Eastern Territories

1) Koloven - 2) Hunsow - 3) Myghtsow - 4) Vilgwith - 5) Efanlas - 6) Spryonsow - 7) Garotir

The East is divided into seven areas called Territories, inhabited by the Circle of the Arcane. They are governed by Amontyas, chosen individuals from among the Circle for various factors.

The Koloven Territory

Amontya: Edmund Peakary, Dwarven Merchant

The Koloven Mountains spread along much of the province’s western border, acting as a natural boundary. Like much of the eastern territories, there are many magical springs throughout the mountains, which is believed to be the reason why there are a high number of troll colonies dispersed throughout its ranges. Dwarven and Goblin populations are also abundant, where they each enjoy the remote sanctuary of their mountain holds. Edmund Peakary is the Amontya of the territory, living in Por’gwithnoor, keeping the peace on the mountain sides and making sure everyone is respecting the land.

Thanks to the efforts of these species, the mountains are the primary source of the precious metals, gemstones and industry of eastern Ásaterra. As such, it is one of the wealthiest territories, though its people are incredibly humble about their wealth and freely share much of it with the rest of the east; for they are pragmatic and understand that whilst the mountains may be rich in gems and ore, they are hard pressed to produce living essentials, such as food, wool or cotton, and so import those heavily in return.

Por’gwithnoor ‘The Gate to the North’ (Capital City)

Por’gwithnoor, commonly referred to as ‘The Gate to the North’ is a majestic combination of city and fortress, which spans across the Meur Rannavon, covering both of its banks and climbing up the slopes of the Koloven Mountains as well. The city was constructed by both Dwarven and Elven hands as a safeguard against invasion from the north, before the unification of Ásaterra, but due to its strategic position it has remained well maintained and has continued to expand. It is a trading hub of immense proportions, with wealth coming in from the mines of the mountain holds and wares flowing through it on the mighty Meur Rannavon. So indomitable is its scale that no army has ever attempted to seige it, for it is clear from its extensive defences that to do so would be folly.

The Hunsow Territory

Amontya: Once an old Elf known as Tastol, but his actions led to his death. Current Amontya is: Bryuk Handover, a Goblin from Lentrita.

Hunsow, also known as the ‘Dream Forest’, was a Western Elven Forest (located on the Western bank of the river Meur Rannavon). The Elves had once expanded into these forests long ago, and then founded the great farms of the Mes-Trevas shortly after.

Recently in the year 1297, a terrible situation occurred that left the Hunsow territory scared. A giant Orb of Destruction grew from the forest, eviscerating everything, and setting off even more smaller Orbs. The destruction claimed all those that were inside (including the capital city of Lentrita), a newly discovered branch of Beast-kin that originated from the forest, and the entire landscape. One Amontya Tastol of the Hunsow Territory was blamed for the explosion, but it seemed that he also lost his life in the aftermaths.

Since, there has been a great number of aid being given to the land; helping those that survived, those that were left behind, and those that lost someone. If you wish to donate any help or resources, please contact a local Lawkeeper for information on how to do so.

Lentrita

'Neverland- Forest City' by Amanda McArthur

‘The Gleaming City’ Lentrita was an old Elven city built within the Hunsow. When the Elves invaded these lands thousands of years ago, they came across a gleaming glade, which shone like moonlight on a lake, though no lake was present. Somehow the glow within the glade held back the enchantment of the forest, and as such the Elves quickly decided to establish a military camp here, from which to continue their invasion of the Hunsow. As the Elven occupation of the forest grew, so did their requirement for a stable stronghold on the western side of the Meur Rannavon. Thus, as the glade had proven its worth in resisting the Hunsow's enchantment, it was decreed that the military camp would be converted into a fortified town.

The town's population quickly grew as more Elves populated the newly conquered land, and in the closing stages of the Elves' invasion the Town was renamed “Lentrita” (or “The Gleaming City” in Ásaterran) for it still shone just as the glade had when the Elves first encountered it.

With the founding of the Mes-Trevas, Lentrita became a major trading point within the Elven Kingdom and it is to this day the largest city within the Hunsow. Alas, with the Orb of Destruction, only the remains of the central tree still stands. The city was wiped out by Tastol.

Pejya-Kroglennow

Pejya-Kroglennow was a great Elven Fortress built just south of the Koloven Mountains. Its strategic placement was to guard the Elven Western boarder, and protect Mes-Trevas; the rich farmland that lies in the gap between the Beast-Kin forest and the Elven forests. As such, throughout the ages it has been a great deterrent to all invaders, and has allowed most of the Elven and Northern Beast-Kin lands to avoid external threats.

Pejya-Kroglennow curtain wall, looking out across the Mes-Trevas. Original art: Spiš Castle, Slovakia, Daniel Smith

With the unification of Ásaterra the fortress became almost obsolete, with no need for such a large defensive structure within such a central region of the country. Due to both this and the lack of true Elven Stonemasons it has ended up being neglected in terms of maintenance, and has slowly decayed from its former glory.

Whilst it is no longer the shining beacon that it once was, it is still a formidable sight. If ever the Elven lands were to be threatened once more, there is little doubt that the Circle of the Arcane would manage to make the fortress defy any army foolish enough to attempt to storm it.

The Myghtsow Territory

Amontya: It was Séarlait Brígh, but she resigned in 1297. Currently: Carys, Elf Female

Myghtsow, also known as ‘The King’s Forest’, was once the heart and foundation of the Kingdom of Ulaidh, an Elven Kingdom which lasted until around the time of the unification of Ásaterra, and is largely responsible for the formation of the Eastern province as it exists today.

The territory stretches from where the River Meur Rannavon flows out from the Koloven Mountains at the west, along to the East’s border with the Northern province, ending at the edge of the desolation of Lyverva at its eastern limit, and the edge of its woodland to the south. Almost the entire territory consists of lush woodland, and the depths of the ancient forest contain many of the best preserved and maintained examples of Elven architecture and craftsmanship in Ásaterra; many of the towns and cities dating back to the time of the former Elven sovereignty. Despite the massive span of the forest, there are innumerable pristinely maintained roads and causeways webbed throughout it, which enables travellers to traverse its expanse without difficulty.

Semangat (Capital City)

The largest city in the Eastern province, Semangat was the old Elven capital and is the Territory's main trade centre, making use of its proximity to the Meur Ravannon as a means to ferry goods across both the East and to the other provinces of Ásaterra. Most houses in the city are of exceptional Elven craftsmanship, made from stone mined from the Koloven mountains, which makes the city an elegantly breathtaking sight to behold. Amontya Carys is a headstrong traditionalist who stepped up to the position under the request of Séarlait Brígh upon her step down. She has been helping out the restoration of the parts of Semangat that were destroyed in the Orb of Destruction, as well as sending aid to the Hunsow, however is very fiercely there for her territory first.

Myghador-Senji

The main keep in Semangat is an ancient castle framed with many towers topped with conical turrets, which serves as the seat of the Circle of the Arcane. As such, Semangat is the political centre of the East, and is a constant hive of activity.

The Ethics Accord

This group resides within Semangat, reviewing Laws from all across Ásaterra. Currently being chaired by Director Do’anna, the team looks over all Laws, whether they are Ásaterran Core Laws, or private companies internal By-Laws. Currently the Director is an Elf called Do’anna.

River Meur Rannavon

Following on from the North, the River Meur Rannavon runs through multiple territories of the East, but none use it as prominently as the Myghtsow folk. The River is used to break up territories of the East, such as denoting the barrier between Vilgwith and Efanlas or Garotir. Eventually, the river runs down into Mhorlock Lake in the South thanedom of Crannach

The Vilgwith Territory

Amontya: Telzúr, a Dwarf Crafter

Due to the sprawling sparsely populated wilderness of Vilgwith, it has become a popular place for researchers to test their projects. With such open lands to practise their craft, there is little to no risk of causing any accidental damage to anything more than bare rock, should an error occur. This has been enthusiastically encouraged by the Amontya Telzúr, who during his political career, has ensured that various inns and shelters have been established across the land to provide hospitality to those doing such work.

Large populations of Orcs, Goblins and Beastkin can be found in Vilgwith, though aside from adventuring groups, the latter reside primarily within their homelands of Milos. Social hubs are lively with a mix of cultures, both from the locals and travellers from the South.

Whilst Vilgwith does maintain vigilance regarding those who pass the borders of their land, it is far less rigid and regimental than the approach found in Garotir. People are more free to move and act (albeit lawfully) as they will, and take great pride in this freedom. The majority of Vilgwith’s military consists of rangers, scouts and light cavalry. These highly mobile groups are typically spread across the land, able to quickly find and react to threats, rather than being a large standing military housed in barracks. Most citizens of Vilgwith know how to handle themselves in a fight - and as such can be called to arms as a militia should the need arise. This, however, is less due to any particular threats that the people face, but more from the mix of culture with their southern neighbours, which often leads to friendly, if competitive, challenges and rivalry between the neighbouring lands. People of Vilgwith can often be coined to have a “rough and ready” attitude, much befitting their lifestyle. Amontya Telzúr, a Dwarven scientist, holds annual competitions in the territory to push innovation and creativity with different themes every year.

Rydgor (Capital City)

Amongst a wide and open land, Rydgor offers shelter to any who wish to rest within the safety of its walls. The city itself is fairly unremarkable, especially when compared to some of her Elven siblings. Rydgor was, for all intents and purposes, a much more modern build, so lacks the fine Ulaidhian craft and architecture that can be found across the other territories. However, the people of Rydgor like this, as it means the city is more modern, and has amenities that only a modern city could have. With the amount of inventors and researchers that flock to the Vilgwith Territory, Rydgor comfortably sits as a point of respite between crazy spells or strange talisman testing.

Helhudh-Senji ‘The Huntmaster’s Keep’

Known as ‘The Huntmaster’s Keep’.

Milos

Homeland of the Beastkin within Eastern Ásaterra. The Beastkin of the Milos tend to be on friendly terms with the rest of the Vilgwith Territory. Amontya Telzúr has a general ban on any research taking place for a few miles around the forest, so to keep them safe from accidental damage or fires. The Milos packs often venture out to the territory to do trade, or gather supplies. While the territory would likely never see any real combat, the Milos Beastkin are fierce fighters, who train regularly, just in case.

The Efanlas Territory

Amontya of Territory: Cador Jones, a Half-Human/Elf

Efanlas is the central territory of the Eastern province, and as such enjoys a rather tranquil existence, as it is protected on all sides by its sister territories. As a land of plenty, with few concerns of its own, the people of Efanlas are often amongst the first to offer aid in times of strife; sending relief caravans across all reaches of Ásaterra, and occasionally even beyond. Unlike the ancient Elven woodlands that reach across its northern border, the territory of Efanlas was originally colonised by humans; the Elves having largely kept to the safety of their forest realm until the lands unified. In modern times, however, there is a diverse variety of species living here, enjoying the simple pleasures of a peaceful life. Without much need for defensive structures, and with much of the land used for agricultural purposes, most of the settlements consist of single story wooden framed buildings with thatched roofs and walls of either wattle and daub or wood, depending on the location and the supplies at hand. Amontya Cador Jones campaigned on his heritage of both Elf and Human to incorporate the traditions of Elves, while innovating with the adaptiveness of Humans, and has had a largely strong following in his years of the position.

Benskuvasa (Capital City)

Sprawling out from the edge of the Duloill forests, which lay in the centre of the territory, the city of Benskuvasa is far more developed than most of the other settlements of Efanlas. The city boasts both brick and timber buildings reaching up to three stories high, made possible by wood felled from the forests, as well as clay dug from pits nearby. Whilst Efanlas is commonly considered to be a quiet, tranquil setting, the capital is by contrast a loud and bustling hive of activity. Daily markets are held in the great public squares, where the various products of the land can be bartered for, and scores of clay kilns produce both pottery and bricks for either practical or decorative purposes. Benskuvasa is also well populated with breweries, inns and taverns, for those who attend the markets need places to stay. As such, the air is typically rich with the scent of hops and ale, and the sound of merriment in the evening after a hard day’s work.

Suaimoill ‘The Tranquil Woods’

The Suaimoill, also known as the 'Tranquil Woods', is a particularly peaceful and beautiful forest located at the southernmost point of the territory, touching the boundary between Efanlas and Garotir. Despite its proximity to Garotir, the inhabitants of the Suaimoill rarely show any interest in the military, preferring the quiet life provided by the relative safety of their location. With the Warriors of the Dark Sun guarding the South and the Circle protecting the Eastern marshland border with Skovva, there has been no breaking of the peace since the end of the Civil War - and even most of that was but a distant conflict.

Mes-Gonis;

Roughly half of the territory consists of the Mes-Gonis; huge sweeping plains containing rich agricultural farmland, which run along the whole edge of the Myghtsow. It is from these lands that much of the livestock, cotton and crops are harvested, which are in demand at the markets of the Myghtsow, Spryonsow and particularly the Koloven Mountains; all of which have limited capability of growing such produce themselves.

CILE Headquarters (College of Infrastructure and Land Exploitation)

This small group designates and assigns category levels to disasters that happen around Ásaterra. There are 5 Levels that can be assigned:

Level 1: Low Level - This can range from general damage to buildings, to a low level loss of life. This tends to be situations like a minor rock collapse from a neighbouring mountain causing a low amount of damage to buildings.

Level 2: Medium Level - This can range from a moderate amount of damage to buildings, to a moderate amount of loss of life. This tends to be situations such as a sinkhole caving many buildings asunder.

Level 3: High Level - This can range from a large amount of damage to buildings, to a large amount of loss of life. This tends to be situations such as a bandit raid on a town, leaving it burning behind them.

Level 4: Disaster Level - This is a rare level to be assigned. It will be assigned if there is a considerable loss of buildings, structures of importance, or loss of life. As an example, the destruction of the Hunsow in 1297BA was registered as a Disaster Level 4.

Level 5: Catastrophe Level - This has only been assigned to one period of time; the Second Ásaterran Civil War. This is reserved for situations that bring great harm to Ásaterra and her people.

The Spryonsow Territory

Amontya of Territory: Dy Lunio, Elf Crafter

Spryonsow, also known as the ‘Spirit Forest’ or ‘Whispering Woods’, was the sisterland to the Myghtsow during the time of the Elven sovereignty of the Kingdom of Ulaidh. As with the Myghtsow, the vast majority of the territory consists of ancient woodland. However, more so than the other Elven forests, the Spyronsow is renowned for containing innumerable Hwynerhi; glades flowing with magical winds. These are believed to be the source of the ‘whispers’ that give the forest its name, though whether this is simply an effect of the magic, or, according to folklore, restless spirits trapped by it, none can say. As with the other territories, the Spryonsow contains well maintained causeways, which enable easy travel across the primary routes of the territory and to its major settlements. However, travelling outside of the main routes can be arduous and it is ill advised to stray without a guide or map, for without the vigilance of the Elven pathkeepers, the old roads have become overgrown, forgotten and dangerous. This has allowed havens to be established for those who wish to remain hidden, or prey upon the unwary, especially along the border with the Broad Oak Forest of the Northern province, where many travellers are beset by thieves. Rumours have spread from those who have gone exploring in the lost reaches of the forest, from Elven communes hidden away within the trees; although the stories differ on whether these may be secret Elven cities still surviving or wandering nomads. There is much speculation as to the accuracy of these “sightings”, however, which has also contributed to the rise of folklore, speaking of echoes of long dead entities or settlements trapped by the magics of the land. Certainly there are few chartered Elven settlements still remaining, most of which have become abandoned ruins caused by the intense fighting in these lands during the civil war, and the lack of traditional Elven stone masons or woodshapers remaining with the skill in these lands to rebuild or maintain them. As such, many of the settlements that now exist are constructed by more mundane means, which are far easier to erect and maintain.

Lythita (Capital City)

Much of the city was badly damaged by the shockwave unleashed by the destruction of Lyverva, despite being on the edge of the affected area. Many of the Elven crafters were killed by the magical fallout, and with the loss of the higher magics and the civil war that followed, their numbers only continued to dwindle. Most of those who survived decided instead to move to the Myghtsow, where they could better work to retain the splendour of the ancient Elven homeland. As such, the Elven population of Lythita has gradually given way to a diverse range of inhabitants, from all corners of Ásaterra and beyond. In the one hundred years since the calamity, the ruined areas of the city have been repaired and rebuilt, but due to the lack of Elven craftsmen it is a mere shadow of its former splendour; the beautiful Elven architecture giving way to simpler constructions, many of which have been erected on the skeletons of the old Elven structures.

Despite its haphazard appearance, the city is still a hive of activity. Its footprint stretches into the desolated (but healing) land surrounding the ruins of Lyverva, and as such it is the closest place of civilised refuge for the numerous pilgrims who wish to reflect and pay tribute to the knowledge and people that were lost there. It is because of this that you can find almost anything at Lythita’s marketplaces, brought in from all corners of Ásaterra and beyond; for where pilgrims travel, they carry tokens of their homeland with them. Amontya Dy Lunio is one of the Elves that stayed around and continued to design in the ancient Elven ways. Her work is known throughout the East as one of the last masters of Elven designs and craft. She is known to take her time to respond, but when she does, it is with knowledge and stubborn meaning behind it.

Lyverva (The Grand Archives)

Founded by the Silk family, Lyverva was once the great Library in what is now Eastern Ásaterra, situated near the East-North boarder. In its heyday it held the largest collection of magical artefacts and was the greatest wealth of knowledge known across the lands. As such it also housed the most advanced school for magic enthusiasts, with the belief that through guided study many could achieve what would otherwise be considered impossible success within their chosen fields, and would therefore be enabled to provide further benefit in their services to Ásaterra. Anyone was welcome to enter the great halls of Lyverva and to study its near endless archives. Its fame was so great that pilgrims had been recorded as travelling from as far as Treth, Skovva, and beyond.

However, these days of enlightened glory were not to last. In 1195 BA, disaster struck when Lyverva was suddenly attacked by unknown parties, resulting in the complete destruction of not only the Library and its archives, but the surrounding land as well. The magical fallout was so intense that not one person residing within Lyverva has been recorded to have survived; the explosion and ensuing storm leaving but a barren wasteland in its wake.

The Wasteland of Lyverva, formerly the location of The Library. Original art: The Searchers Wasteland, The Searchers #5 by dabigboss

Due to the eradication of any witnesses during the attack, it remains unknown as to who is responsible, or their reasons for doing so. However, despite the lack of evidence many believe that the Royal Council had some part to play in this tragedy, mainly owing to their prosecution of mages in the following years. This poor treatment resulted in the eventual rise of the Magical Resistance, which later became the founding body of the Circle of the Arcane.

All that is known following the destruction of Lyverva, is that once the storm of its demise died away, the Higher Magics disappeared along with it. It is believed therefore, with the concentrated eradication of such a large collection of magical artefacts at one single time, that there must have been some form of cosmological effect resulting in the Higher Magics being lost forever. Whatever the truth of the situation, it has been a grievous loss to all academics, one which the Circle of the Arcane constantly strives to repair.

Since the establishment of the Circle of the Arcane, the wasteland of Lyverva has been revered as a sacred site and a great shrine was built to commemorate both the lives and knowledge lost during the disaster. The shrine is now respected as a pilgrimage site for all academics, much as the Library itself once was- though now in honour of its memory rather than for the seeking of the wealth of knowledge that it once held.

The Library (Holy Order of Skiaselveyn)

While the Library pales in comparison to what the Lyverva once was, the Library in Lythita is a great source of much knowledge across Ásaterra. It is home to the Holy Order of Skiaselveyn of the same name, headed by a Monkey-Beastkin called The Librarian who constantly records all the heralds of the Gods, factions, etc of Ásaterra.

The Garotir Territory

Amontya of Territory: Kalyna, also the current Kussul (Councillor) of the Circle of the Arcane.

Garotir has borders with Treth, Skovva and the Southern province, which has long made it on the forefront of the East, dating back to the Elven Kingdom of Ulaidh. As such, it has always maintained a sizeable and well trained military, as well as extensive fortified locations situated along its external edge, from which its forces can sally forth to counter any intrusion. As a land which has seen no shortage of conflict, the citizens of Garotir are hardy, and the territory is governed with a highly practical, self-sufficient mindset. Thanks to the rich fertile ground throughout the province, everything that they require is able to be sourced and produced within the territory. It is common to see fortified towns with warehouses and silos filled with supplies. This does not mean that they do not trade or share with others; it is a simple mindset that they must always be well prepared for a disaster. Since the war with Skovva has now turned into Peace Talks in 1296BA, the forces that once guarded that area has been moved to strengthen the half of the border that runs along Treth.

It is notable that Garotir has a large gathering of Goblins living in the area, dispersed throughout the marshlands along the Skovvan border. While they once served as a strong signal post for the Circle’s Patrols across the River Dileann with Skovva, in recent years, they have been enjoying the relaxed marshland of the Skovvan Myrr Marsh without threats of attempted incursions.

Margolour ‘Citadel of the Knights’ Watch’ (Capital City)

As befitting a stoic and military oriented society, the capital of Garotir is a multi-tiered fortified city, at the centre of which is the grand citadel of the Margol; the soldiers commonly referred to as the ‘Knights’ Watch’. The city and its defences have been gradually expanded over the centuries, from its original founding as a simple hill fort until its current standing as an indomitable bastion and seat of the territory. As a centre of military might, it holds the largest garrison in the East, which is entirely equipped with horses to ensure that the soldiers are able to sally forth to any quarter with the utmost speed.

Within the walls of Margolour lie well organised precincts; markets, blacksmiths, barracks, residential to name but a few. The sound of hammering from the armourers, the clash of weapons in training exercises, and the march of boots in the parade grounds are a near constant background noise.