The World

## The Shattered Lands

The World of the Shattered Lands is divided up into three main continents. The northern most continent is named Exarea, the south-western continent is called Eshemos, and the south eastern continent is called Zoltaria. Each of the continents is separated by the Great Sea.

## Eshemos

Located on the south-western end of the world, Eshemos bears the name of the god Eshemos, the prime creator and exemplar of order. Legend states that the land of Eshemos was the first land to be settled after the great celestial war that shattered the world. Befitting the name, the land of Eshemos exemplifies the ideals of the god, being the home of all things order and has the largest number of churches and monasteries in the Shattered Lands. Each of these follow the beings of order though many simply follow Eshemos. Most notable of these monasteries is the Temple of Black and White. Known for their creation of a new tradition, these monks primarily follow the god Eshemos but also follow certain ideals of Rhogzotl, the god of death. The land of Eshemos also houses the Tavorial Forest, home to the elves of Eshemos. The land additionally has the Sundersavian mountain range, home to various groups of Dwarves. The most famous and important feature of Eshemos is the Grave of Bahumet, the site believed to house the soul of Bahumet. Many have tried to find the lost soul but none have succeeded.

### Notable Locations

* Grave of Bahumet - Site believed to contain Bahumet's soul.
* Sundersavian Mountain Range - Home to various (but not all) dwarves.
* Tavorial Forest - Home of the elves.
* Temple of Black and White - Temple for the followers of Eshemos.
* Savia-Important trade and technological hub
* Eshopolis-Religious center

## Exarea

While being the northern most continent of the Shattered Lands, Exarea is also the largest of the lands. The land bears the name of Exarean I, thought to be the first ruler of the great Empire. The land of Exarea can be divided into three main sections: the central, eastern, and western portions. The western portion is the mercantile hub of Exarea, housing very large port cities and very wealthy traders in some cases. It also serves as the strongest source of gold and resources for the empire. Next comes the central region, the central region is the "heart" of the empire as it houses the capital city as well as all the major industry the empire needs to survive. While true that the western portion of the continent generates great profits off of trade, the central region creates the goods needed for the trade to occur. Without the central region and its industry, much of the empire would not thrive as well as it does. The central region also serves as the location of all important figures, from the top priest of Eshemos to the emperor to all the wealthy nobles. All of these significant people live in the central region near the capital. The last region of the continent, the eastern portion, is the only part not under any sort of influence by the Empire. Long ago, the Empire made a promise to not cross the river into the eastern lands if the Dwarves and elves who lived there made peace with them. With peace at hand, the empire soon flourished and left the eastern side to its own business. The exception is whenever the empire needs more metal, in which case the dwarves of Exarea are always willing to help for the right price.

### Notable Locations

* Port of Ulock
* Port City of Xalas

## Zoltaria

The arid and desert-like Zoltaria is named after Rhogzotl and translates into "Land of Death." The land is extraordinarily barren with few settlements and even fewer cities. Some of the people who call this place home are nomadic people, always trying to find some respite from the unforgiving heat of the desert. Others, however, choose to live in Zoltaria for only one sinister reason: to serve Death. These people are called the Mortuary Cult by some and the followers of Rhogzotl by others. They construct massive tomb-like structures hidden inside pyramids and live only to help death. Many priests find their calling elsewhere and leave Zoltaria to pursue it. Though no one enjoys having them around, the death priests always work in the shadows, helping those who seek them and those that do not, for in the end all shall return to death. The desert of Zoltaria is known for few things, though it does host various legends of treasure. Many adventurers have tried to discover the legendary treasures said to be buried under the sand, yet no one has succeeded. Some even say that the tower of Rhogzotl himself lays buried deep underground waiting to be discovered. Who knows what secrets the desert hides?