Saga Lands

The Saga Lands.

The northwestern reaches of Avistan boast vast woodlands, towering mountain ranges, sweeping deserts and tundra, and sprawling swamplands, yet not all is wilderness. Kingdoms, clans, and free cities alike can be found throughout this far-flung stretch of the Inner Sea region, each with its own traditions and legends. Indeed, the stories that come from this part of the world truly are the stuff of legends, as one might expect of a microregion known as the Saga Lands. The nations of the Saga Lands include Irrisen, the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, New Thassilon, the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, and Varisia.

History

The tale of the Saga Lands originates prior to Earthfall, when a group of Azlanti exiles migrated eastward and settled here. Led by a man named Xin, these exiles established the Thassilonian empire, which swiftly amassed influence. In due course, Xin's appointed governors, seven specialized wizards known as runelords, rebelled against their king and assassinated him. Each runelord then assumed dominion over one of Thassilon's realms, eventually viewing each other as adversaries. Enslaving giants for monumental construction, commanding dragons and other creatures as specialized champions and protectors, they ruthlessly ruled over the Varisian and Shoanti peoples who made their home there.

Earthfall brought devastation upon Thassilon, just as it did for the rest of the Inner Sea region and beyond. The runelords, however, had predicted the impending catastrophe, and each formulated their own means of surviving the apocalypse. Despite their aspiration to resurface soon after the disaster to rebuild their realm, each had miscalculated the utter level of devastation that Earthfall would bring. Instead, they found themselves secluded within their shelters for millennia, suspended in a state between life and death.

Over time, Thassilon's legacy waned, and the dominion of the runelords evolved into oral traditions resembling parables more than historical accounts. The territories once ruled by the runelords transformed into wilderness where survivors of Earthfall established their own societies. Meanwhile, pioneers from the south constructed cities atop the ancient ruins.

Saga Lands today

How a Linnorm King earns his crown.

Today, the Saga Lands nurture diverse peoples and cultures. In the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, leadership and raid command hinge on defeating formidable linnorm dragons in combat. To the east lies Irrisen, where generations of legendary witches hold the reins of power, enveloped in perpetual winter. The Realm of the Mammoth Lords occupies the northeastern expanse, beyond Thassilon's ancient dominion, inhabited by brave warriors mounted on megafauna for battle. Further south, in the frontier realm of Varisia, once Thassilon's heart, new sagas arise to rival those of the past.

In recent times, both Varisia and Irrisen have undergone upheaval and transformation. In Irrisen, the customary rule by a group of winter witches has been upended, and the intentions of the new queen, Anastasia Nikolaevna, remain uncertain. Irrisen's uncertainty has led some in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings to stoke the flame of conflict with their old enemy once again. Meanwhile, Thassilon's runelords, long forgotten, have resurfaced in Varisia. Heroes rose to initially vanquish one runelord and subsequently to confront the others who emerged. New Thassilon faces its own challenges as Sorshen and Belimarius, who are rivals, hold divergent visions for its future. The city-states of Varisia continue to expand their influence and renown among the nations to the south.

Inhabitants

The most commonly found peoples of the Saga Lands include humans of Azlanti, Kellid, Shoanti, Taldan, Tien, Ulfen, and Varisian heritage, in addition to dwarves, elves, goblins, and gnomes. Common, Dwarven, Elven, Goblin, Gnomish, Hallit, Jotun, Shoanti, Skald, Thassilonian, Tien, and Varisian are the most frequently spoken languages. Popular religions in the region include the worship of Abadar, Cayden Cailean, Desna, Gorum, Lamashtu, and Nocticula.

Economy

The most valuable exports from the Saga Lands are its myths and legends. Powerful magical artifacts and secretive traditions are concealed within ancient tombs, enriching numerous adventurers both in fame and fortune. Aside from these elusive and uncertain treasures, the Saga Lands abound in natural wealth—extensive forests, untapped reservoirs of precious metals, and an abundance of fish and wildlife characterize the area. As the Saga Lands' significance in the region increases, dominance over these resources will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the region's global position and destiny. The city-states of Varisia are steadily enhancing their impact and reputation among the southern nations, as the ports in this region present some of the most profitable avenues and prospects for trade throughout the Saga Lands.