Maust

Maust, the colloquial term for the known world, lives with tumultuous oceans and four continental islands, three of which are habitable by the common Maustian. Gyuul is the largest and shares a coast with each of Maust's five oceans; over half of the world's population settles on this resource rich, lush and above all safe central island. The pillar of religion, self-governance and economy is also home to the birthplace of Py the Alpha, referred to by all but the most devout as simply Py. His awakening and with it Maust's very creation is revered and worshiped worldwide and his cradle, seen still as a source-less fountain flowing endlessly with heavenly water baptizes any willing to walk with one of the nine Arks, or Gods of the world. Kriit, Hanjin and Ghest, the Arks of religion, self-governance and economy respectively, watch over the three peaceful Kingdoms with pride.   Finstill and Weer, the other two habitable islands could be no different from one another, however. The Fires of Finstill, the single deadliest event in Maust's history claimed over 90% of the continent's life; plant, animal, humanoid and beasts. Those that survived the fires thrived in the wake of destruction though and their supernatural and often wild use of Py's manna attracts Maust's most misunderstood and mistrusted individuals. With no lasting governing bodies and land that smolders from the fires still burning deep below, Finstill is not for the unprepared traveler or sight-seer. Weer sits as a crown atop the world and is bathed in sunlight year-around giving its landscape a rich, golden hue and its denizens bronzed skin. Perhaps most welcoming to all of Py's creations, Saambulu and his Shamans carefully protect the holy grounds with strict but easy-to-follow continental rules. Smiths and metallurgists, gunsmiths and anyone willing to delve past the Horizon with a pick in their hands has a reason to visit, or live on, Weer.   Hiding deep below the rest of Maust, cast in eternal shadow and hostile to both light and magic is the damned land, Vensl. "Dark" or "Damned" are the only spoken words to describe the series of nightmares and horror stories that surround the mysterious island. From a very young age children are taught not to speak its name and those that do are struck with ill omen, poor luck or worse. Remarkably the inorganic beings of Maust roam the landscape, rumors state with the spirits of the deceased, and return to the other islands with no signs of harm. How the elementals and constructs manage to cross the Primeval Deeps without a ship or any craft has never been discovered.