Asheri Rising

Sekirah Partam

Inspired by Volsung and his wonderful treatise on Gran Adageros, here's what I think Asheri is like, (Keiru, feel free to edit where needed, of course). I will start out with Nyliam and add Lunis, Balanum and Farai later. There was just so much in Nyliam! Here goes!


The Geography and Lore of Asheri

Named areas of Nyliam:

The Spine of the Nyliam Mountains- The Nyliam mountain range stretches from northwestern Nyliam to southwestern Lunis, broken for many miles by the Karakain desert. The rough crescent shape consists of several tall peaks and many more, smaller, foothills. The tallest of these peaks, the tallest mountain in Asheri, is Mt. Nyliam at 23 thousand feet. At the Top is the Crystalline Chapel of the Creator where Holy Knights are dedicated. Mt Nyliam is located just southwest of the city Nyliam towering over it like a giant protector.

Karakain Desert- Located in southwest Nyliam, the Karakain desert is one of the harshest areas in Asheri. The mountains on either side block off most of what little rain might find this desert. Very few have traversed this desert but many have tried, attempting to reach the shores on the other side to sail out to Demos Island. Not much else can be said about this desert except that there few creatures can live there, mainly scavengers and other creatures that can live without water for long periods of time. It’s a dangerous place for any man.

Demos Island- This fairly small island may seem insignificant to most people, but anyone who knows their Asherian lore can tell you that it was the home of the Spire of Life. The ruins of the spire now lay in the center of the island surrounded by lush forest. It’s a comfortable climate with much life. You never know what kind of creature you might find. Some think the way the creatures on this island evolve may be affected by the ruins of the spire; creating powerful monstrosities.

The Sacred Grove- A rather small but revered forest in northern Nyliam, it has long been believed to be a holy place. Priests and priestesses travel from all over Aeterna to pray in this beautiful forest. Indeed it seems that holy energy hangs in the air here. The forest is largely coniferous with a small stream running through it to the sea north of the forest. Engravings can be found on large stone slabs that litter the ground around this stream; evidence of previous visitors who have come to pray. Acting as a natural church, this forest is often used as a sanctuary. Shadow magic has little power here, since the air is charged with holy energy, but Holy magic is more powerful, with greater consequences for the user.

Daggerwood- Unlike it’s neighbor to the northwest, the Sacred Grove, Daggerwood is a magnet for thieves and brigands. The forest is largely deciduous, though some conifers can be found. It is ideal for bandits because of its placement between Militus and Pontifar. Merchants and tradesmen from Pontifar are easy game for the thieves in Daggerwood. There may be other secrets that this forest holds, but no one is willing to venture into the wood, lest they should be robbed or murdered.

Taren Forest- This forest is entirely deciduous with thick underbrush and many trails winding their way through, creating a maze of sorts. It is quite a sight for anyone willing to brave its perils and is located to the east of the city, Nyliam. People tell tales of pixies and fairies that play tricks on anyone who tries to stray from the trails. Even if one sticks to the trails, he is still in danger of the many carnivorous creatures that inhabit this forest. Still if a man is brave enough to face the creatures, and cunning enough to traverse the maze, many beautiful sights will he see.

The Dark Wood- much larger than it’s counterpart, the Sacred Grove, the Dark wood is an ominous adversary for anyone crazy enough to step inside. It’s close vicinity to the Dark Tower along with the shadow-based creatures that roam through its trees give this forest it’s name. Gnarled deciduous and coniferous trees alike provide a dark canopy to shield the creatures within from the sun’s light. Like the Sacred Grove, the air is charged, but with shadow magic, having the opposite effect as the grove’s holy magic charge. It drives the creatures that are born there to the shadow. The dark wood is found on the eastern border of Nyliam.

Unnamed areas of Nyliam:

Pontifar Harbor- A large harbor that Nyliam really shares with Balanum. It is located in northeastern Nyliam and is home to the largest fishing industry in Asheri. Whaling is also popular farther out to sea, but many men make a living here as fishermen and mariners of some sort. Also on the rise in the harbor are pirates. There have always been a fair amount in Pontifar Harbor, but now they are on the increase thanks to the dire times of the war. The calm waters of this harbor offer a comfortable resting place for seafarers before they continue on their voyage.

Sword and Shield lakes- A pair of lakes in northwestern Nyliam, formed by glacial melt. Sword Lake is the larger of the two and farther north while the smaller Shield Lake is farther south and west of Sword Lake. They each have natural rivers running around the city of Nyliam until they meet, forming the River Niven, which runs south, eventually emptying out into the sea.

General Nyliam:

Most of the remaining area of Nyliam is taken up by agricultural land, providing the empire with livestock, grains and vegetables. There are a few orchards, but in all, fruit is difficult to come by. What is not farmland is either city or rugged hilly terrain.

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Volsung

Thats Great Work Sekirah I look forward to seeing Your Geography and lore of Lunis, Balanum and Farai.

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