This page details all of the general information about Caldron.
Caldron is the oldest continent in all of Gaia. A land rich with history, riches, and mystery, Caldron is, and always has been, a land of variety and adventure. Given as a gift to the First Ones by the Wildmother, this rich land has the remains of ancient creatures that once ruled the open expanses of the continent. If one looks hard enough, and in the right places, one will find historical artifacts that quite literally date back to the creation of life itself.
While Caldron was inhabited for many centuries by the First Ones, the eventual introduction of the First Men to the world by the Deities of Chaos ended their domination over Caldron, and the rest of the world. Being hunted down to near extinction, enslaved, or imprisoned, the First Ones have largely become extinct, with those that survived being pushed to the outer reaches of the continent. While their descendants still persist to this day, the Caldron of those days is long gone, and along with it, uncovered relics and history waiting to be found.
Containing within it a wide variety of climates, Caldron is also home to a multitude of civilizations. In the North, the frozen expanse known as the Frozen Peaks, contains vast areas of trees, snow, ice, and of course, the remains of those that dare to explore it. It is rumored that the souls of those that perished within this region are stuck there, in limbo, and haunt the woodlands at the base of the mountains known as the Whispering Woods. Despite this, many expeditions are sent into the Frozen Peaks with the hopes of uncovering the history and buried treasure that lay under the ice.
In the East, the Kingdom of Ostanza rules and thrives. Led by the sole ruler, King Marcus Dryden, Ostanza stands as a kingdom withstanding the test of time. It is the oldest kingdom on Caldron, and the rest of the world for that matter, and as such has become a mecca of history, knowledge, and magic research. Its capital, the city of Ostanza, is the hub for which these renaissances take place, and without a doubt, is the shining jewel of this kingdom. Within the kingdom, in its northernmost part, is the Vesper Forest, largely considered to be the forest from which life originated. This expanse of trees has proven to be a source of great mystery as when one travels within it, he or she is subjected to fits of madness and hallucination, and going further only intensifies these feelings. Of the many venturing parties that traverse this forest, most never make it out, stuck endlessly wandering it, forever tainted by its touch. Despite this, many parties are willing to take on the challenge as the forest holds within it the secrets of the origin of mankind. Despite the deep connection to religion the Vesper Forest holds, the Kingdom of Ostanza, under the oppressive rule of the King, has only allowed the worship of Erathis the Law Bearer, Bahamut the Platinum Dragon, Moradin the All-Hammer, Pelor the Dawn Father, Ioun the Knowing Mentor, and the Raven Queen, Matron of Death, a decision that led to a rebellion long ago, and the formation of the Turian Empire.
In the West, and covering the most land on the continent, stands the proud Empire of Turia. A righteous and religious Empire, Turia split from Ostanza many centuries ago after a rebellion was led in response to Ostanza's frequent blasphemy and lack of care for religion. Those rebels that survived fled Ostanza and headed West to the unconquered and wild expanses of land therein. After many generations, Turia has grown into a massive Empire, ruled in a theocratic manner by the Holy Synod, the council of high priests of the five allowed religions in Turia. While there is a king and queen and royal family, King Gavinus Bryde and Queen Lyla Bryde, they have no true power and are more of a symbolic reminder of the old days of Turia. Very much driven by religion, the people of Turia are very happy with the Empire as the quality of life it offers is unparalleled. Filled with pride and satisfaction, the citizens of Turia coexist peacefully with each other, despite the ongoing religious conflict with Ostanza.
In the southwest of Caldron is the reclusive and isolated civilization known as the Shikumo Empire. Keeping to themselves and forbidding any foreign relations, except through Qarth out of necessity, Shikumo has been in a period of isolation spanning many centuries. Ruled by Emperor Matsuda Moriko, this empire has the strictest immigration laws of any of the kingdoms on Caldron, and only allows in those with explicit written permission from the Emperor, or officials of the Emperor. Shikumo is the home to the elite samurai-like soldiers, called the Tonabi, that have served the empire faithfully since its creation, guarding its walls and protecting its people. The massive walls of the Empire, which span nearly 100 feet, shroud it in mystery and intrigue, and despite many attempts to make contact, has remained a mystery for as long as it has existed.
In the southeast, below Ostanza, is the Qarth Trade Federation. Created on the scarred and soiled lands ravaged by Cal Docros' dragons during his assault in the Dawn Age, Qarth is less of an empire and more of a collection of independent cities that work together to survive. Under the control of the Authority, Qarth is a lucrative society, favoring money and profit over morals and religion. Those with keen minds and silver tongues often rise in the ranks in Qarth, and being the mecca of trade in Caldron, has the most skilled sailors in the world, fairing even the dangerous and perilous waters surrounding the Green Isles. Qarth is the lead importer in Caldron and has forged over many years delicate relationships with the rest of the world as well as the continent as a whole. Piercing even the walls of Shikumo, Qarth is an essential part to the functioning of the kingdoms on Caldron, despite being the most questionable morally.
To the west of Qarth, past the scorched and battered lands of the Deadlands is the Island of Scales which houses the underground kingdom of Nezdrekh. Built within the vacant dens of Cal's dragons, Nezdrekh is the home to the vile and nasty orc and goblin races. Using the magma of the volcanoes and ravines carved out by dragons from long ago, this underground metropolis remains a major threat to the free cities of Caldron, as the orcish and goblin forces continue to grow. No sane being dares travel to Nezdrekh, and ships that get too close often get pulled in, never to be seen again.
Shikumo
Nezdrekh