Tartica

The last remaining place on Earth where human life is known to exist in the year 1543 of the Third Age. A civilization dedicated to “natural living” and intent on avoiding the mistakes of their ancestors, humanity was reborn under the Covenant of Absolute Human Obligations. Although, what little is known of the Great Destruction—which brought down the Second Age—can only be loosely surmised from scarce historical records. When exactly the Second Age ended and how long thereafter the Third Age began has been lost to time. Yet, with the establishment of the Covenant came the de facto demarcation of human history as year one of the Third Age and the founding of Tartica’s near-utopian society which has not known war since its creation.

Hensdale

Home to Reyne, Mithany, Daedyn and Arek, and where they all grew up, Hensdale is an inconsequential village but for alphen nut production in a lightly populated region of the Peoples Republic of Kantos. The bucolic setting is home to a small community of less than five hundred, made up mostly of farmers, ranchers and assorted agricultural laborers and supporting trades. Reyne and his brother Daedyn, own and manage a business on the outskirts of Hensdale dedicated to producing the much sought after alphen nut.

Teth

The city-state of Teth is the most populated, yet smallest in size of the four nations that make up Tartica. As a theocracy, the man or woman holding the position of First Lord of the Temple of Life is the leader of both the religious order and head of state. A provost, appointed by and answering only to the First Lord, manages the secular functions of governing. The city-state is named after the Goddess Teth and is the seat of the Temple of Life religion which holds sway over the faithful cutting across all national boundaries. It is also the cultural and economic center of Tartican civilization and is where the Council of Nations gathers.

The Stand

The Stand is an abnormal grouping of tightly gathered, massive, giant sequoia trees. From the Bay of Synn all the way to the Razors, the giant sequoias grove covers a thin band of no more than fifty trees wide in an unnatural straight line. The Stand stretches for many miles along the southern border of Teth. Giant sequoias grow no where else on Tartica and how The Stand came to be is unknown.

Bay of Synn

Sitting along the western shores of Teth, the Bay of Synn is the central port for ocean-going trade throughout Tartica. Dozens of ships move in and out of its waters each day ferrying goods, supplies, and people to every corner of Tartica.

Kingdom of Adelle

Adelle is one of the four independent nationals all bound together by the Covenant of Absolute Universal Obligations. Ruled by Chancellor Madrotti Tomelai, whose family has governed the Kingdom of Adelle since its founding, Adelle is the breadbasket of Tartica. Chancellor Tomelai has the reputation of a benevolent leader who treats Adelle’s citizens well. While its populous has no say in how the country is run, a parliamentary body known as the Duma Assembly, deliberates and debates important issues as a collective voice offering input to the Chancellor.

Penique Plains

Furtile land covering much of Adelle’s southeastern quadrant, the Penique Plains are home to hundreds of large, family owned farms. With wheat, corn, potatoes and an abundance of various fruit-baring plants Adelle’s Penique Plains supplies the necessary staples to Tartica’s growing population.

Peoples Republic of Kantos

The Peoples Republic of Kantos is the least populated of Tartica’s independent countries. As a democracy the government is elected by the citizens of Kantos. The head of state is the nation’s Prime Minister who is chosen from within the ranks of the elected representatives making up the People’s Council.

The Razors

A transcontinental mountain range that cuts the continent of Tartica almost in half. It high peaks, snow covered throughout the year, make the range virtually impassable save a the Rickerton Pass and several other less travelled, yet more dangerous crossings.

Greenlin

The largest in terms of landmass, Greelin is governed by a president who is elected for life in a power sharing arrangement with the country’s legislature. Lightly populated due to the Ciara Desert which covers much of its area, it is home to colonies of artisans and educated elites. In spite of its limited resources, Greenlin thrives owing to the goodwill and extensive trade with Tartica’s other three nations.