Sandal

Sandal is the southernmost kingdom in the Reaches. Although largely unexplored during the First and Second Ages, a number of small ports date back to those periods. The capital city of Durcheinander lies on the southern coast of the peninsula near a large natural harbor. It is a major port of call for most of the Realm's major shipping operations.

The current government in Sandal was established in the mid-sixth century TA during the War of Stone Rain (see War of Stone Rain) which pitted the Large Folk living in the country's interior against the coastal dwelling humans. From this conflict, a truce was negotiated by Valdemar, a wizard of black renown. Valdemar became ruler of Sandal and has sat on throne ever since.

During the reign of Valdemar, Sandal has prospered as a nation. The country began an aggressive build up of naval forces, forging a strong alliance with the ratmen of the Tang Empire. Their strategic location halfway between the Western Empire and the Wilderlands has made Sandal a port of call for most of the Realm's major shipping operations. Under the negotiated peace with the Large Folk, the humans of Sandal have cleared thousands of acres of wood from the Forbidden Forest and the Tangles and established thriving farming and ranching communities. The northern hills and interior swamplands are now the exclusive realm of the Large Folk with a strong clan organization in service to Valdemar.

Sandal is not without its dark side. While keeping the outward appearances of a shipping and trading hub, the ruling class in Sandal is rumored to be heavily immersed in the worship of the Dark Powers, a pantheon of chaotic demons bent towards sinister domination of "lesser" men. While the daily operation of the ports of Sandal have been left to governors, the true power lies in Valdemar's castle. Extensive guilds of thieves and assassins operate in all the cities and towns of Sandal, oftentimes tied to the local governors and leaders. Deep in the swamps surrounding Castle Valdemar, the Army of Sandal trains constantly. The army is a small, brutish force of men, Large Folk, and fantastic beasts all tied to the service of Valdemar. Several attempts have been made during the last two centuries by Valdemar to invade the Western Reaches to the north. All of these failed.

Minor Kingdoms

For three hundred years, the kingdom of Sandal has been united under the banner of Valdemar, a black wizard of renown. As such, there are no formal minor kingdoms within its borders. However, several small pockets of independent creatures do exist within its confines, although these are closely watched by the ruling class.

1 Giantshome
2 Ogre Fens
3 Spindrift Isles
4 Tangle Trolls
5 Windswept Isles