The Regions of Evania

The Mountains

Rising steep and formidable, the mountains of Evania are a natural fortress that has long served as the seat of the High King. These towering peaks are not just a geographic boundary but a symbol of authority and power, looming over the surrounding regions like silent sentinels. Their jagged, snow-capped ridges stretch toward the heavens, shrouded in a perpetual mist that often turns to fierce winds and biting cold at the higher altitudes.

The region itself is home to hardy mountain folk who have learned to survive in the treacherous terrain, forging a unique culture of resilience and loyalty. Deep within the mountains, hidden caverns hold the kingdom’s most precious minerals, the subfloure crystals. These mines ore manned by a race of dwarves who are subject to the High King or Emperor in the mountain. However, the vast caverns are also rumored to house ancient secrets, from forgotten temples to relics of powers long since passed.

The cold, rugged landscape of the mountains has bred a people as unyielding as the stone underfoot, with the High King ruling over them from his lofty perch. From this vantage point, the High King maintains a watchful eye over Evania, always ready to defend the land from threats both within and beyond the borders.

The Dessert

In the Northeast of Evania is an unforgiving desert that stretches as far as the eye can see, marked by rolling dunes, jagged rock formations, and blistering winds. The desert’s harsh climate is known to test even the most resilient travelers, as scorching heat by day gives way to freezing temperatures by night. It is a land where only the strong survive, and where the weak are swallowed by the ever-shifting sands.

At the heart of this desolate expanse lies the city of Nevarith, a shimmering oasis of civilization amid the desert’s barren stretches. Built around a deep wellspring of water, Neverith has flourished as a hub of trade, drawing merchants and nomads from across Evania and beyond. The city is known for its towering sandstone walls, designed to shield its inhabitants from the desert’s relentless winds.

Despite its inhospitable surroundings, the desert is home to ancient secrets. Beneath the sands lie forgotten ruins of a time long before Cosimir’s reign, temples dedicated to gods whose names have been lost to history. It is said that powerful relics are buried within these ruins, guarded by deadly creatures that have adapted to the desert’s extreme conditions.

The people of Neverith are as resilient as the land they call home, known for their resourcefulness and tenacity. Many are skilled in desert survival, adept at navigating the dunes and thriving in the region’s sparse resources. The nomadic tribes that wander the outskirts of the desert are fierce warriors, often serving as guides or mercenaries for those brave enough to venture into the deep desert.

Though the desert may seem lifeless, it is a place of great power. The winds that sweep through Neverith carry with them whispers of ancient magic, and the stars above seem to shine brighter here, as if keeping watch over the endless sands. Those who call Neverith home know that the desert holds many secrets, some of which are better left undisturbed.

The Canyon

Unlike the towering mountains, desolate deserts, or verdant plains of other regions, Nimbur is a kingdom carved into the very walls of a vast, deep canyon. This network of interconnected chasms stretches for miles, with sheer rock faces that rise high above the narrow, winding paths below. The canyons are both a natural fortress and a sacred burial ground, with winding trails leading into labyrinthine caverns that have been hollowed out over centuries.

The region is unique for its stark silence, as the canyon’s shape traps sound and magnifies even the faintest noise, creating an eerie atmosphere where echoes seem to linger endlessly. This feature, combined with the mystical aura of the place, makes Nimbur feel like it exists in a world separate from the rest of Evania—a realm of shadows and whispers where the living rarely tread.

The people of Nimbur built their dungeon kingdom into the canyon walls, creating a series of vast caverns and crypts where the spirits of the dead still roam. This region is steeped in death and the afterlife, with necromancy practiced openly. Unlike other regions, where life and growth dominate, Nimbur feels as though it has been frozen in time—its walls adorned with carvings that depict rituals and rites long forgotten by the outside world.

The dead hold sway here, with spectral presences haunting the air and the land. This constant interaction with the afterlife makes Nimbur distinct, as the very land seems to be caught between the realms of the living and the dead. The silence that reigns in the canyon is more than just a natural phenomenon; it is a warning. Sound carries far and wide in Nimbur, often attracting the attention of wandering spirits, which is why the region is known for its ominous, echoing quiet.

Nimbur’s spiritual nature and its devotion to necromancy have left it isolated, a place where few dare to venture. Yet, it remains a critical region in the unfolding events of Evania, as its vast tombs and crypts are believed to hold powerful secrets that could tip the balance in the struggle for power.

Between the Rivers

Flowing with ancient magic, the Ironflow and Aetherstream rivers are powerful forces that shape the lands between them. These rivers, once pure sources of magical energy, are crucial to the balance of Evania’s magic. However, during Cosimir’s reign, the rivers stopped their life-giving flow, leaving the land between them barren and volatile. With Eli’s prophecy, the rivers have begun to flow again, but the magic they carry is fragile, vulnerable to Eli’s attempts at corruption.

To the East, the Ironflow River is a broad, slow-moving river that once nourished the rich mining lands of Incarta. Known for its shimmering metallic waters, the Ironflow was vital to the region’s prosperity, feeding the forges and quenching the heat of the underground smelters. Now, the land around it, scarred by volcanic eruptions, is pockmarked with molten pits and craggy terrain, making it dangerous and unstable. The river, while flowing again, struggles against the encroaching influence of dark magic, as Eli seeks to turn its metallic waters into a conduit for molten darkness.

On the West, the Aetherstream River was once the lifeblood of Caelum Rift, a kingdom of floating islands that soared above the land. The river, imbued with celestial magic, shimmered under the stars, reflecting the heavens as it flowed beneath the floating islands. Now, with the collapse of Caelum Rift, the Aetherstream runs beside a land of ruins and rubble, the remains of the floating isles scattered across the ground. The river’s once-ethereal magic has begun to stir again, but it flows through a land haunted by the remnants of the past, with traces of starlight still visible in its depths.

The land between these two rivers is a stark contrast—on one side, the cracked, fiery earth of Incarta’s ashen mines, and on the other, the broken ruins of Caelum Rift’s floating kingdom. The rivers, now slowly restoring their magic, are the lifeblood that connects these lands, but they are fragile, easily swayed by the growing darkness that Eli seeks to unleash. The party must navigate this dangerous terrain, where the flow of magic and the remnants of a broken sky intertwine, while guarding the rivers from Eli’s corrupting touch.

Farmland

Once the most fertile land in Evania, the farmlands of Lysira stretched for miles, producing abundant crops and livestock that sustained the entire continent. Known for its rich soil and expert farmers, Lysira’s landscape was a patchwork of golden fields, vibrant green pastures, and bustling villages. Irrigation canals fed by nearby rivers ensured a consistent flow of water to the farmlands, while the warm, mild climate allowed year-round harvests. The fields of grain, rows of vegetables, and orchards were as much a part of Lysira’s identity as the skilled animal husbandry that kept the kingdom’s livestock thriving.

Lysira’s gentle rolling hills and wide plains made it a peaceful and prosperous region, earning it the title of Evania’s “breadbasket.” Villages dotted the landscape, and market towns flourished, where farmers and herders traded their goods, ensuring that no kingdom went without food or essential resources. The wealth of Lysira was not measured in gold but in the sustenance it provided to every corner of Evania.

The Barren Land of Dragons

To the far north in Evania lies Dracaryn, a land marked by fire and ash, where towering volcanoes dominate the skyline and molten rivers carve through the scorched earth. Known as the Smoldering Scar, this region is a fiery wasteland, scarred by the constant rumblings of volcanic activity. The sky is often choked with thick black smoke, and the air is heavy with the stinging scent of sulfur. Few dare to venture here, as the heat alone can overwhelm even the most seasoned adventurers, and the ground beneath one’s feet can crack open at any moment to reveal bubbling lava.

The land was once home to a proud kingdom that worshipped dragons, living harmoniously with these powerful creatures in their volcanic sanctuary. The kingdom’s people revered the dragons as protectors, and their dragon riders patrolled the skies, ensuring the realm’s safety from threats. Though their existence was shrouded in mystery, those outside their walls respected and feared them, knowing that crossing into Dracaryn meant provoking the wrath of dragons and their riders.

Adventurers who dare to explore the Smoldering Scar must contend with not only the searing heat and shifting landscape but also the undead dragons that haunt the caverns, their bones animated by dark magic. Fire mages and draconic spirits also guard the region, making it one of the most dangerous places in Evania. The party must tread carefully, navigating the fiery hazards and deciding whether to confront or befriend a Dungeon Lord who once shared a deep bond with Faro.

To add to this desolate, unreachable area, a vast expanse of treacherous marshlands surrounds the southern approach to Dracaryn, making the journey north even more perilous. These marshlands are a fetid maze of thick mud, decaying plant life, and stagnant pools of water that stretch for miles. The air here is thick with the smell of rot, and the ground is unstable, swallowing anything that dares to traverse it without proper caution. The marsh is home to venomous creatures and dangerous wildlife, and the constant fog makes navigation nearly impossible. Those who manage to survive the marshlands often find themselves weakened, their supplies depleted before they even glimpse the fiery peaks of Dracaryn.

Seaside

To the west of Evania’s mainland lies a vast, treacherous coastline where the ocean stretches endlessly, hiding both opportunity and danger beneath its surface. This seaside region is known for bustling trade routes that connect the kingdoms of Evania to distant lands, as well as its perilous waters where sea monsters dwell and whirlpools wait to claim unsuspecting ships.

The coastal towns along the shore are hubs of commerce, where merchants gather to trade rare goods, spices, and treasures from across the seas. The docks are always alive with activity, as traders and sailors work side by side to load ships bound for foreign markets. However, for all its promise of wealth, the seas of Evania are not to be taken lightly. Hidden just beyond the horizon are waters infested with enormous sea creatures—krakens, leviathans, and other beasts that make their homes in the depths. Sailors tell stories of ships being torn apart by monstrous tentacles or disappearing entirely beneath the waves, never to be seen again.

To make matters worse, the seas are dotted with deadly whirlpools, formed by unpredictable undercurrents of magic. These whirlpools can appear without warning, pulling entire ships into the depths, their crews helpless to escape the swirling maelstrom. Navigating these waters requires not just skill, but a bit of luck, as even seasoned captains have lost their way, caught off guard by these treacherous forces.

Despite the dangers, the seaside remains a vital lifeline for Evania, with its coastal cities playing a key role in the kingdom’s economy. The sea is both a giver of life and a taker of it, as those brave enough to cross its waters must contend with its unpredictable and deadly nature.

Tropical Jungle

To the east of Evania lies the dense, sprawling tropical jungle, a region known for its thick canopy, vibrant wildlife, and the ancient ruins hidden deep within its heart. This jungle is a place of both beauty and danger, with towering trees that stretch toward the sky, their leaves creating a nearly impenetrable ceiling of green. Below, the undergrowth is thick with ferns, vines, and brightly colored flowers, while the air hums with the sounds of exotic creatures that call this wild place home.

The jungle is a natural maze, making it difficult for outsiders to navigate without getting lost. But for those willing to brave its depths, Mirasor holds countless secrets. Scattered throughout the jungle are the remnants of an ancient civilization, long forgotten by most of Evania. Overgrown temples, crumbling stone structures, and hidden passageways are all that remain of a once-thriving kingdom, now overtaken by nature. These ruins are rumored to hold untold treasures and ancient knowledge, but they are fiercely guarded by the jungle’s inhabitants—both the living and the long-dead.

The deeper one ventures into the jungle, the more oppressive the heat and humidity become. The air is thick with moisture, and the jungle floor is often slippery with mud and decay. But as the jungle nears its northern and eastern edges, it begins to thin out, the trees becoming sparse as the lush greenery slowly gives way to the arid expanse of the desert lands beyond. This transition from vibrant jungle to desolate desert is stark, as if the life and energy of the jungle have been drained away by the scorching heat of the desert winds.

The jungle is not just a place of mystery and beauty, but also a strategic location, hiding vital resources and ancient knowledge that could be key to the struggle for power in Evania. But navigating its treacherous paths, uncovering its secrets, and surviving its many dangers will test even the bravest of adventurers.

The Frozen Abyss

Amidst Evania’s generally temperate western lands lies a bizarre and unnatural circle of ice and frost known as the Frozen Abyss. This region is cursed with eternal winter, a stark contrast to the mild climates that surround it. The land is locked in a state of deep freeze, with snow-covered plains, towering ice formations, and frigid winds that sweep relentlessly across the desolate landscape. The cold here is not a natural phenomenon, but an oppressive, magical force that chills to the bone and saps the life from all who dare enter.

Legend has it that Ecradum’s curse was cast by the god Solana in retribution for the king’s theft of a powerful, sacred artifact. Once a kingdom that thrived during long winters, home to powerful ice mages and a resilient people, Ecradum is now a frozen wasteland. The bitter cold is said to stem from the artifact itself, buried deep within the icy terrain, keeping the curse alive.

Beneath the surface, Ecradum’s true dungeon kingdom lies—an underground cavern of glacial ice, filled with twisting mazes and treacherous frozen rivers. The temperature drops so low within these caverns that without powerful magic or enchanted gear, no living being can survive for long. Frost hangs thick in the air, and the walls are encrusted with layers of ice, creating a near-impenetrable fortress of cold. Frozen statues of fallen heroes, adventurers, and creatures line the halls, frozen in time by the bitter curse that haunts the land.

Ice magic and cryomancy rule here, and creatures that thrive in the frozen depths lurk around every corner.

The Darklands

Shrouded in perpetual twilight, the Dark Lands are a cursed and desolate region where the light barely touches the ground, and the air is thick with the presence of dark magic. At the heart of this forsaken land lies Umbra’s Veil, a shadowy kingdom once devoted to the dark arts and secrecy. The dead, leafless trees of the blackened forest seem to claw at the sky, and the land itself feels eerily alive, steeped in centuries of rituals that harnessed the powers of darkness. The kingdom’s people lived in twilight, their devotion to the dark arts giving them mastery over shadow magic and illusions, but at the cost of their humanity.

The Dark Lands are now a haunting wasteland, filled with restless spirits and creatures born from shadow. The region is imbued with an otherworldly energy, where the shadows themselves seem to move, deceive, and confound anyone who ventures too far into the darkness. Umbra’s Veil is a vast underground sanctuary, a realm where light cannot penetrate. The environment twists the minds of intruders, with darkness so thick it seems to breathe, swallowing any hope of clarity. Shadow magic rules here, making it nearly impossible to discern friend from foe. Illusions haunt the party at every turn, and the very landscape shifts, defying reality as the land warps out of space and time.

Beyond the shadowed forests lies Mournfall Lake, a vast, dead body of water that mirrors the cursed land surrounding it. Once a thriving lake, Mournfall is now a place of dread, its waters still and black, reflecting the haunted sky above. The lake is said to be home to the souls of those who were lost in the dark rituals of Umbra’s Veil, and their tortured wails can sometimes be heard echoing across its surface. Those who dare approach the lake risk being drawn into its depths by ghostly hands or losing their minds to the whispers of the dead. The water itself is rumored to hide ancient relics of power, but retrieving them may come at the cost of one’s soul.

The Dark Lands, with Umbra’s Veil at its heart and Mournfall Lake looming nearby, represent a place where time and light seem to stand still. The region is filled with both danger and potential, where the party will confront creatures of shadow, face the horrors of dark magic, and potentially unlock secrets hidden within this cursed land.