always been a centre of trade within the Empire. Anyone prepared to work hard who has any level of moxie or chutzpah can amass a respectable pile of coin. There

east of the Empire. Historically they have been ancient enemies of the Highborn, the The League, and Dawn - fighting with the Empire for control of Holberg

the ancestors of the modern Grendel laboured under the rule of a powerful orc nation that dominated the Bay of Catazar, but that nation was cast down by

influence of the realm of Spring might become a briar in later life while a child born during a great famine when Winter holds sway might be born a draughir

souls of their own nature, so a raptor usually carries the soul of a warrior or great hunter, while an owl or a raven usually brings the soul of a wise

house of their intended. The earl of the house must set the suitor a test of their choosing, called a Test of Ardour. A request for marriage, like a request

conquest of the Barrens is finally complete. It is a glorious accomplishment to rival the greatest achievements in the nation's history. The birth of the nation

spires of Morrow are amongst the oldest in Urizen, dating back to the nation's birth. The heart of the Heliopticon is here, making it a centre of communication

damp it would take a great deal of effort to set fire to even a small tower.") It is the site of Diora University, a prominent seat of learning that specialises

accident of birth but a choice made by each Winterfolk child as they reach maturity. Just as one might be born a peasant and rise to become a Thane, so

spires of Morrow are amongst the oldest in Urizen, dating back to the nation's birth. The heart of the Heliopticon is here, making it a centre of communication

castle initially served as a base-of-operations for the settling of Casinea. Later, it served as a symbol of the power and dominance of the patrician families

Highguard is a distinguished nation. Their days of rapid change, hurried conquest and shifting rulerships are behind them, and their culture has reached a pinnacle

personal guards of a merchant prince or bishop, the streetwise protectors of a mountebank or even the boisterous "stage hands" of a troupe of magicians can

genders, Empire is a gender blind setting and people of any gender choose any name they like that is appropriate to their nation. Members of a noble house are

than others to break the social rules of respect with less chance to cause a scene - or a duel. This is not a nation of effete libertines. Innovative gewgaws

Ulmo of the Suaq King of the Three Tears, ruler of a new nation, Wintermark. The crown was passed from monarch to monarch through the history of Wintermark;

position of power. Many Imperial soldiers who think they have fought the Druj have actually fought members of a subject nation, perhaps supported by a few small

longer afford to be a divided nation of petty households squabbling with each other. Henry of Meade spoke several times of the danger of an Empire where the

Founded by a visionary shaman of the Winter Sun, the Bonewall are dedicated to the soul of the orcish nation. They seek to bring the Way of Virtue and