Gywnsten

The world of Gwynsten is one of many within the Witcher Multiverse which was greatly affected by the Conjunction of the Spheres. This event saw the coming of several monster species, as well as the races of humanity, elves, vampires, and more, who began to settle and develop their own societies and cultures. In Gwynsten there exists two major continents, each with its own powerful kingdoms, nations, peoples, history, geography, and more.

## Overview

Gwynsten is a world based upon the arrival and sudden expansion of several major new species who have quickly created their own new nations following the Conjunction of the Spheres. There are two continents of note; Avianaa to the west and Lithridia to the east, as well as several other large islands and smaller landmasses. Avianaa is divided between several major geopolitical regions, from the Rundar Empire at its center to the hot and sandy lands of Krissia to the south. The powerful Lithridian Kingdom to the east is the most powerful nation in the world, but it is divided between several warring dynasties and houses.

Technology and culture are similar to that of the World of the witcher, though advancements in gunpowder are being made. In addition, magic is more widely accepted, though this varies between regions. Monsters are still a problem, but have largely been pushed to extinction or into secluded areas, as fewer beasts emerged into this world, and the early nations of Gywnsten wiped out most of the beasts.

## History

The world of Gwynsten was greatly affected by the Conjunction of the Spheres. Before then, what can be gleamed at least, the world was largely simple, with the nomadic nagas of the south, though there exist hints of several great civilizations and empires in ages past. During the Conjunction of the Spheres, the races of men, dwarves, gnomes, halfings, elves, and more poured into the world. This event would start the modern calendar, with events before it termed as Before Coming (BC), and events after it dated as After Coming (AC). This event also saw the coming of magic or chaos, and for several generations monsters plagued the world and the disparate races struggled to survive.

After a few centuries of chaos and disorder, new nations began to emerge. The most preeminent of these would be the Rundar Empire. It was created by the mythical human hero, Gwynsten Rundarin, supposedly the leader of a tribe of humans known as the Rundari. Through a decade long series of wars he managed to fight back against rival tribes and united humanity into the first organized nation, known thereafter as the Rundar Empire. Rundar would come under grave threat from the Beast King during the Beast Wars, an malevolent being who controlled the monsters of the land through mysterious means and sent them to kill and conquer the human empire. However, every time humanity managed to fight back and the Beast King faded into legend. Following this, over the next several centuries several other powerful regions would develop, namely the Vampire Courtlands, the great Dryad Forest, the Desert-Kingdoms of Krissia, and the Cities of Elene. To the east the elves settled their own continent and formed the powerful kingdom of Lithridia.

For the most part these major players have kept each other in check. While major losses, victories, battles, and wars have been fought, and some nations have greatly extended themselves only to crumble back to their original state, there seems to be a balance within the world, though the rise of the Beast King and the subsequent arrival of one Ryvlyn "Lyn" of Sanzode had been a interesting development in the history of the world.

## Geopolitics

### Avianaa

The continent of Avianaa is a largely fertile and temperate landmass, home to the so-called "Great Five," five major nations and regions. It was the originally settling place for most of the monsters and non-native species, but was also the original home to the native nagas. Much of the continent was effected by the rise of the Rundar Empire, which at its height controlled much of the land within the continent.

#### The Rundar Empire

Founded approximately 200-300 AC (or about 1 BR) by the legendary Gwynsten Rundarin, who managed to defeat his tribal rivals, united the major human groups in the area, and launched extensive campaigns against enemy threats, such as the vampires and dryads. Most important is that he organized the human tribes into a semi-cohesive empire, and he would become even more legendary when he fought the evil Beast King and successfully defeat the being. It was said that when he died he ascended into godhood and now serves to protect humanity and the empire.

The Rundar Empire would expand around the 700s AC from its central location, though the Southern Wall to the south largely kept the empire at bay. Fighting was most fierce in the east, with the dryads, even as new colonies and cities were established in the north. Ultimately, the empire grew too corrupt and large to manage, and several external losses, major invasions, and most importantly, internal conflicts, led to is weakening and decline. However, Rundar has survived, largely thanks to competent leaders and its powerful military, which relies on heavy cavalry, skilled mages, and powerful long-range archers.

The empire itself is situated in the fertile central valleys and plains of Avianaa, where most of its grain and food is produced, thus making it a prime target for invaders. The great rivers Votra and Runga lead out to the Median Ocean, and the empire is bordered to the south by the Southern Wall, the greatest of mountain ranges in the world. To the east lies the Dryad Forest, while to the north are the Pelenial Mountains.

Rundar is divided into over a dozen or so major states, which are subdivided further and further, and are all administered by the Rundar Emperor. He wields enormous influence, but is also kept in check by the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament, as well as the laws of the Divine Constitution. Individual governors administer each region, and report to the imperial throne in the capitol of Gywnsturn, capitol of the empire and its shining jewel.

Economically. the empire is quite rich, able to sell its surplus grains to other nations and peoples, mostly to the major cities to the north. In addition, mining in the mountains has provided materials such as tin, gold, and iron, though these are in less quantities than the more northern regions where the Elenians inhabit.

The people themselves are quite nationalist and fearful for other races and monsters, but also bold, courageous, and believe in various certain rights and liberties guaranteed by the constitution. They have a deep reverence for Gywsten, whom they worship as a god.

#### The Cities of Elene

At its height the Rundar Empire established several major cities and regions in the north, but most of these rebelled and formed their own city-states. Many other mistreated races founded their own domains here as well, and the land is now home to a plethora of city-states and small communities. A few major cities, namely Dwarenholm, Gnolgengar, Kerrigan, Langen, and Skarsa, exert influence over the land and often squabble with each other. Fiercely independent they do however work together as the Elenian League, a loose confederation for political and economic union, largely to fight off Rundar and any other who dares face them.

The land of Elene is largely oceanic and rocky, and thus the great cities are traders and economists, linking the world together through commerce and growing rich of their spoils. Each city is run different with its own history and politics, and usually have rivalries with each other, but also work well together if need be. Many monsters can still be found in the rocky terrain, and the Elenians are at the forefront of innovation and progress.

Most non-human species can be found here, notably gnomes, dwarves, and halfings, who each settled and founded their own realms to prosper and grow. While humans have a large presence, the mixing of other races has produced a very vibrant, progressive, and freedom-loving culture. Some of the more wild and borderline-hedonistic regions concern southerners, but the Elenians care little about what others believe.

#### The Dryad Forest

The ancient dryads who arrived on Gwynsten migrated to the east, to escape the tribes of men as well as the find their own safe domains. They entered into the great forests and settled here. Conflicts with humanity was inevitable, but the dryads were able to hold their own, and though the many Forest Wars were brutal and costly, the dryads remain free to this day.

The forest itself is huge, deep, and dense, the largest of its kind. On the eastern coast lie great redwoods bigger than stone towers, while all manner of flora and fauna can be found within. In the center of the forest likes the great lake known as Akulsa. Here, supposedly, lies the mythical dryad city of Sela'tol, and the dryads themselves are divided into large communities that dwell within the forest. Each group is led by a matron mother, who supposedly reports to the Evergreen High Mother of Sela'tol. Other legendary cities are said to exist as well, enticing many to dare the dangers in search of lost treasures.

Dryads themselves are still alluring, green-shaded, beautiful young woman trained in stealth, archery, and survival tactics. They clothe themselves in little wear, use camouflage and paints, and are skilled in bows and spears. In addition, they have pacified and harnessed many of the greater monsters that dwell in the woods, using them to fight against invaders. In order to survive as a populations, the dryads regularly engage in intercourse with human males, as well as use the enchanted Waters of Akulsa to change young girls in dryads.

Their relation with humans is unique, to say the least. The Rundar Empire has fought numerous Forest Wars of conquest, and while numerous gains have been made, few territories have been held onto for long and it usually ended in failure. The dryads were merely too skilled in guerilla warfare and the forest was too dense to commit to long campaigns. The dryads themselves frequently raided human lands, and during the Dryad Invasion even invaded the weakened empire.

However, several human communities have formed strong ties with the dryads, particularly along the Marches, and for centuries undesirable human girls had been given over to the dryads, known as "giving over" or "given to the forest." The Treaty of Kaladain has led to the formation of the currant status of semi-permanent peace between the two. In exchange for no more conflicts, the dryads agreed to stop poaching and raiding young girls, as well as sowing chaos in the Marches and releasing beasts and monsters. Some mingling is allowed, mostly between young men on certain festival nights for mating purposes.

Though conflicts still flare up now and then, the dryads and humans have reached a sort of understanding. The fortresses of the Marches still guard against attacks, and the dryads are ever apprehensive. But peace is maintained, and the empire profits by receiving limited trade, the use of the legendary Green Guards who protect the emperor, and being able to hand off undesirable girls to the dryads. Many other outliers are sent to the towns within the forest, able to live their lives in peace and not cause a burden to Rundar society.

#### The Vampire Courtlands

Bordered on all sides by the Stryixian Mountains and the Southern Wall and facing the Stone Coast, the Vampire Countlands of the south were founded by several of the original vampires who travelled with many human tribes that migrated south. These tribes settled in the misty lands the vampires now call home, and the more intelligent species of vampires slowly began hunting the humans and creating their own societies. In time, the race of vampires had overtaken the land, and began several invasions onto human lands. Over the centuries the rivalry between humanity and vampires has grown, and both hate each other intensely, especially in the Rundar Empire.

Vampires themselves are not undead creatures, but rather a collection of various species. First there are the lower grades, bat-like grotesque creatures that are only used by higher vampires as shock and combat troops, including the ekimma, fleder, garkain, and plumard species. Higher vampire are intelligent and can appear human, and are much more powerful and hard to kill. These include the alp, katakan, mula, bruxa, nosferat, and higher vampire species. Vampire society is thus structed with monster vampires at the bottom, either breed or kept contained for war, then human serfs above them, little more than slaves (though some humans can rise to considerable power), and the more intelligent vampire species. The more powerful the vampire and vampire species, the higher its ranking. At the top are the Vampire Counts themselves, and they can only be commanded by the rare Vampire King.

The Courtlands are divided, as the name suggests, into various powerful courts or houses, each an old vampire family ruled by a powerful count or countess. They are constantly fighting with each other, but when united under a Vampire King they prove very deadly. The vampires are intelligent and ancient, able to use their unnatural skills, vampire armies, and slave soldiers to fight in grand invasions, but internal fighting and effective human resistance can topple their attacks. The vampires keep several small communities of humans in their lands, little more than slaves and serfs, but these humans don't have it all bad. Generally, they live simple lives as blood cattle to feed their vampire lords, but their treatment varies widely between counties, some little more than food while others are treated lavishly. Native vampires are only born, not bitten or cursed, and often go out to raid in nearby Rundar or the Dryad Forest for blood and to sow chaos, though this comes with great risk.

#### The Desert-Lands of Krissia

The serpentine like nagas were the original inhabitants of Gwynsten, and have remained largely the same since the Great Arrival. The Southern Wall, the hot harsh desert they live in, and their skilled tribal warfare makes any subjugation impossible. Most nagas retain largely neutral positions with other nations, but do trade and interact with other lands. In certain times their wartribes have united under great Kshakas who have led them on military invasions, but these are rare if devastating.

The nagas are an old race, with serpent-like faces and long scaly tails. They slither across the sands and various breeds exist. Most nagas live in nomadic tribes, though there are many ancient cities that they gather at, and some tribes have founded prosperous port and trade cities, usually along the coasts. They wear heavy cloths and wield spears, and are famed for riding the giant serpents of sands in great caravans. Many monsters found homes here, and were either slain by them or tamed and now used in combat.

Naga society is very different form the rest of the world, with different customs, tongues, and faith. They are usually peaceful and simple, though great Kshaks have united several tribes into wartribes and led numerous invasions into the more fertile northern lands.

### Lithridia

The elves who found their place on Gwynsten sailed to the unpopulated west, crossing the great Median Ocean and establishing their own prosperous kingdom. As the Rundar Empire to the west waned, the eastern kingdom expanded and prospered. Lithridia is noted for the Aernia Caela, a long series of mountains that move from the north to the south, and leading to many fertile regions in the continent. The Twin Lakes are the central home of the elven kingdoms of the land.

#### Lithridian Kingdom

The elves would found their own powerful kingdom, settling and setting up their own society. Spreading across the continent the elves maintained their unity, but became divided internally. Several major houses formed, and internal strife is frequent. The kingdom has remained largely isolationist, thanks to its distance from other land, but for the past century it has begun relations with other lands.

The kingdom is massive, covering the entire continent of Lithridia, with the vast Aernia Caela mountains crossing through it. The capitol of Lithraen Vaeynal around the Twin Lakes is a jewel of the world, and the continent is bordered by the Median Ocean to the west and the Kurnain Ocean to the east

The elves have remained technically united over the centuries, but several major houses or dynasties have developed who have frequently fought with each other. The kingdom itself is divided under these great houses, who answer to the Eldenone, the supreme king or queen of the land. These houses must elect the Eldenone, who wields enormous political power, upon their death, which can often lead to power struggles. Many dynasties have held control over the throne, but power is fluid. Though the great houses frequently fight with each other, their is generally little secret intrigue. Assassination and use of poisons is seen as weakness, and rather honest and openness is more important. Houses will proclaim their distain for others and usually their goals, and will typically use ritual trials and combats to solve issues in needed, though negotiation is always tried first. Honoring one's word is paramount, and integrity and virtue are praised.

Despite this make-up, elven society is relatively stable, with a proud culture of martial prowess, magical abilities, and the development of intellect, knowledge, and the arts. Society is honor and rank-based, with simple workers and farmers at the bottom, and more intelligent, strong, and magically gifted an individual the better their position. Skilled mages and warriors are above the average rabble, and above them are the house lords and ladies. Lithridia is also a powerful commercial trader, mostly exporting goods, and the elven people see themselves as custodians of their lands.

The elves, due to their longer lives and proud martial culture, are skilled in the arts of war. Rather that form large armies, the Lithridian military focuses on elite warrior-mages, known as *Paelaindans.* These are skilled fighters, who have spent their lives mastering both the arts of magic and combat of every kind and are most famous for taming dragons. Loyal to their banners and individual lords or houses, the *Paelaindans* are legendary among the elven people. Major houses can thus use ritual combat and smaller elite units to keep conflicts to a minimum, though rare large scale wars have been known to occur.

In recent times, the Eldenqueen Ushael aep Aegheenn Ae'Kunaegna was deposed by her brother Daemaimle. The resultant Seventh Sibling War was surprisingly short and ended largely thanks to the Ryvlyn of Sanzode, a witcher from another world. Ushael has thus regained her throne and continues to rule as the Eldenqueen of Lithridia.

House Voltaria, the Circle of the Blue DragonThe rangers of House TalaihethThe warriors of House DaewnaEldenqueen Usheal and her army
#### Galem & Corone

Two great islands to the east of Lithridia, they were largely settled by elves, but have a bit of a complicated history with the rest. The twin houses of the islands have continued to be enemies to the rest of the continent, and are frequent invaders. Their martial skills and powerful navy is one of the greatest in the world and makes invasions difficult, and the schism between the elves of the island and the elves of the continent continues to grow.

### Other Lands

There exist a few other major areas of note and worth.

#### The Icepeak Islands

A series of cold and barren islands in the north, it is mostly heard of in legends, and few have travelled so far. There are tales of mysterious creatures and tribes of giants who eat elven flesh raw, monstrous leviathans and beasts of the deep, and other terrible things. There seems to exist some tribes of men and elves, but interactions are very rare, and thus legends and rumors abound about the place.

#### Resshvyn

Often called the "Isle of Anarchy" for its notorious reputation, there exists little true government on the island, beyond the Pirate Courts. Here anyone can come and fine rare delights and commodities, and races of all kinds are found and accepted here. Piracy is frequent, unless one can buy a Charter of Protection for a hefty price, and the Pirate Courts only keep certain degrees of order. Despite its reputable infamy, Resshvyn is an important hub for trade and commerce, and the meeting ground for people from all across the world.

## Religions

There exists a variety of religions and beliefs in the world of Gywnsten, with all sorts of diverse cosmologies, mythologies, and pantheons of gods and supernatural forces.

### Lithranism

The main elvish religion, Lithranism centers around the worship of the god Lithra Ur-aen Tevinter, also known as the Being, and the Eldest.

The religion was started during the early migration period when the elves first came to Gwynsten. During this time, the elf Ternach received a variety of visions from Lithra, and Ternach became his prophet, teaching the elves the ways of Lithra and guiding them to the west. Lithra, through Ternach, brought them safely to the western continent, a land all for their own. The teachings of Ternach and his visions were recorded as the *Lithraenisha*.

Lithranism espouses a good moral life, with high regards for respect, honor, obedience, and responsibility, as proclaimed by the god Lithra. Lithra himself is worshiped as the ancestor of all the elves, their divine protector and god whom they worship with prayers and songs from their mighty churches. Ancestors and family members are honored, as is the Prophet Ternach, and respect for elders and those in higher authority is very important. Lithranist priests serve noble houses and local regions, preaching from temples and serving the people. High Priests hold great sway over vast swaths of land and come together in the Conclave of Light for religious matters.

### Imperial/Rundar Pantheon

The humans of the Rundar Empire descend from more barbaric tribes that worshiped a variety of gods of nature and war, and over the millennia these deities have evolved and become part of an official Imperial Pantheon that has become a standard part of the empire. The most drastic of these changes was the inclusion of Gwynsten Rundarin into the pantheon, as he was said to ascend into godhood upon his death. The Rundar gods are also worshiped beyond just the borders of the empire. Various gods, or alternate gods are worshiped by other races and nations in the land. The cities of Elene often have patron gods, or racial versions of divines, such as Conkul, the dwarven version of Qinga.

Most of these gods fulfill a certain aspect of daily life, but there also exists legends, of a world far away, the home of humanity. There the gods once walked among mortals and fought terrible wars which razed the earth. They either caused or used the Conjunction to lead humanity to a safer home, but do not directly appear and intervene, at least frequently, in mortal affairs.

Worship is typically simple, prayers and offerings to statues of the divines, and temples are built in their honor. In the empire the Imperial Church serves the state, though it is not controlled by the emperor, which has caused some issued in previous time periods. Priests exhort holy lives and good works, and teach mainly from the *Divine Quotas*, the holy book of the religion. Worship beyond the empire is usually more relaxed and less organized.

* Qinga: Goddess of fertility, commerce, and trade
* Ruskiva: Goddess of winters, snow, and death
* Amariga: Goddess of liberty, justice, and truth
* Yinjia: Goddess of love, dance, and marriage
* Braszel: God of diplomacy, intelligence, and knowledge
* Anglun: God of oceans, storms, and strength
* Gwynsten: Ascended Mortal and God of Rundar, valor, war, and courage

### Kossendo

Kossendo is an ancient belief system revolving around cosmic energies, and the basis of belief for the nagas of Krissia. Their main teachings revolve around helping one another phyiscially and spirituality, and these teachings are often passed on through community elders and teachers as well as said to be expressed in moments of quiet meditation. Kossendo teachings come from experiences and lessons from community members who are seen as mentors to others, usually elders and experienced teachers. They often express their beliefs through ornate necklaces, ritualistic dances and bracelets.

Being an ancient belief system, Kossendo has a rich history of traditions and customs, as well as stories from a wide range of backgrounds. Those part of this belief see Kossendo as a source of happiness or peacefulness, and a way to keep communities strong and united, an important part of naga society.

### Dryad Beliefs

The dryads do not have an exact religion, but essentially worship the forest they live in, and would gladly give up their lives for it. For all intensive purposes, the forest is their god, which must be protected, cared for, and if possible, expanded.

## Inspirations & Trivia

* Gwynsten was inspired by many fantasy genres and franchise. One of the most notable is the Rundar Empire, inspired by the Empire of Man from Warhammer Fantasy.
* The gods of Rundar are based off original nations of Earth, as the humans who came to Gwynsten fled their own dying homeworld.