Land Descriptions

Established 3124 years ago, the Unknown Lands are controlled by five ruling houses. Each house builds its wealth from their major resource, trading to areas which are lacking. Apart they are weak and vulnerable, but together they form a formidable force.

One hundred and eighty years past, the five houses banded together to overthrow their King and place one their number upon the throne. Trade stopped as the lands fell into war. Hunger and disease became rampant and all progress ceased. It was the House Siosal of Telford who turned against the cause and aided the King in ending the insurrection.

With supplies of iron cut off and diverted to Cordaire, the remaining houses turned on Telford, allowing the King to muster his forces attack from the rear. The battle was long and bloody, lasting several years, but in the end King Morven was victorious.

The leaders of each house were taken hostage and forced to again swear fidelity to the Throne. They were returned to their lands, but were now bound by the Jurandum of Obsidis. Forevermore they were to send their first born to Cordaire as ransom to ensure that never again they raised arms against their ruling state. The five children would be raised by the royal family, but never would they be permitted to return to their home until death elevated them to their ruling seat.

To this day, Jurandum of Obsidis is still practiced, though somewhat more lax. The children are permitted to travel, though always they must reside within Cor Cathair, and always they must serve the King and his family, but there has been rumour that two of the houses have once again turned their eyes upon Cordaire’s throne.

Of the five ruling houses Dalton is the oldest. Those who first came to Cordaire found the lands to the south rich and fertile. Five families were the first to settle, establishing a colony that quickly spread to the outlying lands.

Innis Ennes was the first to establish a seat among the five families, and it was Innis who sent representative from each forth to seek the ends of these wild, untamable lands. They were told to cultivate the lands they found and establish four more seats.

Owen Mochrie set out north with Baine Siosal and together they established House Mochrie and House Siosal in Nuall and Telford. Ardal Losce and Aine Athol set out northwest and established House Losce and House Athol in Monadh-Frith and Solange. Trade was strong between the five lands and over the years they grew apart and each developed their own culture.