Here is a sketch of my friend Heidi. As she is a knitter extraordenaire, she is holding her favored supples.

Folklore, Fantasy and Myth are all things that have always been very important to me. Growing up, I read many Greek and Norse myths, though admittedly of the most dime store varieties (ie poor translations and dummied down).

Over the years I have grown to love old tales of the fantastic a great deal, and though many contemporary fantasy novels fail to surprise me much nowadays, the old tales still grab me. Perhaps its the layers of meaning and cultural intent hidden within such stories that does it, for no bit of folklore is ever *just* what it seems to be.

Sincerity, truth and substance should thicken and grow new roots as the reader reads on and again an old piece. Storytellers and actors should always give a new depth to old lore.

Much of what we encounter of old myths were originally meant to be read aloud, or even acted out by a storyteller/actor. These stories are meant to share and discuss aloud, and we do a disservice to them when we do not do so.

So get out there and share a story.

Cad Goddeu

These are the englyns that were sung at the Cad Goddeu (the Battle of the Trees), or, as others call it, the Battle of Achren which was on account of a white roebuck and a welp; and they came from Hell, and Amathaon ab Don brought them. And therefore Amathaon ab Don, and Arawn, King of Annwn (Hell), fought. And there was a man in that battle, unless his name were known he could not be overcome; and there was on the other side a woman called Achren, and unless her name were known her party could not be overcome. And Gwydion ab Don guessed the name of the man, and sang the two Englyns following:

"Sure-hoofed is my steed impelled by the spur;
The high sprigs of alder are on thy shield;
Bran art thou called, of the glittering branches."

And thus,

"Sure-hoofed is my steed in the day of battle:
The high sprigs of alder are on thy hand:
Bran by the branch thou bearest
Has Amathaon the good prevailed."

Here we see the gnome wizard and bookbinder Gridley Bode and his mouse familiar Hica. Gridley is a fussy, tight gnome who loves the written word, books, poetry and history. As an academic, he sees the world in relation to his profession and the books he so loves. It is his dream to live in a vast library, from which he may shut out the world. He adventures in search of lost tomes, and to raise money for books.

This is Doctor Dhar Bromine,a respected apothecary and alchemist in the fair city of Riverton. Dhar has followed his families tradition as an alchemist and apothecary, though in his case this course has led him to pursue magical training in pursuit of the elusive elixer of life. He is very interested in strange creatures, plants and undead, as he is always interested in the peculiar nature of these beings. Hes a good fellow overall, though more than willing to operate in gray areas of the law. He doesn't trust the gods or priests, and thus is looking for alternative means of healing.

As a dwarf, Dr. Bromine stands just under five feet in height, but is broad and sturdily built. Unlike many dwarves however, the doctor prefers a trimmed beard, as an Alchemists lab is no place for a wild beard.

The Eastern Lands are the primary site of the Terrene Campaign Setting. I will detail places, peoples, races and culture soon, but for now this map will give us a jumping-off point.
These lands were once the site of a potent empire in the past, though this "Golden Empire" collapsed during the last age and is now a mere shadow of its former self. But from the ashes is arising a land of tough, independent people who are working hard to build a better world.
The Land Itself: The Eastern Lands are very similar in temperature as central Europe, though slightly warmer (+5 to 10 degrees on-average) and a bit more moisture. Fertile ground abounds here, with excellent crop yeilds and abundant wildlife (and monsters).
A few places of interest are:
Aoth: A wild land, full of dragons, giants and other monsters. It is said that bear-worshiping savages haunt the forests and coast here.
Eturo: Human land of merchant-lords, ruled over by a wealthy elite of "princes". Anything may be bought and sold here.
Hamj: Rough land of deep pine forests and treacherous mountains and valleys. This land is haunted by a great number of goblins, trolls and worse creatures. Rugged kingdoms of shipbuilders and other merchants cling to the coast here, making brisk trade with Korind and other nations.
Korind: Last remnant of the ancient Golden Empire, the island nation of Korind is the most cultured human nation in the known lands of Terrene. Now this nation has largely settled in on itself, no longer stretching its hand to aid or restrict its former vassal states. Still, the great Circle of Mysteries, the premier society of Wizardry calls this land home, a fact that keeps this land an entity to respect.
Midland: A region of small kingdoms originally ruled over by Korind, but left abandoned for many years. It is a region of rugged peoples and noble warriors.
Shago: Land of barbarian tribes and close allies to the elves. The ruling class here is always of direct relation to elven ancestors.
Täysï Wáyath: Great nation of Elves and realm of magic. It is here where the greatest number of elves remain on Terrene. The land itself is of outstanding beauty, with deep forests of enormous trees and tall stately mountains.
Vargu Plain: Vast plains and fertile lands. Small kingdoms and nomadic tribes dwell here.