Magical Orders and Traditions

While the Sorcerer-Kings tightly control the use of magic within their city-states, several magical orders and traditions exist, each with its own unique practices and philosophies. Some of them even have an understanding with the Sorcerer-Kings, while others operate in secret or in opposition to them.

Name Description
The Unbound A group of invokers who focus on the fragments of planar power left on Athas, including demons, fey, and celestials.
The Quiet Path A philosophy and practice of psionics that emphasizes inner peace, self-control, and harmony with the environment.
The (something) Ring) Loose alliance of shamanic orders each devoted to an element.
The Preservers Druids and other practitioners dedicated to restoring balance to Athas. They offer healing to both people and the land itself, boldly daring to oppose the defilers.
The Circle Without Center Known in the ancient tongue as Zha'Mirr, they are a secretive group of witches who operate even within city-states with an understanding with the Sorcerer-Kings.
The Archive A scholarly order dedicated to preserving knowledge and history. They strictly avoid writing, preferring to memorize ancient texts and songs, to avoid attracting the ire of the Sorcerer-Kings.
The Vigil of Broken Altars A clandestine group of clerics and paladins who secretly worship deities banned by the Sorcerer-Kings, working to spread their faith and aid their followers in secret. They cling to relics and symbols of their faith, which maintain a faint connection to their deities despite the world's desolation.

Nations

There are no nations, per se, but rather city-states and territories controlled by Sorcerer-Kings.

Name Description
Tyr A free city-state known for its rebellion against the Sorcerer-King and its thriving trade.
Urik A militaristic city-state ruled by a powerful Sorcerer-King, known for its disciplined army.
Balic A city-state famous for its gladiatorial arenas and brutal combat sports.
Nibenay A wealthy city-state known for its opulence and decadent lifestyle.
Raam A city-state located in a harsh desert region, known for its skilled warriors and survivalists.
Draj A city-state built around a massive oasis, known for its agriculture and trade.

Organizations

Name Description
The Templars The militant arm of the Sorcerer-Kings, enforcing their will across Athas.
The Veiled Alliance A secretive group of defilers and preservers of magic who oppose the Sorcerer-Kings.
The Merchant Princes A powerful guild of traders and merchants who control much of the commerce in Athas.
The Gladiators Fighters who entertain the masses in brutal combat, often slaves or outcasts.
The Sand Sailors Nomadic traders and explorers who navigate the deserts of Athas

Tribes and Nomadic Peoples

Name Description
The Windriders A nomadic tribe known for their skill in riding giant kanks across the desert.
The Sand Striders A tribe of desert nomads who excel in survival and navigation.
The Scorpion Clan A fierce tribe known for their combat skills and warrior culture.
The Dust Walkers A nomadic people who traverse the deserts, known for their stealth and cunning.
The Sunseekers A tribe that worships the sun and seeks to harness its power.
The Stoneborn A tribe that dwells in rocky outcrops and caves, known for their mining skills.

Rogues

Cults, bandit clans, and other unsavory groups.

Name Description
The Defilers A cult of magic users who drain the life from the land to fuel their spells. While many Sorcerer-Kings are defilers themselves, this cult operates outside their control, and they uniformly condemn the Defilers as dangerous heretics.
The Black Blood A secretive cult that worships dark powers and seeks to undermine the Sorcerer-Kings.
The Red Blades A notorious bandit clan known for their ruthless raids and ambushes.
The Silent Shadows An underground network of thieves and assassins operating in the city-states.
The Bone Collectors A cult that venerates death and the undead, often engaging in necromantic practices.
The Dust Devils A gang of desert raiders who prey on travelers and caravans.
The Iron Fangs A brutal group of mercenaries known for their savage tactics and loyalty to the highest bidder.