The Current World

There are three realms within our world, but only one is really regarded as the most important. That realm is the one we live in, known as the Mortal Realm, Terra, or, it's proper name: Mentsh Ort (Men-tish Ore-tuh.) It's not a world, or sphere in a technical sense, but rather it is actually a plane of existence, that takes the shape of a floating island within the universe. Explorers have yet to reach the end of Mentsh, and, it’s actually theorized that the world does not have an end, but rather, the realm expands faster than we can travel. The Mortal realm is regarded as the first realm, and is where all other Realms exist in. Though, that's not really important either. Here's what you want to read about the known continents, including the one where our story takes place:

## Aetheral, The Heart of the World

The world in which we find ourselves is so very expansive and diverse that in traveling from one region to another, one may feel as if they have just traversed into a different world entirely. As such, the many kingdoms and provinces rarely find interest in foreign affairs, having entire "worlds," as it were, to their own. It is commonplace indeed, that in some tavern in Aetheral a man mentions some faraway continent of which nobody has heard, whose existence really cannot be confirmed or denied by the present company.

In Aetheral, where our story takes place, however, there exists a few lands whose existence only a madman would deny.

Learn more about Aetheral here.

### **Cities, Towns, & Territories**

#### Ardea, The Capital

The Kingdom of Ardea is the capital of Aetheral, and holds with it the continent's heart. It is the largest of the territories, having within it, two mountains, one plain, three forests, one swamp, a desert and a canyon, the only port, the only palace, the largest Druid Grove, and Aetheral's largest winery.

This Kingdom is known for its military might, and the prowess of its people. Having lived through and defeating both dragons and lich kings, these people have stories to tell, and have certainly earned their home in Aetheral. Without Ardea's people, the whole of the continent would have been overrun by undead and monsters long ago, adding it to the long list of uninhabitable islands that dot the world.

Some popular attractions within Ardea include; The Wanderers Rest, which is the main tavern within the city; the Palace, being the only palace in Aetheral, and being one of the few palaces that are completely open to the public, it's certain to be a nice spot to add to your travel itinerary; the Ayari Library, which is one of the largest libraries on the continent, and even holds up against some larger public libraries in other parts of the world; and, even though it's technically in Kaeth Serine, The Red Wolves Guild, which is a large fortress named Eastwind, which is home home to mercenaries, monster hunters, and explorers alike. Port Nymris is another lovely attraction, named after an allied dragon that died protecting Inkwell from the undead. Within the Giant's Forest is an actual Giant, and it's camp, be warned though, he is not to be trifled with. Both the Saint Antonius Monastery and Abbey of Silence are embedded within the Southern Magni Mountain Range, and, while the Abbey can't be entered, both are an architectural marvel. La Roseraie Vineyard in the desert is a popular romantic date spot, open for day tours, and it even has a bathhouse any resort would be jealous of.

However, not every place within Ardea is safe, or comfortable. Crawler's Canyon is known for harboring Goblins, and giant venomous spiders, which the caynon is named after. The Ferali Swamp is one of the few uninhabited parts of Ardea. It's a no-man's land, untouched by even the Crown. Within the Magni Mountain Range, there lies an abandoned Dwarven Ruin, which used to be home to Dwarves, Dark Elves, and Dragons alike. Now, it is a dangerous place to wander, since rockfalls, lava flows, and poisonous mushroom spore clouds are common. Adventure with caution.

Learn more about Ardea here.

#### New Inkwell, The Free City

New Inkwell is known as the "Free City" for one reason, and one reason only. It's founder, Viltrei Inkwell, believed that people should not have to live under law or rules, for the natural way of the world was to live without these things. The only "laws" within his territory (though they are more like guidelines), can be found on one of the few notice boards around the city, and are as follows:

> "Whoever you may be, whatever you may have done, all are welcome. Only rules: No theft, no murder in the streets. In the wild, everything goes."
>
>

Though, this slogan was not received well by the Church of the Light. Near the end of Second Fellnight, an extremist branch of the Church of the Light, known only as the Abbey of Silence, went on a purge through Aetheral, but their primary target was Inkwell. Known for being a city of that not only houses but protects criminals and heretics, the Abbey of Silence attempted to burn the whole city to the ground. Another thing this city is known for is being quite the fire-hazard, with its wooden buildings and cramped alleyways.

No one has seen the city's founder Viltrei since this incident, and it's uncertain whether he left the continent entirely to flee persecution, or if the Abbey of Silence has finally snuffed out this dangerous spark.

Keep in mind that, if a denizen of Aetheral is to live in Inkwell, they are not guaranteed the protection of the Crown, or even the mercy of the Light.

With no leader, and no money coming into the city, Inkwell has all been but abandoned. Some people still live there, but whoever remains is guaranteed to be the unsavory type.

Though, in its prime, Inkwell was not all that bad. It aided Ardea in the fight against Drictag and his undead army, and housed countless refugees from not only this incident, but the Dragon Attack as well. The city was also known for being Ardea's most vital lumber import, though, with its abandonment, things have changed.

Inkwell is Ardea's sister city, and, even if there are disagreements, it will always be seen as such.

Learn more about New Inkwell here.

The Northern Territories
 The Atramento Mountain

#### The Southern Jungle Tribe

The Tribal Territories
 The Volcano