A Beginners Guide To The World Of Nytheun

7/28/2019 A Beginners Guide To The World Of Nytheun

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A Beginners Guide To The World Of Nytheun 2

1.0 The Geography 2

2.0 Races And Cultures 3

2.1 The Elves 3

2.2 The Humans 4

2.3 The Dwarves 6

2.4 The Halflings 6

2.5 The Goblin-Kin 7

Table 2.1.1 Master List Of RM2 Races 8

3.0 The Gods And Cosmology Of Nytheun 8

4.0 The Grand Duchy Of Ravenstone 11

4.1 Introduction 11

4.2 The Land 12

4.2.1 Luusheta 124.2.2 Yggyma 12

4.2.3 Igo 13

4.2.4 Noch Geongechuth 13

4.3 The Court Of The Crimson Kings 13

4.4 Prominent Personalities 16

4.4.1 Grand Duke Ethithung Geongechuth 16

4.4.2 Grand Duchess Ekomuni Geongechuth 16

4.4.3 Grand Ducal Heiress Ecarana Geongechuth 16

4.4.4. Pairan, Lieutenant Of The Chaotic Lotuses 17

5.0 Final Notes 17


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A Beginners Guide To The World Of Nytheun

Welcome to the chaotic world of Nytheun! In this document, I will talk about the

world itself, including its geography; its dominant races and cultures; the gods and

cosmology of Nytheun and finally, describe the Grand Duchy of Ravenstone where ourCampaign is set..

1.0 The Geography

Nytheun is fifth planet orbiting the bluish-white main sequence star which is named

Otelo. The planet has two moons: an iron ore dominated satellite named Thypryrrm (the

Red Moon) and a silver ore dominated satellite named Eqyrsph (the Silver Moon). It has

a mostly warm-temperate climate and enjoys four seasons in the majority of its latitudes.

Nytheun is a lush planet with vast plains, forests, jungles, deserts and mountain regions.

As well, sixty-five percent of the planet's surface area is covered in seas and oceans.

There are a number of dominant life forms on Nytheun. Most are humanoids of the

Human, Elvan, Dwarven, Halfling & Goblin races. There are also a number of large

intelligent and semi-intelligent beasts, usually referred to as "monsters, such as dragons,

trolls and ogres. Though these life forms are not technologically advanced (the most

advanced cultures of Nytheun would be classified as Iron Age Civilizations), the use of

magic is wide spread amongst most of the races. Amongst certain groups, the use of magic


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has entirely replaced the development of any technology beyond what would be

considered Iron Age.

2.0 Races And Cultures

2.1 The Elves

There are five primary races who call Nytheun home. The first of these are the

immortal hsitesi (Elves) who awoke in the magical waters of Eyztesi, a large lake in the

west-central region of the western continent. This mystical frie race built a great city on

the north shore of Eyztesi which they called ratesi. The hsitesi lived in an Eden-like

utopia for centuries enjoying the beauty and harmony of the world around them. But then,

the god Ayrowor sent his herald Ephashra amongst the hsitesi to cast a shadow upon

the hearts of a third of their number. These elves who felt Ephashras shadowy touch upon

their hearts began to foster dissent and commit violence against their kin. They came to becalled the Ayrtesi (Ancient F: Dark Stars).

The suffering the Ayrtesi committed against their kin lead to their exile from ratesi

and this tribe of dark elves began to wander the world in an attempt to fulfill a prophecy.

The utopia which had been ratesi had been shattered and now division was found

amongst those hsitesi who remained in the beautiful city on the shores of lake Eyztesi.

Those who felt the most suffering at the hands of the Ayrtesi convened under the

leadership of Aquishwo and came to be known as the Iperatesi. Aquishwo forced his

followers to swear a great Blood Oath whose design was vengeance against the Ayrtesi.

And so, the Iperatesi departed ratesi determined to hunt down their dark kin and enact

their revenge.

The millennia that followed the exile of the Ayrtesi and the departure of the

Iperatesi from ratesi is counted as the darkest kin-strife in the history of Nytheun. The

Noble yet doomed Iperatesi battled the Ayrtesi and in the mean time discovered Humans.

The Iperatesi quickly befriended this new race of beings who awoke somewhere on the

eastern continent and taught them many skills. But suspicion and jealousy, as well as

Ayrtesi plots and attacks amongst Human-Kind bring about a separation of Humanity into

a number of tribes. Some of these tribes ally themselves with their Iperatesi friends whilst

others become pawns in Ayrtesi plots of schemes.

After thousands of years of war and strife, a relative peace was found. The Iperatesiprospered in their kingdom on the eastern side of the eastern continent. The Ayrtesi settled

in a large realm called Ayrtthagiqus located in the northern portion of the western

continent, content to capture slaves and stir up trouble where they can. Two other

hsitesi tribes also departed from the elvan city of ratesi. Firstly, the Ronith, who

settled in the south-west peninsula of the eastern continent in a realm they call Parrthranns.

The Ronith are secretive and jealously guard their underground citadel from foreigners


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of any race. It is rumoured that deep in the depths of their citadel can be found some of the

greatest tomes of arcane magic that have ever been written. The second group is called the

Tesyraphi and they departed ratesi shortly after the Iperatesi. But the Tesyraphi wished

to return to the waters from whence they had come and magically adapted themselves to

live under the seas of Nytheun. There are scattered Tesyraphi settlements in all the seas

of Nytheun, but their capital is located in the underwater caverns which tunnel through the

large island known as Imeshr, in the great eastern sea.

2.2 The Humans

As was related in the section regarding the Elves, the origin of the Human tribes has

been lost to the short memories of mortal man. Their own jealousy, suspicions and a little

help from the Ayrtesi quickly lead to the fracturing of Humanity. Whole new tribes of men

begin to group together and begin to speak different languages from each other in order

to jealously guard secrets from one another. Soon, strife and war came to the Tribes of Menand the Noble Iperatesi were forced to intercede in order to reduce hostilities.

However, as the Iperatesi battle with the Ayrtesi, many of the tribes of men once

allied with the house of Aquishwo are corrupted or disillusioned against the Iperatesi.

Mass migrations of men begin as whole tribes attempt to get away from the constant strife

and warfare between the two kindreds of Elves. And as the millennia continue, the

separations between each tribe become greater, not only geographically but culturally and

physically as well. Many tribes are forced to adapt to new environments and their

physiology and culture change to reflect their new found homes. Soon, the race that is Man

is a multitude of physiologies and creeds with vastly different interpretations of their

histories and cosmologies.

The modern world of Nytheun is home to five major Human nations each claiming

descent from the original tribal divisions of Humanity. In the northern portion of the

eastern continent we find the Kingdoms of the Hanoteac, a large collection of independent

states that have a cultural and historical connection. The Hanoteac are fierce northern

warriors fond of song, dance, battle and great festivals. They are naturally at home in the

mountains that bear their racial name as well as the great forests and plains located just

north of this great chain. The Hanoteac are a proud and loving culture, loyal to a fault and

quick to enjoy life. They practice a mystical animistic religion which celebrates nature in a

similar fashion as their ancient friends, the Iperatesi.The Erupuan Empire is located in the western portion of the eastern continent,

including the long peninsula that stretches out to the eastern shore of the western

continent. This ancient empire (well, ancient in Human reckoning that is) is home to the

people who claim descent from Erupua, the first Human to befriend the Iperatesi. The

Erupuan are noble, mystical in some respects, brave and very caring. The Empire has faced

much adversity in its history, even having been dissolved a re-formed once after a long and


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bitter civil war. But it still remains the pinnacle of Human civilization and culture

throughout Nytheun. The Grand Duchy of Ravenstone is the western most portion of the

Empire and controls the small Crimson Strait which divides the eastern continent from the

western. I will get into the history of Ravenstone and its particular place in the world in

section 4.0.

As an appendix to the Erupuan Empire, one must talk of the Richethi - the magically

created race of Human and Elemental Crossbreeds that were created by the great Erupuan

Warlock Ikaodesh Oneng. During the dread Demon Wars - which lead to the reunification

of the Empire under Emperor Gycherun XII, the Great - the Erupuan forces desperately

needed warriors who could defeat the hoards of Nochtiachi Cambions who were

devastating the petty Erupuan Kingdoms and slowly gaining control of the Erupuan

people. The initial presentation of the Richethi to Gycheruns court was met with disbelief

and mockery. For the Warlock had created a race of hermaphrodite warriors who refused

to wear armour of any sort. But after a short exhibition of the combat skills where a single

Richethi warrior defeated Gycheruns champion in single combat, Richethi units wereadded to the Erupuan Army and the tide of the Demon Wars began to turn. Since that

time, there have been Richethi units assigned to each division of the Imperial Army and

Richethi Units can be found as elite units in the Ducal and County militias as well.

The Kingdom of Iggysipli is located on the south-eastern portion of the eastern

continent. This large realm of merchants, sailors and craftsmen has traditionally been both

ally and foe of the Iperatesi. Though the Royal Family has always held their friendship

with the Elves as central to their political philosophy, many individuals and groups

throughout the Kingdom have differing opinions on the Immortals. The Iggysipli are great

merchants and sailors, and they travel the globe trading goods and trying to influence

other kingdoms to their own economic advantage. They are a proud nation with a long

history, but they enjoy haggling over a deal more then any other culture or race.

The Emirites Of Alraiwelisin is the name given to the multitude of kingdoms, tribal

areas and principalities of the Raivarivar. These regions are wild in some places and quite

civilized in others. The Raivarivar are proud, suspicious and very conservative in their

philosophies and outlook. They mistrust others, especially other Raivarivar who are not

from their own clan or tribe. They have an ancient prophecy about a great hero who is said

to some day be able to unite the clans under his banner and return the Raivarivar nation

to its former glory amongst the tribes of Men. Of course, each clan has their own version

of this prophecy and reasons why they believe this great hero will come from their clan.Lastly, the Zril Shin Empire is located along the eastern shore of the western

continent. The Zrilanare a noble, wise and mystical tribe of philosophers, warriors and

mystics. What marks the Zrilan culture as unique is their ability to see the world in a

wider view and to make plans that take generations to come to fruition. The Zrilan are

patient, quiet, reflective and often very devious. Their ability to scheme and plan is only

rivaled by the Ayrtesi - but unlike the Dark Elves, the Zrilan only wish to better their


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Empire and become the envy of the other Human nations, who they see as a lesser breed.

2.3 The Dwarves

The Dwarves of Nytheun are as closed mouthed about their origins and histories as

any other Dwarf in fantasy literature. For millennia, these stout bearded warriors and

smiths have lived in great mansions and citadels dug into the depths of the many mountain

ranges of Nytheun. Each Dwarven citadel and mansion is connected via a great network

of underground tunnels which were carved out in the ancestral days of their race. While

every Dwarf clan has their own King, there are no actual political or cultural divisions

amongst them. As such, some Dwarven families sometimes settle in the mansions of other

clans for a few generations and then move onwards to other Dwarf holds. The Dwarven

race, tho spread throughout the globe, is unified like no other race upon the face of

Nytheun.

The first meeting between Dwarves and Elves was almost a disaster. A group ofIperatesi came across a party of Dwarven warriors deep in the mountains of Hanoteac. The

Elves believed the Dwarves were perhaps a new race of monster created by the Ayrtesi and

attacked the stout warriors without provocation. Indignant, the Dwarves responded in

true Dwarven fashion and fought back. This battle would have unfortunately been the

template of Dwarven-Elvan relations had it not been for the fortuitous luck of having a

large party of Goblin warriors stumble into the melee. The two groups suddenly found

themselves fighting a common enemy and after the Goblins had been defeated, a better

understanding was gained from both sides.

The Dwarves would go on to help the Iperatesi and some of the Human Tribes in

their war against the Ayrtesi. Relations between the numerous Dwarven Kings and their

Elvan and Human allies have varied throughout the millennia, but often the Dwarven

sense of loyalty to ones friends has won over their renown stubborness and aptitude for

holding grudges.

2.4 The Halflings

From where the Halflings first appeared, no Elf or Man seems to know. What is

theorized is that they are perhaps an offshoot of one of the many underground races

distantly related to the Dwarves (Gnomes and the like) who tired of the darkness of theunderground world and came up to the light of the world above. However, Halflings have

never completely abandoned their attachment to the depths of the earth, for they live in

burrowed out homes built into hillsides.

There seems to be three sorts of Halflings in the world. The first rarely ventures far

from their hillside homes. They are content to simply enjoy life and keep out of the way

of the other races and their problems. What do your problems have to do with me? is


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an often heard phrase from the mouths of Halflings. The second group is quite

adventurous and often leave home in search of new and exciting things and experiences.

Some of these are individual wanderers in search of adventure, others are roving clans of

the small folk seeking new places to call home. In fact the theory runs that it is this group

of short gypsies who lead the Halflings up out of the depths of Nytheun in ancient times.

The final group is seen as a nuisance amongst the other races. These Halflings are fond of

material wealth and have an unusually keen knack for thievery and the seedier side of

society. Often this group makes the lives of other Halflings who venture away from home

hard because of stigmas attached to them, like the light fingers of a Halfling (for

example). But wealth and fame (infamy perhaps?) are the prime motivators of this last

group and they often feel very little remorse or sense of guilt in the actions and schemes

they undertake.

2.5 The Goblin-Kin

All the various tribes and sub-races that make up the Goblin-Kin are descendants

of the original tribe of Men who followed the jealous king Zhozurak. It is recounted by the

Elves and in the histories of the Erupuan how Zhozurak was corrupted by the Ayrtesi

sorcerer Itthat, the creator of all of Nytheuns Monsters. For Zhozurak fell under the

sway of Itthats sweet words and learned the dark magic that the evil Elf taught. And

when Itthat gave Zhozurak the Elixir of Oweharis Distress, a magical potion which was

to give the vile lord of the Zhozuraki immortality, Zhozurak sealed his fate and the fate of

his people.

The Zhozuraki became hideous, their once great stature diminished and their skin

became grey or green. Their hair grew coarse and covered their bodies like the hides of

some beasts. Certain individuals amongst them grew tusks and all throughout their tribe

did cruelty and the spirit of violence take over their hearts. The Erupuan were aghast at

the corruption of the people of Zhozurak and the Iperatesi began to call them Goblins. A

great war was then fought between the Goblins and the Iperatesi, culminating in the

legendary Battle of lanesel Tr where Erupua, the original Elf-Friend slew Zhozurak in

single combat and forever shattered the unity of the Goblin nation.

After the battle, Goblin tribes spread throughout the globe using the ancient system

of sub-terrain highways built by the Dwarves. It is theorized that it was during this period

of Goblin migration that the ancient hatred between those two races was formed. Withina few centuries, Goblins had carved their own citadels and holds as well as having taken

control of a number of ancient Dwarven citadels and mansions. But the true breadth of the

almost continuous struggle between Dwarf and Goblin is beyond the ken of both Elves and

Men as neither underground race is wont to share their histories with others.

The Corruption of Zhozurak did not end with his death before the gates of the great

Elvan citadel, lanesel Tr. The Goblins continued to mutate and grow hideous giving


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1 These are the elves who never left ratesi.

2 Taken from Oriental Companion.

rise to many sub-races, including the Orcs and the Kobolds. There are also some who think

that perhaps the cruel and magically adept race that calls themselves the Urlok are perhaps

one such offshoot of the original Zhozuraki race.

Table 2.1.1 Master List Of RM2 Races

Race Culture Race Culture

Fair Elves Tesimethi1 Common & Noble

Oriental Men2Zrilan

High Elves Iperatesi Dwarves Rhysemen

Dark Elves Ayrtesi Halflings Rhphemen

Grey Elves Ronith Gnomes phtiAquatic Elves Tesyraphi Gnolls Torshphti

Wood Elves Sosith Goblins Zhozuraki

High Men Erupuan Hobgoblins Zhozuraki

North Men Hanoteac Kobolds Zhozuraki

Bear Tribes Gioteac Orcs (All Types) Zhozuraki

Common Men Pliac/Iggysipli Urlok Zhozuraki (?)

Dark Tribes Raivarivar Trolls Isymemen

3.0 The Gods And Cosmology Of Nytheun

From out of non-existence came into being Oqn - the very thought of existence. By thought

alone did all that is come out of non-existence. Thru the thought of Oqn came into being all that

is. From thought formed darkness. From out of the darkness came a vibration that radiatedoutwards moving faster & faster in broad frequencies. And this vibration lead to light which

illuminated the four elements: earth, air, water & fire. Surrounding all of this was the force of life


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3 Goddess Of Prophecy & Death.

4 Demi-Goddess Of Inertia.

5 Demi-God Of Gravity.

itself & the force of death.

From out of these elements awoke the Oworti Etyme - the Nine Lords Of Being. By the

thoughts of the Oworti Etyme came into being the Planes of Existence. Orrehesstri awoke from a

dream with the ability to touch all of the elements & to allow movement between them. From out

of the force of death - whose mistress is Pheshirshra

3

- was beget Etori, Lady Time. Arriesta

4

&Ashopra5 also awoke. Thus was movement - beyond Thought & Vibration - begun.

From Ymd Eras; The Elvan Myth Of Creation

In the cosmology of Nytheun, there are four major groups of beings who are subject

to veneration by the peoples who inhabit the world. The creator Oqn; the Oworti Etyme

(The Nine Lords Of Being - the Gods); the Afipennati (The Thirteen Heralds Of The Oworti

Etyme - the Demi-Gods); and the Eshyti (Demons & Elementals). The systems of belief

attached to these beings vary from culture to culture, as well as their accepted existence.

Amongst the hsitesi one finds the purest understanding of the true cosmology of

Nytheun, but even their interpretation is not entirely correct. From this Elvan source, themany interpretations which would become the religions of Nytheun stem - imperfect

interpretations based on other imperfect interpretations.

What follows is a quick table noting the major powers who influence Nytheun from

each of these four cosmological groups. Each god, demi-god or demon-lord has a specific

sphere of influence as well as a plane of existence that they oversee.

Name Sphere Plane Element Sex Outlook Patron Symbol

Oqn Existence All Mana n/a Neutral n/a Golden

Circle

Oworti Etyme

Ephiowor Air & TheSky

Elemental

Air

Air M Normal n/a Blue Eagle

Teswo Light &

Stars

Elemental

Light

Light F Normal n/a Silver Star

Rhysra Earth &

Mountains

Elemental

Earth

Earth M Passive n/a Gold

Mountain


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Hyshra Spirits &Dreams

Elemental

Spirit

Spirit M Playful n/a Three

Purple

Stars

Nitphra Healing &

Music

Elemental

Vibration

Vibration F Aloof n/a Gold

Harp

Iymrish Love &

Fertility

Elemental

Fire

Fire F Hungry n/a Crimson

Fire

Eraphri Water &

The Sea

Elemental

Water

Water M Normal n/a Silver

Dolphin

Pheshirshra Prophecy &

Death

Elemental

ther

ther F Playful n/a Hourglass

Ayrowor Darkness Elemental

Darkness

Darkness M Dominate n/a Black

Triangle

Afipennati

Wihtra Cold Elemental

Cold

Cold M Normal Ephiowor White

Circle In

A Blue

Triangle

Ashopra Gravity &

War

Elemental

Gravity

Gravity M Dominate Rhysra Golden

Sword

pthri Heat ElementalHeat Heat F Normal Iymrish RedOctagon

Arriesta Inertia Elemental

Inertia

Inertia F Dominate Eraphri Silver

Hammer

Egesra Electricity Elemental

Electricity

Electricity M Dominate Teswo Blue

Lightning

Bolt

Eryphra Wind Elemental

Wind

Wind M Playful Ephiowor White Sail

With Blue

Diamond

wesri Plasma Elemental

Plasma

Plasma F Aloof Rhysra A Green

Oak Tree

Ephashra Shadows Elemental

Vacid

Vacid M Dominate Ayrowor Red And

Black Eye


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Oros Chaos Elemental

Chaos

Chaos M Hungry Ayrowor A BlackAxSplitting AStone

Phasri Nether Elemental

Nether

Nether F Passive Nitphra No Symbol

Orrehesstri Gateways,

Portals &

Doors

Elemental

Nexus

Nexus F Passive Hyshra Purple

Door or

Gate

Etori Time Elemental

Time

Time F Playful Pheshirshra Bronze

Hourglass

Errirhassmi Ice Elemental

Ice

Ice F Passive Pheshirshra Silver-

Blue Icicle

Eshyti

Ggthz The Void The Void None M Dominate n/a n/a

Agotzuhz The Pale The Pale Nether F Hungry n/a n/a

Kyzkupz The Pale The Pale Nether M Cruel n/a n/a

Apyzhrzg The Pale The Pale Nether M Insane n/a n/a

Zagokht Chaos Elemental

Chaos

Chaos M Hungry n/a n/a

One last word should be said relating to the alignments of the various greater

powers of Nytheun. While the peoples of Nytheun have ascribed various alignments (such

as Good, Neutral and Evil), the true nature of the gods themselves can not be simplified in

such imperfect terminology. While many view Ayrowor and his two heralds as evil deities,

the fact of the matter is that darkness is as necessary to existence as is light. When

Ephashra cast a shadow upon the hearts of the Ayrtesi, this was not some evil design but

a necessary act that has given free will to the peoples of Nytheun and a chance to learn

greater truths beyond what would have been possible in the innocent utopia that had been

ratesi.

4.0 The Grand Duchy Of Ravenstone

4.1 Introduction

The Grand Duchy of Ravenstone is located on the Ravenstone Peninsula with the


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Crimson Straits as its western border, the Erupuan Sea to the south, the North Western Sea

to its north & the Eagle Mountains to the east. The Eagle River divides the Duchy into its

three Counties: namely Luusheta (Oakhill; in the north east), Yggyma (Bearhead; in

thesouth east) & Igo (Drake; in the west). Luushetas main economy is fishing as well as

merchant trade along the North Western Sea Trade routes. It enjoys warm, sunny

summers & sometimes cold stormy winters. Yggyma concentrates on farming, tho a

number of small communities on its eastern most border make a living on mining in the

western Eagle Mountains. Igo is home to vast ancient forests as well as the Ducal Capital,

Noch Geongechuth (Castle Ravenstone) - the largest Trade center in the region.

Noch Geongechuth itself is rather cosmopolitan thanks to its strategic location &

status as one of the worlds great trade centers. Originally established by the Erupuan

Empire during its great push west as a means to control the Crimson Strait, Noch

Geongechuth has grown to become not only a strategic military & trade center, but also a

great bastion of knowledge and learning.

For the most part, life in the Grand Duchy is peaceful. Piracy on the seas is oneproblem that the Grand Ducal Navy is constantly battling against. There is often tension

over control of the Crimson Strait between the Erupuans & their neighbours and naval

battles have been fought many times for control of this strategic waterway. Many foreign

nations have embassies in Noch Geongechuth - the ducal capital - & the Grand Duke

enjoys the Emperors confidence to handle the often intricate political webs that form in

Ravenstones legendary Crimson Court.

The Grand Duchy is a hub of economic, military & political activity that is rife with

untold possibility & sublime intrigue.

4.2 The Land

4.2.1 Luusheta

Most of Luushetas population is located along the north shore of the county.

Comprised mostly of fishing villages & larger trading ports, it is rugged & weather worn.

Forests lie to the south which stretch from the coastal regions down to the Eagle River

Valley where a small number of river fishing villages & trading ports are located. The

County Capital, Noch Luusheta (Oakhill Castle), is located on the northern most tip of

the Ravenstone Peninsula and serves as the northern gateway to the Crimson Straits. Builtupon the shores & nestled upon a great hill overlooking the sea & the ancient forest to its

east, Noch Luusheta is a beautiful, but utilitarian, urban center.

4.2.2 Yggyma

Located south of the Eagle River, Yggyma County is the heartland of Ravenstone.


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Its farmlands stretch in all directions within the Countys borders. The main crops of

Yggyma are wheat & grains, vegetables & livestock. Produce & livestock from Yggyma

often travel by sea from the southern port towns to Noch Geongechuth itself. Though

northern farmers enjoy the use of river boats on the Eagle River to transport their goods

to the markets in Noch Geongechuth. Plsh Yggyma (Bearhead Tower) is an ancient

fortress, older then the city of Noch Geongechuth. It is located on a secluded cove along the

southern coast. The tower was the first settlement of the Erupuan in the Duchy. As such,

the Counts of Yggyma often tout the ancestry of their keep as justification for their implied

superiority over the Counts of Luusheta.

4.2.3 Igo

Whilst Igo is technically a county unto itself, the only Count of Igo that has ever

existed is the Grand Duke of Ravenstone. The two tittles are virtually synonymous, though

no one would dare refer to the Grand Duke as the Count of Igo. As such the lands westof the Eagle River Division that are found between the two main branches of the river are

under the direct authority of the Grand Duke of Ravenstone. The land here is thick with

an ancient forest composed primarily of oak, yew & rowan trees. There are some scattered

settlements but the bulk of the countys population can be found in the Ducal Capital itself.

4.2.4 Noch Geongechuth

Built upon the westernmost cape of the Ravenstone Peninsula, Noch Geongechuth

occupies the most strategic position along the coast to protect Erupuan interests in the

Crimson Strait. Noch Geongechuth is the Ducal Capital & military-economic hub of the

region. Its keep/ducal palace complex is built upon a hill overlooking the deep bay that

serves as a port of call not only for the Erupuan Navy but many merchantmen as well. The

city itself is built in three boroughs all nestled at the base of this hill. The largest borough

is the Port followed by Middletown and lastly by Newtown. Noch Geongechuth is a

cosmopolitan city with travelers from all over Nytheun coming and going on various kinds

of business.

4.3 The Court Of The Crimson Kings

The Court Of The Crimson Kings is famous in just about every corner of the world

of Nytheun. Whilst the court only housed Royalty for approximately 1130 years of its

nearly six thousand years of existence, it is this relatively short period which has defined

the entire Grand Duchy as well as the Dynasty that has always ruled it. Before the

independence of the Grand Duchy when the first Erupuan Empire crumbled in the chaos


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of civil war, the Court was simply known as the Grand Ducal Assembly. But in 3124 of the

First Imperial Age, Grand Duke Munammeren declared independence from the Imperial

Throne at Eruplong and founded Eclyth Gyisamman, or the Realm Of The Crimson Kings.

It was at this time that his court became known as the Court Of The Crimson Kings.

Though the exact makeup of the court has varied over the millennia it has existed,

the basic structure remains the same. At its head is the Grand Ducal Family. The Grand

Duke is the supreme leader of the entire Duchy and all the citizens, including the Counts

of Yggyma and Luusheta, must declare their allegiance to the Grand Ducal Throne. The

Grand Duke then swears his allegiance to the Emperor at Eruplong and this act formalizes

the political relationship between the Grand Duchy and Eruplong.

The Grand Duke is ultimately responsible for the well being and the security of the

entire Grand Duchy. As such, he is the supreme commander of the Duchys military and

he creates and enforces all the laws of the land. He has the authority to go to war, though

it is often necessary to get Imperial approval for large military campaigns. The Grand

Duke also collects taxes and a certain percentage of the crops produced within the GrandDuchy to maintain his staff as well as the military.

Next in the hierarchy of the Court are the two Counts: Yggyma and Luusheta

respectively. Their authority extends over the Counties over which they preside. They are

the Grand Dukes representatives and as such oversee the collection of taxes and the

percentage of crops collected. The Counts command their own divisions of the military

which they employ as security and police forces within their domains. But these soldiers

all ultimately report the Grand Duke. As such, the Counts act as Generals in military

matters.

The rest of the Court is made up of four different groups. The first group are the

advisory counsel who work as advisors and executers of the Grand Dukes commands.

This group is composed of the Grand Vizier; the Richethi Warlock; the Governor of the

University of Noch Geongechuth; the Grand Ducal Exchequer, Seneschal, Chaplain,

Messenger, Librarian and Bard. Each of these positions are responsible for different

operations within the Court and within the Grand Duchy itself. They all report directly to

the Grand Duke and execute his commands.

The second group are the Military Commanders of Ravenstone. The Grand Ducal

Military is composed of the Army, the Navy, the order of the Crimson Knights, the Order

of the Ducal Rangers, and the Ducal Spies. The commander of each of these branches is a

member of the Court and they report directly to the Grand Duke. Four other individualsare also included in this group and they are: the Captain of the Grand Ducal Guard (the

Ducal Familys personal guard unit); The Lieutenant of the Chaotic Lotuses (the unit of

Richethi assigned to the Grand Duchy); the Sheriff Of Igo (the chief tax collector within the

County of Igo) and the Constable of Geongechuth (the chief police officer within the

County of Igo). Together this group advises the Grand Duke on Military, Intelligence and

other security matters and are responsible in executing the Grand Dukes commands.


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The third group is composed of the heads of the various Religious Orders who are

active within the Duchy. The High Cleric of Ethone holds the most prominence because

the religion of the Sea God is the primary faith of the Ducal Family as well as most of the

citizens of the Grand Duchy. In fact, the headquarters of the Order is located within the

Port borough of Noch Geongechuth as it was one of the Grand Dukes who offered the

founder of the Order asylum after he and his crew escaped from slavery under the evil

Ayretsi Elves.

The Bishop Of Air is the most politically active of all of the Religious Leaders in

Ravenstone. He aims to increase the followers of the God of Air and consequently is often

at odds with the High Cleric of Ethone. The Bishop is often at the heart of many plots

within the Court and many of them stem from political manipulations brought on by the

Order Of The Wind throughout the Empire.

The Chapter Marshal of the Paladins of Yffaguen, the god of war, is often times

treated more like one of the Military Commanders then one of the leaders of a Religious

Order. His order is martial but at the same time very mystical and the Chapter Marshalis always ready to lend his tactical and strategic advice to the Grand Duke in times of need.

The Arch-Muse of the Healers of Zithera, goddess of Music and Healing, usually

does not dabble in the politics of the realm. She is always content to give her advice when

asked and to heal and entertain members of the Court at every opportunity.

The Bishop of Earth is often called upon when the Grand Duke has dealings with

the Dwarves of the Eagle Mountains. Because of this orders special connection with the

Dwarves (they revere the same deity and so the Dwarven clerics have a firm relationship

with their Human counterparts), the Bishop of Earth is often used as an intermediary when

other diplomatic avenues are exhausted.

The High Priestess of Vaonera, goddess of Love, often times will not even be present

at Court sessions. Only on the high holy days and other special occasions does the leader

of this somewhat hedonistic religious order attend the Court. It must be said that,

unfortunately, her presence is often not missed by the other members of the Court as she

can sometimes become somewhat of a distraction.

The final group that makes up the Court of the Crimson Kings are the foreign

ambassadors. Presently the Dwarven kingdom of Kheanifruf located in the Eagle

Mountains, the Halfling thanedom of Cyrgcaullullt (also in the Eagle Mountains), the

Hanoteac kingdom of Jufovhuthople, the Zril Shin Empire, the Ampyasiga tribe of the

Raivarivar of the Emirites of Alraiwelisin as well as the Iperatesi and Sosith Elves all haveofficial ambassadors to the Court. There are a few other nations and kingdoms who in the

past have had ambassadors to the Court, but these are the main foreign bodies with large

interests in the Grand Duchy.


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4.4 Prominent Personalities

4.4.1 Grand Duke Ethithung Geongechuth

Grand Duke Ethithung is the current Grand Duke of Ravenstone. He is a scholarly

man who also spent many years as a member of the Ducal Rangers before ascending to the

Ducal Throne. He views his duty to his people and to his family as the most important

things in his life. Ethithung is considered a just ruler by the majority of his subjects though

at times his pride has been known to get in the way of some of his judgements. But there

is a darkness that sometimes is cast over the Grand Dukes otherwise happy and dutiful

demeanor. During the years he served as a member of the Ducal Rangers he had been

taken captive by the vile Ayrtesi Elves and forced into slavery in their hellish realm far

across the North West Sea. A daring rescue was made by the Ducal Rangers which was

aided by the Grand Ducal Navy and the young Ethithung was returned to his homelandand his family. But the incident left deep scars in the man who would later ascend to the

Ducal Throne, the most obvious of which is his deep hatred of the Dark Elves.

4.4.2 Grand Duchess Ekomuni Geongechuth

The Grand Duchess is the daughter of the former Count of Luusheta and sister to

the current Count. Ekomuni first met her future husband at a Court function and the two

immediately fell in love. Their courtship was the talk of the entire Grand Duchy and their

wedding day became an unofficial holiday throughout the land. When Ethithung ascended

to the throne after his parents were killed in an accident at sea, Ekomuni became Grand

Duchess and fostered a deep love for the people of the Grand Duchy which was returned

to the Ducal couple many-fold. And when their daughter, Ecarana, was born, the Grand

Ducal family felt truly blessed. Ekomuni is the rock on which the Grand Duke relies upon.

Her empathy and understanding as well as her ever-present sense of hope have helped her

husband in countless situations throughout the years of their marriage. She is also an

accomplished Healer - in fact, the Grand Duchess is perhaps the highest skilled Healer in

the Duchy. As such, she is often found tending the sick and helping those who seem to be

the most down trodden.

4.4.3 Grand Ducal Heiress Ecarana Geongechuth

Rana, as she is known to her friends, is the sole heir to the Grand Ducal Throne of

Ravenstone. She is well aware of the duty that faces her, but often dreams of what life

would be like if she and her family had been born as commoners. Like her mother and

father, she is deeply devoted to her people - even though she is at an age where she dreams


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of other occupations. Rana is the darling of the Duchy, as Grand Ducal Heir to perhaps the

most popular Duke and Duchess in the last five hundred years, there is much expectation

of her as well as much love from the people. Some of the reason for this love is Ranas

musical talent which she shares with her subjects as often as she can. Rana is an

accomplished harpist and performs solo concerts as well orchestral concerts in various

venues in the city of Noch Geongechuth. However, most people do not know that she also

has a natural prophetic power - one which has begun foretelling dark times and great

challenges ahead for her family and for the Grand Duchy. These powers of vision have

only recently surfaced and the young Ducal Heiress is somewhat frightened by their

portents. The only people she has confided in regarding her powers as a seeress are her

mother and her faithful guard, Pairan.

4.4.4. Pairan, Lieutenant Of The Chaotic Lotuses

Pairan is the senior Richethi Chaotic Lord in the Grand Duchy. In fact, the onlyRichethi that out-ranks her is the Warlock of Ravenstone. Pairan is the commander of the

Ravenstone unit of Richethi who are known as the Chaotic Lotuses. She is an accomplished

warrior and strong leader. But her primary role is that of personal guard of the Grand

Ducal Heiress, Ecarana Geongechuth. Pairan takes this duty very seriously, as she has

found that she loves Rana deeply and the young Ducal Heiress returns this affection.

Pairan is Ranas closest friend and confidant. The love they share runs deep, so deep that

the proud Richethi Lieutenant will protect Rana like no other being on the face of Nytheun.

However, due to her position, Pairan is answerable directly to the Grand Duke. This

relationship Pairan shares with the Duke is purely professional. The one she shares with

his daughter is much more.

5.0 Final Notes

And so we come to the end to this introduction to the world of Nytheun. Happy

adventuring!

A Beginners Guide To The World Of Nytheun

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