My Fantasy World: Overview

This is the rough/working version of my fantasy world. Many of the place names are still in flux—as are the borders of several different realms. As you see, I began with a map of Europe and heavily modified it. I am still in the process of prettying it up and adding details. This is also only a very low resolution shot of the map (which is actually quite huge). All that having been said, I will now go into a bit of explanation as to the various realms of my fantasy world and what I was thinking about each.

NAMORIAN EMPIRE

Yes. It is 'Roman' backwards. And to make matters worse, I didn't even come up with the name—I stole it from the 'Free City of Haven' fantasy setting. All that having been said—I actually like the name a lot more than I ever did 'Thyatis'—which is the Empire (taken from the Known World of Mystara) that Namoria is based upon. Unlike it's Mystaran counterpart, the Empire here is in something of a decline—clinging to its past glories, but teetering on the edge of what could be a catastrophic war with the Sindian and Ylari empires (see below). Likewise, its relationships with the powerful kingdoms growing in the west (most of which were former provinces) have created tensions. Essentially, the Namorian empire is Greece and Rome all rolled into one, but in the Byzantine period of its life cycle. Though it used to rule nearly the whole of western Europe, what remains now is the eastern half that survived the collapse of the old empire. In this way, it is kind of a 'what if' scenario—what if 'Rome' had started in the east instead of the west.

KINGDOM OF REYNARDY

Probably the second most powerful nation in Europe, Reynardy is modeled after medieval France. The name I took from the world of Mystara, where Reynardy was a 'french' kingdom populated by a race of dog-like humanoids. In my world, it is a human realm. Though still relatively 'young' as a nation, I am basing the monarchy on the somewhat decadent and foppish era presented in the Three Musketeers movies and books—only in this time, it would be the Three Cavaliers rather than musketeers. Reynardy is a powerful, but somewhat troubled realm, torn with secular and religious corruption (a scheming Cardinal) and faced with an increasingly antagonistic relationship to its northern neighbor—Bretonnia.

KINGDOM OF BRETONNIA

This represents England during the reign of Richard Lionheart. There are still strong divisions in the country between the indigenous 'Bretons' and the ruling 'Normans' (from the Reynardian province of Normandie). I see this as the era of Robin Hood and Prince John...but perhaps with some touches of Henry V thrown in (i.e. the possibility of war with Reynardy). 

KELTLUND AND AYRELUND

Scotland and Ireland respectively—both are emerging as feudal kingdoms, but both live in the shadow of the more powerful Bretonnia. The northernmost part of the isle of Ayrelund is actually an Elven realm (Valinor)- one of the many remnants of the once mighty elven Empire.

REPUBLIC OF DAROKIN

This is modeled directly after the nation presented in the Gazetteer series—a progressive realm fueled by its trade expertise and forward-thinking ideology. It is a melting pot of various cultures from Southern, Western, Eastern and Northern Europe (much as the original country was known as a 'land of the leftovers). It is a land of Merchant princes, diplomats and explorers that (because of its central location) spends a great deal of time making sure it maintains friendly relations with its neighbors.

TALEA

Modeled (obviously) after Italy, Talea does not represent a single, unified realm, but rather a collection of city-states—including Vatica (my version of Rome), the religious center of the dominant faith of western Europe (based on the Roman Catholic church). Talea is also home to a great many artists, philosophers and other great 'thinkers'—as well as a very powerful criminal underworld based out of the city state of Sicilia. 

LEON, CASTILLE AND ARAGON (aka SPANIA)

These three kingdoms have been 'reconquered' from the Ylari (arabic) powers that had formerly possessed them (after the fall of the western Namori Empire). Though highly religious and unified in their hatred of the Emir of Cordova, the monarchs of these three states secretly plot against eachother—each seeking to become the undisputed ruler of the peninsula (once the Ylari have been driven out, of course). The Spanian Inquisition is also active here—ostensibly to assist with the reconquest, but the movement has rapidly turned into a corrupt 'witch hunt' for anyone who the church wants to see removed. 

GLANTRI, EREWAN, BELCADIZ AND CAURENZE

Though I noticed that the latter realm (Caurenze) is somehow not listed on the map, it is there (to the southwest of Glantri). These realms are obviously based off of the Principalities of Glantri from the Mystara setting. Only in this case, the various Principalities are actually independent (or semi-independent) realms—most of which are scattered across the face of Europe. They are unified, however, in that each prince is one of the most powerful Mages in Europe and they form a council (something like the Circle of Eight in the Greyhawk setting) to handle major magical concerns. Not shown in this map are other Principalities—Boldavia is located in the realm of Ravanovia. Klantyre is located in the highlands of Keltlund). I haven't placed yet or decided which of the other houses I am going to include.

MINROTHAD

This is essentially the same realm as presented in the Gazetteer books—at least geographically. I see it as being a bit more 'shady' and more 'sicilian' like. I also see it as the nautical counterpart to Darokin—ruling trade by sea where Darokin commands the caravan routes. Minrothad also includes the semi-autonomous elven Isle of Aquanor (one of several remnants of the ancient, fallen Elven Realm). 

IRENDI

Rather than the rather goofy setting presented in the Gazetteers (where they went as far as to have 'Dungeon theme parks' and 'Magnus, P.I.'), I see Irendi as more of an extension of the Greek Isles—complete with various fierce mythological beasts (Gorgons, Chimaera, etc.) I still like the idea of rulership being determined by competition—but see this as more of a life-time title. I.e. A champion wins the royal tournament and then serves as Monarch for as long as they wish, either dying or stepping down before the next monarch is chosen. This is a realm where great adventurers and explorers come from—as well as a haven for pirates and even a battleground in the sporadic fighting between Westron and Ylari forces.

TRALADAVA (aka KARAMEIKOS)

I am still trying to decide whether or not I like the name Traladara or Traladava or Karameikos best. But in any case, this is essentially the same realm detailed in the Gazetteers—right down to its physical appearance (I essentially just 'tilted' the map of Karameikos to the side and dropped it on the coast of Southeast Europe). Though officially a 'Grand Duchy' and vassal of the Namorian Empire, this realm is actually quite independent. It represents a mix of slavic (Traladaran) and Roman/Greek (Namorian) cultures—just as the original Karameikos did.

RAVENOVIA

Again, this is not a single, unified realm, but rather a collection of baronies, counties, principalities, etc. You can guess from the name that it is based upon the Ravenloft setting—and indeed, one of the counties is Barovia. Many other Ravenloft realms are included—as well as the Glantrian principality of Boldavia, etc. This is a dark and forboding land, filled with corrupt nobles, vampires, werewolves, ghosts and other supernatural horrors. It also has a small realm of 'Dark Elves' (not Drow)—outcasts from the bordering Elven realm of Sylvanor.

KRANOVIA

This sprawling realm is modeled after medieval Russia—complete with a Czar (and likely a corrupt advisor Monk...). Though huge, it is a divided and somewhat backwards land—and one constantly under threat of invasion from the Namorians, Denegoth or the steppe-barbarian Ethengarians.

WENDAR AND THE SHIRES

This realm is my little homage to Middle Earth—made to very closely resemble the fallen realm of Arnor. Wendar was once the northernmost province of the Namori empire—but was lost when the west fell to barbarian invasions. In the dark ages thereafter, a good king managed to unite many of the former Namori provinces (Wendar, Bretonnia, Reynardy and Darokin) into a single realm. Essentially, this King is an amalgam of the legends of King Arthur and the historical figure Charlemagne. Alas, his kingdom was not to last. And so Wendar broke into numerous smaller baronies and the like—including one large Elven enclave (very much like Rivendel) and one large halfling settlement known as the shires. Wendar is much more 'wild' and sparsely populated than more civilized realms—a land of thick forests. It is also home to an order of Rangers who are essentially waiting for the return of 'Arthur' (not literally, but rather, they're waiting for a leader with similar spirit and vision). In the meanwhile, the Rangers of Wendar spend a good deal of time dealing with incursions of evil men and humanoids from the realm of Denagoth. The Shires are peaceful and pastoral—kept that way partly by the Rangers watchful patrols, but also by bands of tough halfing 'bounders' who watch the frontiers. All in all, though, it is a rather sleepy backwater place (which I think is appropriate as a homeland for the halflings.

SYLVANOR

This is the largest remnant of a once great Elven empire that once spanned the breadth of Europe—and even lands far across the sea. It is one of the largest and oldest 'Faerie' woods left on the planet and is populated by a variety of elven clans. This is essentially my stand in for Mystara's 'Alfheim'. That name never really sat well with me, as it seemed to give the Elves a more 'germanic' slant than I liked. In any case, the Elves have good relations with their Darokinian and Wendarian neighbors, but face constant threats both from the monsters and humanoids of the 'Broken lands' and from 'dark elven' (not Drow) outcasts living in Ravenovia. Much as in the mystaran source material, this elven realm maintains a rather cantankerous relationship with the nearby Dwarven realm of Daengar. 

DAENGAR (AND THE BROKEN LANDS)

This is my version of Rockhome (a name I also didn't like). It is the largest Dwarven enclave in the world, with several major cities centered around two massive mountain lakes. But despite its stalwart inhabitants, much of the outlying mountainous terrain is fraught with peril—monsters and humanoids abound—especially within a particularly nasty stretch of the mountain range known as the 'Broken Lands'. This area of volcanic wastes, treacherous valleys and corrupted forests is infested with humanoid tribes—many of whom continue to bubble up from the numerous deep cave systems running through and beneath the entire mountain range.

THE NORTHLANDS

This Sprawling region includes several different realms: The Kingdoms of Nordland, Vestland and Kernmark (all 'early medieval' kingdoms), the Soderfjord Jarldoms (a collection of petty, barbaric states), Nordgar (a Dwarven Kingdom), Jotunheim (a realm ruled by various types of Giants and Ogres), Ritterstein and Heldann (collections of petty feudal baronies). Of course all of these are modeled after viking an germanic cultures—with several pulled directly from the Mystara setting and others of my own making. These realms are struggling to emerge from their barbaric roots—some with more success than others. Heldann is modeled after the teutonic order of knights—but in my game, they aren't as 'evil' as portrayed in official Mystara source material. In fact, they bear a lot of the brunt of holding out against the evil realm of Denegoth.

DENEGOTH

This is the primary 'evil' realm of Europe. It's population is a mix of corrupt humanity and humanoid hordes—backed up by all manner of foul creatures. It is a land of stony wastes, twisted forests and mist-shrouded moors. Again, this country was taken from the Mystara setting. I loved the name. I loved the concept. So I stole it for use here! The evil lords of this land constantly plot and scheme to conquer the rest of Europe, but seem always to be constantly thwarted by both the Rangers of Wendar and the Knights of the Heldannic Order. But it is only a matter of time before Denegoth finds a way...

ETHENGAR

Another Mystaran realm—based upon the Mongol steppe hordes. The portion shown on this map is only the western extreme of the land currently claimed by them. They launch raids into Kranovia, Sind and occasionally the Westron Empire, but have always stopped short of actual conquest of any lands. Only squabbling between tribes keeps them from becoming a threat to the whole of the Westron world. All they need is one powerful Khan to unite them...

SIND

This is the 'bad guy' Arabic nation, representing a conglomeration of Turks and Persians that cover modern day Iran and Iraq. Sind is very much the realm described in the Mystaran sourcebooks—complete with its 'Master', who desires to conquer all the infidel lands to the West. They were once united with the Emirates of Ylaruam, under the Ylari (Islamic) faith, but took a more militaristic and fundamentalist outlook that eventually caused a schism.

YLARUAM

This is not a single realm, but rather a collection of Emirates united by a common faith. The individual realms are: Cordova, Ummayad, Sulaym, Abbashan, Nithia and Ylaruam itself. Obviously this area is based on the Mystaran Emirates of Ylaruam and upon the Arabic/Islamic cultures of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In my setting, they represent the more moderate aspects of that type of faith and culture. Even so, they are at odds with the Westron powers—clashing over land and religion. Though sharing a similar faith to the Sindi, there is tension also between their realms.

THE WILDERLANDS

Though not labeled on this map, this sprawling region is located where Russia is on our world. As it's name suggests, it is a largely unsettled area, filled with primitive human and humanoid tribes as well as some minor feudal 'colonies' of Kranovia. It may seem strange to have such a large unsettled area on the map, but in a Fantasy setting, you have to remember just how barbaric and hostile the world can be when you have hordes of orcs and goblins and rampaging dragons and giants around. 

Anyway, this is just a brief sketch of my world. I know nobody is probably reading this yet, but if anyone does, I wouldn't mind hearing your comments, suggestions or criticisms!