Introduction to the Maelstrom

The Maelstrom Fantasy Campaign Setting is a massive achievement wrought from many years of labor and love. My love for fantasy role-playing games began in early 1981. By 1982, I began creating the Maelstrom Campaigns. This was borne from a desire to create something which other RPG enthusiasts could share and enjoy.         I created this website for four reasons:         I hope others will use the material I showcase.         I hope others will share works that they have created.         I hope others will contribute to the Legends of Roil stories.         I hope others will contribute to the Saga of Roil chronology. A number of folks have asked what art programs I use. My two favorites are Deluxe Paint II, an older program by Electronic Arts, and Paint Shop Pro 5.0 by Jasc Corp.

In the endless struggle between the madness of Chaos and the forces of Law, the world of Roil has been shattered and forsaken by the gods. Now the ravaged face of Roil tears through the Mists of Kaichea to again feel the warmth of Ankaris' sun. The War of the Winds has passed. The Time of Rains has cleansed the face of the lands. Across the globe, champions are restoring domains and building new empires. Yet the Mists which destroyed the First Age remain a dark shroud over much of Roil, threatening to again descend upon the lands of mortals. And in these Mists, heroes invite death as they vie to control the powers of chaos and sculpt their own realms. Experience the majesty of a world reborn. Witness the struggle of nations, feel the strength of empires. Hear the call of the Mists, and the lure of powers unimaginable. Share the rebirth, and add Roil to your campaigns. Begin your journey, and unleash the magic!

Symbol of Gadaru the Jester

Chronicler's Foreword Set forth within this volume is a compilation of accumulated knowledge of the continent of Kaladia, the largest and most prominent land of the world of Roil. Roil... as it is called by most of the peoples of the world. Shaydaera, as it is known in the elfanir tongue. Arthe, as it is named by the dwarn. But in any language, the maelstrom that is Roil is a realm everchanging, twisting and shaping to the will of those commanding the Mists, the essence of Makyah. The maps and text contained herein are of unparalleled completeness, both for Kaladia and Roil as a whole. And they well chronicle Kaladia's history and current state of affairs. To both the scholar and student this work provides invaluable enlightenment into the most intriguing land - and the most marvelous age - ever seen on Roil. It is a time of restless awakening in the world. We hail a golden era of renaissance which rivals the greatest achievements of Ruthanland, the ancient world, before her fall. In this day, we bear witness to events foretold by ancient legenders. The Corlennian Empire, the Dark Dragon of Roil, slowly releases her talons from the throats of civilizations. Where once the shadow of her great wings blackened the face of the world, now the aged evil lives only in the heart of her lair. Magic, once used solely by the Dragon to rule the world, is now the tool of restoration. Old lands long held by the Dragon breathe new life, throwing off the yoke of subjugation for a newfound freedom. But even as the Dragon rests, nations still wage war against another, and the races still hold prejudice toward their brothers. And yet, it is a miraculous age of kingdoms and powers great and terrible to behold. It is a time of wondrous aspirations, of fabulous achievements and horrible failures. It is a time which will test the mettle of any who dare risk any dangers to share in its rewards. It is a time for the courageous and the cowardly, the valiant and the dastardly, the bold, the timid, the veteran and the novice. It is our time... Nadamis the Legender of the Calthayes Citadel of Knowledge 7th of Cold Winds, 1021 KY