Nyrus

In the heart of the vast material plane lies Nyrus, a world of boundless diversity and breathtaking contrasts. This central realm is the home and the entirety of existence for its inhabitants, surrounded by the enigmatic floating islands known as the Drifts. Each Drift, varying from the size of a small house to a vast country, adds to the complexity of this land, with some following predictable patterns while others drift erratically or remain stationary, depending on the will of their inhabitants.

Nyrus itself is a land where the verdant serenity of open plains juxtaposes with the dense, nearly impenetrable forests. This world offers a tapestry of extreme climates: frigid, inhospitable cold lands, scorching deserts, lush jungles teeming with life, and barren, desolate wastelands. Towering, snow-capped peaks soar high into the sky, while the depths of the dark, mysterious oceans plunge into unknown abysses.

For the common peoples of Nyrus—adaptable humans, elegant elves, sturdy dwarves, clever gnomes, and nimble halflings—this world is all they know. It is a place where diverse cultures intertwine, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses, and striving to thrive amidst the world's challenges. But not all inhabitants are benign; savage orcs, brutish ogres, and other formidable beings roam the land, adding layers of danger and complexity to the societal fabric.

The rich diversity of life on Nyrus is matched only by the omnipresent perils. It is a world where great danger is a constant companion, yet with danger comes opportunity. For those bold enough to face the world's challenges, great rewards await. However, courage alone is insufficient. Knowledge is the key to navigating and conquering these threats.

In the chapters ahead, we will delve deeper into the intricacies of Nyrus, exploring its lands, peoples, and the myriad dangers and opportunities that define this remarkable world. Prepare to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure, armed with the wisdom needed to survive and flourish in Nyrus's ever-changing landscape.

Geography

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The world of Nyrus

Through the ages, scholars of Nyrus have amassed a vast repository of knowledge about their world, a world that presents itself in the shape of an immense disk. The habitable lands lie on the upper side of this disk, a realm of diverse terrains and climates that supports the rich tapestry of life that calls Nyrus home.

The scholars, with their endless debates and theories, have come to a general consensus about the dimensions of their world. They describe Nyrus as a disk with a diameter of approximately 34,000 miles. Although their calculations vary, they agree that the total area of this world amounts to roughly 908 million square miles. This expanse encompasses verdant plains, dense forests, harsh deserts, icy wastelands, deep jungles, and towering mountain ranges, each contributing to the world’s breathtaking diversity.

The dimensions of Nyrus remain a subject of scholarly debate, yet the grandeur of this world is undisputed. As our journey unfolds, we will explore the myriad landscapes and secrets of Nyrus, delving into the knowledge painstakingly gathered by generations of scholars and adventurers alike.

Nyrus is divided into five major landmasses, each with its own unique characteristics and estimated sizes:

• Kharnak: Known as the cold continent, Kharnak lies to the north and spans a vast 70 million square miles. Its frigid expanse is a testament to nature's endurance.
• Thundarum: Positioned at the heart of Nyrus, Thundarum covers 60 million square miles. This central landmass is a hub of diverse terrains and bustling activity.
• Eldenvar: To the south lies Eldenvar, also covering 60 million square miles. Its southern reaches are marked by rugged landscapes and a cold climate.
• Al'Anwaar: Stretching 55 million square miles to the west, Al'Anwaar is a land of rich history and vibrant cultures, influenced by its diverse geography.
• Igochi: To the east, Igochi spans 70 million square miles, boasting varied ecosystems and a blend of ancient traditions and modern developments.

Encircling these continents is the vast expanse of the Endless Ocean, which marks the outer boundaries of Nyrus. Towards the center, surrounding Thundarum, lies the Inner Ocean, a vital artery for trade and travel. The waters between each outer continent are also named, creating a rich tapestry of maritime geography:

• The Endless Ocean, lies from the outer continent's shores towards the edge of Nyrus.
• The Inner Ocean, lies towards the center of Nyrus and surrounding the coasts of Thundarum, and the inner coasts of the outer continents.
• The Glacierfall Sea lies between Kharnak and Igochi.
• The Galecrest Sea separates Kharnak and Al'Anwaar.
• The Serenity Sea flows between Al'Anwaar and Eldenvar.
• The Eldertides Sea lies between Eldenvar and Igochi.

The imposing Hrafjök massif

The land features of Nyrus are as varied as they are breathtaking. While a significant portion of the terrain consists of plains, these are divided at different elevations above sea level, creating a patchwork of highlands and lowlands. Mountain ranges stretch across the continents, with peaks that pierce the sky. The highest point of Nyrus is the peak of the imposing Hrafjök in Kharnak, a 12.5 miles high towering sentinel that stands as the ultimate challenge to climbers and adventurers.

Below the waves, the undersea terrain remains a mysterious and largely unexplored frontier. The depths of the ocean reveal a world as varied as the land above, with hidden valleys and towering underwater mountains. The deepest known point in the ocean is the ominously named Death's Pit, with an estimated depth of 10 miles, located in the Endless Ocean, south of Eldenvar’s coast. This abyss plunges into darkness, a reminder of the secrets that Nyrus still holds beneath its waves.

For long, it was widely believed that the Endless Sea truly lived up to its name, stretching infinitely into the horizon. This belief held strong among the common folk, a testament to the sea's boundless allure and mystery. However, modern scholars have uncovered more about the world of Nyrus, revealing that it does, indeed, have an edge. Despite this revelation, the notion of an endless ocean remains deeply ingrained in popular imagination.

Even with this newfound knowledge, the Endless Sea continues to harbor its secrets. The edge of Nyrus is a region shrouded in mystery, largely unexplored due to the trepidation it inspires. Few dare to venture near the world's precipice, where the unknown beckons with an almost magnetic pull. Among the greatest enigmas is the question of why the waters of Nyrus do not cascade over the edge into an abyss, leaving the oceans as desolate expanses.

Scholarly debates abound on this topic, with theories ranging from divine intervention to powerful, ancient magics that bind the waters in place. Some suggest that an unseen barrier holds the ocean at bay, while others propose that the natural laws of Nyrus differ from those of other realms. Despite the differing viewpoints, one thing remains clear: the edge of the world is a place of profound mystery, where the familiar laws of nature seem to falter.

In the face of such uncertainty, the edge of Nyrus stands as a testament to the world's enduring mysteries, a frontier that challenges the limits of understanding and beckons the brave to explore its hidden truths.

Climate and Weather

In the mystical realm of Nyrus, the celestial movements of the Sun and Moon are more than mere natural phenomena; they are the embodiment of divine influence. Aerion, the deity of the Sun, and Antanara, the goddess of the Moon, imbue these celestial bodies with their essence, guiding their paths across the sky. Yet, the intricate dance of the Sun and Moon is not solely dictated by these deities. Aela, the goddess of nature, and Chronos, the god of time, also impart their influence, ensuring a harmonious balance in the heavens.

The Climate Regions

Nyrus' Climate Regions

The Sun's journey around Nyrus follows a circular path, a divine arc that bathes the world in light and warmth. This celestial circuit is perpendicular to the plane of Nyrus, causing the Sun to rise majestically from the east. As it ascends, it traces a grand arc across the sky, reaching its zenith before descending towards the west, where it sets in a blaze of glory. This journey ensures that the entire world is bathed in daylight during the Sun's passage overhead. When the Sun dips below the horizon, it completes its circuit beneath the plane of Nyrus, plunging the surface into the serene embrace of night. The distance of the Sun from Nyrus during its rotation is a matter of great mystery, with scholars estimating it to be tens, if not hundreds, of millions of miles away. This vast expanse only adds to the Sun's divine mystique, a radiant beacon of Aerion's power.

Intriguingly, the Sun's circular path is not perfectly centered on Nyrus. Instead, its center lies towards the east, causing the Sun to be closest to the world when it sets in the west and farthest away when it rises in the east. This asymmetry creates a unique weather pattern, forming a somewhat concave triangular region. The western part of this region, where the Sun is closest, experiences the most intense heat and light, while the eastern part, where the Sun is farthest, enjoys a gentler climate. This celestial choreography of the Sun's path gives rise to what scholars have termed the "climate regions" of Nyrus. There are seven distinct regions, each with its own unique weather patterns and environmental characteristics:

• The Northern Frigid Region endures the harshest conditions in all of Nyrus. This icy expanse is a realm of relentless cold, where temperatures even in summer are cold and sometimes even below zero, and on winter are the lowest of the entire world. Survival here is a testament to resilience, as the land is often cloaked in snow and ice, with the Sun offering little warmth during its brief appearance.

• The Northern Temperate Region experiences dramatic fluctuations in temperature. Summers can be sweltering, while winters are bitterly cold. This region's weather is a study in contrasts, with sudden changes that can transform the landscape overnight. The diversity of conditions fosters a wide variety of flora and fauna, each adapted to the ever-changing environment.

• The Northern Subtropical Region is characterized by its temperate to hot temperatures, with weather patterns that are both intense and unpredictable. Storms can be fierce, and heat waves can sweep across the land, creating a dynamic climate that keeps its inhabitants ever vigilant.

• The Tropical Region, at the heart of Nyrus, is the hottest of all the climate zones. Here, temperatures remain high throughout the year, with even winter offering only mild relief. Summers are blisteringly hot, especially towards the west, where the Sun's proximity scorches the land. This region teems with lush vegetation and vibrant life, thriving in the perpetual warmth.

• The Southern Subtropical Region mirrors its northern counterpart but with milder weather patterns. The climate here is more predictable, with less extreme fluctuations, offering a more stable environment for its denizens.

• The Southern Temperate Region is arguably the most hospitable part of Nyrus. With moderate summers and winters, this region provides comfortable living conditions, where the seasonal changes are gentle and the extremes are rare. It is a land of serene beauty, where nature flourishes in balanced harmony.

• The Southern Frigid Region may be cold, but it is far more stable than the northern extremes. The weather patterns here are predictable, and while the temperatures are low, they do not reach the deadly depths of the northern frigid lands. This stability allows for the development of unique ecosystems that thrive in the cold but constant conditions.

The Seasons

Beyond its daily arc across the sky, the Sun in Nyrus exhibits a slower, more intricate behavior, a testament to the divine complexities woven by the gods. This celestial ballet, guided by Aerion's essence, unfolds with a subtle yet profound shift that defines the passage of seasons. There are four seasons in total:

• Summer, with its hot weathers, brings the land to life with warmth and energy.
• Fall, with its changing colors, ushers in a time of transformation and harvest.
• Winter, with its cold embrace, blankets the world in stillness and rest.
• Spring, with its blossoming renewal, breathes new life into the earth.

At the beginning of the year, the Sun's plane of rotation starts a gradual descent towards the south. Simultaneously, its distance from Nyrus increases, and its rotational speed quickens. Each day, the Sun appears slightly further south in the sky, maintaining a delicate balance that keeps the duration of daylight and nighttime relatively constant. This graceful shift continues through the first half of the year, a slow dance towards the southern horizon. Midway through the year, on a day of celestial significance known as the solstice, the Sun reaches the peak of its southern journey. Here, the divine choreography changes. The Sun's plane of rotation, distance, and speed begin to revert, marking the second half of its annual cycle. Gradually, the Sun's path ascends northward, drawing closer to Nyrus once more and slowing its rotation.

The solstices, moments of celestial balance, are celebrated across Nyrus. They mark the points of reversal in the Sun's grand dance, occasions of reverence and festivity, where mortals honor the divine patterns that govern their world. Through this intricate celestial ballet, Aerion's influence brings life and change to the realms below, a constant reminder of the gods' presence in the very fabric of existence.

The unique path of the Sun across the sky throughout the year casts a profound influence on the climate regions of Nyrus, with each region experiencing its own distinct weather patterns.

In the northern realms, the climate is notably more intense and conditions harsher than in the southern regions. The difference between maximum and minimum temperatures is stark, creating a land of extremes. The northern frigid region, in particular, endures the harshest conditions, with summer temperatures barely reaching 5 degrees above freezing, while winter plunges to a bone-chilling 100 degrees below zero. This unforgiving landscape is shaped by the Sun's distant arc, casting long shadows and limited warmth.

Conversely, the southern climate regions enjoy milder temperatures and less dramatic fluctuations between the seasons. Here, the differences between summer highs and winter lows are more tempered, offering a more gentle transition through the year. The southern lands bask in a more consistent climate, their environments less burdened by the extremes of their northern counterparts.

The tropical region of Nyrus, straddling the equator, experiences the least variation in temperature throughout the year. However, due to the Sun's proximity in the west, this region is significantly hotter on the western side than on the eastern side. The tropical climate remains relatively stable, with the Sun's steady path maintaining a warm, humid atmosphere.

In the northern tropical, subtropical, temperate, and frigid regions, the year begins at midsummer. The fiery peak of summer gives way to the rich hues of fall, then to the icy grip of winter. The winter solstice marks the exact midpoint of the year, a day of deep reflection and endurance. Winter slowly thaws into spring, and the cycle culminates in the summer solstice, the year's final day, when the Sun stands highest in the sky before beginning its southern descent once more.

In contrast, the southern subtropical, temperate, and frigid regions start their year in the heart of winter. The cold season gradually yields to the blossoming of spring, leading to the warmth of summer. Here, the summer solstice is the midpoint of the year, a celebration of life and growth. As summer wanes, fall descends, and the year closes with the winter solstice, the Sun's lowest arc heralding the end of the cycle.

One of the most striking features of the northern frigid region is its long, six-month period of near-total darkness. During this time, the Sun barely grazes the horizon, casting an ethereal twilight that lingers through the endless nights. This prolonged darkness challenges the resilience of those who dwell there, shaping their lives and culture around the enduring cold and the promise of the Sun's eventual return.

Through these intricate celestial patterns, the deities weave their influence, creating a tapestry of climates that define the world of Nyrus. Each region, from the blistering tropics to the icy north, tells a story of divine balance and the ever-turning wheel of the seasons.