The Crown of Mondas: A Heroes Guide Chapter 1: Location, location, location... Our story takes place in the country of Mondas. It is a fantastically impossible place that is home to nearly every race known across the five great realms. The thing that makes Mondas such an impossible place is its geography. It seems that the laws of physics had no say in its creation, for it is perfectly circular in shape. It is also separated into six separate regions in what seems to be an ideal environment for every type of life to thrive. Its almost as if the gods got together and decided to create a potential utopia. Another thing that is so fantastical about Mondas is that it was only recently discovered. Can you even imagine such a thing? An entire continent just being completely missed by every ship that sailed or creature that flew over the ocean for thousands upon thousands of years. Utterly ridiculous, yet completely true. Many believe that it wasnt always there. That some god simply created it over the course of a single night. That, however is all simple speculation. The point is that Mondas, when found, was almost completely unpopulated. So over the past 200 years since its discovery we have finally filled its lands with all kinds of beasts and gentlefolk. The third and possibly most intriguing fact about Mondas is that it is entirely shielded by an anti magic zone. That is not to say that one cannot cast magic while on the country, for magical energy abounds all across Mondas, but rather that there is a shield-like barrier protecting the entire land from any magic, including teleportation. This field also causes great disturbances in the wave patterns along the edges of the country, making it nearly impossible to journey onto the surface without shipwrecking. There is however one point on the north side of the country in which the waters are completely calmed and ships may easily pass. In truth this is the only safe way in or out of Mondas. Now, you might be asking yourself how Mondas was discovered those two hundred years ago, and if so youre in luck because thats exactly the question I intend to answer. When the land suddenly appeared with deadly crashing waves surrounding it most sailors opted to stay away from the imminent death, but the gnome captain Lini Fowlfoot decided she would not deny the challenge which the waves had offered her. She sailed for hundreds of miles staying just outside the reach of those dreadful waves until she finally saw the small opening of calm and led her small crew ashore. She called the land Acredia and quickly went back to her home to boast of her great adventure. Once the people finally realized she was boasting truth rather than nonsense, they began to follow the map that she had drawn out and quickly populated the lands. And so with all kinds of creatures wanting to travel to the new realm, they flooded into the small port of Acredia and expanded outward, exploring every which way. They noted significant changes in climate depending on which part of the country you were in. Unnaturally drastic changes. For instance youd be walking at the foot of a very cold mountain and after traveling a mere mile east youd find yourself on a warm pleasant countryside. And so with the country naturally separated into different climates, it was declared that it would be five different states. The states are as follows: The aforementioned Acredia. This was the name given to the northmost region. It is a pleasantly warm place which, due to its having the only possible port in Mondas, is heavily populated. It is the central hub of Mondas high society and the common folk alike. The Mountain region of Dravos. This is mostly populated by Dwarves, gnomes, and the occasional group of humans. It is a generally cold place aside from the massive volcano within its southernmost mountain. Another thing about Dravos I should probably mention is the extraordinarily vast series of tunnels running below and beyond the entire mountain system. These tunnels have been made home by the dark races. The forest of Veridas. This region is most known for its waring orc tribes and the elves who have attempted to make it a peaceful home for all who desire it. It is said that the rivers which run through the forest are magically enchanted to heal and even grant long life to those who drink it. Terravon. This is a plains region one can only compare to J.R.R. Tolkiens depiction of the Shire. The least populated region is the desert of Syvilox. The heat and vast waterless lands make it difficult for most common folk to live on. However, many more resilient creatures have made it their home. One notable spot in Syvilox is the Valley of Storms. It is rumored that the sands within the valley are thrown by the winds so quickly that they strike with the same force as an arrow. None have ever entered the valley and returned. All of these regions have been united under one rule. The rule of the Pendragon family. King Victor Pendragon the first was elected ruler when men first came to Mondas, and his family has kept the title ever since. They made their home in a vast castle which inhabits center point of Mondas, where all five regions meet in perfect harmony. It is in this center kingdom known as Telos that all artifacts and evidence of any society that existed before the realms discovery are kept. If youre asking yourself What kind of Artifacts might those be? or There was a society there before we discovered it? then I like the way you think and I will answer exactly those questions. Two important artifacts, which were discovered in a deep cavern by Victor Pendragon when he was simply an explorer just like any other bloke at the time, were the Crown of Mondas and the Arcane Throne. The Arcane throne is a large chair carved out of a single massive piece of black sapphire. It is the ultimate conduit for the spell Soulbind, for it can hold a seemingly infinite number of souls. The Crown is also crafted of sapphire and acts as a sort of control for the throne. While wearing the crown one can communicate with and release any bound soul of their choosing. It is largely because of his discovery of such powerful items that Victor was initially named the first king. And to answer the second question yes, there was a society in Mondas before we found it. It is believed by many great men that those who used to roam its planes were godlike creatures who formed the lands for themselves. Not much is known about these creatures, except that they were vastly powerful and that they are no longer around. The circumstances of their vanishing and the lands sudden appearance are truly one of the greatest mysteries of our world.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 03:53:24 +0000