The High Kingdoms of Mírésía and Ríanésía
The two once independent nations of Mírésía and Ríanésía formed an alliance after the establishment of Empire of Ílorísía in 652 IY, as a counter measure against the expanding empire in the west. They are not openly at war, but the move was seen as offensive, and they are currently supplying the Kotayan Republic with armaments and supplies, fighting a proxy war with Ílorísía. The move established a new power to rival the might of Ílorísía, and so there is somewhat of a cold war happening.
Ríanésía is located on the eastern coast of Alcrést, from the termination of the Séwaragí in the south to the northernmost continental point. It is bordered by the Noséran Ocean to the east, and the Híníarí mountain ranges to the west. Despite it’s small size, it is a naval powerhouse. The country is well protected by natural borders and has a number of large, inhabited islands.
Mírésía is situated immediately west of the Híníarí mountain ranges, and east of the Kouran mountains, in a huge valley which extends with the curvature of the Híníarís, opening to fertile lands to the east and south. However, the majority of the population lives in the Mírésían valley. Mírésía is a word that means “the land of valleys”, and so the valley is extremely important to the Mírésían way of life. It sees a significant amount of wind, but it protected from Telera’s more dangerous storms. It features a number of lakes and rivers, which constantly provide nutrients and life to the land. Crops are a hard grow, as there is cloud cover on most days, but trees grow large and strong, and Mírésía is known for the woodworking and timber industries.
Both countries extend from the 30th to the 60th parallel. Southern Mírésía is subtropical, humid and wet. Closer to the Híníarí mountains are sEmí-arid steppes. Central Mírésía is the land of valleys, with temperate forests and constant rain. Ríanésía is in the same latitude, with a temperate oceanic climate, and massive stratified temperate forests.
Northern Mírésía and Ríanésía is a wealth of lumber, in a boreal forest climate.
Mírésía currently has one of the only two active colleges on the continent, the Aríthana Library at the Magicka City Aríthana (Magíka’alra Aríthana in Atíríñíl).
Ríanésía is mostly known for its fishing industry, but it is also rich in the same resources that Mírésía is, as its natural border is the Híníarí range. Ríanésía has better weather than Mírésía and is able to cultivate more crops successfully.
Mírésíans and Ríanésíans as a majority speak Atiriñil, a branch from old Laénara which incorporates elements of Kannayo, itself also a branch of old Laénara. The second-most spoken language is modern Laénara, and all three share the Aítanagarí script.
The High Kingdoms are predominately Asékílén, who appreciate the abundant natural resources. Most of the continent’s crystal and gemstone supplies come from here.
Shí’írífa faith is high and so Aíludé discrimination is widespread among the people.
Notable locations:
Kalath- The capital of Mírésía, located in the central valley, at the head of a river delta.
Ríanorí- The capital of Ríanésía, locates along the southern coast, sandwiched between the ocean and a lake.
Magíka’alra Aríthana- The Magicka City Aríthana, located in a scenic mountain valley overlooking the Gulf of Lumínasé.
Esílkorath- The northernmost settlement on the continent.
Sorath
Lílathlina
The Kingdom of Lumínasé
Lumínasé is situated on the most fertile land on the continent, making the Kingdom very prosperous. It is considered a breadbasket of Alcrést; its land worth more than that of the heartlands of the Ílorísían Empire. Additionally, it has the largest coastline on the aptly named Gulf of Lumínasé.
It is located in the vast meadows west of Mírésía and Ríanésía, and north of the Grand Duchy of Damantía. Its advantageous position has allowed it to nearly dominate the Gulf, and it has formed lucrative partnerships with other Gulf countries that have resources it lacks – crystal, metals, and wood.
Lumínasé is predominately between the 40th and 50th parallels. It is a coastal country and so its climate is dominated by the ocean, leading it to have high humidity and plentiful precipitation around the year, with temperatures kept moderate. Summers are warm and winters are wet, by rarely reach freezing.
They are currently at war with the Grand Duchy of Damantía.
The word Lumínasé roughly translates to “island of berries”. Berries were long considered a staple food, and island could be referring to the rivers surrounding the kingdom to the south.
Lumínasé trades food, livestock and related products all across the continent. Their ports are only rivaled by those in Malítalya.
The people in the port towns and cities are fairly tolerant of most races, including Aíludé. However, Shí’írífa worship remains high outside of the more populated areas.
The primary languages are Atiriñil and Laénara, and most involved in the trade industries are bilingual or trilingual.
It features mild, temperate weather, rarely seeing snow in the winter.
The young Witch of Lore and her family reside in Lumínasé.
Notable locations:
Rathaldana – The capital of Lumínasé, it is between two rivers, close to the border with Mírésía.
Séraríana
Sera’anéth- Located on a large island just off the coast of Lumínasé.
The Grand Duchy of Damantía
Damantía is centrally located on Alcrést, bordered on the west by the Ríkankoma mountains, the Malítalya Republic, Kingdom of Orínalta, and the Kingdom of Yukosía. On the east, it is bordered by the Kingdom of Lumínasé, and the High Kingdoms of Mírésía and Ríanésía. The Grand Duchy has fertile lands, rivers and lakes to the south, and so most of the population is concentrated there. It is divided in half by rocky highlands, which are precarious to cross and can delay or end a journey. The northern half of the country does contain arable land, and there is a significant population here. Further north are port cities and towns, although Lumínasé has regulated tariffs on the gulf. This has stymied Damantía’s ability to trade, causing both trade wars, and actual wars between Damantía and Lumínasé.
Damantía is located between the 25th to the 45th parallel. Southern Damantía is hot and humid year-round. The seasons are not defined by temperature but by rainfall, with a powerful wet season in the summer and a drier (but still warm) season in the winter. Most of central Damantía is humid and subtropical with arid steppe highlands in the west. Northern Damantía is temperate and had deciduous forests.
Damantía has a number of large forests bordering the highlands, and their timber industry is a stand-out export. Their biggest exporter is to the merchant republics around the Emí sea.
Damantía has lacked a proper king for an age and so operates as a Grand Duchy. Succession wars are common between the duchies when the Grand Duchy dies or abdicates.
Despite the conflicts, Damantía is a large country with many natural resources, and it is quite wealthy.
Damantía is always at war with either itself or Lumínasé and has a significant Sekh population. Shí’írífa worship is prevalent, as is Aíludé discrimination. Citizens primarily speak Atiriñil in the north, and Laénara in the south.
Notable locations:
Fenríon- The capital of Damantía, located in southern Damantía, nestled against a large spring and lake that feeds rivers across the continent.
Karíbasto- A military fort located along the main trade route into Orínalta.
Salonía- Located on the northern coast, considered the northern capital of the country.
Malítalya Republic
The Malítalya Republic is one of the countries at the center of the continent, a member nation of the Emísén. The country straddles the mouth of the Emí sea and extends down halfway down the length of the inlet. It is bordered on the west by the Kotayan Republic and the Ílorísían Empire. To the south lies the Kingdoms of Sélénkara and Orínalta. To the east is the Ríkankoma range.
Malítalya lacks fertile, arable lands, as most of it is cliffs and rocky slopes. This has not stopped anyone from building along the banks of the Emí sea, which is a major transportation throughfare to the heart of the continent. The transportation, fishing, and merchant industries have made Malítalya very wealthy. Cities are built directly on the sharp cliffs and hillsides overlooking the sea.
Malítalya is located from the 30th to the 45th parallel. The country is almost entirely on a coast and it has the most pleasant weather on the continent. The climate would be similar to the Mediterranean—warm, pleasant, and ideal for growing a wide variety of fruits and grains. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool.
Malítalya is a republic, in name only. It is more apt to called it a merchant republic, or a maritime republic. Malítalya is governed in the interest of merchants, for merchants. It is subdivided into states, which run autonomously, and have their own trade agreements with each other and other countries. Though control of the state is not hereditary, it is recognized that the most powerful merchant is the prime counselor. This power and status is tied to money which is passed down, so in effect, each state is its own kingdom. There is no clear ‘ruler’ of the country, and each prime counselor essentially holds the same power.
The country shares strong ties with Ílorísía, who currently lacks reliable access to the Gulf.
Malítalya produces no natural resources but has a significant craftsman and artisan presence. The majority language spoken is Laénara, with a significant Atiriñil speaking minority. As there are frequent visitors from all over the world, there are significant Kannayo and Balaílan speakers as well.
The ethnic populaton is fairly mixed with Asékílén and Aíludé merchants and citizens, with the occasional Faé, and Sekh soldier or mercenary. As opposed to some of their neighbors, Malítalyan Aíludé enjoy roughly equal freedoms depending on the state. What truly matters in Malítalya is silver and gold, and how much of if you can make.
The official language depends on the state, but most merchants can speak the many languages of the people. There is no official consensus on the majority language.
Notable Locations:
Lírína-cho- It is the capital city of Malítalya. Built onto an outcropping of land, it is the quintessential Malítalían city: built into and on the cliffsides, limestone and colorful textiles.
Yagénmíre- City directly across from Lírína-cho, it specialize in textiles and trade goods.
Kingdom of Orínalta
Centrally located, Orínalta is one of the Emísén, a member nation of the group that borders the Emí sea (dandelion sea). Orínalta shares a border with the Grand Duchy of Damantía to the east, the Kingdom of Yukosía to the south, the Malítalya Republic to the north, and the Kingdom of Sélénkara and the Emí Sea to west. Out of all the Emísén, Orínalta is the largest, with the most arable land in the southwest of the kingdom. Orínalta is a peaceful country, however it is situated on the crossroads between the eastern and western halves of the continent. A major trade road runs right through the middle of it, and significant expense is spent on defending it.
Orínalta is located entirely within the 30th to 35th parallel on the Emí Sea, marking it for beautiful weather year-round.
Orínalta’s chief export is wine, and vineyards cover the south.
The ethnic majority is Asékílén, with a sizeable population of Sekh.
Shí’írífa worship is high, due to the proximity to the Rínadaésé. Surprisingly, due to the abundance of Sekh in the area to defend the road, The Bastet sees a minority population.
The majority language is Laénara, with some speakers of Atiriñil.
The Witch of the Eclipse currently calls the Ríkankoma foothills of Orínalta home.
Notable Locations:
Ísukaréndía- is the capital of Orínalta. It is located on the resource poor cliffs around the Emí Sea and resembles other Emísén cities.
Kingdom of Yukosía
The Kingdom of Yukosía is a landlocked country, situated to the south of the Kingdom of Orínalta. It is bordered on the west by the Ílorísían Empire, and to the east by the Grand Duchy of Damantía. The southern border makes up the westernmost point of the Híníarí mountain range. Yukosía means “land of the rain”, but it perhaps more apt to call it the land of lakes as well. Yukosía holds the most freshwater on the continent, in its multitude of lakes and rivers. It is also the southernmost country north of the Híníarí. It has abundant rainfall due to the influence of the mountains, and high humidity due to its southern location and abundant groundwater.
Yukosía is located within the 23rd and 30th parallels. Its climate is special. It has a tropical montane cloud forest climate, meaning it is perpetually damp, misty and incredibly lush. It is constantly humid, perpetually rainy and misty, thanks to the warm winds blowing off the Emí Sea that get trapped by the Híníarí mountains. There is nearly always a blanked of clouds over Yukosía. Thankfully, these are perfect growing conditions for the moka bush.
It is also a major exporter of wine, as the northern quarter of the country is suitable for it.
Yukosía’s main export, however, is tea. Tea culture on Alcrést is significant, and extremely important, and Yukosía is only one of two nations capable of growing it. This has made Yukosían nobility extremely wealthy.
Ethnically, the majority is Asékílén, with a sizeable minority of Aíludé. There are also small enclaves of Faé that still inhabit these lands, as they did in the ancient days.
The primary languages are Atiriñil and Laénara, with roughly split distribution.
Notable locations:
Yukoaíré-cho- the raining city is the capital of Yukosía. It is on a non-perennial river that connects two lakes. The constant rainfall keeps the water flowing.
The Kingdom of Sélénkara
The Kingdom of Sélénkara is an Emísén nation, located on the western shore of the Emí Sea. It is bordered by the Ílorísían Empire to the west and south, and the Kingdom of Orínalta to the east. Contained within Sélénkara is the Sovereign Territory of the Rínadaésé.
Sélénkara means “tears of the moon”, and the moon elemental Séléné is an especially popular elemental of worship.
Most of the land is not mountainous and non-arable, but Sélénkarans have made technological breakthroughs in farming on mountain sides and in valleys between mountains.
To the west lie open plains, where grain is grown.
Orínalta is located entirely within the 30th to 35th parallel on the Emí Sea, marking it for beautiful weather year round.
Sélénkara has a couple of port cities on the northern coast, but it is not as prosperous as the ports on the Orínaltan side.
A significant land trade route runs from the Ílorísían Empire through Sélénkara and on to the Kingdom of Orínalta. Most of the population of Sélénkara live around this road, and especially by the southern lakes.
The royalty of Sélénkara have a strong relationship with the Shí’írífa leadership of the Rínadaésé, and some would say that they are the true leaders of the country.
The ethnic majority is Asékílén. There are some Aíludé, though they are quite rare.
Notable locations:
Akatoríon- Is the capital city of Sélénkara, and is located on the a lake that borders the Ílorísían dominion of Naíto.
The Sovereign Territory of the Rínadaésé
The Rínadaésé is the special self-governing and sovereign territory located on the northern peninsula within the Kingdom of Sélénkara. It is enclosed by the waters of the Emí Sea, so it a Emísén territory. It can be classified as a theocracy, the only state on the continent governed by religious officials.
Rínadaésé means “hyacinth chair” and is the head and governing body of the Shí’írífa faith.
The territory has a number of towns and cities, with some of the largest shrines on the continent. It also has a fairly large, forested conservation area.
The Rínadaésé is important to all faithful nations as a neutral space. It has a thriving banking industry, and stores currencies of many nations. Their vaults are some of the most secure in the world.
The ethnic makeup is largely Asékílén, as Aíludé are generally not welcome in the Rínadaésé, and Faé don’t go. As long as there is a battle to be had, there will be a Sekh presence, and so there are some serving amongst mercenaries, or as inquisitors.
The official language is Laénara, but many speak Atiriñil. All official signage and correspondence is sent in Laénara.
The Witch of Lament currently resides here, serving as the Head Inquisitor.
Notable locations:
Korína- the capital of the Rínadaésé. It is located in a picturesque location, on a small bay in the Emí Sea.
The Imperial Dominions of Ílorísía
The current state of the Ílorísían Empire is that it makes up nearly half of the western part of the continent and stretches from the Gulf of Lumínasé and the northern Ténkaí Sea “stormy sea” to the southern Shamíshí Ocean, the “serene ocean”.
The Empire is comprised of six separate dominions. Five have been annexed into the empire proper, losing their statehood. The Principality of Nélíssé to the north remains a vassal, unable to anoint a king. The Kotayan Republic is in a precarious place, having been driven back to the sea. It is nearly conquered, and the war continues there. It sees significant support by way of weapons, crystals and food from others who are wary of the looming threat the empire poses.
Ílorísía is a giant country and has many diverse peoples and cultures. For the barons, lords and common peoples, life continues much as it always had prior to the annexation by the empire. The emperor has given some autonomy to the conquered nations, allowing all but the dukes to retain their positions.
It located between the 19th and the 45th parallels.
The current dominions are:
Dominion of Lorísé, the former Kingdom of Ílorísía, itself formerly the Kingdom of Manarína. The dominion of Lorísé borders Nélíssé to the north, and the Shímaírí to the west.
Dominion of Dínalí, the former Grand Duchy of Dínalí, located directly south of the Dominion of Lorísé, and borders the Kingdoms of the Hoshítanía and Palénsía to the west.
Dominion of Suruka, the former Kingdom of Suruka, located directly east of Dínalí. It borders the Kingdoms of Yukosía and Sélénkara to the east and north respectively.
Dominion of Naíto, the former lands of the Kingdom of Naíto. It is located directly north of Suruka and borders the Dominion of Kotayan to the north, the Kingdom of Sélénkara to the east, and the dominion of Suruka to the south.
Dominion of Kotayan, the former lands of the Kingdom of Kotayan. It is located directly north of Suruka and borders the fledgling Kotayan Republic and Nélíssé to the north, and the Malítalya republic to the east.
A nomadic culture still exists in the Lorísé and Kotayan dominions, in the great plains. They often trade with the cities, and some of their women have found their ways into the Empire at all levels, including in the emperor’s own harem.
The people of the plains carry the rare red-hair trait, and so someone with ancestry here can easily trace their origins.
The royalty still trace their lineages to the earliest nomadic tribes, and some of the traditions persist today. Falconry, for example, is a compulsory vocation for all citizens who are of age (13+).
The Dominion of Lorísé is largely a vast temperate plain, covered with grassland plains, with small forests near rivers and lakes. It experiences hot summers and cold winters. Lorísé is covered in hills and bordered by its neighbors by rivers and the Dakíwa Pass. It is known for its fertile soils and livestock farming and production, especially of meat, milk and wool.
The Dominion of Dínalí is a large fertile and relatively flat land with vast expanses of forest and wilderness. It’s most known for being the catalyst that started the Unification War and the formation of the Ílorísían Empire.
The Dominion of Suruka is a large fertile land that is dotted with hills, forests and grasslands. It the agricultural heart of the Empire. In the south, there is an inland sea which is an important area for shipping, transportation and trade with the Consulate of Balaí and the Kingdom of Séwaragí. Many countries use the ports here, including the Emísén nations, Yukosía, Damantía and Lumínasé.
The Dominion of Naíto is a landlocked territory, of which most of the developments have been made along the major rivers that make up the borders. The eastern border is forested wilderness, and there are temperate plains in the northern part of the Dominion.
The Dominion of Kotayan is situated between Malítalya and the Néíkakoma Mountains in the west. Most of it’s population is situated on the southern river. When it was the Kingdom of Kotayan, the population was centered on the Gulf of Lumínasé. Since that has been lost, many towns and cities have been abandoned, and the forests and grasslands are reclaiming the land that was there. The Empire is making a push into the Dominion, as there are still vast tracts of arable land that have no lords. Any new noble ranks granted are given in either Naíto or Kotayan to rule.
The Ílorísían Empire is close to even split of Aíludé and Asékílén people. As it shares a border with the Kingdoms of the Shímaírí, it has the second largest population of Faé. There is also a significant Sekh population.
The Ílorísían Empire have allies in the Rínadaésé, some of the Kingdoms of the Shímaírí, and uneasy alliances with the Hoshítanía and Kingdom of Palénsía.
Shí’írífa is the dominant religion, though not as strong as in some of the eastern kingdoms. Due to the nomadic influences, they tend to be more open about religion, at least.
The Lorísé domain has the Magicka City Naralíné (Mayoka-cho Naralíné in Laénara).
The majority language is Laénara, due to the significant presence of the Faé Kingdoms nearby.
The Witch of Desire lives here and is serving as Chief Imperial Mage of the Ílorísían Empire.
Notable locations:
Komaídété- the capital city of the Empire, and the capital of the Dominion of Lorísé. It is located in the foothills of the Dakíwa mountains, just north of the Dakíwa pass.
Mayoka-cho Naralíné- The Magicka City Naralíné is located within a valley the Dakíwa range, a bit further south. It is surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
Líoséíra- the capital city of the Dominion of Kotayan. It has the backdrop of the Néíkakoma mountains, and faces the forests and plains of Kotayan.
Nékurru- the capital city of the Dominon of Naíto. It is centrally located within the great Ílorísían plains, on a major route through the heart of the empire.
Hannoa-cho- the capital city of the Dominion of Dínalí. It is also centrally located with Dínalí, but within a subtropical forest, along the same road.
Akarí’íríé- the capital city of the Dominion of Suruka. It is located on the tip of a small peninsula in the Bay of Suruka, a small, enclosed feature in Suruka.
Kotayan Republic
The Kotayan republic is bordered on the north by the Gulf of Lumínasé and the Principality of Nélíssé to the north, the Malítalya Republic to the east, and the Ílorísían Empire’s dominion of Kotayan to the south and west.
The republic is all that remains of the original Kingdom of Kotayan, and it is currently a thin strip of land. The Kingdom collapsed during the war, but the capital remained, and the populated northern coast solidified under the leadership of a group of merchants, who formed the merchant republic.
Technically, the country is still at war with the Ílorísían Empire, who seems to have all but forgotten it, as it is still trying to settle the wild lands of the Dominion of Kotayan. There is also the Néíkakoma mountains which provide a buffer from land troops. Occasionally, a Duke seeking the emperor’s favor will send an army to Kotayan, but they have staunch allies in Mírésía and Ríanésía, without which the republic would have collapsed long ago. Even so, the conditions in the country are not good. It is quite poor, without land suitable for farming, it relies on the bounty of the Gulf and the generosity of its benefactors to feed its people. Violent crime is commonplace in the cities. People looking to evade authorities, and seedier elements tend to flock here.
Kotayan means “bountiful harvest”, a name in the hopes that it would come true.
The country is located on the 45th parallel. Despite the conflicts, it is a beautiful country covered in deciduous forest and plenty of rain.
There is no official language, though the majority speak Laénara.
Notable Locations:
Líotaya- the capital city of the Kotayan Republic.
Principality of Nélíssé
The Principality of Nélíssé is a peninsula nation, as it is surrounded by water on three sides. To the west lies the Gulf of Nélíssé, to the north is the Ténkaí Sea, and to the east is the Gulf of Lumínasé. To the south is its suzerain, the Ílorísían Empire.
It has a huge areas of dark, deep old growth forests. Further south, the land opens up into the plains, with nutrient rich soils. Most of the farms are located here.
It is located between the 45th and the 60th parallels. The southern half of the country is temperate, wet and mild along the coast, winters much colder in the temperate forests inland. The northern half is a expansive boreal forest. The landscape is an immense, unbroken sea of hardy coniferous trees, dotted with thousands of lakes, rivers, and bogs. At the very northernmost point of Nélíssé is the subarctic border. Nélíssé has cold, snowy winters.
It’s also the natural habitat for asena, large wolf-like carnivorous animals that have been domesticated to ride or pull wagons. Asena have spread across the continent and are used by every country. They can be bred with some success during the winter months in southern climates, but the pups are born unable to regulate their temperatures and without cold climates, they often die of heat stroke and hyperthermia.
Nélíssé has a storied history and was once the only power in the west. They have rich traditions, and like the Dominion of Lorísé, falconry is compulsory in Nélíssé.
After the formation of the Ílorísían Empire, Nélíssé negotiated their vassalage, after a ceasefire was negotiated. The war was being fiercely fought by Nélíssé’s armies and their people, who, like the nomads of old, subscribe to a total-war philosophy. Both sides seeing the war would likely not end for another hundred years, the king agreed to cut his losses and cede his throne, becoming a High Prince instead, and retaining some autonomy over his Kingdom as a principality.
The majority language is Laénara. Atiriñil speakers are rare, with the exception of merchants and traders at ports.
Like Ílorísía, Shí’írífa is the dominant religion, though there are not many who would consider themselves devout.
The Witch of the Twilight is currently living in a Nélíssé port town.
Notable locations:
Akídaría- the capital city of Nélíssé. It is located in between two splitting rivers, in the center of the country.
Karuna- A picturesque location in the southern Nélíssé. The royal family have vacation manors here.
Saía Basto- The first fortress along the public road to the capital.
The High Kingdoms of the Shímaírí
The High Kingdoms of the Shímaírí are located Northwest of the Ílorísían Empire, and west of the Principality of Nélíssé. It is separated from the Ílorísían Empire by mountains, and the country is only accessible through the Dakíwa pass, a natural chokepoint to the lands within.
To the north is the Gulf of Nélíssé, which the Shímaírí shares with Nélíssé. Situated between two mountain ranges, is the Shímaírí, or the “pure forest”. Huge old-growth deciduous forests thrive in this enclave.
The Shímaírí is situated between the 40th and 55th parallel. The land extends beyond, almost to the 70th parallel, but it is not suitable land to settle. Protected by the mountains, this region would have a unique sheltered temperate climate. Summers would be sunny, dry, and warm. Winters would be cold, crisp, and snowy, but with more sunshine than is typical for this latitude. The ever-present northern winds would bring cool breezes in the summer and sharp cold snaps in the winter.
The Shímaírí is the domain of the Faé, who settled here early in the Second Dawn.
The High Kingdoms of the Shímaírí are unique in that it’s not actually a singular country, but a confederation of smaller countries, each ruled by a Faé monarch. They unite for defense and trade but are autonomous otherwise. They are all notoriously isolationist, and not very welcoming to outsiders. The Shímaírí maintains some relationships with the neighboring Ílorísía and Nélíssé.
Historically, the Fourth Witches have been welcomed by the Shímaírí.
The oldest living beings on Alcrést reside here, the storytellers of Toríssa, in the Tatéría Kingdom of the High Kingdoms of the Shímaírí. They are at least 3900 years old and keep the secrets and history of the Faé.
The official language is Laénara across the High Kingdoms of the Shímaírí.
The Witch of the Lost is here, conducting a survey.
Notable locations:
Laénalaédé- The first city along the “shaded road”, after the Dakíwa pass.
Toríssa- the home of the Storytellers, and the capital city of one of the kingdoms of the Shímaírí.
The Kingdom of Hoshítanía
Hoshítanía is located directly north of Palénsía, and west of the Ílorísían Empire’s dominions of Dínalí and Lorísé. It has a significant peninsula that forms a large bay, a semi enclosed sea. Hoshítanía has a lot of coastlines, and fertile lands. It is protected on its eastern border by a mountain range that extends north, making up part of the Dakíwa pass, and the white capped mountains in the western Shímaírí. This range also separates them from would be invaders, who would have to pass through treacherous mountain valleys, or further south would have to pass through Palénsía to reach Hoshítanía.
The country is quite wealthy and isolationist, due to the natural barriers and richness of its lands. Ríanésía is the naval power in the west, and Hoshítanía is the naval power in the east. They have a larger armada than the Ílorísían Empire.
Hoshítanía is notable for having a nearly even split of Aíludé and Asékílén. There are Aíludé nobles that reside here. Needless to say, Shí’írífa is weak in Hoshítanía, but there is still a presence. Hoshítanía means “western field of flowers”.
Hoshítanía is located on the 25th to 38th parallel, and has a tropical monsoonal climate in the south, to a subtropical climate in the north. It has a very pronounced summer wet season that brings heavy rains, and a warm, sunny dry season in the winter.
Notable locations:
Éléunaía- the capital city of Hoshítanía.
The Kingdom of Palénsía
Palénsía is located directly south of Hoshítanía, and west of the Ílorísían Empire’s Dominion of Dínalí. The entire country is essentially a peninsula. Crucially, nearly half of the country is a separate island, separated by a strait. Most of the mainland is covered in swamplands, and marshes toward the coast. They are an important ecological feature; however, this has restricted the population to living mostly on the southern coast, and the large island to the west. The most significant feature is that the island features an inlet which features many lagoons and enclosed bays. Palénsía means “land of lagoons”.
Palénsía produces valuable fruits and vegetables. Some crops the grow here cannot grow anywhere else on the continent. Specifically, some plants and mushrooms native to the Palénsía swamps are valued across the continent for tinctures and medicines.
There are reports of people living in the swamps, but it has not been confirmed. Many do live in close proximity and make a living on the bounty of the swamp.
Palénsía features the most coastline of any country in the world.
The country is quite tolerant, and has a majority Asékílén population, with a significant number of Aíludé. The are Sekh and Faé in smaller populations.
Palénsía is located between the 15th to 25th parallels and is a tropical maritime climate. During the summer months, prevailing winds blow from the warm ocean across the land. This triggers powerful monsoons, bringing months of heavy, near-daily rainfall, high humidity, and the risk of powerful tropical cyclones (the equivalent of hurricanes or typhoons). In the winter, the winds shift or calm, cutting off the steady stream of oceanic moisture. This period is much sunnier and drier but remains very warm.
The official language is Laénara. There is an insignificant number of speakers of other languages.
Notable locations:
Ríanémarí-cho- the capital city of the Kingdom of Palénsía. It is also one of the southernmost cities on the continent, at around the 15th parallel.
Néítéru-toga- called epitaph point, there is a mysteriously large epitaph here on a cliffside overlooking the ocean. It is also the westernmost point on the continent.
The Consulate of Balaí
Balaí is located on the southernmost tip of the continent. Balaí and Séwaragí are both part of the Balaí Subcontinent, completely separated from the mainland Alcrést by the Hinairi mountain range.
Directly north, past the mountain range is the Grand Duchy of Damantía, and the Kingdom of Yukosía. To the east lies the Kingdom of Séwaragí.
Balaí has a tropical climate; it is essentially a large rainforest and has no dry season. The temperature change between night and day is also typically larger than the change in average temperature throughout the year. There are countless lakes and rivers, and Balaí boasts the most diverse assortment of life on the planet.
Balaí is located between the 18th and 28th parallels, and is essentially a tropical basin, thanks to the northern Híníarí mountains. During the summer, warm, moisture-laden winds blow in from the surrounding oceans. This triggers a powerful monsoon, bringing months of heavy rainfall, high humidity, and thunderstorms. The southern slopes of the northern mountains receive the most intense rainfall due to orographic lift, feeding massive rivers. In the winter, the winds shift, and the rains cease. Shielded by the mountains from any cold, the dry season is consistently sunny, warm, and incredibly pleasant. This period feels like a perfect summer day in many other parts of the world. Balaí is covered in dens tropical rainforests.
Balaí had first been colonized by the Sekh, who left the deserts for the bounty of the forests. Though they had been living in Balaí and Séwaragí since awakening, they still lived as tribes, even as their villages turned into towns, and then turned into cities.
Balaí is still predominantly Sekh, but Asékílén have even settled here.
A Consul is the chief magistrate and governs the Consulate as the head of state. It is an elected position, and there are three of them. It’s run as a three-person council.
Balaí’s chief exports are from the bounty of the rainforest, things like rubber latex, poisons, wood, oils, and most importantly, moka leaves for tea.
The official language is Balaílan. Laénara and Atíríñíl see a smaller number of speakers.
Notable locations:
Al-Galanin- the capital city of Balaí and is located at the river’s mouth where it meets the ocean.
Balanin’keth- is located at the head of the spring that feeds the central river which most major settlements have been built on. It is notable the last settlement before the large valley that goes into Séwaragí, and the deserts.
The Kingdom of the Séwaragí
The Kingdom of the Séwaragí, known as “Serarakhgi” to the Balaílan speaking Sekh, is located on the southeastern tip of Alcrést on the Balaí Subcontinent. It is completely bordered to the north by the Hiníaírí mountains, to the west by the Consulate of Balaí, and surrounded on all other sides by the Noséran Ocean.
The word Séwaragí means “sand expanse”, and it is the name of the desert that covers more than 90% of the country. In the south there are greener lands along the coast and the city dwelling Sekh and other people live here. However, most of the Sekh live in the desert as nomadic tribes. There are several lakes in the desert, as well as rocky and mountainous terrain and caves, which they are also known to live in. To this day, however, many of the desert tribes are secretive. They have a tense agreement with the “city Sekh” and will trade textiles and other items for food and goods only found in the desert. Gold beetles, beetles that adorn their carapace with gold, are frequently traded by desert Sekh to the city people as currency.
Along the green coast lies the seat of the King. The kingdom was only established by the Sekh who left the deserts after they had made contact with the other peoples of Alcrést. The king claims dominion over the entire Séwaragí, but none except the desert tribes will traverse the Séwaragí, effectively leaving the Kingdom to a small strip on land.
The official language is Balaílan. Laénara and Atíríñíl see a smaller number of speakers. However, the Balaílan spoken here is nothing like the Balaílan spoken in Balaí, and it’s become it’s own dialect. Still, the reclusive desert tribes may yet speak unknown numbers of languages that may or may not have names.
The mountains and rocky hills are rich in gold and other precious metals.
Notable locations:
Ninkigel’nar- the capital city of Séwaragí. It is located on the fertile coast, protected from the deserts by the mountains that create a rain shadow on the northern side.
Zish’akhir- has the distinction of being the last city before the desert. Desert people and city people trade here often.
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