North Chrysalis
Geography
North Chrysalis features a highly diverse geography, home to some of the most extreme landscapes in the world. The continent boasts the most mountainous region, dominated by the Triumvirate of Ashya, where towering peaks stretch skyward, capped in eternal snow. A small portion of these mountains sills into the norther part of the Principality of Seres.
The shouthern tip of the continent, located in the Dominion of Scial Gria, transitions into rolling foothills before flattening into expansive plains. Thee plains make up the majority of the continent, but the Principality of Kopolchia has a noticeably arid landscape, though it is not nearly as dry as the deserts of the Asqah Caliphate.
To the north, the tundra dominates, covering the lands of the Triumvirate of Ashya and most of the Grand Duchy of Temia. The cold, harsh environment makes for a difficult living but has led to the development of resilient societies that thrive despite the climate.
Forests are sparse, yet significant. The Grand Duchy of Temia holds an enigmatic woodland, largely uncharted and the subject of numerous myths. The most renowned forest, however, is the Old Willow Woods, located in the Shogunate of Cheria, an ancient, magickal forest known for its connection to the supernatural.
Ecosystem
The ecosystem of North Chrysalis is shaped by its diverse geography. The mountain ranges host hardy flora and fauna adapted to cold, oxygen-thin environments. The plains are home to grazing herds and predators that stalk them, while the tundra sees migratory wildlife, including massive creatures that traverse the frozen wastes. The arid lands of Kopolchia sustain drought-resistant plants and hardy reptiles.
The Old Willow Woods, in particular, exhibits an unusual ecosystem influenced by lingering magick. Trees appear to move subtly, and some believe the forest itself responds to the emotions of those who enter.
Ecosystem Cycles
Seasons vary greatly across the continent. The temperate regions experience warm summers and mild winters, with short transitional seasons. In contrast, the tundra undergoes extreme shifts, from nearly sunless winters to summers of continuous daylight. The foothills and mountains endure harsher winters, while Kopolchia’s arid climate sees long dry spells interrupted by occasional torrential rains.
Celestial cycles also play a role in the land’s ecosystem, with tides and migratory patterns shifting based on the movement of multiple moons
Localized Phenomena
- The expansion of the Old Willow Woods by Scarlett Forge altered the region's balance.
- The spirit of Ezra Hope's twin sister caused catastrophic disturbances in the Star Copse of Starwood Ranch.
- The Kru'val's annual attack on Safe Harbor in the Grand Duchy of Temia aligns with the arrival of a massive winter storm, a phenomenon that remains unexplained.
Climate
Most of the continent enjoys temperate conditions. Summers are warm, and winters, though cold, remain mild in most regions. The tundra, however, faces severe winters and short, frigid summers. Spring and fall are brief transitions—spring brings a rapid warming, and autumn ushers in sudden chills.
Fauna & Flora
The continent is home to a variety of unique species:
- Tundra Stalkers – Large, wolf-like creatures with thick fur and a predatory intelligence, found in the northern tundra.
- Serpentine Cacti – Found in Kopolchia, these plants twist and coil like living creatures, surviving on the arid landscape.
- Willow Wisps – Ethereal entities appearing in the Old Willow Woods, thought to be spirits or magickal anomalies.
Several species, such as the tundra-dwelling behemoths, exist only in this region, while others have spread from neighboring continents over centuries of migration and trade.
Natural Resources
North Chrysalis is rich in natural resources:
- Metals and Minerals – The mountains of Ashya contain vast deposits of iron, silver, and rare magickal minerals.
- Timber – While forests are scarce, controlled harvesting from the Old Willow Woods and the Temian forests provides high-quality wood.
- Spices and Herbs – Certain rare medicinal plants grow exclusively in the tundra and Kopolchia’s arid zones.
These resources are heavily contested, with various nations exploiting or protecting them. The Cinder War: A World Shattered: Fourth World War greatly disrupted resource extraction, and many areas remain closed off to foreign interests.
History
With eleven nations on the continent, history is filled with conflicts, alliances, and supernatural events. Wars have shaped borders, while ancient ruins hint at civilizations long forgotten.
The supernatural has also played a crucial role, from the rise of powerful magick users to the appearance of mysterious artifacts. The Fourth World War, known as The Cinder War: A World Shattered, led to widespread devastation and the closure of national borders.
Tourism
Before the borders closed, North Chrysalis was a prime destination for travelers. Key locations included:
- Starwood Ranch – A famed location rich in history and supernatural lore.
- Old Willow Woods – A mysterious and hauntingly beautiful forest.
- Harjanta – A cultural hub known for its deep-rooted traditions.
Now, tourism is limited to those with privileged access. The most famous sites are still visited, but they are no longer destinations for the general public—rather, they serve as retreats for the elite or those with specific ties to the land.
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