The Spartak islands have two greater landmasses around them. Far to the north lies Nordenheim, a human kingdom. The Northmen of Nordenheim have little political interaction with Spartak because the distance between them is too great to cause conflict. One hundred miles northeast of Spartak is the continent dominated by 2 nations, Aelfland and the Kongerike. Aelfland is populated by many races, including humans and elves, but ruled by the Elvish royal family. The Kongerike is a wasteland dominated by giants. The tiny nation of Semath inhabits 3 islands on the southern coast of Aelfland. The world as a whole is usually referred to as Arra, though most common folk don't think in terms that large. Their world is the immediate vicinity. Only high-level mages, priests and scholars have reason to consider the world in the larger sense.

One of the world's more distinctive features are it's seven moons. Well, six now, Aifa, the darkest moon disappeared 12 years ago, with various and conflicting stories to explain why. Each moon is associated with one type of Lycanthrope and governs the transformation cycle of those creatures.

Shardik, sometimes known as Ursa, the giant Bear moon, is largest, brightening the night with her orange fullness every other month for two weeks at a time.

Worga, also known as Lupus, is the Wolf moon, similar in size to Earth's moon, and has a regular monthly cycle. It is full for 4 days at a time.

The Boar moon, Nusk, is slightly larger than Worga with a bluish cast, reaching fullness about every 5 weeks for 7 days.

The moon of Ukko is the fourth moon. Small and swiftly moving across the sky, it is rumored to house the palace of the Good Dragon lords. It is only full once every season.

Iridia or Selune, the Tiger moon, looks down from the night sky with her small yellow cat's eye every few weeks.

And tiny Gwielwic, barely larger than a very bright star, is the rat moon which is chased across the sky by Iridia.

Back to Main Page

In prehistoric times, Dragons lived on the Northern part of Spartak while the southern half was the vast human kingdom of the Kaldanes. No one knows why the Kaldane civilization mysteriously died out. When the first modern settlers began arriving, Dragons were the dominant species, with Orcs and Goblins also living under their great winged shadows in the mountains and deserts. In what would be Aelfland, this time is known as the age of Giants. Historical stories and songs date back around 2100 years to the beginning of the Age of Dreams, when elves and humans civilization started to blossom on the mainland. People began sailing to Spartak to build the first settelements about 1200 years ago. This was a bloody period of petty wars, raids, and conflict on many fronts.

The Kaldanes worshipped the Egyptian gods. There is very little remaining of their culture except what they left behind in terms of tombs and ruins, not to mention a few magic artifacts and relics. The Dragon gods Tiamat and Bahamut are said to consider Spartak their special island.

Back to Main Page

Spartak was settled mostly by peoples who wanted to escape from under the rule of the Elvish Royalty or the tyranny of the Giants on the mainland. Aelfland's history is filled with the wars between the Elves and Giantkin. As the range of ships grew, many people set sail for a chance at a new life on Spartak. Dwarves, discovered the new world from their native underground lands and created large colonies as well.

Back to Main Page

Before people began colonizing Spartak, it was dominated by Dragons. Over the centuries many races sailed over and settled on the coasts. The Dragons ignored the incursions into their private paradise at first, not realizing how quickly the races would take hold and spread. Humans stuck to the coasts or sought out fertile farmland and a large group of disgruntled Elves settled in the vast Ergothian forests, Taur-nu-Rif and Taur-in-Fin. Many other races followed and claimed new homes for themselves all over. Though life was hard, the new inhabitants learned to fight the Dragons and eventually drove them away from the civilized areas.

Civilization flourished on Spartak, great cities, palaces and kingdoms rose and fell over the years. A series of wars and catastrophes over the last hundred years have changed the face of Spartak forever.

The Spartak calendar marks the begining of the Age of Might, with the founding of the kingdom of Brysbane on Spartak. The calendar was coopted into the Quaternity calendar, which is now standard, when the Church was established in the year 49. There are 12 months in the year, 3 for each season.

Back to Main Page

* Eighty-seven years ago were the infamous Quaternity Inquisitions instigated by Kurnos, Arch-Bishop of Opalwicke. A rash of demonic possessions plagued the land at the time and Kurnos sought to end the terror. The Church admits that he got carried away and may have been possessed himself in the final year before his death and the end of the Inquisitions. The Church does hold that if he had been successful, the ensuing Conflagration of Demons might never have happened.

* Seventy-seven years ago, a wave of demons flooded the land and threatened to destroy all life. After long years of war, the Prince of Demons was brought down by by a phenomenon known as The Punishing Star, a great meteor called down by powerful magical forces.

* Twenty years ago the entire island of Spartak was shattered when the Punishing Star was called down again, only the second time it was much more powerful. Few people know why it fell, perhaps the Demon Prince had returned, no one can say. Most believe that those who did call it down were themselves destroyed in the blast so the truth may never be known. The cataclysm destroyed much of Spartak, leaving many smaller islands that Spartakan civilization clung to and rebuilt upon. Used to hardship, the survivors adapted and you'd hardly know that half the land disappeared under the waves that fateful night.

* A few years after that, the Dragonarmy reorganized and sought to take advantage of the devastated peoples and conquer the islands. They were once again repelled mostly due to the efforts of the Paladin army and the good Dragonlords (see below).

Back to Main Page

Spartak has had many nations and kingdoms rise and fall through the ages. Today, the populations of humans, elves, Gnomes, Dwarves, Goblins, Orcs, Minotaurs, etc mostly live under local governments of various types centered in the larger cities. A growing trend has been unified governments for each of the larger remaining islands, but there are few formal "nations" left in Spartak since the Cataclysm. The exception to the rule is that the southernmost islands are entirely enslaved by the Evil Dragonarmy (see below).

The main cities on Spartak are large centers of culture, trade and commerce, with shipping and industry that do business with the mainland (Aelfland) and the other islands. Cities of note are Amberton, Azurbury, New Dragonshire, Solace, Brighthaven, Pax Tharkus, Starkinbury, Norchester, and Sanction. There are 2 elven cities on Spartak, Qualimori and Silvamori both in Ergoth. The largest surviving Dwarven city is Thorbardin, the city under the mountain.

The kingdom of Aelfland, is the oldest and largest nation known. Its capital city is Miramir, though there are many coastal trading centers. Aelfland is ruled by the elvish royal family with a rotating leadership among the many elvish queens and kings.

The main Dwarven conclave is the city-state of Thorbardin, deep under the mountains on Amber island. The Dwarven government is ruled by a council of Thanes, with representatives from many different Dwarf tribes. The Dwarves greatest and most revered Thane was Derkin, who died during the Demonic Conflagration many years ago. After Derkin was killed, Dwarfthanes sealed off the underground nation with massive gates, cutting themselves off from the surface world for many years in an effort to survive the seemingly unstoppable army of demons. It wasn't until almost 20 years later that the gates were opened and dwarves reemerged after the great Cataclysm that broke up Spartak into separate islands.

Nordenheim lies across the ocean, far to the north. Ship travel that far is long and dangerous, so contact with the Northmen is rare these days. The only other nearby nation of note is Semath, which is a city-kingdom on an island just 20 miles off the southern Aelfland coast. Semath has been ruled by the great wizard Math for hundreds of years as is known to have powerful, well-trained armies to defend it's borders.

Back to Main Page

The elves of Ergoth, those exiled from Aelfland, govern themselves through the Council of Speakers. The "exiled" elves left Aelfland because they rejected the rule of the Elvish royalty there. They migrated to Spartak and lived in the vast Ergothian forest of Taur-nu-Rif and Taur-in-Fin, governed by the democratically elected Council of Speakers.Chief among them was Lorac, Speaker of the Stars. After the Cataclysm, Ergoth became an island unto itself and soon after, the entire island fell under a terrible spell that trapped all it's inhabitants in Lorac's unending nightmare. Eventually the curse was lifted and Lorac died. The exiled elves awoke from their slumber.

Back to Main Page

The Dragonarmy is composed of evil Dragons, Dragonlords (see below), Draconians (a humanoid dragonlike race) and many other races bound together to form a powerful army. In the most recent Dragonwar, the Dragonarmy was soundly defeated at the Tower of the High Clerist and finally pushed back to the southern islands where it's soldiers train and bide their time. The main army base is the city of Sanction on Neraka island. Recently, the Dragonarmy lost it's leader, Emperor Ariakus, and the other dragonlords who served as commanders of the army. A civil war was been raging for almost a year between forces loyal to the Church of the Apokalypse and those loyal to Fidessa Azure, wife of the Sapphire dragonlord Jordak. [Note that evil dragons in my world are denoted by gemtype, rather than color. In all respects, these dragons fit the traditional D&D colored dragons (red, green, blue, etc.) stats, just the names are different: Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Obsidian and Crystal. These should not be confused with the gem dragons that appeared later in D&D monster manuals--those lesser dragons do not exist in my world.]

Back to Main Page

In 270, a group of warriors who rode Dragon steeds became known as the Dragonlords and used their might to combat Dragons that terrorized humankind. There were 10 Dragonlords, one for each type of metal dragon, (Gold, Silver, Copper, Brass, and Bronze) and gem dragon (Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Obsidian and Crystal). These warriors and their Dragon mounts proved quite effective in battling the dragons. In 387, a rift was created in the two factions of Dragonlords and thus began the War of the Lance between them and their forces. The following year, the Evil Dragonlords joined forces with Dragondoom and a reorganized Dragonarmy. The war of the Lance ended in 390 when Dragondoom's army was defeated.

Since then, there have always been one set of good and one set of evil Dragonlords. Each bears the Dragonlord signet ring that serves as a magical bond to his or her Dragon and each group has it's own rules and methods of replacing fallen members. Dragonlords are always single classed warriors of at least 11th level. The Dragonlords are heroes and villians (depending on your viewpoint) of the highest order. They are often called upon to help various causes and defend Spartak from invasion.

The current Dragonlord roster includes:

Gold--Tarnor of Zuthria. Mysterious and charismatic figure who first became a dragon lord several hundred years ago. Though he's human, he still looks youthful (and HOT).

Silver--Helene of Brighthaven. Human. Her father, Helius, was the Silver Dragonlord before her. She's only been a Dragonlord for about 6 years since his death.

Bronze--Murmilius of New Dragonshire. Born the half-elven son of Lilliandra and Maelacon, now human and in his 60s. You've met his Dragon, Magna Veracity, and 2 of his henchmen, Mark O'Dowd and Zandria the archer, as well has his twin brother, the archmage Helicon.

Brass--Priamus Hammerdown. The only Dwarven dragonlord and over 300 years old. A firm believer in the age old traditions of the Dragonlords and revered by the Dwarves everywhere.

Copper--Kirth Steeleye. The youngest of the metallic dragonlords. The half-elven warrior was sponsored into the order by Tarnor only a year ago.

Crystal/White--Ariakus. Highlord Commander of the Dragonarmy. No one knows where he came from. Though there are stories of an evil Warrior from the Age of Dreams who was also named Ariakus, a link between the two has never been made. It is rumored that Lord Ariakus was found entombed inside the Icewall Glacier by the previous Crystal Dragonlord, only to slay him and take the Dragonlord ring as his own. Ariakus reorganized the scattered Dragonarmies and has engineered several major campaigns against the rest of Spartak. He has a warrior son, Ariakan, who everyone believes will take his place as Crystal Dragonlord and ruler of the Dragonarmies, though Ariakus shows no signs of retiring anytime soon.

Sapphire/Blue--Jordak Serafin of Azurbury. He has been a Dragonlord longer than any of the other evil lords. A wealthy aristocrat, his longevity probably has more to do with his marriage to the powerful Invoker Fidessa Azure, whose magiks make them a formidable pair, than his own ambitions. Fidessa believes that Jordak should be next in line as Dragonarmy high-commander, but both are loyal to the Dragonarmy cause, if not Ariakus himself.

Obsidian/Black--Kitiara Keff. Last direct descendant of the royal family of Keffland (no relation to our leprechaun friend Kef). Kitiara played a large role in the resurgence of the Dragonarmy after Ariakus appeared, however, many years ago, she betrayed Ariakus and turned against the Dragonarmy. She now lives a reclusive life behind the walls of Castle Keff.

Ruby/Red--Sabre of Solace. Sabre rose through the ranks of the Dragonarmy, distinguishing herself as a Captain of the Red army in Solace. When the previous Ruby lord was killed in battle, many believe that Ariakus wanted the Ruby Ring for his son, Ariakan. However, Sabre bested him in trial by combat and won the right to the ring--and added insult to injury by sparing Ariakan's life.

Emerald/Green--Blasfan Graknegor. This troll warrior made a name for himself in the gladiator arenas of Kothas, where he was undefeated. He became the Emerald Dragonlord only a few years ago.

All of the Dragonlords except Lady Keff mysteriously vanished in the year 600 during an aerial battle over the city of Corwell. Speculation as to whether they were killed, captured, or banished to some other dimension runs rampant, but today they are still lost.

Back to Main Page

One thousand years ago, the Dragons organized themselves behind a mighty dragon leader, Dragondoom, and attempted to reclaim their land in what would be the first Dragonwar. They failed after long years of battle.

In 270, a group of Warrior dragonriders formed to battle dragons, they were called the Dragonlords. Years later, infighting in the group caused two factions to war against each other and finally the Gem dragonlords splintered off into a separate group.

In 276, the good dragonlords save the dwarven city of Thorbardin from ruby dragon attacks. To thank them, the dwarf Kharas creates the first Dragonlance, a powerful weapon for battling dragons.

In 388, the evil Dragonlords joined forces with Dragondoom and conquor Zyegar, Tefabo and Sanction. Thus began the first Dragonlance War. The war ended two years later with the help of St. Ceril, the relentless and a mighty silver dragon, Shimmer. Dragondoom is defeated but escapes.

Dragondoom was finally killed by the Bronze Dragonlord 20 years ago but the Dragonarmy rose anew under the command of Ariakus, the mysterious Crystal Dragonlord, with help from a now undead Dragondoom-- hideous skeletal dragon even more terrifying than before--and a new race of warrior, the Draconians.

Back to Main Page

Aelfland is ruled by4 pairs of Kings and Queens. Elves, being generally chaotic in nature, change rulers at the beginning of each new season, rotating among the members of the Royal family. The "family" are not necessarily all related by blood, but for the most part are at least distant cousins to each other. The King and Queen of each season are not necessarily married to each other, but simply share governing responsibilities for a few months. Fashions in Aelfland also change each season depending on the King or Queen's favor. It is quite common for one King or Queen's rulings to be voided by the succeeding pair, and then changed back again when the season's roll around again, so it is always wise to be up on what the latest laws of Aelfland are when travelling there. Such is the nature of a nation ruled by chaotic elves. Although many races--humans, Gnomes, Goblins, etc.--live under elvish rule there, there is only one place within it's borders that does not observe elvish law--the Free City. Many years ago, the mostly human founders of the town took advantage of a loophole in that season's laws that stated that no city or territory on Aelfland soil could be granted independance. They built their city entirely in the branches of a massive tree, which meant it was not built "on Aelfland soil." The King of that season was so amused at the audacity, that he granted the Free City permanent independance, so long as they did not expand below the tree. The rulers have since included trees as part of their domain....

Back to Main Page

The Keff family is Spartak's only true "Royal family." Keffland was once the the largest human nation on Spartak. The first Keff Kings were tyrants, who sought to control all of Spartak, having it's greatest war against the nation of Brysbane. Although the official power of the king was removed when the individual cities rebelled and achieved independance, the Keffs are still known as royalty and treated as such. Most recently, the kind and generous King Keff VI was tremendously well liked and in the upper class social circles. The Keff family descendants still live in Castle Keff, a splendorous palace with many riches, but have no real power. They are thought of as royalty and celebrities by most of Spartak's peoples, especially the upper classes. Keff VI died in the Cataclysm and his only daughter, Kitiara, has thus far had no children, which is cause for speculation as to whether the famous lineage has reached it's end.

Back to Main Page

Also known as Paladins, they are the Lawful Good religious warriors for the Church of the Quaternity who live by a strict code of ethics, the Oath and the Measure. The group was officially formed in the year 101 to follow the writings of Paladine, the great and honorable warrior of Kefland. When Paladine was Sainted by the Church, they were adopted as the holy warriors and defenders of the faith. Today, they are highly honored for their courage, strength and sacrifice during the last Dragonwar and serve the Church faithfully. After their triumph over the Dragonarmy at the Tower of the High Clerist (along with the help of the good Dragonlords), the ranks of Paladins have swelled as many cities from all over the islands send their best and brightest to join this elite group of holy warriors who follow in the footsteps of the Quaternities' most famous Saint, Paladine.

Back to Main Page

This is now the main religion on Spartak. It includes all races, cultures and alignments and is reasonably tolerant of other faiths.

The religion does not worship particular gods, though it has a host of Saints who are revered in much the same way and in fact, many Saints were gods of other cultures incorporated into the faith. Quaternity is based on a book called Quaternion that was inspired by the wisdom of the Star-kin, a mysterious group that visited Spartak over 500 years ago and taught people about the true nature and purpose of the world.

The church supported a war against Magic-Users around the year 370, who were blamed for an increase in bizarre monsters and harmful magical phenomena at the time.

The church was formally disbanded (though it continued in secret in many areas) after the Demon Conflagration ended 75 years ago. Many people blamed the church for the horror that laid waste to much of the land and killed a generation of young fighters who fought against the scourge. A church warrior, the Paladin Kargoth, is thought to be responsible for unleashing the Demon Prince Demogorgon and his legions onto the world.

Quaternity priests do not get along with Silvanian Druids, and vice versa, but there is rarely open hostility between these two groups. The Church has regained much political power and respect throughout Spartakan society since it reemerged during the second Dragonwar 17 years ago. The church proved its courage and faith during the final battle of that war at the Tower of the High Clerist.

The church is ostensibly led by an elected High Clerist, though there has not been a High Clerist in power since the disbanding. Clergy members spend their time reintroducing the teachings of the Quaternion to the massings, sending out missions to every part of the land and reopening the abandoned cathedrals as well as building newer and grander places of worship.

The rulers of Aelfland have not been pleased at the recent appearance of Quaternity missions into their land, although they tolerate these clerics for the moment.

Back to Main Page

Though many demihuman/humanoid pantheons have nature gods and priests with nature related spells and powers, the true Druids of this world are the worshippers of Silvanus, the great tree god. Once quite numerous and powerful in both Spartak and Aelfland, the Druids face a growing disfavor among a general public that tends to follow the Church of the Quaternity. Nowdays, Druidic society often functions in secret in their quest to safeguard the forests and wildlands of the world. One area of Spartak where the Druids live openly are the small group of Moonshae islands, which are the nearest surviving landmasses to the point where the Punishing Star fell. Much of the land farther away from the blast were left barren and devastated, but with the druids protection and caretaking, these islands currently have flourishing forests and agriculture.

There are very few remaining human religions in this campaign world, the majority of those faiths, Greek, Norse, etc., though they did exist at in the past, died out with the popularity of the Quaternity church. Demihuman and Humanoid gods are still popular among their peoples, especially the Seldarine (the Elvish pantheon) in Aelfland, where the Quaternity has little presence. There are numerous Demonic cults and secret societies that worship various extraplanar beings, but nothing highly organized.

The two gods of the dragons, Bahamut and Tiamat, have fought over the Spartakan lands for hundreds of years. Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon, is on good terms with the Church of the Quaternity, which has steadfastly opposed evil dragons at every turn. Tiamat, the Diamond dragon, is fanatically worshipped by the Dragonarmy and seeks to claim all of Spartak for herself.

The church of the Apokalypse are the followers of Tiamat. Currently, the church is led by Ariakan, son of the Dragonlord Ariakus, former ruler of the Dragonarmy. The churches main goal is to bring Tiamat back to the world in material form so she may rule over all and ultimately bring an end to the world as we know it.

Back to Main Page

Magic and magic-users have been part of the world since the beginning of recorded history. In the year 120, a group of powerful mages formed an alliance to better pool and control the powers and science of magic. They built 5 great Towers of High Sorcery and fought the dragons with spells and magical items such as the mysterious Dragon Orbs. A hundred years later, magic use became suspect due to an increase in strange magical beasts and powers across the land. The common folk, fearful of a power far greater than they could understand, attacked the mages at their Towers of Sorcery, and, led by priests from the Church of the Quaternity, persecuted magic users for the next 30 years.

Today, the Council of Wizardry still exists, though members are only loosely affiliated. For the most part, all mages abide by the rulings of this powerful group which has a yearly meeting to exchange spells and magical knowledge, set up magic schools, etc. Though some are not well known outside the magic-using community, the most powerful modern wizards have reputations that extend throughout Spartak and Aelfland.

Math: Probably the most powerful wizard known. He is the human ruler of a small island nation known as Semanth. He is an isolationist, preferring not to deal with mundane matters outside his city-kingdom. He may spend lots of time on other planes of existence, or creating powerful magics and magic items, though no one really knows. He is NOT a member of the Wizards Council. In Aelfland, it is rumored that any time his name is mentioned into the wind, he will hear it.

Sabella: She is a human Conjurer of great power. She went missing for many years under mysterious circumstances but recently reappeared in Aelfland. An important member of the Wizard's Council.

Mordo the Magnificent: The premier Invoker of Spartak. He has been called upon many times to add his powerful Fireballs and Lightning bolts to wars large and small. Another high member of the council.

Serten: Aged wizard who has been around since the first Dragon War. Oldest member of the Wizard's council.

Garrok, the Walking Death: A lich who lives on Sapphire Island near New Dragonshire. Undead wizard of immense power, though very much insane. Not a member of the Council and doesn't get out much.

Helicon: Elven mage who lives in the Tower of High Sorcery at Palanthus. Though not nearly as powerful as the heads of the Council, Sabella, Mordo and Serten, Helicon directs the doings of the Council these days. A brilliant man totally devoted to the role of magic in the world, mages from all schools respect his authority. His strange appearance, golden skin and snow white hair, as well as his increasing reclusiveness lends an air of mystery to him. Since his father was from Semath, it is rumored that he may have a bloodlink to Math himself. Helicon and the Tower of High Sorcery disappeared during the attack of the Dragonarmy on Palanthus in 600. There are rumors that the tower will one day return, but so far there has been no sign of it.

Oberon: Old Oberon, son of the last High Clerist of the Quaternity before it's disbanding, was a member of the Council's inner circle until he defied his fellow wizards over the correct interpretation of a prophecy. He was banished and reduced in power in the years that led to the Second War of the Lance. When he returned to power, he took over the Tower of Knowledge near Kara Kai, and served as master of the school of Magery there and became the keeper of the Everlife book. He is still considered somewhat of an outsider in mage circles. In his youth, he had an unfortunate affair with one of the Queens of Aelfland, which produced a daughter. These days, he is extremely reclusive, letting his elven wife Jarella speak for him at Council meetings.

Melian Dreadstar: The gray elven mage appeared in Spartak around the time that the 7th moon, Aifa, disappeared from the sky. It was rumored she came from a land on the other side of the world, or perhaps from another plane of existence. For some reason the Githyanki called her the Chaos Bringer. Melian was the founder of Wild Magic, who delighted in spells that traded higher power levels for unpredictable results. She lived on Sapphire Island for a time, where she taught local mages the ways of wild magic, but her appearances around Spartak were sporadic and thankfully brief.

Fidessa Azure: As wife of Jordak, the Sapphire Dragonlord, Fidessa enjoys a position of high regard in the Sanction, the capital city of the Dragonarmies. A scheming socialite who craves more and more power for her husband and herself, she spends much time researching powerful spells that will help the Dragonarmy rule all of Spartak. She believes that her husband should take over as High Commander of the Dragonarmies when Lord Ariakus retires (or dies), rather than Ariakus son. Fidessa now leads the rebellion against the Church of the Apokalypse in a civil war between the two factions for control of the dragonarmy. She was joined by Lady Keff, the last surviving dragonlord, in her quest.

Back to Main Page

Paladine lived in the early years of the Age of Might (more than 500 years ago). He was the commander of the Palace Guard in Keffland, who rebelled against King Kef I's unjust war, which became known as the War of Ice Tears. In the year 75 Paladine wrote the Oath and the Measure, two codes by which a warrior's honor can be defined. He was killed in the year 89 while defending rebel forces in the revolt against King Keff III who had taken refuge inside a Quaternity church. The church later made him a Saint for his bravery and sacrifice and adopted his followers, the Knights of Paladine as holy defenders of the church.

Back to Main Page

Much more to come

Check back for more history and facts.