Tiamara

The Tiamara region is called so for the largest state in the region called the Timaran Empire. The region was previously known as Usum before the empire renamed the region. Home to this area is the other states called the Kingdom of Fena, The Kingdom of Damamin, The nomads of Maralars, Verano Kingdom, The Amara Republic, and the Joint Kingdom of Sela-Dunkhaz. The region is rich with many unique regions all of which are all well adapted to the many chromatic dragons that live in the area, which suits the Timaran Empire as they are the only nation with dragons incorporated into their army. The Tiamara region is also known for the strange effects it has on the people who live there. Death may just be the beginning for some in the region as there is a chance for a person to become a Hellcursed or an Elyos. Individuals once they die can be reborn with hellish or celestial powers becoming what is known elsewhere as Tieflings and Aasimar. No one knows why this happens but to those that do it is seen as a blessing or a curse. Throughout most of the region; Elyos (Aasimar) are more respected, and the Hellcursed (Tieflings) are feared due to their respective looks that come with the changes. Their looks are also determined by where they experience their rebirth. If an Elyos is reborn in a marsh or swamp they will often have powers associated with acid, and their skin, hair, and eyes reflect the colors of the marsh. Hellcursed also develops acidic powers, and take on the colors of the land as well but will also develop horns, fangs, and tails that mimic the animals that live there. Another strange feature of the land are the ancient obsielks that dot the countryside. Strange weather and powerful monsters gather around these structures which many scholars attribute these to be an ancient experiment by wizards of old but the truth is very little is known about them.

Geography

The geography of Tiamara is quite diverse despite its relatively small area when compared to the Entwining Sea. There are many locations that the Empire of Tiamara control or overlaps with the other nations found in this region. These are major features that can be found in and around the region.

Halcyon Plains

Stretching from the southern edge of the Emerald Woods all the way to the Dusk Marsh lies the vast golden fields of the Halcyon Plains. Many farming communities of the Timaran Empire are found here and are the breadbasket for the empire. The largest settlement and seat of power is the city of Dorvorin where the High Dragon General of the Crimson Wings makes it her base of operations. A large portion of the population of the empire lives here in farming communities or in family-owned home farms.

The Emerald Woods

Encompassing the Dunkhar Range it once belonging to the elves of Selavar, it is now the number one source of lumber to the empire. The Timarian Empire controls the southern portion and most of the eastern portion of this vast forest. The forest is filled with ancient trees that are supposed to be older than many of the elves that once used to call this home, and is home to many ancient creatures that now stalk outside the old cities of the elves. The city of Selya, the oldest elven city before the empire conquered it, is home to the High Dragon General of the Emerald Claws.

The Frozen Forest

Found along the base of the Dunkhar Range and surrounded by the Emerald Woods this strange forest is made up of regular trees, and ice that grows like trees. It is forever winter here, with many theories among scholars as to why this occurs. One suggests that it touches upon the plane of ice and thus could be a thin part of the material plane to the ice one. Another theory is that it leads to the winter court of the Seelie and they have claimed it as their own. Other theories suggest it has something to do with the weather of the Dunkhar Range and the temperature of the earth itself but no one knows for sure. A sect of druids and elves make this area their home and embrace the winter landscape as part of their religions.

Azure Desert

Found stretching east from the Halocyn Plains to the unknown lands beyond lies the vast Azure Desert. Named so for the crystal blue skies that shine overhead, and for the blue crystal dust found in the sand that in the morning and evening shine a deep blue. Home to many nomadic tribes it also holds the infamous Morlock Prison that serves as both a holding place for the most dangerous criminals in the Timaran Empire and as a fort along the border. The Amara republic also calls large sections of the Azure Desert homeland, and Amarians also serve as guides for caravans through the beautiful but harsh desert.

Dusk Marsh

A maze of rivers and streams that flow out of the nearby mountains and ice fields the land can no longer hold the water and has become a vast marsh supporting a unique ecosystem. The nomads of Maralars are often composed of Hellcursed who find themselves no longer welcomed in the other kingdoms and the empire. Many other intelligent creatures and races make the area their home among the Mangrove trees, and ancient ruins that now dot the landscape.

Ice fields

Found all over Tiamara are the giant ice fields that form around the mountain ranges such as the Silver Paw Ice Field. These harsh environments are treasured by the people who live near them for the near-endless supply of ice they are able to gather and the freshwater that they provide like in the Azure Desert. These areas are home to clans of Frost Giants, and their pet Rehmorhazs as well to large flights of white dragons. The people living in these areas tend to be reserved but are some of the greatest hunters found in Tiamara.

Dunkhar Range

The northern chain of mountains that stretch east to west that forms the northern boundary of the Timaran Empire and home to the former kingdom of Dunkhar-Khaz. Home to the dwarves of Dunkhar-Khaz until they were conquered in 578 A.D. and were forced to flee to the northern slopes. Where they settled in the hills and joined together with the elves to form the Joint Empire of Sela-Dunkhaz. The Range holds vast minerals of wealth as well as provides the greatest foundries for the empire. Many craftsmen flock to the empire-held cities of the Dunkhar to hone their skills with dwarven smiths.

Lowlands

The sprawling coastline of the area filled with rolling hills, long beaches, and safe coves and harbors. Many coastal towns and cities are found here engaging with active trade with ships coming out from the Entwining Sea. Many villages are also found along the roads servicing the many merchants that travel through these areas. Many small farms and ranches can be found in this area as well offering a pleasant view for many who travel this part of the empire and region.

Highlands

Found exclusively within the center of the empire are the highlands. Nestled here are the oldest cities within the empire as well as the capital city from which the Emperor and Empress reside. Many of the nobles and generals of the empire live in this area making it the hub of the empire.

Twilight Range

Found along the southern edge butting up against the Azure Desert and the Dusk Marsh. It is home to many ancient ruins and monsters that have taken refuge in them. Very little is known about this dangerous region.

Mount Tabal

A tall mountain found in the middle of the Azure Desert surrounded by an ice field. It is held sacred to the Amarans and many other desert dwellers as the fountain of life. The mountain can be seen from many miles out in the desert and is used as a point of navigation when it can be seen.

Draco Grin Gulf

The large gulf is named so for the mouth shape it forms in the landmass. Many islands and towns are found in this area bordering the gulf and the lowlands.

Tia Lakes

Found in the center of the empire, these bodies of water hold the land that surrounds the capital of the empire, making it extremely difficult for any army hoping to topple the empire. Large communities are found all over the lake servicing the many summer homes found here as well as the capital itself.

History

The History of Tiamara is the history of the Empire. As a collection of small villages clustered around the Tia lakes, there could not be a more simple beginning for the mighty empire that rules the region today. These small villages grew over time developing the center isle into a defensible city now known as Tiamata. It was here as the villages grew into the singular city that the divine dragon goddess known as Tiamat made herself known through her prophet, a red dragonborn called Skargarve the Blooded. He preached of her order, of how she could in those early chaotic days bring to knee all those who sought to sow discord in the land. The people were taken in by his word, and a mighty temple which has become known as the Lair of the Dragon Queen, Pentachroma. The teachings of her wisdom spread and many came to flock under her banner of prosperity and order. Not all took kindly to this such as the Elven kingdoms and the Kingdom of Damamin. They fought against the fledgling nation and sought to rid the worship of Tiamat from the lands. They marched against the city of Tiamata and laid siege to the city for several months. The inhabitants were starving but did not give up for in that hour of desperation Tiamat sent five of her most fearsome children to defend the city. Their names are not spoken in the common tongue and thus are referred to only by their color. Crimson, Emerald, Sapphire, Onyx, and Peral these five dragons swept the invaders back and the day was won. Tiamat impressed with the devotion of her followers entered into a pact with rulers of the city allowing her children to fight alongside them and thus the mighty Dragoons were formed. Those who first entered into the pact also became blessed and were transformed into the first Ascended Dragonborn. The first King and Queen were elected King Jahel Drakhon, and Queen Alexandra Drakhon, and the birth of the kingdom was complete. Under the guidance and direction of the Church of Tiamat, and working alongside her children as well the many-colored Dragonflight was formed, and much of the territory of Tiamara was conquered. After lands refused to give in to the demands of the King and Queen they would face the Dragonflights, and dragoons, as well as the well-trained army of Timara as they brought the teaching of their goddess with them. After such places were conquered they were rebuilt and the inhabitants embraced the worship of the dragon goddess. Such as it was with many of the City-State Coast cities of the Draco Grin Gulf, that allied with each other but were no match the superior force of dragons and armies of the Empire. All of this nearly came to an end when a joint force from all the other kingdoms worked together to march on Tiamata but ultimately while marching through a narrow pass along the lakes the brilliant King and Queen led their forces and smashed against the united front of allied kingdoms against the shores of the Tia Lakes. Since then many of the kingdoms after their loss became vassals and the Empire of Timara was born. The Empire has brought order to a once chaotic region. There are those that still do try to resist the Empire such as the joint kingdom of elves and dwarves known as Sela-Dunkhaz, and there are tribes that roam the borders such as those who live in the Twilight Range and Dusk marsh but these pose little threat to the whole of the Empire itself. Many of these people have come to see the ideals of the Empire such as the Elven Dragoon Sila Treerunner who help the Empire enter into the Emerald Woods and pass by the magical barriers of the elves. She was awarded her own command and Dragon for showing such commitment to the Empire and continues to manage the region for the Empire since her noble actions. Many forget of those dark lawless days and take for granted the peace that the Empire has crafted and maintained for the last hundred years. While there are disputes that occur among the vassal kingdoms, and within the Empire itself, no greater period of time has existed.

Races of Timara

Humans: The most populous race in the region they can be found all over in each kingdom except for the Joint-Kingdom of Sela-Dunkhaz. Humans in the Empire of Timara make up most of the ruling class.

Dwarves: Found mostly in the Joint-Kingdom of Sela-Dunkhaz and in their former cities now controlled by the empire. Many have deep hatred to distrust of their elven allies with most of them blaming the lack of will of the elves to fight for the fall of their kingdom. Many hold a fond hate towards the Empire and Humans in general and hate their kin that have stayed behind and now work for the Empire. To them, they are the greatest traitors.

Elves: Found mostly in the Joint-Kingdom of Sela-Dunkhaz, many of them resent having to flee from their homeland, and having to join forces with the dwarves to keep the Empire at bay. However, like their unlikely dwarven allies, they share a deep hatred towards humans and the Empire. They continue to remain aloof from the rest of the kingdoms and rarely reach out still reeling from the betrayal of one of their own who joined the Empire and lead the assault on their forest bastions.

Hellcursed (Tiefling): Little is understood about the energies that transform a person as they are dying into one of the Hellcursed outside of the fact that the environment they transform in affects their physical look and powers they received. Hated among all the nations they are outcasts and most try to conceal their transformation or journey to Mara to join the many tribes of Hellcursed that live there.

Eylos (Aasimar): Little is understood about the energies that transform a person as they are dying into one of the Eylos outside of the fact that the environment they transform in affects their physical look and powers they received. Thought to be angels or blessed by the gods or god, they are elevated in many nations and even have their own nation known as Fena where all Eylos are welcomed. Many places warmly received them and ask for blessings from them in the hopes their own blessings rub off on them.

True Dragonborn: Born between natural-born Dragonborn they can trace their ancestor to their dragon progenitor. The Chromatic Dragonborn (Red, Blue, Green, Black, White) are praised and are viewed as children of the dragons and of Tiamat herself. The Metallic Dragonborn (Gold, Silver, Brass, Copper, Bronze) are dispiesed in the Empire and are often killed on site as bounties on their heads are high. Outside the Empire, the Chromatic are hated and hunted, and the Metallic are harbored or protected.

Ascended Dragonborn: Found only in the empire, for those soldiers who prove their worth to the empire are blessed into becoming Dragonborn. The ascended carry the brand of Tiamat and the Empire on their skin in the form of a brand or tattoo and are to be treated with high honor and respect. In the Empire, there are only Chromatic Ascended Dragonborn, and there are no reports of any Metallic Ascended Dragonborn in the region.

Amarians: A strange race that is made up of only females, and tends to have blue skin. As they mate with other races to reproduce their offspring will often take on different physical aspects of their mate. An Amarian that mates with an Elf may take on some of the grace, ears, and keen eyes while keeping the blue skin, and charismatic charm that most Amarians carry with them. Their offspring is always female and they value the freedom to travel and can be found in most of the other nations working as diplomats, bards, or merchants.

Gnomes: Rare to find they have been known to make their homes deep in the Emerald Woods and avoid the other races. The few gnomes that are seen in the land are often scholars or scouts gathering information for curiosity's sake or to help the gnomes prepare in case their communities are ever discovered.

Halflings: Found mostly in the Lowlands and the Highlands they are slaves in the Empire and are valued as servants by many of the rich. Many halflings serve a home or a master and perform many tasks throughout the Empire. Outside of the Empire, Halflings can be found in a hillside or farming communities forming the base of agriculture in many of the other nations.

Half-Elves: Rare and hated by both the Empire and the Elves of Sela-Dunkhaz they are viewed as half-breeds by the xenophobic humans of the Empire, and the enigmatic Elves who see it as a betray of their people. Half-Elves are welcomed in the Amara Republic and the Kingdom of Fena, for they are often seen as proof that love transcends the races. Very few Half-Elf communities exist along the empire and Half-Elves are often by themselves.

Half-Orcs: Tribes of Orcs can be found in the Ice Fields and the Twilight Range but little is known of their culture and society. The few Half-Orcs that roam the edges of the Empire and the other kingdoms are often met with distrust due to the rampant stories of Orc Hordes, the rumors of the Orcish brutality that is found in many tales.