Kingdom: Clearwall
Capital: Clearwall
Settlements: 1
Rule: Monarchy
Nationality: N/A
History:
What was one of the longest standing kingdoms of history, Clearwall was
founded in the times of the great plague. One of its ambassadors,
Garldan, is recorded to have been in Baretos assisting in the search for
a cure.
Due to the low population of the arctic regions, Clearwall had withstood
the test of time. And though rarely did it see war with other nations,
the most common strife was an occasional play for power followed closely
by creature attacks. Though it did not take any side during the Dark
Wars, it was destroyed by its mountainous neighbors who did not want to
gamble with them taking the wrong side.
Culture:
Clearwall is recorded to have a unique belief in the power of their
ancestors. Once a member of the family died, a special ceremony was
performed to rid the body of flesh and organs. The flesh was then used
to bait hunting traps to help provide for future generations.
The bones, once cleaned, were put to different uses. Some incorporated
them into weapons, believing it would bring them strength while placing
the bones into the structure of a home would symbolize protection from
enemies and harsh weather.
Stance on Magic:
Unknown.
Kingdom: Thrayten
Capital: Thrayten
Settlements: 1
Rule: Monarchy
Nationality: N/A
History:
Thrayten was the first major mining settlement in the early days of
TerVarus. It was well known for its riches and, alongside Yeln, was
considered one of the more privileged places to live. Thrayten was
nestled in the central part of Onyxcrag and controlled the comings and
goings from all sides. Shortly after the fall of Yeln, the last of the
known dragons attacked each other for what is assumed to be territory.
Scholars speculate that an ancient dragon had a nest above the city and
another dragon came to claim it. The fight between the two ancients
would have all but destroyed the town beneath and the survivor would
likely have turned its wrath onto what was left of it.
What was left of Thrayten’s people rallied support from their neighbors
in Silverroot and managed to kill the beast. They in turn, discovered
the lair above the ruins and smashed all the eggs they could find.
Though it was around during the time of the Great Plague, Thrayten is
not mentioned to have sent an ambassador to Baretos to help with the
cure.
Culture:
Being such an ancient city, not much is known about the culture of
Thrayten. Nothing except the recording of the battle with the dragon has
been found aside from the ruins which still stand today, a feat many
architects travel to see. None so far have been able to crack just what
sort of techniques were used to make them so durable.
Stance on Magic:
Unknown.
Kingdom: Onara
Capital: Onara
Settlements: 1
Rule: Monarchy
Nationality: Onaric
History:
Verbal lore dictates that the kingdom of Onara was besieged by never
before seen beasts now referred to as hell hounds in 5104. What caused
this attack is unknown, but the stories state that there were hundreds
of the monsters and, even more curiously, they were all stopped by one
man wielding a stick who appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Onara was
not a prominent kingdom of its time, nor in an extremely crucial
location, so scholars are puzzled as to why it would have been targeted
if it was not a random occurrence.
Culture:
Onara was founded by a large caravan train that, for some unknown
reason, stopped on the edge of the desert and set up roots. While a good
population was merchants, a solid chunk of its citizens were gypsies
and other performers, leading to the city being rich in entertainment
but little else.
Stance on Magic:
After the attack from the hell hounds, Onaric culture embraced magic, even going so far as to offer a free night and meals for one day if a person could prove they could wield the arcane arts to honor their savior.
Kingdom: Rukal
Capital: Kauldrea
Settlements: 3
Rule: Monarchy
Nationality: Rukes
History:
The kingdom of Rukal was prominent during the time of the great plague.
Home to Kauldrea, its power is believed to come from two major sources.
The first was its capitol’s namesake, Kauldrea. She was said to have
been a great leader to its people, expanding her empire through trade.
While all evidence appears to support the idea that Rukal had one of the
largest armies of the world at the time, nothing seems to suggest she
bolstered her nation through warfare. Documents also state that Kauldrea
was first known as Ceundan before the people changed it after
Kauldrea’s death.
The other claim to power is mostly speculation. While some information
seems to allude to Rukal being home to the Order of Zythore, there is no
solid documentation. The name of one of their ambassadors, Tasus Sibar,
is recorded in the Plague Diary which tells that Rukal was one of the
kingdoms actively assisting in the cure for the plague.
Culture:
Rukes was the term used by those outside of Rukal as well as the natives
of the kingdom. Peaceful in nature, they appeared to be open minded to
all kinds of people and enjoyed a simple life. They buried their dead in
designated plots. Most curious was the discovery of one such plot
holding markers with the symbol of Aurius, deity to a religious cult,
suggesting that Rukes were accepting even of them.
Stance on Magic:
In light of their acceptance to cults and that they are speculated to be the home of the Order of Zythore, it is believed that Rukal was accepting of magic.
Kingdom: Lanark
Capital: N/A
Settlements: 6
Rule: Council (Confederation)
Nationality: N/A
History:
From what is known about this time, several smaller kingdoms in the areas now known as Grizzleback and Kithacore came together to form a council of sorts for protection. It is estimated that six kingdoms were in the pact, calling themselves Lanark. Scholars are not sure if this was a name they voted on or if it was the name of the region at the time. Each kingdom’s leader came together to discuss threats to the area, the meeting locations were hosted in a rotating fashion once a year.
The most famous of the meetings was done in Baretos during the time of the great plague. Ambassadors from other kingdoms were also invited to come in hopes of finding a cure for the plague.
Culture:
Not much is known on the culture of Lanark.
Stance on Magic:
Due to lack of information on the time, it is unconfirmed if Lanark was open to magic but most assume it was.