The Heartlands of Iorth are the most populous region of the world, though they are not the only populated region of the world. The various human-dominated realms in the northern hemisphere of the planet are numerous yet scattered throughout the region. They tend to develop somewhat independently of one another, and while one region may prosper, another could be facing dire hardships. However, in any event, these regions are left relatively undefined for others to develop and define for their own stories and campaigns.

One resource available that could be easily used for these realms is Journeys through the Radiant Citadel, for Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. Each of the adventures contained therein provides details to new settings which could be easily integrated into Iorth, if one wished. This post will review some of these settings and provide information on how they could be used. These items will be organized by the particular region of Iorth where they are most likely to be found.

The Estlands

The region known as the Estlands consists of several small continents and large archipelagos scattered along the reaches of the vast High Sea. This region is also known as the Feudlands due to the conflicts and ever-changing allegiances that arise between the various settlements and nations which exist here. Notably, the predominant nation is the Empire of Xo, which consists of several islands under the official rule of the Emperor of Xo, but actually under the rule of several local leaders vying for power and control, as well as the respect of the emperor. In essence, these regions are part of a larger confederacy that, for the sake of appearances, presents itself as a unified empire.

The major challenges to the Empire of Xo are the orc nation of Grok and the goblinoid nation of Yob. Both vye for territory with the empire, and struggle for power and influence.

At the southernmost reaches of the Estlands lies the archipelago of Dayawlongon. Said to overlook the seas of the southern hemisphere, and thus thought to be the ones who would ever first behold a dragon from the south heads towards the north. However, its location actually makes it he most likely to encounter travelers coming from the southern island nation of Koatlan; in many cases, refugees from the tyrannical theocracy migrated to the archipelago, seeking safety. Many drakelings from the Wyrmleague also migrated and settled in Dayawlongon as well.

The valley of Siabsungkoh lies on the eastern coast of the southernmost reaches of the lands of Great Xing. In several instances, many trade goods from across the Estlands, as well as goods from the other major regions, have all passed through Siabsungkoh at one point or another. Due to its location, it is a place of intrigue regarding the courts of the Empire of Xo and Great Xing.

Umizu

The city-state of Umizu is a fine example of a small island settlement that has sought independence from the Empire of Xo. Its matrilineal culture also clashes with the patriarchal culture of the Empire of Xo. However, Umizu is deemed an important regional stronghold, and the desire to keep Umizu under control of the imperial court is intense.

Though not openly hostile to the Empire of Xo, Great Xing often has “differences of opinion” with the ruling imperial court. It is granted some degree of autonomy, but it avoids setting off a civil war by demanding independence or self-sovereignty.

The Sudlands

The region known as the Sudlands is home to many nations, though the most prominent of them are the Khanate of Qudesh, the Kingdom of Nye, with the fiercely independent city-state of Sarhaȸandar resting between them. With roving tribes of humans, giants, lizardfolk, and even gnolls, the region in one rife with conflict and opportunity.

West of the Khanate of Qudesh lies the Sensa Empire, known for its wealth of gold. Normally peaceful, the region is in the midst of a difficult power transition, which the spies of Qudesh have certainly noticed. The Sensa Empire is considered to be a part of the larger Kingdom of Nye politically, though it officially regards itself as independent.

The realm of Shankhabhumi is one of the more notable, yet peaceful, regions within the Khanate of Qudesh. Its natural defenses protect it from most incursions by hostile neighbors, but the locals are always watching the balance of power in the region.

Tayyib Empire

The Tayyib Empire, based in the region of Suristhanam, borders the Khanate of Qudesh to the west and the Kingdom of Nye to the north. Its recent upheaval regarding succession has made the nation aggressive in achieving security and prosperity. This, under the actions of some of the less scrupulous nobility and officials, has turned into covert or not-so-covert attempts to acquire land and resources from its neighbors. Furthermore, the infiltration of their community by serpentkin from Koatlan makes matters worse, for these agents seek to cause instability and disruption until they or their lackeys may obtain power over the empire.

The Veslands

The region of the Veslands is dominated by the conflict between the Theocracy of Totlan with its neighbors, the Kingdom of Aki and the Kingdom of Suyu, as well as with the various roving tribes of the region.

San Citlán is one of the few independent settled regions within the northern Kingdom of Aki. Its value as a trading partner, and its mineral wealth, make it a sought-after destination by many within and beyond the region. It has cultural links with Tletepec, and considers itself part of the same sphere of influence as that region, though many from Tletepec feel that San Citlán is far too “polluted” with outside influences.

South and east of San Citlán is the region of Tletepec, which is part of the greater Kingdom of Aki. This region faces pressure from the Theocracy of Totlan to merge its territory with theirs. However, the people of Tletepec value their spiritual independence, which the Kingdom of Aki respects, and do not care to be under the rule of what consists of a cult of personality in their minds. The coastal regions are occasionally threatened by pirate raids or attacks from bands of ravaging merrow.

The region of Atagua is a part of the greater Kingdom of Suyu, yet the Theocracy of Totlan is actively seeking to spread its influence throughout the region. The region is also close to natural access points to the Shimmer and the Shadow, allowing for travel between the Prime Material Plane and the two reflective planes.