Gothalingas: a fiercely independent and warlike people from Gothamark, they are masters of the sea. Guided by tala, their unshakable belief in destiny, and reverence for Vikaldr, a shadowy god of wisdom and fate, they live by signs, omens, and the counsel of seers. They raid across many lands—Gerravren, the Astelan city-states, and beyond—while trading their plunder to others. To the Gothalingas, honor is the bond of the tribe, and outsiders stand beyond its reach.

Vrenlingas: the descendants of a Gothalinga tribe that swore fealty to the Astelan empire over a thousand years ago, they inhabit the temperate southern lands of Gerravren, where they have forged a sophisticated society rooted in law and governance. While the empire has crumbled, the Vrenlingas maintain a balance of martial strength, tradition, and Astelan-inspired structure.

Kratians: The fractured remnants of the Astelan Empire, the Kratians dwell in coastal city-states bound by shifting alliances and rivalries. Kanayama stands as a beacon of democracy, trade, and learning, its bustling markets and great Academy embodying the Astelan legacy. In contrast, Arista prizes discipline and martial strength, its warriors upholding austere traditions. Masters of philosophy and war, the Kratians cling to the glories of their fallen empire, many cities mired in the weight of ancient customs and fading ambition.

Rumelians: claiming descent from Rum, god of war, the Rumelians are a fierce, tribal people, divided between warlike mountain clans, pragmatic plains tribes, and the city of Daos. The Daosi are a civilized outlier, known for their stonework, piped cities, and the powerful Daosi Trade Guild. Merchants and spies alike, the guild thrives on trade and silver, holding strict neutrality—except in matters of their beloved Daos. Among the mountain clans, warriors favor hit-and-run tactics, wielding javelins, knives, and their deadly greatswords. Wild ascetics, the Ctistae, prophesy amidst bloodshed, defying chiefs and kings alike.

The Agadian Empire is an ancient, diverse nation ruled in name by the Emperor, the divinely favored one of Eshanaja, the empire’s official goddess and the focus of its state religion. Worship of Eshanaja is central to Agadian life, while the worship of other deities is forbidden. The empire claims dominion over the entire civilized world, framing all trade as tribute. Goods received are “offerings,” and goods given are “gifts” from the emperor’s generosity.