While the term is of Centaur origin, it has been universally recognized and adapted by all races, even those hostile to the Centaurs. Ieon represents everything in existence: the land, the sea, the sky, beyond the sky, the creatures and objects in all four areas, and each of the races that inhabit the land.
The Land of Ieon
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| Topography Map (click to view larger) |
Ieon as a continent is divided into four broad areas: Iicstaphos, Dynion, Keltoria, and Cirastine Casite.
Far to the north is Iicstaphos. Neatly sandwiched between the Chalek Mountains and the northern branches of the Zelrah Mountains, its primary terrain is tundra or vast coniferous forests. Iicstaphos is a harsh area, feeling the full brunt of winter. It is the only area that sees significant snow each year, and the snow lays on the ground thick for most of the year.
In the southeast corner lies Keltoria. It lies inbetween the Zelrah, the Northeast Zelrah, and Hirmleff Mountains. Terrain is almost exclusively flat grassland, with small deciduous forests along the mountainsides. Due to their proximity to Iicstaphos, the northern reaches do see slight snowfall from time to time.
Cirastine Casite is a small region hemmed in by the West Zelrah and main Zelrah Mountains. It is a fair mix of deciduous forest and bountiful farmland. It is also known for its high density of rivers, lakes, and streams along with plentiful game in the forests.
Dynion is bounded by both western branches of the Zelrah Mountains. At first glance, one might think it is the same as Keltoria, but Dynion's climate is dryer. Huge, strange, over-arching trees dot the golden, not green, savannas. Like Keltoria though, Dynion's northern reaches see occasional snowfall. Otherwise, precipitation is scarcer here than in other parts of the world.
The Nations of Ieon
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| Topography Map (click to view larger) |
Iicstaphos holds but two nation-states, the Kingdoms of Allehcor and Maghleraz. Both are populated with Fae. Both also have much of the same structure: a set of city-states ruled by noble Houses, with one city's House dominating as the sovereign. Currently, Allehcor's sovereign and thus capital city is B'Naov. The capital of Maghleraz resides at I'Kmoe. The two kingdoms have a symbiotic relation with each other; Allehcor is more adept at mining and refining while Maghleraz is more devoted to the craftsmanship and trading.
Keltoria is united under the Centaur's empire of the same name. The Empire of Keltoria is massive and dominates the continent militarily, politically, and economically. The court of the Centaur Emperor can be found in the city of Ravinion Nilwe, a city considered the most beautiful and impregnable in the whole world.
Sandwiched between Keltoria and Cirastine Casite is the third Fae kingdom, Parnugsa. The Kingdom of Parnugsa competes with the dual alliance of Allehcor and Maghleraz. Unlike the other Fae kingdoms, the capital of the Kingdom of Parnugsa is set at D'Ritneg and does not change because of which noble house rules at the moment.
Cirastine Casite does not have any independent nations, per se. Divided into seven duchies, it is in theory ruled by and subservient to the Empire of Keltoria. Lax attention from the Centaur Emperor and an often common, pride-fueled ego have caused the Human dukes of the region to consider themselves more or less independent. Squabbling and battles between them are not unheard of, and few of the Human residents of Cirastine Casite speak as if they were the subjects of the Centaurs. The ruling court of each duchy can be found at: Duchy of Norfolt, Xairedelphon; Duchy of Westermoth, Rophatella; Duchy of Vulsert, Shaiyon; Duchy of Lorian Saldriis, Valari; Duchy of Anolie, Vrynn; Duchy of Somaris, Balvon; Duchy of Grebfell, Asden.
Dynion is a contested land, with boundaries changing and nations constantly in a state of flux. Only two nations currently hold their own in this troubled region: the Estarin Democracy and the Erinyes Territory. What form of government, if any, the Erinyes possess is unknown. The Estarin Democracy holds to a new, radical form of government. The citizens of each city, in a regular ceremony held every few years, choose a person to be an ambassador for their city. The ambassadors of the cities then meet in the enigmatic city of Rhetsata and decide the best policy for the nation. Both Human- and Fae-established cities compose the Estarin Democracy.
In the middle of the Zelrah Mountains stands the enigmatic city of Rhetsata. The oldest city in existence on Ieon, it has survived all three Erinyes onslaughts and the massive earthquake. Sparsely inhabited, the city is all but a ghost town. Rumors, legends, and superstitions abound about sections of the city.
Somewhere to the east of Ieon, a single monstrous but hollow mountain rises up from beneath the waves. It is simply called The Hollow Mountain and contains the portal that permits entry into Thae'Elorian, the home of the Elves. Not much is known about Thae'Elorian except for rumors, legends, and hearsay. Supposedly, Thae'Elorian is located in a massive cavern located underneath the hollow portion of the mountain. The steep height of the mountain guarantees little light, bathing Thae'Elorian in either darkness or twilight. The cavern is half full of ocean water and contains huge living, growing stone-like substance called coral that reaches from the immense depths to touch the surface of the cavern sea. The Elves' residences and cities can be found carved into the coral. Exotic sea-life floods the cavern with eerie luminescence.
The People of Ieon
Six races of beings exist in Ieon: Centaur, Minotaur, Elves, Erinyes, Fae, and Human. While the Centaurs, Minotaurs, Erinyes, and Fae have always existed on Ieon; Humans and Elves are additions.
Centaur
With a lower half of a horse and an upper half resembling a Human, Centaurs embody the physical advantages of both. Centaurs are known for their speed over great distances, a trait that has enabled them to efficiently manage their large empire in Keltoria. They are the proverbial warrior scholars, proficient in both war and knowledge. Their hearts are more beholden to books rather than the sword. They are known to keep great libraries and records with some holding the oldest literature on the continent, and they continually seek new knowledge in all areas of science, history, philosophy, etc. Threaten their beloved libraries though, and an attacker will see why the wrath and prowess of the Centaurs at war makes up legends. Aside from their books, a Centaur's greatest concern is his duties, responsibilities, and the upkeep of his mane and hooves. As a race, they are considered the noblest.
Erinyes
A leathery creature, Erinyes have immense, bat-like wings along with two arms and two stubby legs. They are the only race capable of flying; they also are uniquely suited to thrive at nighttime. Due to their ugly appearance, the Erinyes have not always been treated fairly or kindly. As such, they have become an insular, xenophobic race. Their society has slowly decayed into moral decline and debauchery, and the Erinyes' only goal now as a race is the cruel domination of the world no matter how slow or laborious it may be. They continue to slowly claiming land through conquest, patiently and little by little. They seemingly operate as a rabble, and no organization or structure of authority has been observed in their ranks. Erinyes are often nicknamed "Furies" because of their continual, rage-driven desire to humiliate the other four races. They hail from the aptly named Erinyes Territory.
Elves
The first of the newer races to arrive at Ieon, Elves come from Thae'Elorian under The Hollow Mountain. No one knows where The Hollow Mountain rises up out of the ocean waters. The Elves are secretive about their homeland, wishing it not embroiled in the everlasting warfare with the Erinyes. They are a strange people whose weaponry and items come from ocean origins. The graceful lines and colors of their tools, items, weapons, and clothes remind a person of the ocean itself. Naturally, they are excellent seafarers, and their ships are the only navy that can be seen on the waters in modern times. The Elves quickly crush any warring navy, knowing that they can at least keep the sea in peace if not the land. Physically, there are two different kinds of Elves. The Light Elves have fair skin that tans easily and have the same hair colors as Humans; they prefer to have long, flowing hair. The Dark Elves have dark skin and only white hair. Both kinds of Elves have pointed ears and can hold their breath much longer than any other race. Aside from Thae'Elorian and their ships in many a port, the Elves have established two cities on the coast: Rid'Ishion and Ayr'Enes.
Fae
Short in stature, the Fae are pale grey in complexion with long but wide pointed ears and big round eyes. They are mechanically oriented, constructing complex machines. They also have a heart for exploring the deep places of the world so they can have the stone and metal they need. Of all the races, the Fae hold the most disgust for the Erinyes. Most Fae can be found in one of their three kingdoms or in the Estarin Democracy.
Human
The newest arrival to Ieon, Humans have quickly proven themselves to be a sturdy and adaptable race. Politically and socially, Humans still do not hold much power. They make up the majority of the current peasant class and middle class, with a few holding positions of nobility. Most of their real power lies in economics, as human merchants, traders, and craftsmen are quickly establishing a dominance in the world market, especially the tiny regiment of human blacksmiths who know the secret art to forging the crystalline swords now highly desired. The majority of Humans live in the various duchies of Cirastine Casite, technically under the lordship of the Empire of Keltoria. A sizable population exist in the Estarin Democracy, and their sprawling merchant class insures that humans are an omnipresent sight in cities and villages of most nations.
Minotaurs
Taller than all others, Minotaurs are a race of strength. True to their bull-like appearance, they possess fur and a pair of immense horns that can easily gore opponents. Minotaurs are also known for their rather hot emotions and ability to not get drunk very easily at all. Though based into large, roaming clans instead a nation proper, the Minotaurs are not to be considered uncivilized brutes. Family is important to Minotaurs, and family clans can rival small fighting forces in military strength. The majority of Minotaurs live in the forests and tundra of Iicstaphos, though traveling clans are seen in Keltoria and Cirastine Casite.
The History of Ieon
The creation of Ieon is a monumental event, carefully preserved in writing by the Centaurs first. It was formed out of nothing approximately 6,000 years ago by the words of the Almighty, who then placed the four races of Centaurs, Erinyes, Faes, and Minotaurs. Logically, Elves must have been created at the same time and placed in Thae'Elorian. Similarly, Humans must have been created at the same time and placed elsewhere, unless they were created in response to the Erinyes threat.
It took less than a millenium for the races to first interact with each other. During that tumultous time, boundaries of the areas for each of the races to inhabit were laid and contested. Eventually, each of the races claimed the part of the continent they originally inhabited, as that seemed to be the best area for each. Trade and discussion quickly followed the rapid mingling.
The threat of the Erinyes did not first appear until the world was two millenium old. Feeling left out, taken advantage of, and scorned for their appearance by the other races, they had begun a self-sufficent and xenophobic society that only worsened as the years went by. While their accusations rang partly true, the Erinyes' pride blinded them to their own bad behavior and the genuine offers of reparation the other races had sent. Bursting out of their homeland, they poured into all areas of the other continent, taking a vicious and savage revenge against anything and anybody. They killed and burned in whatever direction, pummeling armed resistance. They could not, however, forever resist the combined efforts of three races. Finally brought to a check and forced back, an uneasy truce was settled on after decades of war. Suspicions of each other remained though.
Approximately three hundred years later, the Erinyes once again lashed out but in a more organized military effort. This time, the world was engulfed in a bloody, savage war that lasted centuries. No boundary was solid; no place was spared the agony of warfare. Relationships between all the races were torn to shreds with each one left to their own devices. Four centuries of this followed, until the unthinkable happened. The entire world was shaken--literally.
The massive earthquake rid all of the will and resources to fight. Cities and nations, already devastated from centuries of conflict, were reduced to rubble. Economies that were already on the brink of death were driven further into the ground.
Forced to start from near-scratch, the inhabitants of Ieon reformed into the beginnings of the nations and kingdoms currently seen today. The Centaurs were the first, war having only increased their desire to save the books, history, and knowledge left surviving. They united as a race under a single banner and formed
their large empire, quickly securing and dominating Keltoria. In the process, they secured not only their libraries but the position of being the most powerful nation now existing. The Fae retreated mostly north, splintering into several kingdoms. The Minotaurs simple resumed and re-organized their family-based clan system, though several inter-clan alliances quickly sprang up. The vengeful Erinyes withdrew to themselves even more, becoming a near-mythological race at one point.
For the next millenium and three hundred years, the Erinyes nursed their wounds and rebuilt themselves slowly and silently. The Centaurs, Fae, and Minotaurs continued to watch them, but no major sign of activity could be seen. Over time, the watch lessened and eventually disappeared. Also at this time was the first appearance of the Elves in Ieon. They were quickly accepted, as the Elves seemed to have pity on
the broken world. They helped rebuild, but on one condition only: that no navy except theirs was to be allowed or seen on the waters.
The silence of the Erinyes was not an indication of their activity. Once again, the Erinyes marched out. This time however, they had accomplished their goal. The army they sent out now dwarfed the defense forces that peacetime nations had marginally kept up. Some say their army then has never been equaled to this day. It was an army too big, too well equipped for even the combined forces of the other three
races to combat. The Erinyes though, instead of immediately going out and fighting on all fronts, challenged the combined races to a single battle at the ancient city of Rhetsata.
At this darkest of hours, Humans first arrived. Coming in on massive fleets, they spoke of being refugees from a tyrannical empire. They had been on sea for so long that a whole new generation had been born and raised without seeing land before. Unknown and uncalled, they were certainly not unwelcome. The leaders of the nations and clans against the Erinyes gave them an offer: fight and help them in their struggle in the battle to come, and they would be given land to settle down. The various groups of Humans eagerly accepted, lending their men and their mysterious crystalline swords to the fight.
The fateful battle was a bloodbath the Erinyes thought it would be, just not for their enemies. Worse for the Erinyes was the mysterious crystalline swords, which proved to have almost magical qualities. The Erinyes were, once again, routed.
Two millenium has now passed since the arrival of Humans and that fateful day of battle. The Erinyes, disgusted at their results with large offensives, have adopted a new, more sinister strategy of creeping over lands and fostering divisions within the races and nations. No sign or trace of other Humans or the empire they fled from has been found, leaving only speculation and the reassurance of the distance between them and this distant threat. The Humans themselves are now a recognized and major part of everyday life in Ieon, having set up duchies in the sparsely populated but originally Centaur-controlled region of Cirastine Casite or dispersing to live in lands elsewhere. The Centaurs, Fae, and Minotaurs continue life in their homelands.
