The Estalian Kingdoms lie far to the south, where the threat of Chaos seems very remote. Its foul corruption might be deeply hidden, but the seeds are nevertheless there, and gradually the more weak-willed fall prey to its influence.

Geography:

The Estalian climate is warm and dry and although not exactly bountiful, harvests are more than adequate for local needs, supplying sufficient amounts of good wines, olive oil, and fruit for lucrative trade into Araby to the south. The Arabian influence is strongest in the kingdoms along the southern coast, where Arab traders frequently come to ply their wares. To the north are the kingdoms of the Irrana Mountains, barren lands populated by fierce fighting hillmen whose solid fortesses guard the passes over the mountains.

Politics:

Lacking both the external threat of Chaos to unite the people, and any outstanding, charismatic leaders, Estalia has remained fragmented. Countless independent kingdoms have evolved around the largest cities and towns, constantly waging war upon each other, and occasionally upon their neighbours - the Arabians to the south, the Tileans to the east and the Bretonnians to the north.

The People:

The people of the Estalian Kingdoms are olive-skinned, black haired and stout. They claim to be the firt Humans to have settled in the Old World, but this is not taken seriously elsewhere. However, it would be an unwise traveller who chose to debate the issue within the Kingdoms' boundaries.

Language:

Estalians speak the Old World tongue with a sing-song, nasal accent, and in some of the northern hill-side states, outsiders have great difficulty understanding the locals, whose speech is often larded with strange idioms from a former age.

Cities:

The two largest Estalian cities are also, not surprisingly, the wealthiest and most powerful Estalian states. There are numerous towns and villages, but none come close to the size of Bilbali or Magritta.