Waesyn

**Waesyn,** also known as Bright Shadow in Zutonesse and Surkaria in Lakaria, is one of the six continents located on Ara and has for much of its history been divided into thirteen provinces of Bleakpoint Mountains, The Fortara Wild, Karthyn, Lakaria, Leta, Llewyn, Lokradahl, Nation of Villia, Nossia, Rhoda, Shura, The Silvertide Isles and Zuton. It is located in the northeast on a map of Ara and borders the Lorian Ocean to the southwest and the Draywick Ocean to the east.

### Ancient Cycle

The Anicent Cycle is considered everything after creation and until the Monumentals ruled Waesyn. The Ancient Cycle lacks any sort of dating convention or timeline beyond a few hypotheses to the order of events.

The two most prominent features of the Ancient Cycle is the origin of the Arcane Language, which suggest that arcane magic was still practiced before the Monumentals and the ancestors to the Sotter and Ella tribes; the Sylvans-- who disapeared sometime before the Monumental Cycle.

Presumably the Dahlians and Zutonesse, or their ancestors, existed during this time as well-- but both groups records place the dawn fo their respective civilizations being during the Monumental Cycle. It is hypothesized that the Monumentals destroyed whatever Sylvan artifacts they could find-- suggesting the two had a rivalry.

### Monumental Cycle

The Monumental Cycle, sometimes referred to as Cycle Zero, was the cycle when the Monumentals ruled over most fo Waesyn. The Monumentals either didn't keep extensive records and/or most were lost or destroyed before the first cycle. Fragments of the Monumental language, mythos, and governance are known.

Zuton and Lokradahl were established before or during this period and neither had any conflict with the monumentals. The Dahlians simply traded with them while the Monumentals avoided the west coast that the Zutonesse inhabited, for they were the only beings Monumentals truly feared.

The earliest ancestors of the Sotterans, at this time known as the Sotter Tribes, would eventually unite to strike the Monumentals utilizing guerilla warfare. Having greater numbers, stealthy tactics and a loose alliance with both the Zutronesse and pilgrims from a far away land-- the Sotter Tribes would unite and cause what is now referred to as The Sotter Rebellion. The Sotter tribes would cause the Monumentals to retreat and they would claim the Monumentals land as there own-- leading to the rise of the Sotteran Empire.

### First Cycle

   The First Cycle begins with the victorious Sotterans colonizing most of middle Waesyn. The Sotterans would eventually become an empire as they explored more of Waesyn and are heavily responsible for bringing the Velese belief in the Cosmonious to the people of Waesyn. The Sotterans had a healthy relationship with the Zutonesse and the humans from Vel-- who began to expand themselves and live alongside the Sotterans within their empire. While humanity lacked any true land of their own they were oftentimes made Counts and Countess'. The three races had formed a treaty called The Treaty of Three that established some bylaws in regards to the relationship between the Sotteran Kingdom, and eventual Empire, and the Republic of Zuton.

Members of the Ella tribes began to call themselves The Eladrin though they did not seek to build grand cities and roads like the Sotterans and instead elected to enforce tradition among their people, resulting in them being isolated in the deep forest of the Fortara Wild or the harsh snow lands of Villia. The Dahlians were a bit more open to the new empire by engaging in trade with the Sotterans but didn't involve themselves in any politics besides the economy.

In 1C 928, A army of Monumentals attacked various cities in the Sotteran state of Laraquil (modern Shura.) The Monumentals had recruited many Gnarka and Wul'kanar, allowing tribal units that wared with one another just as much as they did other to unite as one. The attack led to a series of battles and eventually a war known as The War of the Giants and is often cited as the bloodiest conflict on Waesyn soil. After five years, the Monumentals were defeated though the war led to the fall of the Sotteran empire and the end of the First Cycle.

### Second Cycle

With all of the old states of the Sotteran Empire in disarray and rubble, the Sotterans decided to put all of their resources into Villia which was the Sotterans last defensive state in the war. Now known as the Nation of Villia, the Sotterans no longer dominated Waesyn and left room for others to expand across Waesyn. The primary candidates for taking over the war-torn lands of the old empire were the humans whose diligence during the war is a primary factor for the Sotterans surviving the conflict at all. Various noble houses of the descendants of the pilgrims began to claim lands as there kingdoms. Previous states such as Porio and Laraquil became the Kingdoms of Llewyn and Shura and while the echo of the Sotteran Empire could be seen across all the new kingdoms, each one developed their own customs and traditions as they grew.

The human kingdoms would find themselves in a constant rivalry with one another, leading to many battles and even wars between them. A notable rivalry is that between Llewyn and Shura, who during this cycle feuded so much that a gap of land between the two was left blank on most maps due to how often it was conquered by one another.

In 2C 1371 a group of grey-skinned invaders attacked the Kingdom of Rhoda seemingly overnight and quickly started an occupation. They revealed themselves to be known as the Lakar and they reside beneath the soils of Waesyn. The Lakar used the Rhodesse as slaves and took over their kingdom for themselves and resided in Rhoda for roughly 6 years before Rhodesse Resistance, Shura and Zuton fought to take Rhoda back from the Lakar. The Lakar retreated back into the save systems they came from.

In 2C 1377 a summit was held in Caldas, Villia to try and form an agreement with the Lakar. While treaties that prevented the Lakar from invading any nations, kingdoms, or territories controlled by the Treaty of Three-- further negotiations were interrupted and put on hiatus indefinitely due to arcane terrorism caused by the Eladrin. The attack on Caldas resulted in the deaths of over 4,000. The reasoning behind the attacks were left vague and only refered to as "The Cause" by interrogated Eladrin. This incident officially ends the Second Cycle.

### Third Cycle

While the third and current cycle is dictated by acts of Eladrin terrorism, the first two centuries lacked any attacks as significant as the Caldas Incident. The Eladrin were persistant but never managed to make the same momentum as the Monumentals or Lakar.

In 3C 243 large flying serpents began attacking middle Waesyn. The beast were titled Dragons, named after a creature from Monumental folklore. The huge reptilian beast were known for commanding the elements and being able to devastate towns with ease. Couriers began dubbing the attacks "The Dragon Wars" though they aren't more than persistent and seemingly patternless attacks. Two years after the start of the attacks, long-time rival kingdoms of Shura and Llewyn signed the Treaty of Dragon Blood, preventing the two from engaging in war while the dragon threat is persistent.

In 3C 247 A small conflict in a Bleakpoint town called Ru-Voga led to the beginning of the Saurette Insurgency.

## Geography

Waesyn is typically divided into thirteen provinces, outlined below. These have fluctuated throughout Waesyn's history and most have been renamed depending on the prominent rulers but these are the current forms of reference.

* Bleakpoint Mountains - Previously known as Ambolina, this huge and mountainous region is known for being a lawless frontier. Though mostly mountainous and hilly, it is also home to the Thunder Plains and the swampy Beltar Wetlands. The Rothra clan of Saureete and Myconid are native to this province.

* The Fortara Wild - The vast woodlands in middle Waesyn are beautiful yet dangerous. It is known for giant trees and unique wildlife only found in the temperate region. It acts as a natural barricade to the eastern regions.

* Karthyn
* Lakaria - The subterranean homeland of the Lakar. Lakaria is beneath Western Waesyn. Despite being beneath ground Lakaria has various fields, lakes and forests of it's own and is quite diverse in terms of environment. Lakaria City is the capital and is close to a warm orb of light known as the "Gul" which is the source of temperature regulation and light in Lakaria.
* Leta
* Llewyn
* Lokradahl

* Nation of Villia - This province lies in the north of Waesyn and is the home of the sotterans. Villia is very cold and some parts snow year-round. At its heart is the Caldas Valley, which is part of Villia's temperate region full of deciduous flora and home to a vast amount of wildlife. The north is much more of taiga and to the east much of the land is deemed too harsh to survive. The capital city, Sebade, is one of the largest cities in all of Waesyn.
* Nossia
* Rhoda
* Shura - The central Waesyn kingdom is the flattest area in the continent. Known for it's leaves of red and grass of gold. Home of delicious wine, strong horses and brilliant red skies.
* The Silvertide Isles
* Zuton

## Governments

#### The Allied Eladrin Holds

The Eladrin holds are allied areas that operate as one government though each leader is responsible for their own hold. Each Hold has a "Mastro" in charge of leading and operating the hold. Mastro's are equals in power and if they cannot agree on a issue than both of their selected councils may partake in a vote to decide which side to agree on. Wen Anore purposely has an odd number of council members while Kes Nalore has an even number.

Wen Anore's Mastro is earned either thru election of personal merits while Kes Nalore is inherited through bloodline.

#### The Ashen Council of Nossia

Each of the Nossian Holds has a house leader and these leaders are led by a Chancellor. The Chancellor title is inherited but every 13 years the houses pick warriors to represent their house in a tournament. The victor can choose to claim the title of Chancellor for themselves. The Chancellor leads Nossia thou each house is responsible for their own people.

#### The Dahlian Authority of Commerce

Lokradahls government system revolves around commerce and thus it's branches of government are also focused on profit and sales. The LCA (Lokradahl Commerce Authority) are in charge of examining and enforcing Dahlian trade laws and code are kept by all vendors recognized by Lokradahl. Meanwhile the LTM (Lokradahl Trading Mission) are in charge of maintaining positive relationships with other species governments to ensure they are making profit internationally. These two groups are the domestic and non-domestic branches of the government and are often considered the backbone of Commerce and Lokradahl.

Of course the LHC (Lokradahl Health Commission) and LGC (Lokradahl Gaming Commission) have power in their own right. The Health Commission being responsible for health regulations in Dahlian businesses and public life and the Gaming Commission responsible for gambling ventures run by Lokradahl approved businesses.

#### The Kingdom of Llewyn

The Wynish are arguably all descendants on the Leonic House of Vel, thus bloodline is seldom question when a Wynish person becomes a monarch. The monarch of Llewyn is a figurehead that has final say in most Wynish affairs however he works with the Cardinal Sansone in regards to all religious endeavors. While the King can mobilize the military, sign treaties and grants land and titles to individuals-- each county has a democratic process in regards to county laws. Each household chooses a representative to partake in the voting process though other requirements vary from county-to-county.

#### The Kingdom of Rhoda

The Rhodesse are very stern about the monarch being a "true Rhoda" with very few exceptions in their history. The mountain monarchy always seems to preach family values and building community with festivities and celebration. Rhodesse thanes are almost always family members and while monarchs can pick whoever they want to be a thane the public sometimes reacts in a sour fashion if an outsider is granted the title. Despite Rhoda wanting to treat every Rhodesse like family, they have strict customs regarding bloodline. That isn't to say close family friends haven't been granted titles before-- but the question is usually "How well does the public know about the close relationship?" as opposed to "How kin-like is the relationship?"

#### The Kingdom of Shura

The Kingdom of Shura traditionally is led by a king or queen who is a descendant of House Chardin-- a self-proclaimed house after fighting during the War of the Giants. However since House Chardin was not an official House from Vel they are notably less stingy in regards to their monarchs bloodline. The Monarch's appoints various family members, soldiers and even friends to be a Countess or Count. The Shuran belief being the Monarch's Court should move together like a team of horses, while also being just as adaptable.

#### The Lakarian State

The Lakarian State is made of two branches of government. "The Lakarian Union" and the "Larudina Order." The Union is the face of the government and is what most Lakarians see and while they fear the Union and abide by their strict laws they fear the Order even more. The Lakarian State constantly observes it's citizens and punish citizens for taking paths that are alternative to the States. Lakaria is also renown for being able to legally own slaves-- a rarity in Waesyn.

#### The Saureete Clans

The Saureete lack a true government but operate in individual clans. Despite this certain customs are respected by every clan-- including the "Rite of Passage" Saureete must take to become a full member of a clan. Any saureete may partake in any clans Rite of Passage as bloodline and geographical origin do not matter. Outside of this though, clans operate in varied and individual fashions.

#### The Theocratic Monarchy of Al'Suwa

Southern Karthyn grants power to a "Suwasha" who is believed to share the blood and life force of their god "Al'Suwa." The Suwasha has complete control over southern Karthyn.

#### The Union of Leta

Leta has no leaders. Villages may elect Village Elders, Leaders, Mayors or Chiefs but they are not required. As Avirians are taught to be self-sufficient their settlements reflect this. Leta does have many volunteer individuals with the title of "Skolto." These individuals act as the military for Leta and they do have a Skolto Network active to tell each other when something threatens Leta but beyond this Leta has no active government.

#### The Villian National Legislative Monarchy

The former Sotteran Empire acknowledges they monarch line but heavily relies on the "Council de los Diputados" which is the primary legislative authority for Villia. The council has the authority to create, change and remove laws thou the monarch can accept or decline these laws. The monarch is more of a figurehead than anything, as the military is generally mobilized by the council.

#### The Zutonesse Republic

Zuton has elections every ten years to choose new Chancellors voted on by any citizen of Zuton. Each Chancellor has a unique responsibility and they all work together to maintain peace in zuton. The Chancellors are kept in check by the people and the Grand Faguans, a group of selected judges who serve as overseers to Zuton.

## Culture

#### Religion

*Main article: The Cosmonious*

While many different gods and pantheons have a history in Waesyn the most common religion is the practice of the Cosmonious, a belief brought to Waesyn by the Pilgrims of Vel. The Pilgrims utilized great miracles that helped the Sotter Tribes defeat the Monumentals which resulted in the Sotteran Empire officially recognizing the Cosmonious as it's religion.

Other religions include:

* The Echoes - The belief that all Avirian are connected to an unseen force that acts as a voice or feeling of guidance. The loose-belief allows many Avirian to master spellcraft in a unique fashion compared to believers of other faiths.

* Sess - The Saureete creation myth. Unlike most of the other divines in Waesyn, the Saureete usually only see the belief in Sess as a tall-tale. While some still practice the ritualistic duotheistic religion, most just continue to practice marriage and burial rites in the same fashion.

* Torathim - The belief in the Dahlian god Torota, or Tora Principality. The religion is the belief in finding value in all things though it is primarily preaching to seek value in material things. As opposed to creation myths and stories-- Torathim is a list of rules Dahlians must follow to be successful Dahlians and merchants.

* Yonda - Yonda is the story of a Zutonesse girl named Yondalla who wandered the Ara in search of clarity. The belief focuses more on being one with your own mind and body while being at peace with nature around you. Those who practice are typically more in tune with their physical prowess, flexibility and power of will as opposed to being able to utilize miracles like those of the Cosmonious.

#### Demographics

*Main article: Species of Waesyn*

The main species of Waesyn are the Dahlian, Eladrin, H'yuun, Karthynian, Lakar, Rhodesse, Saureete, Shuran, Sotteran, Wynish and Zutonesse.

Other races in Waesyn include the following:

* The Aranala
* Thte Avirian
* The Gnarka
* The Minoan
* The Monumentals
* The Myconid
* The Paraméně
* The Sylvan
* The Wul'Kanar