Known World

Background

The concept of the Known World means different things to different people. For both the Nomads and the Townsfolks the world they know includes the Wilds and the Towns.
However, for both groups, there are areas in which they are expanding. For the purposes of this article, the Known World will cover both of these perspectives.

The Wilds

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This is a map of The Wilds, the known world as understood by the characters of the book.

The Wilds

The Wilds consists of multiple forests, each with their own heritage and atmosphere. All of these forests are boreal forests, and by the nature of forests have a range of trees, however, there are some which are more common in these areas than others, which is how the Nomads tell them apart.
In the centre of The Wilds is the Lakes of the Thawing Twins, with the Candid Mountains to the East and the Moss Dropp Ravine separating them from The Towns.

The Towns

The Towns is far more built up than The Wilds. There are fourteen towns, each one built from stone and wood with high walls built around them. Between the towns, there are clearly marked and heavily used roads intersecting rolling farmland. There are also fortified inns along the roads.
Many of the Towns sit along the coastline, using the natural resources as a defensive barrier against the dangers beyond the town walls.

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For The Nomads

The Nomads are mostly nomadic people, and as such, they have a strong working knowledge of the forests of The Wilds. They also trade with the Townsfolks, so have some understanding of The Towns.

Perceptions

The Wilds

The Nomads are very well acquainted with The Wilds. They love the forests and know them like the back of their hands. They see the forests of The Wilds as the heart of the Gods of The Nomads and the ultimate provider of food, shelter and comfort.

The Towns

The Nomads see The Towns as strange and a bit sad. They don't understand the desire to hide from nature and pull back from the glory of the forests. They visit the Towns to trade with the people there but don't feel comfortable until they're south of the Moss Dropp Ravine.

Expansions

While most Nomads are happy to travel the same paths and visit the same camps over the course of their lifetime, others are born with a more adventurous spirit.
Some choose to head north, through the Forest of The Beyonds, stretching their understanding of the Known World. Others head northeast, following the Candid Mountains and then heading east, looking for other creatures and other peoples.
A few head southwest, through Backwards of Yesteryear, but none have ever returned who have chosen to walk that path.

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For The Townsfolks

The Townsfolks are descended from the Nomads, and as such there are records stored in The Old Church, Stoneham Town documenting everything shown on the map above. However, it has been many centuries, and so their working knowledge is very much diminished.

Expansions

The Townsfolk have no interest in exploring more of the wildernesses known as the forests of The Wilds. There were initial attempts to cross the Northern Crags but after the first handful of unsuccessful missions, they quickly gave up.
They have recently begun experimenting with ships, having seen sails in the distance from the coast near Vilster Town on the northwestern corner of The Towns.

Perceptions

The Wilds

The Townsfolk see The Wilds as a barbaric land filled with heathens and beasts. It is uncivilised and dangerous and full of The Forces which spread evil throughout the land.

The Towns

For the Townsfolk, The Towns is the centre of the universe. It is the land The Protector chose for them, and they raised the forests to the ground to make it civilised.

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