a beginners guide to the world of nytheun
TRANSCRIPT
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A Beginners Guide To The World Of Nytheun 2
1.0 The Geography 2
2.0 Races And Cultures 3
2.1 The Elves 3
2.2 The Humans 4
2.3 The Dwarves 6
2.4 The Halflings 6
2.5 The Goblin-Kin 7
Table 2.1.1 Master List Of RM2 Races 8
3.0 The Gods And Cosmology Of Nytheun 8
4.0 The Grand Duchy Of Ravenstone 11
4.1 Introduction 11
4.2 The Land 12
4.2.1 Luusheta 124.2.2 Yggyma 12
4.2.3 Igo 13
4.2.4 Noch Geongechuth 13
4.3 The Court Of The Crimson Kings 13
4.4 Prominent Personalities 16
4.4.1 Grand Duke Ethithung Geongechuth 16
4.4.2 Grand Duchess Ekomuni Geongechuth 16
4.4.3 Grand Ducal Heiress Ecarana Geongechuth 16
4.4.4. Pairan, Lieutenant Of The Chaotic Lotuses 17
5.0 Final Notes 17
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A Beginners Guide To The World Of Nytheun
Welcome to the chaotic world of Nytheun! In this document, I will talk about the
world itself, including its geography; its dominant races and cultures; the gods and
cosmology of Nytheun and finally, describe the Grand Duchy of Ravenstone where ourCampaign is set..
1.0 The Geography
Nytheun is fifth planet orbiting the bluish-white main sequence star which is named
Otelo. The planet has two moons: an iron ore dominated satellite named Thypryrrm (the
Red Moon) and a silver ore dominated satellite named Eqyrsph (the Silver Moon). It has
a mostly warm-temperate climate and enjoys four seasons in the majority of its latitudes.
Nytheun is a lush planet with vast plains, forests, jungles, deserts and mountain regions.
As well, sixty-five percent of the planet's surface area is covered in seas and oceans.
There are a number of dominant life forms on Nytheun. Most are humanoids of the
Human, Elvan, Dwarven, Halfling & Goblin races. There are also a number of large
intelligent and semi-intelligent beasts, usually referred to as "monsters, such as dragons,
trolls and ogres. Though these life forms are not technologically advanced (the most
advanced cultures of Nytheun would be classified as Iron Age Civilizations), the use of
magic is wide spread amongst most of the races. Amongst certain groups, the use of magic
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has entirely replaced the development of any technology beyond what would be
considered Iron Age.
2.0 Races And Cultures
2.1 The Elves
There are five primary races who call Nytheun home. The first of these are the
immortal hsitesi (Elves) who awoke in the magical waters of Eyztesi, a large lake in the
west-central region of the western continent. This mystical frie race built a great city on
the north shore of Eyztesi which they called ratesi. The hsitesi lived in an Eden-like
utopia for centuries enjoying the beauty and harmony of the world around them. But then,
the god Ayrowor sent his herald Ephashra amongst the hsitesi to cast a shadow upon
the hearts of a third of their number. These elves who felt Ephashras shadowy touch upon
their hearts began to foster dissent and commit violence against their kin. They came to becalled the Ayrtesi (Ancient F: Dark Stars).
The suffering the Ayrtesi committed against their kin lead to their exile from ratesi
and this tribe of dark elves began to wander the world in an attempt to fulfill a prophecy.
The utopia which had been ratesi had been shattered and now division was found
amongst those hsitesi who remained in the beautiful city on the shores of lake Eyztesi.
Those who felt the most suffering at the hands of the Ayrtesi convened under the
leadership of Aquishwo and came to be known as the Iperatesi. Aquishwo forced his
followers to swear a great Blood Oath whose design was vengeance against the Ayrtesi.
And so, the Iperatesi departed ratesi determined to hunt down their dark kin and enact
their revenge.
The millennia that followed the exile of the Ayrtesi and the departure of the
Iperatesi from ratesi is counted as the darkest kin-strife in the history of Nytheun. The
Noble yet doomed Iperatesi battled the Ayrtesi and in the mean time discovered Humans.
The Iperatesi quickly befriended this new race of beings who awoke somewhere on the
eastern continent and taught them many skills. But suspicion and jealousy, as well as
Ayrtesi plots and attacks amongst Human-Kind bring about a separation of Humanity into
a number of tribes. Some of these tribes ally themselves with their Iperatesi friends whilst
others become pawns in Ayrtesi plots of schemes.
After thousands of years of war and strife, a relative peace was found. The Iperatesiprospered in their kingdom on the eastern side of the eastern continent. The Ayrtesi settled
in a large realm called Ayrtthagiqus located in the northern portion of the western
continent, content to capture slaves and stir up trouble where they can. Two other
hsitesi tribes also departed from the elvan city of ratesi. Firstly, the Ronith, who
settled in the south-west peninsula of the eastern continent in a realm they call Parrthranns.
The Ronith are secretive and jealously guard their underground citadel from foreigners
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of any race. It is rumoured that deep in the depths of their citadel can be found some of the
greatest tomes of arcane magic that have ever been written. The second group is called the
Tesyraphi and they departed ratesi shortly after the Iperatesi. But the Tesyraphi wished
to return to the waters from whence they had come and magically adapted themselves to
live under the seas of Nytheun. There are scattered Tesyraphi settlements in all the seas
of Nytheun, but their capital is located in the underwater caverns which tunnel through the
large island known as Imeshr, in the great eastern sea.
2.2 The Humans
As was related in the section regarding the Elves, the origin of the Human tribes has
been lost to the short memories of mortal man. Their own jealousy, suspicions and a little
help from the Ayrtesi quickly lead to the fracturing of Humanity. Whole new tribes of men
begin to group together and begin to speak different languages from each other in order
to jealously guard secrets from one another. Soon, strife and war came to the Tribes of Menand the Noble Iperatesi were forced to intercede in order to reduce hostilities.
However, as the Iperatesi battle with the Ayrtesi, many of the tribes of men once
allied with the house of Aquishwo are corrupted or disillusioned against the Iperatesi.
Mass migrations of men begin as whole tribes attempt to get away from the constant strife
and warfare between the two kindreds of Elves. And as the millennia continue, the
separations between each tribe become greater, not only geographically but culturally and
physically as well. Many tribes are forced to adapt to new environments and their
physiology and culture change to reflect their new found homes. Soon, the race that is Man
is a multitude of physiologies and creeds with vastly different interpretations of their
histories and cosmologies.
The modern world of Nytheun is home to five major Human nations each claiming
descent from the original tribal divisions of Humanity. In the northern portion of the
eastern continent we find the Kingdoms of the Hanoteac, a large collection of independent
states that have a cultural and historical connection. The Hanoteac are fierce northern
warriors fond of song, dance, battle and great festivals. They are naturally at home in the
mountains that bear their racial name as well as the great forests and plains located just
north of this great chain. The Hanoteac are a proud and loving culture, loyal to a fault and
quick to enjoy life. They practice a mystical animistic religion which celebrates nature in a
similar fashion as their ancient friends, the Iperatesi.The Erupuan Empire is located in the western portion of the eastern continent,
including the long peninsula that stretches out to the eastern shore of the western
continent. This ancient empire (well, ancient in Human reckoning that is) is home to the
people who claim descent from Erupua, the first Human to befriend the Iperatesi. The
Erupuan are noble, mystical in some respects, brave and very caring. The Empire has faced
much adversity in its history, even having been dissolved a re-formed once after a long and
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bitter civil war. But it still remains the pinnacle of Human civilization and culture
throughout Nytheun. The Grand Duchy of Ravenstone is the western most portion of the
Empire and controls the small Crimson Strait which divides the eastern continent from the
western. I will get into the history of Ravenstone and its particular place in the world in
section 4.0.
As an appendix to the Erupuan Empire, one must talk of the Richethi - the magically
created race of Human and Elemental Crossbreeds that were created by the great Erupuan
Warlock Ikaodesh Oneng. During the dread Demon Wars - which lead to the reunification
of the Empire under Emperor Gycherun XII, the Great - the Erupuan forces desperately
needed warriors who could defeat the hoards of Nochtiachi Cambions who were
devastating the petty Erupuan Kingdoms and slowly gaining control of the Erupuan
people. The initial presentation of the Richethi to Gycheruns court was met with disbelief
and mockery. For the Warlock had created a race of hermaphrodite warriors who refused
to wear armour of any sort. But after a short exhibition of the combat skills where a single
Richethi warrior defeated Gycheruns champion in single combat, Richethi units wereadded to the Erupuan Army and the tide of the Demon Wars began to turn. Since that
time, there have been Richethi units assigned to each division of the Imperial Army and
Richethi Units can be found as elite units in the Ducal and County militias as well.
The Kingdom of Iggysipli is located on the south-eastern portion of the eastern
continent. This large realm of merchants, sailors and craftsmen has traditionally been both
ally and foe of the Iperatesi. Though the Royal Family has always held their friendship
with the Elves as central to their political philosophy, many individuals and groups
throughout the Kingdom have differing opinions on the Immortals. The Iggysipli are great
merchants and sailors, and they travel the globe trading goods and trying to influence
other kingdoms to their own economic advantage. They are a proud nation with a long
history, but they enjoy haggling over a deal more then any other culture or race.
The Emirites Of Alraiwelisin is the name given to the multitude of kingdoms, tribal
areas and principalities of the Raivarivar. These regions are wild in some places and quite
civilized in others. The Raivarivar are proud, suspicious and very conservative in their
philosophies and outlook. They mistrust others, especially other Raivarivar who are not
from their own clan or tribe. They have an ancient prophecy about a great hero who is said
to some day be able to unite the clans under his banner and return the Raivarivar nation
to its former glory amongst the tribes of Men. Of course, each clan has their own version
of this prophecy and reasons why they believe this great hero will come from their clan.Lastly, the Zril Shin Empire is located along the eastern shore of the western
continent. The Zrilanare a noble, wise and mystical tribe of philosophers, warriors and
mystics. What marks the Zrilan culture as unique is their ability to see the world in a
wider view and to make plans that take generations to come to fruition. The Zrilan are
patient, quiet, reflective and often very devious. Their ability to scheme and plan is only
rivaled by the Ayrtesi - but unlike the Dark Elves, the Zrilan only wish to better their
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Empire and become the envy of the other Human nations, who they see as a lesser breed.
2.3 The Dwarves
The Dwarves of Nytheun are as closed mouthed about their origins and histories as
any other Dwarf in fantasy literature. For millennia, these stout bearded warriors and
smiths have lived in great mansions and citadels dug into the depths of the many mountain
ranges of Nytheun. Each Dwarven citadel and mansion is connected via a great network
of underground tunnels which were carved out in the ancestral days of their race. While
every Dwarf clan has their own King, there are no actual political or cultural divisions
amongst them. As such, some Dwarven families sometimes settle in the mansions of other
clans for a few generations and then move onwards to other Dwarf holds. The Dwarven
race, tho spread throughout the globe, is unified like no other race upon the face of
Nytheun.
The first meeting between Dwarves and Elves was almost a disaster. A group ofIperatesi came across a party of Dwarven warriors deep in the mountains of Hanoteac. The
Elves believed the Dwarves were perhaps a new race of monster created by the Ayrtesi and
attacked the stout warriors without provocation. Indignant, the Dwarves responded in
true Dwarven fashion and fought back. This battle would have unfortunately been the
template of Dwarven-Elvan relations had it not been for the fortuitous luck of having a
large party of Goblin warriors stumble into the melee. The two groups suddenly found
themselves fighting a common enemy and after the Goblins had been defeated, a better
understanding was gained from both sides.
The Dwarves would go on to help the Iperatesi and some of the Human Tribes in
their war against the Ayrtesi. Relations between the numerous Dwarven Kings and their
Elvan and Human allies have varied throughout the millennia, but often the Dwarven
sense of loyalty to ones friends has won over their renown stubborness and aptitude for
holding grudges.
2.4 The Halflings
From where the Halflings first appeared, no Elf or Man seems to know. What is
theorized is that they are perhaps an offshoot of one of the many underground races
distantly related to the Dwarves (Gnomes and the like) who tired of the darkness of theunderground world and came up to the light of the world above. However, Halflings have
never completely abandoned their attachment to the depths of the earth, for they live in
burrowed out homes built into hillsides.
There seems to be three sorts of Halflings in the world. The first rarely ventures far
from their hillside homes. They are content to simply enjoy life and keep out of the way
of the other races and their problems. What do your problems have to do with me? is
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an often heard phrase from the mouths of Halflings. The second group is quite
adventurous and often leave home in search of new and exciting things and experiences.
Some of these are individual wanderers in search of adventure, others are roving clans of
the small folk seeking new places to call home. In fact the theory runs that it is this group
of short gypsies who lead the Halflings up out of the depths of Nytheun in ancient times.
The final group is seen as a nuisance amongst the other races. These Halflings are fond of
material wealth and have an unusually keen knack for thievery and the seedier side of
society. Often this group makes the lives of other Halflings who venture away from home
hard because of stigmas attached to them, like the light fingers of a Halfling (for
example). But wealth and fame (infamy perhaps?) are the prime motivators of this last
group and they often feel very little remorse or sense of guilt in the actions and schemes
they undertake.
2.5 The Goblin-Kin
All the various tribes and sub-races that make up the Goblin-Kin are descendants
of the original tribe of Men who followed the jealous king Zhozurak. It is recounted by the
Elves and in the histories of the Erupuan how Zhozurak was corrupted by the Ayrtesi
sorcerer Itthat, the creator of all of Nytheuns Monsters. For Zhozurak fell under the
sway of Itthats sweet words and learned the dark magic that the evil Elf taught. And
when Itthat gave Zhozurak the Elixir of Oweharis Distress, a magical potion which was
to give the vile lord of the Zhozuraki immortality, Zhozurak sealed his fate and the fate of
his people.
The Zhozuraki became hideous, their once great stature diminished and their skin
became grey or green. Their hair grew coarse and covered their bodies like the hides of
some beasts. Certain individuals amongst them grew tusks and all throughout their tribe
did cruelty and the spirit of violence take over their hearts. The Erupuan were aghast at
the corruption of the people of Zhozurak and the Iperatesi began to call them Goblins. A
great war was then fought between the Goblins and the Iperatesi, culminating in the
legendary Battle of lanesel Tr where Erupua, the original Elf-Friend slew Zhozurak in
single combat and forever shattered the unity of the Goblin nation.
After the battle, Goblin tribes spread throughout the globe using the ancient system
of sub-terrain highways built by the Dwarves. It is theorized that it was during this period
of Goblin migration that the ancient hatred between those two races was formed. Withina few centuries, Goblins had carved their own citadels and holds as well as having taken
control of a number of ancient Dwarven citadels and mansions. But the true breadth of the
almost continuous struggle between Dwarf and Goblin is beyond the ken of both Elves and
Men as neither underground race is wont to share their histories with others.
The Corruption of Zhozurak did not end with his death before the gates of the great
Elvan citadel, lanesel Tr. The Goblins continued to mutate and grow hideous giving
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1 These are the elves who never left ratesi.
2 Taken from Oriental Companion.
rise to many sub-races, including the Orcs and the Kobolds. There are also some who think
that perhaps the cruel and magically adept race that calls themselves the Urlok are perhaps
one such offshoot of the original Zhozuraki race.
Table 2.1.1 Master List Of RM2 Races
Race Culture Race Culture
Fair Elves Tesimethi1 Common & Noble
Oriental Men2Zrilan
High Elves Iperatesi Dwarves Rhysemen
Dark Elves Ayrtesi Halflings Rhphemen
Grey Elves Ronith Gnomes phtiAquatic Elves Tesyraphi Gnolls Torshphti
Wood Elves Sosith Goblins Zhozuraki
High Men Erupuan Hobgoblins Zhozuraki
North Men Hanoteac Kobolds Zhozuraki
Bear Tribes Gioteac Orcs (All Types) Zhozuraki
Common Men Pliac/Iggysipli Urlok Zhozuraki (?)
Dark Tribes Raivarivar Trolls Isymemen
3.0 The Gods And Cosmology Of Nytheun
From out of non-existence came into being Oqn - the very thought of existence. By thought
alone did all that is come out of non-existence. Thru the thought of Oqn came into being all that
is. From thought formed darkness. From out of the darkness came a vibration that radiatedoutwards moving faster & faster in broad frequencies. And this vibration lead to light which
illuminated the four elements: earth, air, water & fire. Surrounding all of this was the force of life
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3 Goddess Of Prophecy & Death.
4 Demi-Goddess Of Inertia.
5 Demi-God Of Gravity.
itself & the force of death.
From out of these elements awoke the Oworti Etyme - the Nine Lords Of Being. By the
thoughts of the Oworti Etyme came into being the Planes of Existence. Orrehesstri awoke from a
dream with the ability to touch all of the elements & to allow movement between them. From out
of the force of death - whose mistress is Pheshirshra
3
- was beget Etori, Lady Time. Arriesta
4
&Ashopra5 also awoke. Thus was movement - beyond Thought & Vibration - begun.
From Ymd Eras; The Elvan Myth Of Creation
In the cosmology of Nytheun, there are four major groups of beings who are subject
to veneration by the peoples who inhabit the world. The creator Oqn; the Oworti Etyme
(The Nine Lords Of Being - the Gods); the Afipennati (The Thirteen Heralds Of The Oworti
Etyme - the Demi-Gods); and the Eshyti (Demons & Elementals). The systems of belief
attached to these beings vary from culture to culture, as well as their accepted existence.
Amongst the hsitesi one finds the purest understanding of the true cosmology of
Nytheun, but even their interpretation is not entirely correct. From this Elvan source, themany interpretations which would become the religions of Nytheun stem - imperfect
interpretations based on other imperfect interpretations.
What follows is a quick table noting the major powers who influence Nytheun from
each of these four cosmological groups. Each god, demi-god or demon-lord has a specific
sphere of influence as well as a plane of existence that they oversee.
Name Sphere Plane Element Sex Outlook Patron Symbol
Oqn Existence All Mana n/a Neutral n/a Golden
Circle
Oworti Etyme
Ephiowor Air & TheSky
Elemental
Air
Air M Normal n/a Blue Eagle
Teswo Light &
Stars
Elemental
Light
Light F Normal n/a Silver Star
Rhysra Earth &
Mountains
Elemental
Earth
Earth M Passive n/a Gold
Mountain
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Name Sphere Plane Element Sex Outlook Patron Symbol
Hyshra Spirits &Dreams
Elemental
Spirit
Spirit M Playful n/a Three
Purple
Stars
Nitphra Healing &
Music
Elemental
Vibration
Vibration F Aloof n/a Gold
Harp
Iymrish Love &
Fertility
Elemental
Fire
Fire F Hungry n/a Crimson
Fire
Eraphri Water &
The Sea
Elemental
Water
Water M Normal n/a Silver
Dolphin
Pheshirshra Prophecy &
Death
Elemental
ther
ther F Playful n/a Hourglass
Ayrowor Darkness Elemental
Darkness
Darkness M Dominate n/a Black
Triangle
Afipennati
Wihtra Cold Elemental
Cold
Cold M Normal Ephiowor White
Circle In
A Blue
Triangle
Ashopra Gravity &
War
Elemental
Gravity
Gravity M Dominate Rhysra Golden
Sword
pthri Heat ElementalHeat Heat F Normal Iymrish RedOctagon
Arriesta Inertia Elemental
Inertia
Inertia F Dominate Eraphri Silver
Hammer
Egesra Electricity Elemental
Electricity
Electricity M Dominate Teswo Blue
Lightning
Bolt
Eryphra Wind Elemental
Wind
Wind M Playful Ephiowor White Sail
With Blue
Diamond
wesri Plasma Elemental
Plasma
Plasma F Aloof Rhysra A Green
Oak Tree
Ephashra Shadows Elemental
Vacid
Vacid M Dominate Ayrowor Red And
Black Eye
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Name Sphere Plane Element Sex Outlook Patron Symbol
Oros Chaos Elemental
Chaos
Chaos M Hungry Ayrowor A BlackAxSplitting AStone
Phasri Nether Elemental
Nether
Nether F Passive Nitphra No Symbol
Orrehesstri Gateways,
Portals &
Doors
Elemental
Nexus
Nexus F Passive Hyshra Purple
Door or
Gate
Etori Time Elemental
Time
Time F Playful Pheshirshra Bronze
Hourglass
Errirhassmi Ice Elemental
Ice
Ice F Passive Pheshirshra Silver-
Blue Icicle
Eshyti
Ggthz The Void The Void None M Dominate n/a n/a
Agotzuhz The Pale The Pale Nether F Hungry n/a n/a
Kyzkupz The Pale The Pale Nether M Cruel n/a n/a
Apyzhrzg The Pale The Pale Nether M Insane n/a n/a
Zagokht Chaos Elemental
Chaos
Chaos M Hungry n/a n/a
One last word should be said relating to the alignments of the various greater
powers of Nytheun. While the peoples of Nytheun have ascribed various alignments (such
as Good, Neutral and Evil), the true nature of the gods themselves can not be simplified in
such imperfect terminology. While many view Ayrowor and his two heralds as evil deities,
the fact of the matter is that darkness is as necessary to existence as is light. When
Ephashra cast a shadow upon the hearts of the Ayrtesi, this was not some evil design but
a necessary act that has given free will to the peoples of Nytheun and a chance to learn
greater truths beyond what would have been possible in the innocent utopia that had been
ratesi.
4.0 The Grand Duchy Of Ravenstone
4.1 Introduction
The Grand Duchy of Ravenstone is located on the Ravenstone Peninsula with the
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Crimson Straits as its western border, the Erupuan Sea to the south, the North Western Sea
to its north & the Eagle Mountains to the east. The Eagle River divides the Duchy into its
three Counties: namely Luusheta (Oakhill; in the north east), Yggyma (Bearhead; in
thesouth east) & Igo (Drake; in the west). Luushetas main economy is fishing as well as
merchant trade along the North Western Sea Trade routes. It enjoys warm, sunny
summers & sometimes cold stormy winters. Yggyma concentrates on farming, tho a
number of small communities on its eastern most border make a living on mining in the
western Eagle Mountains. Igo is home to vast ancient forests as well as the Ducal Capital,
Noch Geongechuth (Castle Ravenstone) - the largest Trade center in the region.
Noch Geongechuth itself is rather cosmopolitan thanks to its strategic location &
status as one of the worlds great trade centers. Originally established by the Erupuan
Empire during its great push west as a means to control the Crimson Strait, Noch
Geongechuth has grown to become not only a strategic military & trade center, but also a
great bastion of knowledge and learning.
For the most part, life in the Grand Duchy is peaceful. Piracy on the seas is oneproblem that the Grand Ducal Navy is constantly battling against. There is often tension
over control of the Crimson Strait between the Erupuans & their neighbours and naval
battles have been fought many times for control of this strategic waterway. Many foreign
nations have embassies in Noch Geongechuth - the ducal capital - & the Grand Duke
enjoys the Emperors confidence to handle the often intricate political webs that form in
Ravenstones legendary Crimson Court.
The Grand Duchy is a hub of economic, military & political activity that is rife with
untold possibility & sublime intrigue.
4.2 The Land
4.2.1 Luusheta
Most of Luushetas population is located along the north shore of the county.
Comprised mostly of fishing villages & larger trading ports, it is rugged & weather worn.
Forests lie to the south which stretch from the coastal regions down to the Eagle River
Valley where a small number of river fishing villages & trading ports are located. The
County Capital, Noch Luusheta (Oakhill Castle), is located on the northern most tip of
the Ravenstone Peninsula and serves as the northern gateway to the Crimson Straits. Builtupon the shores & nestled upon a great hill overlooking the sea & the ancient forest to its
east, Noch Luusheta is a beautiful, but utilitarian, urban center.
4.2.2 Yggyma
Located south of the Eagle River, Yggyma County is the heartland of Ravenstone.
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Its farmlands stretch in all directions within the Countys borders. The main crops of
Yggyma are wheat & grains, vegetables & livestock. Produce & livestock from Yggyma
often travel by sea from the southern port towns to Noch Geongechuth itself. Though
northern farmers enjoy the use of river boats on the Eagle River to transport their goods
to the markets in Noch Geongechuth. Plsh Yggyma (Bearhead Tower) is an ancient
fortress, older then the city of Noch Geongechuth. It is located on a secluded cove along the
southern coast. The tower was the first settlement of the Erupuan in the Duchy. As such,
the Counts of Yggyma often tout the ancestry of their keep as justification for their implied
superiority over the Counts of Luusheta.
4.2.3 Igo
Whilst Igo is technically a county unto itself, the only Count of Igo that has ever
existed is the Grand Duke of Ravenstone. The two tittles are virtually synonymous, though
no one would dare refer to the Grand Duke as the Count of Igo. As such the lands westof the Eagle River Division that are found between the two main branches of the river are
under the direct authority of the Grand Duke of Ravenstone. The land here is thick with
an ancient forest composed primarily of oak, yew & rowan trees. There are some scattered
settlements but the bulk of the countys population can be found in the Ducal Capital itself.
4.2.4 Noch Geongechuth
Built upon the westernmost cape of the Ravenstone Peninsula, Noch Geongechuth
occupies the most strategic position along the coast to protect Erupuan interests in the
Crimson Strait. Noch Geongechuth is the Ducal Capital & military-economic hub of the
region. Its keep/ducal palace complex is built upon a hill overlooking the deep bay that
serves as a port of call not only for the Erupuan Navy but many merchantmen as well. The
city itself is built in three boroughs all nestled at the base of this hill. The largest borough
is the Port followed by Middletown and lastly by Newtown. Noch Geongechuth is a
cosmopolitan city with travelers from all over Nytheun coming and going on various kinds
of business.
4.3 The Court Of The Crimson Kings
The Court Of The Crimson Kings is famous in just about every corner of the world
of Nytheun. Whilst the court only housed Royalty for approximately 1130 years of its
nearly six thousand years of existence, it is this relatively short period which has defined
the entire Grand Duchy as well as the Dynasty that has always ruled it. Before the
independence of the Grand Duchy when the first Erupuan Empire crumbled in the chaos
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of civil war, the Court was simply known as the Grand Ducal Assembly. But in 3124 of the
First Imperial Age, Grand Duke Munammeren declared independence from the Imperial
Throne at Eruplong and founded Eclyth Gyisamman, or the Realm Of The Crimson Kings.
It was at this time that his court became known as the Court Of The Crimson Kings.
Though the exact makeup of the court has varied over the millennia it has existed,
the basic structure remains the same. At its head is the Grand Ducal Family. The Grand
Duke is the supreme leader of the entire Duchy and all the citizens, including the Counts
of Yggyma and Luusheta, must declare their allegiance to the Grand Ducal Throne. The
Grand Duke then swears his allegiance to the Emperor at Eruplong and this act formalizes
the political relationship between the Grand Duchy and Eruplong.
The Grand Duke is ultimately responsible for the well being and the security of the
entire Grand Duchy. As such, he is the supreme commander of the Duchys military and
he creates and enforces all the laws of the land. He has the authority to go to war, though
it is often necessary to get Imperial approval for large military campaigns. The Grand
Duke also collects taxes and a certain percentage of the crops produced within the GrandDuchy to maintain his staff as well as the military.
Next in the hierarchy of the Court are the two Counts: Yggyma and Luusheta
respectively. Their authority extends over the Counties over which they preside. They are
the Grand Dukes representatives and as such oversee the collection of taxes and the
percentage of crops collected. The Counts command their own divisions of the military
which they employ as security and police forces within their domains. But these soldiers
all ultimately report the Grand Duke. As such, the Counts act as Generals in military
matters.
The rest of the Court is made up of four different groups. The first group are the
advisory counsel who work as advisors and executers of the Grand Dukes commands.
This group is composed of the Grand Vizier; the Richethi Warlock; the Governor of the
University of Noch Geongechuth; the Grand Ducal Exchequer, Seneschal, Chaplain,
Messenger, Librarian and Bard. Each of these positions are responsible for different
operations within the Court and within the Grand Duchy itself. They all report directly to
the Grand Duke and execute his commands.
The second group are the Military Commanders of Ravenstone. The Grand Ducal
Military is composed of the Army, the Navy, the order of the Crimson Knights, the Order
of the Ducal Rangers, and the Ducal Spies. The commander of each of these branches is a
member of the Court and they report directly to the Grand Duke. Four other individualsare also included in this group and they are: the Captain of the Grand Ducal Guard (the
Ducal Familys personal guard unit); The Lieutenant of the Chaotic Lotuses (the unit of
Richethi assigned to the Grand Duchy); the Sheriff Of Igo (the chief tax collector within the
County of Igo) and the Constable of Geongechuth (the chief police officer within the
County of Igo). Together this group advises the Grand Duke on Military, Intelligence and
other security matters and are responsible in executing the Grand Dukes commands.
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The third group is composed of the heads of the various Religious Orders who are
active within the Duchy. The High Cleric of Ethone holds the most prominence because
the religion of the Sea God is the primary faith of the Ducal Family as well as most of the
citizens of the Grand Duchy. In fact, the headquarters of the Order is located within the
Port borough of Noch Geongechuth as it was one of the Grand Dukes who offered the
founder of the Order asylum after he and his crew escaped from slavery under the evil
Ayretsi Elves.
The Bishop Of Air is the most politically active of all of the Religious Leaders in
Ravenstone. He aims to increase the followers of the God of Air and consequently is often
at odds with the High Cleric of Ethone. The Bishop is often at the heart of many plots
within the Court and many of them stem from political manipulations brought on by the
Order Of The Wind throughout the Empire.
The Chapter Marshal of the Paladins of Yffaguen, the god of war, is often times
treated more like one of the Military Commanders then one of the leaders of a Religious
Order. His order is martial but at the same time very mystical and the Chapter Marshalis always ready to lend his tactical and strategic advice to the Grand Duke in times of need.
The Arch-Muse of the Healers of Zithera, goddess of Music and Healing, usually
does not dabble in the politics of the realm. She is always content to give her advice when
asked and to heal and entertain members of the Court at every opportunity.
The Bishop of Earth is often called upon when the Grand Duke has dealings with
the Dwarves of the Eagle Mountains. Because of this orders special connection with the
Dwarves (they revere the same deity and so the Dwarven clerics have a firm relationship
with their Human counterparts), the Bishop of Earth is often used as an intermediary when
other diplomatic avenues are exhausted.
The High Priestess of Vaonera, goddess of Love, often times will not even be present
at Court sessions. Only on the high holy days and other special occasions does the leader
of this somewhat hedonistic religious order attend the Court. It must be said that,
unfortunately, her presence is often not missed by the other members of the Court as she
can sometimes become somewhat of a distraction.
The final group that makes up the Court of the Crimson Kings are the foreign
ambassadors. Presently the Dwarven kingdom of Kheanifruf located in the Eagle
Mountains, the Halfling thanedom of Cyrgcaullullt (also in the Eagle Mountains), the
Hanoteac kingdom of Jufovhuthople, the Zril Shin Empire, the Ampyasiga tribe of the
Raivarivar of the Emirites of Alraiwelisin as well as the Iperatesi and Sosith Elves all haveofficial ambassadors to the Court. There are a few other nations and kingdoms who in the
past have had ambassadors to the Court, but these are the main foreign bodies with large
interests in the Grand Duchy.
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4.4 Prominent Personalities
4.4.1 Grand Duke Ethithung Geongechuth
Grand Duke Ethithung is the current Grand Duke of Ravenstone. He is a scholarly
man who also spent many years as a member of the Ducal Rangers before ascending to the
Ducal Throne. He views his duty to his people and to his family as the most important
things in his life. Ethithung is considered a just ruler by the majority of his subjects though
at times his pride has been known to get in the way of some of his judgements. But there
is a darkness that sometimes is cast over the Grand Dukes otherwise happy and dutiful
demeanor. During the years he served as a member of the Ducal Rangers he had been
taken captive by the vile Ayrtesi Elves and forced into slavery in their hellish realm far
across the North West Sea. A daring rescue was made by the Ducal Rangers which was
aided by the Grand Ducal Navy and the young Ethithung was returned to his homelandand his family. But the incident left deep scars in the man who would later ascend to the
Ducal Throne, the most obvious of which is his deep hatred of the Dark Elves.
4.4.2 Grand Duchess Ekomuni Geongechuth
The Grand Duchess is the daughter of the former Count of Luusheta and sister to
the current Count. Ekomuni first met her future husband at a Court function and the two
immediately fell in love. Their courtship was the talk of the entire Grand Duchy and their
wedding day became an unofficial holiday throughout the land. When Ethithung ascended
to the throne after his parents were killed in an accident at sea, Ekomuni became Grand
Duchess and fostered a deep love for the people of the Grand Duchy which was returned
to the Ducal couple many-fold. And when their daughter, Ecarana, was born, the Grand
Ducal family felt truly blessed. Ekomuni is the rock on which the Grand Duke relies upon.
Her empathy and understanding as well as her ever-present sense of hope have helped her
husband in countless situations throughout the years of their marriage. She is also an
accomplished Healer - in fact, the Grand Duchess is perhaps the highest skilled Healer in
the Duchy. As such, she is often found tending the sick and helping those who seem to be
the most down trodden.
4.4.3 Grand Ducal Heiress Ecarana Geongechuth
Rana, as she is known to her friends, is the sole heir to the Grand Ducal Throne of
Ravenstone. She is well aware of the duty that faces her, but often dreams of what life
would be like if she and her family had been born as commoners. Like her mother and
father, she is deeply devoted to her people - even though she is at an age where she dreams
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of other occupations. Rana is the darling of the Duchy, as Grand Ducal Heir to perhaps the
most popular Duke and Duchess in the last five hundred years, there is much expectation
of her as well as much love from the people. Some of the reason for this love is Ranas
musical talent which she shares with her subjects as often as she can. Rana is an
accomplished harpist and performs solo concerts as well orchestral concerts in various
venues in the city of Noch Geongechuth. However, most people do not know that she also
has a natural prophetic power - one which has begun foretelling dark times and great
challenges ahead for her family and for the Grand Duchy. These powers of vision have
only recently surfaced and the young Ducal Heiress is somewhat frightened by their
portents. The only people she has confided in regarding her powers as a seeress are her
mother and her faithful guard, Pairan.
4.4.4. Pairan, Lieutenant Of The Chaotic Lotuses
Pairan is the senior Richethi Chaotic Lord in the Grand Duchy. In fact, the onlyRichethi that out-ranks her is the Warlock of Ravenstone. Pairan is the commander of the
Ravenstone unit of Richethi who are known as the Chaotic Lotuses. She is an accomplished
warrior and strong leader. But her primary role is that of personal guard of the Grand
Ducal Heiress, Ecarana Geongechuth. Pairan takes this duty very seriously, as she has
found that she loves Rana deeply and the young Ducal Heiress returns this affection.
Pairan is Ranas closest friend and confidant. The love they share runs deep, so deep that
the proud Richethi Lieutenant will protect Rana like no other being on the face of Nytheun.
However, due to her position, Pairan is answerable directly to the Grand Duke. This
relationship Pairan shares with the Duke is purely professional. The one she shares with
his daughter is much more.
5.0 Final Notes
And so we come to the end to this introduction to the world of Nytheun. Happy
adventuring!