The Continent of Cindarath

Before the first quill scratched ink upon parchment, the land of Cindarath teemed with life. A vast continent of temperate climate, it was shaped by towering mountain ranges, sprawling forests, sweeping plains, and two great lakes so vast they were called inland seas. 

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Among the wilds, myriad creatures roamed, but the dominant humanoid races were the Sylvan Elves of the great forests, the inquisitive Gnomes, and the kindly Halflings who made their homes in the rolling hills and plains. In the highlands and jagged peaks, the Goblinoids, Gnolls, and mighty Giantkin carved their own brutal domains. Though territorial tensions flared, an uneasy balance held the land in check—each race bound to its own biome, safeguarded by tradition, fear, or the natural barriers of Cindarath itself. 

Though lost to time, records whisper of early human incursions—pioneers arriving from distant, forgotten lands. Some came as raiders, others as seekers, but all who lingered found welcome among the Gnomes and Halflings. Together, they forged the first joint fiefdoms, with humans often assuming the mantle of war-leaders while their smaller allies pursued crafts, scholarship, and the joys of hearth and harvest. Yet, the martial prowess of the shorter races was not wholly forgotten—tales still echo of Grimhallow Shatterglass and Stonefist Shadowglen, Gnomish champions who proved that steel and strategy mattered more than size. 

The Arrival of the Elf Lords 

In the first year of the Age of Elven Lords, ships unlike any seen before made landfall upon the Bryngate Isthmus. At their helm stood High Lord Erenval, exiled from the distant elven homeland of Aurelsalia, his fleet scattered and diminished by tempests, kraken, and sorcery-laden waters. Adrift in the unknown, he set his gaze upon Cindarath and declared it his own. 

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With him came his kin—High Elves of exceptional martial and arcane prowess, their golden banners unfurling in the wind. They were not alone. Bound in servitude, their Dwarven thralls toiled beneath their command, forging enchanted arms and armor in unending labor. With them, too, came Pegasi—winged steeds of legend whose majesty left the people of Cindarath in awe. 

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The native rulers, however, were not so easily awed. When King Tyrros refused to bend the knee, he and his family were executed without mercy. Thus was the Aurelian Dominion born—its rule swift and absolute. The Aurelian Dominion conquered and ruled much of Cinderath for a thousand years.  The elves were arrogant, and they eventually succumbed to debauchery, cruelty and corruption.

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A coalition was formed between most of the great kingdoms, the dwarves and the sylvan elves to throw off the yoke of oppression.  The war lasted for over 120 years and resulted with the Aurelian Dominion fleeing to their last stronghold, Erenval'adell, and the son of leader of the rebellion, Gel'Ben, being proclaimed as the new High King.  Peace, finally, had come to Cindarath.

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Cindarath Today 

Tarden'Ben, the ancestor of Gel'Ben, is the High King.  With the death's of his wife and three children, he has become reclusive and known as "the Veiled King" as he has taken to wearing a veil over his face whenever in public.  The lack of interest in the affairs of state have had an impact on the kingdoms of the realm creating rising tensions, increased banditry and corrupt rulers.  Many kingdoms pay their tithe due to old loyalties but care little for the opinions of the Seat.  

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And now, there are rumblings in the Mourne and Veilrend mountains whose high peaks have never been tamed by elf, dwarf or man. And whispers from Erenval'adell that the High Elves may grow dissatisfied with their Gilded Cage and look to reclaim what was once theirs.

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Kingdoms of Cindarath 

• The High Kings Seat: Constructed on the Bryngate Isthmus by the Aurelian Dominion, it is now ruled by Tarden'Ben, although some would say that it is really the High Mage Anguilar.  The floating bridges and buildings have been brought to ground and the sheen that the city used to have is no longer as bright as it once was.  The High Kings Seat is still the largest city on the continent, especially when the surrounding Market Town is taken into consideration.

• The Barony of Bilcriss: A rugged land nestled between the Mourne and Veilrend Mountain ranges.  Known for its rugged beauty, forests, mountains and weavers.  It is considered a backwater by most of Cindarath because of the Great Divide, a magical rift created towards the end of 120-year war that disrupts all but the most basic magic.

• Dwerlin's Forge: The capital of the dwarven kingdoms and where Dwerlin the Forgemaster and his cousin, Thorm Firebeard, forged a nation out of thralls. The Lord Commander is an elected position and the Guilds Council wields the true power.  Originally, no more than a hidden fort in the mountains, Dwerlin’s Forge is a thriving dwarven city-state, a fortress of stone and steel buried within the mountains. Massive underground halls, lava-heated forges, and vast trade tunnels run through the heart of the city. Though free, the dwarves remain ever-watchful, fearing that the remnants of the Aurelian Dominion—or some other rising power—may one day seek to claim their home once more. Their city was once a forge for the weapons of their oppressors—now, it is the forge of their own destiny.  

• The Thal’Calen Confederacy: Considered the breadbasket of Cindarath, the Thal'Calen Conferacy is comprised of small villages and towns with three (Briarfield, Lakebarrow and New Aurelasia) of any real note.  The mayors and other leaders come together every other year in a congress to vote on issues that are common to all.  Otherwise, each town rules its people as it sees fit.  This was one of the few areas that did not rise in revolt against the Aurelian Dominion and so does not have a seat at the Lord's table.  Which does not bother the Thal'Calen Confederacy as they feel that they have just replaced one set of masters for another.

• Erenval’adell: Originally established as a summer retreat for the High King. Nestled upon a lush island off the eastern coast of Cindarath, the retreat was meant to be a place of leisure and magical experimentation, free from the constraints of courtly politics. Now, it is the seat of the Aurelian Dominion in exile.  Cut off from the mainland, the High Elves of Erenval’adell turned inward. Bitter and vengeful, they forged a new society based on ruthless hierarchy, arcane mastery, and subjugation. The city's culture became one of duality: on one hand, the pursuit of knowledge and magical supremacy; on the other, a descent into unfathomable decadence. The noble houses compete not only in magical prowess but also in their displays of wealth, cruelty, and excess. The highest echelons of society throw lavish feasts where mortal lives are seen as nothing more than entertainment. 

• Glenrock: One of the oldest cities in Cindarath and built on the southern coast of the Great Lake Avril.  A vital trading hub, Glenrock has always held prominence. Its Merchant Lords—powerful families that controlled shipping, banking, and trade—became some of the wealthiest figures in Cindarath. By the time the High Elves arrived, Glenrock was already a thriving city with influence stretching across the continent.  10-year-old Duke Droulvid Zuma is the ruler, with his uncle, Lord Regrol Zuma, acting as regent. Lord Regrol, a vain and pleasure-seeking half-elf, having no interest in true governance, preferring to host extravagant parties and surround himself with flattery. While he plays at power, Glenrock is actually ruled by the three Great Houses: 

• House Aldritch 

• House Goppovut 

• House MacAlasdair 

• The Great Forest of Nyamore: The Great Forest of Nyamore is among the oldest and most mystical regions in all of Cindarath. For as long as history has been recorded—and likely for much longer—it has been the domain of the Sylvan Elves, also known as the Wood Elves. Unlike their High Elven cousins, who seek power and grandeur, the Sylvan Elves have always lived in harmony with nature, blending seamlessly into the vast, ancient woodland that stretches across the north of the continent.  Though the Sylvan Elves have no formal government, their main city, Ella Thanor, serves as their heart. Built into the towering trees, its bridges of woven vines and glowing blue lanterns make it almost invisible to those who do not know where to look.