Morana (MO-rah-nah)
The Demon Continent
Morana is a bare dark continent that houses practically no traditional life. The creatures and plants of Morana are either of a demonic or spectral nature, with both categories being entirely magical.
Geography
Morana lies southwest of Elentiya, a desolate realm shrouded in darkness. Its northwestern coast is guarded by the Forsaken Range, a spiky mountain wall veiled in mystique, accentuated by scattered demonic settlements. To the east, the Horned Mountains dominate the landscape with their dangerous horn-like peaks, concealing hidden valleys harbouring dark magic. Between the peninsulas extending toward Elentiya lies the enigmatic Abandoned Bay, where the energies of the Living and Dead Oceans converge. The Forgotten Shore, a desolate expanse, sprawls amidst the Forsaken Range and the Horned Mountains, its solitary Styx River flowing to the Abandoned Bay. Carved from the very mountains, the Tower of Betsalel stands as a beacon of hope, the residence of the first demon, offering sanctuary for ghosts and demonic beings alike. Connecting to Aeron is the Desert of Despair, stretching around the planet's curvature, a wasteland of black sand and rock, its air heavy with hopelessness. This stark landscape harbours legends of the undead, demonic magic, and the birth of demons, woven into the fabric of Morana's desolate beauty.
Ecosystem
Morana's ecosystem is a haunting tapestry of darkness and undeath, shaped by the absence of traditional life forms and the prevalence of spectral and demonic entities. The land's barrenness is offset by the presence of spectral and demonic flora and fauna. The Forgotten Shore's Styx River, tainted by the demonic magic surrounding it, winds its way from the Tower of Betsalel to the Abandoned Bay, its flow a reminder of Morana's unique cycle of energy. As a haven for the undead, Morana's ecosystem is not one of biological diversity but of spiritual and magical intensity, where the living shadows of another world flourish amidst the haunting echoes of time. It resonates with the sinister harmony of the living and the undead, where the boundaries of the natural and the supernatural are blurred, creating an ethereal realm uniquely its own.
Ecosystem Cycles
Unlike Aeron and Elentiya, who both experience the five seasons of rain, leaf, frost, bloom and sun, Morana has its own versions of these seasons, further reflecting its dark and mystical nature.
Shade Season
This is the equivalent of the Rain Season on Aeron and Elentiya. During this season, a dark and misty rain known as the "Shade Rain" falls over Morana, amplifying its aura of undeath. This rainfall, while not nourishing in the traditional sense, serves a crucial purpose for the supernatural entities of Morana. The rain cleanses and rejuvenates the demonic and spectral flora, allowing them to thrive once more. The ghosts, in turn, harness the energy of the Shade Rain to heighten their powers, making them more active and visible. It's a time when Morana's supernatural ecosystem renews itself.
Dusk Season
Equivalent to the Leaf Season on Aeron and Elentiya, during the Dusk Season, Morana experiences a gradual dimming of its subdued light as the planet shifts. Shadows deepen, and the landscape takes on an even more sombre and mysterious feel. This season represents a period of introspection for the supernatural inhabitants. Ghosts reflect on their existence and the memories they carry. Meanwhile, demons become more active, drawn to the energy brought by the dusk, as if searching for something lost. The environment seems to mourn for life that never blossomed, and the land becomes a canvas for spectral artistry as the ghosts create intricate, luminous patterns to express their emotions.
Eclipse Season
The Eclipse Season replaces the Frost Season, with a magical cold known as the "Eclipse Zephyr" that numbs both the land and the inhabitants of Morana. The ghosts, during this time, become more restless, seeking warmth and release from the numbing chill. They are drawn to bonfires created by the demonic inhabitants, where they share stories and experiences from the past, keeping their memories alive. The Eclipse Zephyr also has a purpose—it helps preserve the essence of the supernatural flora and fauna, ensuring their survival during the harsh cold, and it strengthens the magical properties of various supernatural resources.
Twilight Season
This is Morana's equivalent to Aeron's and Elentiya's Bloom Season. During this season, the land experiences a sinister and unsettling bloom of its supernatural flora. Ghostly apparitions become more visible, and the demonic entities exert their influence over the land. However, this is also a season of gathering and unity among the supernatural inhabitants. They harvest ethereal crops and spectral herbs, collect soul crystals, and engage in rituals to honour the departed. The Twilight Season symbolises the coexistence and shared purpose of Morana's supernatural ecosystem.
Fullmoon Season
This is the equivalent of Aeron's and Elentiya's Sun Season. While not marked by warmth, it represents a time of balance, as the dim and gloomy light casts long shadows across the barren landscape. The ghosts are briefly at peace, content with their existence. During this season, both ghosts and demons come together to celebrate the enduring power of the supernatural world. It's a time for reflection and unity, reinforcing the idea that life and death, light and shadow, are intertwined in Morana's unique ecosystem.
Shade Season
This is the equivalent of the Rain Season on Aeron and Elentiya. During this season, a dark and misty rain known as the "Shade Rain" falls over Morana, amplifying its aura of undeath. This rainfall, while not nourishing in the traditional sense, serves a crucial purpose for the supernatural entities of Morana. The rain cleanses and rejuvenates the demonic and spectral flora, allowing them to thrive once more. The ghosts, in turn, harness the energy of the Shade Rain to heighten their powers, making them more active and visible. It's a time when Morana's supernatural ecosystem renews itself.
Dusk Season
Equivalent to the Leaf Season on Aeron and Elentiya, during the Dusk Season, Morana experiences a gradual dimming of its subdued light as the planet shifts. Shadows deepen, and the landscape takes on an even more sombre and mysterious feel. This season represents a period of introspection for the supernatural inhabitants. Ghosts reflect on their existence and the memories they carry. Meanwhile, demons become more active, drawn to the energy brought by the dusk, as if searching for something lost. The environment seems to mourn for life that never blossomed, and the land becomes a canvas for spectral artistry as the ghosts create intricate, luminous patterns to express their emotions.
Eclipse Season
The Eclipse Season replaces the Frost Season, with a magical cold known as the "Eclipse Zephyr" that numbs both the land and the inhabitants of Morana. The ghosts, during this time, become more restless, seeking warmth and release from the numbing chill. They are drawn to bonfires created by the demonic inhabitants, where they share stories and experiences from the past, keeping their memories alive. The Eclipse Zephyr also has a purpose—it helps preserve the essence of the supernatural flora and fauna, ensuring their survival during the harsh cold, and it strengthens the magical properties of various supernatural resources.
Twilight Season
This is Morana's equivalent to Aeron's and Elentiya's Bloom Season. During this season, the land experiences a sinister and unsettling bloom of its supernatural flora. Ghostly apparitions become more visible, and the demonic entities exert their influence over the land. However, this is also a season of gathering and unity among the supernatural inhabitants. They harvest ethereal crops and spectral herbs, collect soul crystals, and engage in rituals to honour the departed. The Twilight Season symbolises the coexistence and shared purpose of Morana's supernatural ecosystem.
Fullmoon Season
This is the equivalent of Aeron's and Elentiya's Sun Season. While not marked by warmth, it represents a time of balance, as the dim and gloomy light casts long shadows across the barren landscape. The ghosts are briefly at peace, content with their existence. During this season, both ghosts and demons come together to celebrate the enduring power of the supernatural world. It's a time for reflection and unity, reinforcing the idea that life and death, light and shadow, are intertwined in Morana's unique ecosystem.
Localized Phenomena
In the eerie and mystical realm of Morana, various local phenomena contribute to the continent's supernatural and haunting atmosphere. They can happen all over Morana or be specific to one of Morana's regions, which in turn enhances the uniqueness of each of the regions.
General Phenomena
Ethereal Echoes:
Echoes of past events resonate in specific locations, playing out like ghostly reenactments of history. These "Ethereal Echoes" are triggered by particular conditions or emotions, and they allow those who witness them to glimpse into the past. While not fully interactive, they provide insights into the events that shaped Aonaran's history and the forces that still linger.
Luminous Pathways:
Under the right conditions, luminous trails of ethereal light, known as "Luminous Pathways," emerge across the landscape. These pathways are believed to guide lost souls or lead to places of significance. They can be seen only by those attuned to the supernatural, often serving as a guide for travellers who dare to traverse the haunted continent.
Shadow Wells:
Mysterious depressions in the landscape, known as "Shadow Wells," emit an unsettling darkness that seems to consume light itself. These wells are said to be places where the demonic energies are closest to the surface. Demons particularly are drawn to them, and they are often the sites of powerful rituals or summoning ceremonies that tap into the dark magic of Morana.
Regional Phenomena
Forsaken Range: Echoing Whispers
Horned Mountains: Veil of Illusions
Abandoned Bay: Tides of Memories
Forgotten Shore: Whispering Waters
Tower of Betsalel: Shifting Aura
Desert of Despair: Mirage Mirage
General Phenomena
Ethereal Echoes:
Echoes of past events resonate in specific locations, playing out like ghostly reenactments of history. These "Ethereal Echoes" are triggered by particular conditions or emotions, and they allow those who witness them to glimpse into the past. While not fully interactive, they provide insights into the events that shaped Aonaran's history and the forces that still linger.
Luminous Pathways:
Under the right conditions, luminous trails of ethereal light, known as "Luminous Pathways," emerge across the landscape. These pathways are believed to guide lost souls or lead to places of significance. They can be seen only by those attuned to the supernatural, often serving as a guide for travellers who dare to traverse the haunted continent.
Shadow Wells:
Mysterious depressions in the landscape, known as "Shadow Wells," emit an unsettling darkness that seems to consume light itself. These wells are said to be places where the demonic energies are closest to the surface. Demons particularly are drawn to them, and they are often the sites of powerful rituals or summoning ceremonies that tap into the dark magic of Morana.
Regional Phenomena
Forsaken Range: Echoing Whispers
Horned Mountains: Veil of Illusions
Abandoned Bay: Tides of Memories
Forgotten Shore: Whispering Waters
Tower of Betsalel: Shifting Aura
Desert of Despair: Mirage Mirage
Climate
Morana experiences an "Eternally Overcast" climate. Throughout the year, the sky remains covered in thick, dimly lit clouds that contribute to the continent's perpetual gloom. The temperature is consistently cold but rarely reaches freezing levels, maintaining a perpetual chill in the air.
Shade Season
During the Shade Season, the cloud cover thickens even more, and the Shade Rain falls continuously. The rainfall is unique in that it doesn't feel cold or wet; instead, it carries an eerie, calming sensation, almost like a gentle touch from the spectral realm. While it doesn't freeze, the Shade Rain intensifies the gloomy atmosphere, creating an otherworldly aura that deepens the connection between the living and the supernatural.
Dusk Season
As Morana transitions into the Dusk Season, the overcast sky persists, but the clouds take on a deeper, shadowy hue. The temperature gradually drops, and the land becomes even colder, encouraging introspection and sombre reflection among the supernatural entities. The dim light accentuates the eerie beauty of the spectral flora and the somberness of the demonic landscape.
Eclipse Season
The Eclipse Zephyr sweeps in during this season, numbing the land and its inhabitants. The temperature remains consistently cold but barely doesn't drop to freezing levels. Hail is rare, but when it does occur, it takes on unique shapes, resembling spectral symbols and signs rather than typical hailstones. The cloudy sky, combined with the Eclipse Zephyr, creates a sense of foreboding and restlessness among the supernatural entities.
Twilight Season
The Eternally Overcast climate persists during the Twilight Season, but the clouds seem to thin slightly, allowing for more subdued, spectral light to filter through. The temperature remains cool but not excessively cold. Unpredictable bursts of chilling winds may occur, adding to the season's unsettling nature. These winds often carry with them spectral pollen, which plays a role in the bloom of supernatural flora.
Fullmoon Season
The dim and gloomy light reaches its peak during the Fullmoon Season. While still not warm, the light creates a sense of balance and unity among the supernatural inhabitants. The cloud cover briefly parts during this season, revealing an otherworldly, ethereal moon that bathes the land in a pale, silvery glow. It's a time of reflection and celebration, reinforcing the interconnectedness of life and death in Morana's unique ecosystem.
Shade Season
During the Shade Season, the cloud cover thickens even more, and the Shade Rain falls continuously. The rainfall is unique in that it doesn't feel cold or wet; instead, it carries an eerie, calming sensation, almost like a gentle touch from the spectral realm. While it doesn't freeze, the Shade Rain intensifies the gloomy atmosphere, creating an otherworldly aura that deepens the connection between the living and the supernatural.
Dusk Season
As Morana transitions into the Dusk Season, the overcast sky persists, but the clouds take on a deeper, shadowy hue. The temperature gradually drops, and the land becomes even colder, encouraging introspection and sombre reflection among the supernatural entities. The dim light accentuates the eerie beauty of the spectral flora and the somberness of the demonic landscape.
Eclipse Season
The Eclipse Zephyr sweeps in during this season, numbing the land and its inhabitants. The temperature remains consistently cold but barely doesn't drop to freezing levels. Hail is rare, but when it does occur, it takes on unique shapes, resembling spectral symbols and signs rather than typical hailstones. The cloudy sky, combined with the Eclipse Zephyr, creates a sense of foreboding and restlessness among the supernatural entities.
Twilight Season
The Eternally Overcast climate persists during the Twilight Season, but the clouds seem to thin slightly, allowing for more subdued, spectral light to filter through. The temperature remains cool but not excessively cold. Unpredictable bursts of chilling winds may occur, adding to the season's unsettling nature. These winds often carry with them spectral pollen, which plays a role in the bloom of supernatural flora.
Fullmoon Season
The dim and gloomy light reaches its peak during the Fullmoon Season. While still not warm, the light creates a sense of balance and unity among the supernatural inhabitants. The cloud cover briefly parts during this season, revealing an otherworldly, ethereal moon that bathes the land in a pale, silvery glow. It's a time of reflection and celebration, reinforcing the interconnectedness of life and death in Morana's unique ecosystem.
Fauna & Flora
Morana harbours a unique and otherworldly ecosystem shaped by the presence of the undead and the demonic forces that govern its lands. Unlike other continents, Morana lacks traditional flora and fauna, replaced instead by a collection of supernatural flora and the undead fauna that roams its desolate expanse. Morana's unique fauna and flora reflect the darkness and supernatural essence that threads throughout the continent. They both embody themes of revenge, punishment, and the intertwining of the living and the dead, contributing to the haunting atmosphere of the Demon Continent.
Flora
Demonic Flora: This special kind of flora, specific to Morana, can often be found around demonic settlements and landmarks such as the Tower of Betsalel or the shores of the Abandoned Bay. Brought about by the fiery magic that seeps through the continent, they enrich and reflect Morana's supernatural flora.
Spectral Flora: Next to the demonic flora, there exists flora that came with the ghosts of Morana. The plants of this category are found throughout the continent but are most prevalent near spots of heightened ghostly activity. Flourishing off the otherworldly energy, this flora tells the history of the spectral ancestors of the continent.
Fauna
Ghosts: These spectral beings were the first ever creatures on Morana. Long before humans, demons and dragons emerged from evolution, the ghosts of Morana rested peacefully on the bare continent, bringing with them flora and fauna out of this world.
Demonic Humanoids: Four distinct species of humanoid demons haunt the landscape of Morana, all created by the humans of Elentiya. Demons were brought about by the Age of Abandonment. Ghouls emerged after a demon was killed by a human priest. Banshees arose from the fairy hunts that took Elentiya by storm. And mares came from the unrelenting hunts that rampaged the Plains of Rohesia.
Demonic Animals: Not only humanoids fell victim to other humans. Many magical creatures were brutally killed, which in turn corrupted their essences and had their bodies reanimated by demonic magic. Kelpies and malaegons are some of the demonised versions of unicorns, pegasi and dragons respectively.
Flora
Demonic Flora: This special kind of flora, specific to Morana, can often be found around demonic settlements and landmarks such as the Tower of Betsalel or the shores of the Abandoned Bay. Brought about by the fiery magic that seeps through the continent, they enrich and reflect Morana's supernatural flora.
Spectral Flora: Next to the demonic flora, there exists flora that came with the ghosts of Morana. The plants of this category are found throughout the continent but are most prevalent near spots of heightened ghostly activity. Flourishing off the otherworldly energy, this flora tells the history of the spectral ancestors of the continent.
Fauna
Ghosts: These spectral beings were the first ever creatures on Morana. Long before humans, demons and dragons emerged from evolution, the ghosts of Morana rested peacefully on the bare continent, bringing with them flora and fauna out of this world.
Demonic Humanoids: Four distinct species of humanoid demons haunt the landscape of Morana, all created by the humans of Elentiya. Demons were brought about by the Age of Abandonment. Ghouls emerged after a demon was killed by a human priest. Banshees arose from the fairy hunts that took Elentiya by storm. And mares came from the unrelenting hunts that rampaged the Plains of Rohesia.
Demonic Animals: Not only humanoids fell victim to other humans. Many magical creatures were brutally killed, which in turn corrupted their essences and had their bodies reanimated by demonic magic. Kelpies and malaegons are some of the demonised versions of unicorns, pegasi and dragons respectively.
Natural Resources
Morana's stark and supernatural landscape yields unique and mystical natural resources, reflective of the continent's dark and eerie nature. These resources are crucial for both the spectral and demonic inhabitants, serving their needs, rituals, and survival. Nestled within Morana's enigmatic landscape lies a treasure trove of unique natural resources, each resonating with the supernatural essence of the land. These resources include spectral essence, formed from the very lifeblood of Morana, serving to sustain and empower its spectral entities. Soul crystals, formed from the concentrated essence of departed souls and imbued with ghostly luminescence, are highly sought after for their use in magic, rituals, and crafting. Abyssal stones, emanating a numbing cold, are essential for the creation of magical artifacts and barrier spells, valued for their ability to manipulate magical energy. Inferno gems, fiery treasures extracted from Abyss Thorns, find their purpose in fire-based spells and demonic rituals. Gloomroot timber, renowned for its durability and resistance to magical decay, serves as the foundation for constructing structures, tools, and enchanted items. These are but a glimpse of the myriad resources interwoven with Morana's supernatural tapestry, each with its own mysterious qualities and applications, offering power and sustenance to its spectral and demonic inhabitants.
History
Before the arrival of the ghosts, demons and other demonic creatures on Morana, the continent was barren and desolate. Its bleak landscape, perpetually shrouded in dim light, seemed inhospitable to all but the supernatural. As Morana's reputation as an eerie and mournful realm grew, ghosts from across the Aonaran found their way to the desolate shores, viewing it as a perfect resting place for their tormented souls.
With the arrival of these spirits came the first stirrings of spectral plant life, their ethereal essence taking root in the dark and magic-infused soil of Morana. These ghostly flora flourished, creating the foundation of the supernatural ecosystem that would define the continent.
The Age of Abandonment marked a significant turning point in Morana's history. It was during this era that Betsalel, the first demon, arrived on Morana's shores. Betsalel, himself a survivor of the practice of abandoning children at sea due to their perceived lack of magical abilities on Elentiya, vowed to end the cruelty and bring the peace that the ghosts had known before once again. He began raising the abandoned children as demons, creating the Tower of Betsalel as both a sanctuary and a symbol of hope.
As the demon population grew, so did the diversity of supernatural beings on Morana. After a demon was killed on Elentiya and his body returned to Morana, Ghouls found a gruesome existence as ravenous creatures with an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Banshees, once fairies that were violently murdered, became vengeful spirits, haunting the creatures that took their lives. Mares, the reanimated human halves of brutally killed centaurs, emerged as sinister beings, specializing in inflicting nightmares on their tormentors.
Over time, not only did humanoid demons emerge, but also demonic versions of other magical creatures such as kelpies from brutally killed unicorns and pegasi, or malaegons from murdered dragons.
Together, these supernatural entities forged an intricate web of existence on the eerie continent, each race contributing to the unique, dark tapestry of Morana's history and ecology. Their stories, struggles, and destinies became intrinsically linked with the land itself, creating a haunting legacy that would endure for countless ages to come.
The Age of Abandonment marked a significant turning point in Morana's history. It was during this era that Betsalel, the first demon, arrived on Morana's shores. Betsalel, himself a survivor of the practice of abandoning children at sea due to their perceived lack of magical abilities on Elentiya, vowed to end the cruelty and bring the peace that the ghosts had known before once again. He began raising the abandoned children as demons, creating the Tower of Betsalel as both a sanctuary and a symbol of hope.
As the demon population grew, so did the diversity of supernatural beings on Morana. After a demon was killed on Elentiya and his body returned to Morana, Ghouls found a gruesome existence as ravenous creatures with an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Banshees, once fairies that were violently murdered, became vengeful spirits, haunting the creatures that took their lives. Mares, the reanimated human halves of brutally killed centaurs, emerged as sinister beings, specializing in inflicting nightmares on their tormentors.
Over time, not only did humanoid demons emerge, but also demonic versions of other magical creatures such as kelpies from brutally killed unicorns and pegasi, or malaegons from murdered dragons.
Together, these supernatural entities forged an intricate web of existence on the eerie continent, each race contributing to the unique, dark tapestry of Morana's history and ecology. Their stories, struggles, and destinies became intrinsically linked with the land itself, creating a haunting legacy that would endure for countless ages to come.
Maps
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Morana's Continent Map
This map shows the continent of Morana with its specific regions, landmarks and towns.
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