Map of Western Assynia

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Geographical Notes on Western Assynia Western Assynia is made up of three main countries whose borders are not defined politically, as it is the cities that denote the centres of power, the actual land remaining mostly free from recognised rulers. NANG This is a large land mass consisting of massive coniferous forests, grey mountain ranges and an almost eternal light drizzle. Some of the land on the north-east coast is desolate and harsh wilderness. There are two main cities; Maltir belongs to the Halaams, a human warrior population who defend their lands strongly, and Sorgfud, a run-down city, practically a ruin, a habitat for outcasts, thieves and mercernaries and ruled by a beggar king. It is thought that most of Nang is overseen by a dark sorcerer who includes a powerful dragon or two amongst his closest allies. Elfras belongs to the Sea Elves, a fiercely independant race of seafarers about whom not much is known. MARSIA Largely dominated by humans and their rulers, this northern area of the main land mass enjoys a slightly warmer climate and less rain, though sometimes harsh winters along the northern coast. The land really has been shaped by the Third Age (or New Age). Its major focal point is Mainport (or Akran to give it its old name), a massive trading city on the main sea merchant route and source of the Great Road, which travels all the way to Itae in the south. The city also serves the stronghold of Tesh, a border town housing a well stocked army, posted on the Nang Straight to prevent the darker forces of that rainy country from wandering south, as they often do. The army is an alliance of humans, dwarves and elves, and the training ground for many a future adventurer. A six month post is usual and will include expeditions in to Nang, though rarely further than a few miles. South on the Great Road is Wizards Gate, the walled home of the Wizards Guild housing the vast underground library vaults and its training academy. Outside of its walls has spread a vast market town, another trade centre and an attraction for a wide variety of travellers and nomads. DAMASK More of the Second and even Old Age remains in these southern lands, a wilder but warmer area than the north countries. The thick and ancient forest of Dreamy Wood is a major habitat for all kinds of old world creatures such as trolls, but is surrounded by hobbit lands and the townships of Kobb and Tobb. To the west is the city of Khazan, a strange city ruled by a Goddess of Death, and to the south of this, still on the sea merchant route is the famous isle of Phoron with its trading port of Gull. One of the most important and powerful, yet also mysterious cities of the south, is Itae, lying at the far end of the Great Road. It's pink and blue spires are ruled by a young high priestess and guarded by its cult of amazonian warriors. It has one of the most ancient histories of the civilised world and is mistrusful of the world outside its gates. They do not get on well with the Wizards Guild, but are said to be just as powerful in sorcery. OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST Asaria is vast island of snow, ice and gargantuan black stone mountain ranges, and is said to be the last haunt of the major dragon kindreds. The city of Kanil lies on its south coast, but news from there comes once in a blue moon. The western lands of Mortas, Strammar and its two forests, Palaganda and the Far Tangled Wood, are untamed lands with no real civilisation. Travelling eastwards are the great Goetern Mountains, north of which lies vast dry scrubland, sometimes fading into desert. Rosaria is land ruled by the priestesses at Itae, though they make no political claim. Race Distribution Humans are most prevalent in the Marsian homelands, though have quickly spread everywhere except perhaps Asaria and the areas of Mortas and Strammar. Elves have strongholds deep in the forests of Tangled Wood, Palaganda and Dreamy Wood, with Sea Elves existing only on the northern windy coast of Elfras. Dwarves come from the Goetern Mountains and the Saphire Mountains, though many live in the Low Hills and the city of Khosht. Hobbits are almost exclusively found in the Low Hills and the land surrounding Dreamy Wood, but can often be found in several of the main cities in Marsia. Of the dark races, trolls freely roam Nang in great abundance and also the lands of Mortas and Albany. Orcs are also native to Nang, spreading from there when they can. Goblins hide in the Low Hills, but also share the mountain valleys of the Goetern and Saphire ranges, often resulting in conflicts with the dwarves. | Known History | back to top | Main Page |