Sepharia
Sepharia is the oldest and most inhabited continent in Alyria. It is home to such popular cities as Rune, New Rigel, Lowangen, and Xaventry. Most of the areas on Sepharia are geared towards novice adventurers and adventurers uninterested in player to player combat.
In the heavily forested northern area of Sepharia, adventurers will find Xaventry. This fine town is well known for its affinity for nature and affiliations with the Druid population. The whole town is located within the forests of Sepharia, entire sections of town exclusively accessible through shimmering glades and gloomy trails. This closeness to nature makes the area a comfortable home for druids, priests, and shamans. Additionally, shrines and temples have been erected to the five powers. Each of these serves as hubs for the communities within Xaventry, inhabited mainly by the followers of that Power. Xaventry is the largest city in Alyria, with innumerable inhabitants and back paths.
Ruled by Lady Undya, Xaventry offers young adventurers several challenges including the Druid Maze, Temple of Madras, Dira Temple, Ithrilis Temple, Temple of Vandyne, and Gath Temple. Each of these offers special rewards for those who are willing to risk all to delve into their depths, unraveling their age old secrets. Lady Undya offers fine rewards to adventurers who are willing to assist her with various quests.
Many shops and other establishments are located within the market district. These shops sell an array of merchandise as well as basic goods and services any adventurer may need when resting from traveling. Xaventry Realty prospers in the northwest section of town. Adventurers may purchase homes here in which to reside in their time aside from adventuring.
Detail Map of Xaventry
The Shrine of Dira
The Shrine of Dira is dedicated to the Power Dira. Dira is the Power of Air. It is feminine, hot and moist in nature. Represented by the color yellow and the direction east it is linked to the mental plane. Sylphs are the faerie creatures directly embodying the primal forces of this Power.
The Shrine of Ithrilis
The Shrine of Ithrilis is dedicated to the Power Ithrilis. Ithrilis is the Power of Water. It is Feminine, cold and moist in nature. Represented by the color blue and the direction west it is linked to the astral plane. Undines are the faerie creatures directly embodying the primal forces of this Power.
The Shrine of Maradas
The Shrine of Maradas is dedicated to the Power Maradas that is the Power of Earth. It is Masculine, cold and dry by nature. Represented by the color black and the direction north it is linked to the Physical plane. Gnomes are the faerie creatures directly embodying the primal forces of this Power.
The Shrine of Gath
The Shrine of Gath is dedicated to the Power Gath that is the Power of Fire. It is masculine, hot and dry in nature. Represented by the color red and the direction south, Gath is linked to the Spiritual plane. Salamanders are the faerie creatures directly embodying the primal forces of this Power.
The Shrine of Vandyne
The Shrine of Vandyne is dedicated to the Power Vandyne that is the Power of Ether. It is androgynous and neutral in nature thus there is no faerie creature directly embodying the primal forces of this Power.
Druid's Maze
A maze created by Druids of yore, it offers challenges untold for the aspiring that seek to discover its secrets. Many adventurers have entered it only to become disoriented and lost beyond all reason. Few who enter find the secret of the maze and return to tell the tale.
Xaventry Realty
Weary adventurers often purchase homes in the fair city of Xaventry to take advantage of all the city has to offer. After a little rest and relaxation many are reinvigorated and ready to dust off their traveling packs to seek further adventures throughout Alyria.
Northeast from Xaventry thrives the ominous Mandrake Woods. These murky, mysterious woods are home to a very large settlement of aggressive trolls who do not welcome visitors. In addition to the trolls, there are other foes to be found within the woods that are worthy of any adventurer. One of these inhabitants of the woods is said to have a connection to the Faerie Plain and its denizens.
Shadow Castle
The sorrowful Shadow Castle has been overtaken by things no longer living. Its unwelcoming ramparts hold secrets of the dead.
Upon a steep mountain butte at the southern tip of the Mandrake Woods sits the sinister Shadow Castle. This dark edifice overlooks the wood and all around it. The castle's dark presence flows down into the wood and merges easily with its evil. Sick, ancient creatures subsist within its crumbling walls. The castle itself has many secrets hidden from view that only the most cunning and brave adventurers discover.
New Rigel is located in the central section of Sepharia to the northeast of Rune. This well-known river city is where young rogues and bards travel to better learn their crafts. Lord Vashir rules New Rigel with a grace and charity that few other lords can claim. He offers many opportunities for adventurers of all levels to serve him and the town by providing quests that they may do in return for experience and rewards.
In addition to being home to many rogues and bards, it is well known for its thriving manufacturing industry and markets. Many unique objects and potions may be found within the city. Some shops are located directly on the waterfront and may be reached only by an elegant gondola. It is home to a beautiful opera house, and many architectural oddities. Several sects of thieves make the dark corners of the forest within New Rigel their home.
New Rigel Realty
Within New Rigel adventurers may find a bit of rest from their travels by purchasing a home within the city. Homes are available to those with the gold to cover construction costs in this centrally located city with so many attractions. Of course, when all is said and done, for many adventurers such homes are merely stopping points as they lust for further travel and adventure.
A small bazaar has sprung up to the northeast of New Rigel and is home to shops offering a wide range of goods brought to sell by adventurers from across Alyria. If you have acquired some curious or novelties you may buy a deed to a shop and sell them. This twisted maze of shops teems with objects of allure and mystery from the far off reaches of the world. Almost anything one wishes to obtain can be had for a price!
To the west of New Rigel, within the Callias Mountains, dark dungeons are home to a settlement of orcs and their prisoners. Few know exactly what occurs there, and of the few who have been willing to find out most refuse to speak of what they saw. Rumors abound of great treasures in the deepest levels of the dungeons for those able to navigate the hewn passages within this rudimentary orc settlement. Few have yet unraveled the cryptic dialect the orcs use to communicate. Some say this tongue holds the key to accessing the hidden depths of this forlorn place.
Detail Map of Dungeon Wroth
Far to the northeast of New Rigel at the northernmost end of the Great North Road looms the Tower of Art where magic and evil abound. It is said that the evil wizard who resides there has many secrets that only the wiliest of adventurers may discover. Though the journey to the Tower is long, and the dangers within the Tower great, many valuable scrolls and other objects can be found there which make the risk worthwhile to those adventurers strong enough to survive. Daemonic guards protect that sick creature which resides at the pinnacle of the tower. Mysterious halls are said to traverse the ground beneath the Tower of Art.
Rune was founded by Lord Agrippa and is the heart of the land in many ways. His elegant castle within the walls of Rune is home to some of the most famous knights. Rune is one of the oldest cities in Alyria, as it was one of the few to escape the Great Cataclysm intact.
Adventurers come to Rune in search of exploration, for it is in Rune that all of Alyria comes together so that any information of interest may be found somewhere within its walls. Lord Agrippa regularly seeks adventurers to send on quests throughout the land so that all can be safe within the realm.
Thanks to the well-developed road system of Sepharia, the major seaport located in Rune, and the services of Ganuk's Iron Worm, travelers are easily able to reach Rune and find it an effective way to reach all of the other major cities and areas within Alyria.
Map of Rune
Rune Castle
Rune Castle is the stately abode of Alyria's most influential quest master, Lord Agrippa. Fair walls of stone overgrown with ornate vines protect the most important political figures in Sepharia. Powerful knights such as Sir Tristan grace the halls of this elegant place. Exotic delicacies are available in many shops within the walls of this fortified station of goodness. Guarded by a nearly excessive number of sentries, the castle with its plentifully flowing marble fountain remains safe from evil throughout the land.
Map of Rune Castle
Rune Crypts
Beneath the Runic Temple, and guarded by Murmur, lay a series of crypts that wind through underground passages filled with dangerous beasts as well as natural dangers. The crypts themselves are beginning to decay. Even if an adventurer can escape the dangerous falling rocks, they often fall victim to the demented creatures of the crypt which are said to serve the Lady Bane.
Guide to Rune Crypts
Focault Magic - Magic Equipment Company
Located on the east side of Rune, the Wizard Focault's Magic Equipment Company offered many amazing magical devices in its earlier days. The business has suffered of late as Focault became obsessed with personal projects and now the building itself is a den of creatures who pose dangers to those who journey there.
Twisty mazes and hidden passageways offer the bravest of adventurers an opportunity to seek out the Wizard Focault and pit their skills against his. Only the most foolish of mortals may expect to defeat this treacherous Wizard who has turned his equipment company into a dark place filled with danger.
Temple of Sumter
Midway up the mountain trail located to the west of Agrippa's Castle is the entrance to the Temple of Sumter. Rumors of cavernous passages below the Temple entice adventurers to seek their fortunes here as well as tales of places of power within these hidden areas. It is said that from within the temple creatures of darkness may be released into Alyria. It has been decades since factual evidence concerning these creatures has been found.
Winterborn Mansion
Home of the fabled Alpheus Winterborn, the wizard lord of this mansion, Winterborn Mansion reflects its owner's nature. Filled with creatures he has created, it is now one of the most dangerous residences in all of Alyria especially since the dread Lord Pumpkin may be found within its walls. Though the lower floors are generally safe, the upper stories are full of evil creatures such as terrible cthons.
Rune Realty
Though a home in Rune Realty is quite costly, having a home in this exclusive area brings many benefits as well as prestige to the owner. Beautifully crafted homes line the opulent streets of the area allowing those who live here to take great pride in having a home here. Their names are proudly proclaimed in the registrar's book on display. Since this city is extremely old, the west housing community is full of the homes of long gone fallen heroes while the newly constructed east housing area is full of homes belonging to new heroes in the world.
This small keep has been erected to honor the greatest adventurers of Alyria. These legends have made a name for themselves and earned the opportunity to be immortalized here for all time. Serving as inspiration for young adventurers, this keep stands as a lasting monument to those who serve as examples of what anyone can achieve if they put their heart and soul into their endeavors.
Located just to the north of Rune, Lasler offers training for the newest adventurers in Alyria. Each new adventurer begins their explorations here and can explore the Training Academy, Ghering Caverns, and the great forest with its burned mountainside that is home to the dragon. Visit the druid at the entrance to the forest to learn more of the special trials available for new adventurers!
Detail Map of Lasler
Located to the north of Rune, beyond Lasler, Rune Forest is a well-maintained wooded sanctuary for the residents of Rune. Its maintenance is continued by its patron, Lord Agrippa, who supports development of new features within its bounds. Within the forest itself are a wide variety of paths and sights to see if one is willing to explore it completely.
Rune Graveyard
To the north of Rune past Lasler, one may visit Rune Park and the graveyard within its darker areas. This graveyard is home to an old church which contains many good and evil spirits. Rows upon rows of graves may be visited, including some mausoleums. The graveyard teems with re-animated corpses. Nobody knows what force brings back the dead.
Within the mountains to the southwest of Rune, New Kolvir offers the most experienced of adventurers a place to demonstrate their strength and knowledge. Kolvir was destroyed by the Great Cataclysm, but its inhabitants pushed forth unfaltering and rebuilt it, though it took close to twenty five years. An enormous deadly moat flows beneath the giant castle ruled by Lord Alymar. A well known weapon smith is known to reside here in isolation. Be forewarned, this area is extremely dangerous as it is a free zone in which any adventurer may test the skill of another in armed combat.
Lowangen resides in the far northeast region of Sepharia. One must cross the vast Sepharian desert with its well-known oasis Desert Thorn. King Cronus of Lowangen is a unique ruler who remains an enigma even to those who serve him.
Lowangen is a prosperous town and offers opportunities to those adventurers who dare travel across the great desert to reach it. There are a number of trainers who are available for instruction in a wide array of skills as well as shops that offer unique objects attainable nowhere else.
The shops of Lowangen are always ready to welcome those with gold in their pockets as well as those with something to sell or trade. It is said that Alerion offers adventurers the opportunity to earn extra gold by helping him obtain the skins he needs to produce his wares. A wonderful hot air balloon service traverses Sepharia from Lowangen to New Rigel.
Map of Lowangen
Detail Map of Lowangen
Lowangen Dungeons
Located beneath the King's Keep, the dungeons twist treacherously and provide hiding places for those who would seek to destroy those who venture into its dark passages. The spirits of those who have perished here cry out for revenge and often seek to obtain it regardless of the guilt or innocence of those they seek to punish. It is said that excellent Darkland equipment may be acquired here.
Located within the dunes of the Bonnak Desert, Desert Thorn offers the one major oasis for travelers who dare venture into the inhospitable deserts in the northeastern section of Sepharia. Within its confines, the Desert Thorn has become home to many dangerous desert creatures as well as those few who are able to make the desert their home. It is said an ancient water elemental makes a pool in this oasis its home.
Map of Desert Thorn
Detail Map of Desert of Thorn
Located within the Bonnak Desert, the Inn of the Twin Moons offers travelers along the Eastern Road a break from the heat and dust. Fine food and drink awaits those with the gold to spend in this remote inn. Additionally, entertainment and lodgings are available, for an extra fee of course.
Located in the Mudapa Plains to the northwest of Rune, the Lonely Dragon Inn offers travelers along the West Road a haven from their journey across the open plains. Fine food and drink, as well as lodging, awaits those with gold to spend in this excellent inn. Several unique features make the inn a favorite of travelers between Rune and Xaventry.
Located on the Great North Road between Rune and New Rigel, the Traveller's Retreat offers those who journey across the Mudapa Plains a spot to stop for a fine meal or drink before continuing on their travels. If need be, lodgings can be had for a reasonable price.
Located on the road to Wroth, the Tavern of the Boars is a rough tavern that caters to those traveling the darker regions of Fraou Forest. Often things can get out of hand in the common room and those who are involved will be sent to the caverns beneath the inn to solve the problems in combat. Though the hosts won't admit it they have a slight bee problem...
