Welcome to Elvara
A dark fantasy setting with grimlight characters...
It is the year 1405 in the Elvaran calendar, 74 years since the gory rise of Malvarri Empire. Emperor Lucianno Malvarro sits on the Azure Throne just as the founding father of the empireAugustas, did before him. The occupation of the once independent city states of Elvara by Malvarron's forces continues, ensuring the subjugation of the elvaran peoples. But none are more persecuted than those suspected of channelling ether. Regardless of its illegal nature, the power of etheral magic is fading and spiritual traditions are being eroded by Malvari attitudes. Amongst the winners and the losers of the Vanguard Revolution; brave warriors and power-hungry tyrants pull the threads of the realm; some fighting for the new world, some fighting for the old world, and some fighting for something different altogether.
What will you fight for?
by Canva Dream Labs
The Region at a Glance
At the centre of the Astaerian region lies Elvara, a vast landscape of lush valleys, rugged hills and fertile plains. Its undeveloped terrain, south of the Jagged Mountains, is covered in ancient arboreal forest where nomads roam as stewards of the natural world. It has been over 20 years since the Second Great Elvaran War reaped devastation upon the once independent city states of the Empire, and it's rumoured that Emperor Lucianno is seeking further expansion into the seemingly untameable wilderness of the east. The Elvaran world is getting smaller.Main Elvaran Settlements
The Grand City of Malvarron
The flourishing capital of the Empire, renamed by Augustas Malvarro on his ascension to the Azure Throne. Though its old name, Revaelor, was consigned to the history books, the districts within the city have largely remained unchanged (with the exception of Shadesend, the latest expansion to the city, and the addition of the Imperial District taking over the parklands of Low Town).You can read more about the capital here.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is a major trading port on the southern coast of the Malvarron Empire, famous for its ancient Redbridge spanning the cleft of the Iron River Estuary and its Floating Markets and Bazaar. Many trade goods from other kingdoms in Astaeria, especially the Ember Isles can be found here which and are then traded and transported around the Empire. The Bridgeport Guild of Scholars is in the Upper City, boasting the biggest library and historical works in all of Malvarron.
Greyspire
Greyspire is home to the Church of the Divine Mother, the last sizeable place of worship in Elvara which is dedicated to the high goddess Ethera and the twelve. A place of piety, the church's elaborate spire dominates the town's skyline, with its intricate and twisting stone branches thought to represent the world tree of legend. Despite its occupied status, the city enjoys a relatively peaceful existence than most cities in the empire, but beneath the surface tension is bubbling between the High Priestess Virelda Krenn and her loyal clergy, and the empire's forces.Ironheim
Ironheim was once an independent city state populated by the ancestors of Kuldrithian settlers. Since 'the Five Day War' in 1334 A.E., the Empire, who exploit the population for their scientific and mining technologies, have occupied the city. There is a large military presence here, including a curfew in place for ordinary citizens and enforced prohibition laws preventing the sale of strong alcohol. Travel to and from the city requires the use of a document stamped by a Vanguard officer, but black market goods often find their way through. The current leaders of the city are Lord Merron of Ironheim and Saphira Malvarro, Emperor Lucianno's aunt.Littleton-on-the-Moor
A settlement of moorish dwarves known to some as 'halflings'. The small town is famous for the The Cloak and Tater Inn and its surrounding farmsteads.
by Canva Dream Labs
Famous for its ancient clock tower, traditional rooftop gardens, and rich orchards, Springbrook is the largest township in eastern Elvara. With an eclectic mix of human, elven and elfish locals, the liberal town has suffered greatly since its occupation. Increasing poverty, declining working conditions and frequent attacks from creatures disturbed by persistent felling are worsened by the Vanguard who rule the town with an iron fist.
Stronghold
Considered the last frontier of the Malvarri Empire, Stronghold is a fortress town on the north-eastern coast of Elvara. Built by the Duchy of Tarryn to keep out raiding parties from the Barren Wastes, the town has a rich, yet relatively modern history, with Stronghold Fortress being a major base of operations for theVanguard since the its construction in the1320s.
by Canva Dream Labs
Tullis Island
Tullis Island, off the south-west coast of the continent, is the most recent of elvaran territory to fall into the empire's clutches. The harbour is home to a small coastal town and shipyard. Under the Empire's banner, however, the small town seems to have become home to a secretive naval installation, giving rise to rumours that Emperor Lucianno has his sights set on conquering his grandfather's homeland—the The Ember Isles. Further inland, Erragar's School of Arcana, once specialising in the scholarly study of magic, has been captured by the empire, and turned into a prison and re-education centre for those suspected of channelling ether.Whittlebay
A sleepy seaside town on the south coast of Elvara. Though historically poor, Whittlebay has undergone a fair amount of regeneration since the empire took control of the Duchy and invested in its infrastructure. The small town is now home to many holiday villas belonging to rich merchants and malvarri noblemen.
Zelgrod
by Canva Dream Lab
A land of Diverse Peoples...
Over thousands of years, many peoples have made Elvara their home.Elvaran Languages
Elvara's diverse tapestry of peoples has produced a diverse collection of languages and dialects. An educated scholar, or a well-travelled merchant or mercenary, may be familiar with more than one of these...
The Elvaran Common Tongue
A mix of ancient Mathidoni, with a unique sprinkle of of Silvanic (Language) and Embari. This is the language spoken by most Elvarans and many foreign dignitaries and traders.Caldish
Also known as 'mountain speech,' this language originated in the dwarven kingdom of Kuldrith and is the first language of the people of Ironheim.Ebonic
Known colloquially as chaos speech, ebonic is a language banished to the shadows. Used only by loyal worshippers of Baelor and Zenykul, chaos speech is highly frowned upon in Elvaran society.Embari
A language which originates in the The Ember Isles. Known as 'Romantic Prose', this language is so fashionable due to Malvarri rule that some elvaran poets and bards choose to incorporate it into their work.Ivaki
The language of the astaerian frosty north. Spoken in Elvara by a small minority of orcish folk who are descended from the Vakish clans of Vaklund.Mathidonic
The language spoken in the ill-fated empire Mathidon and is the favoured language of Errolone. Sometimes referred to as 'Old Elven Tongue', mathidonic linguistics has influenced present day common tongue to such a degree that anyone who speaks Mathidonic will understand the 'crude' Elvaran Common Tongue to a certain degree, though things can sometimes get lost in translation!Silvanic
The 'language of the forests' (or 'the language of savages' if you happen to be one of the empire's elite). It is little spoken in Malvarron, especially where one might be overheard. However, silvanic still spoken in some parts of east-elvara, especially by the elusive elven tribes who occupy the forest.Natural Law
To elvarans, the world is a flat paradise constructed by the goddess Ethera, after the fall of Mel'aneth (see here). The world, named after the divine mother, has one sun lighting the daytime (defended by the Guardian Solas), one major moon (protected by Lunaris) and three smaller moons said to represent Lunaris' three cursed children. Some scholars say that the Ebonveil divides the realms of the living and the dead. Upon death, many elvarans believe that only the purest followers of the Mother remain in the divine realm after their passing as a steward of the world. For most though, followers of the Twelve believe that their ether is repurposed by the goddess Ethera to create new life—thus begins a cycle of rebirth.Beneath the Ebonveil though, shrouded in chaos magic, it is said there is a realm overlapping the mortal realm, which is beyond a mortal's perception. Baelor's immortal loyalists remain 'trapped' in the liminal space between Ethera's divine realm and the mortal world. From here, Baelor's loyalists, gently tip the scales in favour of Ethera's nemesis, corrupting the fabric of life itself.
A note on the Elvaran Calendar
There are 7 days in a week in the Elvaran calendar, 28 days in a lunar cycle (or month), and 12 months of the year (one for each of the realms Guardians. The four seasons are also named after (lesser) deities. They are Lothnune (the season of rebirth), Aranor is (the season of the high sun), Rostide is (the season of the rains) and Callenta (the cold season).
Religion
Religion in Astaeria has been common across all peoples since before the Mathidoni Empire, with deities and gods shared across species, ethnicities and cultures.
Traditional elvarans follow the spiritual path of ethera, honouring the twelve at 'guardian shrines'.
The importance of religion in Elvara, however, is being eroded by the empire who champion strength and honour over religious pursuits.
Meanwhile, other elvarans are moving away from the teachings of the Divine Mother, tempted by the chaos and riches of the Shadow Pantheon, prompting many religious scholars to warn against Zenykul's corruption.
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