Varisian Empire: Locations
Forest locations
Crescent Wood: A dense, ancient forest where the trees are as old as the empire itself. The grove sits at the foot of the Eisen Range, the crescent shaped mountain range surrounding Eisenberg, acting as a line of defense around the capital.
Dunkelmirk: Lying on the eastern fringe of the empire, these woods are often shrouded in mist. The trees, cloaked in moss and darkness, harbor secretive communities of elves who have maintained an uneasy truce with the Varisian Empire. The woods are known for their natural beauty and the elusive creatures that dwell within.
Whispering Vale: A secluded valley within a vast forest, known for its unusual, whispering breezes that some believe carry messages from the ancients. It's a sacred place for druids and those who seek to understand the deeper mysteries of nature.
The Ironbark Expanse: A dense forest filled with ironwood trees, with bark as tough as iron forming a natural defense against the empire’s enemies. These woods are fiercely protected by the Varisian military, hiding secrets and ancient ruins deep within.
Bludwald: A forest on the outskirts of Eisenwerk. What hasn’t been cut down to use as materials for the furnaces and constructions, leaches the iron poisoning from the waters of the Crimson Flow, turning its wood and leaves red. When cut, the sap of the trees is dyed red like blood and is believed to have arcane properties.
Lake Locations
Mirrorlake: Nestled in the heart of the empire, Mirrorlake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters that perfectly reflect the sky. The lake is a popular retreat for the empire’s nobility, offering serene beauty and a respite from political intrigue. On it south-western shore the city of Wassermarkt bring rarities and trade.
Frostveil Lake: Located at the base of the northern Sentinel Range and home to the city of Alderwald, this lake remains icy cold year-round, with parts of it freezing over in winter. It’s a source of freshwater fish and a site of arcane research for the scholars of Alderwald.
Saphir See: A deep, mountain-fed lake in the northern slopes of the Aethros Ranges, known for its sapphire-blue waters. It's surrounded by myths of hidden underwater palaces and is a popular location for scholars and adventurers alike.
Crimson Flow: Named for the striking crimson hue of the waters and the sand of the lake. This lake is situated near Eisenwerk where the flow of iron waste from the forges has contaminated the waters, staining it red. It is rumoured that the Crimson Flow has created unique, magical creatures that reside within the iron rich waters.
Coastal Locations
Koralle Observatorium: An essential research facility and sanctuary nestled in the heart of Sapphire Shoals. It is dedicated to the preservation and study of the region's unique coral reefs and the diverse marine species they support. This center plays a crucial role in marine conservation efforts, providing invaluable insights into coral ecosystems and their conservation challenges.
Silversand: A picturesque coastline known for its silver sands, it’s a favored spot for the empire's citizens seeking leisure and escape. The beach offers stunning views of the ocean and is often the site for festivals and celebrations.
Pearl Cove: A tranquil bay known for its pearl diving. The cove is not only a source of wealth but also a place of stunning natural beauty, attracting visitors from across the empire who seek its pristine beaches and clear waters.
Ironclad Grave: A ship graveyard to the far north of the nation, near Seahafen. Ruined, failed and broken warships are abandoned here, ripe for scavengers looking for old tech and materials to sell on the black market. This has resulted in the empire setting up guard for the graveyard, protecting the ruins. It is considered the worst post in the Empire’s military, cold, far from home, watching a bunch of empty ships.
Grassland locations
The Golden Expanse: Vast grasslands that stretch for miles, the Golden Expanse is a vital agricultural heartland, providing the empire with much of its grain and livestock. It's also home to numerous windmill farms, harnessing the power of the wind for grain processing.
North Marches: This lush frontier is where the empire’s expansion first began. It's now a settled region of rich farmlands and small communities, protected by a network of old forts and patrols indicating the empires original borders. The Marches are on the doorstep of Eisenberg, the capital of the empire.
The Zephyr Fields: Expansive fields known for their constant, gentle winds that power numerous windmills and airships. This area is crucial for the empire's air travel, serving as a launch and landing site for airships, as well as a testing ground for new aviation technologies.
The Gearfield Graveyard: The Gearfield Graveyard is a sprawling wasteland where the remnants of obsolete machinery and war machines are laid to rest. This eerie expanse is littered with rusting gears, broken automata, and the skeletal frames of once-mighty engines of war.
The Ironforged Plains: The Ironforged Plains, stretching around the fortress city of Stahlgard, are a rugged expanse dedicated to relentless military training and weapons testing. Pockmarked with craters from war machine test firings and scarred by the tracks of armored drills, this harsh landscape is a proving ground for the empire's might.
Mountain Locations
The Aethros Ranges: The towering mountain range that forms the empire’s natural barrier against the Morn Arcanum and contains vast mineral wealth. The peaks are home to the legendary Eisenwerk forges and numerous mining towns that supply the empire with precious metals and coal. The immense Dwarven city of Arukh, home to mountain dwarves who dig deep into the ranges.
The Sentinel Spires: A series of imposing mountain fortresses that guard the empire’s northern frontier. Each spire is a testament to Varisian military engineering, offering both defense against invasion and a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes.
Unter Gnom: Unter Gnom is a mysterious and treacherous range where the remnants of the elusive Umbrans live in seclusion, hidden deep within its shadowy valleys. Those who venture too close—miners, explorers, or soldiers—often return disoriented, with fragmented memories and a haunting sense of lost time, unable to recall how they escaped the eerie grasp of this forbidding land.
Ruinenglade: Ruinenglade is a hauntingly beautiful site where the remnants of an ancient civilization are carved into the walls of a towering mountain range. The crumbling structures, overgrown with twisted vines and moss, whisper of a lost era, their secrets buried deep within the stone and shadowed halls.
The Crystal Cliffs: Towering cliffs that are home to vast quartz and gemstone mines, illuminating the mountainside with their natural sparkle. The cliffs are not only a source of wealth but also a natural wonder, attracting sightseers and those interested in the magical properties of crystals.