Post by Fvarithvaieyri on Jun 12, 2007 12:15:48 GMT -5
Aetherae
Places to note:
Acta Litis City
coast, seashore This port city is one of Aetherae's four largest. It is a center of sea trade mostly for within Aetherae, taking produce from the Transmontani and Viridantis Plains as well as imports from Acuo Syrtis and Adflatis Maris. The city is not directly on the waterfront, but it extremely close and well-connected to the sea by pristine roads.
Acuo Syrtis City
sharp, sandbank This is Aetherae's largest port city. It is the center for inter-island trade, being one of the two closest points to Talambar. Many of Aetherae's finest ships dock here. The use of galley slaves, while not common on all such ships, is not unheard of. Since it is so vital to Aetherae's economy, the city has wood and stone walls around its entire circumference, including a sea wall that can be raise around the wealthiest harbor, Portorium, in case of seige. Of all of Aetherae, this city is the most diverse racially and culturally. This diversity is particularly reflected in its many types of foods, making Acuo Syrtis a rather "tasteful" city. Since the end of the peninsula is very narrow, the city is built almost as far up as it is out, with many triple- or quadruple-floor buildings, and wooden supports raising the center of the city higher, as if on an artificial hill. The many wooden walkways are very scenic, if not so much practical, and so the upper center of the city tends to be residential, especially for the wealthier citizens. Many of Aetherae's unique and artful lanterns light the city at night, allowing for leisure in the evening after the day's work. Like most of Aetherae's cities, trees abound between streets and buildings, hiding flaws and maximizing the enchantment.
Adflatus Maris City
breath of the sea This port city is one of Aetherae's four largest. It is the second-greatest center of international trade after Acuo Syrtis, being the closest point on the island to both Talambar and Srada. This city remains mostly inhabited by the natives of Aetherae, but is a center of Aetheraen music and dance, hosting several schools of the fine arts. Another school is the prestigious University of Shipwrights, founded by the guild of the same name centuries before. The ships of Adflatus Maris are coveted across the world, being equipped for both long journies across vast oceans as well as short trips across bays and minor seas. Ships and education are the main commodities Adflatus Maris has to trade, and while those who purchase the education tend to remain, the ships often leave Adflatus Maris forever, often making their home in Acuo Syrtis. The northeast side of town tend to be more residential; the southwest more commercial. The city's sea flank (southwest) is fortified against invasion, but the other sides spread out into looser, unprotected suburbs.
River Amnis
river, current Aetherae's second largest river. The River Amnis is actually comprised of two rivers: Amnis Stream, and Amnicola River, which converge at Confluo Amnicola. The River then splits into several parts, which have their sea mouths at different locations on the southern coast of Ansatus Peninsula. The sources of the two streams feeding the Amnis are located on the north and south sides of western Mons Montis. This river is useful for trade from Mons Montis, Forest Aurifer Silvia, and Viridantis Plain on the way to Acuo Syrtis. Its waters are clear, but with surprisingly blue hue, like sapphire.
Ansatus Peninsula
handle, arm The peninsula that stretches out on the north western side of Aetherae.
River Arcanus
closed, secret The second-smallest river in Aetherae, running from Cacumino Peak through Forest Argenteus Silvia. Very few people live around this river since it is so remote, surrounded on all sides by either mountains or sea. It is a beautiful, laughing stream that holds many sparkling waterfalls, and its water is completely clear. It is also the water source for much wildlife that has migrated there to escape the greater Aetheraen population in other places.
Forest Argenteus Silvia
silver Also called "Silver Forest," especially by non-Aetheraens. This is the largest forest in Aetherae. It features trees unlike anywhere else in the world, whose bark and leaves truly are silver. These trees, abies stannum, are deciduous and lose their leaves twice a year, in spring and fall, regaining them in early summer and winter. The heavy fall of leaves also makes the ground "silver." This forest is sparsely populated, being much the same throughout and very easy to become lost in. Many legends surround these forests, not all of them necessarily favorable or hospitable, but they remain more a place of wonder than dread. Also in this forest lives a rare species of purple and silver flower called Clavus. It is one of the two Mystic Woods, the other of which being Forest Aurifer Silvia.
Forest Aurifer Silvia
gold Also called the Golden Forest. This is Aetherae's second-largest forest. The trees here are gold, just as in Forest Argenteus Silvia they are silver. The trees, aureolus bractea, lose their leaves twice a year, in winter and summer, growing them back in early spring and fall. The leaves create a golden ground cover as well. This is known as the "friendlier" of the two Mystic woods, and is more often visited than the Silver Forest, although hardly more populated. The rarity of these woods in the world is highly respected, hence few would disturb them by living there.
Cacumino Peak
pointThe tallest mountain in Aetherae. It is the source of the River Arcanus and rests in the center of the widest part of the Montivagus Mountain Range. This peak is covered with snow year-round, and is the site of ancient Shenndei ruins. Many people go to visit for its unparalled views of Aetherae. One can see almost the entire island because the air is so clear. However, its sides are fairly steep, and only one road has been made to scale it, and this often fills with loose rubble from rockslides or is overgrown with bushes, grasses, or trees. Travel by cart or carriage is impossible, and in some places where the path is narrow along a drop or is in disrepair, it is difficult to even bring a horse.
River Concentio
singing Also called the Singing River. This remote river has its source high in the Montivagus Mountains. While beautiful and clear, the River Concentio is difficult to access and impossible to boat on, being comprised solely of a series of waterfalls until it falls into the depths of Concentio Ravine. The river, surprisingly was named for the ravine, instead of the other way around. Though a few attempts have been made to explore this river from sailing upstream from the sea, its strong current and overabundance of sharp rocks makes all such attempts impossible, and moreover, pointless.
Concentio Ravine
singing Also called the Singing Ravine. This ravine is immeasurably deep, overgrown with vines, bushes, and silver trees. The Singing River can be heard running at the bottom, and such beautiful music from the water gave it its name of "Singing." The ravine is long and very narrow, extending to Aetherae's eastern coast and opening a small gap in the bluffs.
Confluo Amnicola Lake
stream together, by the riverside This lake marks the joining of the Amnis Stream and Amnicola River. The lake is large and very blue in color, often calm to encourage fishing and boating. Many people swim near its white sand northern beaches. Much of Aetherae's freshwater fish industry revolves around this lake. It is miles across in both directions, and deep enough to support deep-sea vessels in its central area. However, the lake deepens at a steady and slow rate, so much of its circumference is hardly deep enough for more than small fishing boats. A few fishing villages rest on its edges.
Delta Decisco
diverge This is all the places where the River Fluviatilise meets the sea. This very wet region is eternally green and a great source for glassmaking sand and fishing. Also, the reeds here are good for making baskets. The areas right on the sea are extremely wet and unstable, so all settlements are farther up the delta.
River Fluviatilise
of the river This is Aetherae's largest river. Its slow current, depth, and width make it possible to sail both up and downstream with ease and with vessels of many sizes. It waters the Viridantis Plain and is a source for the fishing industry, although its primary purpose as considered by people is its irrigational and trade opportunities. Of all Aetherae's rivers, this one is the most blue in color, and in some places a vibrant teal. This tame river is the lifeblood of Aetherae, often referred to by natives as simply "the River" or "Great River."
Iugosus Foothills
mountainous Aetherae's smallest range of foothills. Located on the northeastern side of the island, these hills are windswept and feature few tall trees, mostly small, stunted trees and large bushes and brush. However, they are a good place to go hunting for larger game, and for raising livestock that grazes.
Mons Montis Foothills
mountain, great rock This is Aetherae's largest chain of pure foothills. It is the source of three rivers, the Amnis, Amnicola, and Fluviatilie. These green hills are fairly populated by villagers and loners, being ideal to graze small livestock and is both beautiful and fresh.
Montivagus Mountains
wandering over the mountains Aetherae's only true mountain range. It stretches over almost half the island in the north-south direction, as well as being a formidible barrier on the east-west. The roads in these mountains are difficult to maintain, and tend to be both aged and treacherous. At the center of the range stands Cacumino peak. These mountains are the source of two rivers: the Concentio and Arcanus. The range is surrounded on most sides by woods, and also is very tree-covered itself, featuring both deciduous and coniferous (evergreen) trees. They also have many rock-outcropped peaks. The foothills on its edges are good for grazing small livestock, and there are several mountain villages that mainly specialize in hunting and the fur industry.
Reviresco Thallus Capital City
to grow green or strong again, green branch The Capital of Aetherae, this city was the center of life for centuries. Now somewhat usurped in popularity by Acuo Syrtis, it still remains the seat of power. The king, or Regnator, and the council, Synedrus, rule from here. The capital also controls and oversees most of the agriculture in the Viridantis Plain, the breadbasket of Aetherae. In addition, this city hosts the esteemed School of Carpentary, which makes and trains people to make most of the wood products on the island. The city lies just a few miles west of the River Fluviatilise, and moves most of its supplies by way of the river. The capital is also famous for its huge marketplace, as large as entire neighborhoods in other cities, selling everything Aetherae can produce. Since it is, however, so far inland, it is only a thriving center for Aetheran trade, and receives relatively few traders from other countries. Another educational venue it hosts is the University of Agnosco, Aetherae's only university and, in turn, the host of Aetherae's Great Library, and all government records, Aetheran compositions, and books of learning. The city is about 86% Elven, significantly greater than the overall national percentage. Architecturally, it is about 45% stone, 30% wood, and 25% glass. It is sunny all year round and often warm in summer, but mild in winter. This city is the largest in square mileage.
Transmontani Plain
dwellers beyond the mountains Aetherae's second main plain. It is mostly agricultural, with many farming and livestock villages. The plain is sometimes referred to as the Yellow Land by natives because of its many grain crops and its overall color in fall.
Forest Verno Silvia
flourish, grow green One of Aetherae's main three "normal wood" forests. This forest is almost exclusively deciduous and green all over, thriving with plants, vines, bushes, and flowers. It also has many wild fruits growing throughout. At the north, it grows up the foot of the Iugosus Foothills, and follows both the coast and the River Fluviatilise south to the Transmontani Plain. It is fairly populated, being cooled by the water on both sides and beautifully lush and supportive.
Forest Viresco Silvia
grow green
Viridantis Plain
green
(under construction)
Places to note:
Acta Litis City
coast, seashore This port city is one of Aetherae's four largest. It is a center of sea trade mostly for within Aetherae, taking produce from the Transmontani and Viridantis Plains as well as imports from Acuo Syrtis and Adflatis Maris. The city is not directly on the waterfront, but it extremely close and well-connected to the sea by pristine roads.
Acuo Syrtis City
sharp, sandbank This is Aetherae's largest port city. It is the center for inter-island trade, being one of the two closest points to Talambar. Many of Aetherae's finest ships dock here. The use of galley slaves, while not common on all such ships, is not unheard of. Since it is so vital to Aetherae's economy, the city has wood and stone walls around its entire circumference, including a sea wall that can be raise around the wealthiest harbor, Portorium, in case of seige. Of all of Aetherae, this city is the most diverse racially and culturally. This diversity is particularly reflected in its many types of foods, making Acuo Syrtis a rather "tasteful" city. Since the end of the peninsula is very narrow, the city is built almost as far up as it is out, with many triple- or quadruple-floor buildings, and wooden supports raising the center of the city higher, as if on an artificial hill. The many wooden walkways are very scenic, if not so much practical, and so the upper center of the city tends to be residential, especially for the wealthier citizens. Many of Aetherae's unique and artful lanterns light the city at night, allowing for leisure in the evening after the day's work. Like most of Aetherae's cities, trees abound between streets and buildings, hiding flaws and maximizing the enchantment.
Adflatus Maris City
breath of the sea This port city is one of Aetherae's four largest. It is the second-greatest center of international trade after Acuo Syrtis, being the closest point on the island to both Talambar and Srada. This city remains mostly inhabited by the natives of Aetherae, but is a center of Aetheraen music and dance, hosting several schools of the fine arts. Another school is the prestigious University of Shipwrights, founded by the guild of the same name centuries before. The ships of Adflatus Maris are coveted across the world, being equipped for both long journies across vast oceans as well as short trips across bays and minor seas. Ships and education are the main commodities Adflatus Maris has to trade, and while those who purchase the education tend to remain, the ships often leave Adflatus Maris forever, often making their home in Acuo Syrtis. The northeast side of town tend to be more residential; the southwest more commercial. The city's sea flank (southwest) is fortified against invasion, but the other sides spread out into looser, unprotected suburbs.
River Amnis
river, current Aetherae's second largest river. The River Amnis is actually comprised of two rivers: Amnis Stream, and Amnicola River, which converge at Confluo Amnicola. The River then splits into several parts, which have their sea mouths at different locations on the southern coast of Ansatus Peninsula. The sources of the two streams feeding the Amnis are located on the north and south sides of western Mons Montis. This river is useful for trade from Mons Montis, Forest Aurifer Silvia, and Viridantis Plain on the way to Acuo Syrtis. Its waters are clear, but with surprisingly blue hue, like sapphire.
Ansatus Peninsula
handle, arm The peninsula that stretches out on the north western side of Aetherae.
River Arcanus
closed, secret The second-smallest river in Aetherae, running from Cacumino Peak through Forest Argenteus Silvia. Very few people live around this river since it is so remote, surrounded on all sides by either mountains or sea. It is a beautiful, laughing stream that holds many sparkling waterfalls, and its water is completely clear. It is also the water source for much wildlife that has migrated there to escape the greater Aetheraen population in other places.
Forest Argenteus Silvia
silver Also called "Silver Forest," especially by non-Aetheraens. This is the largest forest in Aetherae. It features trees unlike anywhere else in the world, whose bark and leaves truly are silver. These trees, abies stannum, are deciduous and lose their leaves twice a year, in spring and fall, regaining them in early summer and winter. The heavy fall of leaves also makes the ground "silver." This forest is sparsely populated, being much the same throughout and very easy to become lost in. Many legends surround these forests, not all of them necessarily favorable or hospitable, but they remain more a place of wonder than dread. Also in this forest lives a rare species of purple and silver flower called Clavus. It is one of the two Mystic Woods, the other of which being Forest Aurifer Silvia.
Forest Aurifer Silvia
gold Also called the Golden Forest. This is Aetherae's second-largest forest. The trees here are gold, just as in Forest Argenteus Silvia they are silver. The trees, aureolus bractea, lose their leaves twice a year, in winter and summer, growing them back in early spring and fall. The leaves create a golden ground cover as well. This is known as the "friendlier" of the two Mystic woods, and is more often visited than the Silver Forest, although hardly more populated. The rarity of these woods in the world is highly respected, hence few would disturb them by living there.
Cacumino Peak
pointThe tallest mountain in Aetherae. It is the source of the River Arcanus and rests in the center of the widest part of the Montivagus Mountain Range. This peak is covered with snow year-round, and is the site of ancient Shenndei ruins. Many people go to visit for its unparalled views of Aetherae. One can see almost the entire island because the air is so clear. However, its sides are fairly steep, and only one road has been made to scale it, and this often fills with loose rubble from rockslides or is overgrown with bushes, grasses, or trees. Travel by cart or carriage is impossible, and in some places where the path is narrow along a drop or is in disrepair, it is difficult to even bring a horse.
River Concentio
singing Also called the Singing River. This remote river has its source high in the Montivagus Mountains. While beautiful and clear, the River Concentio is difficult to access and impossible to boat on, being comprised solely of a series of waterfalls until it falls into the depths of Concentio Ravine. The river, surprisingly was named for the ravine, instead of the other way around. Though a few attempts have been made to explore this river from sailing upstream from the sea, its strong current and overabundance of sharp rocks makes all such attempts impossible, and moreover, pointless.
Concentio Ravine
singing Also called the Singing Ravine. This ravine is immeasurably deep, overgrown with vines, bushes, and silver trees. The Singing River can be heard running at the bottom, and such beautiful music from the water gave it its name of "Singing." The ravine is long and very narrow, extending to Aetherae's eastern coast and opening a small gap in the bluffs.
Confluo Amnicola Lake
stream together, by the riverside This lake marks the joining of the Amnis Stream and Amnicola River. The lake is large and very blue in color, often calm to encourage fishing and boating. Many people swim near its white sand northern beaches. Much of Aetherae's freshwater fish industry revolves around this lake. It is miles across in both directions, and deep enough to support deep-sea vessels in its central area. However, the lake deepens at a steady and slow rate, so much of its circumference is hardly deep enough for more than small fishing boats. A few fishing villages rest on its edges.
Delta Decisco
diverge This is all the places where the River Fluviatilise meets the sea. This very wet region is eternally green and a great source for glassmaking sand and fishing. Also, the reeds here are good for making baskets. The areas right on the sea are extremely wet and unstable, so all settlements are farther up the delta.
River Fluviatilise
of the river This is Aetherae's largest river. Its slow current, depth, and width make it possible to sail both up and downstream with ease and with vessels of many sizes. It waters the Viridantis Plain and is a source for the fishing industry, although its primary purpose as considered by people is its irrigational and trade opportunities. Of all Aetherae's rivers, this one is the most blue in color, and in some places a vibrant teal. This tame river is the lifeblood of Aetherae, often referred to by natives as simply "the River" or "Great River."
Iugosus Foothills
mountainous Aetherae's smallest range of foothills. Located on the northeastern side of the island, these hills are windswept and feature few tall trees, mostly small, stunted trees and large bushes and brush. However, they are a good place to go hunting for larger game, and for raising livestock that grazes.
Mons Montis Foothills
mountain, great rock This is Aetherae's largest chain of pure foothills. It is the source of three rivers, the Amnis, Amnicola, and Fluviatilie. These green hills are fairly populated by villagers and loners, being ideal to graze small livestock and is both beautiful and fresh.
Montivagus Mountains
wandering over the mountains Aetherae's only true mountain range. It stretches over almost half the island in the north-south direction, as well as being a formidible barrier on the east-west. The roads in these mountains are difficult to maintain, and tend to be both aged and treacherous. At the center of the range stands Cacumino peak. These mountains are the source of two rivers: the Concentio and Arcanus. The range is surrounded on most sides by woods, and also is very tree-covered itself, featuring both deciduous and coniferous (evergreen) trees. They also have many rock-outcropped peaks. The foothills on its edges are good for grazing small livestock, and there are several mountain villages that mainly specialize in hunting and the fur industry.
Reviresco Thallus Capital City
to grow green or strong again, green branch The Capital of Aetherae, this city was the center of life for centuries. Now somewhat usurped in popularity by Acuo Syrtis, it still remains the seat of power. The king, or Regnator, and the council, Synedrus, rule from here. The capital also controls and oversees most of the agriculture in the Viridantis Plain, the breadbasket of Aetherae. In addition, this city hosts the esteemed School of Carpentary, which makes and trains people to make most of the wood products on the island. The city lies just a few miles west of the River Fluviatilise, and moves most of its supplies by way of the river. The capital is also famous for its huge marketplace, as large as entire neighborhoods in other cities, selling everything Aetherae can produce. Since it is, however, so far inland, it is only a thriving center for Aetheran trade, and receives relatively few traders from other countries. Another educational venue it hosts is the University of Agnosco, Aetherae's only university and, in turn, the host of Aetherae's Great Library, and all government records, Aetheran compositions, and books of learning. The city is about 86% Elven, significantly greater than the overall national percentage. Architecturally, it is about 45% stone, 30% wood, and 25% glass. It is sunny all year round and often warm in summer, but mild in winter. This city is the largest in square mileage.
Transmontani Plain
dwellers beyond the mountains Aetherae's second main plain. It is mostly agricultural, with many farming and livestock villages. The plain is sometimes referred to as the Yellow Land by natives because of its many grain crops and its overall color in fall.
Forest Verno Silvia
flourish, grow green One of Aetherae's main three "normal wood" forests. This forest is almost exclusively deciduous and green all over, thriving with plants, vines, bushes, and flowers. It also has many wild fruits growing throughout. At the north, it grows up the foot of the Iugosus Foothills, and follows both the coast and the River Fluviatilise south to the Transmontani Plain. It is fairly populated, being cooled by the water on both sides and beautifully lush and supportive.
Forest Viresco Silvia
grow green
Viridantis Plain
green
(under construction)