Ardland

**Ardland** (called *Blynardaus* in Sengael, translating to "green and stone land"), is a continent discovered by Branden Wolfheart in the year 1228 AL. Branden discovered the continent trying to find the eastern side of Lyndenia.

Upon landing on the continent in early 1228, Branden initially believed he succeeded in finding Lyndenia, although further exploration caused him to realize that he had discovered an entirely new continent. He and his crew formed a small settlement called Brandenfort, scavenging for resources to wait out the winter until they could return to Elathia. The settlement was located in Jullen's Cape, named so after the ship's navigator and close friend of Branden.

## History

### Before Branden

#### Erik Barrens

The first presumed sighting of Ardland was from the account of Westlander Erik Barrens, a geographer at Andafort Academy. Erik's account mentions being blown off-course during travel to Harkland, which he sighted in 1021 AL. Erik's telling of the events was written down and a his journal was kept at Andafort, among his other publications. At some point during his studies there, Branden Wolfheart, nephew to King Rhorak I, came across Erik's journal during his own research on seafaring travel.
#### Alyn the Boneless

Ayleson Wolfheart, better known by his name of Alyn the Boneless, was a renowned seafarer and explorer. Alyn, by the time of his late twenties, had developed up-to-date maps of Caesta and northern Nadreva. Alyn was notable for his attempts to explore west of Elathia, and mentioned to his older brother Cade that he saw "lands beyond countable measure" west of Harkland.
### Brendian expeditions

Harkland, an island northwest of Caesta, had voted for independence almost a century before 1227, and Northgard ceded the territory to the newly established country. In 1156, Northgard lost the island of Kelgata to the Velanian Empire, which began fueling a desire to aquire more land to compensate for the lost colonies.
Most of the journey is written in Kara's book *The Ardland Saga*, which was co-authored by Branden, Sephiasus, and Madden.
In early 1228 AL, Branden Wolfheart, cousin to the Queen of Northgard Eydis I Wolfheart, landed on the northeastern side of Ardland with his ship the *Lady Malentine*. Branden set sail west of Elathia to find the eastern side of Lynd or possibly Aslara. Before landing on the mainland, he described seeing a set of three islands, which he named after his half-sisters and mother. The voyage continued on until reaching Ardland, landing at it's northeastern side. Upon landing, Roberd Ashenhearth claimed the land to be Lyndenia. A camp was set up and named the Brandenfort, which was set up in a small clearing near the coastline. Branden expressed a desire to try and find the Lyndenian cities, to properly establish that he circumvated the globe, though sudden harsh weather conditions forced him and his crew to stay put for two months. During that time, Kara gave birth to a daughter, whom was named Evelyn.
Madden Marshwood, in an attempt to find fish for them to eat at the Brandenfort, was blown off from the coastline during the storms, and eventually sighted the island of Tirsland, though did not land. Upon finding his way back to the mainland, he informed Branden of the new land, and Branden agreed to send another expedition. This was led by Madden, as Branden wished to still find the Lyndenian settlements. Madden took the *Lady Malentine* and after three days of travel, landed at southern Tirsland. There, they discovered red berries that gave off heat, and ocean-folk later named as Merrow by Kara.
By mid-1228, Branden failed to find any sign of Lyndenian activity, and had realized that he had not reached his destination after seeing that none of the descriptions of Lyndenia matched with that of the new land. Ingrid, while going to the bathroom, was encountered by the native Skraal. Upon seeing how they dressed, Branden declared that they had in fact, not reached Lyndenia, and instead landed at a previously unknown continent. Trade was then made between the Northgardians and native Skraal, where Branden noted similarities between the Skraalic language and Crast.
Branden, Kara, and half their crew then took the *Lady Malentine* back to Elathia, planning to arrive around 1230 AL.
### Branden's second expedition

Branden set sail once more in 1235 AL to establish a colony on Ardland, under the flag of Northgard and under the name of both King Thaelyn III and Queen Eydis I. Accompanying Branden included Alden Harodred, Catheryn Harodred, Hrafalda, Brighilda, and Branden's cousin Iris.
## Etymology

It's name in Sengael, *Blynardaus*, means "green and stone land", was given by Sephiasus Andraen, with the unjoined name being *blyn la ard naus*. The name is thought to have stemmed from the abundance of moss-covered stones near the coasts.
## Geography

Upon sighting Ardland, Branden described it as a vast green land. Roberd Ashenhearth described seeing large chunks of granite and andesite from the ground. Liel Spruce's excerpt detailing the geography described it as if they had walked into another world.
Ardland has expansive forests, with large mountains dotting the landscape.
Off the coast of Ardland exists several islands, the largest of which are named Ashlyn, Madyson, and Elenora (islands), who are named after Branden's sisters and mother, respectively.
## People

The people known as the Skraal were the first encountered human inhabitants of Ardland, living near the coasts. Branden notes similarities between their culture and Nordling culture, such as minor differences in native languages.
Further south near the equator live the Atlhual peoples, also human, but noted in Kara's writing to have "gemstones for eyes, and flame in their breath".