Trius

The south-eastern continent on the world of Asmir. Not to be confused with Trison, a city on this continent. Dinir has claimed this part of the world as his domain, and guards over it. Its name originates from the three main provinces that were ultimately united under the Khosean Empire.

Its most recognizable features are Ground Zero, the massive crater remaining after the confrontation between Dinir and Unas, and the Mountain Barrier, the long range of mountains cutting across the continent.

From the capitol city Khosa, the Empire is governed in accordance with the teachings of Dinir. Its main efforts and resources are focused on fighting and conquering the hordes of creatures residing in the north-western Desert, and prevent them from breaking through the Wall.

The other large cities in the Empire all have their designated roles in its larger structure. Each city runs its own internal affairs, but is supplied through the Emperor, and required to pay their own dues to the larger machinations of the Empire. Effectively, each city maintains autonomy as long as they fulfill their quotas to the Empire.

Besides Khosa, the main cities are:

* Khantin, the Mining City
* Nekver, the Blacksmithing City
* Ordgas, the Cultural City
* Raginia, the Farming City
* Trison, the Trading City
* Yidon, the Naval City

Other notable locations on the continent are the Great Wall, the Observation Spire, and the Temple of the Elements.

## Geography

The nearly impassible Mountain Barrier runs through the center of the continent, dividing it in two. The continent of **Trius** has been greatly reduced in size: a large part of the Western half was destroyed, being the epicenter of the battle between Dinir and Unas.

On the Western half of the continent, the northern part was hit the hardest. Once covered in lush forests, any parts of land that remain are reduced to an inhabitable desert wasteland infected with hordes of dangerous creatures. On the south western shore, the impact had created a large bay shielded from the Ocean.

The Eastern half was largely protected by the Mountain Barrier, which is in part where its name derives from, and remains green and fertile. The far north remains an impassible wildland, largely unexplored. The middle part is consists of large grasslands, and is dedicated to agriculture. Further south and south-east, the environment becomes colder and harsher.

Further south, the terrain becomes cold an inhospitable. Known as the Frozen Wastes, nothing grows or lives there, and few people choose to venture that far.

### Cities

KHANTIN is located on the eastern side of the Mountain Barrier, far down south. It is primarily populated with Hill Dwarves, and focused on mining raw materials from the mountains. They worship Khuzdal as their city's patron. As part of the Khosean Empire it provides the Empire with raw ores and gemstones, which are for the most part transported to Nekver and Ordgas for processing. In the fields down south, some wayward Woodelves and Humans have set up farms to provide additional food, although the city itself is supplied through the Empire. Their fellow Dwarves from Nekver provide the city with the necessary equipment, often in the form of Constructs.

KHOSA is located on the eastern side of the Mountain Barrier, nestled securely at its center. It is the seat of power and capital of the Khosean Empire, which draws its name from this city. From here the Empire is run, and Dinir himself is the city's patron. It is inhabited by the aristocracy from all over Trius: people in positions of power, trying to influence the politics of the Empire. The city itself is located next to the Tunnel, keeping it well-supplied with resources from all across the Empire.

NEKVER is located on the eastern side of the Mountain Barrier, south of Khosa, at the base of the mountain. It is mainly inhabited by Mountain Dwarves, and are renowned for their metalworking and craftsmanship across the Khosean Empire. Khuzdal is the patron of the city. They make the finest tools, which are distributed all across the Empire. The Dwarves of Nekver themselves often use Constructs to aid in their crafts.

ORDGAS is located on the far eastern corner the Khosean Empire. It is inhabited by people from all across the continent, and dedicated to the finer arts and crafts, and academic endeavors. The city itself acknowledges no patron, to encourage an open market of ideas, but most of its inhabitants worship Khuzdal in some measure. Delicate rarities are created here, and exported across the Empire: the finest clothes and adorned artifacts, or magically enhanced items. Most of the material resources are cultivated and processed in or around the city, where many people worship Oberist.

RAGINIA is located on the center of the eastern half of the Khosean Empire. It is surrounded by stretches of green fields, which are cultivated and used to feed almost all of the Khosean Empire. It is inhabited mostly by Humans, and Woodelves from whom many had fled from Ordgas after it was conquered. The patron god of the city is Oberist, although its current rulers pay no official tribute to him.

TRISON is located on the center of the western half of the Khosean Empire, almost opposite of Khosa. It is directly at the western entrance to the Tunnel, making it a key trading location. The Trius Trading Collective has set up its headquarters here, elevating the city to the center of economic power on **Trius**. Also located just south of the Great Wall, this strategic advantage is used to supply and train the Imperial Army. Due to its violent history and responsibilities towards the Imperial Army, the city enjoys the patronage of Vala.

YIDON is located on the western corner of the Khosean Empire. Located at the edge of the Sheltered Bay, many Gnomes, Halflings, and Humans work as fishermen or sailors. Ulmon is naturally its patron. On the outskirts of the city, some farms can be found. The city contributes to the Empire by supplying food directly to the Imperial Army, stationed north. Rare materials like pearls, exotic shells, and corals are often exported to Ordgas, or sold profitably in Khosa on their way there.

## History

After being thrown into chaos, many groups fought for dominance and the right to rule. The entire continent was ultimately united under a single ruler. Under the current rule of the Grand Emperor, residing in the capitol city Khosa, the people of Trius thrive. Priding itself on physical strength and overcoming challenges, the nation is organized to sustain a large military force.

### Post-Calamity

After almost everything had crumbled, people everywhere found themselves struggling to meet their basic needs. Food, drinkable water, and even shelter was hard to come by. Some people grouped together to find strength in numbers, and everywhere Druids were doing their best to preserve Nature, feeding and protecting the people in the process.

Dinir returned. Reigning victorious, he returned to his domain to see it destroyed and divided. But strong.

### Reparations

Dinir organised his gods and his people. With the help of the Druids, Nature was restoring and people were able to supply for themselves. More people started to band together into larger groups, and together they could focus on expanding. Across the continent, the other Gods of Trius returned to their former places of worship. They aided the people in rebuilding, and taught them how to survive in this new world.

Dinir settled several disputes before they escalated. Calming his followers down was not an option: tensions had risen too high all-around, and confrontations were inevitable.

If war was bound to happen, then wars would be fought with honor and no unnecessary deaths. Rules of Engagement were decreed by Dinir, as well as a Right of Conquest: the conquered would follow the victor, leaving no reason for unnecessary bloodshed. Three main Provinces took shape, which would eventually go into open war with one another.

#### Western Province

The majority of the continent became uninhabitable within minutes, and enormous parts had sank into the oceans. From the far north, very few survivors came. There used to be dense forests of ancient trees, where Woodelves made their home; after the earthquakes and the storms, nothing would grow there anymore. They traveled south, looking for refuge; most didn't survive the journey. Those that did, tell of monstrous beasts rising from the earth. Many of these Woodelves were Druids, which is why they managed to make the journey at all, and they offered their aid to all along with food and shelter. Eventually, a host arrived at the central foot of the Mountain Barrier, where they found the ruins of a city that was soon to become Trison.

The middle part of the continent was hit the hardest, being the closest to the epicenter of the conflict. Most of the area is lost to the waves of the ocean. There use to be fertile farmlands, where Humans and Halflings lived together enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Many of them managed to escape before the battle escalated, fearing their homes to be destroyed. The Humans organized among themselves and followed the Woodelves, who were passing this way and moving towards future Trison. Most Halflings traveled south, to what was to become Yidon.

YIDON

The south-western part of the continent, at the time primarily populated along the coastline by Gnomes, who relied on fishing. After the battle and the initial chaos, they found themselves at an advantage: an enormous bay had opened up, quickly named Sheltered Bay, and perfect for fishing. Receiving this new haven as a gift from Ulmon, the people soon adopted him as their patron, and the settlement took hold.

Halflings started to arrive from the north, fleeing from their homes that were destroyed. They quickly found refuge among the Gnomes, and with the calculating minds of the Halflings they quickly expanded their numbers. Soon, the city of Yidon was a fact.

Following the Halflings, small groups of Humans and Woodelves arrved from the north; small groups of people, who split off from the exodus towards the center of the mountain range. They settled further inland, in the fields surrouding the new city. They founded small communities of farmers on the open plains, more out of an necessity for space and access to nature than producing food.

TRISON

Originally a large Dwarven city, built at the foot of the mountain range on a clearing, surrounded by mountains for easy protection.

When the earth stopped shaking, most of the monuments were still standing but the city itself was leveled to the ground. Many had perished in the disaster. The Dwarves in the area did what they did best, and committed themselves to rebuilding. When they realized they were unable to procure enough food, a host of Woodelves arrived from the north, as if by miracle. Shortly after, a host of Humans arrived from the west. Together, these three peoples worked together to rebuilt their city and find protection among each other.

Danger lurked further north. From the wasteland, monsters began pouring out. The people of Trison managed to drive them back, to a small strip of land from where they crossed. Here, they erected a Great Wall, to keep them out. In the continued struggles of conquering these external threads, the people adopted Vala as their patron deity, and the Great Wall was dedicated to her shortly thereafter.

Being satisfied with their own safety from outside dangers, an internal struggle broke out: who would rule this new city? Each of the three groups claimed the right to rule, and intent on conquering each other, the city was threatening to tear itself apart in civil war. It was then that Dinir returned, having recovered enough to travel back. Seeing the rising tensions, he ordered each side to produce a Champion: this Champion would represent them all, and fight to the death to prevent the death of all. All Champions would fight for the right to rule, and the victor would be crowned ruler.

After a long and fierce battle, the Human Champion was victorious and claimed the right to rule. The city was named Trison, after the battle between the three representative Champions that decided the right to rule. A statue of the three Champions engaged in combat is displayed on the central square of Trison to this day, commemorating the event.

Yidon and Trison together focused their strengths on maintaining the Wall, keeping both of them from being overrun.

#### Southern Province

Many Dwarves had settled in the southern parts of the continent, and had dug themselves deep into the Mountain Barrier. As good the builders as they were, they were no match for the catastrophic effects of a divine battle. The earthquakes that followed the Calamity had destroyed many of their settlements. Most of their mines had collapsed, and may of their brethren remained buried deep inside the mountains.

As a sign of remarkable resilience, the scattered Dwarves regrouped and began to rebuilt. Most of their old tunnels were unusable, but some structures were still standing and were fortified. Under the guidance of Khuzdal, the cities of Khantin and Nekver were quickly built up: one focused on mining and melting, the other on blacksmithing. Sensing the unrest further north, they began to arm and fortify themselves.

#### North-Eastern Province

On the eastern side of the Mountain Barrier, the central planes were spared much of the destruction following the Calamity: the high mountains had shielded them from the worst of the storms. But at the far east the seas raged against the land. And the land itself was heaved up in many earthquakes.

ORDGAS

On the far north-eastern corner of the continent, Woodelves had taken their refuge into an isolated grove. Most of their buildings were grown out of living trees, and their deep roots at the edge of the world is the only reason some are still standing today. Further north, in the Northern Wilds, a tribe of Orcs were driven south after the Calamity.

Seeking shelter from the ongoing chaos, the Orcs attacked what remained of the ancient Woodelf city and took control of it. Seeing it was fruitless to resist, only destroying the remnants of their own city in the process, most Woodelves left the city, and moved west towards what was to become Raginia. The Orcs, happy with their new residence, named the city Ordgas.

Mostly due to the efforts of the Order of the Druids, the area surrounding Ordgas quickly blossomed: the environment was perfect for many exotic species of plants and animals, and it was located next to both a clear lake and a smooth bay in the ocean.

RAGINIA

The open fields in the shadow of the Mountain Barrier were the homes to many Humans and Elves, who lived off the land in small communities. After the Calamity struck and all their harvests were destroyed, many struggled to survive. Woodelves started to arrive from the east, fleeing the struggles of the emerging Ordgas and looking for refuge. Many of them were Druids, and helped tame and re-cultivate the lands.

People were co-operating in larger groups, and a large settlement formed in the center of the region. Food was stockpiled, and given to those who were hungry. All the people celebrated Oberist with their renewed harvests.

Then the dragons came. Or rather, the Dragonborn, as they were called. Human in form and size, but covered in black scales like a dragon. They came from the north. Having no defenses put up, the people quickly fell to these mighty beings. They seized control of the city, and its food supplied. They named the city Raginia, in their own honor, and ruled like kings.

KHOSA

The Orcs of Khosa saw their chance. Their proud tribe had been destroyed, but the Mountain Barrier had protected them from much of the fallout from the Calamity. They had been hit hard, but so had the rest of the land.

Their defenses were strong but simple, and quickly rebuilt. When Dinir returned to and crossed their city, after passing Trison, they vouched to conquer the lands to win his favor. Dinir consented to becoming the patron of their new city, and aid them in their conquest. After exploring the area, they found the Dwarves to the south and a farming settlement of Men and Elves to the east. The Dwarves proved to be strong but not aggressive, preferring to dig themselves into the mountains for now. Not wanting to fight a double war, they turned their attention east.

ORDER OF THE DRUIDS

All across Asmir, various circles of Druids joined together into what became the Order of the Druids, in an attempt to combine their strengths and better pursue their common goals. Across Trius, a Circle of the Land was founded near each major city, and they offered their council to their rulers. Some where skeptical, but most accepted, seeing how much they could benefit from the skills and wisdom of the Druids.

ORDER OF THE ELEMENTS

South of Ordgas, a temple was founded by a mysterious group of magic users. Through rigorous training, they attempt to gain control and mastery over the four elements. These sorcerers kept to themselves, although they attracted a small following of magic users.

### Founding of the Khosean Empire

The newly arrived Dragonborn of Raginia attacked Khosa with their army, but it was an halfhearted attempt at best. Under their new rulers the people were treated as slaves. Morale was virtually non existent, and the army of slaves scattered upon the reinforced gates of Khosa. At this display of weakness, the Orcs of Khosa quickly retaliated: they drove the army back to the city of Raginia, which they found utterly defenseless, and they took the city with ease. The Dragonborn of Raginia submitted to the rule of Khosa, and became its vassal: Raginia would provide food for Khosa, while it expanded its rule.

The troops of Khosa marched further east, towards Ordgas. After both parties agreed the city was indefensible, and would be wasteful to destroy it in a needless war, command of the city was handed over by the Orcs of Ordgas to their brethren from Khosa. As with Raginia, they would remain in control of the city and become a vassal.

Shortly after, the Khosean Empire was officially founded, with Dinir as its patron and Khosa as its seat of power.

### Assimilation of Eastern Trius

South of Ordgas, the growing Order of the Elements refused to submit to the new Khosean Empire. Using the terrain around them, they fought off the Imperial Army and gave no ground. After a long lasting stand-off, a treaty was eventually struck: the Order of the Elements would maintain its autonomy, but would aid the Khosean Empire in their conquest to unite all of Trius under its rule.

Using the earth-bending powers of the Order of the Elements, the Imperial Army drove the Dwarves of Khantin and Nekver out of their mountains. Both cities quickly surrendered, and joined the Khosean Empire. All of Trius east of the Mountain Barrier was now under its rule.

A complex trade network was required to supply the growing empire, not just food for its citizens, but equipment for the ever-more demanding Imperial Army. To supply all the necessary resources and regulate trade, the Trius Trading Collective was set up in Khosa.

### A Unified Trius

The Mountain Barrier remained an obstacle to be triumphed by the Khosean Empire. The Order of the Druids had not been, and would not get, involved in their endeavors, insisting war between the people would only cause more destruction.

A plan was devised. Calling once more on the Order of the Elements, they would dig a passage straight through the Mountain Barrier and into the heart of Trison. It took the Imperial Army several months to prepare the surprise attack; the Tunnel was finished within weeks.

As the mountain itself opened up and the Imperial Army of the Khosean Empire swarmed into the city of Trison, there was no other option but surrender. Shortly after, Yidon surrendered when confronted with the full might of the Imperial Army.

With all major cities fallen under its rule, the Khosean Empire had been completed. Trison and Yidon were quickly assimilated into the Empire. The Imperial Army had finished its conquest, and redirected its efforts at protecting the new Empire: patrolling its lands to dispense justice, and defending the Great Wall from the dangers beyond. The Trius Trading Collective relocated to Trison, the new trading center, to help supply the Imperial Army at the Great Wall. The Order of the Druids was recognized as an official ally of the Khosean Empire, and in each city the office of Druid Council was instated.

## Religions & Beliefs

The grand patron of the land is Dinir, God of Victory and one of the Prime Duality. He is also the patron deity of the most powerful faction on the continent, the Khosean Empire, and although not state-sanctioned he is worshiped throughout the Empire.

Locally and in daily life, most people worship one of the five Minor Gods of Trius, who exist in serve to Dinir. Four of these Minor Gods have patron cities and corresponding religious factions within the Empire:

* Khuzdal, God of Craft - the Makers of Khantin and Nekver
* Oberist, God of Nature - the Coven of Raginia
* Ulmon, God of the Oceans - the Sailors of Yidon
* Vala, Goddess of Conquest - the Sisterhood of Trison

Although it is important to note that these gods are worshiped on other places as well, e.g. the farmers on the outskirts of Yidon worship Oberist. Some places acknowledge no official patron, such as Ordgas. Cities hold large temples in honor of all the Gods of Trius, while smaller communities often maintain shrines dedicated to their specific Minor God.

Adara, the Deceiver, is overall shunned and oftentimes omitted altogether. People who worship Adara are scarce, and when they are discovered they are ostracized or even chased away.

Splinter groups of Cultists dedicated to Unas are know to travel the lands of **Trius**. Worship of Unas is prohibited within the Khosean Empire, and these Cultists are considered extremely dangerous, bringers of death and destruction. When found, they are executed.

Other factions do not worship any gods:

The Order of the Druids worship Oberist, being the God of Nature and the Wilds, although they are more occupied with Nature itself, rather than the god thereof. They don't revere Oberist as a Patron and don't draw they powers from him, but they study his wisdom. They also take influences from other gods, such as Ulmon.

The Order of the Elements acknowledges the existence of the gods, but doesn't concern itself with them. Members focus their attention and studies on the world itself, which they say the gods are also inhabitants of.

### The Khosean Empire

The Khosean Empire is by far the most dominant faction on the continent, having subjugated all the lands to its rule. The city of Khosa serves as its capitol.

The other major cities of Trius - Khantin, Nekver, Ordgas, Raginia, Trison, Yidon - all serve their function within the Empire. Each city has its own rulers and internal rule, and pays tribute to the Empire. In each city, a Circle of the Land from the Order of the Druids is founded; its leaders serve as advisors to the cities. The Circles also have a way of communicating with each other, which the Emperor uses to pass messages to its cities.

### The Order of the Druids

These guardians of Nature have joined together in a larger organization. To better serve their purposes, the Order has allied itself with the Khosean Empire: in each major city of the Empire, a Circle of the Land is located. The respective leaders of these Circles serve as advisors to the respective rulers of these cities. High on top of the Mountain Barrier close to the capitol of Khosa, the Circle of the Moon watches over the continent, and stays in touch with their other branch across the Middle Ocean.

All Circles on Trius stay in close contact with each other, and in turn keep the rulers of the Khosean Empire informed on current events. The Emperor often relays messages from the capitol of Khosa to the other cities through the Order of the Druids.

### The Trius Trading Collective

The official trading guild of the Khosean Empire. Tasked with regulating the trade across the Empire, and shipping taxes collected on behalf of the Emperor. Its headquarters are located in Trison.

### The Order of the Elements

A collective of various magic users, dedicated to studying the four elements and the world they make up. Located the south-east in a corner of the continent, this monastic group tends to keep to themselves. In exchange for their autonomous existence, they owe their allegiance and support to the Khosean Empire in times of crisis.

## Economics

The Khosean Empire, spanning the entire continent, has the largest influence on its economy. The Order of the Druids use their control over Nature to help the people in various ways, including the growth of crops. Although the Druids do not answer directly to the Emperor, this boost in production is taken advantage of.

The Empire has laid a vast network of roads connecting the major cities, and employs the Imperial Army to guard these. As such, a complex network of trade has opened up across the country. The Trius Trading Collective regulates trade on behalf of the Khosean Empire.

### Imperial Economics

Each city of the Khosean Empire fills a designated role in its economy. The Empire collects taxes from each city, in terms of goods and money.

* Food is distributed among the cities of the Empire. The cities themselves are tasked with delivering these to their citizens.
* Raw materials are delivered the cities where they are processed - e.g. ores from Khantin are delivered to the blacksmiths of Nekver - such that they have sufficient materials to meet their own quotas.
* Weaponry and other tools are used to equip the Imperial Army.
* Gold and other valuables are used to cover the daily expenses of Khosa and the Khosean Empire, the Imperial Army, the Temple of Dinir, and the tax system itself, as well as enriching the Emperor.

### City Economics

Each city is part of the Khosean Empire, and owes tribute in the form of taxes. In return, each city is left to manage its own affairs. This means they also need to fund themselves. Each city is specialized to fill a particular role in the larger Empire:

* Khantin, raw ores and jewels
* Nekver, refined irons and metal works
* Ordgas, jewelry, luxury items, and high art
* Raginia, food and crops
* Yidon, fish, and rare items like pearls and corals

Absent are Khosa and Trison, which are located on each end of the Tunnel, and in terms of economics serve primarily as trading hubs: from these two cities, goods pass between the eastern and western half of the Khosean Empire. Khosa also serves as capitol and seat of power of the Empire, and Trison maintains the Imperial Army.

Each city receives goods from the Khosean Empire: food for its population, and in some cases raw materials for further processing. The rulers of the city, in turn, take their own share and delivers the rest to its citizens - although not always for free. They collect taxes from their citizens, in the form of money and goods; most of these are subsequently handed over to the Khosean Empire, and used to fund their own administrations. What remains, is for the rulers to enrich the city (or themselves).

Each city is expected to fund a major temple dedicated to the Gods of Trius. Most cities also worship one of the Minor Gods as a patron, and its temples receive funding from the cities.

### General Population

Food is made available to all citizens of the Khosean Empire, distributed to all major cities and from there given to its people (although sometimes for a price).

People employed by the Khosean Empire - all of the Imperial Army, the the administration of Khosa and the Empire itself - are paid by the Empire, and higher ranking officials often enjoy additional benefits such as luxurious residences. Joining the Khosean Empire is a popular way of earning a decent living (and social status).

A network of traders is operating across the Khosean Empire, either being conscripted by the Emperor to move collected taxes, or as merchants selling their own goods. Certified traders are registered at the TTC, and pay their due taxes to the Guild.

Across the Empire, people work in their respective expertise, and pay taxes to their cities in the form of goods and money; raw materials required for producing the required amount are provided by the Empire. Additional resources must be bought from traders, but additional production can be sold for their own profit.