MYTHARYS

"In Mytharys, those who seek the sun often find their wings melted by its fire."

EDEN

"Eden wasn’t just where we lived—it was where we thrived, where every sunset painted the sky with possibility."
- Jason Erythas

Emperor Lorian Argiros

Land of the Nephilim

Southwestern Mytharys

Eden was once the most powerful and prosperous nation in Mytharys, a land of beauty and harmony that served as a beacon of cultural, spiritual, and natural excellence. It was a place where magic and nature coexisted seamlessly, and its people thrived under a system of shared governance led by councils of druids, sages, and leaders representing various regions. Eden was a symbol of balance, where the flow of life, nature, and magic was respected, creating an environment of peace and artistic expression.Lorian Argirós rose to power during a time when Eden faced growing internal challenges. Some regions, particularly its more industrialized areas, demanded reforms to increase production and expand trade. Lorian, a cunning and ambitious leader, promised solutions to these problems through modernization and increased centralization of power.At first, Lorian was seen as a reformer with bold ideas, but as time passed, his vision turned darker. He dismantled the traditional councils and centralized authority under himself, using the nation’s magical resources to fund military projects. He declared that Eden’s prosperity could only be sustained through control, discipline, and expansion. What had once been a nation of balance began to tilt toward authoritarianism.The peaceful nation that had once inspired the world was now feared by its neighbors, though many still believed Lorian’s public persona.In the present day, Eden is a fractured version of what it once was. Its forests have grown sparse in some areas, with magical ley lines disrupted by the war. The once-lively capital is now more of a military stronghold, with its grand architecture overshadowed by signs of militarization and decay. What remains of the old grandeur is mostly seen in the capital’s surviving gardens and temples, though they feel like relics of a forgotten era.Despite this, Eden still portrays a peaceful, cultured image to the outside world. Foreign diplomats are greeted in pristine halls, taken on tours of preserved landmarks, and presented with flourishing gardens that hide the underlying rot. Lorian’s successors continue to maintain this façade, ensuring Eden remains influential despite its internal struggles.The once-warm relationship between Eden and its neighbors is now strained. While Eden still holds power, it is viewed with suspicion. Diplomats and rulers across Mytharys remember what Eden used to be, but they now see a country clinging to its past while trying to maintain control over its dwindling influence.The story of Eden is one of beauty, power, and tragedy. For many, the name "Eden" still evokes images of the golden age—a time of balance, flourishing life, and unmatched culture. But for others, it is a cautionary tale of how ambition, greed, and unchecked power can bring even the most idyllic nation to its knees.

XAL'THORRAN

"Xal'Thorran may be thriving now, but the throne is a burden, not a prize. The day Xal'thorran breaks Jason, I’ll be there to watch." -Emperor Lorian Argiros

King Jason Erythas

Land of the Fallen

Southeastern Mytharys

Xal’Thorran is a nation born from rebellion, resilience, and the determination to forge a new path free from the shadows of authoritarian rule. Once a vital part of the great Eden, Xal’Thorran was founded after a brutal civil war led by Eden’s second-in-command, Jason Erythas, who rose up against the growing tyranny of Emperor Lorian Argirós. The war scarred the land, but it also gave birth to a country rooted in the ideals of survival, independence, and the balance between nature and progress.When Xal’Thorran declared its independence, it inherited lands that had seen fierce battles, where once-pristine forests were burned, rivers polluted, and villages reduced to rubble. But instead of despair, its people saw an opportunity to rebuild from the ground up. The nation took its name from an ancient phrase meaning “Fortress of Renewal”, symbolizing its mission to rebuild not only the land but also the spirits of its people.Jason Erythas, who led the resistance, became a unifying figure. His vision was clear: to create a nation that balanced nature and modernization without repeating the mistakes that led to Eden’s downfall. Under his leadership, they developed a pragmatic society—one that embraces both tradition and innovation to restore and sustain the land.Xal’Thorran’s relationship with Eden is defined by tension and mistrust. Eden still sees Xal’Thorran as a rebellious splinter nation that should be reintegrated, while Xal’Thorran views Eden as a corrupt and decaying remnant of an empire they fought to escape. Skirmishes along the border are not uncommon, though neither side has launched a full-scale conflict since the war’s end.For many of its people, Xal’Thorran represents hope, resilience, and freedom. It is a place where survivors of war are working together to create a brighter future—one where they can live without fear of oppression and rebuild their connection to the land. But beneath that hope lies an undercurrent of uncertainty. The scars of the civil war have not fully healed, and some worry that the drive for innovation could lead them down a path similar to Lorian’s Eden.Despite this, Xal’Thorran thrives. Its markets hum with life, offering goods ranging from stone carvings and enchanted tools to agricultural products and rare minerals. Its cities are alive with builders, farmers, druids, and scholars, all working to shape a future they believe in—a future where their nation can stand as a beacon of resilience, just as Eden once did in its prime.In Xal’Thorran, every stone laid and every seed planted carries a meaning: a promise that even from ashes, something beautiful can grow.

CAIRNDALE

“Cairndale thrives, but for how long? A kingdom that forgets its roots may one day find the ground too barren to hold it.” -Elowin Lacewing, Guardian of Sylvaris

Queen Elara Ironhart

Land of the Humans

Northwestern Mytharys

Cairndale is a powerful and industrialized human kingdom in Mytharys, known for its rapid technological advancements, thriving cities, and mastery of metalwork and machinery. Built on a foundation of innovation and hard labor, Cairndale stands in contrast to the nature-focused regions like Eden and Xal'Thorran. The kingdom’s economy is fueled by its rich mineral deposits, sprawling ironworks, and steam-powered industries, making it a hub for trade, engineering, and weapon production.Cairndale’s rise to power began during the decline of Eden’s dominance. As Eden struggled with internal conflicts, Cairndale capitalized on the demand for weapons, mechanical tools, and infrastructure development. Originally a modest mining settlement, Cairndale grew rapidly as its rulers embraced industrialization and fostered partnerships with inventors and engineers.Throughout its history, Cairndale has been defined by resilience and ambition. Its people are known for their hard work, discipline, and ingenuity. As neighboring regions focused on magic or nature-based societies, Cairndale distinguished itself by relying on technological innovations, constructing towering cities with ironclad architecture, smoke-belching factories, and intricate networks of canals and railways.One of its key historical achievements was the Iron Revolution, a period of technological breakthroughs that saw the creation of steam engines, mechanical constructs, and advanced mining techniques. This era solidified Cairndale’s position as a technological leader and set the stage for its current era of prosperity.Queen Elara Ironhart is the current ruler of Cairndale, a strong and pragmatic queen who commands respect both within her kingdom and internationally. She ascended to the throne during a period of political unrest when rival factions sought to control Cairndale’s lucrative industries. Elara’s decisive leadership and strategic alliances helped her suppress the rebellion, earning her the reputation of a leader who doesn’t back down from challenges.Cairndale’s people take pride in their work ethic and mechanical ingenuity. Cities are vibrant with the sound of hammers on anvils, the hiss of steam engines, and the hum of factories producing everything from weaponry to complex clockwork devices. The kingdom is also home to prestigious engineering academies, where inventors, blacksmiths, and architects are trained.Despite the industrial focus, Cairndale has a rich cultural scene, including festivals celebrating craftsmanship, innovation, and the resilience of its people. The annual Ironheart Festival is a grand event where inventors showcase their creations, and competitions test the strength of new machinery and technology.The Miner’s Union is one of the most powerful labor organizations in Cairndale, representing thousands of workers in the kingdom’s mining sector. They are loyal to Queen Elara and advocate for continued resource extraction to fuel Cairndale’s factories, weapons production, and technological growth. Their argument is that mining is essential to maintaining the kingdom’s prosperity and keeping its citizens employed.Opposing them are environmental scholars and naturalists from the kingdom’s prestigious universities. They warn that over-mining is causing irreversible damage to Cairndale’s ecosystems, including groundwater contamination, deforestation, and air pollution from smelting operations. These scholars believe that alternative, more sustainable mining methods should be developed, though the Miner’s Union sees this as an unnecessary obstacle to progress.

SYLVARIS

“The world outside changes, kingdoms rise and fall, but Sylvaris alwaysremains untouched. Maybe they have the right idea.”
-Queen Elara Ironhart

Guardian Elowin Lacewind

Land of the Fae

Northeastern Mytharys

Sylvaris is a realm of breathtaking enchantment, a land where nature and magic are seamlessly intertwined. Its landscapes are like scenes from a dream: colossal trees with luminescent leaves tower above rolling meadows of glowing wildflowers, while streams of crystalline water weave through forests that hum with life. The air is sweet and fragrant, carrying the sound of soft melodies played by unseen hands. Sylvaris is alive, its magic pulsing through the ground, sky, and rivers like a heartbeat.Elowin Lacewing is the revered ruler and protector of Sylvaris, known for her grace, wisdom, and unshakable connection to the natural world. As a Guardian, her role is to maintain the balance of magic within her realm and ensure that the ancient ley lines running through Sylvaris remain stable. She is a vision of elegance, with wings resembling iridescent petals, shifting between shades of violet, blue, and gold depending on the light.Elowin is a deeply empathetic leader, governing with fairness but unwavering resolve. She is known for her mastery of fae magic, her ability to communicate with nature, and her insight into the intentions of those who enter her realm. However, beneath her serene exterior lies a fierce protector who will do whatever it takes to preserve Sylvaris from harm, especially from outsiders who might seek to exploit its magic.Sylvaris is a land of perpetual growth and transformation. Its forests shift subtly, creating an ever-changing landscape that confounds uninvited visitors. Rivers may change course overnight, and groves of trees can appear or vanish with the rising of the moon. This fluidity is not chaos but a reflection of the magic that infuses the land. The fae of Sylvaris thrive in this dynamic environment, attuned to its rhythms.At the heart of Sylvaris lies the Eternal Glade, a sacred place where the most powerful ley lines converge. The glade is a place of peace and power, where flowers bloom in infinite variety and the air itself seems to glow. It is protected by Elowin and her most trusted guardians, and only those deemed worthy are allowed to enter.Sylvaris is known for its strict but fair rules regarding outsiders. Fae hospitality is sacred, but so are the laws governing bargains and oaths. Visitors who break their word or disrespect the land may find themselves cursed or trapped within Sylvaris’ shifting forests. However, those who earn Elowin’s favor may gain access to its wonders, from enchanted artifacts to ancient knowledge.Elowin walks a fine line between allowing beneficial interaction with the outside world and safeguarding her realm. She knows that Sylvaris’ magic is highly coveted and that many would exploit it if given the chance. Thus, she and her guardians are ever vigilant, ensuring that only those who respect the land’s laws may benefit from its gifts.Sylvaris is not without its dangers. The shifting nature of the land occasionally causes magical anomalies, and there are rumors of dark forces attempting to corrupt its ley lines. Some fae believe that Elowin should take a more aggressive stance against outsiders, fearing that they may one day breach Sylvaris’ defenses.