Alta Vahr

Alta Vahr is the island nation in which the Grand Delusions D&D campaign takes place. It is approximately half the size of the real-life island of Australia.

History
The story of the Grand Delusions campaign takes place in the year 257 A.E, with the founding of the Vahrian Empire taking place in 0 A.E. Official sources and history books state that before the creaton of the Empire, Alta Vahr was ruled by barbaric, warring tribes. Documents preserved by the Luminaries dispute this, however, claiming that there was previously a nationwide democratic government, but some sort of coup happened around the year -2.

The city of Ashalea (referred to as "Altium" at the time, having changed in living memory due to public demand) was built in just a week, and expanded outwards rapidly after that. A massive military conquest of surrounding areas began, and when word spread of the utterly unprecedented levels of martial efficiency that the new empire displayed, the rest of the island's regions surrendered themselves one by one to the new order.

Since this takeover, Alta Vahr has been highly isolationist, disallowing foreign immigration entirely, and only allowing foreign trade in Zalka and the Grey Harbor. There have been few highly notable events since this, such as rebellions or disasters, and the current status quo has been maintained for the 200+ years that the Empire has remained in existence.

Further history of Alta Vahr, as well as detailed accounts of smaller events, will be revealed in-game through history checks and books.

Government
Alta Vahr is ruled by the Vahrian Empire, and its capital city is Ashalea. The empire tightly controls foreign interactions, and little is known about foreign countries to native Vahrian citizens. The Empire rarely intervenes in matters of organized crime, routinely promising to crack down on thieves guilds like the Grey Hand, but never actually doing anything about it. Corruption within the Imperial military and its subsidiary city guards is also not uncommon.

Despite these problems, the Empire promotes a high level of nationalism. Flags and banners can be found in many shapes in sizes, and are placed conspicuously throughout the major cities. Most people passively accept this as a fact of life, and do not think much about the politics of the Empire at large. Smaller sects of intellectuals are less comfortable, and do not hang flags inside or outside of their businesses and dwellings. This sort of behavior tends to draw the suspicious eyes of local governments. If these types people make it long enough without being imprisoned for a lesser crime, they often withdraw from normal life to become adventurers, or, sometimes, to join the Luminaries.

Natural Landmarks

 * Solstice
 * Northern Swamp
 * Ashen Coast
 * Umbral Mountains
 * Taleadhi Range

Major Cities

 * Ashalea
 * Noxalas
 * Osala
 * Orina
 * Albania
 * Zalka
 * Alery