Venthalia

**Venthalia** is a tropical continent located on the planet of Daunt. The continent has a diverse range of landscapes, from dense jungles and grasslands to harsh deserts. The indigenous land of Baagians, Tortles, and Gnomes, Venthalia is rich with history, having been home to various races and factions over the centuries. Venthalia is currently primarily ruled by the Kingdom of Althea, led by Queen Leonora II. However, multiple factions and pseudo-governments control large portions of it's landmass and surrounding islands, including the Confederation of Free Sailors, the Free Trade Cities, and the territories controlled by the Great Fleet of Klans. Wizard Island, home to the Goldsea Institute, swears no loyalty, nor operates under any government.

## Geography and Climate

Venthalia is a continent approximately 1,000 miles long. The landmass is all volcanic formation, as the region has had an extremely active history of volcanic activity. Although no eruptions have occurred in several thousand years, the landmass still experiences occasional earthquakes. The majority of its landmass is covered in dense jungles, grasslands, and deserts. The central heart of the continent is characterized by hilly, mountainous jungles surrounding a massive inland lake, Lake Vovriga, which hosts the city of Rockbridge on its shores. It's largest city is Althea Prone, where over a quarter of Venthalia's population calls home. The northern third of the continent and the eastern coast feature flat grasslands and wetlands, while the southern third is predominantly covered by a harsh desert known as the Badlands. Due to its proximity to the equator and the planet's unique characteristics, Venthalia experiences summer year-round, with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night throughout the year. The constant climate has allowed for the growth of lush vegetation and the development of a diverse ecosystem.

## Ecosystem

### Land Ecosystem

#### The Jungles

The jungles of Venthalia are home to a thriving and diverse range of flora and fauna. The dense vegetation and consistently warm climate provide an ideal habitat for many species. Notable animals include rainforest birds, rodents, lizards, snakes, deer, rabbits, monkeys, boars, wolves, black bears, allosauri, cassowaries, triceratops, jaguars, gorillas, and crocodiles. Due to the uncharted nature of much of the jungle, many other species could still be waiting to be discovered.

#### The Badlands

This harsh, arid desert is an unforgiving and relentless environment where only the most resilient and adaptable species can survive. The scarcity of water and vegetation in the Badlands has shaped an ecosystem defined by fierce competition for resources and survival. Extreme temperatures, relentless winds, and limited shelter create a battleground where only the strongest and most cunning can endure. In this unforgiving landscape, creatures such as venomous snakes, hardy reptiles, and various insects have adapted to the harsh conditions, developing unique strategies to survive in this inhospitable environment.

#### Megafauna

Venthalia is home to a variety of megafauna, although their numbers have declined significantly in recent times, with sightings being extremely rare due to scarcity and an extreme biome. Sightings include large dinosaurs such as the brontosaurus and spinosaurus, smaller beasts like the tyrannosaurus and tropical mammoth, and various "giant" sub-distinctions, including apes, boars, crocodiles, eagles, hawks, crabs, snakes, rats, and spiders.

### Monsters

The land of Venthalia is also known for its monstrous inhabitants. These creatures are typically feared by the population and include a range of beasts and humanoids such as ankhegs, basilisks, bugbears, land sharks, carrions, chuuls, aboleths, sahuagin, cassowaries, flying snakes, tritons, griffons, dragon turtles, and goblins. Many goblins and bugbears are now part of the Great Fleet of Klans.

### Aquatic Ecosystems

#### Marine Life

Venthalia's waters host an abundant variety of marine life. Common species include numerous fish, dolphins, squid, octopi, jellyfish, sharks, whales, and sea lions. These animals play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.

#### Aquatic Megafauna

The oceans surrounding Venthalia also support various forms of aquatic megafauna. These include plesiosauri, giant crabs, giant octopi, giant sharks, and killer whales. These creatures can be both awe-inspiring and terrifying for sailors navigating Venthalian waters.

#### Sea Monsters

Venthalia's seas are notorious for their mythical and monstrous inhabitants. Aboleths, tritons, chuulls, sahuagin, and other fearsome creatures lurk beneath the waves. Sailors often share tales of horrific, indescribable sea monsters that have long become a part of Venthalian maritime folklore.

## Demographics and Politics

Venthalia is home to a diverse population of races, including Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Orcs, Baagians, Gnomes, Dragonborn, and Tieflings, among others. Although both native to Venthalia, the Baagian and Gnomish populations are substantially smaller than the modern Elven and Dwarven populations, due to heavy immigration from places such as Fanddrawl, Elmrafel, Dattillies, Davidia, and the Bratoli Isles over the centuries. The overall diversity of Venthalia has been fueled by the continent's rich history and the arrival of various settlers from across the Daunt. As of the current year, 1127 AV, the population of Venthalia is estimated to be over 1 million, with Humans as the majority race, representing over 40% of the population. Dwarves make up ~19%, Elves make up ~13%, and Orcs as ~10%, with many other racial groups comprising the remainder. The vast majority of residents live in urban centers such as Althea Prone, Ousurferia, Burth Port, Santigo, and Ogg Dungan. Venthalia is primarily governed by the Kingdom of Althea, which has seen a significant reduction in its territory over the centuries. Despite the various factions and secessions, the Kingdom of Althea remains the most influential political entity in Venthalia. The Kingdom is a hereditary monarchy with Queen Leonora II as the reigning monarch. The Kingdom consists of numerous noble houses that have historically competed for influence and power, with the ruling house determined by the succession of the royal line. Several smaller factions also exist within Venthalia, such as the Free Trade Cities that seceded from the Kingdom of Althea during the Free Trade Secession, the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS), and the territories seized by the Great Fleet of Klans. These factions each maintain their own unique political structures and often come into conflict with the Kingdom of Althea and each other. About ~68% of Venthalia's population are royal citizens of the Kingdom of Althea, while the Free Trade Cities make up about ~13% of the population. About ~8% of the population are citizens of the Confederation of Free Sailors, while the non-slave population of the territories seized by the Klans make up about ~5%. About ~4% of Venthalia's current population is enslaved by the Klans. Nearly 24% of Venthalia's population is at sea at any given moment, given the size of the various factions' naval forces.

## History

### The Venthian Era

Venthalia owes its name to a Human named Ventus the Conqueror. Ventus, a formidable viking hailing from Roy, an ancient frozen land to the far north, led the first Human expedition to the continent about 1,127 years ago, in 0 AV, marking the start of the Venthian calendar(**A**fter **V**entus). At the time of his arrival, Venthalia was inhabited by its indigenous population, including Gnomes, Baagians, and Tortles, all of which are genetically native to the continent. Additionally, a native Orcish population called Venthalia home, descended from Orcish migrants who had arrived from Clardon eons earlier. Ventus, a force to be reckoned with, wielded the mighty adamantine great poleaxe, Dawnbringer, and often rode into battle on his Great Lion, Althion. He wore sparse armor and a flat crown featuring a dip between the eyes, embellished with a central emerald. The waters surrounding Venthalia were notorious for housing numerous enormous and terrifying sea monsters known as the Leviathans, which deterred explorers from approaching or departing the continent. Undaunted, Ventus embarked on a legendary conquest, vanquishing all of the Leviathans, including The Dragon Turtle, The Great Aboleth, The Hydra, The Kraken, The Megladon, The Ourobor, The Kaiju, The Warnahl, The Crustikan, and The Triton. In an astounding span of merely 12 years, Ventus subdued the entire continent and its surrounding waters, consolidating his rule over the land. Once his dominion was established, Ventus's three sons, Ronlucis, Bekram, and Alcabantus, at the behest of Ventus, founded the three Great Houses, Sentus, Surenus, and Aurem, which would later form the cornerstone of the Kingdom of Althea. The site of Ventus's initial landing was eventually marked by the construction of a magnificent hilltop castle, now known as Althea Prone. In order to build this colossal structure, Ventus decreed the enslavement of Orcs from the Venthalian mountains, thus setting a precedent for the utilization of Orcish slave labor for centuries to follow. After Venus died in 127 AV, Ronlucis took Althea Prone as the seat of house Sentus. Ronlucis and Alcabantus commissioned two other castles built from slave labor as their house seats, Highmark for House Surenus, and Ousurferia for House Aurem. Today, Althea Prone stands as a testament to the audacity and prowess of Ventus the Conqueror and his progeny, whose actions have indelibly shaped the destiny of Venthalia.

Throughout his rule, Ventus founded several forts and military outposts that would eventually become cities such as Krabesfield, Staunton, Axtion, Lurie, Devon, Sladeion, Peral Port, Burth Port, and Rockbridge. These strategically placed outposts allowed Ventus to effectively maintain control over the vast continent. Today, Ventus the Conqueror is remembered as a legendary figure who shaped the history and destiny of Venthalia. His conquests are still celebrated across the continent during the annual Ventmas festival, a day of universal drinking, brevity, and leisure, followed by a day of rest and recovery. This holiday is observed by all factions and often includes the participation of slaves, in accordance with Venthalian honor and tradition.

### Founding of the Kingdom of Althea and the Sentus Dynasty

The Kingdom of Althea was established in 385 AV by Lord Vitani of House Sentus. The Kingdom initially included all of Venthalia and its neighboring islands. Through political intrigue, backroom deals, and the assassination of key individuals, Vitani, the lord of House Sentus, managed to unite the three great houses to form the Kingdom of Althea and crowned himself as the first King, thus beginning the Sentus Dynasty. King Vitani justified his claim to the throne by asserting his direct lineage to Ronlucis, and therefore Ventus. While his claim was legitimate, his intention to maintain Venthalia's rule through Ventus' descendants persisted only until 525 AV. In 409 AV, Queen Livia of House Sentus was crowned at the age of 12, following the demise of her father, King Vitani II, making her Venthalia's first Queen and terminating the tradition of patriarchal nobility inheritance. Queen Livia then ordered the construction of two state-of-the-art fortress lighthouses in 412 AV, one on each coast. These lighthouse forts, named the Okcident Tower and the Oriente Tower, were completed in 468 AV under the reign of King Vitani III, at the expense of countless Orcish slaves. In 525, Queen Livia III died without a suitable heir, and Lord Ardem Kirt of Ousurferia, the wealthiest non-royal of the era, ascended the throne with minimal opposition from the disoriented kingdom and its inhabitants. The crowning of King Ardem from House Kirt initiated the tradition of another Venthalian noble house assuming the royal dynasty's role when the current lineage expires, marking the end of the Sentus Dynasty and the beginning of the Kirt Dynasty.

### The Kirt Dynasty and the Years of Fracture

The Kirt Dynasty, founded by King Ardem I in 502 AV, endured until 953 AV with the assassination of King Timmothy II. Throughout its existence, the dynasty experienced remarkable fluctuations in fortune, ultimately leading to the fragmentation of the empire. The Free Trade Secession in 626 AV marked a significant turning point, as various south coast settlements around the Aurem Sea, citing economic self-sufficiency, broke away from the empire to form the "Free Trade Cities." The Kirt Dynasty's history was also marked by the Uprising, a massive slave rebellion led by an Orc named Rosul Creech. This conflict, which began in 772 AV, led to the eventual abolition of slavery by King Ardem III in 800 AV. Despite offering former slaves full citizenship, many Orcs remained disillusioned with the Kingdom, leading to the formation of the Great Fleet of Klans and an ongoing war. Concurrently, piracy became a significant concern for the Kingdom, particularly along the western coast. Captain Kipfer Santigo, a Human pirate, spearheaded the Golden Age of Piracy in 894 AV by attacking the Hysemacon fleet and seizing an invaluable cargo of gold and silver. This event led to the establishment of the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS) in 896 AV, which the royal government viewed as a group of pirates and traitors. During the ensuing Years of Fracture, the Kingdom lost significant territory to both the Klans and the CFS, culminating in the surrender of the Okcident Tower to the CFS in 902 AV, and Oriente Tower to the Klans in 914 AV. The tumultuous period finally came to an end in 929 AV with the rise of King Timmothy I, who managed to establish a balance of power among the various factions. His reign, however, was short-lived, and he was succeeded by King Timmothy II in 949 AV. In 953 AV, Timmothy II was assassinated at the age of 25, leading to the ascension of then Viceroy, Georgos Sylis, who declared himself King Georgos I and effectively ended the Kirt Dynasty.

### The Sylis Dynasty

The Sylis Dynasty, founded by King Georgos I, is the current ruling family in the Kingdom of Althea, marked by strong, fair, and just governance. It's notable rulers include Queen Lysandra IV, King Georgos II, King Ardem V, and the current reigning monarch, Queen Leonora II. Throughout their rule, the dynasty has steered Venthalia through various challenges, maintaining stability and prosperity. Each ruler contributed uniquely to the nation's development and growth, with King Georgos II ushering in a golden age of trade and commerce and bolstering the nation's naval defenses, while King Ardem V focused on the Kingdom's stability and prosperity. Queen Leonora II continues to embody the values and principles of the Sylis Dynasty, maintaining stability and fostering economic growth, increased trade, and diplomatic success.

Queen Lysandra IV, daughter of King Georgos I, fearlessly led the Kingdom, navigating through challenging times in spite of her health challenges. King Georgos II, known for his cold yet fair and just demeanor, had the longest reign among Venthalian monarchs. Under his rule, the Kingdom experienced stability and prosperity, with a revitalized navy and new trade routes established. King Ardem V, initially not in line for the throne, dedicated his reign to the Kingdom's stability and prosperity, maintaining a strong and efficient navy. Queen Leonora II, the current ruler, is known for her stern and practical policies, focusing on infrastructure, education, and a strong naval presence to protect the Kingdom. As a patron of the arts and sciences, she has fostered a cultural renaissance throughout Venthalia. The Sylis Dynasty's dedication to stability, economic growth, and diplomacy has left a lasting impact on the Kingdom of Althea and Venthalia as a whole.

## Economy

Venthalia's economy is diverse and robust, driven by agriculture, trade, mining, and magical industries. The fertile grasslands and wetlands in the northern and eastern regions of the continent support a thriving agricultural sector, which produces a variety of crops, livestock, and fish for both local consumption and export. Venthalia's trade network extends across the seas of Daunt, facilitated by its numerous port cities and strategic location near the equator. A major player in Venthalia's trade network is the Tramontano&Kotts Company (T&K Co), the largest private corporation in the world, which has profoundly influenced the continental balance of trade. The Kingdom of Althea's economy is largely dominated by its noble houses, who control the majority of the land and resources. However, the rise of the Free Trade Cities, the Confederation of Free Sailors, and the influence of T&K Co has led to an increase in mercantile activity and the emergence of a merchant class that has challenged the traditional economic power structures. The Goldsea Institute also plays a significant role in the economy, attracting students and scholars from across the globe and fostering innovation in magical and alchemical industries.

The T&K Co, founded in 1042 AV by Lord Rolf Isch Esbrandt, initially focused on trading within the Aurem Sea region and later expanded to encompass the entirety of Venthalia. The company's operations have significantly impacted the economy and political landscape of Venthalia, with its success in maritime commerce contributing to the rise in wealth and influence of House Esbrandt, which now rivals that of the Althean royal family, House Sylis. The company's armed forces, the Company Army and the Company Fleet, have also played a significant role in shaping the balance of power in the region, rivaling the size and capabilities of the Althean Royal Army and Royal Navy. T&K Co engages in a wide range of maritime business activities, including agriculture, manufacturing, processing, trade, shipping, and exploration. The company's extensive network of trade routes and partnerships enables it to conduct business throughout Venthalia and beyond, reaching all corners of Daunt. Its commitment to innovation, technology, and strategic foresight has cemented its reputation as a leader in maritime commerce, while its armed forces have played a significant role in shaping the balance of power in Venthalia.

## The Goldsea Institute

Founded in 222 AV and located on Wizard Island, a small volcanic island surrounded by towering cliffs, the Goldsea Institute is an elite academic institution renowned for its magical and general studies programs. Led by Headmaster Ettlsen Goldsea, the Institute's campus includes a massive tower and a small campus town that houses its students, faculty, and staff. The Goldsea Institute attracts students from all over Venthalia and the world, with many Scholars, Academics, Scientists, Artificers, Alchemists, Bards, Druids, Wizards, Warlocks, Witches, and Sorcerers having studied at the prestigious institution. In addition to its magical programs, the Goldsea Institute also offers courses in history, science, and various other general studies, cementing its reputation as a dominant center of learning and scholarship.