Argaan is a kingdom located on the eponymous island, the largest landmass within the South Islands archipelago. It serves as the primary setting for the ArcaniA and ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif.
| Info | |
|---|---|
| Image Description | Map of Argaan |
| Type | Kingdom |
| Location | South Islands |
| Inhabitants | Humans, Orcs |
| Population | 900+ |
| Leader | Ethorn I, Ethorn III, Lord Tronter, Ethorn VI |
| Notable characters | Ethorn VI, Rhobar III, Shepherd of Feshyr, Drurhang, Xardas |
| Notable spots | Setarrif, Thorniara, Stewark, Silverlake, Tooshoo, Monastery on the Cliff, Temple of the Goddess |
| Appearances | ArcaniA, ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif |
Geography
Argaan is the largest island in the South Islands archipelago, situated in the southeastern part of the sea. Its central region is dominated by a vast mountain range with active volcanoes, the most notable of which is White-eyed Mountain. The northern and northwestern areas of the island have a temperate climate and are densely forested. In contrast, the eastern and southeastern parts feature a more tropical climate with jungles and swamps. A cold, snow-covered zone occupies the central mountain region.
Several other islands surround Argaan. Feshyr lies to the west, Korshaan to the south, and Torgaan also to the west. Numerous smaller isles are scattered around Argaan.
Settlements and Notable Locations
The island hosts several major cities and fortresses, along with small villages, orc settlements, and ruins of ancient civilizations.
Setarrif
The capital of the kingdom, Setarrif is an ancient city that was nearly destroyed during the war with Myrtana in ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif.
Thorniara
The largest city on the island and one of the biggest in the series. It serves as the residence of King Rhobar III on Argaan and is fully occupied by Myrtanian forces during the events of ArcaniA and its add-on.
Tooshoo
A small stilt-built town located in the Blackwater Swamps, constructed around a sacred temple tree.
Silverlake
A major fortress located near the large lake in the central part of the island.
Stewark
A fortified city and port situated on a small rocky islet near Argaan’s coast. It holds strategic value due to its natural defenses and advantageous location.
Monastery on the Cliff
An ancient monastery devoted to the Goddess, perched atop a cliff in the island’s southeast. It is jointly led by two abbots — Hendor, a follower of Innos, and Galamod, a follower of Beliar.
Temple of the Goddess
A historic mountain sanctuary dedicated to the worship of the Goddess.
History
Argaan’s known history dates back at least 400 years prior to the events of Gothic (2001). It was once inhabited by an advanced human civilization centered around the worship of the Goddess, alongside various orc clans.
During this early period, warriors from Jharkendar attempted an invasion of Setarrif but were defeated and exiled from the island. A subsequent conflict emerged between two priestly factions of the Goddess — Ahn'Bael and Ahn'Nosiri. The Ahn'Nosiri were annihilated, save for Selena, while the Ahn'Bael fell into a deep slumber. This marked the decline of the Goddess cult, which was gradually replaced by the worship of the three gods. During this transitional era, the Ethorn dynasty rose to power, with Ethorn I recognized as the kingdom’s first monarch.
Later, King Rhobar II declared war on Argaan in an attempt to annex it into his empire. Generals Lord Tronter and Lord Dominique led the campaign to victory. In honor of Tronter, the city of Thorniara was founded and became the island's center during the occupation.
During the Second Orc War, Ethorn VI seceded from the empire, taking advantage of Rhobar II’s weakened position. When Rhobar III came to power, he launched a renewed expansion into the South Islands. He captured Thorniara and dispatched General Lee eastward and Hagen westward. Rhobar’s forces also massacred the inhabitants of Feshyr. Ethorn VI allied himself with Thorus and his army of mercenaries and orcs, who had fled Myrtana.
In Stewark, Rhobar III negotiated a pact with Baron Renwick. However, local resistance, led by Renwick’s brother Hertan, emerged. The player can choose to support either side, determining the conflict's outcome.
Lee’s forces attempted to seize Silverlake but were defeated in a brutal battle in the Blood Valley. The fallen soldiers of Rhobar’s army later rose as undead, occupying Thorniara. Around the same time, a group of mercenaries known as the Blood Vipers, led by Drurhang, also rebelled against Rhobar, but both they and the undead were eventually defeated by the protagonist.
Meanwhile, Hagen advanced successfully toward Setarrif. Facing imminent defeat, Ethorn VI, Thorus, and the shaman Grosh took a desperate measure and summoned the Sleeper. Sleeper repelled Rhobar’s attack but was ultimately released from control by Grosh, leading to the destruction of Setarrif. The surviving troops from both sides went mad and slaughtered indiscriminately.
The protagonist eventually banished the Sleeper, after which Ethorn VI surrendered. Rhobar III annexed Argaan but permitted Ethorn to retain nominal rule over Setarrif.
Cut Content and Alpha Versions
During development, Argaan underwent multiple redesigns. Notable removed or altered content includes:
- A vast jungle region in the east was cut.
- Korshaan, initially connected to Argaan by a bridge, was removed.
- The Stewark and Silverlake areas were significantly altered.
- Thorniara was redesigned with added mountainous terrain and new locations.
- A southern passage from Stewark to Silverlake was removed and blocked by a rockfall in the release version.
- A mountain route to Xardas’ tower was cut.
- The entire northeastern part of the island, including Setarrif, was removed in the base game. These areas reappeared in ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif in a significantly altered form.
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An early map of Stewark -
Map of the southern islands -
An early Argaan render
Trivia
- An early map of Argaan, preserved in the Silverlake Library, is based on a pre-release version of the island.
- According to one developer, an extensive lore book about Argaan and its world was written during ArcaniA's development.
- Some names for the South Islands may have originated from a canceled project by Spellbound Entertainment, although this remains unconfirmed.
