The Three Alliances¶
Three coalitions, three answers to one cosmic war — the fault line running through every people on Aarklash.
The continent's nations have aligned into three philosophical blocs. None is monolithic; each is a coalition of nations with broadly compatible aims. The split itself was a human innovation; the most ancient peoples (those of Destiny) refused to choose, viewing the cosmic war as a false binary.
Each people's culture aligns with one of three totemic groupings tied to the Alliances. The same race can have members in all three Alliances — a Light-aligned Cynwäll elf and a Darkness-aligned Akkyshan elf share blood but not allegiance.
Paths of Destiny¶
They guard their freedom, refusing the future that Light and Darkness alike would write for them.
The most ancient peoples of Aarklash. They reject the split itself, refusing the cosmic war as a false choice. Each Destiny people has their own reasons; what unifies them is not joining the others. Often respect each other across vast cultural differences. (see Paths of Destiny)
Members:
- Daïkinee elves — sylvan; original elven stem; live closest to the Eternal Forest of Quithayran. Beetle culture.
- Goblins of No-Dan-Kar — swamp-born, mutant, inventive; their currency is the standard across Aarklash. Beetle culture.
- Dwarves of Tir-Nâ-Bor — mountain stock; contributed enormously to Cadwallon's architecture. Wild Boar culture.
- Wolfen of Yllia — northern, lupine, faithful to the moon-goddess Yllia. Wolf culture.
- Wolfen of Vile-Tis — same race, opposing path; "enemy brothers" of the Yllian Wolfen. Hyena culture.
- Orcs of Bran-Ô-Kor — desert/wild orcs; the larger of the two orc nations. Jackal culture.
- Orcs of the Behemoth Mountains — mountain orcs; smaller community.
Ways of Light¶
They mean to build an age of reason and prosperity.
Predominantly human, with one notable elven member. They try to seduce prosperous civilizations (especially dwarves) to their side. They respect the Paths of Destiny — even when Destiny refuses to assist them. (see Ways of Light)
Members:
- Kingdom of Alahan — human; official Cadwallon embassy. Lion culture.
- Empire of Akkylannie — human; official Cadwallon embassy. Griffin culture.
- Tribes of Avaggdu — human (Sessair Kelts and related). Minotaur culture.
- Republic of Lanever — elven; young; Cadwallon sits on its peninsula. Dragon culture.
The Cynwäll elves whose ruins underlie Cadwallon are the ancestral elven branch of the Ways of Light. Their Republic of Lanever now formally represents them. The secretive Cynwäll ambassador in the upper city's tower is their direct voice.
Meanders of Darkness¶
They thirst for power, and bargain with the most terrible forces to slake it.
Wielders of dark magic and twisted creation. They aim to silence the Ways of Light forever. They generally regard Paths of Destiny as worthy opponents rather than enemies. (see Meanders of Darkness)
Members:
- Living-dead of Acheron — human; necromantic empire; besieged the Dogs of War at the Battle of the Wall of Earth. Stag culture.
- Alchemists of Dirz — human; mutagen and bioscience focus. Scorpion culture.
- Drune nation — human; dark traditions; see at night. Stag culture.
- Dwarves of Mid-Nor — Possessed dwarves; skin-and-soul ritual creations of the Despot. Hydra culture.
- Akkyshan elves — spider-cult; blessed by their goddess Lilith. Spider culture.
- Empire of Syharhalna — (our table: New Shamir); official Cadwallon embassy. Scorpion culture. Created the orcs in their cloning tanks at the city of Shamir.
Cadwallon and the Alliances¶
Cadwallon is officially neutral. All three Alliances have representation, and the city's prosperity depends on every Alliance trusting Cadwallon enough to do business there. The four official embassies span all three Alliances:
| Embassy | Alliance |
|---|---|
| Alahan | Ways of Light |
| Akkylannie | Ways of Light |
| No-Dan-Kar | Paths of Destiny |
| Syharhalna (New Shamir) | Meanders of Darkness |
The reclusive Cynwäll ambassador in his upper-city tower is a fifth, unofficial presence representing what remains of Cynwäll civilization.