The World of Elzwehn

Let us discuss the Olden Wyrld, our place among the realms of Elzwehn.

The Olden Wyrld consists of three continents:

• Opeura - the northwestern continent
• Kafira - the southern continent
• Cipangu - the eastern continent

There are several major cultures in the Olden Wyrld.

Lands of the Empire

Our home is the dominant state of the Olden Wyrld. It stretches across many lands, although it was even bigger at one time.

Currently, the Empire consists of these regions:

Aurelia

The heartland of the Empire. This is a land of fertile valleys interspersed with low mountains. Initially, the valleys sprouted independent city-states, but these were united under the rule of Aurelia, which then conquered much of the Olden Wyrld.

Culturally, Aurelia is similar to Earth’s ancient Greece and Rome.

• Garb – short-sleeved tunicas preferred

• Armor – subarmalis, chainmail, lorica segmentata, linothrax, lamellar

Nevora

Nevora was divided into a myriad of city-states until Aurelia conquered it. Still, internal intrigue continues among the nobles of the region. Due to winds blowing from the dwarven mountains, Nevora’s climate is colder than Aurelia.

Culturally, Nevora is similar to Renaissance Europe and Tudor England.

• Garb – breeches and doublets, slash-and-puff, or similar Renaissance styles

• Armor – gambeson, brigandine, plate

Palmyra

Palmyra lies in northeastern Kafira. While the surrounding area is hot and dry, the Elin River waters much of Palmyra, providing fertile land. Conquered in the early days of the Empire, Palmyra remains a province under Aurelian rule.

Culturally, Palmyra is inspired by ancient Egypt.

• Garb – tunic, white cotton kilt

• Armor – padded, leather, lamellar

The Crescent

The Crescent is an area of fertile land along the northern and western coasts of Cipangu. It was conquered by the Empire and has been thoroughly assimilated into Aurelian culture. 

Follow the Aurelian cultural guidelines.

Cultures Outside the Empire

These regions lay outside of the Empire. Their relations with the Empire vary, but you will often see adventurers from these far-flung provinces serving in Imperial forces.

Aridia

Aridia is the northern area of Kafira. It is a dry, desert area punctuated by fertile oases. The people live either in cities clustered near the coast and oases or as part of nomadic tribes. At one time, the Empire conquered the northern coast but now Aridia is independent and broken into a myriad of independent emirates.

Culturally, Aridia is inspired by Arab and Moorish cultures.

• Garb – tunics and robes

• Armor – padded, leather, chainmail, lamellar

Chevalia

Chevalia is a former province of the Empire but maintains cordial relations with the Aurelia. Chevalia is a feudal monarchy. Its ruling aristocracy adheres to the trappings of chivalry.

Culturally, Chevalia is inspired by the tales of Arthur, Charlemagne, and their knights.

• Garb – tunics and hosen, topped by surcoats or tabards

• Armor, gambeson, brigandine, chainmail, plate

Rhuunheim

The Rhuunese live in a harsh, wintry land. For years, they thrived by raiding their more affluent neighbors. Recently, however, depredations by the Urkha have driven some to seek shelter in the lands of the Empire, where many have hired themselves out as mercenaries.

Culturally, Rhuunheim is inspired by the Vikings

• Garb – tunics and breeches with winnigas or fur leg wraps

• Armor – padded, leather, chainmail, or lamellar

Sarsia

Sarsia is a populous kingdom to the east of the Crescent, which fought a long war against the Empire. The Empire was on the verge of a decisive victory when the leaders of Sarsia called upon the aid of the Dark Magi. Now, the people of Sarsia labor in slavery while the Dark Magi’s undead minions fight against the Empire.

Sarsians are currently not playable as player characters.

Scymatia

Once prevalent throughout the northeastern lands, the Scymatia now reside primary along the coast of the Shrouded Sea, where they have taken refuge from Urkha raids.

Culturally, Scymatia is inspired by the peoples of Eastern Europe.

• Garb – tunics, baggy pants, fur hats

• Armor – padded, leather, chainmail, lamellar, plate

The Isles

An archipelago situated northwest of the continent; the Isles are a sometimes harsh but beautiful land. Its people are organized into clans ruled by lairds. There is a high king, although his power is weak. At one time, the Empire ruled the Isles but abandoned it centuries ago.

Culturally, the Isles is inspired by the Scottish highlanders

• Garb – kilts and plaid

• Armor – chainmail, leather

Teikoku

An isolated island in the middle of the Shrouded Sea, Teikoku is a land ruled by its proud warrior class of samurai. Teikokuans tend to be reclusive, but a few adventurous souls left the island to visit the Empire and beyond.

The culture of Teikoku is inspired by feudal Japan.

• Garb – kimono, hakama

• Armor – lamellar

Tortuga

Tortuga is a pirate-infested island in the western part of the Inner Sea. Its crews plunder and pillage across the coasts of the sea.

Culturally, Tortuga is inspired by the buccaneers of the Caribbean.

• Garb – breeches, pirate shirts, bandanas. No tricorns

• Armor – padded, leather, plate