Althuia

**Althuia** is a diverse land much like Gaia itself, in regards to its many inhabitants and various geographical features. Almost every land type can be found here; from the ice cold plains in the north, to the hot deserts in the south. The mystical dense woodland, the dry, rocky wastes, the tropical, lush jungle, it has it all.

## Nations of Althuia

### Coldstride Clans

Xenophobic and unfriendly to outsiders, the Coldstride Clans are a loose decentralized collection of Aurochkin tribes that dwell in the northern regions. Many are primitive, freely embracing their primal natures. Others are a bit more developed and manage herds of slow grazers, while also hunting the large beasts that roam the cold plains.

### Arivinao

The legendary city of Arivinao is said to be seated on top of the tallest mountains that rise to form the Skyreach Peaks. The city's inhabitants are graceful and fine-boned with leather wings that allowed them to be able to fly like birds.

### Ithanlian Freehold

Established by dissidents, seeking freedom and new beginnings from the restrictive conforms of Union society. The Freehold has since became a center of liberty and culture, with its economy being robust and complex.

### Khaephar Dynasty

Founded by several Sahkor tribes and clans, the Khaephar Dynasty is an ancient superpower residing within the southern portion of the Great Desert of Talikar that seeks to emulate and fulfill the place of their predecessors.

### Derhet Empire

Predominantly an empire of traders and merchants, the Derhet Empire serves as the primary government of the Derhet and possess considerable wealth and influence due to their extensive trade routes which crisscross throughout the Talkiar desert.

### Plainhoof Tribes

A loose federation of nomadic Aurochkin tribes. These large bovine people wander the plains of central Althuia, coexisting peacefully with the natural world and living off the land as simple hunters and gatherers.

### Thundersong Throng

A generally unified bunch of Aurochkin tribes that share a cultural love for completion and music. Their customs reflect this with the singing of hymns even down to holding dancing and wrestling contests to impress potential mates.

### Smilodaeran Territories

Commonly referred to as the Sabre Hunter-Fiefs, various tribal proto-states of the ferocious Smilodaerai that are all roughly independent of one another with their own chieftains nestled within the Dry Barrens. The saber-toothed cat men embody the savagery of their home, with coordinated attacks, sharp rending claws and brutal nature make them deadly to any intruders into their territory.

### Forest Stewards

Sharing their affinity for nature, an alliance comprised of the druidic Tarsidvi, the owl-like Oorlu, the militant Kathorumin and a few allied Aurochkin tribes that are all dedicated to safeguarding the forest of Lorenvale and protecting it from any who would harm the environment.

### Naz'Azau

The capital of the Vyralaks, hidden within the dense rainforests of Falthorne. It is the last refugee for their kind, having suffered extermination at the hands of other races. The vengeful bat-folk mercilessly attack trespassers into their territory, slaying those who resist and taking survivors as captives to sacrifice.

### Varkemi

The numerous tribes of Bakmoni native to Dreadwallow Marsh are known for their violent culture and general malevolence. Their disorganized behavior and constant infighting has meant that they never managed to unite, They are often deemed as meddlesome pests by more developed societies.