Bastions of Light

The Tenebrise is a vast land, largely unfit for life. Most of the continent is covered by the Ruins of the Old World, tainted by the Miasma—a thick, poisonous fog that blots out every single ray of sunlight. To the north of The Tenebrise lie impassable snows where no creature can survive. To the south—desolate wastelands and mountains.

Yet life is a stubborn weed, and thousands of elves, half-humans, dwarves, humans, and all manner of others have found refuge—Bastions of Light in this world of darkness and slumbering gods.

Hovering directly above the Miasma, on flying platforms, lies Aeron—a city built by the elves during the reign of the Great Empire. Hidden deep within the mountains rests the ancient dwarven stronghold of Firsa. And high atop a mountain plateau stands the oldest city of all—Astra Vallis.

Beyond these, other sanctuaries endure:
To the west lies the Sacred Citadel of Akanta—the Cradle of the Mother—a site of pilgrimage for people from all across The Tenebrise.
In the far north, buried deep within the Lifeless Lands, lies a settlement of the First Ones—mysterious ancient beings who shun contact with the outside world.
On the southern coast, where the ocean meets the shore, thrives Brevil—a city of pirates and pleasure.
And at the foot of the desolate wastelands rises the city of Great Ayr - city of human.

Ways of communication between civilization

On The Tenebrise, a multitude of routes connect its scattered cities. Ancient methods of transport endure, such as the use of pack animals: land whales, horses, tigers, wolves, small dragons, taranids (big insects), snowy lions, grifons, heavenly mantas, big moles, and sled dogs. Likewise, airships and steam-powered vehicles are in high demand. Across the vast distances, railways have been laid, though high-speed trains remain a luxury—powered by the precious and costly aetherite. The Firsts Ones use Rimebeak Griffons, white bears and pygmy mammoths.

Inter-city Relations

Relations between the cities are extremely tense. Firsa and Aeron are locked in a perpetual race for achievements and resources. Astra Vallis prefers not to take sides, focusing instead on purchasing the latest inventions and sharing them with the other cities.

The religious city, Cradle of the Mother, rejects the use of aetherite and is therefore hostile, sometimes even openly aggressive, towards both Fiersa and Aeron. It also refuses to deal with Astra Vallis and Brevil.

Brevil is a city overrun by criminals. Its inhabitants typically don't trade—they plunder. They regularly launch raids on others.

Great Ayr maintains a neutral stance, largely due to its remote location. It purchases goods from Astra Vallis, occasionally engages in dealings with Firsa and Aeron, and is an active ally of the Cradle of the Mother.

The fortress of the First Ones does not interfere in the affairs of the others and is isolated from the entire world by snowy wastelands.