History
As the Warlords began to conquer the northern lands and enslave all who were not of their people, many tribes fled to the south of the continent. The Great Exodus brought literally hundreds of thousands of refugees streaming into the southern lands; most of these people were human, but among them were also Fae, dwarves, brinchie, and even goblinesh.
Over time, the various tribes began to organize and become more civilized. Conflicts over lands and resources erupted rapidly, and for many years the southlands were beset with warfare and bloodshed. The escaped tribes threatened to destroy themselves even after they had managed to escape destruction at the hands of the Kal.
Finally, just over 600 years ago, one man came forth to unite the various clans and tribes and try to save them from themselves. Vol Al-daya, Chieftan of the Tribe of the Silver Unicorn, had managed to bring together numerous tribes in the eastern part of the southlands and become known as the King of the East. His desire for peace brought him the support of the Druids and the Landraâ€™Feya. With their assistance, he led a great army forth from the east and entered into the lands of the other warring tribes all around. He did not seek to conquer or enslave, but to entreat the other chieftains to come to peaceful terms. He was forced to crush the more war-like tribes and to conquer those who refused to negotiate; however, it is generally believed that he was fair and benevolent in his actions and in his treatment of his foes.
Ultimately he brought almost all of the southlands under one rule and founded the Kingdom of Galea (for his Fae bride, Galadrea, whom he married for love as well as to seal the peace with the Fae). The most notable exception are the Freelands to the far south, which he left alone when faced with the valiant and defiant Freelords of Lone Keep; though they numbered a scant few hundred, they were willing to defend the autonomy of the Freelands to the last one of them. On that day, Vol Al-daya signed a pact in blood with their commander that pledges Galea to support the freedom of the Freelands. That pact stands to this day.
Galea has become the center of civilization for many people and stands as the primary opponent to the Empire. It is a wealthy and prosperous kingdom with great diversity in its economic makeup.