Welcome to Varaine

Welcome to Varaine, a world of magic, deities, communities, intrigue, but most of all hope. The continents of East and West Zavale are in constant danger of destroying each other, and are nearly always at each other's throats. And with Antora, the land of magic, to the east, danger is as shifting as the ocean tides. But even with the safety of the world in balance, people always find a way.  

The Creation of Varaine

Varaine would be nothing without it's mothers,Vareia and Aokaine, and their children The Concepts, who brought all of existence to the once empty plane in the span of a week. Now, the world crawls with near infinite types of lives and cultures, that all seemingly stem from the union between Concept and Spirit.
  It is hotly debated by scholars how the earliest beings came to inhabit Varaine, however, most agree the Primordial Dragon were the first species to inhabit the world.  

The Themes of Varaine

Change vs. Tradition

Change vs. Tradition is a key theme of Varaine. From arguments of the rulers of nations, to the heads of families, all beings struggle between keeping tradition and embracing change.  

Personal Identity

Personal Identity is extremely important in Varaine, from people's clothing, personality, gender, sexuality, or personal style, identity is wrapped into every person's life closely.  

Loyalty

Loyalty is almost like a monetary resource in Varaine, specifically in the Zavales. Loyalty can be gained, and spent, typically when in the search of another person's loyalty.  

Freedom

Freedom is an important theme, or more so the lack of freedom. Everyone owes someone something in Varaine, so no one is truly free.  

The Rule of Five

While not necessarily a theme, the Rule of Five is important in Varaine. From the Concepts, to the seasons, to the months, to the weeks, to the days, "five," or multiples of it, always seems to appear in tandem with things of importance. As such, the number five is a lucky number to Varainian people. This isn't to say the other numbers are considered unlucky, but if something fails on the fourth try, it is most certain to succeed on the fifth.

 

The Spirits of Varaine

The Spirits of Varaine now come from the Dreamlands, and as such are created from the dreams of mortals. However, this information directly contradicts the knowledge that Spirits were one of the forces that created life on Varaine. So there is no way that Spirits were both created by mortal dreams, and still influenced the creation of life.
The first Spirits to come to the Material Plane were the High Spirits, such as The Calendar Gods. These Spirits helped to shape the world to what it is now, most preferring to not be too involved in mortal affairs.
 

The Continents of Varaine

Varaine has three known continents, West Zavale, East Zavale, and Antora. These three lands were pulled into their places by the Calendar Gods after dividing up the land for the High Spirits that were involved.  

West Zavale

West Zavale, also known as the Upper Continent, is known for it's expansive forests, icy tundras, hilly plains, and pirate filled islands. West Zavale has three larger countries, and while the continent has several other city-states, one stands above the rest.

Tericia

The kingdom of Tericia is a forested kingdom that once specialized in stones, ores, and precious gems, but now mainly relies on military might and farming exports.

Korfjora

The icy collection of kingdoms of Korfjora specialize mostly in beast and livestock exports.

Alacia

The massive nation of Alacia is mostly filled with hilly plains, but has hints of arid and tropical land, and specializes in the export of building supplies and is the capital of trade by land.

Port Vein

The free city of Port Vein is the capital of pirates, thieves, rebels, and revolutionaries, and specializes in marine exports, as well as the creation and innovation of nautical supplies.  

East Zavale

East Zavale, also known as the Lower Continent, is known for it's massive jungles, tall mountains, blistering deserts, and dust covered wastelands. East Zavale has two larger countries, and while the continent has several other city-states, two stand above the rest.

Nusha

The sovereignity of Nusha is a desert nation that specializes in exports of precious gems, as well as control over nautical trade in the The Graveyard Sea.

Xecca

The divine kingdom of Xecca is a jungle nation that specializes in wood, dye, and textile exports, and is known for it's starkly different approach to beauty.

Undaerun

The ever dark city-state of Undaerun is known for it's near constant dust storms, and exports of rare hides and flora.

Kalad

The mountainous city-state of Kalad is known for it's export of metals, ores, and forged masterpieces.  

Antora

Antora, the continent of magic, is a collection of city-states, nations, and empires that each try their best to respect the natural balance and order of the world and the Spirits.  

This is all to say welcome to the vast, varied, and lively world of Varaine. Now it your turn to decided whether you will help to save the world from itself, or be the one to destroy it.

— The Being at the Gate of Life