Stratias, Continent of

Primary Races: 3 (Assimar, Elves, Shifters)

Secondary Races: 9 (Orcs, Gith, kobolds, Werebeasts, Lizardfolk, Troll, Goblins, Ogres, Gnomes)

Creation and Population: Amadonia's three continents were an impressive sight to behold. Even a god or goddess far older than Ambriel Angelus would be impressed by the teeming natures of the three main landmasses of the newly created planet. Daphne Angelus, sister to the Winged Protector, was one such who was so impressed with the work, that she attempted to emulate her big brother, as she always had even since they were children, by creating her own continent where life could flourish. These plans, though noble and altruistic on their face, would have sinister consequences for the races of Stratias. After the young goddess had, with the help of her brother, fended off the black taint of Dysasthenia by severing her own hand, it was thrown to the winds and forgotten about. This would prove to be a monumental mistake.

After the landmass of Stratias was formed, Daphne's severed hand landed there and began infecting the landscape with its dark taint. From the corruption grew the monstrous races: the Orcs, the Trolls, the Goblins and the Lizardfolk. These monstrous creatures, knowing only death and destruction, made war constantly with each other, resulting in massive death tolls for all involved. This had the fortunate side effect of keeping them contained to the single continent, thus the mainland areas of Ambriel's creation were safe for a time.

Wishing to rectify the situation she had inadvertently created, Daphne set about creating a warrior race that could be tasked with defending her brother's creations from harm. Noticing the combat prowess of Rurac's shifters, Daphne realized that if the connection between beast and man could be enhanced, they could be given the power to stand against the horde of monstrous creatures Dys's corruption had created. To this end, Daphne, with her nephew's permission, imbued the strongest and the bravest shifters with the power to full embrace their animal side, creating the werebear, wereboar, werewolf, and other such creatures. Thanks to the guardianship of these brave souls, relative peace existed on Stratias, the monstrous races kept in check by the Sister's Chosen, as they came to be called by the immigrant races of Shifters and Elves that wished to either help in the war effort or test themselves against the inherent dangers of the land.

Society: Stratias is filled with warlike races, and as such there is no word for "peace" among the cultures that exist there, such as they are. War pervades every aspect of what passes for civilization on this continent, leading to the other cultures adopting the word "stratian" into their languages to describe either someone of great military might and prowess, or someone who is so savage and ill tempered in his behavior that he resembles one of the Corrupted, in demeanor if not physical appearance.

Shifter Society in Stratias: Shifters in Stratias do not have the luxury of dividing themselves up into tribes based on their bestial lineage, as the Shifters on other continents do. All are considered one tribe, as it is only in their unity that the Shifters can survive amidst the harsh environs of the Continent of Perpetual Conflict, as people from outside Stratias refer to it. The Shifters of this land have banded together and formed a "tribal council" of sorts, with each beast being represented by their respective Werekin leader. The Prime Werekin, chosen amongst those werebeasts deemed worthy, sits on the War Council that serves both as a military alliance and coalition government to coordinate defense against invasions by the savage races.

Elvish Society in Stratias: Stratias is the only continent wherein Shifters are seen as equals in the eyes of the Elves. This is largely due to the much larger threat of invasion both from the savage tribes and from the infernal creatures that reside with Dysasthenia in her prison. As such, petty racial prejudice is a luxury that neither race can afford.

Assimar Society in Stratias: Assamars are rare, and as such do not have a "society" as one would term it. Those who die selflessly defending Stratias and by extension Amadonia itself are reborn as heroes, yet as there are only a few dozen such creatures, they serve as command staff of the armies of the Empire. They are held in highest regard, and are looked at as the pinnacle of selfless sacrifice.