Tiarna

12th of Nyrene 494AAE

Tiarna is an expansive continent with many different climates and creatures that inhabit it. The terrain is separated down the middle by the great mountain range called "The World's Spine". To the west lie the great kingdoms of Koterra in the Biting Desert, Ayah in the Great Forrest, and The Storm Kingdom in the Writhing Marshes; as well as the United Confederation of City States on the western coast and the mighty Savarian Empire in the Far West. The entire eastern part of the continent is dominated by the all-powerful Argan Empire ruled by the 10 Argan Lords and their emperor, Anumesh IV. The world is fresh off the heels of a 300 year terrible, bloody war in which the advance of the Argan empire was halted by the combined efforts of all of the western powers. For the past half-century peace has prevailed but the echos of that long war still ring in certain areas and old wounds seldom heal.   Tiarna is also a land of ruins and secrets of the lost Golden Age civilization of The Old Kingdom that ruled it in ages past before the rise of the Argans. This civilization warred with the gods and slew all of them but perished themselves in the process. This calamitous event was called "The Godfall". The Godfall ended the Golden Age and began the Age of Darkness in which no records were kept and technology reverted back to the stone age. Gradually new civilizations began to form and with the sudden appearance of the Argan Lords in Arga, a new age began, the Argan Age.   Arga was not the only civilization to rise up however. The previously mentions countries of Koterra, Ayah, The Kingdom of Storms, The United Confederation of City States, and The Savarian Empire also thrive in this age.   Koterra is a mighty desert kingdom in the center of the Western side of Tiarna in the Biting Desert. It's sun-scorched castles and noble knights stand as a shining beacon of chivarly and justice and its strict laws ensure that its country is both secure and disciplined. Koterran Knights are renowned for their proficiency on horseback as well as hand-to-hand combat. Koterra is ruled by Giradin the Tall, High King of Damarel.   Ayah is a kingdom that encompasses the entirety of the Great Forrest. Its people are fair-skinned and fair-haired. They are tall and very proficient at archery and survival skills. Their cities are built into the Forrest itself and many of their structures are built into the large trees that grow in the forrest. In the center of their kingdom lies the massive World Tree, a tree that towers 300 feet high and has bark as hard as stone. Their capital city sits between this great tree and a sacred lake called The World's Tear. Much of their country was decimated by the horrible 300 years war and their people harbor a special hatred for Argans.   The Storm Kingdom rules the Writhing Marshes which stretch across Tiarna's Northern Coast. It's capital city is a gigantic, golden pyramid that towers over the marshes. The pyramid sits at the foot of its only mountain range and the mountains shield it from the terrible storms that constantly plague the country with their harsh gales. From the Great Pyramid the Pharaoh rules his kingdom with an iron fist and his Adjudicators are some of the most feared and dangerous agents that one could encounter.   The United Confederation of City States rule the south western area of Tiarna. They were once seperate kingdoms but were forced to come together in order to avoid annihilation from the Argan Empire during the 300 years war. Their alliance is a tentative one, however, as some city states are fierce rivals and have burning hatred for each other. The most notable city states are Cira, Vice, and The Deep Mines. Cira is the de facto capital of the Confederation as it is the largest and most powerful state. Vice (as the name implies) is the greatest hub of immoral actions in the whole of Tiarna, having a thriving black market that deals in the slave trade as well as drugs and all other manner of unseemly topics. The Deep Mines are home to the greatest gem mines and largest cave network in all of Tiarna. They are closely affiliated with Cira, whose ports and vast network of ships help to transport their gems across the continent, making both cities very rich.   Lastly there is the Empire of Savaria, the rulers of the Far West . They are the second strongest nation, falling behind only Arga in size and sheer might. There country is old and storied with many myths of great spirits and valiant heroes. They abide strict traditions and hold honor to their Emperor as the highest of virtues. They have many bustling cities and formidable castles that dot the countryside and their forests are lush and mystical.