The lands of Kulthea are ruled variously by different strains of humans, elves, Lugrok, Murlog, and other fantastic creatures and peoples.

Kulthean cultures vary in their technological development from the early stone-age to Steampunk fantasy interpretations of the Italian Renaissance or the Edwardian Era.

Trade is performed by water and air-going ships or on horse-drawn vehicles, all of which must be aided by a guild of Navigators who can show paths that circumvent magical, weather and other hazards left over from ancient wars and malfunctioning technology.

Shadow World dovetails into Iron Crown's Terran Imperium, a science fiction scenario based on Frank Herbert's Dune intended for their Spacemaster game.

Also, conjunctions of Charon and Orhan can disturb Essænce Flows on Kulthea (see below), causing havoc to the planet's weather and general climatic stability.

Dominated by water, the hemisphere consists of several large continents, including Jaiman, Emer, Agyra, Falias, Folenn, Thuul, and others.

Religious groups dedicated to the Dark Gods of Charon are usually, but not always,[7] forced by social pressure to hide their places of worship.

The history of Kulthea is a convoluted and violent one characterized by the cyclical rising and destruction of countless races, kingdoms, and empires.

These wars have nearly destroyed the planet, laying waste to entire continents and leading to millennia of cultural and political stagnation.

(the "Lords of Essaence" [sic]) Details regarding this age have been left deliberately vague, with allusions to a galaxy-spanning empire's rise, corruption, and catastrophic fall.

Again, the authors have left details of this time period vague, noting only the rise and fall of several empires such as the "Jinteni" and "Wôrim."

The Second Age of Ire begins with the founding of the College of Loremasters on the secret isle of Karilôn by Kirin T'thaan, Ilmaris Terisonen, and Andraax, (See Signature Characters).

The Third Era of Ire, which includes the game's present time, begins with the recovery of civilizations from the depredations of the Unlife during the War of Dominion; followed by the stealthy workings of evil forces seeking to destroy them again through subtle means.