Gaia

**Gaia** is a diverse and plentiful planet located deep in remote space of the Volumine. Gaia is teeming with a myriad of countless exotic flora and fauna, and is inhabited various sapient races, rival factions and groups all vying for control over resources, land and power.

## Resident Races and Inhabitants

Gaia is brimming with a plethora of races scattered all about the lands and seas alike. Gaian races are all incredibly diverse and individually unique. The most prominent race inhabiting Gaia are the Gaians, descendants of former Sezonian prisoners who were stripped of all technology, wiped of memory and then stranded on the planet. The Gaians are a very superstitious and hold various obscure legends. Another notorious race native to Gaia is the Zohuars, an species of territorial reptilian humanoids who greatly despise the trespassers into their land. There are rumors of a mysterious tribe of cat men inhabiting the dense jungles of the Far Lands.

### New Order

Recently a small force of lost Sezonian explores stumbled upon the planet, where they are able to make contact with their Gaian cousins. Using Sezonian Light technology, they are able to disarm the device disabling all technology, and eventually undo much of the memory wipes. The Gaians along with their Sezonian saviors founded a new government along with a entirely new culture, mixing the Gaians' reverence for nature and the Sezonians' teachings of the Light, with that the Union of Gaia was formed.

## Geography

The world of Gaia is comprised of several major continents, with numerous smaller islands scattered about them. It is a world of great variation regarding geography and climate. The Far North is the most northern, and is near inhospitable sheet of brutal cold, in the case of Norland. Below that there is the Northern Belt, a stretch of land less cold and more diverse, inhabited by only the most hardy races surviving only by sheer raw determination and physical attributes. To the northwest of this is Althuia, which posses one of the most diverse climate. Opposite of this is, Acuran, a mostly temperate climate landmass. At the “center” of the world is the Cradle, where the Caligap Archipelago and thus the seat of the Elefena empire, representing a variety of different climates and terrains, each with its own character. West of this lies the Far Lands, it is densely covered in thick jungles, swamps and plains. South of the Cradle is Hiogoya, lands of exotic mysteries. Further south of this is Far South, a colossal land largely covered by endless swathes of jungle, volcanic activity and with many deadly beasts. Then there is Braemia, southeast of the Cradle, northeast of the Far South, and long believed to be the heart of Inzel society on the world. Finally further east, there is Eolaes, a vast and largely arid land covered in deserts, plague-ridden jungles, and largely unexplored, and ancient ruins from lost civilizations.

### The Far North

#### Norland

The brutal realm of Norland is mostly an frozen and bleak land with vast ranges of tundra and rugged terrain, that lies in the harsh north. The surrounding oceans and bodies of water are said to teem with fabled sea monsters. Beasts of savagery lurk among the crags and ridges, terrible beings hide within ancient taigas while the very forces of ice and fire go head to head in open conflict.

#### Darmack Isle

A barren island south of Norland, the isle of Darmack is quite inhospitable.

#### Ice Crown

Covered in glacial ice, the landmass sits atop the world. It is considered little more a icy wasteland and is believed to be utterly uninhabited.

### The Northern Belt

#### Harkeath

A large island of the Northern Belt. It has been torn apart by conflict between feuding tribes.

#### The Three Brothers

A grouping of three northern islands. The islands earned their names, from the trio of brothers who first discovered them and settled here with their families.

#### Carthac

A large northern continent often forgotten by most of the outside world. Almost every type of cold environment and climate can be found in Carthac, the races that call home here are similarly diversified in their ways of living and life to accommodate these regions.

#### Jorhuin

An icy landscape well known for its many harsh threats, from the biting cold to the fierce animals that stalk the cold wilderness.

### Acruan

#### The Union

The Union is a land divided between the north and south. The northern regions are dominated by deep, dark forests and remote wilderness. Infested with all manner of evil things, from ferocious beasts to lawless brigands. These forests are littered by moss-covered ruins, many of which serve now as the lair to monsters, bandits, or cultists.

To the south, the lands of the Union are more civilized, with numerous cities and fertile farming lands. This is the heart of the Union, and houses the greatest and current capital city of Acruan, Edetopa.

#### Manichill Highlands

A gloomy place with jagged rock formations punctuating the rather bleak lowlands. The towering crags, windswept moors, and rugged highlands strike many as oppressive. The region has historically been inhabited by the native, savage hill tribes and clans with a fierce independence that refuse to bend to the authority of the Union.

#### Morthyos

A small, windswept island located off the coast of the Manichill Highlands. Morthyos is a foreboding place where it rains almost every day, the island is shrouded in mist and heavy fog and the land is predominantly bogs, marshes and fens. This damp and gloomy environment has given it a gloomy and sinister reputation.

#### Savage Country

The area north of the Manichill Highlands is a treacherous wilderness known as the Savage Country. Few human tribes dwell here, the predators that stalk this tundra are beyond counting and many are ferocious.

#### Highrim Mountains

To the far northern tip of Acruan, rise the snow-capped peaks of the Highrim Mountains. A high, mountainous region that is best described as being cold, windy and wet. Snowfall is common, and a white blanket constantly covers the ground year round.

#### Roxwood Islands

A group of three small islands directly off Acruan's southern coast. The islands are covered thickly in the rare roxwood trees.

#### Gilmos

A cold, rainy place, shrouded by gloomy clouds and snow from its neighbors. High cliffs on the shores protect the land from sailors' curious eyes.

#### Swamps of Souls

A mist-covered swamp that is trackless and virtually impossible to cross. Covered in hawthorns and twisted, weeping trees that claw what little nourishment they can from the soggy soil.

#### Frontierlands

Separated from the Union by steep mountains, the Frontierlands is a place of constant skirmishing and instability as the petty local warlords struggle endlessly for a few more acres of this war-torn land. Despite that, it is an ideal place for for those emigrating, seeking a better life.

#### Danmore

An island off to the far northwest coast of Acruan, covered with rolling hills and sparse evergreen woods. Danmore is temperate, though subject to sudden ocean storms. The island is the home to the human nation of the same name, having originally been discovered and colonized by sailors and dissidents from both the Union and Gilmos.

#### Borne

A small island off the southeastern coast of Acruan. Borne is said to be overrun with packs of man-eating wolf like beasts.

#### Blaincester Isle

A small island with steep cliffs and a lush, fertile interior. It is the home of House Blaincester where the island gets its name from.

### The Far Lands

#### Hadaar

The jungles of Hadaar are full of a vast diversity of unique fauna and lush flora including carnivorous plants, large reptilian creatures and many poisonous insects among other forgotten creatures that make any attempt at colonization virtually impossible. Deep into the interior lies the ruins of once thriving cities said to be built by an lost civilization, long ago in days gone bye.

#### Dark Archipelago

A group of islands off the northwestern coast of Hadaar, on the Dark Gulf. Life on the islands is described as nasty, brutal, and often short. The isles of the Dark Archipelago are hot, humid, and are considered unhealthy for both man and beast.

#### Dalmira

A rugged land that’s geography is as diverse as the Far Lands'. Swathed in thick and vast jungles, mountain ranges dot the coastline and this vast expanse of vegetation, from which rush wide rivers flow around and through the hilly jungle terrain, then into marshes along the more open windswept coasts.

#### Bridgenia Borr

A small tropical island, surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks. Plant life is fertilized by the rich volcanic soil.

### Hiogoya

#### Kanaorgia

An exotic and lush land. Cloud-ringed mountains and hidden bamboo thickets cover the majority of the shorelines, the inner regions of the land are rich with fertile soil and run with crystal clear waters. Majestic mountains, autumnal plains, lush coastal areas and tranquil lagoons can also be found here. Various types of wildlife make there home here such as the graceful crooking crane, the rare clouded puma and herds of Morgai.

#### Chiuji

Wondrous and rich, a mystical domain with its great golden pagodas, imposing cities, and forbidden palaces. Many strange creatures are said to live in the land of Chiuji, from serpentine behemoths to living stone beasts which guard the many temples of the gods.

#### Alalis

A island off the coast off Kanaorgia's western coast, the island of Alalis has idyllic orchards and clear pastures, still and silent lagoons and misty woodlands.

#### Cannia

A lush and tranquil island close to Kanaorgia, with thick bamboo forests and abundant with limestone.

#### Turowoa

A humid continent known for its great mountain ranges, natural wealth, as well as many unique water features which are either naturally occurring or artificially built.

#### Seng-Ziu

The land of Seng-Ziu has an array of climates ranging from the temperate lowlands to the cool, misty mountain peaks, which create a peaceful, scenic environment for its inhabitants.

### The Cradle

#### Caligap Archipelago

Home to the Elefena Empire, situated in the middle of the Isth Sea. Considered by many to be the center of Gaia, and the center of their empire and seat of governance.

#### Sunny Isles

A collection of warm islands near the Far Lands but are considered part of the Cradle. The region's natural calm and clear waters, make it an ideal vacation destination for those of the Elefena elite.

#### Riplia

A small landmass isolated at the meeting point of several seas. The terrain is devoid of large and disruptive animals.

#### Vesuth

A large, dry island in the Cradle known for its production of various metals and precious ores.

#### Sliosas

Naturally beautiful, is the landmass of Sliosas. It is covered in rugged mountainous terrain punctured by beautiful fertile valleys fed by natural spring water.

### Braemia

#### Esscouia

A largely wild and untamed land known for its varied geography and plethora of ruins. Full of dangers, not only geological but also from the fauna.

### Althuia

#### **Cainmir**

The sparsely populated land of the continent's tip, with its dangerous wild beasts and the harsh cold conditions make one of Althuia's most dangerous regions altogether.

#### Ithanlia

An picturesque land of open fertile fields, rolling hills, starkly beautiful mountains and airy forests. Settled by dissidents from the Union, it has since became a breeding ground of wealth and culture.

#### Lorenvale

An ancient forest full of trees, teeming with life. Steeped in mystical energy with a deep spiritual connection to the natural world, Lorenvale is said to be protected by the forces of nature itself and is considered sacred or cursed respectfully by the land's native peoples.

#### Dreadwallow Marsh

A hot watery swamp located southeast of the Dry Barrens and north of the arid Great Desert of Talikar. Fed by underground springs and surrounded by the parched savannas of the Dry Barrens, keep the swamp eternally wet, muddy, and hot, unfit for proper settlements and a haven for creatures that crave the wetness and humidity.

#### The Dry Barrens

The Dry Barrens are a sprawling and arid savanna battered each day by the sun's scorching rays. Despite its often uninviting terrain and hostile inhabitants, the Dry Barrens receive a good deal of interest from foreign powers with rumors suggesting that precious minerals await.

#### Great Desert of Talikar

An arid land of rolling sand dunes, stone plateaus and scorched valleys frequently exposed to dangerous sandstorms. Despite these harsh conditions, the desert does have a few rivers, most being seasonal or intermittent. Underground aquifers reaching the surface allow the existence of oases at various points in the desert.

#### Skyreach Peaks

A range of mountains in central Althuia. Millennia of erosion has carved the region into a vast network of canyons and cliff openings that invites adventurers and beasts alike to explore this virgin land.

#### Murcona

The green plains of Murcona are nestled in the foothills of the Skyreach Peaks to the north, and protected by a natural wall of mountains. This fertile land provides bounty for the hunt, as a diversity of wildlife roam the rolling plains and climb the foothills of the surrounding range.

#### Falthorne

Unlike its barren neighbors to the north, south, and east, Falthorne is a verdant rainforest. The climate is subtropical with most days being warm and humid, with plentiful rainfall.

#### Gorand Valley

Formed by tectonic activity, Gorand Valley is a unspoiled land of amazingly lush jungle and teeming with life sustained by the waters of the river flowing through the valley's center.

#### Feaster Island

A large remote island off the shore of Althuia's eastern coast, Feaster Island is rumored to be inhabited by mysterious beings and strange creatures.

### The Far South

#### Chulum

A mountainous island, covered almost entirely by deadly jungle and infested with disease and dangerous monsters.

#### Solendras

Primordial and harsh, a thick and dark place covered in endless miles of deadly jungle, treacherous rivers and many dangerous creatures. Populated by savage subhuman primitives that engage in obscene and heretical rituals to dark gods.

#### Deshach

Similar to its close neighbor, though it is considered even more dangerous, the land of Deshach is nearly inaccessible to all outside of its borders thanks to extreme weather patterns and the many deadly, terrifying beasts that lurk its jungles.

#### Uasvos

Untamed and largely unexplored, a volcanic region abundant with lush flora fed by soil formed from past eruptions.

#### Bal Maelar

Known for its damp, fetid air, thick vegetation, algae-choked marshes, and fungal thickets. Hidden beneath the island is a network of limestone caves and tunnels.

### Eolaes

In the far southeast, the great landmass of Eolaes. The continent displays a wide array of geography and climate, from green rolling hills, temperate forests, scorching and cracked earth flats to dynamic majestic yellow dunes of sand. Home to a much larger and more diverse set of races and cultures than any other landmass on Gaia.

#### Qedia

A fiery land of searing heat, shifting sands and the birthplace of a mighty empire. The open desert eventually gives way to grand monuments, statues and sculptures that proclaim the greatness of past kings and angry gods. At the heart of this realm, is the city of Sorythis, vast, majestic and still awe-inspiring for all to behold.

The desert is bisected by the mighty Strix River and its tributaries, They provide a yearlong source of fresh water to this otherwise inhospitable land, forming a fertile cradle from which civilization arose and with the vast majority of the nation's inhabitants live along their banks.

#### Therodas

A semi-arid land of hills and pastures. It is a patchwork tapestry of various city-states, some great and powerful, others minor and petty.

#### Paztica

A heavily forested region covered with steamy, leaf-shrouded rainforests, some covering tracts of swampland or low mountain ranges, sometimes interrupted by patches of farming land or the crumbling ruins of ancient cities and forgotten temples.

#### Murakuru Wilds

The wild interior of the continent. The hazards of jungle exploration are made only worse by the existence of vicious beasts, man-eating plants, sinister cults, and stranger monstrous folk but legends of lost cities made of gold and incredible riches continue to attract treasure hunters who attempt to penetrate the thick jungles but almost all have never been seen or heard of again.

#### Ebu

A sweltering realm of exotic spices, jewels and other treasures. Many tales of wonder are told of the accounts of mysterious creatures dwelling in the lush rainforests, wealthy rulers living in opulent palaces surrounded by slaves and servants, and of the many gods and spirits that they revere.

#### Khurdar

From the fetid jungles of Khurdar, come all many of horrors and haunting legends. Stories of the dark and nightmarish Naghokra of the dreaded Daekryn Dominion, lording over their many monstrous servitors and slave legions. The jungles of Khurdar were once home to many races, but have all but been destroyed, driven out or enslaved to feed the growing empire.

#### The Great Plains

A vast landscape of empty grasslands and steppes speckled with the occasional stubby tree or the ruins of those destroyed and ravaged by the constant conflicts between the warring inhabitants of this rough land.

#### The Hundred Islands

An extensive archipelago, the isles are a sea-girt scatter of bleak and windswept rocks. The fish in the waters around the islands are described as misshapen, with a bitter and unpleasant taste. Few land on the islands, due to their inhabitants.

#### Jung

A verdant isle of jungle, home to tree-dwelling hunting cats, a hundred breeds of monkeys, and pygmy pachyderms.

#### Irrinia Isles

An tropical island archipelago far off the southeastern coast of Eolaes.

### Tamnach

A tropical island with a a large network of natural caverns.

### Sandtrie Islet

An desert island that is mostly devoid of all life.

### Lamana Holm

A small island with a rocky interior and coastal wetlands.