EMER » TABLE OF CONTENTS I Introduction Cultural Structures ‘The Sections of This Book . Il A History of Emer Prehistory ‘The Second Era ‘The Third Era III Climate and Inhabitants Climate Overview Flora .. Fauna . Races . Iv Hestra Geography & Climate Bone Vv Tai-Emer 1s Geography & Climate 2 + Preten 3 + The Forest of Ash.. 4 + Pochantos 5 . « Lackoa Baie 26 2+ Sel-kai 29 3 + Vog Mur * Lost Empire of Thanor + Varrken Mire + Nuyan Khém + Reandor . + Isles of Namar-Tol Uj 4 5 6 7 8 iI 1+ Climate & Geography : 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 RRSSLESS SERS VII Onar 1 + Climate & Geography 2+ Rulaash Forest 36 a x Khim-kaan + Climate & Geography Shay Settlements... ‘The Secret Circle. XIV_ Reference Charts 1 + Master Beast Charts, 2 + Master Military Charts 3 + Master NPC Charts. XV_ Attack and Critical Charts Plasma Critical Strike Chart Depression Critical Strike Chart. Copyright © 1990 by Iron Crown Enterprises. All ights reserved. No production or transmission is permitted in any form, whether electron ‘mechanical or manual, without the express permission of the Publisher. Produced and distributed by Iron Crown Enterprises, Inc., P.O. Box 1605, ‘Chartonesville, VA, 22902. Phone: 804-295-4280; FAX: 804-977-4811 First US. Edition: 1990. Stock #6100 ISBN 1-55806-126-62 ‘Shadow World a » FOREWORD In this book I’ve tried to provide a survey of Emer, the largest single continent in western Kulthea. Obviously, every detail of every site and culture cannot be included, but this is a comprehensive overview of the land, a complete framework for detailed site-specific books to follow. Indeed, much is left unsaid between these covers — it would be impossible to give Emer the space it deserves if I had five times the pages bound herein — but there are many possibilities opened up for the motivated GM to pursue. Rest assured: you will hear more of the Jerak Ahrenreth, the Isle of Jade, the Eight Orders of the Old Empire, and the Storm Wizard, to name a few. Books about several areas in Emer are already in the works. ‘That is not to say that this book does not contain a wealth of specific material; in fact it does eluci- date many groups, cults and other fascinating organizations and personalities in Emer. In addition there are several complete adventures included; more than enough to keep adventur- ers embroiled in the politics and murky dangers of Emer for a long time. AurtHor/Desicner: Terry K. AMTHOR ‘Sertes Eprror: JoHN RUEMMLER Additional Material By: Peter C. Fenlon Fantasy Hero Conversions: Jim Canup, John Ruemmler, Chad Brinkley, David Mercer Box Illustration: Les Edwards Box Design: I. Haines Sprunt, T. Amthor Book Cover Design: Jessica Ney Interior Hlustrations: Sandy Collora, Michael Alexander ‘Hemandez, G.B. Mcintosh, David and Elissa Martin. Interior Layouts: Jennifer Kleine, Will Hyde Page Design: Kevin Williams Layout: Ted Dinwiddie, Andrew Christensen ICE MANAGEMENT — Art Directr/Production Manager: Tery K. “Amthor, Sales Manager: Deane Bepebing: Eating & Development Manager: Coleman Chariton; President: Pte Falon; CEO: Brae Neilinger, Comrolier: Kart Rasmussen. ICE STAFF — Martering Consutant: John Morgan; Print Buyer: Bill Downs; Production Supervisor: Suzanne Young: Editing & Development ‘Staff: Kevin Bart, Rob Bell, Pete Felon, Jessica Ney, Joha Ruemsnle, ‘Ten Amthor, Graphics & Production Saf: Andrew Christensen, Edward Dinwiddie, Wiliam Hye, Jeaufer Kleine, I. Haines Sprot, Kevin Willams; Sales & Customer Service Staff. Joha Brunkhar, Yo Lod Drake; ‘Shipping Saf John Breckenridge, Kurt Fischer, David Johnson, David Mercer CREDITS Sy TKA Dec’89— April ‘90 |Contributions: John “Dol need oread this?” Ruemmler, Jessica “Ohhh, Dear!” Ney, Suzanne “Howya doin'?” Young, Dinwiddie, Andrew “T've seen bette.” Christensen, Haines “Well, maybe.” Sprunt, Kevin “Do I know how tousea stat camera? (Ife! fine)” Williams, Will“that’sahot machine” Hyde, Jenifer “I could Pagemake even faster if you bought me a 19” sereen, Mac Il with 8 meg RAM, Laserwriter NIX, etc.)” Kleine, Kurt “I got these pants on sale, only 5 Rasmussen, Bill “Wel, I suppose we could...” Downs, Kevin “So. There its.” Barret, Coleman“I didn’t want to putEmir (sic, pronounced ‘emeees’) on the schedule...” Charlton, Rob “I know, ‘it's only a Hero product...” Bell, Preston Maxwell, “Well, ifno one else will ypeit...) Bennett EisenhowerlV,Chad “Most excellent, dude!” Brinkley, John/Bruce/Deane “if this doesn’t make it out on time we are in BIG trouble” Morgan/ Neidlinger?Begiebing, Heii/)JL “It’s (iin the blank), are you here or not?” Heffner/B/Drake. Special thanks to... Ismail Merchant and James Ivory; Derek Jacobi (and Livia, Seja- nus, Germanicus, and the crew) Donnie, Danny, Joe, Jordan and. Jon; Vince and Andy; Bart and Bud; Ken B; David Lynch; and ‘Swinker Dinker-di,= Mi Tie ret Continent’ — 3 PART I INTRODUCTION Our ship swung around to the west just as the sun peeked over the waves behind us. By the fine amber light of the dawn I could see towering outcrops of rock, pillars rising straight out of the aceon depts. meh” Cried the Navigator Tar-esiir, “Artha, capital of Danarchis. Beyond, upon a rocky peninsula, there rose clusters of gleaming structures turned to gold in the “‘Danarchis’?” hated to admit it, but my geographic knowledge failed me; the name meant nothing. “Danarchis, lad!” Cried Tar-esiir, favoring me with a rare smile. “We have reached the north coast of Emer.” The Great Continent of Emer, vast and wealthy... and full of peril. We had arrived at last. Kalen Avanir From his Travel Journals This section provides an overview of the Emer book as a whole, essentially a synopsis of the information revealed between the covers of this book. It might prove helpful to first read through this section to get an overall ‘feel’ for Emer and its inhabitants. 1-CULTURAL STRUCTURES ‘The section below discusses some general aspects of low technology societies and gives the GM some guidelines, should he need to further develop the cultures described in Emer or invent cultures of his own, Tn addition, the temminology defined below is frequently used inthe various cultural summaries, so it would behoove the GM to familiarize himself with it SUBSISTENCE PATTERNS n the physical resources of an area, the GM gets a pretty clear picture of how the society exploits the land for food and other basic necessities. Fist, determine ifthe land is capable of feeding a populstion, and what limits might exist for groups ofthe desired technological level. Use the world map (from the Master Atlas) as cross-reference, and make ‘notation beside the group's name, Hunter/gatherers. These groups rely on big game for food, have low population densities, and exist in a nomadic or semi-nomadic state Extreme temperatures, rough terrain, and/or poor soil discourage any form of agriculture. Bands or tribes may have distinct hunting circuits and ‘therefore establish vague territorial boundaries. Urbanization is virtually nil although certain specific sites may be sacred and the focus of periodic societal gatherings. High protein meat diets are supplemented with nuts, fruits, berries, and occasionally fish, Wild grains ar rarely used. group size is normaly limited to 25-50 people. The ‘varies from .05 to 10 people per square mile. ‘Men normally do the hunting because the mobility requirement con- ‘iets with child-bearing. Women usually gather supplemental foodstuffs, snoften arduous tak that accounts for upto seventy percent of the group's ‘nutritional intake. As with most extremely mobile groups, few old or weak people survive for any length of time (e.g... they may perceive their presence asa burden and wander off odie). In addition, possessions are ‘usually limite to what one can comfortably carry. Slash and burn agriculturalists. These folk rely on hardy yet primitive ‘vegetables, mostly grains and tubers. Often poor sil, harsh climates, steep srades, or dense foliage prevent a society from exploiting the land any more efficiently. Farming revolves around the clearing ofan area by slashing. large foliage obstacles and burning off the remainder. Normally one crop is harvested per year andthe land is again cleared by burning. Since the soil is quickly exhausted, movement to new cultivated areas is frequent. (Coarse grasses replace the cleared forest in the abandoned fields. The replenishment of the trees takes decades or centuries. Fishing and gather- ing may supplement the diet. The population density varies from 1 10 20, people per square mile. Herders. Herding peoplessurviveby supplementing a modest agricultural ‘base with meat and dairy products taken from goats, sheep, cate, and the like. Generally, the relatively small parcels of fertile soil are reserved for cropland or gardens, while the less arable territory is given over to the herds. Although te fertile land is provided with adequate fertilizer and is