Aetheris

The Lands of Ice, Stone, and Fire

  Aetheris is a vast and varied continent, shaped by towering mountains, sprawling forests, frosty tundras, burning lava fields, and sun-drenched shores. Its nations are divided by geography and culture, yet trade and conflict bind them together.  

Northern Aetheris

  The frigid north is dominated by Vinterhaven, a land of icy tundras and glacier-carved fjords. To the south lies the mountainous Ironholt, whose towering peaks and cavernous mines act as natural barriers between the frozen expanse of Vinterhaven and the temperate lands beyond. On the southwest, where the Cerulean Peaks give way to volcanoes, lies the fire forged country of Ardentia. Lastly, the small starlit nation of Dunmarra lies tucked under the shadows of Ironholt’s mountains.   Vinterhaven, the Arctic Reach

• Geography: Located in the far north, its borders are defined by endless snowfields, ice plains, and jagged coastlines.
• Neighboring Nations: Shares its southern border with Ironholt and . Coastal trade is possible via ice-breaking ships navigating frigid seas.
• Landmarks: Frostgate Pass, the only reliable land route into Ironholt during summer thaws.

  Ironholt, the Bastion of Stone

• Geography: Nestled within the massive Stonevault Range, Ironholt’s underground halls and mines extend deep into the mountains.
• Neighboring Nations: Borders Vinterhaven to the north and the Winterlight Plains to the south.
• Landmarks: The Skyforged Peaks (highest mountains in Aetheris), Glowstone Caverns (rich in magical ores).
• Trade Routes: The Stonevault Highway, a dwarven-engineered road through the mountains, facilitates trade with neighboring Winterlight Plains and beyond.

  Ardentia, the Fireforged Kingdom

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  Dunmarra, the Starlit Realm

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Central Aetheris

  Temperate and fertile, the heart of Aetheris is dominated by forests, grasslands, and rolling hills. Here lie the Winterlight Plains, the sprawling Elderwood Sovereignty, and the Cindermarch Dominion.   Winterlight Plains

• Geography: A vast expanse of grassy plains and gentle rivers south of Ironholt.
• Neighboring Nations: Borders Ironholt, Ardentia, and Dunmarra to the north, Elderwood Sovereignty to the west, Sylvara to the East, and Cindermarch Dominion to the south.
• Landmarks: The Amberleaf Groves (prime source of amberleaf pods).
• Trade Routes: The Amber Path, a major trade route that connects Ironholt to Elderwood and Cindermarch.

  Elderwood Sovereignty

• Geography: An immense temperate forest to the west of the Winterlight Plains.
• Neighboring Nations: Shares borders with the Winterlight Plains to the east and the Cindermarch Dominion to the south.
• Landmarks: The Elder Tree (a massive ancient tree said to house a sacred spirit).
• Trade Routes: The Riverway Network, a series of interconnected rivers flowing into the Winterlight Plains.

  Cindermarch Dominion

• Geography: South of the Winterlight Plains, the Cindermarch Dominion is defined by its steppes and rocky highlands.
• Neighboring Nations: Borders Winterlight Plains to the north and Elderwood Sovereignty to the west.
• Landmarks: The Ember Highlands (a source of embersteel).
• Trade Routes: The Steppe Road, connecting the Dominion to southern lands.

  Sylvara, the Emerald Dominion

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  Shadowspire, the Spiral City

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Southern Aetheris

  Close to the equator, southern Aetheris features tropical jungles, coral-strewn islands, and sunlit savannas. Here, the Ziruma Isles and the Sunspire Empire hold sway.   Ziruma Isles

• Geography: An archipelago located off the southeastern coast of the continent, surrounded by a vibrant coral sea.
• Neighboring Nations: Maritime trade connects the isles to the Sunspire Empire and the Winterlight Plains.
• Landmarks: The Azure Reefs (a treasure trove of blackpearls).
• Trade Routes: The Azure Current, a sea route linking the isles to the mainland.

  Sunspire Empire

• Geography: A tropical savanna and jungle nation with a central mountain range.
• Neighboring Nations: Borders Cindermarch Dominion to the north and the Ziruma Isles to the east.
• Landmarks: Sunspire City, a dazzling metropolis built into the Sunspire Mountains.
• Trade Routes: The Golden Road, a well-guarded route carrying sunstone crystals and junglewood timber northward.

 

Major Land Features

  The Stonevault Range

• Location: Forms the spine of northern Aetheris, home to Ironholt and its dwarven mines.
• Importance: Separates Vinterhaven’s icy expanse from the temperate Winterlight Plains.

  The Frosted Coast

• Location: Northern coastline of Vinterhaven.
• Importance: An icy maritime trade route for goods like frostberries and reindeer pelts.

  The Ember Highlands

• Location: Central Cindermarch Dominion.
• Importance: Source of embersteel and steppeweave wool.

  The Azure Sea

• Location: Southeastern edge of Aetheris, surrounding the Ziruma Isles.
• Importance: Rich in black pearls and coralroot spice.

  The Sunspire Mountains

• Location: Central Sunspire Empire.
• Importance: Heart of the empire, home to mines for sunstone crystals.