Isles of Avalon

Humans

Both the Avalonians and Celts are fair skinned, with darker hair and eyes more common. Blondes and reds also appear, although these are more common amongst the Celts. The Avalonians tend to be wise, an attribute inherited both from the land itself, and the teachings of the old Druidic order that still influences the Isles. The Celts are renowned for their durability and determination.

Elves

There is small enclave of Elves who live deep within the Cedari forest. They may predate the Llewyrr as they are still ruled by Grey Elf royalty, and are more similar to the the Silverestri in the reclusive manner in which they deal with the world. It is rumoured that a young Arthur spent some time with the Elves as a boy, which if true would be amazing, as the Elves do not tolerate visitors. They generally remain neutral in the politics of the other races.

Dwarves

There is a small group of dwarves who make their homes in the Mountains between Gwynneth and Alffin. They are also reclusive, but have been known to assist the Celts with weapons and armour from time to time.

Creatures of Legend

An old land imbued with magickal energies, Avalon is home to ancient settlements of Giants and even the rare Dragon. Many creatures of legend can be found on these strange isles, such as Unicorns, Pegasi, Leviathans and a great many Fey.

Avalon

Avalon is a meeting point of the old and new world. The inner city has embraced the new world, with stone buildings, the massive Avalon Bridge, and shrines to the New Gods. The outer city, which has outgrown the original city walls, still keeps true to the old ways, with simpler homes and simple shrines to the Earthmother.

Gwynneth

Unlike most cities which have one central Keep or Castle, Gwynneth in fact has two, each with its own large garrison. The city itself, while large, bears the scars of a massive fire from the recent conflict. The city is being rebuilt and is expected to be King Cian Macauley’s seat of power.

Stone-Henge

Built in the ancient past, this monument is a epicentre of magickal energy, but for what purpose is unknown. It would appear to have a connection to the moons and stars of Driax however. There are in fact numerous Stone Circles scattered around Avalon, but none are as large or powerful as Stone-Henge.

Cedari

Built up from a Druidic settlement, Cedari is beautiful in terms of both its architecture and the wonderful use of gardens and the natural world within its high stone walls. Cedari is a bastion of the Earthmother and Old World views.

Society

This is a medieval society, with a full feudal system of a High King, Kings, Dukes, Earls, Barons and Knights, but unlike with the Klydorians, this has often splintered into separate regions each claiming their own King. There is once again one High King. At present the significant factions are:

The Bretons

The original builders of Avalon, and the most likely source of the original High King. The Bretons themselves are split into two main groups. Those who remain true to the old ways and the Earthmother, based in Cedari. And those that have embraced the New Gods, which includes much of the population of Avalon. They control much of the southern three isles between them.

Northumbria

Initially a Breton fiefdom, it declared its own King when the younger brother of the previous Avalon King fled north after a failed assassination attempt on his brother. With Drastar now dead, the north, including most of the Celtic clans, is uniting behind a new King, Cian Macauley, who was instrumental in bringing Aneirin to the throne.

The Welsh

More akin to the old ways then the New Gods, the Welsh believe they are the original inhabitants of the land, and that the Bretons are half-breed descendants of the Eastern peoples such as Lotan. The Welsh have Clans, and their own Druids remain influential, choosing their Kings, war leaders and setting and arbitrating their laws. Their King is the new High King.

Druids

Dating back to the original settlers of the Isles, the Druids have long played in a role in guiding both the people and Isles themselves, preaching a harmony with the natural world. They mostly revere the Earthmother, the magickal spirit of the Isles themselves, but recent events have increased the worship of Malar too, which some Druids are struggling with. But for the first time in years, they are in theory united.

The Celts

The Celts are clan based. Similar to the Highlanders in culture, the Celts have long fought the Avalonians, the Vikings, the Orcs, and anyone else who attempted to take their freedom. Most of the Celtic clans now swear allegiance to Cian Macauley, who has just become the King of the North.

Knights

Many of the Avalonian areas have Knights, but they differ slightly between the cultures. Breton Knights are quite traditional, with those of Avalon quite strict in their feudal views. Those of the Cedari are more romantically chivalrous. The Welsh are more earthy.

Ranks

• SquireLevel 0 guideline
• ApplicantLevel 2 guideline
• KnightLevel 5 guideline
• ChampionLevel 8 guideline
• Knight CaptainNo fixed level listed
• Knight CommanderNo fixed level listed
• Chapter MasterNo fixed level listed

The most famous of the knight orders is detailed below

Knights of the Round Table

Here all men are treated as equals, and the concepts of chivalry are embraced openly. They aspire to meet all the best virtues of man and knighthood. Many of the greatest Avalonian Knights are now pledging their allegiance to the Cedarian King, and joining this order.

Ranks

• The lowest rank is Knight (Lvl 8). The next rank is Knight Commander. It is a flat structure

The King’s Lions

The greatest of the Avalonian orders, the King’s Lions are his champions on the battlefield, his bodyguards, and the ones most likely to be given special missions for the King.

Temple Guard

A Knight order dedicated to the protection of the religious sites and pilgrims of the new Gods. This order is really only prevalent in Avalon or areas with new God worship. It is gaining some influence amongst the Lotese invaders also.

Ranks

• InitiateLevel 1 guideline
• AcolyteLevel 3 guideline
• ProtectorLevel 6 guideline
• WarderLevel 9 guideline
• Warder CaptainNo fixed level listed
• Warder CommanderNo fixed level listed
• Lord ProtectorNo fixed level listed

The Knights of Gaia

This order has members from all over Avalon and chapters in most areas of Avalon. These Knights are dedicated to the Earthmother and the natural energy that is found in Avalon. Their oaths say this loyalty comes before any crown, which can cause friction with some Kings. Chapters will sometimes come to blows when their empires fight, but they try to avoid each other on the battlefield.

Ranks

• InitiateLevel 1 guideline
• Guardian of GaiaLevel 6 guideline
• Champion of GaiaLevel 9 guideline
• Chapter MasterNo fixed level listed
• Gaia’s SentinelNo fixed level listed

The Warriors of the Beast

This order has emerged from recent events, and are warriors dedicated to Malar and following the Avatar of Malar, Dregan Wildbane. The warriors of the beast include many Beastmen, and if their fanaticism goes far enough, it seems Dregen can grant or encourage abilities to manifest which can make the other followers slowly appear to also be beastmen.

Ranks

• Bound-CubsLevel 0 guideline
• Claw-Brother/SisterLevel 3 guideline
• Feral (Solo) OR Hunt-Caller (Pack Leader)Level 7 guideline
• The 10th – 2nd FangLevel 8+ guideline
• The First FangNo fixed level listed

The Laochs

The Celts have Laochs instead of Knights, but they are brave and honourable heroes usually adorned with magically enchanted war-paint. They are often mounted, but they tend to wear lighter armours and will fight as well on foot as they do mounted.

Ranks

• Dalta Trodai (Warrior Apprentice – Lvl 2)No fixed level listed
• Laochraid (Warrior: Lvl 5)No fixed level listed
• Curaidh (Champion - Lvl 8)No fixed level listed
• Caennard Cath (Battle Leader -Lvl 10)No fixed level listed
• Toisiche (Chieftain)No fixed level listed
• Ard-Ri Laochra (High King of Warriors)No fixed level listed

Gorchymyn y Ddraig Arian (Order of the Silver Dragon)

This order reveres honour and justice, which they believe was embodied by the Silver Dragon, Palantias, who legend says gave the first Welsh King his crown. They have the right to adjudicate and administer justice. They also recite poetry and song of Welsh history, and have immense respect for Bards and the storytelling traditions of keeping history.

Ranks

• Prentis y Ddraig (Dragon’s Apprentice - Lvl 2)No fixed level listed
• Barnwr Llys (Judge/Knight - Lvl 6)No fixed level listed
• Pencampwr y Ddraig (Dragon’s Champion - Lvl 9)No fixed level listed
• Capten Cadarn (Stalwart Captain)No fixed level listed
• Meistr Penod (Master of the Chapter)No fixed level listed
• Arweinydd y Ddraig (Leader of the Dragons)No fixed level listed

The Dwarves of Northumbria

Even though they are in theory separated by an Ocean, there are tunnels which link the Dwarves from the two Northern Isles. They are slightly taller than normal Dwarves – 4 ½ to 5 feet tall, but they too are quite reclusive, and consider the humans to be an unwelcome threat that has pushed the Orcs and other undesirables into the mountains and onto their homelands. The Dwarves are most likely to be fighters, rangers or religious warriors such as clerics or crusaders.

The Elven Enclave

Deep within the Cedar Forest, this small enclave is protected by powerful Elven Magicks which at first disorient travellers so they move around the elven lands, and then will put intruders to sleep, and then finally death if they still continue on. It is thought this enclave may have moved here around the time of the Great Fracture in the elven race. The enclave’s warriors are mostly made up of fighters, rangers and druids. It also has the following specialist warrior orders:

Swordmasters

see Silveroak Forest

High Mages

see Silveroak Forest

Cedari Lancers

Elite light cavalry, the Lancers use speed, stealth, blade and bow to harry and ambush the enemies of the Enclave. Their magnificent white mounts are reputed to be the fastest in all the isles.

There are some rumours that a great shame from their past has been recently uncovered, but the Loremasters are thus far not revealing what this is.

Relations

The Avalonians have good relations with the Klydorians, and were once trade partners with the Lotese, but this changed with the War. The Avalonians have poor relations with the Vikings and Orcs too, as most encounters are the result of raids upon their shores.

Clothing

All medieval fashion is popular, with the wealthy preferring shirts, jackets and pants, while the commoners, Druids and Celts prefer more basic clothing. Only some of the clans wear kilts.

Women

Chivalry dictates that women be treated well, but protected from harm. They may not join the army, but some do find militant service with the Druids OR the children of the Earthmother. The Celts do have rare women who do become warriors, and sometimes leaders on the battlefield. Enclave women have full rights and are not treated any differently to men. Dwarven women may not be soldiers or miners, but may otherwise hold any role.

Cities

Key settlements: Avalon, Gwynneth, Stone-Henge, Cedari.

Trade

With the fracturing of control, trade relations are little more complicated. The Cedari and Avalon factions trade with each other strongly and will trade with other nations. Trade with Northumbria is strained, although they need to trade with other nations to get what they need. The Dwarves will trade, but only with a select few individuals. The Elves do not openly trade but do secretly obtain the things they need. The Welsh will trade but are considered hard bargainers. The Celts trade little, but they will buy weapons and armour.

Exports: Metals, Timber and Wool (Humans), Magick artefacts and stone tablets, fine textiles and clothing, timber, leather goods, food. Rare herbs and wine (Enclave), metalwork and weapons (Dwarves), Wool and woven crafts and bardic services (Welsh and Celts).

Imports: Steel, Weapons and armour, luxury goods. Food and timber (Dwarves)

Arms

Avalonians favour knightly weapons such as longswords and maces, while Chain and Plate mail are the armours of choice. Most warriors can use a shield. The Celts also prefer these weapons, but unless gifted from the Dwarves or stolen from their southern neighbours, they must usually settle for lighter armour. The Elves and dwarves use the traditional weapons of their people, although the Dwarves have less suits of heavy platemail than some other dwarven regions.

Language

Not yet covered in the Western Regions source.

Religion and Magick

Many of the Avalonians and most of the Celts worship the Earth-mother. It is legend that her spirit actually resides in a small lake in the Cedari forest, and that she has gifted Arthur a sword. Her priests are the Druids. But many of the Avalonians are also now embracing the new Gods, and shrines to all of the main gods can be found within Avalon and several other cities. Magick, while a powerful force within Avalon, does not seem to be any more common amongst the people who live here, with no major orders ever rising up other than the Druids. The Druids ranks also include Mages and Sorcerors, but in ethos they still believe and behave much like the druids. The Ashar colleges and several other orders have tried to establish themselves here, but this has usually resulted in conflict with both the Druids and the Children, who are both extremely protective of the magickal energies they associate with their Goddess.

The faithful of the Earthmother can call on her allies, and it is a powerful combination!

Legends say the Earthmother lives in the Moonwells within Cedari

The faithful of the Earthmother can call on her allies, and it is a powerful combination!

High King Aneirin the Dragonborn

Aneirin is a direct descendant of Owain Dragonheart, the first Welsh King, chosen by Palantias. He is quiet but exudes a strength much larger than his modest frame. He has the gift of Dragons’ Speech, which allows him to command others effortlessly, commune with Dragons, and control the elements. As part of uniting the Isles under his rule, he helped awaken Palantius, then using the Horn of Dragons he awoke three other dragons. Between that, an allied army of Celts and the sudden death of the Lotese Emperor, the Isles other Kings all bowed before him.

King Arthur

A young warrior, but already proclaimed the King by the druids of Cedari. Arthur is a charismatic man with blond hair, blue eyes and a true desire to do good and make the world a better place. He yielded his forces to Aenerin, but has married his younger daughter Seren, and has been named Aneirin’s heir. He wields the legendary sword, Excalibur, which he pulled from the stone shortly after turning 18.

King of the North – Cian Macauley

A Celt, Cian and a group of close followers, the Eldritch Knights, were instrumental in helping Aneirin succeed to the throne. As part of his masterful negotiations, Cian rose from leader of a relatively small Clan to now be the King of the North, including nearly all Celtic tribes and the area of Northumbria. He is a cunning and shrewd man, known for unorthodox thinking. His three daughters and their husbands are also quite influential.

Supreme General Elias Mordrake

An experienced Knight and General, Elias briefly assumed the title of King when Cronar Drastar was assassinated by his brother. But he yielded to Anerin and was offered the role of Supreme General. He is undefeated on the battlefield.

Arch-Druid Llarissa

The highest and most powerful Druid in Avalon, the Arch-Druid, once again rules over all of the Druids. She is also handling the emergence of Druids of Malar within her order, and keeping them united. There are rumours Arthur is her son.

Dregen Wildbane, the Avatar of Malar.

Dregen was imprisoned magically for hundreds of years, using his strong life-force to suppress the Chaos Stone at the heart of the Citadel of Twilight. He was released by the Druid Aeon and then he became a staunch warrior in the battle to unite the Isles. He is charismatic and quite ferocious even outside of combat. He is attracting followers at a considerable rate, and is doing much to increase the number of Malar followers, and the number of Malar loyal beastmen.

Ailsa, the Avatar of the Earthmother (and Malar)

In the recent conflict, it was foretold that one would appear who would be the chosen of the Earthmother and help unite the Druid factions. While it may be questioned whether she or the Eldritch Knights of which she was a part that did this, it is clear she is a chosen of the Earthmother like few before her, and it would appear she is also blessed by Malar, and is one of the champions of the followers of both Gods uniting within the Druidic order.Ailsa is a passionate woman, and is torn between her duty and pursuing her own life. She relishes freedom and the chance to experience new things.

Palantius, the Silver Dragon God of Justice

Like Gregor, Palantius was found magically frozen beneath the Citadel of Twilight, using his lifeforce to prevent the corruption spreading from the Warpstone. Released by the Eldritch Knights, he became a driving force in putting Aneirin, his own descendant, on the throne. Now he acts as a counsellor for Aneirin and the leadership of the Isles. Those of his followers near him are finding it easier to draw their spells, but those further away are finding it harder to draw upon him now that some fragment of his soul is once again on the mortal plane.

Tournaments

As with Klydor, large Tournaments for Jousting and revelry are held all over non-Celtic Avalon, but none is larger than the one in Avalon at the start of Summer. Despite regional conflicts, visiting Knights are expected to be treated well during Tournaments, and it is not uncommon for fighting to cease during the major tournaments.

Grand Eisteddfod

A huge Welsh and Celtic celebration, the Eisteddfod goes for 3 days and is held in the middle of Summer each year. It is a festival of music, poetry and storytelling. There is also a martial tournament. Each night there are large gatherings around communal hearths where bards and elders tell tales of ancestors, heroes, gods and history.

Bardic History

While Bards are common and popular throughout Avalon, they are particularly important amongst the Welsh and Celts as they are the primary form of recording events and knowledge. Most of the history of these people is kept through poetry, song and story, and it is the bards who do this. Most noble courts will have a bard, who provides knowledge and guidance as well as entertainment.

Eldritch Knights

This brave collection of adventurers were instrumental in the recent conflict, saving Ailsa and her sisters from Dark Elves, saving Anerin at the Citadel of Twilight, recovering the Horn of Dragons, capturing Jaden Drastar, the rise of Cian Macauley, and then many say also having a hand in the Emperor of Lotan’s sudden death. Justicar Aryan Tarian, Finarion Veilblade, Laoch Mordred O’Gear, Cian the Red, Gareth , and the sisters Ailsa and Branwen Macauley.Language: The Avalonians, Celts, Welsh, Elves and Dwarves each have their own language, although the Elven and Dwarven dialects are similar to their mainland equivalents. The use of common is less prevalent than in other regions. Within Avalon the language of the Avalonians is often used in inter-region relations. Reading amongst the Avalonians is not uncommon, but amongst the Celts and Welsh it is almost unheard of except for the very rich, as they rely on Bards for their storytelling and histories. The Welsh are notoriously difficult to understand, even when they speak languages other than their own.

The isles of Avalon sees a clash between the old and new Gods

Eldritch Knights

This brave collection of adventurers were instrumental in the recent conflict, saving Ailsa and her sisters from Dark Elves, saving Anerin at the Citadel of Twilight, recovering the Horn of Dragons, capturing Jaden Drastar, the rise of Cian Macauley, and then many say also having a hand in the Emperor of Lotan’s sudden death. Justicar Aryan Tarian, Finarion Veilblade, Laoch Mordred O’Gear, Cian the Red, Gareth , and the sisters Ailsa and Branwen Macauley.