The World of Kishar

[Matt Larkin (author)]

I added some minor updates to the non-true races in the most recent posts, including locations where the races are found, and the Tengu.

I also corrected population demographics for the Celtic Isles and added more to the monster lists there and in Ahlia.  I also added History and Equipment for Ahlia.

On the subject of equipment, I list the actual term of the weapon, plus the closest D&D mechanical equivalent in paranthesis.  The same is true for monsters, though I haven't gotten too far in correlating most of those yet.

I'll post more regions soon.

[Matt Larkin (author)]

Terza
An island chain west of Khaltesh, Terza was once united in an empire, but has fallen to civil war, each region ruled by the strongest daimyo.  Terza consists of several islands, including Adakaido, Shikami, Yokage, and the Border Isles.

Context:   Inspired by feudal Japan.
Climate:   Temperate
Terrain:   Much of the Terza is mountainous, with many dense forests.  Only a small portion of the land is arable.
Land Area:   50,000mi2 (20% arable)
Population:   1,400,000 (93% human, 2% nezumi, 1% goblin, 1% vanara, 1% fey, 1% tengu, 1% other)
Capital:   Previously Mizoto
Currency:   Standard.  Many coins used in Terza come from Guiyu, though the fallen Crane Empire also minted some of its own.  Terzanese coins, like those from Guiyu, are often large, but have holes in the center, reducing the total value back down to that of a standard coin.
Wealth:   Moderate
Language(s):   Terzanese
Dress:   There are many unique articles of clothing in Terza.  The kimono is the most common â,¬' a full length garment worn by all.  The jinbei is a matching top and shorts worn by men and children in the summer.  The jÃ...«nihitoe is a robe worn by court ladies.  The hakama are long (ankle-length), wide skirts, sometimes divided to be baggy trousers; they are tied at the waist.  The yukata is a casual kimono worn after bathing or during summer.  The obi is a sash commonly worn.  Tabi are a kind of sock and zori are sandals.  Geta are a kind of clog, while waraji are sandals made from straw rope worn by commoners.
Religion:   Terzanese Animism

[spoiler=History]According to the ancient legends: The world was once chaos.  Oni roamed the land and ruled with terror and fire.  Then the great kami came to the world and saw the suffering of mankind.  They led mankind to fight against the evil oni and to create order in the world.  This conflict is known as the Oni War.  When the war ended, most of the oni were driven out of the human world and into the Spirit World.  The end of the Oni War marked the beginning of the history of humanity.
In the wake of the Oni War, the great oni and the great kami were all gone to the Spirit World.  A powerful force remained, however: the ogres.  The ogres were tainted by the oni; though lesser than the great oni, they were a terrible force throughout the land.  They were not immortal like true oni, but the ogres were long-lived, resilient, and possessed horrible powers no man could match.  For many years after the Oni War the people struggled to fight the ogres.  Then a great hero, chosen by the kami appeared.  His eyes held the light of heaven, and his blade brought ruthless vengeance on the ogres in a whirlwind of death, destroying the true ogres or banishing them to the Spirit World.  With the true ogres gone, lesser beings, claiming to be descended from those ogres, then arose, calling themselves ogres.  Such ogres persist even unto the modern world, shadows of the power wielded by the true ogres.
With the true ogres destroyed, human civilization began to develop in the islands of Terza.  Various factions developed, and these factions warred with each other for land for many years.  In time, a man named Masanori Akita arose and conquered the warring clans and proclaimed himself Emperor of all Terza.  Akita was said to be descended from the gods, and to establish his rule with the blessings of heaven.  He was known as â,¬Å"The Dragonâ,¬Â because it was said he had the support of great dragon spirits, which proved his celestial lineage.  This was the beginning of the Dragon Dynasty.  Many of the other factions beneath the royal family continued war with each for dominance and influence, but all supported the Emperor.
At some time in the distant past a great darkness arose in the mainland to the west.  The lands that once prospered there fell under the sway of a great evil known only as â,¬Å"the Shadow.â,¬Â  Those lands were warped and twisted under his terrible rule, tainting all that lived in them.  Those regions became known collectively as the Land of Shadows.
Late in the Dragon Dynasty, an invading force from the Land of Shadows landed on the shores of Terza.  It is said the first invaders landed at Yokage and found the people completely unprepared.  Hordes of nezumi, goblinoids, and fouler creatures began slaughtering the people of the Empire.  The Emperor sent forth a rallying call to the great warriors of the land to face this horde.  Samurai had long since become the leading warriors of Terza, and they answered the call to fight against the Shadow.  They found aid unlooked for in vanara warrior monks descending from their mountain and forest homes to fight evil.  Ever since, the vanara have been seen as champions against evil, though they avoided most human wars since the Shadow Invasion.
In more modern times, history is more certain.  Some one hundred years after the Shadow Invasion, the current Emperor was assassinated.  To this day who killed Emperor Masanori Umazi remains a mystery.  With the death of their ruler, the Dragon Dynasty was shattered.  The descendants struggled for power, each making a claim for the throne.  The empire quickly collapsed into civil war.  Clans arose from different descendents of the emperor, all claiming a connection to his divine ancestry.  Civil war waged for over 250 years.  Alliances were formed and broken, cities were destroyed, heroes died valiant deaths, and much was lost.
The Civil War drew to a close as the head of the one of the great clans finally managed to unite the other clans behind himself.  This man was Kyu Rajo, head of the Crane Clan.  He established the Crane Dynasty 400 years ago â,¬' the dynasty that still rules the empire today.  Many of the other clans have continued fighting for land and influence, but the Empire was stable for many years.
About 150 years after the founding of the dynasty, a bandit army swept over northern Terza, raiding and pillaging villages and travelers.  The bandits were led by a warlord known as The Hawk.  The bandit army was eventually defeated by the armies of the nearby clans.  The Emperorâ,¬,,¢s champion, Kyu Toru, personally defeated The Hawk.
In 1506 the champion of the Tiger Clan, Goke Odushi, felt himself gravely insulted by a high-ranking member of the Crane Clan.  Emperor Kyu denied Odushiâ,¬,,¢s challenge to the offender.  Odushi was infuriated, and Tiger Clan eventually rebelled against the Empire, claiming that Kyuâ,¬,,¢s claim to the throne had never been as pure as others.  After twelve years intermittent combat, intrigue, and betrayal, the Crane Dynasty is starting to falter.
In 1511 ago something no one can quite explain happened.  Strange beasts began appearing, the dead rose, and the Shugenja claimed magic had gone wrong.  The very world seemed on the brink of major change.  Many took this as a sign the gods had withdrawn their support from the Crane Dynasty.  This time of disorder is sometimes called The Discord.  Among the strange events that took place then, one of the earliest was that, one night, in the dead of night, a light burst through the sky like a beacon, lighting up the night sky as though it were day, for a brief moment.  This event was followed by violent storms out at sea, as well as a discoloration in the sky, scholars claim came from volcanic activity.  These events preceded the arrival the strange beasts and walking dead, which many believe may spawn from the Land of Shadows.

[spoiler=Timeline]
Year (CE)   Event
863   The last emperor of the Dragon Dynasty, Masanori Umazi, is assassinated.  The Civil War begins.
1122   The Crane Dynasty is founded.  The Civil War ends.
1125   The Emperor begins construction of his new city, Mizoto.
1146   The 1st emperor of the Crane Dynasty dies and is succeeded by his son.
1169   One of the Border Isles erupts, turning out to be a volcano.  The villagers living on the island are all wiped out.
1241   The 99 samurai lead a crusade to cleanse the Land of Shadows.  None return, but all go down in history as famous heroes.
1282   A bandit army storms through northern Terza, lead by a great warlord known as The Hawk.
1283   The bandit army is defeated.
1319   Ogres raid through Falcon Clan territory destroying farms and villages.
1321   A hero of the Blazing Sun Clan named Sakihara Yuki defeats the ogre general in single combat.
1324   Most of the scattered remains of the Falcon Clan territories are seized by the Blazing Sun Clan.  Some of the Falcon families join the Blazing Sun Clan.
1390   The Mantis Clan is destroyed in a war with the Serpent Clan.  Many of the Mantis Clan survivors join other Clans.
1450   War between the Tiger Clan and the Lotus clan turns particularly bloody.  The Lotus Clan beseeches and receives aid from the Blazing Sun Clan, leaving them indebted.
1487   Deep in the mountains, mysterious ruins of an ancient race are discovered.  The Emperor orders an investigation, but no one is able to learn their nature.
1506   The Tiger Clan succeeds its lands from the Empire, revolting against the Crane Dynasty.
1510   Doomsayers appear in Mizoto, preaching that the End of Days is coming.  Emperor Kyu has them executed.
1511   The Discord
1515   All of the ranking members of the Yamoto family (Crane) are wiped out by ninja, effectively destroying the family.
1517   Goke Odushi defeats the champion of the Crane Clan in single combat, earning great renown.  The Emperor struggles to find a new champion.
1519 Terza collapses into civil war and is divided among fueding warlords[/spoiler]
[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Flora & Fauna]Fey:   hengeyokai, kitsune, yuki-onna
Giants:   hibagon (yeti)
Monsters:   bakeneko, baku, gaki, hitotsume-kozo, ho-o (fenghuang), jikininki, kappa, kekkai, kirin, kumo (aranea), nekomata, nue, nukekubi, raiju, ri, rokurokubi, samebito, suzaku, tennin, yama-uba, yamata no orochi (hydra), yatagarasu, yurei (ghost), zombie[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Equipment]Axes:   ono (battleaxe), masakari (battleaxe)
Blades:   tanto (dagger), aiguchi (dagger), nodachi (greatsword), katana (bastard sword), tachi (bastard sword), wakizashi (shortsword), gunsen (war fan)
Clubs:   jo (club), greatclub (tetsubo), dai tsuchi (warhammer)
Flails:   nunchaku, kawanaga, kusari-gama, manriki-gusari (chain)
Hand Weapons:   kote (gauntlet), nekode (tiger claws)
Polearm/Staff:   kamayari (guisarme), bisento (halberd), uma-yari (lance), bo (quarterstaff), yari (shortspear), magari yari (trident), chijiriki, sasumata (mancatcher), sodegarami, sang kauw, spear, longspear, naginata (glaive), nagamaki (halberd)
Ranged:   yumi (composite shortbow), dai-kyu (composite longbow), heavy crossbow, nage-yari (javelin), uchi-ne (dart), surujin (bolas), shuriken, blowgun, greater blowgun, sling
Armor:   padded, cord (leather), leather scale (studded leather), light mail (chain shirt), scale, mail (chainmail), lamellar (splint)[/spoiler]

[Matt Larkin (author)]

Antia
Antia is an island northwest of Ahlia.

Context:   Inspired by Turkey.
Climate:   Temperate, with hot, dry summers and mild wet and cold winters.  Desert regions are arid.
Terrain:   Coastal plains with some desert.
Land Area:   60,000mi2 (33% arable)
Population:   2,600,000 (99% human; 1% other)
Capital:   Troy
Currency: Standard or Ahlian
Wealth:   Moderate
Language(s):   Antian
Dress:   The Antians often have close-fitting garments of varying colors, mainly as lace-woven wool.  Leather clothing is very common.  Silk is also imported form the east.  Womenâ,¬,,¢s and menâ,¬,,¢s clothing tend to be very similar â,¬' both genders favor functional clothing.  Typically an outfit consists of a shirt, riding trousers, leather boots, and a silk or cotton cloak.  Fine boots can be sign of social status.
Religion:   Church of Ormazd (70%), Eclesian Church (24%)

[spoiler=Equipment]Axes:   balta axe (battleaxe), handaxe, heavy pick, light pick
Blades:   bichaq (dagger), yataghan (kukri), falchion (longsword), shamshir (scimitar), goddara (scimitar), shortsword, novacula (sickle)
Clubs:   club, greatclub, heavy mace, light mace, morningstar, sap, warhammer
Flails:   flail, heavy flail, chain, spiked chain, kamcha (whip)
Hand Weapons:   gauntlet, spiked gauntlet
Polearm/Staff:   scythe, spear, longspear, shortspear, quarterstaff, trident
Ranged:   recurve bow (composite shortbow), shortbow, jarid (javelin), dart, sling
Armor:   leather, cuir bouili (studded leather), light mail (chain shirt), scale, mail (chainmail), lamellar (splint)[/spoiler]

[Matt Larkin (author)]

(editted into an earlier post)

[Matt Larkin (author)]

Atlantis
Lost in myth so long ago that even few sages had heard of it, and fewer believed, Atlantis was once the seat of the great Encaran Empire, and home to its capital, Ys.  It is an island in the middle of the Okeanus.  The entire land sunk beneath the waves due to extreme elven magic.  However, in the year 1511 Gaedren used an ancient magical device to raise the land from the bottom of the sea.  Only a few intrepid individuals yet know of its return, or what it could portend.
It is testament to the quality of its architecture that anything remains of the city after 10,000 years beneath the sea.  Or perhaps its proximity to the Star of Life prevents entropy.  The encarans knew the Star was located beneath Atlantis, which is why they chose it as the site of their capital, revering the source of life.
Context:   Ancient legend.
Climate:   Temperate subtropical.  The ocean winds bring warm air around Atlantis, keeping the land and water warmer than other areas so far north.
Terrain:   Coastal plains, highlands at the heart of the island.
Land Area:   750,000mi2
Population:   0
Capital:   Previously Ys

[Matt Larkin (author)]

Awkar
Awkar is a region south of Kongo, on Mahimata.
Context:   Inspired by the ancient kingdom of Ghana.
Climate:   Tropical.  The northwestern regions are fairly dry, while the rest of the land is quite humid.
Terrain:   Mostly savannah.
Land Area:   2,625,000mi2 (33% arable)
Population:   87,000,000 (97% human, 2% catfolk, 1% anurans)
Capital:   Audoghast
Currency:   Standard, though gold is by far the most common.  It is often exported to trade for material goods.  Barter is fairly common.
Wealth:   Moderate
Language(s):   Awkar
Dress:   Bright dyes are often used even on common clothing, which is often loose.  Sometimes those of rank may wear animal skins as a sign.  Womenâ,¬,,¢s clothing often includes cloaks and beaded, woven skirts.  Within the cities, formal dress may owe some influence to Ahlia; such consists mainly of long, loose robes.  Colorful jewelry is common for both genders.
Religion:   Mahimatan Animism

[spoiler=Equipment]Axes:   battleaxe, handaxe, elephant axe (greataxe)
Blades:   pokwe (dagger)
Clubs:   club
Hand Weapons:   claw bracer
Polearm/Staff:   spear, longspear, shortspear, quarterstaff
Ranged:   tombash (boomerang), throwing iron (throwing axe), net, sling
Armor:   padded, hide[/spoiler]

[Wensleydale]

Ah... don't you just love it when you have such a cool campaign setting?

[Matt Larkin (author)]

Thanks :D

Style of dress added to regions.

[Matt Larkin (author)]

Bana
Bana is an archipelago south of Guiyu.
Context:   Inspired by the Philippines.
Climate:   Tropical.  Hot and humid.
Terrain:   Most of the islands are covered in jungle.  The islands are somewhat mountainous, in fact, many are volcanic.
Land Area:   49,000mi2  (24% arable)
Population:   1,700,000 (98% human, 1% fey, 1% other)
Currency:   Barter, though some may accept coins in trade.
Wealth:   Low
Economy:   TBA
Politics: TBA
History:   TBA
Military:   Each tribe has their own warriors to defend against other tribes and outside threats.
Legal System: TBA   
Language(s):   Baneese
Culture:   TBA
Dress:   The Baneese favor very long, loose shirts, called a barong â,¬' shirts made of a light fabric they keep one cool.  They have a long open neck with buttons.  A formal barong typically has elaborate embroidery.  Women are more likely to wear bright, breezy dresses.
Religion: Baneese Animism
Holidays:   Varies based on tribe.  Most tribes celebrate each new moon as a new beginning, with feasting and dancing all night.
Cuisine:   TBA
Legends:   TBA

[spoiler=Flora & Fauna]Fey:   diwata, nuno
Giants:   pengot
Monsters:   alan, aswang (ghoul), kapre, manananggal, multo, sigbin, tikbalang[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Equipment]Axes:   battleaxe, head axe (handaxe)
Blades:   dagger, kampilan (longsword), bolo (scimitar), barong (shortsword), sickle
Clubs:   muton (club), rattan (club)
Flails:   nunchaku, kabit (chain)
Polearm/Staff:   sibat (spear), longspear, shortspear, quarterstaff, spear
Ranged:   shortbow, light crossbow, javelin, dart, net, sling, blowgun
Armor:   padded, leather[/spoiler]

[Matt Larkin (author)]

[note=The Sekaran]After a while away, I present a brand new culture.  This doesn't really fit anywhere, but I'll put it under Organizations.[/note]
SEKARAN (SEA MEN)
The Sekaran are a culture of nomadic sailors that call no land home.  Their name comes from the sahagin tongue, meaning sea men.  They travel all around Okeanus, especially in the areas between Midgard and the Mantean Islands.  They bring trade and tales from far away lands, and thus are allowed in most ports, but viewed with suspicion.
The Sekaran have deeply tanned skin and usually dark eyes.  They favor large, exotic tattoos, and piercings and jewelry.  They are excellent swimmers and born to the sea, making them arguably the finest sailors in the world.  Few are religious, though most are superstitious.  Many pay homage to a sea god (sometimes Varuna, Dagon, Mama Cocha, or some other deity) out of fear, or follow the local spirits of whatever island they may be on.
The Sekaran have had long relations with the sahagin, who will usually respect them more than other humans and trade with them.  The Sekarans use many words derived from the sahagin language, and occasionally borrow aspects of their culture, as well.
The Sekaran sometimes have temporary settlements on islands far from known lands.  There they bury their treasures, wait out bad weather, or take on supplies.
Because many Sekaran are pirates, many people consider them all criminals.  Sekarans hold no special loyalties beyond their own shipmates, however, so Sekaran pirates may well prey on other Sekaran vessels.
Resources: Low
Reach: High

[spoiler=Sekaran Lore]Knowledge (local, lore)
DC 10: The Sekaran are a culture of sea-based nomads known as traders, explorers, and pirates.
DC 15: Most ports are open to Sekaran vessels, but few people of any nation trust them.
DC 20: Sekarans have deep tans and distinctive tattoos, and thus can be picked out from normal people.  They have some strange relationship with the sahagin.[/spoiler]