Formaroth - Battle for the Throne Main Theme: 0:00 Andrew’s Theme: 5:26 Streets of Andromeda : 6:33 March of House Manshrew: 8:49 Death of Rhys Manshrew: 10:39 The De Reimer Legacy: 12:27 De Reimer Army Theme :15:28 The Mountains of Cawanor : 17:31 Aurelia’s Theme : 21:29 House Blackwell Theme : 26:21 The Old Man: 31:09 The Lord: 33:57 The Shadow: 39:00 The Warmaiden: 44:14 The Dragon Slayer: 48:33 The Daughter: 52:36 Lords of Sutharlan : 56:08 Cold Winds of Raeldar : 58:30 Steel Fist Company: 01:05:09 Dragon Fire: 01:08:19 Anna’s Theme: 01:10:25 (Secret Character) Creatures in the darkness: 01:12:56 (Potential secret side story)
In the world of Formaroth, magic is an element that has greatly shaped the world, and events that have unfolded within it, despite the fact that only a few in a thousand can wield the power. When an individual is found to be gifted in the use of magic, they aretaken to the Mage’s Circle in the Summer Isles, where they will be taught under the different schools of magic as students.
There are many different types of schools of magic each covering a different area of magic (Restoration, Illusion, Destruction, Alteration, Summoning, Shapeshifting, etc.). Once the mage has learned the basic’s in magic, they will focus under a school of their choice. More gifted mages may learn under more than one school. Once a teacher believes the mage is ready, they are sent out into the world, where they put their skills to use. Some of the more talented mages gain a job as a High Magister; where they work directly for one of the great Houses of Formaroth.
Certain magic known as dark magic is forbidden from use. If a mage is found guilty of practicing dark magic, then they will be sentenced to death. Dark magic is considered to be of the following: necromancy, mind-control for ill-use, summoning dark spirits for personal gain and the like. As a result, it is rare for mages to practice such magic; however, the law has not stopped all mages from practicing the forbidden arts in secrecy. Mages are positively received over the general populations of Formaroth, as their talents are greatly valued. The general opinion of mages varies depending on the different kingdoms, as occasionally, burning mages at the stakes is still a common practice in some outer-lying villages in the kingdoms.
Before humans were the dominant species in Formaroth, Dwarves use to inhabit four underground cities located across Formaroth. The cities were located in Orog, Thralreth, Ralda and Telmarion. There is next to no written evidence on dwarves, and the only evidence that they existed (other than their abandoned cities) are the tales and legends from ancient, folk lore, and the occasional cave drawing depicting shorter-than-average humans. This suggested that while the dwarves were at their apex, humans were still in their primitive stage. However, while it is clear that the dwarves did exist, it is unclear what happened to them. The dwarves appeared to have disappeared long before humans ruled Formaroth, leaving only their cities behind which are now in a state of ruin.
Explorers regularly enter the ancient dwarven cities to look for valuable artifacts which fetch a fair price in the city markets, when they return from their expeditions. Most go in seek of adventure, and to discover the lost secrets to the dwarven cities, long forgotten. Though the cities have experienced a high influx of adventurers, they are majorily cleared of the valuable loot by now. The more advantageous explorers still manage to find artifacts. These artifacts range from rare jewels, gold coins and jewelery, pottery, etc.
However, the most valuable find in the dwarven cities is Dwarven Steel. This metal is extremely rare, and very few know how to smelt the metal. No one alive knows the properties of dwarven steel, and while various Alchemists have tried to re-create the steel, it has been to no avail. Dwarven steel is highly prized by noble families, and once the steel is found, it is often melted down into swords. This is for both status reasons and practical reasons. A dwarven, steel sword is near invincible and can cut through armour with ease. In the dwarven city of Valandar (located in Thralreth), only a small portion of the city is accessible. A large amount of the city is believed to be sealed off behind a massive, door made of dwarven steel. Efforts to get past the door, or mine around it have proven to be fruitless. Though some progress has been made, it is believed to have been minor at best.
To the north east of Formaroth is the continent of Beilokias which is controlled by the Elven Imperium. Beilokias has a warm, arid climate, similar to the Middle East of today, and is roughly, half the size of Formaroth. The citizens of the Elven Imperium are almost entirely made up of an Elven populace.
However, the populace of slaves in Beilokias is much more diverse, and consists of various races from across the known world. There is much speculation among the common people of the appearance of Elves, and many folk-tales tell very different, and conflicting views.
Elves are actually dark, blue skinned, with pointed ears, and long-stretched, angular faces. Their hands have three fingers, and are more like claws than fingers. Most elves are shorter than humans by around 30cm. The Elven Imperium is the only other continent that interacts with Formaroth on a notable level.
This is on a minimum level, compared to how much the Imperium interacts with other continents. The level of trade has greatly decreased ever since slavery was made illegal in Formaroth, as the Elven culture relies heavily on slavery. Other than slaves, there is very little in the terms of valuable goods within Formaroth that are worth crossing the vast sea that separates Formaroth from Beilokias. Even so, most owners of the few good’s that may interest an Elven trader (such as dwarven metal) are reluctant to part with them, due to the high demand, and the pretty coin the item would turn in any of Formaroth’s cities.
Dragons are a race of winged reptilians that inhabit Formaroth, and are considered to be the most dangerous creature to inhabit its moutainous lands. There are a variety of known breeds of dragons, as habitat is a factor in the role of the breed of dragons. Dragon’s that live in icy, snow-covered areas, are known as Ice Dragons, and so forth.
Dragons are rare creatures, and only several hundred live across Formaroth. Dragon’s tend to avoid humans, as humans are not part of a dragon’s natural diet, and therefore will target other animal’s for food instead, like deer or cattle. However, a dragon will kill, and eat a human if it is hungry enough, and it will readily devour any humans that trespass on its territory.
Dragons are extremely, dangerous, as their scales are near impenetrable, and they possess deadly claws that can slice through any armour, be it leather, chainmail, or plated steel armor. The trait that makes dragons particularly, dangerous is their ability to breathe fire.
If a Dragon starts to cause trouble within a kingdom, the head house of the kingdom will hire ‘Dragon Hunters’ to slay the creature. While some dragon hunters are skilled, and worthy of their title, most dragon hunters are inexperienced, glory seekers, who usually end up dying before they even get close to the dragon. Any attempt to try, and train a dragon, has been futile, typically ending in a fiery death. It is common belief in Formaroth, that dragons are untrainable.
Krakens are massive, cephalopods, that inhabit the surrounding seas near Formaroth. Given that Krakens are believed to live in the black watery, depths of the seas, and rarely surface. It is unclear, how many Kraken’s live under the seas. Little is known about the Kraken’s as the only information that exists are in ancient legends, and what comes to light from a sailor reporting that he/she saw one, which of course isn’t the most reliable source of information.
The counted number of verified Kraken attacks are rare, as numerous ships have gone missing in the waters surrounding Formaroth. Many presume these lost ships that never return to harbor, to have suffered the ill fate of a terrible temptress. For the sailors that do survive the attack of a Kraken, as the majority often die by having their ship pulled into the watery depths below, or are eaten, they are never right in their mind, as the horror as to what they saw, haunts them for the rest of their lives. Oftentimes, these sailors can be found in the various taverns, and inns that dot Formaroth, burying their sorrows in a mugful of ale; if one is lucky enough, they will gladly recite the tale of their survival to any listener who dares to sit next to them
Unicorns are magical creatures that inhabit central Formaroth. Unicorns are identical to horses with the notable exception of the horn on their head. Though unicorns are not a particularly rare animal, the horns upon their head is valued by many alchemists, for its magical, and chemical properties. Unicorns, though trainable, are much harder to train than horses, and it is an uncommon sight to see someone seated upon such a fair creature. Even though the unicorn is not as rare as dragons, or krakens, they are still elusive creatures, and it is considered a good omen to see one when travelling.
A unicorn’s coat ranges in a variety of colours, from the purest white, to a silvery sheen, to the darkest shade of black, yet other colours are not as common; such as bays, chestnuts, duns, and the like. With the proper harvest of a unicorn's horn, ground finely, and when prepared properly yields magical properties. It is said that dipping a unicorns horn into will purify it of impurities. Many potions are made with unicorn powder, and it is said the power of a unicorn’s horn can cure many known diseases, it is ineffective against curing poisoning. Though obtaining a potion containing legitimate unicorn powder, is harder than it seems, as many cheap-skate vendors claim to have the ingredient; leading most uninformed people of Formaroth to buy a potion that has no affect.
Nyhem is the capital city of Formaroth, making it the seat of power across the entire continent. Nyhem is the oldest known city in Formaroth as well as the largest. Nyhem is located within the 'Sypius Plains' which is currently under control by the Du Paraquette family who inherited it long before the death of late King John Remonnet.
The city has various districts within the city’s wall, as well as a substantial population that lives outside of the walls. Most of the Nyhem’s buildings are made out of a mixture of wood, wattle and daub with grey stone tiles for the roofs. The city is governed by the High Council which is made up of five of the king’s closest advisors. The High Council is also responsible for the ruling of Formaroth. The rulers of Formaroth live within Miserth Keep. The city has various places of interest located inside including the ‘Grand Arena’, and the Bazaar, a vast market-place where any citizen can find almost any item they are in search of.
Nyhem hosts various different types of tournaments within the Grand Arena ranging from Archery, Jousting, and bloody fights to the death, where combatants fight against the Nyhem’s Champion, and even against wild beasts that were captured across Formaroth, and brought to the arena. Nyhem is also home to the famed, Alchemist’s Guild, and to the Grand Temple.
Since Formaroth is under an imperial rule, all other "kingdoms" and the Houses that rule them, obey the laws that are set in Nyhem. If Formaroth proposes a law to outlaw slavery, for example, the other kingdoms would have to follow the same law. Of course, attempts to refute the laws Nyhem has passed occurs, but any sign or show of rebellion is quickly remedied.
Nyhem also houses the Royal Army, and the Royal Naval Fleet. Conscripts are taken in during their teenage years so as to allow sufficient training and education for their troops. Most conscripts serve seven years with the Army or Navy before being released from military duty. After seven years, the conscripts may rejoin as soldiers or sailors if they desire. Life in the army and the navy are lucrative places for a poor man to be, as both areas of the military offer high paying positions for which a man can provide a modest lifestyle for his family.
The Remonnet-Manshrew Civil War (also known as the Formaroth Civil War, or the Great Civil War of Formaroth to scholars) was a bloody, and brutal war that occurred on the year 492 A.R. Though House Manshrew declared war upon the Remmonet’s, many believe the Remonnet’s to be the reason for the true cause of the war. King Helyot Remonnet (brother to King John, also known as The Mad King ruled during the time of the war.
Heylot is considered to be the absolute worst, monarch that Formaroth ever had to rule its vast, and expansive lands. Heylot was a tyrannical ruler; violent and cruel, as most members of the court, and many citizens believed the King to be insane. With the help Evelyn Tuania, at the time, his Head Advisor, he caused the debt of the crown (resulting in higher taxes for citizens all across Formaroth), and wrongfully sentenced to death for suspecting them of treasonous crimes, even so much as lying, and sentenced many mages in Nyhem to be burned at the stake for suspicion of use of dark magic, which was heavily scrutinized under his rule.
Eventually, Rhys Manshrew, part of House Manshrew, spoke out against the tyrant king, claiming that his madness would be the undoing of all of Formaroth. Seething with rage, Heylot vowed to punish Rhys for speaking out against him, and for making him look like a fool, and claimed him to be a traitor against the throne. Upon the capture of Rhys in the Sypius Plains, Heylot had the newly proclaimed conspirator hung in the center of the Bazaar, and then drawn-and-quartered. The remains of the Rhys Manshrew were left in the square, for all to see, and for the birds to peck out his eyes. When Andrew Manshrew learned of the brutal execution of his beloved brother, he openly declared war upon Heylot, vowing to overthrow him, and remove him from the throne of Formaroth.
The many kingdoms of Formaroth were divided between Remonnet, for there were those that feared Heylot, and Manshrew, as there were people who desired change. The civil war lasted for two years before Heylot travelled to Uzgob, to single-handely overthrow Manshrew. However, on the desert sands of Uzgob, the armies of Manshrew, and Remonnet met face-to-face. There, Andrew personally drove the blade of his sword into the Mad King’s beating heart, finishing him off once and for all. The remaining supporters of Heylot were tracked down by Patrick De Reimer, part of House De Reimer, and slaughtered; House De Reimer switched allegiance in support of Manshrew. Instead of pursuing those in Uzgob, Patrick targeted the unprotected city of Nyhem. Evelyn Tuania is rumored to have been assassinated by Duncan De Reimer himself with a poisoned dagger, which further solidified his nickname as ‘The Snake’. However, these rumours have little evidence to support this theory, as there are many that do not know what happened. Upon the end of the Formaroth Civil War, Andrew Manshrew proclaimed his support for the new king, John Remonnet, as he promised to right the wrongs of his brother.
Houses that supported Remonnet: House Tunia of Telmarion House Du Paraquette of Sypius Plains House Greensworth of Orog House Neptune of Akki House Blackwell of Alenius House De Reimer of Cawanor (Formally) House Sutharlan of Raeldar House Staghain of Thralreth
Houses that supported House Manshrew: House Mazeltof of Ralda House Humber of Coruneon House Lanistark of Glarmion House Wulfrick of Nash House Willow of Alenius (destroyed during the war) House De Reimer of Cawanor (Turncoat)
AR 490 Rhys Manshrew was executed in Nyhem.
Evelyn Tuania - Head Advisor
Borin Montagu - Advisor of War - Originally a lord of Uzgob, Borin was exiled by Rhys Manshrew for his poor treatment of the peasants that lived on his land (many rumor that he hunted them for sport). He was brought onto the high council due to his battle experience with fighting the mountain tribes that bordered Uzgob. In return for his loyalty Borin had free reign to do what he wanted to the underclass and working class of Nyhem, including assault, theft, rape and killing them for fun. He is a dark skinned man who has a very neat and gentlemanly persona and appearance, which hides his true personality of a sociopathic sadist. He would be in his mid forties
Gregory Du Paraquette - Advisor of Economics - A distant cousin of Edward Du Paraquette, Gregory was just as corrupt and twice as repulsive. A slimy, fat, lazy man who along with Evelyn were responsible for the bankrupting the crown. He has no respect for anyone he believed are bellow him and would treat them little better than animals. He would be in his early sixties.
Duncan De Reimer - Advisor of Law (See character sheet for more information)
Aurelia Vyncetta - Magisterial Advisor (See character sheet for more information)
Name: Duncan De Reimer Position: Head Advisor (currently Regent King) – The head advisor is responsible for advising the king on most matters. They are often involved with most political affairs, and act as ruler in the King’s or Queen's absence, if they are not available. Click Here for more Detail
Name: Aurelia Vyncetta Position: Magisterial Advisor/High Magister – A magisterial advisor is responsible for advising the king on matters of which he knows very little about, such as magic. As a result, a Magisterial advisor tends to be a; High magister, Grand Alchemist or scholar. Click Here for more Detail
Name: Edward Du Paraquette Age: 47 Gender: Male Position: Economic Advisor – The economic advisor is responsible to managing the crowns finances and is also responsible for advising the king on economic matters Personality: Greedy, Ralent for Money Management, Dubious, Corrupt, Formal and Polite in Public Appearance: Fat, wispy moustache, balding grey hair, sweaty, considered unattractive Background: Edward has served on the council since he was a young man. He was chosen to serve on the council by Queen Victoria for his skill at money management. Despite his façade of being a honest and polite man he is in truth corrupt, and although he always brings in money for the crown, a certain amount always, suspiciously ends up in his own pockets. Skills and Traits: Master Economist, Adept Manipulator, Expert Politician
Name: Alice Rallar Age: 41 Gender: Female Position: Advisor of War Personality: Stern, Serious, Loyal to the Crown, Chivalrous Appearance: Short ginger hair, muscular build, narrow eyes grey eyes. Background: Alice Rallar fought as a commander on the side of house Remonnet in the ‘Remonnet, Manshrew civil war’. Due to her impressive performance at commanding and inspiring the troops, king John Remonnet made her the new advisor of war. She is good friends with Alex. Skills and Traits: Master Military Commander, Champion Swordswoman, Inspirer, Adept Politician
Name: Alexander de Gauthier Age: 21 Gender: Male Position: Advisor of Law – The advisor of law is responsible for residing over trials as well as upholding old laws, introducing new ones and upturning obsolete ones. He advises the king in matters of justice and law. Personality: Kind, gentle, loyal, naïve, strong sense of justice Appearance: Young, short brown hair, thin, Background: Alex was originally a scholar within the Miserth Keep, however his extensive knowledge in law was noticed by King John Remonnet who added him to the High Council to replace the previous Advisor of Law (Lissana Nahor) who had recently passed away. He is good friends with Alice Rallar. Skills and Traits: Extensive Knowledge of the Laws of Formaroth, Adept Politician, Apprentice Economist.
Personality: Corrupt, greedy, polite and spiritual in public.
Appearance: Long, wiry, grey hair; an oval face with hollow cheeks, thin lips and a pointed chin; lavish robes in gold and white silk, elderly, feeble and meek in appearance
Background: Mildred became the leader of the Divine Church nearly twelve years ago. Though she preaches the faith in public she is known for breaking nearly every teaching she promotes. She is known to use her status, and power to pay for the finest clothes, rich food, heavy drinking and even breaking the vows of chastity with rumored orgies. However, this is not particularly shocking given that many of the previous grand clerics, and high priests have acted in the same way. The inner hierarchy of the Divine Church are all corrupt, and rotten to the core.
Skills and Traits: Knowledge of the Faith, Expert Deceiver
Name: Davos Ironbark/Sarah Ironbark
Age: 47/52
Gender: Male/Female
Position: Joint Heads of the Nyhem Bank
Personalities: Formal, straight to the point, pragmatic, cold, logical
Appearance Davos: Bald, with a neatly trimmed beard, thin in body frame, muscle structure, with a long, hooked nose. Davos goes about his day in stunning doublets, with a fur-trimmed cloak about his shoulders, and wearing silken, hose. He wears a signet ring on his right finger, it is made of gold with an exquisite sapphire of surprising proportions, the sapphire is carved, and when dipped in wax, it will reveal the letters: DINB, and when deciphered it means, Davos Ironbark of Nyhem Bank.
Appearance Sarah: Long, wiry grey hair, with prominent, round cheek bones, and tall in height with a slender figure; and deep laugh lines under squinty, copper eyes. On a normal day in Nyhem Bank, one can find her with her hair pinned in a neat bun, a set of pearl, or gold jewelry on her person. She prefers to wear dresses made of velvet, and wears a gold chatelaine about her waist.
Background: Davos and Sarah are a married couple who run the bank of Nyhem. They run the bank in a brutally, efficient way, as they never lend anyone with a bad credit, or those they know can’t pay it back, and have no mercy on those who fall prey to their steep interest rate. They are currently the richest, individual’s in Nyhem, as well in Formaroth. The Ironbark’s have enough wealth, renown, and power to even give the entire realm of Formaroth a pause. The Royal Crown is indebted to the Nyhem Bank at 6 million gold.
Appearance: A humble man in appearance, Harold once stood at 6’1 in his prime, many years ago. Now, as an elderly man, he is shrunken in stature, and now stands at a mere 5’7.5. With transparent, liver spot covered hands, and eyes the colour of the sky, he is far from a fearsome person, as he is more kindred in heart. One can often find him in the Grand Library, hunched over a scroll with his eyes straining to read the cryptic words before him. He has wispy, white hair that comes away from his scalp like misty clouds. Typically, Harold wears the recognizable robes of a Grand Alchemist; made of crimson velveteen, with an emblazoned, golden sun, with a black center upon the back
Background: Harold has been with the Alchemist Guild his entire life. He learned various skills within the Alchemist Guild, and has been responsible for several scientific breakthroughs, such as recording the effects of belladonna on the heart in small dosages, and the effects of herbal tinctures, and salves to advance healing in the human body. Harold became Head Alchemist upon his sixtieth birthday, and has continued to manage the guild in a kind-hearted, fair, and logical way.
Skills and Traits: Master Alchemist, Master Scientist, Incredibly Wise and Intelligent
**For more information regarding the members of the Houses of Formaroth, please Click Here.
Family Name: Du Paraquette Kingdom Location: Sypius Plains Crest: Gold and Red shield with a White Dragon on top Family Motto: Loyalty is the Greatest Honour Relations with Other Kingdoms: Poor Family Reputation: Dubious, Greedy, Deceitful Kingdom's Main Source of Economy: Focused on banking, and investments Description of Kingdom: The Sypius Plains is located at the heart of Formaroth and is well known for being the home of the capital city of Nyhem. Despite this, the majority of land itself is of low economical value. It has low, quality soil leading to poor harvests and has very little in terms of high quality mining goods. The Scassia region is the only area which has a high level of value to it due to its rich, fertile soil and vast, forests used for lumber. The Scassia region is where the Du Paraquette’s manor house is located. Family Background: The Du Paraquette’s were made rulers of Sypius Plains by the Remonnet family centuries ago. During the reign of the Remonnet’s they served as faithful vassals, and in all their history have never opposed the Remonnet family. This house fought on the side of House Remonnet in the Remonnet - Manshrew Civil war.
Family Name: Mazeltof Kingdom Location: Ralda Crest: White Eagle on a Green background. Family Motto: Never, ever quit Relations with Other Kingdoms: Generally on good terms. Family Reputation: Reliable, Honrouble, Kind. Kingdom's Main Export Goods: Fish, Seafood, Wheat, Fruits and Vegetables. Description of Kingdom: Ralda is located on a rather hilly region between the Irman Sea to the north-east, and mountains to the South-West. Ralda has quality soil, and that is the base of its wealth. Most of people in Ralda are either farmers, or fishermen, but Ralda also has a substantial amount of hunter’s and gatherer’s due to the forests close proximity. Most of the population in Ralda either live in hamlets, or isolated farmhouses. The largest settlement in Ralda is the port town of Fishgrove, which is located on the coast of central Ralda. Fishgrove is where the Mazeltof family calls home. Family Background: The Mazeltof family used to be one of the most powerful, and wealthy of all noble families in Formaroth. However, 15 years ago, the price of wheat went down to a quarter of its original value, and as a result the kingdom was hit hard with financial losses. Currently Ralda is on its way up, but it is still far behind in economic terms, to what it used to be. The Mazeltof family is on very good terms with House Manshrew, and the majority of food imported into the Uzgob Desert originates from Ralda.
Family Name: House Wulfrick Kingdom Location: Nash Crest: White and Black Shield with a White Horse Family Motto: Beauty Favours the Wise Ones Relations with Other Kingdoms: Neutral Family Reputation: Rich, and Manipulative Kingdom's Main Export Goods: Liquor, Fruits, Wine, Books, Pearls, Timber Description of Kingdom: The Kingdom of Nash is a rich, and fertile place with plenty of open areas, of farmland in the south, and a large, forest area that covers the rest of the kingdom. The majority of the kingdom is rural, with a large number of the population living in hamlets, or isolated farmhouses, scattered throughout Nash. The nobles tend to live in large, well-guarded manor houses, made of stone or carved timber. The largest settlement in Nash is the town of Auchendale. Family Background: House Wulfrick are the first, and current rulers of Nash. They tend to keep to themselves and rarely get involved in the affairs of others.
Family Name: Anjervine Kingdom Location: Windermere Family Motto: God and my Right Relations with Other Kingdoms: Good for the most part. Family Reputation: The House of Anjervine is one of the oldest ruling families, and has intermarried with the now dead line of the House of Remonnet more than once on several occasions. King Henri is the son of the latest marriage (Mother was a Remonnet). The family is known to be one of the wealthiest, as it presides over the rich, trade route that sails along the mighty Vesser, a wide river that cuts through their lands, and connects the Irman Sea via a long winding route to the outer sea. In current times the House is known for its limitless, ambition, and there are whispers that before the last King of the Remonnet line died, that King Henri secured a promise from him of being the next to rule. Kingdom's Main Export Goods: Timber, Produce, Wine, and Silver Description of Kingdom: The Kingdom of Windermere and the Summer Isles is well populated and there are many strong holdfasts and towns dotted across Windermere as does the Summer Isles boast many strong seaports. The land is governed by many lords and knights all who claim fealty to the House of Anjervine, there are many lords and knights and the Anjervines can draw from a seemingly inexhaustible pool of ready knights and peasantry for their wars. The lands of Windmere are fed by the Vesser, a winding river that leads to the Irman Sea, and the Great Wood of Anjou is abundant in timber to be cut down and used. There are also a few valuable silver mines that cut into the mountains which signal the end to lands that are under the sway of the Anjervines. The Kingdom of Windermere's main seat of power is Vine, the seat of the Anjervines, it stretches along the bank of the Vesser and contains many thousands inside its double, stone walls. Family Background: The House of Anjervine was founded by the third son, of the first Remonnet king, and they have always been steadfast, and loyal supporters, to their distant kinsman upon the throne. Often when war threatens the kingdom, they are the first to have answered the King's call.
Family Name: House Neptune Kingdom Location: Akki Crest: Blue Shield with Turtle on the Front Family Motto: Water and Fire Relations with Other Kingdoms: While the political relations between House Neptune and the other Houses of Formaroth is mostly positive, people from Akki are often negatively stereotyped. Many believe that people who are from Akki are lawless criminals. Family Reputation: Reliable, Honest and Carefree Kingdom's Main Export Goods: Tobacco, Fish, Meat, Timber, Ships Description of Kingdom: Akki is an island nation with most of its population living in the coastal areas. The majority of Akki’s inland is made up of a dense forest. Most of the settlements within Akki are either fishing villages, or port towns. Akki is infamous for smuggling, and trading in illegal goods. A common saying is that “If you can get arrested for selling it, you can find it in Akki.” As a result, for its relatively lax laws on crime, the residents of Akki are often unfairly stereotyped as criminals, by the rest of Formaroth. Akki is known for having the biggest, and most experienced fleet of ships for its navy, in all of Formaroth. Family Background: The Neptune family were originally human, pirates who built the port town of Marren's Eve, (now the capital city of Akki). House Neptune gained a lot of wealth, and reputation through trading with the Elven Imperium, namely through slaves. After the Remonnet’s outlawed slavery in Formaroth, House Neptune retaliated, claiming independence for Akki. However, this rebellion was swiftly put down by the Remonnet’s forces, and Akki was once again under the crown’s control. Though the level of trade between the Elven Imperium, and Akki has never been the same since, there is still a sufficient amount of income for House Neptune, to effectively rule Akki.
Family Name: House Staghain Kingdom Location: Thralreth Crest: Red and Purple Shield with a White Stag Family Motto: As One, United and Free Relations with Other Kingdoms: Average. On extremely good terms with House Sutharlan. Family Reputation: Honest, loyal, honourable, good-hearted Kingdom's Main Export Goods: Wheat, Fruit, Timber, Meat, Fish Description of Kingdom: Northern Thralreth is known for its fertile land, and lush terrain. Northern, and central Thralreth is entirely made up of farmlands, and woodlands, and produces more food than most other kingdoms combined (only rivalled by House Mazeltof of Ralda). North of Thralreth, is the Legon forest; a massive area, of densely covered forest, which spreads on for hundreds of miles. Southern Thralreth has a much colder climate and is considered to be a harsh area to build a life in. The majority of the population in Thralreth lives rurally, with the largest settlements being slightly, bigger, than towns. The capital of Thralreth is Faemley Castle, located in central Thralreth and home to the Staghain family. Family Background: House Staghain were one of the first houses to swear fealty to the Remonnet family, and strongly believes that Formaroth is better united under one banner. Throughout their history, House Staghain holds close ties with House Sutharlan and maintains genial, and friendly relations.
Family Name: House Tuania Kingdom Location: Telmarion Crest: Black Shield with a White Wolf on the Front Family Motto: Righteous in Duty Relations with Other Kingdoms: Negative, and suspicious due to the misery that Evelyn Tuania caused during her reign as Head Advisor under King Heylot’s rule. Family Reputation: Dubious, untrustworthy>though these views are not necessarily true. Kingdom's Main Export Goods: Stone, Wheat, Siege weapons, Wood Crafting; Furniture, Carts, Tools, etc. Description of Kingdom: Telmarion is a reasonably, large kingdom, located to the north of Alenius, and South of Glarmion. The majority of the land in central Telmarion, is harsh, and rocky, with sparse areas suitable for farmland. There are a few areas of woodland, but they are scattered, and are considered small in comparison to the other forests, in other kingdoms. The land around the edge of the kingdom is much more lush, and fertile, making for excellent farm land. As a result, the majority of the population in Telmarion lives around the edges of the kingdom in either villages, hamlets, or towns. However, there are number of mining villages scattered across central Telmarion, whose residents make a decent living off quarrying. The capital of Telmarion is the stronghold of Clarn, which is home to the Tuania family, and located in central Telmarion. Family Background: The Tuania family was originally well-respected, and yet underappreciated at the same time. As a result, the Tuania family was desperately sought a reason, to prove their family name. Therefore, when King Heylot asked for their eldest child, Evelyn, to be his new Head Advisor, the Tuania family happily accepted, believing that they would finally be appreciated by the rest of Formaroth. Unfortunately for them, both Heylot, and Evelyn turned out to be cruel, corrupt, and evil individuals who spread unspeakable misery across the land. As a result, once the civil war had ended many blamed the Tuania family for what had happened, due to the role that Evelyn played in Heylot’s tyranny. Currently the Tuania family is desperately trying to redeem their family name.
Family Name: House Humber Kingdom Location: Coruneon/Rathikun Crest: Black and White Shield with a Black Jaguar Family Motto: Freedom or Death Relations with Other Kingdoms: Neutral, on good terms with House Manshrew Family Reputation: Strong willed, head strong, carefree Kingdom's Main Export Goods: Stone, Ore; Iron, Steel, Copper, Meat Description of Kingdom: The kingdom of Coruneon, and Rathikun, has a harsh terrain with various ravines and canyons scattered across its lands. The coastlands possess rich, fertile soil and are used to provide the kingdom with food. The people of the kingdom are harsh, and straight to the point; however, they also possess a carefree attitude. The majority of the populace live in mountain villages, or coastal towns. The capital city of Coruneon, is Calchester Hold; a castle which is considered by many to be an impenetrable, structure in Formaroth. To the north is the large town of Sipdon, which was the original capital of Rathikun. Coruneon’s climate is considered to be warm and pleasant by most. Rathikun however is extremely hot and many who live in the south of Formaroth find the temperature unbearable when they first arrive. Family Background: House Humber originally ruled only Coruneon. During the Remonnet’s conquest of Formaroth, House Humber supported the Remonnet’s, and conquered the kingdom of Rathikun for the Remonnet family. Impressed with the loyalty of the Humber family, the Remonnet’s allowed House Humber to keep the lands of Rathikun for itself. During the civil war, Humber supported House Manshrew, and were considered to be their strongest allies.
Family Name: House Greensworth Kingdom Location: Orog Crest: Green and Purple Shield with a White Rabbit Family Motto: Ever Progressing Relations with other Kingdoms: Neutral Family Reputation: Weak, Idiotic, Pathetic Kingdom's Main Export Goods: Wine, Fruits, wheat Description of Kingdom: Orog is a luscious, and beautiful land with a hot, yet pleasant climate. The majority of the land is either forest, or farmland. Many of the citizens live in towns, and villages as well as numerous, farmhouses scattered across Orog. Like the rest of the nobles in Orog, House Greensworth lives in a grand manor house. The capital of Orog, is Hordrigg Fort. Family Background: House Greensworth have been the rulers of Orog since the Remonnet’s conquered Formaroth, and have a strong reputation for being incompetent. Due to their weak-willed nature, they will often support the crown regardless of who is King or Queen.
Family Name: Lanistark Kingdom Location: Glarmion Crest: Orange and Silver Shield with a White Bull Family Motto: Steel and Blood Relations with Other Kingdoms: Positive with House Humber, and Manshrew, considered aggressive by others. Family Reputation: Aggressive, Barbaric, Headstrong, Kingdom's Main Export Goods: Ore, Stone, Meat, Horses, Wheat Description of Kingdom: Lower Glarmion is considered to be a pleasant environment to live in, with its abundance of green fields, quaint forests, and plenty of freshwater lakes, and rivers. Lower Glarmion produces all of the food that the people of Glarmion consume. Upper Glarmion possesses a rougher terrain, and is mostly inhabited by stones masons, and miners. Glarmion has an extremely hot climate. Most people in Glarmion either live in outlying villages, or towns with castles to protect them. Due to the structure of Glarmion most people live their daily lives with little interference from its rulers. Family Background: Before the Remonnet’s conquered Formaroth, Glarmion was made up of hundreds of different warring tribes. When the Remonnet forces arrived to invade Glarmion, Tribe Lanistark was one of the few that fought on the side of the Remonnet’s. As a reward for their loyalty, the Remonnet’s made them the new rulers of Glarmion.
The religion that is commonly practiced throughout all of Formaroth is known as the Church of Klebrithy. It holds a pantheon of eight accepted gods and goddesses.
Jykher - God of Life Othys - Goddess of Love Leplo - God of Mercy Sisneas - Goddess of the Afterlife Erena - Goddess of Magic Xopius - God of the Sea Timtos - God of Battle Nidanke - Goddess of the Land **Giphine - Goddess of Greed (not worshipped in the Grand Temple, due to spiritual corruption) **Hizreus - God of Violence (not worshipped in the Grand Temple, due to spiritual corruption)
**Hystix - Devil of Evil (Not worshipped in the Grand Temple, due to spiritual corruption)
The Church of Klebrithy teaches its followers to adhere to the ways of the Gods and Goddesses, and to avoid the temptation of Hystix and the corruption of Giphine and Hizreus.
In any temple in Formaroth, a Church of Klebrithy will contain eight centerpieces for each god and goddess, so that any citizen may pray to any god or goddess of their choice, should they choose to invoke the divine aid needed.
On a typical day of service, the priests within light candles for all eight deities, and cense the entire temple with holy incense to allow the deities spirits to enter the temple. Many priests promote the ways of Jykher, Leplo, and of Sisneas. They express the value of life, the meaning of showing mercy to those less fortunate, and the promise of an Afterlife through the Goddess.
There are temples dedicated to the Gods and Goddesses of Klebrithy, which originates from ancient times. A monk named Klebrithy was burned at the stake in the early eras for blasphemy, as Formaroth held different beliefs at that time, beliefs that were centered around Giphine, Hizreus, and Hystix. Upon his death, he became a martyr, and a following formed soon after, which led to the religion that is known today throughout Formaroth. At one point in time, in the early eras of Formaroth, before recorded history, Giphine, Hizreus, and Hystix represented different ideals. Giphine represented fertility, and growth. Hizreus portrayed the image of War, and Bloodshed for manhood. Lastly, Hystix held the belief of freedom, from freedom of choice, to the freedom to live one’s life as they see fit, and the belief that no man or woman should be subjected to the governing of oppressive individuals.
During the reign of the Remonnet's, they forced the religion of Klebrithy upon the people in all kingdoms. It is now the most common practiced religion in all of Formaroth. They burned any temples that differentiated from the practices of Klebrithy, and re-built new temples in its wake.
In present times, these deities are banned from the Church of Klebrithy, and any worship of the three were grounds for imprisonment or burning at the stake. Mages who use dark magic consult with these deities to aid in their spells and rituals, one of the reasons why dark magic is banned from Formaroth.
The sole difference between a Grand Cleric, and a High Priest, is that of gender. A Grand Cleric is a woman, whereas a High Priest is a man.
Other religions exist as well, namely cults and other types of paganistic styled worship.
The Elves have their own religion, but most people in Formaroth have no idea what it is exactly they worship, as they do not hold strong trading ties with Beilokias.
Located in the Garden District, the Alchemist Guild is a grand building made of grey stone with wooden trim. There are several wings to the main building, two of the wings are dedicated to the apprentices and the journeyman living quarters. The other wing is used for alchemical experimentations, where the apprentices and journeymen alike are under the watchful gaze of the other master alchemists. The last wing of the building is used as a mess hall, and has its own library located in the same wing.
Grand Arena
In the Stone District, the Grand Arena is a marvel of craftsmanship, built of white blocks of stone, the arena can hold at least five-thousand people at any given point in time. There are multiple rows of seating, and the arena is shaped like a horseshoe, with one end of the arena open. A great dirt field holds several tournaments and games of strength. Below the arena, are several cells in which the beasts for the fights are held captive. There is also a training room for the combatants to ready themselves in.
Bazaar
Found in the Stone District, the Bazaar is a large market square where various vendors set up for shop. This area is also home to several store fronts as well, such as Green Leaf Apothecary, a well-known apothecary, operated and owned by Leiliana Greenleaf and her husband, Theron; Black Iron Smithy, one of the best armories in all of Nyhem, the forge is run and operated by Reinold Aldus, he carries various types of weapons and armor, all forged by himself. He has two apprentices that help run the shop, and make minor things such as arrows. There is also a seamstress by the name of Abitha Redstone, that runs a small shop called, The Pointed Needle. Many common folks go to her to have their shirts and trousers mended, and she is well-known for obtaining new types of fabrics on a weekly basis. There is a shop for general goods called, The Journeyman’s Way. It is owned and operated by Gervais Andras. Last but not least, there is a store where adventurers can sell the items they find on their adventures called, The Hidden Door, it is run by Pylenor and Sibella Bartholos.
Nyhem Bank
The Nyhem Bank is a simple, dark grey stone building with a rounded exterior. It is run and operated by the renowned couple, Davos and Sarah Ironbark. The bank is located on the outer edges of the Stone District, but just outside the walls of the Garden District.
Field District
The Field District is comprised of the area on the outskirts of Nyhem, outside of the city walls. Here, many of the farmers live here. There are no shops, so the citizens outside the walls must travel into the city to purchase their needed goods. Most of the citizens here are poor people, and live in simple wooden, or mudbrick houses.
Stone District
The Stone District lies within the city walls of Nyhem, here the citizens that reside here are better off than those in the Field District. They can afford to live in better built homes, constructed out of grey stone, wood, and daub. Many of the common folk here find plenty of work in the docks. Nyhem Port is located in the lower end of the Stone District, outside the walls where the city meets the waters of the Irman.
Garden District
{Picture provided is an example of Noble Homes.}
The Library of Nyhem is located in the Garden District. The building is made of grey stone with wood trim, and white-grey daub applied on the upper levels. Here, the Nyhem librarians carefully arrange the books, scrolls by subject, in alphabetical order. Citizens of Nyhem have free access to the library, but only those who live in the Garden District are allowed to check out books from the archives. There are books as old as the first era, though those are kept from common, prying eyes. The majority of the nobles that reside in Nyhem, live within the Garden District. This area is highly patrolled by guards, resulting in a lower crime rate in this area of town.
