The World of Haylene

The world of Haylene is relatively small, and the part inhabited by what the elves call "the People of the Art" (races that have independently developed arcane magic) is limited to the area shown below.

This region, commonly called the "Middle Reaches" (or the "Imperial Reaches" by humans) is dominated by the former Imperial lands.  At its height, shortly after they conquered the Woods of Tulone, the Empire of Rhysone spanned nearly a thousand leagues.  The regions of the former Empire consist of:

• The Imperial Coast, the home of the Imperial City itself, and the only area still under the direct control of the city.
• The Heartlands, which have broken down into a collection of petty "kingdoms," none of which are more than a few days rides across.  
• The Northern Marches, a collection of five large baronies that still maintain the culture and organization of the fallen Empire.
• The Hinterlands, a series of large region consisting of the distant county of Durrington, the Marches of Metrol, and the Imperial Runs... all of which are now outright controlled by the Guilds.
• The Tulone Woods, whose conquest was relatively brief, and is rarely thought of as Imperial Lands.

Beyond the fallen Empire, the Middle Reaches contain most of the elven and dwarven lands in Haylene.

• The Five Nations of Prydain contain the once proud lands of the high elves.
• The Aelwode is the home of the reclusive and xenophobic drow elves.
• The Dwardok Mountains contain all the dwarf holds in the world.
• The Chasmn of the Broken Pact is a monstrous region, inhabited by chitins, ettercaps, and malign fey.
• The Dragon Ride, to the north, has recently been invaded by goblins, and whose hobgoblins seem on the verge of joining the People of the Art.

Further, to the South, there are three lands influenced by the lich-lord's kingdom of Xynalin.

• The Midnight Sea is an inland sea known for its dark waters, and is home of the Midnight Coast, home of petty warlords and nations that last a generation, maybe two.
• Norden Darkane is a vassal state of Xynalin, and known for its necromancer princes.
• The Keldoran Wilds are known as orcish lands, and have never been conquered by any foreign people, but who often serve as mercenaries in Xynalin's armies.

The Shanolis

Lands: Prydain

Races: Elf (High)

For centuries, the Shanolis have defended the elves of Prydain, and are known as some of the most fearsome warriors in the world.  Each one of them is versed equally in blade and spell, and the training of a Shanolis is a very specific thing.  

Note: each rank of the Shanolis requires specific levels in an associated subclass.  

History

The Shanolis serve the Queen, there is no Shanolis without the Queen to serve.  Still, the traditions that encompass the Shanolis style are quite old and must predate the founding of Prydain.  However, since the founding, the elves of Prydain have only allowed the Shanolis to practice the art of Bladesinging.

Goals

• Serve the Queen.
• Protect the Realm.
• Perfect the Art

Key Individuals

• Fiedilann Ap’Andin: The Queen’s champion and the grandmaster of the Shanolis, Fiedilann is a living legend amongst the Prydani.
• Ecorina Ap’Mengali: Fiedilan’s former apprentice, and one of the masters of the Shanolis.  
• Wendolyn Ap’Urlond: A master and ruthless agent of the Queen who she currently favors for missions.
• Inselle Ap’Ingalis: The newest master, and youngest since Fiedilann to achieve that title.

Rank and Associated Abilities

Associated Subclasses Fighter (Eldritch Knight), Rogue (Arcane Trickster), Wizard (Bladesinger)

• Apprentice (Rank 1): Fighter, Rogue training available  (required for 3rd level of fighter or rogue). An apprentice must complete this training to move onto journeyman
• Journeyman (Rank 2): Wizard training available  (required for 2nd level of wizard).  A journeyman must complete this training to move onto Bladesinger
• Bladesinger (Rank 3): Fighter, rogue or wizard training available (required for 6th level of wizard,7th level of fighter, or 9th level of rogue).
• Master (Rank4): Fighter, rogue or wizard training available (required for 10th level of fighter or wizard,13th level of rogue).
• Grand Master (Rank 5): Fighter, rogue or wizard training available (required for 14th level of wizard, 15th level of fighter, or 17th level of rogue).  There is only ever one grandmaster at a time.

High Mages of Prydain

Lands: Prydain

Races: Elf (High)

The elves are the undisputed masters of the arcane, and Elven Wizardry is the envy of all the people of Haylene.  Within the Eight Towers of the Kythori, the elven people command power that is unheard of outside the borders of Prydain  

History

While the elves control the largest and best known college of wizardry, it is not the oldest.  The Four Towers date back to an older tradition, before the Queen came to power over the Prydani peninsula.  

Goals

• While they serve the Queen, the High Mages are all quite independent, and chaff at attempts to lead them.
• Each one is quite politically powerful, as they are allowed to address and advice the Queen.  The archmages are essentially her counselors.

Key Individuals

• The Queen of Prydain: On of the great arcanists in the world, the Queen of Prydain is seemingly ageless, and has led her people since time forgotten.  
• Nymuea: The queen’s oldest friend, and her devil’s advocate, Nymuea is the archmage of divination.
• Ornien: The most powerful wizard in Prydain, Ornien is the archmage of evocation.
• Selestra: Known as much for her temper and wit as her magical ability (and it is considerable), Selestra is the youngest of the archmages, and has mastered Enchantment.
• Dyfed: A recluse and a bit of a scoundrel, Dyfed places little value on even the lives of his elven brethren.  He is the archmage of abjuration.
• Rhystel: Known to be older than the Queen, and of universally bad reputation, Rhystel is rarely seen in Prydain.  He is, however, the archmage of conjuration.
• Thymean: An adventuresome and charismatic leader, Thymean is the archmage of transmutation.
• Anippa: The white necromancer, and the first to be named by the Queen when she started the council, Anippa has long practiced a unique tradition of necromancy.
• The Mistmaster: The archmage of illusion has long left his or her enemies guessing as to the archmage’s true identity.

Rank and Associated Abilities

Associated Subclasses Wizard (Abjurer, Conjurer, Diviner, Enchanter, Evoker, Illusionist, Necromancer, Transmuter)

• First Circle (Rank 1): Wizard training available (required for 2nd level of wizard).
• Second Circle (Rank 2): Wizard training available (required for 6th level of wizard).
• Third Circle (Rank 3): Wizard training available (required for 10th level of wizard).
• Fourth Circle (Rank4): Wizard training available (required for 14th level of wizard).  There is only one wizard of the 4th circle or higher for any given school, plus the queen.
• Fifth Circle (Rank 5): Bestowed on any wizard capable of casting 9th level spells.