by Felendris T'Rasa, Scholar of Esthelpur
Asthafar is the continent at the center of Yoruta. It is here that the Dolochô established their first colonies. It is here that the Elves, Dwarfs and Goblinkin were created. It is here that I was born on the shores of Antoresu Isle mere 300 years ago. But enough of that.
Asthafar itself can be divided into two larger areas: The cold, mountaineous north and the hot, deserty south.
The north of Asthafar is dominated by the Ironrock-Mountains. On the snowy passes and under the high peaks rages the eternal war between the Ironrock-Dwarves and the orcish Ekrar tribes. The mountains are rich in iron, tin and copper, allowing them to fund their constant clashes. Even further north lies the Whitewhisp Forest, home of Icewolves, giant Snowterror-Spiders and, according to legend, the Whispmothers. The last of the Yeti life on Yeti-Island, fiercly protective of their diminshed homelands.
In the Cradle of Obrest - where the river splits in two - lies the human Kingdom of Kladevik. Their territory streches all the way south to the Bloody Pass and the Gates of Death and Glory, which mark the border between Kladevik and Banisûl.
Near the eastern shores is the Island of Sun's Dawn where the heretical mages of Esthalcor have established their base. They are the enemy of us Elves, for they have betrayed us many centuries ago and fled from Antoresu Isle, which lies to the east of Asthafar.
South of Bloody Pass and the Ironrock-Mountains is the Grand Desert of Bel'Akhzor. This harsh place is home to the Tultanii, the humans of southern Asthafar. The desert streches east to river Ban and Lake Samir. On the shores of the lake stands Samisarûn, capital of the Sultanate of Banisûl, grand realm of the Tultanii and the always present thorn in our side. East of Ban lay the Lands of Balior, where the humans first gained independence from the Dolochô.
South of Samir is the Swamp of Ganes Abir and east of that are the Mountains of Gorn and Plunderer's Bay, home of many pirates and smugglers.