Here is what you would know about Glantri
1. A Kingdom of Magic
The most important thing that everyone knows about Glantri is that it is ruled by wizards. Magic is highly revered and central to the nation's identity, and it boasts the most prestigious magical academy in the world: the Great School of Magic. Non-spellcasters tend to be seen as lesser, while powerful mages are regarded with great respect, fear, or envy.
2. No Clerics Allowed
Glantri is hostile to religion, and the practice of divine magic (clerical magic) is outright forbidden. Worship of Immortals (the Mystaran equivalent of gods) is illegal, and clerics, if discovered, face harsh punishment or exile. This contrasts with most other Known World cultures, where religion and the Immortals play significant roles in society.
3. A Land of Nobles and Politics
The country is ruled by aristocratic wizards, each of whom governs a dominion and competes for political power in Glantri's Council of Princes. There is a lot of political intrigue among the noble houses, and outsiders are often caught in their games. The ruling Princes are powerful, but their personal ambitions frequently lead to rivalry and power struggles.
4. Dangerous and Mysterious Land
Many know that Glantri's lands are filled with strange creatures, magical experiments gone wrong, and hidden arcane dangers. Stories circulate of creatures like golems, animated constructs, or even mutated beasts created by wizards' experiments. Adventurers might also hear about the Broken Lands nearby, home to dangerous humanoid tribes, which can be a problem for Glantri's borders.
5. Exotic, Mixed Culture
Glantri is known for its diverse population. There are several distinct principalities within Glantri, each with its own cultural heritage. There are human wizards from various ethnic backgrounds, such as the Averoignese, Flaems, and Alphatians, as well as other races like elves (from Erewan and Belcadiz), lupins (dog-like humanoids), and even gnolls. This mix of cultures and races is not often found in other Known World nations.
6. The Great School of Magic
Even those who have never been to Glantri would have heard of its Great School of Magic, where wizards from all over the Known World (and beyond) come to study and advance their magical knowledge. It is considered the best magical school, and many aspire to train there, although the admissions process is rumored to be strict and expensive.
7. Floating Castle Rumors
Rumors abound of powerful wizards having created floating castles or other arcane wonders in Glantri. Adventurers might hear about these mysterious strongholds, some of which are believed to hold untold magical knowledge and treasure.
8. Cold Climate
Glantri lies in the northern part of the Known World, and many travelers hear that it has a cold, mountainous terrain. The Principalities of Glantri are nestled in the Glantrian Alps, with a mixture of alpine valleys and harsh weather in the higher regions.
9. Suspicious of Outsiders
Because Glantri is rife with political intrigue and arcane secrecy, its people tend to be suspicious of outsiders, especially those asking too many questions. However, if someone is a spellcaster, particularly a wizard, they might be treated with more respect, though still regarded cautiously
