Ardra

Ardra is a continent in the world of Lapis and the primary setting of War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.
The continent is located south of Grandshelt, to the east of Zoldaad and to the north of the Realm of the Dragon King, as well as the continent Tessera, which is only mentioned in War of the Visions. For unknown reasons, by the time of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius Ardra is surrounded by clouds and rendered inaccessible. No character from Ardra has appeared in Brave Exvius' main story, nor does any of the current kingdoms seem to have a diplomatic relationship with the rest of Ardra, leaving the circumstances behind its isolation undisclosed. Ardra is said to be the homeland of Spellblades.
== Profile ==
Ardra is a vast landmass, which during War of the Visions lacks any form of central government as it is divided among multiple nations and exists in a constant warring state, much contrary to the rest of the continents of present Lapis. It is not known whether any of those also had intra-territorial conflicts during their history, or whether any unified nation exists during present time Ardra. The continent of Ardra itself is divided between East and West, with a gigantic waterfall, aptly named "the Falls", dividing the lowlands of East Ardra from the highlands of West Ardra. Unlike the multitude of nations that compose East Ardra, West Ardra appears to be united under an empire.
=== Leonis ===
Leonis is a small kingdom led by King Oelde Leonis. It is the birthplace of royal princes Mont Leonis and Sterne Leonis. The kingdom is located to the southeast of Ardra and neighbors to the west with Wezette, to the east with Hourne and to the north with Fennes. Though a humble nation with a modest military, it can defend itself due to a ring gifted by Gilgamesh with the power to summon Visions. The ring has been passed on for generations, entrusted with the role of the Guardian.
Because of the ring's power, Leonis has been able to fend attacks from hostile nations with King Oelde being acknowledged for his strength. Leonis is antagonized by the nation of Fennes, and is allied with the kingdom of Wezette. Leonis's symbol is a lion.
=== Hourne ===
The Kingdom of Hourne is territorially the largest of Ardra's nations and is led by King Robb Hourne and royal princess Machérie Hourne. The elder royal prince, Dario Hourne, has withdrawn from an active political role. Hourne is located roughly to the south and southwest of Ardra and neighbors Leonis to the east, Fennes to the northeast, the Crystla Sanctum to the north and Rundall to the northwest. It is a powerful nation with a renowned military, and possesses an ancient relic with the ability to summon Espers, which is used my Machérie.
Hourne is a major enemy of the nations of Rundall and Wezette, and is allied with Fennes as mediated by the Crystal Sanctum. Hourne's symbol is a crowned bull.
=== Fennes ===
Fennes is a nation of barbarians led by King Muraga Fennes. It is located slightly northeast to the middle, and neighbors Wezette to the east, Ovis to the northwest, Hourne to the west and Leonis to the south. King Muraga is dubbed "The King of Savages" for his brutal streak in combat. Although territorially one of the smallest nations in Ardra, it is widely recognized for its might.
Fennes served the Crystal Sanctum as Muraga pledged allegiance to its leader, Sadali Crysthea, who negotiated an alliance between Fennes and Hourne. Fennes are longtime foes with Leonis and have repeatedly tried to conquer it. Fennes's symbol are a black and white snake wrapping around a blade.
=== Wezette ===
The kingdom of Wezette is one of largest nations in Ardra and is ruled by King Khury Wezette. It is the easternmost nation and neighbors Leonis to the southwest and Fennes to the northwest. Wezette is a land of permafrost under the tyrannical rule of Khury. They are amid a civil war between the king and his daughter, Glaciela Wezette, who seeks to overthrow him. Khury is himself feared as a calculating and cold-blooded strategist.
Wezette is enemies with the kingdom of Hourne, and enjoys an alliance with Leonis. Wezette's symbol is a white wolf with a sword.
=== Crystal Sanctum ===
The Crystal Sanctum is a theocracy founded by Sadali Crysthea. It preaches about using the power of Crystals for good. The smallest of Ardra's territories, it is located slightly northwest to the middle and neighbors Ovis to the northeast, Hourne to the south and Rundall to the west. Contrary to its seemingly benevolent foundations, the Crystal Sanctum is every bit a political power as the rest of the nations with its own military in the Sanctum Monks and spies planted in every stratum of the other countries' societies. 
Sadali is highly ambitious and has manipulated events to plunge other nations into war in a bid to increase his own power as he fears the threat of Rundall. The Sanctum's symbol resembles a glowing winged Crystal on top of a pedestal.
=== Rundall ===
A militarily powerful and seemingly also an industrial nation ruled by King Jayden Rundall, Rundall is located to the west of Ardra and neighbors Hourne to the southeast, the Crystal Sanctum to the east, Ovis to the northeast and Heindler to the north. A terrifyingly powerful state, it is frequently dubbed as the "Threat to the West" for its growing might and expansion, which frightens all the nations of Ardra. Similar to Leonis, the royal family of Rundall has been entrusted by Gilgamesh with a ring that can summon Visions.
After conquering the nation of Lykeros and many other, smaller territories, King Jayden now has his eyes set on Ovis. Furthermore, King Oberon Heindler has pledged his allegiance to Rundall. Rundall's symbol is a crowned stag with two crossed flintlocks.
=== Heindler ===
A nation to the northwest of Ardra, Heindler neighbors Ariale to the north, Rundall to the south and Ovis to the east. The royal family's bloodline is venerated throughout Heindler and is said to be special, although to what extent is unclear. The young Oberon Heindler has ascended to the throne following his liberation from Lykeros' imprisonment.
Oberon, being a childhood friend of King Jayden and owing him his freedem, has pledged his nation's allegiance to Rundall, thought to the reluctance of the proud nation's dragoons. In addition, his sister Alaya is betrothed to Jayden. The country is fabled for its Dragoons and its symbol is a three-tailed Wyvern.
=== Ovis ===
The nation of Ovis, ruled by King Roghza Ovis and royal princess Lucielle Ovis, is to the north of Ardra, neighboring Heindler to the west, Rundall and Crystal Sanctum to the southwest, Hourne to the south and Fennes to the southeast. A great lake behind sluicegates surrounds its central castle. Princess Lucielle wields a ring given by Gilgamesh that allows her to summon visions, but also made her a primary target to king Jayden Rundall.
Predicting Rundall's attack, Ovis attempted to form an alliance with Heindler by ways of a marriage between princess Lucielle and king Oberon. As the young king ended up siding with Rundall instead, Ovis has dispatched troops to request help from Hourne. Ovis's symbol is a ram under a Fleur de lis.
=== Ariale ===
A small territory to the northwest of Ardra, Ariale is located on the cliffs separating East and West Ardra, and neighbors with Heindler to the south. It is referred to as a sacred land and is where Gilgamesh resides. Not much else is known about Ariale whose symbol appears to be a winged Kirin.
=== Lykeros ===
A nation that once laid to the southeast of Rundall, bordering Hourne to the east. A once mighty nation, it was feared by its neighbours, and had at one point even managed to conquer both Rundall and Heindler, taking the respective heirs to the thrones, Jayden and Oberon, as hostages. Following a successful revolt carried out by the forces of Rundall and Jayden's execution of king Zahd Lykeros, this country is now effectively defunct, with its territories annexed by Rundall and its officers now wandering Ardra in search of new masters to serve. Lykeros's symbol is a rhinoceros.
=== Empire ===
A nation whose territories make up the highlands of western Ardra. Few people in East Ardra are aware of their existence, as there is no formal exchange between the Empire and the nations making up eastern Ardra, likely due to east and west being separated by an insurmountable waterfall. Nevertheless, the Empire has started sending covert agents to East Ardra in recent years. The Empire's symbol is a vulture, called the Divine Raptor.
=== Minor Kingdoms and Clans ===
East Ardra is also home to various minor kingdoms and clans, some of which rule over their independent territories, while others coexist within the borders of larger kingdoms or lead a nomadic lifestyle. Since they aren't outlined on the map, their exact location are largely unknown.
==== The East ====
An island off Ardra's south-eastern coast. In order to prevent territorial battles, the samurai living on these lands decided not to found any countries, simply calling the island "the East". Many people from Ardra cross the seas to learn the way of the samurai, although it is no easy feat.
==== Golbe & Twilight Tribe ====
Golbe was a minor kingdom inhabited by the Twilight Tribe. Located in west Ardra, it was conquered by Rundall soon after Jayden's rise to power. Gouga was also involved in its downfall, nearly extinguishing the Twilight Tribe. Drace was part of the tribe's leadership.
==== Pharm ====
A small kingdom that was founded around 20 years ago by a warrior clan that arrived from outside Ardra. It was located at a strategically important place between the kingdoms of Fennes and Hourne, which was easy to defend, allowing them to remain independent. 4 years ago, however, the kingdom was erased by Lykeros, leaving but a single survivor, who then left Ardra in search of a new home, eventually founding the kingdom of Pharm on another continent.
==== Principality of Vered ====
A small land bordering Leonis and Wezette, ruled by the Vered family. The lord's only daughter, Helena, married into the Leonis royal family.
==== Saiga ====
A hidden village of shinobi. Saiga children are raised into shinobi from a young age, and some are even sold to other kingdoms. Despite this, they retain loyalty towards their village. Otherwise, the village supports itself with mercenary work. The village was destroyed by their rival village of Gouga not long ago, but the current self-declared chieftain, Ahlim, aims to rebuild it. Saiga's symbol appears to be a wasp with a shuriken on its abdomen.
==== Gouga ====
A hidden village of shinobi. Gouga's territory is rather barren, leading to jealousy towards their rival, Saiga, and tempering a more vicious and warmongering mentality among its shinobi. Under their current leader Mariale, Gouga has managed to erase various smaller clans, including Saiga. Gouga's symbol is a spider with a four-pointed star.
==== Sanctuary ====
A village of astrologers located in southern Rundall. In was annihilated by the Rundall army several years ago, leaving only a small handful of survivors.
==== People of the Forest ====
A tribe proficient in marksmanship that lives in Rubis Forest, located within the borders of Hourne, and not far from Fennes territory. Under the leadership of chieftain Eurel they maintain an amicable relationship with the kingdom.
==== Urcas ====
A tribe of savages living in isolation in the mountains north of Fennes. After king Gadra Fennes died without leaving an heir and the country was on the verge of destruction, Fennes invited the Urcas into their lands, with Muraga taking the throne.
==== V Clan ====
A nomadic tribe that once wandered across Ardra, although they appear to have had their own territory next to Golbe. Infighting and Gouga's conspiracies led to the clan's ruin. Liv'La was the last clanslady.
==== Yezagh ====
A persecuted people without land to call their own that suffers from oppression and discrimination. Under Sadali's orders, Fennes had gathered the Yezagh from all across eastern Ardra as slaves. Garvall, who managed to escape, has since taken over the Arms Dealers' Guild and its lands, and now aims to secure a proper territory for his people.
The people of Yezagh appear to be descendants of the people of the Empire.
category:Locations in War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius