Empires of Iskadar

The massive continent of Iskadar has enjoyed centuries of stability. Its peoples have all learned to work together, and though rivalries may be present, they are most often channeled into non-destructive displays of wealth and nonlethal contests. The continent has seen more than its share of conflict - in Ages past its shores were washed in blood. The near-genocide of the Age of Dragons has never been forgotten, and so the Empires all work hard to get along with the least death necessary.

Diplomatic efforts are aided by the complete self-sufficiency of every Empire, and the fact that each one has carved out an economic niche for itself in the continental market. The fact that every Empire is ruled by the long-lived races also helps maintain a stable diplomatic situation. But all these things together do not alone maintain the alliances between the Empires.

The Great War is the major factor in the solidarity among the sovereigns of Iskadar.

The Invasion Front is a massive war zone which exists in nearly the center of the continent. What were once lovely, forested mountains are now blasted lands, the earth scorched by endless fire and lightning, the trees chopped down or uprooted to feed the infernal war machine at the heart of the conflict. A major duke of Baator has been given the task of conquering Iskadar. To what end is not known; it is not even known what Arch Devil has given the Blood Duke (as he is known to the people of Iskadar) his orders. What is known is that for a hundred years, it has taken the combined might of seven Empires to hold back the infernal hordes. Adventurers are constantly flocking to the battle zone, and hundreds have died trying everything they can think of to stop the tide. Unfortunately, their efforts have done no more than buy time for the allies' forces to regroup and recover. The Great War has consumed a huge swath of land, eating into the mountainous central region of the continent like a cancer.

It is most amazing that the Empires continue to advance their magic and their science - for here, gnomes are greatly respected and their ideas are given much consideration and funding. Because of the gnomes, the Skyway exists - a set of shipping lanes in the very sky itself, plied by massive airships of gnomish design. Gnomes have even invented what can be considered primitive steam trains - mostly limited to use for delivering enormous loads of ore from mines, at this time. No one has even considered using them for transporting people yet. Steam engines are all the rage among the gnomes, however, and hundreds of applications of that power are being tested and developed. The entire continent is on the cusp of an Industrial Revolution, but one that would also involve magical apparatus.

There are those who resist these advances, and many who have misgivings about the use of so much dangerous power - explosions have happened, and people are afraid of the increasing complexity and potential danger of the ever more powerful engines.

Yet many also hail with relief the side benefits of such inventions - greenhouses, and even residences, which can be kept warm all winter long because of steam power; the advent of hot and cold running water in homes and other places; the improvements in sanitation due to gnomish innovations (which have made the cities cleaner than ever). The poor are still poor, but they are still better off now than they were a hundred years ago. The military, too, appreciates the inventiveness of the smallest race - explosive weapons have been developed with great destructive power, giving them an extra edge in the Great War.