Arcadia

The name of both the planet and its singular landmass, Arcadia was once a land of wild, chaotic magics where Gods struggled for dominance, elder races enslaved "lesser" races, and the world itself breathed with life. Though the chaotic high magics have settled, and Arcadia now exists in an age of man, the world faces its most dangerous threat yet: the extradimensional Gates.

## Etymology

The continent now known as "Arcadia" derives its name from its founder, Emperor Neres Arcadian I. As a slave under the Elvish Empire, Arcadian had a different name, chosen by his masters; his historical name which he is called today was of his own selection. "Arcadian" is a combination of two elderspeak words, *Arkha* and *Diamn*, which respectively mean "Shatter" and "Slave."

## Countries and Kingdoms

Though Arcadia has hosted countless kingdoms, peoples, and lands over its vast history, the last hundred years have eroded those down to a scant few worth mentioning.

### Midland

*Main article: Midland*

Although Midland was destroyed nearly 80 years ago, a consequence of the Rift invasion 20 years prior, its influence can still be felt today. Midland was the most powerful and populated kingdom in Arcadia at its apex, a uniting force that managed to build an army from the scattered Arcadian kingdoms. Famous for silver-clad, dragon-riding knights, a lengthy history of lords, kings, dukes and duchesses, and one of the largest religious influences in Arcadia, Midland was a cultural icon revered and beloved across the entire land.

### The Free Cities

*Main article: The Free Cities*

On the Southwestern Coast of Arcadia, the Free Cities maintain a network of mercantile city-states that form a sort of culture and kingdom of their own. Though the formal kingdoms would never recognize the Free Cities as an actual power, they arguably hold more influence than any others since the fall of Midland.

The Free Cities include:

* Pendragon
* Stillwater
* Aethis
* Mercy

### The Nerish Empire

*Main Article: The Nerish Empire*

The only power to rival Midland at its prime, the Nerish Empire was established only a few centuries ago shortly after the Lich Crisis concluded. With so many towns, villages, fiefdoms, and cities in ruins due to the undead invasion, a vacuum formed in the vast expanse of decentralized land near Arcadia's Southeast edge. In its wake, a man who called himself Neres XVI proclaimed himself emperor of the newborn Nerish Empire. Brought together with swift, lethal brutality and mysterious dark forces, the Nerish Empire became a symbol of violence and oppression across Arcadia.

### The Formal Kingdoms

*Main Article: The Formal Kingdoms*

The largest portion of Arcadia's continent is divided amongst the so-called "Formal Kingdoms," a loose allegiance of kingdoms and lordships that trace their lineage back to the original Arcadian Empire. The Formal Kingdoms are caught in a near-constant state of internal strife and warfare, only occasionally uniting to deal with large-scale crises (such as the Gate Invasion).

The most significant of the Formal Kingdoms are generally considered as follows:

* Zhell, the merchant capitol
* Arcadian's Seat, the Throne
* Wyrmspike, the Dragonlands
* Blackhelm of the Rock
* The Promise

### Daeryllys

*Main Article: Daeryllys*

One of the last elvish kingdoms, Daeryllys is militarily weak compared to the Formal Kingdoms but their constant secrecy and furtive tactics ensure the last elves' safety. Daeryllys occupies a minimal portion of Arcadia's northwest edge, where massive trees brush the sky and glittering cities dance between the branches. Human travelers are killed on sight in Daeryllys, and the Daeryn Elves practice no magics for fear of the fate which befell their kin.

### The Southern Stretch

*Main Article: The Southern Stretch*

Arcadia's southern coast is a truly wild land, known for violent weather, monstrous fauna, and countless tribes of wild barbarians that frequently venture north to raid and slaughter the Formal Kingdoms at their border. Shortly after the Gate War decimated the Formal Kingdoms and much of Arcadia's established territory, a man named Lell Vedding claimed himself Barbarian King, and his "army" marched north into the Formal Kingdoms. Many of the smaller Kingdoms were lost or destroyed to this wild King, whose attacks grow bolder with each passing season.