Photography by Max Wilkins
The Realm and the Petty Kingdoms
Set in a shattered realm where the land has been divided for a thousand years. ‘The Realm’ is split into the Petty Kingdoms, each controlled by their own ruler. The unknown gods watch idly as the chaotic life of the Petty Kingdoms grinds on. Lords bicker, maps are drawn and redrawn, yet the people trudge on. The First Blight, an undead scourge, was beaten a thousand years ago by a united realm, but soon after it became fractured once again. Now there is rumour that a new darkness is spreading across The Realm. Some look to the Lords for guidance, but not you. Yours isn’t the life of a ruler, but nor is it the life of a serf. You are an adventurer. Go find your fortune.
The Ancients is set in The Realm. This world is full of creatures and peoples both mundane and fantastical; from dwarves, humans, beastkin, fae, lizardfolk and more. The continent that you inhabit is called “The Land of Petty Kingdoms”, and it is where the ancient Kingdom of the Crown once was, where King Markus The Defender united the realms and defeated the First Blight. Unfortunately, King Markus the Defender was unable to save the Kingdom from itself and after the Blight, the Kingdom split into the Petty Kingdoms we know today.
Create your own Kingdom!
Over time additional landmarks, kingdoms and more shall be added to the map above as the story progresses. Make your mark and create your own kingdom that will be added to the map and potentially used in upcoming events!
Species
In the Realm, there are a plethora of different species that were once under one banner. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs etc. In the more wild parts, such as The Chaos Lands and The Wastes, you will find species more akin to that of myth, like fae, daemons, spirits and abominations. Even then you may not find two humans, two fae, or two orcs that are alike. A player can choose to be any species, and physically represent them however they’d like, as long as it does not have an undead nature - to avoid being confused with the Blighted.
You are encouraged to create any sort of species that could reside in a diverse fantasy world such as ‘The Realms,’ using whatever phys reps you are comfortable with. But be careful to remain within the fantasy genre. Eg. A warforged such as those from D&D’s Eberron setting might be acceptable, but an android like the Borg from Star Trek would not be.
Photography by Max Wilkins
TERRITORIES OF THE PETTY KINGDOMS
There are five territories within The Realm, all broken up into the ‘Petty Kingdoms’, ruled by a diverse variety of Lords, Queens, Magisters, Self-styled Gods, Sultans and more. Though each individual kingdoms cultures and appearances are effected by their territory, they are not strictly defined by said territory. Eg. There are plenty of coastal kingdoms in The Wastes, just as there are land locked kingdoms in The Coasts.
There are no immediate mechanical bonuses or drawbacks for being from one of these territories, and whilst these are geographical borders, the people within them are no more united than the rest of The Realm.
Filled with farmlands and castles this territory is fortified and well developed. This was where King Markus the Defender led his united forces against the Blight.
An arid shrubland that has been especially affected by the petty wars between the Lords. Its inhabitants do whatever it takes to survive. The abundance of corpses here gives this land its name.
The darkest and most mysterious territory. Here there be monsters. Those who hail from these icy lands must be either the toughest or the weirdest to survive.
The eastern coast of The Petty Kingdoms is a mountainous region, home to those who live amongst its peaks and those who ply their trade at sea. Much of their wars are fought by proxy.
Creatures both magical and mythical call this ever changing land home, be they fae, fiend or some other fantastical beast. The land itself matches their chaotic nature.
Religion and Faith
Religion within The Realm and the Petty Kingdoms is varied and diverse. But there is a distinct difference between religion and the power of faith. Faith can come from Religion, but not all faith is religious in nature.
Many refer to any godlike entities as ‘The Unknown Gods’ for their ways are mysterious and they do not interact with the world beyond, supposedly, being the origin of the power known as Faith. In fact, it is unknown if there really are any true gods. Particularly religious kingdoms and peoples of The Realm revere numerous entities as gods. From singular idols to entire pantheons, they believe in unique traditions, theologies, and teachings. Those of particularly strong faith in their religion do indeed gain power from such devotion. Even if what they worship may just be a simple golden statue, or a particularly powerful monster…
The power of faith on the other hand can come from numerous sources. Many put their faith in a virtue or a sin, be it Pride, Love, or Wrath. Others have faith in their friends, their family, or their people. No matter what the source of faith, it is the belief in that source that grants a person its power.
Photography by Max Wilkins