Tortall. A large, well-known and respected country. Its capital is Corus, located near the western coast on the Emerald Ocean. To the north is Scanra, a wild and somewhat barbaric country with whom Tortall is currently waged in war with. To the east are Galla, Tusaine, and Tyra, and past them are Maren and Sarain. Carthak is south of Tortall across the Inland Sea, while to the west lie the Yamani Islands and the Copper Isles.
In the year 437, Alanna of Trebond, the Lioness, became the first female knight in over a century. Since then, she has fought many battles, won against numerous enemies, and become a legend in her own time. Several tales are formed around her; she is often portrayed as being between six and ten feet tall, bearded and muscular and a true warrior for all to fear. No one sees the small, gentle mother she actually is - no one but her true friends. She is a hero - loved and admired by the women of Tortall. In 442, Jonathan, the new king of Tortall, made it possible for any woman in his kingdom to strive for the knighthood - none apply.