Contact | JULIA CLARK

AURORIA

The land of Auroria is the largest continent in the

Western World and the heart of the Western

Kingdom. Once known as Queensland, when

the last Queen of the Kingdom passed and the

first king in generations rose, King Roland

Jarreth I ushered in a new age for the West.

As the War of Chaos had just been decided in the favor

of law nd good, the people at large became more and

more devout to Astron, the Father of Law and Light. Though

many also turned their eyes to the newly appointed goddess, Saint

Trevesard, this goddess was still young in her godhood and her followers were still few, yet often there are dedications to the heroine given divinity even in the temples of Astron, the followers of both often being allied in their upholding the ways of peace and good.

Though the followers of Saint Trevesard tend towards defending the weak honoring friendship, and offering redempton to those who can accept redemption, the followers of Astron have become more and

more militant and stringent in their tenets and laws, often rejecting those who worship other gods, spirits, or anything bove Astron as heretics, their laws becoming less tolerant where they have strong influence.

And in Aurora, the Golden Order of Astron has strong influence, indeed.

Whereas the land was to be named after King Jarreth I, the head of the Temple of Astron at the time convinced him to name the land after the fabled city in Etheria, the land of the gods, Auroria, as a way to show the king's solidarity with the temple and the Father.

In the centuries since, the full name of the land is the Golden Kingdom of Auroria, though most common folk simply call it Auroria.

Auroria is populated mostly by humans and the peoples on fairly good terms with the humans such as the dwrves, elves, gnomes, and halflings. Though the other peoples are more than welcome and tolerated in the Golden Kingdom, all are expected to follow the law of the land and the King's will, though in the confines of their own realms, the dwarves and elves are free to rule and live as they will.

The Barbarians of the North along with the frost and stone goliaths in the same region do not ackowledge the King's law or the Holy Laws as set forth by the Golden Order of Astron and, as such, are on very shaky terms with the Kingdom and its people. Raids on Northgate and people venturing into the Frozen North are not unheard of but trade with the peoples of the North is also commonplace.

The Golden Order of Astron is known to be as powerful or more powerful than the royalty of Auroria and, as such, other religions are not overly tolerated in the lands of Auroria where the Order holds the strongest power of any place on Garn.

Circles of Druids meet in secret glades and clerics following other gods, pray silently to the smller shrines within the Churches of Astron. The Way of the Flying Leaf Monestary, the only monk dojo in Auroria presents itself as a school focused on martial arts and physical wellness rathe than the spiritual center it is meant to be.

Most devotees to Astron are true bastions of faith, but some few groups do sour th bunch as a whole, abusing their power and status as Templars to the Father. The Faith, as a whole does its best to "correct" such behavior but in less populated environs those with power will abuse their power, the most dangerous of which are those who see no wrong in their actions and consider it their god given right to be "above" the common folk.

Though Duchies were commonplace in ages past, after the Duke's Uprising several centuries past, the number of those holding such power has been reigned in, so that there are but two, Duchess Marium Estevall of the Southern Duchy and Lord Glenarvon Ruthven of the Western Duchy.

The military, town guards, and other authorities of Auroria are largely comprised of paladins or fighters devoted to Astron, giving the Church even more power over the land but also contributing much to the safety on the roads from those foolish eough to practice being highwaymen in the land.

Thieves' guilds do exist in Auroria but those practicing the "Night Trade" are far more careful in Auroria than any other land with its very harsh laws and intolerance of lawbreakers. This also means that thieves and other Nigt Trdesmen in Auroria tend to be the most adept at what they do.

Rangers and those adept at walking the wilds without getting mauled by owlbrears or worse, sell their services as guides to those who need to take a "shortcut" to get somewhere fast (or those wanting to avoid the ptrols of the Order on the open roads).

Most sorcerers and wizards attend the Royal College of Magic in the Royal City of Kalemthar, itself, though the famed wizard Grenwald has, on rare occasion, taken a direct interest in those he finds truly adept in spellcasting. Warlocks, of course, are outlawed and unwelcome in Auroria so tend to keep the nature of their magic secret or, better still, hide the fact that they are spellcsters at all.

The Law of Auroria

In the Golden Kingdom of Auroria, the laws are decided on by the King with close advisors from the Golden Order of Astron. There is little leeway for criminal activity in Auroria and ignorance of its laws is far from garnering forgiveness or understanding.

It is strongly recommended for visitors and, especially those hoping to coe to live in Auroria, to become aware of the Kingdom's laws before ever stepping foot on the Kingdom's lands.

The following are the common laws and puishments for commoners and visitors in Auroria.

The Royal City of Kalemthar

The Royal City is the seat of power in Auroria. Location of Castle Darkbane, the home of ruling King Charlemain Jarreth VI, this city is the most defended stronghold in all the land, also housing the Royal Barracks and the Military Church, the Sword of Astron.

The Royal City is also home to the Royal College of Magic where the most learned and respected magic users practice and perfect their craft, most being expected to become Church Mages or Royal Mages. Those practicing magic on their own or seeking other ways to learn spellcasting are considered enemies of the state, called witches by the Church and actively hunted as such. Most of these unlawful spellcsters eagerly change their ways when captured, joining or rejoinging the College.

An exception to this rules is on the very rare occasion that Grenwald takes on a pupil, flying them off to his tower near the Elven lands of the Living Forest. Grenwald is so powerful and respected that even the Church will not go against his wishes and, in most cases. such an adept pupil tends to go to work for the Church or the Crown in the end, anyway, leading to the same result.

Kalemthar, itself, is the epitome of the most wealthy and powerful, a beutiful city full of beautiful people who were either born into their fortune from a noble bloodline or made their fortune on their own, newer to high society than those born to it.

Ony the highest quality goods are found in the Royal City, from silks diretly shipped in from the Far East to Elven wines made with grapes wildly grown in Raenatha to the greatest art and craftmanship from the best artisans the world has to offer.

Outside of the very wealthy, shopkeeps and tavern or inn owners make up the populace of Kalemthar, usually not able to afford the very pricy housing of the City and, instead living in apartments over their businesses. These apartments are still quite roomy, well kept, and grand accomodations compared to those in other cities.

It has been several centuries since the Royal City has seen major action such as that of a siege but the Royal Military and the Sword of Astron are always ready. One can never be too prepared after all.

The Districts of the Royal City of Kalemthar are:

The Royal District. This district, unsurprisingly, is where Castle Darkbane is located. Surroudig the Castle are the homes of the wealthiest and most respected nobles outside of the Royal family, itself. The Royal Gardens and Royal Theater can also be found here.

The Arena District. This entire district is dedicated to the Royal Arena and the few taverns and inns surrounding it. This is where criminals and those hoping to find a fighting fortune compete in what some, including the High Bishop of Astron, call savage fights that are considered archaic and outdated. But the distaste of the Church and others aside, there is no denying that the Games feed the Royal coffers and take in much more gold than it awards a would-be champion, bringing wealth from around the world.

The College District. This is the location of the Royal College of Magic overseen by Headmaster Califf Morgrimm. The District is also home to several book and magic shops, equipment stores, and a hndful of taverns and inns.

The Church District. This district holds temples and churches dedicated to Astron as well as shops offering various paraphernalia for clerics and holy practitioners. The Royal Church is also located here, mostly concerned with meeting with political officials and plnning actions that concern the Kingdom as a whole. Though the Bishop, himself, lives and operates in the city of Celestial Point, the Royal Pontiff Emmastelle Whitehall heads the Royal Curch and its day to day operations.

The Hospital District. This district is where the Royal Hospital, a place that is part physicker care and part spa, as well as the Royal House of Mental Wellness built not too far from the now abandoned Asylum which the welthy cry to be torn down as an eye sore but the place seems to "resist" being torn down and is rumored to be haunted.

The Shopping District. This district is full of grand shops and craftsmen workshops. It is a very crowded district where the rich show off their newewst purchases at high end restaurants and taverns, flaunting their material wealth like in few other places in the City.

The Sword District. This district is hoe to both the Royal Military Barracks and also the Military Church and the Sword of Astron. Several high end weaponsmiths also operate in this district but most of their customers are weapon and armor orders for the Royal Military or for the Church, directly. The Royal Prison which has very few inmates usurprisingly, is also located in this district as well as the Royal Arena, a fvored spot of many a local wealthy nd powerful members of society.

The Visitor District. This district is mostly dedicated to apartments and inns for those visiting the Royal City but not important enoug to warrant a room in the castle or one of the higher end inns found in other districts. The inns, taverns, and equipment shops in this district are considered "low end" and no self respecting Kalemtharian local would be found dead in the dstrict though the prices are still higher than those of any other city.

Anchor 1

Celestial Point

Anchor 2

Celestial Point is noted for the warm blue beam of light that rises

from the center of the city, in the Holy Square. This mysterious

light rises into the sky. The light is said to have been called down

by a Chosen of Astron named Shalister Graymane when he faced

a demon in the street of the city soon after it was built. The light

remained and those devoted to Astron say that it is a reminder by

the Father that evil cannot stand against the Faithful.

The greatest temple to Astron was erected soon after with

Shalister as the head of Church. The light and the temple remain

to this day and no other evil has been able to enter the city.

The head of Celestial Point is Townhead Morrigan Thelspar but

everyone knows that the real power in all but name is the Church,

and by contrast, High Bishop Harriford Grace IV. The High Bishop

is, from all accounts, a very pious and devoted man who may be

mor than a little bit of a zealot and very militeristic in his approach

to faith but none can deny his faith and focus on making the world

a better place even if he is very unswavoring and insistant on what "a better world" looks like and on wht is "good" and "evil". The High Bishop is very intolerant of anything he considers sinful against the Father and he demands the same not only from his and the Father's followers but all under his watchful eye.

Most of Celestial Point is dedicated to the Church with smaller churches found throughout the city alongside the Grand Church of Astron in the city's center.

Aside from the churches and the Estate of the High Bishop, there is also shops selling everythig the religious could ask for, clothing and equipment stores, and inns to house pilgrims and other visitors to the city.

There are no taverns in Celestial Point whih surprises some but the followers of Astron will point out that drunkeness is tantamount to making bad decisions and is, therefor, a road to evil that should be avoided.

The Grden of Saints is a beautiful display of nature and faith both with statues and plaques devoted to the various most renowned saints and heroes of Astron, surrounded by full trees, flowers, and other beauty.

Port Royal

Anchor 3

The central portion of the Royal Navy is stationed at this port city

along with more than a few cargo and passenger vessels, enjoying

the protection the Navy offers (though Port Royal also has a

reputation for taking the longest to leave port and get underway due

in large part to how thurough the Dock Masters are at checking

manifests, not content with just spot checking cargo as most ports

do but looking over entire shipments crate by crate).

This creates a double-edged sword for ship crew and captains to

losing time which can equate to losing gold but customers can be

assured that a ship leaving Port Royal is in the safest waters and

carrying completely legal merchandise. For this reason, very few

smugglers or other seafaring criminals are foolish (or savvy) enough

to operate out of Port Royal, rather using easier ports to coplete

questionable activities.

Aside from the port merchants, exporters, dock workers, sailors,

and the like - Port Royal also has its share of taverns, inns, and shops.

Where Celestial Point has outlawed alcohol and The Royal City of Kalemthar will only pour a glass of the most expensive and finest drink available, Port Royal makes up for this with a good mix of higher end taverns and pubs closer to the city center, while closer to and on the docks one will find the cheapest swill a sailor can guzzle.

The city center and docks both have their share of shops from standard equipment and trinket shops to the Found at Sea, a shop on the docks that buy unclaimed cargo on the cheap and resell it for a few coin profit. Great deals can be found at this second hand shop for the saqvvy soul looking hard enough and, sometimes, a shopper can find something worth more thaqn it looks.

The Jade Fish is a tavern and restaurant owned and operated by Ryori Suru, a chef from the Far East who has introduced her cuisine to Western Customers with some success.

The Dock Market is an open air market where many items from around the world can be found

Crown's Peak

The stretch of mountains from the Northreach all the way down

into the Kingdom and to Celestial Point, itself.

This reach of moutains are genrally climbed only by expert

rangers and Griffon Masters, cavalry members of the Golden

Ordr of Astron who excel at griffon riding and training, usually

trainng and raising their mounts at the Aerie, establshed at

Crown's Peak by the Church for this explicit purpose.

But Crown's Peak is not the safest of environs even for expert

flyers and clibers as it is also home to dire cougars, roaming

bands of yeti, and even a family of perytons it has been reported.

Occasionally thieves and poachers try to steal the griffons that

the Church has "tamed" but usually this ends with the thieves

learning the error of their ways, if they live to, and just how loyal

of companions the griffons become to their paladin riders.

Anchor 4

Northgate

Northgate is the last bstion of what some might consider civilized

lands before Northreach otherwise known as the Frozen North.

Being on the edge of the lands of barbarians, giants, goliath, yeti,

and other cold dangers, the people of Northgate have learned to

be hardy for the sake of survival and for the sake of their money

pouches as they might charge just a little more than other towns

for room and board, healing, food, and other services, especially

for those coming from the North. This makes Northgate both a

popular and unpopular place all at once.

Northgate is a prime spot for guides, rangers, and the like always

ready to sell their expertise in the wilds to those who insist on

going there. Most of these wilderness adepts, however, will turn

away those who have the look of the curious, people living

otherwise unexciting lives who just want a peek at the wild

reaches of the Frozen North. The kind of folk who get themselves

and others killed.

Nor do these folk tend to do what they call "rescue missions" where a local or nearby family had a ember taken by barbarians, goliath or others as the rangers and others savvy enough to survive the wilds are also savvy enough to avoid cusing trouble with entire tribes or clans of people and creatures who call the Northreach home.

More to these folks liking are customers who know where they are traveling to and why, looking for a particular area where an artifact is said to be burrie, or seeking somethig from wild game that onlyprowls the Frozen North and so on, taking on customers who will follow directions and not stare wide eyed when told to run or duck for cover.

Northgate is also a good trade community, though not so much in rarity as furs, trained wolves, anti cold remedies, and the like.

Anchor 5

Victoria

Victoria is a pleqasant enough town, if a little puzzling.

Victoria's Townhead, the retire paladin Sir Leonard Torramon, is

said to be almost as obessive about the law and about Astron as the

High Bishop, himself.

The townsfolk of Victoria equally come acros as very devout and

pious, insisting on visitors attending at least one service at the

local Church while visiting.

However, despite this activity and attitude being very close to thqt

of Celestial Point, and the Church in general, those who have

passed through the smaller town are rumored to have had an

uexplicable disturbing feeling. Some have said (when well away from

the town of Victoria, of course) that the devotion and pleasntness

that permeates Victoria's people feels somehow off, maybe even

fake, as if it hides something deeper that is not a devotion to the

Father at all but something else.

The Church chalks this up to rumors and parqanoia as they have

investigate the town thuroughly and have evern sent the legendary Witch Hunters to take a closwer look at the town's people without uncovring anything out of place. All towns have their share personality and quirky behaviors, some will say but that doesn't mean they are dealing with demons behind closed doors.

One can find shops and inns for most basic services and goods the average traveler could look for and the prices tend to be better than Northgate just a few miles away.

Being on the edge of Lake Windmire, Victoria taverns and inns serve plenty of fish dishes, as well as trading in fish with the close Northgate and occasionally with Celestial Point, itself though a little further away.

The town also rents out cabins for hunting and fishing on the Lake.

Anchor 6

Lake Windmire

Lake Widmire is a peaceful, generally stilll and calm lake.

Not the lrgest of lakes in Auroria, this lake is still a favored

hunting and fishing spot for the nearby town of Victoria, as

well as repotedly being the home of a family of water lloving

nereids, water fey and gaurdians of the world's waterways.

Some visitors to the lake, renting a fishing or hunting cabin

also panickly speak of smallish fish people who have scared

the visitors with girgling demands to "give it back" whatever

it may be.

Victoria has hired adventurers to get to the bottom of the

fish folk scares but whatever the fish people might be, they

are evidently shy when it counts and reclusive. The

would be hunters report the feeling of being

watched by the lake, itself, but never catching

sight of these rumored creatures.

As no one has been injured or assaulted by these

reported fish folk little has been pursued to come up with a more permanent solution.

Fishing and hunting continu to be a favored activity on the Lake with most coming home satisfied (and with a trove of fish or venison in tow).

Anchor 7

The Royal Plains

The open plains south of the Royal City of Kalemthar and

stretching for several miles.

The Royal family and friends thereof often use the plains

for hunting small game such as rabbits or foxes but there is

another, more dangerous creature roaming and hunting the

plains, a tribe of them in fact.

This is a tribe of centaurs who have lived on the plains for a

few generations now. Several centuries ago, one of the Royal

family wanted to hunt and do away with the centaurs only to

discover that his daugter had secretly befriended the tribe.

This touched the King's heart and since then, the Royal

family has been on peaceful terms with the centaurs who

they will sometimes see running, keeping pace with their

horses as they hunt.

Aside from the centaurs and the hunting copetitions that

take place there, little is remarkable about this area. Few

dare to travel the plains, owned without question by the royal

family, even to serve as a shortcut for traveling.

Anchor 8

The Northern Teeth

The Norther Teeth are the longest and highest mountains

in Auroria. This stretch of moutains is home to many

dangers ranging from yeti to icy elemental terrors to

cunnig ice wolves and frost salamanders.

The most infamous of the mountains dangers though is,

if the barbarians and goliath can be believed, a white

dragon known as Grimfrost.

To date, the white dragon has been content hunting yeti,

mountain sheep, and barbarians that venture too close to

its lair. How long that cntentment will last is anyone's guess.

The Northern clans have learned to shy away from the

Northern Teeth in general while still routing animals and

yeti to the mountains, lest the dragon run low on nearby

prey and start broadenig its hunting area.

The barbarian clans, themselves, along with the goliath

present their own dangers. Though the clans won't typically

kill travelers to the North, they are not above asking for a

tithe for "savng" them from the dangers in the area or just because the travelers look "ovrburdened with treasure".

Not many everyday folk in Auroria travel past Northgate much less as far as the Northern Teeth or deep into the Frozen North and those foolish enough to don't geerally return.

Despite the dangers there are dventurers who hear tell of a secret cave entrance somewhere in the Northern Teeth which leads to an underground trove of magical treasures. Most agree that these tales are wild fantasy and the most one can find in that mountain is the short end of a yeti's claws or, worse, a passage into the Underdark.

Anchor 9

Winterkill Peak

This highest peak of the Northern Teeth is presumed to be where the white dragon Grimfrost is thought to make its lair/

Several brbarian and goliath clans have suffered high numbers of losses raiding the mountain and going against Grifrost but none have yet been able to fell the dragon.

Because of this, the clans of the North have starte to call Grifrost the White Reaper.

Yet some few warriors who have returned from Winterkill Peak just long enough to tell of something worse than the dragon on that peak. A devil of ice is said to dwell within that mountain but whether it works with the dragon, against it, or if there is a devil of ice at all is very unknown.

Anchor 10

Grunsputnar: Jarl of the Frost Giants

In the mountain known as Icingwrought, a fortress made of

pure ice known as Svelt Harmmar in Giant or Ice Hammer in

Common.

On a throne in this fortress sits Grunsputnar the Woehammer,

Jarl of the Frost Giants and the most powerfu of his kin on

Garn.

Grunsputnar is unknown except by rumor and whisper to

most of the peoples of Auroria, but to the clans of the North,

among the barbarians and goliath, he and his kin are most

hated and not just because the frost giants take what they want

when they want but also because the giants leave little in their

wake other than chill death. There are not many among the

North clans that have not met the sting of tragedy at the handsw

of the frost giants.

The clans of the North are united in their hatred of the giants

and oftenjoin forces when the time comes to fight and kill

them.

However, no ammount of the clans coming together to fight

has breached the walls of Ice Hammer or garnered so much as

the mere notice of the frost giant jarl. It isn;t that

Grunsputnar fears the clans or any other force that might be

mustered against him it is simply that he is disinterested for none are challenge enough for him.

In the meantime, the jarl emerges only ocsionally to hunt or pillage and sate his boredom for a short time.

On occasion a younger frost giant thinks he is able to bet the jarl and usurp his rulership through a duel known as holmgnga. Some would be rulers do not fight with complet honor and the jarl has been poisoned and wekened with magic.

His challengers are all dead, leaving Grunsputnar hugry for a challenger worthy of him.

Anchor 11

Anchor 12

Caern of Jarl Dreki Hreggtor

Deep beneath the mountain, Icingwrought, in the bowels of

the frigid earth only accessible by secret means if not through

th frost giant fortress of Svelt Harmmar, is the caern and

grave of the revered first jarl of the Northreach, Jarl Dreki

Hreggtor.

Yet, as revered as this great hero and leader of the frost giants

is, none visit this graveside, not even the giants, themselves.

Some say it is because the cqern is cursed and dark spirit has

come to call the resting place of the great jarl its hoe for some

unknown reason, oters sqy that the spirit of the jarl, himself,

wlks those ancient halls for some unresolved purpose.

Whatever lurks in the caern, it has given pause to the frost

giants, perhaps even instilling a feeling that none of thm are

used to or would admit to feeling. Fear.

Rumors tell of other things in the caern as well, treasures that

were buried with the jarl out of respect to him, some even

being magical. But no one is foolish enough to attempt to

find their way past the powerful giants and into the caern, itself.

It is said, the sign of nearing the caern in the twisting, icy tunnels, is the bones of a gigantic beast that Jarl Dreki Hreggtor fell as his first kill as a younger giant.

Frost Lake

This frozen lake in the Northreach is known for its persitant

cold year round, needig to be cut away bits at a time and

then melted down with a cooking or campfire if used for

drink.

It is said that beneath the ice dwell cold fey kown as

pogakori, icy fey spirits who promote endless cold and

winter.

Other creatures og icy cold are said to call the Frost Lake

hoe as well, making it very dangerous and not a place to

tally for long.

Neither the clans of the North, the yeti, or the frost giants

attempt to hold the immediate land surrounding the land

which is said to be even colder than the rest of the

Northreach and is considered either a holy or cursed site, or

perhaps both.

One clan of barbarians do make it a habit of ice fishing at the

Frost Lake, the Nanuq or Ice Bear Clan whom other clans

call both brave and wrong in the head for doing, a trafition or

no.

Anchor 13

The Frostfang

Anchor 14

Off the shore of the Frozen North, a mountainous island of

pure ice rises from the water. This is the Frostfang which

appears, at a distance, to be impenatrable ice. If one is to land

on this "island" however, it is discovered that there are caverns

and tunnels running throughout the icy interior of the

Frostfang.

Rumors of treasures and fallen heroes within the Frostfng

abound though, of course, no one has any physical evidence of

this as those exploring these tunnels end up running away or

dead, those running reporting icy oozes moving

nearly invisibly throughout the tunnels of the

Frostfang. Its also been said that the lower

tunnelsw of this floatng ice cavern is

underwater.

submerged in the icy depths of the Cold Sea.

What the true nture of the Frostfang is or what has created its

considerable tunels is a mystery.

Royal Farmlands

Anchor 15

The Royal Farmlands are owned by the royal family but are

operated by the Farm Manager, Leomond Jorgunson who

lives on the farm with his family and the seasonal farm hands

who work and live on the farm in a rotation some of them

being regular workers and some only showin up for quick

work to not be seen again.

More Royal soldiers or Order paladins can be seen visiting

the farms than one might think. This is for the simple reason

that the farmlands is an important sset to the Kingdom as

the farms yield the food supply for the entire Eastern side of

the kingdom and the western farms are much less in size and

yield, though they might be able to help with feeding the

entirity of Auroria in a pinch.

Aside from fields of wheat, rows of vegetables such as corn,

tomatoes, beans, and radishes, are also cows and chickens,

sheep and horses.

The well protected and well worked farms are a proficiency-

oriented place. Room for visitors is not really a thing on the farms.

If one wants a roof or food then it is not a short visit but they are expected to stay (and work) for at least a week, a season being the preference.

Jewels of Prosperity

This group of islands off the East coast of Auroria are small,

tropical paradises for the wealthy and powerful of the

Kingdom.

The Jewels hold an aesthetic similar to that of the Eastern land

of Nazenka. Despite the War of the Genies fought centuries ago

when the Western Kingdom had been betryed and siezed by

the Saltan of Nazenka, the goals of the genies nothing short of

enslaving all of the Western Kingdom, the Eastern influence

such as the cuisine and entertainers has remained popular in

its influence since the Kingdom repelled the invaders so long

ago.

Soe of the Nazenkan families who worked for the Kingdom

even managed to secure protection and avoid a wartime

prison by denouncing the genies and swearing fielty to the

Kingdom. Descendants of these families still live on and

operate the luxurious cabins and taverns on the Jewels to this

day, including some few genasi, risha, and tabaxi in the mix.

The Jewels of Properity are made up of three islands, each offering

their own enjoyments and themes for those who can afford to visit them.

Jewel of Royalty

This island is reserved fo the Royal family where a large estate sits aong servant cabins and a lush, island plain.

The Jewel of Royalty is very well guarded by stealthy rangers and soldiers able to remain invisible and unobtrusive, the Royal familt at least wanting the illusion of not always being surrounded by the King's Guard.

Here, luxurious food, exotic animals, and the greatest beach life is had when the family can make it to the island.

Jewel of Sands

To the Southeast of the Royal Jewel is the mostly deserted Jewel of Sands. Aside from a gurd outpost and some cbabins for the Royal huntsmen who are appointed to the island, not much else exist here except a rogue, elusive sand dragon that was brought to the island as a wyrmling for entertainment and then escpaped, terrorizing the Jewel of Sands ever since.

Where it makes its true lair is unknown as it has tricked its hunters again and again with false lairs resulting in hunters falling to traps and other hazards such as sand devils that the dragon has, somehow, recruited into its service.

Until the dragon is taken care of, this island is off limits even for the Royal family.

Jewel of the Jungle

This island is composed of deeper jungles and old, ruined temples, the secrets of which awit discovery, or so visitors think. Though the island locals have gone through great lengths to make the island feel "adventurous", the truth is that the old, twisted temple and the jungle it sits in were made safe centuries ago, illusion mqagic and mechanical "traps" used to feed the gimmick of the Jewel of the Jungle and keep it a favorite spot for fun among the wealthy, giving them a sense of danger and adventure that the pmpered people might never, otherwise, experience.

Jewel of Pleasure

Made up of resorts, taverns, and even Eastern-style massage parlors and dance theaters, this island is dedicated to providing the utmost pleasure to its visitors. No matter the craving, it can be fed on the Jewel of Pleasure, far from the prying and judgmental eyes of the Golden Order of Astron who have no influence here (though it is rumored that some of the higher ups outside of the High Bishop, do visit this island).

Anchor 16

Jewelside

Anchor 17

The smallish port and fishing town of Jewelside is almost

exclusively purposed for taking the wealthy visitors to the

Jewels of Prosperity to the said isles, the rest of its boats used

eclusively for fishing (not that any of the fishermen or sailors

would be opposed to selling passage along the water but long

distant cargo or passenger services are just not found here

That is the purpose of larger ports such as Port Royal to the

North or Port Rainford further South.

Aside from passage to and from the Jewels of Prosperity, this

town has several taverns and a few shops selling equipment and

services that can't be had on the tropical islands.

The Singing Seahorse is an especially rowdy tavern where plenty

of drunken singing is always heard and even encouraqged,

bards often visiting and singing well-known songs that the

audience can sing along with.

The Pickled Fish is another popular tavern though likely for its

quieter atmosphere and rather cheap drinks, catering more to

the fisheren and sailors than the wealthy visitors to Jewelside and th Jewels of Prosperity.

Road Gate

These large, stone towers and gates are found throughout the

Kingdom, manned by Royal guards and often a cleric or paladin of

the Goldn Order of Astron.

These checkpoints are also a way to collect the mandated "travel

tax" which, mostly, goes into the royal coffers.

The guards of these gates keep an eye out for suspicious activity

and the criminal element such as would be highwaymen, hijackers,

or even darker elements such as cultists.

Mostly, though, the guards posted at these gates are bored, not

necessarily very attentive souls going through the motions and

shaking travelers up for taxes.

However, there is a time when the guards are on high alert and

this time occurs a few hours each day. This is when a commander

makes the rounds to check on the conditions of the gates and the

guards manning them.

Commanders make these rounds atop their griffons, giving the

watch a small bit of time to make sure the gate is at its best.

Anchor 18

Woodside

Woodside sits on the edge of the Living Forest, th domain of the

elves. For those traveling into the domain of the elves, it is a last

stop to equip and prepare before heding into the wilderness.

Woodside is not a large town and boasts a cofortable inn and

tavern, the Cozy Canopy, as well as a hndful of equipment shops.

The Tree's Tincture is a herbalist shop run by the halfling druid

Gilly Greenfoot which boasts the best herbalist supplies and

natural mixtures outside of the elven domain, itself.

Woodside's townhead is the half-elf Jonner Goodthorn, an

especially good natured fellow who delights in rumors and

knowing the business of everyone in his town. He doesn;'s keep

abreast of everyone's business out of any shifty agenda or motive,

truth be told Jonner doesn't have a bone of ill will in his entire

body, but rather, he does so out of loneliness and boredom, not

having a family of his own and few true friends that are not

friends of political convenience.

No one in Woodside has a bad thing to say about their townhead,

but the friendly man is just that to most of the town. A friend.

Woodside was founded with the elven lands in mind, thinking to be the center of trade with the elven people and expected to grow into a thriving town, perhaps even a city. But the expectations were higher than the reality. The reality being that there is little that the outside world has to offer the elves, other than some spices or ale out of curiosity more than out of need.

For this reason, the town has remained small, making its business from travelers journeying into the elven wilds or those stopping by on the road for need to rest and recoup.

Anchor 19

Port Rainford

Off the rainy, Sourthern shore of Auroria sits the port town of the

aptly names Port Rainford.

Port Rainford is the primary port of trade and passngers for

Auroria, opening into a very convenient and easy to access shipping

lane as well as having less thurough search of goods and passengers

than Port Royal.

The downside to buying passage or cargo shipment through Port

Rainford is that there are occasion run ins with the Bloodskull

Pirates which no Royal ship would ever run afoul of.

Aside from buying passge or sending cargo via a ship, this town

has housing for the locals, inns such as the Luna Sea Inn and the

Fanged Duck.

Port Rainford has plenty of seqside equipment shops dealing in

everyday goods as well as a few shops such as Sea Magics run by

Rummold Grimsilver, a wizard of some renown (though hardly as

well known as Grenwald, himself). Magic of the Sea can be

bought here.

Anchor 20

Anchor 21

The Gnome Village of Glitterleaf

Built close to the edge of the Living Forest, Glitterleaf is a village

that straddles the wooland realm of the elves and the Kingdom

of Auroria both.

The gnomes of Glitterleaf led by the smiling elder, Jola Bobblekip,

are a very friendly if overly curious bunch. Though their shops

have been built with the bigger folk in mind, dwafing their much

smaller homes and making for a kind of architectural shock for

those taking too close a look, they retain a style unique to the

gnomish builders.

Glitterleaf is populated mostly by green gnomes but rock gnomes

also live in the town such as Makki Steelboots, owner of the

Golden Gear where he subjects unsuspecting shoppers to his

inventions, some of which even work as intended.

Telsi's Teashop is one of the most renowned shops in the village,

selling mystical teas that do everything from curing headaces to

removing poisons.

The Green Cup is the local drinking and sleepng spot, very popular with visitors and at a more than fair cost.

The people of Glitterleaf are very excepting of all manner of folks but, so it is said, they will readilly report game hunters, poachers, and other defilers of nature to the elves before such even take their first steps into the Living Forest.

The Seaside Church of Astron

The Golden Order of Astron maintains a seaside church for travelers

to stop at, to worship at, and be reminded that the grace and wonder

of the Father, a rminder that the god of light is still by their side.

Along with the central church, itself, three shrines dedicated to

Astron also stand, for those who wish a quieter more one on one

prayer site with their god.

A small dock also exists, able to moor smaller vessels but the Church

does not supply seafaring vessels and the docks are only meant for

those seafaring travelers looking for some peace and worship in

their travels.

The priest who maintains the church is Father Rebula Tonnerson.

Aside from offering daily church sermons and quiet areas to pray,

Father Tonnrson also offers healing and blessings to those who

truly need it and can make an offering to the Church.

Smaller shrines to other gods are also scattered bout the church

grounds, not for worship but as reverence to the "lesser" gods that

the Father rules over.

Though not places intended for worship, Father Tonnerson and the

other members of the Church simply don't notice the small prayers

being uttered to these other gods by some visitors, choose your battles as the saying goes.

Anchor 22

White Mantle

The largest city in Auroria, White Mantle is a sprawling city of

various peoples and cultures.

From the wondrous shopsand stalls of the Market Square to the

beautifully built homes of Manor Hill, White Mantle is an amazing

and immense city.

Delemvar Katheris, the Lord of White Mantle, is a large, muscular

man and a shrewd but fair ruler to the grand city.

The city obeys nnd upholds the lws of the Kingdom but is not so

stringent and religiously militeristic as Celestian Point, Lord

Katheris believing that the freedom and enjoyment of his people

to be more iportant than upholding every single tenet and

supposed wish of Astron. This pits the good Lord of White Mantle

agaist some of the most fervent and influential of the Church.

He remains steadfast and the Church stays its hand in not simply

convincing the King to remove him, avoiding revolution in the

sizeable city.

White Mantle has countless interesting places to see and visit and the following is just a mention of some of the more noteable locations in the city and is not an exhausted list.

The Market Square

Having some of th ost interesting shops and open air market stalls, this large area in the Eastern city is awe inspiring with soething to see (and buy) in every direction.

The Great Bazaar

This area of Market Square is a sprawling cacophany of tents, stalls, and pavilions of all different colors and designs. It is said most things can be found in the Bazaar if a soul looks hard enough and has enough money to spend but, truly, the most wondrous items are not the ones sold in private sales but at the three times weekly held auctions in the Auctioneer Pavilion in the center of the Bazaar.

Beshelba's Baubles

The older gnome, Beshelba, owns a magic shop that deals in minor magic items, materials, and books on magic philosophies.

Baskerville's Books

This shop of tomes owned by the pleasant and elderly Goramin, holds books on history, religion, the arcane, and other topics. Research and learning can be achieved here.

Dotty the Diviner

Fortune tellers are lookd down on in Auroria, which is why Dotty has "rebranded" herself a diviner, claiming to be passing on information and insight that the Father wants to impart on others. Some rumors say that Dotty used to be, or may still be, one of the Painted People hiding her fortune telling abilities in "divinity" as to avoid suspicion because, if the Order could prove these rumors, Dotty would be arrested for heresy.

Whatever the truth behind her abilities, her abilities can be very accurate and she is certainly no charlatan.

Hammer and Anvil

A armor and weapon shop owned and operated by Quinn Ralathorp. This shop deals in well made weapons and specialty weapons made of cold iron or silver. Quinn can even arrange for adamantine weapons though these take money and tme to gather the materials.

The Holy Hand Clerical Supplies

A shop dedicated to supplying clerics with what they need, mostly the clerics that align with Astron but a few other supplies can be found on occasion.

The Potted Plant

A shop run by the retired druid, Graum Greenmane. His shop deals in mostly decorative plants, specialty herbs, and a one of a kind category of plant familiars.

Feasting Way

This stretch of several streets contain various eateries, taverns, and inns. People travel from all over Auroria to sample the foods in White Mantle and its famous Feasting Way. But not only the food, but the famous entertainment offered by renowned bards and telltales.

Caleshem's Cuisines

The famous chef Caleshem, once working for the Royal family, itself, presents recipes from aroud the world, but with his own touch. everyone who has paid the pricey money to taste Caleshem's cooking has come away happy.

Eat and Sleep Inn

One of the most cofortable inns in the land, the Eat and Sleep Inn is run by the Rumcreek family of halflings, owned by Navis and Selly Rumcreek. The inn boasts goose down pillows and mattresses as well as a delicious family recipe for salted pork.

West Street Bakery

Located on West Street, of course, this shop hosts amazing bked goods from classic muffins and sandwiches to unique items such as Skyberry pie.

Officials' Quarter

The Officials' Quarter is where all the city's official business is conducted, be it obtaining a merchqant's seal, officializing an adoption or marriage, standing trial for a crime, or any other manner of business that needs doing in White Mantle.

Courthouse

Judge Dillon Evercrest oversees the courthouse, offializing marriages, trying criminals, settling disputes, and other court business is conducted by the older man who is known to be stern but fair enough.

Center Park

In the middle of the official buildings and busy people, is a beautiful park of fountains, vibrant trees, and various flowers. The park marks the city's center.

Stormsteel Prison

The city's prison, Stormsteel is one of the last places a criminal or even someone accuswed of a crime wants to find themselves. The wardens of the prison are known to be some of the hardest and least copromising or copassionate people in the land.

Criminals are worked hard and barely fed, isbehavior withi the prison is rare and not long tolerated, and it is an over all unplesant place where you spend your time dressed in chains and used breeches.

Copper Way

Most cities have their...less than pleasant areas and Copper Wy is White Mantle's. The disheveled and poor live as best they can in the slums of White Mantle, called Copper Way because most of its residents are luck to have a few coppers on their person.

The Churc has done enormous efforts to try to help the poor of White Mantle, but have found many have encountered one tragedy or another turnig them to alcohol or worse, the relatively new drug known as Potion.

For this reason, most of the poor of Copper Way wallow at the bottom of the pit that has become thir lives.

The Kitchens

This kitchen, operated by the Golden Order of Astron, is maintained as best it can be, being the most popular place in Copper Way as even those afflicted with Potion need to eat.

Some minor crimes and debts can be worked off by doing time in th Kitchens, serving and cooking for the poor.

Rosethorn Graveyard

The truly desperate have come to dwell and even sleep in the old Rosethorn Graveyard locted in the bqack area of Copper Way. Word and rumor says some of the poor souls in the graveyard have died here, rising as a family of ghouls that haunt the place.

Stinktown and the Scarecrows

The sewers of the city have been converted, it is told, by a group of rogues and thugs known as the Scarecrows due to the burlap sack masks they wear to commit their crimes.

The authorities of White Mantle have had no luck ending this criminal group as they seem to disappear in the city's sewers.

Anchor 23

Grenwald's Tower

The wizard Grenwald, one of if not the most famous wizards in the

world, dwells in a secluded tower on the edge of the Living Forest

and Northreach.

Often sought after by the Royal family and the Church alike for his

wisdom, the wizaqrd nonetheless spends most of his time

sequestered in his tower and, should he decide to stop responding

to those seeking his guidance and magic, it is unlikely any could

successfully besiege the tower and its magic.

Grenwald often has an apprentice who is part student and part

servant though, at the moment the word is that he has not found an

apprentice worth taking under his wing and is inbetween students.

Grenwald has a history for sending for would be heroes and

adventurers or appearng before them with a task or quest if you

will.

These undertakings rarly seem world shaking, go and fetch this

item or go and deal with this monster, usually being well enough

rewarded for the party's time. But no matter how small the task seems, no one to date has refused the wizard.

Anchor 24

The wizard, himslelf, is a man shrouded in mystery, if he is even a

man. His age is unknown and there seems to always have been

stories of Grenwld, throughout the histories of this land and even

the histories of the Western World.

Some stories tell of a demigod, the son of the Mother of Mysteries,

Magga also known as the Goddess of the Arcane, who was adept and

impossibly wise in the ways of both magic and the nature of the

world at large.

Magga, this story tells, tasked her son with bringig wisdo to those

who would seek it to make the world a better place and, of course,

to spread the understnding of magic to all who would learn it.

In this manner and belief, Grenwald is known as Grenwald

Drakkenson.

Yet another tale, tells of a man born of a night hag and a tiefling,

an unholy union to be sure (some versions of this story make him

the son of a succubus and tiefling, instead). Grenwald rejected his

findish origins, however, and eventually his magics allowed him to erase any traces of his fiendish birth, resulting in the form he appears as now.

But, this tale cautions, it is unhealthy to rely on the wizard too often and for too much, for the curse of his fiendish lineage eventually touches those who do so.

Whatever Grenwald's true story, he is ancient, powerful, and well respected in all of Auroria and even the world.

Royal Elven City of Hath Shaelor

Located in the Living Wood, the Royal city of the elves, Hath

Shaelor is the head of the Elven kingdom in Auroria.

The Lady of the Living Forest, Arienanna, is the ruler of Hath

Shaelor as well as representing all the elven people in Auroria,

independant of the Elven King Osharn in Raenatha.

Though the Lady has had several suitors among her people,

Arienanna has remained unwed since the passing of her husbnd,

Variondor, turning her attention instead to her kingdom and her

people, burying her heart in her rulership and her twin children,

Glendraya and Halamon.

The Royal city of the elves is rarely seen by outsiders, save for the

King, himself. In fact, the Royal guard who travel with the King are

blinded using magic while in Hath Shaelor, creating a least favorite

guard detail task when told they will be traveling to the Living

Forest. It is highly unlikely that this small group of guards would

ever be of much use, should the elves decide to kill the King but blinded, they feel even more useless. Not that any of the guard would mention this to the King or the elves.

Luckily for all involved, the elves are not a cruel people even if a little arrogant. Elven patrols in the Living Forest will even guide those lost in their woods out of the woods and back to the nearest road.

Those attempting to ifiltrate the Elven kingdom, however, are not treated with any amout of kindness or forgiveness. What happens to such skulkers is unknown, though, as none are seen again. Even among the elves who are not in the council of the Royal court, itself, this remains a mystery left up to the imagination.

There are no shops or inns in th great elven city as the city is reserve for the elves, themselves, who have no need for money among their own commuities. Trading is alwys done in the towns and cities of others, envoys of shrewd elves making the journies for trade. Elves prefer materials an goods directly, over money as money means more time and travel to buy the items the elves actually need, but the elves understand how the world outside their kingdoms work and will grudgingly accept money if none are directly trading the materiqls they seek.

The elves typically hold elven vinyards with Elven wine being very sought after, especially by taverns in such wealthy places as the Royal City of Kalemthar or the higher end establishents in White Mantle.

Elves also trade in woodworking, theirs being among the best in the world, especially bows and arrows, even magically enchnted arrows and bolts as well as elven cloaks and other lightweight but sturdy garments.

The elves of Auroria keep on good terms with the Kingdom mostly out of their understnding that their people form a symbiotic relatonship with the other peoples of Auroria but also because the elves know that their numbers are smaller and trying to force others uder their banner, which is not the elven way to begin with, would be a losing proposition.

Though the elves do not work against the other peoples surrouding their lands, nor do they help in everyday events and struggles. It takes something that effects the elves, theselves, or a rare world shaking crisis for the elves to get involved.

Anchor 25

Elven Town of Draori

Draori is a smaller commuity of Winshara overseen by the Faeorynn

Canopy (family).

Draori is seldom visited by the more royal and traditional Erandar

elves but often the Quinabrekk will visit the comunity, especially if

a party or celebration is going on.

This small comunity consists of the elven homes, mostly built into

the trees, themselves, as is common with the elves as a whole, as well

as the Mooting, a hall dedicated to meetings that concern all of the

Wisharan elves of the Living Forest or intended for the rare meetings

with those outside the commuity.

Elves traveling throug the Livin Forest, native to Auroria or not, are

always welcome in Draori as tradition demands and the local elves

will always scrifice their own beds, sleeping in the family gathering

chambers or other available area in order to make guests

cofortable. For this reason, elven homes in Draori may have a guest

chamber built just in case.

Anchor 26

Elven Watch

The ever wary elves have excellent senses, making them naturals for

seeing a threat or out of place wanderers in the Living Forest. Aside

from elven patrols that roam the woodland realm, there are also a

few towers to give an elevated view of the elven lands and nearby

land outside of the Woodland kingdom.

Those wandering into the lands of the elves, be it intentional or

accidental can expect an encounter with an elven watch quite quickly.

Though not as common as the patrols on the ground and in the trees

of the Living Forest, there are some few hippogriff riders as well,

usually only called on for aerial threats or when a sky-eyed view is

called for.

Over all, the elves of the Living Forest are well protected from threats

in or above their wildrness kingdom and offers caution to those who

would dare even a single step into their wilderness domain.

Anchor 27

Ruins of Targ Althuuk

One of the black marks on Elven history is the cult that existed in the

town whose name has been lost and buried in history but is now called

Targ Althuuk which means "Dark Blight" to the elves.

Around two millenia ago, the prosperous elven community of this

town held a dark and bloody secret to their small comunity. As irony

would have it, it would be a curious group of Quinabrekk elves that

would ucovr that something was amiss with the town and that its

Winsharan inhabitants were hiding something. But the Erandar high

elves of the kingdom did not believe the Quinabrekk and through

their lofty, hedonistic ways had gotten the better of them or that they

were jealous of the town's comfort and prosperity.

It would not be until a youg high elven woman, who stopped into the

town for a rest and meal, would disappear before the rest of the

kingdom would take what the wild elves had claied seriously.

By then it was too late for the young elven warrior and others that had gone missing over the years, presumed to

have been lost due to vicious wilderness plants or beasts but actually sacrificed to the vile demon lordess Ixthazol, in exchange for prosperity and glory for their town, these elves once found out became the first elven blooded tieflings on Garn, cursed to be bound to the blood of the demon they worshipped over Corellon Larethian and the other elven deities.

The town, itself was burned and motly destoryed, its remains turning to stone, its peoples exiled from all elven lands ever since.

The evil of the cursed cult and the town thyey had inhabited had come to a close but legnds tell of a hidden evil beneath the ruins that still persists to this day, darkenng the woods immediately surrouding it and cursing any who dare to venture into the ruins, themselves.

Anchor 28

Seldrine Shrine