World Map

   So here's the world map, let's have a brief rundown of the countries, shall we?
   The swirls represent towers, for the record.

   Since the game properly starts in Ipsin, we'll begin with there.

   Ipsin is a small, mildly fertile land. It was formerly fairly dry, but it was blessed with a strong spring of water that fed farmland. Nowadays, that spring is gone, but a massive storm is perpetually thundering in the north ocean, which waters the land fervently.
   Ipsin is technically property of Cavalier, ever since they were invaded by that massive northern nation, but the former Ipsinian king's twin daughters are allowed to remain on the throne in name, at least.

Continuing on southwards, Qward's border which can be seen is not actually the real border, but Qward likes to pretend it is. Qward is really only the city of Qward, but as it takes rent from those who live outside the city up to that border line, it considers itself to be that land. Qward is a city of scholars, priests/priestesses and those blessed with powers from the goddess. All flock here, for the libraries are extensive, and the wisdom of the scholars is passed down generation to generation. Since there are so many powerful people living there, Qwerd doesn't bother to make a fuss about borders and gets by quietly. Qward is allied with Cavalier.

   Qwerd is a land of farmland and forests stretching out across the countryside. The only large city is the capital, and thus their strength is not so great that they dare go up against Qward. Instead, they focus on surreptitiously developing technology, lacking any profound magical talent. The people are fond of festivals.

   Sumire is a land of sand, fitting for the warm south. Here, no particular ruler is supreme- instead nomadic tribes wander the land, stopping at oases to grow crops for a season, or planting their tents by the sea to fish for a while. The only true cities are by the sea, where some people enjoyed fishing so much that they set root there.
   A tower can be found just off the southern coast, which stretches beyond the clouds.

   Numia is a land known by its abundant fishing and beautiful plants. It is here that worship for the Goddess flourishes the most, since they are grateful for it being so blessed. The arts are especially strong here- since food is not hard to get, people have free time aplenty to write plays, perform music and make art.

   The Isles of Penreth are a barren, cold sort of place. Rocky and dull, good soil is seldom to be found, though there are a few clay deposits. The sea caverns and hidden valleys make good hiding for pirates, rebels, mercenaries hiding from angry acquaintances, and refugees. You might find a few eccentrics scattered about as well, for the greatest of craftsmen seem to find settings such as this particularly inspirational and romantic.

   Lastly, Cavalier is known as the 'cursed land' on account of its placement as the land furthest from the World Light. This makes the cold season especially long, leaving precious few months for raising crops. Mountains stud the icy land like jewels, and indeed Cavalier's great commodity is rubies. They are reserved for the nobility, as a symbol of their reign. And there are many nobles indeed, for Cavalier is divided into ten provinces, whose rulers change quite a lot. Really, whether you wear a ruby or not is the only way to tell if someone's noble right now.