An Atlas of Cerilia

Being an exploration ofthe entire continent

with a major focus onthe area known as

the Crossroads of Empire.

Part One:Languages

Anuirean

In the five centuries since the collapse of the Anuirean Empire, the land and people haveundergone great changes. One of these changes was the rise of sectionalism as thevarious states asserted themselves as independent from all others. This in turn led to thefragmentation of the Anuirean language along national lines. All these languages arespoken dialects. All these languages continue to use the Anuirean alphabet for writing.

Andu- This language, also known as Olde Anuirean, is the language brought over by thefirst of the human tribes to settle Cerilia. It is a dead language, but is still studied by sagesand scholars, for all Anuirean tongues trace their origins in Andu. Andu had no writingsystem prior to the migration to Cerilia, but later a Sidhelien variant was adopted. This tooevolved into Anuirean.

Anuirean- This is the language that most resembles the language of the fallen Empire. Itis spoken near the center of the old Empire, the Countries that speak it are: Avanil, Endier,Ghoere, Diemed, Medeore, Roesone and Ilien. Anuirean is also used as the language ofnobility in most other realms. It is also a language commonly used by nobility, scholars,and diplomats in the regions of Brecht�r and Khinasi once ruled by the Empire.

Alam- This Anuirean dialect developed in the vast nation of Alamie over a period ofseveral centuries. Although similar to traditional Anuirean there is still sufficient variation tomake it an independent language. It is now spoken only in Alamie and Tuornen, whichbroke away from that country.

Peninsular- This dialect developed on the western coast of Anuire as a result of theisolation provided by the Seamist Mountains. The countries that speak it are Brosengaeand Taeghas.

Talin- An Anuirean derivative spoken on the northwestern coast of Anuire. It has someinfluence from the goblin languages of Thurazor and the Five Peaks. It is spoken in Talinieand Boeruine.

Dhoesonean/Cariele- These two languages are extremely similar. So much so that theyare generally put together as one language. Due to their isolation from the rest of Anuirethe language has developed to a point where it can hardly be recognized. It has heavyRjurik, as well as some Sidhelien and Goblin influence. It is spoken in Dhoesone andCariele.

Mhor- This language developed in the Mhoried as a mixture of the Anuirean, Cariele, andAlam languages. It is unique to that country.

Estmark- This language has Low Brecht and Basarji influences and is spoken in thecountries of Aerenwe, Osoerde, Coeranys, and Elinie. This was also the official languageof the Holy Anuirean Empire, and was spoken in its lands. It continues to be spoken byindividuals of Anuirean stock in the Chimaeron, Rohrmarch, and Kiergard.

Brecht

Altenbrechlen Ð High Brecht is the mother tongue of Brecht�r, the ancient language ofthe Brechts before the Anuirean occupation. Today, few people speak Altenbrechlenfluently. It has been relegated to a language of the nobility, scholars, and sages. Sometemples around the Great Bay conduct services in Altenbrechlen on high holidays. Allother Brecht languages derive from High Brecht, and all these languages continue to usethe Altenbrechlen alphabet (which itself was originally derived from the dwarvenKaramhul) for their writing. Altenbrechlen has evolved to the point that a reader of HighBrecht can no longer read dwarven rune letters.

Low Brecht retains many of the words and language rules that exist in High Brecht, butmany things have been simplified. In addition, Anuirean and Rjurik words have mixed withAltenbrechlen pronunciations and meanings, and the language has become as eclecticand adaptable as the Brechts themselves. It is spoken mainly by guilders and merchantsaround the Great Bay, who use it as a trade language.

Weistbrechlen- This is a Low Brecht dialect that has evolved in the realms on thewestern shores of the Great Bay. It includes many Rjurik and Goblin words. It is spoken inDanigau, Weirech, and Dauren.

Estbrechlen- This Low Brecht dialect incorporates Vos words and rules, and is spoken onthe eastern shores of the Great Bay in Grabentrod, Grevesm�hl, Rzhlev, Berhagen, andM�den.

Kiermark- This Low Brecht dialect borrows heavily from the Anuirean Estmark tongue andBasarji. It is spoken on the southern shores of the Great Bay and in those Brecht landsbordering the Great Sea of the South (Kiergard, Massenmarch, Rohrmarch, andSendoure).

The Brecht languages have a heavy, Germanic ring and follow many typical Germanicrules.

Rjurik

When the first Rjuven refugees arrived in the arctic highlands they brought with them alegacy of thousands of years. They were the speakers of two ancient and closely relatedlanguages: Skapaar and Rjuvin. The Rjuven brought these two tongues with them to theirnew homeland.

As a result of the chaotic circumstances of their flight from the Shadow the speakers ofthese two languages were forced to cooperate more closely than they had ever been

required to before. Thus, in a few generations the languages were melded into the ancientRjuven tongue. This process was greatly facilitated by the elves of woodlands, whocaused the Rjuven to unite against them, thereby solidifying the alliance among the twoRjuven tribes.

However, the period after the cataclysm at Deismaar saw the fracturing of the unitedRjuven, who were now known as the Rjurik, as newly blooded jarls and warlordsattempted to forge empires from the Highlands. This internal strife caused the Rjuvenlanguage to be split along the Vika River.

After the alliance with the Anuirean Empire eastern Rjuven began to absorb a largeamount of Anuirean vocabulary and structure, becoming very different from the Westernlanguage. With time a third language was formed as a mixture of Eastern and WesternRjuven, as well as some goblinoid and Sidhelien. This language first appeared in thenation of Hogunmark, which was founded through the efforts of both eastern and westernRjurik.

The modern highlands house the three languages that follow:

Skaping- Descended from Western Rjuven, this language is the most similar to AncientRjuven. It is spoken in the nations of Halskapa and Jankaping; the realm of the Siren; andin the Thaelasian colonies of Hoekstraad and Rjalford.

Rjurik- This is the language that consists of a mixture of Eastern Rjuven and Anuirean.Although the vocabulary and pronunciation are Rjurik in nature, the structure of thegrammar follow Anuirean patterns. This language is easily understood by speakers ofHogunmar and Dhoesonean. Speakers of Skaping find the language too illogical, but canunderstand it with difficulty. It is spoken in Svinik, Rjuvik, Stjordvik, and the colony ofTjarvaald.

Hogunmar- This language is formed from the fusion of Skaping and Rjurik, just as Rjuvenwas formed from Skapaar and Rjuvin. Hogunmar has spread widely and is spoken inHogunmark, Kvingmar, Hjolvar, and serves as the Rjurik language in the Giantdowns.

Rjuven- Although the ancient tongue is no longer spoken by the populace at large it iswidely used by druids and skalds; it is also considered the language of diplomacy.

The White Witch's realm contains speakers of the three languages, however the languagespoken in her capital at Mandal is Skaping.

Each language (except for Rjuven, which has become rigidly unchanging, much the sameway that Latin has in our world) contains a wealth of dialects. There is an urban dialect foreach language, which is spoken by the civilized Rjurik. The nomadic Rjurik have, onaverage, a dialect for each nomadic tribe. Depending on how isolated the tribe is thiscould range from a slight accent all the way to another language.

The Rjurik peoples adopted the Anuirean alphabet, although they modified it for their ownuse. A person literate in an Anuirean language can pronounce Rjuven written words,although he cannot understand their meaning or syntax.

Basarji

The Khinasi speak and write Basarji, a language that has not changed much since theBasarjiÕs arrival in Cerilia millennia ago. There are two main dialects however. A westernone that incorporates some Anuirean, Brecht, and Masetian; and an eastern whichincorporates Masetian and Vos. Both dialects use the Basarji alphabet, and a speaker ofone dialect can converse readily with a speaker of the other. A Khinasi and Basarjispeaker from the ancestral homelands of Djapar can also understand each other. TheBasarji developed their alphabet independent of outside influence, and it is unlike anySidhelien or Karamhul based writing. The language is Arabic in appearance and sound,with a strong Mediterranean flavor.

Vos

Vos, like Basarji, has not evolved into many regional languages. Many tribes have dialectsthat include goblinoid, Basarji, Brecht, Dwarven, and even Elven words, but on the whole,any Vos speaker can converse with any other Vos speaker. While a farmer in Yeninskiymay not use all the same words or grammar as a miner in Luthovsky, they can, with a fewfalse starts, comprehend each other.

The folk of Vosgaard also have the distinction of being the only humans on Cerilia thatdoes not have their own written language. Writing, they believe, is a tool of corruptsorcerers who would use their magics to weaken the Vos warriorsÕ minds and defeat themin battle. Naturally, the priests of Belinik and Kreisha preach this doctrine and, asinfluential as they are among the superstitious Vos, their words stand as law. Few Vos,even when travelling to other lands or mingling among other peoples, willingly learn toread or write. Beyond a few runes and symbols used to record numeric values and somebasic concepts, the Vos have no written language that compares to that of the otherhuman races.

Selevyek- Most Vos tribes have developed a subtle and sometimes complex system ofpictographs unmatched in Cerilia. Seemingly primitive, these selevyek (Òpicture thoughtsÓ)communicate ideas and concepts with nearly as much detail as the finest Basarji script.Indeed, these pictographs have become the basis for a unique type of priestly magic- spelltattoos.

Ytarlavek- In addition to their spoken and pictograph languages, many Vos warriors alsoknow a third mode of communication. Known as ytarlavek (Òsilent speakÓ), these gesturesand hand signals are a secret weapon of the Vos warriors, and are guarded jealously andused sparingly. It is said among the Vos that any nonwarrior who attempts to learnytarlavek will be struck mute by Belinik. As a result, most nonwarriors either do not knowof this silent-speak or refuse to discuss it, even with each other.

The learned among the Vos (and those rare individuals who dare to study the magicalarts) must use another racesÕ written language (often Basarji, Altenbrechlen, Karamhul(dwarven), Sidhelien (elven), or Goblin) for their correspondence or to record spells. Infact, much can be told about the personality and background of a literate Vos by whichlanguage he uses for his letters.

Demihuman and Nonhuman Tongues

Sidhelien (elvish)*Karamhul (dwarvish)*GiantGnollGoblin*OrogOgrishTroll

* These languages also have a written language.

English Altenbrechlen Basarji Sidhelien Goblin KaramhulLetter Letter Letter Letter Letter Letter

A A A A A A or a (lowercase)

B b b b b B or b (lowercase)

C c c c c C or c (lowercase)

D d d d d D or d (lowercase)

E e e e e E or e (lowercase)

F f f F f F or f (lowercase)

G g g g g G or g (lowercase)

H h h h h hI I i i i IJ j j j j J or j (lowercase)

K k k k k K or k (lowercase)

L l l l l L or l (lowercase)

M m m m m M or m (lowercase)

N n n n n nO o o o o oP pPp p p p P or p (lowercase)

Q q q q q Q or q (lowercase)

R r r r r R or r (lowercase)

S s s s s S or s (lowercase)

T t t t t T or t (lowercase)

U u u u u U or u (lowercase)

V v v v v V or v (lowercase)

W w w w w W or w (lowercase)

X x x x x or x (lowercase)

Y y y y y yZ z z z z Z or z (lowercase)

Part Two:The Anuirean Book of Days

Time is measured differently depending on where in Cerilia one happens to be. TheBrechts measure time by tide and moon, while the Khinasi track the passage of days,months, and years by the position of the sun. The Vos generally donÕt care about the daysor monthsÑthey measure time by the naming of years, with the first snowfall after thebrief summer beginning a new year.

Anuireans, Rjuriks (forced long ago to accept the Anuirean method), and many ofthe peoples of the former Anuirean Empire use the Book of Days, which they base on theorbit of the moon and the movement of the constellation Haelyn the Protector. This bookdefines 12 months to a year, four weeks to a month, and eight days to a week. A year has388 days. The four annual days not part of any month have become times to celebrateand reflect.

The noble warrior god Haelyn is the protector and brother to Roele, the founder ofthe Anuirean Empire. Naturally, the astrologers based in the City of Anuire in those long-ago days chose the constellation of Haelyn to help them measure time. This constellation,six stars high, looks like a warrior en garde and is fully visible from southern Anuire at thesummer solstice. With each passing month after this solstice, one more star slips belowthe southern horizon.

When the last starÑHaelynÕs head, or the Crown of GloryÑfalls beneath thehorizon, the Eve of the Dead has come. Haelyn hides only for the single night of the wintersolstice, but itÕs a night of frantic prayer, for many believe the Shadow WorldÕs influencegrows strongest when HaelynÕs constellation does not watch over his people. Of course,Anuireans living farther north must endure even more time away from HaelynÕs gaze.

DDDDaaaayyyy ooooffff RRRReeeebbbbiiiirrrrtttthhhh (the vernal equinox, New YearÕs Day)SSSSaaaarrrriiiimmmmiiiieeeerrrreeee (first month of the year, spring season)TTTTaaaalllliiiieeeennnniiiirrrr (second month of the year, spring season)RRRRooooeeeelllliiiirrrr (third month of the year, spring season)HHHHaaaaeeeellllyyyynnnnÕÕÕÕssss FFFFeeeessssttttiiiivvvvaaaallll (the summer solstice; the Night of Fire, when a shower of falling stars

Results from annual passage through a meteor belt at the climax of the Festival)HHHHaaaaeeeellllyyyynnnniiiirrrr (forth month, summer season)AAAAnnnnaaaarrrriiiirrrreeee (fifth month, summer season)DDDDeeeeiiiissssmmmmiiiirrrr (sixth month, summer season)VVVVeeeennnneeeerrrraaaattttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff tttthhhheeee SSSSlllleeeeeeeeppppiiiinnnngggg (the autumnal equinox)EEEErrrrnnnntttteeeennnniiiirrrr (seventh month, the month of harvest, autumn season)SSSSeeeehhhhnnnniiiirrrr (eighth month, autumn season)EEEEmmmmmmmmaaaannnniiiirrrr (ninth month, autumn season)EEEEvvvveeee ooooffff tttthhhheeee DDDDeeeeaaaadddd (winter solstice)KKKKeeeellllttttiiiieeeerrrr (tenth month, winter season)FFFFaaaannnniiiieeeelllleeee (eleventh month, winter season)PPPPaaaassssiiiipppphhhhiiiieeeellll (twelfth month, winter season)

Anuireans devote six of the weekÕs eight days to work, giving the remainder toleisure. The days, from workÕs beginning to restÕs end, are:

FFFFiiiirrrrlllleeeennnnRRRReeeelllleeeennnnDDDDiiiieeeelllleeeennnnVVVVaaaarrrriiiilllleeeennnnBBBBrrrraaaannnnlllleeeennnnBBBBaaaarrrrlllleeeennnnMMMMiiiieeeerrrrlllleeeennnnTTTTaaaaeeeelllleeeennnn

Astrologers and scholars across the continent favor HaelynÕs Count (HC), the mostwidely used calendar, which uses the cataclysm at Mount Deismaar-- and the ascensionof Haelyn as a godÑas Year 0.

Anuireans and Rjuriks refer to event according to Michaeline Reckoning (MR),dating from the death of the last Anuirean Emperor, Michael Roele. Some historians andnoble houses of Brecht�r use Michaeline Reckoning since that event freed Brecht�r fromAnuirean domination.

The Khinasi use a calendar that dates events relative to the Masetian Arrival (MA)in Cerilia.

Part Three:Noble Titles

Anuire

In the days of the Anuirean Empire, a nobleÕs title reflected his rank. Princes owed fealtyto the Emperor, (arch)dukes to a prince, barons to a duke, and counts to a baron. (Elvenand other realms use titles like king, queen, and prince that have no ties to Imperialranks). Princes ruled vast domains as members of the Imperial family, while dukes ruledone of the Twelve Duchies; both principalities and duchies held up to a dozen or soprovinces. Baronies of old were quite a bit smallerÑusually only three or four provinces. Acount held only one province.

However, this picture has changed dramatically since the death of Michael Roele.With the EmpireÕs collapse, many barons and counts won independence from theiroverlords or conquered enough land to forge domains for themselves that rivaled duchies.This trend explains why the Baron of Ghoere today governs more land than the onlyremaining true Prince, Darien Avan.

These days, a regentÕs noble title does little more than reflect the heritage of hiskingdom. This is why no one should refer to Gavin Tael, Baron of Ghoere, as ÒBaron TaelÓor ÒBaron Gavin.Ó The Baron of Ghoere is a historical title, not part of a name. Today,others accord a ruler status not based on whether he is a count, duke, or thane, but by hisinfluence and the strength of his lands.

Brechtur

Compared to the rest of Cerilia, the Brechts have a strange attitude regarding nobility.Most of them respect the few ancient titles and noble houses that still exist withinBrecht�r, but they do not immediately bow to nobility the way some other races do. Ifanything, Brechts show respect for truly hereditary titles but find other nobility curious andamusing rather than awe-inspiring.

Virtually all the realms in Brecht�r (with the notable exception of Danigau) came tosell noble titles to wealthy commoners with enough money and desire. Some even gainedresponsibility and distinction within the realm as a result.

Noble appointments existed within Brecht�r for countless generations, even beforethe Anuirean occupation, but the Anuireans were largely responsible for the shift in theBrecht view of titles. The Anuirean overlords often appointed notable and loyal Brecht tominor noble roles and granted them license and responsibility to better rule their charges,and the Brechts continue the custom today.

Khinasi

The minor nobility in Khinasi lands are known as the ajazada, or named families. InKhinasi, the right to carry a family name can be bestowed only by the ruler of a city. Thefamily of one so honored can claim this name forever. About one in four Khinasi belong tothis elite level. Most ajazada sustain themselves as artisans or merchants; many priests,

bureaucrats, low courtiers, and military officers were born into these ranks. A few of themost honorable and powerful families possess minor bloodlines.

The highest level of Khinasi society is the high nobility, or tamounzada. These arefamilies who share the ruling familyÕs name. Though distant relatives, tamounzada stillserve as governors, generals, admirals, high priests, and major courtiers. Often,tamounzada share a bloodline with the regent of state, though these scions rule nodomains of their own.

Khinasi city-states vary in their traditions of rulership, but itÕs fairly common for asingle family to govern a state for centuries. Naturally, these regents possess ancientbloodlines infused with power from the events at Mount Deismaar. Rulers use manydifferent titles, especially emir, satrap, sultan, and khan. The Khinasi fascination withmagic has led to an unusually high occurrence of skilled true wizards among thetamounzada. In fact, many Khinasi rulers are capable mages.The overall measure of a KhinasiÕs standing and wealth is sayim, loosely interpreted asÒface.Ó The term stands for hospitality, honor, wisdom, compassion, grace, and eloquence.All Khinasi strive to earn images as men or women of great sayim, even if born common.Acts such as breaking oaths, being a rude or stingy host, or showing anger or a curttongue all injure a personÕs sayim.

The hardest thing for a Khinasi to say is ÒSei bhada hejj-sayim,Ó or ÒI am withoutface.Ó People reserve such a public admission of great guilt and shame for only the mostunforgivable breaches of sayim. Once someone makes this confession, his fellows expecthim to leave his home, taking none of his family, servants, or possessions, for a voluntaryexile until an appropriate amount of time has passed. This penance period ranges from afew months for a quarrel with oneÕs wife in front of company, to many years to atone forbeing caught in an illicit romance.

Part Four:The Cerilian Pantheon

AvaniKnown as Avanalae in Anuire, Lana in Brecht�r, Vani in RjurikGoddess of the Sun, Lady of ReasonGreater Power of Mechanus, LNSymbol: Golden setting sun

Avani is the principal goddess of the Khinasi. In addition to her role as the patron ofreason and magic, she is the Lightbringer and Lifebringer to the Khinasi people. Her homeis the sun; from there she shines forth her divine radiance, chasing away shadow and thatwhich skulks in darkness. She brings alive the world each day.

Avani can be a harsh and relentless goddess, as unforgiving as the sun that beatsdown on the Khinasi lands, or she can be warm and nurturing, enfolding her people in theglow of her divine radiance. A former priestess of Basa�a at the battle of Deismaar, sheinherited Basa�aÕs portfolio and responsibilities when that goddess was destroyed.

The churches of Avani have their strongest hold among the domains of the Khinasi.The people of this culture see Avani as the supreme ruler of their pantheon; many Khinasihave little tolerance for the teachings of others.

AvaniÕs clergy is composed of priests (WIS 9, INT 12, Alignment LG, NG, LN, N,LE, or NE) and paladins (STR 12, CON 9, WIS 13, CHA 17, Alignment LG). Avani expectsher priests and paladins to represent themselves as if they were representing her. Theymust strive to be firm but fair in their dispensation of justice, must aid the poor and defendthose unable to protect themselves, and must be merciful to enemies whom she woulddeem deserving.

ErikKnown as Aeric in Anuire, Iraikhan in VosgaardOld Father of the Forests, Patron of the RjurikGreater Power of the Outlands, NSymbol: Oak tree

Erik is the forest lord, the god of nature and the protector of the wilderness. A descendantof the high druid Njarl Sunbow and himself the high druid in his turn, Erik was one of theleaders of the Rjuven people. He was ReynirÕs chosen champion at Deismaar. Erikinherited ReynirÕs power when Reynir and the other gods were destroyed. In honor of theirnew god, the Rjuven adopted the name Rjurik.

Erik works closely with his two allies: his wife, Vani, the sun goddess, and Lirorn,god of the moon and mystic places. Vani brings morning to the world each day, and Lirornworks with Erik to protect the mystic places of the wilderness.

ErikÕs clergy is composed entirely of druids (WIS 12, CON 14, Alignment LG, NG,CG, LN, N, CN). Erik has given few laws to his followers; equally, he levies on them few

requirements. His principal concern is the safeguarding of the wilderness, and hedemands of his followers that they take only what they need from the bounty of nature. Hebecomes angry when wild lands are despoiled purely for personal gain. Tales repeatedaround the fire pits of Rjurik halls abound with ErikÕs vengeance against those who violatehis simple edicts.

The worship of Erik is one of the most unified faiths in Cerilia. Despite rivalrybetween the traditional Emerald Spire and the more urban Oaken Grove, the faith has nothad to endure major doctrinal rifts experienced by some of the other faiths of Cerilia.

HaelynKnown as Hala�a in Khinasi, Holn in RjurikLord of Noble War, Lawmaker, Patron of AnuireGreater Power of Mount Celestia, LGSymbol: Silver sword over a golden sunburst

Haelyn was the chosen champion of Andurias and inherited his divine portfolio andresponsibilities when Andurias and the other gods perished at the Battle of MountDeismaar. He is the principal deity of the Anuirean pantheon, and serves as the paragonof a king. He is worshipped as the lord of courage and chivalry by noble warriors in otherregions of Cerilia.

Haelyn is the divine warrior, defending the innocent and defenseless from thedepredations of others. A consummate strategist, he commanded the armies of Anduriasat Deismaar. He expects his followers to study warfare and serve as the commanders ofthe armies that oppose evil.

In his role as the lord of justice, Haelyn is stern, but tempers his judgments withmercy. He represents the rule of law as the means by which a society is run.

The worship of Haelyn was once organized as a single church. The ImperialTemple of Haelyn was created after the battle of Deismaar by Anuirean clergy whowitnessed HaelynÕs ascension into godhood. The Anuireans eventually built templesthroughout Anuire, and it has spread into every human-dominated region on Cerilia.HaelynÕs church has declined somewhat since the fall of the Empire, for Haelyn was everassociated by the conquered peoples with the trappings of Anuirean occupation. TheImperial Temple has also been fractured into several sects by dogmatic schisms and thepolitical infighting caused by the civil wars after the EmpireÕs collapse. Despite this, itremains one of the principal religions on the continent.

Haelyn is served by priests (WIS 9, STR 9, CHA 12, Alignment LG, NG, CG, LN,LE) and paladins (STR 12, CON 9, WIS 13, CHA 17, Alignment LG).

BelinikKnown as Alenecht in Brecht�rPrince of Terror, Lord of StrifeIntermediate Power of Pandemonium, CESymbol: Crossed Axes

Belinik is one of the two younger gods who absorbed into their mortal forms the divineessence of Azrai at Mount Deismaar. Many people outside of Vosgaard believe Belinik isthe principal of the two descendents of Azrai, but that is not precisely the case. Belinik andKreisha are part of the same church in Vos lands (the One True Church of Vosgaard).Belinik is the Vos god of war, strife, competition, hatred, feuds, and fear. He inspires maleVos warriors to be savage in their attacks, merciless in their conquests, and fearless intheir defeats.

BelinikÕs clergy is composed almost exclusively of human male priests (WIS 9, STR12, CON 12, Alignment LE, NE, or CE), although occasionally some women who choosenot to serve Kreisha and some goblins also become priests of the Lord of Strife.

NesirieKnown as Nasri in Khinasi, Neira in Brecht�r, Narikja in RjurikGoddess of the Sea, Lady of MourningIntermediate Power of Elysium, NGSymbol: Wave and trident

Nesirie is the goddess of the sea. She inherited her powers from Masela when thatgoddess destroyed herself killing Azrai at Deismaar. She also inherited the sorrow ofMasela, whose favored people, the Masetians, met their end at Deismaar; now only a fewof them remain.

Not everyone whose livelihood depends on the sea worships her, but nearly all payher respect. Seafarers of all cultures murmur a brief prayer to her before setting sail onany voyage.

Nesirie is also the diplomat of the gods. She is the wife of Haelyn and mother to themercurial Cuira�cen, and often is asked to mediate disputes between the two. Because ofher connection to Masela and the lost Masetian people, who once lived in what are knowKhinasi lands, she is accorded respect by Avani and her followers. She has acted asliaison between Haelyn and Avani, healing the rifts caused by conflicts between theirfollowers.

NesirieÕs clergy is composed of priests (WIS 12, Alignment LG, NG, CG, LN, N,CN) and female paladins (STR 12, CON 9, WIS 13, CHA 17, Alignment LG).

SeraKnown as Sarimie in Anuire, Sarma in Khinasi, Sirova in VosgaardLady of Fortune, Goddess of WealthIntermediate Power of the Outlands, CNSymbol: Silver scales on a green background

Lady Luck, the Mistress of Good Fortune, and other nicknames are given to the patronessof the Brechts, properly known as Sera, goddess of wealth and luck. She is the heir toBrennaÕs power as the principal deity of the Brecht pantheon.

Brenna was perhaps more involved with her people than Sera has proven to be, forshe ever enjoyed walking among the Brechts in avatar form, granting good fortune tothose she deemed worthy, and ill fortune to those who spurned her or otherwise earnedher wrath. Sera prefers to remain aloof from her worshippers, for she believes the bestluck comes from within a person, not from divine intervention.

The worship of Sera is one of the truly international churches in Cerilia. She is paidhomage in nearly every Cerilian land. Temples to Sera of one stripe or another can befound wherever trade exists. SeraÕs priests can be of any alignment, and must have WIS 9and CHA 12.

CuiraecenKnown as Khirdai in Khinasi, Kirche in Brecht�r, Kirken in RjurikStormlord, God of Battle, HaelynÕs ChampionLesser Power of Ysgard, CGSymbol: Lightning bolt crossed by a sword

Cuira�cen is the son of Haelyn and Nesirie. Warriors preparing for battle may ask Haelynthat they conduct themselves with honor, but it is Cuira�cenÕs name they most ofteninvoke for victory. He is also the Stormlord, often heralding his appearance with stormclouds, lightning, and thunder.

Apocrypha suggest that Cuira�cen is romantically linked to the passionate andbeautiful Laerme, goddess of art, love, and beauty. Other stories hint that he is caught in atriangle between Laerme and Elo�le. These spurious sagas are most likely the product ofoverly active imaginations; they are commonly repeated by storytellers, however.

Cuira�cenÕs churches are composed of priests (WIS 9, STR 12, Alignment NG, N,NE, CG, CN, CE) and paladins (STR 12, CON 9, WIS 13, CHA 17, Alignment CG).

EloeleKnown as �la in Brecht�r, Elyal in VosgaardGoddess of the Night, Sister of ThievesLesser Power of Pandemonium, CN(E)Symbol: Black dagger

Elo�le is the lady of night and mistress of thieves, spies, and others who hide theiractivities from view. She is the daughter of Sera and Ruornil, and is said to compete withLaerme for the affections of Cuira�cen. This competition may explain the sour relationshipbetween the two goddesses, although this rivalry does not seem to have spread to theirdevout.

Elo�leÕs priests must have WIS 9 and DEX 12, and can be of CG, CN, or CEAlignment.

KrieshaKnown as Kriestal in Brecht�r, Karesha in RjurikThe Ice Lady, the Winter WitchLesser Power of Baator, LESymbol: White hand

Kriesha is the goddess of winterÑlong, bitter, harsh winterÑthe season in which the coldseeps into the warmest homes and in which the wolf packs sate their terrible hunger onthose foolish enough to brave the storms the Ice Lady sends. Kriesha is without mercy;the harsh winters she sends against the Vos work to strengthen them as a people, fornone but the strongest survive the cold of a Vos winter.

Nearly all of KrieshaÕs clergy are women (WIS 9, CON 12, Alignment LE, NE, CE).Only in lands outside Vosgaard are there exceptions to this, and even these are rare.

LaermeKnown as Leira in Khinasi, Lara in Rjurik, Ayairda in VosgaardGoddess of Fire, Beauty, and ArtLesser Power of Arborea, CGSymbol: Silver harp against a red flame

Laerme, the daughter of Erik and Avani, is a fiery goddess of beauty and love and apatroness of the arts. She is not a goddess who encourages her priests actively to convertfollowers to her. She is neither jealous of other deities nor is she vain.

Instead, Laerme is content with the fact that virtually every intelligent creature onthe continent honors her at some time or another, whether they are aware of it or not.Even the Gorgon felt love in his heart once, so even he has given tribute to Laerme.

Laerme is not served by many widespread and organized churches. Her priests(WIS 9, CHA 12, Alignment LG, NG, CG) are most often found at the head of artisanguilds, in positions as court sculptors, painters, composers and poets, advisers to rulers,and wandering courtiers.

RuornilKnown as Rilni in Khinasi, Lirorn in Rjurik, Lirovka in VosgaardThe Moon God, the Silver PrinceLesser Power of the Outlands, NSymbol: Silver crescent moon on a deep blue field

Ruornil is the god of magic and the guardian of mystical places. Before Deismaar, he wasthe Weaver, the title given to the greatest of VorynnÕs mages. Even to his worshippers,Ruornil seems a distant, mysterious god. He has set down no written word, does notcommunicate regularly with his followers, and seems aloof from the daily affairs of Cerilia.His priests (WIS 9, INT 12, Alignment LN, N, CN) work tirelessly to defend the sources ofmebhaighl and expand their understanding of the nature of magic. They chart ley lines,seek out caerbhaighlien, and ally with rangers, druids, and other wilderness peoples toprevent intruders from despoiling these sources.

Part Five:An Atlas of Cerilia

Cerilia is a troubled land. It is a chaotic patchwork of nations, cultures, religions, andtraditions. Wars and feuds are all too common; even peaceful lands must vigilantly defendtheir borders against expansive neighbors and the plots of awnsheghlien. There can be nolasting peace until the bloodlines stand united and cease their eternal conflict.

AnuireThe southwestern corner of Cerilia is the home of the ancient Anuirean Empire. Anuire isa green and fair land, with broad and fertile river valleys, rolling hills and highlands, andthe most favorable weather in Cerilia. These beautiful lands are home to dozens of rivalbaronies, duchies, and free cities. The borderlands of the old Empire are largelyabandoned in these darker days; goblinkind and bandits prosper in the EmpireÕs absence.

The former Empire was once made up of the Twelve Duchies of Anuire plus thelands later conquered by the Roeles. Today, eleven of the twelve realms still exist (inaddition to younger Anuirean kingdoms): Boeruine, Mhoried, Diemed, Avanil, Alamie,Aerenwe, Elinie, Talinie, Taeghas, Osoerde, and Cariele. The lands that are currentlycontrolled by Ghoere were also among the Twelve, but that name is of recent vintage.

The SielwodeThis dark, brooding forest in eastern Anuire is shunned by the folk of Anuire and nearbyBrecht�r. It is no place for humans. Deep in the heart of the forest lies the elf realm ofSiellaghriod (see-uh-LEH-ree-od), where the Emerald Queen Isaelie rules a faerie courtunder the stars. A few travellers have actually encountered the Emerald QueenÕs courtand returned to tell the tale, but most humans find the woods to be full of menace andimpossibly dense and tangled. Should a traveller persist in trying to find a way through theforest, the elves are likely to make certain that the intruder will not disturb them again.

The GorgonÕs CrownNorth and east of Mhoried, the Stonecrown Mountains collide with the Hoarfells in atwisted knot of stark peaks and impassable gorges. This riven land is the GorgonÕs Crown,the seat of the GorgonÕs power, and the largest kingdom in Anuire. Dark towers watchover the narrow passes leading into the GorgonÕs land, and the mountains are riddled withthe secret armories and forges of his armies.

The center of the GorgonÕs realm is the great fortress Kal-Saitharak; in Anuireanlands, it is called the Battlewaite. This obsidian and iron fortress sits in the forestedprovince between two volcanoes; its spiky spires and towers seem to rise just as high intothe reddish sky as the volcanoes nearby.

Five hundred years ago, the Gorgon slew Michael Roele, plunging the Empire intochaos. The GorgonÕs armies conquered Markazor, the goblin kingdom, soon after. Andtwo centuries ago, the Gorgon unleashed his armies against the Brecht land of Kiergardand razed it utterly, putting the last nail in the coffin of the Holy Anuirean Empire.

The GorgonÕs emissaries and spies permeate the lands of western and centralCerilia. Legend claims that the Gorgon is none other than Raesene the Black Prince,bastard older brother of Haelyn and Roele, who once led the ancient Anuireans againstthe elves, and who was seduced to evil by the promises of Azrai the Shadow.

The Eastern MarchesTravelers trying to describe their visit to the Eastern Marches generally canÕt do the jobwithout using the word diverse. Unpredictable usually comes up, too.

To the north of the Marches lies the Sielwode, a savage forest never tempered bythe hand of man. Massive herds tended by rangers known colloquially as landrunnersgraze in the central portion of the Eastern region. Wild horses race across it southernplains, which gradually give way to wetlands, where a traveller can find himself mired inswamps and quicksand before he realizes what has happened. The thick canopy ofleaves prevents light from reaching the sodden ground, and fierce storms occasionallylash the land, breaking what will not bend.

These Eastern lands, positioned on the shores of the Gulf of Coeranys, form abridge between Anuire and the rest of Cerilia. They hold the few known land-based routesinto Brecht�r and Khinasi, though traversing the passes presents more risks than mosttraders care to bear. The Sielwode blocks passage to Kiergard, and the ChimaeraÕs landsencompass the pass into Rohrmarch and the Khinasi lands beyond. ItÕs not hard to seewhy Anuirean traders have taken to the waters. ItÕs also not hard to see why the rest ofAnuire has left the Eastern Marches mostly to their own devices.

The main industry of the East is the raising and selling of horses and cattle.Stallions from the kingdom of Coeranys fetch high prices across Anuire and Brecht�r; andhorses trained by Queen Eluvie CarieleÕs own staff fetch even more. Naturally, theseherds become prime targets for raids by elves or human bandits, and the Coeranianlandrunners remain hard-pressed to keep the raiders at bay. Some herders will give theirlives to protect their livelihoodÑdozens die each year in skirmishes with horse thieves.

Baruk-AzhikAs one might expect of a dwarven kingdom, Baruk-Azhik is mountainous country. Snow-covered peaks and treacherous gorges mark this domain, defying any who would traverseit. The Iron Peaks protect neighboring Khinasi from the worst of AnuireÕs weatherÑwhichmeans Baruk-Azhik is buffeted all the worse. The howling of the winds, like lost spirits inthese ranges, makes locals whisper that those who lose their lives in the mountains mustinhabit the wind for all time.

The dwarves have done little to mar the outer surface of the mountainsÑinstead,they concentrate on building fortresses within.

The ChimaeronThe Iron Peaks run right through the Chimaeron and dominate its landscape. Thirty yearsago, the isolated and self-sufficient settlements within the Chimaeron attempted to ridthemselves of the awnshegh that gives the land its name. It was the first time they workedtogether, and this brought them under one flag and under one leadership. When this newcountry was formed, Lyssan was chosen as its capital due to its centralized location, size,and revenue. The Council of Leaders was stationed there the following week.

When the Council of Leaders at Lyssan were unsuccessful at destroying theChimaera, she met with them and threatened each of them with the utter destruction oftheir towns and their power bases, while sparing their lives. She would withhold suchdestruction if she were granted titular rule and granted concessions at her whims. Havinglittle or no bargaining positions to work from, the Council acceded regency rule to theChimaera.

To placate her (and the populace), dangerous criminals who are caught areÒallowed the chance to work for society and slay the fearsome creature that holds us inher grasp.Ó Serious disrupters of the status quo are ushered to the Chimaeron Refugeunder the pretense of slaying the Chimaera; these criminals are quickly killed by theChimaera. The Council enjoys this easy method of disposing of overly troublesomeelements.

This new realm, called the Chimaeron, is not a force in the political arena of theCrossroads region. It has trade agreements with nearby domains, but it carries no politicalweight whatsoever. Militarily, they are even weakerÑthe only thing that prevents aninvasion in the awnshegh and the outsidersÕ fear of her leading the troops.

BrechturNorthern Cerilia is divided by a massive inlet of the Thaelasian Sea that separates thejagged peaks of the Spearmarch Range from the ice-crowned Drachenaur Mountains ofeastern Cerilia. This great gulf is called the Krakennauricht (KRAH0ken-NOW-rikt), whichis Altenbrechlen for ÒKrakenÕs Reach,Ó and refers, of course, to the awnshegh. The Reach,also called the Great Bay, extends to the shores of Kiergard and Massenmarch in centralCerilia.

The rocky shores and narrow fjords of the Krakennauricht are home to the Brechts,a seafaring people who make their living by sealing, whaling, and trading in these icynorthern waters. For many centuries while the Empire was at the peak of its power, theBrecht states were governed by Anuirean viceroys. When the Gorgon killed the last of theRoeles, Anuirean influence in this region rapidly waned, and the old Brecht bloodlinesreasserted their influence and achieved independence.

Brecht�r does not enjoy AnuireÕs mild climate or rich, prosperous farmlands.Consequently, the Brecht nations and city-states are smaller than the powers of the south.Goblins, bandits, and orogs may only be a nuisance in Anuire, but theyÕre a dire threat tothe Brechts. Even in ÒcivilizedÓ regions such as M�den or Grevesm�hl, the lands betweentown are wilder and more dangerous than any in Anuire. The sea is vital to the city-statesof the Krakennauricht. Without profitable fishing, sealing, whaling, and trade, these landswould quickly starve. Winters are hard in northern Brecht�r; the mouth of theKrakennauricht freezes over completely, and the miserable weather drives even theboldest captain to port to wait for spring. In summer, Brecht ships venture to the Anuireanports of the Miere Rhuann and the Straights of Aerele, and some dare the LeviathanÕsReach to call on the mysterious eastern ports in the Dragon Isles and the uncharted landsbeyond.

The Western Basin StatesSince their early beginnings, the realms along the southwestern shore of the Great Bayhave endured a troubled and sometimes tragic history. Massenmarch, Kiergard,

Rohrmarch, and the land called the VampireÕs Hold once offered themselves to theBrechts as fertile and inviting. Now, only Rohrmarch still holds promise, and it is a powderkeg, threatening to explode in a war that may devastate the forests and plains, making iteither a southwardly reflection of war-torn Massenmarch or a shadowed mockery of theVampireÕs Hold. Only Treucht, isolated and alone, stands firm against the curse of theWestern States.

At several points in their history, however, these realms showed such hope andpromise. When the Anuirean yoke was finally thrown off the Great Bay, Massenmarch hadbecome a nation of commoners with a strong military tradition. They helped free theirneighbors in Kiergard, and both organized governments in their realms quickly.Unfortunately, they allowed themselves to get caught up in the Free LeagueÕs dream ofempire, which ended on the ice of Lake Ladan. And when the paladin Roald von Lausr�freturned eight years later after wandering Vosgaard and Khinasi, they again allowed agrand vision of empire to sway them, and they quickly allowed him to consolidate power,forging the Holy Anuirean Empire from the sovereign states of Kiergard, Massenmarch,and Rohrmarch.

When Karl Bissel (assassin, spymaster, budding awnshegh, and double agent ofthe Gorgon), turned against his Imperial masters, he sparked a civil war that tore apart theunified realm, making it easy pickings for himself and the Gorgon. However, after twocenturies, Bissel (now known as the Swordhawk) has still not pacified Massenmarch,despite his never ending war against insurgents and revolutionaries. The Gorgon rulesKiergard with a much tighter fist, and threatens to squeeze the very life out of this onceprosperous realm.

Currently, Rohrmarch remains the only Brecht realm with an outlet to the southernseas. Were it not cut off from the rest of Brecht�r by madmen and enemies, it might havebecome one of the foremost trading centers on the continent. Instead, it remains a ruralrealm, always looking to defend its borders and hoping the larger, more dangerous realmsaround it do not choose to gobble it up. Many in RohrmarchÕs court hope to improve therealmÕs lot, and their own as wellÉ

Treucht is ever an enigma. This forest realm turned away from M�den, once itsoverlord, and still resists the military incursions of Massenmarch. The small buffer nationsomehow survives on its own between two realms that hunger for each otherÕs blood.

The CoulladaraightThis mighty wood once stretched unbroken from the Miere Rhuann to the Sea of Dragons,but with the incursion of humankind and the great wars of CeriliaÕs past, the forest hasretreated. The Coulladaraight (coo-LAY-da-rahkt) is still one of the greatest woodlands inCerilia, stretching hundreds of miles along the southern shores of the Krakennauricht.Many kingdoms and realms lie strewn throughout its green cowl.

The name Coulladaraight is elvish for ÒshadowÕs deeping;Ó the local humans oftencall the area Old Shadowheart. The Coulladaraight is inconceivably ancient, and vasttracts of the forest are completely unspoiled, especially near the elf realm of Coullabhie(cco-LAY-vee), a reclusive elven court that shuns contact with its neighbors. TheCoullabhie elves have feuded with the Brechts of bordering Rohrmarch and Rheulgard forhundred of years in an attempt to prevent further human colonization of the forests.

Thuringode ForestBetween Massenmarch and Kiergard lies central CeriliaÕs dark, tangled thicket known asThuringode Forest. It has an evil reputation; many bandits and knolls lurk in its mazes.Thuringode is home of the Boar, a dim-witted but vicious awnshegh said to be the size ofthree draft horses with tusks like sabres and bristles like rusted iron. Many blooded scionshave met doom attempting to hunt down the awnshegh, and their blood has made thebeast stronger.

KiergardOnce the most prosperous of the Brecht lands, Kiergard has fallen under the shadow ofthe Gorgon. Kiergard fell to the GorgonÕs armies over 200 years ago, but the struggle overthe realm has never ceased. A founding member of the Free League of Brecht�r, andcenter of the Holy Anuirean Empire, Kiergard has a history of charting its own destiny andresisting outside rulership. Now that the people are enslaved or beaten down, the landitself rebels. Earthquakes are common occurrences in the past three decades. Some saythe Gorgon fears to tap this landÕs mebhaighl because it might corrupt his other sources.

But the Gorgon sees no reason to give up his Basin realm. It shields him from hisonetime servant, the Swordhawk, and closes off any safe passage that might existbetween Brecht�r and Anuire. Besides, a blasted and ruined Kiergard please shim muchmore than a free and thriving enemy realm. His gnoll and goblin armies use the area totrain and work off excess energy by slaughtering peasantsÑwhich keeps the troops fromfighting each other.

Since the fall of Esden, Daum is the only city in Kiergard to survive. Twisted andevil, Daum stands as a symbol of the GorgonÕs corrupting power. Those few honestKiergardians who survive in the city must keep their heads down and their mouths shut.

Kier itself, once located in Kierholme province, is only a ruin and a memory. TheGorgon had his armies tear the city apart brick by brick soon after conquering the realm,to obliterate all record of the once grand Holy Anuirean Empire.

MassenmarchWhen Karl Bissel seized power, he had only a few units of infantry under his command.None of the other minor nobles and captains of the Empire would bow to an assassin andtraitor, but BisselÕs brutality and cleverness broke each of his enemies as they debatedand fought each other over who should rule the Empire when Bissel was dead.

That was two hundred years ago.Now, Massenmarch remains a domain in turmoil. The Swordhawk (as Bissel now

calls himself), rules from his military campsÑno capital city remains from the old kingdom.Coastal settlements supply the SwordhawkÕs armies with provisions, while the interiorprovinces mine iron and forge steel for their lord. Every so often a hero or a hordechallenges the SwordhawkÕs power, and the domain runs with blood as he destroys theupstarts.

RohrmarchRohrmarch has had a troubled history. Even during the days of the Brecht League and theHoly Anuirean Empire, Rohrmarch suffered most from disasters and internal strife. Somesay the royal familyÑor the land itselfÑis cursed, while other believe RohrmarchÕs buffer

position between four great powers (Anuire, Khinasi, Brecht�r, and the Gorgon) is toblame. Still others believe that the many ethnic groups that call the kingdom home is theproblem, no government can hope to rule such a panoply of languages, cultures, andreligions.

The land itself remains hospitable. Strong forests and rolling plains withstandearthquakes, floods, and battles. Those who believe in the landÕs curse also believe in thelandÕs protectors; Ruornil, the Old Father of the Forests, or some other force must protectRohrmarch from it enemies and itself.

The von Rohr Royal FamilyThe von Rohr have ruled Rohrmarch as a monarchy since Duke Gustavus von Rohrdeclared its independence from the Holy Anuirean Empire in 1308 HC.

The von Rohr have long been seen as a tragic family. Many members have beenassassinated, killed in accidents, or died early in life. Those who have survived haveeither proven very capable leaders, gifted with great charisma and intelligence, or havebeen poor rulers who have squandered their wealth and power on decadence. The currentmonarch, King Wilhelm I, was once a knight renown in Anuire for his skills in the jousts.He was elevated to the throne when he was twelve years ago when his older brother wasassassinated by Khinasi separatists. Until the recent death of his beloved wife Catherine,Wilhelm was a strong and proud ruler, one who has kept Rohrmarch safe from bothinternal and external threats. Now that his health seems to be on the decline, many worrywhat the future may hold.

The other members of the royal family are:Crown Prince Oden; Wilhelm's only child. An impetuous boy of 14, Oden holds the

title Duke of the South (although actual regency of Nunkapel is held by the Baron ofNunkapel, and the regency of the counties of Alklund and Friedlund are held by theirrespective counts), but upon the age of his majority in two years, he will rule theseprovinces for his father. Prince Alaric; Wilhelm's younger brother, serves as General of the Armies. Nowentering his middle age, Alaric is still an accomplished warrior and skilled archer. Underhis command, the army of Rohrmarch has repelled many elven and gnoll raids, as well asone major assault from the GorgonÕs army. He is a well respected leader, who has theloyalty of most of the officer corps, although many whisper the rank-and-file will throw inwith Kurt Warkinde and the Seerbrand if called upon to do so. Princess Audris; Alaric's wife, aged 33. A strong and independent woman, Audris isthe politician Alaric the warrior does not have the time to be. She is his eyes and ears atcourt while he is in the field, and often speaks for him at Council meetings. It is whisperedthat Audris maintains an extensive network of spies and informants throughout the variousnoble households at Court. Alaric and Audris have three children: Princess Jennika; Alaric's daughter, aged 14;Princess Etke; Alaric's daughter, aged 12; and Prince Sch�nn; Alaric's son, aged 8.Sch�nn currently serves as a page to Sir Raes Hornick, a paladin of Haelyn, and amember of the Weichgaard, the kingÕs elite White Guard.

The Temple of HaelynÕs WarriorsThe state religion of Rohrmarch, this church of Haelyn was founded after the fall of theHoly Anuirean Empire from the shattered remnants of the Eastern Orthodox Temple ofHaelyn, which itself was founded by Roald the Great from the Holy Order of HaelynÕsAegis, the military arm of the Imperial Temple of Haelyn. HaelynÕs Warriors are proud oftheir rich history and connection to the mother church, and many paladins in HaelynÕsservice dream of one day recreating the glory of the fallen Holy Anuirean Empire.

The Seerbrand of the StormlordAn ancient religion in Brecht�r, the church of Kirche led the Rohrmarch resistance againstthe Anuirean occupation centuries ago. It encouraged its people to fight the invaders withtheir hearts and minds, and whenever possible, with their swords. Now, the invaders longrepelled, the priests of Kirche look for new enemies on which to focus their aggression.Once, they preached for the liberation of Kiergard from the GorgonÑnow, they call for astrong Brecht-only Rohrmarch.

High Priest of the Stormlord, Kurt Warkinde, saw himself in his youth as thedefender of Rohrmarch. As the years progressed, squabbles among the royal family, thenobles of court, and the disparate races consistently handicapped the effectiveness of thecrown. Warkinde, an educated noble, knew the cursed history of RohrmarchÕs regents. Hechose to do something about the disintegration of his homeland.

The Seerbrand of the Stormlord urges young Brecht men and women to enlist inRohrmarchÕs armies or levies and teaches them that strength through battle proves honorand truth, and the strength of the Brecht race is supreme.

The VampireÕs HoldEleven hundred years ago, a young Brecht warrior named Britter Kalt ventured into thisdark, brooding valley in the northwestern Coulladaraight to face the awnshegh known asthe Sinister. He slew the creature, but inherited its evil power. Today, Kalt is the inhumanthing known as the Vampire, and the tangled forests of the vale are his home.

The mountain ranges and deciduous forests that cover the VampireÕs domain areshrouded in shadow throughout all seasons. Small pockets of cleared land exist forfarming, and a few people in the realm are able to ignore the threat of their regent andmake a good life for themselves. But more often than not, the VampireÕs troops seizeprofitable harvests or liberate farm workers for their own purposes, and misery spreadslike a black wave throughout the realm.

The Eastern Basin StatesContrary to popular opinion, the Eastern Basin States did not rely on luck or the blessingsof the gods to become what they are today. M�den led the way to prosperity during theinitial settlement of the Basin States by laying out its borders carefully. While other lordsand disorganized immigrants grabbed more land than they could develop or hold, thesettlers of M�den carved a small keystone of civilization along the shores of the Black iceBay. While other emerging Brecht realms seemed content to hunt, fish, and trap tosurvive, the M�denites plotted their provinces into farmland and communities.

Perhaps the good fortune of the Eastern basin States began with this carefulplanning. Even though Treucht and Berhagen (long-time colonies of M�den that gained

their independence only after the Anuirean Occupation) have not developed into realmsas civilized and cosmopolitan as M�denÑthe Òcornerstone stateÓ of Brecht�rÑthey dohave peace and civilization, after a fashion. Treucht maintains a careful balance betweencivilization and the wild, while Berhagen strugglesÑand succeedsÑin a land once thoughttoo tough to tame.

To the south, in Rheulgard, the strongest conflicts arose during colonial times.Settled by explorers and the military lords of M�den during the days of the Free League ofBrecht�r and the Holy Anuirean Empire, Rheulgard became a human-occupied forestrealm living side-by-side with one of the great remaining elf domains in Cerilia.Fortunately, the Rheulgard peoples either decided to leave the elves of the Coulladaraightalone, or felt greater animosity toward their human neighbors and chose not to startsomething they couldnÕt finish.

KhinasiThe southernmost portions of Cerilia are the lands of the Khinasi. Protected from the bitterwinters of Brecht�r by high mountains and warm ocean currents, Khinasi enjoys more sunand longer growing seasons than any other region. In fact, large regions of the Khinasiinterior are arid steppes that border on desert.

The plains and forest of Khinasi were once known as Basarji, after the Basarjipeople who first settled here. They are not Adurian in origin, as are the Anuireans,Brechts, Rjurik, Vos, and Masetians; instead, the Basarji colonized these coasts aboutfifteen hundred years ago, arriving from mysterious lands beyond the Sea of Dragons.Like the Brechts, the Khinasi are seafarers, merchants, and explorers.

While the Anuirean Empire dominated the rest of Cerilia, including western Basarji,eastern Basarji united under the leadership of the great mage-king el-Arrasi of Ariya,maintaining its independence throughout centuries of Anuirean preeminence. The phrasekhinasi derives from khir-aften el-Arrasi, or Òlands under the protection of el-Arrasi.Ó It hasbecome the name commonly used by other nations to refer to the Basarji people and theirlands.

The Khinasi realms are strong but small, concentrated around a few fortified city-states. Khinasi culture is exquisitely advanced, with an articulated code of sayim, or face,and a great respect for art, literature, and magic. Unfortunately, the Khinasi city-stateshave been embroiled for hundreds of years in a tangle of feuds, duels, and rivalries thathave created a highly political society.

The Plains StatesThe great western steppes form the youngest region of Khinasi. For hundreds of milesthrough central Cerilia, rolling grass-covered plains stretch as far as the eye can see,broken only by a few lonely hills. Unlike the cleared and settled farmland of the AnuireanHeartlands, these plains exist just as they did in the earliest days of Cerilia. No oneclaimed this land; the Masetians, living along the southern coasts, had no interest interritory far from the sea. In fact, the Ba�r el-Tehara wasnÕt settled until several centuriesafter the battle of Deismaar, when the Basarji states of the southeast began to growprosperous. Shielded from the cold waters of the Krakennauricht in the north by miles offorest and the Mountains of the Silent Watch, the Plains States see little rainfall. This

driest part of Cerilia, nowhere near as arid as a true desert, nonetheless has a climatemarginal enough to force civilization to concentrate along the coasts. Inland settlementsare a fairly recent development.

The great ports of this coast are ancient haven that predated general settlement inthe area by many centuries. Masetians established Ariya, Zikala, and Turin long beforeDeismaar. (The Basarji explorers in the area before the Masetian Arrival lived a nomadiclifestyle and founded no permanent settlements). In fact, Ariya is the oldest continuouslyoccupied human settlement in all Cerilia. The Masetians founded it as a trading post evenbefore they and the other human tribes settled the continent.

Some ancient Masetian ruins still lie along the coastal hills, overlooking the sea. Inaddition, rumors speak of submerged cities just off the coast of Zikala, where strange fish-men sink passing ships and devour their hapless crews. These tales are unsubstantiated,of course, but locals have noted some unusual disappearances in the region lately.

The HarrowmarshThe Harrowmarsh west of Binsada in the Asarwe River delta, seems more an unclaimedswamp than an actual realm. The Hydra inhabits this sodden forest his beastly offspringand a smattering of fugitives with nowhere else to go but the tiny local villages. The wealthof native insect and marsh life makes this an unpleasant place for visitors, though tradersdo stop at Harrowmarsh ports to collect exotic birds and lizards as pets for wealthyBrechts, Khinasi, and Anuireans. Although the many-headed awnshegh does not oftenleave his home in Waterfjord Tower, his influence spreads into Binsada and Sendourethrough the actions of a mysterious religious cult that venerates him as a god.

BinsadaThe people of Binsada have largely turned their backs on the sea, and instead exist asranchers and herdsmen, keeping vast herds of cattle. There are no true cities in Binsada;the people are scattered in small towns, ranches, and nomadic camps. Other Khinasiconsider them rustic barbarians.

The capital of Binsada is Ber Dairas, or the Fortress of the East Wind, near thecenter of the realm. 200 years ago, the kings of Binsada hired a company of dwarves fromBaruk-Azhik to design and supervise the construction of the fortress; consequently, it isamong the strongest and most defensible castles in Khinasi. Greta courts stand ready toshelter thousands of people and their herds in times of great peril. Unfortunately, the kingof Binsada and the dwarves had a misunderstanding about the dwarvesÕ compensation,and the king drove the dwarves out his capital. Since that day, the dwarves of Baruk-Azhikhave nursed a fierce grudge against Binsada.

The pride of Binsada are the Lions of Dusk, the monarchÕs personal army. They arethe finest medium cavalry in all Cerilia.

SendoureIn the years following el-ArrasiÕs victory over the Anuireans, the Khinasi pushed outwardon every frontier. Binsadan and Irboudan traders moving north into the Coulladaraightforest founded Sendoure. For centuries, this emirate has existed as a rough-and-tumblefrontier realm of cutthroat traders and sturdy homesteaders.

Its position astride the only viable land route from Khinasi to Anuire makesSendoure a small but prosperous merchant state. Traders making their way through theCrossroads region all pass through Sendoure, whose residents gladly collect a small tariffand provide needed services and goods. However, lean times lie ahead; the growth of theSphinxÕs armies has routed trade traffic south, and the HydraÕs agents have agitated thewestern provinces of Tinsouf and Sula�a almost to the point of rebellion.

Almost all population centers in Sendoure lie along the Asarwe River, the lifelinethat ties the land together. Many of these settlements are rough trading camps; evenGhouda�a, the capital, still lacks walls and a decent government building. It seems clearwho has profited from SendoureÕs growthÑpowerful merchant princes boast palatialestates guarded by fortress-like walls and private armies of bodyguards.

The SphinxA great threat to the states of Binsada, Sendoure, and Zikala waits in the heart of the Ba�rel-Tehara, where the Sphinx makes his lair in the ruins of the once great city-state ofIrbouda. The awnsheghÕs depredations have grown in savagery and frequency over theyears, and many trade routes across the steppes have been abandonedÑthe creatureÕsviolent forays have made them untenable.

Rumors say the Sphinx is gathering an army of brigands and marauders for a direpurpose; some say the creature means to raze the Binsadan city of Ber Dairas, whileothers insist he will turn his armies on Zikala. Others report that the Sphinx hasundertaken a massive excavation effort in the Tarvanian HillsÑbut no one knows why.

The Zhainge ValleyThe largest river in eastern Cerilia is the Zha�nge (jah-EEN-geh), a deep and swift-movingriver originating in the snowmelts of the southern Drachenaurs. The upper Zha�nge flowsthrough Vos lands; in their language, it is called the Tsongya. Although the Zha�nge isnavigable for most of its length, trade on the river is light because the Black Spear andTarvan gnolls are fond of river piracy. Worse, the western branch of the river winds intothe forest of Innishiere, and few boats that enter those elven woods ever leave.Legends tell that the Zha�nge is watched over by a great river spirit who sometimes aidstravellers in danger along its course.

Once, the lands along the river were densely populated, and many bright andstrong realms lay throughout the valley. At the height of Khinasi power, about 600 yearsago, the Zha�nge was home to five powerful kingdoms: Aftane, Sefra, Mesire, Medec, andDjira. Of these, only Aftane and Mesire still stand.

Sefra was the first to fall. Torn apart by civil war, it proved easy prey for an army ofVos raiders, who took the city unawares after circling the elven wood called Innishiere.The Vos put thousands to the sword and took as many back to Vosgaard as slaves. Thus,the Sefrans vanished from history. Today, the nomads of the Tarvan Waste camp in theold cityÕs ruins.

For a millennium, the great northern city of Medeci stood as a bulwark against theVos, keeping the barbarians north of the Zha�nge. The realm weathered invasion afterinvasion, but 330 years ago the savages slew the last sultan and took Medeci. The rest ofthe state of Medec fell quickly, and the conquering Vos occupied the land. The domain isnow called Kozlovnyy.

Djira was conquered by a Djafran-Aftanean alliance more than a century ago.However, the allies fought over who would control the subjugated kingdom, provokingdecades of bitter warfare and eventual takeover by the fierce bands of gnolls of the BlackSpear Tribes. The Basilisk, roaming parts of the war-torn state for some 200 years, hadalready reduced Djira to a mere shell of a realm.

Now, the Zha�nge Valley is a region slipping back into anarchy. Each year, morefields go untended, and more homesteads lay abandoned. The wild lands have becomeunsafe for travellers. Aftane has turned its attention west, giving up the dream of restoringorder, and Mesire has its hands full fighting off the gnolls of the Black Spear Tribes andthe ambitious rulers of Djafra. In the north, the Vos of Kozlovnyy, strongly influenced bytheir contact with Khinasi, are creating a strong a vital young state. Even though darknesshas fallen over much of this region, hope remains for peace and prosperity.

RjurikThe northwestern region of Cerilia is known as Rjurik. Most scholars and cartographersmark Ruide River as the southern boundary of Rjurik, despite the fact that the Anuireanrealm of Dhoesone lies north of the river. The eastern boundary is the slopes of theSpearmarch Range of Brecht�r. Most of the Rjurik region is cold forest, downs, andmountains, all sparsely inhabited.

Rjurik bears the brunt of the fierce Cerilian winter. Both spring and autumn arelong, wet, and cold, while brief summer lasts a matter of weeks. The forest of this regionare hardy taiga, or northern pines; the mountains keep their glacial caps the entire yearround.

The Rjurik themselves are a hardy race of foresters, hunters, and warriors. Theirjarldoms and clanholds are scattered along the forbidding coasts of Miere Rhuann and theicy northern Thaelasian Passage. A few small holds can be found as far east as theKrakennauricht. The Rjurik are a free minded people who place little importance on titlesor rulers; a Rjurik jarl reigns by the consent of his folk, and can be replaced if they donÕtapprove of his methods.

The Rjurik are suspicious of the Anuireans. They view Anuire as a sleeping giantwho could wake up hungry any day. In the distant past, the southern Rjurik lands hadbeen incorporated into the Anuirean Empire despite a series of desperate campaigns toresist AnuireÕs advances.

An even greater concern lies in the wild forests and foothills in the center of thisregion. Large numbers of goblins, trolls, and giants inhabit these wild lands, and theyfrequently attack the Rjurik settlements.

The scions of the Rjurik bloodlines hold to an uneasy truce most of the time. Unlikethe endless war and competition of the bloodlines in other lands, the heroes of Rjurik findsimple survival challenge enough.

VosgaardThe most desolate and remote region of Cerilia is called Vosgaard. It comprises thenortheastern reaches of the land beyond the Drachenaur Mountains and north of theRhuannadraight (roo-ah-NAY-dah-rikt). The cold waters of the LeviathanÕs Reach form the

northern border of Vosgaard. East of this land lies the stormy waters of the Sea ofDragons.

Vosgaard is a land of stark natural beauty made up of impassable mountains andglaciers, vast belts of taiga, and bitter wind swept plains. Much like the Rjurik lands,Vosgaard suffers from extremely cold winters and is haunted by monsters of all varieties.Life is difficult and violent in the lands of the Vos. Consequently, they are a fierce, battle-ready people who believe that might makes right.The other human races of Cerilia tend to view the Vos as evil barbarians, savages, andmarauders, but this isnÕt entirely true. The Vos have their cities and kingdoms, with heroesof noble bearing among them. It is important to remember that, by their own standards,the Vos warriors are acting with honor when they raid and pillage the lands of the Brechtsor the Basarji. And, while no one will ever accuse a Vos of subterfuge or subtlety, itÕs alsotrue that an opponent always knows where he stands against a Vos warrior.

The code of courage and violent tendencies of Vos warriors and rulers have madenortheastern Cerilia a battlefield for settling Vos differences and feuds. The Vos holdÒweakerÓ cultures in contempt, and they view other peoples of Cerilia as potential slavesor enemies, but the Vos tribes absolutely hate each other.