The World We Know

The World of Nyrus, drawing on an old tome of lore

The world, the heart of the multiverse, is a vast and diverse realm teeming with life and mystery. Its landscapes range from serene valleys and lush forests to towering mountains and desolate wastelands. This world is a vibrant tapestry where magic and reality coalesce, creating an environment where the extraordinary is commonplace, and the mundane often hides deep secrets.

It is a realm promising great rewards and adventure for those brave enough to seek them, but it is also filled with danger. Populated by creatures of many types, from the noblest knights in their halls of justice to the most terrible dragons soaring across the skies, it is a world defined by variety and the adaptability of its inhabitants.

If you wish to journey further, the knowledge you acquire here will undoubtedly aid you in future endeavors, so listen well.

This world is a unified realm sharing many characteristics, as everything, from the clear skies to the darkest ocean depths, belongs to what scholars call the Material Plane. Part of a larger multiverse, the Material Plane sits at the center of the Tree Ring Cosmology. Nevertheless, scholars have divided what lies within the Material Plane into two main areas.

First, we have the lands of Nyrus, where most common people lead their lives. Nyrus is a rich and varied land, teeming with life and history, where cultures flourish and the adventures are endless. Above and surrounding Nyrus, floating in the open skies, are the islands known as the Drifts. While these are also part of the Material Plane, to the common folk, these islands are almost otherworldly. The Drifts are small lands where magic is potent and mysteries abound, existing as pockets of wonder and danger high above the familiar world below.

The World's Arrangement

Nyrus, the heart of the Material Plane, is a vast landmass shaped like a disk, floating in the clear skies of this realm. Unlike the smaller Drifts that dot the skies, ranging from the size of a house to that of a small country, Nyrus is a colossal landmass with five continents surrounded by vast and deep oceans. Its sheer size sets it apart, making it a central hub of life and activity.

The Material Plane operates under clear physical laws, with a definitive "up" and "down," where objects move and fall accordingly. Yet, both Nyrus and the Drifts remain unaffected by gravity's pull, a phenomenon that continues to baffle scholars. Theories abound, with some attributing this defiance of gravity to divine intervention, while others argue for the presence of powerful, ancient magic.

Far from Nyrus, the Sun and Moon follow their own celestial paths. The Sun, the world's primary source of light, orbits in a circular plane perpendicular to Nyrus. This orbit runs from east to west, bringing daylight to Nyrus when it passes overhead and plunging the land into nighttime when it travels beneath. The Moon follows a similar path but at twice the speed, adding to the rhythm of night and day with its own phases and movements.

The movements of the Sun and Moon are more complex than simple orbits. For half of the year, they travel south and away from Nyrus, and for the other half, they return to their original positions. This oscillation is partly responsible for the changing seasons, influencing the climate and life cycles on Nyrus. The Sun's journey brings warmth and light, nurturing life and guiding activities, while the Moon's faster orbit adds a mystical touch to the night, influencing tides, magic, and the behavior of countless creatures.

This celestial dance creates a dynamic environment, where the interplay of light and darkness shapes the daily lives and natural rhythms of Nyrus and its inhabitants. The intricate balance of cosmic forces underscores the unique nature of the Material Plane, where mystery and wonder abound in equal measure.

Nyrus

Main article: Nyrus

Nyrus is a true jewel, a flat world covered by endless deep blue seas and dotted with lands that house the most diverse array of races, peoples, and cultures in the entire multiverse. The common folk go about their lives mostly peacefully, while big opportunities lie in wait for those ambitious and adventurous souls ready to seek them out.

The five continents of Nyrus are vastly different from one another, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Understanding what defines each of these continents is crucial for those seeking adventure. The five continents are:

• Al'Anwaar: To the west is Al'Anwaar, a sprawling desert punctuated by few but lush oases. This land is a cradle of exquisite craftsmanship and indomitable inhabitants who have mastered the art of survival in one of the most unforgiving environments.

• Eldenwar: To the south is Eldenwar, a mystic realm filled with promises of adventure, shrouded in veils of peril. This land is rich with ancient secrets and hidden dangers, beckoning those brave enough to uncover its mysteries.

• Igochi: To the east lies Igochi, a region of serene plains and towering mountains. This realm is synonymous with artistic expression and a revered warrior ethos, where beauty and strength coexist in harmony.

• Kharnak: To the north lies Kharnak, a frigid expanse of rough weather. Its icy landscapes are home to strong and untamed people who have adapted to the harsh conditions, forging a culture of resilience and tenacity.

• Thundarum: At the center of Nyrus is Thundarum, a raw and rugged region where stalwart warriors constantly challenge the yoke of tyranny and the rigors of a hostile land. This is a place where strength and determination are paramount, and heroes are forged.

Each continent offers its own set of adventures and challenges, inviting explorers to delve into their unique landscapes and cultures. Whether one seeks the icy fortitude of Kharnak, the desert beauty of Al'Anwaar, the artistic and martial harmony of Igochi, the rugged strength of Thundarum, or the mystic allure of Eldenwar, Nyrus promises a journey unlike any other in the multiverse.