I have been all over the world and back, in search of knowledge, lore, and of course adventure. Three necessary ingredients for a grand story. My collection of Dirges continues to grow, as more personalities of questionable morals seek me out to tell their story.
My favorite locales of course are the Great Kingdoms. I may be a bit biased. The elven realms are breathtaking beautiful. The dwarven one just as grand. Even my homeland of Maelthas is a wonder to behold, and I would highly recommend seeing it, if you are or can appear to be a minotaur, as you’d likely be shackled and slaved if you made it onto the shore.
Humans, though, with their short lives have grown like wildfire. Claiming and keeping lands that once belonged to the older races. Those races: elves, dwarves, ogres, giants, claim that the humans breed like pests. Which if we’re being honest, they do. Once they start it’s impossible to rid yourself of that infestation. Better to move on and claim new lands.
I disagree. While the humans have not always been kind, or fair to the other races, or themselves for that matter, one cannot look upon their works, their civilization, so varied, so inspired, so myriad, and not be impressed on some level. The dwarves learned to smith from their elemental forebears and deities. The elves learned magic from their gods and nature. Humans, merely evolved into something no one could see coming.
I will briefly discuss the Great Kingdoms, and then tackle each of the them in a future tale. For now, let’s begin with the basics.
The Great Kingdoms are located on the south east portion of the continent of Tanaraq. There are currently 3 that claim the title of the Great Kingdoms: Cheshire, Vorlaria, and Hammon. There is a 4th kingdom known as Cerak, which claims the title, but the others pay the upstart kingdom absolutely no mind. There is a story there, so I will discuss it as well.
At the end of the third Dragon War, the dragons made a last ditch attempt to keep their lands. On the southeast region of Tanaraq, the elven kingdom and the dwarf fortresses were destroyed, forcing the citizens of those realms further south. The area was home to thirteen nomadic tribes of humans. The elves and dwarves would have been exterminated if not for the combined force of the thirteen tribes. The dragons had severely underestimated the humans, who realized if the elves and dwarves with their mastery of magic and smithing fell, they would surely be enslaved or worse as well. With the humans aiding them, the elves and dwarves were able to deal a decisive blow, slaying the dragon overlord Gargaaj the Pyrelord, and decimating his forces. In return for their aid, the humans were taught magic by the elves, and smithing by the dwarves. The thirteen tribes decided to remain allies, and split the lands on the northeast peninsula between them.
- Cheshire – The jewel of the Great Kingdoms. No other kingdom can boast the riches or majesty of Cheshire. Built with the Cliff of Kings at their back, the people of Cheshire are a no-nonsense sort. Which I admit tends to happen when your back is to a wall, or cliff, as is the case. Despite their initial gruff demeanor, Cheshirans are actually quite warm and inviting. No other kingdom accepts any sentient being as a citizen as quickly or as warmly. Indeed, during the Founding Festival, the first six days of summer that celebrates the end of the Dragon War and the founding of Cheshire, anyone is allowed within its borders to celebrate. “Don’t poke the dragon” is a common expression among them, and it is fitting. Although a human monarchy, led by the current Armer XII, a charming and wise leader, many races call Cheshire home. There are even those in the ranks of the Ironguard, Cheshire’s standing army. There are those that have risen to the rank of Silver Knight, the highest honor that can be bestowed to an Ironguard. This metropolitan kingdom keeps me coming back. Every time I think I have learned everything this is to learn about Cheshire, she surprises me with something new.
- Hammon – Literally the polar opposite of Cheshire, Hammon is as insular, as the former is accepting. There are few races outside of elves and dwarves that call the theocracy of Hammon home. It is religious to the point of zealotry, and has been the scene of several violent upheavals. Usually with a change of power. Currently the Revered Father is an archpriest of Aeruus, the god of sun and fire, and leader of the divine pantheon. This shift has done little to address their prejudices. Hammon is known as the kingdom of gods, and in truth all gods have temples throughout the land. One may walk proudly display the holy symbol of Lassik the god of discord, without shame. Of course, Lassik has enemies, and such a person should be wary of those enemies. Thus Hammon is a realm of dichotomies. Most hide their religious preferences, even though there is no need. Hammonite law discourage violence against rival religions, but does not go out of its way to investigate such violence. The other thing I find most distasteful about Hammon is their practice of slavery. Unless you are human, elf, or dwarf, a period of servitude, ranging from years to life, will be your fate. It is also their common form of punishment, along with public executions.
- Vorlaria – Vorlaria’s beauty comes in its landscape, from rolling hills and sweeping plains to the deadlands just south of the Scar. Vorlaria’s history is interesting in that of the original tribes, they were the ones who chose to continue to be nomadic. Thus, they were the last to settle down. Vorlaria originally began as typical monarchy, one where the Thorn King was the strongest. It suited them, and the males were gifted fighters. They were also bloodthirsty, so much so that the King turned Vorlaria into a mercenary state for hire. His armies would fight for a fee. This arrangement suited their “employers” only as long as the other side couldn’t pay them more. More than one war ended when the Vorlarian mercenaries switched sides. As one can imagine, the lifespan of a Vorlarian male was not very long. At some point, likely due to the rapid decline of male population, the Oracles, a circle of witches and druids, took over governing Vorlaria. They established a magocracy of sorts. The Coven, are four powerful spellcasters, all female, that rule one quarter of the kingdom. The Witchqueen Ardanna rules them all, but rarely makes decisions without consulting the Coven. Vorlaria is a kingdom in flux. The Thorn King, estill exists and acts as general to Ardanna’s armies.
- Cerak – Cerak is a kingdom in name only. The mad King Ceraakyn, a half-fire dragon set up his realm in the wildlands between the kingdoms of Cheshire, Hammon and Vorlaria. It is a realm of chaos and brutality. Ceraakyn borrows from the Great Kingdoms in rule. King Ceraakyn sits at the top of the hierarchy. He has been king for just under a century, and shows no signs of aging or dying. His army, the Searing Fang, is a patchwork mix of races and other “monstrous” humanoids. Rumor has it his spymaster Fasael, is a ghost of incredible power. Rising through the ranks is a simple matter of killing your rival. Thus the Searing Fang tends to paranoid to the point of insanity, with the paranoia’s intensity the higher one’s rank. Even the king is not immune as he sees enemies everywhere. His personal guard, the Undying, are exceptional warriors. They also happen to be undead, and under his direct control. The paranoia has the interesting effect of keeping everyone on their toes, not showing off too much skill, lest Ceraakyn add you to his collection. You also don’t want to appear weak, lest someone use you a stepping stone. Ceraakyn’s boldness is matched by his cleverness. In return for tariffs, the other kingdoms can use the roads of Cerak, well maintained pathways that allow for relatively speedy travel between the kingdoms. The Searing Fang patrols the roads all day and well into the night. It is likely the only reason the Great Kingdoms haven’t crushed the upstart.
Always make time to enjoy the music
Chord, the Ivory Bard
A Darkness Rising 