Just got finished with the world map for a new D&D/ world building project I've been working on.
there is simply a disgusting amount of lore I've created for this. So I'm posting it so i can kind of count it as done for now, allowing me to actually go and do real work.
a little run down.
Green text: the Dominion of Ithismir, a mighty and ancient kingdom originally of elves, but now all are welcome and celebrated. it's capital is vast and beautiful. it's legions command respect and it's Queen a philosopher and leader.
Red text: the Ferrum Republic. A republic governed by guilds of craftsworkers. full of great artisans, huge forges and beautiful, intricate buildings. it's cities hewn into the mountains. their foundries delving deep into the stone. it's influence stretches as far as beauty and good quality are held high, for a Ferrum made sword or an artisanal Ferrum dining table will always fetch a high price and jealous looks.
Orange: the Marish Triarchy. Three cities along the holy (to them) river Marish, rich cities of spice and silk, of colour and chaos. their three lords command the deserts; some say they can control the sands themselves. a mighty fleet of corsairs ensures Triarchy trade fleets never know fear on the high seas.
light blue text: The Iconian Hegemony, a collective of independent city states that in times of war, form together under the Hegemon, an ever rotating title held by the most powerful of these cities. mariners by heart. the Iconian navy is the envy of the world, constructed from the mighty Ajaxi trees native to their lands. the Iconians are an independent, proud and adventurous people. ever travelling further, ever exploring more and finding themselves in deeper and deeper trouble for their curiosity. a history of heroes and monsters captivates these sea going people.
Deep purple text: the Anointed Kingdom. founded by an order of monks who sought freedom from royal oversight, they fled over the golden sea and founded a keep. it has since grown to be a mighty city full of great temples to the many gods. their influence has spread, and they control a swath of land. ensuring religious practice is respected and upheld throughout it. yes it's the Vatican if the catholic church where all magical clerics not just old people. every so often you hear someone singing hellfire from hunchback. it just happens here don't worry.
Dark Blue text The Highlordship of Bite. in the frozen lands or Arlanis people have carved out an existence in the fjords and among mighty pine trees. life on the edge of oblivion has created a hardy people, a communal folk who care deeply for one another, knowing group survival is always easier than individual survival. these Northerners often travel to southerly shores to work as mercanaries or sailors in warmer climates.
Light purple text. Dorian's hall a fey entity on the material plane presided over by its eternal lord Dorian his influence changing the land he commands making it exotic and queer.
Pink text. the merchant princes. Free ports and principalities set up by second sons of lords wanting their own lands or rich merchants wanting a harbour of their own with less docking fees. these ports either grow rich, go broke and crumble back into the water or are seen as a threat by a nearby power and are quietly destroyed. for one to remain is testimony to either it's wealth or the stubbornness of its lord.
Black text. the blood tooth raiders. roving bands of slavers, who control their desolate sand covered wastes. the Dominion once destroyed them, but governing a whole wasteland was impossible and raiding bands fought a guerrilla war against them forcing the Ithismiri back across their bridge at Ithiksguard. the world looks down on these thugs but destroying them outright is near impossible leave one warlords and they will rise up again.