Chronicles of Falgaland.

[Moshulel]

A bit late, a bit lazy, but here i am. Here are the basics about Falagaland: history, politics, trade, current relations and so on. I recommend you to read this stuff before starting to play. Bear in mind that most of the data compiled is shown through the eyes of the scientists.

History of Falgaland.

Important dates.

25000 B.A. The temple of the ancestors is built. It is unknown as to why the draconians and baltans cooperated in its creation. The date has been determinate by a study made by a Unisval mage who discovered that the markings on on the wall coincide with the period of absolute truce that the Baltans and Draconians have every 10 years.

7500 B.A First human state appears. Coincidently this is also the first mention of Shiver in history.

7000-6000 B.A Age of strife, the civilization that strived for 500 years is destroyed in a brutal civil war, progress is halted and people returned to a primitive level.

6000 B.A. One of the many human tribes gains the support of Shiver. First true mages are recorded in history.

5800 B.A Most of the northern Falgaland is united. The kingdom includes most of present day Kesora and Unisval.

5500 B.A The Falgaland library was founded with the help of Shiver. It is currently knows as the Seat of Knowledge.

5400 B.A Shiver travels south, she disappears in the territory known today as Kortair.

5350 B.A The Mage Guild is formed.

5300 B.A Mage Nidal assures regency, numerous laws regarding research are issued.

5282 B.A The king dies of unknown causes, people suspect Nidal as he once again assures regency, the conflict between royalists and the Mage Guild, loyal to Nidal leads to a dictatorship.

5275 B.A The infamous *Study upon Human Conscience* is realized. The use of human live subjects sparks heavy debates in the Mage Guild and a rebellion in the eastern half of the country.

5274-5185 B.A Mage Nael takes the mantle of Archmage, renowned for his violent quenching of the rebellion. In 5185 B.A when the last rebel stronghold was destroyed the country lay in shambles.

5120 B.A Heavy taxation, the lack of any measures meant to reconstruct the country combined with the development of slavery, now widely practiced by mages aiming to free themselves for research and lack of value for the human life leads to another rebellion.

5115 B.A As the various rebellious factions were being destroyed by the Mage armies, Kazad the Great emerges as a military leader in the Talian tribe. Considered one of the founders of Kesora.

5115-5100 B.A Taking advantage by the lack of unity in the Mage Guild, Kazad unifies most of what is now western Kesora. In 5100 B.A he proclaims independence after devastating the mage armies in the battle of Lake Kesora.

5087 B.A The Talian Kingdom is recognized by the new archmage Nedal, a series of buffer states are created out of the other rebellious territories.

5000 B.A At the call made by the citizens of one of the buffer states KazadÆs grandson Cyll begins a campaign of unification. Lack of military and economic abilities plunges the Talian Kingdom in a violent war.

4985 B.A Archamge Nulen overrules the GuildÆs decision and decides to intervene in the neighboring war. His death in battle 10 month later leaves the country without a leader and in a anarchic state. Lack of interest for leaderships combined with the fact that most of the guild members considered that nothing is more important than their research lead to an anarchic state. A Archmage isnÆt picked for the next 600 years.

For 600 years, civilization was a scarce commodity, it is only because of the Librarians of Falgaland that we have recordings during that period. Known as the scientist of Unisval, the Librarians maintained the independence of The Seat of Knowledge and continued to expand the city. It is the considered the oldest surviving settlement in northern Falgaland. Most of this period is marked by violent conflicts in the east and a total lack of organization for the west. Historians consider that history stood still.

4395. B.A After countless years of war, betrayal and chaos regent Kalina unites the eastern territories
* Kesora*. She begins a campaign of conquest in the west.

4395-4385 B.A Faced with the unstoppable Talian war machine the Mage Guild reunites for the first time in 600 hundred years. The Mages refuse inviting the Librarians to the war council.

4370. B.A After witnessing defeat after defeat Archmage Nial accepts the demands that the Librarians made. The Unisval Combine is formed.

4368-4360 B.A Talian troops lay siege to the Seat of Knowledge, due to the impressive defensive array the city canÆt be conquered. In 4360 the death of Kalina prompts the Talian troops to lift the siege.

4360-4310 B.A Most of Unisval is conquered, yet the Seat of Knowledge doesnÆt fall. In 4310 the Talian king dies without a heir.

4305 B.A Talian armies support their commanders for the position of king. Taking advantage of the civil war Unisvel slowly reconquers the lost territory.

4210. Last Talian army is banished from Unisvel territory. The Librarians decide to maintain a small professional army purely for defensive purposes.

4210-4010 B.A The Talian Kingdom splints in several states that are constantly at war with each other.

4010 B.A The law of experiments is enacted. No experiments on sentients are allowed in Unisvel territory. As a result several mages point their looks at the neighboring territories.

4008 B.A Mercenary army lead by the Guild begins conquest campaign. Nomad tribe settles on the shores of Kesora and found the city of Kesora.

4005 B.A Queen Ardera defeats mercenary armies in the second battle of lake Kesora. Her politic and economic abilities bring most of what was previously the Talian Kingdom under her rule.

4000 B.A The Quendoom of Kesora is born. Queen Ardera establishes a set of rules and laws out of which the law of succession is still in effect today albeit with small modifications:

ôFor the one that takes the throne the most important thing is insuring a heir. Thus no queen of Kesora is allowed to risk her life unless she has already secured succession.ö

Her successors establish a strong matriarchy in Kesora. *Among other females were the only ones allowed to trade.*

3800 B.A Kortair is revealed to the world. Rumours appear about its mysterious ruler.


3800-2500 B.A Golden age of Falgaland.


Many consider this period as the greatest in all history. Commerce flourished, relations between the three states were excellent and first explorations of the Esterk forest take place. Trade relations are established with the baltans and the draconians.

However things were not as brilliant as they seemed, the Mage Guild lost a lot of power in Unisvel and the set of treaties that Unisvel entered severely limited their research possibilities. Overpopulation started to become a problem and many realized that things are going to change. 2500 B.A was the last year of peace for Falgaland.

2499 B.A Kesora invades Unisvel. In the following war the Unisvel mercenary armies were easy defeated by the Kesora military. Mages gain once again a position of power.

2485 B.A Undead intervention in Unisvel. Kesoran invasion is halted.

2484 B.A Baltan/Draconian mercenaries are hired by Unisvel. Kesoran fleet is destroyed.

2480 B.A Kesora signs a peace treaty with Unisvel at the pressure of the undead armies.

2475 B.A Shiver is revealed as the ruler of the Undead Kingdom.

2470 B.A As a result of the war with Kesora the Librarians lose power over the country. Use of abominations and blatant ignorance of the old laws by the Mage Guild leads to a civil war.

Many have been said about this civil war, but most historians agree that it would have ended in just a few years were it not for Kesoran and Kortair interferences which practically transformed all of Unisvel in a battleground for countless years. Slavers from Kesora made huge fortunes and slaves were a common sight in Kesora. More and more rights for males were revoked.

2200 B.A Kesora begins a costly campaign in Esterk. Costs are mainly supported by slave trade. First Nagah slaves.

*The Nagah made very poor slaves, their personal connection with nature and the way they were treated made them wither fast in captivity. Only a few cases of Nagah slaves surviving the first months of captivity are recorded.

2000 B.A The huge costs that the Esterk campaign brought, coupled with the permanent interference in Unisvel lead Kesora to bankruptcy. Power was no longer in the hands of the queen but in the hands of a few rich slave traders. Most progress is halted and the country regresses.

1800 B.A Treaty between the Librarians and the Mage Guild. Research facilities are recognized as independent regions with their own laws, in exchange all Unisvel citizens are protected from any experiments. Also the year when the first Nagah colony is founded in Unisval mostly from slaves bought from the Kesoran slave traders.

1600 B.A After witnessing the way the Nagah population developed for two hundred years numerous Mages displayed the desire to find more about them. As a result of the treaty the only way to do so was to study them in their natural habitat. An expedition force is sent to Esterk.

1599 B.A Numerous Nagah are used for experiments, upon witnessing the difference in development that a broodmistress shows from a regular Nagah one of the expedition members performed a vivisection on one of them.

1598 B.A One of Nagah hatcheries is discovered. This never happened before as not even Kesorans were able to find them. As a result the decision is taken to examine the eggs. Broodmistress Serelena fights off the attackers but loses her life in the process. With her last words she begs her fellow Nagah to protect the younglings.

The following years witnessed probably the greatest war waged by the Nagah. For the first time in history they united under a broodmistress and fought off the invaders. This didnÆt stop the mages to make periodical attempts to obtain information about the Nagah.

1400 B.A First recorded Draconian/Baltan war, though the fact that the two races were at odds was commonly known no war was accurately recorded before . Historians were amazed by the respect the two races showed to each other.

1201 B.A Second major Baltan/Draconian war begins.

1200 B.A The Mage Guild decides to explore the Temple of the Ancestors. One of the mages begins to excavate around it.

1199 B.A Baltan/Draconian war stops. The first time outside races saw the two cooperating. All mages on their territory were slaughtered. The fliers went so far as to set on fire any Mage ship they could come across.

1100. B.A Baltan/Draconians stop all relations with Kesora and Unisvel after a Kesoran slave trader was found transporting a baltan infant.

1085 B.A Archmage Neculos decides to explore The Etheria Breach. As a result trade is strangled. Mage fleets destroy any commercial ships due to the fact that they interfered with their research.

1050 B.A Situation in Kesora degenerates. Even Kesoran citizens are brought into slavery.

800 B.A The lack of trade due to the Unisvel navy determines Kesora to invade Unisvel. The war is short and the Kesoran military is destroyed. As a result the state plunged in a state of chaos.

800-264 B.A A state of anarchy predominates in northern Falgaland. The Librarians refuse to interfere in Kesora combined with the growing power of the Mage Guild made for a bad combination.

264 B.A In a small village the Kos family releases its slaves. Known for her oddities the Kos matriarch appoints her son as heir although males are known to be without rights. The name of the 15 years old? Cyril Kos.

263 B.A The death of the Kos matriarch and the fact that the heir was a male prompts intervention from two powerful families. CyrilÆs refuse to accept marriage with one of the daughters of the families and the fact that he insisted on maintaining the freedom of his slaves earned him a death sentence. As a result a powerful army was sent after his head. Unexpectedly Cyril defeated the punitive expedition relying on a army mostly composed of former slaves.
Numerous slaves joined his forces shortly afterwards.

263-247 B.A Cyril and his army are on the run from the superior forces of Kesoran matriarchy.

246. B.A Forced to accept a battle Cyril obtains his most brilliant military victory. He then uses a force march to attack the capital before reinforcements could be brought to defend it.

245-240 B.A Cyril ends the civil war. He reveals himself as a very skilled individual, not only on the battlefield but also in politics.

239-236 B.A The Cirilien Reforms. Cyril introduces a series of new laws, creates the Kesora National Army and signs the first treaty with Nagah. ItÆs also notable the fact that he began trading again with the Baltans/Draconians. His law against foreign slaves, which made impossible for slavers to acquire nagah/baltan/draconian slaves brought him many enemies.

235 B.A Cyril is killed in a battle against the mercenary forces of a rich slave merchant. However his legacy didnÆt end with him as many expected. The army he developed protected his only child and 5 years later his daughter got on the throne. To appease the matriarchal society of Kesora it was decided that Kesora will remain a queendom.

Known as reformers the Kos dynasty started the process of change in Kesora. It notable the fact that no Kos owned a slave since Cyril Kos.

230 B.A-30 B.A A period of relative peace on ground but one of bloody confrontation on sea. The Mage Guild became the dominant force in Unisvel and continued to pressure the other races for their experiments.

10-8 B.A Unisvel Mages begin experiments on Undead. Several human subjects are also aquired. Frustration due to their inability to comprehend the conversion process leads to the acquisition of more and more subjects. The result of their action was simple: In 25 B.A Kesora declares war, one year later the undead do the same though Shiver does not involve herself in the war.

Initially, the mercenary armies of Unisvel obtained several victories and pushed back the enemy armies. It was not until ShiverÆs most trusted retainer Cyril Kos took charge of the undead army that the odds shifted.

In 4-3 B.A the Kesora/Kortair army obtained several victories, shattering the mercenary armies and pushing deep into Unisvel territory. However they ignored the numerous pleas made by the Librarians who pointed out that they were not fighting against the mages. The result was the mobilization of the small Unisvel army.

2 B.A Was the year that witnessed the worst military defeats for Kortair and Kesora. Despite numerical superiority their armies were defeated by the Unisvel Homeguard.

General Valer, the commander was quickly viewed as the greatest threat. At the request of the Mage Guild and specifically Archmage Niculae, he was ordered to lead a mercenary army deep into Kesoran territory. His initial success brought Kesora to its knees, but the withdrawal of the navy left him deeply into enemy territory without any support. Despite the fact that he managed to siege Kesora, he was forced to surrender by his own men. He played an important role in the treaty with the librarians.

1 B.A The Homeguard retreated to protect the Seat of Knowledge leaving most of the Mage fortresses opened to attack. Despite the introduction of numerous war beasts by the mages the war ended abruptly as Shiver reached the and of her patience and appeared on the battlefield. One of the few survivors of the encounter, princess Alesia Kos, now queen of Kesora maintains a scar on her left eye as a reminder of ShiverÆs power.

At the end of the war Shiver demanded numerous concessions from the Mages. Among them there was one regarding orphaned children of the mages. It was ShiverÆs hope that by educating these children sheÆll be able to change the Mage Guild from the inside.



0. The accident takes place.

 

[Moshulel]

And here's more:

The Aftermath.

Known as the greatest tragedy ever, the Accident or the Desolation Wave as many Falgaland residents name it has many lasting effects.

Just months before, numerous envoys from the librarians attempted to gather all leaders in Falgaland at a summit in the Seat of Knowledge. They planned to improve their relations with the rest of the world, finally taking steps in limiting the abuses of the Mage Guild.

Unsurprisingly, the first to confirm her presence at the summit was the broodmistress, her excellent relations with the scientists of Unisvel being known throughout the land. A great fleet and military escorts were dispatch for her transport, in order to prevent any ôunpleasant accidentsö.

Similar envoys were sent to the baltans/draconians who also accepted the proposal, despite the general opinion that they will not.

It was the Queendom of Kesora that posed the greatest challenge, since Shiver announced her presence shortly after the arrival of the Unisvel envoy. The kesoran slavers saw the summit as a threat to their power, and taking advantage of the queenÆs rough pregnancy made steps in hampering it.

The summit was delayed, to allow for the Kesoran queen to attend and the numerous envoys were ordered to prevent any hostile action in foreign territory. Shortly afterwards, the Accident took place, not only destroying Unisvel, but also the dreams the Librarians had for Falgaland.

With it, the greatest civilization in Falgaland was destroyed, almost ten million lives were lost and countless others mutated in mindless monsters. It was only through incredible luck that the society of Falgaland didnÆt collapsed at that moment.

The Accident also affected all magic beings connected to Unisvel, many of the mages outside it died a terrible death and even the infants were affected, though some of them were saved by Shivers intervention.

In Kesora, the Accident devastated the western territories, rich in trade and with a superb infrastructure. It also destroyed more than half of the Kesora army, amassed at the Unisvel borders after the war. To further press salt on the injury, Kesora refused the request to host the Unisvel survivors, demanding that they respect unfathomable conditions. It was probably their greatest error, seeing as the Scientists could have greatly helped Kesora to rebuild.

In Esterk, the effects were considerable less obvious that in Kesora, but the nagah society was deeply affected by the loss of the Unisvel nagah, and the now reduced scientist aid. They were among the first to offer aid to the Unisvel survivors. There are also worries that Kesora might attempt an invasion in order to replace the territory they have lost to the Accident.

Probably the least affected out of the regions of Unisvel, the Ring of Red also faces difficulties, as many trade partners and customers were lost, while trade with Kesora became increasingly dangerous.

Kortair was spared from the effects of the Accidents, due to queens Shiver prompt intervention, but even she was badly affected from it, and she is now rarely seen outside her palace, where she is recovering her powers. This didnÆt stop her to hold a meeting shortly after the accident and grant shelter to the Unisvel survivors, her kingdom receiving probably the greatest population boost in all history.

Similars settlements were established on the shores of The Ring of Red, and those of the Esterk forest, though the one in Esterk is mainly build on islands and barren land. All in all the total population estimated to have survived is estimated at around 2 million. They recognize the suveranity of the owner of the land theyÆre in but they have a great amount of autonomy, maintaining the previous social structure and organizing themselves.

Short number presentation of situation before and after accident:

Unisvel: 14.000.000 >>> Unknown, estimated at under 500.000.

Kesora: 8.000.000 >>> 4.500.000 as it was affected not only by the wave but also by internal turmoil.

Kortair: Estimated at around 3.000.000 >>> Almost 4.500.000 as most of the survivors found refuge here. *The city of Kunskap is possibly the largest in all Falgaland.*

The Ring of Red: Unknown, estimated at around 4.000.000 >>> Around 5.000.000 as many survivors claimed the rocky shores.

The Esterk Forest: Estimated at around 3.500.000 with already a somewhat large scientist community >>> 4.200.000 as many Unisval citizens from Kesora found shelter here.


It also has to be mentioned that most of the Unisvel Navy escaped the Accident and is now the backbone of the Merchants Guild, it was this fact that prevented a collapse of all trade between kingdoms.

As the shaky feeling of peace settles in Falagaland, what is the fate of the continent? Who will rise, and who will fall?

Will it be a meager traveler? Or maybe a rich merchant? Nobody can tell, but now, 15 years from the Accident, life has begun moving again.

 

[Moshulel]

And finally, the guide every adventurer needs:

The Travelers Guide to Falgaland.

It is common knowledge among inhabitants of Falgaland that if you want to travel to another part of the continent you have to be prepared. No region resembles the other and there are many things that you must not do while finding yourself in foreign lands.

To aid the common traveler and to prevent further issues caused by miscommunication and lack of basic knowledge, we the Scientists of Unisvel put together information about the other inhabitants of Falgaland in this guide. May the reader find it useful.

First:

Five things NOT to do in Falgaland:
1) Do not! I repeat do not! Do not mess with wild magic under any circumstances!
*It has to be noted that latest issues have a lot of censorship in this area.

2) Avoid annoying the undead queen. Queen Shiver is known for her patience and lack of interest, but we assure you, you do not want to be at the receiving end of her wrath.

3) You must not mention, under ANY circumstances the word fat around the queen of Kesora! It is registered that ever since the Kos queens came to power, many suffered a grievous fate just because they opened their mouths.
*As a side note: the only survivor of this ôchallengeö is the previous writer of this guide, but every time heÆs asked about how he did it he just babbling about ôstrong women in bedö. Further attempts to get information from queen Alesia faced extremely unwanted results.

4) Do not explore restricted areas of The Ring of Red or The Esterk Forest without approval.

5) DonÆt sail near the Etheria Breach! A simple rule, yet we have so many wreckages every year.

There are also two other things that were recommended to us for inclusion in the top, though we do not understand why:

- DonÆt interfere with a ScientistÆs research!
- DonÆt go around exploring Mekanos!

Five things to do:

1) Check out the Worshipers of Elus in The Ring of Red.
2) If in the now desolated region of Unisvel *censoredmagescensored* always keep a watch for the mutated animals. Following their action might save your life.
3) Check out the City of Kunskap on the eastern shores of Kortair. You might find something that will save your life there.
4) Make friend in the Kesora military. Otherwise if youÆre a male things might not go too easy for you there.
5) Always keep Nagah medicine with you. It might save your life sometimes.


We also recommend:

- always get the latest copy of the guide.
- keep a sharp sword with you at all times.

Now, on with the countries. WeÆll present basic facts about society, religion, magic, military and trade.


The Ring of Red.
Society:

Inhabited by Baltans and Draconians, two of the oldest races on the continent, mainly organized in clans.

Relations between the two races are weird to say the least, they are known for their respect of each other yet they fight every time they get the chance. Casualties in their conflicts are usually low, neither side aiming to kill the opponent after he was forced to leave the sky.

ItÆs important to know that they value the life of children more than anything else. It is this why the current Baltan leader was raised by a draconian.

Although the clans of both races lack a centralized leadership, they answer to the one that shows most skill, both on the battlefield or in other areas. Usually the leader is a clan head but itÆs not a real requirement.

Baltans and draconians despise slavery, seeing as it deprives them from being one with the Sky.


Religion:

Though different in many aspects, both religions have a similar central point: The Worshiping of their ancestors.

Both races are polytheists and share belief in the same ruling god. This is where most similarities end.

The Baltan Phanteon has numerous gods but the prominent ones besides the Sky God are the following:

Elus: Goddess of love, fertility and prosperity. Most of the Baltans are followers but only some of them have her as patron goddess. Worshipers are known for their libertine behavior regarding love making. Many of them can be encountered as *love traders* in other sides of the continent, probably one of the main sources of income for this area. *One of the rules of the goddess is that nothing is free.*

Tilla: Protector of children and family, goddess of war, daughter of Elus. Probably the second figure in importance.

Lerad: God of trade, sewing and smiting, husband to Elus. Most of the worshipers are traders that usually leave The ring of Red for long periods of time. Many of them end up marrying worshipers of Elus.


It has to be mentioned that once they become parents, the couple can no longer be worshipers of Elus.

The Draconian Pantheon:

Unlike the Baltans, the draconians doesnÆt have numerous gods. The only gods they have besides the Sky God are:

Till: God of war, protector of children.
Val: Goddess of Justice, wife of Till.

The other members of their pantheon are the Ancestors.

Important things to remember:

Both races see the Sky God as the God/Goddess of Life and Death the one who sits among the ancestors.

The sole temple in The Ring of Red is the temple of the Sky God. Dated 25.000 year old due to a common worshiping ritual from both baltans and draconians, itÆs the only region in The Ring of Red where conflict is forbidden.


Magic:

The Baltans/Draconians donÆt posses magic, instead itÆs believed that they have highly advanced psionic abilities.

Military:

Both races rely on the power of the clans. A baltan./draconian isnÆt a soldier but itÆs common knowledge that even those with the sewing needle in their hands have a weapon on their hip.

Trade:

The Baltans are known for their trade of love, but there are other goods that The Ring has to offer:

Clothes: the best in Falgaland in resistance, price and quality. Mainly produced by the Baltans.

Rare metals: abundant in this area though released in small amounts to the rest of the continent. Mainly mined by draconians.

Food: Usually animals that threaten the draconian feeding grounds but also fruits. Mainly exported by Draconians.

Weapons: Small amounts. Produced by the dwarf community.

Jewelry: Provided mostly by baltans

Mercenaries. The main source of income for the draconians, though baltans are also a common sight.

The inhabitants of The Ring of Red use gold coins as currency, the coins are usually produced by the small neutral dwarf community with gold brought by the draconians/baltans. In exchange for their minting services they are guaranteed protection and neutrality in Draco/Baltan conflicts.


On the other hand The Ring of Red buys the following goods:

Medicine.

Weapons.

Wood.

Wine. Curiously enough, both races have a very high tolerance to the liquid, but they find it very pleasant to drink a glass of wine.



The Esterk Forest.

Nagah territory, probably the youngest race on the continent when it comes to evidence. However their true age can not be easily guessed seeing that they prefer to live in harmony with nature and donÆt exert any changes on it.

The central figures in Nagah territory is the broodmistress. While her influence is small in the common day to day lives of the Nagah she has a lot of influence when it comes to foreign affairs and religion.

Picked to protect the Nagah eggs, the broodmistresse quickly grows to surpass the others in size in strength. In exchange Nagah broodmistreses can have only one child.

One other particular information about Esterk is the fact that most of the surviving mages can be found here. Even before the accident scientists with magic ability found a sanctuary here since they donÆt interfere with the world outside their laboratories, unlike usual mages. From the 60 recorded ones only 2 survived after the accident.


Religion:

The Nagah have a deep respect for nature and life in general, though they also understand that life is but a part of a greater cycle, death being the other part. As a result while they have no qualms about killing when they have to feed or to protect themselves, they consider it shameful to take a life when there are other alternatives.

For them every tree, plant and weed is alive, which also represents a cause for their feeding habits, since they consider that the prey should have even the slightest of chances to defend itself. It has to be noted that they feed only on live prey.

They bow to Mother Earth, but they also have numerous other gods and goddesses though only a few of them of importance:

Sib: Goddess of the hunt and healing, has the most numerous cult, though not all carry her mark. It usually can be found on healers outside of Esterk and rarely seen on Nagah inside Esterk territory. The leader of the cult is always male and is considered as equal in power and influence to the broodmistress .

Tach: God of Trees and Magic considered by nagah as the one giving them their magic. Revered but also feared since it is said that should his forest be threatened not even nagah will be safe from his wrath.

Gial: Trickster god, although he is known for his tricks and for the fact that he always causes mischief, Gial is worshipped as the second only to Mother Earth. His worshipers are the ones causing the most mischief in Esterk. He is also known as the protector of the children and of those weak.
*There is evidence that Gial is also the god of justice, but this function baffles researchers even today.


Magic:

The Nagah have no magic of their own, but they do posses the ability to use magic by harvesting it from nature. The ability allows them to harvest the excess energy that a tree produces and use it for their own. Usually they use the energy from the trees they plant themselves and losing those trees has a huge effect on a nagah. *Many withered away after their trees were cut down or burned*

Most of the spells nagah use are water and earth based though there also have a small proficiency with air magic, mostly used in unpredictable situations.

The way they use magic remind of runes, since it is required to draw symbols in order to use the spell. This makes them rather useless in battle unless itÆs a pre prepared set of ôrunesö. The only exception from this is represented by air spells though the nagah avoid using them unless in dire circumstances.

Military:

Though technically the Nagah donÆt posses any military only a fool would believe them defenseless. Probably one of the best organized religious order the Hunters of Sib are the equivalent of a small army. Most of their doctors also act as spies outside Esterk, though the Nagah do not concern themselves with the other races unless it regards them.

There are also rumors about GialÆs Cult, as many are usually noticed near the broodmistress. That wouldnÆt be interesting in itself were it not for the fact that it was one of them that stopped a mage from extracting samples from the hatcheries a few hundred years ago.


Trade:

The Esterk forest is known for the following goods:

Medicine: A highly defended secret, the medicine prepared in Esterk is second to none.

Doctors: Nagah doctors are highly appreciated outside Esterk, theyÆre mainly demanded in Kesora. Most of the current doctors had a relative in Unisvel.

Wood: Though rich in wood, the Nagah limit this export as in their opinion trees can be cut down only if it is to make the forest a better place. Even so the quality of Esterk wood is without equal.

Livestock.

Exotic animals: A way to avoid overpopulation.

On the other hand they buy:

Clothes. *mainly from the Ring of Red due to the fact that they have a high resistence.*

Weapons. *In small amounts as they donÆt normally use them.*

Technology and knowledge. Mainly provided by Unisvel scientists, used to counteract the bad influences on the forest.

Wine.

Jewelry.



The Queendom of Kesora.

A matriarchy, the queendom of Kesora passes through troubled times. As the only state that allows slavery Kesora was not regarded with good eyes by the nagah and baltans/draconians, who value freedom as one of the reson of existence. It was not until Cyril that Kesora was able to trade with those races.

Even so, slavers in Kesora still poses a great deal of power, their attempts to overthrow the slave friendly Kos family being a known fact for the last two hundred years. Despite the fact that most of their family found early endings, the Kos prove to be an unstoppable force of change.

Their reforms regarding slave rights, the rights of men and the change of the succession law. *Before only a female heir could inherit the throne, but during one of the previous Kos queens the law was changed to allow for the queens son to pick the future queen as his bride, while keeping the Kos name.*

The last reform, which allows slaves to escape slavery if they join the army has been a very hard hit for the slavers since it insures a large base of support for the Kos family. There is also the fact that the current guardian of the heir is a former slave, fact that brings much pressure on slavers.

In Kesora, while men have the same rights as women it is a common sight to see them treated as less, unless theyÆre part of the military. The situation is gradually improving but at a slow pace.

They have a deep respect for strength and skill especially in the military field, seeing as that the Kos managed to stay in power mainly due to those skills. *It could also be the fact that if youÆre skilled enough you can escape slavery.*

Religion:

Unlike the other races previously mentioned, the vast majority of Kesora bows to one god, even though until recently they had a pantheon of gods:

Kardid: God/Goddess.

The Kesorans consider that their god provides them with only one gift: The Gift of Birth. Considered by many as a simple fertility cult, it was proved that some kesorans are born with unusual marks on their bodies.

Magic:

The Kesorans are rarely seen using magic. The potential is there, but they prefer not relying on magic. While they will never get as skilled or as strong in the art of magic like those in Unisvel, the people of Kesora are known for the ease with which they can cast destructive spells.

Usually they used specially imbued weapons for casting. *Enchanted weapons fueled by their life energy.*

Military:

Mainly formed out of men, it was until recently the only way for a man to get equal rights with those of the women. ItÆs a mostly volunteer army when it comes to women and a mandatory when it comes to males army even though requires presence only three months during the year, the only exceptions to this are the former slave legions, which are more of a permanent force and the QueenÆs Pride which is a elite unit with the duty of protecting the queen and capital.

Trade:

Slaves: The only country offering them.

Wine.

Weapons.

Jewelry.

Furniture.

Clothes.

Wood. *The main source on the continent*

They buy:

Medicine.

Food.

Services *Doctors & Love Traders*

Weapons.

Ships. *TheyÆre the main client for these, seeing as that the life expectancy for one of these is extremely short.*

Mercenaries. *Many of which fought against Kesora in the last war.*



The Kortair Swamps.

Boredom. This is the only way to describe Kortair, Having long lives and being lead by what seems to be the living embodiment of a goddess lead the citizens of Kortair to their current state. Though filled with undeads, the citizens tolerate and even encourage other races to visit and live amongst them, mainly due to the unpredictability factor.

The main issues are represented by renegade vampire clans, who managed to acquire significant power, due to Shivers lack of intervention. ItÆs rumored that the only reason for their continuous existence is the fact that they provide entertainment for the others.

Religion:

Almost all of Kortairs citizens are members of ShiverÆs cult, this amuses Shiver greatly. There are some of them that still bow to the gods they had while living, while few developed new religions in a search for ways to fill in their *free* time.

Military:

It is ironic that Kortair has no military, since itÆs the land in Falgaland with the greatest concentration of soldiers. Most of them offer their services as mercenaries outside Kortair or organize war games for fun. Many of the legendary army leaders in Falgaland can be found here.

Magic:

Contrary to popular belief, becoming an undead does NOT grant you magic powers. It is required for the undead to have had potential for magic in life for him to be able to perform it in death.

There are three main branches of magic in Kortair.

Blood Magic: Performed by shedding the users blood. Mainly used by vampires.

Leech Magic: Performed only in Kortair by feeding on the energies provided by the swamp.

Sacrifice Magic: Ritualistic magic, usually performed outside Kortair, where the user sacrifices either one of his bones or a living creatures for the ability to use magic.

The amount of power differs with age and skill.

Trade:

Kortair is known for its high quality of its goods. They produce:

Furniture.

Jewelry.

Clothes.

Pottery.

Art.

Their main acquisitions:

Art: Often they grant support to artists in other countries. They have a deep sense of appreciation for beauty.

Slaves: Mainly the rebel vampire clans, though many hire *blood banks*, people who are only required to donate their blood for a previously set period of time and who receive generous compensations in exchange.

Knowledge: Mainly books, as they have to find a way to spend time.

Weapons: Mainly for collecting purposes.

Jewelry, furniture, clothes, see above.




The Unisvel Combine.

Little is known about the current Unisvel and as a result this guide will speak about what was before the accident.

Society.

One of the best places to live in Falgaland, Unisvel had a equalitarian society which aimed to make life better for all its citizens. Unfortunately the mages were such citizens. It was a common fact around Falgaland that if you wanted to repair something the mages did you called for a scientist.

The Seat of Knowledge was renowned for its library, university and numerous urban facilities. Unisvel was highly developed and the life of its citizens was made easier by the improvements brough by the scientists.

All was not well however, as tensions between the Librarians *lead body of Unisvel scientists* were always at odds with the Mage Guild. The reason for the Unisvel Homeguard, the small force comprised out of two legions was not the existence of foreign threats but rather the constant pressure from the Mage Guild. Also although few know it, the only military academy could be found there.

Another particularity of Unisvel is the fact that the Mages had full authority over their strongholds, as long as they didnÆt involve Unisvel citizens.

While the mages are known as a destructive force, the scientist are perhaps the greatest builders of this continent, being involved in almost every major development in Falgaland. Notable:

The teacher of Cyril Kos was a Unisvel scientist.

Unisvel scientists are responsible for most of the infrastructure in Kesora.

The numerous environment friendly developments in Esterk are a result of years and years of research and work from Unisvel scientists.

The Nagah doctors, famous through Falgaland are usually students of Unisvel scientists.

Most improvements in numerous fields were brought to the continent by Unisvel.


Religion:

Unisvel had no leading religion, but religion tolerance was a known and guaranteed fact, nagah, humans, baltans and draconians being allowed to follow their own beliefs as they wished. Attempts to instate a unique set of beliefs were rebuffed.

The religion accepted by most Unisvel scientists was that of Logic/Rationality.

ôThere is a reason for every action.ö

Most of them refused to accept the existence of someone that controlled their day to day lives, but they believed in higher beings, just that they considered them as more ôadvancedö beings.

The mages of Unisvel are known for the fact that they donÆt have any beliefs, preferring to follows their own ambitions.

Military.

The country with the smallest numbers of fighters, Unisvel avoided involvement in conflict, with the exception of the mages which hired vast forces of mercenaries to use in their research campaigns.

The quality of the two legions that formed the Home Guard was above everything else in Falgaland, fact that was proven without doubt in the wars with Kesora and Kortair where the small army of Unisvel devastated the much larger forces of their enemies.

Highly trained, excellently equipped and lead to battle by the greatest military leaders Falgaland produced, the Unisvel military is the model after which the current Kesora army is organized after, though the situation in Kesora prevents their forces from reaching the same level.

Magic.

The best magic users in all of Falgaland, the mages of Falgaland were known for their proficiency in almost any field of magic. However it is a less known fact that many form of magic were abandoned due to the fact that they did not yield the desired results.

The Mages of Falgaland used three main ways of using magic:

Focus magic, where one uses words and a item to canalize his/her magic.

Hand magic, where the hands were used.

Mind magic, probably the most advanced form of magic in Unisvel, used by many, mastered by few.

As proved by the Desolation Wave *The Accident* there is a deep connection between the Magic of Unisvel and the Magic used by Mages, seeing that most of the mages outside Unisvel and the children born out of mage parents were killed by the backslash.

Trade.

Pre Accident:

Unisvel produced many goods, this combined with their monopoly on the seas allowed them to trade:

Furniture.

Clothes.

Books. *Main export for the Seat of Knowledge.*

Scientists. *Many projects outside Unisvel are the direct results of their participation.*

Art.

Medicine.

They bought:

Wood.

Rare metals.

Medicine.

Livestock

Slaves. *Only the mage enclaves.*


All in all, Unisvel was the most advanced part of the continent, its destruction being bound to have deep and lasting effects on the continent, partly prevented by the founding of the city of Kunskap by Shiver, where most survivors can be found, though growing settlements can also be encountered in the Esterk Forest and The Ring of Red.



Kunskap.

Most of the Unisvel scientist left their home for extended periods of time, especially spending time studying Mekanos or helping development in other countries. At the time of the accident almost 40% of the scientist population of Unisvel was outside its borders. To this already numerous population, we can also add the crews of the sizeable Unisvel Fleet.

After the accidents the survivors from Unisvel realized they needed a place to call home, many requested the various states of Falgaland for help, but while the Ring of Red had no proper conditions for them despite the unexpected hospitality of the local races, and their refuse to destroy the forests in Esterk even though the nagah were willing to allow it, they outright refused the offer made by Kesora.
It was probably one of the greatest blunders did by the queendom, as many people sought out to take it out on the Unisvel scientists and offered them unacceptable conditions.

When the survivors refused, it was Shivers intervention that allowed them to find a home. On the eastern shores of Koratair, the city of Kunskap was founded.

Shiver granted them many privileges and encourages their development.

Kunskap is also the headquarters of the new Merchant Guild, formed from the remains of the Unisvel Navy, which now owns a sizeable share from all the trading done around the continent. The city also has a recently established library and university, while security is insured by a force as large as the Home Guard.

Mainly a economical power, Kunskap is for many of its inhabitants just a step in reclaiming what is rightfully theirs.



May the reader find this guide usefull.