Introduction
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the artwork depicting locations, cities, and cultures in the Thesa Campaign Setting is generated by AI. These images are intended to convey the atmosphere and essence of the world and are not final representations. Should this project expand, we plan to replace AI-generated images with commissioned artwork to more authentically capture the setting. We kindly request not to engage in discussions regarding the morality of using AI-generated imagery.
Thesa Continent Map Version 1.0, created in Wonderdraft
Thesa and its People.
In the sprawling heart of the vast continent of Thesa, the Varisian Empire stands as a formidable war machine, meticulously guided by the strategic intellect of Emperor Darius Varist III. This empire, a beacon of military and technological prowess, is not just powered by raw strength but by the genius of its people. Renowned across the land for its pioneering artificers and engineers, Varisia thrives on a spirit of innovation and is home to some of the finest minds of the century.
The landscape of the empire is a dramatic tapestry of towering mountain ranges that pierce the sky and expansive plains that stretch far beyond the horizon. These geographical features serve dual purposes; they act as natural fortifications against invasion while simultaneously posing significant challenges to the empire’s ambitions of expansion. Within these borders, the sounds of progress echo continuously—the clank of metal, the hiss of steam, and the murmur of arcane-enhanced machineries are the empire’s heartbeat.
To the south of the continent, enveloped by the ethereal mists of ancient mysticism, stands the Morn Arcanum—a revered sanctuary of arcane knowledge. This secluded bastion serves as a haven for the greatest minds in Thesa; its scholars and wizards tirelessly study the wisdom of the Luminae, ethereal and timeless beings whose deep secrets drift through the air like softly uttered enchantments. The Arcanum is wisely governed by the discerning Lady Seraphine Althea alongside her council of skilled archmages, who together oversee this realm of profound magic and hidden lore.
This land, characterized by its labyrinthine valleys, sprawling dense jungles, and hauntingly beautiful wetlands, forms a natural barrier that shields its inhabitants from the outside world. These formidable natural defenses ensure the Arcanum's secrets remain well-guarded, while the challenging terrain fosters a unique blend of self-reliance and interdependence among its residents. Here, the pursuit of knowledge goes hand in hand with the deep understanding of nature’s untamed power and beauty, making the Morn Arcanum not only a center of magical study but also a protectorate of the ancient wisdom that defines the very essence of Thesa.
Westward, along the vibrant coasts, lies the expansive realm of the Astradian Sovereignty. A nation characterized by its opulent traders and discerning collectors, Astradia flourishes under the deft leadership of the Merchant Sovereign, Aleria Gildenthorn. She is ably supported by her Merchant Princes, each a master of commerce and diplomacy. This thriving nation, rich in resources and ambition, remains strategically aloof from the ongoing conflicts that embroil its neighboring states. Instead, it has cultivated itself as a bustling hub of trade and a sanctuary for those seeking respite from war.
Astradia's geographical bounty includes lush, dense jungles and enigmatic, mystic swamps, which together form a backbone for its economy. These regions are not only home to a myriad of unique flora and fauna but also house precious natural resources that fuel both the local and international markets. The cities within Astradia, from the grand coastal capitals to the quaint inland towns, pulse with the vibrant lifeblood of commerce. Markets overflow with a plethora of goods ranging from mundane spices to the rarest magical artifacts. Here, merchants barter in wealth, magic, and the exotic, creating a melting pot of cultures and commodities.
To the east, the rugged land of Fjordane stands resilient under the rule of Jarl Erik Torvaldsson, a warlord as hardened as the icy landscapes of his homeland. Known for their formidable endurance, the people of Fjordane are seafarers and fishers who have mastered the art of survival in the face of biting winters and fleeting summers. Their land is a scenic yet unforgiving tapestry of snow-dusted pines, towering mountains, and expansive ice flats.
Beyond the harsh exterior, Fjordane is a land rich in ancient lore and cultural heritage. The communities, scattered across this frostbitten domain, are built on the principles of strength, loyalty, and a deep reverence for the forces of nature. Longhouses and communal halls dot the landscape, where tales of sea monsters, the wrath of the gods, and the valor of ancestors are shared around roaring fires that fend off the unrelenting cold.
Beyond the familiar frontiers of the north stretches the enigmatic realm known as the Untamed North, a vast landscape dominated by dense forests that give way to stark, icy expanses. Towering mountain peaks puncture the often gray, ominous skies, while the surfaces of vast frozen lakes reflect the severe, unforgiving nature of this rugged territory. In this harsh environment, orc and ogre tribes establish their dominance, locked in a perpetual struggle for power, their lives marked by a relentless cycle of conflict and conquest.
In the heart of this fierce wilderness lies Grom'Kar, a city that defies the primitive expectations often associated with such a remote region. This stronghold is the epitome of orcish ingenuity and resilience. Unlike their kin, who favor the chaos of war, the orcs of Grom'Kar have embraced craftsmanship and industry, choosing the anvil and hammer over the sword and shield. The city itself is a marvel of engineering, surrounded by towering iron walls that stand as both a physical and symbolic barrier against the wild chaos surrounding it.
