A Beginners Guide To The World Of Nytheun 1.0 The Geography 2.0 Races And Cultures 2.

1 The Elves 2.2 The Humans 2.3 The Dwarves 2.4 The Halflings 2.5 The Goblin-Kin Table 2.1.1 Master List Of RM2 Races 3.0 The Gods And Cosmology Of Nytheun 4.0 The Grand Duchy Of Ravenstone 4.1 Introduction 4.2 The Land 4.2.1 Luusheta 4.2.2 Yggyma 4.2.3 Igo 4.2.4 Noch Geongechuth 4.3 The Court Of The Crimson Kings 4.4 Prominent Personalities 4.4.1 Grand Duke Ethithung Geongechuth 4.4.2 Grand Duchess Ekomuni Geongechuth 4.4.3 Grand Ducal Heiress Ecarana Geongechuth 4.4.4. Pairan, Lieutenant Of The Chaotic Lotuses 5.0 Final Notes

2 2 3 3 4 6 6 7 8 8 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 16 16 16 16 17 17

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 our Campaign 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

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 be called 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 Iperatesi prospered 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

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 Men and 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

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 were added 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 Zrilan are 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

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 of Iperatesi 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 the underground 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

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. Within a 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

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 Fair Elves High Elves Dark Elves Grey Elves Aquatic Elves Wood Elves High Men North Men Bear Tribes Common Men Dark Tribes Culture Tesimethi1 Iperatesi Ayrtesi Ronith Tesyraphi Sosith Erupuan Hanoteac Gioteac Pliac/Iggysipli Raivarivar Race Common & Noble Oriental Men2 Dwarves Halflings Gnomes Gnolls Goblins Hobgoblins Kobolds Orcs (All Types) Urlok Trolls Culture Zrilan Rhysemen Rhphemen phti Torshphti Zhozuraki Zhozuraki Zhozuraki Zhozuraki Zhozuraki (?) 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 radiated outwards 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

These are the elves who never left ratesi. Taken from Oriental Companion.

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 Pheshirshra3 - 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, the many 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 Oqn Sphere Existence Plane All Element Mana Sex n/a Outlook Neutral Patron n/a Symbol Golden Circle

Oworti Etyme Ephiowor Air & The Sky Light & Stars Earth & Mountains Elemental Air Elemental Light Elemental Earth Air M Normal n/a Blue Eagle

Teswo

Light

Normal

n/a

Silver Star

Rhysra

Earth

Passive

n/a

Gold Mountain

Goddess Of Prophecy & Death. Demi-Goddess Of Inertia. Demi-God Of Gravity.

Name Hyshra

Sphere Spirits & Dreams

Plane Elemental Spirit

Element Spirit

Sex M

Outlook Playful

Patron n/a

Symbol Three Purple Stars Gold Harp Crimson Fire Silver Dolphin Hourglass

Nitphra

Healing & Music Love & Fertility Water & The Sea Prophecy & Death Darkness

Elemental Vibration Elemental Fire Elemental Water Elemental ther Elemental Darkness

Vibration

Aloof

n/a

Iymrish

Fire

Hungry

n/a

Eraphri

Water

Normal

n/a

Pheshirshra

ther

Playful

n/a

Ayrowor

Darkness

Dominate

n/a

Black Triangle

Afipennati Wihtra Cold Elemental Cold Cold M Normal Ephiowor White Circle In A Blue Triangle Golden Sword Red Octagon Silver Hammer Blue Lightning Bolt White Sail With Blue Diamond A Green Oak Tree Red And Black Eye

Ashopra

Gravity & War Heat

Elemental Gravity Elemental Heat Elemental Inertia Elemental Electricity

Gravity

Dominate

Rhysra

pthri

Heat

Normal

Iymrish

Arriesta

Inertia

Inertia

Dominate

Eraphri

Egesra

Electricity

Electricity

Dominate

Teswo

Eryphra

Wind

Elemental Wind

Wind

Playful

Ephiowor

wesri

Plasma

Elemental Plasma Elemental Vacid

Plasma

Aloof

Rhysra

Ephashra

Shadows

Vacid

Dominate

Ayrowor

Name Oros

Sphere Chaos

Plane Elemental Chaos

Element Chaos

Sex M

Outlook Hungry

Patron Ayrowor

Symbol A Black Ax Splitting A Stone No Symbol

Phasri

Nether

Elemental Nether Elemental Nexus

Nether

Passive

Nitphra

Orrehesstri

Gateways, Portals & Doors Time

Nexus

Passive

Hyshra

Purple Door or Gate Bronze Hourglass SilverBlue Icicle

Etori

Elemental Time Elemental Ice

Time

Playful

Pheshirshra

Errirhassmi

Ice

Ice

Passive

Pheshirshra

Eshyti Ggthz Agotzuhz Kyzkupz Apyzhrzg Zagokht The Void The Pale The Pale The Pale Chaos The Void The Pale The Pale The Pale Elemental Chaos None Nether Nether Nether Chaos M F M M M Dominate Hungry Cruel Insane Hungry n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 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

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 one problem 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. Built upon 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.

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 west of 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

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 Grand Duchy 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 individuals are 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.

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 Marshal is 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 have official 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.

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 homeland and 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

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 only Richethi 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!