Countries

Manus Republic
A confederation of trade states. The capital is the city state of Primorra, a peninsula of trade on the Merra Sea. Competition for government seats is fierce in the Elt District, located on the slopes of Mount Kresa. Below, it's surrounded by districts of traders, artisans, and ports, shipping goods from the whole Manus Republic across the Merra.

Compelton is a sprawling agricultural state, with the bustling metropolis of Palami (where you'll be starting) at its heart. A melting pot on the planes, many different races, cultures, and faiths find their home in Palami, the City of Roads.

Finally, the islands of Arpalanges are scattered across the southwest Merra, dotted with small fishing villages amongst the reefs and fjords. Although the channels between the Arpalanges islands are treacherous, its sailors are skilled and have passed down ancestral safe routes.

Ravenswood
Ravenswood is located on the border of Manus and Catassia. Although it was named for the flocks of birds inhabiting the forest, it's somewhat antiquated now as most corvids have immigrated to the Barony of Murder, where they enjoy deferential treatment. The swamps surrounding the town allows its denizens to engage in fishing and tanning. Although the town scarcely receives visitors, it is home to the Wickersham Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Torchy's
Once a rough and tumble bar where you'd be as likely to get in a brawl as to get a drink, Torchy's! was allegedly improved under new management. While Torchy himself drowning was an unexpected tragedy, it was undeniably good for the establishment. The new owner had expanded the menu, with the spicy Swamp Steaks being a very filling delight after a long day in the heat. Though a little chewy, the flavor was a uniquely fascinating blend by the half orc chef (Yes) of traditional orcish spices, possibly the safest way for travelers to experience orcish cuisine. However, after an incident involving a troll, the establishment was burned and the remnants sank into the swamp. Rumor is the establishment will be replaced by "New Bar Barge".

Catassia
To the west of the Manus Republic and making up the western shore of the Merra Sea, Catassia is a kingdom of deserts, plains and hills. Known for their exports of cheese, spices, and wine, they're a major trade partner for several nations. Currently they're embroiled by a succession crisis in their royal family, with scandalous rumors claiming the young prince is illegitimate, and others claiming that rumor was spread by a cartel intending to install his young sister as a puppet queen. With passions running high, and a tradition of duels over honor and insults, Catassia seems poised for violence.

Ovrocco (Southeast)
The Baroness of Murder is ostensibly named after her loyal crows who help clean the city, it's whispered (very quietly, indoors) her epithet has more to do with her well heeled assassins, thieves, and spies. Her province has a suspiciously low rate of crime, at least for those who play by her rules. As far as the Catassian royal treasury is concerned, they pay their taxes promptly and don't rebel, so all is well.

Leporino (Southwest)
Primarily agricultural land, the vineyards of Leporino are legendary. Its soil is said to impart unique flavor to the many culinary products it exports. Despite their artisinal expertise, Leporinos often complain the taxes they pay go more towards the central district than developing their patchwork infrastructure, and their concerns are justified.

Central District
The capital area of Catassia, this constellation of cities is known for culture and trade. As the home of the Catassian Fine Arts Society, it is the premiere destination for entertainers and artists of all types, though only a select few find success. The capital city Catassia is named after is the seat of politics in the region, and currently in the middle of a succession crisis. Catassia's sister city of Fiumicci is a thriving port city woven across canals, with the grand mansion of the Catassian Fine Arts Society striking a beautiful skyline from the Merra.

Atsolde
The northernmost province of Catassia consists of sparse cold prairies and inhospitable mountains. The free hardy folk who eke out a living here are known for their warm hospitality and confoundingly thick accents (which the author shall decline to transcribe, and notes only for completeness' sake). While the mountains are technically the border with Vusteah, the territory was largely decided by Vusteah not wanting the mountains, and Catassia not eager to tackle the beasts of the Tenebb Forest.

Vusteah
North of Catassia, bordered by the vast Tenebb Forest, Vusteah is a democracy composed largely of elves, halflings, and gnomes. Currently ruled by a popular and long standing prime minister, an elf named Eullus, Vusteah is known for its artisans and mages. Citizens of Vusteah are eligible for free magic training, resulting in a large portion of the populace skilled in the arcane, although plenty show no aptitude.

Berroa
A vast tundra separated from Vusteah by the formidable Arqonne mountain range, this kingdom has been suffering a decline following a pattern of blizzards and blights. The more discontent of King Salfents subjects have begun returning to the old ways raiding via horseback, a growing concern to their south east neighbors, the Korga.

Jajaschka
Composed of the inhospitable Arqonne Mountains, arid steppes, and the frigid coastline of the northern Merra Sea, this eastern province of Berroa is known for its hearty sense of bleak humor. Kept in the shadow of the capital province of Nakinov and the more prosperous Vusteah, Jajaschka has never been well off, but the recent blights devastating their already meager harvests have left them on famine and destitution. The Great Blizzard, which has been raging for nearly seven years, began in the Jajaschkal Peninsula and spread across into Nakinov and Khubba.

Nakinov
The capital province of Berroa, Nakinov is the most populated and prosperous area of Berroa. Nestled in the southwest Zemle Range, abundant hot springs and thermal vents provide a comfortable living despite the brutal blizzards. Normally a bustling center of trade, Nakinov's ports have been struggling with the icy debris caused by the ongoing Great Blizzard.

Khubba
Once a land of feuding nomadic clans, the vast Khubba tundra was supposedly united and tamed by the Berroan royal family conquering and melding the clans. However, with the Great Blizzard sealing passes to the capital, the raids of the Khubba have begun once again. Despite a large coastline, the Khubba are wary of the sea, with sailors being seen as bizarre madmen doomed to drown before long.

Korga
The nation of Korga is ruled by a council of dwarves, selected from the numerous clans who originally inhabited the rocky highlands to east of the Merra Sea, although most clans welcome willing workers from any race. Known for their sprawling mines and inventive metalwork, the Korga are known to introduce and integrate new technology years ahead of other nations. Once separated from the Manus Republic by the vast Dunzug River, the Korga formed a firm alliance by completing the massive Jostraus Bridge to span the divide, and unite the nations in trade.

Entzun
A small, remote village in the outskirts of the forest to the south of the mountains. Previously under the rule of a Irae cultists who dominated the village, Entzun was liberated following a rebellion lead by an acolyte-enforcer whom armed the populace and inspired their fight for independence from the cult.

Ferrau Desert
Largely uninhabited, this strip of red sandy wasteland cuts from the southwest coast of Catassia, then south of the Compelton plains, and encircles the mountains of Korga to the south and east. Both flora and fauna struggle to survive in the arid and barren dunes, and legend has it that the land was cursed in a great battle amongst the gods. Few explorers can be troubled to map its shifting sands, and rarely do they return.