Dungeons and Dragons

For this campaign, there is no language "Common." Humans speak various regional languages. The characters will all begin with the language Venturan, with bonus languages for high Intelligence to include Pelathi, Solacci, Nepthyn, and even Dwarvish or Elvish. The Venturi are a civilization that is built upon the ruins of an ancient empire. Little is known of that former civilization, but the ruins of their buildings and colossal statues serve to provide stone to build the Venturi Republic. They are a proud people, the Venturi, who show to all the egalitarian nature of their society. Numerous faiths are found in the Republic, for religious freedom is one of the most prized possessions of this folk. Slavery has been outlawed since the inception of the Republic, two hundred and twenty-seven years ago. Even other races are tolerated, at least officially, though public sentiment tends towards distrust of nonhumans. Dwarves are sometimes seen, mostly in their merchant caravans, or in the Craftsmens Quarter, where their smithing skills are more appreciated. Elves are fairly uncommon, and some legends suggest that the they have no souls.

As a free people, the Venturi commonly carry weapons, though usually only a dagger. "An armed populace cannot be enslaved" is their motto. Sometimes tempers flare, though, and occasionally those weapons are used in anger. Blood feuds are fairly common, with families seeking to avenge some wrong, real or imagined, done to them in the past. Much of the areas outside the cities are farmland, with low, rolling hills and fertile valleys being common. Olive trees are seen throughout the region, and Venturi olive oil is a major export item.

Commerce is a key element of Venturi society. Trade with the neighboring kingdom of Pelath to the south keeps the merchants happy, and allows the Venturi access to goods and grains not found in their lands. To the East are the Twin Kingdoms of Solace and Nepthys, nations with a common history and common blood among their nobles and gentry. Beyond Pelath to the South is the Sea of Sand, considered by many to be impassible. To the North are the Broken Lands, a region said to be infested with creatures of inhuman savagery. Few have ever dared to journey there, and fewer still have returned.

To the West lies the Great Sea, and there is trade with numerous people. The Great Sea borders the Broken Lands, and the kingdom of Pelath. Some of the travelers from distant lands have come to Venturi by way of the port city of White Harbor.

Among those of distant lands are those from the mysterious East, including the kingdom of Cathay, and other lands of the Orient. Their inhabitants have yellowish skin, almond-shaped eyes, and tend to by inscrutable and sly (or so the people of Venturi believe). Many tell tales impossible to believe, that their people are descended from the children of the Sun and Moon. Obviously, they are deluded or outrageous liars.