Agonya: (91,000), [Iron Ore, Iron Furniture, Cookware, and Torture Equipment] Description: A city of extremes, the Ni-kie are fascinated with anything sharp and spiky, thus they have spawned the architectural style termed Agonya Dreadful. The city is fenced in iron palisades fifteen feet tall, two inches in diameter, and three rows thick. Very territorial, the city's inhabitants have fenced their property in the same iron spikes, and the higher they soar, the wealthier the Clan. Every square inch of the Houses, and shops, is dominated by serrated spikes, that have been embedded into the masonry. Even the streets have their far edges, and centres lined with nails. Foreigners are welcomed warmly here; In boiling oil, hot iron pokers, burning Stakes, etc...

Cilkie: (66,000), [Religious Curios, Wool, and Barley] Description: See Agonya.

Clysh: (100,000), [Herring, Seal Pelts, and Coal] Description: This is the only Ni-kie city that is both lacking in the gauche Iron fanaticism, as well as the outer palisades. It is also the only one of the Ni-kie cities that will allow foreigners, to freely enter and leave the city, although they are still only allowed to traverse within the outer market area. All outside trade comes through Clysh!

Hols: (91,000), [Goat, Mutton, Boar, and Llamas] Description: See Agonya.

Culture:

The Autocracy is ruled by a warlord who rules solely by his strength of will, and ability to inspire fear and therefore respect among his followers. It is not unusual for there to be two, or sometimes even three Autocrats ruling at once, though the strongest, usually holds Agonya, while the weaker rule the lesser cities.

There is no apparent sexual discrimination amongst the Autocracy, only decimation of the weak, and helpless.

The climate is cold and wet, with much of the winter being passed with little, or no sunlight.

Bassaloon

Statistics:

Official Name: The Bassaloon Empire

Symbol/Flag: One White & One Black Quill Crossed on a Red Background

Capital: Bassaloon

Government: Democratic Monarchy

Population: 4,037,000 Bassaloonians, 500,000 Sonnians, 57, 000 Ro-anic, 12,000 Nundanni, 18,000 Oso, 28,000 Antollaf, 5,000 Pramsal, 32,000 Armo-Thoraxy, and 74 Kay-inin.

Military Rating: (Level)1,(Shield Type)0,(Defense) 0,(Weapon Style)Martial Arts

Wealth: Moderate

Technology: Bronze Age

Worship: Oviour God of Flying Things, and Nattera the Mother Goddess.

Calendar: Cindar

Cities:

Bassaloon: (Population: 3,210,000), [Commodities: Float Boat Balloons, Rum, Ink, Silk, Gold, Platinum, Jewelry, Exotic Clothing, Perfume, and Face Paints] Description: Bassaloon is a city made almost wholly from burnished mahogany planks, and gilded with gold. No buildings stand higher than four stories high, and every house has roosts, or bird houses built into them. the city of Bassaloon is considered the 2nd Marvel of the World.

Ashurran: (310,000), [Spices, Silk, Herbs, Kaffe, Cocoa, Bananas, and Sugar Cane] Description: A miserable city, plagued by bugs, and rodents. It is always over crowded, and smelling incessantly of mold. Avoid it if you can, for this is one city that has no redeeming factors!

Evaeha: (56,000) [Cattle, Beef Jerky, and Exotic Cloths] Description: It is a simple outpost town on the High Forest Continent, and due to the constant encroachment of the Theocracy of Os it boasts the only city fortifications within the Bassaloon Empire.

Ashar: (62,000), [Cotton, Salted Fish, Pineapple, Coconuts, and tropical Ciders] Description: Ashar is a small farming community, that due to its proximity to the Theocracy of Os, boasts the highest military presence of the Empire, as well as their elite units, (2,1,0,M).

Allado: (8,000), [Long Bows, Gauze, Hemp, and Vellum] Description: Nothing of note.

Hoopik: (10,000), [Insect Repellent, and Bathing Oils] Description: Hoopik is the home of a marvelous hot spring, which the towns folk have edged in basalt. If you end up in Hoopik, these pools are a must, if only because the insects avoid them.

Hoottok: (9,000), [Lobster, Crab, Shellfish, Pearls, and Abalone] Description: Hoottok is the most rapidly expanding city in all of Bassaloon, with great wealth to be had for those who are fortuitous enough. With its pleasant coastal climate, and white sandy beaches it is ideal for the weary traveler, with some of the finest inns in the world, along with the most delectable seafood that one could ever hope to taste!

Darrebb: (31,000), [Salmon, Shark, and Hardwood Furniture] Description: Darrebb with its high Sonnian influence appears to be more Sonnian than Bassaloonian, though the houses do have walls they are still invariably thatched with palm fronds. It is within the city of Darrebb that the only written account, of formalized worship for the Sonnian Mother Goddess Nattera exists, and her only temple as well.

Culture:

A heavily based trading empire totally devoid in the understanding of war, other than as a commercial concept, they study the various cultures about them for the technologies needed for shipbuilding and sailing.

The People are ruled by an Emperor/Empress whom they elect, and revere.

Climate is humid, with Rain forest predominate yielding a wide variety of animal and rare plant life in the south, with savanah in the north.

The Empire farms many of these otherwise unknown or exotics substances, plants, herbs and cures for export.

Delffi

Statistics:

Official Name: The Kingdom of The Delffi

Symbol/Flag: Black Ram's Head on a Brown Background

Capital: Delff

Government: Conservative Monarchy

Population: 111,000 Delffi, 5,000 Jer Ang, and 30,000 Kermlosso

Military Rating: (Level)3,(Shield Type)2,(Defense) 0,(Weapon Style)Spear/Bola

Wealth: Poor

Technology: Bronze Age

Worship: The Goddess Walla of the Olde Woode, and the twin Gods Bssur of the Waters, and Brazzur of the Stones.

Calendar: Jer Ang

Cities:

Delff: (99,000), [Sard Onyx, Softwood Lumber, Granite, and Iron] Description: Delff is a squat city, that was built solely with a mind to keeping the inhabitants alive from the preying Kermlosso, with its massively walled outer fortifications, and dark red bricked streets, it should have no claim to beauty of any kind. Yet somewhere in the Kingdoms past, prior even to the working of bronze, a queen named Dyssa ruled the Delffi for the better half of a century, and during the time span of her reign, the Delffi under went a cultural, or at least an architectural revolution. Thus, what was once a stark and unrelieved city, was graced with multi faceted minarets, with limestone and marble facades , appearing through-out the city, and though many of the frescos etched upon them, have faded or been defaced over the centuries, they are still a marvel to behold. The city of Delff permeates antiquity through the very souls, makes this city a must see.

Ibisidy: (12,000), [Charcoal, Mushrooms, and Stone] Description: A good archaeological example of pre Dyssa architecture, Ibisidy is very stark and unrelieving, and due to the danger to merchants of even trading with the city of Delff, it has benefited almost nil from Queen Dyssa's reforms.

Plims: *ruined* Most probable inhabited by Kermlosso by now.

Culture:

They are ruled by a linear descending family known as a Conservative Monarchy.

The Government does not recognize women as a political entity since they are very clan bound.

The Climate is cold and mountainous lending the Delffi the agility needed to negotiate the crags and rocks. They are superb hunters of the goat and deer of the area being adept with spear and bola.

The Delffi export herring, soft wood lumber and copper fearing the brightness of the silver metals.

Enshroudment Of The Veil

Statistics:

Official Name: The Enshroudment of the Veil

Symbol/Flag: Hooded kohl Painted Eyes, on a Black Background

Capital: Cindyry

Government: Mystical Oligarchy

Population: 2,898,000 Cindars, 150 Woed, 1,500 Kay-inin, and 2,914,800 Jer Ang

Military Rating: (Level)5,(Shield)3,(Defense)0,(Weapon Style)Falchion/1Spell List

Wealth: Very Rich

Technology: Iron

Worship: Reincarnation, and (Underground Cult) of Rebirth and Death.

Calendar: Cindar

Cities:

Cindyry: (584,000), [Horses, Wheat, Pottery, Jewelry, and Cod] Description: Cindyry is a city of muted sunlight and vibrant colours, with its multi-coloured cobblestone streets, universally covered by arching brick work arbors; The flowering vinery dangling down to brush the streets below, thus keeping the citizens cool even in the height of summer. It is from these arbors, called the Veils of Mystery, that the nation derives its name. It is rumoured outside of the Enshroudment that these Veils as it were, permeated harmony, and Tranquillity while you are within them. Legend has it that this is due to the fact that hidden somewhere in the midst of this labyrinth of veils a copse of Woeds lives, Be this so, or not, the Veils of mystery still rank as the Third Marvel of the world. It is also rumoured that a large marble cavern once dominated the centre of Cindyry, and was the home of their Soothsayer/Queen, She Who Sees. This rock was said to tower alone forty feet tall in the centre of the grasslands upon which the city was built. These caves would assuredly have been a Marvel of the world if they had not been destroyed when the present edifice of the She Who Sees was built over four centuries ago. Banner: Coral.

Wendyl: (712,000), [Horses, Copper, Sapphires, Trout, Steel, and Cattle] Description: The city of Wendyl over centuries of careful planning, started for reasons unknown by the city founders, has developed into a shape reminiscent of a gigantic starfish. Famous for its bazaars and fine horses, Wendyl is also home to the annual tourney, at which new warriors are chosen, and She Who Sees accepts new consorts. This fair is always held in the very centre of the 'starfish' which is year round the heart blood of this thriving metropolis. Although technically not within the city, Wendyl has also adopted the Crypts, which are a vast sprawling series of man made subterranean mausoleums, which house all of the ashes of the dead Consorts, and those of the She Who Sees as well, who ever was, from the first to the last, or so it is claimed. It is well documented, and therefore, I believe it to be true, that any who have ventured into the crypts, if they emerge, never seem to be the same to the people who knew them well. In fact, they always assume a different name henceforth. The only exception to this rule appears to be those who have undergone the rites of Consort, or Acolyte. This I am willing to put credence to only because of the fact that the Crypts are still growing year by year. The Crypts of Wendyl there-by rank as the Eleventh Marvel of the world. The other adopted creation of Cindar ingenuity is the Astro-Lab, situated upon Crag Hill, which ironically enough is the tallest mountain within the Maiden Range, but is surrounded by a series of knife edged hills within the misty valleys separating the Maiden Range from the smaller Cradle Mountains. It is from the summit of crag hill that the Cindars were first able to map the Seas of Heaven, scanning stars and moons with greater detail than the eye can see. It was from these observations that the peoples of Ang Wold were first made aware that Crae-Ti, and Glaen-Ti, were in fact whole other worlds that circle the Sun along with our own. Some cultures, the Oso, and Ni-kie in particular have dismissed these findings as mere propaganda, but it is not so. the Astro-Lab ranks as the Sixth Marvel of the world.

Bryanal: (889,000), [Wheat, Salmon, Silver, Masonry, Wine, and Ale] Description: Bryanal, is a fishing town gone mad, that has ignored improbable odds, to become the largest native city of the Enshroudment. Unfortunately what they gained in prosperity the citizens of Bryanal, beyond a doubt lost in aesthetics. Although pleasant enough to live in, if you don't mind the smell of fish, and seaweed, Bryanal could never be called pretty by any stretch of the imagination. Banner: Sapphire

Roblyn: (99,000), [Shellfish, Shark, Swordfish, Boat Building, Gold, and Wheat] Description: Possibly the most unpleasant of Enshroudment cities, Roblyn's citizenry are generally surly, bigoted and self-righteous, and the city's squat flat buildings seem to reflect this attitude. They constantly complain that they were by-passed during the phase in which the Marvels of the Astro-Lab, the Veils of Mystery, and the Crypts were built, and have never forgiven the She Who Sees for this over sight, despite the obvious reasons for this being the case, such as the archaic little ferry that is still the only way into the city, across the Murky River. Banner: Ivory

Chadwyk: (36,000), [Horses, iron, and Potatoes] Description: Chadwyk is essentially a military city, and its entire lay out from start to finish reflects this, for it is here that fledgling warriors of the Enshroudment are trained. Banner: Jade

Narryyws: (1,000), [Tuna, Frogs, and Snails] Description: The only thing of note within this town, and the only thing that got it on the map is its food, the fisher folk of Narryyws, have developed an incredible repertoire of cuisine that one would hardly believe if you haven't tasted it. Banner: None

Kcheryys: (75,000), [Shipbuilding, Float Boat Hulls, Tigers Eye Gems, Tin, and Iron] Description: Nothing of note.

Vyllas: (19,000), [none] Description: Vyllas is a brooding fortress of red granite, that was built by the Cindars in order to maintain dominance over the Land bridge Isles, which were originally their only link to the Jer Ang Gynarchy. It has, for all intents and purposes, lost its reason for being, with the advent of the sailing ship, four centuries ago. However there is still one reason that Vyllas is famed and that is the anomaly called the Null. The Null is a fresh water pool, in the midst of the salt water Farewell Sea, that springs from an unknown source below the waves, Without the Null, which was originally discovered by the Nundanni, it is a fact that the world would still be a virtual unknown. For with-out the fresh water of the Null, ancient mariners would have been unable to cross these vast expanses of salt water. The Null is thus rated as the Eighth Marvel of the world. Banner: Magma

Allessana: *Conquered* (1,857,000), [Champagne, Wine, Rattan, Papyrus, Books, and Chariots] Description: Allessana is a metropolis, that has only a few things going for it; It is the Capital of the Jer Ang Province of the Enshroudment, It houses the largest collection of books in the world in the huge blue veined marble Repository of Knowledge, the bottom level of which is lined with polished fire opals. Standing seven stories high in the southern half of the city it is ranked as the Fifth Marvel of the world. On the northern most edge of the city, right beside the main road stands the Monolith. It is a large rough cut chunk of basalt stone, engraved with myriad runes, and wards. Originally built to aid the scholars of the Repository of Knowledge, it instead has made Allessana the most dangerous and corrupt metropolis in the entire world. It is said that the Reginat in Jer-Angga thanked Progin aloud, when the city fell to the Enshroudment.

The Monolith stands thirty feet tall, and is ten feet wide at the base. The Runes that it is engraved with are said to heighten the powers of the mind, ( +10 to all Reasoning statistics for 1 kilometer/Level). The Monolith is the Twelfth Marvel of the world. Banner: Fire Opal

Davian: *Conquered* (32,000), [Salmon, Tuna, Cod, and Herring] Description: Davian is a very meticulous city, with everything kept in its proper place, but it certainly does stink; Love thy mate truly, plug her nose, as the Davian natives are prone to say. Banner: Diamond (Gossamer).

Cavess: *Conquered* (418,000), [Clams, Hardwood Lumber, Squid, and Ink] Description: Renowned for its marvelous harbour, and beautiful sunsets, Cavess, though not a naturally pretty city has been blessed to such by nature. Banner: Ruby

Dissah: *Conquered* (24,000), [iron] Description: Bleak mining town, and nothing more to say. Banner: Amber

Burmin: *Conquered* (98,000), [Beef Jerky, Dairy Products, and Poultry] Description: Nestled between the twin mountains called the Gates of Burmin, this agrarian city was a key defense for the Jer Ang Gynarchy. With its recent fall to the Cindars, the way is now open to the complete conquest of the Gynarchy. Burmin itself is a cross betwixt a farmyard market and a royal pageant, dominated by the large castle which was so essential to its wealth and well being through out the war. Banner: Garnet

Culture:

The Cindars are an altruistic people, willing to adopt any race or creed into the folds of their own providing they adhere to the Cindar way of life. Women are regarded as beautiful and cherished beings to be doted upon and savoured.

Modes of clothing are varied though the more expensive and fine cloths are appreciated by the Cindar people.

Originally fisher folk the Cindars are highly superstitious and overly sensitive of national pride. Due to this the Cindars are constantly embroiled in politics and war produced from insults both imagined and proven.

The Cindar society is ruled by She Of The Veil and her Consorts. Their combined rule is absolute.

Climate in The Veil is temperate and dry making the area ideal for grasslands and the steading of Horse Ranges. The warm water currents provide excellent fishing therefore supporting the first export of The Veil.

Horses are not sold to foreign cultures but they do export Fish and Wheat in great quantities.

Originally a group of herder/hunter folk, unaware of war, the Cindar people had enjoyed a five millennium long period of peace. However upon the death of the Consort Prime $, the Cindar people for the first time went to war. Inept and undisciplined in their first encounter with the superior Jer Ang charioteers, the Cindar beach head was established at the cost of one hundred thousand lives, but eventually Davian was captured. Since this battle, over five centuries ago the people of the Enshroudment have become the premier aggressors in the world, and there is no end of the war in sight.

Jer Ang

Statistics:

Official Name: The Jer Ang Gynarchy

Symbol/Flag: A Golden Chariot wheel, on a Black Background edged in Silver

Capital: Jer-Angga

Government: Feudalistic Monarchy

Population: 2,630,640 Jer Ang, 3,000 Armo-Thoraxy, 17,000 Clyffinni,

500 Delffi, 1,000 Ni-Kie, 5,000 Phros, 1,000 Pramsal,

20,000 Ro-anic, 8,000 Shlamassou, and 3,000 Zettyra.

Military Rating: (Level)4,(Shield Type)2,(Defense)0,(Weapon)Spear/Spell

Wealth: Filthy Rich

Technology: Mage Age

Worship: Progin God of Fertility and Fatherhood, and Krystossa Goddess of Youth and Joy.

Calendar: Jer Ang

Cities:

Jer-Angga: <Arch Duchy of> (1,960,000), [Fur Coats, Perfume, Fashion Dresses, Spanish Granite, Crown Jewelry, and Fancy Furniture] Description: The shining star of the Jer Ang nation, Jer Angga is both capital, cultural centre, and the economic hub of the Jer Ang nation. Unlike other cities of the Jer Ang Imperial state, Jer Angga is the only one that has prospered and risen in stature as the war has progressively gone worse for the Jer Ang people. It swelled considerably with the losses of such cities as Allessana, Cavess, and Davian, but even more significantly with the succession of the Free Commons of the Jer Ang, such as Nottain, Livasaessas and Nrett.

Reginat: <Principality of> (13,000), {None} Decription: Reginat is the home city of the Gynarchy's winter palace. Of all the Jer Ang cities, other than Burmin, Reginat is the only city that is designed to with stand a dedicated siege. the winter palace is located atop a narrow hill, with a series of crenalated walls rising in a tier like pattern up the slope of the hill. With the permafrost, and almost constant blizzards, water is not a concern, and as long as the sheltered harbour remains open, neither is food, or other necessary supplies of war. The city itself, designed by the famed Ro-anic architect Krestachio, is not listed on any official map of the continent, although several incorrect versions have been released by Gynarchy's agents. Due to the harsh conditions of travel, in order to get to Reginat, even by ship, the Imperial Reginat is hardly ever in residence.

Lamain: <Duchy of> (44,000), [Pottery, Porcelain, Softwood Lumber, Wool, Sheep, and Cattle] Description: Built amongst the shaded trees of the Rakish Woods, the city of Lamain, is picturesque, and dainty. Full of quaint country inns, and rowdy northern taverns, Lamain is the only Jer Ang township that is actively involved in trade with the Enshroudment. As a result, the Enshroudment has made definitive overtures of peace with Lamain, so long as the roads remain accessible to Enshroudment citizens.

Redding: <Earldom of> (20,000), [Block Ice, Otter Skin, Mink, and Whale Oil] Description: A vassal state of Blood keep on the north coast, Redding is a rapidly growing city of importance within the shrinking confines of the Jer Ang Gynarchy. As more and more of the southern cities fall, the impregnable power of Blood Keep, and the economic resources of this small coastal city are a virtually unbeatable match. Unlike other cities of the Gynarchy, Redding is relatively uncorrupted, being kept firmly in hand by the incorrigible Arch Duchess of Blood Keep, and her slew of lesser nobles.

Blood Keep: <Arch Duchy of> (1,200), [None] Description: Situated precariously upon the cliffs of Snow Fall, at the most northern tip of the Snow Fields, Blood Keep, is home to the most martial family in all of the Jer Ang Gynarchy. Staunch supporters of the Reginat in Jer-Angga, Blood Keep has boasted many of the Gynarchy's finest Generals, and soldiers through out the five hundred year history of the war with the Enshroudment.

Sammian: <Principality of> (119,000), [Wheat, Manatee, Elephants, and Dromedaries] Description: Once a large and prosperous city, Sammian is shrinking rapidly as rumour grows stronger that their city is next on the Enshroudment's list for conquest. Many of the refugees are fleeing to Lavka, or making the arduous journey to Jer-Angga. This city's greatest boon is its abundant supply of rich river silt, and if it wasn't for the insects, Sammian would be a farmers paradise.

Idni: <Barony of> (14,000), [Fish, Lime, and Iron Wood] Description: Nothing of note.

Lavka: <Earldom of> (34,000), [Tea, Salmon, Hardwood Lumber, and Peat] Description: A town of confusion, where even the rulers can't seem to make up their minds, Lavka, has engaged in negotiations of independence with the Enshroudment, while sending missives of staunch support north to Jer-Angga. It seems clear, that no matter which way the various Landholders of Lavka turn, they are going to make enemies. Lavka is splitting at the seams, and is ripe for civil war, something that the Enshroudment is sure to have seen coming. It is unfortunate that such a fair resort city such as Lavka is destined for such a destructive fate as this, for it is sure that this once fair city will never be so fine again, no matter what the outcome is.

Bosi: <County of> *Destroyed by a stampede of ravening Zettyra, Wildebeests, and Elephants*

Ocka: <Barony of> *Destroyed by the Nundanni, when besieged by Jer ang forces*

Culture:

The Gynarchy is ruled by a hereditary female line, the premier title of which is Reginat, whom it is believed is descended from the loins of Progin, and rule by divine right as his mortal bride. The Reginat therefore may never marry, but is free to take whomever she chooses as her lover. Only Jer Ang may receive citizenship, and that only if they are 'pure bred'. As a result the people are badly inbred among the noble families of the Gynarchy.

The Gynarchy is presently at war with the Enshroudment of the Veil, and has been for over the past five hundred years. In that time span the Jer Ang nobility has been too busy jockeying for positioning within the Palace in Jer-Angga, to pay much heed to the war. As a direct result of this, they have won only one major engagement to date. The war was started it is believed when the first Ambassador of the Enshroudment, the then Consort Prime of Cindyry, Fethrym, was propositioned by the Reginat Lillih, and he refused, stating his vows to She Who Sees as his reason. Lillih was sorely insulted, for wedlock, nor indeed relation, or religion are considered acceptable excuses from a Reginat's favor. Therefore she ordered him drawn and quartered, and the pieces returned forthwith to "his lover". Thus began the War of Betrayal, which has been ongoing ever since, save for one brief peace.

The Free Commons

Statistics:

Official Name: The Free Commons of the Jer Ang

Symbol/Flag: Livasaessas: Brown, Nottain: Yellow, Nrett: Green, and Mikkalla: A Golden Lantern, & Silver Bell on a Black Background.

Capital: None

Government: Commonwealth Republic

Population: 747,600 Free Jer Ang, 3,500 Kay-inin, 10,000 Phros,

6,000 Pramsal, 10,000 Ro-anic, 790 Shadari,

11,000 Shlamassou, and 17,000 Zettyra.

Military Rating: (Level)3,(Shield Type)2,(Defense)0,(Weapon)Spear/Spell

Wealth: Very Rich

Technology: Mage Age

Worship: Progin, and Krystossa

Calendar: Jer Ang

Cities:

Livasaessas: <Arch Duchy Deposed> (372,000), [Chocolate, Taffy, Barley, Sea Salt, and Cod] Description: Called Livasaessas the Proud, this large coastal city had long chaffed under the yoke of the Gynarchy, and with the loss of Burmin to the Enshroudment, the city of Livasaessas saw its chance and leapt at it; For the sum of 220 pounds of gold, Livasaessas purchased its freedom from the Gynarchy, and solidified a treaty with the Enshroudment. Livasaessas was the first of the Jer Ang cities to do so, in part due to the largely independence of the males here from their traditional overlords of the Gynarchy.

Nottain: <Principality Deposed> (77,000), [Armour, Silverware, Salted Pork, Gin, and Hops] Description: With the ceding of the city of Livasaessas, Nottain saw its hopes dashed beyond repair, for the city Elders knew that they expect too little help from the Reginat to spare them from the Enshroudment, and now they had Livasaessas as a whole new threat. Nottain made the sensible choice, they drew up a treaty with Livasaessas, and the Enshroudment, at the cost of 150 pounds of gold. Even still, some 30,000 town's folk fled north to Jer-Angga.

Nrett: <Earldom of> (99,000), [Tea, Diamonds, and Coal] Description: Nrett was the third city to declare independence of the Gynarchy, but unlike Livasaessas and Nottain, Nrett refused to bow down to the Enshroudment, instead they cunningly made overtures to both Livasaessas and Nottain, claiming that they would do so, but upon signing the treaty with the two cities, Nrett ignored the Enshroudment, relying instead on the Enshroudment's reluctance to antagonize Livasaessas and Nottain. Of all the cities of the Free Commons, Nrett is the only one that actually maintained its feudal structured, still being ruled by its original line of Earlene's.

Mikkalla: <Duchy of> (75,000), [Aloe, Sandstone, Henna, Snakeskin, and Glass] Description: Mikkalla the city of the Bells, is a fairy tale city, it started as a tiny oasis on the far reaches of the Death March, sheltered by the Blessed Dunes. Always independent, Mikkalla has never knelt in fealty to the Reginat, and indeed in a vain attempt to bring this city under her heel one Reginat appointed a imperial Duchess, and named the city a Duchy. However this backfired miserably, for the Duchess's line eventually was subverted by the city, and the city remained free of the Gynarchy's meddling. Mikkalla was still however a little backwater town, until the time of the Duchess Sluetanna, and the death of her beloved daughter Krystossa. In commemoration of her daughter the Duchess asked the city's artisans what could be made in her daughters remembrance, and the idea of a large crystal bell was eventually decided upon. The Artisans out did their wildest dreams, and the scope of the bell grew and grew until the plans included not one bell, but thirty-six. Craftsmen and women came from around the world to take part in this grand undertaking, for as if the making of the bells wasn't enough, a new bell tower must be built as well to hold it. All told twenty lead crystal Bells, 25' in diameter were constructed; One for each Month of the year. Nine lesser Bells were fashioned as well, 9' in diameter, to represent the nine moons of Ang Wold, and lastly were built four Bells, to name the seasons with their tolling; They being 1) Winter's Sorrow, the Bell of cleansing, 2) Spring's Exuberance, the Bell of joy, 3) Summer's Hope, the Bell of ambition, attainment, fulfillment, and success, and 4) Autumn's Dreams, the Bell of passing, and wisdom. It is said that the love, dedication, and magery that poured into the making of the Bells of Mikkalla was so great, that the Bells were imbued with the spirit of the dead young woman, to whom they were dedicated. Thousands of worshipers claim that if your need is true, and dire, that Krystossa will give life to the unliving, at the height of Winter and Summer solstice, as well as Spring and Autumn equinox. The Bells of Mikkalla are well and truly the First Marvel of the world.

Kabbuka

Statistics:

Official Name: The Council of the Kabbuka

Symbol/Flag: None

Capital: Abersau Island

Government: Tribal Council

Population: 5,500 Kabbuka, 1,200 Clyffinni, and 3,400 Stryppok

Military Rating: None

Wealth: Impoverished

Technology: Mage Age

Worship: All

Calendar: None

City:

None

Culture:

An open-minded culture, the various tribes of Abersau Island always welcome visitors, leaving them gifts of food, or furs, but are very rarely seen, even by their own folk being both secretive, and spiritual by nature.

Although the various peoples of Abersau Island, tend to be reclusive, all are apparently ruled by the Kabbuka Cabal of Elders, though it is rare for them to interfere, even amongst their own folk, the Cabal are revered and obeyed by all the peoples of Abersau Island. In fact the only time that the Cabal has been known to exert its authority at all is when the delicate balance of Abersau Island is upset, and it is believed by a select few that the destruction of the Jer Ang city of Bosi was aided by the Cabal, because of their harmful farming techniques. This however is mere speculation.

Free Isles of Nund

Statistics:

Official Name: The Free Isles of Nund

Symbol/Flag: A Gilded Galleon, upon an Azure Background

Capital: None

Government: Commonwealth

Population: 565,000 Nundanni, 100 Antollaf, 120,000 Armo-Thoraxy, 20,000 Bassaloonians, 10,000 Cindars, 15,000 Jer Ang, and 52,000 Waver Folk.

Military Rating: (Level)3,(Shield Type)1,(Defense)5,(Weapon Style)Falchion

Wealth: Very Rich

Technology: Mage Age

Worship: Bssur of the Seas

Calendar: Jer Ang

Cities:

Mem: (94,000), [None] Description: Dominated by the Lapis Lazuli Nundanni. It is said among the citizenry of this fair paradise that Mem was the first city of the Nundanni, and therefore should be spokesperson for all other Nundanni free cities. Mostly this is allowed by the others, and it is certainly true that the Waver Folk view Mem as pre-eminent among the rest of the Nundanni free cities. Be this as it may, the folk of Mem certainly do not push this point with regards to over-all rule of the Nundanni people, but are in fact vehemently proud of the individual freedom and diversity that the federal districts of the various island cities allow. There are never any restrictions for Nundanni people, be they citizen, or no, with regards to passing between cities, or even living in a free city not of their origin. The small population size of Mem is somewhat misleading, for more than any other of the Free Isles, Mem folk are sailors, and fully half of their citizenry seem to always be at sea. The dominating features of this fair city are the natural wonders of its atolls, archipelagoes, fine pink sandy beaches, and Mem's Long Beacon Tower, that guides sailors safely home to shore at night and in poor weather.

Helsna: (240,000), [Coral Carvings, Potash, Hashish, Opium, and sulfur] Description: Mixed Nundanni citizens. If Mem is the Free Isle that hear the irresistible call of the Father Sea, then Helsna, would be the girl back home. The folk of Helsna decided at the beginning of the Nundanni domination of sea trade, that all of the money, and merchandise that their people were chartering, had better have at least one city that could fill their holds, so that they weren't running ballast when they left for charter service. Further more the people of Helsna bargained for and won the right among the Free cities that all trade must first come through Helsna. As a result, Helsna is by far the largest city of the free Isles, and yet it is still the most dependent upon the others goodwill. Thus of all the worlds nations, the cities of the Free Isles enjoy a spirit of openness and co-operation unheard of in any other country.

Cassah: (85,000), [Ship Building, Hemp, Marijuana, Smoked Glass, Potassium Nitrate, and Scallops] Description: Dominated by the Cobalt Nundanni. A slow sedate little city, the people here fill their mornings, and their markets with incessant chatter, and their afternoons with siestas. At exactly 3/4 sun every day, the whole city goes to sleep. Can be frustrating so shop early.

Labbada: (52,000), [Sea Cucumber, Kelp, Octopus, Rubber, Squid, and Whale Oil] Description: Dominated by the Amethyst Nundanni. Nothing of note.

Culture:

The Nundanni culture as a whole is very much devoted to song, pleasure, and the easier things in life. Getting by is a foreign concept to the Nundanni, who see the world as a giant game, and money as the playing pieces. Military is Mercenaries.

Each Nundanni Isle is ruled separately by a Council of Merchant Princes, the number of which varies session to session as fortunes wax, and wane. A merchant Prince by Nundanni definition is any Nundanni who can, or does own five, or more large cargo ships. It is not uncommon therefore, to see a Nundanni down on his luck in Helsna, change residence to Mem, in order to still qualify for his/her Prince status.

Theocracy of Os

Statistics:

Official Name: The Theocracy of Os

Symbol/Flag: A Hooked Red Dagger, with White Hilt, upon a Sable Background

Capital: Osmogul

Government: Theocratic Dictatorship

Population: 3,979,740 Oso, 80 Kay-inin, 9,400 Phros, 4,300 Ro-anic, 580 Shlamassou, 60,000 Sonnians, and 126, 000 Bassaloonians.

Military Rating: (Level)3,(Shield Type)4,(Defense)-10,(Weapon Style)Mace/Spell

Wealth: Rich

Technology: Iron

Worship: The God Os the Enslaver

Calendar: Theocratic

Cities:

Osmogul: (670,000), [Copper, River Barges, Musk, Furniture, Palanquins, and Phros Fur] Description: A city of contrasts, particularly betwixt the Very rich and the extremely destitute, Osmogul is dominated by five main sections. The most prestigious of these is Choice Town, followed by the upper middle class area of Dark Town, the middle class areas of Barge Town, and Twilight Ville, and the squalor of Dawn Town. Choice Town is filled with wide promenades and graceful manor house fenced in with shaped hedges, while on the outskirts , in the very beginnings of Dark Town is the polished black granite , five story sanctum of The Exalted Abbey of the Five Fold Towers, which with its subtle bas relief ranks as the Fourth Marvel of the world.

Osiam: *Conquered* (1,200), [Herbs, Slaves, and Tropical Fruits] Description: Formerly the Bassaloon city of Loosa, Osiam was conquered in the year 22 Cham Pontifex, and was so far removed from the nearest Bassaloon city that it is still not known if its fall is known by the Emperor and Empress. Osiam is a city of repression and this shows in the faces of both the subjugated and the soldiers stationed there, though the expressions of both are quite different.

Osra: (51,000), [Fish, Softwood Lumber, Pork, and Goat] Description: Nothing of note.

Oslay: (35,000), [Jewelry, Slaves, Figs, Olives, Olive Oil and Zinc] Description: Oslay is a city of grace, from its palm lined boulevards to its simple limestone dwellings. This is due in large part to both its small size as well as its school of grace and etiquette in which the slaves of the very rich of the Theocracy are trained to a lifetime of service. The white sandy beaches of the city certainly don't detract from this aspiring city either. In fact the only blight upon this fair haven is the zinc mines in the mountains, which permeate both the air, and the clothing with a metallic taste and smell.

Osbah: (1,020,000), [Bamboo, Rattan, Black Pearls, Oysters, Malachite, Amber, and Vellum] Description: Osbah has been the premier city in the theocracy of Os since the Grand School of Theology was finished in Year 16 Hladd Pontifex. The city had been doing well before then due to the pilgrims coming to see the Wishdom Pools, which were located on Mount Apex, but the schools completion tolled the final death knoll to Osmogul as the most prestigious city in the Theocracy. The Wishdom Pools which were finally proclaimed Holy in Year 17 Ra Pontifex, and are not actually pools at all, but rather painstakingly carved bowls, six in total, rimming the top of Mount Apex. It is said within the Theocracy that they were carved from the hands of Os, but due in part to the controversy surrounding their discovery, it is more probable that they were made by some forgotten, or extinct race. The bowls, are universally three feet deep, and five wide, with ever present fragrant gasses that it is said that by breathing in these gasses that a person will assume a stuperous state in which they are able to communicate their deepest dreams. and desires ,as well as see the necessary steps they must take in order to see them come to fruition. It is documented that the only times that the pools have failed is when the recipient has not followed their visions to the letter, and have strayed from the path that was set before them. The Wishdom Pools are ranked as the Seventh Marvel of the world.

Osmun: (27,000), [Limestone, Sea Urchin, Marble, Eel, and Pottery] Description: Nothing of note.

Osman: (350,000), [Salmon, Tuna, Snakeskin, Fowl, Pigs, Sheep, Stained Glass, Lead, and Coal ] Description: As the Gateway port city of the Theocracy, Osman is the wealthiest city of Os. The poor, or destitute are ousted , or enslaved, making Osman a rhinestone city of the well heeled, but as a result, everything is vastly inflated, making even simple rubbish removal, a costly endeavor. Osman, other than Oslay, is the Theocracy's only resort town, and as such is rife with patronage, and politicking.

Ospip: (6,250), [Sturgeon, Caviar, Rice, and Sake] Description: Nothing of note.

Osnich: (65,000), [Rice Paper, Silk, Squid, Sculpture, and Ink] Description: Vibrant with colourful clothing, this city is renowned for its fine marble statues, and rock gardens.

Ospur: (450,000), [Iron, Iron Furniture, Iron Cook Ware, Ox, Slaves, and Kelp] Description: One of the few Oso Ports where foreigners are readily accepted, other than Cindars, and Jer Ang, makes Ospur the most culturally diverse city within the Theocracy.

Osril: (83,000), [Rice, Sponges, and Coral] Description: A particularly ugly city, even by Theocratic standards, Osril was built during the White Pontife Wars, (01 Imiro Pontifex to 43 Iam Pontifex), as a stop off port for the armies, and it has never fully recovered from the depression that the end of the wars brought about, though the old harbour fortifications are still interesting, even in their abandonment.

Osliin (23,000), [Brick, Pottery, Tile, Roof Tiles, Granite, and Gravel] Description: Osliin was a city that was originally created during the construction phase of LongWall, and as such many of its buildings were both makeshift, and impromptu. Although the city has declined much over the years since LongWall was completed and the White Pontife Wars ended, it still has a feeling of impermanence, despite being the largest producer of bricks in the World. LongWall when completed was over 150 kilometers long, 10 meters wide, and 20 meters high, with guard towers every 3 kilometers rising an additional 10 meters above the top of the wall. Along Long Wall's length are a total of 50 bronze gateways, each 7 meters across. LongWall is ranked as the Ninth Marvel of the world.

Osada: *Destroyed by the White Pontife in Year 86 Liin Pontifex*

Osmuz: *Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Ash in the Year 32 Order of the Miter Regent*

Osram: *Destroyed: Leveled by the White Pontife in 86 Liin Pontifex*

Oschar: *Conquered* (514,000), [Fans, Feather Boas, Eel, Eel Skin Belts, and Boots, as well as Alligator Skins] Description: Since its defeat in Year 21 Iam Pontifex, Oschar has declined significantly, though it is still a city to be reckoned with. Once a city of incredible depth and culture, spear heading the way in freedom, and equality, Oschar's only reminiscence of its past grandeur is in the fact that it is still the fashion capital of the Oso, but it is still just a ghost city of once what was!

Osoh: *Conquered* (71,000), [Rice Silk, Sheep, Wool, and Musk] Description: Formerly the thriving capital of the Theocracy of White, Osoh, built as it were in what was named by Imiro, the original White Pontife, as Mount Os, it is now but a pale shadow of its former glory. Together with its sister city Oschar, they were a dynamic duo indeed, having toppled the ideas of generations, and revising the tome of Os, from ancient documents brought by Imiro from the Exalted Abbey of the Five Fold Towers in Osmogul, the tome of Os was painstakingly rewritten as it Hasd been inscribed by the mad Pontifex Zellotto in the Year 23. Zellotto's Scrolls, along with the Ruby Chalice disappeared with the last White Pontife's apprentice when the city fell to Iam in 43.

Culture:

The Theocracy is ruled by a Pontifex, who is elected by the Supreme Council of Bishops in Osmogul. The Pontifex rules supreme from his seat in the Exalted Abbey of the Five Fold Towers, and although it was common even half a millennium ago for the Supreme Council of Bishops to violently depose unpopular Pontifex's, since the Regency of the Order of the Mitre was ousted, there have been no further direct challenges to the Pontifex's leadership.

The people of the Theocracy as a whole are unaccommodating, and surly. Due in part to their lack of outside influences the peoples of the Theocracy have advanced very little culturally in the past thousand years, or so. Artistically however the Theocracy excels, having built many schools to teach the realistic style under the various Pontifex's. The real artistic advances however came about under the rule of the false Pontifex Imiro, whom decreed that church based idealism had been done in all of the forms that it could be, and therefore, Imiro declared that only non-church material could be made. This resulted in a much needed breath of fresh air, and the inspirations flowed freely as a result. Of all the reforms that Imiro made during the short time in the Exalted Abbey, this decree was the only one that stuck.

If there is one time however when the people of this nation set aside their grievances, and even the slaves are free for a day, it is during the Grand Festival of the Purge that the true potential of these folk are given to the light of day.

Ro-anan Republik

Statistics:

Official Name: The Ro-anan Republic

Symbol/Flag: A Silver Coin on a Gold Background

Capital: Kesar

Government: Commonwealth Republic

Population: 2,678,040 Ro-anic, 30,000 Bassaloonians, 1,500 Clyffinni,

560 Kay-inin, 3,200 Ni-Kie, 13,000 Oso, 28,000 Shlamassou, and 350 Woed.

Military Rating: (Level)3,(Shield Type)2,(Defense)0,(Weapon)Long Bow

Short Sword/Artillery

Wealth: Rich

Technology: Iron Age

Worship: Starm, God of Fortitude, and Industry

Calendar: Jer Ang

Cities:

Ro-an: (920,000), [Float Boat Conning Tower, Corn, Platinum, Steel, Iron, Marble, Salt, Slaves, Wine, and Raisins] Description: The founding city of the Ro-anan Republic, it finally lost its pre-eminence with the completion of the Great Manor of Kesar, whose palatial grounds, and architecture made it much more appealing to the various ruling officials than the old Senatorium, in Ro-an. Despite this, shift in political power, Ro-an due in large part to the nationalistic pride of the city's citizenry managed to maintain its economic superiority, within the Republic, as well as its political clout. It is said that of all the cities of the world, Ro-an is the only one where everything is for sale, if you know the 'right' people.

Cathman: (630,000), [Silver, Clay, Wheat, Statuary, Paintings, Bricks, and Roofing Tiles] Description: This city, situated as it is within the vast prairies of central Ro-anan, is the bread basket of the Ro-anan Republic, and a large portion of the world as well. Known for the impending fortifications of its walls, this fortress metropolis is forbidding only in its appearance. With Cathman's emphases placed firmly on the arts, it is a thriving city of ingenuity, for it was here that the first known drawing of a float boat are known to exist, and it is believed that the paddle wheels employed in these constructs where designed here as well.

Kesar: (355,000), [Gold, Maize, Diamonds, Coal, Peat, and Plum Brandy] Description: Famous for its regal baths, and its Great Manor, Kesar is the acknowledged city of prominence within the Republic, and despite Cathman's preoccupation with the arts, Kesar is by and large the most picturesque of the Republican cities. Kesar's wide boulevards are lined with larger than life, busts of famous, and infamous Ro-anic, oak, maple, and willow trees, and the fountains appear to be everywhere.

Selm: (105,000), [Iron, Lead, Wheat, and Smoked Salmon] Description: this is the only Ro-anic city that is solely devoted to industry. As a result, it is not pretty, and no effort has been made with a mind to beautification of any type. Its citizens are the most militant of the Ro-anic peoples, and it is on the rich plains of this Prairie city that two of the three sieges by the Theocracy were soundly defeated.

Spooka: (83,500), [All Armours, Float Boat Paddle Wheels, Wheat, and Poultry] Description: The most northern of the prairie cities of the Ro-anan Republic, Spooka is finally coming into its own with the boost given to it by the float boat industry, though it still has a long way to go before it is truly worthy of note.

Lommar: (3,200), [Gold, Silver, and Block Ice] Description: Cold icy, and quite likely doomed to obscurity, this penal town, is of note only for the mercenary companies that have been streaming out of it for the past five hundred years, selling their services to the Jer Ang, aiding them in their war with the Enshroudment. Despite many protests by the Enshroudment, nothing substantial has been done about stopping these mercenary training camps, although some have relocated to such notable Jer Ang cities as Sammian, and Lavka..

Banda: *Conquered* (92,000), [Red Brass, Copper, Apples, Cider, and Brass] Description: This former Bassaloonian city was conquered shortly after the first invasion by the Theocracy, in order for the Ro-an to have a base of operations to work from should a continental invasion of the Theocracy ever be launched as well as to provide a buffer against any further Oso aggression. This failed, mainly due to the fact that the Oso didn't actually know the city existed until after the defeat of their second invasion.

Kookia: *Conquered* (43,000), [Edged Weapons, Steel, and Dairy Products] Description: Conquered just prior to the seizing of Banda, this former Bassaloonian city, was the site of the third and latest invasion by the Theocracy of Os, but once more the Theocracy met with a bitter defeat, though the Ro-an losses were appalling. Recently this city has become a major trading centre, being the first stop of the newly established trade route set up between the Republic, Theocracy, and the Autocracy of Agonya. Kookia is a boom town, and the potentials of this fine city are virtually endless.

Culture:

A highly structured civilization, the Ro-anan Republic, is a very conservative nation, disliking extremism, particularly with regards to making war upon other nations. As a whole the Republic is somewhat hindered by its bureaucratic nature, which tends to force them into positions of neutrality, or fence sitting.

Magically uninclined, the Republic has no schools for the teaching of magic, though it excels in all other forms of academics.

The Republic is ruled by a body of hereditary Governors/nesses, each one being in sole possession of an individual city. For each Governor/ness, there are five elected senators, whom in their majority can overrule their superiors. Only the Servs, ( see Ro-anic racial description), are not entitled to vote, or run for Senator.

The climate here is warm and dry in the south, with large prairies in the south east, but suffers from cold wet weather in the north.

Kontrin

Statistics:

Official Name: The Empire of the Tides

Symbol/Flag: A Severed Burgundy Braid, wrapped around a Silver Anchor, on a Burnt Orange Background

Capital: Kontrin

Government: Dominion

Population: 188,000

Military Rating: (Level)2,(Shield Type)1,(Defense)5,(Weapon Style)Broad Sword, or Short Bow

Wealth: Moderate

Technology: Mage Age

Worship: Bssur God of the Seas

Calendar: None

City:

Kontrin: (150,400), [Shipbuilding, Coral Jewelry, Rum, Molasses, and Pomegranate] Description: Not much is known about this reclusive city of the waver folk, save that it is said to be teeming always with hundreds of ships, and that the sounds of their crews can be heard all night long. The houses are made solely of a soft fibrous wood, and are universally raised up on stilts, posts, or stone plinths. Walk ways bridge the building’s upper tiers, as do floating docks at water level. The smell of tar is inescapable, as are the pole boatmen, who ply their trade on the watery thoroughfares of this island city.

Culture:

the Waver Folk culture is entirely dependent upon the ships that are their livelihood. Once a powerful sea faring race, that had created several cities, as far north as Ash Mountain, they were all abandoned with the encroachment of other races, for though the Waver Folk are fierce fighters, and unequaled seamen, they are by nature a reticent, and reclusive people.

They learned the arts of war early on, having had to fight for their own identity from the time that they were birthed, the Waver Folk, have only ever engaged in land war once in their history, when they were still just a fledgling colony of outcasts, and renegades. They attacked and took the Jer Ang city of Ocka, but where no match for the veteran phalanxes of the Gynarchy, and the were forced to flee this city that they had hoped to make their own, setting it to the torch as they fled. Their quest completed over two months later with the founding of Kontrin, and the Empire of the Tides.

The Waver Folk are ruled in a ascending hierarchy that is determined as follows: A person whose family owns no ships, must go clean shaven, a man whose family owns one ship, may grow a beard, and for each additional ship owned, may in turn add one braid. Thus the family head of the largest fleet of ships becomes the ruler of the Empire of the Tides, and is called the Braids in light of this.

Though the men rule their ships, and all upon them, it is the women folk who are the true masters of the Waver Folk's home life. All finances are handled by the women, as are all family purchases and acquisitions. It is stated by Waver culture that one whom is invited into a Waver's home, must remove their boots if they come in peace, and again it is the women who must grant permission to do so, even to their own men folk.