The Lands of Warlderia

County of Aeden

The County of Aeden occupies a unique place within the Divine Empire. Though neither wealthy in resources nor powerful in military strength, it exerts an influence far beyond its size through its mastery of knowledge, scholarship, and learning. For centuries rulers, merchants, priests, and adventurers from across Warlderia have travelled to Aeden seeking wisdom, education, and access to the vast collections housed within its libraries and academies. At the heart of the county stands the city of Wyrmford, widely regarded as the greatest centre of learning in the known world. During the turbulent years of Kaegor's Rebellion, both the forces of the Old Empire and the armies of the Higher Races recognised the city's value and largely spared it from destruction. While wars raged across much of Warlderia, Wyrmford remained a sanctuary for scholars, scribes, priests, and mages. Ancient records, magical lore, historical texts, and scientific discoveries that might otherwise have been lost were preserved within its walls.

The county itself is ruled by the ancient House of Darkmoon, whose ancestors governed the region long before the rise of the Divine Empire. In practice, however, political authority is shared with the influential Council of Sages, an assembly of scholars, priests, wizards, and learned individuals drawn from the great institutions of Wyrmford. Though officially advisers to the Count, the council exerts enormous influence over the affairs of the county and has become one of the most respected intellectual bodies in Warlderia. This unusual arrangement has produced a stable and prosperous society, though not one without tensions. The Counts of House Darkmoon retain considerable prestige and influence amongst the nobility and rural communities, whilst the Council of Sages dominates the intellectual and cultural life of the county. Most of the time the relationship remains cordial, though disagreements over taxation, governance, and foreign policy are not uncommon.

Knowledge is regarded as the county's greatest treasure. Wyrmford is home to thousands of students, apprentices, priests, scribes, and researchers from every corner of Warlderia. Its famous districts include the Arcane Quarter, where magical studies dominate; the Divine Quarter, home to numerous temples and religious colleges; the Arts Quarter, renowned for its poets, musicians, and philosophers; and the Science Quarter, where engineers, physicians, and natural philosophers pursue their studies. Rivalries between these institutions can be fierce, though they are generally fought with words, debate, and occasional acts of academic sabotage rather than swords. The dominant faith within the county is that of Boccob, god of magic and knowledge. His temples and libraries can be found throughout Aeden, often serving as centres of education for the local population. Other faiths are also well represented, particularly those dedicated to Rao, Pelor, and Delleb. Religious tolerance is considered essential to intellectual inquiry, and even controversial ideas are often debated openly rather than suppressed.

Despite its reputation for scholarship, Aeden is far from detached from the practical realities of the world. The farming communities surrounding Wyrmford provide food for the county and its many students, whilst settlements such as Ulsand contribute timber, minerals, and manufactured goods. Merchants carrying books, scrolls, magical components, and rare artefacts are a common sight upon the roads, and the county's economy benefits greatly from the constant flow of visitors. The county also possesses its share of secrets. Beneath Wyrmford lie ancient archives and forgotten vaults dating back centuries. Some are accessible only to the most trusted scholars, whilst others have been sealed for generations. Rumours persist of hidden collections containing forbidden magical texts, lost histories of the Higher Races, and records of events that powerful individuals would prefer remain forgotten. The Council of Sages officially denies the existence of such repositories, though few believe those denials.

Visitors are often surprised by how lively Wyrmford can be. The city is filled with students, foreign visitors, eccentric scholars, aspiring adventurers, and wandering philosophers. Debates spill from lecture halls into taverns, magical experiments occasionally produce unexpected results, and political intrigue often follows the pursuit of knowledge. It is said that nowhere else in Warlderia are so many brilliant minds gathered in one place—or so many opportunities for disaster. The people of Aeden generally view themselves as custodians rather than rulers of knowledge. Their duty, they believe, is to preserve the wisdom of the past, expand the understanding of the present, and prepare future generations for the challenges ahead. Whether studying ancient magic, charting distant lands, or debating matters of philosophy, they pursue knowledge with a dedication that borders on reverence.

For this reason, the County of Aeden remains one of the most influential regions of the Divine Empire. Armies may win battles and merchants may accumulate wealth, but throughout Warlderia there are many who believe that the ideas born within the halls of Wyrmford ultimately shape the destiny of nations.

Wyrmford, Small City: Alignment N, Population 8,000 (40% Human, 30% Elven, 10% Dwarven, 20% Mixed), Authority Figure: Wizard Hunder of Panstead (Half-Elven male wizard)

Originally founded by the Elves, Wyrmford was established to educate the most promising Humans and Half-Elves of the Elven Empire. Over time it grew into the greatest seat of learning in Warlderia, attracting scholars, priests, mages, and philosophers from every corner of the continent. When Kaegor's Revolt began, both sides recognised the city's importance and agreed that it should remain neutral. The Elven noble Ellasir Darkmoon was appointed as its protector and successfully preserved the city throughout the conflict. Following the war, Wyrmford became part of Kaegor's realm, but its unique status was maintained and Ellasir was elevated to the rank of Count.

As the centuries passed, the universities and colleges gradually assumed control of the city's affairs. While the Counts of House Darkmoon remain the nominal rulers of the county, real authority within Wyrmford rests with the Council of Scholars. The city is divided into five districts: the Arcane Quarter, Divine Quarter, Arts Quarter, Science Quarter, and the Outer City beyond the walls. Each quarter contains colleges, libraries, temples, and academies devoted to its chosen discipline. Dominating the centre of the city is the Great Temple of Boccob, whose soaring towers overlook the surrounding districts. Before its gates lies the Forum of Learning, where the Council meets alongside Count Calrin Darkmoon to govern a city that rarely requires governing. The council consists of the heads of the major colleges, libraries, and temples, together with the Mayor of the Outer City. Its reputation for lengthy debate is legendary. It is said that the Divine Emperor had already secured his throne before the Council finally agreed whether or not to support him.

Today Wyrmford remains the intellectual heart of the Divine Empire and perhaps the greatest centre of learning in all Warlderia.

Bocough, Small Town: Alignment LN, Population 1,300 (90% Human, 10% Elven), Authority Figure: Count Calrin Darkmoon (Half-Elven male fighter)

Bocough has served as the ancestral seat of House Darkmoon since long before the founding of the Divine Empire. Once minor nobles within the Elven Empire, the Darkmoons became Counts following Kaegor's victory and continue to rule the county in name, if not always in practice. The town itself is a quiet agricultural market serving the farms and estates of the surrounding countryside. Most days it is peaceful and unremarkable, becoming lively only on market days when traders and farmers gather from across the county.

Its most notable feature is Darkmoon Manor, an elegant estate surrounded by orchards, vineyards, and rolling pastureland. From here Count Calrin administers the county and maintains what authority remains to his family. Many believe the Counts prefer Bocough to Wyrmford, where scholars and professors often prove far more difficult to manage than nobles or soldiers.

Panstead, Small Town: Alignment N, Population 1,050 (80% Human, 20% Elven), Authority Figure: Mayor Salista (Human female)

Panstead lies amidst the fertile farmlands at the heart of the county and has a reputation for being one of the quietest settlements in the Empire. Local residents often joke that nothing has ever happened in Panstead and nothing ever will. Visitors frequently find the town exactly as advertised: peaceful streets, well-kept homes, and an unhurried pace of life largely untouched by the political intrigues of Wyrmford or the industrial bustle of Ulsand. The town serves as the centre of a prosperous agricultural district and supplies much of the grain, fruit, dairy products, and livestock consumed throughout the county. Vast fields surround the settlement, interspersed with orchards, vineyards, and small family farms that have changed little over the generations. Seasonal fairs and harvest festivals are the highlights of the local calendar, drawing farmers from miles around to trade goods, share news, and enjoy friendly competition.

The inhabitants of Panstead are content to leave politics, magical theory, and academic disputes to others, preferring the predictable rhythms of rural life. Many families have lived in the area for centuries and take great pride in their traditions and independence. While outsiders often regard the town as dull, its people see stability and peace as virtues rather than shortcomings. Few places in Warlderia can boast such prosperity without walls, garrisons, or constant vigilance against external threats. Despite its sleepy reputation, Panstead possesses a quiet importance. Many of the county's scholars, priests, and nobles maintain estates in the surrounding countryside, retreating there when they tire of the endless debates and rivalries of Wyrmford. As a result, the town is often far better informed about events in the wider world than its residents pretend. More than one political dispute has been quietly resolved over a meal in a Panstead farmhouse, away from the scrutiny of the universities and councils.

The people of Panstead are known for their hospitality and common sense. Travellers are welcomed warmly, provided they respect local customs and do not bring trouble with them. In a county famed for learning and debate, Panstead stands as a reminder that wisdom is not always found in books, but can also be discovered in the simple virtues of hard work, community, and contentment.

Ulsand, Large Town: Alignment CN, Population 4,200 (60% Human, 25% Dwarven, 5% Gnome, 10% Mixed), Authority Figure: Baroness Heldura Elfbane (Human, female, fighter)

Ulsand stands in stark contrast to Wyrmford. Where the city is devoted to learning and debate, Ulsand is a place of industry, noise, and hard work. Situated at the entrance to an ancient Dwarven hall, the town prospers through mining, metalworking, and trade. Although much of the underground complex has been abandoned, a small community of Dwarves still inhabits the deeper halls. Officially they fall under the authority of the County of Aeden, though in reality they govern themselves and maintain cordial relations with the townsfolk above. Trade between the two communities is frequent and mutually beneficial.

The town is ruled by Baroness Heldura Elfbane, the last surviving member of a family famed for its service during Kaegor's Revolt. The Elfbane line fought fiercely against the Elven Empire and earned considerable renown in the process. Despite her youth, Heldura has proven an intelligent and capable ruler, though she remains the subject of endless speculation concerning marriage and succession. A steady stream of ambitious young nobles continues to arrive in Ulsand hoping to win her favour, much to her annoyance. Amongst the miners and craftsmen of Ulsand, however, the Baroness is respected not for her lineage but for her willingness to work alongside her people and defend their interests.