GURPS - 4th Edition - Banestorm

the forest were wrong. Instead of The Secret of the
being a few dozen miles thick, it Blackwoods
extended hundreds of miles toward
Quartedec, covering territory shown Megalos is certain the Blackwoods threat is the work of “dark elves”;
on the maps as cultivated land. Some most other elves agree, although any who enter the woods come to think
of the oldest residents of Hyrnan that their brothers must have gone stark mad. The dark elves themselves,
recalled the Blackwoods as being with their paranoid distrust of outsiders and evil reputation, find it
smaller; others were uncannily cer- impossible to make anyone believe the truth.
tain that nothing had changed.
The shady, tangled Blackwoods have indeed long been a home to the
Many adventurers set out to shadowy offshoot of elvendom. This is where most of them retreated
explore the woods; the very few who after the Bane went horribly wrong, and where many recent recruits,
returned sane spoke of terror in the converted by human expansion and the deforestation of their home-
night. The Duke sent in soldiers. They lands, have mustered. However, 30 or 40 years ago, this hideout became
didn’t return at all. In 1987, the a trap.
Emperor sent a full legion to clear the
forest; less than one in 10 survived the Something appeared in the heart of the Blackwoods – perhaps
initial foray. wrought by another failed experiment or simply left there by a minor
banestorm. No elf can understand it, though they know enough to hate
The Emperor tried again five years it. There are a few relevant hints in the darkest myths of the people of
later, sending a veritable army of Loren’dil, although most of those tales were forgotten centuries ago on
woodcutters, guarded by another Yrth.
legion. This expedition simply began
chopping down trees at the outskirts The thing itself seems a great tree, though close up it is more a tan-
of the Blackwoods. They lasted a gled thicket, its twisted branches, long creepers, and fungal growths
long time, but gradually disease, black and dripping with slime. It is sentient, magically powerful, and
unprompted panic, and mysterious relentlessly hostile. It can create or twist the shape of living things, direct
disappearances frightened away the them with its thoughts, and slowly, overwhelmingly warp reality. Its
civilians. By then, even the legionaries venom is forcing the Blackwoods to expand at the outer edges while the
had severe morale problems, and the forest’s center reshapes into something unpleasant to contemplate.
officers knew better than to order While the unnatural menace appears not to be able to manipulate sapi-
their men into the woods. The legion ent beings, it may just be a matter of time.
retreated, and the locals vowed to
leave the forest alone. elves, ignoring distinctions. The consider themselves independent.
Emperor declared his great displeas- Most of the Megalan government
Unfortunately, that vow was not ure at the presence of hostile forces in regards this as a polite legal fiction.
enough. The Blackwoods visibly, the Empire’s midst, but everyone
unnaturally expanded over the next agrees they will be incredibly difficult The Grand Master of the Order
decade, to within a half-dozen miles of to root out. For the moment, the gov- controls the city and its surrounding
Hyrnan. The citizens tried not to look ernment has simply fortified Hyrnan lands. At the heart of the city stands
toward the trees, but everyone’s nerves with soldiers and mages. the huge, gothic Grand Hospital, pri-
began to fray. Duke Tunstall mary seat and spiritual center of the
Dubhagain pleaded for more help New Jerusalem Order. New Jerusalem is prosperous;
from the Emperor . . . and got it. free peasants work the adjoining
West of Craine, New Jerusalem is a farms and there is strong trade on the
In 2002, a pair of legions, with five semi-autonomous region within River Conn. The Order also has a large
times the usual complement of battle Megalos, founded by the Knights treasury, full of money paid by the
mages, marched straight for the heart Hospitaller (p. 62) shortly after they Emperor for services rendered.
of the Blackwoods. They were met by arrived on Yrth in 1187. A thorn in the
the same threats as in previous forays: Empire’s side for many a year, it was- During the Frontier Wars, the
gigantic wolves, strange fevers, voices n’t until 1350 that the Hospitallers Hospitallers were instrumental in
in the dark, and worse. However there agreed to join the Empire so their driving back the Wazifi invaders, and
were simply too many men to be dis- combined forces could destroy the many now believe Megalos and the
suaded. Eventually the resistance infidels to the south. This unity lasted Hospitallers should push once more
melted away – and a day later, the throughout the Crusades, but today into Muslim territory. Sir Geoffrey
legions marched into what was obvi- the Hospitallers answer the Empire’s Freeman, the Grand Master, in earlier
ously an elven village of unusual size, call only if it suits them. They pay years would have invaded whether
very hastily deserted. They gathered taxes as specified in the treaty, but Megalos agreed or not, but the last
scattered parchments and other evi- have never sworn fealty and generally war made him wary. He constantly
dence, burned every building, and agitates for support while keeping his
marched back to Hyman. Their return more radical knights on a tight leash.
was uneventful.

It was clear that the village had
belonged to the infamous dark elves.
The residents of Hyrnan now resent all

LANDS OF YRTH 99

Adventuring in continent, visible for miles, rising
New Jerusalem sheer from the surrounding plains.
Despite the inhabitants’ slight para-
As a nominally independent city founded by warrior priests, New noia, they justifiably feel ignored by
Jerusalem is frequently on the knife-edge of war. As such, it is an ideal the Emperor.
base of operations for a combat-oriented party. To be Hospitallers or
work for them, members will have to be human or capable of passing as YIBYORAK:
such, probably non-mages, and certainly Christian. The Hospitallers are THE GOBLIN CITY
conservative at best.
A fertile region situated on several
However, this intolerance does create adventuring possibilities for trade routes, the duchy and city of
everyone who doesn’t fit New Jerusalem’s narrow concept of acceptable. Yibyorak are rich and getting richer.
The Hospitallers run a tight ship, but the city is too big for them to watch Duke Korobik usually leaves manage-
every corner. A traditionally eclectic band of characters can find work ment of the city to its governor, prefer-
protecting people from the excesses of the city’s rulers; they may even ring to oversee the rest of his duchy or
end up doing jobs “under the table” for practical and desperate visit the capital to curry favor.
Hospitallers. Yibyorak City itself is home to thou-
sands of merchants and traders;
Quartedec The dwarves, however, remained money and goods are constantly
concerned, and offered to buy the changing hands.
The fief of Earl Hadrian of river from the fief in 1999. Since the
Quartedec stretches from the north- river is important to local agriculture History
ern edge of the Blackwoods to the and the Earl has no authority to sell
Emperor’s Wall and the shores of Lake Megalan land, they were refused. They Shortly after the initial Banestorm
Styx. The earldom is famous for its have renewed the offer each year, years, five clans of displaced goblins
horses, the best of which are descend- promising more money, asking for dif- settled at the mouth of a river they
ed from captured northern stock. ferent rights, or using a less diplomat- named the Yvosek. Their settlement
Quartedec’s rich, sometimes marshy ic tone. In addition, they have been quickly grew into a town, then a small
grasslands are broken by pine forests. furiously digging in the headwaters of city. By 1175 Yibyorak was the capital
Perpetually swept by icy winds pour- the river, looking for the mother lode. of a goblin kingdom of the same
ing down the mountains, the city is In late 2004, however, they suddenly name. The goblins fought fiercely
solidly if monotonously constructed. stopped, and began asking discreet when the Dragon encroached on their
questions about Earth. What they territory but became an Imperial
Quartedec is the primary source of found is unknown. duchy in 1229; the Emperor elevated
dwarven goods in Megalos. Traders one of their more compliant leaders to
from Zarak gather there to exchange Raphael dukedom.
weapons, armor, and jewelry for food
and cloth. The city also boasts a com- Southeast of Craine, the Over the centuries, Yibyorak has
munity of dwarven smiths – one of the Archbishop of Raphael rules his city prospered in peace and suffered in
that race’s rare permanent surface- and a large part of the surrounding war. Its harbor is less than 200 miles
dwelling settlements. grasslands as a feudal lord. This is the from al-Wazif, whose forces have
youngest Archdiocese in Megalos, cre- blockaded it every war since Prince
Not surprisingly, recent controver- ated in 1855 after the establishment of Ivor’s Crusade. After these dramatic
sy in Quartedec has revolved around the current border between the drops in trade, the people go back to
gold. The Baran River, which flows Empire and al-Wazif. At least half the stockpiling wealth in preparation for
out of the Bronze Mountains into inhabitants of the region had Muslim the next spasm of conflict.
Lake Styx, is rich with it. When the grandparents, and although everyone
humans first discovered the gold in in the city is now nominally Christian, Layout and Architecture
the mid-1980s, they panned so much Muslim villagers close to the al-Wazif
that its value dropped. The dwarves border fiercely protect a few small Yibyorak occupies both shores of
grumbled that the gold was rightfully mosques. the River Yvosek and all of Memanjik
theirs since it flowed out of their Island, a smooth spar of rock where
mountains. Thus, when the gold A young, vital city, Raphael sup- the river opens to the sea. Memanjik is
began to poison its owners, they were ports itself through horse breeding closer to the west bank and connects
the first to be blamed. It turned out and trade with al-Wazif. It was to it by several bridges, some sturdy,
the “Curse of Black Gold” was the almost leveled during the Mages’ War, some rickety. The only link to the east
work of a wizard, hired by a local mer- but the survivors rebuilt, fortified, bank is the Bajik Bridge, one of the
chant who was being ruined by the and survived the Frontier Wars in most impressive engineering feats in
price drop. The magic has since worn much better shape. Its outer walls are Ytarria. Built of stone and thick, aged
off; the gold is once again harmless. some of the thickest and tallest on the timbers, it is sturdy enough for a hun-
dred full ox-carts, high enough for
smaller vessels to pass underneath,
and has a drawbridge in its center for

100 LANDS OF YRTH

taller ships. Yibyorak has never had a Adventuring in Yibyorak
complete city wall; it features several
partial walls of varying ages. The city A largely human band of wanderers won’t attract too many stares
sprawls around and beyond them; it is here; the city is over one-third non-goblin, after all. Nevertheless, such
said invaders are less likely to be dis- visitors may feel rather more conspicuous than usual. GMs who plan to
suaded by Yibyorak’s defenses than by make Yibyorak central to their campaigns should encourage their play-
its labyrinthine construction. ers to consider goblin PCs.

Megalan humans have deter- That said, Yibyorak is a city where something is always happening, a
minedly tried to model Yibyorak on great deal of it illegal. Most people are blind to considerations of color
the capital, but much architecture is other than gold versus silver. Enterprising thieves and assassins can hunt
still distinctively goblin, tending to down the Brothers of Mercury (p. 102) or set up a competing organiza-
rounded towers of adobe, brick, and tion. Yibyorak is also a wonderful place to spend coin, haggle over loot
some granite. New buildings, con- values, or book passage for nearly anywhere else. As a merchant town,
struction sites, and temporary struc- it’s also the perfect spot to get robbed or swindled.
tures are very common – goblins like
to try new things and have no qualms And, because goblins love magic and are fascinated by mages, the
about knocking down old buildings. arcane members of the party will never have a dull moment . . .
Most public places are built to human
scale, but in primarily goblinish parts Government ostensibly descendants of the appro-
of the city, a tall human will feel priate tribe, but actual succession is
cramped. Yibyorak is ruled by duke-appoint- rarely hereditary and involves a lot of
ed Governor Taavjekii, aided by five negotiating among the city’s nobility.
The River Yvosek is navigable by lieutenant governors. Each assistant Below the Governors, the manage-
small boats all the way to Lake oversees a “demesne,” a specific sec- ment of the city quickly devolves into
Acheron. Bigger ships must take the tion of the city named for one of the a complex web of bureaucratic offices.
Ekmekyk Canal, which runs straight original five founding clans: Bojich, Most important positions are filled via
from the lake to join the Yvosek about Bricik, Kurnjaych, Memanjik, and nepotism or bribes, though someone
30 miles upstream from Yibyorak. The Saratlik. Lieutenant governors are
canal was completed in the early of demonstrated competence will
1990s, and since then Yibyorak has find that cursory bribes will do.
pocketed an ever greater share of
regional trade. Economics

The Yibyorak Merchant’s
Council naturally has a great
deal of influence over city
government. A council seat
costs five Megalan pounds
($5,000) per year, and the
councilor must own a fleet or
business that employs at least
100 people. The Council
freely manipulates the local
guilds and effectively sets
tariffs.

The strongest debates in
the Council are between guild
leaders who want a monop-
oly and customers who want
to spend less. Those busi-
nesses most important to the
city – merchants, ship-
wrights, and innkeepers, for
example – have been con-
trolled by two or more
competing guilds for over a
century, keeping costs lower.
In less vital areas, the one
existing guild is usually free
to set high prices.

LANDS OF YRTH 101

People of Yibyorak

Yibyorak is the largest city in Goblins with minor magical talent are
Ytarria that is not predominantly

human. Goblins make up over 60% of quite common; one or two can be found on
the population; another 30% are any street. Powerful mages, goblin and
human, followed by halflings,

dwarves, and assorted other races. otherwise, are popular public figures.
Truly wild creatures like centaurs are

rarely seen.

While heavily Christian, the city

claims a substantial number of

Muslims, both resident and transient.

Most of them are either Wazifi mer- Places of Interest mostly wizardly roosts. The very high-
chants or descendants of merchants est floor serves as the Duke’s residence
who decided to stay. Other religions The Ducal Tower is not the tallest when he’s in town. The top floors are
are barely represented. structure in Ytarria, but at 20 stories it accessible by stairs, but most people
looms over the city. Designed by pay a staff wizard five farthings ($5) to
Because of the goblin fascination Aralaise architects and sturdily con- be levitated through an interior shaft.
with magic, mages feel comfortable in structed of gray stone, it combines
Yibyorak, goblin mages doubly so. goblin and Gothic styles in a way gob- The Tower overlooks Covik Park, a
Goblins with minor magical talent are lins love and other races find perplex- large, landscaped area in the middle of
quite common; one or two can be ing at best. The lowest levels are shops Memanjik Island. The Park used to be
found on any street. Powerful mages, and restaurants, the middle floors a residential area, but after a fire dev-
goblin and otherwise, are popular offices, and the highest residential, astated the city’s center in 1864, the
public figures. governor dedicated the land to green-

ery in memory of the dead. However,

Covik Park is hard to keep manicured;

The Brothers of Mercury a corps of groundskeepers battles to
keep the more attractive plants
Not surprisingly, Yibyorak is also a city of thieves. Its citizens regard healthy while preventing its total over-
their losses as the price of doing business. A “thieves’ guild” (p. 51) called growth by less welcome shrubs and
the Brothers of Mercury efficiently dominates the local underworld. As a bushes. All this cover makes it notori-
token of membership, each Brother carries a copper coin normal to the ously unsafe at night; the Brothers of
casual glance but bearing the caduceus of Mercury on one side. Their Mercury make a point of not letting
loyalty is so great that they will die rather than betray each other. The anyone through without “paying the
highest-ranking Brothers are skillful enough to burgle supposedly park tax.”
impregnable homes right under the guards’ noses.
The economic core of Yibyorak is
The Brotherhood is currently moderating their activities so as not to the Market, divided into the mostly
drive too many people out of business. Nevertheless, a reward of 25 pen- private Goods Market and the public
nies ($100) for each Brother captured or killed, 10 pounds ($10,000) for Common Market. The former, housed
the leader, has been on offer for years. in what used to be a small arena, is a
commodities exchange, the closest

Shuuv’kopekk thing to a “stock market” in Ytarria’s
quasi-feudal economy. Rich mer-
The goblin wizard Shuuv’kopekk leads the Brothers. His identity is chants and their aides buy and sell
unknown to anyone except the cult’s high priest, a human named goods on paper, settling up at day’s
Sulpicia, the mastermind’s mouthpiece. Shuuv’kopekk uses magic to end. A great deal of running and
provide Mercury’s “blessings” and collects offerings from members. He yelling accompanies everything here,
also uses his wizardry to choose targets, disable safeguards, and other- though nobles get their servants to
wise aid his thieves. take care of such boorish mundanities
– most of the time. The Common
Most of the thieves of Yibyorak worship Mercury. Newer converts Market is a large network of streets
start out skeptical of the god’s power, but all become believers eventual- crowded with shops and carts selling a
ly. Their complete loyalty comes from a record of success and wealth – thousand types of foodstuffs, live-
and the knowledge that traitors are disemboweled. stock, cloth, and just about everything
else. Arms and armor are available,
Sulpicia in particular is apparently utterly loyal. When her predeces- but only on a few of the side streets,
sor, Diosthenes, got greedy, Shuuv’kopekk made her turn the fellow in for and more exotic goods such as
the 10-pound reward. The governor later reinstated the offer when it enchanted items are nearly impossible
became clear the Brothers hadn’t disbanded, but Diosthenes had already to find. The Common Market is even
met an unpleasant fate at the hands of the authorities. Sulpicia under-
standably wishes she were in a less vulnerable position.

louder than the Goods Market.

102 LANDS OF YRTH

ARATERRE

The islands south of the Megalan have room to grow grain and raise cat- During this period, some major settle-
mainland remained largely uninhabit- tle, and fishing is a major industry. ments were founded, but they had no
ed until the 16th century, when a Important cash crops include sugar- unified government.
resurgence of the Banestorm import- cane, tea, grapes, and several spices
ed thousands of Earth humans. When and dyes. Sugar cane is also used to Soon, handpicked Megalan wiz-
Megalos discovered them, the Empire make rum. ards and Church agents arrived to
sent expeditions to help the new monitor the newcomers. Mages
arrivals acclimate – and to censor the The major islands have long since ensured that no one came to or left the
knowledge they brought with them. been deforested; only a few hunting archipelago without careful screening.
After all remotely dangerous technolo- preserves remain. Most land is under In the meantime, they slowly installed
gy had been erased, the Megalans some kind of cultivation, save the an aristocracy loyal to the Emperor,
helped the islanders establish their southwestern coast of Isle Entelle, elevating amenable Aralaise to high
own aristocracy – subject to the shunned because of its proximity to office while providing each with an
Emperor, of course. the mysterious Ring Islands. “adviser.”

The island-string Principality of Araterre is a normal-mana area Church inquisitors stamped out
Araterre stretches from Isle Entelle except for the high-mana Ring Protestantism, and placed carefully
(formerly Ental Island) northward to Islands. chosen puppets in the highest ecclesi-
Isle de Nord. On its southern border astical offices. One order they could
are the Ring Islands, a region of high HISTORY not stamp out, however, was the
mana, dangerous creatures, and Society of Jesus, despite the fact that
strange events. Westward, across sev- Before the 16th century, the south- its attitudes and sophisticated post-
eral hundred miles of open ocean, lies ern islands could boast only three real Reformation theology frequently put
Cardiel. To the east is Bilit Island, human communities: Drift Abbey on it at odds with the Curia. Heavy-
fiercely independent of both Araterre Ental Island (later known as Isle handed actions by the Megalan hier-
and Megalos. Entelle), Mallory on Bartow Island archy led to the Jesuits briefly being
(then and now a backwater town), and declared heretical, while the Jesuits
GEOGRAPHY the strange, isolated population of themselves were obstinate about not
Bilit Island. Then, in 1551, the first recognizing the authority of bishops
The islands of Araterre are similar Aralaise arrived from Renaissance out of communion with the pope.
in climate to southern Megalos but France. Over the next 50 years, they The common folk of Araterre, chaf-
warmer and wetter. The larger islands appeared in ever-increasing numbers, ing under Megalan impositions, saw
until the flow suddenly stopped. the Jesuits as heroic symbols of
resistance.
The Spice Trade
The martyrdom of early Aralaise
While spices are not the most important product of Araterre’s agri- Jesuits served only to increase the
culture by total value, they are the most glamorous. Weight for weight, order’s popularity and resolve.
they are certainly among the most valuable trade goods on Yrth, often Recognizing that they were losing too
more valuable than gold. much, the Curia, after obtaining a few
minor theological concessions, gave
Among the commonest are cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and gin- the Jesuits its full approval, and the
ger. Capsicums (chilies and “sweet peppers”) and vanilla have been Jesuits accepted its authority. The
imported from Bilit Island (p. 108), although Aralaise growers have only Society of Jesus then lost no time. By
recently learned how to cultivate the latter. Graine’glace is an Yrth-native 1800, it was spread throughout
plant with a “cool-tasting” seed. Some ferociously hot chilies can still Christendom. Later in the 19th centu-
only be acquired from Bilit, and some Megalan nobles claim to be very ry, Banestorm immigrants from Bali
fond of these; eating one without showing pain is taken as a sign of man- brought Hinduism to Araterre; as they
liness. also brought new and valuable crops,
this was tolerated by the rulers of the
Spice cargos, along with a lot of sugar, are typically carried up the time.
southwestern coast of Megalos, and traded to Megalan, Wazifi, and even
Caithnesser merchants in Yibyorak. Because of this connection, a num- The Principality of Araterre was
ber of wealthy spice merchants are goblins, despite the fact that their established on paper by the year 1625.
senses of taste and smell are not quite like those of humans. Other It was not until 1644, however, that
traders sail to Araterre from all round Ytarria, often at great personal the region was officially opened to the
risk. world. Today, Araterre remains techni-
cally part of the Megalan Empire, but
geography and technology conspire to
make it all but independent. The
Prince sends annual tribute to the
Emperor, and lends the power of his

LANDS OF YRTH 103

navy to Megalan military ventures, but Fencing
otherwise rules the islands as his own.
Still, a Megalan counselor is present in One technology for which Araterre is noted is fencing swordplay.
the Aralaise court at all times, observ- Enough skilled smiths arrived through the Banestorm to preserve the
ing and advising. The current Prince is techniques of manufacturing TL4 blades, and local fighting men
Arnod de Sauvons (p. 106) – not the retained the associated combat skills and a general swashbuckling style,
worst ruler in Aralaise history, but a later augmented by some South Asian techniques.
trial to his counselor nonetheless.
This makes sense in a subtropical maritime nation; heavy armor is
SOCIETY infernally hot to wear, intolerably clumsy on shipboard – and fatal if one
should end up in the water, even if one can swim. Hence, Aralaise com-
Araterre has a complete aristocra- bat training emphasizes agility and mobility, for which light, fast blades
cy, from the Prince down to petty local are the best choice.
lords – titles and Status are the same
as those for Megalos (p. 85). However, Rapiers are the most popular type of sword, although both sabers and
the nobility has relatively little actual smallswords are known. All three, and the skills to use them, may be
power. The Prince is supported by acquired in any substantial town in Araterre. Elsewhere in Ytarria, only
taxes on both land and trade; lesser cheap fencing blades can generally be found; anything better will be an
nobles, on the other hand, find them- import or the product of a well-paid Aralaise emigrant, and will cost at
selves constantly under financial pres- least double the usual price, and often a lot more (GM’s option).
sure, caught between increasing taxes, Likewise, it would be hard for anyone who has not spent a long time in
frozen rents paid by free farmers who Araterre to acquire the related skills. Main-Gauche skill too is widely
grow many of the islands’ cash crops, taught in Araterre, but largely unknown elsewhere. Some local daggers
and a cultural aversion to commerce. have wavy blades like the Asian kris.

Aside from the Palace, the real In fact, Aralaise “academies of arms” teach not only those weapon
powers are the Church, which con- skills, but also Acrobatics and Cloak. The more practical schools also
trols the hearts and minds of the peo- study heavier blades, to produce well-rounded fighters. Their students
ple, and the merchants, who control often seem to study Carousing and Sex Appeal, too. Advanced fencers
their pocketbooks. Only constant con- may acquire techniques such as Disarming, Dual-Weapon Attack, Feint,
flict keeps the two in balance; were Off-Hand Weapon Training, and Retain Weapon.
they to unite, they could easily over-
power the aristocracy. However, their Nonhumans more common. Araterre has many
interests are so disparate that this professional barristers, who argue
seems unlikely. No nonhumans are native to the cases before the courts for a fee.
islands, but goblin merchants are They participate only in civil matters,
Technology common in its cities, as are kobold however.
gutter rats, and sea elves and merfolk
Despite Megalan efforts, the tech- in the local waters. There is little prej- Criminal cases, in which the con-
nology of Araterre is substantially udice against nonhuman visitors; demned may be executed, maimed or
higher than that found elsewhere in Aralaise humans like to appear cos- enslaved, are still heard by the nobili-
Yrth. It is fully TL4 in some fields, mopolitan, and most truly are. ty. Only a noble of higher Status than
notably shipbuilding and sailing; local the accused may sentence a man to
craftsmen also produce a few clever Magic death. Commoners are hanged; aristo-
spring-powered gadgets. Only Aralaise crats are beheaded. Slavery, though
vessels are equipped with the complex In contrast to the sophistication of legal, is less general than in mainland
rigging and navigational devices that Aralaise technology, local wizards are Megalos, whereas imprisonment is
make open ocean voyages practical. generally less skilled than their main- quite common.
The fact that only the Aralaise, living land counterparts. Aralaise retain
on isolated islands, really need such quiet but deep-seated misgivings THE FIEFDOMS
technology, and that they guard their about magic, dating back to the
secrets jealously, has kept their sailing Megalan magical conquest. Though Araterre is divided up into feudal
techniques from being adopted in not repressed, the study of magic is fiefs, some centered around towns or
other lands. not encouraged – except for church- cities, some made up of one or more
men. Most powerful Aralaise mages small islands with no community larg-
Also, Aralaise armourers can make are members of the Thomasite or er than a village. Feudal duties are
fencing blades, which local warriors Jesuit orders. appropriate to a maritime culture. A
use to good effect (see box, above). noble may be required to raise, not
Local engineers excel in the fields of The Law mounted knights, but one or more
architecture, plumbing and irrigation, ships for his liege; indeed, most are
and siege engines. All knowledge of Aralaise law is similar to that of better sailors than horsemen.
gunpowder, however, was wiped out Megalos, though formal courts with
by the Megalan wizards . . . or so it judges appointed by the local lord are
appears.

104 LANDS OF YRTH

Sauvons than dangerous; to encounter the Drift Abbey
Sabreurs Royales – the Prince’s elite
Sauvons is the political and cultur- bodyguard – is quite another matter! Drift Abbey was founded in the
al center of Araterre, and is considered year 1175 by a group of Benedictine
by many to be the intellectual and Light blades are preferred in duels; monks. Whether they journeyed from
artistic capital of Ytarria. It holds over anyone who attempts to use a the mainland or were dropped here by
half the population of Araterre within broadsword is considered crass. the Banestorm is unknown, but they
its sprawling boundaries, and boasts Wearing armor will earn the name of were the first to set foot on Isle
many buildings which are remarkable coward as well. Entelle. Later, when the Church sent
in their own right and fantastic by the
standards of Megalos, including the Maritime Technology
Cathedrale de Saint Michel and the
royal Palais de Sauvons. Its presti- Aralaise ships are far and away the most sophisticated known in
gious University attracts nobles’ sons Ytarria, fully equal to late 16th-century Earth vessels (or even more
from all over the Empire. Scholars, advanced in some cases) and capable of true ocean voyages. Some
courtiers, merchants and revolution- designs show signs of Asian influence. Navigational technology has
aries meet in cafes which serve Wazifi lapsed a little, but is still up to an early TL4 standard, and considerably
coffee and fabulously expensive Bilit enhanced by magic.
Island chocolate, or in taverns which
sell fine wines and potent rum. The Ships typically have two or three masts, with one or two decks above
city, and much of the population of the the keel and a low “castle” at the stern; the largest warships have anoth-
surrounding islands, is supported by er such at the prow. These occasionally serve as platforms for heavy siege
large milkfish farms along the coast. engines; light engines, basically oversized crossbows, are typically
mounted along the side-rails. Magical waterproofing can keep these
Dueling is a popular pastime much more serviceable in ocean spray than they would be without;
among the rich youths of Sauvons. damp bowstrings don’t work well and get people killed.
Many fencing academies are located
here, so there is no lack of young hot- Even so, most engagements are settled by boarding. Pirates prefer
heads for opponents. Dueling is, this; an intact prize is much more valuable than one battered by missiles
however, illegal within the city prop- or magic. Hence, warships carry a varied mix of archers, crossbowmen,
er. To be found dueling by the clumsy and melee troops. Even merchantmen often employ armed guards.
city watch may be more amusing

LANDS OF YRTH 105

The blame is usually placed with a

Names in Araterre Wazifi merchant named Jafar as-
Siyassi, previously Remis’ chief advis-
Aralaise naming mostly follows Megalan patterns (p. 88), save that er. Remis never showed much interest
the nobility do not borrow from Latin and all names have a strong, in governing, but left as-Siyassi to run
proud French flavor. Epithets referring to a place use the preposition the city for his own profit. The Wazifi
“de” rather than “of” – hence “Arnod de Sauvons.” When the place name was heavily involved in smuggling and
begins with a vowel, this is abbreviated, as in “Remis d’Ansonne.” illegality, and some assumed that he
was an agent of Wazifi influence – a
Typical male names include Aramis, Arnod, Bernard, Etienne, Guy, tactic which al-Wazif certainly used
Henri, Jacques, Louis, Mathieu, Michel, Philippe, Raymonde, Thibod, elsewhere. However, it is just as possi-
Thierry, and Xavier. Women’s names include Allisende, Anne, ble that he was simply out for himself.
Bernadette, Danielle, Giselle, Jeanne, Lisette, Marie, Monique, and Wilder rumors made him a Hashishin,
Sybille. a diabolist, or a demon in disguise;
Remis himself was known to dabble
In some outlying regions, fragments of Asian naming systems survive. in black magic, albeit merely as a
A first child will sometimes be called “Wayan” or “Putu” and a second “shocking” hobby for a bored aristo-
“Made” or “Kadek,” regardless of sex, in the Balinese tradition.

crat, involving little more than hiring a

few necromancers to produce bizarre

inquisitors to assure the proper spiri- this drove the hard-working Jacques effects at private parties.
tual development of the Aralaise new- into early retirement; he would like to When Megalos recently found itself
comers, they made Drift Abbey their see his protégé do better. He feels his
headquarters. It became the seat of mistake was letting the Jesuits annoy at war with al-Wazif, Remis was
the Archbishop of Araterre, though he him too much; he has convinced obliged to dismiss as-Siyassi, but gave
rarely spends much time away from Andrew to focus on building power for him plenty of warning to leave. Under
the intrigues of Sauvons. the church as a whole and undermin- Megalan pressure, the Prince investi-
ing the merchants . . . and to try to gated, and made his brother act a little
The current Archbishop, Andrew work with the Jesuits. It will be inter- more respectably for a while. Since
of Hidelban, a Megalan appointee, is esting to see how the Jesuits react. the Frontier Wars ended, though, as-
an exception. Archbishop Andrew is Siyassi has slipped back into the
genuinely concerned with both spiri- Ansonne archipelago, and is almost certainly
tual and political matters across back in contact with the Duc, who is
Araterre. He is a competent politician Ansonne is Araterre’s second great- governing through favorites and hard-
who is advised by his predecessor, the est city. However, in the last 20 years, pressed clerks.
even more capable former Archbishop under the rule of Prince Arnod’s
Jacques-Jude LeBlanc, now simply younger brother, Duc Remis The main practical effect of
known as “Brother Jacques” since he d’Ansonne, it has declined badly. this is that Ansonne has become
retired to a small monastery. He keeps a den of thieves and pirates, “the
in touch with his successor through Wickedest City on Yrth,” with
as-Siyassi manipulating the local

frequent letters.

It has not escaped the attention of

Andrew and Jacques that, while both The Prince of Araterre
of them are members of the

Benedictine Order, most of the local Prince Arnod de Sauvons, lord of Araterre, seems pleasant and even

church hierarchy, including most capable enough to casual acquaintances. Fairly tall, in good condition

bishops, are Jesuits. Both were told, for a man in his fifties, he is no orator, but displays considerable energy

when they were appointed by the when something catches his interest.

Curia, that their job was to keep Unfortunately, what usually catches his interest is not the business of

watch on these unreliable schemers. government. He has one true love – and it is not his wife. The Prince is

However, they now realize that the an avid hunter, with bow, hounds, or falcon, and at the very least goes

Curia could reduce the number of riding every day. He also used to have a great love of beautiful young

Jesuits appointed to positions of women, and still keeps two or three mistresses at any one time, but that

influence in Araterre if it wanted. is mostly for habit and companionship these days.

They suspect that the Curia deliber- His wife, the Princess Acarie, used to be ferociously jealous (out of

ately sets the two sides up as rivals, fear for her position rather than any romantic sentiment); rumor says

thereby ensuring that the notoriously that she may have poisoned at least one rival. Her friends deny this heat-

independent Aralaise church will edly, though even they admit that she could be politically underhanded.

never unite enough to make trouble. Now, though, the couple has a son and heir, making Acarie’s position

Meanwhile, they also have to deal more secure. She simply shrugs at Arnod’s “romances,” and even

with the wealthy merchants who have befriends some of the women. Unfortunately, young Francois is a sickly

long held the Prince’s ear. The stress of child; his parents keep several wizard-healers permanently on hand.

106 LANDS OF YRTH

Dame Catherine “la Noire” (208 points)

Born the second daughter of an impoverished eastern Isles underworld; Skill-12; 12 or less; Somewhat reliable)
Aralaise noble family, Catherine de Méliés traveled to [10]; Contact Group (Old friends in high society; Skill-
Sauvons in search of fortune. There, her wit and charm 15; 9 or less; Somewhat reliable) [10]; Enhanced Parry
caught the attention of Prince Arnod, and after the (Smallsword) [5]; Luck [15]; Reputation +2 (As a glam-
appropriate protestations and denials, she became a orous rebel; Among anti-establishment Aralaise; All the
royal mistress, complete with a title and a luxurious life. time) [3]; Status 2* [5]; Wealth (Filthy Rich) [50].

Unfortunately, having nurtured misguided hopes of Disadvantages
more formal consideration before the young heir
Francois came along, she proved less willing to follow Enemies (Aralaise pirate-hunters; Hunter; 9 or less)
the traditional script when the Prince grew tired of her. [-30]; Overconfidence (15) [-2]; Reputation -2 (As a
She declared that Arnod’s very generous parting gift of bloody pirate; Among Aralaise law enforcers; All the
money demeaned her, but nonetheless accepted it and time) [-3]; Reputation -2 (As a loose woman; Among very
returned to the eastern isles. There, she used the money, respectable Aralaise; All the time) [-3]; Selfish (9) [-7];
old family connections, and newer personal acquain- Social Stigma (Known Criminal) [-5].
tances to set herself up as a pirate.
Quirks: Assumes that women who look better than
She proved to possess a definite gift for naval com- her are stupid; Has sworn to publicly humiliate both
mand, and has acquired a very loyal crew. In fact, she Arnod and his wife one day; Likes extremely bawdy
now commands a small fleet, and is becoming known as songs; Loves humiliating the Prince’s Navy; Reacts vio-
a “pirate queen.” She also delights in commissioning lently to any suggestion that her hair is a wig. [-5]
balladeers to compose deeply offensive and personal
songs about the Prince. Skills

While slight of build and not dazzlingly beautiful, Area Knowledge (The Eastern Isles)-14 (IQ+2) [4];
Catherine has distinctly exotic looks, combining blonde Brawling-12 (DX+1) [2]; Carousing-12 (HT+0) [1];
hair with “Asian” features. Her clothes are always expen- Cartography-11 (IQ-1) [1]; Connoisseur (Music)-12
sive but practical, and her force of personality is consid- (IQ+0) [2]; Crossbow-12 (DX+1) [2]; Current Affairs/TL4
erable. If obliged to fight in melee, she wields her blades (Eastern Isles)-12 (IQ+0) [1]; Current Affairs/TL4
defensively while waiting for her men to assist. (Headline News)-12 (IQ+0) [1]; Current Affairs/TL4
(Popular Culture)-12 (IQ+0) [1]; Dancing-10 (DX-1) [1];
ST 9 [-10]; DX 11 [20]; IQ 12 [40]; HT 12 [20]. Erotic Art-10 (DX-1) [1]; Heraldry-11 (IQ-1) [1]; Knife-11
Damage 1d-2/1d-1; BL 16 lbs.; HP 9 [0]; Will 12 [0]; Per (DX+0) [1]; Leadership-16 (IQ+4) [1]†; Makeup-12
(IQ+0) [1]; Musical Instrument (Harpsichord)-10 (IQ-2)
12 [0]; FP 12 [0]. [1]; Navigation/TL4 (Sea)-11 (IQ-1) [1]; Riding (Horse)
Basic Speed 6.00 [5]; Basic Move 6 [0]; Dodge 9; Parry -10 (DX-1) [1]; Savoir-Faire (High Society)-13 (IQ+1) [2];
Seamanship/TL4-12 (IQ+0) [1]; Sewing-11 (DX+0) [1];
10. Sex Appeal-14 (HT+2) [4]‡; Shiphandling/TL4 (Ship)-11
(IQ-1) [2]; Smallsword-12 (DX+1) [4]; Smuggling-12
Social Background (IQ+0) [2]; Strategy (Naval)-13 (IQ+1) [1]§; Tactics-15
(IQ+3) [4]§.
TL: 4 [5]
CF: Christian region [0]. * One level free from Wealth.
Languages: Aralaise (Native/Native) [0]; Latin † +3 from Born War-Leader, +2 from Charisma.
(Broken/Accented) [3]; Old Aralaise (Accented/Broken) ‡ +1 from Appearance.
[3]. § +3 from Born War-Leader.

Advantages

Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Born War-Leader 3
(p. 184) [15]; Charisma 2 [10]; Contact Group (Eastern

underworld and possibly running a know it, these are the remnants of two monsters. Moreover, in some areas,
Wazifi spy network. Eventually, some- huge ancient meteorite craters. All of the high local mana is aspected, giving
one is going to have to clean the place the islands are heavily wooded, and a bonus to skill with some types of
out. the southern ones hold the only rain- spells (such as necromantic or fire
forests known to the folk of Ytarria. magics) and an equal penalty to the
THE RING The Ring Islands are completely wild; opposite type (such as healing or
ISLANDS except for a few scattered pirate water spells); see GURPS Magic for
havens, intelligent races shun them. more about this. The aspect may
The Ring Islands lie southwest of change radically from one place to the
Isle Entelle. Although few people One reason is that they are noto- next, for no apparent reason. This has
riously infested with ferocious

LANDS OF YRTH 107

caused many forms of wildlife to Adventuring in the Isles
develop magical properties; some exist
only in one tiny area. Araterre is a region for games of swashbuckling quests. Adventurers
of a mercantile bent can trade in spices and gems while fending off
Among the bizarre and dangerous pirates. Characters who wish to travel much will need maritime skills, or
creatures living in the islands’ forests at least a ship with a trustworthy crew. There are enough small islands
are an acid-breathing species of drag- and hidden bays that skilled sailors can easily evade enemies, including
on (use the Hatchling, Young, or the authorities. Local society is colorful and flamboyant, with plenty of
Adolescent Dragon templates on politics and intrigue, especially in the capital.
p. 227, but replace the breath weapon
with a Corrosive Innate Attack with There is also opportunity for grand schemes and dreams of rebellion.
the Jet enhancement), a tiger-like cat While Araterre has enough functional independence to prevent the
whose hide magically changes to growth of a serious revolutionary movement, the Empire is just oppres-
match its surroundings (use the lion sive enough to inspire grumbling and resentment. As Ytarria’s most tech-
from p. B456, adding several levels of nologically advanced land, with plenty of hiding-places, Araterre is also
Chameleon), and a carnivorous flying a hotbed of underground engineers (p. 30), leading to occasional clash-
mammal of uncertain size that stuns es between swashbuckling philosophers and foreign wizards.
its prey with its shrill screech (use any
interesting predator as the base, PCs may also wish to visit the Ring Islands to hide from enemies or
adding Winged Flight and an hunt down rash pirates or exotic beasts. There are also rumors that the
Affliction which causes an Attribute Jesuits have a hidden mission on the large island in the center of the east-
Penalty to DX and also Stunning, with ern ring. What goes on there, if it exists, is equally mysterious, but the
the Cone enhancement). The local Curia or the Emperor, among others, would pay well to know.
waters are said to harbor sea serpents,
and the islands are also home to many Furthermore, Bilit Island is infest- some of the monsters show uncanny
“normal” animals unknown elsewhere ed with strange wildlife, including intelligence. Nonhuman visitors are
on Ytarria, including apes, crocodiles, huge reptiles and other monsters. rare, and likely to be seen as curiosi-
and large snakes. Many of these seem to be unique. ties, demons, or divine messengers; all
Whether they are brought by the three possibilities are dangerous.
BILIT ISLAND Banestorm or malevolent demons, Towns and villages on the island are
products of the sometimes strange always surrounded by strong wooden
Bilit Island lies 300 miles to the local mana, or left over from some stockades or dense, carefully cultivat-
east of Sauvons. The folk of this large, pre-human age of Yrthian magic, is ed barriers of growing thorns, to pro-
well-forested, partly volcanic isle have unclear. Apart from the danger they tect against invaders and local
remained independent of Megalos, represent, they make the islanders wildlife.
despite repeated invasions. Their prone to paranoia and superstition.
ferocity has earned the island not only The fact that paranoia is justified A few merchants make a profit
independence, but a dire reputation. towards Megalos is just luck. trading with the island. Jade, obsidi-
Old sailors and legionaries boast an, and precious stones can be found
of surviving a Bilit campaign, not of The island was discovered in the here, as can exotic hides, furs, and
battles won. 18th century, and shortly afterwards, feathers, fine woods such as
Megalos launched its first invasion mahogany, unique spices, and the rare
The natives are not the descen- attempt. Every few decades ever since, and valuable chocolate. Most impor-
dants of Europeans, but rather of some ambitious noble or general has tant, however, are the large gold
Mayan and Toltec Indians. There are a declared the intention of destroying deposits in the central hills – the only
half-dozen cities on the island, each the “heathen cannibal-cults” of Bilit major source in Ytarria not controlled
ruled by a warrior-king. They are in and bringing the island into the by dwarves. Traders come to the
constant conflict; their wars are char- Empire. The results have always been island to barter steel weapons, wines,
acterized by ever-shifting alliances. the same. A really well-supported and other mainland goods. Given the
But whenever the threat of outside effort might succeed, at fabulous cost islanders’ intricate taboos and ram-
invasion arises, the city-states set – 300 miles of ocean is a long way to pant paranoia, this can be almost as
aside their feuding. Their religion is as transport troops and supplies – but the dangerous as attempting conquest.
unnerving to outsiders as their feroci- Empire has never seen enough profit
ty in battle; see p. 78. in the idea. PCs could easily find jobs as guards
with such expeditions. They might
Local mana levels are variable and In war, the TL1 islanders wield decide to try to steal the riches of a city
occasionally unstable, but mostly nor- bronze clubs and swords and obsidi- or mine, but they had better have a
mal or high; the local priests include an-tipped spears and arrows. They way to get off the island quickly. A very
some competent wizards who deal do not make weapons and tools few adventurers have lived among the
well with the mana fluctuations. There of iron or steel, but prize those they islanders and learned their language;
is also evidence that Megalan stories gain through capture or trade. None one or two have even become lords.
of demon worship and inhuman pow- of the major nonhuman races are Many others have died in the attempt.
ers from beyond the stars aren’t all represented on Bilit Island, though
excuses made by fleeing cowards.

108 LANDS OF YRTH

CAITHNESS

The youngest of Ytarria’s king- the early years of his reign, many lords west. By treaty, which the Megalans
doms, Caithness is sparsely populated, paid little attention to matters outside violate every few years with a minor
underdeveloped, and wracked by civil their own lands, enjoying the lack of invasion, the Caithness-Megalos bor-
war. In truth, the “kingdom” today is oversight. Ten years ago, this disre- der is set where the mana level drops
little more than a handful of feuding gard grew into unrest and then out- from normal to low. Because of the
baronies scattered across hundreds of right rebellion. Today, Conall is fight- poor soil and climate – and the occa-
miles of nearly empty territory. ing to reunite his kingdom. sional invasion – these borderlands
are mostly uninhabited. Caithness
Because they live so far apart, GEOGRAPHY also borders al-Haz and al-Wazif, but
Caithness’ nobles have enjoyed great thanks to the badlands and the Great
autonomy. Historically, their loyalties Caithness is bordered by the Great Forest, those areas remain largely
have been held by a series of strong Forest to the south, Megalos to the unexplored and quite poorly mapped;
rulers. Matters have gone downhill. east, the mountains of Zarak to the there is no reason to care exactly
The current king, 35-year-old Conall north, and the Great Desert on the where the borders lie.
VI, came to the throne too young. In

LANDS OF YRTH 109

Rolling plains dominate Caithness, HISTORY Soon afterward, Constantine accu-
broken by frequent woods and a few rately denounced the Curia as cor-
deep forests. Most of its rainfall comes Megalans settled Caithness about rupt, saying that it had no authority
as storms from the western or south- 200 years ago. The region was ideal over Caithness. Thus, Caithness
ern oceans, which somehow sweep for colonization, except for two minor became politically and spiritually
right over the coastal wastelands and problems: not enough mana, and too independent.
mountains before depositing their many orcs. But in 1784, the third son
rain inland. Caithness is noticeably of the Duke of Craine organized a Neither the Emperor nor the Curia
damper than the lands to the east. colonial effort. Conall was an intelli- accepted this, and within the year, the
legions were on the march. In New
The Silver Hand Jerusalem, the Hospitallers, who con-
sidered the invasion a crusade against
The Hand acts as the king’s eyes and ears, both within Caithness and heretics, joined them. Fortunately for
abroad. The idea of spies in their courts makes many of Caithness’ Caithness, the legions’ battle-mages
nobles uneasy, but those faithful to Conall trust in the Hand’s loyalty to could not adjust to mana-poor
the Crown. The rebels refer to the Hand as the king’s assassins; its exis- Caithness, particularly when faced
tence is a rallying point for their cause. with acclimated local wizards. The
legions were demoralized by the
Individual Hands are smart, well-trained, and very independent. smaller but determined Caithness
Their numbers are small, and agents must be able to take care of them- armies, and withdrew. The
selves. Most have a conventional occupation which also serves as a cover, Hospitallers, though less dependent
such as merchant or knight-errant. See p. 217 for applying this lens to a on magic, were left without support,
player character. and retreated as well.

It is sparsely populated, even in the gent, ambitious young man who saw Over the next two decades, necessi-
well-settled north. Towns are small little future for himself within ty forced the Empire to accept
and far apart; barely a score of com- Megalos, and recruited a band of sim- Caithness’ sovereignty. Trade between
munities can be termed cities. Roads ilar-minded settlers. Caithness and Megalos resumed and
are well-marked dirt or gravel tracks; grew. In 1844, Constantine’s successor,
maintenance is sporadic and bridges During their first few years in Giles of Fordham, met with the Curia.
are frequently washed out. Caithness, the settlers spent more They announced that they had
time fighting orcs than building or resolved the differences between the
Most of Caithness’ trade moves farming. Twice before 1790, they were two churches, and Caithness’ Church
along two rivers: the upper Conn and almost forced back into Megalos. reunited with that of Megalos.
the Smoke. Since both of these flow Gradually, however, they pushed west.
into Megalos, the Empire is by far By 1800, they had established the keep For the past 180-odd years, the
Caithness’ most important trading of Redhall, and the small town around descendants of Conall I have ruled
partner. In times of war, Caithness’ it was self-sufficient. By 1812, they from their lording, Carrick. In recent
merchants suffer. Trade between had driven the orcs to the edge of the years, however, Caithness’ unity has
northern and southern Caithness Great Desert. Exhausted and demoral- collapsed. In 1975, King Morill III
mostly has to pass along the rivers and ized, the orc-chieftains led their tribes died, leaving his six-year-old son
through Craine, at considerable cost, across the wastes, leaving Caithness to Conall as heir. Although his mother,
but the trade enriches Craine and wins the humans. Queen Alys, served as regent and
allies there. made energetic but unskilled efforts to
The years that followed were a defend his position, the power of the
Major crops include wheat, rye, period of peaceful building and throne declined over the next decade.
barley, lightbush seed (see p. 94) and growth, as more settlers (human and Many nobles ignored the young prince
honeyroot, an Ytarrian vegetable halfling) moved in. In 1822, the entirely. Regional lords warred among
whose root has a high sugar content. Emperor summoned Conall to the themselves, and few sent their proper
The kingdom is well known for its Imperial capital. There, the court offi- taxes to Carrick. When Megalos invad-
beers and liquors; Sterling Gold and cially extended the Imperial borders to ed in 1982, individual lordings had to
Redhall Red are traded as far away as include the County of Caithness, and turn the invasion back without royal
the Imperial capital, at premium made Conall its first Earl. aid. They succeeded, but it was a cost-
prices. Wine, on the other hand, is rare ly victory.
and costly; the climate is too chilly for However, the now-flourishing
grapes. To be served wine in Caithness Caithness was not long a Megalan Conall VI was crowned in 1985, at
is a great honor, and requires a prop- county. In 1826, Conall declared inde- the age of 16. The nobility, by and
erly appreciative response. pendence, and was crowned King large, was unimpressed. Over the next
Conall by his friend and confessor, decade, Conall attempted to reassert
Archbishop Constantine of Clixtus. royal authority, with limited success.

In 1994, refugees from Castle
Defiant, a human stronghold in the
southeast Orclands, convinced Conall
to send aid across the desert. Their sit-
uation had become precarious, and

110 LANDS OF YRTH

the refugees insisted that without aid Wartime Complications
Defiant would be overrun by orcs
within months. Conall acquiesced, Civil wars expose all the quirks in a feudal system. Knights or nobles
and led the expedition personally. on either side may have lordings in enemy territory; some may even owe
feudal loyalties to both factions. It is even possible for a great lord to
This was the opportunity Lord have a secondary holding that makes him theoretically the vassal of an
Deneral of Mershall had been waiting “inferior.” Some people join a side just to get out of feudal obligations to
for. Deneral had opposed Conall for the other; others take the opportunity to settle old scores. Loyalties are
decades, and their forces had clashed rarely clear, and leaders have to examine the motives of their own fol-
repeatedly. Believing Carrick unde- lowers – at the risk of causing grave insult. This sort of thing has become
fended, Deneral attacked, intending to commonplace in Caithness.
add it to his own lands, and to leave
the King without a castle. self-reliance are valued, while pomp or just “Majesty,” their offspring as
and pretense are scorned. The lord “Royal Highness.”
Unfortunately for him, Conall had who gets his hands dirty commands
expected treachery. The garrison he more respect than the noble who sips Unlike Megalos, Caithness offers
left behind was the best of his people, wine while his peasants toil. ample opportunity for social advance-
including most of the Knights of the ment. A story of a slave becoming
Stone. Further, he had arranged for There is a definite strain of machis- King would be an unlikely epic, but
constant magical communication. He mo, too. Pastimes like hunting, horse- many worthy Caithnessers have risen
promptly headed back to Carrick, hav- breaking, falconry, and dog-breeding at least one rung on the social ladder.
ing gone no further than the lording of are respected over artistic pursuits like And it works both ways: “If Young
Wallace. Aided by allies from Tacitus, painting and sculpting. Dances in Jack be not worthy, Old Jack can
he crushed Deneral’s forces. Deneral Caithness tend to be foot-stomping hang.” In other words, deeds are more
himself escaped to Sterling. reels, not the stately pavanes of important than breeding.
Megalos.
Conall proceeded to incorporate There are many ways for people to
Mershall into Carrick. Resistance Women are generally welcome in advance. A slave or serf might perform
within Mershall was firmly put down. every pursuit. Hawking is particularly some great service and be freed by his
In a few cases, Conall’s men were too popular among noblewomen without master, or he might flee and change
firm; Deneral’s agents exaggerated being considered effeminate. How- his name, gaining a Secret and proba-
these incidents into systematic brutal- ever, ladies who pursue traditionally bly an Enemy. A freeman might dis-
ity. Meanwhile, in Wallace, the Castle feminine activities (e.g., needlework) tinguish himself with administrative
Defiant refugees believed that Conall are also valued as the flowers of cul- ability and be appointed town mayor,
had exploited their plight to draw out ture in a harsh land. or pursue a military career, becoming
Deneral, and had never intended to a captain. A brilliant reputation as a
help their kin across the desert. In Caithnessers view Megalan society merchant can bring wealth and some
truth, Conall had planned to send a as pretentious and decadent. status though no title. A mayor or cap-
second expedition when things Megalan nobles therefore have a neg- tain who serves his lord during a crisis
calmed down, but he never got the ative Reputation (-1; As pompous; might be made governor of a lording.
chance. While he was still pacifying Among Caithnessers, a large group in This can also be achieved by leading a
Mershall, a last band of refugees campaigns involving Caithness; All successful settlement expedition into
reported that Defiant had fallen. the time). Only the most famous of an undeveloped portion of the lord’s
Megalan knights overcome this. fiefdom.
The next few years were increas- Megalan merchants are usually dis-
ingly chaotic; the lords of Sterling and trusted, and have a similar Any free person of Caithness,
Oakwood died in rapid succession, Reputation (-1; As deceitful and con- including nonhumans, may be knight-
and their heirs were far less loyal to niving; Among Caithnessers; All the ed by the king, a landed knight, or a
Conall. In 1999, Conall publicly time) until they’ve established a senior Knight of the Stone, becoming
rebuked Lord Marsden of Donlis for working relationship. Due to the an “unlanded” knight. This can be a
profiting from river piracy, and strength of the Church in Caithness, reward for extreme bravery or skill on
imposed a steep tax increase. Deneral, Muslims, Jews, and human pagans the battlefield, or the result of years of
still in exile in Sterling, used this as a have the Social Stigma (Minority training as a squire. Squires are usual-
rallying cry for the rebellious lordings, Group) disadvantage. ly chosen from the nobility, but prom-
and began what is commonly known ising commoners can also become
as the Sterling Rebellion, or the Social Status squires, especially under unlanded
Caithness Civil War, which continues knights or Knights of the Stone.
to this day. Caithness uses the same system of
rank and titles as Megalos (see p. 87), To gain a position higher than
SOCIETY but the King and Queen are Status 7; unlanded knight or minor lord, a per-
they are addressed as “Royal Majesty” son must acquire lands and persuade
Caithness society is straightfor-
wardly feudal, and more tolerant
than that of Megalos. The frontier
mentality is strong; competence and

LANDS OF YRTH 111

Names in Caithness Elves are accepted by human
Caithnessers, who think of them as
Caithness parents typically follow the customs of their Megalan skinny, rustic humans with pointed
ancestors (p. 88) when naming children. However, fanciful names some- ears. They have communities in many
times occur . . . resurrected from old tales, or just invented . . . particu- deeper woods, notably the Great
larly among noble families. Examples include Aylara, Bandellan, Forest and the woods east of Sterling.
Galardon, Pinetall, Renown, Torrion, and Vulnavia. These names Many are far older than any human
become common if they sound good, especially if the holder becomes settlement, and some do not recognize
admired. For instance, Peredur of Durham, famed as Peredur Orcslayer, any human authority. The elves were
was the first on Yrth to bear that name, but Peredur is now a common quite capable of defending themselves
name, particularly among those born immediately after his death in against the orcs that once dominated
1989. the region, and are ready to defend
themselves again, if necessary.
the King to recognize him. In other However, Devin could find no knight
words, the King must believe that he is willing to grant Teress’ spurs, and she Halflings immigrated from
worthy to be a ruling noble. This would not weaken Teress’ claim by Megalos after the humans had driven
requires faithful service and an oath of doing it herself. Though it is possible out the orcs. They seldom live in
fealty to the crown. Often, the lord of to knight one’s own squire, it is tradi- human towns, preferring their own
the parent lording will resist the sepa- tional in Caithness for this to be done small farming villages. This distances
ration of the territory. To become a by a “disinterested” third party. them from their human neighbors,
baron or higher, one must either but they are still gracious to visitors.
marry the baronial heir, step into the Another two years passed until Sir They are explicitly considered citizens,
power vacuum left when a baron and Trent Longoak, Grand Master of the and expected to pay their taxes. They
his heirs are killed (and hope the King Order of the Stone, visited Fordham. are, on the whole, well thought of,
recognizes one’s worthiness), or be the Sir Trent was thoroughly impressed law-abiding, productive people who
lord of a fief which has grown enough by Teress, and knighted her soon enjoy a good beer at the end of the day.
to deserve baronial rank. thereafter, making her the first female
Knight of the Stone. Nonhumans legally have all the
Women in Caithness rights of humans in Caithness, though
Dame Teress’ knighthood, con- non-Christians will suffer the same
Because Caithnessers respect abili- ferred by a respected Grand Master, stigma as human non-believers. Most
ty, the kingdom offers greater oppor- gave credibility to the notion of female nonhumans in Caithness can speak
tunity for women than any other land knights. Within a decade, there were a Anglish, with the exception of invad-
in Ytarria. An early shortage of nobles dozen knighted ladies in Caithness. ing reptile men and orcs.
established the precedent that a Today women knights are increasingly
female heir could inherit lands and common; about one in five Knights of Magic in Caithness
title in the absence of a male. Further, the Stone is a woman. Among more
if a father dies, leaving a minor son as traditional knights, women are only Most wizards avoid Caithness,
heir, the boy’s mother can rule as one in 10, and the Dragons – a reli- believing it to be mana-barren. This is
regent until he reaches 16. gious as well as a chivalric order – largely accurate, but it does have
remain exclusively male. small, scattered areas of normal-to-
Caithness’ women entered the high mana. Few are more than a mile
chivalry in 1934, with the knighthood Nonhumans in across; some are much smaller.
of Dame Devin of Fordham. As Lady Caithness Almost all are already occupied by
of Fordham, Devin personally led her wizards. They are both skilled and
forces against the Megalan legions in Nonhumans are less common in powerful, partly so that they can cast
1932. In honor of her victories, King Caithness than in Megalos. Only elves spells in the rest of Caithness, but also
Cerdic II knighted her. Most of the and halflings have established com- because weak wizards can’t defend a
chivalry ignored this; Cerdic was con- munities. Members of other races – hotspot from competitors. Those wiz-
sidered rather eccentric. chiefly expatriate dwarven craftsmen ards not powerful enough to own a
– live individually or as families in the hotspot sometimes serve as aides or
Despite this, Devin became a hero- larger towns. Dwarven traders are apprentices to those who are. Others
ine for Caithness’ young noblewomen. common in the north, and goblin leave Caithness, becoming stronger in
Many appealed to her to take them as merchants from Megalos do regular other lands.
squires. Devin eventually accepted business along the Conn and Smoke,
Lady Teress of Durham into her serv- but they seldom stay long. Reptile A few wizards have determined
ice. Teress trained intensely; within men and orcs are dangerous barbar- that the hotspots are produced by
four years, she was besting male ians to Caithnessers, and likely to be chunks of iron deep in the ground.
squires afoot and on horseback, and lynched unless vouched for by some- One or two, up to date on Earth sci-
was a model of courtly graces. one trusted. ence, conjecture that they are a kind
of meteor. All of them keep their
source of power secret. This iron has
never been extracted in quantities suf-
ficient to study properly; it might be
used to make items of great power –

112 LANDS OF YRTH

or moving and working it might dis- than 500 people is likely to have at peasant levies in royal domains, or
rupt its qualities. Most wizards prefer least one minor wizard; cities often engaged in profitable work to cover
not to risk the advantages it provides have a few genuinely competent ones. the cost to the crown of buying them.
in place. It is illegal for private citizens to own
The Law slaves-by-law; most privately-owned
Caithness mages usually stay in slaves are slaves by capture (e.g., for-
their towers, conducting experiments Caithness law follows the pattern mer orc raiders) or by choice.
and contemplating thaumatological of Megalos, though it is less severe.
philosophy. They pay tribute to the Cases are heard in public by the THE CIVIL WAR
local lord, or directly to the king. The regional lord. Though trial by jury is
tribute is nominal; the lords recognize unheard of, the lord’s decision is usu- Of the lordings in Caithness, all but
their value. The wizards appreciate ally influenced by the sentiments of three have chosen a side in the Civil
this tolerance and freedom, and have the crowd. Getting caught bribing the War. Backing King Conall VI are the
been instrumental in turning back crowd is not a good idea. The use of lords of Deerwood, Durham,
Imperial invasions. They have a signif- magic in determining guilt is rarely Fordham, Redhall, and Tacitus. Dame
icant advantage over visiting sorcer- suggested, and even less often Lorena of Deerwood, Lord Berd of
ers, being used to the low mana. Also, approved. Fordham, and Baron Elohar of
Caithness mages are better-equipped Tacitus are personally fond of the
than their foreign rivals, since magic Caithness justice places an empha- king, but Baroness Bronwyn of
items must be more powerful to work sis on compensating the victims or Durham hasn’t warmed to him, and
here. their families. For this reason, fines Lord Lathan of Redhall is only loyal as
are the most common form of punish- a matter of principle.
Those mages who have an opinion ment, and are often quite large.
on the Civil War are mostly royalists. Criminals who cannot pay (by selling The rebels are the lords of Denton,
Conall was friendly with the mages in goods, appealing to relatives, or selling Donlis, Ferrier, Oakwood, Sterling,
Carrick before the war, and seems to years of service) are sold to the Crown and Wallace. The core members are
be a force for stability, which is all as slaves, at half the usual price. The Brance of Oakwood and Towne of
these wizards want from their govern- victim’s compensation then comes Sterling; both count Deneral as a
ment. However, many remain neutral, from the proceeds. The regional lord friend. Anger about the king’s actions
or actively distracted. Over the past 15 disposes of any remaining money, typ- against Lord Marsden of Donlis were
years, the low-mana to normal-mana ically by dividing it between the the pretext for the war, but Marsden
border with Megalos has crept 50 barony, the lord presiding over the himself is rather half-hearted about it,
miles to the southwest. This has had trial, and the people who apprehended though he certainly wants to be inde-
little political effect – those lands were the criminal. pendent of the crown, as does Baron
barely inhabited – but the mages are Nabbick of Ferrier. Baron Cabble of
ambivalent about Caithness becoming Slavery Denton’s sole motive is his desire to
more magical. grab territory in the confusion. Lord
Slaves are rare in Caithness com- William of Wallace, on the other hand,
Caithnessers in general believe in pared to other lands. Criminals who genuinely feels that Conall is a bad
magic, though a significant percent- are the property of the King may end king.
age of the population has never seen a up maintaining royal highways or for-
spell being cast. Any town with more tifications, reducing the need for The Church in Photius remains
officially neutral, but privately
Adventuring in Caithness Archbishop Siccius favors Conall. Also
neutral are the lordings of Blythe and
Many adventures in Caithness can be built around the Civil War. Both Harkwood – one effectively destroyed,
sides are hiring mercenaries and spies, and the fate of the kingdom may one occupied by elves – and
be determined by a battle, an assassination, or a particularly adept bit of Simonton, whose lord has simply
diplomacy. Players will probably prefer to side with the high-minded refused to participate. Among nonhu-
young king, who has law and tradition on his side, but the rebels can mans, the elves are adamantly neutral.
argue that he’s dangerously indecisive and, much worse, dangerously The Zarakun favor the king; they
enamored of Megalan-style autocracy. Reuniting the country, or freeing respect tradition and strong authority,
the lords to rule as they wish, could easily be a whole campaign. and he’s a good trading partner. This
favor hasn’t yet extended to actual mil-
Caithness is also suitable for “Arthurian” adventures, with questing itary support. The halflings of
knights, tourneys, enigmatic wizards in towers, and courtly intrigue. Caithness are typically loyal to their
Chivalry is alive here, albeit moderated by greater equality between the local lord; they make poor soldiers but
sexes and a little cynicism. excellent spies.

GMs of such games should consider how many fantastic elements to Over the past few years the war has
include. Caithness definitely has magic, elves, dwarves, and monsters, been cold as often as hot; months and
but they can be shuffled into the background if the GM wants to run a even years can pass in virtual truce. It
game with a more “historical” feel. began with a few attacks and counter-
attacks, mostly between Sterling and

LANDS OF YRTH 113

King Conall VI (303 points)

Conall is an intelligent and charismatic king, but faces Social Background Latin
even cannier enemies. His few missteps have resulted in a
divided kingdom, and he is determined to unite Caithness TL: 3 [0].
once again. CF: Christian region [0].
Languages: Anglish (Native/Native) [0];
His only distraction is his love for Baroness Bronwyn (Broken/Accented) [3]; Elvish (Broken/None) [1].
of Durham – a love not currently returned. His infatuation
dates back to the celebration after he made her a Advantages
Baroness. She was newly-married at the time, and since
her husband’s death, he has never found the right Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Charisma 1 [5]; Claim to
moment. Hospitality (Loyal nobility) [5]; Fearlessness 1 [2]; Fit [5];
Hard to Kill 2 [4]; Independent Income 5 [5]; Legal
His advisors are exasperated by his failure to marry, Enforcement Powers (“High Justice”) [15]; Legal
though fortunately he has a loyal and competent young Immunity (“The King is the Law”) [15]; Reputation +2 (As
cousin, Sir Bereford, as his undisputed heir. One or two of the honorable rightful king; Among non-rebel
them have guessed his reason. Others use his single status Caithnessers; 10 or less) [2]; Status 7* [20]; Wealth
as a diplomatic bargaining counter, dangling it before var- (Multimillionaire 2) [100].
ious barons with unmarried daughters. Conall tells those
who bother him about it that the war is too great a dis- Disadvantages
traction for now.
Code of Honor (Personal/Regal) [-5]; Enemies (Rebel
In games, Conall can be depicted as a romantic who faction; Hunter; 9 or less) [-30]; Reputation -3 (As a would-
wants the best for his people and has focused most of his be tyrant; Among dedicated rebel Caithnessers; All the
personality into the kingdom; it’s his job, main hobby, and time) [-5]; Reputation -1 (As a rather ruthless young
personal life, and perhaps it makes him a little dull. He has schemer; Among neutral or undecided Caithnessers; 10 or
to work hard, as his vaunted intelligence and charisma are less) [-1]; Vow (to restore his full royal position) [-5].
actually relatively modest. He can equally be seen as
somewhat dense – at least in personal matters – but good- Quirks: Concerns himself with every aspect of his king-
hearted, needing some benevolent guidance (say, from dom’s governance; Prefers beer to wine (sometimes acci-
PCs) to loosen up and apply his genuine charm a little dentally offending hosts who offer the latter); Secretly
more effectively. But then, some would call him an emo- deeply in love with Baroness Bronwyn; Shy around
tionally constipated control freak, determined to supervise women socially; Takes insults to Caithness as insults to
every scrap of his kingdom. These views are not incom- himself, and vice-versa. [-5]
patible; friends, allies, and enemies see different sides to
Conall. Skills

Note: Conall’s Independent Income represents reliable Accounting-9 (IQ-2) [1]; Administration-12 (IQ+1) [4];
rents, feudal dues, etc., from personal estates; he also has Animal Handling (Equines)-10 (IQ-1) [1]; Area Knowledge
a job (King of Caithness) which provides an income (Caithness)-13 (IQ+2) [4]; Axe/Mace-12 (DX+1) [4];
appropriate to his wealth level. As a king, he is Status 7, Broadsword-13 (DX+2) [8]; Cartography-10 (IQ-1) [1];
but because he is fighting a civil war in his own kingdom, Connoisseur (Beer)-11 (IQ+0) [2]; Current Affairs/TL3
his income is only actually sufficient to support a Status 6 (Caithness)-12 (IQ+1) [2]; Current Affairs/TL3 (Politics)
lifestyle. This doesn’t reduce his effective Status at present -11 (IQ+0) [1]; Dancing-10 (DX-1) [1]; Diplomacy-9 (IQ-2)
– both his supporters and other monarchs recognize his [1]; Expert Skill (Natural Philosophy)-9 (IQ-2) [1];
title – but it does make him feel a pressing need to regain Falconry-10 (IQ-1) [1]; Fast-Draw (Sword)-11 (DX+0) [1];
control of the entire country. Games (Caithnesser Tournaments)-11 (IQ+0) [1]; Games
(Chess)-12 (IQ+1) [2]; Heraldry-11 (IQ+0) [1]; Lance-11
Conall’s Code of Honor is much like the Gentleman’s (DX+0) [1]; Lance Sport-13 (DX+2) [8]; Law (Caithnesser
Code or Chivalry, except that it allows and even encour- Contract)-11 (IQ+0) [4]; Law (Caithnesser Criminal)-10
ages him to avoid endangering himself for personal rea- (IQ-1) [2]; Leadership-12 (IQ+1) [2]†; Philosophy
sons; he is responsible for his kingdom, after all. He will (Aristotelian)-9 (IQ-2) [1]; Politics-10 (IQ-1) [1]; Public
keep to the letter of his word, seek redress for insults, and Speaking-12 (IQ+1) [2]†; Riding (Horse)-13 (DX+2) [8];
protect the weak (especially if they are Caithnessers), but Savoir-Faire (High Society)-13 (IQ+2) [4]; Shield-12
rather than fighting personally, he can order his guards to (DX+1) [2]; Soldier/TL3-10 (IQ-1) [1]; Strategy (Land)-11
act or appoint a royal champion (who may well be very [4]; Tactics-9 (IQ-2) [1]; Wrestling-10 (DX-1) [1].
tough).
Techniques: Feint (Broadsword)-14 [2]; Ground
ST 12 [20]; DX 11 [20]; IQ 11 [20]; HT 11 [10]. Fighting (Broadsword)-11 [3]; Ground Fighting
Damage 1d-1/1d+2; BL 29 lbs.; HP 13 [2]; Will 11 [0]; Per (Wrestling)-7 [2]; Retain Weapon (Broadsword)-14 [2].

11 [0]; FP 12 [3]. * Three levels free from Wealth.
Basic Speed 5.5 [0]; Basic Move 6 [5]; Dodge 8; Parry 9; † +1 from Charisma.

Block 9.

114 LANDS OF YRTH

Redhall, some between Wallace and Despite this, many of the locals resent surrounding the forest have had prob-
Carrick. However, neither side has a King Conall as a conqueror who used lems with gryphon attacks ever since.
decisive advantage, and both sides deceit to defeat their lord.
have enemies to east and west. Full- Dame Lorena of Deerwood is a
scale troop movements leave lordings Deerwood Knight of the Stone, a good friend to
unprotected, so the war is character- Queen Alys, and loyal to the King. She
ized by spying, occasional sabotage, Deerwood is a small lording, with has never married. In 2003, on her
and relatively small raids. In the long rolling hills, rich upland tillage, and 50th birthday, she designated Sir
run, the king will probably be the vic- heavy forest. It is well-known for the Phillip, a fellow Knight of the Stone,
tor, but this may not happen before excellence of its game, and was the as her heir. There has been a great deal
the kingdom is consumed by its ene- late King Morill’s favorite hunting of speculation, mostly untrue and
mies – and it is by no means certain ground. Indeed, his men released unkind, about her relationship with
that the kingdom will not split into young gryphons into Deerwood Forest the much-younger knight, and it is
North and South Caithness, or even 30 years ago, for the king to hunt doubtful that Phillip’s eventual
into independent baronies. when they grew up. The lands assumption of the lording will go
smoothly.
THE ROYALISTS
The Knights of the Stone
These lordings are loyal to King
Conall VI – though not for the same King Conall I established the Order of the Knights of the Stone in
reasons, and not all for good reasons. 1827, the year after his coronation. He worried that his knights were
more concerned with land and power than with upholding knightly
Carrick virtues. He created the Order to provide explicit recognition of the ideals
of chivalry – and to attract knights loyal only to him. The Stone is not a
Castle Carrick is the traditional religious order; all Knights of the Stone swear fealty directly to the King.
seat of the Kings of Caithness, across
the River Conn from Carrick Town. The stone from which the order takes its name was originally the cor-
The lording of Carrick – technically a nerstone of an ancient Megalan church, and became the altar-stone of
principality, usually ruled by the the first church built in Carrick, when Caithness was still a colony. New
King’s heir – is typical of Caithness’ knights of the Order take an oath to uphold justice in God’s name with
larger lordings, consisting of a city of their hands upon the Stone.
20,000 or so, supported by lands
farmed by a few hundred thousand Near this church, Conall I raised a great building, called Stonehall, to
peasants. Carrick benefits from rich house the Order. He installed the most honorable knights in his service
cropland capable of producing salable there to train knights-errant. He promised no land or rewards – just a
surplus, and from trade with the knighthood and a lifetime of spreading order in a chaotic world. The
Zarakun. Carrick is intensely loyal to Order’s ranks swelled with romantic young men, especially younger sons
Conall, both because of his martial of noble families.
skill and because Carrick is also one of
the richest lordings in the kingdom. Many established knights protested, unsuccessfully. Within five years,
vigorous young knights were riding all over Caithness, capturing crimi-
Within Carrick Town are the head- nals and righting wrongs. Since then, the line between traditional and
quarters of the King’s two most formi- Order knighthood has blurred. Knights of the Stone can swear fealty to
dable assets – the Order of the Stone a lord and become traditional knights, and traditional knights who have
and the Silver Hand. Stonehall is broken with their lord can sometimes be accepted into the Order. While
located on the river directly across there is still a distinction, there is no longer any enmity. The Order is
from the castle. The headquarters of broad-minded; one in five Knights of the Stone are women, and one in
the Silver Hand, the King’s network of 10 is a nonhuman – including several halflings and elves, a few dwarves,
spies, is called the House of Oak. Its two goblins, and one irreproachably loyal and devout reptile man. There
location is a secret. are currently just under 300 Knights of the Stone.

The Former The Order owns enough land – mostly near Carrick – to support itself,
Barony of Mershall and provide a small stipend to members. It also provides for members in
need – if one loses his armor, others will offer their older gear to make
Mershall was the most northern up the loss. There is a second chapter house in Simonton, built to serve
lording in Caithness, a cool, hilly Order knights in the south.
region, well-populated and heavily
cultivated. Its fields produce a surplus Megalan knights consider the Order of the Stone to be a joke in poor
of grain, its forests possess plenty of taste. Even when relations between the two kingdoms are good, the
timber and game, and iron and silver Megalan chivalry ranks the Knights of the Stone below “real” knights.
are found in the foothills. Since it was When nothing more pressing demands their attention, champions of
assimilated into Carrick, the Zarakun the Stone delight in journeying to Megalos and shaming local knights in
have resumed trading into the region, single combat.
and it is once again mildly prosperous.

LANDS OF YRTH 115

Durham Baroness Bronwyn

The lording of Durham is At the age of 34, the Baroness of Durham is becoming a power in
Caithness’ most famous. The leg- Caithness and a major force in the Civil War. She is both respected and
endary Lord Peredur Orcslayer gained beloved by her people . . . a capable fighter, with enough grasp of tactics
his fame by driving out the last great to lead in war. She is loyal to the king, and her loyalty means that
horde of orcish raiders in 1926. For Durham is firmly behind Conall.
more than 50 years, Durham enjoyed
a reputation that intimidated even Bronwyn’s life has revolved around her lording since the death of her
Megalos into directing its invasions grandfather. At the urging of her advisors, she got married in 1993, to a
elsewhere. Its land is rich, and in Sir Wickham, a distinguished knight. Their relationship was cordial, if
times of peace Durham Town benefits not loving, and she made it very clear that she still ruled the lording. He
greatly from trade on the River Conn. stood proudly and quietly by her side when she became a baroness in
1994. At the time, no one knew she was a month pregnant with his child,
In 1989, Lord Peredur passed away or that Wickham would be dead within two years, of cancer.
at the age of 81. His 18-year-old grand-
daughter, Lady Bronwyn – famous for Her son and heir, Wardell, is now 10, and shows great promise. She
having survived capture by an orc finished grieving a long time ago, but, because of the Civil War, has post-
raiding party a few years before – took poned any discussion of remarriage. Bronwyn has no idea that Conall is
charge. Her exact position was uncer- in love with her. She thinks he is a good man doing a hard job to the best
tain – some argued that the lording of his ability, but she has never really taken to him as a person. His polite
should revert to the crown in the but too-indirect attempts to attract her attention do little to change this.
absence of a male heir – and Conall
was reluctant to grant someone so Bronwyn also has a secret that may shape the future of the war, and
young a formal title. He eventually did possibly all of Ytarria. In a fortified workshop in an isolated part of her
so in 1994, when it became clear that barony she supports a team of underground engineers. She suspects
he needed more allies. While this gunpowder could solve a lot of the problems facing her and Caithness,
pleased both Bronwyn and the people but also knows it would attract the wrath of many currently loyal wiz-
of Durham, many regard it as a too- ards, to say nothing of Megalos.
calculated move.
Sheltered between powerful neigh- woodland communities, respected for
Fordham bors, Redhall had rarely been invaded their huntsmen and archers. Then a
until the Civil War. Now it borders young knight named Sir Elohar united
Fordham lies further northeast hostile Sterling, and is the frequent the area into a military force and pro-
than any other lording in Caithness. It subject of rebel raids out of the forest. vided critical aid to King Morill
is rich farmland with some woods, Lord Lathan Redbeard finds the war against an orcish incursion. The King
and profits from east-west trade. an incredible annoyance – he’d much granted Tacitus lording status after
Unfortunately, because Durham’s mil- rather be hunting – and while he’s cur- the battle, and two decades later,
itary fame is so great, invasions from rently loyal, he may join the rebels if it Conall made Elohar a baron. As a
Megalos trying to reach Carrick usual- continues to consume his time and result, Elohar is fiercely loyal to the
ly press through Fordham. The lords hurt his people. King, especially since he removed the
of Fordham have had to rebuild many ever-present threat of Deneral of
times in the past. The current lord, Tacitus Mershall. Tacitus also has a strong ally
Berd, is loyal to the King, but is reluc- in Fedor Ironthews, a dwarven gover-
tant to turn his back on Megalos by Tacitus lies between mountains nor of Ginnrel, in the southwestern
participating significantly in the Civil and forest in the northwest. Thirty Bronze Mountains.
War. He is instead devoting time to years ago, it was just a collection of
building up his magical defenses, with
the aid of the local wizard: one Blake, Deneral
who lives on a normal-mana site 10
miles outside Fordham Town. He also Deneral is a determined old man, slightly stooped with age but still
recruits anyone else who shows magi- energetic enough to be a major political force. His allies address him as
cal talent. “Baron,” but whether he is still entitled to that rank is dubious; he effec-
tively has Status 3 instead of his old Status 4. For decades his goal has
Redhall been to control Caithness; now he’ll settle for destroying Conall. In pur-
suit of this, he is immensely persuasive, and happy to exploit the more
Redhall was one of the earliest idealistic independent-mindedness of some of his allies.
strongholds of Caithness. The first
permanent dwelling there was a giant
castle of reddish granite, still the seat
of the lording. Redhall Red ale is
almost as famous as Sterling Gold; it
is a richer, heartier brew, though
somewhat less smooth than Gold – a
“man’s drink,” according to the locals.

116 LANDS OF YRTH

Niall of Fordham (131 points)

“Niall of Fordham” was born Neil Shefford, in Niall is slightly plump, clean-shaven, and usually
Chicago, Earth, in 1962. In 1993, while on a hiking vaca- dressed in plain but good-quality tunic and pants.
tion from his job as an accountant, he was caught by a
minor Banestorm and deposited in Caithness. ST 10 [0]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 13 [60]; HT 11 [10].
Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10 [0]; Will 11 [-10]; Per
Fortunately, he arrived close to the tower of the wiz-
ard Blake, who heard about signs of a Banestorm inci- 12 [-5]; FP 11 [0].
dent and a “gibbering madman.” He located Neil, and Basic Speed 5.25 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0]; Dodge 8.
used magic to communicate with him. Told what was
likely to happen to a Banestorm victim, Neil accepted Social Background
Blake’s invitation to remain in the tower for a while,
telling tales of Earth. TL: 8 [25]
CF: Earth (Western) [0]; Christian region [1].
He soon not only learned Anglish, but realized that Languages: English (Native/Native) [0]; Anglish
his host, who covered his mundane expenses by per- (Native/Native) [6]; Elvish (Broken/None) [1].
forming magical services, didn’t have a clue about busi-
ness. Offering his expertise as a treasurer and broker in Advantages
exchange for continued hospitality and protection, Neil
quickly made himself invaluable. He has also adapted Patron (Blake; 15 or less; Minimal intervention,
his old first-aid training to the best medical equipment -50%) [23]; Status 1 [5]; Unusual Background (Earth
he can acquire locally. immigrant) [10]; Wealth (Comfortable) [10].

He has thus found a niche for himself, though he Disadvantages
continues to regard this as making the best of a catas-
trophe; he would certainly be interested in any Fearfulness 2 [-4]; Pacifism (Reluctant killer) [-5];
prospect of a return to Earth, though he knows this is Secret (Earth immigrant) [-20]; Sense of Duty (Blake)
unlikely. (He has also proved to have no magical talent [-2].
whatsoever.) He sympathizes with the underground
engineers, and might be persuaded to help them, or Quirks: Addicted to Wazifi coffee; Distrusts strange
any new Banestorm victims – but what he has learned wizards; Keeps a well-hidden diary in English, and peri-
about his prospects if his secret was ever revealed odically checks it against his memory; Mildly squeam-
makes him extremely cautious. He doesn’t want his ish; Interested in anything related to Earth. [-5]
memories wiped, and Blake’s kindly behavior (which
was originally inspired by simple academic curiosity) Skills
makes Niall very grateful.
Accounting-14 (IQ+1) [8]; Acting-12 (IQ-1) [1];
He is also nervous about the possibility of an invasion Administration-13 (IQ+0) [2]; Climbing-9 (DX-1) [1];
from Megalos, which could all too easily involve Blake Computer Operation/TL8-13 (IQ+0) [1]; Current
and hence himself. He has studied the civil war in Affairs/TL3 (Headline News)-14 (IQ+1) [2]; Diplomacy
Caithness, and concluded that both sides should grow -11 (IQ-2) [1]; Driving/TL8 (Automobile)-9 (DX-1) [1];
up and deal with more important problems. Economics-11 (IQ-2) [1]; First Aid/TL5-13 (IQ+0) [1];
Hidden Lore (Earth)-14 (IQ+1) [4]; Hiking-12 (HT+1)
[4]; Housekeeping-13 (IQ+0) [1]; Merchant-13 (IQ+0)
[2]; Riding-9 (DX-1) [1].

THE STERLING Cabble of Denton, a scheming man goods. The river passes through a
REBELS interested primarily in increasing his vast, trackless swamp south of
wealth at the expense of others. He is Donlistown, and the locals hire them-
These lordings are loosely allied a prime mover in the Civil War, see- selves out – at premium rates, with a
against the king. They rally behind ing it as an opportunity to take over percentage going to the lording – as
Sterling, as their strongest lording, but one of his neighbors, even if he hap- guides. They are the only reliable
they might more accurately be called pens to be an ally. He will plot, means of passing the obstacle.
the Deneral Rebels, as he provides intrigue, and even murder to
most of their motivation. improve his position. He is a loving Many boats are lost in the swamp
father, though, and can argue a plau- each year; most of them had refused
Denton sible case for baronial liberty. to hire a guide. The locals claim that
evil swamp demons prey upon unwary
This barony controls fertile lands Donlis boats; many merchants retort that the
and pastures and access to a large only predators in the swamp are river
tract of forest, all of which are well- This lording is on a tributary of the pirates, who seldom attack boats with
used and managed. It’s surprising, River Smoke. Its lands are marshy local guides. It is now public knowl-
therefore, how poor and cheerless and not as rich as its neighbors, but edge that Lord Marsden condoned
the people are. The reason is Baron its residents are fine boatmen and attacks on Megalan traders, and
make a good profit transporting received a percentage of their haul.

LANDS OF YRTH 117

When agents of the Silver Hand Currently 64 years old, he is greatly forest, it was peaceful and prosperous
proved this in 1999, it provoked both concerned with efficiency. He joined for decades before the Civil War.
the Civil War and a steep drop in the rebels largely so he could govern Unfortunately, the old lord, a canny
Megalan trade. Marsden has rather as he sees best, and stop sending taxes and respected supporter of Conall,
reluctantly changed from a scoundrel to Carrick. Comfortably protected by died heroically fighting off a great orc
and tax-cheat into a rebel against his Sterling, he provides limited support raid in 1997. His heir, Lord Towne,
king. Ironically, he has also had to to the rebellion. counted Deneral – the former lord of
crack down on the pirates; in the Mershall – as a friend, and had spent
absence of Megalans, they were begin- Oakwood too much time listening to his advice.
ning to prey on local shipping. Deneral convinced him that his father
This lording controls fertile lands should have taken the throne from
Ferrier in the central region of the country. In Conall and, as a loyal son, it was his
peacetime, it benefits from trade with duty to do so in his place. When
This rather arid barony lies on the Megalos but, lacking a major water- Deneral called for rebellion in 1999,
border between Caithness and the way, Oakwood cannot compete with Towne was his first supporter. He is a
Great Desert. Considering its limited Durham or Simonton. Fortunately, it genuine idealist in his way, though,
resources, Ferrier is a successful lord- doesn’t stand between Megalos and and deeply suspicious of Conall’s
ing. Decades ago, the lord brought in any military targets within Caithness. desire for personal authority.
mages to locate underground water
sources. They identified several, and The old lord died in 1996 after sev- Sterling is known for its fine beers
the result was a number of productive eral years of illness. His nephew and and whiskeys. Sterling Gold, brewed
wells. Today, Ferrier needs to import only heir, Brance, had been hovering from the barley crop, is widely
very little food. Cattle and horses are by his bedside, and assumed the lord- acknowledged as the best in Caithness
scarce, but sheep are plentiful. ship with unseemly good cheer. and western Megalos. Only slightly
Lord Brance had previously served as less famous is Sterling Silver, a clear
Ferrier is subject to occasional rep- lieutenant to Deneral of Mershall, and white whiskey. Both fetch premium
tile man raids, though the saurians promptly joined the rebellion when it prices as far away as Cardiel, and are
usually only steal a few sheep. began. He is arrogant and abusive, known even in Islamic lands where
Herdsmen refer to this as the “Lizard and unaware how close he is to being the consumption of alcohol is a crime.
Tax,” and let it pass. However, if the replaced in a coup by his angry sub-
reptile men harm a human, the peace- jects. He is also a racist, and the belea- Wallace
ful shepherds become a determined guered local halflings are now
mob, willing to travel for days into the Royalist sympathizers, serving as a Wallace has more water than the
desert for vengeance. They have con- fifth column in the lording. other lordings that border the Great
vinced most of the nearby reptile Desert, thanks to runoff from the
chieftains that human meat isn’t Sterling mountains. As in Ferrier, much of the
worth the trouble. arable land is devoted to shepherding,
Sterling is located west of a large, but Wallace is agriculturally self-suffi-
Baron Nabbick of Ferrier is a gaunt untamed forest in central Caithness. cient. Its economy has also seen sever-
old man, though he’s been much like Far from the Great Desert, and pro- al boosts in the form of gold from a
that for nearly two decades now. tected from Megalan invasions by the mine located a few day’s march
through the desert. Every few years a
Photius and the new group of entrepreneurs opens the
Church of Caithness mine, and often becomes quite rich,
until the workers mysteriously disap-
The Archdiocese of Photius is like a small kingdom itself. Its lands are pear. A few people blame dwarves, but
subject primarily to Church Law; the King’s law means little. It is a Wallace’s relations with Zarak have
wealthy, wooded region ruled directly by Archbishop Siccius, a distin- always been good. Darker possibilities
guished and strong-willed man. The inhabitants are prosperous and con- include a dragon, reptile men, orcs,
tent. Unlike their counterparts in neighboring lordings, serfs here pay and undead dwarves . . .
only one tithe, since the Church and their feudal lord are the same.
Lord William of Wallace had a
The city of Photius is the most impressive in Caithness. It features the great deal of regard for King Conall
magnificent Adseveration Cathedral, built during the years of the until 1994. However, his opinion
Caithness Church’s independence, which has served as a rallying point in changed when Castle Defiant fell. He
turning back several Megalan invasions. Next to it is one of the Hospitals believes Conall did too little, too late,
of the Order of St. Alyce (the only other is in Calder, p. 141). The Alycite and deliberately used the situation to
Sisters are known for their healing arts; in addition to their mundane set a trap for Deneral. The Defiant
and magical skills, many apparent miracles have occurred within their refugees who live in Wallace, some of
walls. Just north of the city is St. George’s Keep, the chapter house for whom serve as William’s advisors,
the Order of St. George of the Dragon. naturally agree and have convinced
others. Lord William joined the rebel-
lion in early 2000, with the full sup-
port of his vassals.

118 LANDS OF YRTH

The Order of St. George However, like Blythe, Harkwood is
of the Dragon now partly occupied by nonhumans –
in this case, elves.
The “Dragons” are a small militant religious order centered in
Photius, unofficially devoted to the Archbishop of Caithness. Its mem- When the rebellion began,
bers are monks as well as knights, and follow the Benedictine Rule. They Fenmarc sent many of his troops
are organized much like the Hospitallers, and swear a similar oath, north to aid the king. They passed
though they accept the use of magic. Women are excluded; as yet, no through Simonton without encounter-
nonhuman has asked for admittance. ing anything more hostile than point-
ed requests to move on, but in Denton
The Order was founded in 1829 by Sir Galen Dragonsbane. A friend they were ambushed and massacred
of Conall I and Archbishop Constantine, he became a knight in 1820, by Baron Cabble’s men. This left
took vows in 1829, and promptly founded the Order. Sir Galen slew two Fenmarc in a weakened position, and
dragons during Caithness’ pioneering days, but was killed by a third in after the fall of Blythe, Harkwood’s cit-
1853. izens began abandoning the lording
for safety to the northeast.
The Dragons primarily deal with Caithnesser concerns; they are not a
crusading order like the Templars or Hospitallers. They remain official- In early 2002, a group of 50 elven
ly neutral in the Civil War; members of the Order have friends on both archers and swordsmen marched out
sides, and are sworn to protect all Christians. They have a long-standing of the Great Forest into Harkwood
friendly rivalry with the Order of the Stone, and are brusquely polite at Town, and stated they were there “to
best to Hospitallers, who are even less warm in response. help defend Harkwood and the human
lands from reptile men and orcs.” They
THE SOUTH Caithness, they seized the opportunity. claimed to be from Sylvilara, an elf set-
Human scouting expeditions since tlement in the Forest, and were led by
The southern lordings have, one an elf woman called Lleroflyn. They
way or another, stayed out of the Civil have found mostly burned towns and have since helped against several raids,
War. empty homes. Some have run into but over the past few years more and
reptile men looters, and others have more elves have come, and they are
Blythe found a few human families hiding in now part of the power structure of the
the fringes of the Great Forest. A con- lording. Lleroflyn is Fenmarc’s chief
This lording is a narrow strip of centrated military effort could drive advisor, and she may soon become his
arable land between the forest and the out the reptile men and prepare wife.
desert, prone to droughts. It is also the Blythe for re-colonization, but at this
biggest casualty of the Civil War. With point no one can spare the men. If this marriage happens and pro-
the attention of the rest of Caithness duces a male heir, it will be a major
turned inward, Blythe received no aid Harkwood political disruption. Currently, the
when it fell to the reptile men in 2001. heirs are Fenmarc’s daughter Lady
The relationship between its citizens Harkwood sits on the edge of the Aylara and her husband Sir Darrek.
and the reptile men of the Great Great Forest, neither too close to nor The elves refuse to get involved in the
Desert had been implacably hostile for far enough from the desert. It is Civil War, but their presence in
decades, and when the saurians known for woodwork and furs, and its Harkwood is nevertheless an amazing
learned of internal conflict in fields are rich. It is ruled, on paper, by elven involvement in human affairs.
Baron Fenmarc, who is now 59. Their motives are unclear.

Simonton

Simonton is the last stop for west-
bound trade on the Smoke, and has
fair soil for agriculture. It is southern
Caithness’ major trade center; in addi-
tion to agricultural products, one can
find dwarven weapons and tools,
elven silks and crafts, and Megalan
gems and spices. This market-town is
one of the few places in the
Southlands where goblins are com-
mon; many of them trade on the river.

Lord Walton of Simonton is keen-
witted and impatient. He will never
join the rebellion so long as Cabble
(whom he despises) is part of it, but he
is also dubious about Conall’s motives
and methods. He is currently neutral
in the war, and courted by both sides.

LANDS OF YRTH 119

The Great Forest

This wood is the largest in Ytarria, larger than even bisect it. A society of gnomes lives in the southern
the Blackwoods. Among Ytarrians it is said that, before foothills, west of God’s Fence, far from the nearest
the Banestorm, it and the Blackwoods were part of a humans. Bands of hobgoblins prowl its edges, preying
single forest that covered central Ytarria. (This is true, on hunters and human villages.
but only the oldest beings know it for sure.) Some say
that the Blackwoods’ alarming growth is an attempt to To most humans, the Great Forest is a place of mys-
reunite with the Great Forest and once more dominate tery. The boldest hunters rarely venture more than 10
the continent. The forest contains many kinds of life, miles under its eaves, and it is over 200 miles wide by
both natural and fantastic. It consists primarily of pine, 600 miles long. Adventurers may seek gold in the moun-
dark fir, and spruce trees, but there are stands of oak tains, the furs or hides of rare animals, or to establish a
and elm as well. Bears, deer, elk, and boars are common, new trade route to al-Haz. It is also the only way to
and gryphons (p. 221), wolves, and even unicorns reach the Land of the Djinn without sailing through the
(p. 225) dwell in its depths. Maelstrom, crossing the mana-dead Great Desert, or
eluding Hazi guards and crossing hundreds of miles of
Many elves live in the Great Forest, and at least one mountains.
community of dwarves is located in the mountains that

Al-Haz is Yrth’s greatest Islamic AL-HAZ make the best trophies are also
nation, and sees itself as a rival to favored prey of dragons flying from
Megalos for glory. It also views itself as dotted with cedars and olive groves. the mountains, which much vexes the
the heart of Islamic orthodoxy. The The rest of the country has few Sultan.
mullahs of al-Haz teach that someday true trees, but a fair growth of date
the faithful will conquer the world and palms – a basic source of food for the The wild plains are also home to
convert it to Shi’ite Islam . . . but not population. nomad tribes, who live by driving
yet. their herds from one watering place to
The weather of al-Haz is hot and the next. The tribesmen’s favorite
Al-Haz is bordered on the north by dry in comparison with most other activities are hunting and raiding, and
the Great Forest and al-Wazif, on the lands. Even so, the Fence of God stops they answer only to their own sheikhs.
east by Cardiel, and on the south by the sea winds and insures adequate These sheikhs are vassals of the
the ocean. Al-Haz and al-Wazif are rainfall, while the Alhallahan River pashas, but are left alone as long as
allies, but each keeps a nervous watch with its tributaries and some irriga- they confine their raiding to each
upon the other. Relations between al- tion canals waters the central plains. other.
Haz and Cardiel are polite, due to The only true wasteland lies in the
common interests, but distant, due to northwest, where the hills are so dry Most of al-Haz is a normal-mana
religion. The exact location of the and rocky that only outlaws live there. area.
western border is vague; outsiders are The Great Valley and the mountains
simply not permitted to travel beyond see snow in winter, but even the high- HISTORY
the great mountain range known as est peaks are bare and brown by the
the Fence of God. It is known that the end of spring. Al-Haz has been a center for Islam
holy city of Geb’al-Din nestles within since the first years of the Banestorm,
the mountains, and that Hazi mer- Fields of grain dominate the cen- as it was the region where most of the
chants trade with lands far to the tral plain. Many domesticated ani- mullahs and scholars brought to Yrth
southwest. mals, especially hardings (p. 229), are found themselves. It was here that
raised here – but not pigs, which are they built two of the first great cities
GEOGRAPHY against Islamic dietary la). However, on Yrth, Gebel al-Hikmah and al-
vast stretches of the northern and Ab’ra. Then, in 1160, Allah revealed
Al-Haz is dominated by plains, eastern plains are as yet untilled. Here the holy rock in the Great Valley deep
drier than those to the north and east, roam hardings, antelope, wild cattle, within the mountains to His people; it
yet fertile enough. In the west rises the striders (p. 224), bushwolves (p. 219), was there that Geb’al-Din, the new
Fence of God, stretching from the lions, and jackals. There are also some holy city, was built.
Great Forest to the sea. Its upper paladins (p. 223) and even a few ele-
slopes are covered with forests of pine, phants. Several of the larger species These cities prospered, but the
spruce, fir, and birch. The foothills are are protected game, and may be killed majority of Muslims still wandered
only by the Sultan or his pashas, who the plains with their herds, ruled by
also have sole hunting rights in vari- tribal sheikhs. It was not until the
ous preserves. The animals which

120 LANDS OF YRTH

Megalan incursion in the first half of mullahs and the rulers of the cities and tempers often ran hot. Eventually
the 15th century that the tribes united carried more weight. Eventually one this infighting led to the fall of al-Kard.
to form a nation. devout tribal leader was named Sultan, The Hazis felt overlooked, used, and
Sword of Islam, Leader of the Faithful. even betrayed by their Wazifi brethren.
In 1442, the mullahs of al-Haz sum- The men of al-Haz went to war.
moned the sheikhs to Gebel al- As generations of war dragged on,
Hikmah. The northern tribes were They were greatly taken aback this attitude hardened. The duty of a
already fighting for their lives against when, two years later, the northern warrior of al-Haz was to protect the
the crusaders, and needed organized tribes rejected their leadership. The homeland against invasion and pollu-
support. The mullahs of the south northerners chose a warlord of their tion. The old ways were best; outsiders
spoke of a unified Muslim nation to own, a Sunni tribesman, naming him were suspect. Al-Haz was secure, with
lead the fight against the invading Caliph of the new nation of al-Wazif. A al-Wazif and Cardiel as buffer states
Christians. year after that, al-Kard was formed to shielding it from the Megalan menace.
the East. Splintered into three separate Thus it is today. And yet all is not
Many of the sheikhs opposed this political units, the Muslims still fought peaceful.
plan. They favored tribal independ- side-by-side against the invaders, even
ence, guerrilla raids on the infidel, and, though internal disputes were frequent The current Sultan is Mamoun al-
perhaps a temporary defensive Mansur – “the Victorious.” In fact, the
alliance. But the arguments of the

Hazi and Wazifi Status

Level Examples

7 Sultan, Caliph
6 Immediate family of the Sultan/Caliph, Vizier of al-Haz
5 Outer family of the Sultan/Caliph, Great Judge of the Ulama
4 Hazi Cadi, Great Official
3 Middle-Ranking Official, Great Merchant, Greater Wazifi Tribal Sheikh
2 Lesser Mullah or Official, Hazi or “Landed” ‘Amir, Typical Tribal Sheikh
1 Imam, Lesser Hazi Tribal Sheikh, Shopkeeper
0 Typical Peasant, Urban Craftsman
-1 Poor Peasant, Fisherman, or Porter, Urban Rabble
-2 Beggar, Lowliest Slave

LANDS OF YRTH 121

Slaves Under Islam given to certain families in perpetuity,
to be passed on from father to son;
Slaves in the Islamic nations of Ytarria are not automatically any attempt to remove the family’s
despised; after all, destiny may cast a virtuous man into misfortune. privileges would lead to rebellion.
Hence, slave characters may have a wide range of Status levels, although Even where this has not been formal-
they also have a Social Stigma (Valuable Property). As a rule of thumb, ized, the recognition of an heir as
a slave character typically has Status two less than that of his immediate pasha when his father dies is often
supervisor – his owner in most cases, a free court official if he is part of something of a formality. Lesser
a the ruler’s household. Thus, a slave acquired by a Status 0 shopkeeper pashas are under the authority of
(the lowest Status likely to acquire a slave in practice) is Status -2, where- greater ones.
as the Sultan’s personal slave-bodyguard could be as high as Status 5.
But while the latter can boss most free Hazis around, he is still a slave, Clerical duties, minor local affairs,
which they won’t ever forget – however they may bow to his face. and some legal matters are dealt with
by muhtasibs (Administrative Rank 1).
‘Amirs, the elite mounted warriors of

Victorious has never seen war, and the Muslim Names
lords of al-Haz think him a weakling.
He has produced no children, but has Names in the Muslim nations are Arabic in form. They can grow
adopted several young nobles; one will rather long, especially among nobles.
eventually succeed him, though prob-
ably not without bloodshed. In the The first part is the given name. Common given names include
meantime, Mamoun sits in his famed Abbas, Bilal, Jafar, Hakim, Hasan, Hayyan, Ismail, Muhammid,
Blue Pavilion, amusing himself with Mahmoud, Hammid, Musa, Nizam, Khalid, Said, Walid, and Yaqut.
poets and concubines. The land is run Female names include Ayesha, Fatima, Hafsa, Sagirah, Talibah,
by the viziers and pashas, and remains Umayman, and Zobeida. Some have Biblical equivalents: Ayyub equates
wealthy and strong in the Faith. to Job, Maryam to Miriam or Mary, Haroun to Aaron, Ishaq to Isaac, and
so on.
SOCIETY
Next sometimes comes a “parent” name, traditionally given to men
The social structure of al-Haz is a (with the prefix “abu”) and often to women (prefixed “umm”) after the
formalized version of the Yrth-Muslim birth of their first son. Thus, “abu-Firas” is the father of Firas, “umm
traditional pattern discussed on p. 48. Hasan” the mother of Hasan. This convention can also be used figura-
Note that Status is linked to tively; the captain of an elephant troop, for instance, might style himself
Administrative or Military Rank, with Abu Fiil – father of the elephant.
some scope for flexibility.
Next comes a genealogical name, indicating the person’s parentage or
Social Status lineage. The prefix ibn- means “son of.” Ahmed ibn-Haroun might be lit-
erally the son of Haroun, or a member of a family with a distinguished
Supreme authority in al-Haz, both ancestor named Haroun. This can be compounded to show multiple gen-
political and religious, rests with the erations, so “ibn-Muqla ibn-Omar” is the son of Muqla and grandson (or
Sultan. However, he is always advised more distant descendant) of Omar. A family or clan claiming descent
– some say controlled – by three or from someone called Omar would be the Beni Omar – the Sons of Omar.
four viziers. These are powerful The female equivalent, “daughter of,” is “bint-.”
nobles, mullahs, or scholars who aid
in making decisions and handle tasks After this, there will usually be an “adjectival” name indicating the
with which the Sultan does not wish character’s place or tribe of origin, or other background. For example,
to dirty his hands. The office of vizier “Sayyid al-Firuzi” is “Sayyid from Firuz.”
is Administrative Rank 6, and the
holder gains Status 6. Finally, the character will probably acquire a “nickname” or honor,
possibly even more than one. This often involves the prefix “abd-,” mean-
Regional and local administration, ing servant or slave of; “Abdallah” is simply “Servant of God.” This may
and military logistics, are handled by be placed before any of the Ninety-Nine Holy Names of God to indicate
pashas of various ranks, from Pasha of religious dedication, or before the name of a lord to whom he has sworn
Four Horsetails (Administrative Rank loyalty – for a slave, before the name of his owner. Other nicknames
5) down to Pasha of One Horsetail include the likes of al-Mansur, “the Victorious,” al-Azrad, “the Destroyer,”
(Rank 2). Technically, pashas are or as-Safa, “the Pure.” Such an epithet may be applied by friends or a
appointed governors, holding their ruler, or chosen by the holder. Poets or historians may identify a man
positions by virtue of talent rather only by his epithet, if it is very honorable or unusual. Common folk will
than birth. However, the governor- be known by their job – al-Hammad, the smith, as-Saari, the thief – or
ships of many fiefdoms have been perhaps by a distinguishing feature – al-Jahiz, “goggle-eyes.” A respected
vizier might be known as “Rukn-ad-Dawla,” “Support of the State.” Also,
a Muslim who has made the Hajj pilgrimage (p. 66) may adopt the hon-
orific “Hajji.”

122 LANDS OF YRTH

the armies of al-Haz, are Military The Rulers of Al-Haz
Rank 1-3 and usually Status 2; they
rarely hold land, as the monarchy and The difference between nominal and actual power in al-Haz is com-
pashas seek to discourage the forma- mon knowledge throughout Ytarria. Still, no one should disregard the
tion of a self-sufficient warrior class Sultan; his guards and servants will usually obey his every word, and he
which could threaten their authority. could in theory order anyone he sees slain – or ennobled.
Both muhtasibs and ‘amirs are
appointed to their positions, although Sultan Mamoun al-Mansur
there are certainly families with tradi-
tions of military or bureaucratic serv- Mamoun is an excellent example of a spoiled rich kid who grew into a
ice, who bring their sons up to follow spoiled rich man. He takes only a casual interest in day-to-day affairs,
in their footsteps. The leaders of wan- allowing his viziers to run the country for him. He paid a little more atten-
dering tribes are sheikhs, usually with tion during the Frontier Wars, but the subtle problems of peace bore him.
Status 1 or 2, depending on the tribe’s His greatest interest is who will win the next polo match, the best verse
size and prestige. for his newest epic poem, or what the new harem girl looks like.

The government and army of al- He is an unremarkable-looking man in his mid-40s, 5’6” tall, over-
Haz is exclusively male at all levels, weight and well on his way to becoming fat – although participation in
and it can be hard for a young man aristocratic sports has saved him from the worst consequences of his
of low birth to gain entry to the lifestyle so far. His hair is still thick and black, and his eyes are brown.
hierarchy, but once in, talent is He is a competent amateur poet, artist, and public speaker, just shrewd
rewarded. At the lower levels at least, enough to ignore flatterers who call him a genius, and trained in the
precise social class is less important rudiments of administration and swordplay.
than ability.
Unfortunately, he is also infertile, though he certainly never stops try-
Elsewhere in society, wealth is ing. He has often considered seeking magical aid, but his people’s preju-
respected as a sign of Allah’s favor, and dices make this difficult. This fuels his hatred for the Balikites
the wealthy can advance one or two (pp. 72,128), who have in the past slain one of his favorite advisors and
levels in Status if they cultivate the a couple of scholar-poets he rather liked due to rumors that they prac-
right contacts and image. The rich ticed magic. They also prevent a magical solution to the plague which
lead comfortable, even sybaritic lives, killed one of his viziers. Mamoun really wants Balik dead.
in walled houses whose courtyards
hold beautiful gardens. The Viziers

There is prejudice at all levels The viziers are the Sultan’s trusted advisors, and currently the true
against anyone not of the Islamic rulers of al-Haz. There are four of them; none are as young as they were,
faith, regardless of race, color, or but the Sultan, combining personal loyalty with a dislike of change, is
nationality. However, al-Haz has a unwilling for any of them to retire.
number of small Christian and Jewish
communities, mostly in the larger The last new vizier was appointed 13 years ago, after plague (p. 127)
cities, who are tolerated as ahl al- killed his predecessor. Barak ibn-as-Safa was appointed for his reputa-
Kitab, “People of the Book”: fellow tion as a scholar. His predecessor, the plague victim, was one of the great-
believers in God, even if misguided. In est historians of al-Haz, and an expert on law and theology. Barak is well-
game terms, they have the Social read and not stupid, but strictly an average thinker. He spends hours in
Stigma (Minority Group). They exist the archives of Gebel al-Hikmah, desperately trying to live up to the
at the sufferance and under the pro- expectations heaped on him. The other viziers find him knowledgeable
tection of the local pasha, who bene- enough, and think that his efforts simply show dedication.
fits from the additional taxes he can
extract from them. Omar al-Acayib is another scholar, though following stranger paths.
He is actually a practicing mage, though he keeps this extremely quiet.
A community of infidels which Omar voluntarily oversees the Balikite matter, and constantly presses for
loses this protection is in deep trouble. more action. His fellow advisors wonder at his zeal.
Two centuries ago there were more of
these communities than there are Salim ibn-Marid as-Sofian is a conservative man, ever more so as age
today; the promise of religious free- wears him down, who believes that the best way to handle any situation
dom in Cardiel has lured many non- is always the old way. Despite his lack of innovation, Salim was an excel-
Muslims eastward. lent administrator and general in his time, and distinguished himself in
the Frontier Wars. He always believed that the Balikite matter would
Nonhumans blow over eventually; as it continually fails to do so, he simply ignores it
ever more strenuously.
Central al-Haz has almost no non-
human inhabitants. There are no Sharif ibn-Ali al-Abyad is an excellent administrator and famously
dwarves living in the mountains of incorruptible. He began his career as a merchant, and oversees trade
God’s Fence, and no elves anywhere. throughout al-Haz, as well as keeping the palace’s books. Though he is
However, the great coastal cities are from the port city of al-Abyad, he has never favored it above any other, a
home to some merchant halflings and fact that annoys his relatives.

LANDS OF YRTH 123

metal-working dwarf families. There Adventuring in Al-Haz
is no prejudice against nonhumans
who accept Islam. Al-Haz is, to a large extent, Yrth’s second “bad guy” nation. Often war-
like, Hazis are capable of subtle, devious, and ruthless subversion as well
Further, the eastern plains have a as ferocious military action. Game-wise, their country will most likely
tribe of semi-civilized reptile men serve as an antagonist.
descended from escaped Megalan
slaves. They are even more insular Yet al-Haz also suffers from internal unrest. The Sultan’s inability to
and xenophobic than the other wan- suppress the Balikites rankles him and makes them brash, while
derers of the area, having no use for Hashishin (p. 72) and ambitious pashas seek to manipulate everything to
anyone not in their tribe. They toler- their own advantage. This might be a comfort to its enemies if victorious
ate their Muslim neighbors no better rebels didn’t amount to an even worse threat.
than the other nomad tribes tolerate
outsiders. The government considers However, al-Haz and its people have their virtues. Devout and sincere
them too much trouble to suppress; about their moral code, many of them are honest and honorable. They
they mostly avoid contact with value learning, provided that it does not undermine faith, and tolerate
humanity, after all. some other religions within strict limits. Trade with them is often prof-
itable. They are no more monsters than Yrth’s other humans.
Magic
Of course, al-Haz is not much of a place to go to have fun. Still, from
The magical arts are suppressed an adventurer’s point of view, the land’s many stern laws might be seen
rather than encouraged in al-Haz, and as opportunities. Rescuing Christian believers fanatical enough to pros-
magic is almost totally unknown in elytize in al-Haz would certainly be an interesting mission. Smuggling
rural areas. Even moderate mullahs alcohol might almost be profitable enough to justify the risk.
only condone its use under preferably
close supervision, and then only for There is also the matter of Geb’al-Din. Why an infidel should seek to
healing or in defense of the Faith. Use visit is hard to say, especially since boasting of the achievement would
of magic in the holy city of Geb’al-Din get one targeted by angry Muslims. Islamic PCs – or characters who can
is practically a sacrilege. pass as such – might go on pilgrimage, perhaps guarding a famous
Wazifi wizard or a major political figure. They might also investigate the
The sultans have long resisted pres- persistent plague in the city and maybe find a solution. If magic is
sure to ban magic outright, knowing involved, this may prove even more dangerous than being caught near
full well the advantage that would give the sacred Koranic rock.
al-Haz’s rivals. The Balikites (pp. 72,
128) are just the latest and worst reac- True to their nomad roots, the So, though the laws may be harsh, they
tion to this “laxity.” fighting men of al-Haz are virtually all are interpreted fairly.
mounted. Each pasha maintains a
Warfare troop of men – mostly light horse, Punishments often consist of
with a contingent of heavy cavalry – to maiming or flogging, with death in
Al-Haz is currently at peace – on keep the peace. Any or all of these extreme cases and for repeat offend-
the surface. In reality, there is fierce troops are available to the Sultan on ers. Pain is considered a means by
rivalry with the Sunnis to the north, command. Men of the wandering which the offender expiates his sins,
mistrust of the Christians to the east, tribes are practically born in the sad- as well as a deterrent to others.
bandits and Balikites growing ever dle, and are trained in warrior skills Therefore, punishments are conduct-
bolder in the northwestern wastes, from childhood. Still, this fighting ed in public, in a very businesslike
and Hashishin (p. 72) in all the major force is nowhere near the size or fashion, usually on Fridays.
cities. Certain offshore islands are strength of those of the crusading era,
pirate lairs, though the pirates are few and the Sultan does not entirely trust Noteworthy Hazi laws include a
and cautious, and more often base any of them. In a full-scale war, al-Haz total ban on alcohol. Possession or
themselves in al-Haz for raids else- would certainly require mercenaries consumption earns a flogging; sale is a
where than vice versa. For more on to fill out its ranks. maiming offense. Public drunkenness
pirate lairs and tactics, see Min, and is thus unknown. Doctors may keep a
Pirates, p. 97. The Law small supply for medicinal purposes,
although this is considered distasteful.
Meanwhile, devout warriors chafe In al-Haz, the Shari’a code (p. 67) is The same laws apply to Ytarrian
at the subsidiary role that they were observed meticulously. All cases are hashish (p. 125). Other intoxicants are
obliged to play in the Frontier Wars dealt with by religious courts, presided also heavily controlled, although most
(p. 16), and dream of fighting the infi- over by a cadi or mullah. The Court of are seen as medicines with unfortu-
del on their own terms. They are the Sultan is the highest authority, nate side-effects.
unlikely to be given the chance for a with jurisdiction over any case that
long time, given the nation’s internal catches the Sultan’s eye. Cadis are Public non-Islamic worship is also
problems, but that does not make highly respected in al-Haz (most are banned. Christians and Jews are per-
them any happier. Thus, the armies of Status 4), and virtually incorruptible. mitted their beliefs, but may not
al-Haz are not only strong, but seek preach publicly, display religious sym-
opportunities to extend their battle bols, or gather for worship in public
experience.

124 LANDS OF YRTH

places or groups of over 10. Some dolphins to schools of tuna and black market. The trade is run by
pashas quietly relax this restriction for shrimp. Merchant ships from north- gangs who sell it abroad after smug-
law-abiding communities. Punish- ern lands sail close to shore, keeping a gling it out of the country on foreign
ment is usually by confiscation of sharp lookout for pirates, who also merchant ships, which are less likely
property; repeat offenses bring raid the numerous, valuable salt pans to be searched by the authorities.
enslavement or death. along the coast.
While the trade is usually quiet,
Any behavior, especially by a Al-Ab’ra vicious turf wars periodically erupt,
female, that offends a staid mullah leading to mutilated corpses in the
can be classed as “lewd display.” Al-Ab’ra is the second largest city in Alhallahan, and occasionally the mur-
Failure to wear a veil in public; dis- al-Haz, and the busiest seaport. It is der of public officials who try to sup-
playing bare arms or legs; public dis- located at the mouth of the Alhallahan press the gangs. Years ago, after one
plays of affection; criticism of an offi- River, on which countless barges carry such murder, Pasha of Four Horsetails
cial – all are very risky. Foreign or non- the goods of the rich central plain to Abdul-Aziz ibn-Ahmad vowed to put a
Islamic women are not exempt. The the sea. Merchants from many lands stop to the violence; after two
usual punishment is flogging – behind come here to trade for ceramics, glass- attempts on his life, he apparently
curtains, so as not to offend modesty. ware, salt, and textiles. became less interested. He may be
genuinely fearful, or he may be
THE COAST The most expensive trade item, preparing a more subtle campaign or
however, is one not bartered in pub- a devastating strike. Those citizens
The southern shores of al-Haz have lic – hashish. While not the same as who indulge in the vice of gambling
sandy beaches, fishing villages, and Earth’s hemp, this plant is very simi- are laying bets on the matter.
tall cities overlooking bustling har- lar in its effects. The drug is strictly
bors. The weather is at least warm illegal in al-Haz; the punishments for Al-Abyad
year round, and hot in summer. In cultivating, selling, or using it are as
the shallows, young children dive severe as those for alcohol. But, since The small city of al-Abyad lies on a
for pearls. Fishing boats follow the the plant does not grow well in bay near the foothills of the Fence of
northern climes, there is a lucrative God. Its people and the nearby peas-
ants survive by growing wheat and
The Maelstrom raising hardings and cattle for trade to
the southwest. Just west of the city is
The Maelstrom is a huge, permanent storm and whirlpool off the the Gate of Allah, the pass through
coast of al-Haz. Its location is not fixed; it grows and shrinks, and some- God’s Fence to the borders of the
times actually buffets the coast of al-Haz to the northwest or the Ring Lands of the Djinn (p. 174). The great
Islands to the east. castle of Pasha of Three Horsetails
Ayyub ibn-Madawi stands at the
The Maelstrom makes sea travel around God’s Fence practically entrance, and his guards allow only a
impossible. It typically takes four days to get through; one Shiphandling few favored merchants to pass.
roll, at -6, is required from the master each day. Successful prediction of
the Maelstrom’s precise location and behavior, through Weather Sense Shipbuilding and repair are anoth-
skill (again at -6), or possibly magic (at similar penalties thanks to the er important industry in al-Abyad.
magically chaotic nature of the subject), will let a ship make it through Timber can be cut in the nearby hills,
in three days. Attempts to calm the sea magically will simply be over- and ships damaged by the Maelstrom
whelmed by the Maelstrom’s power. often limp in for repairs. The ship-
wrights charge appropriately outra-
A failed roll means a ship takes significant damage; two failed rolls, geous rates. Many ships are also
or a critical failure, sinks it. A ship which takes damage on the second or wrecked on the rocky promontory
third day must decide whether to turn back, or to go on and hope repairs southwest of the city; scavenging
can be made at its destination. Of course, a ship that turns back must along the shore provides an income
still make one or more rolls on the way home. And the pirates of both al- for many poor families.
Haz and the Ring Islands are always on the lookout for storm-damaged
ships. Visitors to al-Abyad may hear the
legend of Crazy Ghalib. 50 or 60 years
A ship braving the Maelstrom will also need sufficient crew to watch ago, a man was found half-dead on the
the sails and rudder day and night – not the standard for Ytarrian coast- shore. Delirious and gibbering,
huggers. In fact, few NPC crews will undertake such a voyage without “Ghalib” told his rescuers that he had
some exceptional reaction and Leadership rolls, and no sailor given such been aboard a ship that had been
a command would consider a refusal to be mutiny. wrecked in the Maelstrom; the vil-
lagers who found him would have
Going around would mean venturing far out into the deep ocean – a guessed as much. Ghalib went on,
virtually impossible prospect given current standards of navigation on however, to say that his ship had been
Yrth, carrying its own vast risks if the vessel should go too far, encounter returning from the Lands of the Djinn,
ship-devouring monsters, or simply blunder back into the Maelstrom by where its crew had been living for the
mistake. last 20 years. Ghalib was assumed to
have been maddened by terror and

LANDS OF YRTH 125

thirst, and his ravings were treated as herding sheep and goats, hunting, As the Sultan’s permanent resi-
entertainment. Unfortunately, he and planting crops in the rocky soil of dence, Gebel al-Hikmah is frequently
never recovered his wits, but spent the foothills, and by keeping their the site of lavish entertainments and
many years sitting in the marketplace, heads down. spectacles. Among them are great polo
begging for alms, mumbling, and matches. A large field is specially
telling wild tales about the djinn – and Gebel al-Hikmah maintained for this purpose, complete
about the treasure that had been with raised seating, where spectators
aboard his ship. Gebel al-Hikmah is the capital of can relax on silken cushions in the
al-Haz. Here, Sultan Mamoun al- shade of brightly-colored awnings.
Then, a few years ago, there was a Mansur resides in the Blue Pavilion, The teams are made up of profession-
strange storm during night, and in the attended by viziers and concubines. als, hired by various pashas, mer-
morning Ghalib was gone. Two people The city is also a way-station for pil- chants, mullahs and viziers in atten-
who been kind to him over the years grims bound for Geb’al-Din. Guards dance upon the Sultan. Mamoun is so
awoke to find fat pouches containing question anyone wishing to enter the infatuated with the game that spon-
gold nuggets beside their pillows, city, and non-believers are turned soring a team is a reliable method of
while fishermen who had risen early back. The Sultan’s officials, and the gaining his favor.
that morning still swear that they saw Ghazis of the Crescent Moon, watch
a wrecked ship rising from the waves visitors very carefully. Because of the political advantage
a little way out to sea and being car- to be realized, behind-the-scenes com-
ried off westwards by a magical wind. petition at these polo tournaments is
Patching together secondhand ver- fierce. Bribes are common, as is the
sions of Ghalib’s tales might still be a practice of hiring away the star player
worthwhile project. of an opposing team. If a player can’t
be bought, he can always be incapaci-
THE MOUNTAINS tated, or even killed. Horses may be
stolen, drugged, or crippled prior to
The mountain range called the an important match. Games may be
Fence of God stretches the length of thrown in exchange for favors.
al-Haz, from the Great Forest and Threats, diplomacy, and treachery are
the badlands in the north to the the order of the day; a large tourna-
ocean and the Maelstrom in the ment is a place where treaties, trade,
south. Nestled among its slopes and and marriages are arranged, and old
valleys are the great cities of Gebel scores settled.
al-Hikmah and Geb’al-Din, as well as
the “Eagle’s Nest” of the Assassin cult Geb’al-Din
and the heartland of the Balikite
movement. Local peasants survive by Hidden in the Great Valley deep
within the Fence of God, the Holy City
of Geb’al-Din is the beating heart of
Islam on Yrth. It is the destination of
every Muslim’s mandatory once-in-a-
lifetime pilgrimage (p. 66), and the
qibla to which the daily prayers are
directed. It has been called the “City of
a Hundred Mosques,” and indeed it

Arabic Prefixes

In Arabic, “al-” is a definite article; it means “the.” Many Arabic
words have it as a prefix, including the names of Ytarrian countries
such as al-Wazif, cities such as al-Abyad, and people such as Mamoun
al-Mansur.

Normally, it’s written as “al-” in English texts. However, when it
comes before certain letters at the start of the noun (d, dh, n, r, s, sh, t,
th, or z), the “l” becomes silent and is effectively replaced by the other
letter in question. To represent this and help readers pronounce such
names correctly, we follow the convention of replacing the “l” with the
other letter, as in “ash-Sharif” or “at-Talib.” Which is why, for example,
the city which was referred to as “al-Siyassi” in older GURPS books is
now called “as-Siyassi.”

126 LANDS OF YRTH

has more, but the most important is Firuz place or another, driven to these bro-
the Shrine of the Rock, which houses ken lands to eke out what living they
the great black boulder on which are “Firuz” is the local name for the could. The region has never had much
carved thousands of passages from the badlands region located in the north- organized government. The inhabi-
Koran. Only Muslims are allowed western corner of al-Haz, running up tants survive as best they can, often by
even to see the city. Any non-believer to the foothills in the west and the stealing from their neighbors.
caught anywhere near its walls is very Great Forest to the north. It is a
likely to be summarily executed. treacherous land of broken hills, dead- A few years ago, however, this
end canyons, and sudden cliffs. Very changed. Balik Abdallah al-Firuz
Because of its role as the goal of little vegetation grows, due to the sparked a fire among the tired, poor
the Hajj, Geb’al-Din has a large tran- almost constant drought. Native hard- inhabitants, preaching that magic is
sient population. Only the mullahs, a ings and woolens (p. 229) are the only an abomination, its use the root of evil
few cadis, guards, inn staff, and the domesticated animals capable and the source of their problems. He
peasants and servants who support of surviving unaided, and they built a loyal following, organizing the
them, live here year-round. Even the provide much of the livelihood of the scattered people into warriors – and
merchants who sell to pilgrims come hardy folk of Firuz. assassins, sent out to slaughter magi-
and go as their stocks run out. The cians. With a growing price on his
nature of Geb’al-Din’s population is Those who settled here were head, Balik may be hidden deep in the
a large part of the city’s current prob- almost all originally outlaws from one
lem.
The Pilgrims’ Plague
Because, tragically, Geb’al-Din is
persistently afflicted with a plague. The disease endemic to Geb’al-Din is a form of bubonic plague – a
The first outbreak was 15 years ago. bacillus spread by fleas, which transfer it from the infected rats which
Every month that year, dozens of peo- act as the disease’s “reservoir.” Under the system given on p. B442-4, this
ple died within the walls. Guards and is a blood agent, although the subtle, unpredictable mechanisms which
mullahs tried to warn away anyone transmit the disease and trigger epidemics make this less than obvious.
approaching the city, but few would It has a delay of 1d days and a HT-3 roll to resist, and does 1d-2 points
heed the warnings, especially when of toxic damage (minimum 1), with a 12-hour interval and 20 cycles.
the month of pilgrimage arrived.
Worse, the city lacked the food sup- The first symptom is usually shivering. At 1/3 HP lost, the victim is
plies to support a large population for Nauseated; at 1/2 HP, he also suffers Moderate Pain in the presence of
long, so those who could travel had to strong light. At 2/3 HP lost, add permanent Moderate Pain (Severe in
depart for their homes as soon as their strong light), and the victim is either Dazed, Hallucinating, or subject to
devotions were complete, even if they temporary Insomnia (select randomly). Body temperature rises drasti-
were becoming sick. Soon, lesser out- cally. The most characteristic sign is the appearance of buboes, large pur-
breaks were reported all across al- ple welts on the arms and back. A Diagnosis roll at +2 will identify the
Haz, and even in cities in Cardiel and disease on sight of these.
al-Wazif.
Occasionally, plague cases take more virulent “pneumonic” or “sep-
Hazi doctors struggled with the ticemic” forms, in which case the disease may be transmitted as a respi-
outbreak, which nonetheless claimed ratory infection. Fortunately, there have been few or no such cases in
numerous victims. A delegation Geb’al-Din. Pneumonic plague has a HT-5 roll to resist, does 1d-1 dam-
arrived from al-Wazif to offer aid, but age, and has a 3-hour interval and 35 cycles; for septicemic, this becomes
as they included wizards, they were HT-6, 1d damage, a one-hour interval and 50 cycles.
not completely welcome. Eventually,
the various healers brought the prob- Bubonic plague is fairly rare on Yrth, but doctors learn about it, and
lem under control, and the Wazifis it is nowhere as devastating as it was on medieval Earth; a combination
returned home – but not before two of of healing magic and basic information from Earth means that, while it
their number were murdered by is still a killer, it can usually be controlled. Only trained doctors know the
Balikites, and two more died of the details of how it spreads, but many people have at least some vague idea
plague. that the problem involves rats and fleas, and know about quarantine pro-
cedures. Unfortunately, however, the Hazi prejudice against magic, and
The mullahs were especially the transient population of the Holy City, make this one of the worst pos-
obstructive about permitting the use sible places for an outbreak. To add to the problem, the city is full of
of magic within the walls of Geb’al- quacks with false cures and preventatives. A successful Physician roll
Din, and the plague was never entirely will reveal such nostrums to be false, though visitors must be careful
eradicated there. Despite precautions, whom they denounce.
isolated cases and small outbreaks
have recurred every year since. Magical cures work as well against the plague as against other dis-
Fortunately, none have ever coincided eases. A few old grimoires even hold a specialized “Plaguebane” spell,
with the time of pilgrimage – but this which can cure many victims at once, and there exists at least one
is sure to happen one day, and then alchemical formula for a specific against plague. Unfortunately, neither
the nightmare will return. of these is more than a vague rumor in al-Haz.

LANDS OF YRTH 127

badlands, unseen by any but his per- largest college and library in al-Haz. ended his life soon enough. The three
sonal followers (if at all) for years, but Governed by a hereditary Pasha of sons promptly faced off, waiting just a
his cult still grows. Three Horsetails, Alhallabad should short time out of respect for their
be a very wealthy place. father and, more practically, to seek
Most of Firuz is a low-mana area. allies. After months of increasing vio-
However, it has troubles. The last lence, moderated only by shrewd
THE PLAINS Pasha, Alihaba al-Khalil, had three political moves from some of the par-
sons, each of whom coveted the power ties involved, the Sultan grew angry at
Rich, fertile plains set in soft, and riches of the city. Old and sick, the the petitions he was receiving from
rolling hills make up most of the land Pasha decided to split his holdings the battered townsfolk, and enforced a
area of al-Haz. The central areas are equally between them, hoping to force peace. See The Three of Alhallabad for
dotted with small farming communi- them to work together for the good of the current situation.
ties. To the north and east are vast the whole. Constant rivals throughout
prairies, dominated by wild herds of their lives, the sons simply did not West Tredroy
antelope, zebra, bison, and cattle, as accept this. Meanwhile, after Balikite-
well as flocks of striders (p. 224) and a inspired murders and riots, Alihaba See p. 142 for details of all three
few paladins (p. 223). attempted to repress the sect. His parts of this city. West Tredroy is the
efforts were clumsy and ineffectual, largest city in al-Haz, though it is the
Nomad Tribes angering the nomad tribes, to the smallest section of the divided
point of open fighting in the streets. metropolis. It is also the center for
These fierce, proud people follow goods from the north coming into al-
the herds from area to area; each tribe The Pilgrim’s Plague carried Haz, where they are picked up by mer-
has its own territory, though more-or- Alihaba off 13 years ago, though age chants to be traded across the plains.
less friendly raids are common. The and infirmity would doubtless have
most prized possessions of any tribe
are its horses. Bred for stamina as well The Balikites in Firuz
as speed and beauty, the steeds of al-
Haz are rivaled only by those of the The Balikites do not have the history of the Hashishin on Yrth (p. 72),
Nomad Lands (p. 167) in value, and and their strongholds are armed camps and fortified villages, not castles
are far swifter, if less agile. Yearly con- – but their territory is well-defended nonetheless. The loyalty of their
tests are held between tribes, racing scattered followers provides them with effective defense in depth.
prized mounts over long, treacherous Anyone hoping to collect the Sultan’s bounty will find them infernally
courses, with the winner taking his hard to dig out. The low local mana may not help.
pick of the competition’s bloodlines to
strengthen his own. Balik Abdallah al-Firuz

The tribesmen also serve as al- The founder of the Balikites has survived for many years, despite the
Haz’s first line of defense against inva- price on his head, the hatred of countless wizards, and the harshness of
sion. They are extremely suspicious of the country in which he hides.
anything out of the ordinary, and will
often attack first and ask questions Or so it is generally thought. The fact is, Balik has not been provably
later. Strangers, especially non- seen, by any but a few of his most loyal followers, for most of those years.
Muslims, are always suspect, and usu- This is probably only wise of him, but it fuels rumors of his death or
ally at least detained for questioning. indisposition. The movement can continue well enough without him,
Also, border incursions against the though, and the idea that he is still free and defying the hunters gives
Sunni tribesman of al-Wazif are not Balikites even more confidence.
unheard of; although this is officially
frowned upon, it is how the Sultan Assuming that he is alive, he will be in his 60s by now, and his hair
gets much of his intelligence on Wazifi was already silver when he was last seen in public. He has, or had, pierc-
activity. ing black eyes and a long thin beard; he appeared unremarkable, but his
charisma and oratory were legendary. His belief in his own ideas was
Alhallabad absolute, and his command of Islamic theology was sufficient to let him
defend them against critics.
Alhallabad is situated on the main
fork of the river Alhallahan. The sur- Rhajid al-Garyhan
rounding farmlands are prosperous
enough to support its population, but Rhajid Al-Garyhan is the combat leader of the Balikites, a capable
the bulk of its wealth is derived from fighter in his 50s responsible for their evasive strategy and terror tactics
trade with the nomads. The only real – mostly copied from bandits and Hashishin, but no less effective for
city in central al-Haz, Alhallabad is a that. He also trains their most capable warriors. He has been seen by out-
yearly stop for the bands who wander siders in recent years, although he mostly spends his time managing the
the plains, and is famed for its defenses in Firuz. A shrewd foe who wanted to cripple the movement
fabulous horse markets. It is also a might well target Rhajid.
magnet for scholars, doctors, artists,
poets and mullahs, and houses the

128 LANDS OF YRTH

The Three of Alhallabad

The three sons of Pasha Alihaba al-Khalil are very townsfolk hate him, and their representatives managed
different characters. All three are maneuvering for to convince the Sultan not to listen to him overmuch; he
importance on the central plains of al-Haz. was obliged to accept the enforced peace. He then went
off to fight in al-Wazif against Megalos, and came home,
The oldest, Badem ibn-Alihaba al-Asadel, is also per- as he thought, a hero. His subsequent plots were
sonally the weakest. A nearsighted, balding man in his exposed by Badem’s wife and Denyz, and he and his fol-
mid-40s, he has a strictly average intellect, and is infuri- lowers had to flee from the Sultan’s justice. His third of
ated that his father did not give him his “rightful due,” the city was then assigned to Badem.
although he had remained constantly by the old man’s
side. His greatest asset is his wife, a sharp diplomat with Seeing himself as the victim of injustice and political
a great deal of common sense. He survived the initial chicanery, the embittered Fadil now roams the plains as
infighting with the others thanks to her and the loyalty an outlaw. He is supported by bandit gangs and petty
of his troops, and the Sultan granted him the title of rebels, who dream of having a free hand if he regains the
Pasha out of respect for his seniority. The youngest, 40- city. He has also formed a tentative alliance with the
year-old Denyz ibn-Alihaba al-Hassan, is wiser, with a Balikites; their leaders mistrust his motives, but see him
strong sense of loyalty to the city. After deciding that his as a useful tool.
father had gone crazy in his old age, he played a defen-
sive game in the conflict. He is rapidly building enough power to threaten to
the city. This might not matter, except that Denyz has
The great problem was the middle son, Fadil ibn- now fallen out with Badem’s wife – neither ever quite
Alihaba al-Azim, a strong warrior with limited intelli- trusted the other, despite their common interests – and
gence. Backed by loyal personal troops, he sought to Alhallabad may soon suffer another round of internal
outfight his older brother and take the city by force. The strife.

Al-Wazif is bordered on the east by AL-WAZIF HISTORY
the sea, on the south by al-Haz and
Cardiel, on the west by the hilly There is very little forest in al- The Sunni Muslim tribesmen who
Caithness badlands, and on the north Wazif, so timber is in limited supply. dwelled in the hills and plains of cen-
by its perpetual enemy Megalos. It is What trees there are – mostly poplars tral Ytarria first united to resist the
the bulwark against which Megalan and willows – grow in small stands threat of Megalos. In 1444, two years
crusaders have thrown themselves for along rivers and streams. The waist- after the Shi’ite Muslims to the south
centuries. But its central position high grass harbors wildlife aplenty, had formed al-Haz, the northern
enriches it with trade by land and sea, however. Antelope, wild horses, tribes met for a fortnight of games,
while hundreds of years of hostility striders (p. 224) and bison are com- during which their best men compet-
have hardened the borderlands. As it mon. The herds are followed by ed in skill, strength, daring and cun-
has demonstrated only recently, al- lions, wolves, bushwolves (p. 219), ning. The winner was named Caliph, a
Wazif is well able to defend itself. and jackals. Quail, grouse, hawks, title which had originally meant the
and a host of small mammals pros- “deputy” and heir of the prophet on
GEOGRAPHY per as well. Earth, but which was now remem-
bered simply as meaning a great ruler,
Most of al-Wazif is rolling grass- Peasants in northern and eastern Chosen of Allah. The losers swore to
land, hilly in the north, flattening out al-Wazif are primarily farmers. follow him to the death. Thus the
as one travels south and east. The However, some Wazifis, especially in nation of al-Wazif was born.
northeastern seacoast is rocky and the southwest, still lead a nomadic
barren, providing few good harbors, lifestyle, albeit adapted to a more for- It bore the brunt of Megalan
but dozens of little outposts support mal system of government. They roam aggression for many years. Legions
fishermen who go out in tiny boats or one or more lords’ lands with their razed its towns and villages, and
cast their nets from the shore. Because herds, and pay annual taxes in cattle, navies sacked its coasts. But the
of the difficulty of reaching these vil- hardings (p. 229), or horses. Both Wazifis stubbornly fought on, drawing
lages by land, most are self-sufficient. nomad and settled herdsmen raise all on their southern brethren in al-Haz
Thus, the rest of al-Wazif sees little manner of livestock, while the soil and for reserves and supplies. When neigh-
seafood, though some small trading climate are suitable for many crops, boring al-Kard was lost to the
ships buy rare delicacies from these especially grains. invaders, the Caliph took advantage of
fisherman and resell them elsewhere the short respite. By the time the
at luxury prices. Al-Wazif is a normal-mana area, Dragon once more turned its head
dropping off to low in the western hills
and badlands.

LANDS OF YRTH 129

west, al-Wazif was more than ready. Megalos was involved but not the Megalan frontier lords proved willing
Great defensive siege works and bands aggressor. Al-Haz sent some aid to its to negotiate. A treaty was patched
of wizards made every inch of territo- Muslim co-religionists, including a together, and both sides announced
ry expensive. The war dragged on for a token fighting force, but the Hazi cap- victory to their people.
hundred years before Cardiel broke tains could barely conceal their impa-
away and brought peace. tience with the impetuous and ill- Al-Wazif has recovered from the
timed Wazifi strategy. While they have war impressively quickly; it really is a
For the next two centuries, the no real grounds for complaint, mili- healthy, vibrant nation. However, this
Wazifis endured periodic invasions tant Wazifis feel they were subtly has given the “war party” new heart.
and border raids. But with each suc- betrayed. They had little surprise The Megalan lords, not being entirely
cessive attempt, Megalan victories advantage; their preparations had stupid, realize this, and are strength-
were fewer. The rebellion of Caithness, been too obvious. Hence, after some ening their defenses while dreaming
defeats in the north, and the growth of early victories, Wazifi progress of reclaiming lost territory – which
the Blackwoods all contributed to slowed, giving the ponderous Empire looks like a threat to Wazifis. Several
Wazifi security. Today, al-Wazif is a time to bring its full weight to bear. It emirs acquired considerable power
prosperous land. is fortunate for al-Wazif that the war and influence during the war, and
party was right about one thing; have not disbanded their armies. The
Some 16 years ago, Caliph Ishaq Megalan military skill is considerably politics of al-Wazif are currently dan-
ash-Sharif, a wise and tolerant overrated. gerously unstable.
monarch, died after an extended ill-
ness. His son by a full wife, Hafsa at- Frankly, neither side’s commanders SOCIETY
Talib ibn-Ishaq al-Wazifi (“Hafsa the covered themselves in glory; the con-
Scholar, son of Ishaq, of al-Wazif”), flict reduced to a series of drawn bat- Wazifi society is based on Muslim
succeeded him. The new Caliph was tles punctuated by local victories and tribal tradition, adapted for the
scholarly and easygoing, leaving many which were as often as not reversed modern world and with some foreign
affairs of state to capable advisors. within a month. By the end, both sides importations. See p. 48 for informa-
They told him to take advantage of were glowering at each other across a tion on Islamic systems of government
apparent dissension within Megalos, line of natural defensive positions, on Yrth, and note that Status is loose-
by invading the Empire and winning largely corresponding to the original ly linked to Administrative or Military
glory for himself and followers for border. Rank; the Status table for Yrthian
Islam. The Caliph vetoed these sugges- Muslim societies is on p. 121.
tions, unaware that a “war party” of By now, the Caliph, who had at
generals, led by his own brother, had first been swept up in the enthusiasm Social Status
already set matters in motion. of the initial advances, had worked
out, in his intellectual way, that the The ruler of al-Wazif is the Caliph,
Cynics say that the ensuing conflict war was achieving nothing – and the a hereditary monarch. His kingdom is
was truly remarkable: a war in which divided into fiefdoms of various sizes,

130 LANDS OF YRTH

Hafsa and Harun

As in al-Haz, power in al-Wazif is divided between Hafsa also has a half-brother, the Emir Harun abd
hereditary and appointed leaders. The office of vizier is Ishaq, son of one of his father’s concubines and the gov-
less important here; some court officials receive that ernor of Qazr as-Sawh. Fortunately, Harun, a grizzled
title, but they are just civil servants, firmly under the old warlord, is completely dedicated to al-Wazif, if not
authority of the Caliph. to Hafsa, and knows a civil war would be a gift to
Megalos – and he assumes that Megalos is interested in
The Caliph Hafsa at-Talib ibn-Ishaq al-Wazif is a nothing but destroying al-Wazif. He was largely respon-
thoughtful man of around 50. He has never been happy sible for triggering the Frontier Wars and led the army
with his position; he would much rather devote his time to its early victories, convincing Hafsa the war was nec-
to scholarship. But he is forever haunted by what his essary and victory was possible.
late father would think of him, and he has a serious
sense of duty to his people. While his advisors long Unfortunately for him, the legions then arrived and
thought of him as a weakling, and many still do, he has stopped his advances, giving Hafsa time to look careful-
proved that a good knowledge of history can be a real ly at the situation and order truce negotiations. This
advantage to a ruler. He has been trained in administra- confirmed to Harun that Hafsa was hopelessly weak;
tion and military skills, but he is actually an instinctive probably only the need to shore up the frontier prevent-
pacifist, who has never raised his sword in anger against ed him from marching on the capital to seize the throne.
another human being, and probably never could. Since the war ended, Harun has been rebuilding the
army while demanding that he be given a free hand
Hafsa’s only wife died tragically young, and he spent when it is ready. Hafsa now sees Harun as dangerous to
many years deep in mourning. He has since sired two the state and quite likely mad, and the two are barely on
sons and two daughters with concubines, and the boys speaking terms.
are being trained as his heirs, but they are still young,
and would be in a very dangerous position if anything
happened to their father.

governed by the descendants of the As in al-Haz, wealth is respected as they will usually buy a healing or seek-
leaders of the first tribes established in indicating a combination of talent and ing spell when the need arises. Local
the region. Al-Wazif has also adopted divine favor, and the commercially wizards tend to be flashy and flam-
some of the chivalric traditions of its successful often advance by two or boyant. For some, this is a form of
Megalan enemies and Cardien three Status levels in their lifetimes. advertising; they hire out their servic-
acquaintances; the Ghazi Orders es, and it helps if people have heard of
(p. 70) are strong here. Even haughty Also as in al-Haz, there are small them and think of them as “proper
Megalos acknowledges the honor of Christian and Jewish communities in wizards.” For others, it is simply a way
the Islamic “knights,” and will gener- the cities. However, the local view of of commanding admiration in a socie-
ally treat them with chivalric respect “People of the Book” is more benign; ty which respects wealth. And some
on the field of battle. they do not depend so critically on the just enjoy dressing up and making
favor of a local governor, the extra magical fireworks.
Positions in the local system use a taxes they pay are slightly less onerous
mishmash of Arabic and Turkish titles than in al-Haz, and in tolerant areas, By law, all trained wizards must
from Earth: Bey (Administrative Rank they only have Social Stigma (Second- spend two years in service to the
6), Emir (Rank 5), Atabeg (Rank 4), Class Citizen). Caliph; see p. 132. The pay is gener-
Khedive (Rank 3), Ra’is (Rank 2), and ous, and these wizards, being useful,
so on. ‘Amirs, military leaders approx- Nonhumans are treated well and defended against
imating to knights, hold Military Rank incidental dangers, even in battle.
1-4 when serving in the Caliph’s regu- Few nonhumans are native to al- Many choose to stay longer. Battle
lar army; a Landed ‘Amir, granted a Wazif, although those that do live here magic is particularly valued in perpet-
holding sufficient to support himself are well enough treated. There are few ually besieged al-Wazif, as are magic
and his military retinue, usually has elves, and almost no dwarves, but items.
Rank 2-3 and Status 2. A tribal sheikh some halfling farming villages, and
usually has Status 2-3. As in many goblin merchants in the cities. One of the Caliph’s wizards’ pri-
Caithness, and reflecting the Islamic Almost all of these folk have accepted mary duties is the collection and man-
ideal of egalitarianism, almost any Islam, and some become mullahs or ufacture of items appropriate for war.
advance is possible to the talented respected scholars. There are many stories of secret
or fortunate. Prowess with arms is caches of powerful magical devices
particularly highly regarded; com- Magic scattered around the country, to be
bined with skill in government and distributed to the army in the event of
leadership, it will always win notice. Magic is entirely legal in al-Wazif, invasion. Only a few such weapons
and mostly socially respectable; some were brought out during the recent
ultra-conventional Muslims regard it
as perhaps a little “ungodly,” but even

LANDS OF YRTH 131

Frontier Wars, though, which leads may pardon a person convicted by the always find work in al-Wazif, provided
some people to wonder if the stories cadis, or impose a harsher penalty, as he can find someone to vouch for him.
are grossly exaggerated, and others to they see fit. Calling upon a local lord Wazifis are particularly wary of hiring
believe that the Caliph, having doubts for mercy is risky, but sometimes a Megalan in disguise. That trick has
about the war in the first place, pre- worth trying. worked too often.
ferred to keep such things back in case
Megalos seriously threatened to turn As a result, Islamic legal principles The southern border is essentially
the tide. There are even rumors that tend to be observed less strictly here undefended, at least in comparison to
some caches have been lost or forgot- than in al-Haz. Alcohol is grudgingly the north. Ongoing rivalries between
ten over the years; if this is true, pre- permitted among the Christian and Shi’ite and Sunni tribesmen have
venting such things from falling into Jewish minorities, in private, though caused some minor skirmishes, but as
the wrong hands could be an impor- public drunkenness is not, and foreign neither the Sultan nor the Caliph wish
tant adventure. Of course, many PC women may go unveiled without fear for war, these incidents are ignored.
parties might be the wrong hands. of arrest or stoning. Of course, people
who think the law doesn’t apply to Occasionally, the nobles of al-Wazif
The Law them are in for a rude surprise. turn their armies on one another, just
like the lords of Caithness and
As in al-Haz, law in al-Wazif is Warfare Megalos. The constant threat from
based on the Shari’a (p. 67). Unlike in Megalos, however, and the truly bar-
al-Haz, however, the decrees of the The Caliph maintains a standing baric punishments the Caliph tradi-
ruler carry almost as much weight as army, almost all garrisoned along the tionally invents for traitors, keep bick-
the opinions of the mullahs. Since few northern border. Every lord also has ering to a minimum. Only four times
Caliphs have been theologians, a secu- his own troops, with the northern bor- in the last century has a fiefdom
lar legal tradition has grown up along- der lords requiring much larger changed hands through violence, and
side the Shari’a. Usually, royal decrees armies. Forces are a mixture of quasi- one of the new lords kept his head for
clarify issues on which the traditions feudal ‘amirs, ghazis serving for faith only a fortnight thereafter.
are vague. or plunder, and mercenaries: often
younger sons of the ruling classes, or Forces are mostly cavalry, with
At a slightly lower level, many local former nomads parlaying their tradi- some mercenary infantry serving as
governors reserve the right to inter- tional skills into a place in more sophis- garrison troops; wiser leaders also use
cede in trials in their domains. They ticated society. A good mercenary can units of infantry to support their
skilled but wild horsemen. In emer-
Hisham ash-Sharib gencies, peasants are sometimes
called up and mustered into blocks of
The second leader of the Wazifi “war party” is the talented, charis- spearmen, but these are understand-
matic Bey of Shaniyabad, who in his youth won the Great Games. ably timid, given their lack of training
Convinced by his good luck and the adulation of his people that he is des- or military traditions, and are usually
tined to rule the land, Hisham actually made the war unavoidable by more trouble than they are worth.
secretly sending agents to spread rumors of Wazifi activity in Megalos. Some clever commanders order them
He expected Megalos to attack, and planned to lead his forces to save the to construct field fortifications, after
day, at which point his agent at court would assassinate the Caliph and which they are sent home, or at least
he would take the throne by acclamation. moved well out of the way.

Unfortunately, Harun abd Ishaq spoiled that twice over, first by start- Wazifi armies include an effective,
ing the war with an attack on Megalos and becoming the hero of the if poorly organized, corps of wizards.
hour, and then, when Hisham tried to improvise a variant plan, by slay- These are not the specialist battle-wiz-
ing the assassin. Harun assumes that the killer was a Megalan agent; ards of Megalos, and hence are less
Hafsa has doubts, and has found out a little about Hisham’s other activ- useful, man for man, under routine
ities. Hisham is becoming painfully aware that the Caliph regards him circumstances – but many of them are
with deep suspicion. His advantages – including his respectable war highly competent generalists. Because
record – will not protect him forever, and his treason may be exposed. He their abilities reflect their personal
is currently trying to work out how to eliminate the entire royal family interests rather than formal training,
in one stroke. they are unpredictable; some are
weak, but others can surprise a foe.
Hisham is still something of an athlete at the age of 40, and his prob-
lem is overconfidence, not a lack of actual intelligence; he has carefully ADVENTURING
built up a huge network of spies and agents, and would make a formi- IN AL-WAZIF
dable enemy to anyone who lacked the evidence to expose him to the
Caliph. His other notable feature is his coloring; Hisham’s red hair and Al-Wazif is Yrth’s “Arabian Nights”
green eyes suggest that he has a foreign slave in his recent ancestry, a fact location – colorful and dynamic, with
which it is unwise to remark upon anywhere in Shaniyabad. lots of high-powered magic, merchant
caravans, and court intrigue. Flying
carpets are definitely part of the furni-
ture. However, there is more to the

132 LANDS OF YRTH

The Great Games As-Siyassi

The Great Games of al-Wazif are held each spring, in commemora- As-Siyassi, on the shores of lake Bir
tion of those that selected the first Caliph. Competitions include Maj’in, is one of the oldest human
wrestling, combat with blunted swords and other weapons, jousting, cities on Yrth. Founded in 1074, it was
hunting and hawking, chess, magic, acrobatics, extemporaneous poetry, for centuries the sole metropolis for
musical performance, and many others. hundreds of miles in any direction. It
served as the cultural, religious and
One of the greatest contests is called simply the Dare. It is essentially economic center for what was to
“follow-the-leader” for brave adults. A competitor is picked by lot, and become al-Wazif. The northern
performs some feat of his own choosing – anything not immoral or ille- Muslim tribes met there for the first
gal. All other competitors must attempt the feat or drop out. Success is Great Games in 1435, and as-Siyassi
not necessary, but an honest attempt is required, and use of magic is not became the capital of the new nation.
allowed.
Today, the Wazifi capital is more
Thus, contestants will choose feats like wild bull riding, axe juggling, prosperous than ever. Unlike most of
or bare-handed wolf-slaying. A panel of judges determines when a failed the plains, its fields of wheat and corn
attempt is genuine; a panel of mages and physicians works to save are well irrigated. Orchards of olive,
injured competitors. Anyone requiring this sort of emergency aid, of peach, fig, and almond trees adorn the
course, is out of the game. green landscape.

When the first round is over, another contestant is picked, and the As-Siyassi is also a center of cul-
Dare continues – until only one is able to go on. GMs and players can ture. It boasts one of Yrth’s greatest
have a lot of fun coming up with unusual dares . . . universities, several colleges of the
wizardly arts, and many artists, poets
Outsiders and foreigners are welcome to compete. There is no quick- and philosophers. Under the patron-
er way for a newcomer to al-Wazif to earn fame and fortune. Prizes are age of the scholarly Caliph, the arts
grand, as is the honor to be won. It is unusual, but not illegal, for a are flourishing as never before.
woman to enter the Games; conservative mullahs will object, but a per- Learned men from all over Yrth –
sistent and diplomatic female will be allowed to compete unless the Christian, Jew, and Muslim – gather
judges’ reaction to her is Poor or worse. A woman who wins will be the here to study and exchange ideas.
subject of controversy, but will receive great honor!
Shaniyabad
place than cliche; it is, among other Spy-Counterspy: Megalos has
things, a crossroads between several agents all through al-Wazif. So does Shaniyabad is the busiest port in
other ambitious powers, with ambi- Hisham ash-Sharib, and both Cardiel al-Wazif, and the richest. Any trade
tious lords of its own. It has been a war and al-Haz keep an eye on things. The which comes into or leaves as-Siyassi
zone only recently, and can be used as Caliph may be a mild-mannered paci- by sea passes through here. River
easily for gritty thrillers as for romantic fist, but he’s more than smart enough barges link the city with as-Siyassi
tales. Players may search for the to hire secret help, given that he can’t and the interior. Al-Wazif does not
rumored caches of the Caliph or inves- even trust his own brother. And these have a large navy, so the port is pro-
tigate the ruins of Autheuil (p. 135). networks run with real subtlety; any- tected by strong magical safeguards
one who is recruited may not even be and numbers of mercenaries. The
Some other adventure possibilities: working for whoever they think is pay- lands around Shaniyabad are fertile
Caravan Guards: In this trading ing them. and well watered, and mostly used
nation, a caravan might head off in any for crops rather than livestock; most
direction. Trips through the Caithness CITIES OF meat is imported. In addition, the
badlands or to the Great Forest – low- AL-WAZIF hills northwest of the city contain al-
mana areas infested with monsters – Wazif’s most important mines, which
can be especially dangerous. Wazifi culture has become highly yield silver, iron, and tin in large
Stop the Slavers: Megalan slave-tak- urbanized over the centuries. The quantities.
ers raid al-Wazif both overland and by nomad life is respected in the abstract,
sea. The best way to stop them is like- but even the poets who wax eloquent Shaniyabad’s bey is Hisham ash-
ly to involve small, mobile, responsive about the beauties of the desert most- Sharib, a one-time ornament of the
forces, rather than cumbersome mili- ly prefer to do so in a comfortable Caliph’s court and winner of the Great
tary units. court – and peasants are, while not Games, greatly loved by his subjects;
Bodyguards: With Hashishin and usually deliberately oppressed, very see p. 132.
Balikite fanatics around, not to men- much at the bottom of the heap. They
tion all the court intrigue, a “simple” are ruled from the towns and cities, Because the Megalan border is
bodyguard job can all too easily turn which flourish on taxes and trade. heavily guarded, southeastern Caith-
complicated. ness is low-mana badlands, and al-
Haz is hostile to mages, Shaniyabad is
a likely point of exit for wizards dodg-
ing mandatory service to the Caliph.
Of course, the authorities know this
full well, and will look here for wiz-
ardly fugitives.

LANDS OF YRTH 133

North Tredroy Because of Azraq’s remoteness and at the intersection of the north-south
proximity to Megalos, the people of its caravan route and the timber trail
See p. 142 for details of all three villages often fall prey to Christian linking the Great Forest and as-
parts of this city. North Tredroy is seen slavers. Many a Muslim mother has Siyassi. Today, under the leadership of
in the rest of al-Wazif as something of seen daughters carried off while her the governor, Khedive Amin al-
a hotbed of sin. Even by fairly relaxed husband was out fishing. Of course, at Burum, the City at the Crossroads is
Wazifi standards, it has a casual atti- the same time, quite a few Muslim one of the most prosperous in al-
tude to religious observances and a slavers use the area as a base for raids Wazif.
largely secular legal system. on Megalos. This ultimately led to the
curious situation of Taveon of Trade is Gebel Thamad’s lifeblood;
Sa’Azraq Dekamera; see The Treachery of anything that threatens the caravan
Taveon. routes threatens the city’s very exis-
The Emirate of Sa’Azraq is al- tence. The local lords take banditry
Wazif’s easternmost fiefdom. The port Gebel Thamad very seriously. Mercenaries can always
city of Azraq is located on a peninsula, find work here, either with the forces
midway between Hadaton to the The city of Gebel Thamad began as of the Khedive or as caravan guards.
south and Yibyorak to the north, and a way station on the Pilgrims’ Road to Bounty hunters are also in demand,
is al-Wazif’s only decent harbor east of the holy city Geb’al-Din. The lands and will find that both the aristocracy
Shaniyabad. Many ships stop there, around it were parched, so its springs and the merchants pay handsomely.
but few stay long. Sa’Azraq is populat- drew nomadic herdsmen and weary
ed by farmers and fisherman, and has travelers alike. Later, it became a A few years ago, a woodcutting
little to offer in the way of trade. major trading center, situated as it was expedition discovered old ruins in the
forest. The curious woodcutters laid
The Treachery of Taveon down their axes to explore further.
What they found was the remains of
In the tensions leading up to the Frontier Wars, some slave-raids an ancient fortress-town. They discov-
against Sa’Azraq were actually led by Megalan nobles, who felt justified ered no treasure, but they did turn up
in making a profit from harassing the infidel. This led to disaster when a large stone block bearing inscrip-
the Emir Ayyub ibn-Qasim al-Azraq captured Taveon, the eldest son of tions not only in Arabic, but in Latin
Earl Gavin of Dekamera, in battle. Ayyub demanded a huge ransom for and Norman French as well! They
the prisoner, intending to use it to purchase back as many of his enslaved returned to Gebel Thamad with their
citizens as possible. Instead of paying, the parsimonious Gavin hired lumber and this curiosity.
mercenary agents to recover his son; they failed, and then the wars start-
ed. The only reason that Ayyub refrained from hanging Taveon from his Since then, several expeditions
city walls was that he hoped to use him as a bargaining counter. Indeed, have ventured into the woods to exam-
the danger to Taveon perhaps kept the Sa’Azraq coast safer than it would ine this discovery further, under the
otherwise have been. sponsorship and leadership of various
wizards, scholars, and treasure-
Shortly after peace was restored, Gavin died, an embittered old man. hunters. One of the first things that
Meanwhile, Ayyub had come to like Taveon, and thought they had became clear was that the woods
reached a degree of understanding approaching friendship. Taveon was around the ruins were peculiarly short
learning to appreciate Wazifi culture; Ayyub even entertained hopes that of game or even edible plants; anyone
the lad might convert to Islam. So, as a gesture of courtesy and peaceful planning to explore them for very long
intent, the Wazifis released Taveon to claim his earldom. has to take substantial supplies.
Almost as quickly, the explorers found
This was a disastrous miscalculation. Taveon feels humiliated. He’d that, while the mana level in the ruins
been prevented from seeing his father before the old man died, he’d been is mostly low, there are small patches
held in embarrassing comfort while his nation was at war, and when he with other levels, as well as some
got home, people sniggered at his “Wazifi” manners. His anger has where it fluctuates unpredictably.
turned outwards, and he is organizing further raids, trying to live up to Unfortunately, the most common
his father’s memory. This is public knowledge, and Ayyub now sees him alternate levels are No Mana and Very
as an ungrateful barbarian wretch. Taveon secretly feels guilty, and miss- High Mana, making life complicated
es some Wazifis and their culture. But his anger is in the way – and his for adventuring wizards.
neighbors still mock him behind his back for his slight Wazifi accent and
lack of practice at handling his drink. Some expeditions have returned
with new clues as to the nature of the
The high-minded Ayyub not only feels personally betrayed, but his ruins; some have found nothing
mistake has damaged his popularity with his people. Once the raids before their food ran out and they had
start, things will become even worse. Taveon will be violating the treaty to return to the city. A few have turned
terms, and the Wazifis will see him and his troops as oath-breakers as up modest amounts of loot – mostly
well as slavers. All this may wreck any hope of long-term peace. ancient coins – which encourages oth-
ers. Some have run into formidable
and unusually touchy natural preda-
tors. One or two have failed to
return at all. Most are motivated by

134 LANDS OF YRTH

The Ruins of Autheuil

The ruins in the Great Forest near Gebel Thamad are What happened next is unknown. Perhaps the elves
the ancient city of Autheuil. The story of its fall was once returned and massacred the exhausted defenders.
well known, but has been forgotten. Among humans, Perhaps the wizards found their weapon, and were
only an unread scroll in the library of the Muslim unable to control it. The fact is, no human ever heard
University in as-Siyassi, and perhaps inscriptions at the from Autheuil again, and few elves were left to tell what
ruins themselves, tell anything of the tale. Some older they might know. None live in the area today, and
elves know slightly more, but the subject is a taboo nobody has thought to send to the nearest elven com-
among that race. munities to ask about the topic. Whatever happened,
there were apparently no survivors. Furthermore, the
Autheuil was the first true human city on Yrth, ruins were left under a “curse” – perhaps a great hostile
founded in 1068. It was populated by folk of many magic deliberately worked by the elves, perhaps a disas-
nationalities and religions, united by their common trous side-effect of magical battles, perhaps a chaotic
experience – being wrenched from their homes by the mingling of several effects. Untended, the fields and
Banestorm and deposited in a strange and hostile land. ruins were reclaimed by the forest, and have sat undis-
It prospered for many years; elves from the Great Forest turbed . . . until now.
gave food to the humans, and instructed them in the
basics of magic and the dangers of Yrth. The humans The Curse of Autheuil
hunted in the wood, and felled only enough trees to
grow crops sufficient to feed themselves. Eventually, The remnants of the “curse” have several effects. One
they made contact with villages of other humans north is the reduced and unstable local mana level. Another is
of the Forest, and with Muslim tribes to the east. Trade that non-sapient animals find the entire area disquieting
brought Autheuil wealth. The city began to grow, requir- – nothing very immediate, just enough to deter most
ing the felling of more and more trees. from staying for long. High natural aggression tends to
overcome the effect, so predators sometimes lair in the
Meanwhile, European-descended humans in ruins, though they have to range widely in search of
Autheuil began to dabble in the darker magical arts. food, and are often hungry enough to attack humans.
Others, mainly Muslims, objected strenuously, insisting Also, only plants that are inedible for humans will grow
that only evil would come of it. Then, the elves of the for- near the place.
est arrived at the gates of the city. They said that too
many trees had been cut down, and that the fields thus This means that Survival rolls made in or near the
cleared must be abandoned so that the forest might heal ruins are at -8; this penalty is reduced by 1 for each mile
itself. The people of Autheuil were outraged, and sever- from the site. Also, riding or draft animals taken into the
al of the wizards used their powers to drive the elves ruins become skittish; apply a -1 penalty to Animal
from the gates, killing many. Handling or Riding rolls for every two full days that they
have been on site, to a maximum of -5, until they are
Made bold by their success, the wizards delved deep- taken at least 10 miles away for at least a week.
er into new realms of magic. Many feared retribution
from the elves, and sought magical weapons or spells Other, weirder effects of the curse may be deter-
with which to protect themselves. Meanwhile, Muslim mined by the GM, as may other dangers and wonders
mullahs and Christian priests predicted disaster, and to be found in the lost city. It is entirely possible that
many townsfolk fled. Other leaders tried to prevent the there are undiscovered catacombs full of traps,
exodus, saying every man was needed to defend the undead guardians, and the occasional magical device
walls. A riot ensued, the fighting escalated, and when with unpredictable powers. There may also be gri-
matters calmed down again, most of Autheuil’s Muslims moires full of the knowledge which the wizards were
and many other citizens were either slain or fled. investigating . . .

intellectual curiosity, or at least It is entirely possible that there are
involve reasonably moral individuals, undiscovered catacombs full of traps, undead
and hence will collaborate with each guardians, and the occasional magical device
other if they meet on site, but there are with unpredictable powers.
a few increasingly bitter academic
rivalries involved. Worse, some parties
of ruthless, selfish plunderers have
passed through Gebel Thamad. It is
entirely possible that some of the dis-
appearances have been caused by
competition turning violent, but that
would not explain them all.

LANDS OF YRTH 135

Meanwhile, scholars pore over the Bannock managed to restrain their forces from
archaic language of the original pillage, there were a large number of
inscribed stone and some other finds Since the Frontier Wars (p. 16), Kharijites among the invaders with lit-
from the site, and search through the formerly Megalan city of tle respect for either Christians or
ancient records and tales from the Bannock has once again become a Muslim “backsliders.” Then the city
region, trying to work out what this possession of al-Wazif. It had came under Megalan siege for years,
place was. No one has reached a changed hands at least six times and although some Wazifi forces man-
proven conclusion yet, although there before in the last 200 years, and the aged to drive through the Megalan
are hints in old records that human population make grim jokes and lines with much-needed supplies, the
settlement in the area does go a long secret bets about when they will once people inevitably went very hungry for
way back. An old Shi’ite diatribe again be subjects of Megalos. long periods.
against magic refers to the “Accursed
City of the Devil”; on the other hand, Situated at the mouth of the River Today, the city still has much of the
some of the inscriptions, when trans- Conn, Bannock supports itself by air of occupied territory, under most-
lated, imply a friendly relationship international trade, making war even ly-military government. The merchant
between Arabic-speakers and French- more unpopular with its people. Its council is seeking to have its status
speakers, with commercial agree- population is mixed Christian and restored and confirmed by the new
ments, shared laws, and even inter- Moslem, with enough of each to make rulers, but this of course takes time.
marriage. forced conversions impossible with- The Wazifis are trying to govern light-
out mass slaughter – which has ly, to convince the people of their
Qazr as-Sawh slipped out of fashion in recent cen- benevolence, but the message has not
turies, most of the time. Thus, always reached the troops. The people
Nestled among rolling hills over- Bannock held both mosques and are unsure whether they would prefer
looking the River Conn, Qazr as-Sawh churches even when it was a Megalan to make the best of the new situation
is the largest city in northern al-Wazif, city, although both have suffered from or whether they dream of a restora-
and the strongpoint of the northern harassment by zealots of the ruling tion of the old rule, and rifts are grow-
defenses. Every acre of land is used – religion at different times. ing in previously amicable relation-
if not for growing wheat or olive trees, ships between Christians and
then as forage for hardings and Bannock is also used to absentee Muslims.
woolens (p. 229). This is necessary to government; the family of the original
support the garrisons of the many cas- Earls of Bannock was wiped out and THE PILLARS
tles that dot the landscape. OF HEAVEN
their keep leveled by Wazifis during
The folk of Qazr as-Sawh are the Mages’ War, and the noble who On the western border of al-
accustomed to war. The city’s walls held the title most recently, Barris Wazif, at the very edge of the bad-
have withstood countless sieges; its Tremaine, never even visited his hold- lands technically belonging to
citizens proudly boast that no hostile ing, but remained as near to the Caithness, stand the Pillars of
army has ever passed through its Emperor as possible. He is still in the Heaven. Hundreds of wind-sculpted
gates. Yet Qazr as-Sawh is also a city capital, agitating for a war of revenge columns of rock tower over the plain
of trade. The goods of Caithness and against al-Wazif, and dreaming that below. The greatest are several hun-
Craine pass down the Conn, and on to his first arrival to “his” city will be as a dred feet tall, and at their summits
Bannock and Keyhole Bay; Wazifi savior-hero. In fact, before the generations of Sufi holy men (p. 7)
exports travel in the opposite direc- Frontier Wars, the city was actually have made their homes. The Pillars
tion. The folk of Megalos and al-Wazif governed and run by a chartered are held in reverence second only to
have an understanding: in anything council of merchant guilds. Geb’al-Din itself.
short of open warfare, the river that
marks the border is neutral territory. Bannock suffered in the Frontier
Wars; it fell quickly to the first Wazifi
The Caliph’s half-brother, the Emir assault. Although Wazifi commanders
Harun abd Ishaq (see p. 131), is gover-
nor of Qazr as-Sawh. The citizens are
proud of their soldier-lord, but have
noted that his preparations for war
bring them difficulties. When
Kharijite warriors stride the city
streets, anyone can guess that trouble
is coming.

Rumors say that one of the
Caliph’s principal caches of magical
items (p. 131) is located in the hills
southwest of the city. Of course,
assuming that it even exists, the
cache is bound to be guarded by
arcane and terrible magics.

136 LANDS OF YRTH

The communities on the Pillars are pilgrims from coming for a time, the reckon him to be at least 100 years
not monasteries or abbeys; the mys- hermits must fast, or bring themselves old.
tics carve hovels out of the rock itself. to come down from the Pillars and see
They live in abject poverty and isola- to their own needs. Forty years ago, disciples of Rhazi
tion. What food and water they gathered his sayings into a single
require is hauled up from the valley The most revered of the holy men book. In his youth, the current Caliph
below with ropes and buckets, and for is Rhazi as-Safa, a Sufi of tremendous was rarely without a copy, and made
that they are wholly dependent upon age. It is said that he was once a great several pilgrimages to speak with the
the pilgrims who come seeking nobleman, a Bey of al-Wazif, and a old man. Indeed, some blame Hafsa’s
enlightenment. Should war, famine, victor in the Great Games. Very few “unmanly” ways on the holy man’s
pestilence or bad weather prevent folk know for sure – Rhazi has dwelled influence.
at the Pillars for over 80 years. Most

Great Rivers of Yrth

With no rails and frequently poor roads, the rivers of portion of the downriver trade is timber and wood-
Ytarria are often its main highways. Wherever naviga- crafts from the Great Forest and its surrounding com-
ble, each is covered with barges, boats, and ships filled munities. There is also a constant flow of food to
with trade goods and food. Despite having the best Tredroy, keeping that huge city fed.
roads on the continent, even bustling Megalos depends
on river commerce; between Keyhole Bay, Lake The Conn
Acheron, Lake Styx, and the rivers that connect them, it
is laced with waterways. The other great nations prima- The River Conn begins in the mountains of Zarak,
rily depend on one or two rivers. winds through half of Caithness, then passes through
four major cities in Megalos and al-Wazif before emp-
The Blueshoal tying into Keyhole Bay. Its largest tributary is the
Smoke, which also runs through Caithness into
This river runs through Gebel-Thamad, along the al- Megalos. The Conn is vital to trade in the two human
Haz-al-Wazif border, to Tredroy and then along the countries, and only slightly less important to the
Cardiel-al-Wazif border to the sea at Hadaton. The Zarakun. They deliver their ores and metalwork to
Lorian, which marks part of the Cardiel-al-Haz border, human traders in the upper reaches. Lower down, most
is its major tributary, joining it in Tredroy. All the cities of the cargo is foodstuffs heading for Megalos, or goods
along its length as well as nearby Calder are major trad- coming upriver. Many of the traders who work across
ing towns. As with the Conn, the bulk of the traders are the border are Megalan goblins.
human; here, they are mostly Muslim. A significant

Bounded on the north and west by CARDIEL GEOGRAPHY
Muslim realms and on the south and
east by ocean, Cardiel is a product of Through diligence and friendly rela- The northern Cardien coast is
the Megalan crusades. First a land of tions with its neighbors, Cardiel has rugged, with few good harbors
Muslim tribesmen, then an Imperial enjoyed many years of peace. among the cliffs save Hadaton.
province, now an independent coun- Cardiel’s other shores are quite hos-
try, Cardiel is a cultural hybrid. Cardiel is a cultural melting pot. pitable. Cardiel has a fine navy and
Though nominally Christian, it is the The majority of the people and almost large merchant and fishing fleets.
most tolerant of the countries of all of the nobility are Christian, but The land is fertile, flat inland and
Ytarria, home to Christians, Muslims, there are significant Muslim and gently rolling near the coasts.
Jews, and pagans alike. pagan minorities. Some of the richest
merchants and craftsmen are follow- The largest cities are on the sea-
In addition to their religious toler- ers of Islam. Many nobles reside in vil- coasts, except for Tredroy, sited
ance, Cardiens are politically inde- las decorated with arches, tiles, and where Cardiel meets al-Haz and al-
pendent. Cardiel has no king; instead, murals in Muslim geometric styles, Wazif, and central Calder. The rest of
the Cardien nobles choose a prince, rather than old stone castles from the the countryside is well-farmed, less
reserving the right to depose him violent past. Arabic, not Latin, is the populous than eastern Megalos, but
should the position go to his head. To scholarly language, and aristocrats are more so than most other lands. Its
date, there has never been a female more likely to know it than the tongue roads are second only to the Megalan
prince. Though fractious, the of the Church. In addition, there are a Great Roads (p. 83).
nobles would readily join together variety of local dialects, and some
to preserve Cardiel’s sovereignty. Cardiens speak derivatives of German,
Italian, Spanish, Gaelic, and
Ukrainian better than Anglish.

LANDS OF YRTH 137

The climate is mild, with warm divided country. Within 10 years they to Megalos, and future rulers learned
weather and gentle winters, and the conquered much of al-Kard. After 20 a lesson in tolerance. Rigid and
coastal hills soften the sea storms. years the entire nation was under uncompromising lords withered,
Rainfall is heaviest in the east and Megalan rule. The Imperials renamed while prosperity came to those who
south, but the inland plains are not it the province of Cardiel, and the treated their Muslim subjects wisely.
parched, unlike some parts of al-Haz. Emperor appointed a viceroy. They found the tribesmen honest,
Most crops can grow there, and brave in battle, and skilled as herders.
Cardiel is Ytarria’s largest source of Megalos promptly opened the land Muslim craftsmen and scholars had
citrus fruits. The vineyards of Cardiel to colonization. Second sons and preserved Earth knowledge forgotten
are renowned for producing Ytarria’s power-hungry nobles brought their elsewhere. The houses of these toler-
finest wines. subjects to the new province, some- ant nobles did well; they inherited
times transplanting entire villages. Cardiel.
There are no great forests in The Megalan government granted
Cardiel, and few woods; most of the land to many legionnaires who had Over the next two centuries, the
land is pasture or cultivated, with salt fought in the Crusades. By the late nobility of Cardiel became a part of
marshes and rocky moorlands in 1400s, Cardiel was heavily populated their land, sometimes marrying the
some coastal areas. Large wild beasts and intensely farmed. The remaining daughters of influential Muslim fami-
are rare, so hawking is more popular Muslims, whose lifestyle depended on lies. Sporadic war continued against
than hunting with hounds. miles of open plains, had little choice al-Haz and al-Wazif, but Muslim
but to emulate the invaders, and efforts to liberate al-Kard found less
The western and central plains are founded villages of their own. support within Cardiel. The Cardiens
famous for fine cattle and large herds developed a true multicultural society
of woolens. Some of the softest and In 1499, the new ruler of the city of as conflicts with their neighbors
warmest wool is Cardien, and its cities Calder forced its still predominately became less frequent.
are home to excellent leatherworkers. Muslim inhabitants to convert to
Christianity overnight, executing all Eventually, the Cardien nobles real-
HISTORY who refused. Soldiers under his com- ized they had more in common with
mand destroyed every mosque and the enemy than the motherland. In
A thousand years ago, the south- put hundreds of mullahs and promi- 1784, they declared independence,
eastern portion of Ytarria was sparse- nent Muslims to death. This only chose a leader, and made peace with
ly inhabited, save for isolated elven served to inflame Kardi resistance. the Muslim countries. After a brief but
communities and gnome villages. The resulting riots and borderline bloody attempt to recapture the
Even after the Banestorm, this area revolts caused ripples felt all the way wayward province, Megalos was
remained largely empty. Around 1200,
Muslim tribesmen began to move into
the region, seeking new pastures for
their herds. More humans moved east
from the arid plains over the next hun-
dred years, gradually filling up the
new territory. Many were Sunni
Muslims, seeking a land of their own
away from the Shi’ite stronghold of
the west (pp. 120-121). Even so, the
land was sparsely populated com-
pared to the west and north.

In 1445, in response to the
Megalan crusades, the nation of al-
Kard was born. The Kardis were never
as unified as the other Muslim coun-
tries. Their self-proclaimed Sultan,
Said ibn-Mahmud, had to work hard
to convince rival sheikhs of the danger
facing them. Through skilled diploma-
cy and scarcely veiled threats he won
the allegiance of the major tribes.

However, al-Kard was barely
touched by the Megalans until almost
20 years later. By then, Said had died,
and a half-dozen sheiks, including
Said’s son, were embroiled in a war of
succession. The Megalan fleets landed
at the Blueshoal River, and the cru-
saders began their invasion of the

138 LANDS OF YRTH

forced to acquiesce. The ships that wilderness frontier, and two centuries though it technically answers to the
had taken al-Kard were loyal to of peace, mean that escaped serfs, Prince, the individual lords control the
Cardiel, and the new country had sup- villeins, and noble younger children purse strings and occasionally use
port from al-Haz and al-Wazif. have nowhere to start a new life. “their” ships for personal projects.
However, the Duchy of Hadaton Society considers the Megalan prac- Megalan raiders occasionally visit the
remained Megalan for 20 years, until tice of buying social rank the epitome Cardien coast, but have learned such
Cardiel took it by force, with the help of bad taste. Still, Cardien nobles are ventures aren’t worth the cost. By con-
of the Caliph of al-Wazif. not as haughty as their Megalan coun- trast, Cardien pirates freely prey on
terparts, and bravery, skill, or extreme Megalan traders.
The current Prince of Cardiel is loyalty are often rewarded.
Crivelli of Hadaton, who has only held Other than such raiding, Cardiel
the position for a year. Relatively Nonhumans sees little warfare. The last major war,
young at 35, he is a schemer who with al-Wazif, was over 150 years ago,
plans to hold the office for a long time Before the humans, this region was and was little more than a dispute
to come. Some of his fellow nobles home to few intelligent beings. There between two nobles on opposite sides
suspect he had the previous Prince, were, and still are, several small elven of the border. A smaller Hazi “jihad”
Allan Micardene, assassinated, possi- communities along the southern occurred 70 years ago, and was even
bly in collusion with Viscount coasts and offshore islands. Gnomes briefer.
Guillaume. In fact, Micardene died of once lived in the western hills, but
old age, but the mere rumor has made most have long since moved to quieter Cardiel’s internal politics are
Crivelli’s support somewhat unstable. parts. The cities, by contrast, are as peaceful on a large scale; political vio-
cosmopolitan as those of Megalos. lence is far more likely to be man-to-
SOCIETY Dwarven smiths ply their trade, goblin man. However, nobles do keep guard-
merchants sell their wares, and kobold forces, and can raise armies through
A loose federation of lords, led by thieves work the crowds. Even an levies and by calling on their knights.
the Prince, rules Cardiel. The Prince’s occasional orc or reptile man can be The Prince has two legions, but they
title is not hereditary; the greatest seen. are rusty and shoddy compared to
nobles elect one of their own to the those of Megalos. They are funded
post for life – or until they grow tired Magic from the taxes he receives from the
of him. The Prince has the power to lords, and out of his pocket.
tax nobles and to judge their disputes. Cardiel is a normal-mana region
He also commands Cardiel’s two with minor local variations, particu- The Law
legions. In theory, he is the liege of the larly along the south coast near the
other lords; in practice, he is simply high-mana Ring Islands. Cardien wiz- The Cardien legal system is a juris-
the first among proud and well-armed ards enjoy more freedom than in the dictional nightmare. The Shari’a code,
equals. Muslim countries, but less respect Church canon law, Jewish tradition,
than in Megalos. More freedom and remnants of Megalan common
Furthermore, Cardiel has a well- means more opportunities to cause law all exist side by side. Frequently,
established “Commoners’ Council,” spectacular backfires, and both com- minor crimes go unpunished when
elected by a rough-and-ready sort of moners and nobility often regard wiz- there is a risk of offending one group
democracy among the land’s freemen ards as slightly unhinged and engaged or another.
and knights, whose task is to advise in a dangerous profession.
the Prince. While it has no active In general, each religion polices its
power as such, its members have Warfare own members. Problems arise when a
enough influence that only a foolish Christian is accused of violence
leader ignores them. Hence, most Cardiel is a maritime power, against a Muslim, or a Jew commits a
lords spend some of their time seeking renowned for its sea-traders and fish- crime against a pagan. Clever crimi-
to manipulate or corrupt members of ermen. Its navy, mainly small, fast nals manipulate the system to their
the Council, while ordinary Cardiens ships with a few huge war-galleys, is benefit, especially in Tredroy, with its
try to make friends with its members second only to that of Megalos – infe- international borders. Final legal
or gain a seat themselves to gain the rior in numbers, but superior in skill authority rests with the Prince and
Prince’s ear. and daring. It is supported through other powerful nobles, but they try not
taxes collected by the lords. Thus, to anger their subjects by overturning
Social Rank the decisions of lesser courts.

Cardiel uses much the same hierar- Names in Cardiel
chy of titles and Status as Megalos
(see p. 87), but with occasional bor- Any name appropriate in neighboring nations may be appropriate for
rowings from the Hazi/Wazifi system. a Cardien. Sometimes elements from different cultures are combined
The Prince is only Status 6, but is gen- (e.g., Baron Amalric ibn-John at-Ten-Tiri).
erally accepted as an equal by the
rulers of all countries save Megalos.

Social advancement in Cardiel is
almost as limited as in Megalos, but
for different reasons. The lack of a

LANDS OF YRTH 139

The Lords night and carefully chosen champions
by day. Count Faramon of Alimar, for
The Council of Lords is a federation of the seven greatest Cardien just one example, needs reliable spies
nobles. Led by the Prince, whom they elect from among themselves, they to keep him informed of Prince
govern in a style often more selfish than harmonious. Crivelli and Baron Crivelli’s activities. In other words,
Saywell of Alimar form one bloc, Count Faramon of Aliar and Baron PCs are in high demand. Cardiel is
Caius of Minder another. Baron Vincent of Calder, the former prince, got thus the recommended starting set-
Crivelli into office but is starting to distrust him. Viscount Guillaume of ting for players new to roleplaying or
Tredroy would probably fall in with Crivelli, given the opportunity. Yrth.
Baron Amalric of Ten-Tiri sees himself as a power of one, and could ally
the same way as Vincent, whom he trusts, or Guillaume, to whom he has On land, adventures can involve
economic ties. highway brigands, eccentric wizards,
and the machinations of politics.
Prince Anthemius Crivelli However, many adventures will
revolve around the sea. Pirates (p. 97)
The power-hungry former Duke of Hadaton has been Prince for only are common, as are smugglers and
a year. He won the election with the support of Baron Vincent and Baron ruthless merchants. The east coast is
Saywell. Viscount Guillaume and Count Faramon split the remaining also home to sea elf and merfolk
votes. tribes, some of whom know of sunken
ships full of treasure . . .
Shamelessly manipulative and moderately amoral, he seems more
suited to the court intrigue of Megalos than the rough diplomacy of THE REGIONS
Cardiel. However, he has convinced several other lords that he is smarter, OF CARDIEL
more friendly, or more powerful than he actually is. This house of cards
may turn into an actual power base, or it may collapse around him. Cardiel has seven major holdings,
including East Tredroy.

The various legal codes of Cardiel ADVENTURING Aliar
are generally similar to those of other IN CARDIEL
kingdoms, particularly Caithness and This port on Cardiel’s eastern coast
al-Wazif. There are three unique cus- Cardiel has little wilderness save is a short distance from Megalan
toms, however. First, religious free- the sea, and no large-scale military islands. Thus, it is usually the first stop
dom is assured. In Cardiel, no religion activities. Explorers and generals find for Megalan merchant ships bound
is outlawed, and mosques and church- it boring. That said, what it does have for Araterre, and is an important trad-
es stand side by side. Even pagans is people, in a grand diversity of reli- ing center. It is famous for the wines
meet openly. Displays of intolerance gion, culture, race, and political affili- produced in the hills south of the city,
lead to charges of disturbing the ation. That diversity causes friction, and for its woolen goods.
peace. No one is immune. This caused and it is illegal – and often stupid – to
the secularization of the Order of resolve that friction through large- The numerous streams and inlets
Michael (p. 64) after the rebellion, and scale violence. along the coast south of Aliar are
the expulsion of the Hospitallers havens for pirates who prey on mostly
(p. 62) 60 years later. This makes Cardiel a country Megalan traders. The pirate problem
where problems get solved on the per- is bad enough that Count Faramon
Second, there is no death by tor- sonal scale, through stealth in the uses his private fleet to provide cheap
ture. Instead,the worst criminals go to escorts to Megalan traders. Faramon
the Mages’ Guild for experimentation. has rarely been able to get support for
Most Cardiens regard this as humane.
After all, one or two out of every hun- Count Faramon of Aliar
dred survive.
Faramon, now 60, has lost the last two elections for Prince. As the
Lastly, there is no slavery. With current Prince is 25 years younger than he is, Faramon is unlikely to see
each change of government, the issue another vote, unless something is done. He thinks so poorly of Crivelli
of who it was legal or even safe to that he has even considered assassination, but would much prefer that
enslave became fuzzier, and the the other lords remove Crivelli for misconduct or incompetence. He thus
Cardien government officially out- pays constant attention to the Prince’s every step, and has set up a spy
lawed it in the late 18th century. Slaves network.
may not even be transported through
the country. Anyone who escapes from Faramon was an excellent sailor in his youth, and is today a skilled,
foreign slavery to Cardiel becomes knowledgeable, and powerful leader. A Christian, he is and looks part
free, with no obligations or debts. This Arab. Normally plain-spoken, the need to spy on his own Prince wears at
sometimes causes tense relations with his conscience.
the neighboring lands.

140 LANDS OF YRTH

Baron Saywell of Alimar region first, and held it the longest. At
the mouth of the River Blueshoal,
At 30, Saywell is the youngest noble on the Council of Lords. He rose with rocky coasts to the north and
to his position when his father, Baron Howarth, choked on a chicken south, it is the largest seaport for sev-
bone five years ago. As his father had been a megalomaniacal, self- eral hundred miles. It is also the gate
important prig, Saywell shed few tears. through which goods from Tredroy
travel to reach the ocean, and
Saywell is a moderately competent leader, especially with the help he Hadaton makes money off of every
is getting from the rest of his family. However, he worries he isn’t up to ship that passes through. The sur-
the task, and doesn’t want the older lords to know this. Crivelli affects to rounding land is green and fertile,
treat him as an equal, and Saywell voted for him for Prince as a show of though slightly colder than most of
solidarity. Crivelli regards Saywell as very easy to manipulate, which is Cardiel.
why he arranged for that “chicken bone” in the first place.
Despite the efforts of many Cardien
his anti-pirate crusade, since they usu- local lords go to sell cattle and trade lords, Hadaton is a bastion of conser-
ally prey on Megalans. The current for supplies and luxury items. vatism and, relatively speaking, reli-
Prince is especially unhelpful, since gious intolerance. Muslims, while they
trouble in Aliar means more trade for Much of Calder’s prosperity can be are certainly free to worship and not
Hadaton. traced to Baron Vincent’s tenure as physically harassed, have the Social
Prince. During the 1980s, he used tax Stigma (Second-Class Citizen) disad-
Alimar revenues to improve the roads leading vantage here. Pagans suffer similar
to Calder, and subsidized trading ven- indignities, and must be careful not to
The city of Alimar was the second tures. Having enriched both himself arouse the superstitious fears of their
Cardien city to receive a charter. It lies and his subjects, Vincent cheerfully neighbors.
on a sheltered bay in southeast retired as Prince, and began a career
Cardiel, in the land’s only real moun- as a power broker. He made a few ene- The Duchy has been held by the
tains. The major exports from the mies during his reign, however, and powerful Crivelli family for over a
region are grapes, oranges, sugar Calder still seethes with politics. hundred years. Now that Prince
cane, and the products of the many Anthemius Crivelli is attending to
milkfish farms. Hadaton Cardiel as a whole, local governance is
the responsibility of Count Furius
The peninsula and small islands Hadaton is the home city of Prince Crivelli, the governor of Hadaton City
southeast of Alimar are home to Crivelli, and thus the capital of and the Prince’s cousin. While Furius
Cardiel’s main elven population. They Cardiel. It is also the most Megalan, is loyal to Anthemius and just as devi-
have a half-dozen small communities and most Christian, of all the fiefdoms ous, he is not nearly as intelligent, and
here. Although technically vassals of in Cardiel. Megalos conquered this Anthemius’ enemies suspect Furius
the Prince, they keep to themselves, might be a weak spot in the Crivelli
and the humans mostly leave them power structure.
alone. Occasionally a young elf emi-
grates to the city to sample human
life. As a result, Alimar is one of the
few places in Ytarria where half-elves
are common. In fact, Baron Arannior
of Tabir, a rural fiefdom southwest of
the city, is half-elven.

Before the opening of Araterre,
Alimar was a small port. Its remoteness
from foreign coasts made it little more
than a fishing village. Now Alimar is a
rival to the port of Aliar, whose people
deeply resent the loss of trade.

Calder

Small by Megalan standards, but
huge as inland Cardien cities go,
Calder Town is prosperous. Located in
the heart of the northwestern plains, it
is somewhat overshadowed by
Tredroy. The main regional industry is
cattle ranching, and Calder is where

LANDS OF YRTH 141

Minder

The major fiefdom on Cardiel’s

southern coast is the Barony of Baron Vincent of Calder
Minder. It has rich farmland, and pro-
duces many cash crops as well as plen- Vincent was Prince of Calder from 1976 to 1990, when he stepped
ty of food for the local populace. down voluntarily. Though he’s short, overweight, and balding, no one
Orchards of citrus and olive trees lie makes the mistake of underestimating him. He was an effective prince,
between fields of cane and wheat. The and remains a clever baron. The citizens of Calder adore him, giving him
land is also good for cattle, and influence on the Commoners’ Council. In his mid-60s, he is an intelligent
Minder leather goods fetch high prices administrator with a startling facility for facts and numbers.
as far as Caithness. The city of Minder
boasts Cardiel’s largest shipyard; one Vincent chose his successor, Allan Micardene, and did most of the
of the country’s few forests, known as politicking that got Micardene elected. Vincent believes he repeated the
Shipwright’s Wood, is nearby. process with Crivelli, but now that Crivelli no longer wants his advice, he
is starting to wonder who picked who. He’s worried he may have to find
In recent years, a formerly- a way to become Prince again, for the sake of Cardiel.

nomadic band of centaurs have settled

on a site northeast of Minder. They

pay rent on the land by selling their end of Cardiel from Hadaton, Ten-Tiri TREDROY:
handicrafts, working as cattle-hands, is also politically and theologically dis- THE CITY OF
and helping with the orange harvest. tant from the capital. Most citizens are THREE LAWS
The band includes a brilliant smith: a Muslim, and the culture is tolerant
centaur sage in an unusual profession. and friendly to the point of boister- Tredroy sprawls across two rivers
Though gruff, he is willing to accept ousness. and into three separate countries. It is
commissions from humans, and has the second-largest city in Ytarria after
even begun teaching a weekly class on Ten-Tiri has had repeated problems Megalos, with a population of
metallurgy; he appears to have read with Shi’ite agitators from al-Haz. 200,000. A thriving port, as the River
every Ytarrian book on the subject, Fanatic mullahs cross the river and Blueshoal is navigable for almost its
and has firmly late TL4 skills. How he preach that the Muslims of the city entire length, it serves large portions
learned his trade is unknown. must cast out the Christians in their of southern al-Wazif, northeastern al-
midst. This offends both the Haz, and northwestern Cardiel. It is a
Ten-Tiri Christians and the tolerant, mostly place of sophistication, diplomacy,
Sunni Muslims of the city. Baron trade . . . and of knives in alleys, dock-
Ten-Tiri is a small seaport at the Amalric hasn’t found a way to dis- side brawls, and wizards’ duels. Its
southwest corner of Cardiel. Located suade the Shi’ites, and simply deports name comes from the phrase “tres
at the mouth of the Wadi al Fayd, the them whenever they cause trouble. droits,” or “three laws.”
port serves much of southern al-Haz However, he is under considerable
and Cardiel. The land around Ten-Tiri pressure from the Christian commu- History
is dry and hot. Wheat and cotton are nity to make an example of one of
major crops; sheep and goats are the them. This is politically impossible; Christian fishermen founded the
most common livestock. Small fishing they’re Hazi citizens as well as Muslim village of Paradin at the fork of the
villages line the beaches near the city. holy men, regardless of how obnox- rivers Lorian and Blueshoal in 1180.
ious and misguided they are. He is Christians were scarce in the area
The fiefdom is large and under- eagerly looking for a better solution.
populated by Cardien standards, and
somewhat isolated. On the opposite

then, and they felt the need to band

together in a reasonably defensible

Baron Amalric ibn-John location. Within a few decades,
Paradin was home to several hundred

at-Ten-Tiri people, and had grown into a trading
center. The town quickly became reli-

Amalric, age 57, is Cardiel’s most important Muslim baron. Separated giously diverse, notably when a local
from the rest of the Council of Lords geographically and by faith, he Christian merchant named Victor le
spends most of his time dealing with his subjects’ welfare, and little on Perdu began hiring Muslim tribesmen
the political wrangling which preoccupies other nobles. His devotion to as caravan guards. In 1347, another
his people has earned him their intense loyalty. His only political tie is a merchant, Isaak bar Hanan, founded
minor one to Viscount Guillaume, who got his vote in the last election by the Paradin Company of Adventurers,
promising a favorable trade agreement. Amalric correctly suspects that which has in one form or another
Guillaume looks down on him, but trade is trade, and Guillaume is hun- influenced economics in the city up to
dreds of miles away. the present day.

The town was besieged, conquered,

and sacked repeatedly over the next

142 LANDS OF YRTH

two centuries – by the First Crusade Baron Caius of Minder
(1365), Pasha Ali ibn-Hayyam (1381),
Prince Ivor Romulus (1425), Pasha At 79, Caius is a very old and proper Cardien aristocrat. He is still
Javad (1443), General Lord Regis fiercely healthy, and has been called “The Oaken Baron” by his subjects
Marin (1458), Pasha Javad again and peers. He is old enough to remember the Hazi border squabble of
(1460), the Grand Crusade (1470), and 1935 (his father fought in it), and has made a study of military strategy.
a joint Hazi-Wazifi force (1523). The He’d make an excellent wartime general. Though reasonably honest him-
nickname “Tredroy” arose shortly self, he is cynical about politics. He thus finds the Prince’s scheming
after al-Kard became Cardiel (in annoying, not outright infuriating. Still, he would cheerfully support
1470), as recognition of the city’s long-time ally Count Faramon in any reasonably legitimate attempt to
unique situation astride three nations, remove Crivelli.
and became official in 1496.
Layout and Architecture oldest, wealthiest, poorest, and busiest
Shortly thereafter, the Mages’ sections of Tredroy, including the cos-
Guild and the assorted governments At Tredroy, the River Lorian flows mopolitan business district, the aca-
of Tredroy decided to formalize the north into the east-west River demic Alati District, the Jewish
way the city was run, to minimize fur- Blueshoal. Wazifi North Tredroy lies Quarter, and the shady section known
ther trade-disrupting friction. In 1524, north of the Blueshoal, Hazi West as Dockside. Architecture in North
the wizards created Council Island, Tredroy is west of the Lorain, and Tredroy is mostly Islamic, with an
and the City Council moved onto it Cardien East Tredroy is east of the admixture of robust European-style
and became an effective ruling body. Lorian. The “neutral” Council Island construction.
In 1589, representatives of the Caliph lies in the middle of the fork. A half-
of al-Wazif, the Sultan of al-Haz, and dozen bridges connect the three parts West Tredroy is somewhat smaller
the Viceroy of Cardiel granted Tredroy of the city; none go to Council Island, and quieter. It is also visibly more
its charter. but there is a regular ferry service. The Muslim, both in architecture and cul-
island, in addition to Council Hall, has ture. Most of the buildings are newer,
Tredroy survived the Hazi jihad of numerous offices for government offi- and the South End of West Tredroy
1775 unscathed, and rode out the cials, a small inn, and assorted cafes. still has farms.
Megalan counter-invasion, and the
coming of Cardien independence, North and West Tredroy are, East Tredroy has a distinct
equally smoothly. The past two cen- respectively, the largest cities in Imperial feel, with many monuments
turies have seen prosperity and al-Wazif and al-Haz. (East Tredroy and buildings dating from when
growth. There have also been a few is third in Cardiel after Hadaton and Cardiel was part of Megalos. It
shifts in the city government, as the Aliar.) North Tredroy contains the includes Tredroy’s Chinatown. Part of
Council gradually expanded and East Tredroy is the fiefdom of
acquired centralized control over Lurnan, Viscount Guillaume’s ances-
taxes. tral holding.

Government

Tredroy has three governors and
the City Council. Their respective
rights and powers are laid out in the
Charter of the City of Tredroy, which
dates to 1589. It is very complicated
document but, in brief, the governors
are responsible for criminal law, the
maintenance of public order, and the
defense of their respective territories.
The council is responsible for local
services and taxation.

The Governor of East Tredroy is
appointed by the Prince of Cardiel.
The post was previously held by Allan
Micardene, who was also Prince from
1990 to 2004. The current governor is
Viscount Guillaume de Laney de
Lurnan. He is a member of one of the
oldest noble bloodlines in Cardiel, and
despised Micardene as an upstart
merchant. Micardene becoming

LANDS OF YRTH 143

prince was a mixed blessing to The idea of someone going from
Guillaume. The idea of someone tradesman to Prince in one lifetime
going from tradesman to Prince in was infuriating . . .
one lifetime was infuriating, but it
meant East Tredroy became the He knows he doesn’t have much time is the typical punishment for not
capital, to Guillaume’s economic left, and is trying to find someone suit- doing so. Deliberately posing as a
benefit. It also meant Micardene able to be his successor; the Caliph Muslim is much more severely pun-
spent much of his time attending to will almost certainly accept his recom- ished.
Cardiel as a whole, letting mendation.
Guillaume extend his influence North Tredroy is more relaxed,
within the city. The Pasha of Three Horsetails, though disrespect to Muslim religious
Khalid Abdallah ibn-Ali al-Paradin, is leaders or nobility is taken very seri-
Prince Micardene died, apparently the hereditary Governor of West ously. Its courts are, startlingly, nearly
of old age, in 2004. Guillaume stepped Tredroy. The Pasha, aged 42, is a very secular. North Tredroy also has a
in as pro tem Governor of East strict and devout Muslim, and a com- unique tariff on goods entering that
Tredroy, and offered himself as a can- petent leader. The intricacies of poli- section of the city, of 10% of the value
didate for prince. Before the election, tics and intrigue are slightly beyond over one talent ($1,000). The bridge
Crivelli approached him, and suggest- him, however, and much goes on guards are good at their job, but
ed that Micardene’s death might not behind his back. they’re not immune to bribes.
have been natural, and that, if Crivelli
was elected, he would be happy to The Council has 30 members. The East Tredroy’s laws are based on
confirm Guillaume in his role as gov- guilds appoint 13, the three governors Cardiel secular law, and are reason-
ernor. Guillaume, however, decided to appoint one each, and religious lead- ably fair. The courts are even-handed,
try to become prince anyway, and lost. ers appoint another four. Appointees and many contracts are registered in
Crivelli confirmed Guillaume as gov- all serve one-year terms. The other 10 East Tredroy for preference. Tredroy
ernor regardless, and Guillaume is Council members are elected by the also has a Christian canonical court.
now very uncertain of his relation people, and serve three-year terms. Its primary jurisdiction is over clerics
with his new prince. Do they have an The Council chooses a Mayor from of the Church, but it can try citizens
understanding, despite Guillaume’s among those 10; his duties are mainly for grievous blasphemy, heresy, and
lack of support, or will there be anoth- ceremonial and procedural. the practice of evil magic.
er “natural” death?
Laws in Tredroy vary, being Unlike North and West Tredroy, the
In the meantime, Guillaume (now strictest in West Tredroy, and most Cardien East has no slavery. The
51) governs East Tredroy as best he relaxed in East Tredroy. That said, the Slavers’ Guild has no standing there,
can . . . but he’s not a very good admin- three parts of the city cooperate fully and a slave who gets across the river
istrator. He receives ample support on matters of taxation, guilds, and law can claim freedom – although there is
from his much smarter ally, Baron enforcement. then significant danger of being recap-
Adrien Dorilis. tured and returned illegally. This is the
In West Tredroy, all non-Muslims largest single source of friction
The Governor of North Tredroy is must wear a white armband or between the three parts of the city. An
appointed for life by the Caliph of al- headband at all times. A light flogging
Wazif, and is called the Emir. The cur-
rent Emir is Jannar abu Talha al-
Paradin, a powerful and ancient
mage. He is over 130 years old, though
seemingly in his seventies. He is the
most influential man in Tredroy, with
a web of agents throughout the city.

144 LANDS OF YRTH

Baron Adrien Dorilis

Dorilis is Guillaume’s lifelong ally and confidant. He Dexnavi is very intelligent, and occasionally becomes
is also a dragon in disguise. The real Adrien died in frustrated when others won’t take his advice. He is not,
childhood; the dragon Dexnavi had been watching for however, omnipotent, and has learned to respect both
such an opportunity, and, in shapeshifted form, man- Crivelli and Vincent as politicians; they are as yet
aged to step into the role. He has been the Baron Dorilis unaware of his machinations. He is an expert wizard;
for over 50 years now – an insignificant fraction of his intensive study of the Body Control college has enabled
1,200 years – and hasn’t shifted back to dragon form for him to internalize its power, giving him the Morph
a decade. advantage.

Dexnavi (795 points)

Age 1,200; 42’; 3,100 lbs.; dragon; green scales and
eyes. (His statistics as Dorilis appear below.)
ST 32 [0]; DX 14 [0]; IQ 17 [20]; HT 15 [0].
Damage 3d+1/6d-1; BL 205 lbs.; HP 32 [0]; Will 17 [0];

Per 19 [0]; FP 35 [0].
Basic Speed 7.25 [0]; Basic Move 7 [0]; Dodge 10.

Social Background

TL: 3.
CF: Christian region [0]; Muslim region [1].
Languages: Draconic (Native) [0]; Anglish (Native)
[6]; Aralaise (Accented; Free from Anglish) [0]; Arabic
(Native) [6]; Ladino (Native) [6]; Latin (Accented) [4];
Tredroy Patois (Accented) [4].

Advantages

Charisma 2 [10]; Discriminatory Smell [15];
Fearlessness 2 [4]; High Pain Threshold [10]; Intuition
[15]; Monstrous Dragon (p. 228) [444]; Morph [100];
Night Vision 4 [4]; Perfect Balance [15]; Single-Minded
[5]; Terror [30]; Wealth (Very Wealthy) [30].

Dexnavi has an aggressive interest in human politics. Disadvantages
This is mostly a hobby, but he believes it may become
important if humans continue to breed and expand into Callous (Toward non-dragons only, -10%) [-4];
dragon territories. His current very long-term project is Enemies (Elves; 6 or less) [-15]; Hidebound [-5];
to make Tredroy into its own separate country. He Miserliness (12) [-10]; Obsession (Make Tredroy its own
expects this to take at least another 20 years, and per- country) (15) [-5].
haps a full century.
Quirks: Chauvinistic; Mildly gluttonous; Proud. [-3]
Most of his current schemes revolve around improv-
ing Guillaume’s position and skills, and distancing him Skills
from the rest of the Cardien Council. Guillaume com-
pletely trusts him, not suspecting his friend’s nature, or Acting-17 (IQ+0) [2]; Administration-16 (IQ-1) [1];
even that he’s being manipulated. Dexnavi may also be Aerobatics-13 (DX-1) [2]; Area Knowledge (Tredroy)-18
responsible for the way elves in Tredroy occasionally (IQ+1) [2]; Area Knowledge (Ytarria)-17 (IQ+0) [1];
turn up dead; he played a nasty role in their pre- Body Language-18 (Per-1) [1]; Connoisseur (Cuisine)-16
Banestorm history, appears by name in their legends, (IQ-1) [1]; Current Affairs/TL3 (Tredroy)-18 (IQ+1) [2];
and worries they might see through his disguise. Current Affairs/TL3 (Ytarria)-17 (IQ+0) [1]; Detect Lies-
17 (Per-2) [1]; Diplomacy-16 (IQ-1) [2]; Disguise/TL3-16
Dorilis appears to be a red-haired, green-eyed man in (IQ-1) [1]; Dropping-13 (DX-1) [1]; Economics-15 (IQ-2)
his early 60s. People have begun calling him “well-pre- [1]; Flight-16 (HT+1) [4]; Forgery/TL3-15 (IQ-2) [1];
served,” so he has started to add some gray to his hair. Gesture-17 (IQ+0) [1]; Heraldry-16 (IQ-1) [1]; Hidden
In a decade or two he will have to change roles, and he’s Lore (Dragons)-16 (IQ-1) [1]; History (20th-Century
thinking about hiring someone to play his long-lost son. Ytarrian)-15 (IQ-2) [1]; History (Cardien)-15 (IQ-2) [1];
Then Adrien can die, the actor can be shuffled off to Innate Attack (Breath)-14 (DX+0) [1]; Interrogation-16
Araterre, and Dexnavi can take his place. (IQ-1) [1]; Intimidation-16 (Will-1) [1]; Law (East

Continued on next page . . .

LANDS OF YRTH 145

Baron Adrien Dorilis (Continued)

Tredroy)-15 (IQ-2) [1]; Naturalist-15 (IQ-2) [1]; Attribute Modifiers: ST+12 [120]; DX+2 [40]; IQ+6
Physiology/TL3 (Dragon)-16 (IQ-1) [2]; Physiology/TL3 [120]; HT+5 [50].
(Human)-16 (IQ-1) [2]; Politics-18 (IQ+1) [4];
Propaganda/TL3-16 (IQ-1) [1]; Research/TL3-16 (IQ-1) Secondary Characteristic Modifiers: Per+2 [10]; FP
[1]; Savoir-Faire-17 (IQ+0) [1]; Sociology-17 (IQ+0) [4]; +20 [60].
Speed-Reading-16 (IQ-1) [1]; Survival (Mountain)-18
(Per-1) [1]; Thaumatology-18 (IQ+1) [2]*. Advantages: Magery 3 [35]; Metabolism Control 9
[45]; and Unaging [15].
Spells
Disadvantages: Dependency (Mana, Very Common,
Alter Body-18 [1]*; Alter Visage-18 [1]*; Analyze Constantly) [-25]; and Loner (15) [-2].
Magic-18 [1]*; Apportation-18 [1]*; Aura-18 [1]*;
Burning Death-17 [1]*; Clumsiness-18 [1]*; Cold-18 Baron Adrien Dorilis (804 points)
[1]*; Counterspell-18 [1]*; Create Fire-18 [1]*; Death
Vision-18 [1]*; Deathouch-18 [1]*; Detect Magic-18 [1]*; Age 63; 5’8”; 140 lbs.; Caucasian human; red hair,
Dispel Magic-18 [1]*; Drunkenness-18 [1]*; Essential green eyes.
Flame-18 [1]*; Extinguish Fire-18 [1]*; Fast Fire-18 [1]*;
Fireproof-18 [1]*; Foolishness-18 [1]*; Heat-18 [1]*; ST 22 [0]; DX 12 [0]; IQ 17 [20]; HT 15 [0].
Hinder-18 [1]*; Identify Spell-18 [1]*; Ignite Fire-18 [1]*; Damage 2d/4d; BL 97 lbs.; HP 22 [0]; Will 17 [0]; Per 19
Itch-18 [1]*; Lend Energy-18 [1]*; Magelock-18 [1]*;
Mind-Reading-18 [1]*; Pain-18 [1]*; Paralyze Limb-18 [0]; FP 35 [0].
[1]*; Permanent Shapeshifting (Gorilla)-17 [1]*; Basic Speed 6.75 [0]; Basic Move 6 [0]; Dodge 9.
Phantom Flame-18 [1]*; Rain Of Fire-18 [1]*; Recover
Energy-18 [1]*; Resist Cold-18 [1]*; Resist Fire-18 [1]*; Social Background
Seek Earth-18 [1]*; Seek Fire-18 [1]*; Seek Water-18
[1]*; Seeker-18 [1]*; Sense Emotion-18 [1]*; Sense Foes- Same as for Dexnavi.
18 [1]*; Shape Fire-18 [1]*; Shapeshifting (Gorilla)-17
[1]*; Shapeshifting (Horse)-17 [1]*; Shapeshifting Advantages
(Python)-17 [1]*; Sickness-18 [1]*; Slow Fire-18 [1]*;
Smoke-18 [1]*; Spasm-18 [1]*; Trace-18 [1]*; Transform Same as for Dexnavi, except substituting Dexnavi’s
Body-18 [1]*; Truthsayer-18 [1]*; Warmth-18 [1]*; Enhanced Human Template [468] for Monstrous
Wither Limb-18 [1]*. Dragon [564], and adding Status 3 [15].

* +3 from Magery. Disadvantages

Dexnavi’s Enhanced Human Same as for Dexnavi (including Quirks), except
Template (468 points) adding Secret (Manipulative dragon; possible death)
[-30].
When Dexnavi shapeshifts into human form, he
retains many of his draconic traits. In game terms, his Skills
“human” racial template is substantially more powerful
than the norm. Same as for Dexnavi, except for his three DX-based
skills, which go down by 2, to Aerobatics-11 [2];
Dropping-11 [1]; and Innate Attack (Breath)-12 [1]. (Of
course, he can’t use those skills in human form anyway!)

Spells

Same as for Dexnavi.

active liberation movement exploits their monopolies fiercely, and cover all The Mercenaries’ Guild is broadly
the situation, sometimes causing aspects of the city’s economic life. similar to the Armsmen’s Guild
enough trouble to make itself unpopu- described on p. 51, though more limit-
lar in East Tredroy, despite its roman- The two most important guilds are ed in geographic scope. Not all mem-
tic image. the Company of Merchants and the bers are strictly “armsmen”; many are
Mercenaries’ Guild. Both are huge; what are called “practicals,” people
The Guilds there are 800 full merchants, 1,000 who can get things done and find
associate merchants, and thousands things out. These spies and rogues fit
Tredroy is very firmly in its guilds’ of mercenaries. Both organizations into the Mercenaries’ Guild largely
pockets. They control the city’s busi- were created when the Company of because they don’t belong anywhere
ness affairs, with little supervision. Adventurers split in two in 1426. They else, and they do tend to be good with
Guildmasters determine 13 Council are still intertwined; the simplest knives.
seats, and can easily get the support of expression of their relationship is that
at least five other members on any the Mercenaries protect the city, and Tredroy’s Mages’ Guild is more
important issue. The guilds protect the Merchants pay them to do it. coherent and structured than in most

146 LANDS OF YRTH

cities, as the government prefers there People of Tredroy of the Mayor, the Councilors and their
to be a guild monopoly. Everyone in staffs, and several of the larger city
the city who uses spells, nobles includ- Tredroy is the most culturally offices – over 800 people. It is a very
ed, must register with the Guild, but diverse city in Ytarria. In terms of reli- busy place during the day. The nearby
only those who use magic profession- gion, 45% are Christian, 25% are park is ringed by food vendors.
ally must join. It has a few hundred Muslim, 15% are Jewish (Tredroy is
members; young apprentices spend the center of Judaism in Ytarria), and The largest market of the region is
most of their time helping their mas- the remainder are a mix of Hindus, the Grand Bazaar, in North Tredroy.
ters enchant objects for sale. Once pagans, agnostics, and Chinese who It is a huge open area, covering near-
they reach journeyman, they are free practice a blend of Taoism, ly 100 acres, usually filled with carts,
to switch masters in order to learn a Confucianism, Buddhism, and folk stalls, and tents. Anything available
wider range of spells. tradition. for sale in Tredroy is available here,
and thanks to fierce competition,
Tredroy is also home to two illegal By race, Tredroy is 90% human, good hagglers can get a fair price
guilds: a fairly standard Thieves’ Guild with the rest being goblins, halflings, or better. The Bazaar is also a venue
(p. 51), and an Assassins’ Guild. The kobolds, a small reptile man commu- for minstrels, preachers, and
leaders of the former claim that their nity, and a few orcs. Dwarf traders pickpockets.
organization was also part of the sometimes visit, but find the
Company of Adventurers, and, inevitable human curiosity annoying. The Mages’ Guildhall is a large,
although they spend most of their Elves are practically unknown, and comfortable manor in North Tredroy. It
time stealing from their fellow citi- usually wear disguises if they do enter is divided into a guest house and a
zens, they are quite patriotic. the city. When asked about this, they main hall; the latter’s doors are sealed
Whenever the city has been invaded, reply that Tredroy isn’t safe for them. with Magelock spells (at 16), prevent-
the Thieves’ Guild has formed the core This is true; undisguised elven visitors ing non-mages from entering. There
of the resistance and has always man- sometimes end up floating in the river. are numerous other defenses as well,
aged to make a profit in the process. magical and not. The guest house sees
Places of Interest a steady stream of visitors commission-
The Assassins currently have their ing magic items and paying for spells.
headquarters in Tredroy, and operate Council Hall is a rambling three-
throughout the region. The Guild is story structure, and houses the office The Grand Mosque is located in
not religious in nature, though it orig- West Tredroy. It can hold over 4,000
inated as a fanatical anti-Megalan
organization in Calder around 1500; Adventuring in Tredroy
as such, it should not be confused
with the Hashishin (p. 72). Some of its Tredroy is Ytarria’s big adventuring city. Though half the size of the
members are death cultists, or have city of Megalos, it is far more vibrant and cosmopolitan, and a multira-
strong political leanings, but the cial, multi-religion party of adventurers could easily all be native
organization generally works for who- Tredroyans. And they wouldn’t have to go far to have adventures; oppor-
ever pays. It has about 100 members, tunities include bounty hunting for criminals, spying for and on any of
and uses small teams for most con- the governors or councilors, smuggling, enforcing guild rules, evading
tracts. The Assassins are very careful, the Thieves’ Guild, running escaped slaves to freedom, and ferreting out
and the masters are very skilled. the city’s innumerable secrets.
Contacting them requires a Streetwise
roll at -2, and a good explanation of
your needs.

LANDS OF YRTH 147

people, but worshippers still spill out- 100’ high, supported by iron pillars. Chinese. They are mostly clockmakers
side on holy days. It incorporates the The offices of the Christian and toymakers, although some create
offices of the Chief Mullah of Tredroy, Archdiocese of Tredroy are here, and larger devices. Their gadgets are typi-
an excellent school, and the High the local headquarters of the cally powered by springs, water, or
Shari’a Court. Templars. There is also a wealth of art, animals. There are also numerous
which regrettably is rarely displayed. curio shops on this street, and it has a
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, largely undeserved reputation for
in East Tredroy, is the second largest The Street of Artificers is in East being the best place in Ytarria to look
cathedral in the world, after St. Peter’s Tredroy’s Chinatown, though only for Earth artifacts.
in Megalos. The vaulted roof is over 25% of the artificers are actually
peaceful lives of farming or nomadic
The land of Sahud lies at the north- SAHUD wandering. For centuries there was lit-
west edge of Ytarria. Traders and trav- tle government; the few nobles
elers from the northern countries only grains and tea but also tomatoes, brought in by the Banestorm had lost
sometimes journey there, but to the yams, and sugar maple, arrived their support structure, and either
people of the south it is mysterious or through the Banestorm from Earth’s died when they tried to give orders to
unknown. Americas. Wilder areas quickly go to Mongols, or learned to plow. Contact
brambles, and are sometimes infested with other races was mostly amiable,
GEOGRAPHY with a nasty form of carnivorous and some halfling and goblin families
plant. Forests are rare and composed settled in Sahud. A few orc raids were
Sahud proper is a peninsula some mostly of pine, cedar, and redwoods. less pleasant, but the Sahudese man-
600 by 120 miles in area. The Fox, deer, hares, cranes, eagles, aged to fight them off. The Zarakun
Sahudese also control a strip of coast treetippers, and an occasional night- mostly ignored the humans to their
750 miles long, east of the peninsula stalker inhabit the few wild regions. north, as long as they didn’t venture
and north of the Bronze Mountains. Sea-birds are common; the Sahudese too far into their mountains.
Sahudese territory is bounded on the consider some kinds a great delicacy.
south by Zarak, on the west by the As the population grew, the
edge of the Orclands, and elsewhere Cultivated areas are made up of nomads either settled down, or
by the waters of the Koriryu No Umi. neat miniature farms. Domestic ani- departed Sahud to the southwest.
Under centuries-old treaties, Sahud mals include cats, dogs, hardings, Different families of farmers began to
technically overlaps Zarak slightly; a woolens, and cattle. Horses are only have disputes over land. Lacking mili-
few thousand Sahudese live in the owned and ridden by the nobility. tary expertise, they developed new
mountains. Though nearly as far Falconry is quite popular; Megalan ways of settling arguments, most
north as the Nomad Lands, Sahud is devotees of the sport prize Sahudese notably, the carefully regulated idea of
much more temperate, thanks to a falcons highly. Silk is Sahud’s greatest high war (p. 152). The families who
warm ocean current that runs east out export, and most southern farms culti- won these contests gained in prestige,
of the Hesperian Ocean, before turn- vate silkworms. eventually evolving into a new nobili-
ing north along Sahud’s west coast. ty. The members of this upper class
HISTORY modeled themselves on old tales of
Most parts of Sahud are under cul- Earth nobility, and created their own
tivation, though the destruction of a The humans transplanted to Sahud customs.
clan may mean its territory will lie were primarily from Japan, Korea,
vacant for years. Crops include not China, Mongolia, Siberia, Southeast By 1500, Sahud had a complex
Asia, and pre-Columbus North social hierarchy. It had also seen the
America. They quickly settled down to return of true war. An exceptionally
aggressive clan had attempted to con-
Who is “Sahudese”? quer all of Sahud, using Sahud’s first
army. The other clans united and
Over 80% of the people who live in Sahud are humans of mixed Asian destroyed them as a threat to the
ancestry. However, there are Sahudese who are human but not Asian, social order. This codified the role of
mostly people descended from American Indians brought there by the “low war” (p. 152) as something used
Banestorm and immigrants from the Nomad Lands. There are also non- only by or against the socially unac-
human Sahudese (see p. 151). The culture is largely race-blind; anyone ceptable.
who acts Sahudese is Sahudese.
It also established that there was a
It’s also worth noting that not everyone in Ytarria who is genetically power vacuum at the top of the hier-
Asian is Sahudese. There is a minor population of Chinese in Tredroy, archy. Many clan leaders met under
and similar small communities across the rest of the continent. They are various pretexts, and eventually came
quite used to being mistaken for Sahudese, but are almost as baffled by to an agreement. One leader, arguably
that odd society as everyone else. a fraction higher in status, declared

148 LANDS OF YRTH