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Culling Blade Campaign

These are notes, maps and cast lists for the Culling Blade campaign and should not be considered CANON writings though they may inform such at the discretion of the author.

## Campaign Characters

### Core

* Talia, a cursed spider
* Disraeli, a faye wizard
* Tutator, a sentient Undead mummy
* Garak, a half breed half-ogre wild warrior

### Ents

* Splinterspur A Verdant Ent
* Wisenut An ent.

## Campaign Locations

### Verdant Gate

A Gate to the Eternal Vistas. Splinterspur's base of power. It is located in the foothills south of Tholis Mesa.
Dardon Point

A city in the Aurian Empire.

But a few years ago Dardon Point would not have been considered a city at all. This rich and prosperous ever-growing city is the northern-most port of the Empire. As peace seems to have finally settled on the Empire’s western coast Dardon Point has thrived. It does huge amounts of buisness the the free port of Northport in south-western Saracan. Items that used to be impossible to come by are now flooding east to the Rak Danning markets.

Also it sends ships across the sea to Eltirian and further north toward Battlerock, the Seven Sea Brothers and even Derioch..
Corven

Corven had lots of close ties with Elygia before it was invaded and taken over by Torash. The fall of Corven was quick and this is what Elygian allies claimed prevented them from coming to the rescue. The event is so far back in the past now, almost no one remembers what was going on. Corven was in no way prepared for the onslaught of the Toran war machine and when it couldn’t buy enough time for allies like Elygia, Telholm or Auria to help it fell. Corven has done well as a part of Torash however many senior members of the Toran civil service came from this area. It is probably the least discontent of the occupied states. Its king and his sons were excecuted on surrender but at least two princesses were granted complete amnesty as part of the agreement. Corven’s capital is Corven and it continues to work as an administrative and resuplly centre in Torash.

There is a royalty underground that keeps up an ongoing secret resistance to the Toran occupation. This underground has connected with other like minded organisations and become named the Knights of the Sky. The different Knights of the Sky factions display their colours differently exposing that they are not as united as they should be. This probably explains why after over a milenia the knights have never thrown off Toran occupation.

The Knights of the Sky are recognised by a blue flag with a black hawk swooping down with a weapon in its claws. In the Corven version the hawk is carrying an axe..
Desert Storm

Another word for Shadowmane. The Desert Storm Banner was first raised in the War of Walled Treachery and is woven from the hair of Alkar sorceresses and the tail hails of Alkan Steeds. Once it is raised only victory has ever caused it to be lowered. The standard has never been taken in any battle and it contains powerful magical properties. It is certain that it has the power to summon forth the wind, sun and hail at the desire of the wielder. It is also suggested that it has mind affecting properties due to the Alkar people fanatical devotion to it and to Shadowmane when typically they are so divided.
Border Forts

Begun to protect against future Aurian expansion the border forts range all the way along the hilly border between Auria and Torash. Later after Auria expanded northwards and took the forest of Oakland, the forts were extended.

The forts are just that a line of networked forts capable of sending singnals to ach other and holding up any advance. As they are all present in an unbroken line Torash cannot be attacked anywhere along its northern or eastern border without a manned and garrisoned fortress barring the way. While the attacker deals with the one fort all the others are singnaled that an attack is underway. Then if the attacker does not neutralise these the garisons can mobilise and shut the door behind the invading army cutting off supplies and reinforcements. When Auria invaded the border forts were more like forts than the castles they are today. Yet they forced the Aurian army (Not then the professional Protectorans they have today) to spread out and neutralise most of the forts before they dared press inwards, a dozen seiges and far more assaults were required taking years. This bought the Torans time tom organise reinforcing armies to harry the Aurian advance and to finish Redwatch ready for its six year seige.

The forts have been built improved and leveled more than once in Torash’s long history usually by Auria, but they always stand vigilant against the Empire. A Fort is usually garrisoned with a division and governed by its own Shield. One in five will be commanded by a Lance and those Shields on both sides will be part of his battalion.

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Dranic Felbrow

A very powerful wizard in the Dragon's Eye cabal. He was once one of Arkadius Secondsight's apprentices. When the Dragon's Eye started forming soulcrafted bonds with dragons to augment their powers, he was one who was so enhanced. He also came into possession of the Dragon's Eye Amulet after tohe death of its previous owner in the fighting.

When the cabal was forced to flee Armakania they settled in the elven nation of Weatherdark. This resulted in a power struggle between the elves and the guild.

In 364BE he was involved in a famous wizard's duel with the elven archmage called Silvernial. The battle was very public witnessed by many from both sides including the bard Sybilant who made a record of it.

As the battle began to turn against him, Drannic called on his soulcrafted bond. He also used the Dragon's Eye amulet. Yet Silvernial's abilities and finesse were too great. He outmatched and overwhelmed Drannic and slew him. Drannic's bonded dragon was wrought by the intense agony of the break. The leviathan left fleeing in agony.

## Legacy

This duel was used afterwards as a prime example of elven mastry of arcania over human mastry. It ruptured the Dragon's Eye and led to their defeat and break up.
Battlerock

Founded as a result of the Wargak Invasion to stop it ever being repeated in 507PE.

Invasions from Wargak have rarely tried to go across the Barkarin Mountains they very quickly learnt that it was suicide for them to do so. So they either hug the northern coast towards Danaspree or take their usual route south into the Saracan heartland. This route takes them past or rather through Battlerock.

This city built at the edge of foothills in the south-west of the Barkarin Mountains, is full of the most hardened people Saracan proper has to offer. Many humans, half-elves and dwarves, as well as some full elves, green skins and halflings. They are a war torn people in a place which only values two things: A warrior and gems.

Battlerock (Rock for its stone walls) was made because of the propensity of precious gems found in the foothills near it. They are still there in great abundance. It was only later that Wargak made Battlerock a place famed for its warriors’ fighting skills. All buildings in Battlerock are made from stone, quarried from the nearby mountains and it is surrounded by a great wall three strides thick. It has a large (for a city) permanent military called the Battlelance which constantly patrol the surrounding area – noticeably the north- looking for trouble.

The Battlelance is supported by various guilds in Battlerock including the ‘Free Mages’ Guild’ and The ‘Paladins of Light’.

Battlerock is led by its Lord and Lady, currently these are a half-elven pair called Ka'fel and Na'evre Witherbane. Ka'fel is a wise and cunning fighter and tactician, his wife an accomplished wizardess. They also have a daughter who is wild and willful and frequently in trouble.

## Important Characters

* Captain Aaron Adamant
* Ka'fel Witherbane
* Na'evre Witherbane
Blue Water Guard

This guard is run from the twon of Vale on the island of Dana.

It is small but well organised, efficient and remarkably incorrupt. The ships they sail tend to be small but fast and carrying military grade weaponry. One would stand little chance against an Aurian Battle Galley or Ship of the Line but it poses a significant threat to anything less than those impressive fighting ships.

The Guard follow a clear command and rank system similar to that of the militay.

* Admiral of the Guard
* Ships Captain
* Leiutenant
* Guardsman
* Recruit

The position of Ships Caster is an important one and though it should fit below Ship’s Captain, just above Lieutenant, they more truely stand on an equal footing with the Captains. There is always a minimum of one of these wizards on any of the Blue Water Guard’s active ships.

These modern ships, well equipt and manned by a well trained and determined force are a (possibly the only) bane to the pirating and smuggling forces that do not respect their areas of control and the rules they uphold. These ‘customs men’ would likely form a better core of any navy, than the supposed military might of Anchorage..
Crownfall

A group who seem to espouse the idea of replacing the current merchant leaders called the Dusk Lords with a new king of Dusken.

Some declared members are:

* Germain Hallenden noble scion of the Hallenden house. Monarchist and warrior.
* Brand Connal nobleman and close friend of Vincent
* Vincent Ranger of the Dusk.
* Skimmer The wandering blade.

They are violently opposed the designs of the Featherfall group.
Armlet of Soul

**Death and Justice's Armlets of Soul and Stamina**

It was never decided who had the right of it. None know which armlet was originally intended for which avatar. One thing is sure the long struggle called the "Trial of Death" between Justice and Death began then. Both Death and Justice claimed both armlets of Stamina and Soul for themselves. Justice wanted Soul in order to better judge the souls of those who stood before him and Stamina for the healing and endurance it could afford to his peoples. Death wanted Soul for the power it could give to his necromancers to manipulate the souls of dead bringing them even to life or slavery. He wanted Stamina because with such pestilence and plagues could be unleashed such as Karandia had hardly dare dream. On one thing both avatars agreed they would not rest if even one of the two armlets were left with the other.

So the two formed a strange alliance of enemies. They both used their powers and altered the two armlets so that if the two were ever brought together with the right sacrifices and powerful rites they could be combined into one armlet of Stamina/Soul. Then for this they would both strive. Unfortunately... or fortunately... they have been so evenly matched that neither has been able to gain both in order to finish the joining.

It is certainly these two armlets about which the legends tell the least and no history book claims to know their look or who has wielded them. Of one thing though we may rest assured. That is that they have not been combined, for if such was the case they together would have formed the most powerful artefact on the face of Karandia doubling the power of any of the other armlets. Such a thing would be fought over by every god, avatar and immortal in hopes of obtaining it. When it happens all will know it.
Blind Fate

Blind Fate are creatures who have given themselves over to the protection, manipulation and use of time and dimensions. They interact with planeswalkers and the most powerful magic users who wish to move through space or time.

They are often apparently opposed to the Eye Space.

Blind Fate are not a race but they are changed by their interactions with the power.

Their faces are often covered with geometic shapes lacking any visible eyes.
Blue Protectoran

The Blue Protectoran was the Navy of the Aurian Empire. t was one of the five Protectorans that made up the Empire's military. Known as both the Navy and the Sea Swords it protects the long western coast of the Empire and runs all its shipping lanes and outlying islands etc. The Navy is also seen as a key mobilising force for land armies. It has become increasingly important since the Aurians gained over seas interests in Eltirian.

## Arms

Blue Protectoran sailors tend to wear no armour. Their weapons tend to a light cutlass and ranged weapons. Some legions specialise in marine combat attacking and defending in hand-to-hand ship battles. Some also specialise in the use of large ship to ship weapons. On the whole they are mobile lightly armed and armoured.

## Area

They cover the Kolaran and Gan Tarak trading areas which covers the entire Western Coast. They also are considered responsible for any overseas holdings and the safety of shipping lanes.

## Individuality

The leader of the Blue Protectoran carries the title of Grand Admiral. This is currently held by Jamerson Pellerin Doyle.

Some ranks are a little different in the Blue Protectoran due to its aquatic nature.

A Blademark is known as a Seamark or sometimes a Rear Admiral.
A General is known as an Admiral.
A Lexion is known as an Admiral of the Fleet or a Fleet Admiral.

The rank of Captain can mean much more if it applies to a ship's Captain. As aboard his own ship he is the equivalent of Blademark and the superior of a Commander. Most commanders are also a ship's Captains and are called such in time honoured tradition despite their actual rank.

Regulars who show particular skill are given the appellation Mate and then Firstmate to acknowledge their individual skill. Though they are not officers these titles do bestow seniority upon them and can lead them to bridging the gap to officer.

## Characters and Groups of Note

* Jamerson Pellerin Doyle

* Keele Masterton
* The 56th Legion, the Ridge Warriors
Colossal Fury

Alias
 Gender
 Race
 Faction
 Status
 Location

Also known as Colossal Might.

An ancient demon with a power level of a demigod. He ruled the halflings of Saracan until he was toppled in the 1200s by the Stone Paladin Roigon Telfras.

Those who seek to restore him, call themselves Featherfall as the green feather was part of his ancient symbolism. ‘As light as a feather is the weight of worship’. Syral the feathered dragon was his voice and right hand.

According to legend he can only be harmed by magical weapons made from the ore of a star.
Deren

The true language of the Xeren of Derioch after which the language is named.

## Variants and Traits

Deren was interesting as it had distinct dialects based on the discipline of the speaker. In each of the main cities it was spoken differently.

TDs spoke it with pulses to accent and punctuate words and sentences.
TEs gave off waves of undercurrent emotion with the spoken language. These provided the context in which the words were meant. They allowed for very specific romantic, hostile and comic signals to be passed, while saying words that can seem directly opposed and this was considered a linguistic, social and intellectual achievement when done well.
TKs partially signed the language as well as speaking it. They also had a rhythmatic system they could use to ripple the skin of the person they are talking to. The TKs guard this complex language amongst themselves and so it become something of a code. As TKs were involved a lot in the military or in trading with outsiders it had become seen as even more serious a matter and more useful.
TPs had a version that was almost completely unspoken.
TSs have the ability to see the most minuscule movements, feel the lightest shifts, hear each other's heartbeats and breathing etc. They consider therefore their version of the spoken language the most perfect and the most perfectly understood. They are far more interested in exactness they say rather than secrecy or flaunting abilities for the sake of it.

## Speakers

* Humans particularly those living in Danaspree, Saracan and Errantlund in that order.
* Karritkol the elves who have the most interaction with Derioch
* Xeren
Coriam

The Emperor of the Aurian Empire from 758-763 PE. He was the son of Jarlath and the Empress Gemella. As the younger son Coriam was given a lot of licence in his training and expectations. Showing little inclination for politics or war but a great thirst for exploration he was given his first horse at four and a ship as a gift at twelve years of age. Later in his teenage years he had the Horizon Skater commissioned as the fastest imperial vessel afloat.

Coriam wanted to explore and went on longer and longer journeys aboard the Skater. He would often be accompanied by a number of other vessels, but was always named as the leader of any expedition. While moderately skilled it is certain that the prince relied on several other explorers, ship wrights, scientists and wizards as the foundation for the achievements with which he alone is credited.

During the Conclave Dispute his father was murdered by the group Regicide on the orders of Interal one of the contenders for control of the Conclave of the Sapphire Wizards' Guild. His siblings were killed at the same time but Coriam himself was not in the Empire at the time having left a year earlier in an attempt to circumnavigate the globe. he was eventually unsuccessful in this attempt as he was called home once a message was able to reach him that he was to be the Emperor of Auria.

Due to his absence his mother Empress Gemella reigned in his stead as his regent until he could return and be crowned, which took some time. So though he was Emperor from his fathers death in 758PE he was not able to hold his coronation till 760PE. By then the country had accustomed itself to the surrogate rule of his mother and she too had become used to that position of power and increased influence. She apparently found it quite easy not only to retain control of the day to day running of the Empire for which her son had not been prepared nor for which he had any interest. As soon as the Conclave Dispute was resolved in 761PE, he took his first opportunity to leave the Empire and lead another expedition to explore the eastern isles adding several to the Empire's lands as overseas holdings.

He later died at sea in 763PE without fathering a legitimate heir ending his fathers line and leaving his maternal uncle Renis to become the new Emperor.
Cardinal

The Cardinal is the leader of the Imperial Cellan Church. He is the undisputed head for life of the private army of the Cellan Guard and he personally knights the Golden Knights. His influence is incredibly great in almost all areas of life - political, military and economic as well as spiritual. He is the undisputed spiritual head of Auria. Naturally these different powers complement each other and he is, of course, the head of state for the country of Vormach.

The Cardinal is the only officially non-Aurian to sit in the councils of the Emperor. He is almost always considered one of the Emperor's most important allies or rivals.
Aqual Sollus

This city is the greatest secret of the Aquati is that underneath the Moon Reach Peninsula is a huge sea elf metropolis. This huge city lying on the sea bed is called Aqual-Sollus and stretches under the Crimson Water to the Eternal Ocean. This is the true centre of Aquati rule. The real palace is present here and it is as grand and magnificent as the elves, magic and the sea could make it.

Here the king exercises primary authority and from his royal palace in Venesti there is a direct Webway link. Thus the royal family and there bodyguards are some of the few who are well known in both landward Rimic and Aqual-Sollus.

The presenence of this huge city with its extreamly large population makes Rimic a lot more powerful than it would normally seem to an outsider. Aqual-Sollus is the headquaters of the Sons of Sollus and their main Chapter House is here..
Celestial

The language of the Celestial Haven spoken by Archons and Angels.

## Origins

Celestial existed before the formation of Tal. It originated in Vae'tal as did all communication.

## Variants and Traits

Celestial had many different dialects the archons and the angels for example spoke with almost entirely different types of grammar and phraseology. Yet it was considered one language partially because it was so ill-understood by mortals and partially because its key characteristics seemed to flow through all the different versions.

Celestial words brought hope, courage and faith to those who heard them if they were capable of speaking Celestial in their hearts. Those who cannot speak it because they do not understand it or goodness and rather have made Abyssal their tongue find fear and pain in the words of the Celestial. This is not the purpose of the language but its very goodness could not be borne, though it can be understood, by those who have blackened their souls.

Written Celestial tends to glow and draw the eye. Those of a dark disposition often find it unbearable to look upon, akin to staring into the sun.

## Speakers

Celestial was spoken by natives of the Celestial Haven: Angels and archons mainly.
Dryads

Dryads are a kind of Faye. They are essentially the living personification of woodlands. Dryads vary in different areas, but like to live in communities and are typically ruled by a noble class. They participate in the Faye Contest of Courts. Among the Faye they represent the element of living earth, woods in particular.

The dryad nobility are typically associated with powerful trees that have innate Talia such as the sacred Linden Trees. These dryads are called the Drayden and they exhibit not only the natural magical gifts of dryads, but also the spell casting potential of powerful Druids. Drayden also have the ability to rebuke or command elemental Perennials and turn or destroy corrupted creatures.

Dryads are often at odds with the more mischevious or unpredicatable Faye. They are not against change but feel it should be done through natural growth over time and the pruning of unhelpful or damaging characteristics. They find mortals typically very unreliable and often disapprove of their choices.

Dryads are a kind of Faye frequently found lvining on Tal itself. This is because they can use trees or groves with a lot of natural energy (Talium) to sustain their vital link to the power of the Avatar of Wild.
Dantag

Dantag is a hard faced dwarf with a very close cropped jet-black beard that leaves his upper lip bare. He is a dwarvern worshiper of the battle aspect of Death. He is considered a weapons master and trains people if they impress him enough and are willing to train in the melee of the Death Temple combat area in Dusken.

Dantag prefers a two weapon fighting style tending to go handaxe and warhammer or battleaxe and short sword. He has been seen engaging three enemies at once.
Amarak Dovisa

A man of great military and financial success. The Dovisa family flourished under his leadership and many other powerful families wanted to be

## Appearance

Amarak had the dark tan skin of families from the south of Auria. As he aged this lightened as did his hair which when from black to slate grey. Amarak was a powerful built man who partially went to fat in his later years.

## Reputation

Amarak was known as hard working ambitious but most of all for being shrewd. His clever negociation of alliances was what generated such alarm the Emperor of the Aurian Empire himself felt the need to move against him.

After having served as a military officer and merchant fleet owner he was also known as a man of stretegy and courage.

## History

During the Wars of Broken Gold he was the leader of the Broken Gold Faction and later was called the Broken Emperor.

He was slain at the Waste of Wraiths outside Cthol Tarak along with his son and heir Amarak Dovisa (son).

In the war of Blue, Red and Gold the Blue and Gold factions were fighting in support of his claim even though he himself had died.
Dragon Armies

The Dragon Armies are the armies of the Empire of Vash’Kar. The nation is dominated by the war-like Dragonites and ruled by the two-headed elder dragon called The Matriarch. They are an aggressive nation believing might is right as a matter of course and the Dragon Armies have steadily conquered all of their continent excepting only the divine city-state of the Justicars.

Several islands have also fallen to the Dragon Armies invasions, but Karandia has twice repelled such attacks. However, after the Second Dragon Army Invasion, some settlements on the eastern coast of Alkan are now completely dragonite and they will be left there as part of the negotiated peace settlement.

Go to First Dragon Army Invasion.
Go to Second Dragon Army Invasion.
Catlords

The Catlords are a unique race of anthropomorphic cats. They live in the city of Greystone and are part of the Helm's Gate Alliance.

They are extremely dexterous and have perfect memories.

**Game Mechanics**

+4 DEX -2 CON

Low Light Vision

+10ft base movement

+2 Move silently, balance, search, spot and listen checks.

Perfect Memory

Two Weapon fighting (As the feat but only for double weapons)
Blinding of Auria

The Blinding of Auria was the name given to the persecution of the Church of Celer by Emperor Kolar Reagov of the Aurian Empire. It happened during the years 1313-1314PE.

## Origin

The conflict known as the Wars of Broken Gold were teh backdrop to these events. These were a series of conflicts making up a civil war in the Empire. The two factions were the Dovisa Family headed by Amarak Dovisa and the loyalist imperials under the sitting Emperor Kolar Reagov.

The war escalated and was never popular with the Church of Celer who at first attempted to maintain a fairly neutral stance. At one point the Dovisa heir the great grandson of the upstart Emperor Amarak Dovia was being protected in a fortress at Hunger Hill deep in enemy lands. However the Reagov loyalists had the city under seige by the First Lance Krathe Stoneshoulder. This seige became known as the Vile Seige because of the methods Krathe employed. One o fthe reasons the seige lasted so long was a circle of Cellan clerics who lived at Hunger Hill and were loyal to the local lord. The Seige was finally won by terrible and dark means involving a Soulcrafter named Insanial. He used not only forbidden magic but summoned an Entropic Reaver in order to break the fortress.

## Events

1313-14PE: Rather than disavowing the Vile Seige and Krathe's use of the darkest of means to achieve victory, the Emperor doubled down. He turned on the Church of Celer in an attempt to force the Cardinal's hand. He removed the Theonists from his councils, and promoted the building of temples to other aspects of Knowledge and other Avatars. The church was not outlawed, but their services were policed by Protectoran troopers. The crown recinded the rights of the Cellan Guard and the Golden Knights of the church as well. No churchman could leagally go under arms in the eastern Empire and the clerics had to submit to being watched and overseen by Sarrifs. Some priests resisted, which resulted in many churches and temples being broken into and some being razed. The 16th and 17th Green Legions as well as the 33rd Red Legion were also stationed near Ironguard the fortress at the entry way into the Vormach valley. This was very unpopular though and resulted in many small folk and some loyalist nobles in the country turning against the Emperor.
Bladefall

An organisation that used to be called the Bloodbinder Blades. The are now apparently led by a lady called Serena Thorne.

* Alexandra/Serena - Current Leader of Bladefall

* Dazric - An old man in Evenfall supposedly once a member of the Bloodbinder Blades.

* Midnight - An original member has now left.

* Siaric – Recruited by Serena Siaric is a Kenchillian druid he is known as a windshaper

* Grenau – Orc cleric of Death and Justice heals by using balance

* Alagard or Gar – Paladin of the order of Faithsblade Knights. He hides his ancestry. Faith healing.

* Fin'rial – Wizard and previously a surgeon

* Ik'teric – Monk, heals and harms with touch.
Circle's Tower

The Circle’s Tower is the home, training ground and headquarters of the Green Circle or the wizards and magicians of Errantlund. It is not permited to practise magic and live within the countries borders and not be a member at least an affiliate of the Green Circle.

The Tower is located in a natural loop of the Wrenway river located in eastern Errantlund. To assault it is unthinkable. There is no visible entrances or exits and the tower itself is made of what appears to be solid, unforgiving, granite. It has never been attacked and nor is it ever expected to be.

Young men and women who wish to be wizards travel to the Tower to seek training. Some are successful many are not. Those who are, are trained at the Tower’s expense, and those who are not, are sent home with a little money to see to the most basic traveling costs.

What lies within the tower is a mystery as the wizards do not talk about it. One assumes however that their must be living quarters and training rooms and libraries at the very least. Rumours speak of hidden vaults containing great magical and mystical treasures. This is the home of the Royal Magician though he also has quarters at the palace in Lionelle.

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Aurian Monetary Union

The organisational and political precursor to the Aurian Empire. It was based around trade benefits, including import/export privileges and tax breaks.

In 4BE when Auria changed its currency from the Mark to the Cellan it also became the base for using of the Aurian currency to facilitate trade between city-states.

This was later made redundant by the creation of the empire though it persisted as an idea even after 0PE as some allies used access to the Union as a half way point without fully joining the empire. In the end though every member either joined or had to lose the benefits of the monetary union.
Dragonites

A race of draconian descendants of dragons themselves. Dragonites hail from Vash’Kar where they have an entire Empire.

**Organisation and Leadership**

The Dragonite Empire is ruled by The Matriarch who is a colossal two headed dragon (Gold and Silver). She rules over the Scaled Court which is somewhat of a mix between the courts that attend feudal monarchs and the bureaucracy.

**Appearance**

Sometimes nicknamed 'dragonmen', Dragonites are bipedal humanoids with reptilian like heads filled with sharp carnivorous teeth. Both their hands and feet are taloned and therefore the weapons and armour they use and wear must be specially made for them. Dragonites stand between 1.5m and 2.5m with males tending to be taller than females. They are very heavy due to their scaled hides and bulky due to their wings which sprout from their shoulders.

Due to their weight dragonites cannot fly like a bird can. Yet their wings work perfectly and so some very small dragonites and often dragonite children for sometime CAN fly. If projected from a height the dragonites can use their wings to direct their descent and as they use this as an attack mode in combat and in some cases for hunting and sport almost all dragonites are very able at employing these techniques. Still a dragonite in flight has none of the elegance of dragons or the agility of Kenchillians

**Game Mechanics**
Deluvers

Also called beguilers and prismatic phantoms, deluvers have no actual shape but use the minds and expectations of mortals to craft images and sounds around themselves. They thrive off human emotions and imagination the stronger the better. Some deluvers are considered benign by those deceived as they ‘do no harm’. The Cult of Ecstasy for example in Sariport basically worship them. There is also a very exclusive whore house in Tor Honarik whose workers are all deluvers.

However the deluvers are evil if not as openly dangerous as Pitfiends they are impossible to understand or to actually know. If your perception of them changes they change with it so it is impossible to expect them or to recognise them if they chose not to be recognised. They can choose to appear differently to different people but this takes effort so they often dispense with it choosing to appear as only one of the forms available to them.

Deluvers are very capable dreamwalkers.
Imperial Post

The Aurian Empire is the only nation to have an official national post. The Imperial Post will deliver for anyone if they can pay the fee. It will even guarantee next day delivery throughout the Empire if people are willing to pay for its ‘royal mail’ standard. There is also ‘express’ and ‘eventual’ standards with vastly different fees.

The Post Master general is Sheila Tamerson who comes from a powerful Senatorial family and despite being a woman holds considerable wealth in her own right as well as the controlling interestin in the Imperial Post.
Conflagration

A battle in the Clash of the Cabals that took place in the year 371BE.

After the death of Arkadius Secondsight two of his more ambitious apprentices laid claim to Armakania. Either of them could have been successful but they both violently opposed the other's claim. This led to threats and open disputes. Eventually a gathering was called in hopes of settling the dispute and agreeing that for there to be peace Armakania needed a new leader. The talks were ruined however when one of the delegates used magic to try and slay the other. It is uncertain who may have instigated this, however it appears clear that all sides were ready for it as it quickly became an all out spell battle of tremendous proportions.

This awful magic wrough battle was later named the Conflagration.

It resulted in the surviving apprentices fleeing with their followers.

Some of the most important Cabals formed at this time were: The Cold Comfort, the Hollow Truth and Ebsix's Circle of Friends. Interestingly the Archmage Volkalis, though he joined to none of these and had few allies, managed to take the Ark-Tower in the confusion caused by the Conflagration and was for all intents and purposes unassailable due to this.
Hassel Redmane

Hassel is the self-proclaimed prophet of Colossal Fury and as Syral’s voice to the halflings of the Midfield he represents the dragon god’s will. He has set up a base of operations at Harvest Hold, which he has significantly fortified. He has asked all halflings to join themselves to him and is one of those, who claims leadership of the green feather carrying Featherfall group. He hates/dispises the halfling known as Dancer considering him misguided and dangerous.

He has many followers including a large congregation, a militarised unit of halflings who wear a green uniform and are marked with the Featherfall symbol as well as a cadre of clerics faithful to Colossal Fury.

His fighters are led by Toby Linkensphere under the title of Battleleader. His clerics are led by James Bloodston who seems to be older than Toby or Hassel and he appears to be Redmane’s chief counsellor.

Also present at Redmane’s command table was the halfling Witz though his position and/or role were never explained.
Dawn

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A halfling woman dressed in white with a nasty scarred set of what look like dog bites on her neck, shoulder and lower face.

She fights with two barkless, wooden batons and wears armlets bearing the sun-crest of the Avatar of Light on her wrists.

She is considered a Hunter of the Dead and is possibly associated with the Lords of Dawn or the Warlords of Nightfall.

She has been known to be friendly to wandering heroes.
Deadwood

Deadwood is the headquarters of the Shrouded and their allies and servants the Shadeborn. it is a hidden location somewhere in the northwest of Karritan. The majority of elves do not know its location and trespassing, even by other elves, is forbidden without permission.

Deadwood is also the location of the dark solution. The Shrouded once explained it, long long ago to the Druidlore and it caused the split between the two. However few druids now live who would even have been born when that disclosure was made. Now the only ones who know the secret are the Shadeborn and the Shoruded themselves and perhaps the very oldest druidlords and they tell no one. Better yet the rest of the elves know better than to ask what really goes on in the Deadwood. One thing is certain the Shadeborn do not recuit yet their numbers grow. Some young elves of a warlike and vengeful disposition join them but not enough to explain their metioric growth while the elven nation dies out. Also they provide orphaned elven children for adoption. The story is always the same: The Shadeborn were hunting down elf killers and couldn’t save the parents but rescued some of the children. The elves are so greatful for these young lives that they do not press for answers they would rather never hear. Deadwood is a forbidding place the trees themselves are darker as if they team with secrets and blood. It is a place best left well alone and not spoken of.

Still interaction with the Shadeborn adn the Shrouded is needed especially as in these perilous and angry times they and their methods have become more populour. That is why the Vaseal were created. Vaseal are NOT Shadeborn but they are taught through a special system of one on one training with anotehr Vaseal followed by a self discovered training sytem known only to the Vaseal themselves. These warriors are allowed unprecidented access to the Shadeborn and Shoruded and they are as close to them as a human elf-friend is to a normal elf. Shadron Dan’r was a Vaseal..
Bowlem Tefras

Bowlem ‘Doorbane’ Tefras (Who is not a pillock!) is a dwarvern warrior from Barkarin. Bowlem has lived in Evenfall for about 8 years and is well liked and known to be a dwarf who keeps his word and can be relied on.

Though he has sometimes had to do common labor in order to keep in coin Bowlem has mainly earned his keep as part of the town guard under Jason Ryker. He has proven so reliable that Jason was considering him for a permanent position but Bowlem has always seemed reluctant to tie himself down to any such commitment/responsibility.

Bowlem’s nose tends to twitch whenever magic is about.
Everpit

A location underneath the temple of Justice, which predates the building of the temple and possibly Dusken itself. It is possible that Dusken was build where it is just so it would encompass the Everpit.

It is used to imprison those who cannot be held in regular cells.

Currently a demon and a very powerful blue/white fire elemental (A possibly unique creature) are held within.

The Everpit is a difficult phenomenon to explain. The bottom is not immediately apparent to the eye and may well not exist. The Everpit is itself a warp in reality and possibly a different plancescape that has been rifted into the material plane of Tal.

The pit’s properties are not completely understood, even by the clerics who have made its study their life’s work, but some parts of it have been tested and the findings recorded.

Time is not linear in the pit. Some people experience time quicker or even not at all frm the time they go in till when they leave. However it has been all but conclusively reasoned that time doesn’t reverse in anyway.

The pit is a magical dead zone in every way we understand it. Arcane magic, Talium life magic and even soul magic are bound within the pit. more than bound it is as if they never existed. Divine is somewhat different it appears Divine magic can affect the pit but only if the user is outside of it. The clerics of Justice use this to allow them to put people in and get people out of the pit and its influence. Without their assistance escape from the pit is impossible. Even they must use ancient tools to assist them called ‘Pitkeys’. It is believed these keys are made from the same material that supposedly the pit is made from itself.

Travel of any kind appears to be impossible. Flight, walking, running jumping, dimensional sliding and teleportation seem to all be equally impossible. The laws of physics appear suspended or contained in the same way the laws of magic and time have been upended.
Carlson

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The Emperor of the Aurian Empire from 1184-1193 PE. Carlson was known as 'the Waymaker' because he is credited with engineering and paying for the building of the Aurian road network. He had two children his son Marcus and a daughter Elestira. The next Emperor Gerard had married his daughter.

Carlson realised that the Empire had stagnated as both his father and grandfather had been unable to expand the Empire's influence overseas to build on his ancestor Peter IV's successes. Without financial or military successes the Empire began to flounder a little.

1187-1193PE: Carlson agreed to the creation of the Imperial Road Planning Committee. He then directed immense funds into the project distracting the usually rebellious factions in Auria from rebellion and isolating his enemies. The road building created unlimited work across Auria and generated a huge economic boom in the country. Road building all over the Empire created a new era of fast internal trade and allowed for the fast moving of the armies of the Empire.

1188PE: Internal strife bubbled and then erupted into a rebellion. This resulted in an attempted secession from the Empire, first by a partial Blue Protectoran Mutiny in Tatrak and then by a powerful Lord in Tor Zeric.

1188PE: Attacked from the sea and land simultaneously Tatrak falls. However before their defeat the rebels carry out their threat and kill their royal hostage, Carlson's son, Marcus the heir to the throne. When Tatrak was taken back Carlson allowed the city to be sacked in retribution. This is notable in comparison with his very lenient approach later with Tor Zeric. A new Grand Admiral is appointed. Blue Protectoran headquarters was moved from Tatrak to Gan Tarak after this event.

Carlson struggled to bring these under control and it is said he only managed it with the help of the Nightstriders. However, historians also point out his understanding of internal political realities and his diplomatic savvy contributed to his success. Carlson managed to play the Protectoran Marix together and against each other in order to secure his position.

1190PE: Using the newly built road system the Red and Yellow Protectoran troops move into the Tor Zeric Trading Area and are not repulsed. Within the year, they lay siege to Tor Zeric itself. Early the following year, the rebel lord (called the Desert Snake) is slain and the gates are opened to Emperor Carlson's forces. Carlson is very lenient with the city and those who supported the Desert Snake while he was in power. He deliberately evokes the legacy of Jonah III.
Blazeriders

Blazeriders are the manes of the Shift of Inferno Blades. They fight with specialist weapons in this case Inferno Blades and ride Trailblazers. They are the most dangerous fighters in all of Alkan.

**Game mechanics**

Blazeriders are a class open only to Alkar players and NPCs. You must have DM approval to play an Blazerider as you will be noble born and start with benefits unavailable to most level one characters.
Behind the Throne

The Behind the Throne era or conflict was a power struggle within Auria that took place after the death of Emperor Garath, the Warrior. The Emperor had been very dominant and dictatorial during his reign and none of his sons was able to command the sheer presence of his father. Also Garath left the Empire in trouble due to his obsession with expanding the Empire and war. The struggles between the brothers and others who wished to be Emperor during the years 347-362 PE were recorded as the Behind the Thone affair/conflict/era.
Cessation of Hostilities Clause

324-347 PE: Initiated by Emperor Garath 'The Warrior' Auria once again engaged in open armed conflict with Torash. Though pitched battles involving thousands of men were rare raids and skirmishes between both sides rage on and off for decades. Auria failed however to make significant gains during the conflicts.

362-365PE: During his reign Emperor Wilhelm Garath's last remaining son after the Behind the Throne Conflict created made many alliances for Auria. The effectiveness of these alliances and the emperor's skill in convincing people, organisations and countries to work with him were what made him renowned in Aurian history as the Negotiator.

364PE: Wilhelm finally worked out and ratified a clause in one of the various armistice treaties with Torash. This clause was detailed and avoided the subject of war guilt, but was accepted by the Torans as it was detailed and explicit about land boundaries. Wilhelm used the fear that Auria would encroach using civilian settlements defended by Protectoran legions that they were able to grant concessions. One of the key concessions was the return of all Aurian prisoners of war and the arrest and extradition of the Aurian war traitor Kavo Nvok known also as the 'One Eyed Rat'. Another involved significant payments from Torash in coin and trade compromises. So Wilhelm not only used the Cessation of Hostilities clause to extricate Auria from an unpopular and expensive conflict but managed to save face and suggest that Auria had benefited from the exchange. The move made him very popular with the regular soldiers of the Protectorans, especially the Red and Yellow Protectorans. This helped secure his reign and put an end to the period of instability in the Empire that had plagued it in the waning years of his father's reign and ever since his death.

The clause is studied as an exemplar of statecraft over a thousand years after it was written.
Amara Gemille

Amara Gemille looks something like her mother, but favours her father the most in her appearance. Her dark hair colouring has been said to set off her bright and inquisitive eyes. She is part of Dusken’s merchant nobility and is quite active in their social circles.

Amara is quick witted and is predicted to do well in helping to run Gemille business interests. It is understood however that her older and far more brilliant brother Torren will actually inherit the title and the business ownership. Amara is likely to get a good match as she is reasonably good looking and has a sunny disposition. She is remarked in particular for her interest in and patronage of the arts, especially drawing and painting.

Her personal lady’s maid is called Mandy. Having bee served by Mandy for six years Amara has become very close to the young woman. Mandy is at least two years Amara’s senior in age.
Archan's Teeth

On the southern edge of Elygia there are several jagged peninsulas sticking out into the Eternal Ocean. These have been named Archan’s Teeth after the god Archan, god of sun and rain. These peninsulas are notoriously hard to navigate as they consist of reefs and hidden shelves. So the Elygian pirates use them as safe locations for their hidden bases. From here they can raid at will and yet cannot be hunted down to their hidden cave covered landings.
Dana

The island of Dana is situated in the heart of the Danaspree Cauldron and is the largest of its many islands. It has a strong nautical tradition, and most inhabitants have a close connection to the salty waters that wash against its shores.

The largest city on the island is called Dana also, and it is a respected and prosperous port city. Its large and efficient docks and shipwrights are popular with sailors of every stripe, and most kinds of vessels can be found there.

There are three smaller towns on the island; of particular note are Cove, Anchorage and Vale.

Dana has a long-standing reputation as a home to buccaneers, pirates, and privateers. The authorities of the island deny this, but it is a known fact that the dread pirate Captain Tabran Tain was born in Cove, and considers that town his home port. Indeed, the sight of the *Scoundrel’s Hope* in these waters is a common one.
Crystal Accords

The agreement made in the Paromere that the Avatars would not obliterate Tal by unleashing their entire abilities in the Material Plane there. Rather the Avatars would manifest proxies and seek to gain influence over the world without a direct confrontation.

This was especially due to the fact that the manifestation of Tal and life on Tal that allowed the Avatars to manifest in their current forms at all. It is believed that should the Material and Spiritual Planes of Tal be destroyed that it could irreparably harm or at least alter the Avatars themselves permanently.

Hence in the accords the only places where the Avatars are freely able to use their entire divine might is within the Celestial Haven, the Eternal Vistas and the Abyss. The rest of their interactions are governed by the accords.