Nocturn

Map of Nocturn

Nocturn is the largest island/continent in modern Akna, and the second farthest continent east (first being Mitrata). It is a little over 250,000 square miles. It is famous for its tall mountains, whos height is only surpassed by those in the highlands. It is divided into two countries, Nocturn in the north, and Vala in the south.

## Geography

Nocturn is divided into five different geographical regions: the North, the Middle, and South, then the Inner and outer Isles.

### **Northern Nocturn**

Northern Nocturn is a temperate climate. Most villages lay shrouded in hilly forests, with a river going from the northernmost point to the Nocturn Sea. Villages and cities are scattered throughout, with Vinfort on the tip, and the majority of major cities lying on the northern coast with the exception of Levacourt.

#### Vinfort:

The Capital of Nocturn, and the largest city in the world. It can take two days to go from one end of the city to the other. In the center of the city lies a fortified palace, where the royal family and nobles of Nocturn inhabit.

#### Levacourt

Levacourt is the second-largest city in Nocturn, though not by much, it contains houses a few thousand people, and would be considered about the equivalent to a city the size of Denver. It's a trading town that happens to be near a lot of ruins, making it a popular vacation spot for the nobility.

#### Bois de Pully:

The forest that makes up most of Nocturn. There are a few port towns by the coast and villages inside, as well as a few mostly abandoned Castles.

### **Middle Nocturn**

Middle Nocturn has very few people living in it, other than some adventuring crews and training camps. Its almost entirely mountains

#### Mont Aurum

In the center of the mountains lies the tallest. A cold and steep peak, there is little to no natural wildlife, though rare fey and the last remaining dragons in all of Nocturn have been sighted near the peaks.

### **Southern Nocturn**

Southern Nocturn has relatively fewer forests and more plains than northern Nocturn with some mines scattered throughout the region. It is warmer than the north, and rarely, if ever, snows.

#### Ashagroth

The city on the southernmost point of Nocturn and the capital of Vala. Very fortified, with thick large walls and many soldiers throughout the city.

#### Gulf des Fléches

Between the tip of Vala and Luxtamare is a dangerous Gulf full of ragged rocks sticking out of the water, some going over 300 feet into the air. The weather is almost always foggy, making it nearly impossible to navigate by boat. It is considered some of the most dangerous waters in the east. Most sailors stick to the coastline or will go as far as to sail along the outside of Nocturn.

### **Nocturn Inner Isles**

Filled with mostly port towns (and a few secret pirate forts), there are some islands in the west sea of Nocturn. They're relatively small, the biggest being around 2000 square miles.

### **Nocturn outer Isles**

The islands to the east of Nocturn are much harder to get to, as the area is often foggy, with a smaller area of the Fléches around it. Those who have made it to the islands say there are no inhabitants, and are filled with strange ruins, predating any civilization from the past 2000 years.

### **Nocturn Sea**

The Nocturn sea is the water that the land surrounds, and ends at the shores of the Archepelago of Lux. they're relatively calm waters, but can be subject to brutal storms.

## History

The oldest texts in elvish recorded were around 4500 years ago, in southern Vala. At this time, it is theorized the country was overrun with dragons of all shapes and sizes, some benevolent, but most very hostile. Because of this, it took nearly 2000 years for any permanent civilization to form. the two countries were formed around 2000 years ago, and spend most of the next 1000 years fighting for territory and allying themselves with the dragons. Each country was lead by a monarch who was supposedly hand-picked by Chronos. Three different dynasty have lasted, including the modern two in the north and south.

#### The Draconic War

Around 500 years ago, Nocturn lost half of its territory to the Luxtamarians, and all hope seemed lost. In a last ditch attempt to reclaim the lost land, powerful mage known as Saevel Urigeiros used is magic to summon a horde of dragons from the astral plane. With these dragons, the war was won.

However, for a hundred years the dragons remained, and took control of the throne. According to Nocturn tales, their rule was cruel and thousands lost their lives under their claws. ten years into their reign, a group of high elves led the rest into revolution, slaughtering all the dragons on the continent, and reclaiming the throne for themselves.

## Politics

Currently, the land of Nocturn is divided into two different countries, each very similar in culture, but very different in values: Nocturn and Vala. Both are reluctant allies since the Draconic War (see here) and have been for the past century, but depend on each other economically and politically

### Nocturn

**Capital**: Vinfort

**Ruler**: Queen Camina

**Advisor(s)**: Commons: Andre Couture, Marie Desmarais, Military: Aduseus Molledaen, Gyrllon Aedahl Nobles: Alin Maris, Beanang Beaumont

Nocturn is ruled by an absolute monarch who is believed to be chosen by Chronos, but no direct advisers are priests from the Order of Chronos. There are 6 total advisers to the Queen: 2 from the military, 2 from the nobles, and 2 from the common people. People there tend to be more proud in their individual ideals rather than their countries, and this makes protests and riots frequent. Some people describe the country near Vinfort a "den of constant civil wars over pointless things."

The culture of the country can vary Wild depending on weather you're around the nobles, military, church, or commoners.

### Vala

**Capital**: Ashagroth

**Ruler**: King Beoluan

**Advisor(s)**: High Priest Maelin

Vala is an absolute monarchy and a theocracy to the god Chronos. Unlike some of the more positive interpretations of Chronos' doctrine, the church in Vala believes that the hierarchy comes before the wants and well being of others. This has lead to a powerful and unified empire with the largest colonies in the world, Mixcoatl. This success has come at a cost, Vala has very few allies, and despite having a powerful military, often depends on Nocturn for assistance and aid, as well as an unsafe place for those with no noble background to visit.

## Inhabitants

Most of Nocturn is inhabited by Elves of all kinds, with High elves usually being the Nobles and Royals. There are also groups of Humans and a few gnomes in the large cities and towns. Goblins, orcs, and hags usually live in the woods, separated from everyone else.