Drowe

Written by Dave Cartwright

The Drowe are the ultimate evil race. Ever since their rebirth during the rising they have tried again and again to subdue the other races. So far they have not succeeded, but time is said to be a virtue and being of elven stock, time is something the Drowe are not short of.

Elessar Andaris

The following are extracts from a book written by Kiranos Ezekor – the Itkah of the ruling house of Keymon. I have provided a short key reference for certain Drowe words.

Getadon:- A time prophesised when the Drowe will emerge from the Inner Earth and rule the world.

Inner Earth:- The underground kingdom of the Drowe. The least civilised areas of this place are full of deadly toxins and Dauthi Ghouls. The most civilised are just dangerous.

Dauthi Ghoul:- These creatures of unknown origins feed off spirit matter such as that which is native to most creatures (any creature with a spirit). They are endlessly ravenous - many have been known to quite literally explode from gorging themselves overmuch. The developed spirits of the Drowe have attracted these creatures to the Inner Earth in large numbers, but this also means that the Drowe are best equipped to deal with the creatures.

Kazin:- Rulers of the more minor families within a city. A Kazin is a respected individual with aspirations of one day reaching the more exalted status of Itkah. Until then they have little power other than status.

Itkah:- The most powerful Drowe of the most powerful family within a city. This Drowe is accorded respect equal to a king and is ruler of the city he/she dwells within. The Itkah of the capital city (currently Azekis) is also called the Zikan.

Zikan:- Similar to Itkah, but higher still. The Zikan is the ruler of all the Drowe (at least whilst there is no one else who can dispute his power) and all are answerable to him.

Azekis:- The capital city of the Drowe. The capital city changes from time to time as different Itkahs become powerful enough to depose the current ruling family. Currently Azekis' power is dwindling and that of its rival city, Keymon, is growing rapidly. It is only a matter of time before the endless War of Ascension starts again.

Cycle:- Near the centre of the Inner Earth, an eternal flame burns. This flame varies in intensity according to the cycles of the moon. The Drowe monitor its heat and use this to measure time by. There are twelve cycles in a year.

War of Ascension:- The War of Ascension, is the endless series of coupes and counter-coupes that repeat themselves every few years. During this time the ruling families attempt to become undisputed rulers and hence their Itkah becomes the Zikan.

Akelis:- A kind of beer brewed from a hallucinogenic fungus found only in the Inner Earth. Is lethal to any non-Drowe (and lethal to quite a few Drowe as well!), this beer affects the mind, causing the higher mental functions to go into overdrive. The effects can be …strange

Extract from the writings of Itkah Kiranos Ezekor

Other Races

Every race is worthy of respect, that is, the respect given to cattle. Even our infants can wield a sword or dagger better than a human; how can one cease to laugh at such that cannot slay a Dauthi Ghoul at the age of seven?

Of all the inhabitants of Yeoloth, Elves are the most loathsome; with their gifts they could have ruled the worlds – second only to ourselves, but instead they have locked themselves up in their little cities and allied themselves with the humans. They will be the first to die in Getadon.

The Inner Earth

Ah, home! The fools on the surface think they know what we have here. The truth is far greater than they could possibly comprehend.

Twelve cities exist; the capital is currently Azekis, but it’s power dwindles with each new cycle and soon the War of Ascension will begin again. At that time we of Keymon will rise to our rightful place as rulers of the Inner Earth!

Each of our cities are linked by a vast network of caves. There exists many direct routes to each city and also links to virtually anywhere on the surface of Yeoloth. Our exits are well guarded by magic and steel, though, and only Drowe have the knowledge and ability to navigate the Inner Earth.

Despite (or because of) our vast networks, many parts of the Inner Earth are too dangerous to venture into. Whole bands of trained warriors have been known to disappear whilst travelling the more remote areas. Warriors lacking in skill and judgement so deserve the death they receive.

Hierarchy

Each of our cities are ruled by families. The most powerful individual in the family rules and is called Itkah. Immediately below the ruling family several less powerful families constantly battle to increase their power so that they can rule the city. The leaders of these families are called the Kazin.

Every Drowe is a member of a family, although not necessarily a powerful one. It is the lifetime goal of every Drowe is to become Itkah of his or her own city and to eventually raise the status of the city to capital and hence become Zikan of the whole Drowe race.

The War of Ascension

The rule of the capital city is often undisputed for years as the other Itkahs build their power so as to be able to challenge the rulership of the Zikan and hence initiate the War of Ascension.

During the War, assassins from each city are sent in an attempt to kill the leading figures in the ruling families. If they are met with success, the other families within the cities will attempt control, weakening the ruling family further until it eventually crumbles under the combined pressure. Once this is accomplished the family swears allegiance to the most powerful family or is killed. The winning family must then beat down any resistance to their rulership and, assuming they are successful, the rights of capitalship are handed over to the Itkah of the (now) ruling city. (Control of the old capital is usually passed on to a loyal family that may have aided the new rulers in the War. This enables the rulers to concentrate their strength in the new capital – where it is most needed).

Getadon

When we first emerged from the Valley a book was carried from the flames which prophesised of a time when we would come to rule the surface world as well as the Inner Earth. At this time the lost city would reappear and unite the Drowe race. This event was to be called the Getadon.

The first of the signs has been fulfilled. Twelve cities exist now, but once there were thirteen. This thirteenth city was ruled by the most powerful warrior priests and was the original (and undisputed) capital of the Inner Earth.

What became of it? That is a question not even the Seers can answer, save that sometime around two hundred and fifty years after the Rising it simply disappeared. The area it once occupied is now a featureless expanse of rock roamed by some of the most vicious creatures to be found anywhere within the Inner Earth.

The prophecy tells that the thirteenth city will reappear and that it’s inhabitants will be changed somehow. The time of the Getadon draws near…

A Brief History of Events Since Entering the Inner Earth

When our plan to force the elves and humans into war with each other failed, the sheer numbers of the human and elven armies overwhelmed us. Eventually we were forced to retreat into the Inner Earth and to abandon our surface fortresses.

At first, many thought this a crushing defeat and dismissed our new home as a prison. They could not have been more wrong. Over a few hundred years the caverns were explored and new entrances were discovered or delved. In a short amount of time our network of spies was even more effective than before the war.

This initial period of expansion and growth led to the formation of thirteen cities. The undisputed capital of these was always Kezileer, the home of the warrior-priest caste. This was until two hundred years after the rising, at which point a strange change came over the inhabitants. On many, unusual deformations could be seen on the shoulders and back. The few that didn’t suffer from this malady soon left the city for fear of contracting this new and frightening disease. After about 7 years, all communication with the city stopped – its gates were permanently locked and nobody ventured in or out. This presented problems with the ruler ship of the race as a whole. Kezileer had been the central government for all Drowe matters and it’s loss left the Itkahs of the other cities at a loss as to what to do.

This problem was worsened when Hilkon Ixor, Itkah of one of the larger cities, declared himself the new Zikan in the absence of Arilak Kroon (The Zikan in Kezileer). Outrage was the chief reaction amongst the other Itkahs and many sent their assassins to remove the upstart. The assassins of Jana Farik were first to succeed and this prompted her to declare herself as the Zikan. Once again assassins were dispatched and she fell within a few days of declaring herself.

The death of two Itkahs in the space of a few days scared the remaining Kazin and Itkahs and so all surrounded themselves with warriors and assassins to protect them from possible attempts on their life. This gathering of strength lasted for a short period, providing peace amongst the Drowe for a while. Then, without warning, assassins were dispatched along with troops to besiege Azekis. The rulers of the city quickly fell to the combined attack. This open declaration incensed the remaining Itkahs even further and many responded with troops and assassins aimed at various targets. Eventually, full-scale war had escalated and virtually all Drowe were drafted into the armies and training schools. This war lasted for 40 years, during which the population was reduced considerably and the attitudes (which until that point had been greatly influenced by the time spent living on the surface with the elves) of the people twisted to fit their training – that of the assassin.

Eventually, it was the city of Azekis that managed to beat down the other cities into submission. The new Itkah was ahead of his time, and shared the views that are commonplace amongst the Drowe of today. Providing shelter for the remaining Channelers and Priests of Kezileer, he managed to coax them into fighting in his battles. At this time, they were at the height of their power and so led his armies to victory after victory against the other (and at this time spell-caster deprived) Drowe armies. After his fifteenth major victory in open battle, the other Itkahs swore allegiance to him and he has reigned unopposed since.

As has been noted earlier, the power of the Drowe Spirit-casters is waning with years. With it so too wanes the power of Zikan Delinkor Bakrez of Azekis. The second most powerful city now bides it’s time, for it cannot be long before it has the power to challenge the ruler ship of Azekis and so re-initiate the War of Ascension.

Human Lore

By Tilly the wonder dog Tyler

Seatona, the Empire of

Many centuries ago in the time of the twighlight wars the human kingdom became caught up in the battling between the elves, this weekend there defences greatly. This weakening was seen by the leaders of several green skin tribes, the fine and rich human lands proving all too tempting for the green skins to resist. So one cold winter’s night they attacked the Kingdom known today as Allegiance. Wave after wave of the green skins pored into the kingdom killing and pillaging all in their path. Seeing their success many more tribes joined them. It took only six months for the green skins to take control of the lands. The kingdoms armies fled, some by sea to Sanamar and some by land to Kingari. After three years had pass the green skins greed reared is eternally ugly head once more and they found need to capture more land. Still seeing the human kingdoms weakened by this bitter elven conflict, to Kingari they marched. Kingari scouts’ where able to catch wind of the green skin movements and speeded messages to the Kingari and Sanamar refugee lands. The refugee’s approached the King of Sanamar and the Kingari council of witches for their assistance in the reclamation of their land. All three kingdoms agreed to unify their forces and take back what was once theirs. Not wanting to miss a fight the Velochian armies lent their assistance too. What followed was a yearlong war of bloody conflict resulting in the reclamation of the land. The leaders of the respective Kingdoms seeing the might of there unified armies agreed to unify there countries under one ruler, while maintaining separate rulers for there own country’s.

Allegiance, Kingdom of (Denanian Humans)

The original inhabitants are known (amongst other things that I can’t write here) as Denans or Denanian. The country is a lush fertile land of rolling plains and countryside. The Denans are well known for their fine agricultural produce. However, the original inhabitants are a very upper class (or so they believe) and honourable (they wish) people. They favour their baggy expensive silk shirts, trousers and waistcoats along with a collection of (silly, big and floppy) hats. In fact, having one in you adventuring party is quite humorous. Its like a little fashion show. And it is the end of the world when they get blood or mud on their clothes. They live their lives trying to be good Ladies and Gentlemen, meeting in village squares to settle their feuds by courtly duels. Because this is the kingdom that houses the empire capital, there is a good mix of all the different races found within the empire. Allegiance also houses about half the empire troupes in peacetime. Making it the most well defended country in Yeoloth. Many of the worlds major religions, sects and guilds have their main temples with in the Allegiance capital of Batholm. This has lead to the Denans being a very accepting collection of individuals.

Kingari, Kingdom of (Kingari Humans)

The mountain ranges and forest of Velochia extend south into an area known as Kingari, although very similar in landscape Kingari is void of the Velochian harsh winters and great depths of snow and ice. It is held that the peoples of Velochia and Kingari where one and the same many decades ago. Indeed this would account for the similar beliefs and life attitudes held by the two races. The only factor standing in defiance of this link is the Kingari’s inept drinking skills. The Kingari are also a little less muscular in build in comparison to the Velochian. Kingari warriors, nobles, adventurers and recently many standard citizens like to decorate their faces with the black painted patterns of their ancestors. Much like the Velochian do with there blue paint.

As with all races Kingari have there talents, the Kingari’s is magic! This is reflective of there social and cultural structure. For their kingdom has no king, but a council of five witches. The five witches (although in recent years it has been decided that the council be opened to all spell casters of the empire) each represent one of the five elements. Every large decision is brought before the council and it is there responsibility to make the decision.

When a witch joins the council of five he/she must elect a champion, from then on the champion gains the tittle ‘Champion of Fire/Earth/Air/Water/Spirit’ (used as appropriate) and the champions master gains the tittle of ‘Master Of Fire/Earth/Air/Water/Spirit’.

If a master dies or is not seen or heard from for over a year and a day, then their place is taken by any successor he/she may have chosen during their stay on the council (A successor gains the tittle of Under master of…). If there is no successor then the first witch to meet the late masters champions approval will take their place.

Any witch of the kingdom may at any time challenge one of the five masters by calling a dual between his nominated champion and the master’s champion (or if they prefer either challenger or mast may fight themselves!). The master of the winning champion may then resume the place on the council. It must be noted though, that even though other magic users can hold a place on the council, they are not permitted to challenge any masters, they can only gain their place by being nominated by a master as their successor.

Other that the above mentioned tittles there are no others recognised in the Kingari Empire. Much of Kingari society is based around spell casters, the majority of towns and cities have mayors that are wizards or witch’s. This may be why the Kingari race has prospered so well, for a town guarded by magic is much harder to take control of than one with out. The Kingari honour the gods of the elements at eight festivals through the year, known as sabbats.

Sanamar, The kingdom of (Sanamarian Humans)

Out at sea slightly to the north west of the main land there is a large island known as Sanamar (my homeland). This island is populated by a group of empire humans called Sanamarians. They are a tall dark race of humans, well built and iron willed. They live in a tightly controlled, respectful society, where every one knows there place. The island has a variance of landscapes so therefor it is able to be self sufficient and has no actual need to trade with other nations, although trading does occur, but mainly for a variance of goods. The kingdom is ruled by a king who is responsible for making all-important decisions and carrying out the emperor’s wishes. The king delegate’s very little of his responsibility to others, so therefore plays a large role in all aspects of the kingdoms ruling.

Many have speculated that sexism is inherent within Sanamarian society (a comment made by a woman no-doubt). This may well be true but the people of Sanamar (as do I) believe that this is the correct way to live. Indeed, women are discouraged from carrying out roles and trades that men are better suited to, but they are never stopped. Although they must pay the price by forsaking there rights to marriage and childbirth if they do. They will also have to forsake their female identity, be referred to as he and choose a male name.

The Sanamarians have a great dislike fore other races, believing them to be inferior to them-selves, indeed this ideology is even held by the once female Sanamarian warriors. Consequently most other races have taken a dislike to them, although the Sanamarians do have a great friendship with the Dwarves and are quite often assisting each other in times of war and battle. The Sanamarians are hated most vigorously by the Drow. This all spans back to when the Drow lunched an attack upon the Sanamarian capital city, their aim was to sack the palace. The plan may have worked, only the Drow did not take into account the warrior spirits of these most hardy of people. The Drow never made in through surrounding towns, because they where defeated by the town guards and citizens. Evidently this has coursed much embarrassment to the Drow and no Sanamarian can resist the temptation to remind them.

The hierarchy of the kingdom is as follows:

King/Queen

Prince/Princess

Duke/Duchess

Marquis/Marquise

Count/Countess

Viscount/Viscountess

Baron/Baroness

Baronet

Knight

Serf

Titles from Marquis down are also awarded to deserving individuals as well as being hereditary.

Valochia, Kingdom of (Velochian Humans)

In the most northern reach of the main land there is an icy snow laden kingdom, know as the Kingdom of Valochia. The north of the kingdom is littered with mountain expanses and great canyons. Where as the southern part is covered in snow covered forests of evergreens. The Velochian people (a human sub-race) are part of the Empire, their archers being the prize of the Empires unified army’s. Because of the environment that they live in the Valochians are a very hardy people. They mainly live off meat hunted from the great woolly mammoths and sabre tooth tigers of their lands and strong beer made from the fruits of the widely diverse verity of evergreens.

But although they are a hard working race they are also extremely fun loving and always game for a laugh and are especially game for a drink. The drinking capacity of a Celt is legendary and surpasses even that of a Dwarf. They have never really had much of a problem with other races, mainly because most wars start over land feuds and nobody in their right mind would consider trying to inhabit Valochia with its harsh icy wastes. Although that fact did not stop a group on ten courageous and very drunk Gnomes, who one year at a Celt drinking festival (and they have a lot of them) were found hammering on the castle doors shouting "give up your country or we will piddle on your snow".

The Celts try, and are quite successful, to get on with anybody. They are especially fond of the Gnomes and Halflings. And many a time they have assisted them in battles. Due to the Celts high regard for nature they get on very well with elves.

Their favoured dress is normally very extravagant and very colourful. Some say they dress like this to make up for the blandness in their country. Their society as a whole is a very accepting one, and they feel that absolutely every one is equal to the next. They have a very simple but effective Top down hierarchy as follows.

King/Queen

Kings/Queens Thegn

Ealdor

Geneatas

Cottar

Geber

The Thegn who is the hire to the throne is chosen by the king or queen when they are brought into their role.

The one major thing (aside from drinking great volumes of alcoholic beverages) that the Celts are known for is their Celtic jewellery and decorations. It is their belief that it will protect them from evil, but on the most part other races just like it because of its aesthetic appeal.

Midnight, land of: Brimstone citadel, City of embers (Emberian Humans)

In post apocalypse times, the land of midnight was the home of the majority of the peoples of the world. It was a land that had all that was needed to flourish in multitude. It was also the land of the race responsible for the casting of the banishment spell. Consequently when the rising occurred, this land was hit by tidal waves, larva, storms, tornadoes, hellfire, diseases and curses. Leaving it in the condition that it is in now, a Hugh expanse of land yielding little life and hope. The earth is dry dust, with the odd bush standing in defiance of the unyielding soil. There are many rivers running across the land, but they hold little life either, the water is undrinkable due to the salt contained with in.

But it’s not only the sporadic occurrences of bushes that stand in defence of the lands curse. Within the centre of the land there is a city larger than any upon the face of Yeoloth. The city is known as the City of embers, because of the red rock it is made out of. It is contained within gigantic walls of stone, bearing ancient markings. It is believed that as the city expands so to do the walls, the walls are also believed to hold other magic’s allowing the land within to be farmed. The city is very young in comparison to others, it has only being in existence for 900 years, although some speculate that the city has been there since before the rising, only it was not inhabited until 900 years ago.

In the centre of the city there is a great citadel know as Brimstone citadel. It is here that the founder of the present city resides. Elemental Master Flamehawk, once holding a position upon the Kingari council of five, Flamehawk left after a long and bitter conflict with the rest of the Kingari council over land allocation. When he left much of the Kingari army and their families went with him. This was a great loss to the already depleted armies of the kingdom (due to the Twighlight wars). Indeed it has been speculated that if Flamehawk had not left then the Kingari council may not of had reason to join the empire. It was not until 100 years latter that they where herd from again, when several trading caravans emerged in empire city’s to trade. The lands of midnight are considered to belong to Flamehawk, mainly because nobody else claims them. Flamehawk rules under the banner of the Order of Midnight’s Flame which shall be discussed latter.