The World of Nanthara
(the imaginative realms of my fantasy series)
The World of Nanthara
Nanthara carries elements of a typical fantasy story set in a medieval time period. Warriors in armor, archers with longbows, and castles standing as monuments to a realm's accomplishments. The following will give you a bit more insight to this magnificent world.
Terrain
Nanthara's territories carry almost every land feature you can think of. Icy northern realms, temperate mid-continent kingdoms, and desert-like territories to the south. Massive mountain chains dot the land, and thick forests house everything from simple wildlife to fearsome foulskin tribes to things rarely seen. Rivers carve their way through and around flat lands, ridges, and swamps and rolling meadows boast crop filled farms, desolate grasslands, and every-thing in between.
The climate ranges from frigid temperatures along the northern borders of the Great North Ocean down to the southern borders touching the tepid waters of the Thara Sea.
Technology
The primitive knowledge of gunpowder does exist. Hand held, powder-based weapons have not been created yet, but cannons have been developed and in use, especially in the wealthier nations. Their accompaniment with trebuchets, catapults, mangonels, and ballistas have already proven quite deadly.
The Alkani have perfected the use of "Sending Stones" as a useful method of communication. When a special combination of Alkani spellcasting is placed in a precise sequence upon the gems, these very rare stones can perform telepathic communication with other stones prepared and utilized in the same fashion. This technology is only privy to the Alkani kingdom of Elinthyria. Unfortunately, their pride has prevented them from sharing this discovery even with their own kind in other realms.
Magic
Magic is rare in Nanthara. Despite its existence, those who study it (mages) are few and far between. They can range from typical medicinal healers to those becoming the understudies of the Wyn Elders on the Island of Adunian; a secluded sect of infamous and extremely powerful mages whose work is to help maintain balance of good and dark forces through their abilities and their belief in Sovereign's Tomes.
The creatures known as Dymwrens are the only ones known to exploit the dark side of casting, utilizing forbidden practices to accomplish selfish tasks.
Religion
There are several main religions based in Nanthara, and quite possibly numerous lesser known cults common to secluded tribes and cultures.
Sovereign- "God"; one of the most prevalent systems of belief, and the most conflicted. Self-explanatory.
Apolladan (a-PAU-la-don)- "Satan"; a powerful adversary to any system of religion considered good. Their biggest rival are Sovereign's followers.
Valbadur (VAL-ba-duhr)- a diety worshipped by foulskin and related creatures.
Dievydom (dee-EV-y-dom)- the king diety of a polytheistic culture.
Human Races
There are several key human races that dwell in Nanthara.
-Galenmyr (GAY-len-meer): these are the barbaric tribes that roam mostly the northern colder climates or the drier nomadic plains. Strong, muscular, and adept at many skills, even their women are formidable in combat.-Abeni (a-BEN-ee): this race of people occupy most of the desert realms or hot climates; dark brown tan skin, they excel as horsemen, and many families are wealthy due to their successful business trades.
-Volen (VO-len): these are mostly Caucasian people and tend to hold a majority of the populace in the realms.
-Abeni (ah-BEN-ee): this race is most comparable to middle eastern people. Although most of these folks tend to populate the southern realms of Nanthara, they can live in more milder climates, and rarely live in very cold temperatures.
--Grinasheem (GRIN-uh-sheem): a unique offspring of people gifted with unusual powers. Small in number, they are also known as "Grey-Eyes". All Grinasheem have grey eyes, have the ability to camouflage if near cover, and can heal 10x faster than a normal human. Most are devout followers of Sovereign and are amazingly skilled in melee combat. Normally, they tend to shun heavy armor, yet are excellent cavaliers.
-Medikai (MED-i-ka-ee): a deep red-tinted skin people, they are rare and tend to be isolated in their settlements. Due to their natural skills and abilities, they are skillful acrobats, thieves, and archers.
-Dathalu (da-THA-lu): these people are most similar to the African tribes; deep brown or black skin, cobalt blue eyes, and they tend to be peaceful. If provoked, they can be lethal artisans on the field of battle, especially with spears and curved swords like the khopesh, kitana, and heavy scimitar.
-Bothri (BAU-three): non-typical in Nanthara, they are mostly comparable to people from India, Pakistan, etc. Normally peaceful, they are devoted servants to any cause they undertake, and are skilled trackers.
Dwergen (DWUR-gin)
The Dwergen, a cross between Alkanien and Dwarf, are considered tainted and unaccepted by Dwarf and hated by Alkani. Dwarves became extinct when Nanthara suffered a great natural disaster, causing a release of gases poisoning most underground inhabitants. A small gathering of Alkani and Dwarves, isolated and too few to survive alone, bred and gave rise to Dwergen. The Alkani and Dwarves from this original group died off, leaving the mixed breeds behind.
When another populace of pure Alkani established settlements in Nanthara hundreds of years later, they viewed the Dwergen as a curse.
They are rarely seen by the outside world and shunned by societies. Sightings are so rare, they are considered extinct. Dwergen habitation in subterranean lairs has allowed them to create underground vegetation, like a limited type of forest, enough to give them the flavor of both underground and above ground living. Species of plants able to survive with minimal to no light were cultivated using special cultured microbes.
Dwergen are strong like Dwarves, yet not quite as nimble as Alkani. They stand thick bodied, taller than a dwarf and a tad shorter than Alkani. Long soft, flowing hair tied in braids with matching facial hair are adorned with golden rings and trinkets from family gifts and heirlooms intertwined within their beard/moustache. Dwergen hair color is dark auburn, brown, blacks, and occasional blondes with hues thereof. Their slanted eyes are usually tinted emerald, sapphire, or topaz.
Dwergen names are a combination of Dwarf and Alkani. The first name is Dwarven while the last name is a combination of Dwarf/Alkanien. The first part describes location/where family is from). Dak- north, Sak- south, Denek- east, Bok- west.
The second part of last name describes an ancient Alkanien word dealing with things in nature. Boren Dak-Lionil (Boren, north, Lionil, Alkanien word for stormbringer).
Alkanien (al-KAY-nee-in)
Built like Elves, Alkani are a distant cousin to the Elves. They have blond, platinum, or silvered hair in a thick long mane, from the head backward just below the shoulders, but never longer. Most keep their hair as is, but some have styled it with tight-fitting braids or twists. Their ears have a slight top point and a longer pointed lower earlobe. They bear slanted cat-like eyes, with golden yellow conjunctiva, various green-hued pupils, and brown irises. Alkani skin has a bronze color with small flecks of darker pigmentation along the limbs.
Alkani have three distinct races known to exist: the Brenhi (BREN-high) or more civilized race; the Coegur (CO-e-gur) a more rural type of Alkanien, living with less modern amenities than their cousins; and the Drwg (DER-wig) or Grey Alkani, the dark race of Alkani who chose a more sinister path of living and strive to bring an end to all surface dwelling Alkani.
Nivvick (NI-vick)
Nivvicks are similar to Halflings. They stand somewhat taller than Halflings, and both sexes very attractive. Nivvicks tend to be quite intelligent, and carry an uncanny resistance to magic. Gray, hazel, brown eyes are paired with either redheads or brunettes. Nivvicks lack any facial or body hair and most are gifted with amazing cat-like balance. They have a unique ability to resist most poisons and/or are able to fight off their effects much longer than most beings. This allows them to access a remedy and ensure a greater survival rate.
Foulskin
These are the humanoid beings who inhabit Nanthara. They range from the large, war-like Opanocs to the lowly, yet dangerous Sliths. Foulskin, as their name implies, are foul, deep green skinned creatures who hate other races not of their own. They thrive in regional tribes and normally tend to stay isolated in their respective clans since they can never agree on one leader to rule over them. They are known to operate in war bands to pillage and raze the countryside for supplies and materials, and no known "civilized" foulskin culture exists.
Opanocs normally rule the Sliths in the foulskin hierarchy. Yet, it has been reported that a Slith commander has taken charge on occasion, if he is tough enough to do so. Opanocs have two breeds which have bred off the original race. Black Opanocs are more disciplined, savage, and war mongers-perfect for shock troops. Red Opanocs are even worse, and usually are appointed in the most elite units or as officers in a dark lord's army.
Foulskin are mortal enemies to Dwergen, carrying over from the Dwarves' history, and they have no love for Alkani either.
There are also other races of foulskin common to Nanthara: Gordynols-a tainted mixbreed of Opanocs and humans; Cabalus-a distant hairy brutish cousin of the Opanoc; Itunns-a two-and-a-half ton, two-headed giant with grotesque heads resembling malformed Opanocs; Vorghans- 7ft. tall filthy hound-like beasts with a feared disposition and weapons to prove it.
Drwg (DRUH-wigs)
The Drwg (DRUH-wigs) or Grey-Alkani are the evil tainted race of their surface dwelling cousins. A distant relative to drow or dark elves, these guys spread like wildfire in a great underground war rumored to have happened long ago. Similar in appearance, their blood runs thick with sinister intent. Constantly looking for opportunities to advance themselves either with power, wealth, or by other means, they are skilled in business, negotiations, and politics.
Drwgs tend to favor thick-joint armor and lighter, more flexible torso protection. This has been adapted to suit their fighting styles of speed, lethal strikes, and at times, overwhelming numbers. Their archery skills surpass their surface cousins, yet they lack the knowledge in riding horses. They may tend to mount wicked underground beasts, but these are normally reserved for the leaders.
Being a leader in the Drwg society will garner a strong following, especially since those who support the leader are always looking to better themselves as well. Their dark-hearted methods and lack of compassion even to their own kind serves as a weapon in itself when they encounter a foe since Drwg rarely, if ever, keep prisoners...alive. They bathe in their victims blood as a ritual to gain the life force of their victims and foe in battle.
Followers of Sovereign tend to view this race as one of the most vile and corrupt. It is no wonder why Alkani paladins and Drwg Grey Elites are mortal enemies, standing in complete opposite on their beliefs.
Despite their shortcomings, the Grey Alkani can also boast attractive characters. Unfortunately, not much is known on this subject since nobody has lived to report this as true.
Nanthara carries elements of a typical fantasy story set in a medieval time period. Warriors in armor, archers with longbows, and castles standing as monuments to a realm's accomplishments. The following will give you a bit more insight to this magnificent world.
Terrain
Nanthara's territories carry almost every land feature you can think of. Icy northern realms, temperate mid-continent kingdoms, and desert-like territories to the south. Massive mountain chains dot the land, and thick forests house everything from simple wildlife to fearsome foulskin tribes to things rarely seen. Rivers carve their way through and around flat lands, ridges, and swamps and rolling meadows boast crop filled farms, desolate grasslands, and every-thing in between.
The climate ranges from frigid temperatures along the northern borders of the Great North Ocean down to the southern borders touching the tepid waters of the Thara Sea.
Technology
The primitive knowledge of gunpowder does exist. Hand held, powder-based weapons have not been created yet, but cannons have been developed and in use, especially in the wealthier nations. Their accompaniment with trebuchets, catapults, mangonels, and ballistas have already proven quite deadly.
The Alkani have perfected the use of "Sending Stones" as a useful method of communication. When a special combination of Alkani spellcasting is placed in a precise sequence upon the gems, these very rare stones can perform telepathic communication with other stones prepared and utilized in the same fashion. This technology is only privy to the Alkani kingdom of Elinthyria. Unfortunately, their pride has prevented them from sharing this discovery even with their own kind in other realms.
Magic
Magic is rare in Nanthara. Despite its existence, those who study it (mages) are few and far between. They can range from typical medicinal healers to those becoming the understudies of the Wyn Elders on the Island of Adunian; a secluded sect of infamous and extremely powerful mages whose work is to help maintain balance of good and dark forces through their abilities and their belief in Sovereign's Tomes.
The creatures known as Dymwrens are the only ones known to exploit the dark side of casting, utilizing forbidden practices to accomplish selfish tasks.
Religion
There are several main religions based in Nanthara, and quite possibly numerous lesser known cults common to secluded tribes and cultures.
Sovereign- "God"; one of the most prevalent systems of belief, and the most conflicted. Self-explanatory.
Apolladan (a-PAU-la-don)- "Satan"; a powerful adversary to any system of religion considered good. Their biggest rival are Sovereign's followers.
Valbadur (VAL-ba-duhr)- a diety worshipped by foulskin and related creatures.
Dievydom (dee-EV-y-dom)- the king diety of a polytheistic culture.
Human Races
There are several key human races that dwell in Nanthara.
-Galenmyr (GAY-len-meer): these are the barbaric tribes that roam mostly the northern colder climates or the drier nomadic plains. Strong, muscular, and adept at many skills, even their women are formidable in combat.-Abeni (a-BEN-ee): this race of people occupy most of the desert realms or hot climates; dark brown tan skin, they excel as horsemen, and many families are wealthy due to their successful business trades.
-Volen (VO-len): these are mostly Caucasian people and tend to hold a majority of the populace in the realms.
-Abeni (ah-BEN-ee): this race is most comparable to middle eastern people. Although most of these folks tend to populate the southern realms of Nanthara, they can live in more milder climates, and rarely live in very cold temperatures.
--Grinasheem (GRIN-uh-sheem): a unique offspring of people gifted with unusual powers. Small in number, they are also known as "Grey-Eyes". All Grinasheem have grey eyes, have the ability to camouflage if near cover, and can heal 10x faster than a normal human. Most are devout followers of Sovereign and are amazingly skilled in melee combat. Normally, they tend to shun heavy armor, yet are excellent cavaliers.
-Medikai (MED-i-ka-ee): a deep red-tinted skin people, they are rare and tend to be isolated in their settlements. Due to their natural skills and abilities, they are skillful acrobats, thieves, and archers.
-Dathalu (da-THA-lu): these people are most similar to the African tribes; deep brown or black skin, cobalt blue eyes, and they tend to be peaceful. If provoked, they can be lethal artisans on the field of battle, especially with spears and curved swords like the khopesh, kitana, and heavy scimitar.
-Bothri (BAU-three): non-typical in Nanthara, they are mostly comparable to people from India, Pakistan, etc. Normally peaceful, they are devoted servants to any cause they undertake, and are skilled trackers.
Dwergen (DWUR-gin)
The Dwergen, a cross between Alkanien and Dwarf, are considered tainted and unaccepted by Dwarf and hated by Alkani. Dwarves became extinct when Nanthara suffered a great natural disaster, causing a release of gases poisoning most underground inhabitants. A small gathering of Alkani and Dwarves, isolated and too few to survive alone, bred and gave rise to Dwergen. The Alkani and Dwarves from this original group died off, leaving the mixed breeds behind.
When another populace of pure Alkani established settlements in Nanthara hundreds of years later, they viewed the Dwergen as a curse.
They are rarely seen by the outside world and shunned by societies. Sightings are so rare, they are considered extinct. Dwergen habitation in subterranean lairs has allowed them to create underground vegetation, like a limited type of forest, enough to give them the flavor of both underground and above ground living. Species of plants able to survive with minimal to no light were cultivated using special cultured microbes.
Dwergen are strong like Dwarves, yet not quite as nimble as Alkani. They stand thick bodied, taller than a dwarf and a tad shorter than Alkani. Long soft, flowing hair tied in braids with matching facial hair are adorned with golden rings and trinkets from family gifts and heirlooms intertwined within their beard/moustache. Dwergen hair color is dark auburn, brown, blacks, and occasional blondes with hues thereof. Their slanted eyes are usually tinted emerald, sapphire, or topaz.
Dwergen names are a combination of Dwarf and Alkani. The first name is Dwarven while the last name is a combination of Dwarf/Alkanien. The first part describes location/where family is from). Dak- north, Sak- south, Denek- east, Bok- west.
The second part of last name describes an ancient Alkanien word dealing with things in nature. Boren Dak-Lionil (Boren, north, Lionil, Alkanien word for stormbringer).
Alkanien (al-KAY-nee-in)
Built like Elves, Alkani are a distant cousin to the Elves. They have blond, platinum, or silvered hair in a thick long mane, from the head backward just below the shoulders, but never longer. Most keep their hair as is, but some have styled it with tight-fitting braids or twists. Their ears have a slight top point and a longer pointed lower earlobe. They bear slanted cat-like eyes, with golden yellow conjunctiva, various green-hued pupils, and brown irises. Alkani skin has a bronze color with small flecks of darker pigmentation along the limbs.
Alkani have three distinct races known to exist: the Brenhi (BREN-high) or more civilized race; the Coegur (CO-e-gur) a more rural type of Alkanien, living with less modern amenities than their cousins; and the Drwg (DER-wig) or Grey Alkani, the dark race of Alkani who chose a more sinister path of living and strive to bring an end to all surface dwelling Alkani.
Nivvick (NI-vick)
Nivvicks are similar to Halflings. They stand somewhat taller than Halflings, and both sexes very attractive. Nivvicks tend to be quite intelligent, and carry an uncanny resistance to magic. Gray, hazel, brown eyes are paired with either redheads or brunettes. Nivvicks lack any facial or body hair and most are gifted with amazing cat-like balance. They have a unique ability to resist most poisons and/or are able to fight off their effects much longer than most beings. This allows them to access a remedy and ensure a greater survival rate.
Foulskin
These are the humanoid beings who inhabit Nanthara. They range from the large, war-like Opanocs to the lowly, yet dangerous Sliths. Foulskin, as their name implies, are foul, deep green skinned creatures who hate other races not of their own. They thrive in regional tribes and normally tend to stay isolated in their respective clans since they can never agree on one leader to rule over them. They are known to operate in war bands to pillage and raze the countryside for supplies and materials, and no known "civilized" foulskin culture exists.
Opanocs normally rule the Sliths in the foulskin hierarchy. Yet, it has been reported that a Slith commander has taken charge on occasion, if he is tough enough to do so. Opanocs have two breeds which have bred off the original race. Black Opanocs are more disciplined, savage, and war mongers-perfect for shock troops. Red Opanocs are even worse, and usually are appointed in the most elite units or as officers in a dark lord's army.
Foulskin are mortal enemies to Dwergen, carrying over from the Dwarves' history, and they have no love for Alkani either.
There are also other races of foulskin common to Nanthara: Gordynols-a tainted mixbreed of Opanocs and humans; Cabalus-a distant hairy brutish cousin of the Opanoc; Itunns-a two-and-a-half ton, two-headed giant with grotesque heads resembling malformed Opanocs; Vorghans- 7ft. tall filthy hound-like beasts with a feared disposition and weapons to prove it.
Drwg (DRUH-wigs)
The Drwg (DRUH-wigs) or Grey-Alkani are the evil tainted race of their surface dwelling cousins. A distant relative to drow or dark elves, these guys spread like wildfire in a great underground war rumored to have happened long ago. Similar in appearance, their blood runs thick with sinister intent. Constantly looking for opportunities to advance themselves either with power, wealth, or by other means, they are skilled in business, negotiations, and politics.
Drwgs tend to favor thick-joint armor and lighter, more flexible torso protection. This has been adapted to suit their fighting styles of speed, lethal strikes, and at times, overwhelming numbers. Their archery skills surpass their surface cousins, yet they lack the knowledge in riding horses. They may tend to mount wicked underground beasts, but these are normally reserved for the leaders.
Being a leader in the Drwg society will garner a strong following, especially since those who support the leader are always looking to better themselves as well. Their dark-hearted methods and lack of compassion even to their own kind serves as a weapon in itself when they encounter a foe since Drwg rarely, if ever, keep prisoners...alive. They bathe in their victims blood as a ritual to gain the life force of their victims and foe in battle.
Followers of Sovereign tend to view this race as one of the most vile and corrupt. It is no wonder why Alkani paladins and Drwg Grey Elites are mortal enemies, standing in complete opposite on their beliefs.
Despite their shortcomings, the Grey Alkani can also boast attractive characters. Unfortunately, not much is known on this subject since nobody has lived to report this as true.