Hârn Kèthîra

Kèthîra v.2.0

Note: ADD proper names and cross-internal links.

Note: ADD list of "special" details to add the various details for extras, ie. saltmarshes of Vashel, under Tamsen Forest.

Note: Text Highlight and Background Colour: Kandáy, Réthem, Thârda, Káldôr, Mèlderýn, Chybísa, Orbáal, Ázadmêre, Eváel.

Note: Green = I Have, Red = Don't Have, Orange = Old Scan, Blue = Misc, Black = ALL Base (Template)

Note: Colour Highlights: Yellow

Colour LINK Text: Possible Link NAME

Note: Hidden comments <!-- TEXT HERE WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED -->

Note: Anchor Points - Section linking WITHIN pages USE [[Help:Section#Section_linking|Section linking]] or To link to a section in the same page you can use [[#section name|displayed text]], and to link to a section in another page [[page name#section name|displayed text]].

Note: Section linking with arbitrary id USE <span id="anchor_name"></span>. Be sure to use a name that is not likely to be duplicated. One way to do this is to incorporate the titles of the higher-level sections, at least in abbreviated form, e.g., Ontario-Natural_features for the "Natural features" subsection of the "Ontario" section of an article about the provinces of Canada.

ADD inside Table Caption/Heaer Text

Kèthîra

Replace “ ” with "

Replace ‘ ’ with '

Possible Link

INSERT TABLE

{{Smallcaps|tr}} or {{Smallcaps|bt}}

style="vertical-align:bottom; text-align:left;" |

ADD TABLE

PIC

900px

IDEA Icon

Chapters and Sections

to UPDATE: with Chapters (breakdown) by each Heading type (list Font Name/Type (Italic, Bold, etc.), Size, and Key for description). All this will breakdown and make things easier later on when it comes time to figure out the wiki layout, templates required, and code for special additions like Headers & Foots and so on.

• Book Title: Albertus-Bold 96pt
  • Credits: AmasisMT,Bold 14pt
  • Chapter Title: Korinna-Bold 18pt (Header Title Name: Korinna-Bold 14pt/Header Section/Page#: Korinna-Bold 18pt)
    • Chapter subheading: Korinna-Bold 14pt
      • Chapter section: Korinna-Bold 12pt
        • Chapter Text Intro: AmasisMT-Regular 12pt
          • Chapter Text: AmasisMT-Regular 10pt

• Chapter sidebar Header: Korinna-Bold 10pt
  • Chapter sidebar Text: AmasisMT-Regular 9pt

• Place these in layered bullets lists and add font to code, possibly even a template for each font making a wiki system for Styles (as in MS Word).
• Add a "Template:{{Infobox game}}" & "{{Primarysources}}" from HârnMaster at wikipedia.
• Add Header and foot style to each page via templates.

Cover

Note: MODIFY with actual Contents

Credits

Being an Atlas of the World with Explanatory Texts

By N. Robin Crossby

Art & Cartography

Joel Bisaillon, N. Robin Crossby, Eric Hotz, Robert B. Schmunk

Contributing Developers

Jeremy Baker & Robert B. Schmunk

Kèthîra version 2.0. © 1977–2005, N. Robin Crossby (Keléstia Productions), All rights reserved.

The purchaser of the electronic version of this publication is entitled to make two (2) printed copies for personal use.

Introduction

Preface

Pronunciation & Accents

Ideally, when one desires to learn the correct pronunciation of a word, one asks a well-educated local. With the cost of transportation being what it is, visiting the more remote parts of Kèthîra is not always practicable. This being the case, we provide accents on local words to assist the reader in his quest for linguistic veracity. A reader who does not wish to participate in such a quest may, of course, ignore the accents.

In general, accents indicate syllabic stress:

An acute accent (á) indicates primary stress.

A grave accent (à) indicates secondary stress

A circumflex accent (â) indicates that the vowel should be pronounced as if it were followed by an r, and may replace the acute or grave to indicate primary or secondary stress. If a circumflex accented vowel is followed by an ‘r’, it should be read as a ‘double r’ and ‘rolled’ slightly. Sometimes it should be rolled even if there is no following r.

Ø appears in Phâric languages (including Chelémbian). It is usually pronounced as a long ‘o’ as in tone, or as an ‘oa’ sound as in boat or Moab, or as an ‘ou’ sounds as in about.

æ is usually sounded as y with which it is interchangeable. If a and e appear as separate letters, they are each sounded.

Dating

The dating system in used this and other (official) Keléstia Publications. is named for its creator, the scholar Túzyn. The dates are measured from the founding of the Kingdom of Mèlderýn (the Year 1), although it has been suggested that Túzyn might have been looking to some other event or events.

Dates using Túzyn Reckoning include the prefix TR.* Hence, the year TR1 is the year in which the Kingdom of Mèlderýn was founded.

Dates prior to the founding of Mèlderýn are prefixed by BT which stands for Before Túzyn Reckoning.

If no prefix is included in the date, it is assumed to be TR.

* Some people use the tr or bt abbreviations as a suffix instead of a prefix, but this is considered a mark of under-education by the over-educated.

Page Orientation

Please note: Most of this publication is arranged in landscape mode. This is to facilitate looking at the maps and reading the relevant text at the same time, without having to keep rotating the module.

Kèthîra The Maps

This module puts in one place all significant maps of the world of Kèthîra as a whole, together with explanatory notes and an extensive historical chronology.

The Maps

ADD Page Links

• General Map of Kèthîra
• Climatic Zones
• Annual Precipitation
• Natural Vegetation
• Oceanic Currents
• Winds
• Tectonics
• Earliest Cultures
• Ancient Cultures
• Major Polities
  • Major Polities TR1
  • Major Polities TR474
  • Major Polities TR720
• Languages
• The Night Skies
• Kéthrian Family of Worlds
• Venârivè: Distribution of Regions

Kèthîra Continents & Regions

General Map of Kèthîra

• Page 02

MAP: Continents & Regions

General Map of Kèthîra

900px

• Page 03

Kèthîra is the second of five planets of the star Nólomàr; it is slightly smaller than Terra and has a large moon called Yaél. Kèthîra is a ‘water planet’; oceans and seas cover seventy-eight percent of the surface, including two large polar ice packs. There are three continents, in order of size: Lýthia, Mêrnat, and Kámerand.

Areas of Continents

Continent	Square Leagues	Square Kilometres	Square Miles
Lýthia	3,375,000	54,000,000	21,000,000
Mêrnat	1,250,000	20,000,000	8,000,000
Kámerand	1,125,000	18,000,000	7,000,000

Lýthia

The continent of Lýthia is, by far, the largest of the three. With a surface area of 3.375 million square leagues and ranging from sixty degrees north to forty degrees south, Lýthia has every type of climate and vegetation. The variety of peoples, cultures, and languages is vast.

Mêrnat

The continent of Mêrnat is entirely located in the southern hemisphere, roughly 1,200 leagues southeast of Lýthia at the end of the Molkûran archipelago. Mêrnat has an area of 1.25 million square leagues. Climate and vegetation vary, but the continent can be characterised as dry, with extensive grasslands and the world’s largest desert. Mêrnat is sparsely populated; the fertile coastlands are peopled with a variety of pre-agrarian cultures and steppe nomads range throughout the grasslands. Molnásian seafarers have visited Mêrnat; they call it Kitóh.

Kámerand

Kámerand lays some 2,400 leagues west of Lýthia across the Haónic Ocean. With an area of 1.125 million square leagues, Kámerand is roughly a-third the size of Lýthia The continent has a narrow east-west axis, but its north-south extent exceeds that of Lýthia. Hence, the ranges of climate and vegetation are almost as diverse. Kámerand has a broad range of peoples and cultures. With the exception of a few brave seafarers Lýthians do not know of Kámerand; no visits have been recorded in the other direction.

Map Projection

Most of the maps in this atlas employ a variation of the Interrupted Sinusoidal Projection with Azimuthal Equidistant Polar Regions. This is a reasonably equal area projection, meaning that areas on the map are closely proportional (relative sizes are quite accurate). Lines of latitude are parallel and run east-west. The only distortion in this projection is the meridians: at the edges of segments the meridians are not straight lines. The prime meridian is arbitrarily set as running roughly between Ázeryàn and Tríerzòn. Along this line, north-south are truly represented. This is also the case in the other segment baseline meridians at 90° West and at 180°, and (in the southern hemisphere) at 90° East. Kèthîra has a 21°axial tilt. This places the tropics 21° north and south of the equator, and the Arctic and Antarctic circles 21° from the poles. The tropics of Fenéri and Tai bound the region in which the sun can be directly overhead. Between the tropics, days and nights are always 12 hours long.

Kèthîra Map Projection

900px

The basic map identifies the continents, the oceans, and a few significant geographical/political features/regions by name.

Index to the Map of Kèthîra

• Page 04

Áltôr

Across the top of Northwest Lýthia, Áltôr is a land of tundra, mountains, dense forests and cold woodlands. Many rivers drain the region into the Sea of Ítikîr. Most of the indigenous Alts (a Járind people) are hunter-gatherers, and the region is sparsely inhabited. There are, however, several significant settled areas, some of which have been inhabited for centuries.

Anzelôria

The south-western subcontinent of Lýthia spans the equator. It has a broad variety of climate and vegetation including rainforest, woodland scrub savannah and savannah woodland. The interiors and much of the coast are sparsely settled. With few exceptions, Anzelôrian states have tended to be isolationist with relatively little influence outside Anzelôria. The interior especially is an enigma to the rest of Lýthia; rumours persist of lost cities and civilisations, fabulously wealthy mines and outlandish beasts and folk.

Coat of Arms

900px

Argóla

A region of northeastern Lýthia named for its semi-nomadic peoples. Parts of Argóla were provinces of the Empire of Ch’mísa.

Ázeryàn

The great central peninsula of Venârivè, Ázeryàn lies at the heart of the Venârian Sea. In the north, the Tonátris Mountains divide Ázeryàn from its northern neighbours. The drylands of southwest Ázeryàn are inhospitable, but the rest of the peninsula is productive and densely inhabited. The peninsula is the surviving heartland of the great Empire of Ázeryàn, which once dominated the Venârian Sea. The Empire lost most of her territories to war and rebellion, but is now again on the rise.

Býria

A tropical and sub-tropical region on the north-central coast of the Anzelôrian subcontinent on the southern coast of the Venârian Sea. The region was once a province of the Àzeryáni Empire. Býria is now the world’s most powerful matriarchal empire.

Dádenârtra

The vast desert, scrub and semi-desert region of northwestern Mêrnat. Despite its aridity, nomadic peoples make this region home, walking vast distances across the open plains.

Dalkésh

A region to the southeast of the Venârian Sea centred on and around the Târga River. Placed across several trade routes, the Târga River has nurtured a succession of civilisations. The Empire of Dalkésh stood against Ázeryàn at her zenith.

Diramóa

The region of eastern Lýthia between Ketârh and the Sea of Lashói, centred on the Ch’mísa River. The region is the great eastern cradle of civilisation and has fostered great empires; the most recent is called Diramóa.

Èndrakômas

The southern reaches of Kámerand, an area of warm temperate and sub-tropical climate, with a mixture of evergreen hardwood and mixed woodland cover. The northern part of this region is savannah woodland.

Gáridh

Gáridh is a cold archipelago in the Sea of Ítikîr; it was the northern extent of Áltish settlement. It is now home to a few Alts and ‘exiled’ Ivínians.

Góthmîr

The coasts and margins of Góthmîr are lightly forested, while the interiors are lightly wooded grasslands. Until recently Góthmîr was part of the Empire of Ázeryàn, but is now the range of Reksýni horse tribes. Conflict continues between the Empire and the nomads.

Harazákas

• Page 05

The north-central region of Kámerand, its landscape varies from tropical scrubland in the south, to grasslands in the north. Coastal regions have mixed (summergreen) woodland.

Hârn

Hârn is the largest of the Hârnic Isles, a misty, forested, barbaric land west of Lýthia, off the coasts of Emélrenè and Shôrkýnè. Lake Benáth dominates its centre. Hârn is a land of mystery and myth — strange elder peoples and fell beasts are said to dwell there, its kingdoms and realms are small and fractious, and outsiders generally avoid the place.

Hépeker

A large island subcontinent separated from Anzelôria/Lýthia by the straights known as the Elánas. Hépeker is mostly desert and semi-desert populated by fiercely independent tribes but there are grasslands and evergreen hardwood forests and woodlands along the coasts where most of the large settlements are located.

Homôra

A mountainous region of coastal southwestern Molkûr dominated by tropical rainforest. The people of the region are generally isolated, but have contact with the peoples of Molnásya and the Shéntu Sea.

Hôrótra

The equatorial rainforest region of Kámerand, around the Gulf of Hôrah on the Tropic of Fenéri, Hôrótra is hot and wet. Its cultures have adapted to the prolific vegetation and teeming wildlife.

Iváe

A large island off the northwest coast of Lýthia, surrounded by thousands of smaller islands, Iváe’s highly glaciated landscape, fjords, and mountains were the home of ancient folk. Several competing Ivínian kingdoms now vie for control of the region. Ivínians have colonised many parts of Venârivè in the last two centuries.

Jánkor

A peninsula of northeast Lýthia, north of Diramóa and Shóju, Jánkor is a mountainous region, with most of the population on the southern coast. Jánkor was part of the great empire of Ch'mísa, but is now an independent state.

Kámerand

The third continent of Kèthîra, Kámerand has the greatest north-south extent, and consequently highly varied climate and vegetation.

Káneum

A region of northern Molkûr, south of Diramóa and the Sea of Lashói, Káneum is blessed by considerable sub-tropical forest. There is ongoing conflict between the peoples of Káneum and Diramóa over the Chomsún and Lashói regions.

Karéjia

Karéjia is the name given to the islands of the eastern Venârian Sea and to the league of minor states located there. Much of the region is volcanic in origin, with rich if dry soils. Karéjia has fostered a number of cultures; it is currently home to numerous allied trading states.

Ketârh

The heart of Lýthia is a great high plateau, comprised primarily of desert, semi-desert, steppe and prairie grasslands. The nomadic Ketârh peoples have had a significant, and often violent, effect on the history of both eastern and western Lýthia.

Lýthia

Lýthia is Kèthîra’s largest continent. It can be divided into a number of subcontinents and regions; the largest of these are Venârivè, Anzelôria, the Ketârh Plateau, Hépeker, the Great East and the vast Molkûr Peninsula.

Mafán

Millennia ago, the coasts and hinterlands of south central Lýthia, around the Shéntu Sea (the Gulf of Mafán), were the site of one of Lýthia’s great empires. The region is now peppered with small trading states.

Melûria

• Page 06

Melûria is a region on the southern coast of central Molkûr, bounding the Melûrian Sea. It lies south of Káneum and west of Molkûra, and has had a difficult and contentious history.

Melûrian Sea

The body of water between the Lýthian mainland (Molkûr) and the continent of Mêrnat south of the Molkûran Archipelago. The south-western extent of the Melûrian Sea is uncertain.

Mêrnat

The second continent of Kèthîra, Mêrnat is thinly populated, and dominated by desert, semi-desert and grasslands. Significant regions include Dádenârtra, Rúa and Yoréa; only the latter two have had any contact with outsiders. The peoples of Mêrnat might seem primitive to outsiders, but live in near perfect harmony with their environment.

Molkûr

The great southeastern region of Lýthia, Molkûr is dominated by rainforests. Molkûr includes Káneum, Pélechâr, Homôra, Melûria and Molkûra. The civilisations are ancient and mysterious.

Molkûra

The easternmost peninsula of Lýthia, Molkûra is in the main a mountainous wilderness of tropical rainforest. Most of the population dwell in the southern lowlands. Molkûra is an imperial state, but central authority is difficult to maintain due to the rugged terrain, poor communications and endemic tropical diseases. Consequently, local magnates hold most of the power. The many ancient ruins are largely unknown to the inhabitants.

Molkûran Archipelago

A chain of islands running east from Molkûr to Mêrnat, the Molkûran Archipelago divides the Thiánic Ocean from the Melûrian Sea and ‘connects’ Lýthia to Mêrnat (in a geographical sense). The islands are lightly inhabited. Many have ruins similar to those found on the mainland.

Molnásya

An archipelago south of the Melûrian Sea; these islands are populated by a relatively ‘civilised’ people, but there are few urban centres. Several islands have ruins similar to those found in Molkûra. The people practice a mixture of hunting, fishing, and agriculture, as well as trade. They are generally peaceful, but fiercely independent.

Neránadh

A group of islands off the northeast of Kámerand, Neránadh is the only cool temperate area of Kámerand, dominated by mixed woodland. The very northern parts of the archipelago are near the artic circle in the Sea of Ítikîr. The tribes of the region live in a civilised federation dominated by a ‘royal’ tribal group. Neránadh is the closest part of Kámerand to Lýthia and has been visited by Ivínian explorers.

Pélechâr

Pélechâr is an inland region of central Molkûr, with mixed woodland and tropical scrublands. Its peoples have long been under pressure from their stronger neighbours.

Quârphor

A vast region north of the Tonátris and Nadámi Mountains, much of Quârphor is drained by the mighty Tîrga river. The Tîrga pours into the Gulf of Shôrkýnè through the region of Huriséa and the Ántiag Marshes. To the northwest lies Hârbáal and to the north Áltôr. The Quârph are a Phâric people. Some of them have settled in places like Huriséa, but most still roam their wide plains and forests.

Rúa

Rúa is the westernmost part of Mêrnat. It is inhabited by indigenous peoples of Mêrnat, who have had contact with the peoples of the Molkûran Archipelago. There are also a few enclaves of assimilated Molkûran colonists. The north-western parts of Rúa are covered in tropical rainforest, and home to fabulous creatures unknown elsewhere on Mêrnat.

Sea of Ítikîr

• Page 07

Kèthîra’s northern sea surrounds the northern polar ice cap. High winds, low temperatures and sea-ice make the Sea of Ítikîr one of the least hospitable parts of Kèthîra. Legend suggests the Sea of Ítikîr is the realm of some very angry gods; only a few Járind settlers and Ivínian exiles and ‘heroes’ have ventured this far north.

Shéntu Sea

The body of water separating Anzelôria from southeast Lýthia is called the Shéntu Sea. It is subject to monsoons and tropical storms.

Shóju

An archipelago and feudal–imperial state off the coasts of Diramóa and Jánkor, Shóju was colonised by people from Jánkor millennia ago. The Shóji Empire is militaristic, fiercely independent and habitually at war with her neighbours. The region is largely sub-tropical and prone to earthquakes.

Thiánic Ocean

The vast Thiánic Ocean lies east of Lýthia, north of Mêrnat, and west of Kámerand. Tropical summer cyclones make sailing extremely hazardous. The Thiánic Ocean has been little travelled by seafarers.

Tían

The largest of many islands in the Thiánic Ocean is north of Mêrnat, and northeast of the Molkûran Archipelago. Its inhabitants are a mixture of people who may have migrated from Mêrnat and Molkûra. Tían and her accompanying isles are home to a combination of peaceful and warlike tribal federations. Abundant vegetation and wildlife make Tían something of a paradise on Kèthîra.

Tríerzòn

A feudal region to the west of Ázeryàn, Tríerzòn incorporates the Degéla and Gadén watersheds, and the Kôrgin and Cherýka peninsulas. In the west the Luíndè and Jerinála mountains separate Tríerzòn from Thánema and Emélrenè, while the Nadámi Mountains divide Tríerzòn from the Shôrkýnè region. The Tríerzòn region is dominated by four feudal states: Tríerzòn, Shôrkýnè, Palíthanè and Emélrenè.

Úlmer

The northeastern coastal lands of the Venârian Sea are bounded by the Yaél Mountains to the east and the wide plains of Reksýna to the north. Beyond the mountains lie the Ketârh Plateau. The trading states of Úlmer compete with those of Karéjia. West of Úlmer lies the troubled Reksýni tribal lands, and contested Imperial Àzeryáni provinces of Góthmîr.

Venârian Sea

A sea with countless islands almost surrounded by western Lýthia. Its warm and sheltered waters have fostered seafaring cultures for millennia. The Járind called it the Émel Vâdivè or ‘Middle Sea’.

Venârivè

Venârivè is that area of Lýthia around the Venârian Sea and the Sea of Iváe. Including the north coast of the Anzelôrian subcontinent and the whole of Hépeker. It's climate ranges from tropical to sub-polar, but much of the region is temperate.

Yérazhen

Yérazhen is roughly that part of Kámerand lying west of the 120th Meridian West. It is divided from the rest of the continent by the Malpátachampè Mountains. Its lowland regions are rainforest, giving way to subtropical rainforest at higher elevations. Parts of Yérazhen are less than a hundred leagues east of Yoréa in Mêrnat.

Yoréa

The easternmost region of Mêrnat is also one of its wettest. Like Rúa, the northern tip of Yoréa is covered in rainforest; further south verdant grasslands are home to herds of strange beasts. The people of Yérazhen have attempted to colonise Yoréa, but have not been particularly successful.

Coat of Arms

900px

Climate Zones

Climatic Zones Map

Climate Zones Map

900px

The notion of climatic zones often seems to gainsay empirical observation. Locations such as Venârivè (northwest Lýthia) are often said to have plenty of weather, but to lack climate entirely. The creation of a broad picture is not helped by the fact that climates run in cycles, their most extreme manifestation being the occasional ‘ice age’.

Even so, it is sometimes helpful to draw broad distinctions of climate that may be said to apply as of TR720.

There are numerous sub-classes within each zone type; the most fundamental subdivision is between maritime and continental climates. The latter is simply land that is sufficiently isolated by distance or geography from the moderating effect of the oceans.

Continental climates are either far inland, or sheltered from the sea by highlands (rain shadow) or offshore winds. They are typically drier.

The onset of seasons is typically delayed by thirty to sixty days in maritime climates. In a continental climate the winter solstice is close to mid winter. In a maritime zone, winter might be said to start at the solstice.

PIC

900px

Tropical Zone

In general, the Tropical Zone is that region within twenty-one degrees (north and south) of the equator. This is the hottest and, typically the most humid climatic zone, although the region also contains some of the world’s largest deserts. Within the tropics days and nights are twelve hours in length and there are no seasons. However, the ‘tropical’ zone is not quite coextensive with the tropics.

Subtropical Zone

The subtropics lie between the tropical and warm temperate zones and can be confused with either. They are distinguished from the tropics in that they have seasons, although they might be difficult to notice. Most subtropical regions are warm (or cool) in the winter and hot in the summer.

Warm Temperate Zone

Warm temperate zones are characterised by hot or warm summers and mild winters. Most humans live in the temperate zones and most civilisations have been born there.

Cool Temperate Zone

Cool temperate regions typically experience mild summers and cold winters. Most humans live in the temperate zones. Cool temperate cultures are sometimes more dynamic than tropical or warm temperate civilisations.

Sub-Polar Zone

Sub-polar regions are characterised by short, warm (or even hot) summers and by harsh winters. On Kèthîra the sub-polar zones are all ocean and, therefore, uninhabited. Coincidentally, winds in the sub-polar zones are dangerously high; seafarers typically avoid the regions.

Polar Zone

Polar zones are frozen wastes. They have short summers and long winters. On Kèthîra, the temperatures at the poles are somewhat moderated by the lack of land at high latitudes. These are nevertheless the coldest places of the world.

Annual Precipitation

Annual Precipitation

900px

It is difficult to estimate the amount of precipitation that falls in a region. The maps estimates mean annual amounts based a hundred-year period from TR601 to TR700. The divisions are, of course, very crude.

Few environmental factors have a greater effect on the development of cultures than the amount of rain and snow that falls in a given region. Temperature and available moisture determine the types of plant that will grow and the kinds of animals that will settle or migrate. If there is no water, there will be no trees, and no crops.¹

It is easy to see the effect that precipitation has on vegetation by comparing this map with the natural vegetation map. Regions with less than ten inches of rain per annum, for example, almost exactly coincide with the deserts and semi-deserts. (Of course, the definition of ‘desert’ is an environ that receives less than ten inches of rain yearly.)

The monthly distribution of rainfall cannot be determined from the map. The equatorial rainforests and the temperate zones tend to receive their precipitation more or less evenly throughout the year. The deserts usually get theirs in short, heavy storms once or twice annually, but they sometimes go without rain for years at a time. When it does rain in the desert, it tends to rain heavily for a short period. High winds in sandy desert regions can produce what might be considered the opposite of precipitation: dust storms.

Regions in the paths of tropical summer cyclones tend to receive most of their rain in the summer as successions of cyclones produce what are often called ‘monsoon’ conditions.

The Polar Regions are dry. They receive most of their precipitation as show, but it is so cold that the snow does not melt.

¹ Although, human cultures sometimes invest unthinkable amounts of time and energy to irrigate desert and semi-desert regions (we’re not quite sure why they do that instead of moving to moister regions).

Natural Vegetation

Map of Natural Vegetation

Map of Natural Vegetation

900px

Vegetation classes do not change in clean lines. It may be presumed that there is gradation between any two classes. In several cases, two or more classes have been combined. The vegetation shown is what would exist in the absence of civilisation.

Arctic/Alpine Tundra

Includes arctic and alpine tundra as well as ice, snow and/or rock field at high elevation or high latitude.. Plants in the tundra tend to be short and stunted, flowering briefly in early summer. Permafrost, in some areas can produce boggy conditions in spring. Tundra also includes some ‘cold woodland’ where conifers grow in small clumps or as scattered individuals.

Needleleaf Forest

Evergreen forests of tall, straight, conical trees, with small needle-like leaves and seed cones. The 50%+ canopy prevents significant undergrowth. Needleleaf forest occur at high elevations grading between deciduous forests and alpine tundra. Large needleleaf forests are also found in high latitudes (>45°).

Mixed Forest & Woodland (Summergreen Forest)

Forest containing needleleaf-deciduous and summergreen (broadleaf) deciduous trees. Needleleaf deciduous trees are similar to their evergreen cousins, but shed their needles in winter. Broadleaf trees tend to have short trunks, long branches and a generous canopy of large leaves that shed in winter.

Evergreen Hardwood Forest

This type of vegetation occurs in subtropical regions with dry summers,. The class includes a large proportion of woodland with twenty five to sixty percent canopy. Trees are short, often gnarled, low-branched and thick-barked, with small, evergreen, leathery leaves. There may also be large areas of scrub (Chaparral, Maquis, etc.), which are also evergreen.

Steppe & Prairie Grasslands

Prairies are found in continental, mid-latitude, sub-humid climates, where annual precipitation is approximately in balance with evaporation. There will be a continuous sward of tall, deep-rooted grasses, broken by occasional trees and shrubs in depressions, river valleys, and other topographical anomalies. Steppe, also called short-grass prairie, is a sparser version of prairie, grading into prairie, semi-desert or woodland. It occurs in semi-arid regions, where evaporation tends to exceed annual precipitation.

Desert & Semi-Desert

Deserts occur where there is little precipitation, and may be hot or cold depending on latitude. Plants are dispersed and tend to be small, hard-leaved or spiny shrubs, succulent plants (cacti, etc.) and hardy grasses. A proliferation of small annuals may flower after a heavy rain saturates the soil. Desert also includes regions of no vegetation, shifting sand dunes, and sterile salt flats. Desert grades into semidesert. Semi-desert may also be found in tropical highland areas.

Savannah, Savannah Woodland & Tropical Scrub

Savannah is tropical grassland with scattered trees. The climate is too arid to allow the development of more than a few trees of medium height, with flattened (umbrella shaped) crowns and thick, rough bark. Regions with porous soils and less than average precipitation may promote a sub-class called Thornwood (tall, dense, thorny, woody shrubs) or Tropical Scrub, (stunted version of Thornwood). Where the precipitation is higher than average, Savannah often becomes Monsoon Forest, where the denser trees reach 100 feet in height and the undergrowth contains shrubs, bamboo, etc. Monsoon forest is generally inland from tropical rainforest, notably in south-eastern Lýthia.

Temperate/Subtropical Rainforest

Temperate Rainforest occurs where the temperature range is moderate, but there is abundant precipitation in every month. These conditions may occur at higher elevations in equatorial regions, or on eastern coastlines between 15 & 30 degrees latitude. Temperate rainforest has fewer species of tree than its tropical equivalent. Trees are shorter, leaves tend to be smaller and more leathery, and the canopy more open. Undergrowth will be denser and include tree ferns, small palms, bamboos, shrubs and vines.

Tropical & Equatorial Rainforest

Tropical and equatorial Rainforest occurs in continuously warm, humid, frostfree regions, near the equator, on all three continents. Vegetation consists of tall, closely set, broadleaf, evergreen trees whose canopies form a continuous layer. Trees average 75 feet in height, but taller species up to 130 feet often thrust through the canopy at scattered intervals. Lianas (woody vines) commonly wrap themselves around tree trunks; these parasites often have their own parasites, such as orchids, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Thousands of different species can be found in close proximity. The dense canopy provides deep shade on the ground that stunts the development of undergrowth, making the mature forest floor easy to traverse. However, where the trees are removed, for one reason or another, the returning vegetation will initially be "jungle", an impenetrable layer of low shrubs, lianas, bamboo, scrub and thorny palms. In coastal regions, tree species are specialised, including mangroves, pines, and palms.

Ocean Currents

Map of Ocean Currents

Map of Ocean Currents

900px

Oceans distribute and equalise heat over the planetary surface, cooling the land in the tropics, warming it in high latitudes.

The configuration of Kèthîran oceanic currents is determined by the coriolis (rotational) force of the planet, and by the shapes of landmasses. In general, currents moving away from the equator are warm; those moving away from the poles are cold. Where hot and cold currents meet, fogs and mists are common. The Ocean Current Map, shows only surface currents. It may be assumed that there are additional deep currents.

Ocean currents have two main effects on the inhabitants of Kèthîra. Mariners who wish to make good time can greatly benefit from knowledge of currents. They average one to three leagues per watch (up to eight leagues per watch in narrow waterways). This can be the difference between life and death on a long voyage. It may be noted, however, that experience with ocean currents as an aid to navigation is extremely limited in most cultures. The age of trans-oceanic voyages lies in the future. Most shipping still tends to hug the coasts, both because of a lack of accurate navigational technique and for want of knowledge of oceanic conditions in general. It is not uncommon for the peoples of Kèthîra, the landlubbers at least, to presume that the world’s edge lies just beyond the horizon.

Ocean currents also have profound effects on climate. A warm current moderates the weather all year round. Northwestern Lýthia would be far less pleasant, and much colder, were it not for the North Haónic Current that runs from tropical Kámerand to Hârn.

Local and/or intermittent conditions are not shown on the Oceanic Currents map. Such conditions arise where major rivers have outflows, or where currents collide, usually near land, sometimes causing turbulence or even maelstroms. While they may not be ‘major’ or consistent phenomena, local conditions may can pose significant hazard to mariners, especially when the waters are unknown or when the conditions are intermittent. The volume of river outflow often depends on weather conditions, such as rain or spring thaw.

PIC

900px

Wind

Winds

Map of Winds

900px

Winds are driven by the same forces as ocean currents, but air is far more fluid and volatile than water. The effects of wind are even more important than ocean currents to mariners and to the climate. It is the wind which allows heat exchange between the surfaces of ocean and land. Prevailing winds carry moisture inland, feeding rivers and vegetation. However, by the time winds reach deep into continental interiors, or cross mountain ranges, they have lost all or part of their moisture content and speed. As a consequence, the continental interiors are arid and subject to temperature extremes. The movement of air masses is complex, especially over land where the topography interferes. Winds and currents work as a team, their effects are greatest where they are close together. Hence, prevailing winds are less meaningful inland; they still follow the same basic patterns, but their effects are lessened.

Prevailing Winds

Prevailing winds are those that blow consistently for much of the time. Some prevailing winds are more prevalent than others. At the poles, there is hardly any variation, high winds blow nearly all the time. In the absence of land, winds would blow in predictable directions according to latitude.

Summer (Tropical) Cyclones

Also displayed on the map are some typical tracks for summer storms. The Summer Tropical Cyclone Season varies from year to year. It might last two months, it might last five or six. Typically, most major storms happen from Nólus to Ágrazhâr in the northern hemisphere and from Ilvín to Morgát in the southern. Tropical summer cyclones are driven by sea temperature and usually form between ten and twenty degrees (north or south). Once formed, they follow a path that takes them westward and away from the equator. Tropical cyclones vary in intensity. They are not always violent storms, but they can be devastating. They carry a lot of precipitation and often generate very high winds. Summer Cyclones have profound effects on climate and vegetation. Were it not for the ‘monsoons’ there would be a lot less raingreen forest.

Storms in the northern hemisphere are technically anticyclones because they rotate in an anticlockwise direction (due to the Coriolis effect)

Among the most devastating are the Haónic hurricanes that form in the mid Haónic Ocean and work their ways west to buffet the coasts of Kámerand. The Summer storms of the Gulf of Mafán are responsible for extensive raingreen forests, and indirectly, enabled the rise of the ancient civilisations of the region. Shóji Typhoons form in the Thiánic Ocean and punish the coasts of Shóju, Diramóa and surrounding countries with high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding.

PIC

900px

Tectonics

Map of Tectonics

Map of Tectonics

900px

Kèthîra has a nickel-iron core kept solid by immense pressure. Around this is an outer core of the same composition, but liquid. The bulk of the planet is a mantle of various compressed iron-magnesium silicates that are rigid to a depth of about 180 leagues. The outermost layer of the mantle is a crust, rocks formed from gradual cooling, which is fractured into large plates.

The fact that the surface plates are floating on a semi-liquid mantle does not make for a particularly stable situation. The plates tend to drift slowly across the surface. Where they chafe against each other the friction causes earthquakes. Where they are moving apart, the molten rocks of the interior exude in volcanic eruptions. Where an oceanic plate slides under a continental plate (subduction), the upheaval creates a mountain range along the discontinuity, a deep oceanic trench offshore, and severe earthquakes.

The picture is more complicated than this, however. The plates are not of uniform thickness or consistency. Isolated hotspots exist where plates are thin and perforated, resulting in isolated volcanic activity. Some hotspots move across the surface to produce lines of volcanic islands.

Some plates are "softer" than others. The Ázeryàn-Karéjia plate, for example, is in the process of being broken apart by the larger and firmer plates to the east and west. Complex warping dictates that this part of the planet has more than its share of natural disasters. The eastern part of the East Lýthia plate is also soft and will eventually be crushed.

Most of these motions are very slow. The residents of Ázeryàn, Karéjia or Shóju can hardly notice the drift of continents. All they can perceive is that from time to time, the local mountain will erupt, or the earth beneath their feet will shake violently.

PIC

900px

Earliest Cultures

Earliest Cultures

Earliest Cultures (Earthmasters, Elves, Yêrazai, Khúzdul, Chostôri and Humans)

900px

The most ‘ancient’ civilisations of Kèthîra were those of the ‘Earthmasters’, and the ‘elder folk’, including the Sindârin (elves), Khúzdul (dwarves), and Yêrazai (golden-people).

Earthmasters

Very little is known about the ‘Earthmasters’ other than what has been learned from the ruins and artefacts they left behind; scholars do not even know what they looked like. From the limited art they have left, they might have been a ‘federation’ of several vastly different species. Earthmaster ‘civilisation’ is believed to have flourished from around BT20000 to BT15000, at which point they seem to have ‘disappeared’. This may have involved an attack from another enigmatic species (or alliance of entities) called the Airmasters. There are indications of great destruction toward the end of the Earthmasters’ presence. An era called the Lost Years followed.

One of the curious things about the earthmasters is that they do not seem to have built recognisable settlements. Rumours of a ‘city’ of the Ancients abound, it even has a name Lahr-Dárin, but no one has ever found it. Earthmaster artefacts confound scholars to the present day. Not simply by the relatively large number of them that still survive and function after fifteen millennia, but also because their purposes are obscure. The most dramatic of Earthmaster artefacts are the godstones, portals of varied design; people who step into them disappear.

A few organisations, such as the Shèk-Pvâr (the guild of mages) privately claim to own and understand the ‘legacy’ of the Earthmasters. After fifteen thousand years, whether this is true or simply a manifestation of pride might never be known.

The extent of the Earthmaster ‘empire’ is unknown, but they clearly emerged on other worlds of the Kéthrian Family. It may be coincidence that human culture seems to have grown up in proximity to earthmaster ‘presences’, and that there is no evidence of intelligent life on Kèthîra prior to the Earthmasters.

The Sindârin & the Sidhé

The Sindârin are likely Kèthîra’s most ancient ‘people’. They are said to have ‘arrived’ on Kèthîra around BT10000, led by their God Siém. Nevertheless, their influence has been limited many departed with Siém around BT7000. Scholars do not always consider the Sidhé a ‘separate’ folk from the sindârin. They are certainly much rarer, but they are physically indistinguishable from their sindârin cousins. It is thought that the Sidhé are a purer ‘strain’, or what the sindârin should have been were they not corrupted in some way. There are other types of elf, most of them are corrupted or varied from the sindârin or the Sidhé.

The Khúzdul & the Chostôri

The Khúzdul are said to have ‘emerged’ on Kèthîra around BT7200. The city of Mêrdáin in Mafán, and the cities of Êrdar and Lârhakul in Ketârh were founded before BT7000. Subsequently cities on Hârn, Ivínia and Kámerand were founded before BT6500. The Khúzdul appear to have exerted more influence on humans than do the Sindârin, particularly on the development of mining, metallurgy and masonry. They seem to have been particularly influential in the development of the Narmâr River Culture. However as time passes, the Khúzdul become increasingly guarded in their dealings with ‘flighty humans’.

Chostôri are more reclusive and mysterious than their Khúzan cousins. From earliest times, the two races were foes competing for resources. While Chostôri seem more powerful individually, they have always been vastly outnumbered by the khúzdul who drove them deeper and deeper underground, until they vanished from sight and even from lore.

The Codominium

Until about BT683, the Sindârin and Khúzdul dwelt peacefully with their Human Járin ‘allies’ in the Hârnic Isles under the Sindârin King Daélda.

The Yêrazai

The ‘Golden People’ are the third ancient race of Kèthîra. They apparently ‘emerged’ on the continent of Kámerand and have never numbered more than a few thousand. The Yêrazai dominate the human culture of Yêrazh on the west coast of Kámerand. They have considerable personal power and position themselves as Yêrazh deities.

Ancient Civilisations

Map of Ancient Civilisations

Map of Ancient Civilisations

900px

By the strictest definition a civilisation is a culture in which the people live in cities. The opposite of civilisation is typically taken to be ‘barbarism’, which is not strictly speaking true. Uncivilised peoples can certainly be ‘cultured’. Tribal peoples often have very rich cultures indeed, but they are not ‘civilised’ and they tend to leave less of a mark on their environments, and certainly on recorded history.

Scholars consider the most ancient civilisations of Kèthîra to be those of the Earthmasters the Khúzdul (dwarves) and Sindârin (elves). There is considerable debate about the influence these most ancient cultures might have had on human culture. It may be argued that even the Sindârin are not ‘civilised’ since they tend to dwell in the wild woods, building as few permanent structures as possible. However, the elder folk seem to have had significant linguistic and cultural influence on human cultures with which they have had extended contact.

Whatever the impetus, human cultures based on animal husbandry and agriculture developed on Kèthîra around BT8000, in several discrete locations. Over time local crop or livestock surpluses based on local advantages of climate and terrain encouraged trade. Eventually, the growth of food stocks allowed the development of urban centres; villages grew into towns, then city-states, kingdoms and empires. A growing demand for luxury goods by social elites permitted specialisation among craftsmen, fostered by local surpluses of skills and natural resources.

Complex civilisations emerged in ‘cradles’ across Kèthîra. Except for the possible exception of Mèlderýn, the civilisations of eastern Lýthia seem to predate those of the West, while those of Kámerand are comparatively recent.

No civilisation has ever developed on Mêrnat, although it can be said that the humans of the continent are in perfect balance with their environment and have never needed, wanted nor developed what others would call a ‘civilised’ culture. The same can be said of other peoples here and there across Kèthîra.

Molkûr (Ziggurat Culture) BT6700-BT3000

As early as BT 6700, a highly advanced, but mysterious culture developed in the region now known as Molkûra. Called the ‘Ziggurat’ culture by some scholars, the Molkûri built magnificent step-pyramids throughout southeast Lýthia including on many of the islands. Scholars differ on the purpose of these structures; some presume them to be temples, others presume them somehow linked to the remnants of the Earthmasters. It is true that Southeast Lýthia has more Earthmaster remnants than most other parts of the continent.

Ziggurat Culture ruins are scattered all over southeast Lýthia and the islands beyond. There are even a few on Mêrnat (known as Kitóh to the Molnásians). By BT3000 the ‘Empire’ of Molkûr was hopelessly fragmented.

Narmâr River Culture (Mafán) (BT5300-1500)

Much later, around BT5300, another civilisation arose along the banks of the Narmâr River that flows south into the Gulf of Mafán. It is likely that the Khúzdul of Mêrdáin had some influence on Narmâr Culture. The Narmâr culture grew into the Empire of Mafán that lasted until around BT1500.

Some scholars hold that the Mafán Empire was the greatest in history. Certainly, it had many advantages. Its central location astride trade routes connecting north, east and west made Mafán a political, cultural and economic crossroads. Imperial power depended on a large navy. When the navy was allowed to deteriorate, the empire soon followed as provincial governors decided they could manage their affairs better than the central government. Of course, this cannot by itself account for the fragmentation of such a centralised polity. Runs of incompetent emperors, plagues, rebellions and foreign wars also weakened central authority.

Kolôra Lake Culture (BT2830)

It is thought the ‘empire’ of Molkûr was largely defunct, or at least hopelessly fragmented, when the Kolôra Lake Civilisation of Káneum and Melûria rose to prominence around BT 2830. The unity of the culture was always questionable, but several large states rose and fell in the region. Eventually the Kolôra Lake Culture would give birth to the Empire of Káneum, and influence other polities throughout southeast Lýthia.

Ch’mísa River Culture (BT3500-BT530)

The last major eastern civilisation was the Ch’mísa River Culture of northern and central Diramóa, which emerged around BT3500. This civilisation developed into numerous warring states which rose and fell and which were finally united in BT2940 under the great Warrior Emperor Súnta, into the Ch’mísa Empire (BT2940-530).

By BT1500 the Ch’mísa Empire under the Súnta dynasty, had reached its greatest extent, including Argóla, Jánkor, Chomsún, Káneum and Lashói. At this point, the Empire began a period of isolation, stagnation and decline. Certainly there was some trade, and no few reversals of policy, but the Empire was mostly involved with the multitude of border wars and endemic revolts in many of its provinces. Political corruption and near religious adherence to ‘old ways’ did not help.

The culture has always been characterised by a strong central government attributing divine or semi-divine authority to its leaders. It has also had a tendency to jingoism, perceiving other cultures as inferior. There has been no consistent foreign policy; Ch’mísa shifted unpredictably between expansionism and isolationism.

By BT530, the Empire was rotten to the core and ripe for conquest. It fell to the Ketâri chieftain Házhan to deal the final blow. In a lightning campaign, he crushed the armies of Ch’mísa and annihilated the ruling class. The rebellious outer provinces rose up as one, and the Empire was in ruins. Upon taking the capital, Házhan declared the Empire of Diramóa, and spent the rest of his life consolidating his conquests.

Târgan River Culture (BT3100-)

The oldest civilisation of ‘western’ Lýthia appears to have been the Târgan River Culture, which was probably influenced (or ‘inspired’) by the Empire of Mafán, and may even have been influenced by the Ch’mísa culture.

Dozens of states have prospered along the Târga River over the centuries. The last of them (the Târgan Empire) would be destroyed (in the Târgan genocide) by nomads in TR7 opening the way for the creation of present-day Dalkésh.

Vénic Island Culture (BT2800-1500)

The Târgan River Culture in turn influenced the development of Vénic Island Culture, although it is likely that there was also some degree of Yârhin influence.

The cradle of ‘Venârian’ culture spread from the eastern coast of the Venârian Sea around BT2800. Vénic Island cultures established ‘colonies’ all around the Venârian Sea, including the Ázeryàn peninsula. These would later grow into the Ázeryàn Empire.

Vénic Islands culture suffered decline from BT1500 onwards, leaving room for the later rise of Kàruía culture on the islands and Azéri civilisation on the mainland.

Yârhin or Henge Culture (BT3000-1000)

The Henge Culture of Western Lýthia emerged around the same time of the Vénic Island culture, although its antecedents may have developed on and around the isle of Mèlderýn much earlier. This culture was spread throughout northwest Lýthia by the Járind (Yârhin) peoples.

Yârhin culture had three distinct phases; a megalithic phase from around BT3000 to 1900; a ‘linear’ phase from around BT1900 to 1400; and a final ‘oceanic’ phase lasting until BT1000. The Henge culture was signif–icantly influenced and finally undermined by migrations of Ketâri and Phâric peoples.

The Yârhin were individualistic folk with a love of poetry and battle. They rarely formed monolithic states, preferring hundreds or even thousands of minor polities. Their linguistic, cultural and spiritual influence is still felt throughout the region, to the extent that Venârivè is sometimes called the Járind (or Yârhin) legacy.

PIC

900px

Yêrazh (BT3000)

Yêrazh culture is the oldest on the continent of Kámerand. Yêrazh scholars date the establishment of their civilisation from the ‘divine’ foundation of the Empire of Yêrazh by the ‘Ten Thousand Golden Ones’ (or Yêrazai). The Yêrazai ‘elder race’ revealed themselves to the relatively primitive peoples of western Kámerand and came to form the ‘deity’ caste of a complex caste-based culture, the cradle of civilisation on Kámerand.

PIC

900px

Most of the Yêrazai dwell in their mountain stronghold of Màtraképetaz (blessed city of the gods), but there are small groups overseeing the governance of each major city.

The Yêrazh Empire fostered the rise of dozens of petty states on its borders that borrowed from Imperial culture, but only weakly acknowledged the rule of the Yêrazai. These petty states often formed alliances to resist the spread of Yêrazh culture, and were sometimes successful, even defeating Yêrazh armies from time to time, but the Yêrazh were patient.

Each expansion in imperial history has been followed by a long period of consolidation as the Yêrazai build fortified temple-palaces in the newly conquered cities, expand their priesthood, and stamp out any residual opposition. Consolidation generates refugees who have contributed to other Kámerand civilisations.

Hârazai (BT1900)

Hârazai was long a destination for refugees from Yêrazh tyranny. The Hârazai tried several times to impose their culture on the peoples of northeast Kámerand, but always with limited success, although the Yêrazai did manage to gain control of much of the region by about BT2050 and declared the ‘Empire of Hârazai’ in BT1902. Resistance to Yêrazh tyranny has instilled fierce independent-mindedness, and revolutions against the Empire were ongoing for millennia. The Yêrazai were never able to secure the whole region. By the dawn of the seventh century BT, Yêrazai influence had been all but eliminated and the region became known as the ‘Thousand Principalities’.

Hôrezh (BT1600)

Hôrezh culture evolved in opposition to the dominance of the Yêrazai, founded by humans escaping from the oppressive caste-systems of Yêrazh and Hârazai, transmitting their superior knowledge and skills to a range of indigenous peoples. As a result the Hôrezh culture was both heavily influenced by its elder neighbours, but developed a much more politically independent and variable set of polities and cultures. City-states and republics came to dominate the region, and this continues to the present day.

Major Polities

Major Polities – TR1

Map of Major Polities – TR1

Major Polities – TR1

900px

Western Lýthia

Elder Realms

Ázadmêre and Kiráz, the Hârnic Khúzan cities have rejected their Codominum partners, the Sindârin, and seek to ensure influence and control of the small states and tribal folk around them. Hârhakeim and Kóndasgel still have relatively good relations with their Yaríli and Ivínian neighbours. Mêrdáin, Êrdar and Lârhakul have shut themselves off from open contact with humans and almost faded from human lore.

The Elves have surrendered their sovereignty over Hârn and withdrawn to the Shâva Forest. The Codominium is at an end and Elven influence over human affairs is now apparently very limited.

Ivínian Realms

Ivínia is a mass of small regional landholdings. By now the first moves towards amalgamation into larger polities are evident. Fluctuations in harvests prompt a few Ivínians to begin raiding by sea.

Járind Realms

The Gulf of Shôrkýnè is surrounded by a patchwork of small Járind & Phâric realms, including Lýthwys, which is in decline at this time. The Sea Towns of Dínibôr, Calamísa, Shátrah, and Trepûra are leaders in the region. A similar number of small polities exist on Hârn, which has been subject to waves of Phâric (and Járind) migration.

Kingdom of Mèlderýn

The kingdom is established in TR1 by the unification of five smaller Kingdoms under an overking and the influence of Emélrenè.

Spawned by renegade scholars from Mèlderýn, Lóthôr will be established in TR100, but will last barely a decade. Its principal effect will be to introduce a version of Mèlderýni culture to the tribes of Central Hârn, and spawn the much-hated five species of gârgún.

Kingdom of Emélrenè

Various Emélan confederations and associations have existed since BT1600. The ‘Kingdom’ was founded in BT670. By TR1, the Kingdom of Emélrenè is exerting significant influence on Hârn, around the Gulf of Shôrkýnè and in Zonâra. Emélrenè is a major impetus for the unification of Mèlderýn. The Kingdom plays a leading role in the spread of organised Laránian and Peónian religion in northwest Lýthia (Venârivè), and is at least as advanced in science, philosophy, social sciences and the arcane arts as any other part of Kèthîra.

States of Zonâra

Zonâra is home to a variety of Járind and Phâric petty kingdoms, including states in Thánema that are significantly influenced by Emélrenè. In the following centuries, Emélan influence will lead to the formation of states in eastern Zonâra. Meanwhile, Járind (and other) states on the Ázeryàn peninsula are being assimilated or destroyed by the advancing Azéri.

Azéri States

Descendants of mainland Vénic Island culture colonies, Azéri peoples are expanding into the Ázeryàn Peninsula (previously known as Zêrhanor). Since BT1400, there has been conflict with Járind, Phâric and even Ketâri peoples in the region.

The Azéri are more dynamic and better organised and are pushing aside or assimilating the indigenous folk. By TR1, ‘Àzeryáni’ peoples dominate the peninsula in a variety of states, and their traders are pushing into the lands beyond. The peninsula is still under the influence of the ‘reborn’ Kàruía culture. Soon, the Empire will win hegemony and begin its meteoric rise.

Kàruía States

The re-born descendants of the Vénic Island Culture, from around BT1000 city-states began to reform following the so-called Vénic Dark Ages. By TR 1 Livélis, Phanósia, Helás, Sános, Hepénolis and Dúrien are all important polities, thriving in a climate of increasing trade throughout the Eastern Venârian Sea.

Târgan Empire

The Târgan Empire was founded in BT277, the latest in a long line of agrarian states in the Târga River valley. The Empire is the most unified state in western Lýthia, but is insular. It does trade with Kàruía and Máfanese states, and through them, with the rest of Lýthia.

The Empire is a caste-based, slave-keeping, highly centralised polity with theocratic overtones and a profound disdain for foreigners. These attitudes are manifested by frequent, and remarkably brutal punitive expeditions into surrounding lands. Fully a quarter of the population of the Empire consists of ‘foreign’ slaves.

In seven short years, the Empire will be destroyed by barbarians in a slaughter that will come to be called the ‘Târgan Genocide’.

Máfanese States

The Máfanese Empire is a distant memory, but there are many fractious Máfanese successor states, most of whom hope to regain the glory of years long past. They are principally trading states, linking western, southern and eastern Lýthia.

Eastern Lýthia

Diramóa

By TR1, the Házhan dynasty is well established, and the Ketâri invaders are long since assimilated into the population. Diramóa is yet to re-conquer its lost provinces, although it keeps trying. Káneum remains the greatest obstacle to the acquisition of former glories.

Khanate of Káneum

Founded in BT470 in the chaos following Házhan’s conquest of Ch’mísa, Káneum would become Diramóa greatest rival. By TR1, Káneum is larger than Diramóa, although her population is still considerably less. Over the following centuries, the two empires’ fortunes would ebb and flow in relation to each other.

Jánkor

As a province of the Ch’mísa Empire, Jánkor was a hotbed of revolt. The Jankôri provinces won their autonomy BT760, and began an aggressive programme of expansion. Jankôri began colonising the Shóji Islands as early as BT690, but the Shóji colonies had won their own independence by BT490. Jánkor redirected her colonisation efforts to the north and west. The Empire of Jánkor was declared in BT192.

Empire of Shóju

The islands were colonised by Jánkor in BT690, but by BT490 they had won their independence and broken into a hotbed of petty feuding states, two-thirds of which would be conquered by foreigners by TR1.

PIC

900px

The feudal empire of Shóju was born in BT328, but did not have an easy birth. Diramóa and Káneum seemed to regard the islands as just another sphere in which to fight for hegemony. The Shóji were ravaged by war. Despite the hated foreigners, the independent Shóji states resisted inclusion in any other states, even in the new Shóji Empire. A succession of fierce wars to unite the ‘empire’ ensued, wars so bloody that Diramóa and Káneum quickly decided not to interfere. By BT61, The Lémakasù dynasty had managed to unite about a third of Shóju. Despite ongoing rebellions and a fractious nobility, the Empire considered itself ready to conquer the rest of the islands.

Melûrian Empire

The Empire of Sólkin was founded in BT1100 in the region now known as Melûria, but collapsed around BT400 under pressure from Káneum. Káneum was, however, unable to fully absorb Sólkin in the chaos that followed.

The Melûrian Empire was founded in BT173 and was immediately more successful, managing to carve a rainforest empire out of land that had previously belonged to Molkûr, Ch’mísa and Sólkin, among others. By TR1, the Empire is reasonably secure, but periodic wars with neighbours continue.

PIC

900px

Molkûra

By TR1, the once great ‘Empire of Molkûra’ has long since fragmented into hundreds of petty states, although at least one of them still calls itself ‘Molkûra’ and one holds the city of Kotýn (barely). There is pressure from Melûria and Káneum, but the fortunes of the Empire of Molkûra will soon take a turn for the better.

Kámerand

Golden Empire of Yêrazh

By TR1 the empire is yet to achieve its greatest extent and is undergoing a period of consolidation. In any event, Yêrazh culture is quite static. Refugees from the Empire have spawned dozens of colonies and satellite states. By this period most of these states are at least nominally ‘subject’ to the Empire of Yêrazh, and known collectively as the ‘Yiâlai’ or ‘vassal’ states. Despite this, conflict between in the Empire and its ‘vassals’ is common.

Hârazai

After the elimination of Yêrazh influence by about the seventh century BT, the region entered its ‘Thousand Principalities’ period. The Hârazai expanded to the Thiánic and north and south, but peace was to endure for only a few centuries. By the second century BT, the ‘principalities’ were under pressure from Neránadh Tribal nations. By TR1, most of the Hârazai gains had been lost to the ‘barbarians’.

Neránadh Tribes and Petty States

The Neránadh had long roamed the forests and grasslands of northern Kámerand, avoiding their ‘civilised’ neighbours. However, around BT50, the prairie tribes acquired horses (probably from Lýthia), and by BT10, they had developed superb light cavalry. Mobility made them aggressive. The sight of a band of Neránadh cavalry was enough to strike terror into the bravest foot soldier, as the Neránadh overran the grasslands of Northern Kámerand, raiding as far as Yêrazh and Hôrótra in their quest for booty and slaves. If the Neránadh had been better organised, and possessed a few siege engines, they might have overrun the whole continent. By TR1, while the Neránadh are still the only people of Kámerand with horses, their more settled neighbours are leaning how to deal with cavalry: with missiles and by withdrawing into fortifications.

Hôrezh & the Hôrótra Region

By TR1, the Hôrótra region is comprised of Yêrazh refugee states, interspersed with Hôrezh city-states small republics and kingdoms. There is tension along the borders and the states of the region form tacit alliances. The only thing that will stop them fighting amongst themselves is a foreign threat. The Yêrazh are infiltrating the ruling elites of some petty states.

Major Polities TR474

Map of Major Polities TR474

Major Polities TR474

900px

Antézia

Located in the rainforest heart of the subcontinent, the Antézian Empire is the most powerful state of Anzelôria. Antézian architecture uses long straight trees together with gnarled and twisted lumber to produce a unique, naturalistic style. The Empire’s warriors are subtle masters of the forests.

Argóla

In TR55 the tribes of Argóla were united under the first khan, Tegúza, to resist re-conquest by Diramóa. For more than three centuries they have maintained sufficient unity for the purpose, but the Argólan tribesmen take pride in their old, free, nomadic culture, even if it has become idealised over time. Were it not for the ongoing threat of Diramóa, Argóla would likely fragment. Each khan faces formidable challenges at home and abroad.

Ázeryàn

In TR474, the Empire of Ázeryàn is the most powerful polity anywhere on Kéthira. There are, however, signs of strain. There is scarcely a border region of the Empire where conflicts do not rage. Pressure on the military and economic capacity of the Empire is mounting while political, military and economic crises are becoming more frequent.

Býria

Until TR462, Býria was a province of the Empire of Ázeryàn. A matriarchal culture has emerged, ruled by a militant Laránian female priesthood and warrior class. The Býrian Empire is isolationist, but remains on good to neutral terms with the Empire. In the south, Býrian colonists are subjugating the Túvarese in a campaign that will continue for centuries, as Býria tries to spread matriarchal culture and secure the landward border.

Dalkésh

Early in the first century TR, Bésha and Pèchalâri invaders overrun the Târgan Empire. The war and its aftermath are so terrible that they come to be called the ‘Târgan Genocide’. Countless thousands of Târgan citizens are butchered. The invaders virtually annihilated the Târgan polity.

The Empire of Dalkésh rises painfully from the ashes, the date of its founding is (somewhat arbitrarily) set at TR16. The new state is autocratic, disciplined, jingoistic and militaristic, although it is also eager to trade with East and West. The church of Navéh wins converts among the ruling elite. Inevitably, Dalkésh comes into conflict with the Ázeryàn Empire, fighting major wars in TR264–270 and 292–399, and a number of minor wars and skirmishes between.

Diramóa

The greatest empire of the East endures, despite all manner of troubles. The empire has a monolithic government and the world’s most advanced bureaucracy, but much power remains in the hands of generals and provincial governors. In TR474, Diramóa is surrounded by hostile states. The most formidable is Káneum, but Shóju has expelled Diramóa from the Shóji islands, and she is now a real threat. The bulk of imperial revenues go into the world’s largest (if not the world’s best) army. With so many enemies, and with a run of indecisive Emperors, the empire cannot bring her power to bear effectively. She regards foreigners as inferior in every way, a notion that veteran generals might question (if they felt free to question such things).

Emélrenè

The Kingdom of Emélrenè continues to be a powerful realm, one of very few states treated as an ‘equal’ by the Ázeryàn Empire. Her influence, while exceedingly subtle, is widely felt. The Kingdom is in the process of enlarging its navy in response to Ivínian raiders.

Harazákas

The Hârazai states, or as they are increasingly known, the Harazákas, have recovered much of the territory lost to the Neránadh in the late centuries BT, but they are fractious and only united by common threats.

Hârnic States (including Coráni Empire)

Eastern Hârn’s major states are the Kingdoms of Mèlderýn and Káldôr; they and the much smaller Chybísa and numerous barbarian peoples surround the Járin petty states of Jâra. In the West, Hârn’s largest realm, the Coráni Empire continues to grow. Drawing on both Azéri and domestic Hârnic political traditions, the Empire now dominates most of the west and seeks to push northwards (but in Perán, they will meet their match in the fearsome Kùbôra).

Hépekerian Confederacy

A loose alliance of Númec tribal peoples, this Confederacy has been formed principally in response to the Azéri incursions into Dalánya and the Elánas. Hépeker raiders are a match for imperial troops and the borderlands are an ongoing headache for the Empire.

Homôra

The Kingdom of Homôra was established in TR 235 by the unification of more than a dozen small Molnásian states under the Katása Dynasty. Why so many independents suddenly give up their sovereignty remains a mystery. Homôra builds a strong army and an adequate fleet, and tries to stay out of political squabbles in the region.

Hôrótra

Hôrótra continues to be a patchwork of small states and republics scattered along the coast and in the river valleys of the great rainforest. The Hôrótra states relations with each other vary from hostility to apathy, but there are a few alliances. Alongside these ‘states’ however, a number of trading leagues and quasi-religious regional ‘associations’ have formed, which seek to further a diverse range of economic, political and spiritual goals. The Kalmârakapè association is particularly successful, promoting both individual enlightenment, and freedom from Yêrazai cultural domination. These organisational forms provide a layer of complexity and a modicum of cohesion in what is otherwise a fractious region.

Ivínian & Hârbáalése Kingdoms

Since TR100, the Ivínians have begun a process of ‘remigration’ southwards, resulting in the fall of most of the Járind realms of Hârbáal by TR300. From these new bases, including the ‘wintering camp’ of Chélemby established in TR461, ‘viking’ raiders have begun to ravage much of Venârivè from the Gulf of Shôrkýnè to the Venârian Sea.

Jánkor

The Empire of Jánkor is one of the peripheral states that arose from the ashes of the Ch’mísa Empire (BT192). By TR474 they have fought countless minor wars with their great rival to the south, but Diramóa has yet to attempt a major invasion, and is probably more concerned with its other rivals. Jánkor strives to keep itself aloof from regional squabbles.

Járind and Shôrka States

The regions in and around the Gulf of Shôrkýnè are a patchwork of petty Járind and Shôrka kingdoms. A small number of Járind ‘Sea Towns’ have clung to independence, surrounded by squabbling Shôrka princes and kings. Further inland, some ‘tribal’ Shôrka and Quârph persist in their more traditional lifestyles, while the Azéri to the south and east influence others.

Káneum

In TR474, the Khanate of Káneum is hard pressed against Diramóa, Shóju and Melûria. A major war with Melûria (TR157-169) ended with the loss of huge tracts of land and continuing hostility. The colonies Káneum placed in the Shóji islands have been crushed, and Shóju has had the temerity to plant her own colonies on the Káneum coast. Meanwhile, Diramóa continues to pose a major threat on the northern borders. The western provinces of Káneum have fallen to Diramóa, or declared independence. Over all, Káneum has lost more than half her territory. Yet she remains defiant and militaristic.

Kryl

Formed from rebellious western provinces of Káneum, the Kingdom of Kryl is a realm under pressure. The rapidly growing and vigorous Empire of Pechósu to the south, Homôra, Káneum, and the Empire of Diramóa to the north all seek to annex Kryl. In reality only the fact it has so many enemies keeps it independent as a weak buffer state.

Mafán

The Mafáni trading states are undergoing a renaissance, supplying the Ázeryàn Empire with goods from the east, but their internal rivalries are still strong and there are no signs of unification.

Melûria

The Empire of Melûria was a relatively vital state in the first four centuries TR. It was successful in a war with Káneum TR157-169, expanding to the west around lake Kolôra. Overconfidence, however, led to the invasion of the growing ‘empire’ of Molkûra in TR312. This ill-fated adventure collapsed in TR316, as plagues wiped out the troops and subsequently swept across Melûria itself. The aftermath of this disaster led to the formation of the xenophobic and death-worshiping Róstei Cult founded in TR356. By TR474, the Cult has become a ‘normal’ part of Melûrian society.

Molkûra

The Molkûri have made significant steps to restoring their ancient empire — at least in theory. Most of the previously ‘independent’ Molkûran states now acknowledge at least the notional authority of Kotýn, and describe themselves (to outsiders in particular) as part of the Molkûran Empire. There has been a resurgence of the activities of the Secret Orders, which are now playing a greater role in Molkûran politics.

Neránadh

The peoples of Neránadh live in fortified villages or roam the prairies of Kámerand. They are loosely organised into two main federations, that of the Myískè nation in the north, and of the Shénoræ in the south. They have been driven back from the borders of the Yêrazh and lost land to Harazákas states, but they have defeated several colonisation attempts from Lýthia and no one can challenge them in their own lands.

Pechósu

The Empire of Pechósu was declared in TR459, when the Kingdom of Péchu conquered two neighbouring states and married another. Pechósu is presently allied with the Federation of Penôra against Homôra.

Penôra

The Federation of Penôra is an alliance that has grown out of the remnants of minor states in Molkûra and Molnásya. Its member states have little in common with each other, except for a desire to resist their stronger and more aggressive neighbours.

Rakáma

In the far south of Kámerand, the Rakáma peoples have developed several tribal confederations. The Rakáma are largely protected from Yêrazai interference by geography – the Golden People have an aversion to cooler weather.

Shóju

The Empire of Shóju managed to unite most of the Shóji islands by about TR180, and by TR474 has even managed to carve out some colonies on the Káneum coast. Foreigners have been expelled from the Empire and the Shóji personify fierce national pride and a formidable warrior cult.

Tríerzi Petty-Kingdoms

The Tríerzi are a southern Shôrka people who over the last two centuries have been culturally influenced by both Ázeryàn and Emélrenè. Their tribal leaders and warriors are generally militantly Laránian, although some are Agríkan.

Many of their leaders have served as auxiliaries in the Azéri legions fighting all around the Empire. In the last century, population growth amongst the Tríerzi has been considerable, and many Tríerzi tribes have been allowed to settle in ‘under-populated’ Zonâra. This has not, however, fundamentally addressed the sources of conflict between Tríerzi and the Empire, the indigenous Járind of Zonâra and amongst Tríerzi themselves. Those Tríerzi outside the Empire have formed a league of ‘petty kingdoms’ and are provoking border conflicts; a showdown is on the horizon.

Tzéngai

Tzéngai is a trading state on the coast of Anzelôria. Tzéngai traders sail as far as the Venârian sea, and some even brave the treacherous waters of the southern seas to trade with the Mafáni. They trade with Antézia and Zhelôria, but their ability to trade is limited by the relative frailty and smallness of their ships.

Yérazhen (Golden Empire of Yérazhen & the Yiâlai states)

The Golden Empire continues to exercise dominion over its core Imperial Domain, but also its notionally ‘vassal’ or Yiâlai states. The number and geographic spread of the Yiâlai states has contracted, because of ‘liberation’ activities by Hôrezh peoples. The Yêrazai are in a period of relative quiescence, with imperial decrees from Màtraképetaz becoming less frequent and cast in a manner permitting of interpretation by provincial governors and subject princes. This period sees a major flowering in arts and literature amongst the Yiâlai states.

Zhelôria

The kingdom of Zhelôria is the major rival to the Antézian Empire, from whom it has borrowed much of its culture.

Major Polities TR720

Map of Major Polities TR720

Major Polities & Regions TR720

900px

Information for TR720 is presented in alphabetical order and should provide a capsule view of the whole of Kèthîra in TR720.

Áltôr

In northern Venârivè, west of Ivínia and north of Quârphor lies the region of Áltôr. The area is home to the Álti (Alts), a Járind folk, and is becoming an important trade area, subject to colonisation by Ivínians and others. The Álti dwell in fishing and farming villages, but many are nomadic herders, and quite a few have settled in trading settlements.

Antézia

The principal imperial state of central Anzelôria is the Antézian Empire, which has endured for centuries. It has a rich culture, and several significant cities surrounded by agricultural hinterlands able to produce three or more crops per year. However, dubious farming practices still sometimes cause soil depletion. Trade is carried in large canoes and small sailing vessels on the huge rivers and lakes.

Ázeryàn

Since its formation in TR221, its meteoric rise to glory, and its zenith in TR474, the Ázeryàn Empire has lost more than half its territory to rebellion and barbarian invasion; the long peace has ended, but Ázeryàn is still the ‘Greatest Empire of Man’. Despite ongoing problems along her borders, especially in Góthmîr (formerly known as Inkârium), which is overrun by Reksýni barbarians, the Empire is undergoing a revival in her fortunes. It seems likely that, once Góthmîr is retaken (perhaps before) the Empire will be able to win back at least some of her lost provinces.

Béshakan

The arid plains between Dalkésh and Ketârh are home to fierce and troublesome Bésha nomads. The region consists of desert and semi-desert. It is crossed by several important trade routes between eastern and western Lýthia.

Býria

The matriarchal Empire of Býria is largely isolationist, but the need for security has promoted expansion to the south, conquering indigenous Tuvâra — enslaving their men, and ‘liberating’ their women.

Chélemby

The Kingdom of Chélemby was established in TR461 and, because of its cosmopolitan trading culture has prospered. Politically, the Kingdom has twice beaten back Hârbáaler invasions.

Chogôro

A region on the western shores of the Gulf of Mafán, Chogôro has varied vegetation, rough topography, several active volcanoes, and is frequently troubled by earthquakes. Chogôro is the range of the Chogôri people, some of whom have settled in nearby Mafáni states, but many of whom still live as nomads or in small, independent villages.

Chomsún

Chomsún achieved a degree of autonomy from Diramóa in TR683, but remains a ‘protectorate’. It is a hotbed of intrigue and unrest serving as a buffer state (focus of conflict) between its stronger neighbours. Chomsún has changed hands frequently over the centuries, and has even enjoyed a few brief periods of independence. The region is mountainous and has valuable mineral deposits. The current hereditary khan is negotiating with Káneum with the intent of gaining a higher degree of independence.

Dalkéshv

The latest successor to the Târgan River Culture, Dalkésh was long a rival of the Ázeryàn Empire and acquired territories in the chaos of Azéri decline. The third Dalkésh–Ázeryàn war broke out in TR486 and lasted ten years. After Ázeryàn withdraws from Karéjia in 657, the relationship between the two empires eases slightly. The present empire has survived for about six centuries since it founding in TR16. The Empire’s current adversary is the city-state of Hácherdad where two trade-routes from Eastern Lýthia meet (the other route ends in Dalkésh). If Dalkésh takes Hácherdad, she would gain a virtual monopoly on east–west trade. The Dalkéshi are also expanding into Tuvâra, and may come into conflict with Býria in this region. Finally the hostile Bésha remain a significant threat.

Diramóa

The greatest empire of the East has never regained the glory of ancient Ch’mísa. Hostile rivals whom she regards as inferiors, and not entirely without cause surround her. Barely kept in check by empires such as Káneum and Shóju, Diramóa nevertheless seems ready to expand. She has several weaknesses: her policies fluctuate between foreign adventurism and isolationism. Foreigners handle most of her trade, and her civil and military leaders are conservative, potentially too slow to adapt to challenges,

In TR494 the massacre of a Diramóan trade legation in Ýling, and subsequent similar incidents in several Diramóan cities. led to the Silk Wars between Jánkor and Diramóa. Ostensibly fought over discriminatory taxes on commodities (such as silk), the Silk Wars lasted until TR530, and failed to resolve much.

The latest Diramóan imperial dynasty, the Mei-Nan, was established in TR576 when some eighty surviving members of the Keratóro royal family (and their food-tasters and personal guards) died within five days of each other. The first Mei-Nan emperor was Nanatáno, who until his succession to the throne had been commanding general of the imperial army.

The Chomsún War was fought between TR678 and TR683, which Diramóan historians sometimes term the most confusing war ever. All adjacent states were involved together with imperial forces and no few Chomsún rebel factions. The result of the war was that Chomsún, formerly an imperial province, attained a degree of autonomy within the Empire, and now survives as a semi-autonomous buffer state.

In TR689 the empire annexed and began colonising the Kyâmu region that had formerly been (loosely) held by Káneum.

In TR703, border skirmishes with Pechósu in the Gadéi Valley erupt into a major if brief conflict that forces The Pachéan Empire into a tenuous mutual defence pact with Diramóa.

In TR714 Shóji pirates begin raiding the Diramóan coast. The raids are large and well organised and Diramóa correctly believes the Shóji Empire supports them. The emperor declares war later that year. The ‘Reaver War’ may be termed a ‘low level’ conflict, but it is ongoing and has involved naval battles with scores of ships and ‘raids’ with thousands of troops.

Emélrenè

The Emélan state has existed in one form or another for thousands of years. Her borders have been set for nearly as long, and she has successfully resisted absorption by her seemingly stronger neighbours. The kingdom is the last surviving significant Járind polity and exerts influence out of all proportion to her size over much of northwest Lýthia.

Èndrakômas

Several Èndrakômas states have emerged from the Rakáma Tribal Confederations. These states trade with the tribes of Éren and with both Yérazhen and Hôrótra. The slightly cooler climate of Èndrakômas has continued to discourage the Yêrazai from interfering in the region.

Erèn

Erènakáma tribal nations occupy most of southern Kámerand. The region consists mainly of tropical rainforest, thornbush, tropical scrub, and raingreen forest/savannah, with alpine regions in the west. The rainforests, the rivers, and the nearby seas provide abundant food and resources to the folk. Èndrakômas states are making half-hearted efforts to ‘civilise’ and this causes some conflict.

Falânia

The Falânian Federation is a moderately close association of trading states and ‘city-states’ that in recent years has begun to develop active maritime trade. Unlike most of the other states around the periphery of Hépeker, Falânia maintains good relations with the tribes of the interior.

Góthmîr (the 'Blight')

In TR647 Reksýni raiders penetrated the Àzeryáni province of Erazýn and sacked a town in the province of Inkârium. This was to be the first of hundreds of such raids, culminating in the battle of Hambârkas in TR655. At Hambârkas, Reksýni cavalry managed to destroy four Àzeryáni legions. After Hambârkas, the Empire withdrew to fixed positions and built the Shurâma, a fortified wall to stop the barbarians from moving further west (completed TR659).The Reksýni destroyed nearly all of the large settlements of the region (to make more grazing room for their horses). By TR720, Ázeryàn has learned how to better deal with Reksýni cavalry (in part by hiring Reksýni auxiliaries) and seems poised to at least try to re-conquer Góthmîr.

Hácherdad

Two of the three main trade routes between Eastern and Western Lýthia meet at the city of Hácherdad. This has made the city wealthy. Now, however, the Empire of Dalkésh (through which the third route runs) is eying the city-state with avarice. Hácherdad is expanding her army, strengthening her fortifications and trying unsuccessfully to ally with Karéjia.

Harazákas

Harazákas states continue to recover territory lost to the Neránadh. There are sixteen Harazákas states, seven of which are loosely allied in conflict with the Neránadh, while another five are seeking to work together to defend themselves against one of their strongest and most intimidating neighbours, the Theocracy of Zârh.

Hârbáal

A kingdom made up of a dozen smaller kingdoms, Hârbáal was settled by Járind and later by Ivínians. Often considered by outsiders to be culturally and politically part of Ivínia, the Hârbáaleren are fiercely independent.

Hârn

Hârn is mostly the ranges of tribal humans and gârgún, but it also contains five human feudal states (Mèlderýn, Káldôr, Kandáy, Réthem and Chybísa) one feudal–imperial state (the Thârdic Republic), and a ‘feudal–Ivínian’ state (Orbáal). The Kingdom of Ázadmêre, inhabited by Khúzdul and Járin humans, endures in near isolation, but continues to deal with select human outsiders. The elven Kingdom of Évaèl is almost entirely reclusive.

Hèpekéria

Hèpekéria is divided into three broad regions: the northern-eastern coast, the central desert, and the southern coast. Korlúa, the Kôrlic states, Menêma, Vítho, Xêrium and Arlánto lie along the northern and eastern coasts. In the south, lies the Faláni confederation of city-states. The Númec nomads of the interior dry lands are organised into a confederacy that does little to prevent conflict among its members, its apparent purpose being to keep foreigners out of the region. The Númec consider themselves elite, recognising the usefulness of their ‘civilised cousins’ but regarding them as inferiors. Interestingly, the civilised folk tend to share this view.

The Númec make use of extremely well-crafted weapons (the world’s finest steel) produced by the Taugári cult, a spiritual/artisan class who dwell in small settlements in the heart of the desert. Refugees from the Târgan Genocide may have founded the Taugári in TR10.

Homôra

degree of isolation from its more powerful neighbours. The capital is at Dénqua. A limited trade is carried on with Molnásya, and Homôran traders venture throughout Thótra and the Gulf of Mafán. The west coast of Homôra is infested by semi-tribal piratical organisations collectively known as the Jâvri-Prau, or ‘coast butchers’. They are renowned for their savagery, and are a significant hazard to trade in the region. In TR713 the kingdom joined the ‘Ídepan Campaign’ in an effort to stamp out the Jâvri-Prau. It may be said that progress has been disappointingly limited.

Hôrótra

Hôrótra has continued it long tradition of factionalism and disunity, but Hôrótra culture has nevertheless prospered. Hôrótrans have developed arcane techniques to detect Yêrazai incursion – the Yêrazai have had to resort to using human agents in their ongoing attempts to undermine these bastions of independent human culture. There are twenty-two Hôrotran states in TR720, organised into six non-contiguous leagues.

Imdál

A rebellious province of the Antézian Empire, Imdál won its independence in TR599. Founded in the midst of opposition to taxation and tyranny, the Kingdom of Imdál has a constitution that virtually divests its central government of any real power and leaves most matters to village/town headmen. The fact that they have no borders with other major states may be the only thing that keeps them independent.

Ivínia

By TR720, the trend to larger kingdoms has reduced the number of independent (human) states in Ivínia to ten: Beshéa, Éldeskaal, Govýna, Íbanvaal, Járenmark, Lókis, Menglána, Rógna, Séldenbàal and Tâvu. In addition, the Khúzan kingdom of Kuzjêra containing the subterranean cities of Kóndasgel and Hârhakeim holds is of a substantial size. More than half the land is still comprised of Yaríli tribal ranges. The ‘Age of Viking’ has passed; other nations now have ships better suited to trade and naval warfare, but the Ivínians still go viking, colonise and trade on the great rivers of Western Lýthia.

Jánkor

Since TR474 the Empire of Jánkor has expanded her boundaries to the north by settlement and by absorbing some tribal nations. To the north, there are no real impediments to expansion, but to the south, the threats of Shóju and Diramóa have generated several minor wars, and hundreds of border skirmishes, since the fifth century.

In TR494 there were massacres of Diramóan and Jankôran trade legations in each others’ countries. These led to a succession of Silk Wars (TR494–530). Ostensibly fought over discriminatory taxes on commodities (such as silk), the fighting continued intermittently until TR530, but failed to resolve much. Tensions are still high. Jánkor strives to maintain a degree of neutrality, but is not always successful.

Káneum

By TR720, the Empire of Káneum has beaten back the challenges of Pechósu and Melûria, but is faring less well against Diramóa and Shóju. Diramóa has achieved hegemony in Chomsún, and the Shóji Empire has vastly expanded her colonies in territory Káneum regards as hers.

In TR490 Káneum seized substantial territory in Dodréna River War with Pechósu, but had soon lost most of it as her troops suffered from indigenous diseases. Káneum withdraws in exchange for a promise of tribute, but Pechósu enters into a loose alliance with Diramóa.

In TR593 Káneum provokes the Great Cleansing War with Melûria. Káneum is largely successful, but distractions from Molkûra, Diramóa and Shóju prevent her from annexing all of the territory that Melûria surrenders. Káneum has chaos on most of her borders. Káneum remains the second most powerful empire of the east with a disciplined and militaristic culture, but she is hard–pressed on several fronts.

Karéjia

The islands of the eastern Venârian Sea won their independence from the Ázeryàn Empire in TR657 in the chaos surrounding the fourth Ázeryàn–Dalkésh War (the Great Secession). Most of the islands have allied with a number of mainland states to establish the Karéjian League (TR664–). The League is a loose alliance designed expressly to defend its dozens of minor states and city-states against their much stronger neighbours. The chief city and headquarters of the League is Livélis.

Karéjians are renowned maritime traders. They have hundreds of merchant ships engaged in trade throughout the Venârian Sea. A rich cargo is a magnet to pirates, but the Karéjians minimise the risk by sailing in convoys of fast, well-armed merchant galleys. The Karéjian convoy ‘system’, and the region’s most advanced war-galleys, have given the Karéjians their leading role in maritime trade.

Ketârh

The arid heart of the continent of Lýthia is a plateau, comprised primarily of desert, semi-desert, steppe and prairie grasslands. The Ketari, a tough nomadic, herding folk, populate the region. The Ketâri are the world's finest light cavalry, with a command of mounted military tactics second to none; the prospect of their approach chills the stoutest heart.

The Ketâri usually travel in tribal bands of several hundred; the bands are grouped into nations, each of which has its own, jealously guarded range. Central organisation varies from one generation to the next. Sometimes all or some of the nations acknowledge the leadership of a single khan; this is when the Ketâri pose the greatest threat to their neighbours. As of 720, the Ketâri are a loose confederation. There is peace between the nations, but no alliance directed against neighbouring states. A lengthy caravan route crosses Ketârh from east to west. Those who use it must either be prepared to pay toll to each Ketâri nation, or to hire a large military escort.

Lánkor

The principality of Lánkor declared independence from Ázeryàn in TR676, but the Empire still considers the region a rebellious province. Lánkor and Ázeryàn have since fought several wars.

Lóazen

The southernmost region of Anzelôria is the range of a few relatively primitive Shénti and Wernái tribes, but there are also minor settled polities here and there. The rest of the world pays Lóazen little heed. There have been a few attempts to establish maritime trade around the southern capes, but none have been successful.

Mafán

Only a common cultural heritage remains of the mighty Empire of Mafán; some of the old imperial provinces have even lapsed into ‘barbarism’. This is the only thing that unites the ethnically and linguistically diverse states along the shores of the Gulf of Mafán.

Trade is the lifeblood of most of these small coastal realms, but the region is under threat from west and east and lacks the unity to stand against empires such as Dalkésh and Diramóa. In TR713 several southeast Máfanese states undertook the Ídepan Campaign in an effort to stamp out the Jâvri-Prau of west HOMÔRA. Progress has been limited.

Melûria

Melûria is currently under the influence of the Empire of Káneum. The Róstei Tyranny ruled Melûria from TR514, leading to the ill-fated invasion of Molkûra in TR525 that was ended by the Red Death plague that swept across Lýthia.

In TR593 the Empire of Káneum undertook the ‘Great Cleansing War’ that brought down the Róstei. Since that time the Solûr Dynasty has ruled Melûria; they have strong ties to Káneum. Rumours of underground Róstei cults, spurred by a grizzly murders in Mokóno have recently begun to trouble the imperial court.

Mêrnat

The peoples of Mêrnat have been said to dwell apart from other folk, to have a sense of space and time different from the rest of Kèthîra; some call it ‘Dreamtime’ and liken it to the ethereal otherness of the elves, which it certainly resembles. The Mêrnáti do not read, nor write, they have little in the way of artefact or contrivance. Instead they dwell in a permanent present where they seem perfectly adapted to their environment.

Molkûra

Molkûra is an empire with its capital at Kotýn, but local governors hold most of the political and military power. Rough terrain and a lack of good roads make travel difficult. There are dozens of tropical diseases endemic to the region to which the locals are immune, but which ravage invaders. Molkûra’s mages are ‘unfriendly’ practitioners of the arcane arts, responsible for the region’s epithet: The Weirding Land.

Molnásya

Molnásians live in relatively small settlements throughout their archipelago in the Melûrian Sea. They combine elements of hunting, gathering, fishing, agriculture and trade. They are organised into several confederations of islands.

Neránadh

The peoples of Neránadh live in fortified villages or roam the prairies of Kámerand. They are loosely organised into two main federations, that of the Myískè nation in the north, and of the Shénoræ in the south. In the past few decades, the Shénoræ-Neránadh have driven the Harazákas from the prairies and may be poised to destroy the Harazákas states one by one. They have superb and extremely mobile warriors; all they lack is a brilliant leader and some siege engines.

Palíthanè

An Ivínian ‘colony’ conquered in TR519, Palíthanè occupies the ancient region of Thánema to the west of Tríerzòn. Palíthanè has fair to good relations with Emélrenè, but Tríerzòn remains extremely resentful. Border clashes are far from rare and outright war could break out at any time; the most recent skirmishes occurred in TR719.

Pechósu (Pachéan Empire)

In TR490 Káneum starts the Dodréna River War by seizing substantial territory in from Pechósu. Clever military tactics and diseases wreak havoc on the army of Káneum, which agrees to withdraw in exchange for tribute. Pechósu enters into a loose alliance with Diramóa. In TR666 Pechósu begins styling itself the Pachéan Empire.

The relationship with Diramóa is never very good; each ally tries to use the other as a foil against Káneum. In TR703 fighting broke out in the Gadéi Valley and a de facto state of war with Diramóa is ongoing. Interestingly, neither state acknowledges that the dispute is ongoing and continue to treat each other as allies, making it clear (insofar as diplomats are ever clear) that as far as Káneum is concerned, Diramóa and the Pachéan Empire are still allies.

Quârphor

Quârphor is the range of the Quârph tribal nation, who once lived further east. Quârphor contains a mixture of nomadic tribal ranges and small states. The region’s rivers bear increasing amounts of trade, carried mostly by Ivínian style shallow-draught, oared vessels, and several towns are flourishing (notably Beldîra in the part of western Quârphor called Huriséa).

Reksýna

The plains of western Lýthia are the range of the western branches of the Ketâri peoples, the formidable Reksýni. In the seventh century, the Reksýni invaded Ázeryàn and were almost responsible for the destruction of the world’s greatest empire. The Reksýni are disunited, semi-nomadic horsemen and have a great command of cavalry tactics. The prospect of the Reksýni uniting under one leader is one of the greatest fears of civilised peoples.

Shóji

The Shóji Empire lies off the coast of Diramóa in eastern Lýthia. Shóju is a fractious feudal society with a class of extremely strong landholding noble clans. Shóju has adopted an imperialist policy under the Osékru dynasty that came to power in TR632. The Shóji have built a large navy, and undertaken the conquest of Lashói.

There is considerable resistance to Shóji rule on the mainland, exacerbated by the tendency of Shóji commanders to squabble over matters of honour and prestige. A number of Shóji clans are also engaged in maritime piracy. This hampers trade in the Sea of Lashói and the Gulf of Tankóno and together with Shóji arrogance, has earned the enmity of most of Shóju’s neighbours.

Shôrkýnè

Shôrkýnè is a feudal, parliamentary monarchy. The kingdom is frequently involved in conflict, especially with its southern neighbour Tríerzòn. Regional magnates pursue independent policies, but they seem sufficiently united (just) to fend of foreign aggression.

Târkáin

A prosperous independent trading city-state at the western end of the Venârian Sea, Târkáin was once part of the Ázeryàn Empire. Ivínian settlers radically changed Târkáin, which is now known as a haven for pirates.

Thónia

Thónia is the thinly settled range of the Thónian peoples The region has extremes of climate and topography ranging from the harsh mountains of the south to the savannah, thornbush and semi-desert in the north. Inhospitality of land and climate has kept the region more or less free of outside interference for generations, although there are colonies from Falâna on the western coast.

Thóta

A large peninsula of south-central Lýthia, The indigenous Thóta peoples have never quite managed to establish a major state, and Thótra has fallen under the influence of surrounding polities.

Tían

Tían is the largest of thousands of islands in the Thiánic Ocean inhabited by tribal groups who most likely migrated from Mêrnat. Tían is the centre of the islands’ largest polity, a tribal federation whose members collectively acknowledge the authority of a single overking. However, there are still hundreds of independent villages yet to be united with the central kingdom.

PIC

900px

Tríerzòn

Arguably, western Lýthia’s strongest feudal state, Tríerzòn has a strong throne and strong regional magnates. The region was home to Zonâri states, and became part of Ázeryàn before seceding from the Empire in TR492. For a decade, Tríerzi armies clashed intermittently with the Imperial Legions before Ázeryàn accepted de facto Tríerzi independence. The official date of the kingdom’s founding is TR502. Sporadic fighting continues to the present day, but Ázeryàn cannot spare the troops to re-conquer her wayward western provinces.

Tríerzòn conquered and annexed Shôrkýnè early in the sixth century TR, but was forced to withdraw by incessant revolts and by a developing Ivínian invasion of Thánema in 518. The following year, Tríerzòn made a tentative peace with the Ivínians in Thánema, leading to the establishment of the kingdom of Palíthanè.

Tuvâra

Tuvâra is a region mostly of savannah and savannah woodland south of the Empire of Býria, which has been attempting to colonise for generations. Most Túvarese are nomads who travel in tribal groups with their large herds. They trade with Býria and Dalkésh, despite the fact that they are engaged in frequent conflicts with both empires.

Tzéngai

Tzéngai has suffered from the decline of the major Anzelôrian states in the last two centuries. Mafáni traders, with their superior maritime technologies have begun to replace them in sailing round the ‘horn’ of Lóazen, and Tzéngai is beginning to see competition from Falâna.

Ûmélria

The Ûmélrian League was founded in TR657 as an alliance against the Reksýni who were driving the Àzeryáni legions from Góthmîr. The League made a tentative peace with the Reksýni the following year — this may have been possible because the Reksýni were not interested in anything more than the grasslands. However, no one in Ûmélria has stopped seeing the Reksýni as a dire threat.

The Karéjian League has on more than a few occasions made overtures to some or all of the members of the Ûmélrian League to merge with Karéjia. Much of Ûmélria has a different cultural and ethnic heritage. Except for the ‘defection’ of Ìchényah, which left the Ûmélrian League in TR712 and joined the Karéjian League in TR714, all overtures have been rebuffed. This may be because the Ûmélrian are unwilling to come into conflict with Dalkésh; they have enough problems with the Reksýni and the Anil-Ketâri.

Yérazhen

In the last two centuries, the Empire of Yérazhen has violently annexed all of the notionally ‘subject’ or Yiâlai states surrounding it, largely wiping out the ruling classes of these states in the process. This pogrom was the culmination of centuries of deliberation by the Yêrazai on the best policy for dealing with the growing power of the Harazákas and Hôrótra states. Once it was determined that a single unified empire rather than the long standing mix of the central Empire and periphery of ‘subject’ states was not optimal, the Yêrazh armies moved with methodical ruthlessness to impose direct rule from Màtraképetaz. The peoples of Harazákas and Hôrótra have watched this development with a mixture of horror and foreboding, as stories of terrible cruelty and death were spread by those who managed to flee.

Zârh

The last half-century has seen the emergence of the Theocracy of Zârh, a growing religious state in Northern, Kámerand. The Theocracy preaches the annihilation of the Yêrazai and the peoples contaminated by them. The rest of Harazákas views the Theocracy with as much fear as they do the Yêrazai since the Priests of Zârh utilise means similar to those of the Yêrazai. They nevertheless have strong support among elements of the Yiâlai ‘refugee’ community.

Zhelôria

Both Zhelôria and the Empire of Antézia have declined since TR474. Both have lost significant territories, but Zhelôria has broken into more than a dozen petty states. Zhelôria states remain the greatest rival to the Empire of Antézia, even though they now lack a common border. The Zhelôria states have the advantage that they have seaports and, to a degree, block Antézia’s access to maritime trade.

Languages

• Page 43

MOVE all related research and linked information to Linguistics.

Map of Language Families

Map of Language Families

900px

Language is a product of common historical and geographical experience over time, a vital element of culture and ethnicity. The people of Kèthîra speak more than 100 languages in 11 families. Family members share root words and sounds, but are still distinct tongues. The existence of a language family implies a common root from which all modern members are descended.

Járind Family

  The Járind ethnic area included much of northwest Lýthia until migrations of eastern peoples displaced Járind culture north and west. Járind languages are characterised by a singsong lilt with occasional gutturals. Járind have fair to medium complexions, light brown or red wavy hair, and brown eyes.

The Járind Family includes;

Áltish, Eméla, Hârnic, Jàrinése and Yaríli.

INSERT TABLE

Phâric Family

  The Phâric peoples originated in Reksýna but were driven west into the Járind ethnic area by Ketâri tribes. Phâric tongues are characterised by rising-falling tones, compound nouns, and regular grammar. These rules are frequently broken; Phâric tongues have been strongly influenced by languages of other families. Phâric peoples are tall, with light straight hair, fair complexions, and blue-grey eyes.

The Phâric Family includes;

Hârbáaler/Chéler, Ivínian, Pálithàner, Quârph, Shôrka and Tríerzi.

INSERT TABLE

Azéri (or Venârian) Family

  Azéri tongues are spoken around the Venârian Sea. Most tongues have extensive vocabularies and complex grammar, and are characterized by rising tones. Azéri have medium to swarthy complexion, and dark hair and eyes.

The Azéri Family (or Venârian Family) includes;

Àzeryáni (High & Low), Býrian, Elbýthian, Karéjian, and Ûrméch.

INSERT TABLE

Anzélan Family

  Anzélan tongues are spoken in Anzelôria. The original language spread from the south, dividing into Panhaónic in the north and Wernái in the south. Anzelôrian tongues are characterised by compounds of short, sharp syllables. The length of time that a vowel sound is voiced has meaning. Grammar and rhythm tend to be regular. Anzelôrians have dark to black complexions, dark curly hair and eyes.

The Anzélan Family includes;

Chogôri, Geláphic, Neshái, Pèchalâri, Thónian, Túvarese and Wernái.

INSERT TABLE

Thónian (see Page gaz1 (P55) Thonia-Module-100.pdf) Cultures; Alternative Name, (Culture), Dialect, (Notes)

North Thónians (Anoro Thon) ~ Dialect: Azar (see Page H1 (P17) Anoro Thon 1: Anoro's ancestors, the Azar Thon)

West Thónians (Aqaros Thon) ~ Language: Thónian / Faláni Pidgin (see Page F1 (P21) Aqaros Thon 1: the Aqaros language, which is now a pidgin of the Faláni and Azar Thon tongues)

Inner Thónians (Garo Thon) ~ Dialect: Garo

Southern Thónians (Makar Thon) ~ Dialect: Makar

Laker Thónians (Oqono Thon) ~ Dialect: Azar

Mountain Thónians (Ulan Thon) ~ Dialect: Ulan (Due to frequent immigration from other Thon tribes, the Ulan dialect is the most intelligible to other Thon.)

Tuvâran

Western Tuvâra (Salo Tuvâra) ~ Dialect: Salo (see Page gaz1 (P55): Roughly 200,000 Salo Tuvâra live to the east of the Thónian Regional map area.)

Faláni see Númec Family

• A pidgin is a grammatically simplified means of communication that develops between two or more groups that do not have a language in common: typically, its vocabulary and grammar are limited and often drawn from several languages.

Mafáni Family

  Mafáni tongues are spoken around the Gulf of Mafán and Shéntu Sea. Mafáni languages are characterised by compound words, regular grammar, and short, precise rhythm; they have a clicking sound. The ancient Máfanese were far ranging people. They planted colonies around the Shéntu Sea and beyond. It is hard to identify a Máfanese ethnic type, since in most regions they have merged into native populations.

The Mafáni Family includes;

Máfanese, Molnásian, Shénti, and Thóta.

INSERT TABLE

Molkûran Family

  Molkûran languages are spoken in southeastern Lýthia. The family is derived from Molkûri, the language of the ancient Ziggurat Culture. Languages of this family have complex, precise grammar, and by variations in pitch and tone to convey rich meaning. The typical Molkûran has a dark to swarthy complexion, dark hair and eyes, and tends to be a little shorter than average.

The Molkûran Family includes;

Chomsúni, Homôri, Kánic, Lashói, Melûrian, Mólken, Mêrna-Mólken and Pechósi.

INSERT TABLE

Reshéni Family

  Reshéni tongues are descended from Reshéni, the principal language of the Ch’mísa Empire. The Reshéni typically have dark complexions, dark hair and eyes, and tend to be shorter than average.

The Reshéni Family includes;

Argólan, Jankôran, Mengólan, and Shóji.

INSERT TABLE

Ketâric Family

  Ketâric languages are descended from Ancient Kétar, the language of the Ketârh barbarians who conquered much of central and eastern Lýthia between 1750-500 BT. Ketâri languages and peoples are diverse, strongly influenced by the indigenous tongues and cultures of the conquered regions.

The Ketâric Family includes;

Ánil-Ketâri, Bésha, Dálken, Diramése, Ketâri, Kyâman and Reksýni.

INSERT TABLE

Númec Family

  Númec tongues are descended from Hepéka. Númec peoples tend to be shorter than average and dark in colouring. The Kôrlic group tends to be lighter due to mixing with northern peoples. The Faláni are darker. Númec languages are characterised by long vowel sounds and guttural stops.

The Númec Family includes;

Faláni, Kôrlic and Númer.

INSERT TABLE

Kámadh Family

  The languages of Kámerand have developed largely in isolation, although Ínan seems to have some words contributed by Járind tongues and Ivínian.

The Kámadh Family includes;

Neránadher, Ínan, Hârazai, Rakáma, Erènakáma, Yêrazh and Hôro.

INSERT TABLE

Mêrnáti Family

  Except for limited influences from Molkûran and Kámadh tongues, the languages of Mêrnat have developed in isolation. The peoples who speak Mêrnáti tongues are swarthy to black. There are thousands of mutually intelligible dialects.

The Mêrnáti Family includes;

Mêrna, Tían, Dâdèn and Kolôtis.

INSERT TABLE

The Night Skies

Map of Night Skies

Note: ADD separate Northern and Southern Sky Maps.

Note: CROSS LINK with Astronomy of Kèthîra (KEL#?)

Map of Night Skies

900px

The revolving stars frame the movements of the sun, the moon and the planets. Even casual sky watchers cannot fail to note that the night sky changes with the seasons in an endlessly recurring pattern. Only the planets seem to wander aimlessly about the heavens but even the mystery of their paths might yield to diligent study. Most stargazers study the heavens to discover patterns that can be related to the lives and fortunes of men and kingdoms; their appetite for astronomical knowledge may be whetted by a desire to predict the future. However, a few arcane scholars point their secretly made telescopes at the stars and dabble on the edges of pure astronomy. Scholars have named many heavenly bodies, but the knowledge they possess seems to exceed their capacity for optical observation.

The Nólomàr System & Planets

Nólomàr is a star with 426,000 times the mass of Kèthîra. The Nólomàr system contains five planets:

Épeòn

Épeòn is the closest planet to Nólomàr, a small solid planet with no appreciable atmosphere; Épeòn has a surface temperature ranging from –200 to +200 degrees Celsius. Épeòn can be seen from Kèthîra as a bright ‘morning/evening star’ at dawn or dusk for much of the year. Épeòn has no moons. Orbital Period: 0.55 Kèthîran Years.

Kèthîra

Kèthîra is the second planet of the Nólomàr system. Its diameter is 2,875 leagues¹ and it’s orbital period is 360.0011 days.

Kèthîra has one moon called Yaél, orbiting at an average distance of 86500 leagues. Yaél has a diameter of 1,035 leagues, rotates on its axis every 15 hours, and has a synodic period (time between full moons) a fraction less than 30 days. Because the synodic period is almost exactly 1/12 of the Kèthîran year, moon phases occur on the same day each month.

¹ 2,875 leagues = 7,187.5 miles (1 League = 2.5 miles)

Álaran

Álaran is the third planet orbiting 68,750,000 leagues from Nólomàr. Although it has a thinner atmosphere and is colder than Kèthîra, air and temperatures would be sufficient to support Kèthîran life. Álaran has three small moons: Avârkiel, Hyvrák and Angcàradína. Orbital Period: 0.94 Kèthîran years.

Kenôr

Kenôr is the largest world of the system and the fourth from Nólomàr at 201,500,000 leagues. This gaseous giant is second only to Épeòn in apparent brightness from Kèthîra. Kenôr has six moons: Hývrus, Tnôr, Kýchus, Frésus, Brâl, and Cúlus. None are visible to the unaided eye.

Mêrgus

Mêrgus is the second largest planet. It orbits some 840,000,000 leagues, from Nólomàr. It is a gaseous giant, but has no moons. Mêrgus is barely visible from Kèthîra and is sometimes called the ‘Sable Eye’.

The Constellations

The average Lýthian can identify major constellations and the pole star. Whether or not he can use them to find his way is another question.

The north polar star, Zêxus, is located in the constellation Gêriam; the mast of the constellation Ládo (the galley) points to Zêxus. In the southern hemisphere, the brightest star in the constellation of Úhla (the lantern), Tyn-Nâdix, serves as a pole star. The thirty-five most prominent constellations are named on the star charts. The rims of the charts are the equator; the concentric circles are at 15-degree intervals.

ADD references to each POLE STAR and list separately.

Tables

Note: ADD Columns for Tables, side by Side

Northern Sky

Northern Sky
Klésan	the stag
Cýnto	the beetle
Êrmael	the unicorn
Frýlus	the fox
Gêriam	the bow
Hêrpa	the mace
Kelârk	the plough
Krast	the flail
Nind	the ox
Súso	the boar
Tísams	the hunter
Tlýlus	the claw
Úsnârl	the bear

Southern Sky

Southern Sky
Aik	the swan
Chind	the dog
Cryx	the warhorse
Dýnux	the falcon
Êngè	the dancer
Lókiârn	the catapult
Lýndus	the fish
Stend	the shield
Úhla	the lantern
Yol	the hide

Zodiac

Zodiac
Áhnù	the dragon
Angberélius	the swords
Arálius	the wands
Fenéri	the smith
Ládo	the galley
Ùlándus	the bear

Zodiac
Hîrin	the eagle
Masâra	the chalice
Nadái	the salamander
Skôrus	the mixer
Tai	the lantern bearer
Táraèl	the pentacle

The constellations listed under ‘zodiac’ are the sunsigns of the Kèthîran zodiac. At any given time the sun is ‘in’ one of these ‘houses’. One born while Nólomàr is in Nadái, for example, is said to be born under Nadái.

Kèthîrian Family of Worlds

Map of Kèthîrian Family of Worlds

900px

Kèthîrian Family of Worlds

When adopting an ethereal view, worlds are arranged in groups that are called families. Although there is no apparent limit to the number of worlds in a family, they are usually grouped around a parent world or nexus. The nexus world gathers the lines of ethereal force and warps space-time to incorporate other worlds (often dissimilar worlds) into its group. Because ‘wrinkles’ in ethereal dimensions are centred on the nexus world, travel between the nexus and other family members is usually easiest. Some scholars have attempted to organise ease of access into four grades: moderate, intermediate, hard and impossible. However, recent evidence suggests that the grades fluctuate over time, and no one has sufficient experience to detect a pattern.

Kèthîra, and the six “closest” worlds (Terra, Sherém, Lósenor, Midgaad, Yàsháin, and the Blessed Realm) are known as the ‘Seven Worlds’ or the ‘Kéthrian family’. Kèthîra is the nexus. The extent of the family is moot. Some scholars hold that only the ‘seven worlds’ are properly members. The expression ‘all the Seven Worlds’ is often used to indicate ‘just about everywhere’. The other extreme view holds that the Family extends infinitely in all conceivable, and no few inconceivable directions. This ‘map’ shows an ‘extended Kéthrian Family’.

Inter-world travel can be achieved by a mage of moderate ability, by persons with talents, or by anyone who stumbles across an appropriate artefact. Experience increases the chance that it will be a round trip. Only in the chantries of arcane lore can one find maps of the Kéthrian family, and permission to view these maps is not freely given. The map presented here is a diagram of ethereal proximities.

The lines connecting worlds purport to show traversable routes, but these are nebulous. There is evidence that it is possible to journey from Kèthîra directly to Varáxis or Sphýnxa (for example) without first visiting the intervening worlds. One interesting aspect of inter-world travel is that many modes entail indirect routing. It is not generally possible to travel, for example, from Kèthîra to Terra, without first visiting as many as seven other worlds on the way. This has obliged some travellers to be inter-world explorers rather more than they might otherwise intend. Time is significantly variable in multi-world ‘adventures’, especially when the traveller is envisioning a specific destination. In such cases, the traveller is rather more likely to arrive in a place decades, centuries, or even millennia in his relative past or future. It is difficult to evolve a theory to explain these phenomena since prevalent concepts of time, space and causality do not always seem to apply. The theory exists that inter-world travel actually ‘creates’ causal bifurcations in such a way that the traveller, by each movement or action is, in essence, making a new world at every step. This theory at least avoids the ‘grandfather’ paradox. However, some scholars have wondered about the effect of the unlimited creation of new worlds. Is it possible to fill the cosmic all so full of actualised possibilities that it collapses under the weight of its own confusion? Will this be the cause of the end of all things? One scholar, believed this to be the case. He felt that those who walked the ways between worlds were too rapidly destroying Keléstia. He laid lethal traps for interworld travellers and managed to send some to lava pits on Yàsháin, the incandescent vacuum of Lósenor, or the flames of Gâsh, before he himself was tracked down and forced into one of his own traps. Brief descriptions of the worlds of the ‘extended family’ follow:

Aýderi

Aýderi has a special relationship with Terra. Divination has suggested that Aýderi is the place where the magic and magical creatures of Terra went when they were driven out by science and technology. If this were the case, Aýderi would be an interesting place, populated by the creatures of Terran legend. There are few firsthand accounts of visits to Aýderi.

PIC

900px

Blessed Realm

It was here that the god Siém came when he left Kèthîra. It is also the intended destination of the elves when they ‘sail into the west’ from anywhere in the Kéthrian Family (the elven heaven). The god Siém personally governs the Blessed Realm, which has several other names including Eald, Ealdor or Ealdwood, Aman, Faerie, Beyond and the Uttermost West. Siém controls access to his world. One can only reach it with Siém's permission or by taking an unusual or special route. A few mortals have been allowed to visit, but memory fades.

Dûrathrhor

Said to be the universe of ultimate evil whence waves of darkness extend to pollute Keléstia, Dûrathrhor lies beyond the Blessed Realm and is probably closely watched by Siém. Few travellers intentionally visit Dûrathrhor; it is half-jokingly suggested that even Môrgath avoids the place. Dûrathrhor may be a microverse, albeit a large one.

Gâsh

Gâsh (pronounced Garrsh) is an ethereal microverse beyond the Blessed Realm and Varáxis. Said to be a realm of primal fire, the inhabitants are like fiery elementals whose activities are difficult to fathom. The few visitors have reported a world of dancing flames and rapid activity; they also say it is one of the most beautiful places in Keléstia.

Hýdrae

A great water world where giant, gelatinous creatures drift gently from one inexplicable activity to another. Visitors to Hýdrae return unsure whether Hýdrae is a complete world or a microverse since the ocean seems to go on forever.

PIC

900px

Julûga

PIC

900px

Julûga is a microverse consisting of a great plain which seems to go on forever. Here, mighty juggernauts majestically roll hither and thither for no apparent purpose, except, perhaps to draw sustenance from the ground itself. While the mighty creatures (if creatures they are) seem indifferent to visitors, it is well to step carefully lest one is unceremoniously crushed.

Kèthîra

Scholars consider Kèthîra a ‘magic-weak’ world, but only in comparison to places like Yàsháin. Many types of magic work very well here in harmony with “rational” physical laws. It could be called a ‘balanced’ world.

Lósenor

A traveller who comes to Lósenor, finds incandescent red gas with no worlds. Lósenor is presumed to be a lost world in a destroyed universe. Many who go there are unable to survive in what is left. Scholars conjecture that when the Earthmasters came to Hârn, it is Lósenor from which they came. Some believe Lósenor is the Ancients' native continuum.

PIC

900px

Mâraku

A place where trolls and dragons and strange native beasts share the world with more familiar, and friendly creatures.

Midgaad

The ‘Middle Realm’ is a world where magic is moderately strong. Midgaad is where the Sindârin of Hârn (probably) originated, and probably the Khúzdul as well. To reach the Blessed Realm from Midgaad, some Sindârin come by way of Kèthîra, and many chose to remain, at least temporarily. The reason for the Khúzan migration to Kèthîra is more obscure. Khúzan myths tell of sweeping wars in Midgaad between incredible forces of good and evil. There is some intimation of a dark secret in Khúzan past, so terrible that no Khúzdul will discuss it.

Sherém

Little is known of Sherém. In some ways it has more magic than Kèthîra, in some ways less. Its physical laws vary accordingly. Sherém is known by a large number of names; none of them convey much of the nature of the world. One traveller described the place as

[quote] …so akin to Kèthîra, and yet so jarringly unfamiliar that I did hasten home to renew and restore the o’er-pulled threads that with our roots bind us and remind us whence we derive…. [/quote]

Sphýnxa

Sphýnxa is a microverse, an environment “less than a whole world”. Sphýnxa lies at the edge of everything, in the mists between universes. The legendary sphinx is thought to be its only inhabitant, a pleasant enough creature, but stern and unyielding. The origins of the master (mistress?) of riddles is, perhaps the greatest riddle of all. From Sphýnxa, it is said that one can go anywhere, but first it is necessary to satisfy the supreme riddler.

PIC

900px

Tekú

Tekú is a world of great empires and strange, alien races. The principal activities are politics and intrigue and the penalty for failure is often impaling. The great empires vie constantly for hegemony under the starless sky, and hostile aliens confuse already complex issues, often beyond human comprehension.

Terra

Terra is the only near-zero-magic world in the group. Terrans have built their societies with culture and artifice through cultural evolution, rather than magic and personal development. Some theorists believe that magic and science are incompatible, and not just because they produce variant societies. Terra once had magic in quantity but with the growth of mass-education the laws that govern the use of magic were weakened. Mikaad, a sage of Yàsháin, has argued that when technology and magic come into contact, magic will weaken and eventually be driven out. This theory contradicts the long held belief that although magic and technology are incompatible, there is a principle of parity that keeps them in relative balance. The fear that technology might eventually destroy magic has caused Terra to be regarded as something of a plague world. Might the future hold a savage technological jihad sweeping out of Terra?

Varáxis

Varáxis is a microverse on the edge of Yàsháin. Its ruler is sagely Várax, a puzzling servant of the god Sávè-K’nôr (?). Few mortals have learned what Várax does here, but it is known that his "world" is best avoided; few care to visit without good cause.

Yàsháin

Yàsháin, is a world that runs on arcane power. Yasháinian kingdoms have gods and goddesses for monarchs; demons, demigods and dead heroes for barons. The personalities of rulers are not only stamped on the political and social structures, but also on the geography, ecology, geology and climate. When one crosses from one kingdom to another, one may also be crossing from lush forest to stark desert. The kingdoms of Yàsháin seem to always be at war: good against evil, chaos against order.

Kèthîra and Yàsháin

Kèthîra and Yàsháin have a unique relationship; there are numerous, constant, point-to-point correspondences. The realm(s) of the elves, Évaèl and Fáya, are one example. Earthmaster sites on Hârn and some of those on Lýthia also exist (in some form) on Yàsháin, as does Aráka-Kalái. Such places seem to exist simultaneously on both worlds.

Yàsháin is Kèthîra’s afterworld, the realm of the dead. Many theologians and laypeople believe that when they die they are reborn in Yàsháin, where everyone is immortal and from where, if they are lucky, they can find their way back.

Interworld Travel

Travel between worlds is never easy, but it is much easier to move between worlds of the Kéthrian Family than between worlds of Nólomàr system . In fact, the only traveller to have visited the world of Álaran claims that he went by way of four worlds of the Kéthrian Family. He said there was not much to see.

Travel methods in the Kéthrian family involve godstones and other artefacts, spells, divine intervention, talents and sheer luck. Nearly every method seems to involve the elusive properties of Barási Filaments.

For (much) more information on the Kéthrian Family of Worlds and how to get there, see HârnMaster Gold GM Edition.

Kèthîra Chronology

ADD

See also: Chronology

Kèthîra Chronology

Era	Period	BT	TR	Description	Region/Subregion
●	●	c 20,000	●	Earthmasters arrive on Kèthîra and build 'sites' in Venârivè, Southeast Lýthia and elsewhere.
●	●	c 15,000	●	Earthmasters depart (Lost Years begin).
●	●	c 10,000	●	Siém and the Sindârin (elves) arrive on Kèthîra.
●	●	7,190	●	Khúzdul (dwarves) appear on Kèthîra.
●	●		●	Khúzan city of Mêrdáin founded.
●	●	7,060	●	Khúzan city of Êrbar founded in Central Lýthia (Ketârh).
●	●	7,025	●	Khúzan city of Lârhakul founded in Ketârh.
●	●	c 7,000	●	Siém departs Hârn (many of the Sindârin go with Him).
●	●		●	Khúzan City of Kiráz founded on Hârn.
●	●	6,894	●	Khúzan city of Ázadmêre founded on Hârn.
●	●	c 6,880	●	Ziggurat Culture in Molkûra (possibly the world's most ancient human culture).
●	●	6,870	●	Chostôren emerge at Dínibôr.
●	●	6,700	●	Khúzan city of Kóndasgel founded in Ivínia.
●	●	c 5,500	●	Probable founding of Kotýn in Molkûra.
●	●	c 5,300	●	Civilisation in Mafán.
●	●	4,290	●	City of Narmâr; Máfanese Empire founded.
●	●	c 4,000	●	Yârhin (Járind) settle Quârphor and Lánkor.
●	●	3,728	●	Khúzan city of Hârhakeim founded in Ivínia.
●	●	c 3,500	●	Ch'mísa Empire founded.
●	●	c 3,000	●	Foundation of the Empire of Yêrazh, Kámerand.
●	●	c 2,830	●	Kolôra Lake Civilisation in Káneum / Melûria.
●	●	c 2,800	●	Vénic Island Culture in Karéjia.
●	●	c 2,700	●	Henge Culture on Mèlderýn.
●	●	c 2,000	●	Probable founding of Ain Dao (Ch'mísa).
●	●	1,902	●	Empire of Hârazai declared in Kámerand.
●	●	c 1,900	●	Beginning of the 'Linear' phase of the Yârhin Henge Culture.
●	●	c 1,750	●	Rise of Ketâri Militarism.
●	●	c 1,700	●	Phâric peoples driven west by Ketâri.
●	●	c 1,650	●	Uphâri reach Shôrkýnè, clash with Járind peoples.
●	●	c 1,600	●	Foundation of Emélan Tribal Confederation.
●	●		●	Establishment of Hôrezh states, Kámerand.
●	●		●	Járind people colonise Hârbáal.
●	●	c 1,550	●	Máfanese Empire collapses.
●	●	1,532	●	Foundation of Járind settlement of Pólfwys (Bôrin), Hârbáal.
●	●	c 1,500	●	Ilpýlen delivers the word of Ágrik.
●	●		●	Decline of Vénic Island Culture.
●	●	c 1,500	●	Shátrah founded as a Yârhin refuge / stronghold.
●	●	c 1,400	●	Yaríli migrate to Ivínia.
●	●	1,388	●	First walls of Beréma, Emélrenè.
●	●	1,340	●	Eméla defeat Uphâri in Álagon, Closing of Emélrenè.
●	●	1,307	●	Uphâri defeat Shóna Alliance, take Plain of Káretan.
●	●	c 1,300	●	Járin migrate to Hârn.
●	●		●	Peak of Oceanic Henge Culture, including Gulf of Shôrkýnè sites at Gehódhivys, Dínibôr, Témian, and Calamísa.
●	●	1,286	●	Co-dominium established on Hârn.
●	●	1,198	●	First of several Phâric Tribal (Atáni) Confederations founded in Thánema Palíthanè.
●	●	c 1,100	●	Sólkin Empire founded (Melûria).
●	●	c 1,050	●	Foundation of Tîrkhadhy (Tîrgólis).
●	●	c 1,000	●	Rise of Kàruía city-states in the Eastern Venârian Sea.
●	●		●	Phâric people (Ivíni) reach Hârbáal, war with Járind begins.
●	●	973	●	Gehódhivys (Kôresten Anúz), Hârbáal, destroyed by 'sea dragon'.
●	●	922	●	Foundation of Lýthwys, Hârbáal.
●	●	c 900	●	Ivínians migrate to Ivínia.
●	●		●	Phâric barbarians begin raiding Hârn.
●	●		●	The Atáni Wars (BT 900-683) begin.
●	●	800	●	Foundation Wars begin Jánkor / Ch'mísa.
●	●	760	●	Jánkor achieves independence from Ch'mísa.
●	●	750	●	Church of Navéh founded.
●	●	734	●	Southeast Hârn ceded to Phâri.
●	●	c 700	●	Peak of Kingdom of Lýthwys, Hârbáal.
●	●	690	●	Jankôran colonisation of Shóju.
●	●	683	●	Battle of Sorrows on Hârn – fall of King Daélda Succession of Áranath.
●	●	680	●	The Great Abdication – Despite their victory at the Battle of Sorrows the elves withdraw to the Shâva Forest and establish the Kingdom of Évaèl.
●	●		●	End of the Co-dominium on Hârn.
●	●	c 675	●	Civil war in Lýthwys (Hârbáal). Break-away of southern regions.
●	●	670	●	Foundation of Kingdom of Emélrenè.
●	●	c 650	●	Beginning of the 'Eldritch' period of Mèlderýn, Hârn.
●	●	c 600	●	Thousand Principalities in Hârazai, Kámerand.
●	●	600	●	Church of Peóni founded.
●	●	c 580	●	Jâren Cêrethys defeats Ivínians at Bâjel (Ivínia).
●	●	530	●	Ketâri tribes conquer Ch'mísa Empire.
●	●		●	Diramóan Empire founded.
●	●	490	●	Shoji states gain independence from Jánkor.
●	●	481	●	Yârhlè-Sôrki battle of Kótrùn diverts the Sôrki to the south.
●	●	480	●	Sôrki overrun Tîrkhadhy, begin conquest of Shôrkýnè.
●	●	470	●	Khanate of Káneum founded.
●	●	c 450	●	Height of the Járind 'Sea Town' culture.
●	●	424	●	Martyrdom of Peónian St. Hârbraén (E. Shôrkýnè)
●	●	c 400	●	Sólkin Empire collapses.
●	●		●	Shôrka tribes in Álagon; Tríerzi tribes in north Tríerzòn.
●	●		●	Ivínians control most of Ivínia.
●	●		●	End of 'Eldritch' Period, Mèlderýn (Hârn).
●	●	c 370	●	Church of Laráni founded.
●	●	c 350	●	Thánemi culture in Palíthanè.
●	●	328	●	Foundation of the Shóju Empire.
●	●	277	●	Foundation of the Târgan Empire.
●	●	250	●	Church of Môrgath founded in Ázeryàn.
●	●	228	●	Five Kingdoms Era on Mèlderýn begins.
●	●	192	●	Foundation of Jankôran Empire.
●	●	173	●	Foundation of Melûrian Empire.
●	●	150	●	Church of Sárajìn founded in Ivínia.
●	●	61	●	Shóji Empire has acquired all Shoji states.
●	●	55	●	First Melûria-Káneum War (55-30).
●	●	c 50	●	Neránadh tribes of Kámerand acquire horses.
●	●	47	●	'Black Wind' destroys Yelástrys (Jéltrè), Hârbáal.
●	●	c 10	●	Neránadh destroy several Hârazai states.
TR	TR	TR	TR	TR	TR
●	●	●	1	Kingdom of Mèlderýn founded. (Start date for Túzyn Reckoning).
●	●	●	7	Târgan Empire conquered by Bésha/Pèchalâri.
●	●	●		Târgan genocide.
●	●	●	10	Taugári cult established in Hèpekéria.
●	●	●	12	Council of Eleven established on Mèlderýn.
●	●	●	55	Khanate of Argóla founded.
●	●	●	66	Hôrótra Amâkamapa association founded.
●	●	●	100	Lóthôr - Tyranny of Lóthrim the Foulspawner - begins on Hârn.
●	●	●	106	Town of Fûhreling founded in Ivínia.
●	●	●	120	Lóthrim sacks Khúzan city of Kiráz.
●	●	●		Battle of Sírion; Gârgún on Hârn; Fall of Lóthôr.
●	●	●	128	Town of Tashál founded on Hârn.
●	●	●	130	Túzyn Reckoning (calendar) devised.
●	●	●	c 150	States established in Thánema (Palíthanè) and Zonâra.
●	●	●		Ivínians begin raiding Hârbáal.
●	●	●	157	Second Melûria-Káneum War (157-169).
●	●	●	160	Kingdom of Chybisa founded (Hârn).
●	●	●	188	Kingdom of Káldôr proclaimed (Hârn).
●	●	●	194	Meókolis / Azéri Kingdom founded.
●	●	●	215	Kingdom of Séldenbàal founded in Ivínia.
●	●	●	221	Azéri Kingdom becomes Ázeryàn Empire.
●	●	●	227	Establishment of the Laránian Pontificate, Zonâra.
●	●	●	235	Kingdom of Homôra founded.
●	●	●	242	Ázeryàn Empire conquers Ázeryàn peninsula.
●	●	●	247	Consolidation of the Shénoræ federation, Kámerand.
●	●	●	263	Ázeryàn Empire conquers Karéjian islands.
●	●	●	264	First Dalkésh-Ázeryàn War (264-270).
●	●	●	268	Laránian church creates Ethelánca (Holy Office).
●	●	●	270	Church of Haléa founded in Karéjia.
●	●	●		Formation of the Myískè federation, Kámerand.
●	●	●		Foundation of Avántis (later Vârkenheim), Hârbáal.
●	●	●	271	Ázeryàn Empire conquers eastern Venârian Shore.
●	●	●	288	Hôrótra Kalmârakapè association founded.
●	●	●	290	Kingdom of Járenmark founded (Ivínia).
●	●	●	292	Second Dalkésh-Ázeryàn War (292-399).
●	●	●	293	Establishment of the Peónian Pontificate, Zonâra.
●	●	●	294	Ázeryàn Empire achieves greatest extent in the east.
●	●	●	297	Ázeryàn Empire begins conquest of Zonâra.
●	●	●	301	Côranan / Coráni Empire founded on Hârn.
●	●	●	303	Ázeryàn Empire completes conquest of Zonâra.
●	●	●		Beréma Accord, Ázeryàn border to Es River.
●	●	●	305	Foundation of Kingdom of Géltheim, Hârbáal.
●	●	●	307	Conciliation of Xêradyn, Hârbáal.
●	●	●	312	Melûrian invasion of Molkûra.
●	●	●	316	Melûrian withdrawal from Molkûra.
●	●	●		Plague in Melûria.
●	●	●	319	Foundation of Antézian Empire (Anzelôria).
●	●	●	322	Fall of Lyth to Ivínians (Hârbáal).
●	●	●	337	Foundation of Lankôrium by Ázeryàn.
●	●	●	344	Kingdom of Menglána founded (Ivínia).
●	●	●	348	Foundation of Beldîra, Huriséa.
●	●	●	356	Róstei Cult movement founded in Melûria.
●	●	●	363	Capture of Ífanè by Clan Eléndy, foundation of Ávastran (Hârbáal).
●	●	●	382	Kingdom of Íbanvaal founded (Ivínia).
●	●	●	384	Foundation of Zhelôria (Anzelôria).
●	●	●	399	End of Second Dalkésh-Ázeryàn War.
●	●	●	401	'Makázapeh' Decree, Empire of Yérazhen, Kámerand.
●	●	●	410	Compilation of Codex Mithrýnas, basis of Ázeryàni law, begins.
●	●	●	428	Khúzan cities of Kóndasgel and Hârhakeim seal their gates to Ivínians.
●	●	●	435	Býrian Colony of Ínri founded by Ázeryàn.
●	●	●	457	First Tríerzi incursions into Zonâra and Thánema.
●	●	●	459	Foundation of Empire of Pechósu.
●	●	●	461	Chélemby founded as Ivínian wintering camp.
●	●	●	462	Býria declares independence from Ázeryàn.
●	●	●	472	Quârph-Lédenheim Wars (472-483).
●	●	●	474	Ázeryàn conquest of Dalánya (Hèpekéria).
●	●	●		Ázeryàn Empire reaches greatest extent.
●	●	●	484	Revolt by Tríerzi and Zonâra against Àzeryáni rule.
●	●	●	486	Third Dalkésh-Ázeryàn War (486-496).
●	●	●	487	Creation of Western Protectorate of Ázeryàn (Zonâra & Thánema).
●	●	●	488	Ázeryàn suppresses Tríerzi revolt.
●	●	●	490	Dodréna River War between Pechósu & Káneum.
●	●	●		Hârbáal: Ánvâl defeats and annexes Xêradyn.
●	●	●	492	Western Protectorate of Ázeryàn secedes.
●	●	●		War of Tríerzi Secession (492-502).
●	●	●	494	Silk Wars between Diramóa & Jánkor (494-530).
●	●	●	496	Destruction of Dínibôr by Ivínians (Chélemby).
●	●	●	498	Ivínians seize Gôris.
●	●	●	502	Kingdom of Tríerzòn founded.
●	●	●	507	Destruction of Shátrah and Trepûra (Shôrkýnè).
●	●	●	508	Tríerzòn begins conquest of Shôrkýnè.
●	●	●	512	Ánvâller Civil War, Hârbáal (512-515).
●	●	●	513	Ivínians invade western Tríerzòn (Thánema).
●	●	●	514	Róstei Tyranny in Melûria.
●	●	●		Foundation of Tónanby, Hârbáal, by clan Gulínè.
●	●	●	515	Ivínians seize Târkáin.
●	●	●		Defection of the Count of Áthamas to Ivínians.
●	●	●	516	First Tríerzòn-Ázeryàn War (Lánkor, 516-518)
●	●	●	518	Tríerzòn abandons Shôrkýnè.
●	●	●	519	Foundation of Kingdom of Palíthanè.
●	●	●	523	Ivínian conquest of Menêma (Hèpekéria).
●	●	●	524	Dalánya states independence from Ázeryàn.
●	●	●		Huriséans drive Járenmarkeren from Beldîra.
●	●	●	525	Róstei Tyranny of Melûria invades Mokôra.
●	●	●	527	Red Death Plague devastates Melûria.
●	●	●		Plague spreads across Lýthia (ends 561).
●	●	●		Batána Campaign (Tríerzòn-Palíthanè, 527-529).
●	●	●	536	Kingdom of Shôrkýnè founded.
●	●	●		Megrán attack fractures power of Ivínian Lýtheim (Hârbáal).
●	●	●	555	Red Death strikes Meókolis, Ázeryàn.
●	●	●	558	Bálshan Jihad on Hârn (558-565).
●	●	●	560	First Káretan War (Shôrkýnè-Tríerzòn, 560-567).
●	●	●	565	Fall of the Coráni Empire, Hârn.
●	●	●		Theocracy of Tekhós, western Hârn (565-588).
●	●	●	566	'Zárpaseh' Decree, Empire of Yérazhen, Kámerand.
●	●	●		Great Unification War, Yérazhen (566-702).
●	●	●	572	Second Tríerzòn-Ázeryàn War (Berónium, 572-575).
●	●	●		Agony of Aléath; Aléathian Odyssey (Hârn).
●	●	●	576	Mei-Nan Dynasty of Diramóa established.
●	●	●	580	Chélemby's first city walls completed.
●	●	●	589	Foundation of Kingdom of Kandáy, Hârn.
●	●	●	593	The Great Cleansing War (Káneum-Melûria).
●	●	●	598	Conquest of Sòwidh by Géltheim, Hârbáal.
●	●	●		Expansion of Gávrios (Hârbáal) halted by Sáliom secession.
●	●	●	603	Vâdrin Hârdin of Génja, Hârbáal, said to reach Kámerand.
●	●	●	605	Battle of Târkáin; Hârbáaler fleets clash off Târkáin.
●	●	●	612	Lókemheim civil war (Ivínia).
●	●	●	616	Laránian Tóbran Inquisition, Tríerzòn (616-620).
●	●	●	619	Second Káretan War (Shôrkýnè-Tríerzòn, 619-628).
●	●	●	620	Ánvâller War, Hârbáal (Géltheim-Ánvâl, 620-621).
●	●	●	622	Chélemby Strait blockade, Hârbáal (622-633).
●	●	●	632	Osékru Dynasty comes to power, Shóju.
●	●	●	633	Géltheim conquers Yelâben, Hârbáal.
●	●	●	635	Foundation of Kingdom of Réthem (Hârn).
●	●	●	643	Third Tríerzòn-Ázeryàn War (Lánkor / Berónium, 643-646).
●	●	●	647	Reksýni incursions into Ázeryàn Empire.
●	●	●	649	Ázeryàn begins construction of Shurâma.
●	●	●	652	Ivínian conquest of Jâra begins (652-676).
●	●	●		Unification of Greater Séldenbàal, Ivínia.
●	●	●	654	Járenmark / Séldenbàal alliance, Ivínia.
●	●	●	655	Battle of Hambârkas; Reksýni overrun Góthmîr.
●	●	●	657	The Great Secession; Ázeryàn's Karéjian provinces rebel.
●	●	●		Fourth Dalkésh-Ázeryàn War (657-662).
●	●	●		Ûmélrian League founded.
●	●	●		Third Káretan War (Shôrkýnè-Tríerzòn, 657-658).
●	●	●	658	Ûmélrian League makes peace with the Reksýni.
●	●	●	659	Ázeryàn completes construction of the Shurâma.
●	●	●	660	Ázeryàn abandons Góthmîr to Reksýni.
●	●	●		Second Tîrgólan War (Lédenheim-Aneóla, 660-662).
●	●	●	661	Íbanvaaler subversion of Lýtheim complete (Hârbáal).
●	●	●		Wars of Hârbáal Unification (661-673).
●	●	●	664	Karéjian League founded.
●	●	●		Palíthanè-Tríerzòn Sènedâlo border conflict (664-668).
●	●	●	668	Fourth Tríerzòn-Ázeryàn War (Berónium, 668-670).
●	●	●		Siege of Álsinon; 'Bishop's Truce' (Tríerzòn-Palíthanè).
●	●	●	671	Shóju conquest of eastern Lashói begins.
●	●	●	672	Salt War, Hârn (Thârda–Káldôr, 672-673).
●	●	●	673	Unification of Hârbáal.
●	●	●	674	First Hârbáaler invasion of Chélemby.
●	●	●		Thârdic Republic established (Hârn).
●	●	●	675	Treasure War, Hârn (Káldôr–Chybísa, 675-687).
●	●	●		Hârbáaler Civil War (675-679).
●	●	●	676	Foundation of the Theocracy of Zârh, Kámerand.
●	●	●		Lánkor secedes from Ázeryàn.
●	●	●		First Lánkor-Ázeryàn War (676-679).
●	●	●	682	Ézar's War, Western Hârn (Réthem–Thârda, 682-697).
●	●	●	683	Second Hârbáaler invasion of Chélemby.
●	●	●		Degéla War (Tríerzòn-Lánkor, 683-685).
●	●	●	685	Second Lánkor-Ázeryàn War (685-690).
●	●	●	686	Kingdom of Orbáal proclaimed (Hârn).
●	●	●	689	Diramóans colonise Kyâmu.
●	●	●	690	Alliance between Chélemby and Emélrenè.
●	●	●	691	Zârhist partisans seize three Harazákas towns.
●	●	●	695	Berónium Conflict between Tríerzòn & Ázeryàn (695-696)
●	●	●	699	Dalkéshi incursions on Tuvâra begin.
●	●	●	701	Járin Rebellion, Orbáal, Hârn (701-703).
●	●	●	702	Last Yiâlai state conquered by Golden Empire of Yérazhen.
●	●	●	703	Gadéi Valley War (Pechósu-Diramóa).
●	●	●	705	Rape of Thay, Hârn.
●	●	●	707	Cape Rénda Disaster, Hârn.
●	●	●	709	Third Lánkor-Ázeryàn War (709-714).
●	●	●	712	Tàmánias Campaign (Palíthanè-Tríerzòn, 712-714).
●	●	●		Kusémè War, Western Hârn (Thârda–Kandáy).
●	●	●	713	Ídepan campaign against Homôran pirates.
●	●	●		Zârh conquers Harazákas state of Chóluchè.
●	●	●	714	Reaver War (Shóju / Diramóa, 714-717).
●	●	●		Laránian Solôri Crusade begins, Hârn.
●	●	●	717	Silver Petal War, Zârh / Harazákas (717- ).
●	●	●		Tiké Conflict; Lánkor / Tríerzòn border raids (717-718).
●	●	●	718	Earthquake devastates Shiélem, Diramóa.
●	●	●		Fall of Fróyby, Ivínia.
●	●	●		Hàlachámpa Campaign (Harazákas-Neránadh).
●	●	●	718	Inkârium Campaign; Ázeryàn mounts punitive raids against the Reksýni in Góthmîr (718–)
●	●	●	719	Móspen Incident: Fighting on Plain of Káretan.
●	●	●		Àzeryáni generals begin rogue campaigns against Tríerzòn (719-).
●	●	●		Siege of Wáleden: Palíthanè attacks on Tríerzi frontier (719-).

Venârivè - Distribution of Regions (in NW Lýthia)

• A
  • Venârivè - Distribution of Regions (in NW Lýthia)

Distribution of Regions (in NW Lýthia)

900px

• Planet (Kèthîra) {second of five planets of the star Nólomàr, with a moon call Yaél}
  • Continent (Lýthia, Mêrnat, Kámerand)
    • SubContinent: Venârivè (Anzelôria, Ketârh Plateau, Hépeker)
      • Regional (Map): NW Lýthia
        • Region (MapCodes) (Smallcaps denotes partial area of Region)
          • NW: itke, HÂRN, edww, EDWN
          • NC: IVAE, ALTR, SHKN, QPHR, TRZN, AZNN
          • NE: mngw, RKSY, GTHM, ulmr
          • SW: kluw, KLUA, hpkw, flna, FLNW, FLNS
          • SC: MNMA, AZNS, ELNS, BYRI, THNA, TVRA
          • SE: KJYA, HCHR, DALK, BESH, PECH, CHOG

• • • • • • Subregion (Maps) of (HÂRN) ~ NW, NC, NE, SW, SC, SE

• • • • • • • Atlas Map: [E8]
              • Hex Grid Ref (?) ~ ADD once Done.

Back Cover

• A
  • Back Cover

A

• A
  • A

Venârivè Eras and Periods

ADD Eras and Periods to the below tables, breaking them all into Eras & Periods subcategories. ~ Need to create a colour coded Epoch system.

Most historians of Venârivè divide the history of the region into a number of eras and periods. The simplest divisions are the ‘eras’:

• Era Name
• Period (Subcategory)
  • Timeline

Venârivè Eras

Era	Period	Timeline				Notes
		BT		TR
		From	To	From	To
Ælder / Heroic Era	Name	-	1300	●	●
Ancient / Classical Era	Name	1300	300	●	●
Middle Era	Name	300	-	-	500
Modern Era	Name	●	●	500	-

A more detailed division is by ‘periods’, which overlap:

See also: Venârivè Chronology

Name & Dates List

Note: ADD a proper/seperate page for this all as a table. Once broken down into the Book Style like Kanday's split page style, can then add Category for each section part so that a complete list then gets made for all the pages for "said name". The once this is done, can then add this comprehensive list to "that" Index Section for "Category". In the end the aim is to create a complete "Name & Dates List/Index" so all the LINKS for names can then not only be categorised, but also interlinked between ALL articles and books, especially for DATES as this will be required to create a comprehensive Chronology Timeline and quick inter-referencing of the subject link(s).

Note: ADD links to each Name & Date within the Tabled Index, these should also include Eras & Periods for dates.

Note: INCLUDE all these into the Template (Sidebars & other data) Tables and so on.

Note: Example: Mercenary Companies would not only have a template for the Company, but be interlinked with that Type as a Category reflecting and showing Country, Shire, Hundred, Leader, Associated to/Sponsor, Location/Region and all other manner of data links within the design of the template and interact automatically with other templates, catergories, and index link lists.

Note: Example: A river would have a sidebar template that includes it's source length and so on, but also show not only the Catergories & Names, but be reflected within each of those Categories & Names Listed together. Basically internested Data, Links, Catergories, and so on to save redoing all links again with new pages or modifications, it automatically gets updated once interconnected correctly.

Notes

• A
  • A