The Nine Regions

Overview
The Nine Regions are geographical locations within The Kingdom of Olaran and are the main setting for both the Weekend Warrior Experience events as well as areas players can chose their characters to originate from. Each region has a distinctive environment and unique features that add flavor to a players backstory, as well as creates talking points in game for those who wish to partake in "in-game" small talk.

Originally these regions were kingdoms of their own, run by various clans and warlords before King Alirion united these areas under one greater kingdom. Some of the descendants of these clans still act as regional leaders, and it is considered somewhat of an honor if one can connect their lineage back to those early peoples. While the population of these regions is primarily the Olar people, their are some who came from lands outside their borders to become citizens and vassals of Olaran. This is most especially common in the region of Throi, formerly known as Grimmock, due mostly to the far traveling exploits of the Sea Lords.

While united under the same monarch, each regions people take pride in their own sub cultures and traditions, allowing players to give their characters unique attributes in costuming in order to identify what region they are from.

How to Build a Character Backstory based off of Region
After looking through the regions, a player cab think of where their character might be best suited to live. Do they come from a family of smiths? Perhaps Murnock would be a good choice. Are they from a lesser noble family who is looking to earn respect at court? They could be from Raven or the Capital region. This is a good start to get an idea of what character a player wants to play.

Next they must decide if they live in a city, a village or perhaps a more bohemian lifestyle. In each region there are major cities of importance that have some details they can work with, but it is encouraged to create something of your own within reason. Like any real world kingdom there are hundreds of towns and villages in between what you see marked on a map, so if players don’t find something to their liking they can try flexing your creative muscles a bit and build their own little town. (It should be noted here there are rules and limitations on what players can and cannot create on their own. A players backstory is flavor for roleplay and will not affect the story or the world of Adrasil beyond their own experience.)

Finally, players can add some personal details and flare to make their character unique. Giving them a family or group of people who they grew up with helps deepen the narrative they will create, and only adds to the immersion of the world. And while heroic deeds and epic adventures are all well and good, players are encouraged to try and find some tragedy or even character flaws that make their characters more well rounded.

Known For
The founding province of Olaran, it contains the Kingdom’s capital city - Olaran.

Key Households
The Royal House of O'Reyne - The ruling house of Olaran, currently headed by King Randar.

Topography
Generally a region of plains and grasslands, with a small region of forests on its western border near the Fire Mountains. Its eastern border is the Keldaran River.

Economy
The majority of the province consists of farmlands that produce grain. The capital city is a trade hub due to its access to the Keldaran River, on which resources and goods are shipped between the northern lands of the Kingdom, neighboring Arkadia to the east, and Goltha to the south. A majority of the wealth in the region is due to taxes collected from the other eight provinces. It is the political center to the Kingdom of Olaran.

Major Cities
Olaran - The Capital City of the Kingdom of Olaran, this vast city is surrounded by walls on all sides, and has some of the highest towers in the kingdom. It is a trade hub for the kingdom’s goods that are shipped along the Keldaran River.

Other Cities
Delcour - A city on the Keldaran River that is a popular stop for those travelling between the Capitol and Greyton Ferry. It is sometimes known as the Northern Gateway and is of strategic importance in protecting the capital. It is the sister city of Smit in the south.

Blackthorn - The westernmost city of the region, Blackthorn sits at the end of a small river that starts in the eastern leg of the Grimmock Mountains. It is a hub for farmers and traders from The Highlands to the west and the farmlands of Olaran to its east.

Locations of Note
The Royal Palace - Seat of power in Olaran, houses the royal family and the Throne’s Council.

The Academy of the Kingsmen - Many of the high houses of the kingdom send their best and bravest children to serve in the capital. They begin their training at the Royal Academy of Kingsmen, where they are educated by scholars from all over Adrasil and steeped in the ceremony and protocol of the court.

Culture
Those who live in or come from this region are often seen wearing clothes of finer make as they have access to the largest and most expansive markets in Olaran. That is not to say all who live in this region are nobles. There are parts of the city with a poorer population and therefore more ragged, surviving on charity from The Church of Luminos or scrapping out a living as servants.

Outside the city itself are large areas of farmland, usually owned by wealthier farmers as they supply the food for the capitol itself and are therefore compensated well. Occasionally these land owners may become wealthy enough to join the nobility itself, buying for themselves a coat of arms from the school of heraldry and thus legitimizing themselves as gentry.

Known For
As the southernmost region of Olaran, Lannock has seen much bloodshed since the unification. Conflicts with Goltha and Arkadia have instilled in the people of this region the spirit of warriors and a strong sense of pride for their kingdom. They are the first line of defense against invasion and evidence of of their combative nature can be seen in their culture and lifestyle.

Key Households
The House of Staghunter

Topography
A mix between the foothills of the Fire Mountains and the fertile grasslands along the river Murnock and Keldaran River.

Economy
Metalwork (due to their proximity to the Mines of Murnock), Farming, Livestock

Major Cities
Lannock - The capital of the region and the seat of the former Duke of Lannock, Kilian Staghunter. A well fortified city with a strong position on the Murnock River, it works as a defensive location for locals as well as a trading town.

Other Cities
Pelo - One of the trading towns along the Keldaran River that is a stop for ships traveling north to the capital.

Bash Tiar - A strongly fortified city and a bastion of defense for all trade routes leading into Olaran from the sea. Known for its great fortress.

Smit - Known as the Southern Gateway, Smit is the largest trading stop on the southern Keldaran River and is the sister city of Delcour in the north.

Locations of Note
The Fortress of Bash Tiar - One of the strongest defensive structures in all of Olaran, this fortress is the primary location for the housing and training of the elite Hearth-Guard. It has never fallen in battle and is symbolic, in many ways, for the strength of the people of Lannock.

Culture
Those who hail from Lannock are often times strong willed and nearly unstoppable when they set their mind to a task. Metal is common in the region, so often times the soldiers and adventurers there are well armored. Though often times seen as stubborn or boorish, there is a soft side to many of these people as they have a love for their home and their kingdom.

Regardless of armor the citizens of Lannock are commonly dressed in simple clothes, only occasionally making finer items as they see no need for frivolous additions to anything they consider a practical necessity. However a simple torc or bracelet made of metal is a common addition to their ensembles.

Known For
The harshest and most unforgiving region in Olaran, the Borderlands are plagued with difficult weather and cold winters. The people are as resilient as they are fierce, with most of the region's history being steeped in tales of survival beyond all odds and creatures that are the stuff of nightmares roaming it’s forests and frozen lakes.

Key Households
The House of Galduron - Descended from the regions tribal leaders, a strong house built on survival with their seat being held in the Fortress of Grimhold.

Topography
Harsh land with rough, dark forests of pines. Rocky soil and inhospitable to all but the toughest of people.

Economy
Lumber and Furs

Major Cities
Harpdale - The capital of the region as well as the only trading town.

Ki - One of the outposts across the eastern branch of the Keldaran river, it is a village for trappers and huntsmen but little else.

Ko - Another outpost similar to Ki, though more of it’s trade is centered around it’s lumber mills.

Elg - The northernmost city in Olaran, it is remote and sparsely populated. It is one of the last cities in Olaran to openly support the Old Ways with a temple of sorts being erected in its main square.

Locations of Note
The Fortress of Grimhold - By far the most formidable stronghold in Olaran, it is set on a large hill and, as legend has it, has never been taken by an assault. Built into the ground it stands on, there are whispers of a complex array of tunnels underneath its main halls, kept secret by the House of Galduron.

Culture
Residents of the Borderlands are strong both in body and spirit. They face constant danger with the wild beasts that are common among the dark forests, and there is little in the way of crops for consumption. Often seen covered in furs of various creatures they have hunted, they prefer to keep to themselves when first meeting strangers, but to gain the loyalty of one of these ferocious people never fades.

Regardless of the situation, these citizens are armed in one way another. With the amount of risk they take to live even a meager lifestyle, they rely on the sword and spear to defend themselves.

Known For
While the majority of the land in Throi is mountainous and nigh impassible to travelers, it’s coastline is perfect for the building of ships and the seafaring peoples that call it home. One of the more independent regions due to their ability to travel the seas around Olaran and beyond, they have a strong voice in the politics and trade of the entire kingdom. Many are descendants of a people of unknown origin and have a strong connection to their familial roots.

Key Households
The House of Saelithend

Topography
Harsh mountains and cliffs along the coast broken up by naturally protected bays and harbors

Economy
Fishing, Ship Building, Transporting of Trade goods for other regions.

Major Cities
Thriese - The capital of the region and the seat of power for the Earl of Throi. It is the largest port in Olaran and is both rich and well defended.

Locations of Note
The Sea Lord Naval Yard - The birthplace of some of the greatest seafaring vessels in Olaran if not Adrasil.

The Grimmock Mountains - Though not as formidable as the Fire Mountains to the south, these peaks are not to be trifled with.

Culture
Independent is the key word when referring to anyone whose origins are on the pebbled coastland of this region. Since their first incursions into Olaran, the original Sea Lords took their rule over the area seriously, and built small fishing villages into thriving ports. The people of Throi have a strong will and great sense of adventure, and this is reflected in the variety of their style of clothing. Many cultures from around Adrasil gain traction in Throi, making it by far the most culturally diverse region of the kingdom.

Known For
Nestled between the Grimmock Mountains to the north and the Fire Mountains to the south, this region is one of the most peaceful and prosperous in Olaran. It’s small coastline provides it access to trade routes by sea, while its connection to the capital region provides an over land connection between Old Shire and the city of Olaran. It’s natural protection from the elements due to its mountainous surroundings has led natives to calling it the “Gift of Luminos” and it is the primary source for much of the countries crops.

Key Households
The House of Bartron - Wealthy landowners who started as simple farmers, the Bartrons are a large family and are as generous as they are cunning.

Topography
Rich farmland with some hunting in the foothills of the mountains, as well as pleasant beaches on the coast.

Economy
Livestock and Agriculture, some fishing on the coast. Much wealth is gained by taxing the trade routes running through it.

Major Cities
Old Shire - The capital of the region and seat of the Bartron family. A port city connected to the main overland route to the countries capital.

Cities
Millerton - A small town on the road between Old Shire and Olaran. A trading town with a small keep and stockades for defense. It is the town where trade caravans resupply before and after making the journey through the mountains.

Rivan - A village that operates as a way point for travelers on the road between Old Shire and Olaran.

Locations of Note
The Great Pass - A key point where the Grimmock and Fire mountains come to a head, while it has been made safer over the years, it is not without its dangers.

Culture
The Highlands are a comfortable place to live, despite the hard work done by those who till the fertile land. The people of the Highlands also have a strong affinity to the natural world, and often incorporate things from their every day life into

Known For
Raven is a strong region economically and while it is not the most prosperous in resources it has become a center of culture and art for much of the countries nobility. A beautiful if small province, it is dotted with hunting lodges and estates where the upper class spend their summers hunting and their winters banqueting. A bright gem hidden in the folds of the Grimmock Mountains, it is one of the most influential regions simple by its population of nobles, politicians, and bankers.

Key Households
The House of Eo - One of the oldest and proudest houses in all of Olaran, the Eo family are the caretakers of the province. While not holding direct power, they are skilled at providing comfort and amenities for those who seek to escape the capital and thus are ever present in the intrigues of court.

Topography
The eastern leg of the Grimmock Mountains make up the western half of Raven. The eastern half of the province is a region of dense forests that sits south of the Keldaran River.

Economy
Originally Raven was known for its gold mines before more valuable resources were discovered in Murnock. Now the province mainly uses the presence of the rich and powerful to help garner trade and economic deals as well as house political and religious gatherings in varying degrees.

Major Cities
Ravenfall - The regions capitol and only major city, it has some of the most lavish estates and manors in Olaran. Home to many of the nobility as well as the Royal Estate.

Locations of Note
Blackwell Crossing - A major crossing point over the Keldaran River.

The Royal Estate - A palace only completed in the past few decades and a secondary location for the countries monarch to hold court.

Culture
The people of Raven come in two forms, nobles or those who work for nobles. The former tend to dress in the latest fashions while the latter dress plainly, albeit with materials of a finer quality as to keep up the image of their employers. Gaudy jewelry is often a sign of a citizen of this region, be it an oversize ring or an array of gold and silver necklaces all layered together.

Known For
Greyton, like The Highlands, is a fertile province with many natural resources and farmlands available to it. The Bickerburg Hills are covered in berries and indigenous gathering plants while closer to the Keldaran River it’s soil is rich for the planting of tobacco. Known for throwing many festivals to celebrate Luminos, the King, and the bounty of nature, it is one of the more pleasant places to live in the kingdom.

Key Households
The House of Aldur - A relatively new household, the Aldur family gained prominence under King Osiric during his relatively peaceful reign.

Topography
Rolling hills and pleasant valleys with a few small forests mixed in.

Economy
Tobacco, Berries and Herbs

Major Cities
Greyton Ferry - A trading town on the Keldaran River that sprawls along the river for a few miles, known for its many taverns, pubs, and inns for weary travelers or avid alcohol enthusiasts.

Locations of Note
The Bickerburg Hills - Rolling foothills of the Grimmock Mountains, flush with many unique flora.

The Royal Winery - The location of the ill fated Autumn Festival.

Culture
It is said there is nothing better than a festival in Greyton and, judging from the common attire of bright colors and many ribbons or beads, this revelers mentality has seeped into the very clothing of its citizens. Additionally many from this region carry pipes and tobacco with them constantly, and the smell of herbal tea being made is a sure sign a "Ferryman" is nearby.

Known For
Thornwood is a province built on hard labor and self sufficiency. Often referred to as “the Kingdom inside the kingdom” this province derives its strongly independent status through an internally strong economy and a balance of agriculture, livestock, and textiles. It is also home to the largest wineries in the kingdom and is the source of other alcohol related resources such as honey, barley, and hops. Despite their self reliance, the people of Thornwood are fiercely loyal to the Kingdom of Olaran and have ties to the royal family through various marriages throughout its history.

Key Households
The House of Thornwood - While under one name, the House of Thornwood comprises of several noble families who have come together under one name to best benefit their people. Loyal and honorable, association with the Thornwood name is often used as a bartering tool amongst merchants and vassals alike. Their seat is actually split between the three main cities of the region providing them the benefit of oversight into almost every detail of what goes on in their province.

Topography
Farmland, with many groves of fruit trees both wild and tended by farmers.

Economy
Textiles, Wine, Beer, Mead, Cider, and various Agriculture.

Major Cities
Norn - One of the three seats of power for the nobles who control Thornwood. The largest city, it has solid walls and a well traveled port.

So’l - Another port city built around trade, there are also some shipyards for merchant vessels and scouting ships, though no major warships are built here.

Becklin - The smallest of the three seats of power, Becklin is more of a large estate as opposed to a town. It was designed with the purpose of convening the Thornwood nobles regularly, and is therefore built to accommodate a large host. It also has a reasonable garrison as it borders the Kingdom of Goltha to the south.

Locations of Note
The Thornwood - Though more of a collection of smaller forests as opposed to one large one, the Thornwood holds a prominent place in the ceremonies of the Old Ways. Travelers will often stumble into strange runes carved into trees or stone structures erected for unknown reasons. It is a place of ancient majesty and, for many, a place of old magic. Today that magic seems to have faded, however, with only the occasional disappearance to mar the otherwise gentle nature of the wood.

Culture
There is a strong affinity with the natural world amongst the people of the Thornwood. Their skills in weaving have made their textiles unparalleled but they are always simplistic, reflecting their spurning of fanciful or gratuitously impractical things. Some even incorporated the bones of animals into their day to day wear, remnants of a bygone era of druidic rituals and secret magics. Another sign of being from the Thornwood is being perpetually barefoot and always seeming to have dirt under ones nails.

Known For
The province of Murnock is the primary source for metals and metal work in the kingdom. It is a harsh mountainous region with many treacherous paths and difficult passes. Those who chose to live here tie their lives almost entirely to the mines for work and sustenance, either doing the mining itself, transporting materials, or manufacturing items from the metal. Due to the value of the region it has become a habit to have a strong military presence to deter brigands or the more ambitious neighboring kingdoms from trying to take the area.

Key Households
The Kelroya - Descended from the mountain folk that made the Fire Mountains their home before the unification of Olaran, this family is deeply rooted in the ruling and work in the province.

Topography
Nearly all mountains, with the limited access to the rest of Olaran

Economy
Mining, Metal work, Precious Metals and Stones

Major Cities
Murnock - The regions capital and located near the largest mines and creating a barrier between them and the outside world.

Places of Interest
The Mines of Murnock - The largest collection of mines and tunnels and deeply coveted by Goltha to the south.

The Fire Mountains - Some of the highest and most dangerous peaks in Adrasil.

The Temple of Luminos - Set on the highest peak of the Fire Mountains, the temple of Luminos is a site only those worthy of making the difficult pilgrimage can behold. Built to be as close to Lord of Light as humanly possible, it is a testament to his worshippers devotion to him and his teachings.

Culture
With how straining life is in Murnock it is no surprise those who call it their home are often thought to be terse or rude. In actuality, they simply don't have time to bother with anything but the necessities of life. They will carry tools with them at all times, and even the children have a basic idea of how to work metal. Their access to so much raw materials they often incorporate it into their clothing with fine carvings in the platers of metal sewn into overcoats or cloaks.