The Goblinoids

From left to right: Ogre, Goblin (holding the sack), Troll (the fat one), Orc

Introduction
Orcs, Goblins, Trolls and Ogres belong to the genuine Goblinoid tribes, a ‘lower’, and more uncivilised derivative species of humanoids. The origins of these beings is unknown, however the only suggestions are that they may be derived from earlier interbreeding of primitive humans and arguably, the dwarf tribes.

History
The history of the Goblinoids seems to extend back even further. These creatures should not be regarded as evil but rather as chaotic. It has been speculated whether the later appearing Orcs evolved from an aggressive variant of the Goblins who, living in harsh and difficult regions, developed more aggressive lifestyles and behaviour.

Habitats
Goblinoids adapt excellently to a variety of climates and environmental conditions, with the exception of coastal or pelagic. Today, Goblinoids are generally found everywhere around Athenaeus depending on their subdivided species. It is believed that the Orcs prefer arid, desert regions such as Orcus Plateau. Goblins are more likely to be found in forested regions. Trolls dwell in the marshes of the wetland biomes, while an Ogre’s favourite abode would be in rocky caverns in the highlands.

Orcus Plateau
The most famous place to find Goblinoids is the Orcus Plateau, which is a massive habitation grounds for these barbaric creatures. It is believed that it is home to over 5 million Goblinoids, consisting of all the above species.

Arch Norga
Another notorious Goblinoid settlement is Arch Norga, which means 'big leaf' in Orc language. It is sometimes also called Feebu Norga, which means 'holy leaf'. As bizzare as it seems, Arch Norga is a huge floating leaf, which drifts on the surface of the ocean, in an orbit around Athenaeus.

Although there is completely no soil nor resources on Arch Norga, the moronic Goblinoids believe the floating leaf is 'holy' and if they build their settlements on it, they will inherit its unimaginable sacred powers. They ludicrously wage war against any other being who steps onto Arch Norga, moreover, sacrificing their lives for the preservation of this 'holy land'.

Historians and scholars believe that it is because of the overpopulation of the Goblinoids on this 'island' that some are forced to migrate to the various parts of Athenaeus. The 'immigrants' (usually the trolls who may potentially cause the sinking of Arch Norga) will be randomly kicked off the leaf and hence have no choice but to desperately swim to the nearest Athenaen shore. This is the reason why Goblinoids are becoming more common everywhere in the world.

Orcs

Orcs are the most violent of the four species. They are like miniature barbarians, always seeking pleasure in brutality and bloodshed. Orcs attack in large hordes, and their battle strategies are simple – an all-out aggressive assault. Their imbecility, cowardice and recklessness are their key weaknesses. They have no evasive tactics whatsoever and their feeble attempts on defence are merely wooden shields and flimsy armour of hardened mud. However, they are not to be underestimated as Orcs are known to maintain their superiority in the numbers game.

Goblins
Goblins are exceptionally less violent compared to their barbaric cousins, the Orcs. They are just cunning kleptomaniacs, resorting to uninhibited thievery. Whether their victims are humans or beasts alike, they wander alone, and would snatch every useful belonging or supplies they could find, skilfully utilizing their speed and stealth to their advantage. Every goblin is born with a lust for stealing – the only thing in the world they cared about, besides their fellow comrades. They may not possess the might and bulky physique as their cousins, but their threat is not to be overlooked.

Trolls
Trolls are potbellied, immensely bloated versions of your everyday Orc. Trolls have humongous appetites and are cantankerously lazy. It may seem that Trolls are undeniably mere wastes in space, but they actually play a huge role in maintaining the safety of their tribes. The Trolls can become incredibly violent when perturbed from sleep or physically provoked. Beneath their flaccid thick skin may seem like fats, but they are actually muscles. A single troll is capable of wiping out an entire village just because it woke up from its sleep. Giving a troll a wake-up call would be suicide for an average human.

Ogres
Lastly, the Ogres are the most strongest and most potentially destructive species of the Goblinoid family. Unfortunately, they are amazingly dim-witted and are ironically the most peaceful of its other 3 cousins. An average brain of an Ogre is no bigger than an acorn, which is rather small compared to the brains of the other species.

An Ogre would lumber around the mountains in search of its next meal for weeks before it finally catches its victim. It would carry around any form of primitive weapon such as a stone club. Ogres are able to survive months without food, but when it finally grows hungry and weary, it would desperately rampage around in search for humans or beasts to feast on. Blame the hungry Ogres for your occasional avalanches.

The Legend of Deandra Callisto (Part 1)

The Legend of Deandra Callisto
Part 1

Deandra Callisto was a little girl who was destined a life of evil. Born in the city of Callistoria in the year 2537, her parents died immediately after 7 days of her birth. She was then sent to live with a rich family of dark mage hunters – the Sinclairs.

Jack ‘Mastodon’ Sinclair, his wife Donna Sinclair, and the two children Gary and Leanne, were the most talented dark mage hunters in Athenaeus at that time. They were relentless to the evil mages, easily claiming huge bounties as a main source of family income. Although the Sinclairs fought for justice, they were just as heartless towards Deandra just as they were to their opponents.

The dark mages who are defeated by the family was thrown into the dungeon beneath the family mansion to be either starved to death, or to be temporarily confined before they’re sent to the authorities to be dealt with. Like these criminals, Deandra was also sent to spend her days in the dungeon. She was tortured and bullied by the Sinclair kids each day, being forced to do manual labour that was far exceeding her capabilities. She lived a life of extreme hardship and sorrow. She never understood the meaning of love, happiness and freedom.

Her deep hatred for everything drained away every ounce of humaneness in her heart, yet saturating herself with immense vengeance and ruthlessness. This inadvertently became the key to unlocking her limitless passion to excel in the dark arts. Each day she practised every aspect of the necromancy, which she ascertained from the countless dark mages she had lived with in the underground prison. They realized her potential, and had agreed to teach her the ways of evil when she promised to free them one day once she becomes stronger.

Eventually it came to a point where Deandra’s powers were exceptionally superior to all her other mentors in prison. Even though she could easily obliterate her cruel masters, her thirst for power only multiplied, and this induced her to further enhance her evil abilities.

Athenaeus Geography : The Esperon Archipelago

The Esperon Archipelago is a long chain of islands which used to belong to its mother continent, Athenaeus. It was formally a massive spit which originated off the coast of Rawstburg. It consists of a total of 16 islands of which the biggest two are Haveira and Lum Lobos. The other 14 would be commonly known as the Esperon Islands. The islands are founded by the native villagers of the Rawstburg and Vanderoth (now known as New Vanderoth), but are currently under the control of a large community of pirates and seafarers, known as the Haveiran Pirates.

The Haveiran Pirates are the most notorious band of pirates in the entire world. Their threat expands on a global scale, stretching as far north up to Candevore and Taega and even to the giant-occupied lands of Luzonia and Incania. They are known to be merciless both on sea and on land.

Every decade, 3 new leading captains are elected to govern the rule of the Esperon Archipelago. They would choose to lead massive or small crews depending on their tactical decisions in both warfare and navigation.

The Esperon Archipelago (from biggest to smallest)

1. Haveira
2. Lum Lobos
3. Espera Uno
4. Espero Duo
5. Espero Trito
6. Beeg Mac
7. Phaat Arse
8. Yu Omie Manie
9. Ha’ang Grii
10. Wayst O’ Space
11. Hardin Manoor
12. Piza Crappe
13. Arch Ai Minpayne
14. Yin Sertnaem Heer
15. Nawthin Heer
16. Lol Lmao

Athenaeus Geography : The Skythenian Empire

The Skythenian Empire
Capital City: Oberolis
Current Ruler: King Andros VI
Colonies: Oberolis, Mercurior, Gligson, Regnoch

Oberolis the Sky City
Famous for: Skythens and their overflowing wealth (and egos)

The Skythens are a very proud, refined people. They believe that their race is the superior race, their Skythen blood, being only the purest of blood. Disgusted from the other species aside from their own, they hardly come down from their floating homeland unless to wage war with the ‘inferior species’ or to head to their crucial colony: Mercurior.

The Skythens live very luxurious lifestyles. People are baffled by the fact that the ‘sky people’ lavish such opulence when they hardly have any natural resources up there in the clouds. True, Oberolis is just a rich city without any resources to support its growing empire. What these people have yet to know is the Skythenian Empire had colonized the lonely island of Mercurior even before they took to the skies.

Mercurior, Gligson and Regnoch
Famous for: Nothing really. Every activity on these islands is top secret.

Mercurior is an island separated from its mother continent of Athenaeus. Before the year 3000, the Skythens were the natives of Mercurior. Mercurior may seem just as insignificant as the other islands around Athenaeus but only the Skythens know this is very well untrue. A vast sea of gold, diamonds and coal lay beneath the surface of this mysterious island.

Hidden amongst the woods of Mercurior is a top secret mineral mine known only to the Skythen communities on land and sky. With mass mining comes mass trade and THIS, being the reason every Skythen swims in pools of gold each day. South Mercurior is also a top secret headquarters where Skythens hone their Light Beam skills.

The Secret of Mercurior is strictly safeguarded by the Skythens. Each day thousands of Skythens are being sent down from Oberolis to guard the island from unwanted foreign company. Regnoch and Gligson are just as secretive as its mother nation.

Gligson is where experienced Skythens gather to create the infamous Skythenian Spears, a common favourite weapon amongst Skythens. The spears are then regularly being sent up to Oberolis.

Regnoch is actually a prison for traitor Skythens and other ‘inferior’ beings of Athenaeus. The secret of Mercurior is very well kept, and thus, spies and intruders alike who discover the secret will be brutally tortured to death by the Skythens themselves.

Athenaeus Geography : The Azurlantean Empire

The Azurlantean Empire
Capital City: South Azurlantis
Current Ruler: King Aidan III
Colonies: North Azurlantis, Belleflora, Deltus Creek, Azuraeus

North and South Azurlantis
Famous for: Weapons industry, emphasis on education, Dragonslayer communities

King Aidan I was a very wise ruler. His leadership has led Azurlantis to be one of the strongest empires in Athenaeus. Today, Azurlantis reigns under the command of King Aidan III.

North Azurlantis is famous for its excellence in metalworking. One of its most important industries is its Weapons Industry, as North Azurlantis is home to Athenaeus’ finest blacksmiths. The royal palace guards, knights, and dragonslayers are equipped with nothing more than the most reliable weapons of the Iron Age. Blacksmiths of a variety of specialties are paid highly to support the Azurlantean military.

Besides its formidable war machine, King Aidan III emphasizes greatly on education, especially in the magical arts. Institutes are scattered all over South Azurlantis, shaping their young scholars into great warriors and wizards. Besides those blacksmiths, excellent Azurlantean wizards who contribute to the growth of the empire are also heavily rewarded.

Right now, Azurlantis’ biggest threat is actually the rapidly expanding Empirian Empire. Empiria and Azurlantis have been at war with each other since the year 5025. The Empirian Royal Family had always wanted to rule the world and Azurlantis was their biggest obstacle. The people of Azurlantis are also continuously dealing with the threat of the dragons. Dragonslayers are in great demand.

Belleflora
Famous for: Rare species of flora, pixies

The entire region of Belleflora is covered with dense forest. Despite the beautiful ring to its name, dragons usually seek refuge in Belleflora, bringing terror to the Azurlantean explorers who venture north. A favourite training ground for the dragonslayers, Belleflora is also home to billions of pixie communities. The pixies would sometimes aid the dragonslayers in their hunt for wily dragons who simply crave on ambushing their victims. The mischievous pixies would distract and confuse the dragons, while the dragonslayers pounce in for the kill. In return, the dragonslayers would reward them with sweet Azurlantean pastries and other sugary treats. Yum.

Deltus Creek
Famous for: Swamp freaks

Deltus Creek is just a marshy, muddy coast. This miserable place is infested with swarms of giant swamp beetles, and also the brainless swamp freaks. A swamp freak would lumber around, knee deep in the marshes, hungry for human flesh. However, swamp freaks are too pathetic and dreadfully slow-moving to even lay a drop of mud on a child's skin.

In the past, naughty Azurlantean children would sometimes be threatened to be sent to Deltus Creek where the bloodthirsty swamp monsters would gobble them up. Ironically, the children seek pleasure in exploring its marshes, outwitting and teasing its gooey, sluggish inhabitants. This became so common among the youngsters, so much so that ‘swamp freak’ became a widely-used insult.

In the year 4677, the swamp freaks had launched an all-out assault on South Azurlantis. At dawn, thousands of them emerged from the marshes and lumbered their way into the city. After centuries of suffering in humiliation, they’ve finally decided to take ‘revenge’ by attempting to destroy the city. Unfortunately, their ‘battle’ only lasted 5 minutes when every child in Azurlantis stormed in on them and heroically pelted them with water bombs. An impressive 5 minutes – the swamp freaks endured an honourable defeat, earning themselves a page in the Azurlantean history books.

Azuraeus Lake
Famous for: Azuraeus Mystic Water

Azurlantis is blessed with a rich supply of not only fresh, but mystic healing water. Every drop of water in Azureaus Lake is endowed with a healing aura, consumption has proven to bring extraordinary health benefits. The water is commonly used as a general remedy for curing common illnesses and minor wounds. Local medics and mages have discovered that if the water is mixed with a variety of rare herbs, it gives rise to a revolutionary remedy that is capable of freeing a soul from the darkest of curses and aids them in rapid tissue regeneration.

Villages near Azuraeus Lake houses the traditional mystic doctors and also a band of Azurlantean Lake guardians who protect the Lake from theives. Azuraeus water is in huge demand and is sold to other empires at high cost, bringing in huge revenue for the empire.

Athenaeus Geography : The Empirian Empire

The Empirian Empire
Capital City: Central Empire
Current Ruler: King Claude of Empiria IV
Colonies: N. Empiria, S. Empiria, Davesbury, Florencis, Sapphiro

Central, North and South Empiria
Famous for: Massive Empirian military, relationship with Davesburrian Elves

Central Empiria is where the Empirian Palace is located. Surrounding it is the busy streets of Empiria Square, where 70% of the population live. Empirians are generally wealthy as its nearby land is rich in resources such as gems, coal, timber and oil. It is common for the locals to employ Davesburrian Elves as servants and workers, hence, Empirians are unlikely to involve themselves in labour-intensive industries such as mining. Instead, the City of Empiria houses the richest merchants, musicians, painters and the skilled craftsmen.

North Empiria holds the headquarters for the Empirian Forest Guards. The guards are regularly sent to watch over the forests though, so the town usually is quiet. There is also a small fishing village by Sapphiro Lake.

South Empiria holds the headquarters of the loyal troops of the massive Empirian Army. A number of the Empirian barracks are situated here. This is also where the army stocks up on their arsenal and train in the art of warfare.

Davesbury Forest
Famous for: Richness in natural resources, Davesburrian Elf Communities, tasty Davesburrian fruits

Popular foraging grounds for the Empirians as this place thrives with many species of flora. The friendly Davesburrian Elves are also known to live here. These Elves establish friendly ties with their Empirian neighbours, where they serve the people and provide them with resources in exchange for protection from (bloodthirsty) external threats. Empirian guards set up sentry posts here to ensure safety of the elvern communities and also the preservation of rare forest fauna.

Florencis Forest
Famous for: Elf-eating beasts

In contrast to Davesbury, exploring Florencis isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Florencis is rumoured to be home to vicious Florencian bears and wolves, the biggest threat to the Davesburrian Elves. If it wasn’t for the steadfast Empirian forest guards, the Davesburry would be a luxurious food haven for these monsters. Florencis forest has also become a deadly battlefield for the Empirians and Megandale Giants, where both parties are continuously fighting for the colonization of Davesbury and Florencis. The giants haven’t had any luck though.

Sapphiro Lake
Famous for: Underwater sapphires

Sapphiro Lake is the arguably the most beautiful lake in the entire region. Its sparkling dark blue colour is due to the thousands of sapphire pockets hidden amongst the corals on the lake bed.

It is said that a divine lake beast appear once every year to replenish the sapphires that were taken by the Empirians. Rumour has it, the beast will unleash a brutal catastrophe upon the city if someone is caught collecting the sapphires on the day it awakens. Greed for the priceless definitely comes with a price.

Map of Athenaeus

Here's the map. Sorry if the resolution for the coloured one is darn low, my comp crashed the moment i tried to save it. So i had to print screen it. -.-

if u cant see the words, just save the pic into ur comp and zoom urself.

Blue- Water

Yellow- Desert

Green- Forest

Grey- Mountainous

Anyway, the city of Oberolis isnt located on the map as its an orbitting island around Aethenaeus. =) Also, its orbital path isn't marked on the map, so pray hard I'll update the map again someday. And no, Oberolis WILL NOT float over the Heart of Athenaeus.