The vast world of Tor-eal awaits adventure, filled with mystical creatures, fantastical magic, diverse and unique societies, and forgotten lands. The Sword Coast of Toril has changed over the past millennium, dividing into various nations with numerous peoples, factions, and settlements. Many countries and international alliances have been founded since the end of the Catastrophe, but the most prominent of them in the northwesternmost parts of Faerun are the Wadhavian Nation, the Kingdom of Nevumber, the Sovereign State of Sylvarin, Zæ-Voeth, the Realm of Mindathar, the Sheiohn Foulen, the Yikkan Contingent, and the Draconic Empire of Dragalaether.
Here is a map of the Sword Coast that I will be using to describe the vastness of the countries (If I could figure out how to use Photoshop on my computer that would work better visually, but this works for now):
Borders and other information about these nations:
The Wadhavian Nation
The Wadhavian Nation's capitol is Wadhaven, which lies where the city of Waterdeep once prospered. This city grew and changed over the course of the last ten centuries, becoming the metropolis capitol of the Sword Coast. The nation stretches as far north as where the High Road meets the Triboar Trail, the northern border stretching east to where the Calling Horns used to lie. From the Calling Horns, its eastern border stretches southward to Jalkan (formerly known as Julkoun). This southern border then stretches to the west coast at the Lizard Marsh, meeting with the nation's western border.
The leader of the Wadhavian Nation and its capitol city Wadhaven is known as the High Magistrate of Wadhaven. The current High Magistrate is Zaya Velithor, a female verdan Eloquence Bard. She is well-loved across all of the Wadhavian Nation, helping negotiate the most recent peace treaty between the Yikkan Contingent and Sheiohn Foulen, using her smooth tongue to save many lives in her nation and others. The next election for the role of High Magistrate is 1 Vithkare, 1049 AGS, with the current date being 17 Rogkare, 1047.
The Kingdom of Nevumber
Formerly the territory surrounding the city of Neverwinter, the Kingdom of Nevumber is ruled by the Nevthyrian Monarchs. This dynasty has lasted for over a thousand of years, beginning with Dagult Neverember, who declared himself the king of Neverwinter during the Catastrophe. Dagult died during the long years of this cataclysmic event, but his heirs continued his rule over the centuries. Eventually the monarchy bred with elves and half-elves, causing most of the current dynasty to be half-elves. The current King of Nevumber is Zalthon Nevthyri, who is now 73 years old and has several children, his heiress being Princess Eluisa Nevthyri, who is 40 years old and married to Azin Klavok. The monarch of Nevumber has complete power over the people of the kingdom, dwelling in the Hefwynter Castle.
The southern border of the Kingdom of Nevumber is shared with the northern border of the Wadhavian Nation, stretching from the intersection of the High Road and Triboar Trail to the former grounds of Calling Horns. The western border then stretches northward from the intersection of the High Road and Triboar Trail, following the coastline to Luskan, then heading northwest until meeting the Sea of Moving Ice. The northern border stretches from where the Sea of Moving Ice meets Maerwyld (formerly known as Icewind Dale) eastward towards the Long Road, which serves as the kingdom's eastern border. This eastern border also serves as the western border of the Sovereign State of Sylvarin.
The Realm of Mindathar
The Realm of Mindathar is the territorial nation conquered long ago by the Minotaurs. Where this nation lies used to contain the vast High Forest, which has now been heavily deforested. There are four "capitol cities" of Mindathar, all housing rival warlords of the nation. The dominant of these fortress cities is Minatos, which is surrounded by the Maze of the Steel Bull. The current dictator and leader warlord of Mindathar is King Malrik Bullsteel II, who dwells in the Golden Palace that lies in the center of this great maze. He sits upon a golden throne shaped like the head of a bull and wields a flametongue greataxe named the Reaver of the Wilds. King Malrik leads his people in battle when needed, marching at the front of the Legion of the Gilded Horn.
The Realm of Mindathar fills most of the territory where the High Forest used to thrive, sharing its eastern border with the western border of the Wadhavian Nation. The northern border is shared with the Sovereign State of Sylvarin and Zæ-Voeth. The eastern border is shared with the Tribes of Tralgona (the troll/ogre nation), the nation of the tribes including most of the Delimbiyr Vale that stretches from the border of Zæ-Voeth to the edge of the Southwood. The southern border of Mindathar is shared with Klörvak (nation of giants).
The Sovereign State of Sylvarin
Ruled over by its half-elf, half-orc queen, the Sovereign State of Sylvarin is a diverse and inclusive realm. This nation includes part of what used to be called the Silver Marches, already granting it a diverse population, including orcs, drow, humans, elves, gnomes, halflings, and other common races. The ruler of Sylvarin is Queen Kaliisa Ithildin (Moonsilver), who is 91 years old. She is an Oath of the Watchers Paladin, who has sworn to protect her people from enemies. She wields a silver warhammer with a circular head known as the Silvertide and a circular shield shaped like the moon. Though the queen is a master of martial prowess, she does not lead her army (known as the Silver Guard). The captain of the Silver Guard is Kelris Xilofane, a silver-clad swordmage that wields a moonblade named Moonwhisper.
The southern border of Sylvarin is shared with both the northern border of Wadhavian and Mindathar. The eastern border is the Redrun River, everything east of this line being a part of the Draconic Empire of Dragalaether. There is no true northern border, stretching far north into the Endless Ice Sea, and the western border is shared with the Kingdom of Nevumber, beginning at Triboar and stretching north towards Mirabar.
The Draconic Empire of Dragalaether
Founded by the chromatic and metallic dragons, the Draconic Empire of Dragalaether shares its southern border with Zæ-Voeth and western border with Sylvarin. Like Sylvarin, there is no true northern border of the draconic empire. The territory of the Draconic Empire stretching into Northern Anauroch and the High Ice, eventually ending at where the range of mountains from the middle of the Plain of Standing Stones juts into the High Ice. The Eastern Border shared with the Empire of the Bedine where this range of mountains lays. Most inhabitants of the Draconic Empire of Dragalaether are Hearthdrak Dragonborn, Kobolds, and Bronze Lizardfolk, but there are a few other residents.
The capitol city of Dragalaethar is Kavathinor, which is ruled over by the Council of Emperors. There are 10 emperors in the Draconic Empire, one for each type of true dragon (excluding gem dragons). The High Emperor is Glavisoritan the Bronze, a bronze greatwyrm who leads the Council of Emperors.
Zæ-Voeth
This region of the Sword Coast is the nation and homeland of the gnolls, with the capitol city being Zeer-Han. This nation includes the eastern Nether Mountains and northeastern part of Delimbiyr Vale. The leader of Zæ-Voeth is called the Packspeaker, which must always be female. The current Packspeaker is Kai'Yovf the Cubmother, a gnoll shaman. She rides atop a giant hyena named Cackle, and wields a totem staff made of bone. This staff is known as the "Spiristaff", which is carved out of a hollowed elephant bone and can be used to summon the spirits of ancestral beasts.
Wadhaven is the modern metropolis of the world, the center of trade, business, and democracy. It is home to hundreds of unique shops, magical phenomena, and prestigious education, as well as great history, famous landmarks, and diverse peoples. The buildings are often made of metal and carved stone, instead of wood. Most buildings have at least one decent-sized window, and these buildings are placed very close to one another to conserve land. You are currently in a region of the city that has most of its major stores and markets, with the occasional house or apartment scattered here and there.
As you walk through the streets searching for places to shop, the first thing the newcomers in the party notice about the city is how big, populous, and varied the city is. The streets are filled with people of all kinds, most often humans, elves, half-elves, half-orcs, and halflings, but with a scattering of dozens of other unique races that many of you have never seen before. There are also the occasional orc or gnoll, and the even rarer genasi or dwarf.
There are peoples with brightly colored skins of all the shades of the rainbow and smooth horns that curve up from their head and prehensile tails that extends from their rear, with the occasional individual with wings protruding from their shoulder blades (the various types of Planar Tieflings). There are crafted humanoids made of a variety of materials (Golmeng), some appearing to be made out of metal (Immurts), others out of alchemical clay (Chelmic), some made of stone (Gragnef), and other more rarer ones made of glass (Prysmex) or gems (Jemlin). Another extremely rare group of people stands out, with skin of cyan, magenta, turquoise, cream orange, neon green, and other vibrant colors whose faces show next to no emotions, seeming to be lost in their own thoughts as they walk through the city streets (Felshen). At first it is difficult for those of you unfamiliar with the Felshen to even recognize them as being members of the same race, as their skin colors come in a great variety of bright shades, but you eventually are able to figure out that they are members of the same species.
Those new to the city stand out like a sore thumb, even amongst the bustling, chaotic crowds of the Wadhavian streets. Wadhavian natives are uncannily adept at recognizing outsiders, which is even easier of a task when a newcomer is of an uncommon race. Dragonborn are very uncommon in Wadhaven, causing many native Wadhavians to mistake them for "Draconic Lizardfolk" or even "Spiny Saurials". The newcomers notice quite a few people glancing their way for an uncomfortable amount of time, the staring ending as the person turns around a corner or bumps into another city resident.
The roads are occasionally crossed by pedestrians who need to get to the other side of the road, but it is difficult to do so due to the steady flow of animal-driven carts and wagons and the occasional clockwork or magical vehicle (like Evas's Combat Vehicle, but slower, made of metal, and inefficient).
You finally come across a shop that looks intriguing amongst the many diverse buildings of the city's main market region. This shop is made of an exotic type of orangeish-red wood, appearing much more like a hut than a store, stuck in a wide alleyway between a tailor's shop and a bakery. This small hut-like building has a wooden sign posted above its doorway that is painted with bold black letters declaring, "Tay'zok's Trophies and Totems: For any traveler's spiritual and phyiscal needs." Just beneath this board is a smaller, round board with an emblem printed on it, appearing to be the black profile of a gnoll under the sun. The building has no glass window, instead having a blind that drops down to block out dust but let in air where a window would normally be. The door to the shop is directly to your right, the handle being carved of bone and doorframe slightly to large for the wooden door that it holds.
Akanos Novak, a Fire Tielfing from the Elemental Plane of Fire, grabs the door handle of the shop and goes in. He stares in awe at the various trophies of exotic animals and beasts. He is about 6”0 ft tall, has short white hair with orange tips that dance in the wind. He face is sharp, with a noticeable scar under his left eye. His horns go straight up with a slight bend forward. His skin is crimson with several blotches of molten magma, due to his Genasi mother. He wears a black double breasted jacket with grey trousers and black boots. His long cape is red on the inside and black on the outside. On his right shoulder, there’s is a patch of symbol sewn into his jacket. For those familiar in demonology, you would recognize this is the mark of Inferna the Blazing, the daughter of Zariel. Akanos walks around the store with his journal open, taking various notes.
Outside, looking very much like a sore thumb while standing on the curb of the broad, crowded street, stands a squat half-orc with long black hair tied back in a rough bun. His tough grey homespun is splotched with dirt and mud from long travel, and he leans heavily on a gnarled quarterstaff, tipped with slightly rusted iron, while holding a map drawn on a used handkerchief. The various lines and squiggles make little sense to him, but a few helpful folk of the many-colored strangekin were surprisingly helpful, and told him well enough how to get here. Balasar, the tough-looking dragonborn whom he had met on the road, had invited him to come here to peruse the shop for curious trinkets before setting off for further horizons and adventures, to which Grumm had readily agreed. Despite his odd reptilian face, it seemed an honest one to Grumm. Crossing the street, and immediately almost getting run over by a passing vehicle, he slinks over to the shop and timidly cracks the door, sniffing through broad nostrils the smell of dust, weapon-oil, and a host of unfamiliar scents. Eager to get off the street, he steps forward, jostling a fiery-red, black-caped fellow in a black double breasted jacket with grey trousers and black boots who had just passed through the door before him.
Outside, looking very much like a sore thumb while standing on the curb of the broad, crowded street, stands a squat half-orc with long black hair tied back in a rough bun. His tough grey homespun is splotched with dirt and mud from long travel, and he leans heavily on a gnarled quarterstaff, tipped with slightly rusted iron, while holding a map drawn on a used handkerchief. The various lines and squiggles make little sense to him, but a few helpful folk of the many-colored strangekin were surprisingly helpful, and told him well enough how to get here. Balasar, the tough-looking dragonborn whom he had met on the road, had invited him to come here to peruse the shop for curious trinkets before setting off for further horizons and adventures, to which Grumm had readily agreed. Despite his odd reptilian face, it seemed an honest one to Grumm. Crossing the street, and immediately almost getting run over by a passing vehicle, he slinks over to the shop and timidly cracks the door, sniffing through broad nostrils the smell of dust, weapon-oil, and a host of unfamiliar scents. Eager to get off the street, he steps forward, jostling a fiery-red, black-caped fellow in a black double breasted jacket with grey trousers and black boots who had just passed through the door before him.
“Oh. Excuse me. I wasn’t watching where I was going,” Kane says to the half Orc. He puts his journal up and continues to look through the shop, but glancing at the half Orc every once in a while.
Without anything better to do, Grumm starts to follow the interesting looking Fire Tiefling as he drifts through the shop. He looks a little as if he wants to say something, but bites his lip instead, trying to look as if he is more interested in the odd looking doodads on display. After a moment, whatever the nearest enchanted blade-weapon catches his eye, and he shambles over, staying about 10 ft away and staring, a little slackjawed.
Down the street outside the shop, an excited voice chatters in a strange language as they look around in awe.
(Spoilers are for the Common translation for those who have Draconic and for the DM)
"Vorq sva nomeno goawy, coi ui zyak turalisj! Vur mobi re zyak throden xiekivi! Vorq sva shio wer svess moliki! vur vorq, mobi re throdenilt xiekivi hefoc Evas shar astahii vsist vorq weyotipre creolsvanoa!"
Look at this place, it is so big! And there are so many people! Look at all the smooth skins! and look, there are more people like Evas but they also look different somehow!
A white-scaled draconic creature is walking down the street with a bit of a light skip to his step as he is looking around all wide-eyed at his surrounding. He has a white fur cloak draped on his back with the hood covering part of his head hiding his prominent fin and wings. A small bag is strapped around his chest like a Bandolier.
"Ivory, tir ti gethrisj kiri karif vifothisev. Evas ui xoalir ekess qe hesi soves tenpiswo vur si tir ti huven ihk wux ekess xkhat woari."
Ivory, do not go too far ahead. Evas is trying to be our guide here and I do not wish for you to become lost.
Walking behind the white-scaled creature is a tall and intimidating fellow, a black scaled draconic humanoid nearly 7 ft tall. He has long and curved bone-colored horns and a long Finned tail trailing behind him. He seems to be wearing armor and clothing made of various hides, furs and leather and a large horned skull on top of his head acting as a helm. He has a thin bladed sword seemingly made out of bone tied to his left side, and a spiked shell strapped to his back with what seems to be a bow made fully out of bone beside it. A backpack is hiding underneath the shell.
Kane hears the commotion outside the shop and, having learned Draconic, knows what they said. He steps outside the shop to see who is talking when Ivory runs right into him. Kane tumbles into the ground. “Oww. I’m okay. I’m okay. I really got to start paying attention in the city. I should...” Kane stops taking when he sees Ivory. “Jumping Genasi! You are a..a..a dragon! My first day in the Material Realm and I’ve run into a dragon! Oh. I’m sorry. Where are my manners? I’m Akanos Novak, from the EPF, or Elemental Plane of Fire. Oh I have a million questions? How long do you live? What’s your wingspan? At what age do you typically mate?” Kane rambles on questions to Ivory, not even knowing whether or not Ivory can understand him.
A Prysmex wearing a cloak stumbles out of the crowd. "Oh! There you are! I lost you two for a second... There is a store that houses trophies and also spiritual items nearby. Would like to go there?" He points in the direction of the store. "You mentioned a friend meeting you around here... Maybe your friend is in the store?" He then looks at Kane talking to Ivory. "Oh is that your friend?" Evas walks over to Kane and sticks out his hand "Nice to meet you! I presume you are the friend Ebony was telling me about? I'm Evas. I've been showing them around the city."
A Prysmex wearing a cloak stumbles out of the crowd. "Oh! There you are! I lost you two for a second... There is a store that houses trophies and also spiritual items nearby. Would like to go there?" He points in the direction of the store. "You mentioned a friend meeting you around here... Maybe your friend is in the store?" He then looks at Kane talking to Ivory. "Oh is that your friend?" Evas walks over to Kane and sticks out his hand "Nice to meet you! I presume you are the friend Ebony was telling me about? I'm Evas. I've been showing them around the city."
Kane sees Evas and is stunned. “Wait. You are a..a..ugh hold on.” Kane takes out a book and thumbs through the pages. “Come on, where is it...Golmeng..okay..immurts..no..glass..a Prysmex! A being made entirely of glass!” He shuts the book and shakes Evas’ hand. “Akanos Novak of the EPF. Actually, I don’t think I’m the person you are looking for. I have actually never met these two. There is a half Orc in the shop, if that’s who you are looking for.”
Ivory, stumbling a bit and overwhelmed by the sudden bombardment of questions, makes a distressed baby crocodile like noside and darts back and behind Ebony. He peeks out from behind Ebony, staring at the strange horned fireman, cocking his head curiously.
"Ebony, batobot sthyr ui shafaer ixen," Ivory whispers in surprise to to his companion.
Ebony, that man is on fire.
"Si ocuir batobot Ivory, shar coi ui ti polite ekess vorq," the Black dragonoid replies before looking at the Tiefling.
I see that Ivory, but it is not polite to stare.
"I apologize my good sir for my friend bumping into you. He's not use to such a crowded space and.....tends to get easily distracted."
"Aha!" A booming voice from the doorway calls. "Dragon-friend!" Grumm descends the steps, nearly tripping over his rough cloak, and walks over to Ebony, stooping to about his waist-height and holding his hand out to Ivory while making friendly clicking noises.
“Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get all excited. It’s my first day here in the Material Plane and it’s a lot to take in.” He looks at Ivory and says “I’m sorry” in Draconic. He looks back at Ebony. “You must be a Dragonborn, due to your height and humanoid figure.” He motions up in the air. “Have you ever seen such a city? It’s huge!”
"Ah, Grumm. It's good to see you friend," He takes the Half-Orc's hand as Ivory chirps happily. "And yes stranger, I am a Dragonborn. A Hearthdrak to be precise. The name is Balasar, but most find it easier to call me Ebony. And this fellow here is Ivorataethlyn, or Ivory for short."
"Ava'yorn ushakal!" Ivory says happily.
"Hello sir!"
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"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
It is at this point that the group of strangers may notice the young man, barely more than a boy, sanding entirely alone in the back of the shop. He wears ordinary clothes apart from his jacket, which seems nicely made. He has no armour but at his hip is a long blade. He would look completely ordinary if not for his eye, which resembles a feline save for the fact that it is completely black. He is busy thumbing through an ancient looking tome labelled Wisdom of the Void. After only a few minutes he drops the book with a sigh. He looks over the shelf for a few minutes before selecting a new book. The name of the tome is in an ancient tongue, which has no letters recognizable in common, however after a while that too he puts back. He starts to head towards the door, but sees the gathering of the party in the entrance way. Not one to cause a commotion, he waits quietly for them to either move away or disperse.
The shopkeeper of the store is a male gnoll with braided hair and a fine, tan suit made of leather and cloth boots with thick rubber soles. He is carrying a thick staff made of acacia wood with totemic carvings of animals on it. He walks up to the group standing in a clump in his small shop and says in a low voice that is growly, yet kind in tone, "Excuse me, visitors. Do you have anything to trade or see anything you'd like to buy?"
Once he reaches the group, he sees the small, white dragon with its wings covered in the cloak of winter wolf fur. His eyes widen and he stares at the imposing draconic form in front of him.
Evas seems to glow red a bit. He turns to Grumm and repeats his earlier greeting. Evas notices the young man waiting for them and discreetly steps too the side and motions for him to go past. As he hears what the shopkeeper says, he glows even redder. "I'm sorry. I don't have much coin at the moment so I can't really buy anything." He then thinks about what the owner said. He gestures to the blinds. "Trade... Trade. I could trade. I notice you have blinds instead of a glass window. I, happen to be a master glassworker. Would you like me to make you a window? I imagine it gets quite cold in the winter... I also can provide adventuring services if needed."
"Yes...," Ebony says moving to stand beside Ivory. "I was told by my associate here," Nodding towards Evas "that this was a good place to stock up on supplies for hunting and wilderness trekking. Is that correct?"
Ivory, sensing a bit of caution emanating from his Hearthdrak friend, sits down beside him quietly yet still looking up at the gnoll curiously.
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"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
"Yes! Adventure!" Grumm seems quite animated at the prospect. "As well, I am a maker-of-things, not glass, but things to drink. Some nice, some not so nice. I am interested in trade, perhaps - I came in earlier and was looking at your fine blades. Many nice, but perhaps not what I am looking for."
Evas seems to glow red a bit. He turns to Grumm and repeats his earlier greeting. Evas notices the young man waiting for them and discreetly steps too the side and motions for him to go past. As he hears what the shopkeeper says, he glows even redder. "I'm sorry. I don't have much coin at the moment so I can't really buy anything." He then thinks about what the owner said. He gestures to the blinds. "Trade... Trade. I could trade. I notice you have blinds instead of a glass window. I, happen to be a master glassworker. Would you like me to make you a window? I imagine it gets quite cold in the winter... I also can provide adventuring services if needed."
He shrugs, "My fur keeps me warm in the winter, but it could help with customers without coats or fur. I don't have much needs of adventurers, but if you do come across any rare beasts or creatures on your quests, I would be more than willing to trade them, dead or alive."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
"Yes...," Ebony says moving to stand beside Ivory. "I was told by my associate here," Nodding towards Evas "that this was a good place to stock up on supplies for hunting and wilderness trekking. Is that correct?"
Ivory, sensing a bit of caution emanating from his Hearthdrak friend, sits down beside him quietly yet still looking up at the gnoll curiously.
"It very much is, if I do say so myself," He states, showing off his pointy white teeth with a welcoming smile, "I see that you have come across and slain many a beast,"gesturing at the coat of the winter wolf, "unless you merely purchased that and your bonecraft weapons."
"What are you looking for?"He asks, "I am sure we would be able to make a trade, as long as the fur-coat and weapons are from a genuine hunter."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
The vast world of Tor-eal awaits adventure, filled with mystical creatures, fantastical magic, diverse and unique societies, and forgotten lands. The Sword Coast of Toril has changed over the past millennium, dividing into various nations with numerous peoples, factions, and settlements. Many countries and international alliances have been founded since the end of the Catastrophe, but the most prominent of them in the northwesternmost parts of Faerun are the Wadhavian Nation, the Kingdom of Nevumber, the Sovereign State of Sylvarin, Zæ-Voeth, the Realm of Mindathar, the Sheiohn Foulen, the Yikkan Contingent, and the Draconic Empire of Dragalaether.
Here is a map of the Sword Coast that I will be using to describe the vastness of the countries (If I could figure out how to use Photoshop on my computer that would work better visually, but this works for now):
https://i.imgur.com/zTDBTDV.jpeg
Borders and other information about these nations:
The Wadhavian Nation
The Wadhavian Nation's capitol is Wadhaven, which lies where the city of Waterdeep once prospered. This city grew and changed over the course of the last ten centuries, becoming the metropolis capitol of the Sword Coast. The nation stretches as far north as where the High Road meets the Triboar Trail, the northern border stretching east to where the Calling Horns used to lie. From the Calling Horns, its eastern border stretches southward to Jalkan (formerly known as Julkoun). This southern border then stretches to the west coast at the Lizard Marsh, meeting with the nation's western border.
The leader of the Wadhavian Nation and its capitol city Wadhaven is known as the High Magistrate of Wadhaven. The current High Magistrate is Zaya Velithor, a female verdan Eloquence Bard. She is well-loved across all of the Wadhavian Nation, helping negotiate the most recent peace treaty between the Yikkan Contingent and Sheiohn Foulen, using her smooth tongue to save many lives in her nation and others. The next election for the role of High Magistrate is 1 Vithkare, 1049 AGS, with the current date being 17 Rogkare, 1047.
The Kingdom of Nevumber
Formerly the territory surrounding the city of Neverwinter, the Kingdom of Nevumber is ruled by the Nevthyrian Monarchs. This dynasty has lasted for over a thousand of years, beginning with Dagult Neverember, who declared himself the king of Neverwinter during the Catastrophe. Dagult died during the long years of this cataclysmic event, but his heirs continued his rule over the centuries. Eventually the monarchy bred with elves and half-elves, causing most of the current dynasty to be half-elves. The current King of Nevumber is Zalthon Nevthyri, who is now 73 years old and has several children, his heiress being Princess Eluisa Nevthyri, who is 40 years old and married to Azin Klavok. The monarch of Nevumber has complete power over the people of the kingdom, dwelling in the Hefwynter Castle.
The southern border of the Kingdom of Nevumber is shared with the northern border of the Wadhavian Nation, stretching from the intersection of the High Road and Triboar Trail to the former grounds of Calling Horns. The western border then stretches northward from the intersection of the High Road and Triboar Trail, following the coastline to Luskan, then heading northwest until meeting the Sea of Moving Ice. The northern border stretches from where the Sea of Moving Ice meets Maerwyld (formerly known as Icewind Dale) eastward towards the Long Road, which serves as the kingdom's eastern border. This eastern border also serves as the western border of the Sovereign State of Sylvarin.
The Realm of Mindathar
The Realm of Mindathar is the territorial nation conquered long ago by the Minotaurs. Where this nation lies used to contain the vast High Forest, which has now been heavily deforested. There are four "capitol cities" of Mindathar, all housing rival warlords of the nation. The dominant of these fortress cities is Minatos, which is surrounded by the Maze of the Steel Bull. The current dictator and leader warlord of Mindathar is King Malrik Bullsteel II, who dwells in the Golden Palace that lies in the center of this great maze. He sits upon a golden throne shaped like the head of a bull and wields a flametongue greataxe named the Reaver of the Wilds. King Malrik leads his people in battle when needed, marching at the front of the Legion of the Gilded Horn.
The Realm of Mindathar fills most of the territory where the High Forest used to thrive, sharing its eastern border with the western border of the Wadhavian Nation. The northern border is shared with the Sovereign State of Sylvarin and Zæ-Voeth. The eastern border is shared with the Tribes of Tralgona (the troll/ogre nation), the nation of the tribes including most of the Delimbiyr Vale that stretches from the border of Zæ-Voeth to the edge of the Southwood. The southern border of Mindathar is shared with Klörvak (nation of giants).
The Sovereign State of Sylvarin
Ruled over by its half-elf, half-orc queen, the Sovereign State of Sylvarin is a diverse and inclusive realm. This nation includes part of what used to be called the Silver Marches, already granting it a diverse population, including orcs, drow, humans, elves, gnomes, halflings, and other common races. The ruler of Sylvarin is Queen Kaliisa Ithildin (Moonsilver), who is 91 years old. She is an Oath of the Watchers Paladin, who has sworn to protect her people from enemies. She wields a silver warhammer with a circular head known as the Silvertide and a circular shield shaped like the moon. Though the queen is a master of martial prowess, she does not lead her army (known as the Silver Guard). The captain of the Silver Guard is Kelris Xilofane, a silver-clad swordmage that wields a moonblade named Moonwhisper.
The southern border of Sylvarin is shared with both the northern border of Wadhavian and Mindathar. The eastern border is the Redrun River, everything east of this line being a part of the Draconic Empire of Dragalaether. There is no true northern border, stretching far north into the Endless Ice Sea, and the western border is shared with the Kingdom of Nevumber, beginning at Triboar and stretching north towards Mirabar.
The Draconic Empire of Dragalaether
Founded by the chromatic and metallic dragons, the Draconic Empire of Dragalaether shares its southern border with Zæ-Voeth and western border with Sylvarin. Like Sylvarin, there is no true northern border of the draconic empire. The territory of the Draconic Empire stretching into Northern Anauroch and the High Ice, eventually ending at where the range of mountains from the middle of the Plain of Standing Stones juts into the High Ice. The Eastern Border shared with the Empire of the Bedine where this range of mountains lays. Most inhabitants of the Draconic Empire of Dragalaether are Hearthdrak Dragonborn, Kobolds, and Bronze Lizardfolk, but there are a few other residents.
The capitol city of Dragalaethar is Kavathinor, which is ruled over by the Council of Emperors. There are 10 emperors in the Draconic Empire, one for each type of true dragon (excluding gem dragons). The High Emperor is Glavisoritan the Bronze, a bronze greatwyrm who leads the Council of Emperors.
Zæ-Voeth
This region of the Sword Coast is the nation and homeland of the gnolls, with the capitol city being Zeer-Han. This nation includes the eastern Nether Mountains and northeastern part of Delimbiyr Vale. The leader of Zæ-Voeth is called the Packspeaker, which must always be female. The current Packspeaker is Kai'Yovf the Cubmother, a gnoll shaman. She rides atop a giant hyena named Cackle, and wields a totem staff made of bone. This staff is known as the "Spiristaff", which is carved out of a hollowed elephant bone and can be used to summon the spirits of ancestral beasts.
Wadhaven is the modern metropolis of the world, the center of trade, business, and democracy. It is home to hundreds of unique shops, magical phenomena, and prestigious education, as well as great history, famous landmarks, and diverse peoples. The buildings are often made of metal and carved stone, instead of wood. Most buildings have at least one decent-sized window, and these buildings are placed very close to one another to conserve land. You are currently in a region of the city that has most of its major stores and markets, with the occasional house or apartment scattered here and there.
As you walk through the streets searching for places to shop, the first thing the newcomers in the party notice about the city is how big, populous, and varied the city is. The streets are filled with people of all kinds, most often humans, elves, half-elves, half-orcs, and halflings, but with a scattering of dozens of other unique races that many of you have never seen before. There are also the occasional orc or gnoll, and the even rarer genasi or dwarf.
There are peoples with brightly colored skins of all the shades of the rainbow and smooth horns that curve up from their head and prehensile tails that extends from their rear, with the occasional individual with wings protruding from their shoulder blades (the various types of Planar Tieflings). There are crafted humanoids made of a variety of materials (Golmeng), some appearing to be made out of metal (Immurts), others out of alchemical clay (Chelmic), some made of stone (Gragnef), and other more rarer ones made of glass (Prysmex) or gems (Jemlin). Another extremely rare group of people stands out, with skin of cyan, magenta, turquoise, cream orange, neon green, and other vibrant colors whose faces show next to no emotions, seeming to be lost in their own thoughts as they walk through the city streets (Felshen). At first it is difficult for those of you unfamiliar with the Felshen to even recognize them as being members of the same race, as their skin colors come in a great variety of bright shades, but you eventually are able to figure out that they are members of the same species.
Those new to the city stand out like a sore thumb, even amongst the bustling, chaotic crowds of the Wadhavian streets. Wadhavian natives are uncannily adept at recognizing outsiders, which is even easier of a task when a newcomer is of an uncommon race. Dragonborn are very uncommon in Wadhaven, causing many native Wadhavians to mistake them for "Draconic Lizardfolk" or even "Spiny Saurials". The newcomers notice quite a few people glancing their way for an uncomfortable amount of time, the staring ending as the person turns around a corner or bumps into another city resident.
The roads are occasionally crossed by pedestrians who need to get to the other side of the road, but it is difficult to do so due to the steady flow of animal-driven carts and wagons and the occasional clockwork or magical vehicle (like Evas's Combat Vehicle, but slower, made of metal, and inefficient).
You finally come across a shop that looks intriguing amongst the many diverse buildings of the city's main market region. This shop is made of an exotic type of orangeish-red wood, appearing much more like a hut than a store, stuck in a wide alleyway between a tailor's shop and a bakery. This small hut-like building has a wooden sign posted above its doorway that is painted with bold black letters declaring, "Tay'zok's Trophies and Totems: For any traveler's spiritual and phyiscal needs." Just beneath this board is a smaller, round board with an emblem printed on it, appearing to be the black profile of a gnoll under the sun. The building has no glass window, instead having a blind that drops down to block out dust but let in air where a window would normally be. The door to the shop is directly to your right, the handle being carved of bone and doorframe slightly to large for the wooden door that it holds.
What do you do?
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
*I’ll start.*
Akanos Novak, a Fire Tielfing from the Elemental Plane of Fire, grabs the door handle of the shop and goes in. He stares in awe at the various trophies of exotic animals and beasts. He is about 6”0 ft tall, has short white hair with orange tips that dance in the wind. He face is sharp, with a noticeable scar under his left eye. His horns go straight up with a slight bend forward. His skin is crimson with several blotches of molten magma, due to his Genasi mother. He wears a black double breasted jacket with grey trousers and black boots. His long cape is red on the inside and black on the outside. On his right shoulder, there’s is a patch of symbol sewn into his jacket. For those familiar in demonology, you would recognize this is the mark of Inferna the Blazing, the daughter of Zariel. Akanos walks around the store with his journal open, taking various notes.
Outside, looking very much like a sore thumb while standing on the curb of the broad, crowded street, stands a squat half-orc with long black hair tied back in a rough bun. His tough grey homespun is splotched with dirt and mud from long travel, and he leans heavily on a gnarled quarterstaff, tipped with slightly rusted iron, while holding a map drawn on a used handkerchief. The various lines and squiggles make little sense to him, but a few helpful folk of the many-colored strangekin were surprisingly helpful, and told him well enough how to get here. Balasar, the tough-looking dragonborn whom he had met on the road, had invited him to come here to peruse the shop for curious trinkets before setting off for further horizons and adventures, to which Grumm had readily agreed. Despite his odd reptilian face, it seemed an honest one to Grumm. Crossing the street, and immediately almost getting run over by a passing vehicle, he slinks over to the shop and timidly cracks the door, sniffing through broad nostrils the smell of dust, weapon-oil, and a host of unfamiliar scents. Eager to get off the street, he steps forward, jostling a fiery-red, black-caped fellow in a black double breasted jacket with grey trousers and black boots who had just passed through the door before him.
“Oh. Excuse me. I wasn’t watching where I was going,” Kane says to the half Orc. He puts his journal up and continues to look through the shop, but glancing at the half Orc every once in a while.
Without anything better to do, Grumm starts to follow the interesting looking Fire Tiefling as he drifts through the shop. He looks a little as if he wants to say something, but bites his lip instead, trying to look as if he is more interested in the odd looking doodads on display. After a moment, whatever the nearest enchanted blade-weapon catches his eye, and he shambles over, staying about 10 ft away and staring, a little slackjawed.
Down the street outside the shop, an excited voice chatters in a strange language as they look around in awe.
(Spoilers are for the Common translation for those who have Draconic and for the DM)
"Vorq sva nomeno goawy, coi ui zyak turalisj! Vur mobi re zyak throden xiekivi! Vorq sva shio wer svess moliki! vur vorq, mobi re throdenilt xiekivi hefoc Evas shar astahii vsist vorq weyotipre creolsvanoa!"
Look at this place, it is so big! And there are so many people! Look at all the smooth skins! and look, there are more people like Evas but they also look different somehow!
A white-scaled draconic creature is walking down the street with a bit of a light skip to his step as he is looking around all wide-eyed at his surrounding. He has a white fur cloak draped on his back with the hood covering part of his head hiding his prominent fin and wings. A small bag is strapped around his chest like a Bandolier.
"Ivory, tir ti gethrisj kiri karif vifothisev. Evas ui xoalir ekess qe hesi soves tenpiswo vur si tir ti huven ihk wux ekess xkhat woari."
Ivory, do not go too far ahead. Evas is trying to be our guide here and I do not wish for you to become lost.
Walking behind the white-scaled creature is a tall and intimidating fellow, a black scaled draconic humanoid nearly 7 ft tall. He has long and curved bone-colored horns and a long Finned tail trailing behind him. He seems to be wearing armor and clothing made of various hides, furs and leather and a large horned skull on top of his head acting as a helm. He has a thin bladed sword seemingly made out of bone tied to his left side, and a spiked shell strapped to his back with what seems to be a bow made fully out of bone beside it. A backpack is hiding underneath the shell.
"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
Homebrew - Circle of the Living Machines Druid, Path of the Dragon Soul Barbarian
My hombrew Great Wyrm Dragons
Kane hears the commotion outside the shop and, having learned Draconic, knows what they said. He steps outside the shop to see who is talking when Ivory runs right into him. Kane tumbles into the ground. “Oww. I’m okay. I’m okay. I really got to start paying attention in the city. I should...” Kane stops taking when he sees Ivory. “Jumping Genasi! You are a..a..a dragon! My first day in the Material Realm and I’ve run into a dragon! Oh. I’m sorry. Where are my manners? I’m Akanos Novak, from the EPF, or Elemental Plane of Fire. Oh I have a million questions? How long do you live? What’s your wingspan? At what age do you typically mate?” Kane rambles on questions to Ivory, not even knowing whether or not Ivory can understand him.
A Prysmex wearing a cloak stumbles out of the crowd. "Oh! There you are! I lost you two for a second... There is a store that houses trophies and also spiritual items nearby. Would like to go there?" He points in the direction of the store. "You mentioned a friend meeting you around here... Maybe your friend is in the store?" He then looks at Kane talking to Ivory. "Oh is that your friend?" Evas walks over to Kane and sticks out his hand "Nice to meet you! I presume you are the friend Ebony was telling me about? I'm Evas. I've been showing them around the city."
When players get creative.
Kane sees Evas and is stunned. “Wait. You are a..a..ugh hold on.” Kane takes out a book and thumbs through the pages. “Come on, where is it...Golmeng..okay..immurts..no..glass..a Prysmex! A being made entirely of glass!” He shuts the book and shakes Evas’ hand. “Akanos Novak of the EPF. Actually, I don’t think I’m the person you are looking for. I have actually never met these two. There is a half Orc in the shop, if that’s who you are looking for.”
Ivory, stumbling a bit and overwhelmed by the sudden bombardment of questions, makes a distressed baby crocodile like noside and darts back and behind Ebony. He peeks out from behind Ebony, staring at the strange horned fireman, cocking his head curiously.
"Ebony, batobot sthyr ui shafaer ixen," Ivory whispers in surprise to to his companion.
Ebony, that man is on fire.
"Si ocuir batobot Ivory, shar coi ui ti polite ekess vorq," the Black dragonoid replies before looking at the Tiefling.
I see that Ivory, but it is not polite to stare.
"I apologize my good sir for my friend bumping into you. He's not use to such a crowded space and.....tends to get easily distracted."
"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
Homebrew - Circle of the Living Machines Druid, Path of the Dragon Soul Barbarian
My hombrew Great Wyrm Dragons
"Aha!" A booming voice from the doorway calls. "Dragon-friend!" Grumm descends the steps, nearly tripping over his rough cloak, and walks over to Ebony, stooping to about his waist-height and holding his hand out to Ivory while making friendly clicking noises.
“Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get all excited. It’s my first day here in the Material Plane and it’s a lot to take in.” He looks at Ivory and says “I’m sorry” in Draconic.
He looks back at Ebony. “You must be a Dragonborn, due to your height and humanoid figure.” He motions up in the air. “Have you ever seen such a city? It’s huge!”
"Ah, Grumm. It's good to see you friend," He takes the Half-Orc's hand as Ivory chirps happily. "And yes stranger, I am a Dragonborn. A Hearthdrak to be precise. The name is Balasar, but most find it easier to call me Ebony. And this fellow here is Ivorataethlyn, or Ivory for short."
"Ava'yorn ushakal!" Ivory says happily.
"Hello sir!"
"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
Homebrew - Circle of the Living Machines Druid, Path of the Dragon Soul Barbarian
My hombrew Great Wyrm Dragons
It is at this point that the group of strangers may notice the young man, barely more than a boy, sanding entirely alone in the back of the shop. He wears ordinary clothes apart from his jacket, which seems nicely made. He has no armour but at his hip is a long blade. He would look completely ordinary if not for his eye, which resembles a feline save for the fact that it is completely black. He is busy thumbing through an ancient looking tome labelled Wisdom of the Void. After only a few minutes he drops the book with a sigh. He looks over the shelf for a few minutes before selecting a new book. The name of the tome is in an ancient tongue, which has no letters recognizable in common, however after a while that too he puts back. He starts to head towards the door, but sees the gathering of the party in the entrance way. Not one to cause a commotion, he waits quietly for them to either move away or disperse.
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
The shopkeeper of the store is a male gnoll with braided hair and a fine, tan suit made of leather and cloth boots with thick rubber soles. He is carrying a thick staff made of acacia wood with totemic carvings of animals on it. He walks up to the group standing in a clump in his small shop and says in a low voice that is growly, yet kind in tone, "Excuse me, visitors. Do you have anything to trade or see anything you'd like to buy?"
Once he reaches the group, he sees the small, white dragon with its wings covered in the cloak of winter wolf fur. His eyes widen and he stares at the imposing draconic form in front of him.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
Evas seems to glow red a bit. He turns to Grumm and repeats his earlier greeting. Evas notices the young man waiting for them and discreetly steps too the side and motions for him to go past. As he hears what the shopkeeper says, he glows even redder. "I'm sorry. I don't have much coin at the moment so I can't really buy anything." He then thinks about what the owner said. He gestures to the blinds. "Trade... Trade. I could trade. I notice you have blinds instead of a glass window. I, happen to be a master glassworker. Would you like me to make you a window? I imagine it gets quite cold in the winter... I also can provide adventuring services if needed."
When players get creative.
"Yes...," Ebony says moving to stand beside Ivory. "I was told by my associate here," Nodding towards Evas "that this was a good place to stock up on supplies for hunting and wilderness trekking. Is that correct?"
Ivory, sensing a bit of caution emanating from his Hearthdrak friend, sits down beside him quietly yet still looking up at the gnoll curiously.
"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
Homebrew - Circle of the Living Machines Druid, Path of the Dragon Soul Barbarian
My hombrew Great Wyrm Dragons
"Yes! Adventure!" Grumm seems quite animated at the prospect. "As well, I am a maker-of-things, not glass, but things to drink. Some nice, some not so nice. I am interested in trade, perhaps - I came in earlier and was looking at your fine blades. Many nice, but perhaps not what I am looking for."
He shrugs, "My fur keeps me warm in the winter, but it could help with customers without coats or fur. I don't have much needs of adventurers, but if you do come across any rare beasts or creatures on your quests, I would be more than willing to trade them, dead or alive."
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
"It very much is, if I do say so myself," He states, showing off his pointy white teeth with a welcoming smile, "I see that you have come across and slain many a beast," gesturing at the coat of the winter wolf, "unless you merely purchased that and your bonecraft weapons."
"What are you looking for?" He asks, "I am sure we would be able to make a trade, as long as the fur-coat and weapons are from a genuine hunter."
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms