Meridor

Meridor, a vast archipelago rivaling the expanse of Oceania, boasts an abundance of diversity that mesmerizes the senses. Comprising 70 notable islands, each with its unique character, including the enigmatic Giant's Gravel, this realm is a tapestry of contrasting climates and landscapes. From the icy realms of West Meridoria, cloaked in pine forests, to the temperate and lush landscapes of East Meridoria, and the opulent embrace of the tropical Eastern Nezerati, Meridor's regions offer a breathtaking array of environments.

This intricate world is inhabited not only by the divided human race but also by the enigmatic Gilivians and the primal Jarache, lending a mosaic of cultures and traditions. The archipelago's complex history is marked by centuries of conflict, forging a division between the principled Meridoria and the affluent yet contentious Nezerati.

Adding an air of mystique to Meridor's rich tapestry are the enigmatic and inscrutable magical forces that course through the land, evading the comprehension and control of its organic inhabitants. These forces interweave with the cultures, histories, and destinies of the inhabitants, further enhancing the allure of this captivating world.

# Geography

Meridor, an expansive archipelago that rivals the vastness of Oceania and Australasia on Earth, encompasses approximately 70 notable islands, along with numerous hidden gems scattered across its azure waters. Notably, it is home to the enigmatic Giant's Gravel, a sub-archipelago located in the southern reaches, composed of over 200 diminutive islands that hold their own secrets and wonders.

### **Regions**

#### ***West Meridoria***

In West Meridoria, the climate transitions from temperate in the north to progressively colder as one journeys southward toward the Giant's Gravel. The islands in this region are adorned with majestic pine trees, and some even bear the weight of imposing mountains, their peaks reaching for the heavens.

#### ***East Meridoria***

East Meridoria enjoys a generally temperate climate, characterized by lush, rolling valleys on the Island of Ferlihari and verdant forests on most other islands. The landscape features expansive grasslands that spread across the archipelago. Even within the Giant's Gravel, one can discover tiny mountains and picturesque valleys that enhance the region's natural beauty.

#### ***Western Nezerati***

The climate of Western Nezerati strikes a balance between not being too cold or too hot. This region is blessed with luxuriant green forests, and some islands cradle pristine lakes, providing a serene escape. The island of Namor showcases vast grasslands, evoking a sense of open freedom. As you venture eastward towards Eastern Nezerati, the temperature rises, ushering in warmer climes.

#### ***Eastern Nezerati***

Eastern Nezerati offers a tropical paradise, with palm trees swaying in the warm breezes, coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life, and the allure of golden beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. However, the further east one ventures, the cooler the climate becomes, revealing a diverse array of natural wonders.

#### ***The Northern Isles***

The Northern Isles are a world unto themselves, with most of the region surrounded by pristine, crystalline oceans. However, a few select islands are adorned with the majesty of snow-capped coniferous trees, painting a picture of serene beauty. These islands are predominantly inhabited by the enigmatic Jarache, adding an air of mystery to this remote corner of Meridor.

### **Some major islands:**

#### Namor (in Western Nezerati)

Namor, the largest jewel in Meridor's crown, stretches across the landscape in a breathtaking expanse of rolling grasslands and verdant forests. This island is not just a physical marvel but also a political epicenter, housing the illustrious city of Vari, the seat of power for the Great Ruler of Nezerati. To the west, a majestic mountain range rises like a sentinel, guarding the island's secrets.

#### Ferlihari (in East Meridoria)

Ferlihari, nestled in the far eastern reaches of Meridor, holds a place of profound importance in the archipelago. As the esteemed state island of Meridoria, it is graced by the City of Opa, where the Meridorian Ruler resides within the walls of a grand castle. With a history that predates the City of Vari on Namor, Ferlihari boasts the imposing Ferlihar Range, a natural wonder that runs like the backbone of the island, stretching from the northern tip to the southern shores. Lakes and forests embellish Ferlihari's landscape, weaving a tapestry of natural beauty.

#### Onalu (in Eastern Nezerati)

Located on the eastern edge of the region, Onalu is an exquisite paradise where nature's finest offerings are on display. With golden beaches that meet the azure sea, lush rainforests teeming with life, and the towering presence of the dormant Onalu Tor, a formidable volcano, this island is a haven of beauty and exploration. It stands at the confluence of a vast sea, strategically placed in the heart of Eastern Nezerati, beckoning all who seek its wonders.

#### Edualc & Ailuj (in West Meridoria)

Nestled in the temperate north of West Meridoria, Edualc and Ailuj are a harmonious duo of islands, each offering its unique character. Edualc, adorned with a modest mountain range, stands as a testament to nature's grandeur. In contrast, Ailuj welcomes visitors with vast grasslands and serene forests. What makes these islands even more intriguing is the ephemeral connection they share, a low land-bridge that emerges and disappears with the ebb and flow of the tides, uniting and parting these two beautiful lands.

#### The Giant's Gravel (in West and East Meridoria)

While technically a collection of over two hundred islands, the Giant's Gravel deserves special recognition. Located in a frigid climate, these islands remain largely uninhabited, save for a few of the larger ones. The name of this unique sub-archipelago finds its roots in Meridorian folklore, where giants are mythical beings used to explain natural phenomena. The Giant's Gravel earned its moniker not from any specific giant but rather from the vast difference in size between these islands and the larger ones in Meridor. To a giant, these smaller islands would be like gravel, whereas the larger islands would appear as boulders, giving rise to the evocative name of the Giant's Gravel.

# The World's Creation

In the beginning, there existed nothing but boundless potential. This vast emptiness held within it the capacity for the birth of something extraordinary. It was within this limitless expanse that the first entity emerged, and it bore the name Ebirith. This primordial being possessed a consciousness of monumental scale, stretching across the entirety of the void, filling it to the brim.

As Ebirith's awareness enveloped the expanse, it contemplated the act of creation. From the boundless sea of its thoughts, it manifested a spout, a pure object of imagination and will. From this spout, an effusion of raw creative energy surged forth, birthing the world into existence. In its nascent state, this world was a realm of chaos, a place where creation and dissolution intertwined in a ceaseless dance.

In response to this tumultuous state of affairs, Ebirith, the cosmic architect, devised another entity to bring order and stability to this newly formed realm. This being was christened Fri, a guardian and steward of the world. Fri's monumental task was to anchor the world and restrain the ceaseless flow of creative energy that had erupted from the spout.

With unwavering dedication, Fri tamed the unruly world, securing the spout upon an island in the southeastern reaches and transforming it into a towering mountain, thus curbing the torrent of creation. Through this act of divine intervention, Fri brought calm to the world and bestowed upon it the name Meridor, signifying a realm of both beauty and balance, where creativity and order coexist harmoniously.

# The Sentient Races

After Fri had successfully harnessed the chaotic energies of the newly-formed Meridor, it turned its divine gaze towards the task of populating this burgeoning world. With a flourish of creativity, it breathed life into three distinct races, each bearing its unique mark:

### The Humans

These beings, familiar to many, required no elaborate introduction. Humans, with their diversity, resilience, and endless potential, became one of the cornerstones of Meridor's population. They would go on to embrace the archipelago's varied landscapes, adapting and thriving in different corners of this enchanting realm.

### The Gilivians

Emerging as a striking testament to Fri's artistic vision, the Gilivians came into existence. These humanoids possessed a unique and captivating appearance, with skin tinted in shades of mesmerizing blue and elegant barbs adorning their elbows. With their striking appearance, the Gilivians found their place among the inhabitants of Meridor, contributing their own unique culture and perspectives to the diverse tapestry of the archipelago.

### The Jarache

In the spirit of diversity, Fri sculpted the Jarache, a race that defied expectations. These beings resembled bear-like creatures, but their intelligence was akin to the early hominids of Earth. Their existence presented a unique facet of life in Meridor, for their rugged, primal nature was a stark contrast to the more civilized races. The Jarache, gifted with a savage grace, chose a path of isolation, migrating to the northern reaches of the archipelago, where they could live undisturbed by the burgeoning civilization that was taking shape elsewhere.

As the Humans and Gilivians ventured out to explore and establish communities across the archipelago, the Jarache carved out their own secluded haven in the untamed north, maintaining their fierce independence while coexisting with the world around them. These three races, born of Fri's creative hand, added depth and richness to the ever-evolving story of Meridor.

# The Split of Fri and the Humans

As the years passed, Fri's spiritual equilibrium underwent a profound transformation. The essence of Fri gradually cleaved into two distinct entities. The upper half veered towards malevolence, while the lower half radiated with benevolence. This spiritual schism had profound consequences. Fri fragmented into two divergent essences, each more ethereal idea than corporeal being.

The consequences of this spiritual instability reverberated across the human race. One half of humanity gravitated towards the malevolent 'idea,' while the other embraced the benevolent one. These two divergent halves laid the foundations for the nations of Meridoria and Nezerati, which were named after their respective guiding ideas.

The determination of which half gave rise to which nation depends on the perspective of the country in question. Meridorians proudly assert that they represent the embodiment of goodness, while Nezeratians claim that they were the good ones. This division has shaped the distinct identities of these nations, giving rise to an ongoing, ideological discourse that defines the essence of their existence.

# The Conflict

Divergent perspectives among the countries continued to sow chaos across the archipelago. This ongoing discord led to a series of devastating conflicts. The peaceful coexistence the Gilivians had enjoyed before the Fri's separation was shattered, and their population dwindled to the point where it appeared they might be entirely extinguished from the Meridorian landscape. The toll on the human population was also significant, but it gave rise to the establishment of the ancient city of Opa in Meridoria, followed by the magnificent Great City Vari, which became the heart of Nezeratian culture.

As time passed, the intensity of the conflict ebbed, but it never truly subsided. Periods of peace were interspersed with renewed hostilities, creating a turbulent historical backdrop for the archipelago. The archipelago's inhabitants endured this cycle of unrest and relative calm, but the underlying conflict remained a looming specter, never fully vanquished by time or diplomacy.

# Magic

Magic in Meridor defies the conventional notions of "wand-waving" or incantations; it is an inherent and enigmatic force interwoven with the very essence of the world. Throughout the archipelago, one encounters peculiar and unfathomable locales, where the presence of this mystical power becomes manifest.

A notable peculiarity of Meridorian magic is that it remains inaccessible to organic beings such as humans, for it is a quintessentially natural force. This distinction sets it apart from other interpretations of magic, which often involve human manipulation and conjuring. In Meridor, magic is a force that operates on its own accord, manifesting its wonders without human intervention, and this enigmatic aspect of the world continues to baffle and astound the inhabitants of the archipelago.

# Countries

Following the schism between Fri and the disappearance of the Gilivians from Meridor, the archipelago became inhabited by two main groups: Humans and the enigmatic Jarache. While the Jarache refrained from forming any specific countries or alliances, the Humans carved out their place within Meridor, each faction with distinct characteristics.

### Meridorians

The Meridorians are hardy inhabitants accustomed to the rigors of cold climates and challenging lifestyles. Their settlements, whether cities, towns, or villages, are marked by impressive and unique defenses, a testament to their resourcefulness. Traditional and deeply patriotic, the people of Meridoria exhibit a preference for rooted, static lifestyles rather than venturing into unexplored territories. During times of conflict, they adopt a defensive stance and are inherently skeptical of outsiders. Their culture is steeped in a rich history, meticulously documented and cherished. The architecture of their villages and towns draws inspiration from Scandinavia, featuring wooden houses with grass-roofed structures, which provide a rustic charm amidst their rugged surroundings.

### Nezeratians

In stark contrast, the Nezeratians revel in a life of comfort and opulence, dwelling in the bountiful and prosperous regions of Nezerati. Their cities are awe-inspiring, sprawling metropolises that offer both grandeur and luxury. Nezeratians are driven by a continuous pursuit of progress, both in terms of technology and politics. In times of conflict, they take the initiative, crafting elaborate strategies and leaving nothing to chance. Like the Meridorians, the Nezeratians display a wariness toward outsiders but maintain a warm welcome for their fellow Nezeratians. While they do not dwell on the past, their deep-seated animosity toward Meridoria remains a noteworthy exception. In the smaller cities of Nezerati, a vigilant watch is kept against thieves and lawless elements. The grandeur of their cities draws inspiration from ancient Rome and China, characterized by towering, intimidating structures that command admiration and respect.

These two contrasting societies coexist in Meridor, each shaped by their unique environments and histories, adding layers of complexity to the archipelago's cultural tapestry.

# Present Day

In contemplating the concept of the present day in Meridor, one must acknowledge the vast expanse of time that has passed since the initial division of the human populace, marking an enduring era of conflict and evolution. If one were to undertake the task of writing a novel set in this enigmatic world, it might be prudent to place the narrative approximately one and a half millennia after the fracturing of the human societies. Indeed, such a choice could be considered the de facto present day for the purposes of storytelling.

Nonetheless, in the realm of creativity and world-building, the present day in Meridor remains an open canvas, unburdened by a fixed temporal location. This fluidity provides the freedom to introduce and weave in details as one sees fit, lending an air of intrigue and unpredictability to the ever-expanding lore of this captivating realm. Whether one delves into the distant past or envisions a future wrought with possibilities, the beauty of storytelling in Meridor lies in its ability to transcend time and transform with my words.