Aderia

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The Kingdom of Aderia is a melting pot of different cultures who are loosely gathered into a single kingdom. Only after many years of collaboration with the human capitol city of Tirassus were the many different peoples of Aderia able to gather together under one flag. To this day, however, the different regions of Aderia retain very unique identities.

### Regions

* **Glasari**: As the beautiful forests and plains of Rannoch go further north, they are met with the Glasari Mountains and a much harsher, colder environment.
* **Rannoch**: The most diverse area of Aderia is the various cities and lands around Lake Rannoch.
* **Tirassus**: The otherwise serene Errenora Woods are densely occupied by humans, and is used as a staging ground for many military offenses.
* **The Pardanaash**: The mountains, foothills, and plains to the northeast of the Pardanaash Mountains are home to races that tend to be in touch with nature. Orcs and other evil creatures from the greater Akogadd Desert south of the great river are constantly attacking Markaash, Tse'denar, and border towns, such as Red Rock Riviera where the river meets the mountains.
* **Scallasaig Highlands**: This is the ancestral homeland of many mountain dwarves around the world.

### Prominent Organizations and Groups

* **The Braaxt Company**: Hundreds of years ago, this organization began by manufacturing and sellings wands, sourcing most of their arcane components from the Silvercat Forest to the west, or from the Feywild. They grew massively in power over the years, eventually becoming influencial enough to basically own the entire city of Liatrie. Today, they are unpopular in much of Aderia, so they have been focusing on spreading their influence abroad by any means necessary, using their wands as both their source of income and their tool for strong-arming any obstacles.
* **The Obsidian Vanguard**: A group of elite soldiers based out of Tirassus. Many soldiers in the military dream of one day being chosen to serve among its mysterious ranks who perform the most important tasks for the crown. Without the Obsidian Vanguard to fight against potential defectors, the loosely-connected cities and regions of Aderia would have most likely split apart into their own kingdoms and nations long ago. Members of the vanguard usually do not spend much time together, instead opting to live or travel with other groups of adventurers, but always answering the crown's call whenever it comes. To join the group, one must find a sponsor who is an active or former member of the Vanguard, then travel to Tirassus where they are tested in a wide variety of areas, then either accepted or rejected.
* **Pardanaashi**: What began as a small group of goliath and dragonborn monks high in the Pardanaash mountains evolved over hundreds of years to become a group of monks, clerics, rangers, and other individuals who spend their lives living among the high peaks of the Pardanaash Mountains. Some travel alone, and others travel in large caravans. To be included in the Pardanaashi, one does not need to be of any particular race, group, or creed. In fact, there is no central organization of Pardanaashi - it is more of a term for one who lives along the lifestyle associated with the mountains themselves. You must simply follow their ancient core tenent of traveling to learn about the lifestyles, beliefs, and aspirations of other groups in the world, and sharing your own wisdom with them, whatever that may be. Pardanaashi always seek to be peaceful, but will not hesitate to fight with fury to defend their homes and families. Many are followers of Bahamut, but this is not a requirement- it is merely an effect of the large population of Metallic dragons who call the Pardanaash Mountains their home. Many are also followers of Eos due to their identity as wanderers.
* **Tseidan Engineering Corps**: Follwers of the legendary air genasi engineer Tse, these artificers, engineers, and wizards work in the University of Tse'denar to create marvels of science and magic. They are best known for the invention of flying airships, which use captive elementals for propulsion and the intestines of dragons to stay adrift. They are always accepting new members, but have close ties to the church of Bahamut which includes a strict ethical code.

### Cities

* **Admirality Keep**: When at war with the wood elves of Nelaeryn, this island acted as a staging ground for troops coming from all over Aderia to proceed West. After some land was conquered and Baernathrad Stronghold was established, Admirality Keep changed purpose to more of a training ground and trade city. Today, the city is best known as a gathering place for the strongest across the land to compete in contests of honor. The church of Rhaesawa has established a strong foothold with devout followers here.
* **Allakara**: A mountain city mainly comprised of the proud Aarakocra.
* **Athelia**: Long ago when fleeing from a war, many high elf refugees from a far-off land worked together in a rare bout of cooperation with the dwarves of the Scallasaig Highlands to create a home for them in Aderia. Today, this city stands as a monument to high-elf culture, something not seen in most of Aderia. Beautiful ships are hand-crafted by elven artisans, and pristine beaches provide for a soothing escape for any who wish to rest from their travels.
* **Baernathrad Stronghold**: When at war with their neighbors in Nelaeryn, the armies of Aderia pushed into the woods from this bastion of a city. Now at peace, the stronghold has been working through problems with its identity - the militaristic founders of the city are constantly at odds with those would wish to trade and travel with the wood elves. Passionate leaders exist on both sides, and the fact that the land it is built upon was claimed from the wood elves in recent history has not helped to aid the confusion.
* **Balkeerie**: A dwarvish city built on the southern edge of a large lake, the city has had a history of thieves' guilds and others taking advantage of the diverse population. With its central location and distance from any large cities, Balkeerie is a melting pot for those who wish to avoid authority and the law, making it a dangerous place.
* **Berdink**: Destroyed long ago in a war with the wood elves of Nelaeryn, the rock gnomes of Berdink escaped their adversaries through the Underdark, eventually fleeing to the new city of Itti'aski. The ruins are seldom visited, as the gnomes left many traps and dangerous creations behind to defend their homeland. Any gnomes who knew the secrets of Berdink are long dead, and any maps or guides to the dangerous ruins are incredibly difficult to find. The riches contained inside, however, are rumored to be as vast as they are mysterious.
* **Blackadder**: The leaders of the lake city of Blackadder have long resisted the oppressive Braaxt Company based out of Liatrie. Blackadder and its people are renowned for their fiercely independent spirit, staying self-sufficient. The capitol of Tirassus has repeatedly had to break up conflicts between Blackadder and the Braaxt Company's forces from Liatrie. A battle-hardened and stubbourn people, each citizen of Blackadder is proud of their heritage and refuses to be taken advantage of. Some of the finest heroes in the land have come from Blackadder, being raised to stand up for what is right and just.
* **Blackstone Pointe**: Having been built upon the shoreline remains of a now long-inactive volcano, Blackstone Pointe is named after the beautiful obsidian rocks that make up the Northeastern coastline of Aderia. The city is the second largest in the land, second only to Hammarstrand in population. The city is known for its celebration of the diverse cultures that come from Geneq Isle and other nations that reach Aderia by sea. A highly industrious melting pot of culture, leaders of any god and any way of life can be found among the diverse population here. A strong sense of community pride has made Blackstone Pointe a surprisingly safe location for its many inhabitants, although it does not boast a powerful central military or government.
* **Drakemyre**: Groups of dragon hunters founded this city between the Pardanaash Mountains and Scallasaig Highlands, where metallic and chromatic dragons call home, respectively. Because of this, the town has constantly been under siege by both types of dragons, but because of their inability to work together, they have never been able to completely destroy the city or the hunters who call it home. The city is a ruthless place, rewarding the strongest and most competent.
* **Frosthollow Academy**: An elite magical academy that will accept any who make it across the harsh Glasari Wastes. More dangerous and forbidden magics are taught and researched here than at the more popular and accessible University of Tse'denar. Additionally, it is much older, being home to one of the oldest and most mysterious castles in all of Aderia.
* **Ghaddok**: This traditionally orcish city has seen much turmoil over the years, and is one of the only areas in Aderia where people actively stand in protest against the leadership in Tirassus. The city is a hive of villainy and crime, with members of the Obsidian Vanguard often being sent to control riots and quell rebellious leaders. Despite all of these troubles, the fierce warriors of Ghaddok are known throughout the land for their strength and sense of freedom. Although no one can be guaranteed safety in the dangerous city, many of its inhabitants are known to be lenient to those who are in need of help.
* **Hammarstrand**: The heart of Dwarven culture in the twin northwestern continents is the immense underground city of Hammarstrand. Built inside of immense cliffs, Hammarstrand boasts hundred-foot tall stained glass windows overlooking the ocean and huge waterfalls of seawater powering the city's massive forges and bellows. Traditionally, only dwarves or those who receive express permission from leaders are allowed within the city proper - a rare privilege. Those who want to do business but cannot enter the city do so in Highlodir, less than a day's travel from Hammarstrand. The city also includes:
	+ World-renowned engineers, blacksmiths, artificers, and jewelers.
	+ Passage to the Underdark.
	+ The largest collection of followers of Moradin, dwarvish god of creation.
	+ One of the best fighting forces and most disciplined army in the world.
	+ Incredibly rich culture, featuring an immense theater lit entirely by a glowing gemstone found only beneath the Scallasaig Highlands.
* **Highlodir**: This sister city of Hammarstrand is a bustling hub of trade and commerce. Like Blackstone Pointe to the east, Highlodir is a melting pot of different races, religions, and lifestyles. However, Highlodir's ownership by and proximity to Hammarstrand makes it a much stricter city than most others, and crime in any degree is not tolerated. Honest citizens will find the tight grip and high tariffs worth the security afforded them.
* **Itti'aski**: Hundreds of years ago, the rock gnomes of Berdink fled their island nation and into the Underdark. After years of wandering and much tragedy, they ascended from the deep to create their new home in the inhospitable Glasari Mountains. It was there that the rock gnomes, being inspired by their god Rasziver, created the warforged.
* **Karaspark**: This small city is home to some of the greatest smiths in the world. Clerics of the forge gather here often on pilgrimages, with temples to many gods being carved into the side of the Pardanaash mountains. Many proud fire genasi and hard-working earth genasi call this place home, a rarity for two races of genasi to so readily get along. Additionally, the city contains passage to the Underdark, but they are very selective on who is allowed inside. Occasionally, stone giants will visit the surface to trade and intermingle with the talented workers of the forges.
* **Liatrie**: Once a thriving trade city, Liatrie is now a shadow of its former self due to the corruption of the Braaxt Company. Many years ago, the city prided itself on its widespread wealth and extremely prosperous merchant guilds. The Braaxt Company, however, began acquiring so many of its competitors that it soon controlled the entire city. Today, Liatrie is a kleptocracy where anything goes so long as you don't act against the Braaxt Company. The upper crust of the city is both socially and physically separated from the unwashed masses, as the city exists in tiers with large walls which require great sums of money to advance upward through.
* **Markaash**:
* **Metriciti City**: Not too far from Itti'aski, Metriciti City became a beacon for freedom and self-governance for the warforged as not all wished to serve their gnomish creators. Today, the city exists as a technocracy where a council of the most intelligent rule by committee.
* **Mul Khaldur**: A cutthroat city of sea monster hunters.
* **Richwood**: A beautiful town of halflings and elves who remain obstinately neutral in Tirassus' politics, this place surrounded by nature has no patience for impropriety of any kind.
* **Rock River**: A pleasant city on the plains for most, Rock River and the Javari Plains have been the home of Javari cenaur for generations. Many are strict followers of Eos.
* **Salicia**: Once a beautiful elven city, Salicia was long ago destroyed and abandoned. Many rumors hint at why this happened, ranging from a cult of evil druids, dealings with the fey, and many more strange and terrifying tales. The mysterious Silvercat Forest, which is known for its abundance of strange creatures, has been slowly consuming the abandoned city for many years. Few people enter, and those that do always return with strange stories.
* **Scyrene**: A villiage of lizardfolk, tortles, and other reptilian creatures, Scyrene is only as large as it is because of its abundance of trade resources from those who venture into Grafheller Bog to claim its valuable secrets. While repulsive to many outsiders, those who call Scyrene home appreciate their closeness to nature.
* **Sundsvall**: The island of Sundsvall is only loosely a part of Aderia, mainly due to its important geographic location as a trade stop for ships sailing north of Aderia. The city consists of the strong who value autonomy and grit above all else. There are said to be ancient Frost Giant ruins on the island which have gone largely unexplored due to the harsh climate.
* **Tirassus**: The capital of Aderia is a city renowned worldwide for it's impressive walls, strong military, and vast fleet. The current monarch, Kailia Hanover, is as cunning as she is ruthless. Over the past few hundred years, the now world-renowned Obsidian Vanguard has called Tirassus their home. Although they are now their own autonomous organization, their roots are tightly intertwined with the crown of Aderia, and will answer the call of the monarch whenever summoned. Due to Tirassus' enormous military presence, crime is extremely rare in the city, and even larger semi-legal organizations such as the Braaxt Company avoid it by all means. Many choose to take advantage of the vast number of banks, and more trade guilds are headquartered in Tirassus than any other city on the continent. Wealth flows throughout Aderia from this bastion of strength and protection, however because of the constant surveillance and heavy-handedness of the government, few people choose to live in Tirassus of their own volition. The city lacks much of the culture and diversity that other cities enjoy, and many of the rich who choose to live here are considered gaudy and vain by their peers.
* **Tse'denar**: A large city built seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Tse'Denar is home to Tseia University and the Tseidan Engineering Corps. The city was founded by two of the world's most powerful heroes - Tse, an air genasi artificer known for her incredible inventions, and Denar, an intrepid wizard who befriended Bahamut himself. Together, these who lovers saved the world from a threat brewing beneath the Akogadd desert and build their city upon the remains of that very evil they defeated. The city is sustained largely through magical means, with some trade with Markaash to the west and Blackstone Pointe to the east. Many metallic dragons live in the city, many of whom helped build it from nothing. of how close the city is to Bahamut and His ideals, only those who agree to follow strict rules are allowed to study in the city. Because of its proximity to the kingdom of Akogadd to the south, many orcs and other aggressive creatures often attempt to raid Tse'denar and towns along the river. Many say that Tiamat herself guides these attacks, as the vast number of metallic dragons are often hesitant to aid in the fight against them.
* **Westhope**:
* **Whitebear**:
* **Woolhope**: Originally a sacred meeting place for wandering followers of Eos, Woolhope has grown over thousands of years to be a hub of trade, connecting eastern Aderia to the rest of the nation and beyond. More Centaur and Hobgoblins live in Woolhope than anywhere else in Aderia. A wide variety of stables, inns, and other temporary lodging options exist due to the transient nature of those who travel to Woolhope. The city has had a long, complicated history of various trading factions, religious groups, and others trying to lay claim on the city as a whole. Today, major decisions are made in an open-air assembly of the wealthiest land owners in the city. Five currently exist, with some being added or removed depending on how they prosper. These families pool funds to supply a town guard and provide other amenities. The Braaxt Company has long been limited in their access of Woolhope after they tried to buy out all of the leading families and claim the city as their own. Their goods still flow through, but they mostly bypass the city and sell along ocean routes.