WELCOME TO ASTER!
The realm of fairies and mystery, of magic and monsters. Here in our beautiful world, there are nine total countries and kingdoms. While fairies are the main creatures in the world, they aren't the only ones. From mystical beasts to sentient monsters and mythical gods, the world of Aster is a strange one indeed. Here, you can find information about all the regions as well as all the characters currently played. You can find a map of the region here !
If you have any questions about the regions, please let us know either on the discord chat, or by messaging one of our leaders! We're always happy to help.
nostalgic | achromatic | insert name here
The realm of fairies and mystery, of magic and monsters. Here in our beautiful world, there are nine total countries and kingdoms. While fairies are the main creatures in the world, they aren't the only ones. From mystical beasts to sentient monsters and mythical gods, the world of Aster is a strange one indeed. Here, you can find information about all the regions as well as all the characters currently played. You can find a map of the region here !
If you have any questions about the regions, please let us know either on the discord chat, or by messaging one of our leaders! We're always happy to help.
nostalgic | achromatic | insert name here
LACAILLE
(La-KAI)
CLIMATE Temperate
LANGUAGE Cailian
POPULATION 120k MAJORITY Light and Dark, but varied. RULED BY King Cassian and Queen Aela
CLIMATE Temperate
LANGUAGE Cailian
POPULATION 120k MAJORITY Light and Dark, but varied. RULED BY King Cassian and Queen Aela
click on the buttons to find out more!
The kingdom of Lacaille is the largest region of Aster, and they encompass a lot of different landscapes, from large temperate rainforests to fields and plains and rolling hills. Oak, cherry, and other fruit trees are common, and one can find badgers, foxes, wolves and deer all over, as well as plenty of other rodents and animals. Fish are common in rivers across the country. The most beautiful sight is the change of colors in the fall and the cherry blossoms of spring. Lacaille truly has a large variety of different natural landscapes, and their biodiversity shows through that.
The cities of Lacaille are often large, walled castle towns, with nobles and merchants spanning all over the country. Their most famous towns include Pyxis the royal capital, located on an island off the south, with a path that only reveals itself during the low tides.
There's also Columba, the city of the great library. The city itself is a wellspring of knowledge from all over the world. Scholars come from everywhere to learn and to teach, and the university within the city teaches all kinds of magic. There is a truce at Columba; despite any hostilities between countries, it will always be open to those who seek wisdom and knowledge.
Then there's Vela, the biggest port of Lacaille. Located in the north of the country, it's on the edge of the great bay, a perfect place to trade from the northern continent. It's filled with merchants and sailors, but also fairies from all over the world. It's the perfect place to socialize and to relax, and it's known to have one of the most vibrant night life of all the country.
IMAGINE: European aesthetics, classical architecture, Trello fountain in Rome, Westminster in UK, Versaille in France, St. Michael's Mount, Scottish Castles
The cities of Lacaille are often large, walled castle towns, with nobles and merchants spanning all over the country. Their most famous towns include Pyxis the royal capital, located on an island off the south, with a path that only reveals itself during the low tides.
There's also Columba, the city of the great library. The city itself is a wellspring of knowledge from all over the world. Scholars come from everywhere to learn and to teach, and the university within the city teaches all kinds of magic. There is a truce at Columba; despite any hostilities between countries, it will always be open to those who seek wisdom and knowledge.
Then there's Vela, the biggest port of Lacaille. Located in the north of the country, it's on the edge of the great bay, a perfect place to trade from the northern continent. It's filled with merchants and sailors, but also fairies from all over the world. It's the perfect place to socialize and to relax, and it's known to have one of the most vibrant night life of all the country.
IMAGINE: European aesthetics, classical architecture, Trello fountain in Rome, Westminster in UK, Versaille in France, St. Michael's Mount, Scottish Castles
Lacaille is a monarchy, and despite having a population of many types of fairies, their monarchy is restricted to royalty. The head priestess will facilitate all things that have to do with the monarchy to make sure it’s seen as balanced in the eye of the great spirits.
The unique part of their monarchy is that their monarch must either be a light or shadow fairy, and in order to marry, they must choose one of the opposite lineage. A light fairy queen must marry a noble with shadow powers. There’s a lineage, but it doesn’t follow a gender. It’s simply the most powerful of a certain type vying for the queen’s eye, or a powerful alliance between families. The current ruling family of Lacaille is the Sutcliffe family. Those who marry into royalty take the name of the existing royal.
Still, most of the power actually returns to the church. They control most aspects of daily life, including the foods that can be sold, clothes that can be worn, holidays, and alliances with other countries, and the high priestess is the most important advisor to the royal council. Their monarchs represent the spirits’ voices, but they must always consider the church first.
While society is rather patriarchal, the monarchy is of equal standing between king and queen. However, that's not always the case in reality. Many still treat the regent as a more definitive voice than the consort.
The unique part of their monarchy is that their monarch must either be a light or shadow fairy, and in order to marry, they must choose one of the opposite lineage. A light fairy queen must marry a noble with shadow powers. There’s a lineage, but it doesn’t follow a gender. It’s simply the most powerful of a certain type vying for the queen’s eye, or a powerful alliance between families. The current ruling family of Lacaille is the Sutcliffe family. Those who marry into royalty take the name of the existing royal.
Still, most of the power actually returns to the church. They control most aspects of daily life, including the foods that can be sold, clothes that can be worn, holidays, and alliances with other countries, and the high priestess is the most important advisor to the royal council. Their monarchs represent the spirits’ voices, but they must always consider the church first.
While society is rather patriarchal, the monarchy is of equal standing between king and queen. However, that's not always the case in reality. Many still treat the regent as a more definitive voice than the consort.
Lacaille is one of the largest regions, but also one of the most religious. They believe in the Zorya, two spirits representing order and chaos. As a religion, they are much more conservative and less accepting of other gods, seeing them as powers of the dark spirit. Lacaille is known for its bureaucracy; everything must be done a certain way to encourage balance. Therefore, they celebrate both life and death, good and bad, winter and summer. Everything is set in twos.
As a more conservative country, they still heavily favor the idea of the will of the gods. The more powerful the fairy, the more say they have. While Lacaille is traditionally monogamic and rarely encourages certain 'sins,' many of these expectations are subverted in the background. The nobles certainly do enjoy their debauchery.
Most cities take the form of walled castles and towns. Their territory is large enough to support their people without trouble, and they’re known as some of the richest of the land. However, the money isn’t always evenly distributed. Still, Lacaille, to many, is a land of equal opportunity, as all types of fairies coexist here.
Holidays/Traditions:
Spirit birth: the day a child reveals their powers is known as their spirit birth. It’s a very special day, and the children are brought to the churches to test their abilities and to predict their path in life. In certain noble families, their children are only presented to the public after a Spirit birth. It is said the younger they are, the more powerful they will be.
Sunalia: the summer solstice. A celebration of the bounty of summer, the children often go and enjoy the beauty nature has to offer; it’s a day of fun and games and feasting.
Moonalia: the winter solstice, a solemn festival in which most Lacaillians are expected to pray and fast to repent for the darkness they let into their lives.
As a more conservative country, they still heavily favor the idea of the will of the gods. The more powerful the fairy, the more say they have. While Lacaille is traditionally monogamic and rarely encourages certain 'sins,' many of these expectations are subverted in the background. The nobles certainly do enjoy their debauchery.
Most cities take the form of walled castles and towns. Their territory is large enough to support their people without trouble, and they’re known as some of the richest of the land. However, the money isn’t always evenly distributed. Still, Lacaille, to many, is a land of equal opportunity, as all types of fairies coexist here.
Holidays/Traditions:
Spirit birth: the day a child reveals their powers is known as their spirit birth. It’s a very special day, and the children are brought to the churches to test their abilities and to predict their path in life. In certain noble families, their children are only presented to the public after a Spirit birth. It is said the younger they are, the more powerful they will be.
Sunalia: the summer solstice. A celebration of the bounty of summer, the children often go and enjoy the beauty nature has to offer; it’s a day of fun and games and feasting.
Moonalia: the winter solstice, a solemn festival in which most Lacaillians are expected to pray and fast to repent for the darkness they let into their lives.
The people of Lacaille don’t have any specific characteristics; they’re varied and often have mixed parentage as well. A unique trait is that many light fairies have dark skin while shadow fairies have lighter skin in Lacaille. Many of them grow rather tall due to their diet that’s filled with variety, from meats and fish to fruit and vegetables. They’re often well-fed, and their clothes are made of materials from everywhere, including the finest silks and linens around the world.
Still, the disparity between the rich and poor can be seen. For the poorest in the small villages, a meal can be a bowl of porridge or a boiled potato and they may live in run-down mud huts, but for the rich, they can have multi-course meals overflowing with honey and wine, living in large mansions upon hills or overlooking the sea. Their cuisine is often based on fresh ingredients, and can vary widely throughout the region.
Still, the disparity between the rich and poor can be seen. For the poorest in the small villages, a meal can be a bowl of porridge or a boiled potato and they may live in run-down mud huts, but for the rich, they can have multi-course meals overflowing with honey and wine, living in large mansions upon hills or overlooking the sea. Their cuisine is often based on fresh ingredients, and can vary widely throughout the region.
Communication: Most people still use traditional ways of letter-writing, but the upper classes and those who have magic often use their portal systems to pass on messages, or the message portal shops to do so. However, radio and the telegram also exists.
Medicine: Most of Lacaille's medicine is focused on magic; light fairies often find a way to open hospitals and other clinics. Other than that, traditional herbal medicine is used.
Heat/Water/Light: Most of Lacaille relies on traditional ways, such as wells/rivers, firewood, and oil lamps to live their everyday lives. However, in big cities, there are often shows of technology and world fairs that bring the rest of the world to their doorsteps. The rich and powerful–top merchants and nobles with titles–often live in a higher standard, with running water and electricity to power their homes like they do in the modern day.
Transportation: Most of Lacaille still uses horse and carriage. However, the government has been trying to introduce the steam locomotive into the country.
Other: While technology seems limited, there are definitely a lot of small inventions that have made their way around Lacaille, such as the phonograph, cameras, and even electric-powered carnival rides for special occasions!
IMAGINE: ~1800s technology
Medicine: Most of Lacaille's medicine is focused on magic; light fairies often find a way to open hospitals and other clinics. Other than that, traditional herbal medicine is used.
Heat/Water/Light: Most of Lacaille relies on traditional ways, such as wells/rivers, firewood, and oil lamps to live their everyday lives. However, in big cities, there are often shows of technology and world fairs that bring the rest of the world to their doorsteps. The rich and powerful–top merchants and nobles with titles–often live in a higher standard, with running water and electricity to power their homes like they do in the modern day.
Transportation: Most of Lacaille still uses horse and carriage. However, the government has been trying to introduce the steam locomotive into the country.
Other: While technology seems limited, there are definitely a lot of small inventions that have made their way around Lacaille, such as the phonograph, cameras, and even electric-powered carnival rides for special occasions!
IMAGINE: ~1800s technology
ESSO'TERA
(es-so-TER-ah)
CLIMATE Arid/Desert
LANGUAGE Arynn
POPULATION 50k MAJORITY Earth, Fire, Light
RULED BY The Umbra and The NAME Trading Company
CLIMATE Arid/Desert
LANGUAGE Arynn
POPULATION 50k MAJORITY Earth, Fire, Light
RULED BY The Umbra and The NAME Trading Company
click on the buttons to find out more!
Due to its dry and arid environment, there’s not a lot of wild animals other than lizards, snakes, scorpions, goats and maybe boars, or generally, anything that can eat everything. Rodents and rabbits also dwell in the deserts, and scavengers such as buzzards and foxes roam the land as well. There are plenty of plants however, though most of them exist as cacti. However, they have the perfect climate to grow certain foods, such as olives and many spices. It’s also a well known habitat for the Joshua tree, the Baobab, and the mystical Dragon Blood Tree, who’s sap is known to cure all ailments.
Esso’tera doesn’t really have much of a winter; the big difference is that the winter is even more dry than the summer. In the early summer, it rains occasionally and the plants have a short period of fast growth before it gets too hot.
Esso’tera’s desert is known to be dangerous not only due to the many poisonous insects and lizards that live there, but also due to the amount of magical creatures that are difficult to destroy. Manticores are the most fearsome of them all, a creature of the intelligence of man, with a lion's body and a scorpion's sting. If you see a Manticore, you better run before it sees you, or it'll be too late. The cockatrice–a territorial creature born of a cockerel and a dragon with a poisonous breath–and the basilisk also makes its home in the desert; and the poisons of many a creature mean death for any inexperienced traveler. Some unlucky travelers have occasionally come across a lone chimera or two; beware, their aggressive nature and fiery breath can turn anyone into cinders!
IMAGINE: Moroccan, Egyptian, Libyan aesthetics. Jemaa-El-Fnaa in Marrakech, Majorelle Gardens, Souk Houses, Essaouira, Citadel of Cairo
Esso’tera doesn’t really have much of a winter; the big difference is that the winter is even more dry than the summer. In the early summer, it rains occasionally and the plants have a short period of fast growth before it gets too hot.
Esso’tera’s desert is known to be dangerous not only due to the many poisonous insects and lizards that live there, but also due to the amount of magical creatures that are difficult to destroy. Manticores are the most fearsome of them all, a creature of the intelligence of man, with a lion's body and a scorpion's sting. If you see a Manticore, you better run before it sees you, or it'll be too late. The cockatrice–a territorial creature born of a cockerel and a dragon with a poisonous breath–and the basilisk also makes its home in the desert; and the poisons of many a creature mean death for any inexperienced traveler. Some unlucky travelers have occasionally come across a lone chimera or two; beware, their aggressive nature and fiery breath can turn anyone into cinders!
IMAGINE: Moroccan, Egyptian, Libyan aesthetics. Jemaa-El-Fnaa in Marrakech, Majorelle Gardens, Souk Houses, Essaouira, Citadel of Cairo
There’s no centralized government or religion, but everyone knows who the more powerful groups are. Specifically the big business owners who can hire people to protect them, and the gangs that roam the area. The only centralized concept is the trade routes commission, which controls where things go and which places are safe, but otherwise, it really depends on the town or city and how they run things.
At the moment, the largest company to makes its name around Esso'tera is the [insertname] Trading Company, but those who know of them understand it's only a front. The Umbras, a small guild of fairies with gifts and talents beyond the regular, run the country. As an assassin guild, they're known in the underworld, but rarely spoken about. After all, one wrong word in the wrong place might mean death for those who talk a little too much. They're known elsewhere–royals and governments have to hire assassins from somewhere, right?–but joining is a near impossible task, and hiring them costs you plenty. Still, being a part of the Umbras will make one family, and no one messes with them.
At the moment, the largest company to makes its name around Esso'tera is the [insertname] Trading Company, but those who know of them understand it's only a front. The Umbras, a small guild of fairies with gifts and talents beyond the regular, run the country. As an assassin guild, they're known in the underworld, but rarely spoken about. After all, one wrong word in the wrong place might mean death for those who talk a little too much. They're known elsewhere–royals and governments have to hire assassins from somewhere, right?–but joining is a near impossible task, and hiring them costs you plenty. Still, being a part of the Umbras will make one family, and no one messes with them.
Esso’tera was found by two fairies, an earth fairy and a fire fairy who learned that by working together, they can change the structure of the land. Esso’tera is a land of mythical marvel. Despite being a desert, they have plenty of riches due to the rare minerals found in the earth that are both necessary for magic and for weaponry.
Esso’tera’s people are rather unique in the sense that there’s no centralized religion nor government. It’s known to many as the ‘wild lands’ because it’s pretty much a dog-eat-dog world out there. The large cities have their own form of governments and there is a governing power that controls trade and guards the different paths and trails, but Esso’tera’s people aren’t exactly the friendliest bunch. Many thieves and villains hide here because the government doesn’t necessarily punish people. Therefore, business owners and their hired hands pretty much rule the spaces they’re in. The big rules are to never fight someone you’re not sure you can beat and to get out of the way of someone that’s dressed better than you unless you’re sure you can take them down. Oh, and don’t fight the gangs. Other than that, Esso’tera is known as a place where one can find anything they’re looking for, from items on the black market to spices and ingredients from all over. However, it can be a dangerous region; it has a large amount of creatures out there trying to kill you, so be careful!
While many Esso'terans have settled into ksour towns and villages, following where the oasis are, many practice a type of nomadism, carrying their homes with them as they travel. Many travel in groups tied together by kinship or a need to survive a certain way, and these groups can be fiercely protective of one another. Their fabrics and the kilim patterns on them often say plenty about where they're from and what groups they travel with.
Esso’tera’s people are rather unique in the sense that there’s no centralized religion nor government. It’s known to many as the ‘wild lands’ because it’s pretty much a dog-eat-dog world out there. The large cities have their own form of governments and there is a governing power that controls trade and guards the different paths and trails, but Esso’tera’s people aren’t exactly the friendliest bunch. Many thieves and villains hide here because the government doesn’t necessarily punish people. Therefore, business owners and their hired hands pretty much rule the spaces they’re in. The big rules are to never fight someone you’re not sure you can beat and to get out of the way of someone that’s dressed better than you unless you’re sure you can take them down. Oh, and don’t fight the gangs. Other than that, Esso’tera is known as a place where one can find anything they’re looking for, from items on the black market to spices and ingredients from all over. However, it can be a dangerous region; it has a large amount of creatures out there trying to kill you, so be careful!
While many Esso'terans have settled into ksour towns and villages, following where the oasis are, many practice a type of nomadism, carrying their homes with them as they travel. Many travel in groups tied together by kinship or a need to survive a certain way, and these groups can be fiercely protective of one another. Their fabrics and the kilim patterns on them often say plenty about where they're from and what groups they travel with.
People in the region often have olive skin or dark skin, dark hair, and dark eyes. Their hair is varied but often kept short due to the heat. Most Esso'terans are well-muscled due to the harsh life in the desert, and their voices are often deeper or rougher than those of other regions. Esso'terans have a culture of tattoos; it is said that a tattoo of a fearsome beast will empower one with the ability of said beasts. It is also known that certain tattoos must be earned. Many are embued with powers too.
Their clothing is often loose, as to not overheat in this desert region, but also sturdy. A lot of their clothing also has bright patterns and embroidery; they are well known for their fabrics and decorative designs. Most people in Esso'tera wear some type of headwrap or hat due to the sweltering heat. If not, they often keep their long hair tied up. They're not as particular about cleanliness the way other regions are, mostly due to their lack of water. Some can go days without bathing. The dust also keeps the sun from burning their skin. Many also wear masks due to the dust, and thick leather boots, tucking their baggy pants into it to prevent poisonous animals from reaching their skin.
Their palette is also varied; they eat a lot of strange foods that may not seem as palatable to others, such as snakes and lizards, but also plenty of poultry dishes. Most of their food has a mixture of sweet and savoury elements and relies heavily on spices and grains. A favorite is also the date; it's known as the godfruit in Esso'tera. It is said that without the date palm, Esso'terans would never survive in such a harsh climate. It's a tree that forms the basis of many towns' diet, architecture, and livelihood.
Their clothing is often loose, as to not overheat in this desert region, but also sturdy. A lot of their clothing also has bright patterns and embroidery; they are well known for their fabrics and decorative designs. Most people in Esso'tera wear some type of headwrap or hat due to the sweltering heat. If not, they often keep their long hair tied up. They're not as particular about cleanliness the way other regions are, mostly due to their lack of water. Some can go days without bathing. The dust also keeps the sun from burning their skin. Many also wear masks due to the dust, and thick leather boots, tucking their baggy pants into it to prevent poisonous animals from reaching their skin.
Their palette is also varied; they eat a lot of strange foods that may not seem as palatable to others, such as snakes and lizards, but also plenty of poultry dishes. Most of their food has a mixture of sweet and savoury elements and relies heavily on spices and grains. A favorite is also the date; it's known as the godfruit in Esso'tera. It is said that without the date palm, Esso'terans would never survive in such a harsh climate. It's a tree that forms the basis of many towns' diet, architecture, and livelihood.
Esso'tera is the epitome of the ancient world. Despite being known for its black markets of stolen goods, most of Esso'tera hasn't modernized yet. Still using fire for light and heat, wells and oasis' for water, and they barely use any electricity. Of course, many a young fairy have meddled around with it, and electric generators exist in the region, but most still rely on traditional methods–wells, firewood, letters sent by hawk or by caravans–to survive. Medicine isn't common in Esso'tera other than your local medicinal shop. Esso'terans are perhaps one of the most reliant on their magic; any healer or technology often revolves around magic. Esso'terans often travel by foot or by animal. Caravans of people–carriages that travel across the desert–are common, though the price may vary greatly. The more expensive they are, the more well-protected, it is said. They don't have much in the sense of indoor plumbing; water is rare in this area, and well, most of their residents are fairies. They'll find ways to deal with it.
IMAGINE: mostly middle-ages to early 1700s kind of technology.
IMAGINE: mostly middle-ages to early 1700s kind of technology.
MALINE
(muh-LEEN)
CLIMATE Coastal
LANGUAGE Heilian & Cailian
POPULATION 90k MAJORITY Water & Light
RULED BY The House of NAME
CLIMATE Coastal
LANGUAGE Heilian & Cailian
POPULATION 90k MAJORITY Water & Light
RULED BY The House of NAME
click on the buttons to find out more!
Maline is largely a coastal region. Full of cliffs and mountains and fantastic beaches, the sea makes up a large part of the biodiversity of this region. Fish and seals and even whales can be spotted nearby. Lampreys and eels are found in the caverns, and there are pockets of coastal reefs that allow for some of the most dazzling sea creatures in the world.
Inland, one can find plenty of animals. The most common animal would be the mountain goat and its cousin, the Ibex, but martens, rabbits, and hedgehogs can often be seen running wild, and occasionally, one will find a wildcat or even a jackal. There are plenty of birds, such as partridges and pheasants and of course, the bane of many a Malinian’s existence, the seagull.
Maline also has the right climate for many trees. The olive tree is well known here, but the bay laurel, cedar, carob, strawberry and Judas tree can also be seen all over the country. Up north, Cedars and Oaks are more common.
While Maline may seem like a seaside paradise, there is danger her too. The cliffs and bare rocks hide colonies of mermen and sirens, luring sailors into their murky depths. It is said that up north, the occasional selkie can be found at the border between Maline and Guivre. The most dangerous creature would be the Scylla, a monstrous beast that rarely leaves survivors. Out in the wild sea, the Kraken is to be feared, as an encounter will surely sink your ship. Roaming the land, one can occasionally encounter the chimera. Beware it's fiery breath!
IMAGINE: Greek and Mediterranean aesthetics, Santorini, Palma in Mallorca, Alfama in Lisbon, The city of Porto, Cote d'Azur in France
Inland, one can find plenty of animals. The most common animal would be the mountain goat and its cousin, the Ibex, but martens, rabbits, and hedgehogs can often be seen running wild, and occasionally, one will find a wildcat or even a jackal. There are plenty of birds, such as partridges and pheasants and of course, the bane of many a Malinian’s existence, the seagull.
Maline also has the right climate for many trees. The olive tree is well known here, but the bay laurel, cedar, carob, strawberry and Judas tree can also be seen all over the country. Up north, Cedars and Oaks are more common.
While Maline may seem like a seaside paradise, there is danger her too. The cliffs and bare rocks hide colonies of mermen and sirens, luring sailors into their murky depths. It is said that up north, the occasional selkie can be found at the border between Maline and Guivre. The most dangerous creature would be the Scylla, a monstrous beast that rarely leaves survivors. Out in the wild sea, the Kraken is to be feared, as an encounter will surely sink your ship. Roaming the land, one can occasionally encounter the chimera. Beware it's fiery breath!
IMAGINE: Greek and Mediterranean aesthetics, Santorini, Palma in Mallorca, Alfama in Lisbon, The city of Porto, Cote d'Azur in France
Most towns in Maline have a certain hierarchy, where the head house–often a powerful politician chosen by the people–has the final say for what goes on in the city. However, in recent years, some of the houses have gained a larger following and political ground. The House of [name] is well known for having defeated the Kraken miles off the shore of Mykos. While Maline is seen as a republic, in a sense that all citizens can air their grievances and address their problems in the town
Forum, the House of [name] often has the final say in what direction the country goes. There is also a large gap of wealth between the titled Houses and their people. In recent times, the technology and wealth gap has caused tension between the commoners and the nobles.
Maline is a somewhat patriarchal society, therefore the head patriarch of said house is also the practicing ruler of the country. The forum and his magistrates often keep his power in check.
Maline is a somewhat patriarchal society, therefore the head patriarch of said house is also the practicing ruler of the country. The forum and his magistrates often keep his power in check.
While most of Maline still believe in the legends of Frey, the shapeshifter, they are also seafaring people, who believe that the shapeshifter takes the shape of a huge storm off the coast. To appease the shapeshifter god, they offer fruit and offerings by placing them into boats made of leaves and offer it to the ocean, and ask priests to bless ships and boats before they leave the coast.
The people of Maline also highly value education; many towns have public schools for all who wish to join. They're very open in terms of same-sex relationships and polygamy; they don't exactly view relationships as binary. After all, many of the men are sailors, they don't exactly stay in one place all the time. However, as progressive as they may seem, they are still highly patriarchal. Men, especially landowning men or owners of fleets, have much more power than women often do. That's not to say women do not have rights, they are simply expected to care for other things. However, many women in the region disagree; more often than not, you'll see a couple of female sailors upon every ship, even if they have to fight harder to gain a position than the men do.
Most cities of Maline are coastal, and therefore, the ports are extremely important. Made of bright stone, some colorful and some in simple colors, their cities are a wonder to behold. Many use systems of canals to travel rather than roads. Many markets also take place upon the water; one can find some of the freshest seafood, freshly caught that morning.
Maline also has plenty of legends and sea shanties to pass around. They do have a large amount of mythical beasts after all. Water fairies often speak of the strange creatures beyond their borders, things they've seen. Glowing beaches, the great Kraken, the sirens' songs...the people here are often big talkers, sitting around the campfire swapping stories. Their music too, sounds like the ocean.
The people of Maline also highly value education; many towns have public schools for all who wish to join. They're very open in terms of same-sex relationships and polygamy; they don't exactly view relationships as binary. After all, many of the men are sailors, they don't exactly stay in one place all the time. However, as progressive as they may seem, they are still highly patriarchal. Men, especially landowning men or owners of fleets, have much more power than women often do. That's not to say women do not have rights, they are simply expected to care for other things. However, many women in the region disagree; more often than not, you'll see a couple of female sailors upon every ship, even if they have to fight harder to gain a position than the men do.
Most cities of Maline are coastal, and therefore, the ports are extremely important. Made of bright stone, some colorful and some in simple colors, their cities are a wonder to behold. Many use systems of canals to travel rather than roads. Many markets also take place upon the water; one can find some of the freshest seafood, freshly caught that morning.
Maline also has plenty of legends and sea shanties to pass around. They do have a large amount of mythical beasts after all. Water fairies often speak of the strange creatures beyond their borders, things they've seen. Glowing beaches, the great Kraken, the sirens' songs...the people here are often big talkers, sitting around the campfire swapping stories. Their music too, sounds like the ocean.
Malinians usually have honey or olive skin, and hair color from honey brown to black. They mostly have brown or blue eyes due to the large amount of water fairies that live on their coasts. Most Malinians have a mixed heritage due to their people traveling all around the world to trade. There are also those who are not fairies who live here. Mermen and Selkies have been found on the coasts of certain islands and hidden beaches.
The diet here consists heavily of fish and other sea creatures. Crab, eel, squid, even shark and sea urchins are often in every meal. Certain recipes use raw fish, but the most common is a simple seafood paella. A lot of their food also comes from the wild plants that grow in the region. Olives are a favorite snack, providing oil and paste for other flavourings. The bay leaf is often used in sauces and stews, and mint tea is a rather popular drink here. Spices are used heavily in this region. Foods they cannot finish are often preserved; salted fish and shrimp can often be seen drying out in the sun.
The clothing worn in Maline are often flowing dresses in linen or cotton. It's simply a little too hot otherwise. Esperadrilles are common, and clothing are often in light colors with embroidery or pattern to it. It's quite fashionable to wear large hats to keep the sun out of one's eyes.
The diet here consists heavily of fish and other sea creatures. Crab, eel, squid, even shark and sea urchins are often in every meal. Certain recipes use raw fish, but the most common is a simple seafood paella. A lot of their food also comes from the wild plants that grow in the region. Olives are a favorite snack, providing oil and paste for other flavourings. The bay leaf is often used in sauces and stews, and mint tea is a rather popular drink here. Spices are used heavily in this region. Foods they cannot finish are often preserved; salted fish and shrimp can often be seen drying out in the sun.
The clothing worn in Maline are often flowing dresses in linen or cotton. It's simply a little too hot otherwise. Esperadrilles are common, and clothing are often in light colors with embroidery or pattern to it. It's quite fashionable to wear large hats to keep the sun out of one's eyes.
Communication: There's a large difference between the ships of the houses that rule Maline and the common everyday boat. Most commoners still use messenger birds to travel long distances over seas to provide messages to their sailors. Signal flags and flares are often used at sea. However, the official ships of the houses have morse code and radio to communicate.
Medicine: Most healers are powerful water fairies who use the flow of blood to heal problems in the body. However, it's a dangerous craft and one must be careful to trust a legitimate doctor this way. However, things like surgeries aren't very advanced in Maline. Herbal medicines are still trusted around the country.
Heat/Water/Light: Due to the water fairies that rule this land, Maline is powered by dams and aqueducts, and running water is common throughout the region. While electricity does exist, most Malinians prefer fire and gas lamps instead. Lights are also made by light fairies who have found a way to power things without electricity. Refrigeration, however, is common in Maline due to the water fairies' magic and the need to refrigerate the fish they rely on day to day.
Transportation: Most of Maline travels by ships, but many of their ships resemble wooden caravels and junkboats. After all, they have little need for motors, as water fairies are all over the country. Other than by boat, most Malinians either walk or take the steam engine.
Other:
IMAGINE: Late 1700s mostly (plus fridges and the occasional radio)
Medicine: Most healers are powerful water fairies who use the flow of blood to heal problems in the body. However, it's a dangerous craft and one must be careful to trust a legitimate doctor this way. However, things like surgeries aren't very advanced in Maline. Herbal medicines are still trusted around the country.
Heat/Water/Light: Due to the water fairies that rule this land, Maline is powered by dams and aqueducts, and running water is common throughout the region. While electricity does exist, most Malinians prefer fire and gas lamps instead. Lights are also made by light fairies who have found a way to power things without electricity. Refrigeration, however, is common in Maline due to the water fairies' magic and the need to refrigerate the fish they rely on day to day.
Transportation: Most of Maline travels by ships, but many of their ships resemble wooden caravels and junkboats. After all, they have little need for motors, as water fairies are all over the country. Other than by boat, most Malinians either walk or take the steam engine.
Other:
IMAGINE: Late 1700s mostly (plus fridges and the occasional radio)
GUIVRE
(GEEV-r)
CLIMATE Tundra
LANGUAGE Heilian
POPULATION 20k MAJORITY Water & Dark
RULED BY The Elder Council
CLIMATE Tundra
LANGUAGE Heilian
POPULATION 20k MAJORITY Water & Dark
RULED BY The Elder Council
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While some may say that Guivre is just a barren wasteland, it’s rather beautiful really. Snow-covered and hilly, the forests provide wood in the shape of evergreen trees and conifers, as well as mosses, lichens and berry bushes for the animals and people who live here.. Guivre is the land of large beasts, such as the caribou, polar bear, walrus, and many others. While only a small portion of the country is coastal, there are plenty of frozen lakes and rivers across the land that provide a seafood heavy diet for the people.
Guivre has the most extreme cold of all the regions; half the year, they are covered in snow, and even in the summer, one can find permafrost if they dig deep enough. Known for their glacier lakes and their highland moors, most of Guivre is sparsely covered by lichen and moss, or heather fields. There is also something known as the eternal storm; in the freezing winters, the people both fear the snowstorm that swirls around them eternally, but also use it to safekeep their towns and villages. They say to never attack Guivre in the winter, for one won’t even make it past the mist. It is said that the spirits can guide those who are lost if they have a true heart; sometimes one can see them dancing in the sky.
Being so north, they also have a phenomenon called the endless night and the midnight sun. In the winter, they barely get any sunlight, making it a key spot for shadow fairies to work. In the summer, there are a couple of weeks when there’s no nights at all; many light fairies come up in the summer to see that unique sight. There are occasional reports of the kraken or the Jotmungandr–the snake of the life tree–seen in the wild oceans. Wild Kelpies–sea horses–can be seen on the shores, and Selkies make their homes in the glaciers. One of the most mysterious things you can see is the Barghest, the undead wolfhound. It's said that they are an omen of death; if you see one, it's better to return home, for the eternal storm is brewing.
IMAGINE: Nordic aesthetics. Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Gamla Stan in Stockholm.
Guivre has the most extreme cold of all the regions; half the year, they are covered in snow, and even in the summer, one can find permafrost if they dig deep enough. Known for their glacier lakes and their highland moors, most of Guivre is sparsely covered by lichen and moss, or heather fields. There is also something known as the eternal storm; in the freezing winters, the people both fear the snowstorm that swirls around them eternally, but also use it to safekeep their towns and villages. They say to never attack Guivre in the winter, for one won’t even make it past the mist. It is said that the spirits can guide those who are lost if they have a true heart; sometimes one can see them dancing in the sky.
Being so north, they also have a phenomenon called the endless night and the midnight sun. In the winter, they barely get any sunlight, making it a key spot for shadow fairies to work. In the summer, there are a couple of weeks when there’s no nights at all; many light fairies come up in the summer to see that unique sight. There are occasional reports of the kraken or the Jotmungandr–the snake of the life tree–seen in the wild oceans. Wild Kelpies–sea horses–can be seen on the shores, and Selkies make their homes in the glaciers. One of the most mysterious things you can see is the Barghest, the undead wolfhound. It's said that they are an omen of death; if you see one, it's better to return home, for the eternal storm is brewing.
IMAGINE: Nordic aesthetics. Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Gamla Stan in Stockholm.
Guiverians organize themselves into their large towns and surrounding villages that trade around them. While there isn’t really a formal structure nor a king, each mayor of the large trading ports and towns–often chosen by how much they contribute to the local economy–as well as the respected elders come together as a council to decide the fate of the region through coalitions and treaties. Usually, the most powerful fairy in each village–and the most trusted and respected–become the chief. A chief is as strong as his council; many of Guivre's towns and villages act like a family unit. Everyone works together to make sure others are well provided.
Towns themselves are structured in a circular fashion, or around a water source. It's essential that the homes generally stay in a similar area, for a snowstorm can easily lock everyone in. Some villages build indoor tunnels to travel, as the winds may be too fierce for people in the winter. The most well-known is Harge in southern Guivre, a colorful town by the Fjords. Another key location is the Dalry prison. On the far east of Guivre, it's miles away from any town; it holds some of the top security prisoners from around the world, and is nearly impenetrable. It's also a training location for many guards.
Towns themselves are structured in a circular fashion, or around a water source. It's essential that the homes generally stay in a similar area, for a snowstorm can easily lock everyone in. Some villages build indoor tunnels to travel, as the winds may be too fierce for people in the winter. The most well-known is Harge in southern Guivre, a colorful town by the Fjords. Another key location is the Dalry prison. On the far east of Guivre, it's miles away from any town; it holds some of the top security prisoners from around the world, and is nearly impenetrable. It's also a training location for many guards.
Most Guiverians are worshippers of Frey, the fluid god. He takes the shape of whatever vessel needs to be filled. The same can be said of Guiverians; they’re adaptable, trained to constantly be on the look out. Guiverians are trusting people; it’s extremely important to be hospitable, as any strange traveler may be the god in disguise. They follow the tenets of their religion closely; to adapt and overcome, but to always be welcoming and wary of all, as anyone can be a god or a trickster. Their religion is also somewhat shamanistic; they believe that spirits of animals and other creatures and embody them and make their magic stronger.
A lot of Guiverians are also travelers, choosing to go where they please depending on the seasons and what’s available. Many take jobs as herders, fishermen or hunters, or settle down in the cities and towns.
Guivre is a rather sparse place, therefore their naming traditions are rather different. Most surnames are taken from their father or their mother’s name, with -dia or -die at the end, to signify either son or daughter. Some, however, prefer the suffix -dix when regarding one who does not fit either gender roles.
While they speak Heilian, they speak a dialect that can be difficult to understand due to their heavy accent.
Traditions & Holidays: Coming-of-age ceremony: In many villages, once a boy becomes a man, he must go on his first hunt by himself and bring back the kill for his family as a sign of respect. Often, there will be other hunters trailing after him to see how he hunts, and he is given a ceremony and a celebration when he returns.
Holy Light Festival: The first sighting of the northern lights is a sign of a blessing from Frey; they often float lights down the rivers and lakes to send wishes to their god.
Vera Festival: the first day of snowmelt, which signals the beginning of summer. It’s a large festival, people bringing out the wines and jams they have left, to celebrate with one big feast and usher the sun back into their lives.
A lot of Guiverians are also travelers, choosing to go where they please depending on the seasons and what’s available. Many take jobs as herders, fishermen or hunters, or settle down in the cities and towns.
Guivre is a rather sparse place, therefore their naming traditions are rather different. Most surnames are taken from their father or their mother’s name, with -dia or -die at the end, to signify either son or daughter. Some, however, prefer the suffix -dix when regarding one who does not fit either gender roles.
While they speak Heilian, they speak a dialect that can be difficult to understand due to their heavy accent.
Traditions & Holidays: Coming-of-age ceremony: In many villages, once a boy becomes a man, he must go on his first hunt by himself and bring back the kill for his family as a sign of respect. Often, there will be other hunters trailing after him to see how he hunts, and he is given a ceremony and a celebration when he returns.
Holy Light Festival: The first sighting of the northern lights is a sign of a blessing from Frey; they often float lights down the rivers and lakes to send wishes to their god.
Vera Festival: the first day of snowmelt, which signals the beginning of summer. It’s a large festival, people bringing out the wines and jams they have left, to celebrate with one big feast and usher the sun back into their lives.
Most Guiverians have pale skin and light-colored hair and eyes. They’re usually a stockier build and have thicker hair to keep them warm. Their hair is often left long, but braided or tied back to to the icy cold, as any moisture in the air often freezes. Therefore, their hair is usually course, or treated with certain oils to keep it from freezing too often.
Facial hair is quite common for men here. Due to the climate, they mostly wear heavier coats, made of fur, wool, or animal pelts. They wear thick coats, often decorated with beads sewn in, and fur lined all around. They wear heavy boots, often lined with ridges on the bottom to keep their grip in the snow.
Their diet is rather meat and seafood heavy, supplemented with lichens, berries, etc. often made into preservatives. They’re a tough kind group of people, known for how they can survive in any condition. There's not much variety in options, but there is a lot of preserved and pickled foods up north. People aren't too picky about what they eat here.
Facial hair is quite common for men here. Due to the climate, they mostly wear heavier coats, made of fur, wool, or animal pelts. They wear thick coats, often decorated with beads sewn in, and fur lined all around. They wear heavy boots, often lined with ridges on the bottom to keep their grip in the snow.
Their diet is rather meat and seafood heavy, supplemented with lichens, berries, etc. often made into preservatives. They’re a tough kind group of people, known for how they can survive in any condition. There's not much variety in options, but there is a lot of preserved and pickled foods up north. People aren't too picky about what they eat here.
Communication: Guivre's rugged landscape makes delivering messages difficult. Many rely on dog sled mail to pass on messages, and it can be difficult to communicate, especially when one does not live in a larger town. It may take up to a week to deliver a single message. Recently, the chief has been interested in trying to get radio messages into the towns. At the moment, only the capital and the largest cities have the capacity to do so, and only for official messages.
Medicine: People in Guivre often utilize animal oils, skins, and fats as medicines, such as seal bile for skin problems, or seal fat for snow blindness and burns. Other than that, blood manipulation magic for the rare water fairy is often used, though this craft is usually reserved for the elder women of the towns and villages.
Heat/Water/Light: Most of Guivre still relies on oil lamps and gas to heat their homes. Due to the occasional hot spring that exists, some places rely on steam power and hot springs to heat their homes. Water is easy to retrieve; after all, Guivre's cold enough that there's almost always snow or snowmelt around. The lakes are clear and water is an easy problem to solve.
Transportation: Most of Guiverians use ships to travel, but dog sled and reindeer sledding is popular too. Kelpies exist in the wild, and many a young fairy have tried to rein them in, some succeeding and some...not so much. Often when traveling distances, sleds are used alongside water magic as well. It's rare to see one travel by foot.
Other:
IMAGINE: pre-industrial
Medicine: People in Guivre often utilize animal oils, skins, and fats as medicines, such as seal bile for skin problems, or seal fat for snow blindness and burns. Other than that, blood manipulation magic for the rare water fairy is often used, though this craft is usually reserved for the elder women of the towns and villages.
Heat/Water/Light: Most of Guivre still relies on oil lamps and gas to heat their homes. Due to the occasional hot spring that exists, some places rely on steam power and hot springs to heat their homes. Water is easy to retrieve; after all, Guivre's cold enough that there's almost always snow or snowmelt around. The lakes are clear and water is an easy problem to solve.
Transportation: Most of Guiverians use ships to travel, but dog sled and reindeer sledding is popular too. Kelpies exist in the wild, and many a young fairy have tried to rein them in, some succeeding and some...not so much. Often when traveling distances, sleds are used alongside water magic as well. It's rare to see one travel by foot.
Other:
IMAGINE: pre-industrial
KAMA
(KAH-mah)
CLIMATE Tropical to Temperate
LANGUAGE Arynn
POPULATION 50k MAJORITY Earth, Water, Dark
RULED BY The Leshy
CLIMATE Tropical to Temperate
LANGUAGE Arynn
POPULATION 50k MAJORITY Earth, Water, Dark
RULED BY The Leshy
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As the most biodiverse location in the world, Kama seems like a magical place. Southern Kama is mostly tropical rainforests, but closer to the north, it becomes more of a temperate rainforest. Kama is well known for being the home of many mythical creatures such as the bunyip-a swamp monster–as well as tribes of different creatures, the most well known being the harpy tribes and the mysterious Leshy, a communicator to the great spirit of the forest. Nymphs and Dryads–the spirits of the trees–can also be found all around, and they're usually quite helpful to the lost fairy traveler, even if they like to play a few tricks. Forest fawns can also be found, as they are often sent to deliver messages from the ancient Leshy, the forest spirit that communicates with the great tree.
Still, not all creatures of the forest are kind. Deep in the darkest parts of the forest, one may encounter the legendary Jorôgumo, the spider spirit. She is said to know of the ancient threads that tie people together, and one who's trapped in her webs rarely comes back alive. She doesn't take kindly to those who enter her territory and threaten her children; her ability to cut the strings of one's fate is truly formidable.
It is thought that the entire forest is a living being that constantly expands, and that all of the forest is connected by a network. The trees in Kama are different in a sense that they are more alive, and plenty bigger than trees in other forests around the world. The biggest tree is the large Banyan tree, who’s aerial roots are home to many villages within the forest. The weather often changes multiple times a day, usually raining in the morning and sunny in the afternoons. When it rains, it pours, but when there's sun, there's steam, as the Kama say.
There are countless types of plants and animals that cannot be found outside of Kama, but the most well known animals would be the primates and tigers that prowl through the forest. The brightly colored birds, with their beautiful bright plumage, and the brightly colored insects are also unique to Kama.
IMAGINE: Amazon Rainforest, The Root Bridges of Cherrapunji in India, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, ReGen Villages,
Still, not all creatures of the forest are kind. Deep in the darkest parts of the forest, one may encounter the legendary Jorôgumo, the spider spirit. She is said to know of the ancient threads that tie people together, and one who's trapped in her webs rarely comes back alive. She doesn't take kindly to those who enter her territory and threaten her children; her ability to cut the strings of one's fate is truly formidable.
It is thought that the entire forest is a living being that constantly expands, and that all of the forest is connected by a network. The trees in Kama are different in a sense that they are more alive, and plenty bigger than trees in other forests around the world. The biggest tree is the large Banyan tree, who’s aerial roots are home to many villages within the forest. The weather often changes multiple times a day, usually raining in the morning and sunny in the afternoons. When it rains, it pours, but when there's sun, there's steam, as the Kama say.
There are countless types of plants and animals that cannot be found outside of Kama, but the most well known animals would be the primates and tigers that prowl through the forest. The brightly colored birds, with their beautiful bright plumage, and the brightly colored insects are also unique to Kama.
IMAGINE: Amazon Rainforest, The Root Bridges of Cherrapunji in India, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, ReGen Villages,
There isn’t a centralized government, but rather, different tribes coexist peacefully. They follow the word of the traveling creature, the Leshy. Otherwise, they usually follow the leaders of their village. While the Leshy rarely appears, his messengers will occasionally show up in the villages with their messages, spoken from the Great Tree itself. The tree's word is law; after all, the fairies here are under its domain. Kama is one of the most diverse locations in the world, not only of fairies, but of other magical creatures. A single village often sees fairies, harpies, nymphs, and even fauns coexisting together.
There are two main cities in Kama. Dorna, the capital, is a city built like the dragon blood's tree, tall towers of spindling, colorful veins, built of both trees and earth, it's a magnificent sight to behold. A futuristic looking place, it's a balance of the nature and the forest as well as fairy technology. It's a city of tradition and innovation, and contains one of the largest laboratories for magical plants and properties in the world.
The second city is Reya, the sky city. Built among top of the largest trees in the canopy, it's deep in the forest, and high in the air. Houses built into the trees and branches, it sits above the forest floor lest predators find their way into the fairies' homes. It's often known for being on the edge of the great spirit wilds. Unless one is familiar with the land, they must always follow the paths heading to Reya lest they get lost and find themselves in the grasp of other ancient creatures who may not be as friendly. Due to its close proximity to wild, many unique animals and plants grow only here, and it's much more diverse than Dorna is. Plenty of air fairies live here.
There are two main cities in Kama. Dorna, the capital, is a city built like the dragon blood's tree, tall towers of spindling, colorful veins, built of both trees and earth, it's a magnificent sight to behold. A futuristic looking place, it's a balance of the nature and the forest as well as fairy technology. It's a city of tradition and innovation, and contains one of the largest laboratories for magical plants and properties in the world.
The second city is Reya, the sky city. Built among top of the largest trees in the canopy, it's deep in the forest, and high in the air. Houses built into the trees and branches, it sits above the forest floor lest predators find their way into the fairies' homes. It's often known for being on the edge of the great spirit wilds. Unless one is familiar with the land, they must always follow the paths heading to Reya lest they get lost and find themselves in the grasp of other ancient creatures who may not be as friendly. Due to its close proximity to wild, many unique animals and plants grow only here, and it's much more diverse than Dorna is. Plenty of air fairies live here.
Almost all of the Kama believe in Aos’i, the three-faced god. They believe that the spirit of the forest has three faces–similar to their sacred plant, the Trillium–that represent the three phases of life. The Foliate head represents life, and often cannot be seen through the leaves. The Disgorging head represents death, and it has leaves coming out of his mouth, and the Bloodsucking head has foliage coming out of all facial orifices, and it represents reincarnation.
These beliefs follow through to the Kama and their culture. They decorate their dead with leaves in the mouth, and their seers look at mixtures of leaves to tell what the spirit says. Kama is a very spiritual location, and they follow the guide of the reclusive Leshy, a forest creature that speaks to the trees.
These beliefs also trickle down to the names of the children. The Kama believe that names give their children blessings, and therefore, many are named after plants with mystical properties, such as Primrose, Rowan, Hazel, or Hawthorn. Naming a child after a three leafed plant meant they were under the protection of the three faces.
The Kama often emphasize on coexistence. They are a peaceful people, reading signs in the earth and respecting their neighboring tribes and peoples.
HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS:
Beltane: The midsummer festival, where the people gather the goods of the forest and celebrate by feasting and dancing. It’s a celebration of life.
Imbloc: The spring festival, when the animals leave. It’s a time for gratefulness and change. It’s seeing the past, learning, and growing from it.
Lunasa: The harvest festival, when the animals arrive from their migratory paths. It’s a time of kindness and sharing; people help one another with their problems and struggles and collectively come together to plan what happens next to the community. It’s a time for revival.
These beliefs follow through to the Kama and their culture. They decorate their dead with leaves in the mouth, and their seers look at mixtures of leaves to tell what the spirit says. Kama is a very spiritual location, and they follow the guide of the reclusive Leshy, a forest creature that speaks to the trees.
These beliefs also trickle down to the names of the children. The Kama believe that names give their children blessings, and therefore, many are named after plants with mystical properties, such as Primrose, Rowan, Hazel, or Hawthorn. Naming a child after a three leafed plant meant they were under the protection of the three faces.
The Kama often emphasize on coexistence. They are a peaceful people, reading signs in the earth and respecting their neighboring tribes and peoples.
HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS:
Beltane: The midsummer festival, where the people gather the goods of the forest and celebrate by feasting and dancing. It’s a celebration of life.
Imbloc: The spring festival, when the animals leave. It’s a time for gratefulness and change. It’s seeing the past, learning, and growing from it.
Lunasa: The harvest festival, when the animals arrive from their migratory paths. It’s a time of kindness and sharing; people help one another with their problems and struggles and collectively come together to plan what happens next to the community. It’s a time for revival.
Most of the Kama are darker-skinned, with dark hair and varied eye-colors. They are quite small compared to those from other lands, and are usually built rather lithe and lean. Due to their coexistence with the great forest, it's not unusual to see their fairies grow leaves and moss on their own skin, uniting their spirit with those of the forest. Some of their fairies have also been touched by the spirits, transforming certain limbs to those of the nature's beasts. They may have colorful scales or feathers growing in different locations. It's considered rude to touch their feathers or scales without permission.
Their traditional clothing is often brightly colored, with feathers and patterns, with crowns of bright flowers. They have many types of pigments and colors rarely seen outside of Kama due to their many plants. They often wear patterned scarves decorated as animal patterns. Rattan baskets and bags are quite common, and beaded sandals and moccasins are the preferred footwear for many if they choose not to move barefoot.
Most of the fairies of Kama are vegetarian. It's believed that eating an animal who's death is by a fairy's hands will anger the Great Tree or throw the forest out of balance. It's not illegal to hunt in Kama, but highly frowned upon. There is a certain prejudice towards foreigners who do not follow the said culture while here in Kama. If an animal dies by a fairy's hand, they must bless the earth and pray to the Great Tree for the life that was taken. They can eat the meat that is not killed, but many choose not to.
Their traditional clothing is often brightly colored, with feathers and patterns, with crowns of bright flowers. They have many types of pigments and colors rarely seen outside of Kama due to their many plants. They often wear patterned scarves decorated as animal patterns. Rattan baskets and bags are quite common, and beaded sandals and moccasins are the preferred footwear for many if they choose not to move barefoot.
Most of the fairies of Kama are vegetarian. It's believed that eating an animal who's death is by a fairy's hands will anger the Great Tree or throw the forest out of balance. It's not illegal to hunt in Kama, but highly frowned upon. There is a certain prejudice towards foreigners who do not follow the said culture while here in Kama. If an animal dies by a fairy's hand, they must bless the earth and pray to the Great Tree for the life that was taken. They can eat the meat that is not killed, but many choose not to.
Communication: Surprisingly, the earth fairies of Kama have learned to communicate through the great tree itself. Using its mycellium system like an internet, messages can be sent through the roots of the trees and to those who know how to access it. Most of the earth fairies learn how to access this system, and those who are not often have the technology and magic cast in their homes to do so.
Medicine: Kama has the largest collection of botanical herbs and healing in the world. They might have the most in-depth medicinal system in the world, outside of Nyre. There's a university and a research lab just for researching plant properties of both herbal and magical botany. You're in safe hands here in Kama.
Heat/Water/Light: The people of Kama don't often use fire as a light source, but the natural glowing mushrooms and insects that flutter around the forest. Using fluorescent plants and insects has its benefits, but they don't necessarily provide heat. However, Kama's climate is more than often warm enough. Baking with sun-heated rocks is common and so is using low fires. There is no running water outside of the big cities, but many have found ways to tap into the natural water sources of the forest.
Transportation: Most people walk or follow the lighted paths through Kama. Otherwise, many fairies have trained familiars that bring them to where they need to go.
Other: Kama has one of the most advanced technologies in the world. However, due to their nature-loving lifestyle, they often do not use their high tech devices and technologies, other than those in the cities who make it their goal to understand the jungle they live in.
IMAGINE: Modern day but more environmentally friendly! Permaculture, green energy, etc.
Medicine: Kama has the largest collection of botanical herbs and healing in the world. They might have the most in-depth medicinal system in the world, outside of Nyre. There's a university and a research lab just for researching plant properties of both herbal and magical botany. You're in safe hands here in Kama.
Heat/Water/Light: The people of Kama don't often use fire as a light source, but the natural glowing mushrooms and insects that flutter around the forest. Using fluorescent plants and insects has its benefits, but they don't necessarily provide heat. However, Kama's climate is more than often warm enough. Baking with sun-heated rocks is common and so is using low fires. There is no running water outside of the big cities, but many have found ways to tap into the natural water sources of the forest.
Transportation: Most people walk or follow the lighted paths through Kama. Otherwise, many fairies have trained familiars that bring them to where they need to go.
Other: Kama has one of the most advanced technologies in the world. However, due to their nature-loving lifestyle, they often do not use their high tech devices and technologies, other than those in the cities who make it their goal to understand the jungle they live in.
IMAGINE: Modern day but more environmentally friendly! Permaculture, green energy, etc.
HEIZOEK
(HEI-zoh-EK)
CLIMATE Alpine
LANGUAGE Heilian
POPULATION 70k MAJORITY Air, Earth
RULED BY Commune Elders
CLIMATE Alpine
LANGUAGE Heilian
POPULATION 70k MAJORITY Air, Earth
RULED BY Commune Elders
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The mountainous region surprisingly makes for good farmland. The unique mountains, tall pillar-like structures, are also acompanied by more regular mountains, though many of those have been taken over as farmland. There are strange structures in the mountains and plenty of caves. Many are named after legends of the people. While plenty of the region is too steep to live on, plenty of the mountains have been terraced to grow grains such as rice and corn. This land is known to be home to plenty of herbal medicines and teas due to the unique plants that grow in this mountainous region. The weather of Heizoek is usually on the cooler side, being at a higher altitude. The air is often thinner as well, but Heizoek can also a rather humid region, especially by the coasts. The winters can be fierce, but the summers are warm and mellow.
A large variety of natural herbs grow here, from licorice root to jujube, to goji berries and mulberries, there's always plenty to eat, for both the fairies and the wild animals. There are plenty of wild birds, as well as deer, bears, and mountain lions, as well as more unique animals, such as pandas in the bamboo forests and macaques in the mountain forests. Coastal areas also see plenty of fish and otters, even dolphins and porpoises.
Heizoek is also home to many mythical creatures. It is said that the dragons and wyverns find nests in the highest of their mountains. Another creature that makes its home here is the Aswang, though they look rather different than the ones in the forests elsewhere, more jagged and compact. The Nue also lives in the forests. Like a chimera, it is a vengeful spirit, and should be avoided, lest it puts a curse on you. Another creature that can be found is the yeti, a huge beast that makes its home in the mountains. While it's a solitary creature and often peaceful, go too close and it will attack. Variations of cockatrice can be found in the mountain, their wings much bigger than those of the Esso'teran desert.
IMAGINE: Yangshuo mountain range in China, Heavenly Pillar in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China, Guilin China, Macchu Picchu, Pashupatinath temple in Nepal
A large variety of natural herbs grow here, from licorice root to jujube, to goji berries and mulberries, there's always plenty to eat, for both the fairies and the wild animals. There are plenty of wild birds, as well as deer, bears, and mountain lions, as well as more unique animals, such as pandas in the bamboo forests and macaques in the mountain forests. Coastal areas also see plenty of fish and otters, even dolphins and porpoises.
Heizoek is also home to many mythical creatures. It is said that the dragons and wyverns find nests in the highest of their mountains. Another creature that makes its home here is the Aswang, though they look rather different than the ones in the forests elsewhere, more jagged and compact. The Nue also lives in the forests. Like a chimera, it is a vengeful spirit, and should be avoided, lest it puts a curse on you. Another creature that can be found is the yeti, a huge beast that makes its home in the mountains. While it's a solitary creature and often peaceful, go too close and it will attack. Variations of cockatrice can be found in the mountain, their wings much bigger than those of the Esso'teran desert.
IMAGINE: Yangshuo mountain range in China, Heavenly Pillar in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China, Guilin China, Macchu Picchu, Pashupatinath temple in Nepal
A lot of Heizoek works in a communal structure. Everyone has their job in their society, and it’s through working together as a collective that things get done. They have a heavy respect for their elders, and the social construct and rules are very important. The older and more experienced you are, the more respected you are in this society.
The cities in Heizoek are often at the top of lower-lying mountains. The taller mountains are left to the spirits–after all, many creatures prefer their homes higher, in solitude, and the locals understand that. The mountains under the towns and villages are usually terraced as farm land, and aqueducts help bring water to irrigate the crops.
The two main cities of Heizoek are Yang and Yue. They're known as duel capitals, not because they exist constantly, but because it constantly shifts from one to the other. Yang sits in the north and is a city that faces east. There are less mountains in that region, and wild forests exist where farmland doesnt. It's a large community, and A lot of commercial locations base themselves in Yang. Yang has the commercial council that decides exactly how trade will be run.
Yue, however, is the cultural capital of the country. Facing a mountain known as the moon eye due to the caverns where the moon–at its highest–shine down only through a certain skylight, it is the home to many temples and schools. The many philosophers seeking enlightment often come to Yue, to learn from the ancient texts and artifacts in the area. Yue is a religious central, running the country's religious and spiritual ongoings.
The cities in Heizoek are often at the top of lower-lying mountains. The taller mountains are left to the spirits–after all, many creatures prefer their homes higher, in solitude, and the locals understand that. The mountains under the towns and villages are usually terraced as farm land, and aqueducts help bring water to irrigate the crops.
The two main cities of Heizoek are Yang and Yue. They're known as duel capitals, not because they exist constantly, but because it constantly shifts from one to the other. Yang sits in the north and is a city that faces east. There are less mountains in that region, and wild forests exist where farmland doesnt. It's a large community, and A lot of commercial locations base themselves in Yang. Yang has the commercial council that decides exactly how trade will be run.
Yue, however, is the cultural capital of the country. Facing a mountain known as the moon eye due to the caverns where the moon–at its highest–shine down only through a certain skylight, it is the home to many temples and schools. The many philosophers seeking enlightment often come to Yue, to learn from the ancient texts and artifacts in the area. Yue is a religious central, running the country's religious and spiritual ongoings.
Heizoek is named after the bridge of magpies that connected two lovers from different cultures, and the Hei people often connect their own morals and cultural heritage to this idea of connectivity.
Most of Heizoek believe in Zorya, though in a different way than Laicallians do. They believe that light and dark are in everything, and therefore anything dark will have a light side, and anything light may have a dark side. To them, it’s about balance but also seeking the right path for themselves to find their own enlightenment. Their concept of faith removes a lot of the ritual from Lacaille’s worship. Their beliefs are more shamanistic, focusing on certain elders and shamans to communicate to the spirits for them.
All children are taught central core values. Reform, righteousness, self-discovery, morality, and filial piety. Growing up in Heizoek, children are expected to follow the path they discover for themselves, while learning to understand justice and morality, and respecting their elders. Family is extremely important for them, and their social standing is very tied to how successful they can be.
HOLIDAYS & TRADITIONS:
Samhain: Their version of Samhain is the idea that for a month, the doors to the underworld will open and one may communicate to the spirit world. People burn incense and worship together in order to grieve for the ones who they’ve lost and to find answers in the wind.
Most of Heizoek believe in Zorya, though in a different way than Laicallians do. They believe that light and dark are in everything, and therefore anything dark will have a light side, and anything light may have a dark side. To them, it’s about balance but also seeking the right path for themselves to find their own enlightenment. Their concept of faith removes a lot of the ritual from Lacaille’s worship. Their beliefs are more shamanistic, focusing on certain elders and shamans to communicate to the spirits for them.
All children are taught central core values. Reform, righteousness, self-discovery, morality, and filial piety. Growing up in Heizoek, children are expected to follow the path they discover for themselves, while learning to understand justice and morality, and respecting their elders. Family is extremely important for them, and their social standing is very tied to how successful they can be.
HOLIDAYS & TRADITIONS:
Samhain: Their version of Samhain is the idea that for a month, the doors to the underworld will open and one may communicate to the spirit world. People burn incense and worship together in order to grieve for the ones who they’ve lost and to find answers in the wind.
The people of Heizoek range from pale skinned to olive skin, and many have monolids, as well as dark hair and varied eye colors. Some of the villagers that live in the higher altitude or in more remote areas of the mountains have darker grey skin on their hands and feet due to their close proximity to the earth. It is said those who are enlightened can be closer to their element. It is said that the most powerful earth fairy of the land turned into stone while trying to prevent a landslide and split a mountain into two. To have earthy features is to be born powerful, the legend goes.
Heizoek's clothing is often made of wool or animal pelts, with decorative swirls and patterns lining the collars. They often keep to earth tones, though holiday outfits are often in brighter colors such as red. They wear warm boots and hats due to the cold weather.
The diet of Heizoek often contains rice or grains. Such a large region has various smaller cuisines. In the mountains, dumplings are a favorite way to eat meat. The dishes are often heavy on vegetables, the meat minced or sliced into small bits to be combined with vegetables. Food is often a communal event, where many side dishes are shared by all. Poultry and goat is a common meat in Heizoek.
Closer to the coast, the people eat a different type of food. Certain types of olives and other herbs such as licorice root, star anise, and chrysanthemum flowers make both medicine and food, and the soy bean is important. Raw fish and crab, often salted and seasoned, is a delicacy in the coastal regions. They also make large stews and sauces with spices, marinating anything in them. Soup noodles with whatever is available can often be found sold in street markets. Food is a very shared affair in Heizoek; people often eat together, and when greeting one another, often ask if they've eaten yet.
Heizoek's clothing is often made of wool or animal pelts, with decorative swirls and patterns lining the collars. They often keep to earth tones, though holiday outfits are often in brighter colors such as red. They wear warm boots and hats due to the cold weather.
The diet of Heizoek often contains rice or grains. Such a large region has various smaller cuisines. In the mountains, dumplings are a favorite way to eat meat. The dishes are often heavy on vegetables, the meat minced or sliced into small bits to be combined with vegetables. Food is often a communal event, where many side dishes are shared by all. Poultry and goat is a common meat in Heizoek.
Closer to the coast, the people eat a different type of food. Certain types of olives and other herbs such as licorice root, star anise, and chrysanthemum flowers make both medicine and food, and the soy bean is important. Raw fish and crab, often salted and seasoned, is a delicacy in the coastal regions. They also make large stews and sauces with spices, marinating anything in them. Soup noodles with whatever is available can often be found sold in street markets. Food is a very shared affair in Heizoek; people often eat together, and when greeting one another, often ask if they've eaten yet.
Communication: They use air mail. Literally. Air fairies have created a system in which their air magic can help deliver messages through the wind. Using the landscape of the mountains to navigate, air fairies travel through or use their magic to deliver letters to different cities. Flares and fireworks also deliver quick messages to neighboring towns.
Medicine: Heizoek also uses traditional herbs, but often in different teas and bitter drinks to clear out the bad air in their bodies. Another popular craft is acupuncture or using certain types of massage. Earth fairies can sense the vibrations of one's body and manipulate a hard bed to press certain pressure points and release tension from the body.
Heat/Water/Light: A lot of Heizoek uses wind energy due to their position in the mountains. The wind energy can bring electricity, but plenty of people still uses traditional coal to power their stoves and homes. Aqueducts help bring water to the mountains from the river valleys.
Transportation: Most of the people stay in the towns they're born, or earth fairies can take them through tunnels and carts that twist and turn. It's a strange experience, almost like a roller coaster. Another way is to rely on air fairies, who often fly in the air to the other cities. Traveling is rather...exciting in Heizoek. If one gets easily carsick, it might be better to walk or ride a mountain buffalo.
Other: A lot of traditional Heizoek inventions help the way things are done in the region. For example, paper is extra thin and harder to tear due to their need to survive the mountainous winds. They also have devices that can fly, invented by air fairies to allow easier transportation. These are highly kept secrets in the Heizoek region.
IMAGINE: Early 1900s-ish
Medicine: Heizoek also uses traditional herbs, but often in different teas and bitter drinks to clear out the bad air in their bodies. Another popular craft is acupuncture or using certain types of massage. Earth fairies can sense the vibrations of one's body and manipulate a hard bed to press certain pressure points and release tension from the body.
Heat/Water/Light: A lot of Heizoek uses wind energy due to their position in the mountains. The wind energy can bring electricity, but plenty of people still uses traditional coal to power their stoves and homes. Aqueducts help bring water to the mountains from the river valleys.
Transportation: Most of the people stay in the towns they're born, or earth fairies can take them through tunnels and carts that twist and turn. It's a strange experience, almost like a roller coaster. Another way is to rely on air fairies, who often fly in the air to the other cities. Traveling is rather...exciting in Heizoek. If one gets easily carsick, it might be better to walk or ride a mountain buffalo.
Other: A lot of traditional Heizoek inventions help the way things are done in the region. For example, paper is extra thin and harder to tear due to their need to survive the mountainous winds. They also have devices that can fly, invented by air fairies to allow easier transportation. These are highly kept secrets in the Heizoek region.
IMAGINE: Early 1900s-ish
NYRE
(NAI-er)
CLIMATE Subtropical
LANGUAGE All languages
POPULATION 70k MAJORITY Mind, Air, but all fairies exist
RULED BY The Collective & Governor [name]
CLIMATE Subtropical
LANGUAGE All languages
POPULATION 70k MAJORITY Mind, Air, but all fairies exist
RULED BY The Collective & Governor [name]
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As Nyre is a city state, there isn’t a lot of natural flora and fauna other than garden plants and trees. They’re close enough to Kama that Banyan trees are quite common. There are a lot of pets around Nyre, from birds to cats and dogs, as well as scavengers around the city. In the evenings, one can often see foxes and raccoons in the vicinity. Squirrels and birds from nearby areas can be found in the parks all around, and occasional migratory birds can be seen on the city's outskirts. As the city appears on multiple islands, fish and dolphins can be seen in the bay occasionally.
As Nyre is somewhat subtropical, the winters are mild and the summers can be pretty hot. There are occasionally large storms, but the city is used to these, and often recovers quickly.
IMAGINE: Singapore, Mong Kok in Hong Kong, New York, Shibuya in Tokyo, Ginza in Tokyo
As Nyre is somewhat subtropical, the winters are mild and the summers can be pretty hot. There are occasionally large storms, but the city is used to these, and often recovers quickly.
IMAGINE: Singapore, Mong Kok in Hong Kong, New York, Shibuya in Tokyo, Ginza in Tokyo
The city is run by a governor and a being known as the collective, which is a programmed AI that uses a collective thought to judge what is right and wrong. The city values peace and justice, and the different ways of enforcing it are approved by the collective. Almost everything else in the city is autonomous.
Every ten years, the city votes for a new governor. The governor is often tasked with creating alliances and peacemaking within the different regions, as they are heavily dependent on trade. Located on the bay between the two continents, they are the centerplace of the world, therefore Nyre has more diplomats in the city than anywhere else in the world. The said diplomats also form a council to decide how Aster deals with threats.
Every ten years, the city votes for a new governor. The governor is often tasked with creating alliances and peacemaking within the different regions, as they are heavily dependent on trade. Located on the bay between the two continents, they are the centerplace of the world, therefore Nyre has more diplomats in the city than anywhere else in the world. The said diplomats also form a council to decide how Aster deals with threats.
As one of the most modernized locations in the world, Nyre is an almost futuristic city. Their people believe in what they call the Celestial Beings, fairies who have the ability to control space and time. It is said that when one dies, their consciousness joins the collective. A lot of this influences the way the city works. Everything is unified, and almost robotic in a way.
Fairies in Nyre put efficiency over everything. It’s a ‘work smarter not harder’ kind of world, and the fact that this city alone has almost more people than entire regions really speaks to how chaotic it can be. Still, with the innovations created, everything works faster and more efficiently here. Transportation is nearly immediate, technological items can provide everything at a fairy’s beck and call.
Nyre is also one of the most diverse cities in the world. You can find any type of fairy or people there, and their food mirrors all the pockets of different communities. Incidentally, it's also known as a party city. You can literally find anything here, from raves to drugs to alcohol from everywhere else.
The disparity between the rich and the poor can be seen quite evidently in Nyre. The slums in the city are tightly packed; some places don't even see the light of day due to how tight the alleyways and streets are, but on the other hand, the financial district, with all its buildings floating and rising up high, is nearly sterile, the streets wide, bridges going up and over the lower slums.
HOLIDAYS/TRADITIONS:
People in Nyre celebrate most of the holidays that the other regions celebrate, as many residents are from all around the world.
Nyrians celebrate deaths the same way they celebrate life; to die is to join the collective and funerals are to celebrate the wisdom that’s been bestowed onto them by the dead.
Fairies in Nyre put efficiency over everything. It’s a ‘work smarter not harder’ kind of world, and the fact that this city alone has almost more people than entire regions really speaks to how chaotic it can be. Still, with the innovations created, everything works faster and more efficiently here. Transportation is nearly immediate, technological items can provide everything at a fairy’s beck and call.
Nyre is also one of the most diverse cities in the world. You can find any type of fairy or people there, and their food mirrors all the pockets of different communities. Incidentally, it's also known as a party city. You can literally find anything here, from raves to drugs to alcohol from everywhere else.
The disparity between the rich and the poor can be seen quite evidently in Nyre. The slums in the city are tightly packed; some places don't even see the light of day due to how tight the alleyways and streets are, but on the other hand, the financial district, with all its buildings floating and rising up high, is nearly sterile, the streets wide, bridges going up and over the lower slums.
HOLIDAYS/TRADITIONS:
People in Nyre celebrate most of the holidays that the other regions celebrate, as many residents are from all around the world.
Nyrians celebrate deaths the same way they celebrate life; to die is to join the collective and funerals are to celebrate the wisdom that’s been bestowed onto them by the dead.
Nyrians don’t have any specific appearance; they range from all skin colors, hair types, and eye colors. However, they stand out due to the way they dress and the way they decorate their bodies. From pins to piercings to the unique way they draw their faces, they're plenty more colorful and futuristic than the rest of Aster. Their clothing is often quite experimental, and shows plenty more skin than the other countries. Some of them–especially mind fairies–manifest their powers in changing their own appearances. They're usually quite artistic and experimental even in other things, like art and music.
Nyre's cuisine takes from almost all other cuisines, but they're well known for their street food. From stews and curries to skewers of meat and vegetables, to dumplings and wraps...there's really nothing you can't find in Nyre. While the street food is often more of a common man's food, the rich indulge in it just as much. The fanciest restaurants in the city truly stock some of the greatest foods; aged wines, oysters, and caviar flow a plenty.
The style of clothing varies in Nyre. Many on a casual day dress in plain colors and neutrals–blacks, greys, browns–but in the night, it's common to see holographic colors, sheers and neons all over people's clothing and faces. It's a vibrant city, especially well known for its nightlife, after all.
Nyre's cuisine takes from almost all other cuisines, but they're well known for their street food. From stews and curries to skewers of meat and vegetables, to dumplings and wraps...there's really nothing you can't find in Nyre. While the street food is often more of a common man's food, the rich indulge in it just as much. The fanciest restaurants in the city truly stock some of the greatest foods; aged wines, oysters, and caviar flow a plenty.
The style of clothing varies in Nyre. Many on a casual day dress in plain colors and neutrals–blacks, greys, browns–but in the night, it's common to see holographic colors, sheers and neons all over people's clothing and faces. It's a vibrant city, especially well known for its nightlife, after all.
Communication: Most Nyrians carry something akin to a cell phone, except these devices almost seem alive. They're part of an AI system that helps you organize your life, sort of like an assistant. It's rare to see a resident without one. Even visitors can borrow a device from communication centers around the city. They're known to be hard to hack and only personalized for one, but there are many who are skeptical about the privacy element of these devices.
Medicine: The medicine in Nyre is similar to modern antibiotics, using both plant elements and science to create what is known as the most modern medicine system of Aster. If there's something ailing you, one can mostly find its cure here, or it soon will be. However, some of their medicines can be incredibly expensive.
Heat/Water/Light: Almost everything runs by electricity. Heat, water, light, everything works the same as in a modern city, or even better. Their devices do have sensors that just seem to know exactly what you want, after all.
Transportation: Electrical walkways and public high-speed rails are common in Nyre. Other than that, floating cars seem to be everywhere, following specific traffic lines, of course. It really is a sight to see. To cross to the other islands of Nyre, the skyline bridges or the rails are popular.
Other: Almost everything in Nyre is digital these days. Neon lights glow everywhere, inviting you to come and explore. Even their hotels and the simpler jobs around the city are automatic.
IMAGINE: futuristic, ghost in the shell vibes
Medicine: The medicine in Nyre is similar to modern antibiotics, using both plant elements and science to create what is known as the most modern medicine system of Aster. If there's something ailing you, one can mostly find its cure here, or it soon will be. However, some of their medicines can be incredibly expensive.
Heat/Water/Light: Almost everything runs by electricity. Heat, water, light, everything works the same as in a modern city, or even better. Their devices do have sensors that just seem to know exactly what you want, after all.
Transportation: Electrical walkways and public high-speed rails are common in Nyre. Other than that, floating cars seem to be everywhere, following specific traffic lines, of course. It really is a sight to see. To cross to the other islands of Nyre, the skyline bridges or the rails are popular.
Other: Almost everything in Nyre is digital these days. Neon lights glow everywhere, inviting you to come and explore. Even their hotels and the simpler jobs around the city are automatic.
IMAGINE: futuristic, ghost in the shell vibes
KULKAN
(KOHL-kun)
CLIMATE semi-arid
LANGUAGE All languages
POPULATION 70k MAJORITY Mind, Air, but all fairies exist
RULED BY The Collective & Governor [name]
CLIMATE semi-arid
LANGUAGE All languages
POPULATION 70k MAJORITY Mind, Air, but all fairies exist
RULED BY The Collective & Governor [name]
click on the buttons to find out more!
Kulkan is a semi-arid location on the edge of the Kama forest. While parts of it can feel subtropical, the closer it is to the plains, the less humid it gets. Most of Kulkan is grassland and prairie, but it's also a land of great plateaus. There are legends, that the plateaus themselves were the stumps of ancient trees like the Great Tree, chopped down and the rest, petrified. It is said that sitting upon the plateaus can bring fairies closer to the ancient spirits. Perhaps that's why many of the villages are situated on top of the said plateaus.
Kulkan is home to a wide array of animals. From lions and tigers, to various types of deer, antelope, zebra and wilderbeast, it's the closest thing to a safari one can get. Wild horses are common here, and if one is really lucky, they might run into a herd of unicorn as well, though they're often quite elusive and well protected by the locals. There are a few types of wild dogs, most notably the painted wild dog and the jackal. Eagles and different types of hawks can be found nearby, as well as many types of rodents.
Another common creature–albeit a less friendly one–is the chupacabra, a creature that often disrupts farms by draining the blood from their livestock. There are some areas where skinwalkers roam. It's important to avoid them, as they are often dangerous and better left alone.
A common crop in Kulkan is corn, and it's a staple in Kulkan diet. Other than that, wild birches, common juniper, pines and cattails are often found around the region. Acacias, Beeches, and Baobabs are commonly seen among the plains.
IMAGINE: Mesa Verde in Colorado, Montezuma Castle in Arizona, Spruce Tree House in Mesa Verde National Park, Hakka/Tulou Walled Villages in Fujian, China
Kulkan is home to a wide array of animals. From lions and tigers, to various types of deer, antelope, zebra and wilderbeast, it's the closest thing to a safari one can get. Wild horses are common here, and if one is really lucky, they might run into a herd of unicorn as well, though they're often quite elusive and well protected by the locals. There are a few types of wild dogs, most notably the painted wild dog and the jackal. Eagles and different types of hawks can be found nearby, as well as many types of rodents.
Another common creature–albeit a less friendly one–is the chupacabra, a creature that often disrupts farms by draining the blood from their livestock. There are some areas where skinwalkers roam. It's important to avoid them, as they are often dangerous and better left alone.
A common crop in Kulkan is corn, and it's a staple in Kulkan diet. Other than that, wild birches, common juniper, pines and cattails are often found around the region. Acacias, Beeches, and Baobabs are commonly seen among the plains.
IMAGINE: Mesa Verde in Colorado, Montezuma Castle in Arizona, Spruce Tree House in Mesa Verde National Park, Hakka/Tulou Walled Villages in Fujian, China
The Kulkan are a matriarchal society. Women are known to be life-givers in Kulkan, and therefore are respected and seen as authority. Each tribe or village often has a chief chosen by the people. Often the position is given to the wisest woman, or one who understands how to provide and help the next generation of mothers give birth and to care for their children. They're seen as an authority figure and a voice of wisdom, though in most cases, the village chooses what to do together. There is a lot of respect for elders in Kulkan. The young are admired for their energy, while the old are admired for their learned experiences.
The Kulkan central government would be the meeting of chiefs. The most powerful tribe chief–often the biggest, which is Quetza–is the one with the definitive say in Kulkan's foreign affairs. While he may be the leader, the rest of the chiefs have a large say in how things are managed; after all, if a chief feels as if his grievances are not addressed, he might start a war, and the Kulkan do not believe in pointless bloodshed. Often, everything gets discussed and they decide within the conversation.
The Kulkan central government would be the meeting of chiefs. The most powerful tribe chief–often the biggest, which is Quetza–is the one with the definitive say in Kulkan's foreign affairs. While he may be the leader, the rest of the chiefs have a large say in how things are managed; after all, if a chief feels as if his grievances are not addressed, he might start a war, and the Kulkan do not believe in pointless bloodshed. Often, everything gets discussed and they decide within the conversation.
Most of the Kulkan are either wandering tribes, or they live in communal villages upon the plateaus. Walled circular villages with multiple levels, each person and family have a role to fill and a place set aside. The center of the village is often a space for the children to play and the villagers to socialize; they truly believe it takes a village to raise a child. Many villages are entire families on the mothers' side. When a man decides it is time to get married, they leave the village to find another, and when they find a woman of their dreams, their courtship begins. If accepted, they become one of the family, and join the new village. Therefore, women often stay in their home villages most of their lives, but men often come and go as they desire.
The traditional mythology from fire fairies tells a story of a firebird and a serpent that hunted for its eggs. The serpent’s body created the boundary between the earth and the sky, and the firebird was the sun that gave fire life. It is thought that if one should meet the firebird, they will unlock the true gift of a fire fairy and be able to unleash ancient magic. The serpent often represents a sort of hero figure in certain legends; rather than stealing the eggs of the firebird, he chases after it for wisdom and knowledge.
The Kulkan are heavy believers of the winged serpent. In the story of the Firebird and the Serpent, they believe the ancient snake would rest and become the horizon, and they also believed that depending on the length of day compared to night, the serpent would be closer or the phoenix would be farther away. Many of their calculations of holidays and time depend on these said calculations. They believe that it counts a certain cycle of rebirth. Therefore, their holidays often coincide with this belief of the cycle of a phoenix and its winged serpent. The temples around Kulkan also reflect a pattern that follows either a bird or a snake. It's even visible in their cultural clothing.
The traditional mythology from fire fairies tells a story of a firebird and a serpent that hunted for its eggs. The serpent’s body created the boundary between the earth and the sky, and the firebird was the sun that gave fire life. It is thought that if one should meet the firebird, they will unlock the true gift of a fire fairy and be able to unleash ancient magic. The serpent often represents a sort of hero figure in certain legends; rather than stealing the eggs of the firebird, he chases after it for wisdom and knowledge.
The Kulkan are heavy believers of the winged serpent. In the story of the Firebird and the Serpent, they believe the ancient snake would rest and become the horizon, and they also believed that depending on the length of day compared to night, the serpent would be closer or the phoenix would be farther away. Many of their calculations of holidays and time depend on these said calculations. They believe that it counts a certain cycle of rebirth. Therefore, their holidays often coincide with this belief of the cycle of a phoenix and its winged serpent. The temples around Kulkan also reflect a pattern that follows either a bird or a snake. It's even visible in their cultural clothing.
The Kulkan people are a proud people, with features to show for it. High cheekbones, warm skin, and often with long hair, they can range from light to dark skin, and their hair is often wavy or straight. Their eyes are often honey gold or brown. The Kulkan people are believers of animism and rebirth; a lot of their cultural clothing and the way they decorate themselves focuses on that. The beads, the feathers, and the animal skins all add to their usual clothing, along with pieces of bone and animal teeth. They also have carved totems and accessories that are said to connect them to the spirits and the magic of the world.
A lot of their diet is focused on corn or maize. Due to their plethora of animals, the Kulkan diet is more heavily meat based than many of their neighbors. A lot of their food's flavourings come from the different berries native to the land, and their diet heavily relies on beans and native vegetables, like squash, tomatoes, and peppers. They cook a lot of stews, and eat up a lot of the sauce with cornbreads, cassava or other beans.
A lot of their diet is focused on corn or maize. Due to their plethora of animals, the Kulkan diet is more heavily meat based than many of their neighbors. A lot of their food's flavourings come from the different berries native to the land, and their diet heavily relies on beans and native vegetables, like squash, tomatoes, and peppers. They cook a lot of stews, and eat up a lot of the sauce with cornbreads, cassava or other beans.
Communication: Due to the many mind fairies in the region, there is a type of wireless communication that comes through from their magic. There are many villages and towns with fairies that can communicate long distances this way, through certain mind fairies that have such a developed power can be rare. Otherwise, many simply travel on horseback across the towns, delivering letters the traditional way.
Medicine: A lot of Kulkans believe in cleaning a space. Most of their medicine is spiritual, following the ways of the sun and using heat and natural poultices to heal. It's traditional that the spiritual leader and the matriarch of each village is often their healer as well. There's also a secrecy to their medicinal practices; few are ready to disclose to outsiders what their secrets are.
Heat/Water/Light: Most of Kulkan still uses traditional methods of heat, water, and light. Firewood and charcoal are still used to create heat and light. Water is often dug up in wells of the villages, or using the natural rivers and lakes that occur in the area.
Transportation: Most of Kulkan still travels on horseback or by foot. Carriages are common on the roads. A lot of Kulkan is empty fields and winding roads, and it's not difficult to walk on the road, though one must always be careful doing so.
Other:
IMAGINE: A mix of Classical Mayan & early 1800s vibes, home technologies inspired by 18 century chinese walled villages
Medicine: A lot of Kulkans believe in cleaning a space. Most of their medicine is spiritual, following the ways of the sun and using heat and natural poultices to heal. It's traditional that the spiritual leader and the matriarch of each village is often their healer as well. There's also a secrecy to their medicinal practices; few are ready to disclose to outsiders what their secrets are.
Heat/Water/Light: Most of Kulkan still uses traditional methods of heat, water, and light. Firewood and charcoal are still used to create heat and light. Water is often dug up in wells of the villages, or using the natural rivers and lakes that occur in the area.
Transportation: Most of Kulkan still travels on horseback or by foot. Carriages are common on the roads. A lot of Kulkan is empty fields and winding roads, and it's not difficult to walk on the road, though one must always be careful doing so.
Other:
IMAGINE: A mix of Classical Mayan & early 1800s vibes, home technologies inspired by 18 century chinese walled villages
KOJI
(KOH-chee)
CLIMATE temperate
LANGUAGE Heilian
POPULATION 20k MAJORITY Fire, Earth, Water
RULED BY Emperor [name]
CLIMATE temperate
LANGUAGE Heilian
POPULATION 20k MAJORITY Fire, Earth, Water
RULED BY Emperor [name]
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Being in a rather temperate environment, Koji has a lot of different animals and plants. They’re well known for their maples, the gingko, and the sugi tree. There are macaques, deer, cranes, raccoons, bats, and other wild animals on the island. As Koji is an island, there are plenty of fish and sea creatures in the area. There are also unique species here. It is known that there are spirit animals, such as the Nue that find their way through the forests here. If one encounters a creature they don't recognize, it's best to back away slowly, lest they anger the creatures.
Koji is in a temperate climate. It snows in the winter sometimes, but the summers are warm and mild. Koji exists in a dormant volcano, and a lot of hot springs are all around the island. The soil is very fertile on Koji, and a lot of agriculture comes from this island. There are also plenty of unique trees on Koji, such as the golden ginkgo, a tree known in legends as the roosting place of the great firebird. It is said the phoenix stole its golden fruit and thus blessed the emperor, who's home is surrounded by these magnificent trees. There are other trees, such as the Sugi tree, the Maple, and the giant Wisteria, a great purple tree that's said to have divine powers of protection. A well known sight is the spring cherry blossoms, where trees turn pink and beautiful. It's truly a sight to behold.
IMAGINE: Kyoto, Japan, Meiji Temple & Forest in Tokyo, Eiho-ji in Tajima, Japan, Angkor Wat in Cambodia (ruins and old Koji)
Koji is in a temperate climate. It snows in the winter sometimes, but the summers are warm and mild. Koji exists in a dormant volcano, and a lot of hot springs are all around the island. The soil is very fertile on Koji, and a lot of agriculture comes from this island. There are also plenty of unique trees on Koji, such as the golden ginkgo, a tree known in legends as the roosting place of the great firebird. It is said the phoenix stole its golden fruit and thus blessed the emperor, who's home is surrounded by these magnificent trees. There are other trees, such as the Sugi tree, the Maple, and the giant Wisteria, a great purple tree that's said to have divine powers of protection. A well known sight is the spring cherry blossoms, where trees turn pink and beautiful. It's truly a sight to behold.
IMAGINE: Kyoto, Japan, Meiji Temple & Forest in Tokyo, Eiho-ji in Tajima, Japan, Angkor Wat in Cambodia (ruins and old Koji)
Koji island is ruled by an emperor and his warriors. While it’s a peaceful land, the emperor’s word is law, and Koji is quite strict on order. There is a social structure and they rarely tolerate any dissonance. The people of Koji believe in the divine right of kings. Whatever the emperor says, it is law. Even if the emperor has advisors, he does not need to be held accountable to any council. Therefore, whatever he says goes. While most of Koji's history, there has been little conflict and many of the said emperors have been just, there have been a few bad apples.
While the divine right means the emperor is all powerful, that does not mean they go unchallenged. If another presents a formal list of grievances, they can challenge the emperor to a duel of the firebird. They must fight until one is dead, and the survivor is crowned emperor. Of course, there are rules in place to prevent anyone from taking advantage, especially of a young emperor, but it is possible to challenge a dynasty.
While the divine right means the emperor is all powerful, that does not mean they go unchallenged. If another presents a formal list of grievances, they can challenge the emperor to a duel of the firebird. They must fight until one is dead, and the survivor is crowned emperor. Of course, there are rules in place to prevent anyone from taking advantage, especially of a young emperor, but it is possible to challenge a dynasty.
A lot of Koji believe in the firebird, but in a different way. There’s a legend that the firebird had stolen from the golden ginkgo tree in the emperor’s garden and when he caught the bird, the bird gave him the power of the phoenix. Therefore, the emperor was given the power of the sun, and was blessed with the wisdom of the gods. A lot of people have shrines worshipping the firebird and asking for its blessing and wisdom.
Koji is also very dedicated to their art forms, from ancient dances and outfits, to traditional arts and crafts. Due to the high pressure of the earth here, a lot of minerals can be found, many often made into beautiful sculptures and temples, or used as pigments and dyes. Bright blues and deep browns are pigments that can be easily found in Koji compared to other locations. Koji is also known for their glassmaking.
HOLIDAYS/TRADITIONS:
The emperor’s birthday: A huge celebration. Everyone takes a day off and there are races and performances and street markets celebrating. It is also a day of enlightenment, and many send fire lanterns up to the sky in order to make wishes to the firebird for wisdom and strength for the upcoming year.
Koji is also very dedicated to their art forms, from ancient dances and outfits, to traditional arts and crafts. Due to the high pressure of the earth here, a lot of minerals can be found, many often made into beautiful sculptures and temples, or used as pigments and dyes. Bright blues and deep browns are pigments that can be easily found in Koji compared to other locations. Koji is also known for their glassmaking.
HOLIDAYS/TRADITIONS:
The emperor’s birthday: A huge celebration. Everyone takes a day off and there are races and performances and street markets celebrating. It is also a day of enlightenment, and many send fire lanterns up to the sky in order to make wishes to the firebird for wisdom and strength for the upcoming year.
The Koji people have a diverse look, from light to dark skin, but they often have straight, dark hair and earth tones. They also often decorate their faces with gold to signify the ginkgo tree. Golden and glass jewelry is very common here, and their traditional outfits often paint beautiful pictures of birds and mountains and natural flowers. They wear heavy coats and kimonos when traveling, but their daily wear can be much more simple, long skirts or pants, made of cotton or linen.
The Koji people tend to have a seafood based diet due to their location as an island. Their food base is often rice, and they will eat seafood both cooked or raw, with spices and sauces to make them taste better. They also have a fondness for beans and soy, and many fermented foods make a basis for the diet of their people.
While many of Koji's residents may be fire and earth fairies, they also gain a lot of their traits from the water. Many can swim extremely well, and have residual webbing or fins. Others have gained their strength from the volcano themselves; some of the fire fairies may have hands and feet that are coal black due to their proximity to the fire. It's often seen as a sign of strength.
The Koji people tend to have a seafood based diet due to their location as an island. Their food base is often rice, and they will eat seafood both cooked or raw, with spices and sauces to make them taste better. They also have a fondness for beans and soy, and many fermented foods make a basis for the diet of their people.
While many of Koji's residents may be fire and earth fairies, they also gain a lot of their traits from the water. Many can swim extremely well, and have residual webbing or fins. Others have gained their strength from the volcano themselves; some of the fire fairies may have hands and feet that are coal black due to their proximity to the fire. It's often seen as a sign of strength.
