The Kingdoms

The Five Faction Kingdoms are independent countries that have come together to form a loose alliance. Due to their coastal locations and general openness towards allies, these countries were the ones who stepped up to accept Ognoshu fleeing from the destruction of their homeland.

We have provided brief overviews of each of these Kingdoms to help you decide where your character came from and to hopefully spark character background ideas; you will not be required to stick rigidly to these details since different individuals may have different experiences in different areas of each country. Players may also visit these Kingdoms during certain mini-games and events, but they will not be our primary setting/explored more deeply at this time.

The Sanctuary (North)

• Capital City: Verdanthall — A sprawling city built in harmony with the surrounding trees and nature, where buildings are often integrated with living plants.
• Racial Demographics: Predominantly Auren, who share their wisdom and druidic magic with small blended communities of humans and Valka. Ognoshu refugees have been welcomed into this northern country with open arms.
  • Auren usually bond with Verdelisks, insect-cat creatures are native to The Sanctuary, rather than Astrofel.
• Terrain and Climate: An isolated valley surrounded by mountains and often shrouded in mystic mists. The climate is temperate and ideal for the growth of diverse and rare flora and fauna.
• Economic Overview:
  • Exports: Medicines, verdelisk dust, and enchanted garments.
  • Imports: Crystals, books, and select technological items.
  • Special Economic Notes: A current shortage in rare magical reagents offers trade incentives for these items.
• Cultural Nuances: Strongly influenced by druidic traditions and a profound respect for nature. The arts often incorporate natural elements, and oral storytelling is a valued form of entertainment.
• Political Relations:
  • Hostility towards New Ognos: ★☆☆☆☆ (Very welcoming)
  • Valka/Human Refugee Relationships: Valka and Humans in The Sanctuary have fostered deep bonds of understanding and mutual respect. Together, they cultivate and protect their land, considering each other not just allies but kin.
• Time Dilation Effects: Minimal time dilation; around 2 years have passed since the Ognoshu had to flee Old Ognos.
• Magic and Technology Level: High levels of magic, predominantly druidic and elemental in nature. Low levels of technology, with a focus on sustainable, nature-friendly solutions.
• Religious/Spiritual Beliefs: Nature worship and a druidic belief system that venerates the spirits of the land, sky, and water.
• Notable NPCs or Factions:
  • The Circle of the Verdant Moon: The governing body consisting of elder druids.
  • High Druid Elira: A charismatic leader known for her deep wisdom and powerful magic.
• Special Regulations or Laws:
  • Gathering of plants and hunting are regulated by lunar cycles.
  • Unsanctioned use of magic against nature is considered a grave offense and is severely punished.
• Other:
  • Formal trade negotiations began June 18th, 2024.
  • The trade agreement was solidified June 25th, 2024.
• Shardfall Impacts:
  • The druidic kingdom, deeply connected to nature, has felt the Shardfalls in the form of rapid environmental changes. Once-stable ecosystems are suddenly thrown into chaos as flora mutates unpredictably, creating both dangerous and wondrous new species. The Auren and their Verdelisks have worked tirelessly to contain these shifts, but many fear that the delicate balance they so carefully maintained is crumbling beneath the weight of the Shards’ power.

Vel'Kora - The Whispering Sands (Northeast)

• Capital City: Orrhavel — A shimmering oasis-city sculpted into glass and stone, hidden beneath shifting dunes. Its architecture appears mirage-like at a distance, and entire buildings can vanish under sandstorms only to reemerge days later. The city rotates leadership among five Houses, each aligned with an elemental philosophy.
• Racial Demographics: Predominantly Mirajin, a secretive desert-adapted people with chameleon-like skin that shifts to reflect sand and sun. Some have markings that glow faintly beneath moonlight. Small numbers of humans, Valka, and wandering scholars or traders live here as guests, though few stay long.
  • Mirajin typically bond with Sohlash, semi-incorporeal desert beasts resembling smoke-wreathed canines, felines, or serpents, which are native to Vel'Kora, rather than Astrofel.
• Terrain and Climate: A high-magic desert full of whispering dunes, salt-crusted mirages, and half-sunken relic sites. Sandstorms often carry faint music or voices. Deep underground aquifers power the oasis cities.
• Economic Overview:
  • Exports: Memory-etched glass, mirage silk, dried medicinal herbs, reflective dyes, enchanted sunstones
  • Imports: Wood, fresh produce, metal
  • Special Notes: Deals heavily in esoteric trade.
• Cultural Nuances: A people who value layered meaning, discretion, and symbolic action over bluntness. Storytelling, dance, and dream-sharing rituals are integral parts of daily life.
• Political Relations:
  • Hostility towards New Ognos: ★★★☆☆ (Neutral but wary)
  • Valka/Human Refugee Relationships: Respectful distance defines most interactions. Some Valka recognize similarities between their shapeshifting traditions and the ephemeral nature of Mirajin culture, leading to small cultural exchanges. However, Humans are often viewed with mild suspicion for their directness and technological reliance. Markets and festival grounds are neutral spaces, but social circles generally remain distinct.
• Time Dilation Effects: No significant time dilation has occurred. Vel'Kora’s history has unfolded in parallel with New Ognos, though some isolated caravans claim memory distortions caused by Shardfall.
• Magic and Technology Level: High magic society with mastery over illusions, memory rituals, mirage shaping, and air magic. Technology is rare but highly advanced when it exists, often blending with natural or magical elements.
• Religious/Spiritual Beliefs: The Five-Layered Truth teaches that all things—actions, words, people—have five hidden aspects: literal, emotional, ancestral, elemental, and divine. Speaking plainly is considered risky; layered storytelling, dream-sharing, and ritual forgetting are sacred acts. Forgetting is not a flaw but a form of protection.
• Notable NPCs or Factions:
  • The Veilweavers: Secretive memory-keepers who encode lost truths into sand, ink, and song.
  • High Archivist Saithra: An elder figure who influences Vel’Kora’s shifting Houses through the curation and selective release of memories.
  • House of Smoke: The dominant philosophical House, prioritizing adaptability, concealment, and transformation through perception.
• Special Regulations or Laws:
  • The "Test of Parley" is required for foreign merchants, demanding layered storytelling and symbolic truth interpretation before trading rights are granted.
  • Public revelation of another’s True Name without consent is a severe crime, punished by ritual memory stripping or exile into the Mirror Wastes.
  • Unauthorized mapping or recording of sacred oases and caravan routes is forbidden, with offenders ritually marked and banished.
• Shardfall Impacts:
  • Vel’Kora’s dunes have become increasingly unstable as buried relics, city-shards, and old memory-constructs surface. Sandstorms now sometimes replay fragmented scenes from ancient wars or lost eras, visible only to those caught within them. Sohlash have grown erratic, often whispering fractured prophecies or leading travelers into memory loops. Some Mirajin warn that even reality itself is beginning to "mirror" in places where Shardfall touched the deep sands, and caution all wanderers to tread carefully between what is and what was.

The Mountain Kingdom (East)

• Capital City: Stonehearth — A city carved into the side of a mountain, known for its labyrinthine tunnels and elaborate stonework.
• Racial Demographics: Primarily Rockfolk; there are a few native human populations that prefer to stay near the coast and often do not venture into the mountains. A scattering of Ognoshu refugees chose this eastern territory, mainly working as miners or woodcutters.
  • Rockfolk usually bond with Sentinels, goat-mountain lion creatures are native to The Mountain, rather than Astrofel.
• Terrain and Climate: Rugged, mountainous region featuring alpine forests, snowy peaks, and deep valleys. The weather can be harsh, particularly in winter.
• Economic Overview:
  • Exports: Minerals, furs, and timber
  • Imports: Grains, textiles, and spices
  • Special Economic Notes: Currently experiencing a spice shortage and will pay premium prices for it.
• Cultural Nuances: A stoic and hardworking people who value courage and resilience. Festivals often involve tests of strength and endurance, like mountain climbing competitions.
• Political Relations:
  • Hostility towards New Ognos: ★★★☆☆ (Neutral but wary)
  • Valka/Human Refugee Relationships: Traditional segregation has largely persisted. While both Valka and Humans contribute to the kingdom’s economic strength, their social circles seldom overlap. Occasional markets or festivals are among the few places where both communities interact, and even then, they generally keep to themselves.
• Time Dilation Effects: Significant time dilation; nearly 18 years have passed since the Ognoshu had to flee Old Ognos.
• Magic and Technology Level: Low magic, but with a focus on earth and elemental magics for mining and defense. Advanced metallurgy and engineering are more prevalent.
• Religious/Spiritual Beliefs: Ancestor worship is prevalent, along with a belief in spirits that reside within the mountains and forests.
• Notable NPCs or Factions:
  • The Iron Council: A governing body made up of clan leaders.
  • Chief Engineer Brolin: A master of machinery and a key political figure.
• Special Regulations or Laws:
  • Mining permits are required and are strictly regulated.
  • Hunting seasons are enforced to maintain local wildlife populations.
• Shardfall Impacts:
  • The rugged terrain of The Mountain has been shaken to its core. Massive Shard explosions have caused landslides and cave-ins, disrupting mining operations and isolating entire communities. The Rockfolk, with their hardy nature, have responded by fortifying their stone-carved cities and redirecting resources to deal with the unstable ground. Sentinels have become agitated, and some fear they may be sensitive to the Shards' presence, further complicating matters.

Pyraheim (Southeast)

• Capital City: Pyraheima — A fortress city built around an active volcano, harnessing its power for metalworking and alchemy.
• Racial Demographics: Predominantly Igneans. A modest enclave of Ognoshu refugees can be found in this southeastern kingdom.
  • Igneans usually bond with Pyropteras, feathered dragons that are native to Pyraheim, rather than Astrofel.
• Terrain and Climate: Volcanic islands with rich black sand beaches. The climate is generally warm, but sudden volcanic activities can make certain areas treacherous.
• Economic Overview:
  • Exports: Obsidian, metals smelted from volcanic activity
  • Imports: Foodstuffs, textiles, and magical reagents
  • Special Economic Notes: An abundance of obsidian has driven its export price down, making it an affordable material for trade.
• Cultural Nuances: The people are known for their passionate natures and a flair for dramatic arts. Fire dancing is a popular art form, and many festivals revolve around the cycles of volcanic activity.
• Political Relations:
  • Hostility towards New Ognos: ★★★★☆(Highly cautious/borderline hostile)
  • Valka/Human Refugee Relationships: This kingdom has seen an unfortunate reigniting of old conflicts, especially due to the volatile nature of the land itself. Missteps in magic or labor could trigger disasters, leading both Valka and Humans to blame each other for misfortunes. The Emberclad, the elite group of warriors, often act as peacemakers but tensions run high.
• Time Dilation Effects: Moderate time dilation; approximately 8 years have passed since the Ognoshu had to flee Old Ognos.
• Magic and Technology Level: High magic with a strong focus on fire and elemental manipulation. Technologically, they are advanced in metallurgy and alchemy.
• Religious/Spiritual Beliefs: Worship of a Fire God and an Earth Goddess, often with elaborate rituals involving controlled burns and sacrifices to the volcano.
• Notable NPCs or Factions:
  • The Emberclad: An elite group of warriors trained in fire magic.
  • Archmage Ignis: Keeper of the flame and a master of fire magic.
• Special Regulations or Laws:
  • Strict building codes to ensure structures are fire-resistant.
  • Unauthorized magical fire use is severely punished due to the risk of triggering volcanic activity.
• Shardfall Impacts:
  • In this volcanic kingdom, Shardfalls have aggravated the volatile land. Some Shards have amplified volcanic activity, leading to unpredictable eruptions that threaten entire cities. The Igneans, skilled in fire magic, struggle to maintain control as their Pyropteras are impacted by the Shard energy, growing erratic and harder to control. Many blame the recent tremors on the influence of the Shards, and tensions among Valka and Humans continue to rise.

Kingdom of Asteria (South)

• Capital City: Solaris Harbor — A bustling port city filled with markets that sell exotic goods and citrus fruits. Known for its vibrant sunsets.
• Racial Demographics: Predominantly Volari with a significant minority of Valka who often take the forms of tropical birds or marine animals. A small community of Ognoshu refugees made it this far south.
  • Volari usually bond with Tidewings, canid-manta ray creatures that are native to Asteria, rather than Astrofel.
• Terrain and Climate: Subtropical archipelago with warm, sunny weather year-round. The islands feature sandy beaches, coral reefs, and dense rainforests.
• Economic Overview:
  • Exports: Citrus fruits, spices, tropical woods
  • Imports: Metals, textiles, grain
  • Special Economic Notes: Currently experiencing a shortage in grains and willing to pay extra for it.
• Cultural Nuances: Asterians are known for their elaborate festivals celebrating the sun and sea. Seafood and citrus-based dishes are culinary staples. A relaxed and laid-back attitude is a cultural norm.
• Political Relations:
  • Hostility towards New Ognos: ★★☆☆☆ (Generally welcoming but cautious)
  • Valka/Human Refugee Relationships: The sunlit archipelago and its abundance of resources made survival a shared goal rather than a contested one, encouraging Ognoshu refugees to work together as a team regardless of race. These bonds are especially strong among the fishing and trading communities.
• Time Dilation Effects: Minor time dilation has occurred; approximately 2 years have passed since the Ognoshu had to flee Old Ognos.
• Magic and Technology Level: Moderate magic focused on elemental control, especially water and wind. Technology is mainly nautical, with advanced shipbuilding techniques.
• Religious/Spiritual Beliefs: Worship a Sun Goddess and Moon God, ceremonies often happen at dawn and dusk. Ancestor veneration is also common.
• Notable NPCs or Factions:
  • The Solaris Guild: A powerful merchants' guild in Solaris Harbor.
  • Queen Seraphina: A young, open-minded queen interested in diplomacy and trade.
• Special Regulations or Laws:
  • Fishing is regulated to preserve marine life.
  • Export of coral and pearls is heavily regulated to prevent overharvesting from the fragile reef ecosystems.
• Shardfall Impacts:
  • The subtropical archipelago of Asteria has been less affected by Shardfalls compared to the mainland, but the few that have occurred have wreaked havoc on its coral reefs and tropical forests. Shards have caused bizarre mutations in marine life, leading to strange, aggressive species that threaten the fishing industry. The Volari people, deeply connected to the sea, have been scrambling to adapt, while their Tidewing companions seem drawn to the strange energies beneath the waves.

The Scepter of Zephyrs (West)

• Capital City: Galeharbor — A bustling city with tall watchtowers and intricate windmills that harness the power of the wind.
• Racial Demographics: Mostly native humans and bird-form Valka, such as eagles, hawks, or seagulls. There is a small but growing Ognoshu refugee population, which is already close to outnumbering Zenoxi.
  • Zenoxi usually bond with Zephfluff, flying squirrel-like creatures that are native to The Scepter, rather than Astrofel.
• Terrain and Climate: A group of islands with strong prevailing winds, rocky shores, and lush inland forests. Weather tends to be cool and breezy.
• Economic Overview:
  • Exports: Textiles, sailing ships, seafood
  • Imports: Spices, gemstones
  • Special Economic Notes: There's a high demand for gemstones reputed to enhance magical abilities.
• Cultural Nuances: A rich seafaring culture with music and stories that often pay homage to the wind and sea. Kite festivals are common, and sailing races are a popular sport.
• Political Relations:
  • Hostility towards New Ognos: ★★☆☆☆ (Generally welcoming, but cautious)
  • Valka/Human Refugee Relationships: In this windy paradise, Valka and Humans have been brought together by the demands and joys of seafaring life. Their unity has been essential in defending against pirate raids and negotiating with other maritime powers.
• Time Dilation Effects: Moderate time dilation; approximately 6 years have passed since the Ognoshu had to flee Old Ognos.
• Magic and Technology Level: Medium levels of magic, often tied to wind and water. High technology levels in shipbuilding and textile manufacturing.
• Religious/Spiritual Beliefs: Worship of wind deities and spirits of the sea. Prayers and offerings are often made before any sailing expedition.
• Notable NPCs or Factions:
  • The Windward Fleet: An elite group of sailors and wind mages.
  • Admiral Serah: Commander of the fleet and a skilled wind mage.
• Special Regulations or Laws:
  • Mandatory sailing lessons for all citizens.
  • Strict anti-piracy laws, with harsh penalties for offenders.

• Shardfall Impacts:
  • Strong winds have carried Shardfalls across the islands, scattering shards along the rocky shores and inland forests. These Shard impacts have created magical disturbances in the air and sea, resulting in turbulent storms that disrupt trade and navigation. The Zenoxi, known for their seafaring prowess, have faced increasingly dangerous voyages, with some of their Zephfluffs exhibiting unusual, unpredictable flight patterns. While life continues, it does so under the ever-present threat of storms and Shard-induced calamities.