Clueless Delver

Agash is also known to be the second region with the most ancient ruins, mostly comprising those of the Late Primordial Age, and along its eastern border - comprising those of the Age of Petty Kingdoms which flourished in Eastern Agash before being ruined by the natural savagery of the western coast and perpetual wars. It is for this reason that many aspiring Archaeologists seek the academies of Agash who are at the forefront of archaeological studies alongside Lal-Mittic schools.

 South of An-Ligir, bordering the western region of Ninur-Sin lies the Enlightened Republic of Agash. Agash is ruled by several Didacts elected by Scholarly Councils in her many regions that subdivide the land. According to lore, it was said that Agash was formed from gifted Scholars of Lal-Mit called the Antegeometers who left their home in a great exodus after they were heavily influenced by the teachings of the Ka-Abiri denomination during the Period of Geometers which saw a highly strained relationship between Lal-Mit and Ka-Abir. At the time, the region that was Agash was high in savagery, and Ninur-Sin was embroiled in a devastating internal war. After decades of effort, the Antegeometers gradually reclaimed the land and even the dangerous eastern Islands of Esh which was key to the naval dominance of Agash that is witnessed by all to this day.

In particular, the An-Ligiri are known for their architecture and engineering, being able to construct tall walls and shrines with a finesse that surpasses the other polities due to the fervent edict to construct grand structures in honor of their deities, which are rumored to bless their lands in spirit should they be built in the correct configuration and location.

Bordering the East of Ninur-Sin and bounded by the Northern Wastes is Sworn-states of An-Ligir, who hold the second largest religious authority of the lands after the Holy Ka-Abir. An-Ligir's culture can be described to be a blend of Shur-Qameti Self-Denial and Ka-Abiri Zealotry, which is most expressed by the title for its leaders - Shackle, which represents the leader's eternal duty to An-Ligiri Deities as a sort of fetter which symbolizes self sacrifice.

Alongside the Ka-Abiri, the Qos-Omili are known for forming a bulwark against wild-men and great beasts from the southern Unending Jungle that attempt to enter the land, threatening the safety of the masses. But it is said that the remains of these beasts and wild men have are imbued with the bounty of the Jungle, which has led to the greater prosperity of the two polities in comparison to the rest, that border the wastes far to the north.

Bordering the Shur-Qameti wastes to the south, lies the Tribal Fiefs of Qos-Omil, the land of the Glassfleshed, who are a led by a League of Tribal Warlords that occupy the Qos-Omili Prairie which are bounded by the Unending Jungles further south and southeast. The land of Qos-Omili are the most remarkable of the other polities due to the extremely jagged mountain range that cuts across it's northern border named Petrified Spine, which is almost impregnable save the secret passages only known to few Qos-Omili shamans. 

Though not as barren as the Crescent, the mainland of Shur-Qamet which the Venerable Mats govern are much like a cold desert in which one occasionally finds small settlements built around hot springs where the common folk live. The Ascetics on the other hand live in Hermitages carved by nature's Sculpting Wind, far removed from these settlements. Still, the distance of these Hermitages are proportional to one's Depth of Asceticism, with less profound Ascetics living closer to commoners, forming an avenue through which one can step into Asceticism.

 Starting from the western extent of Lal-Mit lies a vast desert wasteland called the Crescent of Sundered Sickles, nortorious for its its jagged plains littered with sharp minerals and glass naturally formed from the Winds of Glass that sweep through the area through the year, capable of slicing flesh during storms. While few dare to traverse the Crescent, it is considered a prime location of the practice of Aseticism by the peoples of the Neigbouring Shur-Qamet - The League of Ascetic Seers. As can be surmised from its name, the League's leaders are composed entirely of those who impose upon themselves suffering, as a means to temper both body and spirit. Like the other poltiies of Ulrunir, the Shur-Qameti leaders are given the title of Mat, suffixed with a poetic material - namely Mat of Air, Mat of Water, Mat of Straw, and so on.

 The most famous landmarks of Lal-Mit mainly lie with its vast Cities of Scholarship, and its Dialectic Arenas where the primary means of conflict resolution - debates - are held with much fanfare and ceremony, which are held in almost religious importance which makes it significantly distinct from the other polities of the land. Despite being a people who greatly respect the employment of words as opposed to weapons, it would be a mistake to believe the Lal-Mittic peoples to be shorn of prowess in combat, for much of history have told of the immense ruthlessness of their methods of war, being even sharper then their words.

 Due North of the Wall of Muddy Vines that follow trace the borders of Gur-Qet lies Lal-Mit, the Federation of Scholarship known to possess the largest numbers of scholars, academics, schools and universities of the land. The land is governed by several Academic States that possess their own armies and are ruled by a Dean bestowed with the honorific title of Cauldron. Somewhat similar to the honorific titles of the Hero-Kings of Ninur-Sin, the title of Cauldron is suffixed with a poetic material such as Cauldron of Straw, Cauldron of Bronze and Cauldron of Glass.

Due the swampland terrain, and the hardness of the ever strong Pillar Mangroves that dot the expanse of Gur-Qet, building permanent structures is nigh impossible and the majority of the Gur-Qeti live in suspended huts made from Mudstraw that hang from the tall Mangroves. The champions and other more weathly and personalities of the Union on the other hand have the architectural inheritance of the Ancient Serpent Men as their domiciles, which are the most abundant in Gur-Qet. Yet it is also from this inheritance that Gur-Qet is frequently infiltrated and embroiled in wars with her Neighbours that seek to unravel the remnants of the Old Serpentine Civilisation that preceded two ages before the current.

Bordering Ninur-Sin to the East lies a union Chiefdoms named the Sacred Chiefdoms of Gur-Qet. Gur-Qet is known for its many picturesque marshlands and Marsh-Peaks, which rise from the mud gallantly, providing a sight unlike any other swampland sights. The union is ruled by 36 Champion-Priests, who are champions of any of the 36 Sacred Beasts of the Gur-Qetic Pantheon. Like Ninur-Sin, the 36 champions wave war with one another vying for prestige, territory and resources, but may too ally one another to fight against forces that border it.

At present, the most powerful of the thrones are the Bronze Throne, the Sickle Throne and the Mud Throne,who command expansive armies of over a 72 thousand soldiers in total each. The three thrones possess the most land out of the many domains of Ninur-Sin, and also hold the grandest of cities - which are part of a linearly connected array of cities named Musulsudu which is built upon the petrified flesh of a dead giant serpent.

Bordering Ka-Abir to the North lies The Heroic Covenant of Ninur-Sin, a confederation of Hero-Kings who are bear a title which follows the name of their thrones. According to my friendly guide Kar-Aksul, there were around 10 to 30 thrones, and depending on the martial exploits of anyone of these Hero-Kings, they could gain possession of several, giving them the right to tax, levy and build within the domains bound to these thrones.

The Qos-Omili are a distinct race of peoples originating from Unending Jungles who have forged a long-lived pact with the Holy Ka-Abir. They reside in the southeastern region named Qos-Omil, which is known for its badlands and cacti-forests. Unlike the rest of the Polities, they are mostly tribal to this day, but are treated as equals to the other polities due to the uniqueness of their people and unparalleled prowess in combat. The Qos-Omili have a striking appearance as their skeleton can be partially seen through their semi-transparent pale flesh, and they bear slightly elongated ears rembling the wings of moths.  Their people have dislike for dress and only prize the donning of jewelry such has necklaces, crowns, anklets and bracelets.  Due to their ferociousness in battle, they are occasionally employed as exotic champions to serve in wars by other polities. Other than these champions, few leave their region as they are mainly occupied with internal wars and form the bulw...

 

The Holy Ka-Abir is governed by a council of priests who are adherents of several religious denominations but follow several common canons of religious texts and hailing from the various domains in the land. Leading the council is a Lord Priest, who is elected every 8 years by the council and by the leaders of the other polities of the land. The Ka-Abiri Polity has an army, levied from the most elite of religious soldiers from the other domains, and are tasked with enforcing peace in the land and quelling dangers that approach from all around and under Ulrunir.

I was guided by a friendly Ulruniri elder named Kar-Aksul a well travelled explorer, who had surprisingly decent command of the Koba tongue, whom I met within the Unending Jungle and graciously led me to its exit and to a town named Gir-Misim which he explained was within a domain named Ka-Abir. From him, I learned that there were several major domains within Ulrunir, namely the Ka-Abir, Ninur-Sin, Gur-Qet, Lal-Mit, Shur-Qamet, Agash, Ka-Absur, An-Ligir and Qos-Omil. Ka-Abir is said to be the highest and holiest of all other domains, and all leaders of each domain convene at, or send envoys to the capital of Ka-Abir, which also bears the same name, to resolve disputes, declare war, sue for peace and carry out various diplomatic missions.

Far from the canopy of the great Ankagar Ziyar, and across the Sea of Fallen Leaves, and past the Formful Jungles formed from the Seed of the Formless Tree, lies the large fertile lands of Ulrunir. There the clime is dry as one would expect from a land untouched by the dew of the God-Tree, though it is blessed by the generosity of the Easting Winds. Yet, despite its lack of blessing, the land is somehow fertile, for they grow barley in large swaths instead of rice, and possess bulky, oversized bodies regardless of their status, as it is considered sacrilegious by their customs to steal or raze barely grown by a fellow man be it Beggar or Baron. Despite their large physique, they are a friendly and curious folk, and welcomed even an outsider such as myself within their borders.

Malka-Aktum was one of the Lieutenants of the Throne of Clay, during the 5th Heroic Age of Ninur-Sin, bearing the title of Kiln-Index - the Second among the Kilnfingers of Clay who serve the Clay Throne. Known for her calculating, thrifty nature, bordering on miserliness - despite her keen particularism on accounting, she is known to be responsible for investing in several large businesses, banks and even temples, as a means to fill the Clay Coffers with silver and gold. Despite her great love and attention for riches, she is a devout follower of the Deity of Love, All-Lover Anena, which due to her faith, has the most shrines and temples in the Domain of Clay.

Sil-Uru was one of the Lieutenants of the Throne of Clay, during the 5th Heroic Age of Ninur-Sin, bearing the title of Kiln-thumb - the highest among the Kilnfingers of Clay. Known for his heavy investments in scholarly pursuits and commissioning several academies throughout the domain of the Clay Throne - most notably the Grand Library of Galgatemen, Imin-Gishur the Academy of Engineering, and Umma-ummus the Academy of Decorum. Sil-Uru was born a noble of Ushga Tribe and was quickly identified as posessing literary and mathematical talent from a very young age and was involved in clinching several important deals in trade and construction businesses of his noble tribe. He became a Kilnfinger at the age of 28 by recommendation of his Uncle Kansh-Ukkin of the Tudtu Tribe, who was the Kiln-Index at the time, and due to his eloquence, and humility which impressed the other senior Kilnfingers who saw him primarily as a means to influence the Ushga Tribe which they felt somewhat threatened ...

A 60ft high wall with battlements, on which is a 40ft wide way which stretches in the north south direction. Every 100ft along the wall is a watchtower manned by several crossbow wielding zombies and one apprentice battlemage. The structure is made completely of polished limestone, and is extremely slippery, making climbing upon it very difficult. Points of Interest Petrified Giants A massive break in the wall 200ft wide that cleaves down all the way to the ground level. The break is occupied by two gargantuan Giants in a frozen stance of charging through the wall. Crossing across requires careful climbing around their petrified bodies which are inhabited by several harpies and other flying creatures. Encounters Roll Encounter 1 Patrolling troop of 3 crossbowmen and 1 swordsman, Zombies with 3 HD, armor as chainmail 2 A flock of 2d6 Harpies, wielding javelins. 3 A group of 1d6 Giant Ice Snails. They are not aggressive, but may cause severe frostbite when touc...

A 60ft high wall with battlements, on which is a 40ft wide way which stretches in the north south direction. Every 100ft along the wall is a watchtower manned by several crossbow wielding zombies and one apprentice battlemage. The structure is made completely of polished limestone, and is extremely slippery, making climbing upon it very difficult. Points of Interest Mark of Adzur A massive break in the wall 30ft wide that cleaves down 40ft down the wall. Said to be left by a terrifying undead phoenix named Adzur, which lurks in the dark snowstorms to the west. Allows easier access to the ground level. Encounters Roll Encounter 1 Patrolling troop of 3 crossbowmen and 1 swordsman, Zombies with 3 HD, armor as chainmail 2 A flock of 2d6 Giant Vultures, feeding on the putrid meat of dead travellers and soldiers. Possesses a shrill cry caries a foul scent, which may distract. 3 A group of 1d6 Giant Ice Snails. They are not aggressive, but may cause severe frostbite when touched. They are usu...

Known as the King of Weapons, and only wieldable by the strongest and most formidable, but mostly wielded by the foolish and naive who lofty aspirations to become the greatest of warriors. Due to its sheer weight and difficulty of control nearly nobody uses the Great-Mace and even in heroic legends, it was wielded by a scant few who were of phenomenal might. Of the few are the Deity of Strength, who wields it as his scepter of divinity. There is only two mortals who managed to master the Great-Mace - being Alab-Sathu, the Giant, who was said to be cursed with unusual size, and the legendary King of Blades, Mib-Ansir, whose semi-mythical feats were recorded in the famous Genealogy of the Tribe of Blades.

 A flowering plant known for its notorious irritant effects when its blooms, creating a nearly invisible haze of pollen that greatly irritates one's eyes, mouth and nose when nearby. Despite these effects, it is occasionally used in some herbal remedies to treat nasal congestion, and used in some varieties of stimulants that can rouse one from unconsciousness. According to rumors, it is used in some dangerous alchemical spells. It is also used in the cuisines of South Agash, where it is used as an ingredient for the spicy seasoning for several dishes such as Bubbling Pork Skewers and Ember Barley.

An accessory symbolizing youth and potential, often worn by nobles and scholars who have get to reach adulthood, typically in the regions of Lal-Mit and Agash. The ribbon comes in several kinds, with special ways of being tied depending on the location, and is sometimes associated with one's pedigree.

A miniature toad slightly larger than the thumb of an adult woman. Known for its remarkably deep indigo skin and green eyes. When provoked it can spit out a glob for fiery spit akin to cinder which can cause bad burns on those unprotected. It is found in the Blazing Forests in the far north of Agash, around which the tribesmen of flame live.

A blasphemous artifact mentioned in the Annals of Mud, claimed by several cultists of the Dark Prism cult to be the true origin of life. Contrary to the deific miracles of deific creation espoused by most major religious doctrines, the Slate of Eternal Discomfort served as a key node of transformation, granting flesh to fragments of spirit formed from the First Echo. It is said to be a tall yet extremely thin slate around 70 feet wide, which could stand freely, resisting even the most violent of storms. Those near who approached it would undergo painful transformations, but in exchange would be granted unimaginable powers.

The instrument of the famed Geomendicant Eshu-Musgir the Unsleeping Made completely of shells, when calculations are made on it, it produces a clear snapping sound that is capable of awakening those deep in slumber. It is considered a dangerous artifact today and stored in the highly secure Vault of Enumeration, due to this ability as it has reportedly caused deaths due to sleep deprivation of those using it and those near it.

An exotic weapon discovered by a fisherman turned illustrious warrior named Unar-Akim. When fishing near the eastern coast of Agash, Unar-Akim's nets fished a long oar made of an kind unknown wood, studded with menacing fangs along its rim. On the same day, his Hamlet was attacked by the roving warband of Ishim-Ub, and he miraculously fought his way out alive. Thereafter he lived a life of a duelist, defeating several champions, before disappearing from the land decades after.

 A set of legendary thatch puppets created by the Warlock of Straw, whose battle with the Serpent of Earth during the Primordial Age shaped much of the unique landforms of Agash. The puppets were said to be colossal in size, nearly half the size of a city, and grew up to the size of several mountains at the peak of their strength. It is said that when the Warlock of Straw was sealed in the earth by the Serpent of Earth, the puppets carrying his will continued to influence the lands, taking the form as the Five Mountain Ranges, where unique breeds of weasels proliferated.

A pristine set of architectural models carved from a bone-like material found in the ruin of Esh-Igwub, which was said to be the site of an ancient civilisation that preceded the Serpentine. Discovered by the Archaelogist Min-Amat of Simar-Agan in Lal-Mit. The architecture depicted in the model is unlike any other, harnessing numerous curvilinear shapes unlike the rectilinear, orderly forms that the Serpentine cultures established following the principles of ushering Order. Currently the model is displayed in the Grand Museum of Architecture in Agash, after it was looted from the College of Forms in Lal-Mit during the War of Lillies.