A Mini Gazetteer (Updated)
The Grand Duchy of Karameikos
Ruler: Duke Stephan Karameikos III
Government:Monarchy
Capital: Specularum
Languages: Thyatian (official), Traladaran, Elvish
Rumors, Lore and Places of Interest:
Specularum is named for the mirror-like reflective quality of its harbor.
The Black Eagle Barony is reported to be a dismal and evil place, ruled by the Duke's allegedly mad cousin, Baron Ludwig von Hendriks. Rumors have it that orcs, goblins and other foul creatures roam freely about the place.
The forests of the nation are still largely unsettled, and hence, unexplored. Most villages have legends of ancient ruins haunted by spirits of the past, or tales of werewolves or other creatures roaming the woods.
History:
According to local lore, centuries ago the region was inhabited by a people known as the Traldar. Living in city-states, they had no centralized government. At some point, an invasion of "beast-men" descended upon the region, threatening to wipe out the human population.
From one of the Traldar villages rose a King by the name of Halav Red Hair. King Halav was able to unite the various Traldar tribes under his rulership to repel the beast-man invaders. He had help from a Traldar Queen named Petra, and a huntsman named Zirchev.
During the final battle of the war, King Halav and the King of the beast-men killed each other in a duel. The beast-men, without their leader, fled the area. It is said during Halav's funeral, the Immortals took up Halav, Zirchev and Petra into their ranks, and the Traldar looked to rebuilding their lives.
In A.C. 900 the Empire of Thyatis claimed all of the area, now populated by the Traldar descendants who called themselves Traladara, by sending troops to the trading port of Marilinev. The Thyatian conquerors re-named the city Specularum.
In A.C. 970, in the Duchy of Machetos within the Thyatian Empire, Stephan Karameikos III made a proposition to the Emperor. He offered the Emperor his ancestral lands in Machetos in trade for the lands of the Traladara and a decree of autonomy. The Emperor accepted, and Duke Stephan Karameikos III arrived in Specularum to rule his new subjects. He has sat on the throne ever since.
In the 30 years since the Duke Stafan's ascension, the two halves of the population Traladaran and Thyatian have remained mostly unmixed.
Most common Traladarans grudgingly accept (but dislike) Thyatian rule. The leading native families, most notably the Radu, Torenescu, and Vorloi clans- still secretly oppose foreign rule despite swearing allegiance to the Duke and strive to retain their families former glory and power.
Religion: The standard DnD pantheon is followed by most nations and racial groups. Pelor is the major god of the Empire of Thyatis and most Thyatians.
In Karameikos, the native Traladarans revere the three Immortal heroes commerated in the national legend "The Song of Halav". These three heroes defeated the Beastmen in ancient times and are now considered minor dieites my the Church of Traladara:
Halav
Other Titles: Red Hair; Patron of Warfare; Patron of Weapon-making
Symbol: A sword laid upon an anvil
Alignment: LG
Interests:Warfare, opposing humanoids
Domains:Good, Strength, Knowledge, War
Favored weapon: Spear
Zirchev
Other Titles: The Huntsman
Symbol: A hawk riding on the shoulders of a wolf
Alignment: NG
Interests: Forest folk
Domains: Animal, Good, Plant, Travel
Favored Weapon: Longbow
Petra
Other Titles: The Queen
Symbol: A circular shield with a round boss in the center
Alignment: LG
Interests: Fighting clerics, besieged cities
Domains: Good, Healing, Law, Protection
Favored Weapon: Warhammer
Population:
Dwarves: 3,000,
Elves: 71,000 90% Calarii clan (wood elf), 10% Vyalia (wild elf),
Gnomes: 12,500,
Hin (halfling): 2,000,
Humans: 351,000 (70% Traladaran, 10% Thyatian, 20% mixed and other),
Political Groups:
Church of Traladara- Clergy in the service of the Three Heroes of Traladar Petra, Zirchev, and Halav.
Church of Karameikos-"Official" Church of the Thyatian establishment dedicated to the worship of Pelor.
Cult of Halav- a Traladaran sect which believes Grand Duke Stefan the reincarnation of the Hero Halav.
The Iron Ring- a slavery ring based in the Black Eagle Barony that operates in the Duchy.
Non Human Races:
Calarii (Wood Elves) dwell mostly in the forests such as the Radlebb near the Barony of Kelvin. Many trade with local human settlements and are expert horse trainers and traders.
Vyalia (Wild elves) many dwell in the Dymrak Forest. Most hate the human for their settlement and encroachment in the wilderness, often resorting to violence against the settlers.
Dwarves- found all over the Duchy
Gnomes- most are settled in or from the city of Highforge.
Hin- most halfling hail from the Five Shires, but can be found in many of the Duchy's neighbors or in Karameikos' larger cities.
Elves: Standard PHB elves are usually foreigners, native elves are either wood or wild subraces.
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The Emirates of Ylaruam
Ruler: Sultan Ali Ben Faisal
Government: Monarchy
Capital:Ylaruam
Languages:Ylari
Rumors, Lore and Places of Interest:
The vast majority of the Emirates of Ylaruam is covered by the Alasiyan Desert. This desert stretches from the east near the coast, all the way to the western-most border and is occasionally broken by oasis.
History:
For centuries this area has been home to various tribes of nomadic desert dwellers, and the hazar, or "house-dwellers". These two factions often fought for resources in the harsh environment. This went on for many years.
The arrival of both Alphatian and Thyatian forces interrupted the way of life for these nomadic people, as both empires established colonies and built cities in the area. The two great empires also fought each other for control of the region, sweeping aside the people of the Alasiyan Desert. For centuries the scattered tribes of nomads tried in vain to rid their lands of the hated foreigners.
Then, about 200 years ago, came a prophet by the name of Al-Kalim. Al-Kalim was able to unite the emirs of the various tribes into a force to be reckoned with. Over the next few decades, both the Thyatians and Alphatians were driven out. The Confederated Tribes of the Emirates of Ylaruam was founded. Al-Kalim guided his people until his death 100 years ago. He left behind a text called the Nahmeh, which is the foundation of Ylari society.
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The Republic of Darokin
Ruler:Chancellor Corwyn Mauntea
Government
lutocracy
Capital: Darokin City
Languages: Darokinian
Rumors, Lore and Places of Interest
The Kingdom of Alfheim lies completely within the borders of the Republic of Darokin, but is not under Darokin rule.
The citizens choose their officials in elections. Eligibility for office is determined by the candidate’s wealth.
Itheldown Island, in Lake Amsorak, is the site of Itheldown Castle. The ruins of the castle are rumored to be the source of a curse that plagues shipping from time to time.
History
Early on, this region was settled primarily by orcs and human tribes. Not surprising, the orcs were a constant nuisance. With the help of the Alfheim elves, a human clan called Eastwind came to begin uniting the humans while claiming territory from the orcs. In the first century AC, Ansel Darokin became the first of the Eastwind kings. His dynasty was to end with the death of his grandson in 87 AC. With no heir to the throne, the humans were too disorganized to fend off the vengeful orc hordes.
Again the elves of Alfheim aided the humans by backing one of the three candidates for rulership of Darokin, and offering aid if the humans would acknowledge their choice. Corwyn Attleson was able to quickly unite the bickering factions under his banner with the help of his elvish backers, and succeeded in driving the orcs back. Over the next few centuries, the Attleson dynasty purged Darokin of all orc threats.
Eventually, the era of Darokin kings came to an end when Santhral II died without an heir. For the next two centuries, most towns and villages governed themselves. The people began to look to wealthy landowners for leadership, as it was they who maintained roads and such, even if only in their own best interests. Thus, wealthy businessmen began to gain much power. In 927 AC, merchants and businessmen founded the Republic of Darokin for mutual economic gain.
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The Kingdom of Ierendi
Ruler:King Palfrit and Queen Marianne (as of AC 1000)
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Capital: Ierendi
Languages:Thyatian (common), Makai, Darokinian (especially halflings)
Rumors, Lore and Places of Interest:
The Castle of Ierendi, home of the King and Queen, is constructed of coral harvested from the local reefs. The dominant colors are white, blue and bright orange, and is quite a draw for tourists due to its architectural beauty.
Ierendi has many islands, some of which are parks where tourists may engage in "adventures" which are coordinated (for a fee) by tour guides. Numerous diversions are available for the visiting mainlander.
Ierendi is said to have one of the finest navies in the world, though not the largest. They have been reported to have defeated the Thyatian Navy in the past, and piracy is very low compared to other regions.
History:
Reportedly, Ierendi was founded by criminals and outcasts from the Five Shires about 500 years ago, although the local Makai people will regard this legend with good-natured contempt.
Decades later, the Thyatian Empire established a penal colony on the island group, claiming it for their own in the process. But just 30 years later, the prisoners revolted and drove the Thyatians out. The leader, known as Mad Creeg, named himself King of Ierendi.
Over the centuries, however, the station of King and Queen has ceased to be hereditary. Instead, annual tournaments are held as heroes and adventurers compete in contests for the privilege of wearing the crown for a period of one year. A Tribunal of the heads of various government agencies oversees the games. Thus, the Tribunal holds most of the power in Ierendi.
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The Kingdom of Alfheim
Ruler: King Doriath Erendyl
Government:Monarchy
Capital:Alfheim Town
Languages:Elvish (Alfheim dialect)
Rumors, Lore and Places of Interest:
Alfheim Town is a city built partly in the branches of enormous trees.
The Canolbarth Forest encompasses all of the nation of Alfheim.
Various "Magic Points", some good, some bad, are said to lie deep within the forest. These areas are said to have strange magical effects.
The elves are said to have intelligent horses, and trees that provide many magical items and benefits.
History:
The history of the elves begins thousands of years ago, on another continent. Only the story of Alfheim will be covered here.
According to the elves, this region was once an area of barren steppes. When the elves arrived from far to the west, they cast powerful magics. These spells brought rain to the barren landscape and over time, the Canolbarth Forest began to flourish where nothing would grow before.
Over the centuries, there have been many attempted invasions of this new elven homeland. Most of these have been by greedy humans, covetous of the newly fertile landscape. All attempts have met with disastrous results, including those by the surrounding Republic of Darokin. The last major invasion of Alfheim was attempted over 400 years ago. No one has transgressed against the elves since.
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The Kingdom of Rockhome
Ruler:King Everast XV
Government:Monarchy
Capital: Dengar
Languages: Dwarvish (Rockhome dialect), Thyatian
Rumors, Lore and Places of Interest:
The city of Dengar is partly constructed in a vast cavern complex at the foot of Point Everast.
Dwarves are highly sought after as craftsmen for their work in stone architecture, sculpture, and metallurgy. In fact, the Imperial Palace in Thyatis was designed by a dwarven architect from Rockhome.
History:
Long ago atop Point Everast, the Immortal Moradin took a boulder and fashioned it into the first dwarf. He called his creation Denwarf, which means "Rockborn". Denwarf was the first dwarf, and their first king as well.
As Denwarf and his dwarven followers explored their mountain home, they encountered other races; goblins, hill giants, orcs and others. These were eventually pushed out of the mountains as Denwarf led his people to build a nation. The most important conflict was the Battle of Sardal Pass in 492 BC. This marked the defeat of an army of orcs, and the securing of Rockhome's borders. This is year 0 on the dwarven calendar.
400 years into his reign, Denwarf discovered a vast cavern and commanded a city be built. He called it Dengar, which means "Rockhome". He then set off to explore the vast caverns below the mountain and was never seen again by dwarven eyes.
Over the centuries, later kings sent out dwarves into the surrounding nations to colonize, and today dwarven communities can be found in most of the nations of Mystara, with the exception of Glantri. In Glantri, they were blamed for spreading a plague and were ruthlessly persecuted by the humans. The dwarves know this time as the Years of Infamy.
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The Minrothad Guilds
Ruler: Guild Master Oran Meditor
Government: Syndicicracy
Capital: Minrothad
Languages:Minrothad Patoi, Elvish (Meditor/Verdier dialect)
Rumors, Lore and Places of Interest:
The Merchant-Princes of Minrothad practice a unique craft of sea magic.
The Guilds hold power over all aspects of life and business in Minrothad.
Minrothad merchant-ships are a familiar sight in ports throughout the world.
A fair amount of piracy is conducted in the waters of this region.
History:
The Alfasser, or Water Elves, claim to be the original settlers of the Minrothad Isles. They say they migrated to the area around the same time as the cataclysm known as the Great Rain of Fire, thousands of years ago.
Humans later came to the islands, bringing the concepts of slavery, and the plague of lycanthropy along with them. Over the years, halfling slaves were introduced to the islands, and were later freed with the help of the elves. Dwarves, seeking refuge from the Years of Infamy in Glantri, were lured to settle in Minrothad by the trade guilds to provide fine metalworking and similar crafts not found previously. Now, all races are welcome in Minrothad.
The Minrothad Guilds have grown to become a major economic power in this region of the known world. In fact, during a confrontation between the Empire of Thyatis and the Empire of Alphatia, Minrothad traders carried troops, supplies and plunder for both sides in the conflict with carefully negotiated contracts to maintain their neutrality.
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The Five Shires
Ruler: A Council of Five Sheriffs
Government: The Sheriffs are appointed by a Council of Elders, made up from the Elders of each clan.
Capital:Shireton
Languages: Darokin, Thyatian, some scholars speak Lalor (ancient halfling tongue)
Rumors, Lore and Places of Interest:
The Black Spire Mountains are rumored to be rich with precious metals and gems.
The hin have harnessed a power known as Blackflame, and can draw on that power to create magical items.
The hin, despite their small stature and good nature, are very capable of defending their realm from invaders.
History:
The history of the hin, called "halflings" by humans, has been one of bitter hardship and strife. Since their arrival in the area now called the Five Shires, the hin have been invaded and enslaved several times by orcs, and even by greedy dwarves on one occasion. Each time, the hin would rise against their oppressors stronger than before, until they could hold their ground against any would-be invader.
After the Third Rising, when the hin finally defeated the orcs, began a time of rebuilding known as The Time of Heroes. During this period many hin rose to hero status by reclaiming fringe territories from orcs, human raiders, and dwarven colonists. Once the land was secure, the Council of Elders was restored. To prevent the clans from squabbling over rule of the land, and weakening their hold, the Elders chose a Sheriff to handle defense and rule of the realm. The first Sheriff was Gunzath the Clanless, who served until his death in BC 572.
Gunzath's dying wish was that the land be divided equally into five regions, for he had five sons and wished to avoid war. The five Sheriffs would each have equal power. Thus the land became known as the Five Shires. Many attempts at invasion have been made by man and orc alike since then, but the long-oppressed hin have turned them all back, including the last one in AC 989 by Baron Ludwig von Hendriks of Karameikos.
Nice to know one of us got off the island. 
but we should probably speak of it elsewhere.[/thread hijack]
