Birthright - Player's Secrest of Khourane

I have said before that the setting of Al-Qadim is one that I find the most interesting to play  in. There is something about the middle eastern setting that simply captures my imagination.  The domain of Khourane comes close to the setting in the Birthright system and if used as a  stand alone campaign I think I would try to incorporate more of the Al-Qadim flavor into  Khourane. That being said Khourane works well on its own without help. This not only has the  advantage of an unusual setting but it also adds a fair mix of political intrigue and conflict.  This would not be my first choice to play as a straight up Birthright domain but it is fairly  high up there. As a domain to adventure in if used a setting it fares even better in the  rankings.

Published: 1996
Pages: 32

From the back of the book:

Khourane stands out among the arid Khinasi lands like a blooming lily in a barren field. It  boasts some of the most enviable territory in this corner of the world: mountains, deep  jungles, and a stunning coastline.

These enviable features inevitably lead to conflict, however: The lands are coveted by the  Serpent, the Magian, and the Minotaur. What's more, the elves still resent the humans who claim  control of their hereditary forests.

Combine these problems with fierce trade wars, in a harsh climate, and a missing rule, and the  result is trouble. Khourane needs a new regent in a hurry--is your character ready to face its  challenges? The new rule of this domain will be challenged by some of the greatest problems-- and could realize some of the finest rewards--in all of Cerilia!

This BIRTHRIGHT domain sourcebook is designed for players who wish to take the role of Emir of  Khourane. It may also be used by players seeking to play nobles, servants of the regent, or  adventurers from Khourane.

Birthright - Player's Secrets of Talinie

The way that Talinie is described must be what places seem like before the explode into  situations that most people could never have seen coming. Places that seem like everything is  fine and then some event that seems like it should not have nearly the effect it did sends out  ripple effects that shake a whole area. There are places and events in the real world that have  experiences this. Some of these have occurred in the last century and even this one.

Played as the Birthright setting is intended to be played this would be a domain that would not  be taken on lightly as a player. As a setting the turmoil that is brewing right beneath the  surface is ripe with adventure seeds and roleplaying potential. I think this would be an  excellent locale for the characters just below name level to have great impact and set  themselves up to start down the road of becoming a ruler themselves...of course if you are  playing the game as intended that has already happened but where's the fun in that.

Published: 1995
Pages: 32

From the back cover:

To the casual observer, the realm of Talinie seems a pastoral place full of hard-working, law- abiding citizens. But those who look beneath the surface - as a regent must - will see what  lies beneath the beauty.

From the south, a power-hungry archduke has moved troops into two of Talinie's seven provinces,  supposedly as a safeguard against goblin invasion. From the north, greedy guildmasters have  encroached upon Talinie's lush forests and have ravaged large areas for the timber and ores  they yield.

To keep yourself on the throne known as the Oak Seat, you must control these foreign interests  without giving them reason to rise up against you, and at the same time beware of traitors  within your own court - it is whispered that the death of your predecessor was not really an  accident.

This package includes:

    A full-color, eight page foldout cover containing detailed maps of the
    domain and other  information every Talinien needs.
    Facts about the realm's history, geography, economy, and laws.
    Descriptions of the major NPCs in Talinie, friend and foe alike.
    Secrets and strategy tips to help the new regent manage the realm.

This BIRTHRIGHT domain sourcebook is designed for players who want to take the role of Thane of  the realm, playing either a lawful priest or a paladin. Players of nonregent characters who  live in or come from Talinie will also find this sourcebook useful."

Birthright - Players Secrets of Medoere

If you are on the same side as the Theocracy playing in one can be a fun and rewarding  experience. If you are not on the same page or in some cases in the same book as the ruling  body then things can get a little dicey. Living in the United States I think we are somewhat shielded from the power that religion can have over the government. I will stop at that and ask  that we not have any real world commentary as a result of that statement. The church in a  fantasy setting can be one of the most powerful thematic elements in story telling if they are  played right. More often than not they aren't played to their full potential though. If you  want to test your players put them in Medoere and have them not be aligned with the church and  run with it.

Published: 1995
Pages: 32

From the Back of the Book:

Ranging from the Spiderfell in the north to the Straits of Aerele in the south, Medoere was  born of faith and the blood of revolution. As regent, you fulfill the duties of Archpriest of  the Church of the Celestial Spell, leading the theocracy to greater heights of glory. The  domain is yours to command--if you have the courage, the conviction, and the blood of kings in  your veins.

This BIRTHRIGHT domain sourcebook is designed for players who want to take the role of  Archpriest. It may also be used by players playing vassals to the regent, or adventurers who  want to explore the mysteries of the theocracy.

Birthright - Player's Secrets of Endier

Endier is a realm that I think I would want to try playing if I were going to play Birthright  as it was intended to play. It is a realm that should not be where it is and it is only there  through the guile of its rulers. I always thought of it as Switzerland if they had an agenda  and weren't protected by impenetrable mountains. If playing it as a campaign setting, but not  with the Birthright system, once the players found themselves in the realm the game would take  on much more role than roll in the playing aspect.

Published: 1995
Pages: 32

From the back cover:

"Welcome to Endier, one of the smallest domains in Anuire. Carved from the treacherous forest  known as the Spiderfell, it is precariously balanced between three of the more powerful realms  in the land, playing a delicate game of politics and diplomacy to survive. One misstep could  mean its ruin; the fate of the land rests squarely on the shoulders of you, its regent. It is  said that with great risks come great rewards. If this is so, then the rewards of ruling Endier  must be great indeed.

This package includes:

    A full-color, eight-page foldout cover containing detailed maps of the domain and important  locations within it.
    Facts about the history, geography, and economy of Endier.
    A summary of how the government works, and how the regent manages to keep control of it.
    Descriptions of the major NPCs in Endier, friend and foe alike.
    Rumors to keep the regent on the alert, and royal secrets to help keep enemies at bay.

This BIRTHRIGHT domain sourcebook is designed for players who want to take the role of the Lord  of Endier, the thief regent of the realm. It may also be used by players playing nobles,  servants of the regent, or adventurers of Endier."

Birthright - Player's Secrets of Roesone

Roesone is a realm that seems to have a perfect mix for those who like to adventure. It is  recently carved out of wilderness so it is not overly civilized. It also has a good mix of  terrain that would allow for varied wilderness type situation, though it does lack any  mountains. It also has access to a seaport meaning that players could take a nautical adventure  if they wanted to. The movers and shakers are all, or for the most part all, descended from  rough and tumble adventurer types or maybe a little grittier than that even so that is plus.  The one drawback in looking at using it is the fact that it says that it is monster light. If I  were using it I would just simply ignore that line. This is the domain that I think most fits  the standard starting type of location for campaigns.

Published: 1995
Pages: 32

From the back of the book:

Once a lawless frontier less than a century ago, Roesone is one of the youngest states in all  of Anuire. as the ruler of the land, you'll find that Roesone is surrounded by uncertain allies  and dangerous enemies. Plots and intrigues creep through the halls of your court and shadowed  powers are moving against you. It will take strength, courage and determination to keep your  crown on your head - and your head on your shoulders.

This BIRTHRIGHT domain sourcebook is designed for players who want to take the role of Baron  Roesone, the warrior regent of the land. It may also be used by players playing nobles,  servants of the Baron, or adventurers from Roesone.

Birthright - Player's Secrets of Tuarhievel

One of the thoughts I have long dabbled with in a campaign is that the races seem to get along  all too well for things to be realistic. Nothing in the entire history of humanity has ever set  the precedent that elves/dwarves/humans/halflings/gnomes should get along even in a fantasy world. Add in other races that appear even less human in appearance or are animal in nature and  we have a powder keg waiting to go off.

This is represented to some extent by the domain of Tuarhievel in the Birthright setting. A  once idyllic elven realm that has man introduced into it and in less than 100 years peaceful  coexistence has turned into man deciding it is theirs to do with as desired. The result is the  near complete defeat of man and then a resulting civil war situation amongst the elves because  of their taking sides and then an extended uncomfortable stalemate situation. This sounds like  a realistic fantasy world to me.

I have always been more attuned to playing elves than dwarves so this works better for me as a  domain to play in. The dynamics of the realm also add a higher level of role playing potential  in my mind. There may not be as many dungeon crawls out of this but there could be countless  "Diplomacy" style evenings which is what Birthright was designed for anyway.

Published: 1996
Pages: 32

From the Back of the Book:

Before the humans descended on Cerilia, the continent was virtually untouched, inhabited only  by those who understood how to live in harmony with nature. Since the human incursion, however,  the natives have been forced to realign themselves with their homelands and their neighbors. No  group has felt the effects of these maneuverings as much as the elves, who now engage in a  daily struggle to keep a hold on their lands, fight off human interests, and preserve their  heritage.

In Tuarhievel, matters have recently gotten worse. Prince Fhileraene has disappeared after  being coerced into answering a summons from the Gorgon--but before he went away he transferred  his bloodline to his consort, a human female named Savane Mhoried. Many of the elves of  Tuarhievel consider this act to have been a betrayal of their heritage, even though the interim  regent has promised to pass the bloodline to her yet unborn child as soon as that child comes  of age. But in the meantime, the elven nation is in upheaval. The land needs a strong leader to  prevent traditional values from clashing with the needs of the nation, lest it be torn apart.  Can your character walk the fine line between tradition and necessity to unify Tuarhievel?

This BIRTHRIGHT domain sourcebook is designed for players who wish to take part in the  rulership of Tuarhievel, either as regent of as the leader of one of the domain's noble  families. This information is invaluable to anyone who might wish to approach Tuarhievel as a  political ally or embark on adventures in the area.

Birthright - Player's Secrects of Baruk-Azhik

I have never been a fan of playing Dwarves. In all my days of roleplaying I am not sure I have ever played one. I most likely did and have simply forgotten about it. I have played a gnome so I have to have played a dwarf, right? As a result this is one of the sourcebooks that I would most likely not have used as a player but as a DM it is nice to have if you want to use the Birthright setting as a stand alone setting.

Published: 1996
Pages: 32

From the back of the book:

Long before humans invaded Cerilia, the dwarves of the land had carved out a peaceful life for themselves, marred only by the persistent savagery of orog tribes. Since the human incursion, life has changed little for the natives of Baruk-Azhik, sequestered safely beneath the inhospitable mountains known as the Iron Peaks.

Baruk-Azhik is a domain of untold riches; there seems to be no end to the precious metals under the mountains, and surface-dwellers are always eager to trade. But the domain is not without perils. The orogs have grown more numerous and more cunning, and outside help may be needed to defeat them once and for all.

The character who ascends the throne of Baruk-Azhik assumes command of a mighty and loyal nation - but one whose existence hangs in the balance. Only a leader with nerves of steel, hardened determination, and superior command skill can guide the dwarves into a future full of promise and free of war.

This BIRTHRIGHT domain sourcebook is designed for players who wish to take the role of the Overthane of Baruk-Azhik. It may also be used by players playing nobles, vassals of the regent, or adventurers from this domain.