Realm

The world of Headed by a Snake is merely referred to as "The Realm."

Events take place on a large continent bisected by a large sea.

There are six major nations: Alizeau, Bael Turath, Brel, the Eastern City-States, Nemaya Strana, and Tyrion.

## Alizeau, the Magic Kingdom

A republic governed by a High Council, with King Adal as their representative figurehead.

Magic is prevalent in this nation, accessible even to low-income households and practiced by children in the streets.

The Forest of Alice in the west-central part of the territory is largely unexplored and hostile to non-native outsiders.

The Kingdom's Navy is considered to be the strongest in the Realm.

## Bael Turath

A smaller nation to the north of Alizeau. A moderate percentage of tieflings is integrated with the mostly human population. They are known for two advanced inventions:

The first is "hextech", mechanical technology infused with simplified abyssal and infernal magics.

The second are "magical contracts." These are binding agreements that, if stated conditions are broken, causes severe pain and mana exhaustion in the deal-breaker.

## Free Nation of Brel

A confederacy of territories ruled by warbands that can be called together to respond to nation-scale threats. A warband leader is referred to as a War Prince or War Princess carry effective status as royalty. The strongest warbands are dynastic, though throughout history, smaller warbands overthrow higher powers.

The warbands constantly skirmish amongst themselves to establish territory lines and display power. The Free Nation boasts a high population of "monstrous" creatures for two reasons. The first is that many warbands rally around a single powerful creature or group of creatures, many of which are not human. The second is that constant warring promotes the national concept that every individual can be useful, regardless of appearances.

One of the most populated cities in the Free Nation is Port City Vralkek.

## Eastern City-States

A confederacy of five developed city-states.

## Nemaya Strana, the Sleeping Country

A monarchy ruled by Lich Queen Arendelle, characterized by its cold climate and a dark haze over most of its territory.

The Sleeping Country utilizes specialized undead in their standing armies capable of fighting in formations. Military personnel with an affinity for Necromancy magics and are capable of leading undead into battle are granted higher status than their peers.

Nemayan Elite Troops are specially selected from amongst decorated living soldiers with unblemished military records. It is considered an honor to be raised after death and to fight alongside Nemayan heroes.

During the warring periods, the Sleeping Country has been known to raise lesser undead against their enemies. Such forces are woefully lacking compared to their elites.

## Tyrion, the Holy Country

A theocracy led by the High Oracle and her advisors. As much of the Holy Country is surrounded by water, Tyrion seafood cuisine is the most developed in the Realm.

The Holy Country worships the Eternal Flame as its national religion and Church doctrine is integrated into all levels of its society.

Worship of gods considered "evil", unlawful practice of magics, and treason are considered "heretical." Heresy, depending on the nature of the crime results in strict fines, incarceration, and not uncommonly, immediate execution. After nearly a century of witch hunts and oppression, all forms of polytheism and magic are met with suspicion.