Mernia is a fractured land—in territory, allegiance, and spirit alike. Once the heartland of empire, it now endures as a continent divided by rivalry, war, and old resentment, where every kingdom struggles to preserve its sovereignty against both its neighbours and the looming threat of the Paolemern Empire.

The Free States of Pyre and Karth remain locked in constant political conflict, each claiming moral superiority while undermining the other through espionage, proxies, and carefully concealed plots. Their rivalry weakens them both, yet neither is willing to yield influence or legitimacy to the other.

Along the coasts, the Kingdoms of Zauri and Mersyff wage an endless struggle against piracy and raiding fleets that plague the southern seas. Chief among these seafarers are the infamous Mersyffian Pirates, hardened opportunists who sell their allegiance freely to Pyre and Karth alike. Though often named privateers by their patrons, they are raiders in truth, striking imperial convoys, burning ports, and spreading chaos across the waters of Mernia.

At the continent’s centre stands Poala, clinging to the illusion of independence beneath the pressure of greater powers. Its rulers maintain a fragile sovereignty through diplomacy and commerce, carefully ignoring the crushing merchant levies and economic manipulations imposed upon them by stronger neighbouring states.

On the north-eastern coast dwell the fierce warriors of Erthen, whose soldiers fight on behalf of both Pyre and Karth against the relentless Paolemern crusades. For years they have held the line against imperial expansion, earning reputations as some of the most disciplined and unyielding fighters in all of Mernia.

Yet perhaps no realm is more divided than Zauri itself. The greener northern territories remain open—if cautious—towards foreigners and trade. But the further south one travels, the more distant and hostile the outside world becomes. Beyond the populated regions lie the sacred Birthlands, forbidden territories where only the Zaureez may walk.

And farther still, at the uttermost edge of the known south, lies the dreaded Land of No Man. Forbidden by custom and feared in legend, it is a place from which no traveller has ever returned. Whether cursed, haunted, or something far worse, none can truly say.