This is probably the default mini-setting in my world, a wild place where no one is in charge, lots of
races bundled together, old empires, and new ones always bumping into each other. Celestial, demonic,
and just plain weird shite is crammed in here, struggling for dominance.
The Narox: The Warring Spires
Located: Northeast of the free Chavox to the most westerly spires of the Tyrant Wastes
Rule: None. It is a broad land open land that have spires, huge mile high bolts of rocks that are essential
land islands high above the cold wastes.
Description: This land is the opposite of Lyrria in which a large numbers of various races live side-by-
side in relative harmony. Here various groups exist over a huge geographic region, all with the same
goal, domination of the spires and extermination of the other races and groups. This is not done with the
ideal of hatred; rather it is done through expediency. Spires are about territory, there is a limited amount
of space high above, and the only means to acquire more is to drive another race or people off theirs,
whichever way they can. And so they war, endlessly, for another spire for another foothold in this cold
desolate land.
Only one large nation exist in this jumble of spires stretching for most of the northern end of the domain,
known as Dacia, a human feudal nation, just North of the Valline in the Reaches. They are the heart
of the Narox, a central region of commerce and schooling. Only here does the frequency flow true and
obelisks freely rise. Knights of the Griffon maintain order and fiercely patrol for any signs of impending
attacks. Elsewhere the battle is open, but here it is all beneath the surface. As the central pivot, this is
where most of the scheming is done, supplies are bought and sold, sell-swords are hired, and magical
devices are smuggled in. Although the Dacian's do not view themselves as masters or overseers of
anyone else, they certainly attempt to stop any other group from gaining superiority in the rest of the
region. As a collective, the Dacian Empire understands that they are stronger than any other race, but not
if any one force controls the rest of the region. Clerics, Sorcerers and Knights equally share the duties
with almost as many monks and rangers also help in keeping this place safe.
Elsewhere, warriors rule the land. Gargoyles, Gammorrecs (Orcs), Minotaurs, Gith, Human, Dwarf and
Jahlen, all fight to defeat the others. All groups are constantly preparing for battle, defending themselves
or attacking a foe. Nobody understands when or how this all began, these groups have always existed and
battled each other. It is safe for no one to travel these lands and peace happens only when these groups
take a momentary sigh from battle, in preparation for the next.
Legends have it that all this territory was once the Jahlen's homeland, which controlled over two hundred
spires, in small towns and tribes. But when this changed is unknown. They now control less than forty
and their numbers are still shrinking. Four of the largest populated spires have made union with a
Minotaur clan and a nearby Elven city to attempt to carve out a home for themselves. Isolated from the
Dacian nation, they struggle to keep their ties and fight off the rest. This Ginil union has lasted more
than forty years, and is searching for ways to have stronger ties with either other Jahlen spires or Dacia
itself.
Githyanki, have three spires, fortunately all scattered, in destroyed towns. They use their otherworldly
abilities to scry and overwhelm the few survivors in war-torn areas. Their numbers are not large, but they
make use of magic for devastatingly quick raids, usually to assassinate a powerful leader or steal magic.
Their reason for being in the realm is unknown, and their presence is quite upsetting for many Dacian and
Lyrrian wizards, fearing a new planar invasion.
Minotaurs now control eight spires, formerly all united by the Nuthong Empire that was once a direct
threat to Dacia both in terms of size and military strength. Due to a coup, they have splintered into four
major groups, all obsessed more with recapturing the crown then uniting themselves. However, it is
believed certain members of the Dacian elite, knowing what could happen given the Minotaur’s
impressive military strength, supported the coup. These four groups are slowly starting to put former petty
differences, realizing they are losing their territory to the outsiders.
Belthanen is a unique confederation of exiles from Knothia formed three hundred years ago by Minotaur
outcasts who joined with human mystic monks, not to expand but to keep the three spires from falling
into the enemies' hands. The reason why these Minotaurs felt compelled to help these humans is often
debated; some believe the monks have an artifact belonging to the Minotaur’s patron. While this keeps
all Minotaurs from attacking these two spires, many others are compelled to find out the secrets by
taking this magic or artifact by force. Alas, these monks are incredibly strong, able to defeat most
threats through personal combat... yet they know that they cannot defeat an onslaught of any race, their
numbers are too small and, the next raid could be too large and spelling doom.
It is the Gammorrec or Orc threat that has caused more ripples than anything else in the last two
hundred years. They have long fallen to their stronger Minotaur forces and human magic, but they have
found something to give them a greater strength. Their numbers are increasing, and in the last forty years
have overtaken more then 25 spires. They may have been small spires, inhabited by mostly jahlen, but
they have a huge territory and come in waves every three years. They have caused the Minotaurs
at putting aside their petty differences, as well as causing much alarm in the Dacian outposts. The
Gammorrec may not be organized into one military unit, but their chaotic battle plan is working well
enough, so that the three-orc tribes are leaving each other mostly alone, all branching out in different
directions.
Alas, it is the Genesh Empire that stands in their way. Nine spires, closely linked together, this is
another human empire that has long existed in this territory. They are better known as the beast-masters,
as they have controlled various beasts for many differing tasks, such as transportation and defense of the
city, in ways matching the former wizard nation of Hembria. They are not great warriors and do not look
to expand their territory, not in such an obtuse manner anyway. They come in after great battles to clear
house, being a very conservative people. However, they are also ruthless and methodical. In small
numbers, even the Minotaurs can't stand up to the Geneshian war beasts. There have also been times
when they have periodically allied with the tyrants for one time attacks on rivals'. How and why this is
accomplished is unknown, yet they have not been punished by the tyrants for this, so if this was done
with the tyrant’s blessing is a terrifying possibility, one that the others hope doesn't happen too often.
Aside from the Gammorrec powerhouse gargoyles threaten more spires than anyone else. They control
15 spires, and though they have no united empire behind them, like the Gammorrecs, they work
outward trying to limit their territorial battles. They continually fight the Dacians, perhaps more than
anyone else, and are unimpressed with this feudal nation. They have one powerful advantage, their
natural flight allows them quick travel, and ability to strike in large numbers. Their race are
disadvantaged by their inability to breed. These asexual creatures reproduce thru a hive, however this
process creates physically strong but low-witted drones. Individuals must forcibly mate with other
species. This is a haphazard condition at best, and has long caused inbreeding or violent bouts for
internal control. With some devastating attacks on their hives, Dacian knight crippled the beasts
breeding, at least for one generation; this has stopped the battle for territory for a short time only. But
time will tell when these creatures will return in greater numbers, and this tactic may be a one-time
solution.
The Presappi dwarves reside in this region. They have long since stopped fighting for territory, but their
cruel raiding and nasty tactics are legendary throughout the domain. They have mastered tunnel warfare,
and more than one army has been stopped due to midnight romps by these sell-swords. They are a wild
card, in a region known for chaos. Open for profit and used by anyone with the coin to hire him or her.
Oromians use them throughout Dacia, in replace of their own Merchant League, to punish anyone who
interferes with their franchise. Due to their treacherous natures, Dacians use them only when absolutely
necessary.
These are not the only spires and races in this region. There are some small spires, with a unique race or
population, hiding and franticly attempting to stay out of the faces of the stronger peoples. Great beasts
sometimes appear terrorizing a random spire or population, but this is rare in such a heavily populated
zone. Tyrant raids stopped over seven hundred years ago, however, as visiting Lyrrian wizards have
pointed out, they still come. But they do so as spectator rather than conqueror, enjoying entertaining
mass carnage.
General Laws
Towers: are Guilds or group of professionals. Most cities are run and controlled by the various Towers,
thru the use of laws and bureaucracies. Some of the most common types of towers include: Sollus (Light),
Spell (Wizard Training) Sorrow (Mortuary), Silence (Martial Arts), Sword (Military Training), Trade,
Paper (Bureaucrats), Merchant or Work. They work both for the nation but mostly their own rules guide.
Taxes: Most travel taxes are paid upon entry thru the city gates paid on the wealth you are carrying,
usually coins or other pieces of value. You pay once every two months, so entry more than once in that
cycle will not cause additional taxes, to areas under the same entity. Rates are based on wealth, status,
identity and role: I use the base: Low (5%), Medium (15%), High (30%.) Right to Travel, which
prevents taxation on their horse or person when entering the gates.
Gambling: Small groups of card or dice rollers take and place bets at specific time and places, they often
flee when Lawful groups appear not that they are breaking laws but do not want to be observed.
Casinos are temples of Fatanus (Lady Luck), are located in large communities. There is a fee to
enter the Casino, and taxes happen as soon as winning happen, not when you leave the building, usually
10-15% flat charge but it can be more. Minotaurs and Clockworks are the most common guards.
Magic is strongly hampered by fields. If you cheat and are caught - you die, all casinos use this rule.
Jube: This is the most known and feared drug usually referred to as Spice, often called the Dream Spice.
It is rarely illegal to consume, but to create or transport is strongly discouraged. While most other types
of activity can be covered by bylaws, jube isn't; it is tolerated, never spoken of in polite company and
offered assistance by workers of Darras, the dutiful God of the Poor. Addicts aren't technically arrested
for being addicts but being drunk or disorderly or causing other problems in public; the unspoken rule is
don't arrest anyone if not causing issues for others. Those who use jube, fall into the dream world, losing
control and seeing images of bliss, horror or truth. Many other stories are told of things that can happen.
Prostitution: By Tower and Open. Nearly every general fetish is accommodated. Payment varies from
20 crowns to 200 or more gp depending upon the desired service. Celestial or Devilish or Elemental
entertainers are available in most large cities. Protection is guaranteed, so is discretion. There is little
social stigma in using or being apart of Towers of Pleasure, and a few can earn lucrative pay.
Religion: Except in the largest cities, churches are uncommon. Faith is practiced near an Obelisk which
is dedicated to a specific deity or ideal. Many cities have state religion where a particular church or cult
takes a flat fee from all taxes paid. Quanna (LG), Keran (LE), Casna (LN), Darras (NG) & Japeth (LG)
are the most common.
Slavery: More accustomed to indentured service than purely slavery, freed after a set period of service
(15 years.) Children cannot be held enslaved, women and progeny are always freed at birth. Halflings,
Ogres, Cat-Kin, Gnolls, & Goblins are the most common beings held; In Lawful Bound communities
only Nobles with Right of the Chain may purchase slaves.
Weapon Laws: Rapier, dagger or club can be carried by anyone, virtually anywhere. Some places have
the same laws with the use of bow. Most professional adventurers have a license which usually costs
from 5 to 50 gp for a year; citizens are apart of the standing army. Some locations have the Right to
Carry; where Nobles can carry weapons without license.
Dueling: Most places have at least one day a week where anyone can duel without a witness. Nobles
and Adventurers can duel as long as the other person also have the same right. It is not illegal to duel
a non-noble or adventurer, but there will be questions if someone dies in a duel. Right of Honour gives
Nobles the right to challenge those who have dishonoured them. Again, it is assumed that dueling is to
the first three strikes, not death. If someone has a reputation for bloodshed, their actions are highly
questioned, and legal experts often find a way to arrest or banish them.
Arena: Similar to Dueling laws except anyone that signs up for Arena fights has no recourse to get out
of it later; death may occur though it is not specifically part of the deal. Gladiators are paid, given
freedom from slavery or prison, or may be given other noble rights. It is never a one shot, often up to
five duels must happen over a month or more. One of the few areas where magic combat openly occurs.
Entry to the arena is usually between 1-4 s.p. and dueling occurs at least once a week.
Magic: There are few general rules regarding wizardly magic use. Some magic and users are heavily
restricted, to the point where nearly every high level spell-caster stays away. In most cities, clerics and
their obelisks minimize the effect of potential spells as some types of spells (damage, cold, illusion,
enchantment, etc) may be blocked. Magic trinkets such as wands are often seized at the gate, to be
handed back upon exit. Only weapons or armor are ignored, unless they are full of gems or valuable
metals, then they are taxed at obvious value.
Nobility: Nobles represent those of power and stature, most often from wealth or past prestige. Many
nobles have unique rights that citizens cannot normally obtain. While the first generation most often
keep the rights of their parents, it does not descend a second generation unless it is earned. Nobles
have unique responsibilities. They cannot turn away from a request from an officer of the city or nation.
They may not have entry fees to a city, but they have a yearly tax, on ALL of their wealth. They may be
able to kill a low level commoner for insult but they cannot bad mouth the crown or it's officers.
