The World of Dafan
as it existed in civilised times, 250 years ago
(Compiled by X’eng Mei-Peng for the inestimable benefit and education of those of this new barbaric era. )

1)  Nations of the South-East Coast
2) Lands of the Ikon Peninsula
3) Independent lands of the South-east Coast
4) Inland Nations
5)  Independent Inlands
6)  Nations of the East and North Coasts.
7)  Independent Lands of the East and  North Coasts
8)  Far Reaches of the Known World

1.  Nations of the South-east Coast

Vridi Empire

Vridi is the Mycenaean-Persian Human empire to the north of Ikon Peninsula.  It is presently known for it’s evil emperor, Sargon Archidamus.  The ruling class of Vridi tends to be Person in origin, while much of the populace is Mycenaean (i.e. Pre-classical Greek)..  They have a long history of magic, and are very warlike.  Vridi is presently at war with Astarah, has been so with Glantri on and off over the last 4436 years, and recently reclaimed Ikon Peninsula.  Capital:  Vridistan, founded over 4400 years ago on the remains of the Elvish city of Vida.

The Republic of Hestia

Hestia is a fairly young Human republic with little magic, resembling Rome circa 2200 B.P.  The city of Hestia was founded by Mycenaean colonists after the Viking invasion of Vridi.  Capital:  Hestia.  Heraldic symbol: Eagle

Empire of Astarah

Astarah is the Sumerian Human empire west of Vridi.  It is ruled by a  communistic theocracy under a powerful Empress who, legends has it, has ruled the country since its inception.  Astarah was colonised by Sumerians over 4500 years ago, before Sumer was destroyed.  Twin capitals:  Erech and Ur.  Heraldic symbol:  eight-pointed star.

Pelasgi Federation

This is the loose-knit group of islands off the south coast of the continent, consisting of the Kirkes and the Kycladic islands, populated predominantly of Minaean and Mykenaean Humans (i.e. pre-Classical Greek).  They are a major sea faring and trading power, to whom Ikon is a long-standing ally and trading partner.  Heraldic-symbol:  Labrys (double-bladed axe).

Regency of Snooka

Snooka is the ancient Gnomish nation to the north of Astarah.  The origins of this empire are suspiciously lost in the mists of time to those outside.  It is on fairly good terms with Astarah but tends to stay neutral in politics.

2. Lands of the Ikon Peninsula

Ikon Peninsula is a federation of one Human-Gnomish province, one Human-Elvish-Hobbitish provinces, and one Dwarvish province that split from Vridi empire in the year 4283 (155 years ago) but was recently re-conquered.  Heraldic symbol:  double bladed axe entwined with a serpent.

Sidhshaimh (pron:  “shee-se’-va”)

The west-most province on the peninsula, composed of Hobbitish, Elvish and Celtic populations.  Konashire or Periend is on the coast and is the Hobbit region.  Sidhshaimh is the Celtic and Elvish territory, inland and of deep, lush forests.  On the south coast can be found scattered Japanese fishing villages.

Ut-Huldra

The Dwarvish mountains of Ikon Peninsula are strategically situated at the northern end o the peninsula.    It is a very strong military power, and is the main reason why Vridi has had so much difficulty reclaiming the peninsula.  Ut-Huldra controls most of the border between the two lands.  Capital:  Kharall-dum. 

Tualyn

This is the Gnomish and Human province on the east coast of the peninsula.  The human population is evenly divided between Mykenaean inhabitants to the south-west, and Norse to the North in Krolland around Kroll Sea.  Further north there is a modest Nandor and Finnish community around Lake Pitt, but this region is essentially independent.  Gnomes control the hilly eastern half of the region.  Japanese fishing villages can be found scattered on the coast.  Capital city:  Tualyn City.  Gnomish Capital:  Frinswrut-Karral.

Ikon City (and Ikon City State)

On the mouth of the Hellison River lies Ikon City, presently the most important city of Tualyn.  It is a major trading port and meeting place of many races. Governed by a plutocratic council, Ikon is allied with the Pelasgi Federation.  During the war with Vridi Empire (4434-4436 or 151-153), it negotiated with Hestia for loan of Hestian troops, and also received money and ships from the Pelasgians.  It is currently the capital of the peninsula under Vridi rule.

3) Independent lands of the South-east Coast

Ar Muir

The Celtic territory to the west of  Astarah, occasionally allied with Astarah.  It controls the major passes through the mountains between Astarah and Ar Dan, the Celtic land in the Valley of the River Danu.

New Periend

The Hobbit country within Ar Muir, nominally a province of Astarah.  It was founded by colonists from Periend on Ikon Peninsula who went boating one day for who-knew-where.  Capital:  Sunhaven.

New Tell Qa

A rebel city-state which until recently was a province of Vridi Empire.  Split in the year 4436/153 when the Vridi Emperor found that it had aided Ikon Peninsula in its fight against Vridi.  Before the Persian-Mykenaean war, Tell Qua had been named for its Matron Deity, Athena.  The name Tell Qua may be related to “Tell ‘Uqair”).  Heraldic symbol:  Medusa head.

4) Inland Nations

Republic of Glantri

Glantri is the large Finnish-Elvish nation to the north.  It has a long history of magic use, often in a military context.  The populace is primarily Human of Finnish culture, with an aloof aristocracy of Vanyar Elves and some Humans.  Glantri has been at war wit Vridi on and off for the last 4400+ years.  Capital: Glantri City.

Ar Dan

Throughout the value of the River Danu lies the Ar Dan civilisation.  Predominantly Celtic, it has little to do with the rest of the world other than Ar Muir.  The Danu is their heart, and also an important trade route for other peoples.

Eald

Eald is the last remaining Elvish nation (and fast forestland) on the continent, and dates back to the days before Humans were on Dafan. Few outsiders have visited any part of it but the perimeter, and great power is rumoured to exist in the deep forest heartland. 

Regency of Ut-Khuzdul

The largest known Dwarvish nation, Ut-Khuzdul is probably older than any other state.  Few non-Dwarves know any parts other than special border towns, but these are very friendly to traders.

Varang

Varang is the large Norse nation on the eastern and southern shores of the Bokn Sea, consisting of the provinces of Norrbotten, Vasterbotten, and Vaasa.  Currently the most significant inland trading nation, the Varangians have a virtual monopoly of the Danu River Trade. They are also active on the Eastern shore of the continent, having recently conquered Northartia, the land now between Noranglia and Hellevi.  The Varangians were very expansionistic a few centuries ago, but seem content just to trade and raid now.

Karelia

Karelia is the land of the Finns, as well as some Lapps.  It is now restricted to the Western shores of the Bokn Sea because of Varang expansion.  A land of lakes, deep forest, and mysterious magic, Karelia is n good terms with Glantri and the Lapps of the far north, and ignores most other nations. Vaasa was a part of Karelia up until a century or two ago.  Pohjola is the north-westernmost province.

5)  Independent Inlands

 Vandatic States

A motley collection of petty Human feudal states that ring the Great Desert (Eostremark).  Some include populations of Hobbits.  Few are of any significance at any given time, and few remain strong for more than a few generations.  Most are feuding with their neighbours, and anyone else that some within their (usually short) reach.

Rikkisuo: the Broken Lands

A nasty, rugged land with many swamps between Glantri and Ar Dan.

6)  Nations of the East and North Coasts.

Hellevi

The other Norse nation, the land of the Vikings, lies east of Varang and north of Noranglia.  AS the Varangians are inland, the Hellevi are active traders, explorers and raiders on the ocean.  Varang and Hellevi get along reasonably well, raiding each other somewhat less than they do the rest of Dafan.  Provinces include Trondelag, Orustland, Nordmark, and Troms.

Noranglia

Noranlgia is a mix of Celtic, Hobbit, Elvish and Norse peoples.  They former three groups are indigenous, while the Norse are mostly descendants of the raiders of this last few centuries who decided to stay, or those who have fled their homeland for health reasons.  Noranglia prefers to remain unobtrusive and out of the way.  Their only serious neighbouring annoyance are the Norse to their north: Northartia:   the central coastal region just to the north was conquered by the Varang not long ago. 

7)  Independent Lands of the East and  North Coasts

Eostremark, "The Great Desert"

A vast, unhealthy wasteland between Noranglia and Hestia, this was the home of a powerful Human (and Dwarvish?) state many thousands of years ago.  Now, only a few Human and Hobbit nomadic groups occupy the desert, handling the trade between the surrounding Vandatic states.

8)  Far Reaches of the Known World:

Ditya Empire

Ditya is a huge, ancient Human empire in the central southern coast of the continent.   The huge capital city of Lahore has  well-known foreigners’ quarter, frequented by many traders. There is a modest population of Gnomes and a scattering of Elves and Hobbits, mostly in the northern and western parts.

Drowsaptu

This is vast, foul swampland at the south of the Danu River, west of Astarah.  Here be nasties (and malaria).

Aetolia

A rugged, mountainous highland, populated by Dwarves, Gnomes, Humans and some undesirable types.

Ullani

Home of the Mongol Hordes, west of Glantri.  Glantri is bothered by them every few decades. 

Hannu

The ancient Chinese Empire to the far West.  Legends abound as to its age, magic, and power.

Fennia (Lappland)

The vast Lapp land to the north of Hannu, Ullani, Karelia, and Hellevi

Tanit

Until recently, Tanit was a major trading power.  The island of Tanit was settled by explorers from Astarah several hundred years ago.  It has suffered two major defeats at the hands of the Hestians over the last century, and is currently in shambles.  Capital City:  Punitan.

Urulla Mountains

The mountain range dividing the Ullani and Karelia.  Known for giants and other such big folk. 

Sumer Desert

To the north of the Ditya Empire this desert lies and legend has it that it does not bode well to wander there.  Vast ruins and dried riverbeds can be found, and the nomadic herders who wander here bear tales of a vast civilization of their ancestors and the destruction invaders caused.  Indeed, their superb knowledge of mathematics and astronomy does seem to lend truth to their tales.

Ta-Mera and Khemmenu

Travellers and Traders bear tales of rich nations on a vast continent far off the East coast of Hestia.  On this continent, two lands are known:  Ta-Mera, land of the Sea; and Khemmenu, Land of the Moon.  These are lands of lush jungles, hot deserts, tall mountain ranges and flat river deltas.

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