Beyond the Empire

Lands Beyond the Empire

Alkinarre

Standard: Lyre and sun.
Population: 365,000 [isolated; 96% human (Riven), 2% elf, 1% half-elf, 1% other races]

Ruler: Adrastos, God-Bard of Alkinarre 
Cultural alignment: Lawful good
Cities: Thassos (114,000), Juriiin (68,000), Menlah (44,000)

Far south of Carbadi, on the east coast of Thault, lies the vast and prosperous land of Alkinarre, which is said to lie nigh unconquerable to the Eidolorn Empire. The Alkinari are a joyous and festive people who follow the guidance of their immortal God-bard, Adrastos, whose many living sculptures aid the populace in menial, daily tasks. Alkinarre is known as a a hedonist culture where practices such as polyamory, incest and bestiality are common, all of which stand in rather stark contrast to the values of Eleste. The Empire maintains a peaceful relationship with the Alkinari, but the God-bard has refused all invitations to meet a number of Emperors to discuss a possible alliance, so the only communication lines are through the trade of goods. Though the golden haired, fair-skinned folk of this kingdom seem opulent and laid back, they can be fierce when pressed. Their large military force, known only as Harpies, is reinforced by a division of unfeeling, massive living sculptures that remain inert across the countryside when not in use.

Braul

Standard: Pair of manacled wrists with broken chain between them.

Population: 118,000 [isolated; 96% human (Riven/Shann mix), 2% dwarf, 1% halfling, 1% other races]

Ruler: No known monarch or governing body.
Cultural alignment: Chaotic neutral

Located to the north of Nobbish along the east coast of Thault, Braul is a land of petty baronies with small populations, all constantly feuding with one another. In fact, the clans and families of Braul are so scattershot that they each practice their own laws, and worship portents and patron, heathen saints that the Imperial folk have abandoned nearly a thousand years in the past. About the only thing the many barons of Braul can agree upon is a loose standard, and a common desire to stay free of the Empire. Various border skirmishes have been fought along the Snath Plain and within the Childer Forest, but no formal conflict has yet escalated between the Brauls and Nobbs. Several Emperors have pondered a conquest of the rugged, chaotic territory, but have as of yet decided against it, since such a plight could bring nothing but rebellion and a lasting hostility that would stretch Imperial resources. Braul is a fairly dangerous place, with treacherous, windy seasons and the constant threat of large predators, but its people are fiercely proud, claiming direct descent from the ancient, barbaric Shann, the Eld Men of Thault who once held sway from shore to shore. Though they closely resemble their Imperial neighbors, the Braul are scarred and weather beaten from a great many conflicts. Few have seen a life without violence in some capacity, and they are often stronger. Braul mercenaries are valued by any patron who feels he or she can keep them in line.

Canelun

Standard: Coconut shorn with a cutlass.

Population: 17,000 [isolated; 96% human (Riven), 2% hadozee, 1% wild elf, 1% other races]

Ruler: ‘Traitor’ Bayl, ‘The Cutthroat’
Cultural alignment: Neutral evil

Canelun serves as both a refuge and den of vice for various bands of pirates and raiders who savage the rivers of Southern Thault and the coastlines of Durindesh, Hammerdark, Quelm and Alkinarre. The city's 'architects' ensured its safety with a series of synthetic reefs and dense perimeter defenses which can slow both land and sea attacks, and the city proper has several levels, some built into tall trees and others on the ground, with a massive docking system. While the Red Tide mercenary guard will not turn away any smaller bands of scum who seek to use the city as a sanctuary, most will pay tithe or tribute to one of the three great pirate 'houses' of Canelun: the River Razors, the amazonian Cannon Annies, and the populous Shadow Fleet, each of which has carved out its own 'turf' within the city. As to the actual day to day government of Canelun and the Red Tides, the tesk is left to an elected ruler, presently one 'Traitor' Bayl, a corrupt captain who once served under Harriet Rhys of Rothe.

Dashnear

Standard: Shield with ram skull emblem dripping icicles.

Population: 33,000 [isolated; 96% human (Shann), 2% glacier dwarf, 1% snow elf, 1% other races]

Ruler: King Robyrt av Jakish

Cities: Njar Balloch (10,000)
Cultural alignment: Chaotic good

Among the heartiest of Shann men, the people of Dashnear are fully dedicated to living off the land in the oldest ways of their ancestors. They dwell as close to their environment as possible, and considering that the heart of their culture lies in the rocky island chain Shiverspine, this is no easy feat. Homes and villages are built low to earth, or directly out of caverns, and are difficult to spot from above by white dragon predators and other threats in the region. Even the thick-wool sheep the Shann harvest are often hidden from danger in reclusive valleys and subterranean pens. Men take their father's names as surnames, and women take their husband's first as surname. The region is popular among mountaineers and other danger seekers, so for those who risk climbing the towering peaks at the heart of the isles, or the staggering peaks will often find a rune or marking that some other adventurer had already been there. The largest population center, the small city of Njar Balloch is built upon a rough cliff itself, with various frosted stairways allowing access to different levels, with a small quay of fishing craft below. There is no 'official' standing army in Dashnear, every man (and boy of about 12 and up) is trained to fight for his women, children and brothers; yet the hostile environment the folk live in ensures it won't be subject to outside invasion, and an uneasy truce is held with the snow elves of Lyrinende should one of the civilizations be threatened.

Durindesh

Standard: Rhinoceros skull with crossed palm fronds.

Population: 218,000 [mixed; 79% human (Lhazon), 9% elf, 5% rilkan, 3% skarn, 2% half-elf, 1% gnome, 1% halfling]

Ruler: Lannya of the Veils

Cities: Quaalesh (68,000), Nahabor (49,000), Beydol (13,000)
Cultural alignment: Lawful neutral

While much of humankind inhabiting Thault can trace its lineage back to either the Shann or Riven races, the inhabitants of Durindesh instead hail from the dusk-skinned Lhazon stock who ply the seas far to the South of the Indriccan Ocean. Durindesh itself is a relatively young culture, with only a few centuries beneath it, but in that time they've already sculpted cities of beautiful stonework, jade and ivory, taming most of the once dangerous Flusterwood jungle in Southern Thault. A series of pebble roads and shrines connects the various cities and communities of the country, and the hereditary queen and religious icon Lannya of the Veils rules from an exotic palace in the city of Quaalesh, more beautiful even than that of the God-Bard of Alkinarre. With them, the Lhazon brought several exotic races in the rilkan and skarn, humanoids with slight reptilian features versed in a strange power source known as 'incarnum', and they've also integrated various elves and demi humans into their prosperous society. Durindesh is a haven for the spice trade, as well as exotic linens and garments, and fruit which is exported further north to Quelm and Alkinarre (though these are not 'allies'). The Durindesh civilization is divided into numerous tiers or 'castes', at the top of which are the noble born and the bottom of which are the simplest of tradesmen or the mamluk slave-soldiers whom the Lhazon are known to purchase from Sothos Karr and conquered tribes in Kettar's Run (there also exists a higher born warrior caste known as the Shahsar). The Lhazon practice a complex religion with many idols and deities.

Hammerdark

Standard: Black mountain against red-orange, volcanic sun.

Population: 72,000 [mixed; 79% deep dwarf, 9% fire giant, 5% goblin, 3% bugbear, 2% hobgoblin, 1% azer, 1% duergar]

Ruler: King Klade 'The Crippler'

Cities: Sunderspar (19,000), Dregport (11,000)
Cultural alignment: Lawful evil

Essentially a massive slave operation run by tyrannical fire giant despots, Hammerdark spans the three isles of Drann, Dylosh and Heaves south of Thault proper, several of which see high levels of volcanic activity through the year. Centuries past, the giants emerged from hidden places beneath the earth to conquer and enslave a deep dwarven civilization, transforming the unfortunates into a massive labor force to suit the whims of their overlords. Combining the secrets and traditions of both dwarven and giant steel, Hammerdark is today one of the chief exports of prized armor, tools, jewels and weaponry, which they ship through Dregport to distant lands of Thault (Thelos Retch, Vhorinyr, etc) and beyond. The primary forges are located in the subterranean citadel of Sunderspar on the isle of Heaves, and it it said King Klade rules from a throne carved into a livid fountain of magma. In recent decades, the giants have begun reinforcing their island dominion with goblinoid mercenary troops, which adds insult to injury among the dwarven populace; they also have an agreement with an otherworldly group of azer who serve Klade and his princes and princesses directly.

Kaul Kathom

Standard: Horse tramping through crossed spears.

Population: 59,000 [isolated; 96% human (Shann), 2% halfling, 1% gnome, 1% other races]

Ruler: Greatspear Chajauk
Cultural alignment: Neutral

Once little more than a riverside meeting grounds for the various Charger clans of Kettar's Run, stone was eventually transferred across the long distance from the Clanking Hills to build proper walls and defenses. Today, Kaul Kathom boasts a sizable population of those Charger clans who have sought a more stable existence and sense of community, plus thousands of traders and craftsmen from far off nations who wish to ply their wares and services to the newly emerging culture. Many of the Charger clans mock the residents for their abandonment of the traditional nomadic culture these Shann once thrived in, but even the detractors will visit the city when in need of particular goods, and pay respects to the elderly Greatspear Chajauk, a wise man of eighty or more summers who serves as monarch until one day bested in combat. The city is not only protected by its strong stone walls, but also the Kathomites, a fierce band of mercenaries who enlist only the toughest fighting men into their ranks. Kaul Kathom also maintains the greatest horse market in Thault, and breeders and merchants come from as far as Braul and the Eidolorn empire to browse the stock.

Lyrinende

Standard: Reindeer with a crystal crown.

Population: 8,000 [isolated; 96% snow elf, 2% hybsil, 1% human (Shann), 1% half-elf]

Ruler: Elleweth ‘Winterhart’
Cultural alignment: Chaotic good

A small but beautiful city of white walls and shimmering spires, Lyrinende is the haven of the snow elves, a sub-race distantly related to the high elves of Mitruul and the Eidolorn Empire, or the painted elves that dwell further south in the Rainscar Brakes and beyond. Perhaps the most reclusive race in Thault, the elves are hesitant to permit ANY visitors save those in the direst of need, and even these will be sent along. Under their hereditary ruler, a high priestess known as Elleweth or 'Winterhart', they commit their lives to crafts and arts of great beauty, constantly manipulating evergreen trees and fronds, and fabulous ice sculptures into a living artistry. However, when it comes to defending their shared sanctuary, the snow elves are known to unleash great magics and illusory defenses to drive off invaders from Vandrokk who often savage the region in an attempt at northward expansion. The elves share an uneasy truce with the highlanders of Dashnear to the North, and the two groups will aid one another in times of great trouble.

Mitruul

Standard: Silver stag rearing on its hind-legs.

Population: Unknown [isolated; 96% elf, 2% half-elf, 1% human, 1% other races]

Ruler: Dawnblade Evenstar

Cities: Aliijn (capital, 8,000)
Cultural alignment: Chaotic good

Mitruul is a far off land inhabited by the Mar'ruun, the jungle elves. Unlike their more festive kin of northern climes, the Mar'ruun are a highly civilized, productive folk known for their masterful craftsmanship and exotic warrior arts. High is the price to train beneath a Mar'ruun weapon master, but pay the Empire does, employing several of them as drill instructors in the capital of Carbadi. Mar'ruun weapon arts focus on swift, deadly movements, and they are characterized by wearing little but cloth or light armors. The Mar'ruun are also known for their excellent silver works, the envy of any dwarf of Thault. East of the Nestlebrush, the jungle home of the elves' communities and capital of Aliijn, lies the Graft Hills, where the finest silver ore in all of Thault is hidden. Other resources out of Mitruul include exotic jewels, fine linens and strange fruits that are used in delicious dishes in the finer restaurants of the Empire. Mitruul maintains a loose trade alliance with both the Eidolorn and Alkinarre, but is very hesitant to trust either beyond this. The elves of Mitruul look down upon their hedonistic northern cousins, and few are welcome there, even though the blood ties are undeniable. Mitruul is a military state, ruled over by the highest ranking general, or Dawnblade.

Negylss

Standard: Pair of furred boots tied by a twine of ivy.

Population: 65,000 [isolated; 96% tundra halfling, 2% human (Shann), 1% glacier dwarf, 1% other races]

Ruler: Dollee Motch, Greatmother of the Plains

Cities: Neverrest (27,000)
Cultural alignment: Neutral

Though the population of halflings found in Braul and the Eidolorn Empire might technically rival that of Neglyss, it is the Plains of Peryl and surrounding regions which host the one 'true' halfling civilization, and the tundra folk often look down upon their kin who live in more 'comfortable' environments. Here, the short folk have learned to cull the frost-swept lands, raising livestock and mounts almost uncontested save by the large predators who roam the open plain. Like their southern relatives, the tundra halflings exist in a Matriarchy, their current ruler one Dollee Motch, a wizened woman who is reputed to have prophetic and miraculous powers. The halflings also have two standing armies strewn about the coastal capital of Neverrest and the scattering of smaller communities: the Coldriders, who patrol the Plains and the hills to the south upon the backs of exotic steeds, and the Frostreave, who defend and police the towns and villages. Dwellings and garments of Neglyss tend to be humble and earthen in nature; for all the bounty their farms, livestock and ice fishing permit them, this is still a dangerous region, and the constant threat of ambitious raids from Braul or Vandrokk keep the folk more hardened, and less 'devious' than their southern counterparts.

Quelm

Standard: Sword and ink vial over open book.

Population: 36,000 [isolated; 96% human (Riven), 2% elf, 1% half-elf, 1% other races]

Ruler: Inscriptor-General Naske

Cities: Vaulted (7,000), Virune (9,000)
Cultural alignment: Lawful neutral

A neutral nation with close relations to the people of Alkinarre, the Quelmi ('Knowers') are known as a highly literate culture of scholars and philosophers who place great importance in archiving the history of Thault. The libraries of Vaulted are among the most thorough, massive and secured in the world, exceeding even the private collection of the God-Bard Adrastos, with tens if not hundreds of thousands of volumes covering both the mystic and the mundane. They retain a small standing army dubbed 'Penblades' who enforce and police the cities of Vaulted and Virune, and surrounding towns; but in times of need, the God-Bard is always quick to send reinforcements, despite the Quelmi insistence on remaining an independent state. The literati class is supported by a slowly growing population of crafters, tradesmen, farmers and fishermen, and the Collegiate of Quelm is a prized destination for wandering scholars of the Eidolorn Empire, Alkinarre, Durindesh and Mitruul.

The Robber Kings

Standard: Golden pony against starry night.

Population: 89,000 [isolated; 96% human (Lhazon), 2% badlands dwarf, 1% skarn, 1% other races]

Rulers: Pasja Jhalom, Pasja Madjar, Pasja Melth

Cities: Grisba (37,000)
Cultural alignment: Neutral evil

Derelicts and criminals who escaped Durindesh en masse a few decades past, the Robber Kings were forced to adapt to their new 'homeland' of the Mirrorwastes (and northern grounds of the Salt Rushes). Today they have established numerous tent communities among the curious, clear lakes of the region, most of which can be uprooted within days and moved if the Queen and her Shahsar ever decide to mount a full scale war against them. Many of the Robber Kings' accrued followers and peoples have learned to mete out their living from the sands, but each of the three ruling Pashas still fund raids to 'skim' off the populace of Durindesh wherever applicable, and it is also not unknown for raiders to risk the high Pennants and attack the scholarly kingdom of Quelm. While it lacks proper walls and material defenses, Grisba is a well protected community with hundreds of camel mounted lancers, dervish mercenaries and skilled summoners who can call upon the djinn and other entities to drive back threats.

Sothos Karr

Standard: Leering gargoyle face with massive tusks.

Population: 45,000 [mixed; 79% orc, 9% human (Riven), 5% half-orc, 3% dwarf, 2% halfling, 1% elf, 1% gnome]

Ruler: Dror Gheel, Slavemaster of Sothos Karr

Cities: Thaarlash (capital, 33,000)
Cultural alignment: Lawful evil

Sothos Karr is the hold of the wretched, violent orcs of Thault, who have build their strength upon the backs of those they have enslaved. Most of the orc lands lie in 'The Lash', a violent and stormy plain south of Floivin Province, but several forts are maintained in the Fyreklaw barrens to the West of the great plain. Roughly 20% of the population of Sothos Karr is comprised entirely of slaves the orcs have held, some families in thrall for centuries! These unfortunates are culled from raids across the southern Empire, in particular the provinces of Floivin, Melethesz, and Carbadi, but the orcs have been known to range farther south to harass the elves of Mithruul or bands of explorers and adventurers. Despite their brutish shortcomings, the orcs of Sothos Karr are well organized. A tyrant, or Slavemaster sits upon a throne of slaves in Thaarlash, and he is served by the Iron Grip, a force of heavily armed taskmaster soldiers who are known to fight with forks, spiked whips and other gruesome armaments. Leadership tends to pass through natural usurpation, as one high ranking officer in the Grip or another stages a coup against the current Slavemaster. The orcs of Sothos Karr right terrible steeds, great lizards bred from the terrible land dragons of prehistoric ages. A Sothos Karr raiding party is a fearsome thing indeed, but the orcs simply do not have the numbers to mount an all out assault against the Empire, fearing that they would lose control of their slaves. Occasionally, slaves will escape from their tormentors. Some will return to their family lands, but others often end up worse than their former captors: brigands, mercenaries or slavers themselves.

Thelos Retch

Standard: Skull with filed teeth chewing a heart against a backdrop of bloody veins.

Population: 75,000 [mixed; 79% human (Shann), 2% lizardfolk, 1% bullywug, 1% other races]

Ruler: Flesh-Baron Borizc

Cities: Maaklev (29,000), Krudluster (14,000)
Cultural alignment: Chaotic evil

Like Vhorinyr, Dashnear or Braul, Thelos Retch is a country established by the Shann, the original, rough men who inhabited Thault before the Riven arrived in great numbers and established their kingdoms and Empire. However, unlike these other lands, Thelos Retch evolved out of the primitive hideous urges of cannibal clans on the southern end of the continent. They share the same, territorial and reclusive sensibilities of their kin, but with a largely distinct moral code that values slavery and the flesh consumption of those they conquer and capture. As such, they are perhaps the most despised society in all of Thault, and really don't give a whit. Despite their gruesome tendencies, Thelos Retch has established a hierarchy of rulers through the centuries, largely based upon an individual's cleverness to rise to the top in the social circles of Maaklev by whatever means are necessary. At present this is 'Flesh-Baron' Borizc, a flamboyant and thoroughly cruel individual who toys with both his allies and enemies. The Shann here have adopted lizardfolk and bullywug servants and thugs to prowl the Mash, the Web of Ever, the Fish Flats and other regions for prey, and many within the walls of Maaklev and Krudluster practice dark arts with which to amuse themselves. The soldiery, known as The Retched, are largely used as a defensive grid against attackers from Hammerdark (who attempt to steal away some of the food supply to work the fire giants' mines and forges), Canelun raiders or Chargers of Kettar's Run who become 'fed up' with the flesh gluttons.

Torwyddya

Standard: Sunwheel of dragon skulls.

Population: 16,000 [mixed; 79% frost giant, 9% frost folk, 5% snow goblin, 3% human (Shann), 2% hybsil, 1% tundra halfling, 1% snow elf]

Ruler: Sklann Witch-father

Cities: Melmgrud (7,000)
Cultural alignment: Chaotic evil

Though frost giants are not uncommon in the Bonefrost, Wintersbreath or other more southerly locales, it is the distant kingdom of Torwyddya in which they reign supreme. Were the land any closer to the civilization of man, it could prove a massive threat, but in fact the giants are quite content with the environment and their supremacy of Trelljaur Taiga and the Drachydis isles. The ruler by strength, Sklann Witch-father is served by a court of devious frost folk wizards and generals who are the only other race allowed to exist in peace by the giants' side; whereas the elves, goblins, halflings, hybsil and unfortunate Shann men here serve as slaves in the mighty lodges at best, fighting pit fodder for the giants' amusement, or perhaps even a snack for their great pet beasts and linnorms. Several small fleets of Torwyddyan longships have attempted sacks of the coastal cities of Neverrest and Njar Balloch through the ages, but their have yet to be massive land raids, though the presence of the Farlund Arls could certainly prove conducive to an all out assault on the tundra halflings.

Vandrokk

Standard: Eagle with axe wings.

Population: Unknown [isolated; 96% human (Shann), 2% dwarf, 1% half-orc, 1% other races]

Ruler: High Kzarl Kromyth 'The Thunderhead'
Cultural alignment: Lawful evil

Vandrokk is the savage realm of the Vandrakki, a loosely knit society of nomadic hunter gatherer clans, each ruled by a Kzarl. There are at least two dozen such clans, most naming themselves for a particular totem (Blood Owls, Wolf Tongues, Spear Chiefs, and so forth). Though the tribes compete with one another for game and other resources, they rarely come into bloody conflict with one another, and thus there is some semblance or order amongst them. Often clans will join through weddings or other bonds, and thus 'join' their clan names, one word from each, to form the newest. The largest and strongest of the clans (currently the Quake Wyrms) serves as a ruling body, though only in times of warfare or mediation. The current High Kzarl of the Quake Wyrms is Kromyth, also called 'Thunderhead', a bear of a man who has felled many a monstrous predator in the Scurlwood and the Pinestead, the two forests that comprise much of the Vandrakki territory. Vandrakki warriors are also known as 'Painted Berzerkers', barbaric men who know the blood rage and often fight until they are either dead, or no enemies remain standing. For this savagery, the Painted Berzerkers are prized as mercenary combatants and pit fighters, and often hired by the shadowy denizens of Vhorinyr for various purposes. Skirmishes along the border of Wintersbreath are not unheard of, and the Vandrakki are violently opposed to any further Eidolorn expansion to the north. For most citizens, and the wiser explorers and adventurers of the Empire, the Scurlwood and Pinestead are off limits.

Vhorinyr

Standard: Skull with candle light on black background.

Population: Unknown

Ruler: King Tomas the Unspared; The Seven Lords of Syn

Cities: Grymgate (capital, pop. unknown)
Cultural alignment: Lawful evil

Much of Vhorinyr is a mystery, but it is perhaps the most dangerous territory neighboring the Eidolorn Empire. North of Wintersbreath, beyond the White Fir Hills, rise the Harrowed Heights, a large mountainous region littered with ruins and keeps of an unknown origin. They are not uninhabited. Locals speak rumors of skeletal legions that stalk the mountains as far south as the foothills, and of a vast and fell kingdom located deep within the Heights, accessible through subterranean tunnels that connect many of the surface structures. They speak of an entire population of lost souls, ghosts aglow in the windows of cliffside towers, and an ancient, cursed king and his seven sworn generals, each granted immortality through death. Few are those who venture too near the mountains, and fewer still return, but there fairly consistent reports of a city known as Grymgate, high up the Harrowed slopes, in which the dead commune with the living, and the crooked old King resides. Eidolorn scholars believe Vhorinyr is the remnant of a Shann civilization which forsook the barbaric lifestyle of its kin to create a powerful, unassailable kingdom far above the surrounding lands, but if so, the symptoms of the kingdom's tragic fate are unclear. Only silent wanderers have voyaged forth from the Heights, and it is suspected that the denizens of Grymgate have some hidden relationship with the berserkers of Vandrokk, using them often as mercenaries.

Zlug

Standard: Tentacle-shrouded trident.

Population: 72,000 [integrated; 37% kuo-toa, 20% sahuagin, 18% bullywug, 10% locathah, 7% aquatic elf, 5% human (Riven/Shann mix), 3% half-elf]

Ruler: Krasss the Kraken-caller
Cultural alignment: Chaotic evil

Zlug is a foul place, a city built of rock and coral which lies both on the Northern coast of the Fish Flats, and below it in the bay beyond. A treacherous yuan-ti warlord known as Krasss the Kraken-caller holds reign over a large host of kuo-toa and sahuagin who terrorize both the depths and coasts of the Fangsea, his Krakenguard selected from amidst the most dangerous warriors and spellcasters those races can offer. Zlug has a large population of slaves culled from aquatic elf and locathah civilizations they have conquered, and they are set to the task of the city's expansion both above ground and beneath the waves. Bullywug bands often patrol south of Zlug for parties of Shann from Thelos Retch, who consider the city's 'fishy' inhabitants quite a delicacy, but outright war has yet to erupt between the two populations. Krasss is a loyalist of his kind, and thus has forged trade relations with both Port Fang to the north and the yuan-ti regimes who dwell across the Fangsea, so Zlug is essentially thriving, an evolving threat which might one day come in contention with Thelos Retch, Sothos Karr and possibly even the Eidolorn Empire.