World Primer

Dûren Dûren  is a land of gentle hills and fertile fields, known for its tranquility and abundant agriculture. Its open landscape lacks dense forests and rugged terrain, making it one of the safest regions in Aranath. This geography has shielded Dûren from the lurking dangers of monsters and bandits that trouble its neighbors, allowing its people to live in peaceful farming communities and produce valuable exports, such as the famed Sweetwater honey.   However, this harmony was disrupted when the Cythrian Empire expanded southward. Lacking the military might of nations like Kaelderen, Dûren’s ruler, King Corax Ravencrest, chose to surrender peacefully, avoiding destruction but reducing his kingdom to a vassal state. Now titled Duke, Corax faces criticism from a divided nobility, some of whom view him as a coward for yielding independence so easily.   Life under the Empire has brought increased taxes and an imperial presence in Dûren, with garrisons stationed across the land. While daily life remains relatively stable, discontent festers among both commoners and nobles. Dûren’s future now stands at a crossroads, its people torn between enduring as a peaceful imperial vassal or rising to reclaim their lost sovereignty.   Modren Modren  was once a flourishing land, but it has become dark and treacherous, with eerie forests and tangled undergrowth hiding monsters, wild animals, and an unnatural mist that curses the countryside. The “Appearance of the Mist” brought with it a wave of misfortune—crops failed, accidents increased, and villagers began vanishing without a trace. This mysterious fog has fueled a fearful superstition among the people, especially towards tieflings, who began appearing more frequently since the mist’s arrival. Blamed for the nation's troubles, tieflings in Modren are hunted, and even suspected allies face harsh punishment under the decree of Duke Aurelius De Clare.   Once royalty, Duke Aurelius now serves as an imperial vassal, having surrendered to the Cythrian Empire after a bitter struggle. His deep-seated superstition and suspicion pervade Modren, and his policies isolate the nation. Outsiders, non-human races, and even fellow southern travelers face discrimination or outright hostility, as Modren’s people cling tightly to their fears and distrust of strangers.   Threats abound in Modren’s shadowy landscapes: bandits roam the forests, pirates menace the coasts, and orc warbands, trolls, and undead haunt the roads and graveyards. It is a land ruled by fear, where the line between survival and superstition blurs, and outsiders face a grim welcome in this forlorn, insular realm.   Venea Venea  is a once-thriving island nation now grappling with decline and isolation. Known for its rugged cliffs, sparse yet resilient forests, and a powerful shipbuilding tradition, Venea was famed across Aranath for its iron and maritime prowess. But the iron mines, the backbone of its economy, are nearly exhausted, and the island’s shipyards have fallen into disrepair, unable to withstand increasingly violent storms. As resources dwindle, Venea's young population has been leaving in search of better opportunities on the mainland, leaving towns and villages abandoned and aging.   The island’s political and cultural landscape is deeply rooted in matriarchal traditions. Respected elder women, the matriarchs, guide Venea’s communities with wisdom and resilience. Their influence is strong, but recent hardships have strained their authority as they struggle to maintain order and stability against mounting pressures. Pirates now haunt the island’s shores, exploiting Venea’s weakened state and deepening local resentment toward outsiders, particularly those from other southern nations who Veneans believe have neglected them in their time of need.   At the heart of Venean life is reverence for Caelum, God of the Sea and Weather , who they believe controls both bounty and disaster. Many fear that Caelum’s recent fury—seen in the fierce, relentless storms—is a response to the island’s decline and the people’s struggles. Venea stands at a critical juncture, facing an uncertain future as its proud people confront the possibility of a final, irreversible collapse.   Lilicea Lilicea , a picturesque country in the heart of Aranath, is celebrated for its vibrant meadows, bountiful vineyards, and artistic culture. Its warm climate nurtures rolling hills adorned with wildflowers and fertile lands that produce renowned wines, olives, and fruits. Despite its serene beauty, Lilicea’s history is marked by resilience, shaped by war and its eventual vassalage to the Empire.   Central to Lilicean society is its devotion to the goddess Lilium and the god Artem. Lilium, embodying love, peace, and beauty, inspires the nation’s appreciation for harmony and diplomacy, while Artem, the patron of art and music, fosters a flourishing artistic culture. The famed Artemius College in Lilea, the capital city, draws aspiring bards and artists from across Aranath. Lilea itself is a hub of creativity, with streets and markets brimming with performances, artisan goods, and the nation’s prized wines.   Knightly traditions also play a vital role in Lilicean identity. Knights, revered for their honor and valor, are expected to uphold strict virtues. Many train future generations in martial schools, ensuring their legacy endures.   Though Lilicea has faced hardship, its devotion to art, faith, and honor remains steadfast, making it a beacon of beauty and resilience in Aranath.   Kaelderen Kaelderen , once a flourishing and powerful nation, now languishes under imperial rule. Known for its natural defenses of lush forests and mountains, Kaelderen thrived through advanced warfare, vibrant cities, and a loyal citizenry under the benevolent King Arath Cyril. Its military, renowned for its skill and innovation, protected its people and upheld peace. The kingdom’s prosperity extended to trade, infrastructure, and culture, with well-maintained roads and fortified villages ensuring safety and growth.   During the war against the Empire, Kaelderen resisted fiercely, winning early battles through King Arath’s leadership and the valor of its army. However, when Modren allied with the Empire, Kaelderen faced overwhelming odds. Surrounded and isolated, the kingdom fell, culminating in King Arath's capture and execution, a devastating blow to the nation's spirit.   Under imperial rule, Duke Leon Adrain governs with brutality, dismantling Kaelderen’s military and enforcing harsh policies. The once-thriving countryside is now plagued by banditry and monsters, while cities simmer with unrest. Despite this oppression, resistance movements, led by loyalists and ex-soldiers, persist. Rumors of Prince Darath Cyril, King Arath’s heir, rally hope for liberation.   Kaelderen remains in turmoil, but the enduring spirit of its people and their dream of freedom keep the hope of a brighter future alive.   Sidonia @Sidonia, a nation of breathtaking beauty and rich heritage, lies on the continent of Aranath. Its lush forests, rolling hills, and sparkling lakes are not only scenic but central to Sidonian life and culture. The people revere nature, seamlessly blending their settlements into the landscape. Despite its tranquility, Sidonia has long defended itself from monsters, bandits, and imperial incursions, fortified by walls and a tradition of vigilance. Its capital, Crestfall, stands as a beacon of security and grandeur.   Sidonia’s defining trait is its knightly culture, where honor, courage, and justice are paramount. The knighthood is a dream for many, upheld through rigorous training schools and a legacy of martial excellence. Sidonian blacksmiths are renowned, crafting sought-after weapons and armor. Complementing its martial traditions, Sidonia reveres magic, centered around the Arcane Lyceum, a hub for arcane learning and innovation. Magic is woven into daily life, from enchanted items to infrastructure.   Art and craftsmanship are equally vital. Sidonia boasts masterful painters, sculptors, and artisans, with intricate woodcarvings and textiles treasured across Aranath. Its economy thrives on exports of horses, spices, and weapons.   Despite hardships, including a forced surrender to the Empire, Sidonia remains a bastion of honor, beauty, and perseverance. Its people’s resilience ensures its legacy endures.   Cythrian Empire The Cythrian Empire is a vast and powerful force on the continent of Aranath, known for its relentless expansionism and authoritarian control. Ruled by an enigmatic and ambitious emperor, the Empire has brought numerous nations under its dominion, including Kaelderen and Sidonia, through both military might and strategic alliances. Its imperial forces, including the feared Black Knights, are unmatched in discipline and brutality, enforcing the emperor’s will with ruthless efficiency.   The Empire’s rise is marked by its advanced military tactics, immense resources, and political cunning. It employs both overwhelming armies and diplomatic coercion to subdue its foes. Once conquered, nations are stripped of their autonomy, their military forces dismantled, and their people subjected to heavy taxation and strict oversight. Local rulers, such as Duke Leon Adrain in Kaelderen, are appointed to enforce imperial policies, often prioritizing imperial interests over local welfare.   Despite its strength, the Empire faces growing resistance. Dissidents and former soldiers lead rebellions in occupied lands, and exiled leaders, like Prince Darath Cyril of Kaelderen, work to undermine imperial authority. While the Empire’s power is vast, its oppressive rule fosters unrest and resistance, leaving its future uncertain as the spirit of rebellion stirs across Aranath.