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| | Nephilim - The existence of such beings has been questioned routinely by the scholars of Ilisara. Supposedly, Nephilim are offspring between a god or goddess and a mortal. These beings possess superhuman abilities usually belonging to the god or goddess they were spawned by. They can pass as mortals in society, and it is unclear how the gods of Ilisara feel about these children. There has only ever been rumors and legend of such beings, and none have been confirmed. | | Nephilim - The existence of such beings has been questioned routinely by the scholars of Ilisara. Supposedly, Nephilim are offspring between a god or goddess and a mortal. These beings possess superhuman abilities usually belonging to the god or goddess they were spawned by. They can pass as mortals in society, and it is unclear how the gods of Ilisara feel about these children. There has only ever been rumors and legend of such beings, and none have been confirmed. |
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| − | == Ilisara Geopolitics (needs editing) ==
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| − | === Geopolitical Map ===
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| − | [[File:Ilisara-GeopoliticalMap.png]]
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| − | == Dark vs. Light ==
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| − | The Dark Dwarves and Dark Elves are pitted against the Sun Elves and Dwarves. Despite the Dwarves’ and Sun Elves’ hatred for their Dark counterparts, they are not close enough allies to band together against the Dark Elves and Dark Dwarves. Additionally, the threat from Isandor’s Orcish Warlords prevents them from wanting to fight a land war in Hellan. The population density of the Dark Elves and Dark Dwarves is another deterrent. It would take a very concentrated effort to unseat the Dark Elves and Dark Dwarves from [[Winterheart]] that neither race is willing to commit to as war with Isandor looms on the horizon.
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| − | The Dark Elves are uniquely blessed by meteor showers over their territory they believe are sent by Selune. These meteors often hold slivers of gemstones that shine like starlight and provide great magical power. The Sun Elves covet these stones, and thus have skirmished with the Dark Elves for hundreds of years to try and get ahold of them. Dark Elves murder and torture any Sun Elves they find trespassing in their land. Some clans are more warlike than others, and many worship Vandun — leading to treacherous attacks, like the one which killed [[Tyrea Dawnwalker]].
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| − | ==== Dwarves ====
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| − | Numbers: 4,500,000
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| − | Allies: Humanity, Sun Elves
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| − | Enemies: Orcish Warlords, Dark Dwarves, Dark Elves
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| − | Motivations: Hate the Sun Elves, but begrudgingly work beside them. Self interested.
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| − | Geopolitical State: The Dwarves are led by a military general. They do not like meddling in the affairs of others, and are fairly isolationist and self-serving. Dwarves want the Dark Elves and Dark Dwarves destroyed, permanently, and find humans too permissive of them. However, Dwarves do benefit from humanity’s contributions to the world, particularly their ingenuity and trade goods. The Dwarves are gruff, hardworking folk with a harsh outlook on the world.
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| − | ==== Sun Elves ====
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| − | Numbers: 5,000,000
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| − | Allies: Humanity, Dwarves
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| − | Enemies: Dark Elves, Orcish Warlords, Dark Dwarves
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| − | Motivations: Dislike Dwarves. Self interested.
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| − | Geopolitical State: The Sun Elves follow the wills of their King and Queen, who are hungry for power and influence. Sun Elves command a navy unrivaled on Ilisara. They own much of Hellion’s coastline. Wood Elf territory is very friendly to the Sun Elves, so the Wood Elf coastline could be considered as belonging to the Sun Elves. They are heavy-handed in their offensive measures, and desire the starlit gems that Dark Elves have in abundance.
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| − | ==== Humanity (Thrain) ====
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| − | Numbers: 3,000,000
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| − | Allies: Sun Elves, Dwarves.
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| − | Enemies: Orcish Warlords
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| − | Motivations: Want to bring everyone together in peace.
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| − | Geopolitical State: Humanity organized the Confederacy, which unites the Sun Elves and Dwarves. They aim to bring all of the races of Hellan into one big alliance against Isandor. Currently led by [[Markus Thrain]], those wishes may come to fruition. Humans are scattered everywhere in Isandor and live peacefully in Sun Elf and Dwarven land.
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| − | Humans have more motivations driving them to peace than simple altruism. The human capital of Thrain was founded on land given to them by the Sun Elves and Dwarves. It lies in a precarious position. It is vulnerable to attack by Dark Elves and Dark Dwarves, as the Mountains of Thrain have been tunneled into by the Dark Dwarves. Outlying settlements south of the snowy mountains are also vulnerable to strikes without protection from Thrain, due to a poorly connected empire.
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| − | Some humans are allied with the Dark Elves and shun Thrain’s people. It is not an insignificant group. Despite being fully integrated into Dark Elf culture, with half-elf sons and daughters, these people are still Thrain’s kin. They are a strong motivator for humans to want to ally with Dark Elves. The Shadow Hunters were one of these efforts.
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| − | ==== Dark Elves ====
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| − | Numbers: 1,500,000 (includes half-elves and aligned humans)
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| − | Allies: Dark Dwarves
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| − | Enemies: Sun Elves, Dwarves
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| − | Motivations: Hate the Sun Elves, want to protect themselves.
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| − | Geopolitical Stance: The history of Dark Elves is long and rich, and can be read on the [[Dark Elves]] wiki page. Currently, the Dark Elves are allied closely with the Dark Dwarves and utilize Dark Dwarf tunnels to defend and strike at incursions into their land. They are an isolationist people who do not seek to strike against the other races unless provoked. Dark Elves like to stay out of conflict; but when brought into a fight, they end it brutally and decisively using any means necessary to return to a quiet existence.
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| − | In the wake of the Laubrekker massacre carried out by the Sun Elves, many humans fled south into Dark Elf lands. Hundreds of years have passed. These humans no longer swear allegiance to Thrain and are fully integrated into Dark Elf society, welcomed as the outcasts they are. This is why the Dark Elves have a larger population than their Dark Dwarf counterparts. Their ranks are bolstered greatly by half-elves and humans. In addition to this, the conditions of the region (and possibly due to the influence of Selune) the fertility rates of Dark Elves is notably higher than Sun Elves.
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| − | There are some within the Dark Elf ranks that want to see the rest of the world destroyed. These Dark Elves see humanity as a means to an end — if they could ally with humans, they might have the might required to topple the [[Confederacy]].
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| − | ==== Orcish Warlords ====
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| − | Numbers: 25,000,000
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| − | Allies: None
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| − | Enemies: All
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| − | Motivations: Want to conquer the world for the blood god and god of shadow.
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| − | Geopolitical State: The Orcs have dominated Isandor. Centaurs, Trolls, and other various species have been subjugated into the Orcish Warlords. Militarily speaking, a greater portion of their population is ready for war than their Hellan counterparts. This leaves the Orcish Warlords with an army much, much larger than the Confederacy.
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| − | ==== Other Races ====
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| − | Halflings
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| − | Halflings number about 100,000, mostly contained within the forests of southern Hellan and their isolated Hidden Valley. They may be small in both stature and numbers, but they are positioned far from the main armies of Hellan and Isandor. If they ever did decide to strike using guerilla warfare, they would be able to cause the Confederacy enough pain and logistical damage to bring it to it's knees.
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| − | ==== Campaign Notes ====
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| − | As of the Jard-Kallix campaign, Arth has united the Orcish Warlords under him, and has dispatched their forces to attack the Confederacy. These forces have been directly bolstered by his power, and have been able to increase their population of their fighting forces by a significant proportion. As a result of this, the current geopolitical balance of military power is thus:
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| − | Orcish Warlords: 2
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| − | Confederacy: 1
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| − | Dark Elves: .25
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| − | Dark Dwarves: .02
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| − | Halflings: .2
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| − | Within the Confederacy:
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| − | Sun Elves: .4
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| − | Dwarves: .3
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| − | Humans: .3
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It is important to understand the world's geographical regions to understand the races that live in them. See the Locations page for a world map. At the very least, know that two very large islands stand in the middle of a great ocean. Hellan is the western island, and Isandor is the eastern island.
History
History of Hellan
Hellan is ruled by the Confederacy, which is an alliance of humans, dwarves, and elves. The Confederacy is very old, and the alliance is fragile. Factional disputes between member races are common, particularly between elves and dwarves. Humanity is the glue that holds the confederacy together.
Halflings are notably missing from the leadership of the Confederacy -- causing minor rebellions from time to time. In general, the Halflings have had to become increasingly reclusive in order to escape the oppression of the Confederacy. Most Halflings that exist within the Confederacy's major cities, towns, and roads are thieves and outlaws by necessity. They live in a safe-haven within the Hidden Valley, unbeknownst to the Confederacy.
History of Isandor
Isandor is in open war with the Confederacy, ruled by the Orcish Warlords. Their nation is a barbaric tribal system, with the largest alpha tribe dominating the lesser tribes by sheer force of will. In their culture, their greatest warrior is the leader of their people. The lands ruled by the Orcs is inhospitable, an aftermath of a long drawn out internal war that was only stopped by necessity when a large volcano erupted on the island. The terrain varies between desert, volcanic, and a few grasslands.
There are a few species of animaloids on Isandor. Most of them were conquered long ago, and serve alongside the orcs within their tribal system. Despite the Orcish Warlords’ ruthless warlike nature, they are far less prejudiced against races than the Confederacy because they value strength and tradition above birthright.
Timeline
Visit the Timeline page to view a complete timeline of the history of Isandor and Hellan. The timeline includes important events, like the Great War, which is the foundation for why elves and dwarves do not get along in the Ilisara universe.
Races
Races of the Confederacy
Humans
Sun Elves
Dwarves
Races of the Orcish Warlords
Centaurs
Orcs
Minotaurs
Other Playable Races
Avianfolk*
Catfolk*
Celestials
Dark Dwarves
Dark Elves
Genasi
Goblins
Half-anything (half-elf, half-orc, etc)
Halflings
Lizardfolk*
Wood Elves
*Avianfolk, Catfolk, and Lizardfolk are all considered "animaloids". They are bipedal intelligent animals with sentience and culture. Their cultures vary wildly and so do their values. Often, they embody the traits of the animal they are most closely related to. Animaloids are scattered around the Orcish Warlords’ territory, with a few living within the confines of the Confederacy’s land. They are mostly friendly to the Confederacy.
Non-Playable Races
Trolls - Ugly pests found on both Hellan and Isandor. Generally low intelligence, and work with Ogres.
Ogres - Hulking behemoths that can be found on both Hellan and Isandor. Usually brutish and low intelligence.
Giants - Ancient, and rare creatures that are in tune with the elements of the world. They are neutral to most humanoids, but commune with Genasi if approached. They can be found on both Hellan and Isandor.
Treant - Guardians of the forest. They are friendly to druids, and hostile to anyone who would do the forest harm. Neutral to most passing through their forest, but will assist the weary in times of need. Found on Hellan.
Mermaid - Found in the waters between Hellan and Isandor, these creatures have been known to take pirates down to their watery graves, and to help needy merchants on their voyage. Generally considered by all races as a sign of good luck.
Kobold - These rodent-like creatures live in deep, dark caves. Generally found on Hellan, but rarely on Isandor, these creatures are considered pests to Dwarven miners.
Demons (Succubi/Incubi/Imps/Hellhounds/Satyrs) - Followers of Vandun have been known to summon demon companions. They assist their masters in all of their endeavors and conquests. Demons can also be found on their own, consorting with mortals to their own ends. Some say not all demons worship Vandun, and that some resist for a greater or darker end. These are unconfirmed rumors though, as most who consort with demons do not admit it openly. Typically, consorting with a demon within the Confederacy is punishable by death.
Undead - Necromancy and death-magic is practiced in some isolated pockets of Isandor, resulting in undead monstrosities. Generally frowned upon. Kerrigor, god of death, does not approve of undeath.
Nephilim - The existence of such beings has been questioned routinely by the scholars of Ilisara. Supposedly, Nephilim are offspring between a god or goddess and a mortal. These beings possess superhuman abilities usually belonging to the god or goddess they were spawned by. They can pass as mortals in society, and it is unclear how the gods of Ilisara feel about these children. There has only ever been rumors and legend of such beings, and none have been confirmed.