Humans
Humans come in all shapes and sizes, without really any common
theme to unite them. Historians claim that all the humans on
Mystara are descendants from three ancient races of humans: the
Neathar, Oltec, and Tangor. A fourth major race, the Alphatians,
arrived on our world just over 2000 years ago, and have also
contributed to the various cultures now found today. With such a
short lifespans (compared to demi-humans), humans have evolved
rapidly and there are now more races of humans on Mystara than
one can possible keep track off.
Humans can be found on all the continents of Mystara, and seem
to have adapted to almost any climate. As mentioned, there are
too many races of humans to describe fully, but the two most
common are the Thyatians with their olive complexion and dark
hair as well as the Common Alphatians with coppery complexions
and brown or red hair.
If there is anything that can be said to generalize humans is
that they are all unique. Racial unity is rare, and only takes
place when there is a non-human threat close by. Otherwise, they
fight more often amongst themselves then with other races.
Dwarves
The dwarves of Mystara, often called Rockborn Dwarves, all
came from the same source: the mountains of Rockhome. They claim
that Kagyar - their patron Immortal - created them circa BC 1800,
and they have since spread throughout the continent of Brun.
Some have even sailed across the sea and made their homes in the
land of the now sunken continent of Alphatia [in the former
nation of Stoutfellow. Ed.]. Whether the dwarves have colonized
other continents during the past remains to be discovered.
Dwarves are lawful beings who only change their ways of life
after a very, very long period of time. Every dwarven colony
still speaks the exact same dialect of Dengar that is still used
in Rockhome. The same holds true for their physical
characteristics: all dwarves on Mystara are still identical to
their racial ancestors. Rockborn Dwarves are the only race of
Dwarves that exist on the surface of Mystara.
Rockborn Dwarves are stocky and muscular with a deep tan or
light brown skin, often with ruddy cheeks. Their hair is often
black, gray, or brown, with similar colors for their bright eyes.
They vary in height between 4 and 4« feet. [AD&D: Rockborn
Dwarves are considered to be the Hill Dwarves of Mystara, as
described in the PHB and Complete Book of Dwarves.]
A second race of Dwarves, the Kogolor Dwarves, have been found
in the Hollow World. There doesn't appear to be any connection
between these dwarves and Rockborn Dwarves. Their description is
still unknown to the authors of this Almanac. Elves
The elves claim that they were born from the soul of Mystara
and the Immortal Ordana several thousand years ago. At first,
guardian spirits of the land watched over them, but then one day
they were let free to inhabit the world of Mystara. Some sages
speculate that the ancient elves were actually colonists from
another world, much like the Alphatians. The departure of the
"guardian spirits" is interpreted as a lost of contact with their
homeworld. Elves scoff at this idea, however.
Five main races of elves exist on Mystara: the Aquarendi, the
Ee'ar, the Shadow Elves, the Shiye Elves, and the Sylvan Elves.
Sages claim that all except the Shadow Elves evolved [or arrived,
depending on the sage. Ed.] while the elves were still watched
over by the "guardian spirits." In general, elves stand about 5
feet in height, are more slender than humans, and have pointed ears.
The most common race of elves encountered are the Sylvan Elves who are
named after their legendary homeland, the Sylvan Realms.
Sylvan elves have either pale blond hair and blue eyes, or dark
hair and intense green eyes. A few clans have red hair, and grey
is also not unheard of. Unlike all other elven races, Sylvan
Elves can grow mustaches and beards, a trait that is often
noticed on the elves of Belcadiz. Sylvan Elves are scattered
throughout the continent of Brun and Davania, and almost all the
elven clans found in the Old World and the Savage Coast are
Sylvan Elves. Sylvan Elves prefer the simple life and live high
up in the trees of many forests. Some clans have different
attitudes, however. The Belcadiz of Glantri enjoy prestige,
reputation and living in human-styled houses, while the Meditor
and Verdier elves of Minrothad love money and are renown sailors.
The Sylvan Elves of the Savage Coast have actually abandoned all
elven ways and adapted the lifestyles of the nations they live
in. [AD&D: Sylvan Elves are considered to be the High Elves of
Mystara, as described in the PHB and Complete Book of Elves.]
The Aquarendi are an aquatic race of elves that inhabit the
various seas of our world. Gill slits in their neck permit them
to breath while underwater. They have webs between their fingers
and toes, and small fins on their ankles. Green and blue hair is
common among the sea elves, although brown or black have been
spotted on rare occasions. Skin colors range from light tan for
those living near the shore to bright green or blue for those
living deep beneath the sea. [AD&D: Aquarendi are considered to
be the Sea Elves of Mystara, as described in the PHB and Complete Book of Elves.]
The Ee'aar are a rare race of winged elves that inhabit the
western end of the Savage Coast and the Arm of the Immortals.
They look much as the Sylvan Elves, except appear much more
delicate and with more angular facial features. Of course, they
also have large feathered wings with a wingspan of at least 10
feet. They usually have white or silver hair, although black and
grey are not uncommon. Their wings are the same color as their
hair. Eyes tend to be amber, violet, or deep green. [AD&D:
Ee'aar are the Avariel, or Winged Elves, of Mystara, as described
in the Complete Book of Elves.]
The Shadow Elves are a mysterious race of underground elves.
They have grey skin and white hair, and their philosophies appear
to be much different than other elves. To date, not much is
known about them. Shadow Elves inhabit the nation of Aengmor in
the Old World with rumors of a large Empire deep beneath the
ground. The nation of Schattenalfheim in the Hollow World is
also composed of Shadow Elves. [There is no AD&D counterpart for
the Shadow Elf. AD&D stats are given on TSR's homepage.]
Finally, the Shiye Elves are slightly taller than other elves.
When the elves left their ancient homeland, the Shiye Elves went
with the Sylvan Elves and helped create the Sylvan Realms. But
the differences in philosophies, especially the Shiye's
xenophobia, eventually caused them to leave. Their new migration
brought them to the continent of Alphatia were they founded
Shiye-Lawr, the largest nation of Shiye Elves. They usually have
silver hair and amber eyes, although a few rare Shiye Elves have
pale golden hair and violet eyes. They are more reclusive that
Sylvan Elves, and live a much more ordered life than their
chaotic cousins. Shiye Elves are found throughout Alphatian
territories such as Norwold and Bellissaria. Also, one colony of
Shiye Elves seems to have settled in Eusdria on the Savage Coast.
[AD&D: Shiye Elves are considered to be the Grey Elves of
Mystara, as described in the PHB and Complete Book of Elves.]
Gnomes
Like dwarves, gnomes claim they were created by their patron
Immortal - Garal Glitterlode - who also placed them in the
mountains of the area now known as Rockhome. Unlike the dwarves,
however, gnomish colonization of the rest of the world wasn't so
successful. Only when they colonized areas with the dwarves
[such as in Highforge in Karameikos or Stoutfellow in Alphatia.
Ed.] did their colonies survive. Seeing how they couldn't forge
nations on the ground, the gnomes of Mystara built Serraine,
their wondrous flying city, and their they remain to this day.
Still, small scattered communities can still be found in the Old
World and Norwold. Elsewhere, gnomes do not seem to be present.
Strictly speaking, there is only one race of Gnomes present on
Mystara, and they are simply known as Mystaran Gnomes. The
second "race" of gnomes are the Sky Gnomes which inhabit the
flying city of Serraine. As such, physically the two races of
gnomes are identical (hence the reference to just one race of
gnomes), although their attitude and culture are so different
that many sages prefer to separate them into two races.
Goblinoids is a generic term used to describe various barbaric
races seemingly related to goblins. There are far too many types
of goblinoids to describe here, and many volumes at the very
least would be required. Suffice to say that the following
goblinoid species are present on Mystara: bugbear, gnoll, goblin,
half-ogre, half-orc, hobgoblin, kobold, ogre, orc, and troll. Of
those mentioned above, kobolds seem limited to the Old World,
while the rest can be found in all areas of Mystara.
Within each species of goblinoid there are several dozen to
hundred of races. For example, in the Broken Lands, there are
three races of orcs: Yellow Orcs, Red Orcs, and the Hyborean
Common Orc. Several hundred other orc races exist outside theBroken Lands.
[AD&D: Stats for these goblinoids can be found in the Complete
Book of Humanoids.] Half-Elves
Half-elves are so rare in the Old World as to be almost
legendary [in fact, if playing D&D, they don't exist at all.
Ed.]. Many sages believe that a Mystaran Elf/Mystaran Human
couple somehow have a harder time at producing offspring than is
reportedly possible on other worlds. When they do, the result is
invariably a half-elf [or a human with elven blood or elf with
human blood if playing a pure D&D game; see GAZ 5 - The Elves of
Alfheim for more details. Ed.]. Strangely enough, half-elves
are more common on the Savage Coast. Some speculate Immortal
involvement, others a side effect of the Red Curse [two possible
reasons for having half-elves on the Savage Coast in a pure D&D
game. Ed.]. Half-elves are unknown in the rest of the world.
Half-elves appear like a mix between their human and elven
ancestors, hence can have a large variety of appearances. A look
through both the human and elven races can give an idea of the
possibilities. Despite this, half-elves are considered to be of
one race: Half-Elven [or Half-Human if you're talking to an elf.
Ed.]. Unlike most other worlds, Half-elves aren't treated with
total scorn by the elves of Mystara; they are so rare that most
are curious about half-elves and will gladly accept their company
for a while just to learn more about them. Hin (Halflings)
The Hin, often called Halflings by other races, are a small
folk who enjoy a good life. Hin have no knowledge of their
creation or arrival, although historians trace them back to the
original elven homeland, leading them to speculate they
"appeared" [that is, were created or arrived from another world.
Ed.] with the elves. Hin tend to blend in with the surrounding
communities rather than create their own. Most Hin are therefore
found in human nations. The Five Shires of the Old World and the
city-state of Leeha in Norwold are the only known true Hin
communities. On the Savage Coast, they have been completely
absorbed into the local nations.
Lupins are race of dog-people that have spread over the world
of Mystara. The origins of the lupins is unclear; some believe
they are merely a type of more civilized gnolls, and if this were
the case, then gnolls would be a race of lupins and not
goblinoids. Others think that they are the descendants of the
Hataakans, a race created by the Immortal Pflarr during the
height of the Nithian Empire. Because of this belief, some lupin
have returned to worshiping Pflarr, and this has caused much
trouble in the lupin nation of Renardy.
Over the centuries, lupins have scattered over most of Brun
and the rest of Mystara, evolving into several different races.
Like humans and other short-lived species, there are too many
races of lupins to mention here, just as there are far to many
breeds of dogs to describe in a couple of paragraphs. I shall
therefore limit this entry to naming a few and giving a general
location where they can be found.
Grand Bloodhound are excellent trackers from the nation of
Renardy, while the Carrasquito are a small breed that live in El
Grande Carrascal of the Savage Coast. The Ogrish Chow-Chow was
once a slave race to the ogre-magi of Ochalea but are now free.
The Foxfolk is scattered throughout Brun, while the Glantrian
Mountaineer is limited to the Glantrian Alps. The Heldann
Shepherd are a goat and sheep raising race found in the Heldannic Territories.
Many, many more exist, especially cross-breeds and mongrels
(as they are called). For a more complete list and better
descriptions, I strongly recommend an article written by Raman
Nabonidus of the Princess Ark. The article is entitled "Lupins
of the Mystara setting" and can be found in Dragon Magazine #237. Rakasta
The Rakasta are a race of cat-like beings who also claim that
a patron Immortal created them. This time, it is the Immortal Ka
who transformed a cat into a human when it fell in love with its
master. But when Ba-steh [the human/cat in question. Ed.] still
behaved like a cat, Ka instead transformed her and her human
lover into cat-people: the first Rakasta. When this happened is
still unknown, but it is believed to have occurred prior to the
Great Rain of Fire, explaining how they have since spread
throughout most of the world [and even beyond if you believe they
have a colony on an invisible moon. Ed.]. They have adapted to
various climates and evolved into several sub-races.
Rakasta are mainly wild, and most have fled lands that were
colonized by humans, and as such are almost unheard of in the Old
World. Rakasta have one nation on the Savage Coast [Bellayne.
Ed.], but beyond that are mostly scattered tribes throughout the
world. Like all short-lived races (that is, those of less than
100 years), rakasta have evolved rapidly and many races now
apparently exist in the wild, so below we'll only describe those
who often come in contact with the rest of the civilized world.
In general, rakasta are man-sized, but weight easily two or three
times as much. One noticeable difference in the fact that
rakasta need 12 hours of sleep per day.
The Msongo, also known as the Fast Runners, have a coarse coat
varying from yellowish-grey to golden. A reddish-fawn with small
dark spots is also common among them. They are tall and lanky,
but can achieve great speeds when running. The Msongo are known
to inhabit the Meghala Kimata grasslands of Davania, the Steps of
Jen of Skothar, and on the Thothian Plateau on the Isle of Dawn.
The Jakar are found in the rainforests of the Arm of the
Immortals. They have beautiful spotted coats which are prized by
Vilaverdan hunters. Not much is known about them except that
most Vilaverdans hunting the Jakar fail to return from theirexpeditions.
Mountain Rakasta are the most common rakasta of the Savage
Coast, and have also been spotted in the remote wilderness of
Norwold. Their fur varies from plain grey-brown to reddish and
even black. A tribe of mountain rakasta is rumored to inhabit
the Kurish Massif, and if this is true, they are the only known
rakasta in the Old World.
Many other races of rakasta exist, and those seeking more
information should look up the "Rakasta of Mystara," written by
Raman Nabonidus of the Princess Ark. [This article can be found
in Dragon Magazine #247. Ed.]
Dorrik Stonecleaver
The people of Mystara worship powerful beings known as
Immortals. These beings fill in the same roles as Gods (or
Powers) would on another world, and most religions focus on the
desires of the Immortals. The main difference between Immortals
and Gods are that the Immortals were once mortal that have since
advanced to a state of being far beyond their former peers by
accomplishing deeds of heroic proportion.
Some claim that the Immortals are merely another family or
collection of gods. The name Immortal merely refers to the group
of Mystaran deities, much like Olympians refers to the gods of
the Greek people, and Aesir is the name of the Norse powers. Or,
perhaps the cultures of Mystara simply developed the term
Immortal instead of God. Some reverse the same debate, stating
that Gods and Powers are merely other terms used to describe Immortals.
Other sages state that Immortals are not Gods. They are
powerful beings akin to Gods and Powers, and are definitely
deities in their own rights, but they are not the same. They use
the fact that Immortals have been slain by very powerful mortals
on rare occasions, while Gods simply cannot be slain by mortals.
Regardless, whatever the Immortals truly are simply does not
matter to most people. They are more powerful than mortals can
imagine. They serve as the basis of faith and grant clerics and
priests their spells. With their powers and priests, they
manipulate the world into outcomes that they favor. Anything
beyond that is probably beyond mortal comprehension anyway.
By now, most readers would have heard various rumors and fairy
tales about how our world is a large hollow sphere floating in
the emptiness of the void. In this void are also the sun,
Matera, the stars, and a few other planets discovered by astronomers.
Well it seems those rumors are indeed true. Several groups
have reportedly successfully crossed the large polar opening into
the Hollow World, each reporting that it looks like the inside of
a sphere with an eternal red sun within. Also, by recently
laying my hands on a copy of certain sections of Captain Haldemar
of the Princess Ark's logbook, even an outside description of
Mystara from the void only serves to further validate this belief.
Prospero, the owner and author of the Poor Wizard Almanacs
(property of TSR), claims that Mystara has a diameter of 6190
miles, giving it a circumference of 16 352 miles. The three
volumes also state the entire Hollow World is approximately 3790
miles in diameter. The polar openings are supposedly 774 miles
in diameter at their narrowest point, 1030 miles in diameter on
the Hollow World's side and 1548 miles in diameter on the outer
world's side. The crust is about 1200 miles thick.
Now, where this information comes from is still unknown to the
authors of the Mystaran Almanac, and Prospero refuses to reveal
his sources. Most sages we have brought this knowledge to admit
that the values do seem reasonable. It should be noted, however,
that Julinius Dicrodion, a renown Thyatian map-maker, claims that
the values are wrong and that Mystara is actually much larger
than that. He is currently organizing and financing several map-
making expeditions to try and prove his point. Other map-makers
scoff at his, as they say, "ludicrous" idea.
From more reliable sources (not to say that the previous
information is false, just that we do not know where it came
from), the world of Mystara is surrounded by a magical bubble
known as the Sky-Shield. This Sky-Shield allows objects to enter
the world of Mystara, but not to leave. Thanks to this, the air
that we breath remains on Mystara and does not spill out into the
empty void that surrounds us.
Again from Haldemar's journals, the Sky-Shield is reportedly
situated 15 miles above the ground. A friend of mine in the
Heldannic Knights confirms this report.
Various rumors we've heard claim that Sky-Shields occurs on
every planet on the Prime Plane. Although we again have no way
to verify this, I've heard similar tales from various groups, so
I've decided to publish this rumor anyway. Still, a sage of
Aeria once told me that Sky-Shields are only a localized
phenomenon to our crystal sphere. He has yet to inform me what
exactly a crystal sphere is though. I'm still trying to figure this one out.
Our atmosphere is completely normal up until about 20 000 feet
in altitude. After that height, it's much harder to breath, and
most expert skyship sailors recommend some sort of magical
breathing apparatus or spell.
Now, with the physical description of Mystara as a whole done
with, it is time to start examining various areas in closer
detail. We, the authors of the Mystaran Almanac, have decided to
divide the known sections of Mystara into 6 separate areas. Each
sector differs both geographically and sometimes even culturally
from one another. Admittedly, each zone does vary considerably
in cultures, as anyone can plainly see that Ethengarians are in
no way similar to the mages of Glantri. Overall, however, there
is a somewhat different tone, or atmosphere, in each zone of
Mystara. At least, we, the authors believe so.
The heart of civilization, which includes the fine nations of
Karameikos and the Five Shires is known as the Old World. The
less civilized and more frontier area covered with the dreaded
Red Curse is called the Savage Coast. The lands of Feudalism to
the north fall in the area of Norwold. The islands of the Sea of
Dawn create another sector, while the large open waters of the
New Alphatian Confederate Empire will be called the Alphatian
Sea. Finally, the colonies of Davania fall into the area now
known as the Jungle Coast.
So, without any further delay, welcome dear readers, to the lands of Mystara.