Introduction to Elbanost

Elbanost is a world shaped by the aftermath of war, the careful balance of arcane power, and the ambitions of nations that rose from ruin. More than a millennium ago, a dark wizard named Malak the Black plunged this realm into generations of terror—and though he was defeated, the scars of his reign persist in law, culture, and memory.

Today, Elbanost is a land of vibrant kingdoms, ancient forests, mountain strongholds, and sunbaked deserts, all connected by the thread of the Accords of High Sorcery—the binding agreement that governs the use of arcane magic and prevents another catastrophe like the rise of Malak.

For adventurers, Elbanost offers everything: merchant cities humming with opportunity, forbidden jungles hiding terrible secrets, a slave empire run by a ruthless dictator, and towers of wizardly power that hold the fate of magic itself. Every region has its own culture, its own rules, and its own dangers.

A World Built on Ruins

The world that exists today was forged in the aftermath of the War of the Black. Before Malak's rise, free magic ruled—powerful wizards built personal empires and ruled through fear, protection, or outright conquest. As wizard turned against wizard in pursuit of power, Malak rose above them all, marshaling an army of sorcerers and undead that eclipsed any force the kingdoms had faced.

It took every major civilization—human, elven, dwarven, the Great Orcish Empire, and the rebel wizards of what would become the White Tower—to bring him down. When the dust settled, the surviving rulers of Elbanost made a pact with the surviving mages: police yourselves, or be policed.

The result was the Accords of High Sorcery and the establishment of the Towers of High Sorcery. Two of the original five towers were destroyed in the war; three remain. These towers now serve as the backbone of all legitimate arcane learning and governance on Elbanost.

Tone & Themes

Elbanost is a world of high adventure tempered by political tension. The following themes pervade the setting:

• Power and Corruption: Arcane power is tightly controlled precisely because history proved what unchecked magic can do. The towers themselves walk the line between protection and authoritarianism.
• Order vs. Freedom: The Accords keep Elbanost safe—but at the cost of freedom for any arcane user. Rogue mages live condemned lives, while tower mages are bound by strict hierarchy and loyalty oaths.
• Wealth and Inequality: From the slave markets of Oskela to the gleaming ports of Fenrir, Elbanost is a world where fortune and exploitation coexist. Players will regularly encounter the gap between the powerful and the powerless.
• Legacy of War: Ancient battles, broken empires, and lost towers haunt the landscape. The Underdark, the Dying Vales, and the Abandoned Reach are all reminders that history does not stay buried.
• Divine Presence: The gods are real and active. Freya's avatar walks the streets of Fenrir. Samantha's paladins ride from the Keep of the Rye. Divinity is not a matter of faith—it is a matter of which god you've encountered.

Elbanost is divided into distinct regions, each with its own culture, government, economy, and dangers. Regions are categorized by political boundaries for play.

Fenrir — Capital of the Republic of Reground Region A

Fenrir is the jewel of Elbanost—a vast cosmopolitan city open to all races, governed by a Representative Republic, and protected by ancient magic that prevents violence within its walls. It is the seat of the White Tower of High Sorcery, home to the Magic Academy, and a major hub of trade with one of the largest ports on the continent.

"The city of Fenrir does not need walls. It does not need an army. It needs only the will of those who built it and the magic that remembers their words."

Region	A — Republic of Reground
Government	Representative Republic
Races	All races welcome
Economy	Heavy merchant traffic; major port city
Military	No standing army; volunteer reserve status only
Magic	Home to the Magic Academy and White Tower of High Sorcery
Divine	Avatar of Freya resides in the city
Special Rule	✦ Peace Magic — No combat of any kind may take place within city walls
Economy Note	All items purchased in Fenrir cost 2× standard book value
Current High Wizard	Zion (White Tower)

Adventuring in Fenrir

Fenrir is a city of intrigue rather than combat. Because no violence can take place within its walls, conflicts play out through politics, blackmail, social manipulation, and the careful deployment of favors. The Magic Academy is a source of both quests and powerful allies. The port is rife with merchant conspiracies, smuggled goods, and the occasional monster shipped in by adventurers seeking a bounty.

The Avatar of Freya is a powerful NPC—a divine presence who may offer guidance, quests, or divine blessing to worthy adventurers. She does not travel beyond Fenrir's walls.

Adventure Hooks

• A merchant guild is using Fenrir's no-combat law as cover for a major smuggling operation. Evidence must be gathered without violence.
• The Magic Academy has reported a theft from a restricted wing of the library—a scroll that should not exist.
• The Avatar of Freya summons the party to investigate a dark omen she has witnessed in a vision.

The Quesea Empire Region B

The Quesea Empire rolls across fertile grasslands and low mountains, built on the backs of its legendary horses. A monarchy with a strong central military and a network of noble lords, Quesea is the premier military power of the open plains—feared for its elite cavalry and respected for its fine horseflesh.

Government	Monarchy — Royal Family based in the City of Quesea
Races	Predominantly Human
Economy	Ranch, livestock, and elite horse breeding
Military	Strong standing military; Elite Cavalry; roving garrison of riders
Special Rule	✦ Quesean Horses — Exceptional bonuses but cost 4× book value
Outlying Areas	Governed by Lords and Nobles, typically royal family members
Region	B

Cities of the Quesea Empire

Quesea (Capital City) — The royal seat of power, home to the ruling family, the standing military, and the finest stables in Elbanost. Source of political intrigue, noble quests, and cavalry training grounds.

Ioa

Size	Large City
Affiliation	Quesean Empire
Notable	Quesean horse stables; Cavalry garrison; northern military outpost

Salmok

Size	Medium City
Affiliation	Quesean Empire
Governor	Duke Eir — younger brother to the ruling King

The Quesea Empire offers opportunities for military campaigns, noble intrigue, and horse-related quests. Noble rivalries, succession disputes, and border skirmishes with neighboring regions provide constant hooks.

The Elven Kingdoms: Thelesia & Silvare

Thelesia

An elven forest kingdom known for its openness toward other races—a rare quality among elven enclaves. Home to one of Elbanost's most respected Ranger Academies.

Government	Elven Kingdom
Notable	Skilled Ranger Academy
Outsider Relations	Very friendly; open to all races

Silvare

A more isolationist forest elven kingdom whose northern border meets Thelesia at the City of Jade. Home to powerful wizards and remarkably skilled archers—a combination that makes it quietly formidable.

Government	Forest Elven Kingdom
Notable	Powerful wizards; skilled archers
Border City	City of Jade (borders Thelesia to the north)

Oskela — The Desert Dictatorship

Oskela is a land of extremes: vast mineral wealth and rampant poverty, brutal governance and the continent's most open black market. Ruled by dictator Yusuf Saglik, Oskela operates primarily on the backs of slaves and mercenaries. It is among the most dangerous and morally complex regions in Elbanost.

"Thurmond's Keep doesn't have laws. It has prices."

Government	Dictatorship — Yusuf Saglik
Races	Dwarves and Humans primarily
Terrain	High Desert and Mountain Ranges
Economy	Mining, slave trade, and black market commerce
Wealth	Vast wealth concentrated among the elite; rampant poverty for the rest
Law	Government police force of mercenaries and gladiators

Thurmond's Keep

The dark heart of Oskela and one of the most notorious locations in all of Elbanost. Simultaneously a gladiatorial arena, a slaver's market, and the largest open black market on the continent. Nearly anything can be bought here—for the right price.

• Gladiatorial Arena: Slaves, prisoners, and volunteer fighters battle for crowd entertainment and potential freedom
• Slavers and Mercenaries: The primary labor market of Oskela; mercenary companies are hired from here
• Black Market: ✦ Items up to Very Rare available — Magical items, forbidden scrolls, stolen goods, and worse

Adventure Hooks — Oskela

• Arena combat: Fight for prize money, freedom, or spectacle
• Black market contacts: Source for rare or illegal items unavailable elsewhere
• Liberation quests: Free slaves or disrupt supply chains
• Political intrigue: Saglik's regime has enemies; some may hire adventurers

The Udrusan Empire

The dwarven Udrusan Empire sits among mountain ranges, defined by a rare combination: aristocratic wealth and a powerful standing military supported by gryphon riders. Udrusan is one of the most militarily capable nations on Elbanost and one of the wealthiest.

Government	Aristocracy with a Royal Family
Races	Predominantly Dwarves
Terrain	Mountains
Economy	Wealthy upper and middle class; large upper tradesmen class
Military	Large, well-equipped standing army; Elite Gryphon Flight Rider garrison

Isolon

A medium-sized city within the Udrusan Empire with a notably human-dominated population, making it something of a cultural crossroads. Best known for the Giant Weasel inn and tavern.

Size	Medium City
Affiliation	Udrusan Empire
Population	Mostly Human (unusual for Udrusan territory)
Notable	The Giant Weasel — famous inn and tavern

The Halfling Shires

Blue River Shire

A peaceful halfling community governed by a Council of Elders. An agricultural heartland—rolling farms and pastoral communities that keep much of the surrounding region fed.

Races	Halflings
Government	Council of Elders
Economy	Farming and agriculture

Highland Shire

A second halfling community located in higher terrain. Details remain to be fully documented—a location ripe for exploration and development by the DM.

Races	Halflings
Notes	Details to be determined by the Dungeon Master

The Misty Hills

The gnomish communities of the Misty Hills represent the most technologically advanced civilization in Elbanost. Where other nations rely on magic or military might, the gnomes rely on ingenuity—and their clockwork siege machines and mechanical combat suits are nothing to dismiss.

Races	Gnomes
Government	Direct Democracy; City Councils with elected mayors
Economy	Clockwork industries; steam-powered technology
Military	Steam-powered clockwork siege machines; mechanical combat suits
Structure	Small towns with individual councils; no central empire

The Misty Hills border the Dying Vales—an enchanted and deeply dangerous forest where all creatures are classified as aberrations. This proximity has spurred gnomish defensive innovation and likely explains the development of their most powerful military technologies.

Beyond the settled regions of Elbanost lie wild territories, ancient ruins, and places where civilization's reach has frayed. These are dangerous, rewarding, and often touched by forces that predate the current age.

The Abandoned Reach

A superstitious region shunned by locals and avoided by caravans. The Abandoned Reach carries a dark reputation that keeps most travelers away—which is exactly what those who know its secret prefer. Somewhere within its borders lies a hidden entrance to the Underdark.

Terrain	Varied; largely unmapped
Danger Level	High
Notable Secret	✦ Hidden entrance to the Underdark
Atmosphere	Oppressive; superstition and dread hang over the area

• The entrance to the Underdark is known to very few. Those who have found it do not always return.
• Local villages near the Reach tell stories of disappearances, strange lights, and creatures that should not exist above ground.
• The Reach may be used as a gateway to extended Underdark campaigns.

The Dying Vales

An enchanted forest adjacent to the Misty Hills where the natural order has broken down. Every creature within the Dying Vales—regardless of its true nature—is classified as an aberration by the magic that pervades the place. The vales are beautiful and deeply wrong.

Location	Outside the Misty Hills
Danger Level	Extreme
Special Rule	✦ All creatures = Aberrations
Terrain	Enchanted forest; reality is subtly warped

• Gnomish scholars study the Dying Vales from a careful distance, seeking to understand—or reverse—its corrupting magic.
• Creatures from the Vales that escape into the Misty Hills are considered major threats requiring immediate response.
• The source of the corruption is unknown. It may be a relic of the War of the Black or something older still.

Vrath Jungle — The Ever Reaching

Also called the Bagheera Wilds, Vrath Jungle is a vast, primordial jungle where the ecosystem itself seems to push back against intruders. Everything here is harder, faster, and more deadly than it should be.

Terrain	Dense jungle; tropical; difficult terrain throughout
Danger Level	Extreme
Special Rule	✦ All enemies +2 CR
Atmosphere	Ancient, primal, unwelcoming to civilization

• +2 CR applies to ALL creatures encountered in the jungle, including normally mundane beasts.
• The jungle is referred to as 'Ever Reaching' because its borders appear to slowly expand over generations.
• Ruins of pre-Accord civilizations may be hidden within—rewards commensurate with the risk.

"For a thousand years this tower has stood as a pinnacle of arcane power, and it will stand for a thousand more with me at the top guiding its future."
— D'lam D'dar, High Wizard of the Black Robes

History of the Accords

Before the Accords, magic was free. Powerful wizards ruled like petty kings, their ambitions growing until Malak the Black rose above them all—marshaling an army of sorcerers and undead that plunged Elbanost into darkness lasting generations. It took the united force of every major kingdom and the rebel White Tower wizards to bring him down.

When the war ended, the surviving kingdoms would not allow another Malak. The remaining wizards were given a choice: create the Accords or face extermination. The Accords of High Sorcery established the Towers as the only legitimate institutions for teaching arcane magic of 3rd level and above. Every arcane user must either join the Towers, stop practicing magic, or face a death sentence as a rogue mage.

Of the original five Towers—each built around an ancient Arcane Focusing Tower—two were destroyed in the war. Three remain.

The Three Towers

White Tower — Fenrir (Good)

Location	Fenrir (Region A)
Alignment	Good
Arcane Specialties	Divination, Illusion
Current High Wizard	Zion
Role in Society	Most publicly active; closely connected to Republic governance

Red Tower — Antwan (Neutral)

The Red Tower currently operates without a High Wizard following the recent death of its leader, creating a power vacuum with significant implications for Elbanost's arcane balance.

Location	Antwan
Alignment	Neutral
Arcane Specialties	Evocation, Abjuration
Current High Wizard	DECEASED — Position vacant
Crisis	The absence of a Red High Wizard destabilizes the three-faction balance

Black Tower — Gaurdarian's Keep (Evil)

Location	Gaurdarian's Keep
Alignment	Evil
Arcane Specialties	Necromancy, Transmutation
Current High Wizard	D'lam D'dar
Notes	Ruthless but bound by the Accords; pursues long-term power goals

Faction Advancement

Arcane casters who join the Towers progress through six ranks by earning Renown, completing magical milestones, and demonstrating loyalty to their faction.

#	Rank Name	Renown	Requirements	Benefits
1	Initiate	0	—	Tower access (lower levels), Tower schools, unrestricted library section
2	Apprentice	3	—	All Rank 1 benefits; Tower laboratory; Mentorship from a Master; may wear faction robes
3	Mage	10	5th level; Trial of Magic	All prior benefits; full library; faction council service; must wear faction robes; access to greater magic
4	Mage of High Sorcery	25	11th level; Create new spell	All prior benefits; item of power; teaching privileges; may raise troops; Tower treasury & transport
5	Archmagi	50	17th level; Create item of power	All prior benefits; item of higher power; full inner sanctum access; serves on council as Elder
6	High Wizard	100	20th level; obtain council vote	Guides faction and High Wizard council; the ultimate arcane authority; serves for life or until resignation

Robes of the Order

The adornment of a wizard's robes signals both faction identity and rank. As mages rise through the hierarchy, their robes become increasingly elaborate—and increasingly recognizable.

Rank	⬜ White Tower	🟥 Red Tower	⬛ Black Tower
Initiate	No robe	No robe	No robe
Apprentice	Plain White Robe	Plain Red Robe	Plain Black Robe
Mage	White Robe, silver trim	Red Robe, silver trim	Black Robe, silver trim
Mage of High Sorcery	White Robe, gold trim	Red Robe, gold trim	Black Robe, gold trim
Archmagi	Adorned White, gold trim	Adorned Red, gold trim	Adorned Black, gold trim
High Wizard	Highly adorned White, platinum + arcane symbols	Highly adorned Red, platinum trim	Highly adorned Black, platinum + arcane symbols

Goals & Beliefs

Shared Goals (All Factions)

• Ensure the continuing power and purity of arcane magic
• Prevent any single mage from gaining the power to destroy or rule Elbanost
• Keep arcane magic rare, powerful, and contained within the Towers
• All three factions will set aside every difference to protect arcane magic itself

Shared Beliefs (All Factions)

• The arcane is prime—put nothing before it
• Arcane secrets must never fall into the hands of the unworthy
• The greatest enemy of arcane power is power-hunger itself; unchecked ambition leads to self-destruction

Rogue Mages

Any arcane caster who refuses to join the Towers and continues practicing magic is labeled a rogue mage—a death sentence in all but name. Rogue mages are hunted across Elbanost by Tower enforcers. A rogue mage can never rest easy, can never reveal their abilities publicly, and can never stop moving.

Sorcerers, who gain power through bloodline rather than study, often find themselves in this predicament: they did not seek the Towers, but the magic found them. Many join purely to avoid the life of a hunted fugitive.

The Keep of the Rye — Paladins of Samantha

The Keep of the Rye is a large fortified city surrounding a military fortress. The farmlands and livestock operations outside the city provide the food and resources the fortress needs to train and sustain one of Elbanost's most elite divine orders: the Paladins of Samantha.

"The Keep of the Rye is known throughout Elbanost for the military capabilities and beauty of its residents—two qualities the goddess Samantha demands in equal measure."

Location	Keep of the Rye
Structure	Large city surrounding a military fortress
Surrounding Area	Farms and livestock
Divine Order	Paladins of Samantha

Paladin Requirements

Called by the goddess Samantha herself, these paladins are among the most respected and feared warriors in Elbanost. Samantha's call is not for everyone.

Race Requirement	Human
Gender Requirement	Female
Charisma	16 or higher
Strength	15 or higher
Wisdom	14 or higher
Role	Divine warriors; defenders of Samantha's sacred mandate

The order dispatches paladins throughout Elbanost on divine missions. Players may encounter them as powerful allies, quest givers, or formidable neutral parties with their own agenda.

Other Notable Figures & Organizations

Avatar of Freya — Fenrir

The goddess Freya maintains a divine presence in Fenrir in the form of a semi-permanent avatar. This entity acts in the world, can communicate directly with mortals, and serves as a divine authority within the city. She does not leave Fenrir. Adventurers who earn her favor may receive divine blessings, guidance, or unique quests.

Duke Eir — Salmok

The younger brother of the Quesean King, Duke Eir governs Salmok with the authority of the crown and the ambitions of a man who knows he will never inherit the throne. Whether he has accepted this gracefully is a matter for the DM to decide—and a potential source of considerable political tension.

Yusuf Saglik — Dictator of Oskela

The absolute ruler of Oskela, Saglik controls the slave trade, the black market, and the mercenary forces that enforce his will. He is a man of enormous wealth and ruthless pragmatism. Opposing him directly is extraordinarily dangerous; working within his system carries its own moral cost.

Calendar Structure

The Elbanost calendar runs on a clean mathematical framework: 12 months of 30 days each, organized into weeks of 6 days, producing exactly 360 days per year. Lunar cycles align perfectly with monthly boundaries—each month corresponds to one complete lunar cycle. This precision is believed by many scholars to be evidence that the calendar itself was magically constructed.

Months per Year	12
Days per Month	30
Days per Week	6
Days per Year	360
Lunar Cycle	30 days — 1 per month
Year Start	Frostbreak (equivalent to March)

The Twelve Months

Seasonal Notes for the DM

• Frostbreak through Fenrir (months 1–4): Spring and early summer. Travel is easy, merchants are active, and adventure season is in full swing.
• Warsmarch through Valkyria (months 5–7): High summer and early fall. Military campaigns historically begin in Warsmarch. The Paladins of Samantha celebrate their high holy month in Valkyria.
• Reaping through Frostcome (months 8–9): Harvest season. Halfling Shires hold their major festivals. Caravans make their last long runs before winter.
• Freidiahiem through Enderyear (months 10–12): Winter. Travel by road becomes dangerous. The city of Fenrir holds winter festivals honoring Freya. The Hollow is considered a month of ill omen by many rural communities.

Campaign-Level Adventure Hooks

Regional Encounter Tables

Notable NPCs Reference

Name	Location	Role	Notes
Zion	Fenrir (White Tower)	High Wizard — White	Current leader of the White Tower; likely a key ally or questgiver
D'lam D'dar	Gaurdarian's Keep	High Wizard — Black	Ruthless; bound by Accords but deeply ambitious; a long-term antagonist
Red Tower High Wizard	Antwan (Red Tower)	High Wizard — Red	DECEASED. Vacancy is a major campaign catalyst
Yusuf Saglik	Oskela	Dictator	Absolute ruler; controls slave trade and black market
Avatar of Freya	Fenrir	Divine Avatar	Does not leave Fenrir; powerful ally if trust is earned
Duke Eir	Salmok	Noble — Quesea	Younger brother to the King; politically complex; potential questgiver

House Rules & Setting-Specific Mechanics

Magic Restrictions

• Any arcane spell of 3rd level or above may only be legally taught within a Tower of High Sorcery.
• Arcane casters discovered practicing at this level without Tower affiliation are classified as Rogue Mages and may be hunted.
• In-city use of 3rd+ level arcane magic may require Tower permission in some regions.

Fenrir's Peace Magic

• No combat of any kind can take place within Fenrir's city walls. This is enforced by ancient, permanent magic—not guards.
• Attempted violence is simply suppressed: weapons stop short, spells fizzle, fists don't connect.
• This does not prevent non-combat harm: poison, magic that degrades over time, or social destruction all function normally.

Quesean Horses

• Horses purchased in Quesea cost 4× standard book value.
• Quesean warhorses provide exceptional bonuses (DM discretion: suggested +1 to relevant mounted combat rolls, advantage on endurance checks).

Oskela's Black Market

• Thurmond's Keep functions as a source for items with Rarity up to Very Rare.
• All purchases here are legally and morally ambiguous. Buyer and seller have no legal recourse.
• Black market items may have hidden complications: cursed properties, stolen origin, or previous owners looking for them.

Tower Renown

• Earning Renown within a Tower faction is tracked using the faction advancement system in Part IV.
• Betraying the Towers reduces Renown and may trigger consequences up to and including formal expulsion—and rogue mage status.

Regions at a Glance

Region / City	Government	Primary Race(s)	Known For
Fenrir (Region A)	Republic	All	White Tower, Magic Academy, Avatar of Freya, peace magic
Quesea Empire (Region B)	Monarchy	Human	Elite cavalry, exceptional horses, strong military
Oskela	Dictatorship	Dwarf/Human	Slave trade, black market, Thurmond's Keep arena
Udrusan Empire	Aristocracy	Dwarf	Gryphon riders, wealth, standing army
Thelesia	Elven Kingdom	Elf	Ranger Academy, open to all races
Silvare	Elven Kingdom	Elf	Powerful wizards, skilled archers, City of Jade
Blue River Shire	Council of Elders	Halfling	Agriculture, farming, community traditions
Highland Shire	Unknown	Halfling	Highland halfling community
Misty Hills	Direct Democracy	Gnome	Clockwork tech, steam power, mechanical warfare
Keep of the Rye	Military Order	Human	Paladins of Samantha, divine warriors