Hesperdin

The **Hesperdin** is a continental landmass to the far west of Rathnir. Vast and diverse, with an abundance of endemic flora and fauna, the Hesperdin has been host to many civilizations over the millennia. In recent times, refugees and travelers from the Hesperdin such as Mayus of the Dawn have appeared in Rathnir, along with an odd cult, that of "the Encan." Many of the sources on the Hesperdin have been brought by these peoples, and as such remain sparse and at times unreliable.

## Etymology

The origins of the term Hesperdin are subject to much dispute in the sources. In the late Ærcan tome *Codex Hesperdianis*, Atxas suggests the name is a loanword from the Old Asturcian *ouespi* "west" and *adin* "land," possibly first realized as "Ouespardin" or "Uespiadin." This etymology, however, is later challenged by Ærashmo of Podrios, who proposes the Krrævan origin of *encpærtin* "shinefruit," for the strange glowing fruit endemic to the continent's caves. Yet another origin is argued by Padxin Gnapu in recent years, suggesting the legendary txashikan Esh Kerrin as namesake for the landmass. This latter etymology is unlikely, however, as Atxas's text predates Esh Kerrin's birth by centuries and also makes mention of Hesperdin.

## History

A lack of reliable sources makes it difficult to present a holistic picture of the Hesperdin's history. Some events, however, can be construed and dated with relative accuracy. Many accounts, for instance, describe the Krrævan as arriving to the northeast of the Hesperdin on boats of acacia millenia ago. Since then, they seem to have waged wars for decades against the native Hesperdians, forming a powerful yet short-lived empire. The empire, which some sources describe as the *Shopantxa Ærcan* ("Imperial Summer") lasted but a season before instability gave way to a period of squabbles between petty kings known as the txashikan.

The txashikan system endured for a millenium, in which all the small feuding Krrævan realms found themselves in perpetual conflict as every txashikan fought to further their kingdom. During this period, the tribes from the southern jungles constantly engaged in campaigns against the Krrævan, raiding and raving deep into their territories. It was during this period that the txashikan Esh Kerrin managed to consolidate power and unite many of the realms into a Krrævan kingdom to combat the threat of the jungle lords. Though his kingdom scarce survived him, he was elevated to a legendary status amongst the Krrævan and is remembered for founding the great city of Krrægas.

For unclear reasons, the Txashikan Period ended, after which the Krrævan enjoyed a period of peace with the establishment of a republic. But even this republic would not endure, as many Hesperdian refugees will attest. Not but a few years ago a candidate was elected to their government, who not hours after his inauguration rewrote the constitution and installed himself as the Shapa Txashikan, beginning a new reign of terror and intolerance unprecedented in Hesperdian history.

## Demographics

The Hesperdin is described as being inhabited by a great many races of men and monsters. The best documented race is the Krrævan, whose recent political turmoil has specifically affected this ethnic group. There is strong evidence that the Krrævan are not in fact originating from the Hesperdin, but instead trace their roots to the northeast of Ummarnu and the Phagosian Sea. This is due to significant linguistic similarities between Huitcan and Krrævan, which suggest a common ancestor language.

Other human groups include the peoples of the Heath, descendants of the native Hesperdians displaced in the time of the Imperial Summer, as well as the jungle lords, peoples of mighty civilizations deep under the cover of the southern rainforests. There's little recorded about these peoples, other than tales of vast silver cities of the jungle lords that shimmer in the light of the red magic.

The records of the Hesperdin also tell of primordial beings of pure energy that inhabit a sea deeper than any other, whose eyes cause sailors to grow mad, whose breath can swallow fleets whole.