The Duchies of Sergaria

Many of the refugees of the Godsrift settled beyond the Bulwark mountains in the hills and valleys of the large Sergaria Peninsula. At first, dozens of small baronies formed as different groups settled in. Quickly, these baronies began to form alliances and come into conflict with each other. Several barons began to make war on neighboring baronies and expanded their holdings. These barons promoted themselves to Dukes and began to make war upon each other. This war threatened to consume the Duchies of Sergaria, when an invasion of allied orc tribes from the Bulwark mountains overtook the outlaying baronies. The Dukes quickly united, named their greatest Archduke, and began the long Orc Campaigns against Grum Red-eye and the Dread Host.

Eventually, the baronies were reclaimed on Grum himself was killed. Many heroes from Hauthaven served, and some were granted titles and lands in the Duchies.

Today, the Duchies exist in a relative state of peace, but war always seems a possibility. Each duchy covets the holding of its neighbor, and brinkmanship is the rule

Notable Duchies

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Bridgeton

On the border between Sergaria and the Holdfast of the Fireshield Clan (DWARVEN LANGUAGE VARIANT HERE) is the mighty and unusual city of Bridgeton. Built over the a tall and wide gorge of the Redwater river. A large and long bridge was constructed here by person unknown, built with such cunning that it has easily stood the test of time. Upon the bridge, and underneath it, people of a wide variety of shops and homes. Only a fairly narrow street remains in the bridge's middle. A local sort of wood, called floatwood for its ability to hover, is used to construct residences that float above and around the city as well. Caravans come through the Holdfast constantly and Bridgeton sees a bustling trade as a result.

Faeheim

As much as a geological landmark as a nation. Faeheim grew in the center of an old kingdom long ago, fully mature trees appearing every day. Entire villages were lost to the woods, and eventually the entire kingdom itself. It is said that a portal to the (FAE PLANE Maybe Wildrealm) exists in the center of Faeheim, others say an elemental god has made its home there. The forest is now ruled by the often mentioned but rarely seen Seelie Court. The King and Queen hold many different Fey creatures as their subjects, and these subjects happily acknowledge the Court and it's authority. However, a rebellion builds with the notorious Unseelie Court, who raise an army to take over the Seelie Court on the prophesied Day of Exile.

The forest itself is filled with enormous trees and a canopy so thick that little light makes it to the forest floor. Thus, the forest ground is in a dim twilight during the day and complete blackness at night. Navigation in the forest without a guide is difficult, as it seems to shift and move, closing some paths while opening others. Within the forest are many ruins of the former kingdom, and legends tell of the restless undead that haunt them.

The Thousand Year Empire

On the far side of Faeheim lies the Thousand Year Empire, which was founded by Emperor Justinian nearly a millenia ago. Bringing many disparate kingdoms together. An oracle prophesied that the empire would stand for a millenia, and the early emperors built accordingly. Every building was made to last 1000 years. Unfortunately, the year is now 993 AF (After Founding) and the empire faces many crises and uneven leadership. The current ruler is the Child Empress,

In the Empire, everyone receives a True Name upon coming of age. This name is kept secret, and knowledge of it is a source of power over an individual. A person's name is revealed only after their death, as it is believed it must be known for a soul to reach the afterlife. Most people have a usename, or their title is used. The noble in the Empire are all magic users, and magic is taught to nobility and those in their immediately employ only. Using magic without official sanction is highly illegal.

The Empire has since grown through a long series of military campaigns, and lost many of those colonies to revolution since. Many nobles have become disloyal, failing to send tribute the the Imperial Throne. Many whisper that the Empire's days are numbered and stands on the brink of war. The young Empress does not seem to have a grasp on how to deal with the situation, but shows more aptitude at magic than any Emperor so far.

The Dragon Isles

An archipelago of large islands, controlled by a very loose alliance of a dozen Dragon Kings. Each dragon has sworn an oath in their own blood not to directly attack or hinder each other. The Kings have become aggressive economically, increasing their trade in attempts to conquer through finance, while employing a shadowy network of agents to gain intelligence and sometimes sabotage the other kings.