In this section there will be brief descriptions of the several Locations found on Illuhare and a snippet of their biome, history, and culture. Other locations will soon be revealed with time and when the story progresses.
This is used as a guidance for your character creation, you are free to create a small unknown town between the locations to fit your character's origins and history, or have them travel.
These are the current Locations:
Sullahil
Higara
Kukoltu
A'zul
Viora
In each section there will be an explanation on:
Main Cities and Towns
Other Prominent Locations
*Clothing Examples
*Clothing Notes: Feel free to come up with your own style of clothing for your character as long it fits within the "fantasy" genre.
In the recent years tailors, armorers and manufacturers are able to develop and acquire unique items and prints in their crafts which includes; zippers, buttons, clasps, straps, denim, prints, armour wear, and weaving.
Sullahil
Insignia of Sullahil - four polar stars guiding the way.
(sue-la-hill) This area is said to have been encased in forever ice during the last war against the Fire God, Usodokoji. As punishment he has left the lands along with his warmth. The lands are barren and covered in frost year by year. There are some that still reside within these harsh lands, scrounging up whatever they could find to live another day.
Townships with more prominent activity can be seen scattered near lakes, seasides and thickets.
There was a busy mining town, but now deemed too dangerous to excavate due to the cave's conditions from over-mining and bitter weather that gust through. If the cave doesn't get you, the frost and wild beasts that roam will.
Prime Locations of Sullahil:
❄️ Yetul The Frozen city
(yeh-tool) Status: Wary Magic Use: Banned - Heavy Surveillance A major city in Sullahil majority of the housings are made from ice and snow. Compared to other cities of Illluhare, Yetul is one of the smallest in both size and population. Most of their trade comes from the ports they have stationed, Rumare, A'zul, and Viora. The city is ruled by a king and queen who overlook the proceedings within their walls and to an extent the outer layers.
The outer layers of the city is the slums which is in disarray due to the last great war, the people here have many strong and colourful opinions on the aristocrats who live in the inner sections. Many travelers trying to peddle their wares would find it difficult to get past the sneering looks of folks about here.
❄️ Rumare Town by the Crystal Waters
(rue-ma-reh) Status: Peaceful Magic Use: Banned - Heavy Surveillance
A major towns of Sullahil located close to the icy oceans, it makes the area look like a winter wonderland. The town is one of the busiest as it acts as a trade port for ships and their cargo. You are bound to meet all sorts of characters and visitors here particularly hunters, pirates, traders, doctors, adventurers, and mercenaries.
A scattered village located by the edge of the chilly forests. It would seem like it is a small community, but are made out of several sites that are all interlinked to form Snowbound. Even in the snow the people manage to smile warmly to strangers and to share their game with weary travellers that so happen to struggle in the ice. As much as their compassion they are excellent hunters, even children happen to have a natural skill of tracking down elk with days old trails left behind in the snow.
❄️ Il'Du The Red Fields
(eel-do) Closer to the Southern-West, the climate is much more pleasant. Here the Red Fields can be seen, acting as a line and barrier between the North-Eastern Frost and the rest of other locations. Trees are a rarity here - instead shrubs, moss and other perennial plants take it's place. It has been said that the Fire God's blood had been spilt in this area causing this flush of red.
❄️ Yothedal "Black Ore" Mines
Long abandoned mines that used to provide ores of all sorts before the mines collapsed in, and now the frozen halls are infested with monsters and creatures of all sorts. Daredevils and adventurers may try their luck to find riches here to line their pockets, but many are unfortunate to gather sought-after spoils.
❄️ Agni - Iron Eagle Works Inc.
A large functioning furnace and workshop factory. Specializing in making steel and ironworks for the other nations to supply construction, weaponry, and upcoming railways for locomotives. Man and rising machinery work hand in hand. They employ all sorts of characters as long as they're able to do backbreaking work at half the cost. A partnership between Agni and Iron Eagle Works in the Higara, Midga, A'zul, and Sullahil nations, and conduct business with one another.
Sullahil Clothing:
Sullahil has elements from Nordic, Arctic (Greenland, Canada, Alaska), and North Asia. Clothes here tend to be more bulky and well-insulated to protect them from the cold and frost. Animal skin incorporated to their wear is common, and in cities it's possible to find folks wearing bright-patterned clothes when there is a function or celebration.
(he-ga-raah) The lands here are dry, and hot. The days seemingly never-ending as the sun's rays seem to burn into your skin. This is Usodokoji's trails. An everlasting road of punishment, till finally, a reward for your efforts. A cool oasis, and chilling night to keep your band close.
Only the most hardiest can survive in this terrain including those that make home here. While some take advantage on the large expanse of land for their own needs.
Prime Locations of Higara:
🌸 Yahagata City of the Undying Fire
(ya-ha-gah-tah) Status: Peaceful Magic Use: Banned - Heavy Surveillance Quote:"Glory be to those who serve to the burning flames of justice and honour!" Past the Burning Dunes your eyes might spot a figment of greenery in the distance, then buildings with flags whipping cautiously in the hot winds. A large city made from wood, steel and clay, with red impenetrable walls that surround it. Smoke seemingly is constantly expelled from the chimney tops, and a large statue of the Fire God stands at the iron front gates, along with guards, rearing up in display of welcome to new travelers or warning for bandits that enter this city. Yahagata is an old city with humble beginnings. Hundreds of years ago it was founded by a warrior king - a shogun, their court and many followers that wish to carve their own path and homes. From a hobble to town, and now what it is, a full fledged city in the most unexpected of places. It is currently ruled by the current blood, Flynt, and with their sibling Ashe as second in command.
Yahagata folk boasts about their talents in crafts particularly in blacksmithing metalworks, and also within their extended tradition for the finer arts such as calligraphy, jewelry, dance, song, wine making, and weaving.
Even if the city and homes look like they're stacked onto one another like odd skyscrapers they still manage to find space to include in other recreational areas. Their sakura and plum garden in particular is a very popular sight during the spring time when they are in full bloom.
🌸 Ranyama Town of Dust
(raan-ya-mah) Status: Wary Magic Use: Controlled - Heavy Surveillance Located between the Burning Dunes and Wastes, Ranyama is a small collective town that managed to prop up from travellers and outcasts looking to start anew in these harsh lands. Here majority the locals are skilled hunters and trappers, able to track and capture large beasts that roam these lands. While the others, mercenaries, fighting and protecting for coin.
They do not take kindly to any passersby as there has been cases of their own folk disappearing recently, but they know their kindness for the frail and young.
🌸 Nanju Town of Bronze
(naan-joo) Status: Wary Magic Use: Banned - Heavy Surveillance
A town located near the ocean-side. Once there used to be beaches here, but now has been swallowed up by the rising tides. The people here are wary of new comers, and meeting soldiers and mercenaries here is a common sight, majority of them treating this town as a supply fort of sorts. The aura around here is tense between the locals and militants here, many worrying that a fight or war would break at any moment.
Nanju used to be a popular trading town, especially for ores and bronze-work, but now travelers and merchants don't dare to make the detour here. There is a small port here where some of the locals offer ferry services. Many have very strong opinions not only the rise of soldiers but also how technology and corporate are slowly encroaching to their ways of life.
🌸 The Solar Oasis Amusement City
Status: Friendly Magic Use: Banned - Heavy Surveillance
A paradise lost folks would say; for those who encounter this area has either earned riches beyond their wildest imaginations or lost everything including the cloth on their backs. This is how things go in the entertainment city known as The Solar Oasis. An extravagant little area that has managed to erect itself in the dunes, defying all logic and possibility, all with a bit of elbow grease and a tower of money which Mr.Anderson had, the generous founder of the amusement city.
Here the buildings seem to glimmer like gold and fine jewels. Performers always at the ready to entertain and wonder both young and old. There is also a small hideaway bar for the adults who would like to have some peace for themselves. Here, The Solar Oasis provides for all - day and night. If you have the money to spend that is.
🏜️ The Burning Dunes
Rivers and rivers of sand. They seem to shift and change each time that you take a step. It could be the earth shifting underground, the winds or your mind playing tricks with you. It is wise not to brave these lands on your own, as there are greater beasts that hide under these sands waiting for their next meal which has lead dozens of spice traders and bandits vanishing.
🏜️ Moon-Bright Canyons
A location where one side of the canyon is forever enveloped in darkness while the other half shines of the sun and moon. It is a long way down these canyons where wild cool waters run and dusty foliage is scattered about.
There has been stories that in these rocks lay hidden vast amounts of precious stones and minerals of both light and dark properties. A gateway for alchemists and blacksmiths alike to study and mine these substances.
Some cranes and equipment have been set up in this area. It's not uncommon to see miners busy at work here trying to dig up the next best thing.
🏜️ Faerie Fields
Out in the farthest reaches of the desert there is a large flower field that glimmers in the sunshine, and lightly glows during the night. It is a protected area, guarded by fairy folks according to local stories, but what they do not know is the leader of the Papillix, Queen Miir, resides here, keeping their subjects and city hidden and protected under a powerful spell to keep outsiders, particularly humans, out.
It's been said those who wonder into these flowers will start to feel sleepy, and when they wake, they are no longer at the fields but at the craggy hot grounds of the desert covered in pollen and sweat from the burning sun.
Higara Clothing: Higara takes inspiration from Eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam) and Middle Eastern articles of clothing. Fabric tends to be light and flows for comfort in the heat of the Higara desert, and can be intricate with patterns for more formal wear. Western America, European, and North African elements can also be incorporated to the mix.
(mid-gah) Barren, flat lands with nothing but grass from the eyes could see. Midgar is another name variant for these lands.
There is hardly a wink of trees or water about the area. The inhabitants mostly dependent on what the land could provide. It's a renowned place however for sky and star gazers looking for answers or perhaps an experience of the vastness. There has been rumours that in some places there are blue-grass that glow, exposed to the star and moon's rays for long periods of time that they themselves could glow softly.
In this area you may find dark, smooth looking monoliths that dot around with strange symbols carved into them almost perfectly. Some small, broken by impact, others standing tall, pointing to the sky. Archeologists are still baffled by them, but continue with their research.
On clear days you may see some of the rare floating islands up above in the skies. Powered by the crystal's magic flow that keeps them afloat. Some say they have their own separate ecosystems there.
Prime Locations of Midga:
🌾 Arkadia City of Meadows
Status: Peaceful Magic Use: Banned - Heavy Surveillance Quote: "Tellus, Pertinacia Et Ventus; May the Paths Open."
A city located on the flat grounds of Midga. The city itself is sparse with their outer regions stretching the furthest out of all the ruling nations. Compared to most cities, at the heart of Arkadia it is relatively peaceful with most of the bustle occurring during mornings and evenings with traders selling their wares during those times. The lands and homes about can be characterized by huge windmills that grind grain and generate their power, churches, and green fields for raising animals.
In old lore Pan had saved Arkadia from a ferocious dragon and blessed the lands with abundance with his music, and the dragon's own blood. Goats, and sheep are respected animals here since Pan used to rear them as a shepherd.
The government here is ruled by several diplomats from different sections of Arkadia intertwined. As of late there has been disagreements between them behind closed doors, but things are starting leak out which is a concern for some.
🌾 Harvest Town of Plentiful
Status: Peaceful Magic Use: Supervised- Heavy Surveillance Harvest also known as Harvest Town is a village located at the edge of Midga, well-known for their their grain fields that out stretch throughout their borders and bountiful crops, supposedly due to the rich soil content charged by ancient crystals, that supply majority of the region's produce and more in the trade. The majority of locals are comprised of farmers, and a few blacksmiths.
Every year around the start of Autumn, Harvest has an open invitation for everyone to join in their celebration of a good yield with dance, food, and other jolly-making to appease the old gods. Their festival lasts for about a month or before the first frost appears.
🌾 Bunny Hills
Soft rolling hills just at the outskirts of Arkadia.
A popular starting point for adventurers that wish to dabble in the wilderness whilst having the comforts of a settlement close by. These hills are littered with colonies of rabbits that make their home here. They are closely regulated by the locals to ensure there is a steady supply of meat for the people.
🌾 Bentbranch School for the Talented
A large and one of the few well-known school dedicated to the studies of magic, aether, and mages. Currently their focus is producing students that is affluent in the skills of Nature, Earth, and Light.
The stone block buildings here has seen better days as they struggle to find candidates that still has an interest within the magic arts.
🌾 Bone woods
A sparsely forested area that the trees eerily look like bones. Vegetation is hardly seen around here, and there has been speculation that this area has had their aether drained out from the grounds. Locals claim is a hostile area where corrupt witches, bandits and hags reside.
🌾 Astrologer's Tower
A large, tall tower dedicated for viewing the stars and how the planet revolves. Many researchers and students make their home here, and has plenty of (small) accommodations to house and feed them. It can be crammed with books, and notes without much sense of privacy, but some things are worth it to learn more of the great unknown.
🌾 Ebren "Sky Pillar"
In the middle of Midga there is a smooth, almost brand new, monolith that stands out from the rest.
It seems to have burst out from the ground and shoot up straight towards the sky-tops, seemingly never ending as it disappears to the cloud tops. There is this blue calming glow in their markings; mysterious but soothing
🌾 Mido "RUNE RUINS"
Mido Rune Ruins: A collection of large shattered stone runes scattered about the area. If you were to press your ear against these rocks, you could still hear a soft hum from them. Researchers are still trying to find out what these ruins are, but over the course of years travelers who stumble upon them on their path would touch them for good luck and safe passage.
Midga Clothing: Midga's clothing takes inspiration from Central Europe (Germany, Spain, Italy, England) and North America. Their clothing has the most variation as they deal with changing seasonal changing climates particularly winds, chills, shine, and rain. Fabric is often sturdy like burlap, denim, and leather. Majority of the people are farmers, but there are diplomats and scholars that have grown accustomed to wear satin like garbs and traditional wear.
Insignia of Kukoltu- A tree with sprawling branches and roots.
(coo-kol-too) Hikissu; The Earth Deity's domain. She lurks in these areas, every vine, tree and plant beating together with her. She has tended to this garden oasis for eons to mark the start of a new era after the calamity. The forest here is hot, humid and full of life, hosting a variety of odd animals and plants.
Deep inside these tangles and webs of greenery there are people who make their lives be in the hands of the forest. They have a strong bond and respect with the forest, accommodating their livelihood and township the area making them illusive to a greenhorn adventurer.
Prime Locations of Kukoltu:
🌿 Fernwood Ancient City of the Whispering Forest
Status: Peaceful Magic Use: Controlled - Heavy Surveillance Quote:"Be true to thyself, and allow Illuhare grace you with her everlasting bounty."
The oldest city known to records of Illuhare, or at least after the last Old Gods Battle. Fernwood is a bustling city deep in the forests with it's notable features being their homes built on treetops and an astounding crystal that hovers in the city center, seeping out magical ether to the folks that reside there, some of the residents taking pride that they might even be the most magically attuned in all of Illuhare. Here the most common folk are woodworkers, hunters, gatherers, mages, doctors/healers, bards, traders, adventurers, and weavers. The people here have a deep respect for the forest and nature, including the beasts that wander through the bush.
Fernwood is one of the more notable cities that allow the practise of magic with schools and facilities catering to mages, and doctors that focus on healing magic. However destructive magic is heavily guarded and closely monitored due to a rogue mage and their crew that tried to usurp the city with fire and the forbidden dark arts. Their chars and marks still bear on the trees and buildings of the city.
The city is ruled by the grand matriarch, O'ma Terra, who had ruled the city for over 60 years, and was the one who almost single handedly brought down the rogue mage group from destroying the city. She is deeply respected by the locals, and still manages to be friendly when she makes her rounds about the city with her son.
Fernwood's first given name was far different, and in a now considered dead language. The change was made for travellers and other outsiders that keep mispronouncing it. A local and popular delicacy is fried sweet tempura flowers and ferns which has even crossed over to the Higara region.
🌿 Tara-ong The Mangrove City
(Tah-Rah Oo-ng) Status: Peaceful Magic Use: Controlled - Heavy Surveillance Located at one of the main river sections that cut through Kukoltu and to the ocean, Tara-Ong is a known city that has made their livelihood to thrive on the river and is prospering from the vegetation and trade routes. Here you bound to find all sorts of folks most of them being traders, fishermen, hunters, and woodworkers to name a few. Crabs, snails, parrots, and mudskippers are a delicacy in Tara-Ong which are mostly roasted in a palm or banana leaf on an open fire.
Most of the buildings are supported by huge mangrove trees that comprise most of the area, either built on the trees themselves or on stilts to compromise with the rising and lowering of tides that frequent the city. People can be seen either walking across boardwalks or steering across the river with makeshift boats with long poles to push against the muddy waters.
The weather here is humid and hot, and most of the locals dress in loose and light clothes. For celebration or those with significant importance they would decorate themselves with feathers, beads, tattoos, and bone shards of hunts.
🌿 Uul impishun town
(ooh-l) Status: Wary Magic Use: Accepted - Low Surveillance A town comprised of mostly Impishun folk, slowly opening their doors to the public, but still keeping a watch on potential dangerous folk from entering. Found deep in the jungles; in the past, it is easy to walk ahead and never knew that it has existed since they make their homes in the treetops and underground, but now the locals are making an effort to be recognised by setting out trails of colourful decorations.
Folks here are expert hunters, and gatherers knowing every inch of the deep woods and the animals that trek through it, even ones they do not know. Their language is a little clumsy with a mix of their native tongue and common, since they went into hiding for several hundred years and cutting ties to the outside world, but now starting to reappear with careful guidance and treaties with Fernwood about 100 years ago.
A large tree is deeply respected landmark of theirs, many believing the Goddess still resides in it.
🌿 A'o Cafri Rainbow Falls
Within the depths of Kukoltu lies a cave which hosts an extraordinary spectacular. Rainbow Falls; cleverly named after it's capability of showing a wide spectrum of colours depending on the weather and time. It is easily compared to as a daylight aurora borealis. It is however a long journey to view this, having first to climb through a series of inner caves before a beeline upwards for a grand view.
🌿 K'oa Temple Ruins
A very odd temple. It has seen better days, but now it is in ruins and slowly being taken over by vines and foliage. There are markings here depicting information... but even that information is unknown. It's an eerie area, with most of the wildlife avoiding it for some reason.
Strange happenings with mysterious arrivals and disappearances.
🌿 Baku forest
A quiet forest in the in-lands nearby the jungles. Here the lands are plentiful with berries and game. Here you can hear an array birds chirping and the neighbouring howler monkeys call out.
It also acts as a roadway of sorts where merchant carts pass through, or even take a night's rest before moving on.
Legends say that a Baku monster resides in these forests, spreading a thick mist about to cover their tracks and gorge themselves on travellers dreams.
🌿 Jalgari
Status: Cautious Magic Use: Controlled - Heavy Surveillance
Jalgari is a town located in the tropical jungle, where the vegetation is lush. The town grew around a series of natural springs, and is comprised of almost every race, no one race being the clear majority. They are an overwhelmingly patriarchal, technocratic, republic.
The nearest landmark is a tremendous pillar of rock in the exact center of a dried lakebed.
Jalgari is renowned for their uprising engineering. The buildings and rice fields can be seen embracing technology to their day-to-day lives, unlike the major city of Fernwood.
The town is highly suspicious of new comers, and have been known to interrogate suspected spies in the cruelest manners.
Kukoltu Clothing: Kukoltu draws inspiration from South Asia (India, Nepal), South Eastern Asia (Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand), South Africa, and South America. Clothes tend to be light due to the humidity of the area, and colorful fabric can be seen in developed/city areas. Away from cities folks tend to dress humbly, or for some under dressed, and work with elements from their surroundings such as feathers, skin and scales.
Western clothes can be implemented or mixed such as suits, jumpers, jeans, overalls.
(ah-zoo-l) A'zul; the scattered islands. Once they were whole till the Water God had grew tired of the mundane day-by-days and out of mischief and to spark some unexpected excitement decided to break the lands into pieces with their floods and tides. The people however endured, and built on their struggles on what makes A'zul prosperous today.
Prime Locations of A'zul:
🌊 New Sapphire The Shining City of the Oceans
Status: Peaceful Magic Use: Banned - Heavy Surveillance Quote:"For the people's glimmering jewel of the seas across, we shall gain wit and prosperity under their shine." A fairly new and young city that has been rebuilt after the last revolution in the A'zul region. With a Mediterranean influence with white brick walls, coral, and colourful rooftops that make majority of the city. The people here are friendly, and busy with the majority compromised of bricklayers, builders, travelers, artists, fishermen, and merchants. With their main square an opulent attraction with their beautiful marble fountains depicting important figures and beings from days of old.
New Sapphire is currently under government rule with Rayne as their elected leader in their second year of office.
Throughout the year the city is in eternal summer with some scarce monsoon seasons that stir the winds and waves that crash against their luminous walls, which still hold strong.
Rough housing and other criminal activities is kept a close eye on by the city soldiers and those who disguise as city folk to keep the peace in the area, but there has been cases of seedy happenings closer to the ports.
🌊 Sunset Town by the Coasts
Status: Peaceful Magic Use: Banned - Heavy Surveillance A town located close to a large stretch of beach. Renowned for their welcoming attitude for adventurers and tourists that simply want to recuperate, and relax on white sandy shores. The locals here are hospitable with majority of them working in the service industry; bartenders, waiters, butlers, chefs, they all tend to your very whims of a vacation. There are a few fishermen, and wilds-men who also provide their services for those that wish to explore the coral reefs and jungle foliage close by.
The sunsets here are extraordinary.
🌊 Settler's Beach
Pure white sand can be seen across along with pristine emerald waters where an assortment of fish gather. Wild tropical flowers, trees and plants can be seen on the outskirts.
There is plenty to explore both on and off-shore.
🌊 Gullwing Harbor
A bustling harbor next to New Sapphire. The jetties are scattered across the area and small wooden fishing villages. Here there is an import of food (particularly seafood), and materials from other islands. A haven for merchants of the trade. The harbor has been known to offer transportation as well.
It's bustling with people such as spice traders, entertainers, diplomats, ruffians, mercenaries, and adventurers alike trying to find their way in the new city, to make a name for themselves.
🌊 Juju-Islands
Said to have been the starting point of all creation on Juju-Islands. Where every creature had risen from the currents to join the lands. Juju Islands or Starfall Islands is a mass of islands that resemble fragments of star-fields. These islands contain a wide variety of wildlife and is a protected area. Hunting and trapping here is forbidden as the creatures here were nearly wiped out due to over hunting. It's a paradise for researchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
🌊 Heavens Shrine
At the outskirts of the main bustling city, over yonder by the coasts, a sacred shrine rests there. It acts as the main gateway to the Heavens and the Deities themselves.
The temple itself used to house Alduruu the Water God,but now is shared with the other mains. Huge, and opulent due to its popularity and countless donations they had received from locals and travelers. It is kept in tip top condition with it's floors and bells polished daily. Sweet incense can be smelled, and the gentle breeze of chimes, and prayers from monks are chanted to the Deities' pillars with offerings placed out for them.
Somewhere in this area there lies an underground cavern with pools of clear fresh water, said that the temple first originated from there. Rumours has it that a band of nuns had kept the original temple still in mint condition to this day, and are more inclined to the ways of magic and fortune telling.
A'zul Clothing: A'zul clothing takes inspiration from South Europe (Mediterranean Europe; Italy, Greece, Spain), Central America (Mexico, Costa Rica), Hawaii, Pacific Islands and South East Asia. Their clothing is typically light, flowy and colorful since they experience temperate and humid climates, and live near coastal areas. Monsoons and sunny droughts are common in these regions. Central European fashion can also be incorporated to the mix.
Viora
(vee-o-rah) Viora a region known for their rough and wild landscapes ranging from temperate forests and towering snow capped mountains that pierce through the clouds. On very rare and clear days, you might even see the illusive Crystal Tower at the distance. In this area it is known that D'Jhakol,the God of Wind, used to seek refuge here and to study the cosmos of the skies and stars beyond.
The weather here is unpredictable being warm and inviting one day, and the next harsh with gale-storms. Some locals say it is a test of the old gods on the people's mettle to survive and strive in these conditions.
(rooks-well) Status: Wary Magic Use: Banned - Heavy Surveillance Located at the mountain tops, this tiny village manages to stand tall and proud against the strong winds and frost. Majority of the population comprises of the Valkyrus folk but has slowly accepted others in their homestead. Homes are mostly made from rocks, wood and downs of hunts. The people here are hardy, and uninviting at first as they do not come across guests or travellers this far in the crags.
They also honour birds, particularly birds of prey as they are a staple of their livelihood and identity, training them for hunts and as companions. A deceased bird is often given a send off, involving cremation with offerings and the preservation of the bones and ash, a burial similar to a fallen person to signify their equality with one another.
🏔️ Dusk Town of the Rolling Fields
Status: Friendly Magic Use: Controlled - Heavy Surveillance A poor town located close to the neighbouring borders. This is one of few towns in Viora who are more welcoming of visitors and tired travelers. The town is small and comprised of mostly stonemasons, shepherds and huntsmen who make their due by providing meat, dairy and other resources to traders. The stone homes are small, often cramped together due to the harsh winds and chilly weather. Some outsiders would say it's quite quaint, but after a few days would have second thoughts, but at least the view of green fields is pleasant.
Some speculate that the folks here were offspring of defects from the kingdom that resides in the mountains, who simply want a better life and opportunities for the next generation. Whatever it may be, it's not uncommon to see people here that still bear the marks of battle, and resistance, including the children.
Aubou "The Phantom Forest"
An unusual forest that is humid and chilly all the same time. It hosts a wide array of plant life and creatures that inhabit this area, majority of them hidden by dense foliage and shadows.
The river streams and flowers seem to have a soft glow to them, which some researchers speculate it could be the dense amount of energy that's located around the area. However there is plenty of cases of people wandering these fantastical forests, and going missing.
Clocktower Ruins
A long lost town that has is now in shambles, and reclaimed by nature. Most likely due to the war, has been ransacked by thieves, and locals picking what was left - using these stone ruins for their herd and homes.
There is an eerie silence about here, and if you were to stay in place, you might even hear the old clock tower chime, ringing as it used to from years ago.
Speir Moutains
Dangerous mountain regions that cut off the path to other locations. Many experienced travellers would opt out on climbing these hills, and would rather waste a couple of days going around them than across. They say it's haunted by spirits and ghosts who lost their lives trying to scale the mountain tops, many perishing from the steep fall.
There is also a thunder cloud rumbling in this area... some had said on some days they swore they could see a stone layered tower at the top, harnessing the power of the storms, and a horrible cackle, and screams that echoes from it.
The Thread
A deep rift that cuts its way through the lands of Viora. No one truly knows what goes about down there, nor has anyone clambered up once fallen into the pits. It's a never ending drop.
In stories The Thread holds the spirits of the undead, a place of limbo, for them to reflect on their passing and decide to move to the greater plains or to remain in the styx.
There are also legends about bountiful powers of aether, that down below is the main vessel of pure, untouched magic in Illuhare, the lifeblood of the world.
Viora Clothing: Viora is primarily and culturally nomadic and draws inspiration from Mongolia, Romania, Kyrgyzstan, and the Nordics (Norway, Sweden). There are a variety of clothes but tend to be bulky and durable due to the steppes and mountainous areas. In more established cities such as Crystal they take more ancient Roman, and Minoan inspired garbs, preferring to be decorated in an assortment of jewelry and fine cloths to show their wealth, some even taking a liking to other fashions and cultures with their own twists.
Western clothes can be implemented or mixed such as suits, jumpers, jeans, overalls.