The Outlands

“The Outlands” refers to the unsettled lands which compose a majority of Liyue and Thedas as a whole; realistically, this term describes any territory outside the domains of the Sister Cities. The Outlands are considered incredibly dangerous and effectively uninhabitable–at least for long periods of time. It follows that all three Sister Cities have outlawed civilian emigration; in fact, voyages into the Outlands even by the governments are rare and serve only specific purposes.

However, the Outlands also contain the ruins of the Old World, including records and magical artifacts. Exploration of the territory is thus incredibly rewarding, though high risk.

## Toxicity

A byproduct of the Cataclysm–at least to the best understanding of Akademiya researchers–was the pollution of the land by a corruptive ancient agent both secular and magical in composition. The exact nature of this magic and its effects is difficult to study due to its inconsistencies: intensity, thread type and density, and biological impact vary not just region by region but even between samples from the same source. The toxicity has persisted for as long as recorded history can recall with no signs of abating.

Experience and research have identified countermeasures to the toxicity both temporary and permanent, though the latter solutions are time-consuming, expensive, exhausting, and difficult to carry out. Investigation has shown that exposure to purifying magic (e.g. dispelling, healing) will negate the effects of the corruption: this is how humans survived prior to the establishment of the Sister Cities. Thus, being accompanied by a Mage capable of casting these magics will enable at least temporary resistance to the poisonous magic of the Outlands. Experience has also shown that inhalation of the toxicity severely accelerates the effects of the corruption upon the human body. As such, the Akademiya has developed filtered masks which ventilate intaken air through a magical purification device and make it safe to inhale. These masks are expensive to produce and require rare magical ingredients, making them unrealistic to mass produce. Additionally, the ventilation mechanism has a relatively short lifetime before it becomes ineffective. The best models can last up to a month, while standard models last one to two weeks.

Permanent countermeasures involve measuring the intensity of the corruptive magic in a small area and prescribing regular, intensely concentrated doses of purifying magic. This requires large teams of talented mages and academics to achieve, and further necessitates a strong support system to enable survival during the process. Once complete, though, the land remains permanently purified and becomes livable. Such a demanding feat is uncommon and extremely expensive both in man hours and monetary value, but it has been accomplished in the past by the Elyrium government. As the population has grown, the need for additional living space has justified the cost of the effort. Since its founding, four additional prefectures have been added to the borders of Elyrium.

The effects of the toxicity on the human biology begin mild but quickly progress into severe illness and eventual death with continued exposure. Furthermore, the damage done to the body even by small intervals of exposure is irreversible. Thus, travel into the Outlands is rare when sanctioned by the government and entirely illegal for civilians. Symptoms begin with mild nausea, headaches, and nosebleeds. These symptoms will fade when one ceases exposure, but any damage to organs will remain and victims may have recurring symptoms for the rest of their lives. Continued exposure will progressively damage organs and, after a few years, will result in death.

## Devils

The toxicity of the Outlands is not its only pressing danger. Devils and monsters also roam the landscape. Both are hostile on sight (usually, once or twice a Beta/Alpha–tier Devil has been spotted in the Outlands) and present a lethal threat.

The Devils which roam the Outlands are largely Gamma-tier, meaning they are bestial, merciless, and rabid. Usually these Devils are based on simple fears or those which are not widely held, making them too weak to breach the city. Their primary motive is to hunt and eat humans, but when they lack access to this they will fight amongst themselves. As they are attracted to their food source, these Devils tend to be most densely collected around the borders of the Sister Cities; this makes leaving the cities particularly dangerous. Once past the proximity of a city there are fewer Devils, but still enough to be a constant danger.

## Ecology

Interestingly, plants and animals have displayed a higher though not inconsequential resistance to the corruptive Outlands. They do not suffer the same illness that humans do and instead experience changes to their behavior and appearance. These transformations are understood to be both an effect of exposure and a byproduct of adaptation to the hostile environment. Regardless, the common result is heightened aggression and destructive tendencies. Many animals which ancient records suggest were peaceful or neutral now are fiercely territorial and hostile. This trend also applies to plants; based on the few records collected from before the Cataclysm, there used to be far fewer carnivorous and poisonous plants than now exist.

Not every animal has been so severely impacted by the corruptive Outlands: some animals seem to have evolved to resist most or all of the toxicity. Such creatures are welcome within the walls of Elyrium, and many species are kept as pets. They’ve also proven vital in assisting Akademiya research into the Outlands.

## Travel & Voyages

All of Devils, aggressive animals/monsters, and the Outlands’ toxicity make travel exceedingly difficult. As described, Devils make the immediate exit of the cities particularly perilous and further pose a problem for the duration of any journey. Hostile animals and plants roam and litter the land further out from the walls of the cities. The toxic nature of the Outlands also makes long-term settlement impossible and short-term journeys uncomfortable and permanently harmful at best.

That said, the governments of the Sister Cities do issue voyages into the Outlands. Roads and small outposts have been established between the cities, though positions as defenders of these outposts are short-lived. Journeys are created for vital communications between the cities, as well as imports/exports of goods that the otherwise self-sufficient cities are unable to procure. Elyrium also issues research parties to scavenge the Outlands and the ruins of the Old World in hopes of recovering more magical weapons and artifacts with which to fight Devils, in addition to records which may lend insight both into the history of the world and into the inner mechanisms of magic.

Reports of a black market trade of the ventilation masks have recently arisen, suggesting that criminal syndicates may have breached into the business of Outlands exploration. This is a problem for Elyrium: these underground trips imply secret passages through which Devils may enter the city, and criminal expeditions will steal vital resources that should belong to the government.