Syldor

## Geography

Syldor is a highly protective land with strict borders. Travel is permitted, but only under careful watch and close guard as the land itself has turned many heads in recent generations with the discovery of a new substance within the heart of its country, the nature of which is still debated among scholars. Crystal formations protrude from the ground throughout the land, but the most concentrated masses are found in the northern mountain range. Most of the population settles in metropolitan cities or their smaller satellite villages uniquely arranged around the water systems from mountain runoff and riverbeds shared with neighbouring nations. Syldor is renowned for its black sand and rich soil, lending itself to many farms, meadows, and stretches of forest. However, it should be noted that barren stretches of badlands are scattered about where crystals were once abundant but have since been mined and farmed to scarcity. Due to Syldor being the only nation to follow the Aeluna faith, it is not uncommon to find landmarks, towering observatories, buildings or stone walkways that reflect and accommodate the moon’s image.

## Government

An elective monarchy. Partially influenced by the Aeluna religion, the people of Syldor find no objective quality in a blood lineage that decides the monarch. The current Queen, Edelgarde Magfir-Vencaryn, spent her early life adventuring and championing the people of Syldor, then rose to favour amongst the populace. She has since come to be known by the moniker The Queen of Salts and Hounds by allies and enemies alike. Salt refers to the mineral-rich land she presides over, whose economy depends significantly on such exports and trades. Hounds refer to the Ranger Queen’s hunting companions and the army she heads A united, ruthless, and loyal force.

Although Edelgarde is comfortably crowned and ruling with an iron fist, the shadow of the previous reign still looms over the Syldori people. Their prior ruler, King Jannek Kudelin, deeply desired to rule forever. Some question who he collaborated with, but the story goes that he killed his son, in hopes of utilizing his blood lineage to fuel undeath.

Edelgarde made an example of his insolence and disregard for the cost of such magic to fuel her own campaign for the throne. She then turned a campaign for magical licensing into more profound propaganda that allowed her to eventually round up all arcane users and force them into state-sanctioned practice equivalent to involuntary lifetime conscription.

### Law and Order

Syldor’s borders are routinely and fiercely guarded by Edelgarde’s elite force of rangers. Their skills in camoflauging with the landscape, tracking, and mage slaying provide a standing barrier against those who wish to enter and leave without authorization. It has been said by people who live in boarding nations that the rangers have found themselves lurking further than what is considered Syldor’s nationally recognized borders.

Many consider Syldor to be a totalitarian state where law and order are kept by the varying levels of the national guard. Very rarely do small villages have a choice in which law-bearer is in office, nor do they have a voice in how their people are protected or brought to justice. All towns and metropolitans have a noticeable presence in both Radomir and Moranene divisions.

Radomir are the somatic militant division comprising voluntary enlistments that do not rely on arcane properties. Cartographers, rangers, soldiers, and strategists are known as Auspicesnik. Higher-ranking officials from this division are known as Sanctionik. The Radomir is by far considered the favoured division by Edelgarde and her supporters.

Moranene are the arcane militant division. They are an involuntary thaumaturge service branch under the Queen’s decree. Those who do not serve are restricted in practice and by permit; meanwhile, those who evade service or permission are punished by law. Service members who can bleed, heal, or perform necromancy are called Cruoralka. Channellers, animancers, and elementalists are known as Auralka. Enchanters, fabricators, and transmuters are known as Primalka.

### Crime

In recent years, crime has risen, with reports of magically inclined people going missing inside the border. At the same time, Aelundalum and the rapidly depleting crystal formations leak out and appear in enemy states. As such, the sovereign of Syldor has since restricted travelling in or out without perfect papers and good reason.

For the citizens of Syldor, practicing magic without a permit is criminalized; it’d be rare to meet a Syldori mage not conscripted as a state augur.

## Trade

One of Syldor’s most prominent points of commerce is the land and natural resources therein, especially as it is rich with a recently discovered substance named Aelundalum. This element, piously named after the region’s dominant religion, is highly sought after for its numerous benefits. Incredibly responsive to arcana, it can be distilled into a drug that refines and empowers spellcasters. Some say it is the residue of a large arcane explosion from long ago; others claim it is a natural occurrence, while still more speculate that Syldor secretly manufactures it for purposes yet to be seen. The truth of its origin is still unclear; this fosters distrust and intrigue across the continent. Scholars wish to study it, alchemists and mages seek to use it, and diplomats consider its value and threat. In contrast, others find interest in trafficking significant quantities in raw form or as a distilled powder.

Syldor also thrives off its farming. Not only are their crops particularly abundant, but their crystal formations– which can be refined for artistic, martial, and architectural purposes– are also famous exports. The most common use of these processed crystals is as long-running light sources for cities and trading routes as these formations conduct light for an impressive amount of time once properly imbued.

## Notable Locations

The capital city of Syldor, Tvevo. Landmarked by three massive crystal structures that seem to protrude from the ground in a trinity formation. The closer one gets to these, the easier it is to ascertain that this is a reconstruction of these formations, hollowed out and pieced back together during the construction of the main temple, observatory, and government chambers. Despite a palace standing within the walls of Tvevo, Queen Edelgarde takes up residence elsewhere, often traveling between these grand palaces to be amongst her people and only using the palace or courts available to her for business, hearings, council, and entertainment.

The Lucentier Summit is a landform that could only be described as the continent’s most significant geode formation rising into a mountain peak. There are many mines in the north, but as the single most abundant source of crystals, Mount Lucentier employs the most miners and has for years. This mountain was once a popular destination for tourism; long ago, villages and small wintry resorts thrived in the area because it offered a unique landscape ideal for remote vacations and sightseeing. The mountain was a popular spot for guided and unguided tours into shallow unmined areas until the value of these crystals began to outweigh the monetary benefits of tourism. It has since been overfarmed, leading many scholars and miners to the conclusion that the source will inevitably be depleted over time without stricter regulation.

The 24-hour Silver Ridge Railway in Syldor is one of the nation’s primary transportation methods and encompasses multiple railways reaching all corners of the nation. Some railways are specific to transporting raw materials and goods, while others are open to the general public. The railway system is popular due to its tight schedule, and the comfort of some train cars has been compared to that of hotels or inns. The central station is close to the capital city, where many choose to transfer to other lines or other modes of transportation. The main airship port of Syldor also shares the Silver Ridge Main Station, with ports and platforms built high overhead.