Ilura

A large continent on the world known as Cradle, freely translated from the ancient name for Mother Earth (Etune, red.), located on the northern hemisphere of the world. The continent contains many different climates, including scorching deserts and steppes, humid jungles and swamps, freezing tundras and mountain ranges, and more pleasant grasslands and forests.
Due to its geological layout, several subregions exist in Ilura, separated predominantly by geological borders. Of note are the Eastern Realms located in the north east, Osoris in the west, Dumrayan in the south, and Teshexel in the far north.

Eastern Realms

The Eastern Realms are a region in the northeast of Ilura filled with grasslands, forests, swamps and arid regions. According to ancient legends, they are one of the oldest subregions in Ilura. The Western Wastelands separate the Eastern Realms from Osoris in the west, and the Dragonback Mountains and the Atetonas Deep in the north are the border to Teshexel. Another mountain range in the south, the Kamdos Ridge, separate the Eastern Realms from Dumrayan.

Real life counterparts and inspirations

The Eastern Realms are comparable to the Iberian peninsula, southern France and the Alps. Offshoots are inspired by Scandinavian and Celtic cultures.

Osoris

A region in the west of Ilura, predominantly consisting of mountain ranges. in the south, coniferous forest in the north and steppes. In the far east of the subcontinent are deserts and salt flats that eventually reach the Eastern Realms. Allegedly, metallurgy and coinage were invented in Osoris first, and quickly spread throughout Ilura by trading caravans. While many trading caravans that cross the Western Wastelands travel with more conventional pack creatures, some favour the use of Silt Striders, large arthropods on stilt-like legs that tower nearly 30 feet into the air. Aside from a select few individuals, little is known about the origin of Silt Striders, their care, or how they seem to be able to survive for months in the salty deserts that are spread throughout Osiros. In general, the Osorian people favour the use of gigantic insects over that of horse or axebeak.

Real life counterparts and inspirations

Osoris is based on a combination of feudal Japan, Mongolia, and Morrowind (TES III: Morrowind).

Dumrayan

A region in the south of Ilura predominantly consisting of dense jungles and mountains.

Real life counterparts and inspirations

Indian subcontinent, Persia and the surrounding lands.

Teshexel

A region in the far north of Ilura predominantly filled with icy tundras and frosty taigas. The Atetonas Deep on the sea, and the Dragonback Mountains on land separates Teshexel from the Eastern Realms. Osoris and Teshexel are separated by icy tundras, dense coniferous forests and distant offshoots of the Dragonback Mountains. Recently, it has become much colder in Teshexel, and has forced some of the Frost Giants to start the exploration of the lands to the south of the Atetonas Deep in search for slightly warmer places.

Real life counterparts and inspirations

Viking age Scandinavia, Sámi peoples, Siberian Russia.

Type

Continent