The survivors of a disaster are forced out into the bitter cold of High Cocanum. Making their way through barren, dangerous lands with little memory of just what happened, they spend weeks traveling south until they reach the northern settlements of Hunterscord.
It was there that they spent the winter, trying to recover and recall. When a great pack of dire wolves came in early spring, the newcomers assisted valiantly, separating themselves from the farmers and even the soldiers.
Tattoos that read 'Remafosa' on their arms are all the group had left of their clouded past. Now approaching the great city of Calloraya, they must decide what fate has in store for them....
Alearen:
Alearen is a large continent, surrounded on 3 sides by water. At its north is the semi arctic High Cocanum region. The remainder of the continent is temporate, experiencing 5 seasons (spring, early summer, late summer, fall and winter). A mountainous streach (The Gorgals) occupies its eastern border. There are many small rivers, but a large river (Lihea) dominates the western part of Alearen.
Alearen is peopled by (in order of population numbers) Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Half-elves, Gnomes, half-orcs and a few Aasimars.
There are 4 large, autonimous cities in Alearen (Calloraya, Bresnan, Drayceen and Haldolic).
Hunterscord:
[pop. 1,800]
The barren, bitter cold of northern winds chills High Cocanum year round, but the hardy folk of Hunterscord prefer the harsh climate, keeping away goblins and Nobles alike. This unclaimed earth is loosly a protectorate of Calloraya, but governs itself. The collection of towns each has its own large stone keep, and survives by growing Cress, a potent and pricy spice sought after by the larger cities. The growing season only lasts 2 months, but the fields must be maintained all winter.
Calloraya:
[pop.130,000]
Calloraya is a huge metropolis, fed by the river Lihea to the west and rich farming fields to the south, it has become the largest city in Alearen. Here, lovers of art and fine craftsmanship mingle with Knights and combat performers. Wealthy families vie for influence in politics, fashion and military clout. All known races and all social status' are represented here, as well as many temples.
Calloraya is ruled by a council of 7, but managed on a daily basis by one man (Lord Linius Hathum). Calloraya Exports food and the Valuable spice (cress) from High Cocanum, and imports Timber and stone.
Lihea:
(Lie-hee-ah)
This large river runs both north and south, connecting the three cities of Calloraya, Haldolic and Bresnan. (Flowing north from Haldolic to Calloraya, and south from Haldolic to Bresnan). It is fed from the west by a third branch that flows from the mountains of Narr, but that branch is too shallow and violent to traverse by ship.
To the east of Lihea are all the civilized lands of Alearen, to the west are the untamed wilds, where few dare to venture. Travel along the river is safe and fast. Merchant vessels make use of magic to sail against the current when needed and are welcoming of (paying) passengers.
Haldolic:
(Hal-dol-ick)
[pop.90,000]
This large city is the hub of Alearen. Seemingly filled with shrewd merchants and bustling with activity dispite the dour climate. Haldolic sits on the eastern shore of Haldo's Lake (fed by the Lihea from the west and flowing both north and south from the lake). It seems always to be raining or overcast in this gloomy city. Generally less safe than its two sister cities, ships load and unload with urgency at its docks and few who are not in the comodities trades spend any real time inside these walls.
Still, for those willing to pay, there are no goods (or evils) that cannot be found here. Legal and illicit trade takes place at all times and in most places here, and a man who cannot protect his purse is quickly relieved of it.
Haldolic is ruled by a commerce councel and most real decisions are delayed in comittee for weeks on end. It is policed by a proudly corrupt half-orc named Otraxa. 'Captain' Otraxa may be responsible for as much woe as he and his men put to rest, but a stong allience with several wealthy families keeps him in power.
Bresnan:
[pop.80,000]
The city of Bresnan is a bustling metropolis, though it has fewer residents than Calloraya, it covers almost twice as much land. The residents are brave ocean folk, constantly pushing further into the seas to master them and learn their secrets. This city boasts a larger half-orc and elven population than other cities. The people here are cheerful and well mannered and the streets are lined with taverns and fine eateries. Though fish is a mainstay in the diet, Bresnan relies heavily on the other cities for grain and livestock and imports all its stone and Iron.
Bresnans bay is a colorful quilt of sails. 7 masted ships crowd the calm, clear water as they await their next adventure in open water. The great docks gather ships as long as 240 feet and 80 feet wide to them like little piglets suckling at a sow. Water spills over the massive iron chain that spans the mouth of the river, separating the smaller, simple river crafts from the ornate ocean ships.
Bresnan is ruled by monarchy. Its king , a human named Nathan Anchonal, is proudly referred to by his people as 'The Admiral'. The Admiral has ruled for 31 years, since the death of his father, and has 3 sons and 4 grandsons (all accomplished sailors).
Drayceen:
[pop.46,000]
(dray-seen)
The stone city of Drayceen is as formidable a sight as it is a fortress. Carved into the side of the mountains of the Gorgals, it is a testiment to the varacity of its mining founders. Drayceen is the only city in wich humans are outnumbered. The dwarves here are both numerous and skilled. Peopled by miners, masons, architects and craftsmen, the beauty of the dwarven fortress is in its strength. Digging deep into the mountains, Drayceen supplies Alearen with precious gems, stone and gold. Vast caverns and winding passages give visitors a feeling of being trapped or lost, but its people have grown accostomed to not seeing the sun for weeks at a time as they labor underground.
Drayceen is ruled by an elected Marshal. Voted on only by land owning residents, the Marshal rules for 10 years at a time. The marshal's power is less than that of a king, but oversight of the position is complicated and not widly known amongst outsiders.
