Kordalan is a harsh and unforgiving world. The four moons of Kordalan cause a change of up to 25% in gravity, causing wild tides and bizzare weather patterns. Kordalan is a young world, not quite 2000 years old. The first 1000 or so years of its history is consumed by a massive war known as the First Night. The next 500 years were more peaceful, though the world was torn in small areas by civil war. The last 500 years have been less peaceful, as the fragmented nations emerging from the civil wars fight for land and supremecy.
The legends of Creation divide Kordalan into 8 distinct elements. The Greater Elements are Light and Darkness. The World Elements are Fire, Ice, Air, Earth, Water, and Lightning. All people on Kordalan are aligned with one of these elements, to some degree or another. In fact, some claim that all people are aligned with ALL elements, but to different degrees.
Kordalan is a vast world, and much of its territory is as of yet unexplored. Within the explored region, there are a small number of powerful nations and groups. Soluytia is, per person, the strongest nation on Loristia, Kordalan's main continent, but its small size and population make it the weakest of the major powers. Metaminia is the home of the strongest Mage Guild on Loristia. Laeteran's elite Beast Warriors posess combat skills derived from animals, from lowly Turtlemen to the awe-inspiring Dragon Knights. Sulanor is the second largest nation on Kordalan and the largest on Loristia. Secosia is the port of call for the best ships on Loristia. Traureich is defended by the airborne WarWings. The unaging Dark Knights influence most of Loristia, but they rule Konakomano. Finally, Boreal, the northern ice cap of Kordalan is home to the best winter fighters in the world.
Kordalan was created without magic. In the early days of the First Night, a man was given the power of magic with the intructions to find others to wield it. He took on 4 Apprentices. Each lead to one of the current schools of magic. At the same time, the Priesthood of Hope was born. Unlike mages, who harness a large amount of energy from their bodies and the surrounding environment, the Priesthood specializes in using the power resident in their spirit. There are persistant rumors that claim there is a "mental magic", that draws an unusually high amount of mental energy. It should be noted that all of these forms of magic require physical, mental, and spiritual energy, and all require mostly spiritual energy, but each draws one in a higher percentage than the others.
Humans are the dominant race on Kordalan, probably because they are the most adaptable race in existance. They are also one of the weakest races, though a Kordalan human will kick an Earth human's butt in seconds because of the harsher enviornmental conditions. Humans are the most common of the intelligent races.
Dragons are the most awe-inspiring of Kordalan's races, and are second in dominance. They are the second strongest race, and have immense physical and magical ability. However, they have a extremely low birth rate. Dragons are, for the most part, intelligent, though there are stupid varieties.
The Asagari are the most powerful race on Kordalan. They are a race of evil creatures, and their supernatural powers dwarf the dragons. Asagari are also an intelligent race, with special resistances and strong regeneration abilities. The Asagari fought alongside Lord War during the First Night. The widespread presence of the Priesthood of Hope has curtailed their visible power, though Asagari do not die unless slain, and thus are most likely sleeping or working from the shadows.
