The Free Land

The Free Land is an Outlands sub-region of the continent that surrounds the Setlian Sea, a home to Elves, Orks, and Humans.

Geography
The Free Land lies directly to the south of Templehelm. It is the thinnest point of the continent surrounding the Setlian Sea. To its north lies the Setlian and to its south lies the Jurrian. To the east of the Free Land lies the Great East, specifically the dominion of the Iron Empire. To the west of the Free Land the Deepwood fades into the endless jungle of the Arcai Forest.

Aikia
These vast steppes cover a large part in the central Free Land. This endless sea of grass, which stretches from Kool'Jai in the east to the Deepwood in the west, is the birthplace of Khal the First.

Kool'jai
The black sands of Kool'Jai are home to many tribal communities. Only the hardiest beings can withstand the harsh life in the desert, for not only does the heat kill many a traveler, there is also the danger imposed by the residents of the area. Most common are the Orks of Kool'Jai. Strong and instictful, numourous beyond count and very territorial.

Silvenwood
Home to the elves of the Free Land, this place is pleasant and temperate. It lies centrally in the Free Land, near Mount Ochlanus.

Deepwood
The Silvenwood transitions into much thicker growth in the Deepwood, which in turn transitions into the Arcai Forest. Residents of this place work tirelessly to keep the growth of the Arcai at bay.

Mount Ochlanus
The tallest mountain of the Free Land, Mount Ochlanus is a holy place for the people of Claude. Temple City rests atop it.

Temple City
Temple City is the capital of the Free Land- a temple the size of a city that the theocratic monarchy operates out of.

Ochlanus University
-leaving empty for daisies-

Hildebrand
Hildbrand is variously described as vast fields or as a similarly vast ravine, depending on the period in history. It is the eastmost territory of the Free Land, bridging the Kool'Jai and the territories of the Iron Empire. Many battles have been waged there, though not since the landscape was warped into a ravine.

History
Conceptions of the Free Land have changed over time with new arrivals to Templehelm coming from different points in the external timeline.

Early History
In the eldest days, the Free Land was known as Lorknadan and it was reportedly inhabited by a number of different gods, spirits, and demons. This period ended after the arrival of the god Claude and his church.

Middle History
The middle eras of the Free Land are dominated by Claude as well as the nation and church which serve under him. Many from this era have arrived in Templehelm. The whole of the Free Land was united during this time and all foreign spirits, demons, and gods were purged. Throughout this period, Claudite excursions travel across the Setlian Sea and Jurrian Ocean in all directions spreading the word (often quite violently). Several of these have landed in Templehelm. This era is also marked by endless war with the Iron Empire to the east, as well as defense against the constant threat of the Carcass Legion. The Free Land is one of the few bodies capable enough to defend against the onslaught of the Carcass Legion.

Late History
The later eras of the Free Land are marked by a shift away from dogmatic unity. This is initiated by a radical reinterpretation of Claude as a pacifistic figure by some. Academic, truly peace-preaching sects take power and the middle history era of crusader zealotry backed by the full might of the Free Land ends.

Religion
The dominant religion of the Free Land is the faith of Claude. The people of the Free Land follow the words of the prophet Khal, advocating for a single god Claude above all others, who are believed to be demons. This religion is much reformed in the late history of the Free Land.

Politics
The Free Land has, since the arrival of Claude, operated as a Theocratic Monarchy. When it has been relevant to Templehelm it has variously acted as a zealous crusader state or as a benevolent place of cosmopolitanism and learning.

Characters
Thorvald

Dugg'mal

Quan Do O Grant

Aromai of the South

Virginia Smith

Forums
The Return of Claude!

Beyond the Helm I: A Missionary Excursion

Beyond the Helm II: Ceasefire in the Southeast

Part I: The Last Royal Line