Vadania (5e Campaign Setting)
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Vadania[edit]
A large world with powerful monsters. Magic is common here.
Campaign Setting Information[edit]
The world that this campaign is set in is an ancient medieval continent called Vadania. Vadania is made up of five kingdoms: Blackforge, Skyreach, Thunderbay, Moralia, and Plathio. There is also an enormous cave system similar to the underdark, the depths of which have yet to be explored, simply referred to as The Caverns. The five rulers of the main kingdoms are at an uneasy peace in terms of tension.
- Blackforge
Blackforge is known for its harsh heat, rough locals, and highly trained military. Dwarven folk are common in this part of Vadania, but you can find any race living here. Blackforge’s capital city is called Helcral, and is built upon and around an active volcano with the same name. The volcano erupted around 4000 years ago, so is due for another eruption sometime soon. Sitting upon a blackstone throne in his blackstone palace is the dwarven ruler of Blackforge, Vondal Fireforge. He is married to Eldeth Fireforge, and has one child, the prince Adrik. He rules his kingdom sternly and justly, and most people are happy with his rule. The blackforge military is one of the strongest in Vadania due to their intense training, overwhelming numbers, and constant supply of armor and weapons. However, rumor has it that the Blackforgian military has been developing a superweapon. Other cities, towns, and places of potential interest in blackforge are Silverstone, a large town with an enormous silver mine, Torunn, a city where the population is close to reaching that of Helcral’s, and the Fire mountains, a range of volcanoes that are rumored to be very dangerous, as well as a place where bandits and criminals hideout.
- Helcral
Life in Helcral is as intense as the city itself. Residents are known for their unshakable resilience, shaped by the constant heat and the ever-present threat of volcanic activity. The people of Helcral have a saying: “What doesn’t burn, endures.” This motto reflects their spirit; they are fiercely proud of their ability to endure and thrive where few could. Blackforge’s dwarven heritage remains deeply embedded in daily life, with family honor and craftsmanship highly valued. Most households include some form of forge or workshop, even if only small, where family members learn the basics of smithing from an early age. It’s said that in Helcral, “everyone is a smith” — whether they wield a hammer, sword, or pen, they all contribute to the greater strength of Blackforge.
- Architecture and Engineering
In Helcral are marvels that showcase dwarven ingenuity. Buildings are constructed from heat-resistant materials such as blackstone and reinforced metals, often adorned with intricate carvings that tell tales of Blackforge’s rich history. The homes and workshops are typically designed with heat-shielded walls and enchanted windows that filter out the blistering sun. Engineers have devised an intricate ventilation system that channels hot air and gases away from residential areas, while capturing heat to power essential forges and machinery. Public squares often feature fountains of molten lava encased in glass, showcasing the beauty and danger of their surroundings.
Helcral is also known for its Guilds and Artisan Clans, which play a crucial role in its economy and culture. Dwarves from notable clans often become lifelong members of prestigious guilds, such as the Hammer’s Guild for blacksmiths or the Vein Seekers for miners. These guilds hold significant influence, each having their own traditions, emblems, and rivalries. To join, a young artisan must pass the Trial of Flames, a test of skill and resilience that varies depending on the guild but always involves enduring intense conditions and demonstrating unwavering dedication to their craft. Upon passing, initiates earn the right to wear the guild’s insignia, a mark of pride displayed on their armor or tools.
- Festivals and Celebrations
Helcral’s culture revolves around a blend of tradition, strength, and honor, with festivals that reflect these values. The most prominent of these is the **Festival of Flames**. Held during the hottest part of the year, this festival celebrates Blackforge’s volcanic heritage. Fire performers, blacksmithing competitions, and weapon exhibitions are common sights, but the main attraction is the *Ritual of Resilience*, where brave warriors and citizens walk barefoot across hot coals to demonstrate their endurance. Those who complete the ritual earn a place of honor among their kin and the title of “Fireborn.” During the festival, the city is illuminated with enchanted flame lanterns that paint the night sky in shades of orange and red, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Another unique celebration is the Forge Day, a guild-specific event where each guild opens its doors to the public. During Forge Day, artisans showcase their best works, and guild leaders hold free lessons for young citizens. It’s a time for apprentices to display their skills and for new alliances to be formed among artisans, merchants, and military members. The forges run continuously, and at the end of the day, the guilds honor their ancestors by casting a ceremonial item into the Helcral Lava Falls, a symbolic return of their creations to the mountain that provides them.
- The Blackstone Palace and the Council of Embers
At the heart of Helcral lies the Blackstone Palace, where King Vondal Fireforge presides over his people. The palace is a stark yet imposing structure, with pillars of blackstone and halls lined with molten lava channels that cast a warm, flickering glow. In the throne room, Vondal sits on the Black Throne, a seat crafted from volcanic rock and inlaid with silver, a testament to Blackforge’s strength and resilience. He holds court weekly, hearing grievances and settling disputes among the clans and guilds. Eldeth, his queen, is a trusted advisor, valued for her keen judgment and strategic mind. She oversees the Forge District personally, managing the production of weapons and armor for the Blackforgian military.
The Council of Embers is the governing body within Helcral, consisting of representatives from major guilds, clan leaders, and military officials. Meeting in the Blackstone Palace, the Council advises the king on matters of trade, defense, and diplomacy. Though tensions can run high—especially between guild representatives—the council ultimately prioritizes Blackforge’s welfare. The council is instrumental in discussing the ongoing development of Blackforge’s rumored superweapon, though details remain confidential even among council members.
- Superstitions and Beliefs
Despite their practical nature, the people of Helcral hold several superstitions and beliefs that are unique to Blackforge. Many believe that the volcano, Helcral, is a living entity that grants them strength in exchange for respect and sacrifice. Offerings to the volcano are common, particularly by artisans who cast their finest but flawed creations into the lava, asking for renewed inspiration or good fortune. It is said that those who disrespect the mountain are cursed with misfortune or weakened metal in their crafts.
Another common superstition involves the Fire Spirits, beings believed to reside within the flames. Helcralians often speak to the fire as they work, believing that it has ears and can bestow blessings or curses. It is a custom to whisper a prayer before lighting a new forge or embarking on a dangerous journey, asking for the spirits’ protection. Stories tell of smiths who insulted the flames only to see their forges sputter out or their work shatter under pressure.
For those who call Helcral home, the city is more than a place to live—it is a forge itself, constantly testing and refining its people. To live in Helcral is to embrace strength and fire, to build and defend, and to rise each day with renewed purpose, knowing that the very mountain beneath them grants them the power to endure.
- Skyreach
Floating above the rest of Vadania at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, Skyreach is made up of over 500 floating islands connected by portals and rope bridges. Lots of flying races live here, and wizards and students also hide away here in big numbers. Skyreach has many small islands, but the biggest by far is called Tharivol. This is where the capital city, Lucio resides. Ruling Skyreach is a powerful elven noble by the name of Althea Teinithran. She is ancient and wise, surpassing anyone else alive in knowledge and memory. She rules her people kindly, but not without punishment where it is needed. Skyreach is famous for its vast number of schools and colleges, and as a result is far ahead of other kingdoms in terms of its technology. People get across the sky by using the public teleportation circles or bridge towers posted at the center of each island. Other cities, towns, and places of potential interest in Skyreach are Vorial, a big city known where most of the colleges are, the Spire, a huge platinum spike which sometimes releases surges of magical energy, and the wind current, a current of magical wind that connects Lucio to the ground below. The wind currently lands on an island roughly 10 miles west of Thunderbay.
- Lucio
Lucio is the glittering capital of Skyreach, situated on the largest floating island, Tharivol, at the heart of this elevated kingdom. Known as the City of Stars for its dazzling display of magical lights and celestial-inspired architecture, Lucio is a hub of arcane knowledge and elite institutions. The city’s sky is often streaked with magical auroras caused by the energies of the Spire, an enormous platinum tower that channels and releases surges of magical power every few weeks.
The Arcane Academies are central to life in Lucio. These prestigious schools draw students and scholars from all over Vadania who wish to study advanced magic, from elemental manipulation to the art of alchemy. The most esteemed of these is Vorial Academy, where students endure grueling tests and must meet rigorous academic standards to continue their studies. Competition is intense, and graduates go on to become powerful wizards, advisors, and researchers across Vadania.
Lucio’s infrastructure is a marvel of magical engineering, with intricate teleportation circles located at every major intersection, allowing quick access across Tharivol. Some districts are linked by portals to nearby islands, while others use floating platforms to bridge the gaps between Lucio’s separate neighborhoods. Buildings are built from cloudstone, a unique material that absorbs and diffuses light, giving the structures an ethereal, glowing appearance at night. Gardens filled with rare, levitating flora adorn the city, maintained by druids and wizards specializing in plant magic.
Ruler’s Court and Governance: Lucio is ruled by the ancient elven noble Althea Teinithran. Her palace, the Celestial Spire, is a shining edifice set atop a towering cliff on Tharivol. Althea rules with a wise but firm hand, maintaining strict laws around magic use and research within the kingdom. Her council of archmages, known as the Council of Stars, advises her on matters of defense and inter-kingdom relations, carefully balancing the innovative ambitions of the city with the need for restraint and discipline in the use of magic.
Festivals: The city holds an annual celebration called the Festival of Light, where wizards, druids, and inventors showcase magical inventions and spells, filling the sky with ethereal displays. The festival concludes with the Star Ceremony at the Spire, where a group of the kingdom’s most skilled mages attempts to channel cosmic energy to create a new "star" in the Skyreach skies.
- Thunderbay
Much like Waterdeep, Thunderbay is a coastal city built around a huge harbor. Most trade routes come through Thunderbay in one way or another, so the city is very wealthy, but some avoid it for fear of the near constant thunderstorms over the bulk of the city. The ruler of Thunderbay is Cassius Vorlovo. He is a human in his mid 30s who possesses great and unknown power over the ocean and sky, and is well known for his amazing charm. Places of interest in Thunderbay are The Great Palace, the enormous royal palace made of aquamarine, and the Market Square, a huge market where vast amounts of merchants convince customers to buy their items, although you never really know who is shady and who is not until you buy from them.
Thunderbay Thunderbay City is a thriving, storm-drenched metropolis hugging the coast and boasting the largest port in Vadania. Often described as “the city with a heartbeat,” Thunderbay is alive with the roar of thunder, the rhythm of trade, and the energy of a city that never truly sleeps. Thunderstorms are near-constant, but citizens have grown accustomed to them, viewing the storms as part of the city’s identity. Buildings are crafted from polished aquamarine and waterproofed stone, their surfaces gleaming wetly under the frequent rainfall. At the heart of Thunderbay is Market Square, a sprawling open market where traders, both local and foreign, gather to sell rare goods, magical items, and exotic foods from all over Vadania. Market Square is a chaotic blend of aromas, colors, and sounds, with merchants competing to catch the attention of passersby. It’s a well-known fact that the market also houses a network of black-market dealers and spies, making it a prime place for gathering information or conducting discreet business. The Great Palace, an imposing structure built from aquamarine stone, rises above the city like a lighthouse, casting an otherworldly glow in the dark skies. Ruler Cassius Vorlovo—a charming yet mysterious human with control over ocean and storm magic—commands respect and loyalty from his people. The palace itself is said to be enchanted with magical barriers to prevent it from being struck by lightning, a common occurrence in the city. Cassius is often seen wandering the market in disguise, observing his people and listening to their concerns firsthand. Guilds and Sailor Culture: Thunderbay’s economy thrives on its vast trade network, and its guilds are among the most influential in Vadania. The Seafarers’ Guild oversees much of the naval activity and protects the trade routes from pirates, while the Shipwrights’ Guild maintains the city’s renowned fleet of sturdy, storm-resistant ships. Mariners have their own customs and superstitions, often leaving offerings of salt or silver at the city’s many shrines to ocean deities and storm spirits. Celebrations: Thunderbay’s signature festival is Tempest’s Eve, a celebration of resilience where citizens parade through the rain-soaked streets, drumming, singing, and dancing to the sound of the roaring skies. The festival climaxes with a symbolic sail-off of the Stormship, a ship decorated with flowers and charms that’s sent out to sea to ward off misfortune for the year.
Moralia
An enormous canyon, Moralia is sparsely populated, and for good reason, as daytime temperatures can reach 120 degrees year round. Moralia is scarcely underestimated, though, as nearly everyone who lives there is incredibly tough and resilient, and has some weapon training of some kind. The Ruler of Moralia is a tiefling barbarian named Morthos. He is known for having a short temper, and will blast fire at most problems in his way. The military of Moralia is small in numbers, but makes up for that in power. Most houses in Moralia are centered around the small oasis surrounding the palace, forming what most people consider the only city in Moralia, called Damakos. There are, however, quite a few small villages in Moralia. Moralia has many ancient ruins that are rumored to hold great power, and part of the Fire mountains extend into Moralia.
Damakos
Nestled within the sweltering depths of a vast canyon, Damakos is the rugged heart of Moralia. The city is built around a central oasis, which provides the lifeblood of this kingdom’s sparse population. Surrounded by massive stone walls to block sandstorms and keep temperatures slightly lower, Damakos is a hardy and resourceful settlement where every inch of space is carefully designed to conserve water and provide shade.
Damakos is famous for its warrior culture, with residents trained from a young age in survival and combat skills. Nearly every citizen has a weapon or tool for defense, a necessity in the harsh environment of the canyon. The city’s central gathering place is the Circle of Flames, an arena where warriors train and compete in combat games to prove their strength and earn honor among their people. The Order of the Ember, a group of elite warriors, often holds demonstrations and sparring sessions in the Circle, attracting aspiring fighters from all over the kingdom.
Ruler’s Leadership and the Oasis Palace: The tiefling ruler, Morthos, a fierce warrior known for his fiery temper, resides in the Oasis Palace, a stone fortress shaded by the only grove of trees within miles. While Morthos may seem harsh, he is respected for his ability to lead his people in such a ruthless environment. The Oasis Palace is considered a sacred place, and visitors are required to offer tokens of thanks to the canyon itself, believed to be imbued with ancient spirits.
Rituals and Festivals: In a place where survival is a daily battle, Moralia’s festivals reflect their respect for nature and resilience. The most famous of these is Survival’s Honor, a three-day endurance event held in the Circle of Flames. Participants undergo physical trials in extreme heat, honoring their ancestors who survived in the harshest conditions. The victors are celebrated as local heroes and are granted the title of “Canyonborn.”
Plathio
Plathio is a huge farming country just south of Moralia. It is peaceful and wealthy, and most people are happy there. There are not really any cities, although the population is almost completely farmers. On the throne is Manthis, an ancient immortal who should never be underestimated in his powerful earth magic. Plathio’s defenses are varied and some of the strongest in Vadania.
Plains of Plathio Though not a typical city, the Plains of Plathio function as a central gathering space for this kingdom of farmers, earth mages, and druids. Spread across the gently rolling hills and fertile farmlands, Plathio lacks a central metropolis, instead thriving as a collection of small villages with open landscapes, where the land itself is cherished and protected by its people. The Plains Community Hall, located at the heart of Plathio’s largest village, Greenhill, serves as a symbolic capital. It’s here that the immortal Manthis, Plathio’s wise and respected ruler, holds court and meets with village leaders. The hall is crafted from ancient oak and decorated with earthy charms and magical wards, creating a warm, welcoming space. Though Manthis seldom leaves his secluded grove, he maintains a strong bond with his people, often holding ceremonies and rituals to bless the land and ensure prosperity. Agricultural Strength and Earth Magic: Plathio is renowned for its magical agricultural practices, with earth mages who cultivate fields and orchards that produce enormous yields. Every farm has a small Earth Shrine where the land is blessed, and farmers offer thanks for bountiful harvests. This magic-based agriculture not only keeps the land fertile but has also made Plathio a crucial food supplier for all of Vadania, fostering strong trade ties with Thunderbay and Blackforge. Celebrations and Gatherings: In a land focused on community and harvest, Plathio’s Harvest Homecoming is the year’s biggest event. Farmers from all over the plains come together to celebrate the land’s bounty, bringing their finest produce to a grand feast held in Greenhill. This festival includes competitions for the largest crop, cooking contests, and blessings for the upcoming year, all culminating in a grand ceremony led by Manthis himself.
The Caverns Although the caverns are not officially a kingdom, they are feared and silently spoken about across Vadania. The Caverns stretch under the whole of the known world, including some of the sea. The caverns are ruled by an enormous fungal creature called Yumog, and he cannot be ever completely destroyed, only his body can. This creature is described in more detail in Dm’s guide to villains as well as his stat block. ==
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