Once, it was widely believed our world of the Eternal Sun was a
relatively recent Immortal creation. But in recent times our numerous
encounters with ancient races have led us to believe otherwise.
Mystara’s cultural history, both on the surface and the
interior, may be far more ancient than previously hypothesized. The
Hollowdeep (1), the Depths of the Oceans and the Floating Continents
are home to alien and exotic creatures, straight out of Mystara’s
ancient past (2).
Notes 1 - In the
following and previous
threads on The
Piazza:
http://www.thepiazza.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10171,
and here on the
Vaults of Pandius:
http://pandius.com/shaddeep.html,
the Mystara community
more or less
decided to call
“Shadowdeep” and
“Hollowdeep” the
underground regions of
Mystara’s Outer
and Hollow World.
2 - Many creatures and
civilizations described in
this article came
from my 99,9999985%
Mystara history article
here: http://pandius.com/mysthist.html,
which presupposes a
much more ancient
Mystaran history than the
one normally described
in canon.
The Abysmal Elemental Kingdoms
Many years ago, an expedition reached the World Shield. Needless to
say, such journey was unbelievably challenging, nearly killing all
the participants. Still, the survivors managed to return with an
incredible account. Evidently, the underground of the Hollow World is
much more vast and intricate than we could have possibly suspected
before this report. The authors state, a sea of fire lay deep below,
dividing the Hollowdeep from the Shadowdeep of the Outer World. Upon
this ocean of lava, islands dotted with mighty palaces and cities
float, home to creatures of fire and flame; asserting they once
dominated all Mystara. The expedition was just able to barely escape
them. In other regions of the Hollowdeep, they discovered an ancient,
shifting realm of Earth creatures and a subterranean sea so extensive
its shores could not be seen. The sea also held inhabitants, aquatic
creatures vaguely resembling ancient Crabmen and other water
breathing inhabitants. We named these realms the Deep Elemental
Kingdoms. We do not know yet how big such realms may be and how many
creatures they might contain, nor if we will ever be able to
establish friendly relations with them.
Lairs of the Burrowers
Above the Elemental Kingdoms, lies a vast layer of the Hollowdeep
which contains the lairs of the Burrowers, the great worms that
thousands of years ago almost destroyed the Hollow World, and Ka-Na
(1) civilizations. It is well known some of the monsters still lay
dormant in those subterranean chambers. As we have learnt, attempting
to destroy them is always dangerous, as they could be too powerful to
be dealt with once awakened. Leaving them be; however, could be
likewise dangerous, as they might exert influence on nearby
societies. This entire level of the Hollowdeep is mostly inhabited by
Decapus, Fungoids, Scamilles, Wurmlings (2) and other bizarre
creatures whom ignorants may consider aberrations. Yet most are
intelligent races, vastly different from humanoid species, who had
great civilizations in Mystara’s ancient past. It is true;
however, that some among these communities have already been
corrupted by sleeping Burrowers.
Notes 1 - I arbitrarily
gave the Brute-Men
this name, as the
word they would
use to name
themselves. 2 - Appears in
the Savage Coast
Monstrous Compendium here:
http://pandius.com/wurmling.html
The Eternal Dark
Undying creatures neither alive nor dead, whom people of the Outer
World call undead, live, if this verb can be used for them, in the
Hollowdeep below Milenia, Nithia, Bahlor, Azca and other human
nations. Indeed, Lighthouse scholars suspect their caverns are all
somehow interconnected , but we know nothing of their purpose. Are
they pawns of the Burrowers? Are they allies or adversaries of the
Shattenalfen? We will have to further explore their caverns to
provide answers to these questions. Another matter concerns the
nation of Intua (1), which apparently is a branch of the Oltec
civilization, living beneath the Olltec hills and the Schattenalfen
caverns. We have not yet discerned if undead lords likewise dominate
them. Notes 1
- See here for more info about Intua:
http://www.thepiazza.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=3954
Caption:
This is a thumbnail of a Hollow World map drawn by me using the HW
boxed set Planetary map and joining Thorfinn Tait’s Map of
Iciria (http://pandius.com/m_iciria.html),
Geoff Gander and Thorfinn’s map of Selhomarr
(http://pandius.com/m_slhmrr.html)
and Robin’s Map of Blacklore
(http://pandius.com/blklrepn.html).
The scale of these maps was originally 40 miles per hex, but I think
it should be considered to be 60, or the Hollow world is only 5040
miles from pole to pole and has a circumference of 10080 miles. In
the HW planetary map the circumference was indicated at 11908 miles:
in this case each hex of the Iciria’s map should be around 47
miles. I’d prefer a 60 miles per hex scale, with a resulting
circumference of 15120 miles wide, which fits better with the size of
the planet that I calculated for my Outer Mystara maps
(http://pandius.com/motrwrld.html).
Each Dm however may choose the scale he or she prefers. A full size
version of this map will be also published in the Mystara forum at
The Piazza and on the Vaults of Pandius. This map includes
locations described in this article, in “Who is Who in the
Wyrmsteeth part II” in this same issue (regarding Hollow World
dragons) and other fanon locations. Håvard placed several canon
and fanon cultures in his map here: http://pandius.com/hwplntmp.html.
He also gathered some informations on Barrik’s Vale:
http://pandius.com/barrikv.html
and the Radiant Vale: http://pandius.com/braejr.html.
Andrew Theisen wrote about about the Anathy Archipelago:
http://pandius.com/anathyap.html Shahjapur locations were taken from Thorfinn Tait’s
8 miles per hex map of the island (http://pandius.com/m_shjpur.html).
Lands of the Giant Insects
From the Eastern Coast of Iciria to the Wintlian islands; including
the Aerimar Gauntlet between Aerical and Surical, Northern Jomphur
and the Anathy Archipelago; nearly all the equatorial lands of the
Hollow World beyond Iciria support giant insect life. Aside from
normal and giant insects species, several Insectoid (1) cultures and
nations inhabits these lands. Crabmen and Scorpionfolk are usually
counted among them, even if technically they are not, with
communities and nations in the Wintlian Isles. Two distinct breeds of
Scorpionfolk also inhabit the deserts of Boglucubul (2) and Nithia.
Araneas exist on Arana (3) Island in the Anathy Archipelago and in
Jomphur, while Hivebrood claim territories in northern Jomphur.
Formian and other intelligent insects might be numerous in southern
Aerical and northern Suridal, but accounts are fragmentary, with more
surveys certainly needed. Reports of additional Aranea and Formian
cultures in Iciria’s jungles have yet to be verified as well.
Notes 1 - I use the term “Insectoid”
to denote intelligent insect races. 2 - In Krugel Horde
territories, see the map of Iciria here:
http://pandius.com/m_iciria.html 3 - Not explicit in the Hollow World boxed set, but
I think the name gives us a definite clue as to what beings reside
there.
Lands of the Reptilians
Dinosaurs live in many areas of the Hollow World, but intelligent
specimens, known as Saurials, founded a nation on Aerical. Other
reptilian cultures live in the Eastern continents. Therapsids,
Gatormen, Caymen (1), Troglodytes, Sis’thik, Chameleon men (2),
Froglins and Frogfolk (3) have their nations in Aerical, Suridal and
surrounding islands. Tortles also are known to exist in the Anathy
Archipelago. Xarypt, a nation of Serpentines (4), lies in Northern
Suridal. The entirety of the Hollow World’s tropics are ideal
habitat for reptilian species. Several reptilian cultures thrive
around Nithian and Krugel Horde territories, and also in the
proximity of the Malpheggi swamps, beside the Lizardmen, Jorris (5)
and Dragons which are the swamp’s main inhabitants. Troglodytes
also inhabit the World Spine and the Azcan Mountains (6) in great
numbers. Saurials, Gatormen (7), Ratlings and Neshezus (8) inhabits
the Bakoto swamp within Tanagoro lands.
Notes 1
- Gatormen and Caymen
appear in the
Savage Coast Monstrous
Compendium: http://pandius.com/lizadkin.html.
Therapsids are my
creation based on
real word therapsids:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therapsid. 2
- Or Wallara, appear in
the Savage Coast
Monstrous Compendium:
http://pandius.com/wallara2.html 3 - Froglins appear in
the Goodman Games’
2004 Blackmoor Campaign
Setting, while Frog folk
appear in DA2
Temple of the Frog,
page 14 and also here:
http://pandius.com/frogfolk.html,
as well as here:
http://pandius.com/frogflk2.html.
4 - Introduced by James
Mishler in Davania
here: http://pandius.com/ageblack.html,
in Threshold Issue #5.
I supposed Arypt was
the name of
their empire, and gave
the name to
that entire region
of Davania. Xarypt would
simply mean “New
Arypt”. 5 - Appears
in the Savage
Coast Monstrous Compendium:
http://pandius.com/jorri.html 6 - Listed in the
Hollow World boxed
set as inhabiting
the mountains. 7 - Included
because the Hollow
World boxed set
lists Crocodile, Sasquatch, Weasel
and Wererat as
creatures of the
swamp; yet I think
Gatormen, Jorri, Neshezu and
Ratling may be
more appropriate. 8 - Appears
in the Savage
Coast Monstrous Compendium:
http://pandius.com/neshezu.html.
The Animal Kingdoms
The mountains and temperate areas of Aerical, Suridal and Jomphur
have been named by Lighthouse’s explorers The Animal Kingdoms,
as they are inhabited by several Demianimals (1), such as Actaeon,
Cryons, Faenare, Goatmen (2), Gyerian, Jorris, Lupins, Minotaurs,
Mugumba (3), Mythu’nn (4), Nagpas, Neshezu, Pachydermion,
Phanatons, Rakastas, Ratlings (5) and many more. Additional animal
kingdoms remain hidden among the savage lands of Iciria. It is common
knowledge among our agents that Apefolk, Bearfolk and Sealfolk live
in the north among the Beastmen, as well as ancient breeds of Lupins
and Rakastas, who also live in Neathar lands. Icirian forests and
jungles are home to a great diversity of Demianimals, including
Bearfolk, Boarfolk, Gazellefolk, Giffs, Minotaurs, Pachydermion,
Phanatons, Rabbitfolk, Ratlings (6), Rhinofolk, and many races of
Monkeyfolk and Apefolk. The World Spine mountains and hills are home
of Rock Baboons, Goatmen, Saquatches and many others. Indeed, the
Demianimals races are too many to list them all. As an example, the
Hollow World hosts infinite variations of Minotaurs races, such as
Bisontaur, Muskoxtaur (7) and Wisentaur on Northern Iciria;
Aurochtaur and at least two races of Buffalotaurs in Southern Iciria
and Jomphur. Antelopetaur, Gaurtaur, Yaktaur, Zebutaur inhabit
Jomphur, while Elandtaur, Gnufolk, and Nyalataur exist in Southern
Iciria. The same is true for all the others Demianimal orders (8), so
you can encounter such races as the Tapirfolk (9) of Suridal, the
Penguinfolk of the far South, or the Civetfolk of Jomphur
(10).
The Floating Continents (1) of the Hollow World host a variety of
people and races capable of flight. Hiak-Lor is home to the Hiakrai
Neathar, who astride their giant eagles exploit their homeland’s
annual orbit to raid Azcan, Neathar, Krugel and Antalian lands, and
even Aerical and Jomphur. Ashmorain is home to the Feathered
Serpents. Oostdok is the flying island of the Gnomes. Other Floating
Continents are inhabited by Dragons (2), Drakes, Ee’aars (3),
Enduks (4), Faeries (5), Gargoyles (6), Harpies, Hawkfolk (7),
Krollis (8), Pegataurs, Rocs, Shedus, Sphinxes, Pteryx (9), Pegasus,
Red Hawk Dragons (10), Tabis and stranger creatures like the Apteras.
The latter are a race of intelligent flying insects, probably once
inhabiting the Outer world (11). A variety of Aerial creatures and
Djinn also roam the Floating Islands. Beside intelligent species,
further flying animals and beasts populate these continents,
including Chimeras, Flapsails (12), Ghriests (13), Griffons,
Hippogriffs (14), Hydras, Pterosaurs and Pteranodons, Tyminids (15)
and Wyverns. In the last few decades, Outer World visitors in flying
ships have also been spotted in the Hollow World’s skies (16);
and we have now a growing concern they could disrupt the unique
cultures of the Floating Continents.
Notes 1
- Here there is a
list of them
by Andrew Theisen:
http://pandius.com/floatcnt.html 2 - See my article
“Who is Who
in the Wyrmsteeth
part II” about
Dragons of the
Outer and the
Hollow World in
this issue of
Threshold. 3 - Described in
the Savage Coast
Monstrous Compendium here:
http://pandius.com/eeaar_mc.html 4 - Described in the
Savage Coast Monstrous
Compendium here:
http://pandius.com/enduk.html 5 - Canon creature, also
described here:
http://pandius.com/faerie.html 6 - As intelligent
creatures, some immortal may
have chosen to
preserve them, indeed they
are indicated as
inhabitants of the
Mountains in the
Hollow world boxed
set, page 30 of the
Adventure Book. 7 - Or
Werehawks, as they were
exterminated in Minrothad
according to Gaz9
The Guilds of
Minrothad. 8 - Described in
the Savage Coast
Monstrous Compendium here:
http://pandius.com/lizadkin.html 9 - They already live
in the Hollow
Moon, see here
http://pandius.com/pteryx.html
and Chimpman’s
Once in a
Blue Moon in
Threshold issue #2,
in Threshold issue #5
I also hypothesized
that some may
still live in
the Brasol mountains
of Davania. 10 - Described
in the Savage
Coast Monstrous Compendium
here: http://pandius.com/redhawkd.html 11 - Created by me,
already hinted at in
Threshold issue #5,
where I place some
in the area
of Pelatan in
Davania 12 - Pterosaurs, Pteranodons and
Flapsails are described
in the Hollow
World boxed set. 13
- Described in the
Savage Coast Monstrous
Compendium here:
http://pandius.com/ghriest.html 14 - Listed in the
Hollow World boxed
set as populating
the mountains. 15 - Described
in the Savage
Coast Monstrous Compendium
here: http://pandius.com/tyminid.html 16 - Heldannic Knights
starts exploring the
Hollow World in
960 AC and The
Princess Ark makes
her first exploration
in 965 AC. The arrival
of Alphatia in
1010 AC will obviously
worry even more
The Lighthouse, and will
have a huge
impact on the
people inhabiting the
other Floating Continents.
Caption: The position of the biggest floating continents
on Nuwmont the 1st, as given in the Poor Wizard’s Almanac III,
page 132. Resi and Tama annual orbits were inverted in page 129 and
131: I decided to assume the ones on page 131 are the correct ones.
Only 8 floating continents were listed, but Andrew Theisen added some
information here: http://pandius.com/floatcnt.html
about the other 3 canon ones (Ashmorain, Hiak’lor
and Oostdok. I decided arbitrarily their position on Nuwmont, the 1st
and the orbit. Alphatia is shown as if the Hollow World has a
circumference of 15120 miles and each hex is 60 miles (see caption to
the Hollow World full map). With hexes at 40 miles, the size of
Alphatia in comparison to the Hollow World would be bigger and, in my
humble opinion, quite excessive. The first diameters given in the
table below appeared in the Poor Wizard’s Almanac III page 129,
without Ashmorain, Hiak-lor and Oostdok, whose dimensions were in
canon for Ashmorain and Oostdok, but I had to invent for Hiak’lor.
When a second diameter is present, it’s the adjusted size the
floating continent should have if the Hollow World has a
circumference of 15120 miles. Also, with a bigger Hollow World the
values below, particularly Orbital Speeds, should be adjusted
accordingly, but for now I left the info below as given in the canon
source, even if I am not sure they are all correct. The white
outline around each floating continent should reflect, approximately,
the diameter of its shadow. Chijioke’s shadow is quite bigger
due to its height. A full size version of this map will be also
published in the Mystara forum at The Piazza and on the Vaults of
Pandius.
FloatingContinent
Altitude(mi)
Diameter(mi)
AnnualOrbits
OrbitalSpeed(mi/day)
ShadowDiameter(mi)
ShadowSpeed(mph)
ShadowfallLasts(hh:mm)
IntelligentInhabitants
Alphatia
17
1545
12
421
1559
17.7
3:15
Humansandothers
Ashmorain
100
60
- 76
3
110
65
4.6
0:13
Featheredserpents
Cassia
417
73
- 92
6
166
93
8.9
0:11
Drakes,
Krollis,
Pteryx,
Chijioke
1378
218
- 277
5
48
797
7.4
1:35
Rocs,
Gargoyles, Faeries
Disa
163
181
- 230
3
97
198
4.4
0:24
Ee’aars,
Enduks, Pegataurs, Pegasus
Gowon
199
112
- 142
7
222
126
10.3
0:15
Grondheim(seebelow)
Hiak-lor
52
350
2
63
353
2.6
2:15
Neatharhumans,
Hawkfolks
Kjell
154
109
- 138
1
33
118
1.5
0:14
Harpies,
Tabis
Oostdok
2
40
- 51
2
67
40
2.8
0:14
Gnomes,
Sprites
Resi
943
76
- 96
2
34
151
3.0
0.17
Apteras
Tama
997
69
- 88
4
71
145
5.9
0:18
Shedus,
Sphynxes
Queen of the Oceans
The mysterious Queen who is supposed to be ruler of all the Hollow
World’s oceans and has a lair or palace someplace within the
Sea of Rax. She is said to be an enormous sea dragon according to
some accounts. In others she appears as an ancient dragon turtle. Yet
she could even belong to a hitherto unknown species. Legend says she
protects denizens of the sea when in extreme danger, either from
natural causes or powerful enemies. Acanthodians (1), Acquatic Elves,
Ammonites, Crabmen, Decapus, Devilfish, Dolphins, Sea Dragons and
Dragon Turtles, Eurypterids, Sea Giants, Sea Hags, Sea Hermits (2),
Hydraxes (3), Knas, Koprus, Sea Lizardmen (4), Mermen, Narwhals,
Nautilus, Nixies, Opabinia, Ostracoderms, Omm-wa (5), Sealfolk,
Shark-kin, Shimmerfish (6), Snappers (7), Trilobites, Tritons,
Undines (8): all the intelligent inhabitants of the oceans and seas
have their own legend concerning the Queen, and how she once saved
them. Is she an Immortal? A Behemoth? It’s possible we may
never find the answer to this question.
Notes 1 - This intelligent
creature and all
the following not
included in canon
Mystaran products were
created by me
here: http://pandius.com/mysthist.html
and inspired by
the namesake real
world animals. 2 - Described
in the Savage
Coast Monstrous Compendium
here: http://pandius.com/seahermi.html 3 - Described in the
Expert set and
the AD&D Mystara
Monstrous Compendium
Appendix. 4 - Sea
Lizardmen, Mermen, Nixies, Dolphins,
Devilfish, Sea Hag and
Wereseals are listed
in the Hollow
World boxed set,
while the others are
entirely my supposition.
5 - Described in
the Savage Coast
Monstrous Compendium here:
http://pandius.com/ommwa.html 6 - Described in the
Savage Coast Monstrous
Compendium here:
http://pandius.com/shimmerf.html 7 - Described in
the Savage Coast
Monstrous Compendium here:
http://pandius.com/tortle.html 8 - Described in the
AD&D Mystara Monstrous
Compendium Appendix.
Dragon and Fairy Lands
The mighty dragons have their domains within the Hollow World as they
have in the Outer World (1); often protecting some ancient races or
creatures from stronger forces surrounding them. They are frequently
allied with local fairies, which in the Hollow World normally take
forms more suited to local culture amongst which they live (2).
Lighthouse scholars classify dragons and fairies together because of
ancient similarities and ties, both usually uninclined to submit to
the will of the Immortals. Furthermore, ancient legends recount both
fought the Immortals in the ancient past. Therefore, It is widely
believed in the Lighthouse that Dragons and Fairies now in the Hollow
World not only belong to some ancient races rare or extinct in the
Outer World, but they must also have made a pact with Ka The
Preserver or other Immortals. This assumption has been confirmed
several times, as dragon and fairies have often come to the aid of
our agents on several occasions. Certainly there are and always will
be some dragons and fairies amongst the most learned and wise sages
of The Lighthouse.
Notes 1 - See also
my article “Who
is Who in
the Wyrmsteeth part
II” about Dragons
of the Outer
and the Hollow
World in this
same issue of
Threshold magazine. 2 -
As the Tepictoton,
described in HWR1 Sons
of Azca and
here: http://pandius.com/tepict.html
The Mek Lands
The beings known as Meks have so far escaped our burning desire to
learn more about them. They seem very elaborate metal constructs of
some sorts, but they are inevitably aggressive and hostile and
obviously unwilling to let us study them. Only once have we spotted
one of their mysterious masters, an insect-like creature vaguely
resembling a beetle (1), which avoided our attempt to communicate
with him, later escaping in a flying machine. The only definitive
information remains that Meks are more common in the Antarctic
regions of Iciria. Other sightings of metallic constructs in the
southern Sea of Yr have yet to be confirmed (2).
Notes 1 - Mek are canon creatures “created
by a long-dead race of inhuman insect-like sorcerers” (Rules
Cyclopedia). I created here: http://pandius.com/mysthist.html
the Kolemek empire in the remote past of Mystara to
explain them. Remains of the empire could also still exist in
southern Davania, as hinted in Threshold issue #5. 2 - Such
sightings should instead be related to Blacklore Elves, see the
article by Havard in this same issue and also the work done by Robin
here: http://www.thepiazza.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=13266
The Giants Lands
Several areas of the Hollow World are dominated by Giant cultures(1).
Frost Giants are numerous in Northern Iciria and rule a great kingdom
(2) between Antalian and Icevale lands. Fire Giants live in Western
Krugel lands, Southern Nithia, Southern Suridal and near many
volcanoes. Cloud Giants are common in Northeastern Iciria from
Neathar lands to the Ostzee, and in the Floating continents. Hill
Giants live in countless areas, ranging from the Southern Beastmen
lands to the World Spine and Milenia. Their culture displays the
greatest variations from clan to clan, with some very civilized and
others quite savage. Stone Giants are more common around the World
Spine and in the eastern deserts, and in Suridal. Storm Giants roam
from the Southwest and the Anathy Archipelago to Jomphur. Hephaestons
(3) live in the mountains north of Milenia. Garls (4) are common in
the eastern World Spine. Cyclops tribes inhabits Southwestern Iciria
and the Anathy Archipelago. The ancient Trolls (5) live in several
areas of northeastern Iciria, while Giant Trolls (6) live among the
hills between the Krugel, the Neathars and the Antalians. Giant
Gargoyles (7) live between the Traldar lands and Milenia. Lastly, a
mysterious and reclusive nation (8) with a mixed population of
Giants, Fairies and ancient Trolls is rumored to exist in one of the
Floating continents.
Notes 1 - Indicated in
the Hollow World
boxed set as
living in the
Hills and Mountains.
2 - Indicated in the
Iciria map with
Kulear as capital.
3 - Canon monster, not indicated
in the Hollow
World boxed set,
but they seem
appropriate for the
area. 4 - Not listed in
the Hollow World
boxed set, but they
seem appropriate for
the area. 5 - The only
humanoid mentioned in
the Other Monsters
section of the
Hollow World boxed
set (Adventure Book,
page 30) under “Hills”:
I decided ancient
Trolls, more intelligent and
civilized than modern
ones, could be more
appropriate, as the trolls
which inhabited ancient
Grondheim as developed
by Chimpman here:
http://www.thepiazza.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=8922 6 - Gargantuan Trolls are
listed as creatures
of the Hills
in the Hollow
World boxed set.
7 - Gargantuan gargoyles are
listed as creatures
of the Hills
in the Hollow
World boxed set.
8 - A good placement
for Grondheim in
my humble opinion:
http://www.thepiazza.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=8922
The Anathy Archipelago and Jomphur
The area (1) is the home of a variety of cultures, from Colimans and
Traldars to the Merry Pirates, Makai, Kara-Kara orcs, Oteino (2), Dwa
(3) and Kumban (4), Water Elves (5), the newly arrived Heldannic
Knights of Stonehaven, the powerful nation of Shahjapur, Araneas,
other Sea Peoples (6) and, some believe, Kopru masterminds (7) just
below the waves. Indeed, the Southern Atlass Ocean is called the Sea
of Ships, as is traversed by vessels of the above mentioned cultures
and also by ships from Milenia and the cultures of south western
Jomphur: Asydh (8), Paeshen (9), Varellya (10) and Yanifey (11). Even
the cultures from the other side of Jomphur, Blackmoor, Skandaharia
and Thonia (12), tend to cruise toward the numerous human cultures of
the Atlass Ocean rather than the predominantly non-human nations of
Aerical and Suridal. Jomphur is also inhabited by other human
cultures, such as Afridhi (13), Peshwa (14), Wan (15) and Yevan (16);
these nations having less navigational skill, but still can be
spotted occasionally on the seas.
Notes 1
- Many ideas taken
from Andrew Theisen
here: http://pandius.com/anathyap.html 2 - Seafaring Oltecs, name
created by me
for the 2300 BC
setting here:
http://www.thepiazza.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=3933&hilit=oteino&sid=b43d184959ea318a72333b8e67921fb0&start=50#p129803
but previously supposed
by Giampaolo Agosta
and Atila Pires
Dos Santos here:
http://pandius.com/oltcmant.html 3 - Name invented by
me, based on the
seafaring Tanagoro that
populated the Pearl
Islands, may also live
in the Sea
Kingdoms of the
Outer World and
be similar to
real world melanesians.
4 - Name invented by
me, supposed seafaring
ancestors of the
Tanagoro who colonized
Yavdlom and several
areas of Davania 5
- Seafaring elves, ancestors of
the Water Elves
of the Minrothad
Guilds. 6 - A reference
to the Frontierlands:
http://www.thepiazza.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=11888 7 - A reference to
Adhuza:
http://www.thepiazza.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=4089 8 - A culture I
supposed in Threshold
issue #5 could be
related to Nithians,
Thothians and Aryptians
and correspond to
real world Middle
East cultures. 9 - A
culture I supposed
in Threshold issue
#5 could be related
to the Peshwa
of ancient Blackmoor,
ancestors of Ochalean
and Yasukan and
corresponding to real
world South East
Asian cultures. 10 - Created
by Bruce Heard
in Dragon Magazine
#157, see also here
a timeline by
Geoff Gander:
http://pandius.com/varellyt.html 11 - In canon the
exact culture of
the Yanifey was
never specified, but looking
at modern Alphatia
images, I’d link
them to real
world Persian culture.
12 - Cultures from the
Blackmoor campaign setting
that should be
similar to Europeans
cultures. 13 - Also from
the Blackmoor campaign
setting, they seem to
have a culture
vaguely related to
Jennites and Yanifey. 14
- Also from the
Blackmoor campaign setting,
they should be the
ancestors of Ethengarians
and other cultures
similar to real
world Mongolian people
in Skothar. 15 - A
culture I suppose
could be related
to real world
Chinese people, see also
here: http://pandius.com/morient/morient.txt
for more on
Oriental cultures in
Mystara. 16 - Name I
invented here to
indicate possible ancestors
to Slavic cultures
in Mystara, such as
modern Traladarans, Yevo and
Vantalians: http://pandius.com/nrwldtml.html
and http://pandius.com/zuyemp.html
Nations of Suridal
Even if Aerical and Surical are inhabited by Insectoid, Reptilian and
Demianimal races, as explained above, there is also a powerful human
nation, Selhomarr (1), allied with the minor nations of Suur, Nevumm,
Orimul and Ilarnn (2). The Selhomarrians are great mariners, and
their ships are known to have reached almost every coast of the
Hollow World at least once. Suridal is also the home of the Elves of
Evergrun, the Halflings of Kenaton, and the Serpentines of Xaript
(3), all of whom have considerable mercantile fleets. Needles to say,
all seafaring cultures of the Hollow World waver between raiding or
competing with their neighbors to intermittent trade and cooperation.
The Lighthouse easily recruits willing explorers among them. Such is
the nature of human curiosity, even in a place like the Hollow World,
where every being is often bound to her birthplace and afraid to
leave his home.
