Asmer
The civilizations of the era when the Gods lived on Niorath are collectively named the Asmer. This does not mean that there were no differences between them. Those that have studied the few artifacts found from this time know that many different cultures and nations existed. Though these civilizations are thought to have ended after Magicfall they still have left an impact on the first societies that emerged after it.
Gnome Empires
The first civilization to become the dominant force in Niorath after Magicfall started in Oneraga and quickly expanded outwards. If records are to be believed the civilization ended with the death of their god Tanajin. An successor nation managed to survive several centuries after this event in the
Lower Realms but also ended suddenly.
Later in history the Isshan Empire would become the dominating Gnome nation until their homeland was destroyed by
Chaos Tempests.
Selefer
Not much is know from this civilization besides their snakelike humanoid appearance and religion. According to the few records that discuss them it is thought that they share an affinity for fire and worshiped a fire snake God. Their nations fell after numerous wars with the
Avaronian Empire.
Dragons and Dragonborn
The nations of the dragons are not technically gone but they are only shadows of their former selves. For a long time they were the dominant force in Avak'am and Oneraga. However, after the arrival of the
Dragon Scourge, a plague which only affected them, the vast majority of Dragons perished or became feral. To this day a new outbreak of the Dragon Scourge is still feared.
Avaronian Empire
After the fall of the old civilizations the
Avar Elves quickly rose to power. Their knowledge of elemental magic allowed them to form the Avaronian Empire which had an influence on many nations of Niorath. Not only are many current languages derived from them, it has also laid the foundation for many of the large cities of today. However, over time the corruption grew and many barbaric practices were introduced such as sacrifices and slavery. It took many centuries but in the end the Avaronian Empire ended with a cataclysmic blast in its capital, Bagor. The most commonly used calendar uses this year as the startyear.
Elven Nations
Most Elves live on the continent of Farlis where their nations take up most of the land. Many of their countries are successor nations of the Avaronian Empire. The strongest of these nations is Aelerium which is the de facto leader of western Farlis. Mervidel is considered the leader of the other Elven nations which were often at war with Humans.
Some Elves live further away on Avak'am where they keep mostly to themselves.
Dwarven Nations
Dwarves are found in many places of the world. This is mostly thanks to their preferred habitat being mountains and underground realms. Most Dwarves live in city states which can sometimes even be part of larger confederations. The largest confederation of this kind is known as the Arendor States.
Gnome Nations
Gnomes only regained importance in the last centuries. Their nations were constantly at war with eachother and trade with outsiders was rather rare. At some point the Gnomes of Oneraga started banding together in larger countries and participated in less wars. They have shown a knack for magical technology and are now among the most advanced nations of Niorath.
Among the most powerful of them are the
Raitin, a group which started as a combination of warring clans but has become the scourge of the skies with their use of airships.
Gnomes also have a significant presence in the nations of Farlis, especially in
Kevarim.
Human and Half-Elf Nations
Humans are currently among the most numerous races of the world. For most of history they were either subjects or slaves of other races such as the Elves. Now their nations can be found along eastern Farlis, Pavanor and Avak'am. In these countries however, Half-Elves make up a good portion of the population as well. This is a sad leftover from centuries of oppression by the Elves.
The largest Human nation is the
Pavan Empire. A nation which controls most of Pavanor and is ruled by Emperors who are said to be the divine descendants of the prophet
Archon.
Dragon and Dragonborn Nations
The prime of the Dragons and the Dragonborn has passed but they still maintain their influence in some regions. The desert kingdom of Aldhir is still theirs to control for example. On Avak'am and Oneraga there are still some other nations as well. The rise of other civilizations has led to these countries working closer together.
Nekorians
The
Nekorians try to stay out off the politics of Niorath. Most of them live on the remote islands of the Mizarin Jungle. They live in harmony with with plant creatures known as the
Mizarin Nightlights and their seedling offspring, the Lightwalkers.
ORCs
The
ORCs of Niorath have only one real nation in Pavanor and keep mostly to themselves. Although they are the strongest of the races physically they are not very warmongering by themselves. They are however very good at following orders and are therefore the most commonly used mercenaries.
Goblinoids
The Goblinoids are believed to have once been Elves until Magicfall mutated them into their current forms. They tend to live in the remote regions of the world but mostly in Farlis. From time to time they have been known to raid the outskirts of other countries but they never pulled off any large scale invasions.
Other Beastfolk
Beastfolk is the common name for all humanoids with beastlike features. The Nekorians actually belong to this group although they are the most powerful of them. The other Beastfolk used to control great amounts of land but now they mostly live in the remote deserts and forests. Some of them however, still maintain countries in Avak'am and Oneraga.