Azad

Azad is the one of the six continents on the planet of Oryn.

## Etymology

Azad is named after the chief celestial Azadin, his name being a symbol of strength. Odo Greenheart named it as such to honour Azadin after his aid in reaching the newly discovered lands.

## Geography

**Azad,** whilst the smallest of the Continents, has the most diverse geography. Due to the magic that flows through the continent, as well as divine interference, there is no rigid climate, seeing drastic changes between each region. This ranges from mountain ranges, to huge forests, to deserts and glaciers.

The continent is surrounded by ocean, having the Azadinian Ocean to the north, the Solstice Sea to the south, the Inkwell to the east, and the Umbreal Moana to the west. There is one mainland region, and then smaller islands making up their own nations off of these.

### Arandil

The island nation of Arandil, around 100 miles west of the coasts of Laon, is a region of deep history and magics, as well as wildly varying climate and topography. The population of Arandil is mostly humans, elves, and dwarves, but as with the rest of Azad, it is not uncommon to find other races.

Arandil is made up of smaller islands, but is generally regarded as two main islands: the Dwarven Isles to the west, and the Woodland to the east. The Dwarven Isles is a mountainous area covered in snow, separated from the rest of Arandil by a large partially-frozen body of water named the Icethaw Channel. The Woodland however, as its name suggests, is a large island covered in thick forests. There is also a desert in the south.

The most notable places of Arandil are:

* Cloudgarde: the capital city, and home to the monarchy. The city is fairly large, containing a large church and also a university of magic.
* Ironreach: the largest city of the Dwarven Isles, its style and culture resembles those similar in Urngor Hymyr.
* The World Tree: situated on the smaller eastern island of Amne Radh, this is the centre of the natural worlds powers and presence.
* Desert of Destined End: a magically created desert that even when the sun has set, still experiences unnatural heat.

### Laon

The desert region of Laon in the far north is a difficult place to travel. The rising sand mountains and hills that fill the landscape, as well as the endless sands and constant heat make it an unattractive place for outsiders to visit. The inhabitants of Laon however have managed to adapt to tolerate its difficulty, building large cities and towns throughout. The species here aren't different to other places in Azad, but there is a more common trend of beast races that are naturally suited to live in a place as this.

The key cities and landmarks are:

* Olynthus: the capital and home to the regions government. This large city has many attractions, most notably its central government building.
* Cythera: a large port city on the delta, the settlement's a trade capital, housing many crafters and vendors.
* Valley of the Purist Sun: a long valley between the mountains, the climate here is an exaggeration of the rest of Laon.
* The Ashfields: the north west area of Laon, slightly separated by the delta, is known for its merciless and terrifying deserts of ash.

### The Ironlands

Sharing a lot of similarities in topography, as well as cultural, social, and infrastructural resemblances, to Urngor Hymyr, the Ironlands is a western island far off the coast of Isilium. Nicknamed the "second home of the Dwarves", this snowy region tends to keep to itself. It follows a different religion to the majority of Azad, and prides itself on its warriors and exports - mainly weapons and mead.

Within this region, there contains:

* Issheimr: the capital city and bastion of the Ironlands. It's streets are filled with brawls, drunkards, and an elite force of guards.
* Mount Odin: a massive mountain in the north, it was named in tribute to the dwarf's patron deity. It houses the World Forge, previously located in Arandil.
* Ironridge Mountains: a mountain range spanning across most of the western part of the island.
* The Frozen Field: a completely frozen lake in the middle of the region. Its passage is seen as a test, being only the strongest able to cross.

### Isilium

A land of diversity, both in its people and its climate. To the north is a large desert, connecting itself to Laon; the central and southern areas are completely forests; and the west containing mountains and glaciers. Isilium is also home to King Faran, High King of Azad. His keep is in the middle of the Silverpearl Sea to the east, only ever receiving the most important visits.

Isilium's most known locations include:

* Isilium Hold: capital city surrounded by woodlands. Its territory expands beyond the city walls, encompassing other towns also.
* Icepeak: dwarven city in the west, home to a massive dwarven army.
* Khalia: elven city in the southern forests that border Fur. This place of wealth and nature is vastly different to the rest of Isilium.
* Castle Faran: the High King's keep on his private island. Only accessible by water or air, it keeps him safe from the threats of the mainland.