Arandor
Arandor is a sprawling continent of diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and storied histories. From the frozen fjords and towering peaks of Skölna in the north to the sun-drenched islands of Miranore in the far south, the continent is a tapestry of extremes. Its heart is shaped by mountain ranges that stretch like a spine from north to south, dividing vast plains, dense forests, arid deserts, and lush jungles. Each region boasts its own unique environment, fostering a rich array of flora, fauna, and civilizations.
Geopolitically, Arandor is home to a variety of kingdoms and territories, each shaped by its environment. The icy wilderness of Skölna gives way to the fertile plains and ancient woods of Kamulos. Eastward lies the harsh Ashara Desert of Dhuma, flanked by towering mountains and flowing rivers, while the tropical jungles of Necai thrive with life to its south. The jungled archipelago of Klo’karr dots the Lustra Marr Sea, offering a stark contrast to the temperate lands of Eouma and the mountainous plains of Jou’lunn. To the west lies the elven kingdom of Aeldoria, its coastal forests steeped in magic and tradition, while Vaalden’s rugged landscapes sit to the southwest, overlooking the southern seas. The distant islands of Miranore form Arandor’s southernmost frontier, a mysterious and isolated haven for exotic life.
Arandor’s geography has shaped its history, with natural barriers like mountains and rivers defining borders and fostering distinct cultures. Trade, conflict, and exploration have long been integral to life on the continent, as its diverse peoples navigate a world rich in opportunity and peril. Arandor is a land where nature and civilization collide, creating a vibrant and ever-changing story etched into its landscapes.
Geography
North Arandor - The Northern Reaches
The northernmost region, encompassing Skölna and parts of Kamulos, is a frozen expanse of icy fjords, towering mountains, and glacial valleys. This is a harsh land, where the Frostmere Ocean meets jagged cliffs and tundra stretches endlessly under pale skies. Snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon, and rivers of glacial meltwater carve through the rugged terrain, offering rare lifelines for the sparse settlements that cling to survival here. The beauty of North Arandor is stark and haunting, with shimmering auroras lighting up its long, frigid nights.Central Arandor - The Arid Heart
Central Arandor is defined by the Ashara Desert, a sprawling, arid expanse within Dhuma, bordered by the Zandari Mountains and the fertile basins of Eouma and Jou’lunn. Shifting sand dunes, rocky canyons, and scattered oases shape the landscape. This region is unforgiving, where survival depends on ingenuity and adaptability. The desert’s stark beauty is tempered by its dangers, including sandstorms and the treacherous terrain of the Canyons of Varka. The towering Zandari Mountains act as the spine of Arandor, dividing Central Arandor from its neighbors and shaping its weather patterns.East Arandor - The Eastern Tropics
The lush, vibrant jungles of Necai and the tropical Klo’karr Islands define East Arandor. This region is a verdant paradise, where dense rainforests stretch for miles, teeming with life. Rivers and waterfalls cut through the jungles, feeding coastal wetlands and mangroves. The islands of Klo’karr, scattered across the Mesowet Ocean, are volcanic in origin, with jagged cliffs, hidden lagoons, and coral reefs that glow under moonlight. East Arandor’s beauty is rich and untamed, its humid air alive with the sounds of exotic wildlife and vibrant flora.South Arandor
South Arandor includes most of Eouma, Jou’lunn, and the surrounding islands. Its temperate climate gives rise to rolling plains, fertile farmland, and sprawling coastlines dotted with bays and estuaries. The Sunfire and Serpent Straits connects South Arandor to the southern seas, while inland, rivers and scattered woodlands support a thriving agrarian culture. The outlying islands, such as those in Miranore, are lush and idyllic, offering warm sands and abundant resources. This region serves as the heart of trade and maritime activity for the continent, with its coastal cities acting as hubs of commerce and exploration.West Arandor
West Arandor is home to Kamulos, Aeldoria, and Vaalden, a region of fertile plains, dense forests, and rugged coastlines. The Thessenar Ocean defines its western boundary, while its interior is shaped by rolling hills and ancient woodlands. Aeldoria and Vaalden, the elven kingdoms, are shrouded in mystique, with their magical forests and misty shores, while Kamulos balances open farmland with dense forests. The western region is steeped in history and tradition, its landscapes reflecting the enduring strength of its people.Defining Features of Arandor
At its core, the Zandari Mountains serve as the continent’s natural backbone, dividing regions and feeding the rivers that sustain life. Arandor’s coastlines are equally diverse, from the icy shores of the north to the tropical beaches of the south. Its rivers connect inland kingdoms to the seas, fostering trade and cultural exchange. The continent’s beauty is as varied as its geography, with every region offering a distinct character—from the icy majesty of the north to the lush abundance of the tropics, and the sun-scorched resilience of the desert.Climate
The continent of Arandor features a wide range of climates due to its size, geographic diversity, and the natural barriers created by its mountains, deserts, and rivers. These climates shape the lives, cultures, and ecosystems of the regions, offering stark contrasts across the continent.
North Arandor - Subarctic and Polar Climates
In the Northern Reaches, the climate is dominated by freezing temperatures and long winters. Skölna experiences a subarctic climate, with icy fjords, frozen tundra, and snow-covered mountains. Summers are brief and cool, with temperatures just warm enough to allow rivers of glacial meltwater to flow. The northernmost areas, closer to the Frostmere Ocean, verge on a polar climate, where frost and ice persist year-round. Blizzards and frigid winds are common, and the skies are often illuminated by auroras during the long winter nights.Central Arandor - Arid and Semi-Arid Climates
The Arid Heart of Arandor is defined by its extreme climate. Dhuma is primarily arid, with scorching daytime temperatures and frigid nights. The Ashara Desert is one of the hottest regions, where sandstorms and dry winds shape the landscape. Along the Khasama and Shalmaar Rivers, semi-arid zones provide slightly more hospitable conditions, with sparse vegetation and seasonal rainfalls. The Zandari Mountains offer a highland climate, where cooler temperatures and occasional snow contrast with the desert below.East Arandor - Tropical Climate
The Eastern Tropics feature a humid tropical climate, encompassing Necai and the Klo’karr Islands. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, creating lush jungles and dense rainforests. Temperatures remain warm and stable, with high humidity and little seasonal variation. Coastal regions and islands experience monsoons and frequent storms, while the interiors of the jungles are hot and teeming with life. Mesowet Ocean further moderates the temperature of the islands, creating a warm, breezy environment.South Arandor - Temperate Climate
The southern regions of Eouma and Jou’lunn experience a temperate climate, with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and mild, while winters are cool, with occasional frost in the northern reaches. This region’s fertile plains and rolling hills benefit from moderate rainfall, making it ideal for agriculture. Coastal areas along the Sunfire Strait and Eldorin Bay enjoy a maritime climate, with cooler summers and warmer winters influenced by ocean currents. The southernmost islands, such as Miranore, lean toward subtropical climates, with warm weather and abundant rainfall.West Arandor - Temperate and Oceanic Climates
Kamulos, Aeldoria, and Vaalden feature temperate and oceanic climates. Kamulos is characterized by warm summers and mild winters, with ample rainfall supporting its forests and plains. Aeldoria, closer to the coast, experiences an oceanic climate with cool, misty conditions and consistent rainfall throughout the year. Vaalden, with its rugged terrain and proximity to the Thessenar Ocean, sees cooler temperatures and strong coastal winds, creating a mix of maritime and temperate climates. This region often experiences heavy rains and storms during transitional seasons.Maps
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Jou'lunn
Jou’lunn is a kingdom defined by its vast grasslands, arid plains, and strategic coastal regions, forming the backbone of its agricultural and maritime dominance. -
Dhuma
While its name might conjure images of an arid and lifeless expanse, Dhuma is a land of surprising diversity and untold wonders.
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