Blaezasia

Blaezasia, an island scarred by the Pandora War, remains a land steeped in dark echoes and haunted by the lingering presence of death. Once a vibrant, lush island inhabited by elves, it was forever cursed after the cataclysmic battle between the elves and Orcus, the Sin of Pride and Demon Prince of Undeath. In their desperate struggle, the elves sealed Orcus, but the island's fate was sealed as well. The elves who perished during the battle were twisted by the island’s deathly energies and rose as Shadar-kai, bound to the Shadowfell and cursed to live on as a shadow of their former selves. Now, Blaezasia is home to these grim descendants, their once beautiful lands littered with the undead remnants of Orcus' armies. Though tainted by death, the island has also seen an unexpected rebirth. The Leonin and Satyr, who arrived through a planar rift that has since closed, have established new lives on Blaezasia. While the rift’s magic is no more, the presence of these peoples has brought a glimmer of life to the island’s dark heart. The Leonin, fierce protectors, now patrol the cursed ruins, while the Satyr bring joy and revelry, attempting to push back the island’s gloom with music and laughter.
The Shadar-kai, forever bound to the island’s curse, have taken on the solemn role of stewards of the dead, watching over the cursed lands and the remnants of their former selves. They have built settlements deep within the shadowed forests, where they maintain their ancient connection to the Shadowfell. Though they mourn the island’s tragic fate, they stand firm as guardians of its history.
Points of Interest: The Twilight Cairn: Revered by the Shadar-kai, the Twilight Cairn is a solemn monument constructed from black stone, deep within the shadowed forests of Blaezasia. The cairn marks the place where the last of the original elven warriors fell in battle, before rising again as Shadar-kai. It is a sacred site for the Shadar-kai, who view it as a symbol of their transformation and eternal bond with the island. The cairn is said to be infused with the magic of the Shadowfell, and it is whispered that those who visit the site can commune with the spirits of their ancestors.
The Ruins of Mortavia: Once a great elven city, Mortavia is now a haunting necropolis, its towers crumbled and streets overtaken by dark vines and restless spirits. The Shadar-kai watch over these cursed ruins, protecting the island from the undead that still roam within its shattered walls. The Leonin also patrol the area, their warrior pride driving them to ensure that Orcus’ lingering influence does not spread. The ruins are filled with traps and dark magic, and many who venture too far into Mortavia are never seen again.
The Forest of Withered Oaks: Once part of Blaezasia’s majestic woodlands, the Forest of Withered Oaks is now a twisted and decayed remnant of its former glory. The trees are gnarled and dead, their bark blackened and their leaves long gone. Though the land is cursed, the Satyr have created small enclaves within the forest, where they hold wild festivals in an effort to drive back the oppressive atmosphere. However, even the Satyr tread carefully here, as the undead are known to wander the darkest parts of the forest.
The Brass Obelisk: Found near the western coast, this towering Brass Obelisk is a relic from an ancient time, predating the Pandora War. Its origin is a mystery, but it has become a central figure for both the Leonin and Satyr, symbolizing resilience and hope. The obelisk’s strange, golden metal emits a faint glow during twilight, and some believe it holds the key to understanding the island’s deeper mysteries. The Leonin have built a small outpost nearby, using the obelisk as a rallying point for their patrols, while the Satyr host regular gatherings around it, seeing it as a symbol of rebirth.
Catacomb Fields: A vast expanse of barren plains littered with stone cairns, marking the graves of the fallen from the Pandora War. The Shadar-kai maintain these graves, viewing them as sacred and haunted by the spirits of the past. The plains are treacherous to cross, as the undead frequently rise from their graves to attack any intruders. Hidden somewhere within Cairnfield is the Tomb of the High Warden, the elven general who led the final assault against Orcus. Many treasure hunters have searched for the tomb, hoping to recover the legendary relics said to be buried with the general, but none have succeeded.
Ilmos Glade: One of the few places on Blaezasia where life still thrives, Ilmos Glade is a peaceful clearing deep within the Forest of Withered Oaks. Here, the Satyr have woven powerful enchantments to keep the undead at bay, and they host their joyous festivals in this sanctuary. At the heart of the glade stands a massive ancient oak, miraculously untouched by the island’s curse. The tree is believed to hold ancient elven magic, and the Satyr treat it with reverence, believing it may one day restore the forest to its former beauty.
Shrine of Wandering Stars Nestled within a secluded glade deep in the old decayed Sea of Trees in Blaezasia, near the settlement of Freereach, the Shrine of the Wandering Stars serves as a humble yet mystical tribute to Celestian. Unlike the grand Astral Spire, this shrine is a peaceful, open-air sanctuary for those seeking solitude and quiet reflection beneath the night sky. The shrine is marked by a circle of standing stones, each inscribed with ancient Elvish runes and glowing faintly with starlight at dusk. In the center of the circle lies a simple pool of still water, reflecting the heavens above. This mirror-like pool is said to show travelers glimpses of distant places or potential futures when gazed upon during specific astral alignments.
Though small in scale, the Shrine of the Wandering Stars holds deep significance for those who prefer to worship Celestian in private or who seek a closer connection with the stars. Elven rangers, druids, and wayfarers often stop here before venturing on long journeys, lighting small lanterns that drift across the pool's surface as offerings to the Far Traveller. The shrine exudes a serene aura, a place where time seems to slow down and the infinite paths of the cosmos feel just within reach. Visitors leave this quiet refuge with a renewed sense of purpose and an unspoken bond with the distant stars.
Blaezasia remains a land of dark contrasts—where the Shadar-kai mourn the past, the Leonin and Satyr fight for the future, and the restless undead serve as a constant reminder of Orcus’ enduring curse. Together, these peoples strive to bring balance to a place marred by death and destruction, holding on to the hope that one day Blaezasia will be restored to the vibrant land it once was.
The Hollow Citadel – Blaezasia In the necrotic island of Blaezasia, the Hollow Citadel stands as a stark, monolithic structure dedicated to Atheros. Carved from the blackened rock of the surrounding undead fields, the citadel is a towering edifice marked by somber beauty and an eerie sense of stillness. The entrance is a yawning cavern mouth that leads into the heart of the citadel, where underground molten rivers flow beneath glass floors, symbolizing the ceaseless passage of life and death. Inside, the chamber walls are adorned with shimmering obsidian mirrors that reflect the faces of visitors but with a spectral twist—each reflection fades and blurs, a haunting reminder of mortality.
The Hall of Echoes, a vast chamber within the citadel, is where the voices of the deceased are said to resonate faintly, carried by the hot winds that drift through the temple. This sacred hall is a place where Blaezasians come to seek closure, offering prayers and listening for whispers from the beyond. The Eclipse Wardens stationed at the Hollow Citadel are known for their ceremonial rites performed at the Scales of Passage, a massive pair of scales located in the temple’s center. Here, tokens representing the deceased are weighed in a symbolic gesture to ensure their souls are ready for the next journey. During the city's Festival of Ash, the citadel serves as a pilgrimage site where Blaezasians pay homage to the fallen, burning effigies that float on the lava streams, representing their transition into the afterlife.

Geography

The island features craggy cliffs along its coasts, which descend into dark forests, barren plains, and ruined cities. The northern and western regions are dominated by the Forest of Withered Oaks, while the central and southern areas hold ruins like Mortavia and the Catacomb Fields. The island’s western coast is marked by the mysterious Brass Obelisk, a towering monument. Ilmos Glade, one of the few untouched places, lies deep within the cursed woods.

Ecosystem

The ecosystem of Blaezasia is shaped by death and decay. Cursed vegetation struggles to grow, resulting in blackened, withered forests. The fauna include undead creatures, Shadowfell-adapted predators, and spectral entities that roam the land. However, certain regions, like Ilmos Glade, boast pockets of thriving life due to magical protection. The Leonin and Satyr have introduced their own influences, with their settlements forming micro-ecosystems of relative vibrancy.

Ecosystem Cycles

Blaezasia experiences a distorted version of natural cycles due to its connection to the Shadowfell. Seasons are muted, with perpetual overcast skies and a dim twilight replacing normal daylight. Vegetation grows slowly, with many plants exhibiting necrotic or magical adaptations. The undead activity peaks during certain lunar phases, when the influence of the Shadowfell grows stronger, making the island more dangerous during those times.

Localized Phenomena

• Shadow Veils: Areas of the island where the boundary between the material plane and the Shadowfell is thin. Travelers passing through these zones experience vivid hallucinations and may momentarily step into the Shadowfell.
• Undead Resonance: At night, eerie sounds akin to whispers or distant cries echo through the land. These noises are believed to emanate from undead spirits trapped between realms.
• Cursed Rain: Periodically, dark clouds release black, necrotic rain that wilts living plants and saps energy from living beings. The Leonin have learned to shelter their settlements with magical barriers.

Climate

The island has a perpetual twilight atmosphere, with cool temperatures and little direct sunlight. Rain is frequent, but it often carries necrotic energy, further blighting the land. Winds from the Shadowfell chill the air, making Blaezasia feel colder than its latitude would suggest.

Fauna & Flora

Flora:

• Duskshade Ferns: Shadow-touched plants that thrive in cursed soil, their leaves emitting a faint, dark glow.
• Twilight Ivy: A creeping vine that feeds on residual necrotic energy, growing on ruins and trees alike.
• Eternal Oak: A rare tree found in Ilmos Glade, resistant to the island's curse, said to hold ancient elven magic.

Fauna:

• Shadow Wolves: Predatory creatures with semi-ethereal bodies, hunting in packs under the influence of the Shadowfell.
• Death Wights: Undead warriors left behind from Orcus’ army, roaming the ruins and plains.
• Glade Sprites: Mischievous but harmless spirits that reside in Ilmos Glade, believed to be remnants of elven souls.

Natural Resources

• Shadowglass Crystals: Found deep in the ruins and caverns, these dark crystals are imbued with necrotic energy, used in crafting potent magical items.
• Duskshade Extract: A substance harvested from Duskshade Ferns, used in alchemy for creating both poisons and cures for necrotic curses.

History

Blaezasia is a land steeped in the dark echoes of an ancient battle and the lingering presence of death. Once the site of the cataclysmic conflict known as the Pandora, this island became a cursed ground after the Sin of Pride—Orcus, the Demon Prince of Undeath—was sealed by the elves in a desperate and harrowing struggle. The battle left Blaezasia forever scarred, its lands littered with remnants of the undead armies Orcus once commanded. Now, the island is a haunting reminder of his power, with the restless dead wandering its shadowed forests and barren plains. However, Blaezasia’s story did not end in darkness. A planar tear, a rift between worlds, opened on the island’s western shore, bringing with it the Leonin and Satyr, displaced from their own realm and thrust into the world of Astrium. Drawn by the island's wild untamed beauty and its hidden potential, these two peoples established new settlements, forging a life in the midst of the eerie, undead presence that still clings to the land.
The Leonin, with their fierce pride and warrior spirit, have taken to patrolling the cursed ruins, seeing it as their duty to contain the undead and protect their new home from Orcus' lingering influence. Their cities are built with strength and defiance, rising as beacons of hope against the bleakness of the island. The Satyr, with their carefree hearts and love for revelry, bring life and joy to the otherwise grim landscape, hosting festivals and celebrations that push back the darkness with music, laughter, and magic.
Together, the Leonin and Satyr maintain a delicate balance on Blaezasia. The land is wild and dangerous, but it is also filled with pockets of life and light, where new communities thrive amidst the bones of the past. The undead still haunt the shadows of Blaezasia, a grim reminder of Orcus' enduring curse, but the island’s new inhabitants stand firm, carving out a future on an island marked by both death and rebirth.
Blaezasia's inhabitant have made it their mission to clear the land of undead and restore the island to its former lush greenery.

Tourism

Tourism on Blaezasia is limited to the bold and foolhardy, such as adventurers seeking to plunder its cursed ruins or scholars studying the Shadowfell’s influence. Guided expeditions by Shadar-kai or Leonin are rare and expensive, but they provide some level of safety. Ilmos Glade is the only welcoming area for visitors, offering a glimpse of the island’s former beauty amidst its cursed gloom.
Points of Interest

• The Twilight Cairn - A sacred monument for the Shadar-kai, marking their transformation during the Pandora War. The cairn is a place of mourning and spiritual communion, rumored to grant visions of ancestors to those who meditate there.

• The Ruins of Mortavia - A sprawling necropolis where undead roam among the remains of a once-thriving elven city. Dark magic and deadly traps make Mortavia a perilous destination, though it is rich with ancient artifacts and untold mysteries.

• The Forest of Withered Oaks - A shadowed woodland of twisted, dead trees. The Satyr have established pockets of life within this cursed forest, holding festivals to counter its oppressive atmosphere.

• The Brass Obelisk - A towering relic near the western coast, emitting a faint, golden glow at twilight. Both a symbol of hope and a mystery, the obelisk is central to Leonin patrols and Satyr celebrations.

• Catacomb Fields - A barren expanse marked by the graves of those who fell in the Pandora War. The Shadar-kai maintain the fields, but the undead often rise, guarding secrets such as the hidden Tomb of the High Warden.

Celebration The Festival of Threefold Bonds;
a day of unity, celebrated annually across the island of Blaezasia to honor the enduring partnership between the Leonin, Satyr, and the mysterious Shadar-Kai—newly arrived denizens of the Shadowfell who have allied themselves with the island's people. The holiday is a reflection of the island's rebirth from a place of death and despair to one of life, strength, and resilience, symbolizing the cooperation and shared purpose of these three distinct cultures. The festival begins at dawn, with the Ceremony of Remembrance, where all three peoples gather at the old battlegrounds of the Pandora to honor the sacrifices made by their ancestors and the continued threat of the undead. The Leonin lead the ceremony, standing guard as the Satyrs play their music to banish the silence of death, while the Shadar-Kai, cloaked in shadow, offer cryptic blessings to keep the lingering spirits at bay. Together, they reaffirm their commitment to protecting Blaezasia and keeping Orcus' influence sealed.
As the sun rises higher, the island transforms from a place of solemn reflection into a vibrant celebration. Each race hosts its own unique event, emphasizing its cultural contributions to the island. The Leonin hold strength competitions and mock battles, allowing warriors from each group to showcase their skills and forge deeper bonds through friendly rivalry. The Satyr, ever the merrymakers, organize wild festivals filled with dance, music, and revelry that take place in the fields and forests, where they raise toasts to life and vitality. The Shadar-Kai, with their ethereal magic, craft intricate illusions and displays that blur the line between reality and dream, offering a glimpse into the Shadowfell’s mysteries while weaving symbolic stories of fate and renewal.
The centerpiece of the festival is the Bonding of the Flames, a massive bonfire built from driftwood gathered by the Satyrs and stones enchanted by the Shadar-Kai. As night falls, the Leonin light the fire, and representatives from each race join hands, walking around the blaze while speaking oaths of loyalty and protection to one another. The bonfire represents their shared strength in the face of the undead curse, and as it burns, the island is filled with songs and chants that echo deep into the night.
The festival concludes with the Night of Shadows, where the Shadar-Kai guide the Leonin and Satyr through a symbolic journey into the darker parts of Blaezasia, showing them how to embrace the shadows and find power in the unknown. This journey cements their trust in one another and their determination to confront the dangers that still lurk in the island's depths.
The Festival of Threefold Bonds is more than just a celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the unity that has allowed the Leonin, Satyr, and Shadar-Kai to flourish in the face of the island's haunting past. Together, they continue to push back the darkness, finding strength in their partnership as they build a brighter future for Blaezasia.

Alternative Name(s)

Island of Eternal Dusk

Type

Island

Included Locations

• Freereach
• Mortavia

Included Organizations

• Grave Sentinels

Inhabiting Species

• Satyr
• Shadar-kai