Anachoria

**Anachoria** is a continent on Arth. It is the most northeastern continent, and is one of the most important storywise.

## Overview

Like other continents, Anachoria is a large landmass separated from other continents by ocean. Like Cantica, it is a generally warm and temperate climate with multiple islands under it's control. It is one of the most important continents story wise, with it being the land where the main character, Jewel Mikoto is from.

## History and Culture

Debated by historians, Anachoria, and the indigenous Wanaoi (*Onetwuo language for "touched by the kings")*, are generally accepted by both religious and non religious people to be one of, if not the oldest continent and/or civilization of peoples still living today. Wanaoi people still exist in large numbers, with their general population living alongside Cantican or Alanatasian visitors and traders to their region, however they generally are protective of their land, especially the main region, and as such most of Anachorian history and culture has been sparse to many outside the continent due to their isolationism, preventing immigration and only allowing trade in certain ports. As a result, Anachorian culture, much like Alanatasian, is much less industrial and is one of the only countries that does not have any industrial policies, many schools of thought and social norms of the continent believing in more natural uses of augur, with non-wizard citizens using magically charged natural items like gemstones and staffs. However, despite the lack of technology and industry that Anachorians have, discrimination against non-mages is rare due to cultural discrimination being more based in nationality rather than ability.

Anachorian culture also lauds their national pride of being the first people, especially Wanaoi. Considering general historial records and religious texts, especially the fact that Oneto and the Kumaic Orders claim that Anachoria is the first land created by the gods, and the Wanaoi are the first people formed, most natives to the continent promote a deep love and pride for their land, and therefore have deep respect for nature. Many practices and norms in Anachoria are centered around the respect towards nature and the protection of the weak and less fortunate, with many important cultural landmarks of the continent and countries being either nature, such as trees and rock formations, and generally create buildings inspired after nature or magical and fantastical, fairy-like aesthetics. Temples are often common, with the most being located in the north near the Throat of the Gods and the most famous, the Temple of Law.

One of the biggest exports and skills of general Anachorian culture is their artisanal and architectural skill, alongside their great magical prowess and general metalwork.

#### Marriage

Due to the gender imbalance in Anachoria where boys outnumber girls, a common practice throughout Anachorian history is the practice of a familial harem, where when a woman marries into a family, all the males/brothers in the husband's family (unrelated to the wife) effectively become the new woman's husband too.  It is also often dowry based and the woman chooses who is her most important husband. Genetic lineage is also placed on the maternal line, so any child who comes from the woman is the child to all the men in the harem.

## Geography

Like Cantica, Anachoria has a general temperate, but warm climate, with only the tip of the north having a general cold climate. Like Ishgita, Anachoria is incredibly diverse in it's biomes.

## Countries

Under the general rule of the Wamelpi ("*Vermillion-(Gilded) Blood"* in Onetwuo) Family, a royal family which has existed for thousands of years, Anachoria follows a palace economy and believe that the royal family are direct descendants of Surano-o, specificially his daughter and the goddess of maidenhood, Raiha.

## Trivia

* While a fictional language, Onetwuo is inspired by Linear B syllabic script, as well as many important words in Anachoria being inspired by Mycenean Greek deity names.
* The general aesthetics of Anachoria is a mix of Art Nouveau and traditional Japanese, such as the Muromachi period.
* Most Wanaoi natives are generally dark skinned, and in their culture they believe this dark skin comes from the Kiss of Amanareth.