Sharing a naked map of an upcoming town. I’ve redone this map like 3 times, this is the final time.
I don’t plan for combat to happen here, mainly a traditional RPG map.
On the narrative department we’re in full worldbuilding mode.
Kingdoms of Elswynn
Aedland
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Government: Monarchy - King Franklin Hirem
Inspiration: England
Aedland is a populous and prosperous country. It is home to the coveted Holy City, where the royal capital and Vatican both reside. The Crownsguard protects the King from all potential threats and defends the royal palace.
The Kingdom Army is a mighty force that protects the country. There are many military forts throughout the country. Currently, there are tensions on the Taljrees border.
History
Aedland has always been a military power to be reckoned with. In the “War of Scions”, the Kingdom Army did battle against both Lethe and Ashford armies. In this war between Kings, it was a battle for supremacy. In the end, Aedland emerged victorious.
In the advent of their victory, the King of Aedland was presented with a problem: the lands of Lethe and Ashford were too vast to be ruled over. His solution was to allow the guise of freedom in both lands, while seizing control of the leadership of both nations.
In attempts to lessen the chances of rebellions, he decided not to claim their lands, but simply control their leaders. In secrecy, he summoned the royal families of Lethe and Ashford to the royal capital. Wherein, he gave them all a choice: bend the knee or face destruction.
In the end, all the families agreed to be vassals of Aedland. Many factions merely feigned obedience while preparing to bare their fangs. The shrewd King of Aedland understood that those with powers would never deign to relinquish it. Knowing this, he established watchdogs in the noble families of both nations, promising them an elevated status in exchange for their cooperation.
All royal families that plotted retribution against Aedland were identified by these spies and were executed, root and stem.
After subverting his enemies, The King of Aedland created the “Club of 300”, a secret collective of key royals, high ranking men of cloth (bishops, archbishops, etc.), and rich men of industry. The members of this group would meet once a year in Aedland and maintain contact by highly discreet messenger birds written in coded language.
Lethe
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Government: Monarchy - King (Unnamed)
Inspiration: Germany
The Lethe Empire is a prosperous nation, renowned for their advances in engineering and sorcery. The magic practitioners of this country are feared throughout Elswynn. In particular, the mages of the Order of Magnate are revered as the best. They serve as a military wing of Lethe’s royal army.
It is home to many accomplished schools for magic studies, namely Rigons University. Lethe’s main exports are the innovative technologies that they create.
History
Stemming from a druidic culture, the people of Lethe have long been studious. Their healers were sought from all nations. Legends even say that an all-healing panacea was created in the capital by druids of old, now lost to the flow of time.
Their thirst for knowledge overshadowed their militaristic prowess. When the might of Aedland and Ashford were at their borders, the nation of scholars became a formidable force of sorcerers. Applying their knowledge to combat had never dawned on them, until danger approached.
This marked the formation of the monarchy and foundation of the Order of Magnate. Relying on both mercenary guilds and their own mages, Lethe built a very formidable army.
However, it was not enough to prevent their loss to Aedland. With larger coffers coming from Aedland, they were able to bribe Lethe’s mercenaries into vacating their contractors – essentially leaving them for dead.
Lethe has always had conflict with Vinheim to the north. Land disputes between the leaders of the two nations have left their relations sour and hostile. Raiders from the north would often march south, pillaging towns and villages for food and valuables. Coastal invaders would wreak havoc on Lethe’s seaside cities.
To this day, Lethe’s northern border is still heavily patrolled and skirmishes have become commonplace.
Ashford
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Government: Monarchy - Queen (Unnamed)
Inspiration: France
The Ashford Kingdom is home to Elswynn’s most formidable warriors. The mountainous terrain and harsh climate has crafted the finest soldiers on the continent. Due to a lack of fertile lands, Ashford has always taken an aggressive stance and waged war over resources. This has resulted in a heavily militaristic culture. Ashford is where the guild system was born; the Ironhaven Guild Hall serves as the headquarters for all guild activity.
The people of Ashford are proud, genuine and freedom-loving – dishonesty and subterfuge are frowned upon. In the mountainous reaches of Ashford reside renowned military families and clusters of warrior monk settlements.
History
The Ashford Kingdom was once made up of a collective of warring clans:
The Asher Clan were skilled horsemen and swordsmiths. Mining the mountains’ resources provided the blacksmiths of Asher superior steel and iron to craft weapons from. Living in a mountainous and harsh environment, they honed themselves for war. Having no arable lands, they waged war against Fulk and Dowd for resources; using their mountainous terrain to their advantage.
The Fulk were skilled archers. Their children were taught from young ages how to fire a bow and hunt. By age 15, they are gifted bows that are family heirlooms. They erected large towers in their land to defend from invasion. To the north, they often hailed arrows upon Vinheim raid ships that would pass off their coasts.
The Dowd favored the lance and axe. Their large land was often targeted by the Asher Clan, and decided to focus on weapons that were easier to learn. The leaders of Dowd held tourneys with the lance and axe, often resulting in the victors being recruited by guilds. The guild system was born in Dowd and expanded across the continent. Not having any formal government, their people turned to a quest and bartering system to trade food for protection.
These three clans often fought, yet the guild system infected them all rather quickly. The external threat of Aedland and Lethe brought about the establishment of the monarchy. Leadership from all three clans came together and joined the three clans into a single house: the Aldis Family.
Vinheim
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Government: Monarchy - King (Unnamed)
Inspiration: Denmark
Vinheim is home to both skilled traders and vicious pirates and vikings. The glacial climate lends to a high dependence on exports and pillaging. Many skilled seafarers hail from Vinheim; with sea trade routes established with Chuunlun, Xie, and Orman.
The coastal capital of Hellisdalr is the seat of the King and an international trade hub. Has trade relations with Chuunlun, Xie, and Orman.
Taljrees
Ethnicity: African & Arab
Government: Monarchy - Godking (Unnamed)
Inspiration: Songhai
A harsh desert region that has strengthened the fortitude of its people. Populated by an array of deadly wildlife that thrives in the sands.
The Taljreeli are split into many tribes each with its own rich culture. Many of the tribes choose to follow a divine harmony with nature - perhaps honouring a particular aspect as a beacon of strength (the Lion, the elephant, the gorilla, or even the sands themselves).
Taljreeli spear throwers are spoken of with particular fear and reverence by any foreign soldier to have witnessed their prowess. Able to throw with deadly strength and precision like a man might fire a crossbow.
Has hostile relations with Aedland, war is unable to be waged thanks to the mountainous region that separates them. They are on decent terms with Martel.
Martel
Ethnicity: Hispanic
Government: Monarchy - Queen (Unnamed)
Inspiration: Brazil
Martel is a vibrant land of culture and excess. The grand illusion of wealth and prosperity is of vital importance to the ruling class - this is portrayed in their flamboyant clothing, copious amounts of jewelry, and habit of over-the-top grand gestures. Their annual ‘Festival of Life’ is an extravaganza to behold, with visitors coming from across the four corners of Elswynn to experience the culture, food, drink, and music.
Bards of Martel are in high demand, with many in the nobility taking and training them as their patrons. Among the nobles there is a ‘pissing contest’ of sorts over who has the best musician, or any other piece of art.
In character with their boastful and prideful nature is their love of horses. Martel breeds some of the finest mares, and trains its riders to be worthy of their beasts. Every man, woman, and child in Martel can ride better than a knight of Aedland, so it is said.
Martel is responsible for providing food to Ashford, indirectly ruled by the coin that they pour into the country.
Xie
Ethnicity: Asiatic
Government: Monarchy - Empress (Unnamed)
Inspiration: China
Their traditions are very different from those of the east. Led by an Empress of a divine lineage that can be traced back centuries. The economy strongly relies on farming and trade. Has a strong military arm that holds back the ‘barbarians’ north of the continent.
The people of Xie follow the balance. A system of moral perfection that can cause cosmic harmony. This moral character is achieved through the virtue of Ren, or “humanity,” which leads to more virtuous behaviors, such as respect, altruism, and humility. It is also the belief in ancestors and family, their spirits as guides to prosperity.
Xie disregards many patriarchal norms of other places in Elswynn, with men and women equally sharing responsibility and expectations in labour and the military.
The continent is renowned for their Samurai, elite warriors that wield the Katana as an extension of themselves. As strong as their blade is their sense of honour, and their bonds or oaths to others.
Chuunlun
Ethnicity: Asiatic
Government: Monarchy - Khan (Unnamed)
Inspiration: Mongolia
Chuunlun is defined by conflict, various warband factions constantly vie for territory and resources. As such, its people grew to be tough and seasoned warriors - with most men conscripted to military service.
Combat waged in Chuunlun is often brutal and fast, supplanting these are the fearsome Chun horse archers that excel at hit and run tactics.
A great chieftain emerged to unite the clans in their hatred of Xie, bringing them under iron fist to expand the borders of Chuunlun.
More later.
