Korvania

**Korvania** is a mysterious arcane city in the far northeast region of Ashfall, where the Ash river meets the eastern sea. Korvania is on the northernmost edge of a mountainous peninsula known as the Demon's Shoulder and is often swallowed up by constant volcanic ash storms, thus the city is often called **Hellstorm**. To go to Korvania can be described as to "pass beneath the storm of shadow and ash", and the area of Ashfall and Korvania are sometimes referred to simply as **Umbrar**, or 'the shadow realm'.

## City

### ***Layout***

The city is enormous—larger than all the capitols of the Great Kingdoms combined. Korvania is built entirely from black stone, making the city dark and gloomy, even in the summer. Despite the size, the population is small. Crowds or noisy markets are seldom found. Very few foreigners are able to survive the foul pollution of the ash ridden sea. The wider area, Ashfall, is where glowing ghost grass grows and boneyards of ancient behemoths rest. Mountain regions loom in the distance, and deadly beasts linger constantly on the outskirts of the ebony walls that protect the city's inhabitants.

### ***People and Denizens***

Korvania and its few people have an ominous reputation in other lands. Korvians are described as having a dark and solemn appearance, with ivory skin and greasy black hair. The druidic tribes from the south believe that Korvians are "spawn of shadows" and hold them in contempt and fear. An endless feud is said to exist between the lycan druids and the vampiric shadow dwellers who hail from Korvania.

There are no children in Korvania. All who dwell there wear masks and veils to conceal their identity, and often walk alone or ride in palanquins of ebony and iron, hidden behind dark curtains and carried upon the backs of slaves. Only a select few of Korvania, such as necromancers, warlocks and sorcerers dare to travel within the valleys of the mountain, and even they fear to tread before the doors of Mazhai, the shadow castle.

### ***Ancient Knowledge***

Korvania holds a significant amount of arcane knowledge. The region is believed to have birthed some of the most chaotic and deadly spells on the continent. Ancient books of Korvania also record the inception of vampirism, necromancy, deadly diseases, torture methods and blood sacrifices. It is speculated that within the deepest corners of Mazhai, ancient documentation can be found in regards to the celestial beings of Heaven and Hell, most notable, the conjuration spell to summon demons and open portals to different worlds.

It is rumored that spellsingers, aeromancers, runesmiths, and warlocks practice their arts openly in Korvania. Thought unconfirmed, it is widely believed that the region is ruled by a governing cabal of vampires, and is open to all sorts of practitioners of the "higher mysteries" such as hellfire pyromancers, dream eaters, blood priests, death knights, and dark paladins, as well as inquisitors, torturers and poisoners, and even worshippers of demonic beings who practice chaos magic. No practice is forbidden in the city, however depraved.

### ***History***

Notable students of the 13th centuary include the following:

* The Moth Queen, a mysterious and powerful necromancer.
* Xandria Waker, a legendary assassin and expert in poisons.
* Alathar, a powerful warlock and prominent member of the Crimson Magi. He is well-versed in arcane magic and necromancy.
* Leslie Sineater, daughter to Alathar, and a necromancer.
* Rangvald the Deceiver, a renowned huntsman who wielded the legendary sword Kystream.
* Duri Bezmov, a nomadic mercenary who utilizes runestones to enchant his weapons and armor.