Liliponies are diminutive equines, reaching the size of an ordinary pony foal in adulthood, with a stocky build that generates less heat, and large, floppy ears tipped in darker shades. Their small stature allows them to hide better in foliage. They are androgynous in form, fluidly adapting their presentation to appeal to observers.


Originating in Cenázli ʘéz, "The First Forest"—a primordial jungle teeming with hostile flora and fauna—liliponies form broad, tight-knit communities for mutual protection and prosperity. Society revolves around hierarchies of wealth and status, where individuals strive to amass and display material riches as a measure of worth.


Liliponies hold that accumulating material wealth is life's paramount pursuit, viewing poverty as a profound shame. To label another "naked" is a grave insult, implying destitution and social irrelevance. They adorn themselves constantly in elaborate attire—shoes, hats, cloaks, shawls, dresses, and jewelry—crafted from expensive or rare materials to flaunt affluence. Dress codes transcend gender; liliponies adopt whatever styles and roles their audience finds most alluring, prioritizing allure and advantage over tradition.

Warriors known as "skintakers" embody cultural valor, hunting monstrous threats with stealth and precision. They fashion trophies—skins, scales, horns, teeth—into prestigious garments, where the peril of the quarry directly correlates to the wearer's esteem. Plant-based fabrics like flax or cotton form everyday wear, but skintaker regalia signifies elite status.


Tízattun Lilá, "Our Voice," or simply Lilá as many ignorant outsiders may call it, is the name ascribed to the lilipony language, and specifically refers to native speakers. Yéssattun Lilá, or "Your Voice," is the correct way to refer to the lilipony language as a foreign speaker. Liliponies generally refrain from using their language openly, preserving a sense of mystery that entices other creatures to pay for the privilege. Whatever name a lilipony goes by in public is not their given name, but a moniker they have adopted to better fit into society.

In some parts of the world, specifically those wherein liliponies have become deeply entrenched in local economics, local creatures may have a passable understanding of liliponies numbers and economic jargon. "Lán lan ~", roughly translating to "good fortune!" Is a traditional lilipony customer greeting and farewell, and can be genuine or sarcastic depending on social context.


Pairings are pragmatic alliances, forged to elevate wealth and status rather than romance. Potential mates are scrutinized meticulously—career, social ties, and assets assessed like investments. Unions occur during Lanninattír, the 'wet season,' heralded by the group leader's cry: "Lanní ros ssír" (Lit: "Fortune and profit!") Revelries span days or weeks, a marathon of intimacy fueled by libido- and fertility-enhancing berries and fruits gathered in advance. Offspring are viewed as long-term investments: costly initially but promising greater family prosperity.


Liliponies wield "Colouring," or zolál, an innate magic allowing shifts in physical hues—eyes from red to blue, manes from yellow to green, or full-body blends for chameleon-like camouflage against predators. This extends metaphorically to "social Colouring": masterful manipulation of others for personal gain. Failure in such cunning is seen as a core inadequacy, eroding one's standing.

They refer broadly to the magic of others as ttísala.

It is common for young liliponies to change their colors frequently, and typically settle on a personal color later in life once they have discovered their identity.

Cetú are diminutive equine beings, slightly smaller than liliponies—comparable to goblins in stature—with svelte, compact builds adapted for stealth and agility in dense forests. Some are born with feathered wings resembling their Queen's, enabling flight, while others develop vestigial wings incapable of true aerial movement. The ratio of winged to non-winged Cetú is uneven and determined by chance during their creation ritual. All possess the capacity for green electric shocks, manifesting as crackling discharges from their bodies.


Cetú inhabit X, a vast, dense forested region littered with green crystals—fragments of a powerful dragon's shattered spirit from a failed experiment. These crystals sustain the ecosystem and their Queen. Society is rigidly hierarchical yet egalitarian among the cetú themselves, with all members united in absolute servitude to Ccássanli, their monstrous winged half-kirin half-snake creator and god, known as the "Cetú Queen," or "The Cursed" in the lilipony tongue. Communities form around her lair, focused on collection and raids, with no internal castes; even winged cetú hold no superior status.


Created by their Queen, cetú worship Ccássanli as their divine progenitor, viewing her as the source of all life and purpose. They eschew clothing as tradtiionally worn by their cousins but don culturally vital masks carved from the skulls of hunted creatures; the ritual of cleaning and carving a skull marks the transition to adulthood, symbolizing prowess and devotion. Cetú regularly venture out to gather green crystals, returning them to the Queen for her sustenance and empowerment. Language is limited to the Common tongue taught by their Queen, with little knowledge of lilipony dialects, emphasizing terse commands and ritual chants


Cetú cannot procreate naturally and depend entirely on their Queen for propagation. New members are formed through a gruesome, secretive ritual converting kidnapped liliponies into cetú. Scouts undertake perilous raids into lilipony territories and beyond, risking great harm to capture victims, driven by unyielding loyalty. The conversion process, unknown to outsiders, may or may not grant wings, leaving it to fate.


Lacking the liliponies' "Colouring" for camouflage or social manipulation, cetú instead possess a sort of 'breath weapon' in the form of green electrical energy for shocking and subduing prey. This ability aids in hunts and abductions, crackling with draconic energy drawn from X's crystals. The Queen's power, amplified by collected crystals, fuels both her vitality and the creation rituals.

Nothings are large, marine mammals covered in a thick, scaled hide, with flowing fins, forelegs sporting angular fins, and a forked tail. They possess a thick spiral horn, and have a range of fins that represent ears and a mane. Their eyes glow with a gentle inner light, typically matching the hue of their body. Nothings range between red and blue, getting darker with age until they become nearly black. Their scales and hide thicken over the decades, making them notoriously hardy creatures.


Nothings are stygophiles, meaning they prefer to inhabit flooded caves, but can also be found in rivers and streams, as well as ponds and lakes. They will not live anywhere that is desolate or otherwise devoid of life, as they passively sustain themselves off of the magic of living things in their environment.


Nothings age very slowly and live largely sedintary lifestyles


Nothings possess the innate ability to siphon external magic from their environment, ranging from several dozen meters to nearly a kilometer. Creatures within the affected zone may experience fatigue, and sorcerous creatures will find themselves unable to use magic.

The Fangs are former Silver Scorpions fleeing The Jewel in pursuit of their own interests. Unlike the magnanimous Scorpions, the Fangs use their knowledge of medicine to end life, usually at the behest of Rinkhal herself. Nopony quite knows how they came under her employ, but one thing is for certain: they make for a deadly combination of malicious cunning and lethal efficiency.

The Crimson King and Rinkhal have had many children since establishing their home in Ophidia. They usually lean towards their father's philosophy or their mother's, or a mixture of both. Regardless of their stance on magic, they have all been raised to dominate.

Rhabdophis is a member of the Syndicate in [the Kingdom]. She and her Scorpion-turned-Toadies traffic illegal drugs and take on the occasional assassination contract.

The Blue Prince, Krait, has settled down in [X] and is an anchor for the Blue Serpents that follow his creed. He is a scholar of natural magics.

The Sunken City is an ancient Kharanite city buried beneath the sands to the Northeast of Ophidia. Only half of the city has been mapped and documented, as many portions of the city are structurally unstable, occupied hy hazardous fauna, or afflicted with malicious magick. Other portions of the city are inaccessible due to barriers both magical and mundane.

Founded on the protective power of the titular Jewel, The Jewel of The Desert stands as a marvel of artistry and innovation. The Jewel of The Desert is the capital of crystal and creatures throughout the world journey there in hopes of gleaning some arcane knowledge or acquiring mastercraft artifice.



The Jewel
A symbol of freedom and the power that keeps the vengeful dragons at bay, the titular Jewel is beleived to be a hexagonal ruby held within the heart of Sunstone. The Jewel was stolen from the dragons during The Great Rebellion, and protected the revolutionaries during their Exodus across the desert.

The Six Saints
Saviors. Heroes. Deities. The founders of The Jewel, and the core figures of the Ecclesiarchal faith. Some say they were instruments of a higher power, igniting the fires of The Great Rebellion, and freeing countless souls from the tyrannical grasp of the dragons. Of the six, only four survived to forge The Jewel's society and tenets, shaping it in service of the greater good. The remaining two perished in their fight against oppression.

Saint Lore -The Emerald- hailed from the Fehu Dominance. He successfully negotiated Fehu's neutrality in The Great Rebellion. Utilizing his great knowledge of politics, and a compassionate ear, he won the heart of Fehu and turned the dragon himself to the light. A rare and beautiful victory, which has made Fehu the black sheep of his dragon brothers ever since.

Saint Dawn -The Thespian- made a spectacular performance of his treason. He sought the ultimate symbol of his theatrical spirit: the Star of Destiny itself. Armed with his prize, filched from the gilded palace halls of the Poet King, he presented the luminous sapphire to the ponies of the Dagaz Dominance. He became a shining beacon to those in need, brimming with the confidence and beauty to overcome any adversity. His considerable social grace allowed him to manage civil welfare in the Jewel, and he swiftly became the posterboy of The Saints.

Saint Cipher -The Arcane- ultimately failed to rouse a rebellion within the Tiwaz Dominance, and so instead turned her sights to Dawn, granting him the knowledge to operate the Star of Destiny, and realize its true potential. She has been called Dawn's opposite, as she finds little pleasure in socializing, performance, or vanity. This does little to diminish Dawn's affections and gratitude toward her, and her magical knowledge was instrumental in bringing The Jewel to prosperity. Often forgotten, but of no less importance than Dawn himself.

Saint Ember -The Iron- mastered the Forges of Kaunan, and utilized her position and magical might to rally her peers and lay siege to the tyrant's palace– with the dragon still in it. She is popularly perceived to be the mother of modern pyromancy, and she was the architect of The Jewel. She is the patron saint of architects and miners.

Saint Tempest -The Martyr- rallied her winged peers to make a cyclone of Lake Laguz and fell their cruel master. She later sacrificed herself to ensure her fellow revolutionaries may reach safety. She is often depicted weeping, and is associated with loss and particularly mourning.

Saint Asperity -The Last Stand-



The Ecclesiarchy
The Ecclesiarchy is the reigning faith of The Jewel, and established the canon of the Saints. Run by a living saint, the Ecclesiarchy is tasked with the spiritual well-being of the denizens of The Jewel, as well as policing the numerous settlements. Lower clerics make up the majority of the Ecclesiarchy, while higher clerics handle executive matters.



The Book of Hope
The Book of Hope was conceived by Saint Dawn and Sundial the Sage as a means of inspiring the recently-freed populace of the early Jewel. It contains stories detailing the lives of each Saint, and continues to inspire the Jewelers of today. The original is preserved in Sunstone, but many ponies possess personal copies.

Crystal ponies
During the latter years of The Jewel's founding ponies made contact with the camel caravans of The West. While the founders, now aged, advised against associating with slavers, their successors were quick to purchase the impoverished crystal ponies in a well-meaning effort to liberate them. Crystal ponies have since returned to their shackles, even if they serve new masters.



Crystal mages
Weilding tremendous power both magical and political are the crystal mages. Crystal mages are proficient in the use of crystal magic, and fit many niche roles within Jewel society.



Afflictions:

Saint's Sorrow
Saint's Sorrow is an affliction found within the crystal mines of Emery and Garnet, amd transmitted by a subspecies of scorpion. Afflicted ponies will develop parasitic crystal cysts which quickly spread across the body, and will eventually envelop the pony in their entirety if not treated with urgency. These crystal cysts feed on magic, and must be scraped off and dug out when they begin to burrow into the body.

PROMINENT LOCATIONS









MINOR LOCATIONS
Emery: A mining colony, specifically where the Ruby Mines are located. Emery is the source of Red Dust, an illegal psychoactive drug. Miners are currently going on strike due to unsafe working conditions. I.e. "The mines are haunted!" and "There are monsters down there!" Sunstone has yet to address these concerns.
Garnet: A mining colony that harvests garnet primarily.
Agate: Agate serves as a rest-stop between the capital and Intaglio. There are some amenities there to improve the quality of life for the miners there, too.
Feldspar: The prehistoric crash site of a meteoroid containing moonstone, a precious stone that Sunstone seized immediately upon its discovery. Little is known about Feldspar or what goes on there, but crystal ponies appear to be attracted to the area.
Lapis: A mining colony dedicated to Saint Tempest. The settlement is known for having a somber atmosphere, and many ponies come here to mourn their dead and pray to the martyred saint.
Bezel: Bezel is the historical starting point of The Jewel, before the holy city of Sunstone was constructed. By and large, Bezel is a trading hub, known for its large markets and, of course, the Glyphic Gates which welcome visitors to The Jewel. The Star of Destiny is inlaid within the gate, serving to inspire foreigners to embrace this new culture.

The Dragon Kingdoms are a collection of seven great sovereignties, called dominances, which are governed by one of the seven dragons. Following The Great Rebellion, the dragons have doubled down on their subjects, ensuring a repeat of history is a distant dream.

The Purge
Unicorns had always threatened the power of the dragons, The Great Rebellion simply exemplified their destructive potential. Recognizing their error, all seven dominances committed to a unicorn purge, ensuring magic never again poses a challenge to their rule.

Kirin lords
Spawned through a sacred ritual that marries the essence of a dragon with that of a pony, kirins are the born servants of dragonkind, and serve their progenitor with absolute faith and loyalty. Kirins are executive by design, with superior magical might and greater intelligence than their equine cousins to serve in their role as lords.

Kirins are the highest authority in the Dragon Kingdoms, second only to their almighty creators, and can take on specialized tasks, such as that of Loremaster or Master of The Forge. These kirins may be bred to fulfil a specific role, or they may simply receive special education. It depends on the dragon.

The Volant Guard
The Volant Guard, or simply the Volant, are the defacto police force of the Dragon Kingdoms. The Volant are hippogriffs, a balanced blend between pegasus temperament and the griffon's lethality, bred and trained to guard the dragon's children and their dominances against threats without and within.


The Dragon Kingdoms economy
The Dragon Kingdoms consists of seven city-states that actively engage in domestic trade, however they also engage in trade with Ophidia, The Jewel of The Desert, and the Caravan. The Jewel relies on The Dragon Kingdoms for building materials and amenities, and in exchange they withhold the destructive power of The Jewel itself. At least, that's what ponies beleive.

The Dragon Kingdoms, being so varied, differ in the availability of certain services and resources. For instance, Laguz controls of the flow of water both inside and outside The Dragon Kingdoms, making him very influential. Kaunan, conversely, is the only kingdom capable of refining metal into useful tools.





Education
The common pony is uneducated and illiterate, relying on common vernacular and pictographs to communicate. Complex concepts are often lost on them, but ponies that show potential may attract the eye of their Lord, or other more influential ponies.

PROMINENT LOCATIONS

The West is a vast ocean of golden dunes travelled only by the mysterious Caravans, camels immersed in a Great Journey.

Before you expands a nightmarish wasteland; the crystal-scabbed earth is grey and cracked, rivers of sludge carve through the soil like a weeping wound, and the sky is thick with oily black clouds that churn with nauseous colors. This is Churel, a sanctuary for the dark and depraved, so long as you possess an affinity for magic.

A Nightmare Made Manifest
Churel was once a mundane forest, inhabited by the descendants of the Dunne. After the massacre that was the conflict between Boscage and the native unicorns of Caprice, the fearful surviving unicorns fled North, and encountered these earth pony tribals. They did not enslave them as their forebearers had, but slaughtered them wholesome. Their blood and living spirits were used to conduct a ritual. A ritual to revive their fallen lord. For you see, in their escape, some amongst them carved out the heart of the Lightning King, and now with blood watering the earth, the seed could be planted.

And so it was that the Heart of Churel began to beat.

The ritual, however, had not gone as planned. Their lord had not been revived- not fully. But the power issuing forth from the draconic heart enriched the land, and empowered the unicorns who now inhabited it. Although they failed to revive their master, they had succeeded in creating a sanctuary.

Over time, as magic flourished, and the unicorns continued to grow in power, a sickness took hold of the land. Plants grew bitter and malformed, and wildlife twisted into gortesque abominations. Soon enough, this sickness took hold of the unicorns, too- but where the magic of the Heart twisted the flesh of beasts, for ponies it twisted their mind.

The Heart of Churel
Few sans for the ancient lich-like founders of Churel themselves know what the Heart is, if they are even aware of its existence. But make no mistake, it is no mere heart, but the heart of a dragon, infused with the vanquished spirits of the Dunne, and deified by the Cardiac Cult that safeguards it. This is the source of Churel's power, and the source of its corruption.

Unicorn Supremacy
Taking their old Caprice unicorn mindset to its natural extreme, the unicorns of Churel beleive themselves to be the incontestable master race, and largely aim a hostile disposition towards non-unicorns, and especially non-sorcerous creatures. They are known to have a particular disdain for earth ponies, and send raiding parties out into the world to capture earth pony slaves with the intent of humiliation and magical experimentation.

Matriarchy
Much as how Caprice of old was ruled by their shaman queens, Churel is predominantly ruled by females. The common belief is that, while stallions possess greater physical strength, mares overall possess greater magical might, and are thus more fit to lead. Males can acquire positions of power, but it is rare.

The Lightning Lord
Churel leadership is currently divided into two camps: the Traditionalists (Or Conservatives), and the Progressives. The Traditionalists wish to maintain the status quo, and focus on self-preservation. Meanwhile, the Progressives advocate for the recapture of their homeland, Boscage. They are considered radicals, willing to make major sacrifices for the sake of 'progress,' including the controvertial creation of a "Lightning Lord." The Lightning Lord is meant to be the reincrnated avatar of their lord, harnessing the magic of Churel. However, every previous attempt has resulted in total failure, resulting in either a grotesque death, or a disturbing transfiguration into a senseless beast.

The Progressives are confident that they will succeed with time and resources, but the Traditionalists are doubtful, and atempting to stall their attempts for fear of more serious consequences.

Mutations
Given the nature of Churel's corruption (That being the beating heart of a deceased dragon), many creatures within Churel will develop, over time, or even in the womb, peculiar traits. These include yellow or yellow-flecked eyes, the development of small draconic horns, the emergence of scales in odd places, growing sharp teeth or fangs, the tail becoming long and serpent-like, the development of malformed vestigial wings (Or, in some cases, developed and functional wings), increased strength and/or endurance, unusual aggression, an appetite for meat (Even if they cannot digest it. Some can), growing discolored patches of hair, developing a sooty coat coloration, multiple personalities, off-color magic, and the warping of their horn if a unicorn.

PROMINENT LOCATIONS





MINOR LOCATIONS
The Red River: The Red River is a river of blood that passes by an old abandoned village. Hostile "Red Eidolons" spawn frequently in and around it. It's said that the river turned to blood after a mad mage killed everypony in the village in a failed ritual.

Founded by the legendary Boscage, and recently scorched by the fury of a dragon, is the Kingdom of Boscage. Rolling plains and blackened ruins dot this open landscape.



The Legend
The Kingdom of Boscage is rooted in blood and oppression, and this story begins with the pony himself: Boscage. He arrived as the commander of Scholarking Evergreen's escort, and after the establishment of Alstonia, he was tasked with bringing enlightenment to the savages up north. As it turns out, the unicorns of Caprice were not interested in diplomacy, and slew the emmisary sent to them. This kicked off a bloody conflict that ended in the near-total eradication of the Caprice native unicorn population, the death of their draconic ruler, and the colonization of the land. The fledgeling kingdom was named Boscage in honor of their heroic commander, and the stallion himself would go down in history as one of the most powerful and beloved ponies in Boscage history.



Rebellion
Decades pass. Generations of unicorns are born into slavery, and die without dignity. For many, their horns are removed, seen as an icon of their percieved "evil." Even unicorns who have had their horns removed are regarded with suspicion. The days of Caprice are long gone, and it seems there is little hope for the unicorns to ever recover their pride. But then it happens. A spark. An outcry, from just one of a million wronged unicorns. Nopony can say why it happened, or how, or even when. All that is known is that that day spelled the end of Boscage supremacy; unicorns with and without horns rose up against their masters, coordinating through contacts made in their daily labors. Many Southerners were killed, and even some Dunne defending their lieges, but most fled for the woods, seeking sanctuary in the darkness.

It was a coordinated effort, and it was a success; most unicorns were able to find their way to safety before Boscage mustered its forces. Once enough unicorns had arrived, they quickly began erecting defenses. Charms, hexes, traps both mundane and magical. The Witchwoods became a death sentence for any earth pony stepping hoof beyond its borders, and that was enough. Of course, Boscage tried to burn them out. Smoke them out. But every attempt was rebuffed, and reciprocated twofold. Eventually, after a devestating Witch Hunts, the earth ponies of Boscage settled for this unorthodox situation, and left the unicorns to their devices. Although they would always keep an eye on the dreaded dark Witchwoods...

The Scorching of Boscage
It came without warning, without mercy: the dragon. Nauthiz, the Enduring. The skies choked with ash and ozone, and fire consumed land and pony alike. Fortresses were toppled like building blocks, and terror gripped the hearts of what few ponies had not succumbed to madness or despair. King Birch Leaf, the acting ruler at the time, attempted to rally a defense, but he was oblitered along with the capital city, and thousands of doomed souls. Only a miracle could save the Kingdom of Boscage from total destruction, and that miracle came in the form of Alstonian aid, combined with the magic of the unicorns of the Witchwoods. Unified in desperation, a legion of voices cried out in collective rage, and the magic of these ponies was enough to not only wound the titan, but repel her.

The dragon left ruin in its wake; rivers were poisoned with ash, and the lush forestry of Boscage was gone, leaving many ponies to succumb to starvation- if the toxic air didn't do them in first. It was a trial by fire, and most did not survive. But what remained of the ponies of Boscage banded together, to rebuild, to till the earth and well it and will it to bear fruit. To harvest what they could for shelter, and hold their loved ones close. It was a time of friendship with their unicorn neighbors, and a renewed resolve to forge a better, stronger future.

Decades pass, and Boscage is rebuilt. Unicorn slavery is fully abolished, although many ponies still harbor fears about them and their magic. But they all, together, remain watchful, and wary, of the dragon's return...



The Churel Threat, & Alstonia Releif
Following the complete collapse of Boscage infrustructure, the unicorns of Churel launched a campaign to retake their homeland, beginning with the fall of the fort Glume. The only thing that stopped them from rapidly dispersing and colonizing the land was the lack of local resources, and hazardous conditions. This allowed Alstonia the time it needed to extend relief efforts towards the failing kingdom, including volunteers, medicine, food– and powerful armed forces to stall the Churel threat. Eventually, Boscage was able to recover enough ponies and resources to contribute to the relief efforts, and an attempt was made to repel the Churel invaders.(WIP)

The Caste System
Boscage operates under a rigid hierarchy, entirely based on race. This system was established after the liberation of the Dunne, and the founding of the Kingdom of Boscage, as the Ponies of Dun pledged themselves to their Southern saviors.

The Dunne: The Dunne- or the Ponies of Dun -are distinguished by their sooty appearance, and operate as a labor force for the Kingdom of Boscage. A large population of them are farmers, while the rest work as servants within Southerner households. Some can be found selling produce, or other products, and others produce said products. They are all earth ponies.

Southerners: Those descended from Alstonians are called Southerners, and are distinguished by a lucky mark that manifests somewhere on their body. Also comprising entirely of earth ponies- albeit commonly less hardy -, Southerners occupy leadership roles within the Kingdom of Boscage, and are raised from youth to take on their responsibilities.

Unicorns: Unicorns occupy the bottom of the social hierarchy, and until very recently, they occupied the role of domestic slaves. Pre-Scorching, they had their horns removed as a foal, and many unicorns today are still forced to have their horns removed if they want to be accepted into society. Many unicorns all still occupy the role of a domestic servant, as their parents were, and their parents before them.

Current Ruling Diarchy
Currently, the ruling sovereigns of the Kingdom of Boscage are Queen Pistia and King Humus (Pending name: Lord Loam. Lord of Loam?). Their daughter is Princess Omen, and a unicorn. Not only that, but a unicorn with a blue coat and purple eyes, blue and purple being associated with Nauthiz, and thus, doom.

The King and Queen have brought in experts on illusion magic to teach her how to conceal her less socially acceptable aspects, which has coincidentally allowed the young noblemare to explore the city independently. It is no secret that she understands the common pony's needs, and is advocating for change. Queen Pistia and King Humus, however, do not want to change their rule.





The Court Magician
Sometime after the Scorching, the court magician was found to be experimenting on the homeless, attempting to recreate the terrible power of the dragon. After her discovery, she fled then castle, and has since remained elusive within the Boscage countryside. In the following decades, reported sightings included strange lizard-like monsters terrorizing the populace, leading many to the conclusion that the madenned Court Magician continues her research, now unrestricted.

The current court magician is a green mare called Mage Brume. She is particulrly good at manipulating water and water vapor, and is currently assisting in the creation of an artificial river.

PROMINENT LOCATIONS







MINOR LOCATIONS
Awn: The bristle from which the seeds of Norian culture may spread.
Calyx: A historical site, and the staging ground for Boscage's invasion of Caprice. Given its location near the borders of the kingdom, it was largely spared the destruction of the Scorching, and still retains many of its old frotifications. Ponies will visit the settlement to learn more about their history, and the settlement now trades with Eco from Alstonia, through the Rachis Road. Historically, Eco provided Calyx with food, but after gaining indepence, Calyx created its own minor agricultural village, called X. Eco and Calyx share a strong friendship.
Glume: The Northernmost territory of the Kingdom of Boscage, and the seat of Lord X. It is a heavily fortified settlement, created before the Scorching to defend the border against Churel incursion. It was targeted during the calamity, but only partially destroyed, given its magical defenses. It was briefly occupied by Churel soldiers following the Scorching, but was later recaptured with Alstonia assistance.
Kirn: A minor agricultural settlement that used to produce mainly corn. It was destroyed during a monster attack over a decade ago. The Orphans of Kirn are a band of mercenaries that were trained and raised by a senior mercenary, and act primarily as monster hunters. They are expensive, but scarily effective.
Asystole: Asystole, or The Asystole, is a warped village near the Eastern slopes. Formerly the town of Persimmon, during the unicorn rebellion, some unicorn fanatics attempted to ressurect the red dragon. This attempt failed, and killed the unicorns and everypony in the village. The village has remained abandoned since recolonization efforts failed. A strange magic blights this town, now, inducing rage and despair.

Alstonia is a modest forest kingdom situated below Boscage, and neighboring Sprig and The Backwoods. The current ruler is a paranoid dictator who drives fear and hatred into the populace, causing great unrest amongst the ponies who live here.



The First King, Evergreen
The First King, Evergreen, was a Scholarking from Noria who, long ago, arrived in the land that would later become Alstonia. Here he met with the native inhabitants of this region, the cervine Sprigaan, whom offered Evergreen and his enteroge a plot of land. Early Alstonia and the Sprigaan shared a prospering relationship, as the deer taught the foreign ponies about nature and Sprigaan tradition, and the Alstonian ponies shared their knowledge of medicine and tools. Years pass, and Evergreen takes a Sprigaan commoner as his mate, somehting which both factions take as controversial. Eventually, tragedy strikes, as the Scholarking is struck with a deathly illness, and the Sprigaan doe is found dead. Both creatures die before answers can be found, and both blame the other in outrage. Following this event, the forest to the West is said to become possessed by the vengeful spirit of the slain doe, and becomes an active hazard for the ponies of Alstonia. To the East, the Sprigaan close their borders to Alstonia, and threaten anypony who crosses into their territory.

Scholars
The concept of a Scholar was brought overseas from Noria, and is the label given to a pony who has become competent in a field of study of their choosing. This can be anything from medicine to astrology to woodworking to philosophy and politics. Becoming a Scholar is called Taking the Green, and is widely considered to be proof of maturity. You must be recognized by the Circle to become a Scholar in your field, and once you have passed their inspection, you are awarded a green cloak with a sewn patch signifying your field(s) of study.



Lunacy
"Lunacy" is the label given to the Sprigaan Lunar Faith, and is banned in Alstonia. "Lunatics" found with idols of the Dark Moon or Bright Moon are publically shamed, and branded as traitors to their kin.

Naming Conventions
In honor of Evergreen, the ponies of Alstonia name their young after plants. They may take inspiration from exotic foreign plants, and those names are equally considered to be special. They may also take more "traditional" Norian names, which align with profound concepts.

Fern is a common name.

Regional lingo
Ponies will often use the word "Lush" to as an expression of strong agreement and surprise, in place of something like "Awesome" or "Brilliant!"

The Spring Festival
The Spring Festival is actually held in late Spring, as elderberries become dark blue. In celebration, ponies will bake a special amaranth and walnut bread, glazed with honey.

Clay and Wood
Maple wood is used to ferment cordial, and transport fluids and jams for trade. But clay is the mainstay of Alstonia storage; kaolinite, a fine white clay, is typically found closer to mining colonies like New Sestina, but Illite clay is abundant just about anywhere cleared for farmland. The former makes for smooth, pretty pottery, while the latter is more of a utility, combined with beeswax to seal perishables like jams and jellies and cordial. You can find illite pottery at every settlement, in every home. Kaolinite is more artistic, but it's also used for food- It's just the trade good version.

Ponies in Azure will paint Spring Azures and fantastic creatures onto kaolinite pottery, using local resources to create the appropriate dyes. They can be very creative.

House Glaise is a wealthy family stationed in [Marl]. They are renowned for creating pottery masterpieces, many of which become family hierlooms, or priceless keepsakes. They are popular exports.

No Concept of Recreational Vices
Norian culture promotes the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom as the highest of virtues, therefore performing actions that would inhibit the mind are regarded as taboo. This includes the use of recreational drinking, and the usage of mind-altering drugs.

Spiders of Spindle
The Spiders of Spindle are an elite group of tissuers talented in knitting and sewing. They are lead by the Weaver, a powerful creature with a legendary legacy. They are identified by a spider and a spindle on their Scholar cloaks.

PROMINENT LOCATIONS















THE HINTERLANDS
The Hinterlands are the lands surrounding the capital city of Phloem. It is a mixture of minor settlements and independent farms, with settlements producing essential crops, and independent farms producing cash crops.

MINOR LOCATIONS
Longgrass: A small village with very long grass. They primarily bundle up grass as hay, and ship it off to neighboring settlements.
Friendship: Named in the early years of Alstonia, before the divide, this town was erected as a monument of unity between Alstonia and Sprig. It has since been fortified, and converted into an outpost.
"Eco": Ecotune is a play on the word "ecotone", a transition between two ecosystems. It is a major trade hub to the North, where Alstonia trades with Boscage via the Rachis Road. Given its wealth and fortified position, it's also safe enough to host the University of Ecotune. The settlement was originally called Sprout.
Azure: Founded by the late Mapleleaf, Azure is a place of both study and beauty, hosting the Azure Gardens, where the Spring Azures bloom with the flowers. The settlement was named for the Spring Azures that call this place home, and an Azure Festival is held to celebrate Spring here. Given its relevance to the botany community, this place is also home to the Ripe Berry School of Botany, a reputable institution that produces competent botanists. Ponies will migrate here to attend the school, enjoy the scenery, and also enjoy good food, including the famous Azure jelly, and Azure cordial. This also happens to be where the Blue Bee Honey Farm is.
Sestina: An old mining colony that was ravaged by a demon. The place now lies abandoned, and the mine is haunted by a beast of black flame. The last Black Scholar sent in never returned.
Spindle: A satllite for New Sestina. They prioritize the growth of nettle, and create linen from the fibers. Some of this linin is used to create Scholar cloaks, but they are dyed elsewhere. Spindle also produces spicebushes and nettle tea for export, and tissuers from Spindle are renowned for their skill with a needle. During Summer, they have a Red Festival, where they use spiceberries to make red clothes and wear spiceberries in their hair in celebration of Spring. They also produce stunning red pottery.
Marl: A satellite for New Sestina, which produces a surplus of food for it and Spindle. They use marl (lime clay mixture) to enrich the soil, and are rewarded with an abundance of groundnut. They also cultivate stinging nettle for export to Spindle.
x: X is a trade hub, connecting the Southeast to the rest of Alstonia. Beeswax started a bee farm here to make honey more accessible to the common pony. He also developed an efficient technique to create beeswax, providing candles for the ponies of Alstonia.

---

---

Translating to "Five Fortune Islands," this archipelago is hosted by "Red Kings," a cabal of powerful liliponies descended from the founder of the islands. It is a paradiscical locus of wealth and trade, populated by the eternal machines, and watched over by the distant Iron King on his black iron island.

"Red Fruit"
Lan Nur Líra's primary export is the precious volcanic soil abundant on the islands, especially the "Red Island," where the Red Kings have made their home. It is shipped all over the world, attracting business and exploration.

Machines
Creatures of black iron, molded by the claws of the Iron King. They were once ordinary creatures, but were sacrificed to themselves in the draconic pursuit of immortality. Despite the macabre nature of their 'rebirth,' they are accepted members of society, and many contribute in their own unique ways. They are not immune to discrimination, however, and are unabble to feel pain.

The Iron King
Child of Kaunan, and ruler over the Perverted Foil. He is a shaper of metal and spirit alike, and hosts a ceremonial lottery wherein members of Lan Nur Líra are summoned to his island to take part in his grand experiment. To become his next work of art, and a machine. Unlike the dragons of The Great Continent, the Iron King does not rule over the creatures of the archipelago, but operates more as a secretive hermit, engaging in trade and diplomacy for mututal gain.

PROMINENT LOCATIONS:


MINOR LOCATIONS:

---

---

ʘéz Cenáz. "First Forest," named so because its incredible scope and primordial flora.

---

---

"Profit Island," also known as the Island of Pleasures, is a small island run by Mayor Moni, a former lilipony accountant who capitalized on the lilipony summer celebration of Lanninattír. They gained a reputation for being particularly promiscuous, even for a lilipony, and spawning foals frequently. Their progeny has brought tremendous wealth to the family, embracing the underlying principles of Lanninattír. "Fortune and profit!" Indeed.

Contrary to what the name may lead you to believe, there is nothing blue on Blue Island. The space is instead famous for Blacktower, the fortress residence of a unicorn mage from afar. The Tower is guarded by the imposing Black Watch, stygian pegasi granted superequine strength and mastery of storms.

The Black Tower
The first thing you will notice when approaching Blue Island is the monumental Black Tower, a construction of alien design not seen in [The Kingdom], built like the great petrified husk of a tree. Its "branches" fork up into the sky, and are said to draw in storms. Creatures of Blue Island often describe the Tower as drinking the light of a storm, absorbing lightning as quickly as it is struck.

The Mage lives within this tower, making the occasional public appearance to commemorate special occasions, or to make important announcements. It is unknown what he does within the Tower, but rumors abound. Only the Black Watch knows what occurs behind those onyx walls, but they are sworn to secrecy.

The Black Watch
Also referred to simply as "The Watch", consists of an order of black pegasi, their coats dark as pitch, giving them their trademark appearance. It is widely known that this is a side-effect of the ritual required to transform a regular pegasus into a Watchmare (Or Watchstallion). The Mage selects applicants infrequently, and the conditions upon which he makes his selection are unknown, but it is a popular opinion that you must be fit, and at least moderately learned to be accepted.

The Black Watch's stated goal is the defense of Blue island against external threats, such as pirates, and internal threats that threaten stability. In times of war, Blue Island has been known to loan members of the Black Watch to [The Kingdom] for national defense, with these ebony pegasi proving to be devestating units on the battlefield.

The Mage
The current ruler of Blue Island, dubbed "The Mage," is a mysterious unicorn from a far off land. Off-gray, with stubble and thick brows that seem to be permanently fixed in an expression of displeasure. Creatures often cite a glow in his golden eyes, and his horn is thick and spear-like, with noticeable wear. A long black mane belies old age. This is how the Mage is most often described, but despite his appearance, he is not unkind; in fact, it is widely known that he is a generous stallion, investing in the infrastructure of his domain, and seldom raising his voice in public. It is by his hoof that Blue Island and its creatures prosper, and it is by his command that the vaunted Black Watch keep its citizens safe from harm.

A Land of Opportunity
The Blue Island is generally considered to be fairly wealthy, with a strong infrastructure and robust trade bringing in diverse resources from within and without [The Kingdom.] Specifically, the Blue Island is famous for its food industry and metallurgy industry. Competition is encouraged to breed creativity, and a general air of anticipation charges the market square. Despite the foreboding landmark, the Blue Island is a place of optimism and opportunity, inviting the downtrodden and inspired to realize their goals in a safe environment.

Flower & Feed
A popular bakery located near the docks. They are famous for their blackbread, a food rich in flavor and nutrients, and a local favorite spot for Black Watch members. It's run by a matronly pegasus mare and her lamini husband, a former Achre Knight. They arrived on the island seeking fortune in an untapped market, and they struck gold; with easy access to exotic ingredients through sailing merchants, they're able to create baked goods that are truly out of this world.

---

---

Halea is the heart of the [forest], and throne of Galatea, Scion of Lunar Flame, and bastion against the evils of the black dragon.

Galatea
Galatea is a White Hind, and also a peryton, sporting resplendent wings. The name Galatea, meaning She Who is Milk White, was given to her by the natives, who revere her as a god-like protector. Her real name is Kanni, meaning Bright White. She originates from Chi Loski, or the Burning Forest, home of Loor, the Bright Dragon.

Wazen, the Wise
Wazen was a black dragon who once occupied Halea as its ruler. He was a creature of calculated cruelty, and his cunning felled all but Galatea herself. It was actually a calculated manuever from the Loor-born peryton herself that eventually defeated the black dragon, as she convinced him of her virtue, and he was ensnared by her lunar beauty. He wanted to possess her, and possess her he would, for five long years. Five years of observing, helplessly, as her subjects endure torment. Five long years of scorn. Five years of being a faithful wife, until at last Wazen was convinced of her faith, and brought her to his cave to form a nuptial pact. It is here that Galatea revealed her true intentions as, during the ceremony, she suddenly produced a blood-red blade, and plunged it into his skull. It was thought that this act would spell the end for Wazen, and indeed for a time it appeared he had died. But in actuality, he had inherited the spirit(s) of the bloody blade, and been ressurected as a revenant, his mind fractured, but his menace no less potent. He now spends his days self-isolated within his cave, endlessly debating with himself, and hungering for knowledge and experiences. Galatea remains to keep vigil, every wary of his vengeful return.

Legends have spread of a black dragon who speaks with one-thousand voices, who can answer any question, in spite of Galatea's efforts to squash these "rumors." It is for this reason that many foreign creatures from around the world arrive in Halea and its surrounding territories, seeking an audience with the black dragon. Many are turned away, but those few who find their way to Wazen rarely return. It is said he will demand from you a story, a riddle, or a scrap of knowledge he does not possess, in exchange for what you wish to know. If you are unable to fulfil this bargain, your voice is added to his legion.

---

---

The siren scourge

The refugees
Affectionately dubbed the "Peal" by Tolland natives, these pony refugees have been granted land in tribute to the Tolland capital, and are expected to abide by Tolland law and traditions. Although relatively new additions to the capra lands, the Peal have embraced Tolland culture and integrated quite well. Unfortunately, the Peal suffer from a lack of resources due to their tithe, and are forced to live in impoverished conditions. Few capra express sympathy for the Peal's conditions, if they're aware of them at all.



Bells
Bells play a central role in capra religion, acting as a means with which to communicate with their gods, the Lamb, and the Ram. Bells will be constructed out of different materials depending on which deity you are attempting to communicate with, with the shape determining your 'reach.' For instance, copper and tin are incredibly common metals found in Tolland, and so is used as a baseline. However, gold is a soft metal with little martial applicability, meaning that the Ram - the more violent of the two gods - is less likely to receive your call than the more peaceful Lamb.





The Lamb & The Ram
The Lamb and the Ram are the patron deities of Tolland, and are believed to manifest as internal voices. Your conscience, for instance. The Lamb is the voice of reason, compassion, calm, and mercy. The Ram is the voice of fear, doubts, violence, and caution. Despite the differences between them, both are seen as necessary, however one can be favored over the other. Sheep commonly favor the Lamb, whilst goats more often listen to the Ram.





Racial hierarchy
Capra are divided into two distinct categories: sheep, and goats. Sheep rams commonly take on the role of laborer, whilst goat billies adopt political and military leadership positions. Ewes are responsible for food production, and nannies are responsible for domestic affairs. Rams will often make up the bulk of a capra army, with billy generals. Female capra are too valuable to risk in battle- or to allow to be claimed by a siren.

---

---

.

The "Prince"

PROMINENT LOCATIONS:

---

---

Dead sands whisper a forgotten hymn, and covetous light grasps for your attention.

The Dead Legion
Shambling ghouls that once were griffon Blades from Ophidia. They sought out a power that may dethrone dragons, but all they found was damnation. Now they stumble blindly through the sands, gleaming with a sickening light, eager to bring more into the embrace of their luminous master.

---

---

This place is covered in a supernatural Shadow that extends across the vast expanse of the Shadowed Desert, suppressing magic where light fails to reach. Despite this, the camel denizens of the Shadowlands enjoy a life of spiritual enrichment under the direction of the Gremory, their Shadow Lords.

This place is roughly North of The Desert.

The Shadow
Despite the name, the Shadow does not block out the sun or prevent the creatures of the Shadowlands from enjoying warmth or enduring the deserts oppressive heat. Plants thrive, granted they are not reliant on magic to sustain themselves, and the sun will still blind you if you deign to face it. The Shadow manifests, in the words of foreigners to this place, as a dimming, a diminishing of hue and saturation that becomes difficult to perceive once you have lived long enough under its darkened veil. The Shadow is sustained by the Gremory, camels of noble blood who, through unknown means, are able to wield shadow magic.

The Shadow is a significant part of camel religion in the Desert, and is believed to be divine in nature. The Great Journey ends once the Shadow falls over you, cleansing you of impurities.

Shadow Magic
Although innate for the Gremory, it is known that other camels, and even non-camels, can learn shadow magic, although it is different in nature than what the Gremory use.

Gremory
Gremory are not exclusively the ruling body of the Shadowlands, but make up a minority population of camel subspecies and the present noble bloodlines. It is believed that all gremory are descended from an apostle of the first gremory, their blood imbued with the hallowed shadow. Shadow magic is an inherent talent for gremory, and their noble status is made apparent through their striking red eyes and typically ashen appearance. The gremory bloodlines are essential for sustaining the Shadow and are key members of the new faith, however not all gremory stay within the Shadowlands.

Gremory famously possess a mind for science, and have a particular affinity for astronomy that they tie into the new faith, claiming the red moon as one of their religious symbols.

The War
The Shadowlands are a nation still recovering from a terrible religious war. The Gremory were seen as apostates, renouncing the Old Faith in favor of the new and mysterious Shade Lords. Through these shadowed patrons, the Gremory gained supernatural powers- Powers that those of the Old Faith regarded as dangerous and heretical.

Ninth Brother
This towering collosus of metal was borne of the fire of Kaunan and his industrious mind. It is animated by the burning coal of a dragon's spirit.

Thanes of X
Undead kirin lords that maintain their master's necropolis. They sacrificed themselves to their duty, so dedicated were they, and ensure others follow their example. They are essentially Dragon Priests and their masks contain their soul.

The Observer
An enigmatic figure who sometimes appears in places where dragons are concerned. They seem to take a great interest in dragons and their history, but their intent is unknown.

The Blight
Similar to CHurel. Blightland biome vs eldritch waste. What is Blight?
"Crowned Waste"? Crowned serpents spreading rot.
"The Blight of Cherim"

Cherubs
Small plump vestigial-winged islander lilipony variant. Loves island pumpkins. Lives in pumpkins. Pumpkin shield. pumpkin raft.

Blue Prince
Runes. Magic knowledge bookish snake. "Krait?".

King of the Forest
/Dead King. Tragic old figure with command over wildlife. Armored figure. Deer(?).

Rainbow wall
Wall of multichromatic particles forming a transparent barrier. Crude but effective to resist magic.

The Blue Serpents
A travelling band of budding and veteran magicians founded by the Blue Serpent, Krait. Their mission is to recognize nascent magical talent and support their growth. When joining, you are asked to "wear blue" in some form, whether this means dying a clothing item blue, adding blue to their mane or tail, or otherwise. This is taken as commitment to the order.

They usually set up blue tents when they stop to rest, with a symbol of a snake on a blue background as their personal symbol.

The Blue Serpents are widely recognized and considered by established institutions to be hedge witches and wizards. Fledgling sorcerers may first join the Blue Serpents before going on to join merited institutions. Membership in the Blue Serpents usually implies a degree of informal training that magic institutions will recognize.

Garnet Abbey / Monastery
Garnet Abbey / Monastery. The current Abbot has acquired an intelligent crystal pony assistant/consultant called Spinel. Possible historical roots of the Ecclesiarchy.