Understanding the Universe

Antioch is a fantasy realm that shares many aspects with the related genre. As you would expect there are races outside of humanity and manipulations of magic.

What sets this world aside from the classic genre is that it attempts to be more original than the tropes presented in Tolkien inspired universes. While there is some obvious overlap you won't find the same cookie cutter experience.

The Antioch universe is vast with interconnecting sagas. However the 'main-storyline' focuses on the country of Verdite and the struggles of the people there.

### Intro

Verdite is a country within the 'realm' of Antioch, much like Germany is a country in Europe. Antioch is one of six known realms.

Within Antioch, there are 8 countries. Being a country doesn't necessarily mean that it's a united nation. In fact, where Antioch is concerned it is much more common for there to be heavily contested areas and boarder disputes between the kingdoms that inhabit them.

*The 8 countries are:*

#### **Veradon**

Climate: Continental

**Veradon** is the largest country in Antioch. It is home to the **Amorias Legion**, a religious movement that has control over most kingdoms in western Antioch. They also have influence over kingdoms in **Calanthreal** (The realm to the west of Antioch).

Veradon's major population is man, followed by the remnants of the **Aelynthi Sentine**l (Viridian High Elves), and the **Hall of Kentovan** (Iron-league dwarves).

To the south, specifically in **Archamaes**, there is a constant war for independence between the **Amorias Legion** and the rogue organization known as the **Iron Plague**.

#### **Iclath**

Climate: Alpine

**Iclath** is a land divided by many factions. Constant disputes between the larger **Rikivan Fjölskylda** and the **Halsgrof Bandalag** keep the Iclath people preoccupied and isolate to the rest of the world. However, the arrival of **Loth's Exodus** has created interesting dynamics between the blood feuds. In recent ears the **Amorias** have pushed north from **Veradon** and began assimilating the people they encounter. **Iclath** is currently undergoing a fight for it's own survival, the **Amorias Legion** threatens to wipe out any remnant Iclath culture.

#### **Verdite**

Climate: Continental/Alpine

**Verdite** is the center point of the main-storyline. Verdite is home to two major factions that find themselves carrying out the ancient war of the gods. To the north is **Lakai'Veradenite** (The Supremacy), a federation of races sword to the gods **Veradenite**, **Ba'Kray**, and **Akren'Zule** (The Dark Gods).

To the south lies **The Verdish Empire**, a collection of city states that merged under a single banner to repel the genocidal practices of **Lakai'Veradenite**. The Empire is founded on religious principles that pay respect to **Kelm** (The God of War)

**Verdite** remains relatively isolate to much of the western world but does find itself entangled with the politics of the **Amorias Legion** and the **Kali Dominion**.

#### **Airis**

Climate: Arctic

**Airis** is technically a realm, but it's northern most boarders are prevalent in Antioch. Airis as a realm is too diverse to list in such a small introduction, but where Antioch is concerned Airis is the source of the demon-spawn children of the Chaos Gods, known as the **Swarms of Denothtin.** Internal struggles within the realm keep the swarms occupied, but allegiances with **Lakai'Veradenite** often lead to total war situations across the realm of Antioch.

#### **Murdos**

Climate: Alpine

**Murdos** is a desperately mysterious island where no proper civilization may take hold. Murdos is infested with the **Sectai Horde**. Sectai are a stabilized bloodline of demon that operate as a hive-mind. They are extremely hostile to all sentient life and therefore have been mostly avoided by the kingdoms of Antioch.

#### **Bahkraymuth**

Climate: Arid

**Bagkraymuth** is a land that finds itself under the imperial gaze of the **Amorias**. Like in **Ichlath**, local populations struggle to repel **Amorias** invaders. Bahkraymuth's west (**Kalam**) is characterized by the oceans of sand where the east is known for a rocky savanna type climate.

Bahkraymuth is home to the **Ahkrun** and the most powerful Dwarvern clan in the world: **The Karaduv**.

#### **Burkayne**

Climate: Continental/Arid

Burkayne is often considered a neutral country. However the unstable political nature of **Ramlor** often spills into Burkayne daily life. The family houses are often enlisted to aid factions in Ramlorian disputes.

**Burkayne** is known for a sense of lawlessness in the smaller towns. With no rising political presence most settlements are left to fend for themselves.

#### **Ramlor**

Climate: Continental/Alpine

**Ramlor** is home to **The Kali Dominion**, one of the most powerful kingdoms in all of Antioch. They rival both the **Amorias Legion** and the **Verdish Empire** in military might. However, Murdos' power as a country is highly unstable. The Dominion's might is often shattered from cruel politics perpetuated by the royal family. This naturally causes much disdain where revolutions are commonplace.

Ramlor's leadership is directly responsible for the Antioch Realm War.