Ok, so, this is the commissioned work that was written by xshedevilx who I hired off of Fiverr in order to flesh out the human territories. This is what the subscriber money goes to, it keeps me able to put out high quality chapters without slowing down too much. It helps a great deal if I am able to get a direction from a freelancer in order to fill in a gap where inspiration is lacking, and this fresh material has inspired a lot for me in terms of plotting out the next 3 or 4 whole arcs of the series.

 

I also plan on commissioning some art as well, and am currently working with one freelancer to make something based on some previous fan-art I've shown them. That fan-art was incredibly helpful for that purpose of getting the correct image across. With any luck, I might receive the artwork in time to post it before the 3rd arc is started.

 

Keep in mind, I plan to use almost nothing in this exactly as it's written, so do not take this as a legitimate lore chapter. I also was not exceedingly detailed with xshedevilx about exactly how the magic mechanics work as I felt it was complicated enough and entirely irelevant to the paramiters of the gig I was requesting, but some stuff in regards to magic do come up and really don't match with the world as it is so far. I plan to almost completely change anything here that is about magic.

 

While I have stated that I plan to use almost none of this exactly as written, aside from magic my modifications to this work will likely be more additive than anything, using the majority of what's written here and then adding a lot of my own material. This is part of the reason I decided to post the chapter about the Hedan first. The Hedan were a concept created by xshedevilx in this commission, so the material I have written using them serves as a good example of how you might expect to see me utilize the rest of the material you read here as well.

 

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The Eastern Nation of Vandi -

Vandi is the closest neighbouring Human settlement to the forests of the Blue Jade Elven. It is a relatively small nation made up of small villages, farming communities, and mills that choose to work with the Elven, rather than against or without them, for the most part.

Vandi is home to the magicless Humans; those who are, or have chosen to live simply and cooperatively with the magic around them without fully embracing it or harnessing it for themselves. Homes are crafted from the small gatherings of mud, vine, and branch, to provide walls and roof for shelter. None are built too large, or too small, as most tend to house several families rather than one.

It is rumoured that few children reside in Vandi, despite its normal birth rate ratio amongst the Human population. Some believe the Elven raid the small villages to take the children as their own; as their spiritual energy ‘feeds’ their young. Others believe that due to the Elven, children are sent away to other nations where they may live out their lives as Humans, free of the binds to the Elven that surround their home nation. Though some Humans in the far west believe the Elven drain the young to sustain their own, the nation of Vandi denies these rumours but, whether for grief, or truth, has yet to be determined.

The capitol city of Vandi is Aesilda, located north to the nation’s fertile farmlands. Aesilda is governed by an old, but hardened and modest man. He takes no title of King, nor Jarl, nor Governor, and believes he is equal only to his weakest and most vulnerable residents; thus he ensures commerce with the other nations, and even some Elven, is always negotiable so that his people may continue to thrive, even if it may require some sacrifice.

Aesilda’s leader is named Suldor, and is known well for being as outspoken as he is compassionate for his people. While he understands their fear of raids and the kidnapping of their children, he also understands that allowing for an offering now and again may provide them with continued protection and sustainability from the Demons that scour their lands in the night.

The farms are known as the Bail settlements, titled directly after their families that live there. Farming is what sustains much of the nation as the lush greenery that feeds off the rich soil from the forest just beyond provides both adequate food for livestock, as well as fertile land for crops.

The current farming settlements are run by the families Longvein, Ortish, Salvidan, and Missein. The Missein family are also known to hold ownership of the small taverns that also scatter the dirt roadways that span from within Vandi, and across to the other regions.

As Vandi has no rich mining or logging resources, they rely on their high-quality livestock and vegetation as offerings for trade and sale to their neighbours in return for things like fabric, fish, and ore. It is said that there is still magic in the soil of Vandi that aids in producing large and favourable crops, that also make for well-fed, and healthy cattle, chicken, and other livestock.

Vandi’s mills, Heart’s Fife, and Moon’s Ember, have an agreement with the Elven where they are permitted to harvest the forest nearby for fallen, infected, or invading trees. The mills are allowed to cut down, drag out, and process the trees as a favour to the Elven, and in return can use the logs to build their homes, or sell off to the other nations in exchange for coin and other goods. Only those working the mills live in the huts nearby as work comes and goes but the days are often long and harsh.

Vandi’s weather is seemingly temperate and spring-like despite the over-shadowing of the forest canopy on much of their land. They see rain, wind, sun, and shade in varying degrees but agree that much of their luck in farming stems from the magic that thrives so close to their borders. This weather, however, permits for light clothing, pleasurable leisure afternoons, and overall contentment.

The Western Nation of Wydon -

Wydon is home to the Warriors and Wild Riders of the Blue Jade region. It is ruled by King Jonas from the Kingdom of Myrha along the western shoreline. It is a nation of rolling hills, deep valleys, and spanning pastures that haven proven favourable to the fabled Wild Riders of legend for the breeds of wild creatures that call Wydon home.

The Wild Riders are a band of men believed to have descended from Elven (though this is wildly disbelieved) who are seemingly skilled in the way of speaking with, and calming, wild creatures. They live in small villages across Wydon, known as ‘Seeds’, where they corral all manner of beasts from wild horses, to stags, and even large birds. They are quite solitary in their living but, often provide aid to the Hedan on their missions and scouting should they be asked.

The Riders follow a strict practice of ensuring that any animal in their possession, is also protected from harm. Should they require sustenance, the sacrifice of any creature is met with immediate prayer, and proper funeral rites, as if they were Human themselves. This maintains a level of balance and respect that has seen their communicative abilities with the beasts of the wild increase over the years.

The Hedan are a band of Warriors chosen by King Jonas to protect both his land, and its people; as well they are to council him in both civil, and worldly decisions. The Hedan are often sent to patrol many of the roads and borders surrounding, and stretching from Wydon and into the other nations. MAny of the other nations have accepted the Hedan in their land as they offer skilled protection when facing even the fiercest foes and hardships such as bandit parties, or torrential rains. The Hedan are often seen guiding import wagons, migrating caravans, and Mages in exchange for livestock, ore, and coin. Though Wydon has its own farmlands, it is not as prosperous or rich as other nations, such as Vandi, thus they are only able to provide the bare minimum for their own nation’s population. Hence why the Hedan are permitted throughout the other realms.

The Hedan practice a series of training exercises to harden both body, and spirit on a weekly basis despite any interruptions that may threaten them such as rain, snow, wind, or injury. From enduring cold nights atop windy cliffs, to running through burning grasslands, to swimming against the hardest tides. They believe this practice will allow them a better rebirth when their death draws near as it grants them both the strength, and perseverance to survive.

Wydon is also home to a market village known as ‘Grifter’ that sees all manner of tradesmen, merchants, and mystics wander through its gates. It is protected, in itself, by large wooden planks salvaged, and brought over, from sunken and tattered ships; this makes for high and sturdy protection on all sides. There are secret pass codes to enter the village that change on a frequent basis to ensure no spies, scouts, or scallywags enter; this includes the Hedan.

The capitol city of Myrha is a high kingdom formed and structured from an old cliffside against the sea. Years of erosion and changing lands exposed the massive formation of limestone, and the Humans that had settled nearby saw an opportunity in its murky surface. After centuries of digging, hammering, and sculpting, the Kingdom of Myrha was born, surrounded by a natural wall of limestone, hardened and smoothed to ensure no creases or holes allow weakness. There is only one entrance from the land, as the Kingdom itself sits high atop the cliffside with its back to the ocean hundreds of feet below. Jagged towers crane necks skyward where seabirds squawk and float overhead. Smaller, flat roofs are storehouses, shops, and homes that dot the horizon below, painting Myrha as some sort of lost civilization when it is truly a thriving city of Warriors, Royalty, and Wealth.

Wydon itself sees a regularly cool climate; as they are close to the sea, the wind and mist of the water rise, even from far below, to sweep across their open land and keep temperatures at fall-like conditions making travel during daylight hours preferable, as the nights can become deathly cold within minutes of the sun setting.

The Northern Nation of Lestas - 

Lestas is a mountainous nation with rocky terrain, dry plains, and mounds of stone. It is home to the Council of Kilandria, and its school of mystics and mages known as the Academy of Stone. It is the smallest of the five Human nations physically due to its nearly uninhabitable terrain but, its formation and power make it one of the most impressive to both Human and Fey alike.

Kilandria is a fortress that sits within the space between the two largest mountains of Lestas; born and formed from the fallen rock and ice from the mountain peaks above, this makes Kilandria one of the most dangerous places to journey to but, also a well-protected one. Kilandria is surrounded by a wall of heavy rock, encased in frigid ice due to the consistent freezing temperature of the landscape. It keeps the fortress well-guarded from anything, man or beast, from forcing its way inside.

The visage of Kilandria is a black and frightening testament to the darker times of Humanity. Spiked beams of iron line both towers and dwelling to deter flying creatures from making a perch. Many towers stand with few windows to better endure the wind and cold, and smoke is always seen rising due to the immense fires that burn deep below the fortress’ footprint. The fires beneath Kilandria keep it from freezing over when large ice formations melt off the peaks and flow down around the fortress’ borders during the ‘warmer’ months though the nation of Lestas, itself, does not see a great deal of temperature change.

The Mage Council calls Kilandria its home, as well as their title. This band of Mages oversees the state of the nations as well as any opposition or dangers that may arise to threaten them in the near future. They harness all matters of magic and mysticism from foresight, to elemental manipulation, to alteration of land; they utilize it for guidance, protection, and harmless purpose, unless its power is demanded otherwise.

The Academy of Stone sits just beyond Kilandria’s walls and is home to those seeking guidance, lesson, and knowledge on the ways of magic and mysticism. Students and scholars here are required to spend much of their day building, destroying, and rebuilding to understand the patience and repetition it takes to master the powers beyond their physical being. This also provides a manner of meditation that may aid them in times of great disturbance and frustration that, in the future, may see their next life flourish with great, magical prowess.

The Academy itself is a large, rounded building dug deep into the frozen ground over hundreds of years. Above it, mismatched pieces of ice float above by an unseen force; these massive blocks circle, rising, and descending, and always shifting. If danger should arise, the glacier pieces will cease their motion and come together to form an impenetrable barrier that covers the Academy, sealing it, and its students, from harm.

Camps are scattered across Lestas and are often more nomadic, than permanent, in nature. Many keep moving with the changing season to better adjust to local resources, like fresh streams and root growth, despite the consistency of the unfavourable climate. Those who dwell within the camps are of both magical, and non-magical essence, choosing rather to explore the land and share their skills with those who may need assistance, rather than staying isolated in the fortress’ walls.

It is known, however, that the nomads of Lestas have been seen sending up smoke signals, and star bursts, in an effort to warn Kilandria of any dangers that may be lurking in the blizzards that constantly batter their lands.

The Southern Nation of Iman Bora - 

Iman Bora is known as the land of lakes where water is as plentiful to its surface, as forest is to the entire region of the Blue Jade Dragon. The country is riddled with a variety of swamps, bogs, mashes, ponds, rivers, and lakes that span both large and small across its territory. Small streams connect many of the land’s lakes, while fierce rivers flow through its center.

Iman Bora’s capitol city is called Iman Carr, where the Council of Isles resides to govern the nation. Iman Carr is a lakeside town, built up from clay and rock dug out from the surrounding marshes. Both lake and town are guarded by a natural wall of deep, and nearly invisible bog waters. Thick, green moss sits atop the surface of the water, waiting for unknowing travelers to take a single step upon it before they’re pulled from the world and lost in the murky depths for eternity. Only those native to Iman Bora, and more specifically, Iman Carr, know the proper path to and from the town itself, keeping it well-defended against enemy intrusion and any unwanted guests.

The Council of Isles consists of six members, one from each of Iman Bora’s larger villages as Iman Bora is the largest of the Human nations, despite being mostly covered in water. Together the council members discuss matters, and make decisions, that benefit the nation as a whole, rather than by a single village. They choose when to barter, trade, and exchange with neighbouring countries, and with whom as their export of fish, and fresh water are most desirable. Despite this vast supply, they do not have much land in which to grow their own crops, or breed livestock, thus relying on the generosity and cooperation of the other nations for supply and trade.

The other five villages are Sydis, Iman Sortia, Calan, Ode, and Yevis.

Sydis is a fog-covered region located deep within the thick of a swamp where dead trees crane overhead like boney fingers, and every sound may be a potential threat on one’s life. Sydis’ primary export are leeches that work well for both Healers, and Mystics, as well as other rare ingredients that seem to find the swamps of Sydis a perfect breeding ground for their species. Rare mushrooms, strange flowers, and even odd breeds of insect call the moss-laden swamp of Sydis home. It is said that even the Elven Sorcerers, and other Fey, have been known to traverse the fog of Sydis in search for rare ingredients needed for their own breed of concoctions and potions.

Iman Sortia is a mist-veiled village of ponds and puddles that are both deep and shallow; those who do not know the trails would do well to stay far from the water, and wait for guidance. The cool climate of Iman Sortia, combined with its humid air, make for a permanent mist that sits around ankle-level on most days but, has been known to climb to swallow the village after heavy rainfall. Its primary export is baskets that hold fish, salt, and other foods made from the reeds that grow quickly along the ponds’ edge. The reeds grow like a leather-material, and can easily be remoistened by freshwater allowing them to last years beyond leather, making them a valuable commodity.

Calan is a fishing village between the river Eve, and the river Ilan. They are the busiest village in Iman Bora but, are also said to be the happiest as their bellies are always full, and they are always seen in a pleasant mood. Days here are long and hard; fast-moving waters make for precision timing and skilled hands to ensure every net cast out into the open water is sure to bring in a good haul. Elder members still fish whether on shore, or in small, anchored boats not far from the shoreline. They are Iman Bora’s primary exporter with a variety of fish to offer and trade throughout the year.

Ode is the smallest village of Iman Bora with a population of only 20 people. It is a marsh-like village that harvests small bits of rice that have chosen to grow in their limited fields. Though they cannot offer trade to the other nations due to their minimal harvest intake, they do offer to the other villages in order to stay small and at peace. Ode is a quiet, solitary village whose inhabitants prefer blowing smoke rings from a pipe while staring at the stars, to that of mingling and laughing with a heap of folk until dawn. They, in a sense, are the opposite of their neighbouring village, Calan.

 the only dry-docked village whose closest body of water is a lake several miles away, with only small creeks and streams to provide for them. However, Yevis sits in the shell of an old riverbed where they are still able to tap into the deep springs that still flow below ground; as well they are able to dig up mud and clay to keep their homes and selves camouflaged from predators. As Yevis does not have a natural wall or border of protection like the others, it chooses to defend itself by remaining unseen, using natural dyes pulled from flora across the region to match their own land when the seasons shift. They’ve been seen using the deep greens from algae to make their bodies and homes resemble blowing grass, as well they’ve used the deep red from local flowers to dye mud and clay a deeper hue to resemble the very mud they pull from the land when it is most fresh. Yevis is an exporter of gold dust that is cleaned and collected from the lake and the small streams around. Though their quantities are not large, it has been enough to create golden ink wells for the mages of Kilandria, used for writing out scripture and spells, and the golden-dusted wax that King Jonas, and other royalty, use for sealing important letters.

Iman Bora’s people know much of summer, the warmer season as they reside deep southward. Their winter and autumn are filled with cool wind from the north, while their Spring is filled with rain that refills much of the water that covers their region. Peace and meditation for this area shifts from the fishing pastime of Calan, to the pipe-smoking freedom of Ode, with others finding basket-weaving, net-crafting, and sewing among other methods that provide them with inner peace and tranquility.

The Central Nation of Tyrdian -

Tyrdian is home to the Jade Crown; a church dedicated to the Human Deity Eylan. The church is looked after by the Followers of Eylan, a religious council of devout worshippers that see Eylan as more of a God, than a legendary warrior.

The Jade Crown is located in the walled city of Preseria and is well-protected by Eylan’s guard at all times. Eyland’s Guard is made up of Paladins; a band of holy warriors dedicated to protecting and preserving all life in the name of Eylan. The Jade Crown is, in itself, a small cathedral with a single, large tower in the colour of blue-green jade. Its reflection against the sun is said to be like eyes peering down from the sky, which is likely why Preseria worships Eylan so devoutly, as they say the eyes are his. 

Preseria is a rustic looking village, with walls of thick log, carved into spikes, surrounding it. However, the height of these pikes remains low, as Preseria’s citizens claim the wall would block their sight from the world beyond, and potentially block Eylan’s gaze from watching over them. They rely a great deal on their Paladins, which is the reason for their high population, and training, in the region. Homes within the walled city are made of log, stone, and an assortment of clay and grass, whatever can be harvested from the surrounding land as its citizens do not ask for much, only enough to stay warm and stay sheltered from rain.

Beyond Preseria is the small village of Ramwood, home to Eylan’s monastery where the many monks and priests come to seek both guidance and enlightenment. Ramwood also welcomes in outsiders, hoping that their path of generosity and light will convince others to follow; they have an Inn, and small storehouses to hold any visitors that may wander through. The monastery has stood, solid, stone and lumber, for hundreds of years and claims Eylan himself once resided there. It is the only reason that Ramwood remains as a village, or destination, on maps at all.

Vilinthicus is home to the young paladins-in-training, those hoping to achieve blessing from the legendary Eylan and ascend to a path of devout righteousness and holy power. It sees several long houses where the trainees reside to sleep, whereas other buildings stand for dining, bathing, and storage. A small chapel sits at its center like a church as Vilinthicus’ leaders are adamant that Eylan’s blessings come from dedication and loyalty, rather than simply prayer alone. All training is done outdoors, outside the protective pike walls of Vilinthicus, and in the wild where everyone is to be at the ready should any attack be made against them, no matter the weather. Vilinthicus is the largest of the Paladin bases, while there are others scattered across Tyrdian, smaller in size, and much more focused on training the more difficult candidates. These bases are known as Vilanthia, and Tefficus.

The Council of Eylan is held in high regard with all nations with some being more respectful of their beliefs than others, such as Wydon’s King Jonas seeking guidance from them in times of conflict. The religious council is made up of 4 followers, chosen, as stated, by Eylan through trial of the Jade Crown, though no one has ever shared what the trial actually consists of. The Council spreads hope of balance, divinity, and peace between all nations and the continent to ensure both Fey and Deity are not angered by their disrespect. While Tyrdian is mostly self-sustained, their mining operatives are wildly sought after as they are rich in ore that ranges from iron to gold. 

Mining is their primary function, and ore their main export, which is why the other nations so confidently keep peace with the council so they may see some of the shares from its land. Despite the peaceful essence of Tyrdan, it holds the most well-tempered forges and craftsmen capable of nearly replicating Elven armour in its entirety. From the forges, the Mages of Kilandria may send one of their own to enchant and bless armours or weapons as seen necessary by the Paladins, or Hedan, they are to be outfitted for.

The Mines of Tyrdian are known as the Mines of Pria, named after the founder of Tyrdian, Pria Tyrdian, the Tameless Mare. She was the first to ensure her people were protected by building walls around every encampment and village before the village was to be built. She put the safety of her people before even herself, fighting off bands of Demons alongside the Hedan and Paladins so that construction could continue. She would not let the land fall to that of darkness and hatred. 

The Mines of Pria are entered through a maze of passageways both above and below ground. Large canyons spawn its territory with smoke covering its visage in the early hours, and late evening making vision hazy and locating an entrance even more difficult. Many have died, falling from the canyon edge and into the fiery forges of molten ore below. Smelters run, day and night, to produce ore bricks for the Human nations, while the hammering of blacksmiths echoes well into the dew of the morning. Wooden bridges creak and dance over pits of molten gold, while small beds rest against stone balconies carved from the underground. Rest is to be done when it can be taken, which is why there are no real homes within the Mines of Pria, though small shacks once spanned the edges of its canyons, before the Demon attacks became more frequent.

Tyrdian sees a change in climate when the seasons shift. They face harsh winters, windy autumns, hot summers, and calm springs as they are located central to the many nations in the Human’s ownership.

Court Systems and Legends:

Legends:

The Legend of Eylan is one told throughout thousands of years, passed from settlement to settlement, before the Humans claimed land permanently across the Blue Jade terrain. Eylan was a Paladin searching for a place he could rest his head, and make peace with his warrior life. He wished to retire, and to live simply from the land where he may lay down his sword and live out the rest of his days in peace and solitude.

Eylan built himself a home from the small forests that dotted the land, even taking in cattle, a horse, and chickens throughout his explorations. He lived simply for several years in solitude, with only the company of his livestock to hear his voice. He had found his peace, and his resting place, for whatever came after this life, he did not care to know.

One morning he awoke to screams from just beyond, his eyes spotting a bright glow in the darkness where a small village held up in the middle of the unsettled nation. He rode fast, and hard, hoping he could make it in time to aid in whatever conflict troubled them but he arrived too late. Ash and death greeted his feet, the smell of burnt bodies clinging to his nostrils as he tried to find any reasoning to the attack.

The whimpers of a small girl broke through the haze of darkness, her small form hiding in a barrel that had rolled down to a narrow stream. She was young, far too young to be off on her own or know what had happened. He asked her of her name, to which she replied with ‘Pria.’ She told him her village was called Tyrdian, and that Demons came to feed on their chickens late at night. She’d thought they were nothing more than a scary story, and if they kept raising chickens, the Demons would leave them be.

The Demons had grown hungry, devouring much of the townspeople, or at least, parts of them. He took Pria, wandering into the world until he could find another civilization. He was not one to raise children, he’d always lived alone and thrived alone. It had been his life since he was a boy. The pair stumbled into a small village nearby that had apparently seen its own troubles, with piles of cattle being burned after Demon attack left them maimed and screaming.

It didn’t take Eylan long to contemplate once he’d returned to his home. He brought his livestock into town, and on his back was his sword. If the Demon attacks were indeed rising, he could not sit idly by to let the free folk of the world be consumed by their hatred and greed. He gifted his chickens to the townspeople, along with his cattle, but his horse went to Pria.

Night fell, and wave after wave of Demon attack came for them. Torches were thrown into the night, barely illuminating the battlefield where all that stood was Eylan and his sword. As his wounds grew, so did his determination. He’d strike down one, then another, and another, without a moment to breathe. Fire in the brush cut off their escape, and they could only move forward but, forward was Eylan and his sword. 

When the Dawn came, the Demons had been slain. Each one’s head was stuck to a pike and scattered throughout the fields to ensure any other Demon that thought of trespassing the land would take a second look. But for Eylan, his wounds were too great. Medics, Mages, and Healers fought for days to save him but much of them he refused. He had truly found his peace in saving young Pria, and the village, and in his old age, that was more than enough.

General Court System -

As first established in the Kingdom of Wydon matters pertaining to the general populace are thus dealt with by the general populace.

If a citizen steals produce from a vendor, the citizens are to decide his fate, though it is not an ordeal punishable by death and the person may only be taxed, or jailed.

As public matters rise, they are to be dealt with by the public in a suitable matter as it allows for an unbiased revision to the crime itself whereas interference from the King may find favour should one member, or the other, be in a position to provide him with necessity.

Matters of treason against country, and above individual, are dealt with by the King, and at times, his council of warriors, the Hedan. If the crime is committed while in service of the King, and done so as a member of court or high position such as a judge, or guard, the penalty will be decided by the King, and only the King.

If the crime committed is done so in service of the King by means of battle, then it is dealt with by the Hedan and ultimately finalized by the King.

Crimes against both the country and its people, such as betrayal, or murder, are decided by both Public and King.

This system has been adopted into many of the other nations as well as they see most matters as having a biased agenda if dealt with by a sole individual or court when it pertains to a small matter. However, the Northern Nation of Lestas sees their own punishments as Mages have much more severe consequences for acting out of line.

Mages caught practicing any degree of magic or mysticism with dark intent are stripped of their abilities and cast into the forests of the Blue Jade region without question. The foul practice of magic can have severe repercussions if left to run wild, which is the reason for the Council of Kilandria to administer harsh punishments immediately and without hesitation.

However, if magic should be practiced without guidance, most students and scholars are punished by their own foul play, as magic will often bite back against its user when they tread too far from their skill level too soon. This has resulted in burns, scars, electrocution, and limb loss, in the most favourable of outcomes.