Cardyria

Cardyria

The lush county of Cardyria is home to rolling highlands and magical glades. Cardyria’s people, taking after their countess, have become independent and strong-willed over the years. This norm has progressed to the point where calling someone “Cardyrian” is a synonym for stubborn. The Cardyrian way of life has produced some of the most talented mages, inventors, and performers during the 8th century. Bands like Part-Time Poet, Electric Acid, Lemon Confession, People Food, The Upstairs Neighbors, and Uncle Randy all started in Cardyria. Many scholars have sought to study the conditions imposed by Countess Lavatera to create such a period of excellence. Sadly, most are met with a rye smile and a door slammed in their face.

Bellataria

Sometimes known as the Jewel of the West, Bellataria was once a small fishing village. In less than a decade the town has evolved into a new city complete with illustrious spires, granite streets that are cleaned every morning at dawn, and an incredible number of theaters open to the public. The regional capital is one of the most prestigious on the Titanic Ring.

Storm Hold

The great palace of Lavatera, Storm Hold is a castle constantly surrounded in a blustering hurricane of rain and blue lightning. Some have said the Storm Hold is ostentatious with its thirty-two spires, half a dozen ballrooms, and an electrified outer wall that can send thousands of volts of electricity through an oncoming attacker attempting to breach the hold. When a local reporter asked if the countess believed the Storm Hold was superfluous, her response was that the reporter and most other Retainer Counts in Ardyria “have no taste.” Those who have entered the Storm Hold note the awe of the design. The mystic of the Storm Hold only grows since only a select few ever enter the castle since the countess is picky about visitors.

“The lightning is nice but I have a serious problem with all the stairs.”

- Countess Yasmin Yasser, when asked about her trip to the Storm Hold.

Glasshouse

Located in the heart of Bellataria, the Glasshouse is a conservatory for talented individuals. The institution, founded by Countess Lavatera in 728 A.R., seeks talent in all forms. Jugglers, illusionists, smiths, musicians, potters, thieves, and more all find their way to the Glasshouse. Those who pass the grueling entrance exam and performance find a near-limitless set of resources to help them hone their craft. Although a tempting place to stay, most leave the Glasshouse after a few short years of patronage. It is a tradition that those who have honed their skills eventually set out to leave their mark on the world. In recent decades the tradition has helped the Glasshouse grow in prestige. Many nobles will pay premium prices for a night watching the skills of a Glasshouse member. If a member of the Glasshouse gains enough notoriety they may even receive an invitation to play for the countess at the Storm Hold. This is thought to be the highest honor one could be bestowed.  

The Wolf Gate

Near the Storm Hold is a large silver archway known as the Wolf Gate. Those who pass through the gate find themselves in a pocket dimension filled with wild game in a vast forest. It is not recommended for outsiders to enter though. Inside the Wolf Gate dwells a great clan of werewolves known as the Storm Pack. Fiercely loyal to Bellataria and their count, the Storm Pack is allowed to live within the Wolf Gate. However, in times of trouble, the Earth-Bone Witch Lavatera has been known to open the gate and unleash the Wolves of the Storm. Those tracked by the Storm Pack rarely, if ever, escape. Many are drug before the countess a blubbering mess. Others are simply bones when returned to Lavatera.

Olben

Many entering Cardyria pass through Olben. This hub city ships goods all across Cardyria. From musician instruments to crops grown in the fertile countryside, Olben has it all. The city is also home to the Primordial Pass. This building contains a series of transportation runes that allow a person to travel between the Titanic Ring and the Primordial Ring.

Ravindorf

Nestled at the top of Savris’ Maw, Ravindorf is a place that most pass through to enter the northern half of Cardyria. Its elevation and climate make traversing the sheer cliffs and mountains around the city nearly impossible. Even in the winter months, workers must be set to clear ice from the tracks.

The city is split into two pieces: the upper city and the lower city. The upper city consists of storehouses, magna rail stations, and a series of shops for travelers passing through. Many officials conduct business in the upper city. However, the lower city which hugs the cliffs, is a different story. Lower Ravindorf is home to strange folk magics that wrap their way through the streets. Legend has it that centuries before the destruction of the Titanic Ring, a cabal of magics attempted to channel dimensions within the Cosmic Stack through different streets within the lower city. Their experiments left abnormalities in the lower city which manifest in unpredictable occurrences. While the locals have adjusted to life mixed with the strange, travelers often find themselves snatched by one of Ravindorf’s many secrets. The Twin Empresses have sponsored private rescue teams whose mission is to suppress these strange magic anomalies. These rescue teams, known as Spooks by the locals, risk life and afterlife each day attempting to learn the secrets within Ravindorf.

Varinthia

Do you know what happens in Varinthia? Most don’t. Even if you pass through the city that shines with a pale violet glow, you likely won’t remember you stay. At best you’ll have glimpses, flashes, of moments and memories. People with generational wealth walk in one morning and leave later with no memory, no money, and no recourse. The opposite is true as well. What happens in Varinthia? Only the Countess Lavatera, the Twin Empresses, and a few well-connected people know. For this reason many travel to Varinthia just to experience the strange amnesia that comes with entering the city.

Strem

This harbor town sits in the frigid north of Cardyria. For much of the year ice sits in broken chunks within the waters of Strem. However, during the spring thaw and the summer heat, Strem is a bustling town. Once it was larger, being one of the main trading cities for the continent of Xorgaddon, but that trade avenue has dried. While Strem isn’t the shining trade power it once was the people still make a decent living. Yet, in recent years, something strange has begun to occur off the coast of Strem. Since 770 A.R. ships have been found floating abandoned to the West of Strem. The ship’s crew are all missing with no signs of struggle. Curiously, the cargo all remains intact except for medicines and certain alchemical supplies which are always taken during the event. While these events are infrequent, the Strem disappearances have the locals concerned.

Titan’s Rest

Resting upon the cliffs of Kost with pristine forwards to the east, Titan’s Rest was once a vacation spot for the Titans. Technically, it still is to this day. Titans, like Zolona or Wierden, will occasionally return to the shores to rest. However, many now flock to Titan’s Rest to get away from their problems. The entire town is essentially a resort. Titan’s Rest is also heavily enchanted to create an even more relaxed environment. These enchantments keep drinks filled, outside communications out, anxieties low, and the temperature always perfect.