Argan - Western Continent

Where the story begins, in the Western Continent known as Argan. To the inhabitants, for a very long time they thought it is the world itself. For them the entire existence is called Norewald. "All that is" Nore therefor is just another ancient word for "everything"
Until later in their history, voyagers from the East landed and shock the populous. Their 1st time to see humans from different part of the world. Strange custom, culture and language. They came from the orient. another continent called Zehnn Empire.
Nore in current times are mostly dominated by humans. There are other humanoid races aside from humans; Elves, Dwarves, Halflings and the rare tinkering Gnomes. Beastmen like the Tabaxi, Ogres, Goblins, Trolls, Minotaur and many more.
In the distant past, like the Gomes, Humans were the minority and endangered of being wiped out. They were enslaved by the other races because they were many, far outnumbering the humans that they subjugated and mistreated. Until the "Harbinger" came that brought chaos and destruction. Empires fell, kingdoms crumbled.
Most of the other races were decimated by the destruction and the plagues that came after.
With the known world in shambles, Humans took the opportunity to rebel and overpower their former masters. because of their adaptability and tenacity they thrived in the new world and reigned as the dominant race. Pushing the Dwarves into seclusion as most migrated to the southern isles. The Elves were the kinder masters but left the mainland in shame. They returned to their roots, into nature and limited contact with other races which they still view as inferior to them.
Much of the world is still unknown and efforts to explore and expand their domain remained the primary driving force of the humans. They vowed never to be subjugated again they spread across the land claiming all they they can, ever expanding. Until they were stopped by the badlands. a vast swathe of territory held by monsters and humanoids.
Humans waged war with the nation of monsters and humanoids that called themselves the Molokkai. They put up a fierce fight, humankind did not waver and pushed on eventually being able to claim the north and called it Marokka. But soon, winds of car carried to the eastern mountains and brought more demi-humans to Molokkai side separating those from the north.
Soon a stalemate. neither side could move forward. after generations both Humans and beastmen agreed to stop the fighting due to massive loss of lives as neither would yield and both ready to fight to the last man. Malos, the guardian of the powers of nature. A god had intervened and convinced both side to retreat and Malos made a valley in between the two forces so hostile than none can claim it to settle in. It was known as the buffer zone. A valley so wide, terrain so treacherous almost none venture into. this separates the two warring nations.
Unbeknownst to the southerners, the ones that made it north had survived and thrived. Carving out a kingdom in the wild north unifying separated humans from since the great enslavement. The so called barbarians, a collective of small hamlets and villages ruled by chieftains. they were unified by conquest and assimilated into what to become the Marokkan Dominion. Mainly a Matriarchal Society.
In their debut, they showed their military might to the southerners now calling themselves Empire of Argania, by defeating a major beastmen offensive against the Arganians. Effectively saving them. While at the same time declaring that Marokka was neither friend nor foe as they will attack ANY invading forces that cross the buffer zone going to the north. Since then there both nations eyed each other with suspicion and curiosity. Once in a while Argania would send emissaries but are always turned away.

Geography

Much of the continent is still unexplored. Hostile and powerful monsters roam the lands. much of the land is mountainous and few flat lands. To the south lies the predominantly human settlements, these are the prime lands, flat lands for agriculture. cities and towns are mostly built along rivers and goes down further south to a series of port towns. the outer fringes of the continents are mountainous, dotted by chains of massive mountains mainly composed of rocks and stone almost all are snow capped. they are used to be domains of the ancient dwarves before most left the mainland to inhabit the southern Isles. Most of the southern land are Tundras, marshes, forests and rolling hills. And almost all coastal towns are fishing towns. None dare ventures into the open seas as it means certain death. Gigantic and vicious sea creatures rules the waters of all oceans. going to the central part is also mostly unexplored as it's mostly seaming jungles ripe with disease and dangerous creatures. It was said that the progenitors once lived there and rumors of their wealth that remained therein drives adventurers to explore the green void. if one managed to reach the northern reaches of the empire, will see initially arid lands. sea of sand. the vast deserts of Solcinder further north will reach the frontier, the buffer zone. to the east of which are the Molokkai, to it's west borders the northern part of Yteria, land of reclusive Elves. and of course to the north, the Dominion of Marokka, called the dark continent to the Arganians.

Fauna & Flora

Refer to D&D 5e monsters manuals. There are a lot of monsters that only exists in Norewald and will be detailed on a separate section basically most common plants and animals that exist in the real world would have an equivalent if not the same in Nore.

History

Pre-history Earliest known records Great enslavement Fall of the old world Formation of the Human empires Recent History

Tourism

Pilgrimage In the hostile world of Norewald, travelling to another place is extremely risky as monsters still outnumber people and not to mention highwaymen robbing and killing travelers. Mostly that travels are pilgrims from the south to pay homage to Malos in his central cathedral in Primus Aqui just a few miles from the frontier. Southerners journey in groups and are usually protected by either the Imperial Legions marching north to relieve the troops stationed there or by Mercenary companies usually from the Explorers Guild for a fee. but once reaching their destination the traveler can roam the safelands, walled cities for their unique attractions. Mandatory Military Service Every citizen of Argania, once reaching the coming of age, usually 16 for males 17 for females will have to render at least three years of military service and afterwards will be permanently be part of their home town militia. Those that would like to make a career will be sent to the north and serve a further 3 years. That may be the only opportunity to travel to the northern borders.

Maps

Negral City
Nergal, derived from the ancient human word for darkness, is the seat of power in the north and the city of the Dark Queen, the supreme ruler of Maroka. The name itself evokes associations with malice, melancholy, and death. In the known world, Maroka is notorious as the Dark Dominion, characterized as hellish, brutal, and totalitarian. It is known as the Black Wave that swept across the frozen north, conquering the Hyperborea and instilling fear in all who encountered it. The empire's might was such that it crushed the once-unconquerable northmen, the Barbarians, and defeated the invincible plainsmen, renowned for their exceptional swordsmanship.