries in Terradeth, the Free Folk worship no established pantheon of gods. Instead they partake in honoring various groups of beings, the most common being ancestral spirits and the Great Ones; primordial nature spirits believed to be older than any known deity. The Free Folk are also rumored to share their land with the Fair Folk, a magical race better known as "fairies". Since there are so many of these influences in the lives of the Free Folk, they tend to be extremely superstitious of things they believe may anger the spirits around them or attract malicious entities. Because of this, magic is approached with caution and only trusted in the hands of trained shamans.
Although magic is rare in the Tribelands, the heathen lifestyles of the Free Folk is more than enough to earn the ire of Jerum. Many tribes have been conquered and their lands taken in the name of Nazariel. However, some of the remaining tribes have banded together to form a small resistance. Although they face enemies with superior armor and weapons, their numbers and ferocity and allowed them to keep Jerum from spreading further into their lands.
Unlike most countries in Terradeth, the Free Folk worship no established pantheon of gods. Instead they partake in honoring various groups of beings, the most common being ancestral spirits and the Great Ones; primordial nature spirits believed to be older than any known deity. The Free Folk are also rumored to share their land with the Fair Folk, a magical race better known as "fairies". Since there are so many of these influences in the lives of the Free Folk, they tend to be extremely superstitious of things they believe may anger the spirits around them or attract malicious entities. Because of this, magic is approached with caution and only trusted in the hands of trained shamans.
Although magic is rare in the Tribelands, the heathen lifestyles of the Free Folk is more than enough to earn the ire of Jerum. Many tribes have been conquered and their lands taken in the name of Nazariel. However, some of the remaining tribes have banded together to form a small resistance. Although they face enemies with superior armor and weapons, their numbers and ferocity and allowed them to keep Jerum from spreading further into their lands.
Skin Color: Pale, Fair, Olive, Copper, Light Brown
Hair Color: Blonde, Brown, Black, Red
Eye Color: Blue, Brown, Hazel, Grey, Green
Build: Typically taller and much more muscular than other races
Home Country: The Tribelands
Language: The Free Tongue
Ruler: Chieftains and shamans of the Tribelands.
Racial Distinctions: Although skilled in war and survival, the Free Folk are less technologically advanced than the nations surrounding them. They are also extremely superstitious and wary of magic.
Other Nations
There are potentially dozens of other nations that could be effected by this war. If you want to create a character from a forgotten island or a small kingdom in the shadow of Jerum, go ahead! Feel free to create more nations and take some of this world building off my shoulders.
