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The World of Rodinia

Created by

Peter J. Blake

Rodinian Empire

The greatest empire in the known World of Rodinia. This civilization stretches from the plains of Nubia in the south west all the way to the desolate mountains of Marlek in the east. It borders the warlike empire of Honshu in the north, and its close ally of Athena in the south east. Most of the entire continent of Rodinia is part of the great empire that bears its name. Those areas which have yet to be annexed by this expansionist realm view it with wary eyes. It's Legions are feared across the continent, and beyond.

Empire of Rodinia

Empire of Rodinia

Rodin City

In the heart of the mighty empire of Rodinia lies Rodin City, a metropolis that stands as a testament to the empire's grandeur and the unyielding rule of Emperor Augustus Tiberius.

The city of Rodin, as the capital of the world's most powerful empire, Rodinia, is a hub of political power, cultural richness, and scientific advancement. It is a city where the sun is revered, and its influence is evident in the grand temples dedicated to the solar deities. The architecture of Rodin City is grandiose, with bright colors and geometric shapes adorning the structures, reflecting the city's artistic heritage influenced by Athena.

The streets of Rodin City are lined with sculptures and mosaics, showcasing the empire's artistic prowess, with public spaces echoing the sounds of harps, flutes, and lyres. Literature and epic poetry are at the heart of Rodinian culture, with a writing system that uses symbols and pictograms, indicating a society that values knowledge and history.

Science and innovation are also key aspects of Rodin City, with advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and engineering being central to its identity. The city is home to observatories, libraries, and academies where scholars and inventors push the boundaries of the known world, inspired by the knowledge from Khemit.

Under the rule of Emperor Augustus Tiberius, Rodin City is a place of order and control, where the emperor's will is absolute. It is rumoured there is a secret police operating in the city, ensuring that the emperor's iron grip on the city remains unchallenged.

In essence, Rodin City is a reflection of the empire itself: powerful, advanced, and steeped in tradition, yet under the thumb of an authoritarian ruler whose influence permeates every aspect of life within the city's walls. It's a city of contrasts, where the brilliance of civilization coexists with the shadows of absolute power.

The Grand Coliseum

The Grand Coliseum in Rodin City, as the largest arena in the world, is an architectural marvel that serves as a symbol of the empire's might and a center for public life. Stretching five stories high, it dominates the skyline, a testament to Rodinian engineering and aesthetic sensibilities.

The Coliseum's design features the characteristic Rodinian use of bright colors and geometric shapes, with an exterior that dazzles onlookers and an interior designed to focus all attention on the center stage. Its massive size allows it to host a variety of events, from gladiatorial combat and chariot races to grand theatrical performances and public speeches.

It's not just a place for entertainment; the Grand Coliseum is a cultural hub where the citizens of Rodin City gather to celebrate victories, honor their gods, and participate in civic life. It's a place where art, religion, and politics intersect, reflecting the empire's values and the emperor's power.

The Coliseum incorporates innovative features such as retractable roofs, sophisticated acoustics, and mechanisms to stage elaborate shows, making each event a spectacle of light and sound that captivates the audience.

Emperor Augustus Tiberius uses the Coliseum to demonstrate his iron grip on the empire, staging grand displays of power and largesse to win the public's favor or to intimidate potential rivals. It's a place where the emperor's presence is always felt, whether he's physically there or not.

In essence, the Grand Coliseum is more than just an arena; it's a microcosm of Rodinian society, embodying the empire's grandeur, its cultural achievements, and the omnipresent power of its ruler. It stands as a beacon of Rodinian pride and a monument to the empire's enduring legacy.

Dardania

Prior to annexation by Rodinia, Dardania was constantly at war with their neighbours, the Kurgans. The two countries share great veins of ores in the mountains which separate them from The Empire of Honshu.

Dardania

Dardania

Mountains border the northern edge of this country. Most of it is rolling and fertile plains and a river runs south and east where it spills into Nung.

Dardania

Dardania

Dardania is known for it's incredibly large wild cats which appear to hunt and kill for pleasure.

Iron, silver and gold are common in the mountains at the north end of the country.

Subjugated by the Rodinian Legions in 621 AR, Dardania is the latest country to be brought under their control.

Elam

The Elamites are an ancient people who have long inhabited the region between the Honshu mountains and the vast Rodinian plains. An early city-state civilization had evolved here when Rodinia was still in its infancy.

Elam

Elam

The early Elamite kings were frequently at war with the surrounding nations and several centuries ago the Elamites briefly created an extensive empire which was bigger than the current Rodinian empire. That empire collapsed when the emperor, Marlek, left the lands and moved across the mountains.

Elam

Elam

In more recent times, the Elamites were frequently overwhelmed by their more powerful neighbours, however, they tended to exploit divisions between the Rodinian and the Honshu empires but were finally crushed by the former and much of their aristocracy was executed.

After the self-imposed exile of the once-emperor Marlek, the political landscape of Elam collapsed. One city fought with another and soon they were all essentially independent. Slowly the city-states reformed into one great alliance for mutual protection and the fundamental nation of Elam was reforged from the fires.

The Ancient Empire of Elam

The ancient empire of Elam, was a realm of grandeur and mystique. Before Emperor Marlek’s departure and his transformation into a lich, Elam was known as a great civilization.

Under the guidance of wise rulers, Elam expanded its territories, bringing diverse cultures under a single banner. This era was marked by prosperity, cultural exchanges, and the flourishing of arts and sciences.

Elamites were master builders, creating towering structures that touched the skies and grand palaces that sprawled across vast lands. Their capital was a jewel of the continent, with libraries holding the wisdom of ages and marketplaces brimming with exotic goods.

The empire was a nexus of arcane knowledge. Mages and scholars delved into the secrets of the universe, harnessing elemental forces and crafting spells that could alter the fabric of reality.

Elam maintained a complex web of alliances through marriages, pacts, and treaties, ensuring peace and mutual prosperity with neighboring nations.

Its armies were unmatched, composed of disciplined soldiers and enhanced by war mages. Elam’s military prowess deterred invasions and maintained internal stability.

Art, literature, and music thrived in Elam. Bards composed epic poems, artists painted scenes of legendary battles and serene landscapes, and sculptors carved statues that seemed to breathe life.

The fall of the Elam Empire began with Emperor Marlek’s obsession with immortality, leading to his self-imposed exile. His quest for eternal life left the empire without a leader, sparking internal strife and the eventual decline of a once-unstoppable force in Rodinia.

Kurgan

The Kurgans are primarily a farming people but they also mine their homeland's rich deposits of iron, silver and gold. The Kurgans are famous gold and silversmiths. Their country's natural riches has lead to many wars with their neighbours, especially Dardania and Rodinia. Eventually they fell to the Rodinian might.

Kurgan

Kurgan

The Kurgans are an ancient people who are named after the kurgans, or burial mounds, that they built for their dead, often containing a single human body along with grave vessels, weapons and horses.

Kurgan

Kurgan

The Kurgans are skilled warriors and horsemen, who frequently raid their neighbours, the Dardanians, the Honshuans, and the Rodinians. They also trade with them, exchanging their iron, silver and gold for other goods. The Kurgans were famous for their gold and silversmithing, producing elaborate and intricate ornaments, jewelry, and weapons.

The Kurgans have a polytheistic religion, worshipping various gods and goddesses associated with the sky, the sun, the earth, the fire, the water, and the animals. They also revere their ancestors, who they believe dwelled in the kurgans and the earth. They practice animal sacrifice, divination, and shamanism.

Nubia

Nubia is a large flat arid country inhabitted by a largely backward and peaceful peoples. Nubians are dark of skin with black hair and large flat noses. They are strong and are renouned for their constitution. Sadly the Rodinians tore into Nubia with a force the local people were unprepared for and occupied the whole country within weeks of invasion. As is their practice the Rodinians left the current system of government in place, and appointed a regional governor to oversee the lands. They also raped the country for slave labour and as a result Nubians are commonly seen as slaves throughout the Rodinian empire.

Nubia

Nubia

The natives of Nubia practice a simple system of government whereby each village is responsible for its own rule. There are no towns or cities in Nubia as the people are too thinly spread to settle in such large numbers. In this day and age, Rodinian forts are as common a sight as the native villages. The plains of Nubia are home to huge herds of migrating herbivores and the natives typically build their villages close to normal migration paths to make hunting easy.

Nung

The Nung are an agricultural village based people who typically live in thatched houses raised on stilts. They use slash and burn techniques to cultivate valleys and terraces on hillsides, producing chiefly rice and corn; they also exploit the upland forests. They have a strong textile, handicraft and folk culture tradition. In dress they favour the colour indigo, associated with loyalty and fidelity. Their religion centers mainly on ancestor worship but also includes and eclectic mix of beliefs in spirits and deities.

Nung

Nung

The country of Nung's population is about 80% Nung and the rest are Rodinian, Nagastani, or other ethnic groups. The official language is Nung, but Rodinian and Nagastani are also widely spoken. The Nung have a written language called Nom Nung, which has prevailed for five hundred years.

The country of Nung is divided into four provinces: Nung Xuong, Nung An, Nung Loi, and Nung Chao. Each province has its own governor appointed by the Rodinian emperor, but also has a local council of elders who represent the interests of the Nung people. The capital city is Nung Giang, located on the coast and the mouth of the Giang River. It is a bustling trade center and a cultural hub, where the Nung celebrate their festivals and traditions.

The country of Nung has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters. The country is rich in natural resources, such as rice, corn, fruits, vegetables, timber, fish, and minerals. The Nung are skilled farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen, who produce various handicraft products from weaving, metal working, paper making, and tile making.

The country of Nung has a complex and diverse culture, influenced by the Rodinian, Nagastani, and other neighboring cultures. The Nung have a rich folk culture of songs and music, especially the sli, which are alternative songs sung by young men and women to express their love and feelings. The Nung also have a variety of dances, games, stories, and legends, which reflect their history and identity. The Nung are known for their indigo clothing, which symbolizes loyalty and fidelity. The Nung’s religion is mainly based on ancestor worship, but also includes an eclectic mix of beliefs in spirits and deities, such as the Mother Goddess, the Dragon King, the Mountain God, and the Sun God. The Nung celebrate many festivals throughout the year, such as the New Year, the Harvest Festival, the Thanh Minh Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Kingdom of Rodinia

Rodinia is the country at the very centre of the world, the country which gives its name to the continent it dominates and indeed to the world itself. It is the single most powerful country in the world, possibly in competition with Khemit and Honshu, and the most advanced civilization, perhaps with the exception of Athena, its ally.

The Kingdom of Rodinia

The Kingdom of Rodinia

Rodinia’s religion is based on the worship of the sun, which they believe is the source of all life and power. They have a pantheon of solar deities, each representing a different aspect of the sun, such as light, heat, fire, and dawn. They also have a lunar goddess, who is the consort of the sun god and the patron of magic and mystery.

Rodinia’s art is characterized by the use of bright colors, geometric shapes, and stylized representations of natural and supernatural phenomena. They excel in architecture, sculpture, painting, and mosaic. They also have a rich musical tradition, using instruments such as harps, flutes, drums, and lyres. Rodinia’s art is heavily influenced by Athena.

Typical Rodinian Village

Typical Rodinian Village

Rodinia’s literature is composed of epic poems, myths, legends, histories, and dramas. They have a sophisticated writing system, using symbols and pictograms to convey meaning. They also have a poetic language, using rhyme, meter, and imagery to create beauty and emotion.

Rodinia’s science is advanced and innovative, covering fields such as astronomy, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering. They have developed inventions such as telescopes, clocks, and compasses. They also have a keen interest in exploring and mapping the world, sending expeditions to distant lands and seas. Rodinia’s science is influenced by Khemit.

Semang

Semang is a country with a rich biodiversity and a diverse culture. It is home to many exotic plants and animals, such as the giant hornbill, the orchid mantis, and the rafflesia flower.

Semang

Semang

Semang was once a prosperous and independent kingdom, ruled by a line of benevolent monarchs who valued peace and harmony. They had a strong alliance with Tana Toraja, and traded with Elam and Rodinia.

Semang’s downfall began when Marlek, the land of the evil lich king, invaded its eastern border. The lich king sought to plunder Semang’s natural resources and enslave its people. He unleashed his undead army and his dark magic, spreading terror and destruction across the land.

Semang

Semang

Semang’s king and queen bravely led their army to resist Marlek’s invasion, but they were outnumbered and outmatched. They sacrificed their lives to protect their people and their country, but it was not enough. Marlek conquered most of Semang, leaving only a few pockets of resistance.

Rodinia, the expansive empire that bordered Semang on the west, saw an opportunity to expand its territory and influence. It offered to help Semang fight against Marlek, but in exchange, it demanded that Semang become a vassal state of Rodinia. Semang had no choice but to accept Rodinia’s offer, hoping to regain its freedom someday.

Rodinia did help Semang push back Marlek’s forces, but it also imposed its own laws and taxes on Semang. Rodinia exploited Semang’s resources and people, treating them as second-class citizens.

Semang is now a divided and oppressed country, caught between two enemies: Marlek and Rodinia. Some of its people still hope for liberation, while others have resigned to their fate. Some of its people still preserve their traditions, while others have assimilated to Rodinia’s culture. Some of its people still resist, while others have collaborated.

Tana Toradja

Tana Toradja is a landlocked country with a grassland terrain and a temperate climate. The capital city is Makale, located in the central region of the country.

Tana Toradja

Tana Toradja

Tana Toradja is home to the Toraja people, a proud and ancient ethnic group that has a unique culture and religion. The Toraja are known for their elaborate funeral rites, which involve preserving and honoring the corpses of their ancestors in cliff-side tombs or wooden houses. The Toraja also practice a form of animism, believing that everything in nature has a soul or spirit.

Tana Toradja was once an independent kingdom that resisted the invasion of the Empire of Rodinia for centuries. The Toraja fought bravely against the imperial forces, using their knowledge of the terrain and their guerrilla tactics. However, they were eventually overwhelmed by the superior numbers and technology of the empire, and were forced to surrender. Since then, Tana Toradja has been a vassal state of the empire, paying tribute and providing soldiers for the imperial army.

Tana Toradja faces many threats and challenges from its neighbors. To the south, the horselords of Nagastan are a fierce and nomadic people who raid and plunder the Toraja lands. They are skilled riders and archers, and are said to worship a horse god. To the east, the evil realm of Marlek is ruled by a Lich King, a powerful undead sorcerer who commands an army of zombies, skeletons, and other dark creatures. The Lich King seeks to expand his domain and spread his curse to all living beings. To the west, the Empire of Rodinia is a tyrannical and oppressive regime that exploits and oppresses the Toraja people. The empire is led by a ruthless emperor who claims to be a descendant of the gods.

Tana Toradja has a few allies and friends in the region. The most notable one is the Republic of Athena, a democratic and prosperous country that shares a common history and culture with the Toraja. Athena secretly supports the Toraja’s struggle for freedom and independence, and provides them with aid and weapons. Another unexpected ally is the Kingdom of Nubia, a desert country that lies to the far west of Tana Toradja. Nubia was once a rich and ancient civilization that has a long-standing trade and friendship with the Toraja.

Weissland

Weissland is the furthest from the base of the Rodinian empire. It is a buffer to the fierce warrior lands of the Kilts. Weissland was a tribal land of loose knit groups. Weissland is the name given to the country by the Rodinians, as this land is frequently blanketed by snow. Before the Rodinians, Weissland was populated by a decentralised tribal people who lived in small villages and dispersed farms. They had no towns. Many Weisslanders were peasant farmers whose labour supported a small warrior elite. The most important institution was the comitatus, the chieftan's personal retinue of household warriors who formed the core of the tribes army in wartime. Small scale warfare and cattle raiding were endemic. Chiefs and warriors alike needed war as an arena in which to win status and wealth.

Weissland

Weissland

Since the conquering of Weissland by the Rodinian empire, the chieftans have been replaced by Rodinian-friendly chieftans, and the Rodinians have lead punitive raids against any trouble makers. Many Weisslanders serve as mercenaries in the Rodinian army.

Long occupation by the Rodinian empire has actually caused Weissland to become more centralised and has lead to the building of towns and even the city of Augsberg.

Recently the Rodinians have begun the construction of a massive wall in the mountains to keep the Kilts out.

Coins of the Empire

The coins of the Empire are minted in the city of Rodin and are named as follows:

CoinNameValueDescription
PlatinunThe platinum gladiator10 goldExtremely rare in Rodinia.
GoldThe golden rodin10 silverThe coin of the nobility.
SilverThe silver legionary10 copperThe coin of well-off merchants and traders.
CopperThe copper cent1 copperThe coin of the common folk.