Prologue
In the waters of Atlas, twelve regions come together to create a symbol resembling the sun. The largest and most influential of these neighboring regions is known as the City, renowned for its wealth, trade, sacred artifacts, and inventive prowess. Taking ownership of Fenharrow, Nethiloc, and Incisu. Following closely in wealth is Nesriin, distinguished for its financial acumen but notorious for its unscrupulous practices, often swindling residents to maintain their status. Lorath ranks as the third wealthiest and largest region, celebrated for its pristine environment constructed of glass and liquid gold. They excel in architecture and innovation, collaborating with the City for handsome rewards. Abbaratus shares the same rank as the third wealthiest; it is infamous for its stringent laws, rumored to forbid interaction among residents. Situated west of the City, they are steadfast allies in weapon trading and possess a formidable military presence.
Next in line is Haven, bordering Elvira and Lorath, standing as the fourth wealthiest. Located in the sunny south, they exude a peaceful aura with minimal crime. Their strict admission policy is characterized by a unique symbol etched into the skin of their residents. They keep to themselves but often trade their agricultural produce. Insperragua claims the fifth position, followed by Elvira in sixth place, concluding the list of the wealthiest regions. Insperragua’s long-standing rivalry with the City prevented them from sharing their innovations, but they served as a model for their people and wore white as a symbol of peace. Unfortunately, this peace was shattered when the City attacked, overpowering them, reminding them that even if they were a autonomous region, the City always had the final say. Insperragua protected itself with a large dome infuriating the City even more and became isolated; no one was allowed to get in without an invitation or out. Similarly, Elvira concealed their research and scholars from prying eyes, focusing on their exquisite beauty, with translucent water coursing through their region.
Nevertheless, there existed a region shrouded in mystery, with no documented history of trade or interaction with neighboring regions. Qohor ranked as the third largest, once shared borders with Nethiloc and remained enigmatic. A viscous, impenetrable fog cloaked the region, deterring those who ventured there. Numerous individuals had set sail towards Qohor in hope to find out if there was still inhabitants, but none ever returned, regardless of their vessel’s size or armaments. Qohor also possessed an island called Bulut, whose appearance remained an enigma, depicted only in storybooks and maps, but deemed beautiful. The City had strictly warned its people to steer clear of Qohor and its waters, as numerous individuals had mysteriously disappeared in that vicinity. The remaining regions were essentially the City’s leftovers, stripped of their resources. Fenharrow, a desolate and grim island, consisted of nothing but black sand, with a reputation for being associated with witchcraft. The atmosphere was tainted with a reddish hue due to an ever-erupting volcano, making it a destination only for the sick or the incredibly daring in search of a witch doctor.
Similarly, Incisu held no allure as it served as the City’s prison, where they dispatched all their prisoners, devoid of laws, security, or assistance. The activities within Incisu remained shrouded in secrecy, leaving room for speculation and imagination. Nethiloc, on the other hand, stood apart. Despite its modest resources, it was blessed with a rich culture and an environment meticulously cared for by its inhabitants. This smaller region was renowned for its exceptionally attractive population, basking in perpetual sunshine, resulting in olive or darker skin tones. Their hair cascaded down their backs, serving as their only attire. However, this exposed the women to danger, leading the men to fiercely defend them from intruders.
Several other regions existed, but they were too diminutive to warrant mention, and thus, they remained largely disregarded. While this narrative commences in Belmont, a quaint island linked to the City, it served as a self-governing town, despite the City’s dominion, where its residents adhered to their own set of rules.
