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The Seven Realms – Overview
The Seven Realms is a term that generally refers to the seven different nations that share the continent of Delathen. The term refers to Kythraen, Mordwyr, Al-Kar, Araestos, Shadowen, Nordheim, and the Sunrise Isles (Selathaen). These Realms have been in existence, under diverse names, and with ever-shifting borders and states of government, for more than a thousand years.
Kythraen is the first of the twin kingdoms, born in the travail of the Kin-Strife War. It is a place of high mountains, deep forests, lush farmlands, where all the Five Races live in relative harmony. The Elven Queen Tailennara rules from Whiteheart with a light hand, her rule strengthened by the Lord Protector Kalvedin, who commands the armies of the land.
Mordwyr is the second of the twins, a hard land, where a score of kings hold their own counsel in castles of stone, all answering, when they must, to the High King Caldor, whose hatred of all things Elven is inherited from a long line of High Kings before him. His citadel is Caer Mord, one of the greatest fortresses of the Known World.
Al_Kar is a land of contrasts, of shining cities, nomadic herdsmen, lush river valleys and dry grasslands. Each city is named for a tribal king from days long past, and the greatest city of the land is Turik, where all the sheiks and sultans meet each year to decide their policy. Al Kar is famed for it’s horses, it’s feuds, and for it’s mystic Blademasters, said by some to be the finest swordsmen in the world.
Araestos the southernmost of the Realms, ancient seat of a fallen empire, land of trade, and intrigue. Hills and fertile valleys have all seen their share of blood spilled. Great houses clash, city-states struggling for preeminence. The largest of the cities is the former imperial capitol, Araes itself, yet in these fallen days it is little more then one among many. Araestan traders, assassins, and sailors are all equally notorious, and ubiquitous, in the Seven Realms.
Shadowen is justly named, a land where the Shadow is strongest. Darkness rules this land, from great citadels thrust up like erupting wounds upon the land. All the Dark Races thrive in this place of evil, and always it’s fell influence seeps out into the lands surrounding. Great rents in the earth spew smoke into the air, legacy of the Apocalypse itself. A place of dark malice, it’s greatest citadel is Karak Vordun, the Tower of Mourning.
Nordheim is a land of barbaric splendor. High mountain peaks, crashing waterfalls, deep fjords, all teeming with game, and beasts to bring joy to a warriors heart. There is no ruler here, instead a hundred kings and jarls constantly feud, argue, and brawl. Yet as more then one invader has found to his cost, the Northmen will brook no invasion lightly, and have united several times in the past to sweep down upon a southern foe with grim efficiency, and brutal power.
The Sunrise Isles are the last home of the Elves, those who have chosen not to live among Men. They are zealously guarded, both physically and magically. Islands of deep, sunny glades, softly green hills, and mists. It is ruled by the Elven Council, which meets in the White Spire, atop the highest mountain of the largest island. The gleaming spire can be seen far out into the ocean. Only one port is open to the ships of other lands, and Trademeet is one of the largest trade centers of the Known World.
