Blu
ᴏɴʟʏ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀꜱ ʟᴇꜰᴛ ᴀʟɪᴠᴇ.
The World of Final Fantasy Fabula: Decima
Preface
Humanity, in the grand scope of time, is a relatively new existence on Decima. The world itself is quite old as evident by the state of the relics and ruins of antiquity that were here long before the first men, or so it is believed by the humans living today. The relics and ruins seem to have existed on Decima for quite some time, possibly even longer than the span of humanity's existence. Nature has overtaken them as most are found covered in dense vegetation and decayed by the centuries or more of rain and harsh weather. They appear to be quite technologically advanced, being composed primarily of metals and synthetic materials that are otherworldly to even the brightest of minds. Some scholars believe they are proof of a sentient race that existed long ago but their existence remains a question as old as any and one without a definitive answer. The people today look to the legends and myths of the goddesses for a possible explanation but without concrete evidence of just what they are and why they are here, in the end, the mystery persists… Because of the relative newness of human civilization on Decima, most of the world consists of huge expanses of wild land populated primarily by animals and monsters. Human settlements on Decima tend towards being in close proximity of one another, creating supermassive centers of civilization, typically governed by one of the three super nations: the Wolfkrone Empire, the Hygrade Dominion, and the Republic of Memoria.
Setting- Geography and Climate
- The world of Decima is made up of three main continents: Centra to the east, the Dark Continent in the middle, and the Giant's Island to the lower west. There are two more frozen continents to the North and South pole but they are often not taken into consideration due to the lack of human presence there. The majority of Decima enjoys a temperate climate year round with Spring and Summer lasting anywhere from 4-5 months each while Autumn and Winter both have shorter spans. The vast majority of Decima is covered in either lush, green rainforests or far-stretching expanses of grasslands with pockets of deciduous forests. Centra possesses two desert regions, both massive in scope. The Dark Continent is aptly named so due to seasons of higher rainfall than anywhere else on Decima along with it being inhabited by only the most fearsome of monsters. Giant's Island is the smallest of the continents and its human inhabitants tend to be taller and bigger than the average human of the other continents. To the far west lies a collection of islands where a floating city resides.
- Technology
- The technology of Decima is a combination of high fantasy, science fiction, and steampunk elements. Researching the ancient relics and ruins, the people of Decima have integrated many of the things they found into their own inventions, resulting in an unprecedented, lasting period of technological advancements, all within a few millennia. Settlements that were once brick and mortar nowadays are stone and metal structures of grand design. Transportation went from carts and chocobos to continent-spanning locomotives and airships. And while conventional weaponry like swords and spears are still very much in use and deadlier than before, the addition of Magic via crystals and firearms changed warfare forever. Powering everything is a combination of Magic, steam power, and early electrical systems. The most utilized of the three being Magic, resulting in the worldwide crystal mining industry—Decima’s largest economic driving force.
- Culture
- Humans are one of only two sentient races on Decima and, because they are relatively new to the planet, the entirety of human civilization possesses a very homogeneous culture with only some noteworthy distinctions between the three nations. The inhabitants of Giant's Island are particular different in their culture in that it is very similar to the culture of real life Pacific Islanders whereas the rest of Decima has a more European feel. The other sentient race that exists on Decima are Moogles but they lead much simpler lives in relative isolation from humans. The primary religion on Decima is the Gospel—named after the titular mother goddess. The tale of the goddesses is widespread amongst the population of Decima and the religion is followed by the majority of the people. A key component of the worship of Gospel is also the worship of Scions—powerful remnants of Gospel’s Magic that have taken physical form and may bless those they deem worthy with their awesome power. Numerous shrines are built all over Decima in their honor and some people even go on pilgrimages to their long abandoned ancient temples that once housed their crystals to partake in communion. The calendar of Decima is the same as the Gregorian calendar, using 12-month, 365-day cycles in a year with the same names for each month. Mining towns are a common sight on Decima as the mining of crystals is the largest driving force of the world economy. Other important sects on the economy includes agriculture, metallurgy, and merchant guilds. Science and the arts are flourishing more and more on Decima thanks to the long era of peace that is currently in effect.
- Wolfkrone Empire
- The Wolfkrone Empire represents the mightiest military force on all of Decima while at the same time possessing the smallest territory of the three great nations. It is a wholly militaristic society, placing great importance on the people’s duty to serve. Military service is mandatory for all men and women come the age of 18 and typically lasts for half a year. The reason for such a focus on having a strong military despite living in an age of prolonged peace and prosperity is that the continent the empire is situated upon is inhabited by only the most fearsome of monsters. Behemoths, Iron Giants, Mindflayers—weakness on this continent means certain death. Wolfkrone's military force relies heavily on conventional weaponry, firearms, and war machines as crystal mines are hard to come by on their continent. Recently, they've been aggressively expanding their territory into neutral lands abundant with crystal mines which has caused their relationship with the other two nations to become tense, bordering on a declaration of war. The capital of Wolfkrone is Astrabane where the long standing line of monarchs rule from. The current monarch is King Gwain Matreus Wolfkrone.
- Hygarde Dominion
- The oldest and largest of the three super nations, the Hygarde Dominion was established immediately following the collapse of the first kingdom and has persisted and prospered throughout the centuries. It is globally known as the Magic Empire because it owns the most number of crystal mines within its borders. Its military primarily consists of mages and, overall, is the smallest military force of the three nations. Other than the trading it does with the other nations, Hygarde tend towards isolationism and both its government and citizens bear a natural distrust of outsiders. Despite that, its borders are open for all travelers alike. The Hygardian Regent’s fear of Wolfkrone has pushed them to form a secret alliance with Memoria in order to overthrow the current ruling monarch. Hygarde’s capital is Paellucidus and is famed for the Crystal Palace: the castle stronghold where the Regent resides that was constructed around a colossal crystal structure that grew out from the earth long before humanity had existed. Princess Sarah Synphonus Cornelia is the rightful heir to the ruling seat but her elder sister, Princess Laan Synphonus Cornelia, is ruling as Regent in her stead until she comes of age. In Hygarde, the successor of the throne is chosen by their ability to wield the power of a special egg-shaped crystal.
- Republic of Memoria
- The newest of the three nations to arose out of the ruins of the first kingdom, Memoria is the most technologically advance of them all. The soaring clock tower at the heart of Memoria’s capital city of Solus Sede is known as the Astral Lance and is considered to be the peak of human engineering and the tallest manmade structure in all of Decima. It harnesses the power of lightning and uses it to power the entire city and numerous settlements within 1,500 miles of the city center. Memoria is also the nation of scholars and education, boasting a number of learning institutes and massive libraries. Memoria was once ruled by a king until only thirty years ago when a man named Cyad Kaiser led a rebellion and overthrew the tyrannical government. He instilled himself as Chancellor of Memoria and established the Crown’s Order to govern alongside him. The members of the Crown’s Order are elected officials. They’ve allied themselves with the forces of Hygarde in anticipation of coming war. Though it could be said that the shrewd Chancellor is merely using the Regents of Hygarde for his own agenda.
2. Astrabane: The ironclad capital of the militant Wolfkrone Empire. It is said that gloomy skies and drowning rain are a common occurrence here. That is, if the skies aren't blotted out by the armada of airships coming and going. The castle where the King resides is known as the Wolf Seat and is the highest structure to be found within the walls of the city. A towering reminder of his highness' absolute authority.
3. Fahl'arbor: A harbor town on the southwestern coast of the Dark Continent. Its main economic ventures include fishing and trading and... piracy. A womanizing pirate captain by the handle of Captain Cid has struck a deal to ferry the party back to Centra on his ship, the Brynhildr.
4. The Wastes: The larger and more unforgiving of the two desert regions found on the continent of Centra. Abandon all hope those who enter, for being stranded here means certain death. The scorching heat, the constant red-dust sandstorms, and the lack of water will get you, that is if the monsters don't get you first. Rumor has it that a tribe of desert dwellers call this place home under the rule of a mighty warrior king with an insatiable greed for unique weaponry.
5. Solus Sede: The capital of the Republic of Memoria as well as the technological capital of the world. It is the only city to run completely on electrical power, harnessing lightning through special towers. The Astral Lance clock tower that once served as the monarch's seat has now been repurposed to accommodate the entire ruling council. The latter half of the party's mission is to deliver the weapon plans here to Chancellor Cyad Kaiser and the Crown's Order.
6. Paellucidus: The elusive capital of the Hygarde Dominion. Mages from far and wide flock to this city to learn rare Magic and warriors come to acquire Magic-enhanced weaponry. The city at all times is protected by an invisible magic dome barrier. The Crystal Palace is the seat of the Regent and was built around a colossal crystal spire that pierced through the surface world long ago. To the people of Hygarde, the Regent and rightful heir to the throne is viewed as a prophet in a sense as they possess the ability to wield the magic of an egg-shaped crystal that has been passed down from Regent to Regent for generations.
7. Moogle Village: There are said to be many Moogle Villages in the world but they are exceedingly difficult to find. Only those chosen by the Moogles are allowed to enter into their domain. This is one of the few village sites that are known to host travelers. Is it true that Moogles hide rare treasures they don't even need in their homes? Kupo!
8. Eldurgh Lost Fortress: If one crosses the desert to the south of Solus Sede, they'll encounter the long winding steps leading to Eldurgh Lost Fortress: a long abandoned prison for monsters built into the side of an active volcano. The monsters still roam the fortress grounds but the humans are long gone. It is said that dwelling within this fiery domain is a mischievous Scion with dominion over fire.
9. Rock of Rebirth: There is only one reason to travel to the Rock of Rebirth: tufts of Phoenix Down. The legendary reincarnating bird built its nest at the very top of this precarious mountain during the days of the first kingdom and it has stayed here ever since. For the more daring, they say the Phoenix's Trial awaits those who dare climb the mountain and face the avian immortal head on. No one knows the reward of completing the trial because no one has ever succeeded.
10. Frozen Peristylium: The long abandoned temple of the Ice Scion, Shiva. They say the temple worshipers all disappear within a night and the doors of the temple are sealed forever with Magic. As you walk the path to the temple, you can see the gruesome sight of dozens of devotees frozen solid with looks of horror on their faces. One can only wonder if this Shiva's handiwork.
11. Sleeping Forest: Those who enter this forest leave without any memory of having ever entered. Those who enter this forest will ill-intent do not leave at all. They say a powerful guardian force protects this forest and its inhabitants. Just what's really in this forest remains as one of Decima's most intriguing mysteries.
12. Train Graveyard: The rusted and decayed vestiges of what were once powerful engines of transportation are laid to rest here in the Train Graveyard. Not only is it a graveyard for locomotives but it also serves as a haunting ground for undead monsters. Those that wander through here and survive swear that a single locomotive still operates every night without fail.
13. Giant's Island: The third continent of Decima enjoys tropical weather year round. The people here grow taller and stronger than anywhere else in the world and have a radically different culture than the rest of Decima, but it is said that they are the friendliest people you will ever meet. However, they fervently defend an old temple here and will not hesitate to kill those who wish to plunder the temple's secrets.
14. Mondnacht Atoll: A sinister island bathed in a permanent night. Once home to thousands, an encounter with a dark entity of unknown origins blackened the skies and rotted the land. The townsfolk fled shortly after. The dark entity's Magic persists to this day and so does it, making the island its residence for all eternity.
15. Ferron Peaks: The tallest mountain range on all of Decima, this location also houses ancient ruins of glass and metal structures from the age before mankind. Scholars would flock to this place despite the arduous climb for a chance to study the relics of old, but that is no longer the case. A dragon of almighty power has laid claim to these peaks.
16. Concordo: The floating capital of the west. Concordo is a neutral city built upon the sea and secured to the ocean floor by massive anchors. The people who live here appreciate the fine arts and music and live life as if there isn't a care in the world. The Concordo Council is the reigning government whose goal is to see their great city enjoy an everlasting peace.
17. Flooded Ruins: Located to the northwest of Wolfkrone's capital, the Flooded Ruins is as the name implies: ruins of pre-history flooded by the heavy rainfall of the region. The Flooded Ruins is one of the two largest expanses of unsettled land on Decima.
18. Colosseum: Simply referred to as such, the Colosseum, operating on neutral grounds, is a place for violent sport, namely fighting. It's mostly monsters against monsters, but any daring human can enter the ring for promises of prizes.
19. Calm Lands: The single largest area of untamed wilderness where only a few outposts stretched far and thin are the closest things to civilization. Gigantic monsters roam the land including Catoblepases, Bandersnatches, Malboros, Zus, and more. Notable landmarks include Yulia's Pass, the Spires, and the Crater of Dynis.
20. Gospel's Landing: A seaside resort within the Hygarde Dominion. It is a popular destination for travelers to rest their weary bodies and enjoy some games of luck and skill including gambling and chocobo racing.
21. Crystal Cavern: Once a crystal mine, it has now been rebuilt into a new facility by Wolfkrone, but for what purpose is a mystery.
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