MAP OF WESTUMBERLAND
1. Erentha
A frozen stretch of crystal icelands and endless snow located at the far north edge of the continent. Erentha is home to the Ice Elves, known for their long white hair, and melodic voices. It is remote, quiet, and largely isolated from the rest of the continent. It is ruled by House Elowen.
2. Caelthorne
Known for its beautiful mountain ranges and vast mineral deposits, Caelthorne is the richest territory in Westumberland. Located at the Northeast end of Westumberland. Its people are mostly human, and House Stormborn rules from a high city built into the cliffs.
3. Xindao
Located towards the far east, it is the oldest city on the continent. Xindao is deeply religious and dotted with ancient temples and secret orders. The population is mostly human, and it's ruled by House Lin, one of the oldest noble bloodlines.
4. Tochiko
A small but scenic territory in the southeast of Westumberland, Tochiko is known for its large colorful gardens, glowing caves lined with Lumi Crystals, and cascading waterfalls that sparkle in both sunlight and moonlight. It's a popular destination for travelers. House Nara governs here.
5. Brannersport
A bustling seaport and trade hub, Brannersport sits on an island off the southwest coast of Westumberland. It boasts the largest naval fleet in Westumberland. It's led by House Borain and known for its merchant guilds and shipwrights.
6. Viridale
Ruled by House Lillith, Viridale is the largest city on the continent. Located at the west end of the continent, it is covered in tall, dense forests and is home to humans, elves, and forest-folk. The Imperium Magic Academy is located here.
7. Pentra
Northwest of Westumberland, Pentra is the most technologically advanced region on the continent. Magic and innovation coexist here, and House Solaris oversees a thriving society that's always a few steps ahead of the rest.
8. Daario
The central grassy plains of Daario are home to the dwarves. Most of their cities run deep underground, and the region is known for its ironworks, forges, and subterranean mining networks.
9. Valhaven
Once a thriving nation, Valhaven is now a deserted wasteland. The noble line of House Daevalia is said to be extinct. The region is mostly avoided, as it's overrun by wild beasts and wandering magic.
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THE GREAT NOBLE WAR AND THE TESSERACT TREATY
Westumberland was not always united. Long before the current age of peace, the eight ruling houses, each tied to a unique magical affinity and territory, fought bitterly for power, land, and influence.
This period, now known as the Great Noble War, lasted nearly a decade and left much of the continent scarred.
What began as a series of small border disputes and magical troubles eventually escalated into a full-scale conflict. Alliances shifted constantly, and for years, no house held the upper hand. Cities were razed, forests burned, and many smaller houses were wiped out.
The war pushed each noble house to the edge, and it's widely believed that if it had gone on much longer, the continent itself might not have survived.
The war ended after four houses; Nara, Solaris, Borain, and Lillith, united together to defeat their common enemy, House Daevalia, who were accused of using human lives to fuel their magic. In the end, the noble of House Daevalia was wiped out, (according to the records).
After the war, the remaining houses convened to lay out their grievances verbally, following persuasion from the Grand Mage. An agreement known as the Tesseract Treaty was signed.
Named after the ancient magical symbol representing balance through eight points, the treaty forced each house to acknowledge and respect the sovereignty of the others and share responsibility for Westumberland's future.
Terms of the Treaty included articles like:
1) Recognition of sovereign borders for each Great House
2) Mutual defense clause against external threats
3) Removal of external influence from in-house politics.
4) The inclusion of commonbloods into the Imperium Academy, making it a neutral institution for magical education and diplomatic training
Since the signing of the treaty, Westumberland has known a fragile but lasting peace. Still, tension remains beneath the surface in the form of old grudges, buried secrets, and quiet ambitions that have not been forgotten.