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The World of Silvanis
Imagine a world where every aspect of spirituality is as tangible and scientific as all the physical elements around us today. How might history have played out differently?
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Welcome to Silvanis! With nearly 10,000 years of recorded history, and dozens of diverse cultures, this is a world where every major civilization developed at roughly the same rate.
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Most of "The Trials of Ildarwood" takes place in the Selyrian Union, an ancient democracy founded in the temperate forests of the southern Nacoryn continent. Now home to refugees from all over the world, the Selyria was founded by the native First Selyrians, who still govern from Mount Greiloch, their capital. Refugees in this region are restricted to the coastal regions near Kaston City, and while they have significant autonomy, all must swear an oath to respect the lands, culture, and edicts of the First Selyrians, or else face expulsion.
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Just north of the Selyrian Union is the Elyshan Empyre, a volatile, militant civilization where soldiers of faith overthrew the Alushaan natives, seizing control of their major cities and greatest castles.​​​​
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Chapter illustration from Cinders in the Snow. "Arcus" By David Perez.
​The furthest continent south is the Astyrian Empire, where Asterlight extremists first settled over 2,000 years ago to found a civilization committed to absolute purity. They have tried to conquer the world several times without success, but they have left devastation and suffering in their wake each time. Their ultimate goal is to purge the world of all corrupted souls not aligned toward Asterlight.
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The Iyterian continent to the southwest is a region of constant war and ever-changing borders. The oldest of the "Old Kingdoms" here is Avylaan Kingdom, where "blue-blooded" kings and queens rule from their frost-covered thrones.
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The Kingdom of Rhett, further south, is an island nation of hardy highlanders, whose ancestors mastered the construction of powerful airships that could sail through the skies with the aid of Crimsonwind.
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The Aerish Kingdom is a magical island where ancient forests are haunted by powerful spirits, and where constant rain and storms have led to generations of rule by families adept in their use of Stormspark.
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The Republic of Fleuria on the mainland is home to several allied cultures, though the ceremonial throne in the capital city has been controlled by a line of queens (and the odd king) dating back several hundred years. The Fleurish love their gardens and vineyards, and many are exquisite bakers and chefs.​​​​
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Chapter illustration from Cinders in the Snow. "Sahar" By David Perez.
The Kingdom of Dorador is renowned for its golden palaces, as well as its infamous Golden Army and its formidable Golden Fleet. Its citizens are said to be among the most passionate (and, at times, hot-tempered) in the world.​​​​
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The Republic of Illuriya is said to be the land of diplomats, lovers, assassins, and spies. It's known for the potency of its vino viola, and has long been associated with the expression, "Illuriyan coins have two faces."
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The Reichlands are a loose alliance of small kingdoms still scarred by some of the most brutal wars and dark ages in history.
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The Islands of Asvelas are home to one of the largest fleets in the world, as well as an ancient order of noble soldiers called the Sea Knights of Asvelas.
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Aurenia is a vast stretch of deserts and mountains, and home to the fabled Hidden Cities.
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​Once the most powerful empire in the world, the nation of Denycia fell into ruin after their gods were overthrown and their Ildarwood forests were burned to the ground. Only within the past century have the people of Denycia finally been permitted by their neighbors to begin worshiping freely once again.​​​​
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Yongshì holds vast territory in the northern hemisphere that is fabled to have only five spectral elements within its borders. Its deserts are said to be home to a culture commonly referred to as the Vanishing Tribesmen of the Daireini Gazar, who are rumored to have the ability to move entire cities overnight without leaving even a single trace of where they were or where they went.
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The Shuurgan Wastes in the extreme north cover thousands of miles of tundra, where cold-blooded warriors ride frost-covered bison into battle.
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The Noburu Islands are a string of volcanic islands off the coast of Yongshì. Ildarwood forests here are called “Kamimori” by outsiders who cannot master the native tongue, and within are said to live some of the most beautiful Ildarwood trees in the entire world.
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The continent of Ondala is home to dozens of allied cultures, civilizations, and kingdoms. "The Motherland of All Tribes" is renowned for its vast resources, endless riches, and sprawling castles. Its people are among the most wealthy in the world, and Ondalans are so widely respected and revered that their most accomplished citizens (and even some well-regarded expatriates) are highly sought after to run the Trials for cities, villages, and towns in distant lands.
Concept art by @lucas_concept_art
