Based on a discussion i had the other day, I should elaborate a bit more of the world....As always keep the questions coming. how else do I know what to tell you... and what to use against you... Mwahahahaha!!! In that vein, THe Dragon Kings. In the south eastern part of the world, the Dragons came together and carved a land that is theirs and more importantly, theirs ALONE. No one else may reign there. Almost no one who has not been there for 8000 years or born there is welcome. In fact in the modern day, the Dragons have a policy of non intervention and non invasion. Basically, no one who goes to the Dragon Kingdoms ever return. Some think that they are being used as slaves, some say for breeding (as this is also where 90% of all Dragon kin come from) and most assume that any interloper is barbecued and devoured. To say "i'm going to the Dragon Kings" is like describing the caliber of weapon you are going to use to off yourself later that night. Most people who care about you will immediately intervene. As such, most of the research about the wall comes to a stop around the dragon kingdoms... for obvious reason. To date only one person has ever claimed to have traveled the great wall entirely and that woman was believed to be either a fiction spinning prostitute or the greatest adventurer and researcher who ever lived, depending on who you talked to. (Her name was Lina Tangala, bTW and her exploits are from over 2000 years ago.) Speaking of Dragonkin, the dragon kind are the only ambassadors the dragons send out. They are diplomats, bargainers, and sorcerers. Most find them egotistical, knowledgeable and silver tongued talkers. Oddly they love the company of Elves, half elves, and kitsune. Also based on the discussion, it was asked about dragon riding. Yes, it used to happen but even Eleven houses consider it almost a legend it was so long ago. The last of the great Dragon Riders was a Sidhe (where they were still known as bastard half elves) Who brought justice and order to the swamp land on the back of a Great Blue Dragon. (this Blue Dragon was NOT an evil affiliated dragon but a convert.. an action so rare, most historians tell people to blow it out their ass. (it's like bringing up Ancient Aliens in a discussion of Creationism vs Evolution. Both side will not like you.) Tiana McLeer and Bolt were a legendary team at the time. Some Sihde still revere her as a deity or saint and a symbol of the Sihde before the Sidhe was Sidhe. It's believed that should a rider loose a dragon, the are never the same. Should a dragon loose a rider... they get a new one.

You said there was something complicated going on with Half-Orcs? Care to share? Anna Patterson Anna Patterson Oooo DRA-MAH! Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear Half orc, among most the playable player races, has the most amount of distrust. Orcs are normally found in the tribes in the north and Northeast but they are known for raiding and pillaging. They have a reputation not unlike viking raiders in medieval times. They come, take what they want, kill people, and yes, violate them. This goes for both male and female orc raiders (yes they have both.) Consequentially most people see an orc as an agent of death and misery. Now are there good orcs, noble orcs, orcs of wisdom, grace,and empathy? of course there are. holy city even has several chaples where orcs may pray to their deitites. But Half orcs are normally the product of violence and violation and people see them as such. Once, millenia ago, elves once asked themselves who they should support when they compared the wars between human nations and orc nations. The Elves saw both as screaming terrors who use up resources, disrespect nature, and breed like rabbits. They chose the humans not out of any moral reason or that humans were more civilized. The choice came down to numbers. Orcs repopulate fast. The average orc pregnancy can have twins or triplets easily. They also have a ggestation period of only 7 months. Orcs can walk independantly in a matter of weeks not months to boot. So orcs are seen by some very long lived races as a danger for that reason alone. Orcs are even short lived by human standards. If life expectancy for a human is 75 then for an orc it's 65, even for non combatats. Factoring in a culture of combat, open warfare, and the almost lack of fear they seem to possess, the average age of all orcs is closer to 25. Orc settle things in Trial by Combat more often than not, or that's how it looks to outsider eyes. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear Half orcs however are seen with some form of mistrust and prejudice. Many seek employment as military, bodyguards or thugs mostly because that's where the usually human run organizations find them handy. They are larger and more muscled than the average human and thus more intimidating. Again, this isn't to say thier aren't half-orc scholars and priests. There are.But stereotyping has hurt them in ways most people don't even see any more. THey also, because they haven't been locked away like the half elves were (out of fear that putting that many of potentially berzerking hulks of muscle, teeth and death was just asking for an uprizing) they haven't had the experiences that the Sidhe went through. They don't see themselves as a people yet. They see themselves as discards and bearing huge crosses. Consequentially, reincarnation as a philosphy has a huge following among half-orcs. To some who are on the bottom wrung of things, the idea that this is just paying off some form of penance to return either fully human or fully orc is appealing. Unlike the Sidhe, they have not had a spark or a leader to rally behind. They are usually seen as dumb brutes that most are content with that and to be left alone. No one asks a half orc to leave a bar. There will never be a "we don't serve orc here" sign on any tavern. Why, because the reputation tells people to do so is to invite trouble. This is also why half orcs are known commonly on traveling caravans or exploring with other parties, because it gets them away from the image of them as hulking monsters and it puts their skills to good use. Others have turned this reputation in to a career. Some become thugs or organized criminals. Some put on the show working with extorters just for the pay. ("nice play you got here. It would be shame if my friend here got upset because you didn't pay your Orc Protection tax..." When in fact that half orc is actually a bard/sorcerer and has a strenght of 12.)

So Ptahma'at... To the north of the Great Federation, the far north beyond swamp land, jungle, and smatterings of lakes, at the mouth of a the River Dawalnahar, lies the 20 peaks of Ptahma'at. A combination of desert and tropical jungle, the realm is ruled by a pharaoh Dhikri Almuzahir and his Presdjet of Immortals. They rule with (according to the natives) with wisdom, the knowledge that comes with millennia of rule, and the grace of the gods. They control the sun, the moons, and the stars. To outsiders, there is one word they associate with Ptahma'at... Brutal. While there are numerous races normally associated with common kingdoms, humans, dwarves, whathaveyou... their main fighting force are the Horde of Gnolls. These fierce hyena-men are a strikeforce, a grand army, a wave of violent locusts to any in their way. The Presdjet rule with and iron fist where every word they proclaim is law from above. They have fought various wars over the years but have been content in their corner of existance for quite a while. The last time there was a rampage, the dragons got involved and that stopped everything. But now.. for some reason, there are stirrings. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear The people here are like anything else, hard working, loyal, and get through their day to day with the knowledge they work for living gods, which make even the slaves content. The mages and clerics of Ptahma'at are a little particular and some find them strange or a little egoistical but few could refuse their mysteries and power. They also hold most of the politcial power. It's not quite a mageocracy or a rule of clerics but it's close. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear Oh I should mention that the swamps and jungles between the Great Federation and Ptahma'at is filled with dinosaurs? yeah I should probably mention that.

What sorts of people and cultures live in Market? Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear Market (which is not part of the Great Federation to be clear) is as close to Ferengi culture that you can get your hands on. At the same time, they are the most egalitarian culture on the planet. They do not care one wit about your gender, religion, race, politics, or self identification. They do care about your money, your resources for trade, your exploitable skills, that which you can offer them, and how pretty you look. (no matter where you go, someone will always pay for pretty.) Market started as a series of stands along a massive crossroads near the center of the Wall Ring. IE it's almost dead center of just about any map of the Known World.These stands became shops, which became businesses which attracted more businiess, competitors, needs for resources, criminal endevors, more businesses, and so forth until it expanded to a nation built on wealth, trade, greed, and the celebration of all that entails. They are considered Neurtal Territory with almost all groups as they will trade with anyone. They do have a standing army to protect Market at all time because some damned fool would attack and take their stuff. The greatest fear of most Marketeers is pillaging. Murder? It happens. Violence? that's bad but that is what the healers are for (and well paid for). Poverty? Oh that's a fate worse than death. Market has one of the few bancruptcy courts out in existance and not being able to pay debts can lead to slavery, exile, foreclosure, but NEVER death. Death is reserved for homicidal lunatics (who can't be correctly utilized in the military or hit squads... what? You don't have an assassin's guild?) and tax evaders. To the outside, Market seems brutal, cruel, greedy, and disgusting. To the average Marketeer thinks the rest of the world is dangerous, foolish, naive, or just unwilling to do what needs to be done. To them, yes people die, you can buy and sell people, and everything is permissible, but it is permissible only by contract. Everything has to have full consent by all parties involved and contracts are NEVER broken (which can lead to complete forfeture of all assets and exile and possibly death if needed). They are a LAwful Neutral culture. While they do have thieve's guilds and assassin's guilds (which operate openly) they also have guardians, standing military, strong legal order, and a certain understanding. Everything has a price. Honor isn't just something on paper. It determines your business standing and must be protected. Cheaters are always dealt with (as they are Contract breakers) Snake Oil Salesmen are drapped over the walls of various cities. Alyssa Watson Alyssa Watson Interesting

You said half-elves consdier themselves a seperate race. What is there culture like? Where do they live? Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear The Sidhe were for years considered a second or third class race. Humans didn't know what to do with them most of the time. Elves (on average egotistical bastards) did not like the fact their siblings were born with what they consdidered a degenerative disorder (They live for hundreds of years and not thousands) and developed a "purity" complex as a society for a long time. 350 years ago that stopped when half elves (normally a little rare) were given land. The idea was that they could live there away from those who did not understand them but honestly, they were Ghettos. However something happened which caused them to question the narrative they swallowed for years. They started to realise that half-elves for lack of better term, bred true. When a human and elf make a kid, the kid comes out as half elf not matter what. It was assumed if hlaf elves took enough humans into the liniage they basically become human with elf blood. Elves with half elves only prodcued half elves. But half elves started breeding with each other and found that the kids were just like them. They were not "almost human" or "kind of elf." They were Sidhe. And so the realisation that they were not a "throw away" species or an "accident of breeding" but a fully viable species unto themselves made them realise who fucked thier lives realy were. The Sidhe uprising started politicaly, then went to gueilla warfare and terrorism, then went to full on warfare. After about 5 years of fighting (at the request of Elves who were loosing to manny of thier own to replace fast enough, and several incidents of living ancestors encountering grand children at the point of a sword) they were formally recognised by the Great Federation. The GF also fought in the war but mostly out of the stupid laws they put in place and later out of guilt for said laws. The relented. Sidhe are all around and now welcomed as would dwarvs, humans, elves, etc. They havea tenuous relationship with Elf clans but humans see them as fine. Some still hold grudges after the war but that is some and not all. There is a town not quite in the five Kingdoms which is known as the former ghetto now a bustling town that considered the "Home town o the Sidhe." One day it might even be added to the Five Kingdoms but as of now its considered a protectorate of Aerboria and the Manse. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear the difference in Sidhe comes with age. Young ones see themselves as part of the Great Federation. They are not treated bad by most on average. They do seek to find something that defines them as a culture and tend to become explorers, innovators, and seekers. The older ones, stil rememeber the fight and see elves in particualar as, well, assholes. they still remember their parents coming to wa aginst them and vice versa. They are happy it happend for their kids but they stil have scars. Older Sidhe became statemen, diplomats, and people learn more languages than other beause they see themselves as the bridge between people. If a Sidhe is called into negotiations that measn both sides want resolution. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear It should be noted that Sidhe in Gaia are different. They still have ghettos masqueading as Homelands and Welcome centers but from what yu all have heard, they are more likely to be exiled, drafted into the Military for forgein wars, or put on quests as sentences to crimes. What is true both there and in GF is that Sidhe found that they are also the most sought after in brothels. Consequentially the Best of Both Worlds" Tavern and Inn (which is absolutely a brothel, don't let them tell you otherwise) is the most popular such establishment in the Great Federation. There is talk of opening a franchise. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear It is known that there is one Sidhe shrine in the Holy City. This is an improvement from zero for thousands of years. That Shrine is to Grandmother Dasia, a former slave, prostitute, singer, rabble rouser, and leader. She died two days after Recognition Day. Her last words were (as carved over her monument) "Spread the Song, We are Sidhe." Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear It is believe the ptahma'at executed Sidhe on site. they aren't big on elves either. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear Sidhe also find fellowship with halflings (who sided with them in the conflict) Half Orcs (who are on a similar path... sort of... it's complicated) and Dhampir. Regent Mayor Sithara Ganderglitter of Homeland actually has a wife and two dhamphir lovers

Marquis Danbear s The governing body of Tyrnahod is mostly made of Halflings with representation of all races and houses. Halflings were chosen as a compromise between the relatively short lived humans, who are quick to innovate but keep dying all the time and need replacement, and the longer lived Dwarves and Elves, who are on average wise and long lived but hard to convince of change. The five kngdoms are as follows Tyrnahod - the core Crystal Sphere - what was once a magocracy and magical school Auraki - a colllective of farmers and artists who were self sustaining but now act as the best place to live the kingdom. They are known for their specialized humanoid labor. Not slaves but guilded highly educated/ specialized personnel. (note Slavery does exist in Tyrnahod but it is considered non-exploitative. Mistreatment of "Bonded" individuals is punished harshly, not unlike mistreatment laws. IT's something that the dwarves say they can correct.) Arboria - Centered around a mighty tree that is hundreds of feet tall, the supposed home of elves and wildlings, it si the most "wild" of all the kingdoms inside Tyrnahod. Mytha Galindra Manse is essentially a massive mansion that goes on for miles. Inside ther are thousands of rooms and what is essentially a fully functional city. IT's as if a tudor gothic version of Versai were made miles across and filled iwht thousands of inhabitants. Marquis Danbear Sorry I should note, the 5 kingdoms are the 5 kingdoms of the Great Federation. The Clans of Tyrnahod are to come. Alyssa Watson Alyssa Watson That massive mansions sounds like a fantasy version fo Asimov's Caves of Steel cities Alyssa Watson Alyssa Watson What sorts live in that massive tudor mansion? Alyssa Watson Alyssa Watson And who built it? Amd why? Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear The mansion has been built (and is still being built, updated, repaired, and partied in) for as many generations that people can think of. Originally it was the home of Mythas and Galindra families. They were a small commune who originally wanted to set up a new philosophy of life. It started as a house and barn where things like, hard work, crafts, and free love were openly practiced. That was about 4 thousand years ago. From there it developed a reputation as a place for artists. Many came, added touches to entire wings in the hopes a room or two would be bequeathed to later generations so they too could create art, enjoy free love, and do the hard work of creation. To some it was as close to becoming gods themselves. about 3500 years ago, it changed. It went from a hippy atmosphere to one of regal splendor. Some said it was because of what we would call gentrification or the rich moving where the art was. Some said the basement (there are currently 19 levels of basement... and growing) struck a vein of gold and silver and that attracted the"wrong" crowd. Since then there has been a whole multilayered approach. It is huge and keeps growing. There is an upper class and a lower class (actually it has close to 5 classes now) the fun part is figuring out who is actually the upper class. The rich think they are upper class because of course they do. The artists and builders think they are the upper class because they add to it. The Mages (most end up as sorcerers and bards) think they are the upper class because of the splendor they wield. At this point, it's known that the hallways are filled with gold and music, and poetry. Some of the best bards come from here. (there are so many theaters... per level of house it's kind of astonishing.) it also boasts the best sewage system devised by five fingered hands, intriquite gas lighting system with ice mephit brigade (for fire protection) and light reflecting mirrors for illumination. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear IT also has the largest population of ghosts and hauntings in the known world. All ethereal, few sentient or intelligent enough to give clues to their true identities. the great grand daughter of Galinrda still roams the halls. A former cleric and nursery worker, she tucks EVERYONE she sees in at night... sometimes a little tightly. There is also Edwin Ragath. He has made an eternal habit of saying Hello in flamboyant ways but almost entirely to indiviuals and couples engaging in sexual activities.... and ALWAYS at the worse possible time. He thinks it's funny as hell. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear I see the manse as a mix between the Winchester house, Gormanghast (novel/tv show), and a place i used to live called Greyhaven. If you know those references, cool!

So based on your description I am picturong the halflings like a class of Chinese government secretaries. Does that sound right? Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear I don't know enough about Chinese Government Secretaries to clarified so.... yes. not far.

There other known kingdoms out there, the kingdom of Gaia is the other largest kingdom that is humanoid controlled. IT too is an amalgamation of other kingdoms. It holds at the center and grows out. It currentely is either absorbing, going to war with, or in treaty with Market, a vast market place. Nearby what was once a monestary built on the temple to a rizen deity has now become a city state only known as Holy City. While insular, they traffic in clerics, blessings, and trinkets that help with various faths, though they believe the other deities out there are more like "refelctions" of their god. (more info to come.) To the direct East is the Dragon Kings. To some it is a massive nation of nothing but dragons, dragon kin, and those that only the most ancient of dragons allow in. To most, it might as well have police tap around the whole border of their land with the world "do not cross" on it. Between Tyrnahod and Gaia is the World Sea. This vast sea (not quite an ocean but it is the largest body of water inside the wall) is home to the fish people. They don't like their nation disturbed. Years ago, two immence bridges were made over their territory. One is for foot/cart traffic though few take it as madness tends to kick in half way across. The other is for the Ironway, a monorail like device perfeted by dwarvish clans. The Ironway is limited, expensive, and does not travel everywhere but it is the main line for diplomats and those who seek Market. Alyssa Watson Alyssa Watson Soo I am picturing an Athens-type city with shrines to all the gods and a habbit of incorporating them all into 1 pantheon? Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear For the holy city? Not far from it but it's a tad more complicated. Basically they allow for all deities in the way that catholics have so many saints BUT there is in thier eyes an obvious overarching deity to which all others are under. they just aren't pushy about it. When they see new deities and worshipers, they log it as a new emination of the Deity. The Holy City is very much devoted to the Deity but is very tolerant of others. The tric is when one set of deities and followers don't like another set of deities and followers. the Holy city likes to even things out or just tell them to "take it outside." However, things are not perfect as an organization that feels that it is the Holy City built on the ashes and power fo a great Deity attracts people with agendas... with so many people under sway to your word can change everything... Alyssa Watson Alyssa Watson Marquis Danbear I mean thats more like the Roman Pantheon then. Catholics dont make saints out of non-Catholic holy people, like Ghandi for example. Most of us would bet on him being in heaven but he'll never be designated a saint because tbh that would be disrespectful appropriation from Hinduism Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear ah. my mistake. i apologize.

It does not sound as though many wars have happened in this bubble world. So are fighters more like bodyguards? Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear who said there haven't been wars? :D In the last few decades there have been several wars between kingdoms in the Great Federation. These come and go from small skirmishes that look like gang wars to large conflicts over resources, moral high ground, and just petty spite. the Sidhe recently had to have an uprising to get what might be considerd "racial recognition." The Manse has a huge army that defends the borders from all sorts of enemies, and the Auracki are known for spies. That's just within the Great Federation borders. The Gaia and the Federation have been enemies for millenia. They will trade but both countries try desperatly to conquer the other. The one thing athat stops them is A) distance B) the World Sea, and C) other issues that rise up. Beyond those countries an others inside the Wall, there is the Ptahma'at, a huge nation past the the jjungle and swamp lands to the north. Besides some of the normal races, they have a huge Gnoll army that can ravage lands. If not kept in check, they will attack. then there is the orc lands of Apopka, the Taft raider colonies, The raids by the World Sea itself and those who dare to deal with the Dragon Lands or defend against them when they get uppity. This is also still a land of monsters, raiders, bandits, thieves, murderers, pilliagers, and the occational near apocalype. People have also talked about an area of undead hords in a Necropolis. but it's exact location is not known. But vampires exist here, skeletoons feel like they manifest themselves sometimes, and the occational lich is known to exist but has not made their presence known for the last 500 years. (the last lich made a bid to become Bishop of Holy City in an attempt to use the power of that believe to achieve the unachievable. It.... did not go well... for him... or the 8 adventures who figured out the plan and stopped him and in the process nearly destroyed the great Temple. and possibly something into this world which shuffled away and so far has never been seen again. So yes, nations still keep standing armies. Things have been quiet for the most part for the last 50 or so years and everyone aims to eep it that way. Edit or delete this

So something about the walled kingdoms... the universe as everyone understands is limited by a huge barrier that no one has ever crossed. This is the "wall" a massive structure that towers so high that few have ever scaled it even with magic. It's said even the dragons respect it's power and never fly near it. That is why the kingdom of Tyrnahod (sp) Built itself in the south western curve of the great wall itself. From there it grew, absorbing other kingdoms till it became the Great Federation. Interestingly enough Tyrnahod is itself a kingdom fo 5 clans which absorbed 5 other kingdoms. (so five upon 5). That is where we lay our scene. The wall is very tall and stretches out as far as the eye can safely see. No one knows it's exact shape but in general its circular but with a radius of hundreds of miles It's comprised of an unknown material that is like polished bone or carefully crafted concrete.No one knows what is over the wall as those who get over 6 stories against the wall always meet with a catastrophe. The dwarves who try to tunnel under are always met with another barrier that glows blue. those that so much as touch it die of an unknown disease that turns the skin a bright sapphire blue. Those who touch a blue dead die in the same manner. It seems to be one piece all the way around but some claim that there are at least cracks where they feel the segments connect. Most people don't go near it, but some parts of Tyrnahod actually build against the wall using it as the back of massive leantos. However, no drill or saw or spell has been able to scratch the material. Oh I should mention this: Mephits are EVERYWHERE! these little elemental imps are a pestilence the way some cities have pidgeons. They also pass messages for favors. They are deep in the eco system. some extra planar cross overs do happen. There are angels and demons but they are rarer than you thnk. Some HIGH level mages have been able to do some summoning but interestingly enough no one has ever left who did not belong in that plane. No one you have ever heard of ever got a demon or angel to take them to another plane/ place/beyond that wall. Well... none that ever returned. Mephits on the other hand are elemental beings. They are not really summoned like a demon. More like summoned like a bird or a taxi. SOme people use them for messengers, for warmth, or cooling, for bunches of chores. They all get paid. Sometimes they will take money or goods. Sometimes they take elemental payment. Want an Air elemental to take a message for you to someone? Literally blow into their ear. Want a fire mephit to heat something from you? you can agree to burn yourself or burn every match you have or feed him oil. However Air mephits are flighty, fire mephits are quick to anger and loose control. Ice mephits can give you the cold shoulder. These aren't just puns. Victoria McNary Races allowed? Or I should probably phrase it as races that would have a reason to be in this kingdom and therefore are logical to play? Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear In the kingdom of Tyrnahod, Human, Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, are very common. HalfElves (who have designated themselves as an individual race rather than a subrace) are called Sidhe and are as massive voting block. To a lesser extent, either through visits, immigration or whatever, the other races are available but more limited: Half Orcs, Hobgoblins, Goblins, Dragonlings, tieflings, assamar, dhmpir, ratfolk, catfolk, gillmen, kitsune and a few others. The limited group listed are either only found in one area (catfolk among the Aerboria) or less than1% of the population. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear It should be noted that Drow (with VERY rare exception are not allowed in the borders. Also Gnolls, Orcs, Kobold, Gillmen, are more common out of the territory. Alyssa Watson Alyssa Watson Voting block? So democratic or democratic monarchy? Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear closer to a parliament with a monarchy base. the current ruling family, The Gynura, have been holding the station for the last 400 years and surprisingly have not let it go to their heads. It helps that they only throw lavish parties every so often, though funny enough, they are NOT for the faint of heart. They are mostly interested in smoothe order and workings of the kingdoms. For lack of better term, they have used the halfling phillosophy of work to get your plate full to get your plate clean into a governing philosphy. In other words, make it order so it runs itself. The less you have to bother the king the better so he can get back to his other side projects. But don't think he is lazy. You mess with his order and he will stomp you like grapes at a picnic. The Parlimentt is several Chambers that have sub chambers and so on. For Laws to get passed, there are the Houses or Clans that decide matters for them, then it goes to Chambers of either the Commons or Lords or Theuge (Clerics/wizards/people who work with forces beyond ours) then brought to Grand Chamber where the Emperor will sit in judgement with the Chamber for decisions. In time of war more power is gien to the Emperor but is retracted by Chamber decree. Chamber decides when the war is over. Does this make sense so far? THese laws apply only to the Tyrnahod. Other Kingdoms do things differently. Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear Also, i forgot, Gnomes also are avalable but people who don't know any better tend to lump them in with the dwarves. Don't mix up the two though. Dwarves can get violent. Gnomes get revenge. If you do make the mistake, best to apologise with beer. It tends to help both sides. Edit or delete this Anna PattersonActive now Anna Patterson Interesting they'd confuse gnomes with dwarves and not halflings... Marquis Danbear Marquis Danbear Interesting note the term for dwarves and gnome come from the same concept of Earth spirits. Otherwise the are small work with mines and machinery and tend towards amazing facial hair in males.

Artenbran Artenbran has been around for the last 3000 years. According to them, they are the origin of the idea of Noble Chivalry that has become romanticised over they years into the Paladins. In truth the mightly Artenbran nation was one of the first to use horseback while fighting and the first to create barding for horses. However, they are also one of the first to have a High King. In the old days, before the high king, Artenbran was an amalgamation of waring tribes and families, from Iron Woods to fauns, to Humans, to even many tribes of Hobgoblins. When the High King fought his way to the top he brought with him the knowlege of horse combat, honorable warfare, poetics, and notion of chivalry, of turning an enemy into an ally. He managed to rally the forces together to become a great nation. the original foes of the nations, ancient black and green dragons, massive storm giants, and a plague of fae spirits, have since either receeded or dissappeared entirely from the lands. (they haven't but peasants and nobles can still believe.) Few give credit to the person who actually made Artenbran actually a viable concept: Bran the bard. Bran besides being a blood brother of the High King and one of the initial 12 of the royal table, (The table is now home to 48 seats) he brought with him tales of Legendary warriors and a great book. That great book and the tales have formed not only the society but have engraned themselves into the religion of land. It spoke not only the Great Voice who created the world, but of the Knights of Virtue who served the Voice. Hearing legends of Arthur, of Merlyn, of Percival (who was a woman in his tellings as we several other knights), of the Green Knight (according to Bran was the noblist of the fae) and the Red Knight (Silent Master Hobgoblin who's poetry and virtue are still spoken today) brought a sense of hope to the world. Artenbran made their life like those they admired. Honor is the most valued virtue among the Artenbran, even down to the thieves guild and Assassins. Certain houses of assassins will give a subtle sign that your time is up to give you a chance to get your affairs in order and await the inevitable. Should they take the dishonorable route like trying to run, deaths are far more painful, prolonged, and messier but still happen. Those who have been brave enough to face their attackers, defeat them, and grant them honor, not only had contracts lifted but were also rewarded. That's what I mean by honor is everything to an Artenbranian. About 100 years ago, a fallen knight of great power and now undeath, came to the court and set a task for the King, mirroring the old Green Knight tales. The Death Knight, obeying all the rules of the land and of honor, demanded several items of elder power be found. They were after a clutch of knights, including Tyriel and Cassius the Grey went forth and found the items, though it cost Cassius his life (more about Cassius, now Cassius the King, later) It was later revealed that the death knight did it out of boredom. Since then, against all concept, he has become a member of the Table in good standing, even if his solutions to problems tends to be direct and brutal, but always honorable. In the last 100 years, the High King and Queen have kept the peace. The recent rumblings concerning the Hobgoblins and how they might ally themselves with the Pax Gobbleti has been an issue. They have also had to deal with the saber rattling of Regula Secundus. They worry that even with their noted force, that the brutality of the Secundans will win out should they decide they want all out war. A few things of note: When the elves came to this realm, Artenbran is where they settled first. There is currently a Archmage sitting at the Table who claims no allegience in this. It is rumored that he has a secret magic school somewhere and is himself making an army of wizards to act on His behalf, and not the High King's.

In the beginning.... Caern Cysteri was founded not more than 100 years ago. For those who have not lived there and do not know the great secret, the Caern used to be a ancient human fortification that was re-purposed by the elves. In this realm, most of the Elves are not native. In fact a vast majority of them came from Beyond by way of great portals. No elf will speak to another non-elf or native born elf about life on the other side of the portal on pain of death. the Elves were essentially in exile, without a home or hope. Some interegrated with other communities, became wilder folk, or just wandered. However, two of the fables Unicorn Riders, Valean and Tyriel (known lovers of Empress Valeria) found the fortification. Underneath the great hill, they found the secret of Caern Cysteri's power and influence. they also discovered why the fort had been abandoned. The Web Theraday had been expanding in the direction of the fort and would inevitably surround it and devour it. However, those who lived in the hill had other plans. these others, the great Gem Dragons and those who serve them, made an allegiance with Empress Valeria. They chose to act as a council and create the great and noble land for the Elves to call home. Then Bonboros collapsed. Due to the proximity down the great river, Caern Cysteri became on of the first places of solace for escaped and freed slaves. Among them were oddly a great number of Halflings. Valeria asked for help from those who served the Great Dragons, the Dragonesti. They asked their masters to find homes for the elves and halflings that came on boat. As they did so, they opened a portal to a strange world. A refugee of that strange world escaped to this one. When he found allies in Valeria and the Council, he summoned this lessers. From there the Horde of great workers, the Modrons, arrived. With the help of all those forces, Caern Cysteri became a noted Empire. They accepted any and all and found a purpose to those who had the wit and skill and strength to help. Elves, being communally minded and polyamourous, established the Great Households of Cysteri, which collectively make up the nobility. Most are elven families with a fair number of husbands and wives per household. Valeria took to the ring both Valean and Tyriel as well as her master of arms Branibus. The four ruled equally together until Tyriel's strange disappearance 5 years go. It is because they are known as an honorable and welcoming society, they have acted as the place of negociation between various land and squabling families. They share a fair relationship with the Binary Kingdoms to the north (who mostly just ignore the Caern) and to the Burrow to the east. The Burrow has become the defacto homeland of Halflings, though they still claim fealty to Caern Cysteri. Also thanks to Tyriel and Valean's efforts almost a hundred years ago in a Great Quest of the Death Knight, Artenbran has kept close relations with Caern Cysteri. They consider the new empire a "fledgling kingdom" and "Sister country" to their own. they have also sent aid to Bonboros who, after a hundred years has lost most of their former glory and are still rebuilding most of their power. Any questions for the chronicler so far?

Can we start with a repeat of what was said in Saturday? I want to be able to refer back to it. From there, I will have questions.

Is there a chance you could write up the history so we can refer back to it?