Post by GM on Mar 24, 2008 18:59:10 GMT -5
Details pertaining to this world that the group has discovered or has ready access to is listed in the following. Every character will have knowledge of most of this except where reason dictates otherwise (say perhaps an illiterate barbarian or a monk who has spent his entire life in a monastery). While some of you may think its not necessary to know this (and im sure some of you wont even read it) I put it up there for those of you who are interested in the situation of the land since most of you have never even heard of the greyhawk campaign setting (the core setting). Also note I did not make any of this myself this was all in affect as part of the natural setting.
The planet Oerth has four continents. Only one of these continents, Oerik, has been officially described in various historical publications over the past 30+ years, and in fact detailed information is available only for its eastern end, known as the Flanaess.
The Flanaess can be broken down geographically as follows: the Baklunish Basin in the northwest, the Empire of Iuz in the north, the Thillonrian Peninsula in the northeast, the Sea of Dust in the far west, the Sheldomar Valley in the west, old Ferrond and its southern frontier (including the Free City of Greyhawk) at the center of the Flanaess, old Sulm and the Aerdy frontier to the east, the old Great Kingdom to the far east, and the Amedio Jungle to the southwest.
Politics in a wide view:
At the center of this world, the Free City of Greyhawk is a free city of the Flanaess, originally under the domination of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy. The Circle of Eight, a select group of wizards headquartered in Greyhawk, monitor events across the Flanaess, intervening when the balance of power is threatened by extremes of good or evil. Several evil factions still prevail across the sub-continent, including the undead remnants of Aerdy, the wicked demi-god Iuz (who rules his expanding territory, the Empire of Iuz), and the mysterious Scarlet Brotherhood (whose racial purity doctrines and fanatical monasticism invite comparisons with both Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan). The orcs and other humanoids of the Orcish Empire of the Pomarj, led by chieftain Turrosh Mak, threaten the Wild Coast and the Ulek states. Among the factions opposing these forces of evil are the major kingdoms of Nyrond, Furyondy and Keoland as well as numerous smaller states, organisations and individuals.
Major People in the world:
Bigby, known mostly for his many hand and fist spells.
Eclavdra, the drow high priestess who fomented the Giant Rebellion.
Edralve, another drow priestess who worked with the Slave Lords of the Pomarj.
Gord, a young rogue from Greyhawk who reluctantly became a crusader for neutrality.
Iuz the Old, half-fiend tyrant-god of the land of Iuz.
Jallarzi Sallivarian, the first woman to join the Circle of Eight, a capable wizard in her own right.
Lolth, Demon Queen of Spiders, the chief drow goddess of the Abyss.
Melf, an elf who violates his queen's isolationist policies to fight wickedness.
Mordenkainen the Archmage, leader of the Circle of Eight Mordenkainen is a strong force for neutrality.
Nerof Gasgal, the Lord Mayor of Greyhawk, a former thief turned politician.
Obmi, a deranged dwarf assassin who sometimes works for Iuz.
Rary of Ket, also called Rary the Traitor, a former member of the Circle of Eight.
Robilar, an evil warrior allied with Rary who sometimes works with heroes for his own purposes.
Saint Kargoth the Betrayer, fallen paladin and Oerth's first death knight.
Tenser, another great wizard who actively seeks to rid Oerth of evil. Former member of the Circle of Eight.
Vecna, Lord of the Spidered Throne, the Whispered One, god of secrets and magic.
Yolande, grey elven Queen of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene.
Zagyg, the mad but benign Archmage who becomes a demi-god.
Zuggtmoy, Demon Queen of Fungi and Blight, imprisoned in her Temple of Elemental Evil.
Geography in slightly better detail:
The Free City of Greyhawk, also known as Greyhawk City and the "Gem of the Flanaess". The word "Greyhawk" is often used in reference to those lands controlled by the Free City, though the proper term for the entire realm is the Domain of Greyhawk.
Early history:
Greyhawk, named for the small grey hawks which populate the region, was originally a trading outpost on the Selintan specializing in local wood and woven garments. In time the town developed strong textiles and meat-packing industries. From the earliest days, Greyhawk was ruled by a warlord who took the title "Landgraf of the Selintan." This first Landgraf's son was then married to the Gynarch of Hardby's daughter. The nuptials formalized a political alliance that served as the basis for rule over the Lanstadt of Selintan, the area that eventually became known as the Domain of Greyhawk.
In 4 CY, Greyhawk came under the domination of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy and remained so while strong Overkings ruled from the Malachite Throne in Rauxes. The Great Kingdom's influence over the city began to wane during the third and especially the fourth centuries as the House of Rax declined and the Overkings hold on distant provinces became increasingly tenuous.
Rise to prominence, decline and recovery:
In approximately 310 CY, the mage Zagig Yragerne emerged from the Wild Coast and bribed his way into a seat on the Directing Oligarchy. Soon after, the Oligarchs elected Zagig Lord Mayor.
Greyhawk subsequently rose in fame and prominence under the leadership of Lord Mayor Zagig. He instituted legal reform, developed a new currency, fortified the walls, founded the city's first university and embarked on a major building program. Most notably, he directed the construction of nearby Castle Greyhawk.
Although Zagig -- later known as Zagyg -- became increasingly erratic over time, his rule is generally considered to be the most effective in the Free City's history and brought widespread prosperity to the region. Much to the annoyance of Dyvers and other rival cities, Zagig proclaimed Greyhawk to be the "Gem of the Flanaess," and did much to ensure this moniker was justified. Unfortunately, the "Mad Archmage" disappeared in 421 CY, leaving no clues regarding his whereabouts, and no heir to inherit the title of Lansgraf.
In 498 CY, after decades of Zagig's absence, the Landstadt was therefore abolished, the title of Lansgraf permanently retired, and the Free City's Directing Oligarchy assumed political authority. The new Lord Mayor Paerinn officially proclaimed Greyhawk a free city, though it had been effectively independent of the Great Kingdom's rule for over a century.
Soon thereafter, the city lost its claim over Hardby and the Wild Coast, as the leading women of Hardby broke from Greyhawk and established the ruling office of Despotrix. This loss of lands sent the Free City into economic decline, a situation that persisted for several decades. Fortunately, the discovery of treasure in the dungeons beneath Castle Greyhawk and other nearby locales set off a gold rush of sorts, and Greyhawk's economic fortunes recovered substantially in the second half of the sixth century.
The Greyhawk Wars and the post-war situation:
The Free City of Greyhawk actually had less direct involvement in the so-called Greyhawk Wars than many political entities across the Flanaess, but because the final truce was brokered in Greyhawk in CY 584, the war has come to be named for the city.
The Wars had several important effects on the city, however, particularly in that the unrest drove Hardby and the Wild Coast cities of Safeton and Narwell to re-submit to the rule of the Directing Oligarchs. This situation is unstable, however, as it was largely fear of Turrosh Mak's humanoid raiders from the Pomarj that prompted this move, and the Despotrix and the Wild Coast cities once again agitate for increased independence.
Also as a result of the Wars, the city has seen an influx of new citizens. Some of these are wealthy diplomats, and some are "nobles" who have contributed significantly to Greyhawk's coffers with the purchase of various counterfeit titles and documents. But many newcomers to Greyhawk are destitute refugees, or are merely using the city as a base for hatching political plots and intrigues across the Flanaess. In particular, there are persistent rumors of covert Scarlet Brotherhood operations in the city.
The post-war situation for the Free City is therefore mixed. Greyhawk's finances are in the best shape they have been since Zagig's departure, but the city faces significant challenges arising from political instability and increasing criminal activity.
Administrative Divisions
The Domain of Greyhawk has no officially named provinces. Some of the region's settlements are under the direct rule of the Free City, while others have varying degrees of autonomy. Notable settlements include:
* The Free City of Greyhawk
* Blackstone -A mining town in the Cairn Hills directly controlled by Greyhawk City
* Diamond Lake - A mining town in the Cairn Hills directly controlled by Greyhawk City
* Elmshire - A large halfling town on the Nyr Dyv, east of the Selintan
* Greysmere - A dwarven stronghold south of the Mistmarsh
* Grossetgrottel - A gnome warren located in the northwestern Cairn Hills
* Hardby - A small, virtually autonmous port city on Woolly Bay, east of the Selintan
* Magepoint - A coastal village east of Elmshire, under the protection of Tenser the archmage
* Narwell - A large inland town on the former Wild Coast
* Safeton - A small port city on the former Wild Coast, virtually under martial law
* Steaming Springs - A mining town in the Cairn Hills directly controlled by Greyhawk City
Resources
The Free City of Greyhawk controls most of the Cairn Hills, which provide the domain with great mineral wealth, such as iron, gems, and silver.
Nearby Castle Greyhawk, with its extensive dungeons, draws adventurers and traders to the Domain of Greyhawk from across the Flanaess. As such, the Castle generates significant economic benefits for the City in trade, taxation and treasure.
Military
The Domain of Greyhawk's military forces, though technically under the Lord Mayor's authority, are usually commanded by the Domain's highest-ranking military officer, the Captain General of the Watch, who also sits on the city's Directing Oligarchy. The current Captain General is Tigran Gellner.
Greyhawk's forces consist of several units, including:
* The Cairn Hills Force, led by Commander Schinus Balint.
* The Greyhawk Mountaineers.
* The Hardby Marines, led by Commander Wilbrem Carister.
* The Narwell Headhunters.
* The Safeton Garrison, led by Commander Turin Deathstalker.
* The "Water Rats."
The Baklunish Basin is the northwestern portion of the Flanaess. Consisting chiefly of remnants of the ancient Baklunish Empire, the human peoples of these lands are known as the Baklunish. The most important parts of this region include the nations of Ekbir, Ket, Tusmit, Ull, and Zeif, as well as the Dry Steppes and the Plains of the Paynims. Though not technically part of the Baklunish Basin, the lands of the Tiger and Wolf Nomads are sometimes included, as they are populated by people of Baklunish stock.
The Thillonrian Peninsula (also known as Rhizia in the Cold Tongue) is a geographical area in the northeastern portion of the Flanaess. A cold, mountainous land, this region is best known for being the home of the nations of the Frost, Ice, and Snow Barbarians, as well as the nation of Stonehold.
The peninsula is dominated by the Griff-Corusk mountain range, and is surrounded by the Icy Sea and the Solnor Ocean.
The Sheldomar Valley refers to the large swath of fertile land in the southwestern Flanaess, bordered by the Barrier Peaks to the north, Crystalmists and Hellfurnaces to the west, Azure Sea to the south and the Lortmils to the east.
The valley is named after the Sheldomar River, which runs through a good portion of its length.
A number of nations make up the Sheldomar Valley, the largest being the Kingdom of Keoland. Other notable realms include Bissel, Geoff, the Gran March, the Hold of the Sea Princes, the Ulek States, the Valley of the Mage and the Yeomanry.
Sulm refers to an ancient Flan kingdom which once occupied much of the Bright Desert, in the days when it was a fertile land.
The Kingdom of Sulm came to prominence circa -1900 CY. Throughout its history, the kingdom spent much of its time crushing its neighbors. Only the Kingdom of Itar was strong enough to stand against Sulm, though it, too, would eventually fall.
Sulm began its slow decline circa -1400 CY, some say due to the influence of Nerull and other dark powers. Some seven centuries later, circa -700 CY, the Kingdom of Sulm fell, destroyed by its last king, Shattados, who used the power of a dark artifact known as the Scorpion Crown in an attempt to gain perpetual dominion over his subjects. Instead, the crown turned Shattados into a gigantic scorpion, and his people into manscorpions and dune stalkers. The land itself was even changed, transformed into a vast wasteland now known as the Bright Desert.
Aerdy properly refers to the now-defunct Kingdom of Aerdy. Sometimes "Aerdy" is used in reference to the Oeridian tribe which founded the kingdom, though the proper term for the tribe is "Aerdi" (which is also the adjectival form). "Aerdy" can also be used in reference to the Great Kingdom of Aerdy, the imperial successor state of the Kingdom of Aerdy.
The Kingdom of Aerdy was formed in -216 CY when Lord Mikar, scion of House Garasteth, united the various Aerdi principalities of the eastern Flanaess. Mikar became the first Grand Prince of the kingdom of Aerdy. In -110 CY, Aerdy's military defeated the cavalry squadrons of Nyrond at the Battle of a Fortnight's Length. The undisputed Oeridian regional superpower thereafter became known as the Great Kingdom.
The Great Kingdom arose from the Kingdom of Aerdy in -110 CY, when the Aerdi forces of Grand Prince Almor II defeated the Nyrondese in the Battle of a Fortnight's Length. Aerdy nearly doubled in size, and was thereafter known as the Great Kingdom, though its ruler still held the old nationial title and office of Grand Prince. Despite the new moniker, power in the new empire would not become truly centralized until 1 CY, when Grand Prince Nasran I declared universal peace throughout the land and took the title of Overking of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy.
By the sixth century CY, however, the Great Kingdom had shrunk to a fraction of its size, limited to the lands east of the Harp River and Teesar Torrent, and north of the Iron Hills and Thelly River.
In 586 CY, Ivid V, last Overking of the Great Kingdom, was rumored to be dead after the devastation of Rauxes, the nation's capitol. This essentially brought an end to the Great Kingdom. Two successor nations, the United Kingdom of Ahlissa and the North Kingdom of Aerdy, now vie for control of the region.
the Amedio Jungle is a large stretch of tropical rainforest located in the southwestern Flanaess, on the continent of Oerik. Lying east of the Hellfurnaces, the Amedio extends over 300 leagues south from its northernmost point at Jeklea Bay.
The jungle is populated by Olman and Suel tribesmen, intelligent apes known as dakon, and numerous species of tropical flora and fauna. The Olman people make their home mainly in Xamaclan, the last city-state of the Olman.
Lendore isle is an island to the southwest of the dust sea and south of the sea of black ice. It is inhabited primarily by the number of relatively small groups including the humans of Green port located on the southeastern end of the isle. Other groups include a coven of sea hags on the western coast, the Dwarven families who inhabit the northern part of the island rich in crystal mines it is the primary source of income for the island, and a formally prominent clan of Kobolds who follow for guidance of Aurel a powerful silver dragon of some renown, primarily known for defeating a terrible black dragon named Hunkrakar. 2 years prior however in 559 CY this clan was mostly destroyed a group of bold adventurers on a spiritual quest for a relatively unheard of god, his portfolio it seems is racial cleansing.
The planet Oerth has four continents. Only one of these continents, Oerik, has been officially described in various historical publications over the past 30+ years, and in fact detailed information is available only for its eastern end, known as the Flanaess.
The Flanaess can be broken down geographically as follows: the Baklunish Basin in the northwest, the Empire of Iuz in the north, the Thillonrian Peninsula in the northeast, the Sea of Dust in the far west, the Sheldomar Valley in the west, old Ferrond and its southern frontier (including the Free City of Greyhawk) at the center of the Flanaess, old Sulm and the Aerdy frontier to the east, the old Great Kingdom to the far east, and the Amedio Jungle to the southwest.
Politics in a wide view:
At the center of this world, the Free City of Greyhawk is a free city of the Flanaess, originally under the domination of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy. The Circle of Eight, a select group of wizards headquartered in Greyhawk, monitor events across the Flanaess, intervening when the balance of power is threatened by extremes of good or evil. Several evil factions still prevail across the sub-continent, including the undead remnants of Aerdy, the wicked demi-god Iuz (who rules his expanding territory, the Empire of Iuz), and the mysterious Scarlet Brotherhood (whose racial purity doctrines and fanatical monasticism invite comparisons with both Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan). The orcs and other humanoids of the Orcish Empire of the Pomarj, led by chieftain Turrosh Mak, threaten the Wild Coast and the Ulek states. Among the factions opposing these forces of evil are the major kingdoms of Nyrond, Furyondy and Keoland as well as numerous smaller states, organisations and individuals.
Major People in the world:
Bigby, known mostly for his many hand and fist spells.
Eclavdra, the drow high priestess who fomented the Giant Rebellion.
Edralve, another drow priestess who worked with the Slave Lords of the Pomarj.
Gord, a young rogue from Greyhawk who reluctantly became a crusader for neutrality.
Iuz the Old, half-fiend tyrant-god of the land of Iuz.
Jallarzi Sallivarian, the first woman to join the Circle of Eight, a capable wizard in her own right.
Lolth, Demon Queen of Spiders, the chief drow goddess of the Abyss.
Melf, an elf who violates his queen's isolationist policies to fight wickedness.
Mordenkainen the Archmage, leader of the Circle of Eight Mordenkainen is a strong force for neutrality.
Nerof Gasgal, the Lord Mayor of Greyhawk, a former thief turned politician.
Obmi, a deranged dwarf assassin who sometimes works for Iuz.
Rary of Ket, also called Rary the Traitor, a former member of the Circle of Eight.
Robilar, an evil warrior allied with Rary who sometimes works with heroes for his own purposes.
Saint Kargoth the Betrayer, fallen paladin and Oerth's first death knight.
Tenser, another great wizard who actively seeks to rid Oerth of evil. Former member of the Circle of Eight.
Vecna, Lord of the Spidered Throne, the Whispered One, god of secrets and magic.
Yolande, grey elven Queen of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene.
Zagyg, the mad but benign Archmage who becomes a demi-god.
Zuggtmoy, Demon Queen of Fungi and Blight, imprisoned in her Temple of Elemental Evil.
Geography in slightly better detail:
The Free City of Greyhawk, also known as Greyhawk City and the "Gem of the Flanaess". The word "Greyhawk" is often used in reference to those lands controlled by the Free City, though the proper term for the entire realm is the Domain of Greyhawk.
Early history:
Greyhawk, named for the small grey hawks which populate the region, was originally a trading outpost on the Selintan specializing in local wood and woven garments. In time the town developed strong textiles and meat-packing industries. From the earliest days, Greyhawk was ruled by a warlord who took the title "Landgraf of the Selintan." This first Landgraf's son was then married to the Gynarch of Hardby's daughter. The nuptials formalized a political alliance that served as the basis for rule over the Lanstadt of Selintan, the area that eventually became known as the Domain of Greyhawk.
In 4 CY, Greyhawk came under the domination of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy and remained so while strong Overkings ruled from the Malachite Throne in Rauxes. The Great Kingdom's influence over the city began to wane during the third and especially the fourth centuries as the House of Rax declined and the Overkings hold on distant provinces became increasingly tenuous.
Rise to prominence, decline and recovery:
In approximately 310 CY, the mage Zagig Yragerne emerged from the Wild Coast and bribed his way into a seat on the Directing Oligarchy. Soon after, the Oligarchs elected Zagig Lord Mayor.
Greyhawk subsequently rose in fame and prominence under the leadership of Lord Mayor Zagig. He instituted legal reform, developed a new currency, fortified the walls, founded the city's first university and embarked on a major building program. Most notably, he directed the construction of nearby Castle Greyhawk.
Although Zagig -- later known as Zagyg -- became increasingly erratic over time, his rule is generally considered to be the most effective in the Free City's history and brought widespread prosperity to the region. Much to the annoyance of Dyvers and other rival cities, Zagig proclaimed Greyhawk to be the "Gem of the Flanaess," and did much to ensure this moniker was justified. Unfortunately, the "Mad Archmage" disappeared in 421 CY, leaving no clues regarding his whereabouts, and no heir to inherit the title of Lansgraf.
In 498 CY, after decades of Zagig's absence, the Landstadt was therefore abolished, the title of Lansgraf permanently retired, and the Free City's Directing Oligarchy assumed political authority. The new Lord Mayor Paerinn officially proclaimed Greyhawk a free city, though it had been effectively independent of the Great Kingdom's rule for over a century.
Soon thereafter, the city lost its claim over Hardby and the Wild Coast, as the leading women of Hardby broke from Greyhawk and established the ruling office of Despotrix. This loss of lands sent the Free City into economic decline, a situation that persisted for several decades. Fortunately, the discovery of treasure in the dungeons beneath Castle Greyhawk and other nearby locales set off a gold rush of sorts, and Greyhawk's economic fortunes recovered substantially in the second half of the sixth century.
The Greyhawk Wars and the post-war situation:
The Free City of Greyhawk actually had less direct involvement in the so-called Greyhawk Wars than many political entities across the Flanaess, but because the final truce was brokered in Greyhawk in CY 584, the war has come to be named for the city.
The Wars had several important effects on the city, however, particularly in that the unrest drove Hardby and the Wild Coast cities of Safeton and Narwell to re-submit to the rule of the Directing Oligarchs. This situation is unstable, however, as it was largely fear of Turrosh Mak's humanoid raiders from the Pomarj that prompted this move, and the Despotrix and the Wild Coast cities once again agitate for increased independence.
Also as a result of the Wars, the city has seen an influx of new citizens. Some of these are wealthy diplomats, and some are "nobles" who have contributed significantly to Greyhawk's coffers with the purchase of various counterfeit titles and documents. But many newcomers to Greyhawk are destitute refugees, or are merely using the city as a base for hatching political plots and intrigues across the Flanaess. In particular, there are persistent rumors of covert Scarlet Brotherhood operations in the city.
The post-war situation for the Free City is therefore mixed. Greyhawk's finances are in the best shape they have been since Zagig's departure, but the city faces significant challenges arising from political instability and increasing criminal activity.
Administrative Divisions
The Domain of Greyhawk has no officially named provinces. Some of the region's settlements are under the direct rule of the Free City, while others have varying degrees of autonomy. Notable settlements include:
* The Free City of Greyhawk
* Blackstone -A mining town in the Cairn Hills directly controlled by Greyhawk City
* Diamond Lake - A mining town in the Cairn Hills directly controlled by Greyhawk City
* Elmshire - A large halfling town on the Nyr Dyv, east of the Selintan
* Greysmere - A dwarven stronghold south of the Mistmarsh
* Grossetgrottel - A gnome warren located in the northwestern Cairn Hills
* Hardby - A small, virtually autonmous port city on Woolly Bay, east of the Selintan
* Magepoint - A coastal village east of Elmshire, under the protection of Tenser the archmage
* Narwell - A large inland town on the former Wild Coast
* Safeton - A small port city on the former Wild Coast, virtually under martial law
* Steaming Springs - A mining town in the Cairn Hills directly controlled by Greyhawk City
Resources
The Free City of Greyhawk controls most of the Cairn Hills, which provide the domain with great mineral wealth, such as iron, gems, and silver.
Nearby Castle Greyhawk, with its extensive dungeons, draws adventurers and traders to the Domain of Greyhawk from across the Flanaess. As such, the Castle generates significant economic benefits for the City in trade, taxation and treasure.
Military
The Domain of Greyhawk's military forces, though technically under the Lord Mayor's authority, are usually commanded by the Domain's highest-ranking military officer, the Captain General of the Watch, who also sits on the city's Directing Oligarchy. The current Captain General is Tigran Gellner.
Greyhawk's forces consist of several units, including:
* The Cairn Hills Force, led by Commander Schinus Balint.
* The Greyhawk Mountaineers.
* The Hardby Marines, led by Commander Wilbrem Carister.
* The Narwell Headhunters.
* The Safeton Garrison, led by Commander Turin Deathstalker.
* The "Water Rats."
The Baklunish Basin is the northwestern portion of the Flanaess. Consisting chiefly of remnants of the ancient Baklunish Empire, the human peoples of these lands are known as the Baklunish. The most important parts of this region include the nations of Ekbir, Ket, Tusmit, Ull, and Zeif, as well as the Dry Steppes and the Plains of the Paynims. Though not technically part of the Baklunish Basin, the lands of the Tiger and Wolf Nomads are sometimes included, as they are populated by people of Baklunish stock.
The Thillonrian Peninsula (also known as Rhizia in the Cold Tongue) is a geographical area in the northeastern portion of the Flanaess. A cold, mountainous land, this region is best known for being the home of the nations of the Frost, Ice, and Snow Barbarians, as well as the nation of Stonehold.
The peninsula is dominated by the Griff-Corusk mountain range, and is surrounded by the Icy Sea and the Solnor Ocean.
The Sheldomar Valley refers to the large swath of fertile land in the southwestern Flanaess, bordered by the Barrier Peaks to the north, Crystalmists and Hellfurnaces to the west, Azure Sea to the south and the Lortmils to the east.
The valley is named after the Sheldomar River, which runs through a good portion of its length.
A number of nations make up the Sheldomar Valley, the largest being the Kingdom of Keoland. Other notable realms include Bissel, Geoff, the Gran March, the Hold of the Sea Princes, the Ulek States, the Valley of the Mage and the Yeomanry.
Sulm refers to an ancient Flan kingdom which once occupied much of the Bright Desert, in the days when it was a fertile land.
The Kingdom of Sulm came to prominence circa -1900 CY. Throughout its history, the kingdom spent much of its time crushing its neighbors. Only the Kingdom of Itar was strong enough to stand against Sulm, though it, too, would eventually fall.
Sulm began its slow decline circa -1400 CY, some say due to the influence of Nerull and other dark powers. Some seven centuries later, circa -700 CY, the Kingdom of Sulm fell, destroyed by its last king, Shattados, who used the power of a dark artifact known as the Scorpion Crown in an attempt to gain perpetual dominion over his subjects. Instead, the crown turned Shattados into a gigantic scorpion, and his people into manscorpions and dune stalkers. The land itself was even changed, transformed into a vast wasteland now known as the Bright Desert.
Aerdy properly refers to the now-defunct Kingdom of Aerdy. Sometimes "Aerdy" is used in reference to the Oeridian tribe which founded the kingdom, though the proper term for the tribe is "Aerdi" (which is also the adjectival form). "Aerdy" can also be used in reference to the Great Kingdom of Aerdy, the imperial successor state of the Kingdom of Aerdy.
The Kingdom of Aerdy was formed in -216 CY when Lord Mikar, scion of House Garasteth, united the various Aerdi principalities of the eastern Flanaess. Mikar became the first Grand Prince of the kingdom of Aerdy. In -110 CY, Aerdy's military defeated the cavalry squadrons of Nyrond at the Battle of a Fortnight's Length. The undisputed Oeridian regional superpower thereafter became known as the Great Kingdom.
The Great Kingdom arose from the Kingdom of Aerdy in -110 CY, when the Aerdi forces of Grand Prince Almor II defeated the Nyrondese in the Battle of a Fortnight's Length. Aerdy nearly doubled in size, and was thereafter known as the Great Kingdom, though its ruler still held the old nationial title and office of Grand Prince. Despite the new moniker, power in the new empire would not become truly centralized until 1 CY, when Grand Prince Nasran I declared universal peace throughout the land and took the title of Overking of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy.
By the sixth century CY, however, the Great Kingdom had shrunk to a fraction of its size, limited to the lands east of the Harp River and Teesar Torrent, and north of the Iron Hills and Thelly River.
In 586 CY, Ivid V, last Overking of the Great Kingdom, was rumored to be dead after the devastation of Rauxes, the nation's capitol. This essentially brought an end to the Great Kingdom. Two successor nations, the United Kingdom of Ahlissa and the North Kingdom of Aerdy, now vie for control of the region.
the Amedio Jungle is a large stretch of tropical rainforest located in the southwestern Flanaess, on the continent of Oerik. Lying east of the Hellfurnaces, the Amedio extends over 300 leagues south from its northernmost point at Jeklea Bay.
The jungle is populated by Olman and Suel tribesmen, intelligent apes known as dakon, and numerous species of tropical flora and fauna. The Olman people make their home mainly in Xamaclan, the last city-state of the Olman.
Lendore isle is an island to the southwest of the dust sea and south of the sea of black ice. It is inhabited primarily by the number of relatively small groups including the humans of Green port located on the southeastern end of the isle. Other groups include a coven of sea hags on the western coast, the Dwarven families who inhabit the northern part of the island rich in crystal mines it is the primary source of income for the island, and a formally prominent clan of Kobolds who follow for guidance of Aurel a powerful silver dragon of some renown, primarily known for defeating a terrible black dragon named Hunkrakar. 2 years prior however in 559 CY this clan was mostly destroyed a group of bold adventurers on a spiritual quest for a relatively unheard of god, his portfolio it seems is racial cleansing.