Vorden's Guide to Ilhdeinia

Being an Exploration of Nations and Notions

Written By

Finley Vorden & Co.

Acknowledgements

I must acknowledge the accomplices who made this dubious enterprise possible. While most of this guide comes from my own misadventures, near-death experiences, and accidental discoveries, a few less questionable souls contributed their expertise to fill the gaps in my knowledge:

• Lady Krystalis Gillhaven, whose insights into Sylvan customs were invaluable.
• Santagarr Second-Hammer, who shared deep ancestral knowledge of The Eldeann Mountains and the folk who reside there.
• Master Ithanir Gillspeaker, whose unparalleled knowledge of the many tongues and dialects of Ilhdeinia saved me from countless linguistic misunderstandings.
• Lord Jos'ua Lozaril, self-proclaimed Gālyntrān cultural ambassador and occasional smuggler of Ārdmerian antiquities.
• Audira Brightblossom, Lūmynan scholar and reluctant guide through The Kingdom of Everleigh.
• Claudeana Sepenhelm, High Priestess of Mārdōna's eastern temples, whose expertise on Ofydik customs and the more... colorful establishments of our port cities proved enlightening.
• Kæthren Bathúri, known locally as the ”Lady of Terror,” whose unsettling knowledge of vampires, werewolves, and other nocturnal afflictions made our research sessions both enlightening and disturbing.

Should you encounter any of these individuals during your travels, I suggest avoiding any mention of my name, this book, or the incident with the governor's prized peacocks.

Safe travels,

Finley Vorden

Welcome Fellow Adventurer

If you're reading this humble tome, you've either stumbled upon it in some dusty tavern corner or purchased it from a suspiciously charismatic Gālyntrān (likely me). Either way, congratulations! You now hold the most honest, practical, and occasionally accurate guide to the lands of Ilhdeinia.

I've spent forty-six years plotting maps, dodging danger, and sleeping in questionable places across this magnificent realm. I've broken bread with Magnithōrans, traded stories with Sylvans, and narrowly escaped becoming dinner for all manner of creatures; all so you, dear reader, might avoid my more painful mistakes.

Within these pages, you'll find everything a discerning traveler requires to navigate our colorful continent; from the noble houses of Ārdmery, to the wastes of the Vrogallan desert; to the floating markets of Bairora, and beyond. This guide won't tell you which fork to use at a royal dinner, but it will tell you which regions might try to kill you and which ones will merely lighten your coin purse.

Use this book wisely, keep it dry, and should you find any errors, kindly blame my editor Hijamus Tolphs (a cantankerous Ārdan who insists I exaggerate my adventures). If this guide helps you navigate a diplomatic crisis, escape an arranged marriage, or simply find a clean tavern with reasonably priced mead, I'll consider my many embarrassments worthwhile.