Worldbuil24 - Nangia Geography

Geography

Andjang – A kingdom on Dog Mountain, on the mainland uplands of Jamiyun Kulisa’s Tassels. A wan and animal-less folk, they import livestock and slaves from the highlands via and from the lowlands, and the Sultanate of Akai. This is because of strange blood tithes they offer to their queen. Who marks the borders with stones to dissuade foes. What is dangerous is the broods of young royals who learn to survive in the surrounding forest and the intelligent weapons retired here. Produces highly valuable black, meaty rice and red loam which improves paddies. Ghosts placed in rattan puppets cultivate the soil.[i]

Akai, The Sultanate of – On the island of Siga in the midst of the Footstep of the Gods is a far spreading Mandala of religious authority and commercial power. The missionaries didn’t arrive until after Emperor Jaris Akai was battling his ten sons. But Sihkandag, the Warrior-Priestess of Baginda Sumongsuklay secured him victory. Agma Damlag has since been the state religion and supreme ideology. The core territory are the Footsteps and coastal Kalanawan. They ride giant fowl, sarimanok, elephants, swordfish and manta rays on raids and war. Known for romanticism of the world, their palm leaf poetry is the best.[ii]

Apumbukid, The Confederation of – In the Footsteps of the Gods, Five Core Kadatuan (Communities) surround the holy mountain Apu on Kalanawan. Kamuton (Rooted) is the term for allies across The Sword Isles because the harmony of the Mandala allows them to travel to them through strangler fig trees. They believe they are to protect the harmony of the Divine Wilds and seek out and destroy monsters and people who upset the balance. Internally they practice ritual duels. Attacking others only when spirits demand it, head-hunting rather than capturing foes, unless need or orders demand it and avoiding atrocities. Nobles favour very strong reds clothes.[iii]

Ba-e, The Kingdom of – The oldest polity and Mandala in the Sword Isles, Ba-e has long benefited from originating on mainland Nangia and used its powerful merchants to establish its true capital on Southern Rusunuga, where the bloodlines of ancient Kadanay run deep. Reflecting religious influences from Arodia and Jungo, it is home to many monasteries, giant statues and Baikhan colonies. They pay tribute to Bai Hu as the new emperors of Jungo and so receive their protection, as their mainland holdings are threatened by the war in Sajavedra and raids with other island Mandala. They have a ball sport as a combat style.[iv]

Baik Hu Hegemony – A coastal state which has declared itself to be the future ruling dynasty of Jungo and funds these ambitions with trade to the Sword Islands. Ruled by the arrogant Dragonborn Lungyi people, they claim they are the pinnacle of enlightenment, and all others are mere Debtors to them in time. Unable to expand into the Jiang Hu by the depredations of Tien Lung. They have increasingly been targeting the Sword Islands with trading colonies and monasteries to stake a claim in every region.[v]

Bambung – A Mandala where the true aquatic extent of Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows starts and not the backwater mainland. Where hundreds of petty gods distract the followers of Agma Damlag. Bambung is itself part of the Mandala of the Sultanate of Akai and a critical one. It ensures the northern passages to Arodia and Issohappa (Adventia and Zakhara) remain in the Sultanate’s control. Conflict between the Elven Merchant Fleets and Zakharan merchants has resulted in Bambung attempting to stop the Elves on occasion. Sometimes leading to battles or diverting foreign ships south through the Footsteps of the Gods.[vi]

Banua – Acting capital of the Bolad Horde, this is a vital stopping point for traders heading to the distant northern reaches of Nangia. Otherwise, the small city has three permanent buildings (fortress, smithy and temple) and a collection of yurts and gers. Important travelers stay in two tent inns. There is a permeant bathhouse a short distance from the city walls. Between the northern trade and the fine ceramic work by local artisans, Banua is bursting at the seams as families trade in their nomadic lives for the more comfortable and stable prospect of life in the city.[vii]

Barrier of Panlinugon - West of Tauhaw, a common stopping point for traders from Baik Hu, or those from the Footsteps of the Gods. A major city here is Kotalawana. Travel due west from the Barrier, and one finds the remains of steepled towers jutting from the ground, each layer of the tower housing a thousand Gods. The occasional giant kampilan juts out of the waves, seafoam crashing against it. Grand coral cities and ecosystems have risen around ancient monoliths. Locals point and say, “Samrasat.” All they and their ancestors know, is “They are ruins now.”[viii]

Bat City – A isolated and mysterious settlement in the uplands of Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows. Like many other minor kingdoms, it is inhabited by animals, but unlike Kandis and Mr-Kr-Gr, its inhabitants are Humanoids to live independently. It possesses trading links to Kala Mandala, but otherwise little is known about it. Its inhabitants are not well known elsewhere.[ix]

Blazestone – Far to the north of the White Dragon River are the bubbling pits of the Earthy fire. No Animal Nomad sets foot there, for their herds would surely perish amid the fires and soot-stained plants. And yet people live there, many of whom are Goliath. Forging a life out of devotion to the Primal Spirits which taught them to shape and survive the wastes. They hunt with obsidian arrow tips according to traders in Banua.[x]

Bolad and Nergüi Hordes – Central Nangia is home to many Animal Nomad tribes and one above the Khiimori Mountains was the Naran Horde. Tragically the khan had identical sons who split the Horde into the majority Bolad horde based at eastern Banua and the smaller, but more aggressive Nergüi horde based in the western fortress of Kuzhu Kala. Both territories must be traversed along the caravan route, so politeness is key.[xi]

Bol Xan Tuk – A ruined city from the time of the Yellow Plant Empire, it is unknown if it was built by them or by the first successor states to crawl from beneath the smothering, rotting canopy. Some think they might be the most northern Kadanay. They used the sediment of the Qelong River to develop glassblowing before copper tools and built canals. They also transmitted the study of magic in southern Nangia. Eventually their rulers challenged the Gods and were cursed. Koah Khe is the closest village.[xii]

Chaom – The rising power in the valleys and hills of southern Nangia. A Mandala centered on a Baw capital, Chaom has continued to expand as rival states collapse during the Age of Chaos. For this reason, it is accused of fiendish pacts and is called the Devil-Empire. This is not helped by its current Maharaja, who seeks to bring as many of the valleys and the Zomia as possible under his tribute. Perhaps someday mastering even fragmented Jungo. His embrace of power has caused him to turn to increasingly unorthodox allies and magic, which creates discontent even among his court.

Diyun – The hanging city is a new city and serves as the Baik Hu Hegemony’s main port into central Jungo. With the Loyal City of Fu-Chow barely respecting their authority. The city hangs on rope bridges, bamboo scaffolding and rock-cuts around towering limestone cliffs the Red Dragon River has carved into its river delta. Half a century ago, Diyun was a bandit hideout atop monstrous lairs and carved temples. The last of many adventurers into the catacombs was Kagamungo. Always lucky and maybe a monster, he has made his city into an icon as a hedonistic, stratified and roguish gambling parlor.[xiii]

Doresain, Temple of – High in a remote valley of the Mountains of the Moon is a remnant of great evil. The Primordial Syvexrae, the Queen of Stone was defeated before the Earth cooled and remains trapped as a semi-petrified palace-larder for the Ghoul King, Doresain in the Abyss. Syvexrae bore an egg filled with hate. To be born within the world. Doresain ate the knowledge from Syvexrae and opened it early. Producing a stunted yet devoted creature called Orelax, who dwells in his petrified egg-temple seeking to turn the world to stone.[xiv]

Dragon River, Blue – The most south of the three great dragon rivers which define Jungo, it is the one whose loss has most shrunk the empire. The great hills and mountains of the south were part of the Zomia and the only by great force were colonies and subjects established. And only by the settlement of the Blue was an anchor for them made. Now the lower river is split between the dread Magocracy of Tien Lung on the west bank and the Baik Hu Hegemony to the east and coastal. Allowing all the rugged interior to become the Jiang Hu.

Dragon River, Gold – Nowhere better emphasizes Jungo's current state than its barely tamed heart. The dynasties have crept down from the river highlands to the plains leaving dozens of capitals and noble families with claims of grandeur. Now each of those families has raised a state to claim the imperial throne. Alliances and invasions shift territory over the decades just as much as the river changes course through unmaintained levies. But cultural traditions are preserved. It is the dream of many states descended from Animal Nomads along the White Dragon River. To sweep down and attain legitimacy through control of the Gold Dragon.

Dragon River, Red – The greatest in scale of Jungo’s rivers, coming out of the Zomia and feeding many of its richest cities. Its length has carved out the southern passes which connect the Animal Nomad lands of central Nangia to the fertile south. The Jiang Hu feeds it and allows the feuding armies passage upland. Along its length was the highland Animal Nomads and Humanoids of the cold Zomia, Héyun, the waterway to Fu-Hung, Kwantoom when it drops out of the mountains, faded Shang-Wu, and finally the old Yue Kingdom, resurgent and bloody.

Dragon River, White – Currently known as the Qilin River, this once formed the northern boundary of what could be civilized Jungo, with only tributaries beyond. Since the Age of Chaos, the river’s defenses against the horse-riding Animal Nomads have faltered and the whole river is home to usurping nomadic clans, surviving cities and semi-barbarian states with pretentions to seize the throne, and become the new ruling dynasty. Therefore, the name has taken on an equine aspect.

Dusti-Dusta – A city of slavers. No one knows where it is located or what form the city exists in, it is just somewhere in Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows. But whether that is on the mainland, or among the vast number of islands is unknown. The slavers and merchants have blurred faces and voices. This is because they trade in royal slaves. It’s not enough to have Debtors, the truly rich have slaves who are minor royalty with servants and treasures of their own. Some might be lowborn who are trained, but that’s hard to tell.[xv]

Echo Cavern – The great rivers of southern Jungo emerge from towering mountains and green waterfalls. For many of the communities with the Jiang Hu, these places allow communion with ancestral Primal spirits as a supplement to organized divinities. The local villages of Human and a few Halflings gather outside one waterfall for rite of passage. Youths must enter through the purifying curtain of water to meditate in the small space, where the voice of their ancestors carry on the wind and rushing noise. They emerge the next morning as adults, carrying a fragment of ancestral wisdom.[xvi]

Five Loyal Cities, The - In Jungo, five cities do not claim independence but proclaim loyalty to the imperial throne. As no one sits on the throne, they have de facto independence. They are: The craftworks and fortresses of western Nan-Gua and eastern Weijin along the White Dragon River. Mercantile Shang-Yang at the gates of Xinjiang. Bustling Fu-Chow, the greatest port in the east and nominally part of the Baik Hu Hegemony. Monastic Fu-Hung alone in the south-west Jiang Hu. And the previous capital of the empire, Shang-Wu, downriver from Kwantoom.[xvii]

Footsteps of the Gods, The - The handle and the tassels of the sword that the Gods used to pierce Gubat Banwa. Here the most powerful Mandala is the Sultanate of Akai, who holds almost every leader and king within this region in thrall. The Footsteps of the Gods is the land of beautiful cinnamon, extravagant flower islands, and burgeoning mountains. The center of Gubat Banwa and the trichiliocosm, the Mountain of Apu, can be found in the island of Kalanawan, the largest island. The Confederation of Apumbukid holds a large amount of power here as well.[xviii]

Frostfell - A common name for an unknown place. The Arctic Ocean extends east along the Spearwood, forming a seasonal connection. This ill-defined boundary of tundra, pine forest and frozen wind scape is home to many people. Nomadic bands of hunters and Animal Nomads roam in shifting territory. While the foolhardiest traders come to extract wealth from the source. The Goliath emerged here from ancestral migrations from the southern mountains and have since returned. It is often thought portals to the Elemental Chaos must exist here, to bring for such endless ice.[xix]

Gatusan, The Rajanate of – A collection of settlements and cities bound underneath the rule of the chosen Raja, called the Ponong Raja. The others are called Crocodile Lords. Claiming descent from old Mahajola in Arodia, who may have been part tiger. The Gatusan capital Kangdaya lies on Tauhaw and is the single biggest trading port in the archipelago. They are tattooed people of swords and poetry, sea-raiding all others who have not submitted to Kangdaya. And raiding each other as politics dictates. They have trained crocodile-riding lancers to deliver terrifying charges.[xx]

Graveyard of the Winds, The – A Dawn War battlefield. The islands are said to be scorched astras, giant skybarges, ancient arrows, shattered blades, and cracked lances. Travel is by boat alone. Storms kick up in random places. Common to have a wind medium upon boats when travelling. The islands of Mairete and Ramasa are said to have been the ancient kingdoms of Habagat and Amihan, before war ravaged them. Demons are common here. They were used by Amihan and Habagat as footsoldiers and war slaves. Mairete is ruled by a many-headed demon-bodhisattva.[xxi]

Hantumah – As the valley of the old Khatairoon kingdom cut into the upper Druk Yul, few step beyond the boundary gorge. Before the Age of Chaos, it was a tranquil, remote, fertile and mineral-rich. But as the fell time came, lich Raja Thirayam of Dukkharan, late of the Oligarchies, came from the west with an army of the dead. Conquering, he renamed it on Midwinter’s night. The land was swept with plague, followed by rituals to reanimate the fallen half. Raja Thirayam was later slain but possessed his killers. Four provinces moulder around a single city and resistance movement.[xxii]

Heleng, Upper – Heleng is part of the peninsula highlands of Jamiyun Kulisa’s Tassels. There the inhabitants live in tribes, and some say they are related to the Tohey. But beyond that is a gate to the Feywild, where time runs wyrd. Two trees are said to lead to Upper Heleng, between one dead and one alive. Outside things age faster there and to leave is again at a different time. The locals survive by eating local food, with many properties. There are many local gods who avoid the Primal Ban just enough to manifest here.[xxiii]

Héyun – The once-called Land of Water was a province of Jungo before the Age of Chaos began. Located in the uplands of the Red Dragon River and renowned for its mechanical techniques including Warforged. The first sign of trouble was the construction of a still-standing, magnificent stone bridge in the absence of authority. This was a great boon to travelers, but boats count not pass beneath and so war was declared. After a fierce battle the capital was destroyed, the population fled, and the lands were subsumed into the Jiang Hu.[xxiv]

Howling Plains – The name for the steppes between the Forest Wall and Khiimori Mountains. Noted for the vast herds of antelope and those creatures and cultures which hunt them as an alternative to sheep.[xxv]

Hundred Red Scales, The – Trailing from Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows against Kalanawan to north of Kurakarta. Populated by monitor-lizard people, more animal than Humanoid and unable to speak with lips. No one speaks here unless they are foreign. They and the warm-blooded inhabitants concern themselves with harvesting the red mangroves the monitor-folk claim is the body of their murdered goddess. They hold a grudge against Demi-Humans for that and disparage their weaving. The red textiles made here are both sacred and the primary export. Beware giant mudskippers as bad as feral dogs.[xxvi]

Isles of Rajakami - The dragon head of the Sword Isles. Rajakami means “King  Cinnamon”, Rajakami is commonly known as the islands of High Spice. The High Spices are considered the greatest spices in the islands, and is so valuable that much of modern trade surrounds their flow, causing far Continents to vie for ownership of the Sword Isles. The residents of Rajakami are powerful shaman-kings and sorcerer-queens that use witchcraft made from the high spices to summon dragons and control the Gods. The Isles of Rajakami are covered in dense and lush forests. Slumbering Naga surround each major island.[xxvii]

Iyamat – The Longbow Archipelago, See Rokugan

Jiang Hu, The - Translated roughly as rivers and lakes with no geographic context, this term refers to the wilderness beyond the governing authority of Jungo’s old court magistrates. A land forced to rely on local gentry for authority, the wilderness has crept ever closer in the Age of Chaos, whole provinces have been swallowed up. Magistrates declare themselves lords, gentry declare themselves kings (as some once were) and cities declare allegiance to strange cults, breaking down the links which held Jungo together. It is therefore ironic enough that the adventures who may save it thrive here.

Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows - The far tassels of the Sword Isles, this region connects the Footsteps of the Gods to mainland Nangia and is what most refer to as the Thousand Thousand Islands. The upper region is mainland. It has become populated with grand kingdoms. From great god-kings, to sage-shamans, to tiger-conquerors. Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows are covered with islands of verdant jungles and millet fields, but more striking are the architectural marvels built within, stillshrines to the Gods. Many of the inhabitants of the Sword Isles travel here to fulfill religious pilgrimages and achieve spiritual enlightenment. The Islands of Steam are its southern expanse.[xxviii]

Jungo – The great civilization, alternatively Shen Zhou, which has stretched beyond the muddy rivers that cradled it, to at one point encompass eastern Nangia from the coast to the mountains and deserts of the interior. Now between dynasties, the Age of Chaos has wreaked havoc on its bureaucratic structure. Rival warlords proclaim themselves emperor, barbarians with little hats on little ponies sweep across the land, monsters and sage-scholars claim territory for themselves and all the tributaries that really made up most of the empire stopped paying tax. The Jiang Hu creeps ever closer to completely subsuming all traces of society.[xxix]

Kai Besil – In the South Wind Sea between the coasts of the Baik Hu Hegemony and Rusunuga is a small island with smoldering bulk of the Pillar of Lan Yu. This volcano was the home of the Sage Lan Yu, who tamed the volcano and built a series of settlements. All but the peasant labourers are reported lost to a foul miasma. That emerged from the mountain some four hundred years ago, after an earthquake.[xxx]

Kala Mandala - A minor region in the south of Chaom. Here the Maharaja has based the fleet to extract tribute and contest the South Wind Sea and the Sword Islands. Beyond the forts, port and canal villages are the great complexes of Lashin College of a Thousand Paths. Built first by the Kingdom of Ba-e, Qelong and other Hongsa Valley People. The thousands of temple schools mean the area is considered an extension of Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows in spirit.[xxxi]

Kalanawan – The largest island in the Footsteps of the Gods, the largest in the Sword Islands. Kalanawan is divided into rich grasslands and western coasts under the Mandala of the Sultanate of Akai. And the rugged jungle interior, controlled by the Confederation of Apumbukid, centered on the Holy Mountain of Apu. This produces numerous skirmishes between the local Mandalas and tribes. The biggest sarimanoks, the great eagle-fowls, are found in the grasslands along with horses, hence Akai’s adoption of them as cavalry.[xxxii]

Kandis – An upland kingdom in southern Nangia, it is famously populated by talking bears. Like how Mr-Kr-Gr downriver is home to talking crocodiles. They are not on good terms as Mr-Kr-Gr controls the trade into the uplands in its favour. They are not Animal-Head Humanoids, but rumors say they can interbreed with them.[xxxiii]

Khadnala Sword Shards - Perhaps the most dangerous area of Gatusan. There is only one Chiefdom here: the Chiefdom of Sakad, established by the righteous and honourable Sri Kad in Gandara. He was killed by his brother, Sri Nala/Sri Maharaja Payana Parameswara Hari Dalayawon. He went out eradicating the rest of the burgeoning communities of the Khadnala Sword Shards. Demons now abound, as well as vengeful dead. The current Chief is referred to by others as the King of the Ghost Isles, and he is treated more as a king of ghosts rather than a chief of people.[xxxiv]

Khiimori Mountains – The Grass Wall, which nearly splits the steppes and unites with the Mountains of the Moon to pen in the deserts. This is the Known World’s great house, spitting out hordes and cradling the survivors of lost epochs. It forms the northern arch of Xinjang and on its northern flank is the Valley of the Five Fires. Cavemen once lived here and maybe the yetis are their descendants, if not the Ogres. But it is not named for them but for the sacred pegasus that embody the union of steppes and sky.[xxxv]

Korvu – In Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows, there is a unique island which is under the sea for the wet season and not during the dry. Korvu was said to be just land once but now is a stilt palace and boat houses. Fierce raiders and merchants, they are Gatusan’s local Mandala. Dumping their wealth to be allowed a dry season. Host aquatic ambassadors unknown to most. Practice tradition of creating war barges as marriage partners for warriors who go on to join the tattooed nobility. And cut their own heads off in a disturbing ritual to attach a prow.[xxxvi]

Kraching – On the west side of Jamiyun Kulisa’s Tassels is a kingdom devoted to their local deity Auw and cats. Some scholars link this to ancient Mahajola and neighboring Dusti-Dusta. But it could just be the forests are full of spirits. Cats here are intelligent and dominant in their own way. Only slight tame which makes things difficult when they are tigers or leopards. They produce a lot of wood used throughout the Known World in magic. There are rumors of passages to the Underdark in the mountains, full of fungus men.[xxxvii]

Kurakarta – A city on the island of Siga, in the Footsteps of the Gods. A core part of the Sultanate of Akai, it has been the site of dynastic skirmishes inside its royal family. The previous king died unexpectedly, and a brother made a bid for the throne, defeated at sea, and fled to the Hundred Red Scales archipelago. Not a major port, it has been of little interest to regional merchants.[xxxviii]

Kwantoom – Centered on the Red Dragon River, this city is both blessed as the main crossing even in the Age of Chaos, but thoroughly enveloped in mystic evil. Where the cataract descends to the fertile plains, it forms the Lake of Poisonous Jewels and in the center is Yellow Spring Island, on it is the 1001 Pagodas of Doom, a sprawling dungeon. Kwantoom, the City of Innocent Deaths, clings lasciviously to the mountainside facing it and was foundered to plunder it. The appointed the Noble Jade Empress and their own Gods to rule. But the city has fallen to the Flower-Liches.[xxxix]

Merating, Lost – An upland kingdom on the mainland, upriver from Mr-Kr-Gr. Though not Tohey, the people live among deep and massive forests. Famously there are no guides there, only witches. It is not known if they rule by magic-users is academic like Tien Lung or a more animist/Primal traditions. Some travelers believe it exists in the Feywild.[xl]

Mr-Kr-Gr – The death-rolled Kingdom, a forgotten race built a kingdom five days up the highland river on the mainland of Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows and forced their ancestors into idols. The Gods punished them with a torrent and crocodiles. Now to trade in the ruins you must ask permission from the crocodiles. Do not plunder, they will eat you. Scaly children wander the streets according to the visitors. Controls access to upland states.[xli]

Naksuwarga. An ancient polity that once stretched its influence across Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows, that region of the isles that are fraught with warring even with the Continent. Naksuwarga was principally invaded by the ancient Mahajola, which spread Annuvaran thought and religion into its shores, which then expanded to the rest of The Sword Isles through missionaries and traders. Now Akai has claimed it for its own, but its kings, called Rakan, are powerful and refuse to be cowed, and pray upon their more ancient gods to eventually fight back against Akai.[xlii]

Ngelalangka – A valley town and growing kingdom on the mainland of Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows. It has grown quickly in less than a decade catering to travelers trying to reach the east coast. To get through the knotted old growth valleys, they use puppet magic. A porter straddles a living puppet of horse or ox, and in turn gains their speed or strength. The trails east are guarded by wardens known for corruption and literally speak with the queen’s voice. Feral animal puppets abound since faith became commercial. There are giant mosquitoes around Nyirala Lake.[xliii]

Pannai League, The - A powerful league of ten cities trading and raiding together in Gatusan, as old as Ba-e. Each one has its own patron spirit. Witness the holy mountain of Madjaas, which serves as an afterlife for the League. Threatened by Virbanwa and Akai, fended off with help by of Gatusanon raiders and Apunon warrior-monks. The ten major cities are known as the Sampu Hias Sang Kalis (Ten Jewels of Sword). Descended from 10 kings who fled Sonyoh, with a collective divine lineage from the reverent Pannai Kingdom of warrior-monastics, in Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows.[xliv]

People of the Trees, The – To the southwest of the Valley of the Five Fires is a mysterious forest. Few nomads will speak of it, but the people there wear concealing robes, bar further entry than the signal fire and use magic to repel outsiders. The fact they are described as pale implies, they might be Elves, but the Elven Empire never extended that far. They might be wanderers or come from Non-Caste Elf people.[xlv]

Qelong – A forsaken nation. Nestled at the mouth of the Qelong River between the more powerful neighbors. It has suffered many of the side-effects of the war in Sajavedra. Refugees, beasts, marauders, and unnaturally monsters roam the canals. Preying on each other. The broken leylines have allowed creatures from the Underdark to emerge, and the monks and spirits have been driven mad. The unnatural chaos has prevented neighbors from interfering, but the royal court is all but dead. The Elvish Merchant Fleets is increasingly staffed by refugees serving terms to escape.[xlvi]

Qelong River – Tumbling through the Zomia of the Upper Druk Yul. The mother river, sister to the Red Dragon River, feeds uncountable people. Alternatingly swift and foamy or still as the sky, it is the main artery of southern Nangia. However, the magic from the war in Sajavedra has poisoned it, leaking into the floodplains of Qelong and rousing the Naga-Goddess to a fury. She is bent on bringing wayward people back into her stewardship. It is said the Chocho have crept down from the highlands to serve her. [xlvii]

Quiet Place, The - Inland on Jamiyun Kulisa's Tassels lies a high flat mount along the river. Shockingly, the highland people say it is hollow, with a beautiful pool in its centre and accessible from caves. It is apparently known for the occasional mystic or Sage. Other than its shape, it apparently lies above the Underground City.[xlviii]

Road of Sleet, The – At the height of the Forest Wall stands a glacier that extends in a near straight line, marking the inhospitable landscape of the Frostfell. But those who live around it are far more dangerous. The Talons of Winter tribe are Shifters far more ferocious than their western and southern cousins, raiding the isolated settlements and trade stations at the base. Led by a frost Giant shaman and a cobalt Dragon named Niflung. Niflung is of strange proportion and megalomaniacal drive. Rumors speak of a preserved lost city within the glacier caves he calls home.[xlix]

Rokugan – The farthest land inhabited by civilized people. This mountainous archipelago has long absorbed influences from Jungo and reforged them through its sophisticated animist traditions. Suffers the Reign of the Centipede, as the degrading Uji Clans fight among each other, hostile monsters emerge from the fenced off Shadowlands and the wild folk who have kept the original Primal traditions lay waste with animalistic yokai. For this it is known as the Longbow Archipelago or Iyamat. Pirate clans, some even members of the warrior elite, raid the length from Jungo to the Sword Islands.[l]

Rusunuga - The largest island in the Sword Isles, it is almost always in constant conflict between the contesting nations within the island. Land warfare is more common here than in the rest of the isles. So are large plains, silt fields, the greatest volcanoes and powerful mountain kingdoms. Trading with Baik Hu and Iyamat, facilitates intense cultural and material exchange. Virbanwa and Ba-e compete here though Sinuku is almost as powerful from fielding mercenaries in Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows. The island is covered with vast mountain ranges and beautiful plateaus, as well as giant lakes and yawning caves.[li]

Sajavedra – A land beyond help. Not a Mandala but a mini-Jungo, if not always separate. These Liên Valley People have long considered themselves an empire and have been happy to expand at the expense of looser Mandalas such as Ba-e. The Age of Chaos started swiftly here, a dynastic dispute between two courts, rival evocations of beings best left alone, and now a battleground of mythic proportions. For a hundred years the lands have been torn while the Primal Ban bars the intervention of Gods. Time-warps means refugees emerge, years apart from the same day, debris poisons its neighbors.[lii]

Salagunting - To the distant north of Kalanawan is the South Wind Sea outpost of the Sutanate of Akai. Local legends say is said to be the top of an underwater coral kingdom named Sugnanti. This is frequently but paradoxically linked in legends to the Dawn Age sub-Continent of Samrasat. The swordfish (balu) here are larger, have sharper swordnoses, and are said to rush through both air and water like arrows loosed by the sea king. Akai’s finest swordfish cavilers come from here and contribute much.[liii]

Shadowlands – On Rokugan, there are stretches of mountains that are the domain of evil. Powerful Oni have organized themselves behind mightier fiends and sworn to bring a dammed godling to the throne. These sites contain Plannar crossings that have fallen to the wrath of the oni and their corrupted Primal spirit forces, bolstered alternatives from the undead of the Shadowfell or the Bakemono Hobgoblin successor states in the Feywild. Such foes are held back by wooden ritual fences, outright fortifications and shrines maintained by dedicated Uji Clans. Though they are increasingly pressed in the civil wars.[liv]

Siga – The island where the Sultanate of Akai was founded. First the center of a Mandala in the Footstep of the Gods, then across the Sword Islands. Siga is now a metropolis that spans nearly the entire island. It is one of the great entrepôts of the region, with merchants and ships filling the canals with silk and spices next to worldly locals and zealous cavilers. The smell is overwhelming. Though Agma Damlag predominates overall, the worship of other faiths is quietly tolerated in the merchant quarters. Zakharan merchants otherwise get the privilege of their faith, when not proclaiming inconsistencies.[lv]

Sights along the caravan route – The long road from the edge of the Sea of Ships to Banua has several landmarks which indicate one is approaching. The lone tower tomb is a forgotten extremity of older civilized Animal Nomad culture. The Stupa of Ajirai marks the core of Bolad territory. To the north is the great Empty Kingdom, bereft of people except for the lair of a great gold dragon. Deathspire. Rock has been carved by wind and hand into a skull. And somewhere lost is the Mound of Steel Blades, the burial mound and treasure trove of a cruel dead khan.[lvi]

Sintra – A ruined city in lowland Jamiyun Kulisa’s Tassel. A small city inside different greater Mandalas over the years. It came to an end within Dwarven, if not Human memory. The prince bore an accused sword that desired blood and could not be taken from him. It made him a mighty warrior who made other settlements on the peninsula into his mandala. But caused him to go mad, slaying his family, his guards, and his court. Causing the administration and artisans to abandon him. Now there is a village.[lvii]

South Wind Sea – The vast gulf that unites the claimants of southern Jungo with the Mandalas of the Sword Islands and the Valley People. Free from the overgrown roads of the Zomia and war in Sajavedra, this water is filled with fisherman, traders, and pirates, frequently the same. Sea monsters are tragically common here, with a variety of aquatic Humanoid lurking under the waters with unseen tribal boundaries.

Spirit Kingdoms – Beyond the White Dragon River is an isolated group of kingdoms which are dominated by shamanism rather than divine structure, called mudang. First are the cold borderlands of Noonnara, the eastern home of Goliaths. Beneath the Cheonsanju mountains is Jihaguk, the bastion of chaotic Humanoids in northern Jungo. Beyond is Mudangguk, a forested kingdom of independence-minded city-states, ruled by a council of shamans. To the east is Daewangk, ruled by a nobility determined by magic-teaching exams as in old Jungo. In the southern tip is militarized Haenamguk, where examinations are second. Who war against pirates, neighbors, and Shadowlands.[lviii]

Steaming Islands, The – A misnomer among the Zakharan merchants, led astray by their own Genie’s Wind. Islands to the south of the Crowded Sea, untouched, wrapped in humidity but less heat than the Djinni’s Claw. Ruled by animal Shah who can speak and practice the Law of the Enlightened. East to west; Nimr (Tiger), Sunn (Swallow), Hayyat (Snake), Gazal (Gazelle), Baz (Hawk), and Jaqal (Jackal). This is a gross misunderstanding of the Sword Islands. The ocean-side stretch of the Sultanate of Akai, home to wilderness and local tribes of Animal-Headed Humanoids. There is, however, a small colony of Zakharans here of cosmic importance.[lix]

Süm Sakhius – A sacred place, far out in the steppes of northern Nangia. In a giant crater, one mile wide and half deep. Forged from the battle of good and evil, is an ancient temple preserved from the ravages by the unique geography and climate. This serves as a destination for thousands of many faiths, for it predates all. Purple Ogres are claimed to live here and threaten pilgrims.[lx]

Sword Isles, The – A vast network of archipelagos bound by boats, wavy blades and the spirits of the wind and waves. It is the Thousand Thousand Islands, the Islands of the Uttermost South and Gubat Banwa as well. The chief reason to visit is the bright red resin of Dragon’s Blood. Abundant in the isles, much sought after by foreign traders and followed only by spices. It is divided into numerous Mandala and tribes, each contesting against each other and plied by competing merchants from across the Known World. The Age of Chaos fits amid the strivings and increasingly hungry and fickle spirits.[lxi]

Tauhaw - Composed of the largest settlements in the Gatusan Isles. Tauhaw is commonly seen as the island of royalty. Here the Hundred Houses of Gatusan-datu pledge loyalty to the Raja. This is the region of the Raja, of the eventual Batarahari. The one who will unite the Hundred Chiefdoms and establish a grand kingdom, and then go on to rule the world. Foreigners are common here but hospitality outweighs askance at the inhumane Pale Kings and their dirty factors.[lxii]

Tien Lung, The Magocracy of – A hideous city in the south of old Jungo. Everything that is wrong with the reign of the Academy of Refulgent Wisdom is merely an exaggeration of what occurs elsewhere. Tien Lung’s wealth comes largely from its vast slave-manned rice paddies and drug plantations. As close to the Jiang Hu, the masters of the city are largely indifferent to the losses, so long as fresh stock is easily obtained. There are only the Learned and the commoners, with the Learned possessing legal immunity bar self-defense. The unfettered magic here is based on sacrifice and unwholesome experimentation.[lxiii]

Tikhtai – A city on the eastern border of the Bolad Horde. This city is much closer to the heartlands of the eastern horse-riding Animal Nomads and was captured by the older Naran Horde. The Bolad Horde can only maintain their hold thanks to the depopulation of the region as the tribes ride south to expand and fight in divided Jungo. Beyond that are neighbors who would greatly like to take advantage of the divisions and seize the routes to Süm Sakhius, the city and even Banua.[lxiv]

Throben - A community of magic-users who had settled on the Nangian slopes of the Forest Wall. Driven from Adventia for the practice of necromancy. Throben is small and dominated by its Guild. It is avoided by most merchants and threatened by Animal Nomads for its practices. It is said the creator of Mampang Fortress came from here. Very occasionally a wizard from here will attend a great conclave, though they are a sickly people.[lxv]

Underground City, The – There are several presumed entrances to the Underdark beneath Jamiyun Kulisa's Tassels. It is even speculated they must pass beneath the seas to the caves on Rusunuga. It is also said there is a city beneath the highlands, inhabited by all the same people of the surface. But pale and suspicious. They must trade via secret and limited means. It is rumored that they have been pressed by malign spirits which lurk below and manifest as terrible insects.[lxvi]

Valley of the Five Fires, The – Formerly known as the Valley of Man, this mountainous valley to the north of Xinjiang is sacred to the region’s Animal Nomads and surrounding cultures as the birthplace of all people. For this reason, the tribes have formed a pact to never let anyone venture inside and to maintain signal fires as the sign of their pact. There are ruins of ancient structures inside, from a different animal nomad culture that dwelt there.[lxvii]

Virassa – An archipelago that strings from the tassels of Jamiyun Kulisa to Kalanawan. The most notable island is slightly off into the South Wind Sea from the chain. Stray Virassa, otherwise called Lodestone or the Fourteenth Hell, for it can only be found by the lost. Many of its inhabitants are ghosts lost at sea from Mu. Mu appears to be contemporaneous with Nangia in the Shadowfell as is the island. Half-Ghosts are found here, with translucent bodies. Undead pirates are based here and the wrath of many would fall if they could properly navigate to the island.[lxviii]

Virbanwa, The Lakanate of – Northern Rusunuga is the crossroads of the sea. Virbanwa is the landing point for much of the trade coming from Jungo via Baik Hu and Rokugan via Iyamat. This trade on the edge of the Known World has drawn the attention of the Elvish Merchant Fleet, which conducts much business here and competes for the uneasy Lakan’s ear. An oracle in celestial Hevastar predicted this land will be conquered three times and emerge three times. They contend violently with Ba-e in the south with the many sword styles.[lxix]

Yue Kingdom – Jungo has suffered dynastic interregnum before. An earlier time resulted in the rise of the Lunar Kingdom, Semi-barbarians, on the edge of the core highlands on the Red Dragon River. They forged a dynasty over the central plains between the rivers, declaring themselves kings, then emperors. The great swath was called the Land of Blades, and the river mouth, the Azure Lowlands. Elves still remember once prosperous and treacherous Hekou. With authority gone, the Yue Kingdom rises again, from the riverine mountain fortress of Paradise Mountain and city of Old Dragon Nest.[lxx]

Xinjiang - Beyond Jungo is the stark lands of the western region. Penned between the Mountains of the Moon and the Khiimori Mountains, this expanse of steppes and inhospitable desert forms an unlikely crossroad for millennium of trade. Great caravans rumble from Shang-Yang, one of the Five Loyal Cities for lack of other local garrisons amid the turmoil. Across the dry lands of the Animal Nomads, fending of raiders and Ogres to stop at the oasis cities of a dozen tribes. Built first by Pelorians on ancient bones. The ruins of Az-Kiral are the last stop before rich Sughd.[lxxi]

Zomia, The – The vast and ungovernable lands of the Upper Druk Yul that cascades into jungles below. That provide a natural refuge for many tribes and cultures from the authority of the lowland valleys. It is here the Half-Ogres, the Chocho and the Pandawa flourish among a constant rush of wars and invasions. Kings and emperors could only impose their will by tribute or by alliance. Before the wars, baubles, and river settlements, the Zomia could be said to cover all Jungo south of the Red Dragon River. And with the Age of Chaos, the Jiang Hu is the successor.

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[i] See TTI 04.0 - Andjang - The Queen on Dog Mountain

[ii] See both their full extent and their violent future in Gubat Banwa pp.92-93, 162-177

[iii] Their future is revealed in Gubat Banwa pp.90-91, 148-161

[iv] See their future in Gubat Banwa pp.96-97, 192-207

[v] See Gubat Banwa pp. 522-523

[vi] Mentioned in TTI 02 – Kraching, The Place of the Paw

[vii] See Valley of the Five Fires pp.6-7

[viii] See their future in Gubat Banwa pp.568-569

[ix] Mentioned in TTI 09, The Reach of the Roach God

[x] Inspired by Primal Power p.130

[xi] See Valley of the Five Fires p.5, p.8

[xii] See OSR module, Shadows of the Forgotten King

[xiii] See Dungeon Magazine #189 pp.32-37

[xiv] See Open Grave pp.112-119

[xv] Mentioned in TTI – 07 Ngelalangka, The Road of Hoofless Horses pp.29-30

[xvi] See Primal Power pp.119-120

[xvii] See provincial Capitals from Total War: Warhammer III.

[xviii] See the violent future Gubat Banwa pp.558-559

[xix] Inspired by Eberron Campaign Setting’s use of the Frostfell region, the name also appearing in Points of Light material

[xx] See their future strife is in Gubat Banwa pp.88-89, 135-147

[xxi] See its future in Gubat Banwa pp.564-565.

[xxii] See Open Grave pp.18-20, apparently this is a thinly renamed Ra-Khati from Forgotten Realms

[xxiii] See TTI 03 – Upper Heleng, The Forest Beloved By Time

[xxiv] Inspired by Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Boy comic

[xxv] Inspired by Primal Power p.131

[xxvi] See TTI 08 – Hundred Red Scales, The Goddess, Bleeding

[xxvii] See its turbulent future in Gubat Banwa pp.560-561

[xxviii] See the future in Gubat Banwa, pp.562-563

[xxix] As much as I originally set out to not write thinly veiled references to real-life places, it turns out no one has written a fantasy Asia that does not do that. Jungo is derived by me from a WWII attempt to phonetically teach GIs how to pronounce Chinese, Jhung-Gwo > Junggo > Jungo

[xxx] See The Smoking Pillar of Lan Yu

[xxxi] See Stirring the Hornet’s Nest at Het Thamsya

[xxxii] See their future in Gubat Banwa p.365, p.559

[xxxiii] See TTI 01 - Mr-Kr-Gr - The Death-Rolled Kingdom p.40

[xxxiv] See the future situation in Gubta Banwa pp.572-573

[xxxv] See Valley of the Five Fires

[xxxvi] See TTI 06 – Kovu, Drowned or Dry, Vassal of the Sea

[xxxvii] See TTI 02 – Kraching, The Place of the Paw

[xxxviii] See TTI 08 – Hundred Red Scales, The Goddess, Bleeding p.33

[xxxix] See Mad Monks of Kwantoom, Flower Liches of the Dragonboat Festival

[xl] See TTI 01 - Mr-Kr-Gr - The Death-Rolled Kingdom p.40

[xli] See TTI 01 - Mr-Kr-Gr - The Death-Rolled Kingdom

[xlii] See Gubta Banwa p.171

[xliii] See TTI – 07 Ngelalangka, The Road of Hoofless Horses

[xliv] See their future in Gubta Banwa pp.570-571

[xlv] See Valley of the Five Fires p.5

[xlvi] See Lamentations of the Flame Princess, Qelong

[xlvii] See Lamentations of the Flame Princess, Qelong

[xlviii] See TTI 09, The Reach of the Roach God

[xlix] See Draconomicon Metallic pp.212-213

[l] In general, see Legend of the Five Rings 5E, but I draw more on the Japanese inspirations

[li] See Gubta Banwa pp.554-557

[lii] See Lamentation of the Flame Princess, Qelong

[liii] See Gumbat Banwa p.379

[liv] See Legend of the Five Rings 5E, but distributed rather than being located in one place

[lv] Mentioned in Gubat Banwa p.166, Inspired by the unfinished TTI book pictures of a canal megacity

[lvi] See Valley of the Five Fires pp.45-51, p.54

[lvii] See TTI 04.0 - Andjang - The Queen on Dog Mountain, p.9

[lviii] Inspired by The Koryo Hall of Adventures

[lix] See Golden Voyages: Book 5 pp.1-16

[lx] See Valley of the Five Fires, pp.52-53

[lxi] See Thousand Thousand Islands, Gubat Banwa

[lxii] See their future in Gubta Banwa pp.566-567

[lxiii] See Red Tide: Adventures in a Crimson World pp.31-32

[lxiv] See Valley of the Five Fires p.40

[lxv] Mentioned in Fighting Fantasy, The Crown of Kings

[lxvi] See TTI 09, The Reach of the Roach God

[lxvii] See Valley of the Five Fires

[lxviii] See TTI 05, The Lost and Fourteen Hell

[lxix] See the future in Gubat Banwa pp.94-95, 178-191

[lxx] See its original past in Land of Blades, Paradise Mountain, and other works by Daniel H. Kwan

[lxxi] Mentioned in Yoon-Suin, The Purple Land, certainly a direct reference for the real-life region.