Beyond the Known World

Entry written by: Dan Eustace

Heldannic Territories

This forested region, formerly known as the Heldann Freeholds, is located just to the north of the Ethengar Khanates. The land is inhabited by the Heldann, a fair-haired, light-skinned folk, who fish, farm, and hunt. The Heldann traditionally acknowledge no ruler higher than the individual household leader, but this has changed in the last generation. About 50 years ago, an army of elite clerics, who took as their name the Heldannic Knights, imposed their rule over the land. The Heldannic Knights are Hattians from the Empire of Thyatis, devoted to the warlike Immortal, Vanya.

Wendar

North of Glantri, the elven Wizard-King, Gylharen, rules the peaceful realm of Wendar. The kingdom lies within a large valley, with rich plains breaking up great tracts of evergreen forest. The population is made up of roughly equal numbers of elven foresters and human farmers. It is said that Wendar prospers due the presence of a magical artifact, the Elvenstar. Despite this, Wendar must defend itself from the shadowy land of Denagoth, which borders it on the north. Little is known of this dark land.

Norwold

This is a vast wilderness area north of the Known World and the Heldannic Territories. The Empire of Alphatia has claimed Norwold, but little of the region is actually under the control of King Ericall, who rules from Alpha, a fortified northern city. Ericall is actively seeking capable rulers who wish to assist him in taming this unsettled land. Other civilised areas include the independent city of Oceansend, the squalid criminal town of Landfall, and the hin clanhold of Leeha.

Sind

This kingdom forms the western border with Atruaghin, Darokin, and Glantri. It is comprised of several lesser kingdoms, called mumlykets, united under Rajadhiraja Chandra ul Nervi. Sayr Ulan, the capital of Sind, is a centre of trade with neighbouring lands, especially the merchants of Darokin. The common people live an impoverished life, while the rulers enjoy wealth and luxuries. A rigid caste system is the basis of Sindhi social standing and customs.

The Great Waste

West of Sind, lies this huge expanse of desert and wasteland, which stretches to the forbidding and impassable Black Mountains. The Sind Desert, a rocky, arid region of harsh temperature extremes, comprises much of the Great Waste. It is inhabited by desert nomads, both human and otherwise.

Hule

The Great Hule is a large, mysterious land lying far beyond the Black Mountains populated by chaotic humans and humanoid tribes. The diverse populace is held together by the someone known only as the Master of Hule, the highest of Hule’s many holy men.

Yavdlom

The Yavdlom are a nation of tall, ebony-skinned men, ruled by sages and prophets, located in the tropics of the western Sea of Dread. Yavdlom covers Thanegia Island, as well as parts of the Serpent Peninsula, which divides the Sea of Dread from the Izondian Deep and the Gulf of Hule.

Savage Coast

Beyond the Serpent Peninsula, the Savage Coast stretches from the Gulf of Hule to Orc’s Head Peninsula, 2000 miles to the west. The area around the Gulf of Hule is made up of various city-states and “Savage Baronies”, which are afflicted with a curse upon their lands. The nations beyond are a rugged frontier inhabited by barbarous men, canine lupins, feline rakasta, reptilian tortles, and other unusual humanoids.

Thanegioth Archipelago

This is a cluster of tropical islands across the Sea of Dread to the south of the Known World. In addition to primitive tribesmen and pirates, the islands are home to all sorts of jungle creatures, both mundane and monstrous. The fabled Isle of Dread lies within this island chain. Little else is known of these islands, but for myth and superstition.

Isle of Dawn

A massive island to the east of the Known World, the Isle of Dawn is the frontline of territories contested by the Empires of Thyatis and Alphatia. The western coast is comprised of Thyatian provinces and allies, whereas the eastern side consists of Alphatian colonies. The island’s terrain is hilly and forested, with many bogs, especially in the northeast. A large, unexplored escarpment (claimed by both empires) lies in the south.