Art Credit: Kev Walker
The Firelands
"Others may see our cracked lands and hollowed mountains as signs of destruction. Me though, I see them as signs of progress." – Lord Barindule, Fire Titan
Capital: The Citadel
Features: Fire Giants, Hard Rock Mining, Mountains
Languages: Giant
Races: Fire Giants, Fire Newts, Kobolds, Tieflings
The lands far east of Ikaunia, Kursa, and Zwaria hold vast mountain ranges and plains. Beyond that there are the Steppes which lead into the true East. But nested between the northern Elian nations and the Eastern nomads lies a country of Fire Giants. This nation is unrecognized by most other nations, and it has no presence in their politics but still they've made their presence known to the Elian world on more then one occasion.
The giants of the Firelands are divided into tribes. The two most predominant tribes are the clans Oreforged and Thuldor. Both of these tribes are lead by a Fire Titan. Both tribes value strength and might but the ways these tribes approach their bid for power differ widely.
Clan Oreforged value physical strength and perfection. They seek to prove their strength and power to other lesser beings. Currently the clan is digging a hole which they hope will break through the cosmic wheel and allow them to tunnel into the Nine Hells, starting a grand battle which they hope will test their might.
Clan Thuldor on the otherhand has spent the past few centuries collecting every scrap of knowledge about the weave and studying it. The members of the clan believe that through proper understanding of the universe that they can bend it to their will, even if that means breaking it.
Interesting Things About the Firelands
- The landscape is cracked and dry. Little vegitation grows, and pools of lava are visible across vast ravines. This is because of the large scale mining work by Clan Oreforged.
- The Clan Thuldor has a massive benefit over the other clans. With their magical prowess they can create magical food for sustaining the members of the clans, and allowing The Firelands to be self-sufficiant.
- The non-giant folk in The Firelands typically recieve little in terms of praise or segregation. Their status is typically second class citizens, but the giants hold respect for any who prove their strength which means many non-giants are treated as equals.
The Firelands Characters
The giants of The Firelands drastically shape the culture of the area. Whether a small tribe of Fire Newts, a coven of Tieflings, or a member of one of the two great Clans-the culture of the area reflects that of Fire Giant culture.
Bullheaded. You hold respect only for those that have earned it. Your standards are higher then others and you can disregard the opinions and actions of those beneath you.
Fireborn. You enjoy the heat. Despite coming from one of the most northern regions of Rietuma, you feel at home just a few steps from a pool of lava. Your body is acclimated to these environments and even fair weather seems cold to you.
Mind Over Matter. Whether its digging a hole for decades, or studying one spell for centuries you are singleminded in your pursuits. Typically in these pursuits you know well enough that in time you will be the master of them.
Cities and Locations
There are few permanent places within the Firelands. Most of the tribes find it best to stay closer to the larger clans Oreforged and Thuldor. That is not to say the cracked earth that makes up the firelands is without its distinguishing marks though.
The Citadel
The capital city of The Firelands. Large obsidain walls, hide vast halls of grand forges and libraries. This city severs as the current home of Clan Oreforged and Thuldor. Beneath the city there is the sound of constant metal slamming against rock as workers dig a hole, hoping to break through the cosmic wheel and into the Nine Hells. Aside from that, the vast libraries dedicated to studies on the arcane are where most of Clan Thuldor spends its time.
Mt. Volsun
Perhaps the most dangerous mountain in Rietuma, this massive volcano is theorized by members of Clan Oreforged to draw lava and magma from the Nine Hells. It is said that devils occasionally emerge from the mountain. However, Clan Thuldor continues to state that it draws its vast wells of lava from the Elemental Plane of Fire. Clan Thuldor and Oreforged do agree on one thing though, if the currently dormant were to errupt, it would mark the end of Rietuma.
Religion
The people of the Firelands are secluded and do not care to venture beyond their home. Despite this, they are always open to those that venture into their homes. As long as you are worthy they should listen to you. With this openness comes a surprising tolerance for religion. Most of the Giants and Titans pay homage to Ignis, the first flame, however there are no mandates on worship or reverence to him.
The Firelands came into contact with Elianism roughly eight-hundred years ago. Many members of the tribes accept the philosophy of strength and preparedness against the outer planes, but care not for the strictness and rigidity of the religion. It is likely one can find a Median Firelander working peacefully with an Elian Firelander.
This is not to say there are not clashes between groups. However, these clashes are usually resolved in competitions of strength or in arenas of combat. In the Firelands, strength of ones self prevails. That usually means that the religion, ideals, and philosophy of the strongest are usually seen as the strongest.
Pantheon
| Deity | Alignment | Domain | Symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ignis | TN | Fire | A curled flame |
The Burning of Rigan
An event that shocked the Elian world, and an event still in the minds of many giants and Kursans was the burning of Rigan. In May of the year 901, a group of adventurers from the town of Rigan managed to kill a giant from the Firelands. While this was not something that upset the giants, the news that the adventurers had stolen his arms and armor as well as defiled his body enraged the giants. A warband was assembled and the Fire Giants began their march toward Kursa and Rigan.
Once in Kursa, they set up a camp to serve as their base. This would become the Byrning Sultanate after they left. The adventurers, banding under the flag of the Northguard and led by its leaders sent off to peacefully resolve the fury of the giants. In the end, the adventurer that defiled the manhood of the giant was killed in single combat. The items taken were returned.
Many of the giants considered this repayment. However, there were some who sought to prove their worth. The town of Rigan was destroyed by massive boulders and blades of fire. Many of the cities people fled, led by Lord Baldanello they eventually regrouped and began to build New Rigan. Still, the destruction of the city sated the giants and they returned to their own homes. The event came to be known as the burning of Rigan and left many orphaned and alone.
