Gazetteer
The nations, cities, and regions of Dheghom.
The continents of Anterra and Oskara are the central locations for adventures in Dheghom, offering a backdrop for endless stories of conflict, exploration, and survival. These lands, once home to countless nations, have been shaped by the rise of empires, unrelenting warfare, and the need for survival during the Blood Age. What remains are a handful of dominant powers, each vying for influence while smaller nations now cling to their independence and traditions.
This chapter provides an overview of the major nations of Anterra and Oskara, their history, governance, and defining features. Whether players navigate the intrigue of Oskara’s political landscapes or explore Anterra’s rugged wilderness, they will find rich opportunities for adventure.
Acadiana and Marcia
Marcia’s technological growth has come at a price. The nation has borrowed heavily from Acadiana, creating a dependency that shapes their relationship. Acadiana, known for its economic dominance, wields significant influence over Marcia’s policies, leveraging Marcia’s increasing debt as a means to strengthen their foothold in the Long Deep. While Marcia seeks to expand its industrial base, especially in border regions near Gialar, its debt to Acadiana creates tension as repayment obligations compete with technological ambitions. Acadiana, for its part, profits greatly from Marcia’s dependence, maintaining control through trade and diplomacy rather than direct intervention. However, this relationship is not without strain. Marcia’s growing industrial capabilities could threaten Acadiana’s economic influence if left unchecked, but border skirmishes with neighbors like Gialar also risk increasing Marcia's reliance on foreign technologies, which are often traded through Acadiana.
Askara, Bethune, and Ibunor
Ibunor, Bethune, and Askara stand as key players in Dheghom’s industrial and territorial dynamics. Ibunor leads the world in technological innovation, using its military might to maintain dominance. Bethune, though slightly behind, has weaponized its advancements to expand its borders aggressively, particularly against Askara, and maintains its borders with Ibunor through a combination of coastal access and sheer willpower. Meanwhile, the Askaran-ruled nation resists Bethune’s encroachment near The Khadir Sea, relying on guerrilla tactics and mystical traditions to defend its lands.
Ibunor’s involvement complicates matters. Though officially neutral, it is rumored to supply Askara with weapons to weaken Bethune, its primary rival. Bethune, in turn, views both Ibunor and Askara as threats to its safety and security. This three-way tension reflects the broader clash between industrial expansion and cultural preservation.
Avenar, Brynnalyn, Khunland, and Ryhoreiral
Ryhoreiral, Avenar, and Khunland maintain traditional practices and have not embraced industrial advancements, though their circumstances differ. Brynnalyn’s isolation as an island nation keeps it removed from external technological pressures. Ryhoreiral, however, is fragmented and declining, struggling to sustain its sovereignty. Although Avenar could embrace technology, the Avenarian embrace their old gods and refuse, embattled with the Fomorians of Khunland who maintain strict ties to their own traditions. These four nations are in a constant struggle against the pressures of technological advancement, but remain rooted in traditions that have remained strong against the turbulent winds of change.
Baleros and Gane
The Cyclopians of Baleros and the Ogres of Gane occupy very different roles in Dheghom’s technological landscape, but both serve as examples of Broman who have adopted technology. Baleros is militaristic and expansionist, seeking to project power and secure resources to support its growth. In contrast, the fragmented Tribes of Gane struggle under Ibunor’s control, serving as enslaved mercenaries and laborers. While, in the past, the physical superiority of the Broman allowed them to conquer and control, both peoples have come to recognize that modern technology is the path forward if they do not want to be reduced to a footnote in history.
Gialar, Kimara, and Sharasa
Gialar, Kimara, and Sharasa are among the most isolated nations in Dheghom, relying on mysticism and ecological preservation to guide their societies. The Oni of Kimara and the Tengu of Sharasa are deeply spiritual, while the Kapre of Gialar fiercely protect their mountainous homelands. Of the three, Gialar feels the most pressure, with industrialized nations like Marcia pushing to exploit the region’s rich resources. And though Kimara and Sharasa remain largely untouched, thanks to their remote locations on the fringes of the known world, their shared spiritual values have fostered alliances among these nations, allowing them to resist external encroachment. For now, their isolation is their greatest defense, but Gialar’s increasing vulnerability suggests that this balance may not last forever.
Kazak and Korath
The Dwergar of Azare Kazak and Kizar Korath share a bitter rivalry born of betrayal. Centuries ago, Kazak seceded after a bloody coup, leaving Korath fractured and mistrustful. Since then, Kazak has emerged as a technological leader, embracing innovation and trade. Korath, meanwhile, remains mired in internal struggles, including the recent Gaospod crisis that threatens its very survival. While their technological capabilities are similar, Kazak’s industrial ambition stands in sharp contrast to Korath’s focus on survival, particularly given the constant skirmishes it faces against Baleros. The Gaospod have yet to hinder Korath’s advancements significantly, but the looming threat consumes much of its resources and attention. Kazak’s leaders view Korath as a cautionary tale of stagnation, while Korath sees Kazak as opportunistic and indifferent to their shared heritage. These tensions have left the two cities locked in a cycle of animosity that shows no sign of abating.
Steinlund and Tuinleas
Steinlund and Tuinleas occupy distinct positions in Dheghom’s technological and cultural landscape. The Zwerge of Steinlund are reclusive and the true depth of their advancements are largely a mystery, focusing on their own isolated advancements rather than engaging in widespread industrialization. Tuinleas, in contrast, operates under Bethune’s suzerainty, integrating moderate technological advancements to support its agricultural and trade-focused economy, but largely lack militaristic advances. The Tonttu balance these developments with their deep-seated cultural identity, avoiding the overreach that characterizes Bethune’s industrial expansion. Steinlund and Tuinleas represent alternative paths of development: one isolated and the other pragmatic.
Tytherin and Keld
Tensions between Keld and Tytherin have simmered for centuries, driven by their fundamentally different natures. The Powries of Keld are aggressive when protecting their borders against neighbors, including Tytherin. They are not opposed to technology, but simply lack the knowledge and expertise to use it at the same level as their most advanced neighbor: Ibunor. The Ellyllon of Tytherin, conversely, avoid technology and find themselves increasingly outmatched by their more aggressive and technologically inclined neighbors. Though they were once content to remove themselves from such conflicts, increased pressure on their borders leaves them with few remaining options.
Anterra — The Easterness
Anterra is a land where tradition dominates. Its nations lag behind Oskara technologically, relying on older methods of transportation and communication. Much of the land is covered in wilderness, with many regions dotted by ancient ruins from civilizations that have faded into history. While trade occurs with Oskara, particularly with Marcia, war remains a persistent reality across the continent.
Oskara — The Westerness
Oskara is the technological heart of Dheghom. Roads and trade routes connect its nations, supported by innovations like steam-powered trains in Ibunor and Bethune. Communication and commerce thrive, both between Oskara’s nations and across the Long Deep to Anterra. Though modern infrastructure dominates, there still remain those people who maintain strong ties to their deities and traditions.
The Long Deep Islands
The Islands of the Long Deep are as diverse in their technological footprint and their inhabitants as they are in their traditions and place on the world stage. While there are numerous islands throughout the Long Deep, there are only four recognized nations: Acadiana, Brynnalyn, Kimara, and Sharasa. While Acadiana is an economic powerhouse that controls much of the tradeways across the ocean, the other three nations are largely isolationist, preferring to remain uninvolved in the wider events of Dheghom
Map by Melissa Nash