The Continents & Great Nations

Augustus:

Augustus is assumed to be the largest continent on Terra Nullius, not that the inhabitants of the country are aware of any other continents. Eons ago, Augustus flourished with all manner of beasts. Then, as humanoids (human, elf, dwarf) came about, these races slowly began to conquer their respective countries on Augustus and place themselves in positions of power. As humanoid civilizations developed, many of the majestic creatures of legend and lore were lost to time—hunted to extinction or dying out from other causes. Tens of thousands of years have passed on Augustus and the exact evolution that took place on the continent varies depending on what country you’re examining.

The Legionis Mountains once separated the countries of Ezra, Montezuma, and Ramesses apart—restricting all interaction between the countries. When the Upheaval occurred, the Legionis Mountains underwent severe damage and shifting. This resulted in paths opening up between the three countries which allowed for travel and interaction between humans, elves, and dwarves.

No one knows what lies north of the Paries Mountains. Some theorize that other countries and civilizations exist and that another Upheaval could connect them to Ezra, Montezuma, and Ramesses. Most people think nothing lies beyond the mountains aside from oceans.

*SETTLEMENTS AND FEATURES*
Ezra: Located in the north of Augustus, this country is detailed later on in the Great Nations section.

Montezuma: Located in the southwest of Augustus, this country is detailed later on in the Great Nations section.

Ramesses: Located in the southeast of Augustus, this country is detailed later on in the Great Nations section.

Legionis Mountains: In a Y formation, the Legionis Mountains act as the borders for Ezra, Montezuma, and Ramesses. During the Upheaval, passages were broken into the Legionis Mountains which allowed the countries access to each other.

Paries Mountains: The Paries Mountains are located north of Ezra. Although they were damaged during the Upheaval, no clear passages opened up through them. All expeditions to climb to the top of the mountain have failed. No one is sure what is on the other side of these mountains. However, passages leading under the mountain have been fruitful for mining expeditions.

Centurion Ocean: On the east coast of Augustus, the Centurion Ocean borders Ezra and Ramesses.

Imperator Ocean: On the west coast of Augustus, the Imperator Ocean borders Ezra and Montezuma.

-Ezra:

Capital: Babylon
Government: Corporatocracy
Ruler: Abraham Campbell, President of the Genesis Corporation (Human)
Major Races: Human, Manaborn
Minor Races: Dwarf, Elf, Hengeyokai
Religions: The Divinity of Mankind, The Champion

Ezra is an area comprised of mostly woodlands. During the country’s beginnings, the humans were mostly compromised of individual barbarian tribes. Many of these tribes clashed and held war with one another. Occasionally, a great leader would unite the tribes against a common threat. These threats change with the time period and legends, but just a few of the threats that once threatened Ezra include dragons, sorcerers, and even the fabled monster of legend: the tarrasque.

During the ages of barbarians, Ezra’s people relied primarily on primal magic and martial might. There were a few gifted in the divine rights, but these individuals were rare. Those blessed by the Gods were spoke very highly of though and were considered to be sacred by all the barbarian tribes. Arcane magic was thought to be the work of evil and many sorcerers were hunted and killed during this time.

How then, did the radical change occur in Ezra? How did these barbarians rise up and become inventors of fantastical technology and masters of arcane magic? This change has been attributed to the Campbell family—the founding family of the Genesis Corporation.

The nation of Ezra slowly had their resources dwindle overtime. So much so, that to survive, society and civilization had to change. Ezra’s people had to change from nomads to farmers. Although many barbarians refused to change their lifestyle, enough of them began to change and give into these new ways. Towns and cities began to form as agriculture developed. The Campbell family formed an alliance of merchants and encouraged them to stake claims on much of the land and help people transition from nomadic lifestyles. This allowed many individuals to be put into debt of the forming Genesis Corporation.

During this time, Genesis began to find sources and pools of mana around the country. Sometimes raw mana is found in a liquid form while other times it is in more of a mineral form. During the barbarian times, mana was often underused. Primarily, druids and clerics used it in their arts. The Campbell founder is believed to be the first human to apply the mana he found in different ways. Through experimentations, he created the basis of arcane magic that wizards still use today in Ezra.

Some people consider this to be unlikely—claiming that Campbell stole this arcane research from another source. The other source always varies depending on the story. Some claim that the family that later founded the Exodus Corporation came up with it originally and that Genesis has been stealing their ideas ever since. Other stories say Campbell sought out sorcerers and had them teach them the basis of their magic. Others attribute sources like dragons and other fantastical creatures.

The remaining barbarian tribes, upon learning that these cities were experimenting with magic deemed heretical, began to lead raids and attack. During this time, conflict spread across Ezra like wildfire. The cities struggled to defend their lands from the razing barbarians. However, Campbell began to share his arcane secrets and train others. He created the prelude to firearms: muskets, cannons, and flintlock pistols. This advanced weaponry allowed them to turn the tides against the barbarian hordes. Those who did not submit were eventually gunned down.

From there, Ezra began to grow relatively peaceful. Campbell and his followers built the empire that would be one day deemed the Genesis Corporation. Cities began to grow and grow. Human expansion flourished and mana-tech developed. By the time the Upheaval occurred, the great capital of Babylon had already been built.

The nation of Ezra was delighted to learn that they were the superior powerhouse on Augustus. The forces of Montezuma and Ramesses easily fell to the weapons Ezra held. The Genesis Corporation decided that prolong war would drain their resources and potentially not yield any profit, so when peace talks began, Ezra agreed to them. During the peace talks, Ezra actually acquired claim of some land in Montezuma and Ramesses, which they then used to expand Ezra’s empire and establish a foothold in these countries. Just in case.

This brings us to today. Ezra is the largest nation on Augustus and their countryside is littered with towns and cities. These towns and cities aren’t nearly as advanced as Babylon. While Babylon is akin to a futuristic city, the other towns in Ezra are mostly shadows of this glory. There is a very western feeling in most of Ezra’s simple rural towns. Most towns and cities in Ezra have a purpose for the overall nation. Some towns are agriculture based while others are mining based.

To learn more of the nation of Ezra, it would be prudent to study the great city of Babylon, which is covered below.

*SETTLEMENTS AND FEATURES*

Babylon: The crown jewel of Ezra, Babylon is the capital city and headquarters of the Genesis Corporation. Babylon is the most technologically advanced location on Terra Nullius. Babylon is a large circular structure which is supported above the ground by eight reactors and a central pillar. There are various other supports located throughout the city. On top of the structure, the city has been divided into eight sectors with a central sector (sector zero) being located in the middle. Underneath the structure, on the ground itself, are various slums and run offs from the above city. The city is designed to be easily built onto—allowing for new sectors to be created overtime. Originally, Babylon was thought to be eight different towns, but later on the names of these towns were forgotten and instead referred to as sectors of Babylon.

Several monorails run throughout the city of Babylon. Although there are streets for cars and other vehicles, the monorail is the preferred method of public transportations. Monorails run through both the upper city and the lower city. Those who cannot afford to live in the Nobility District or the Housing District in the upper city are forced to live in the lower city. Each sector’s district has two sides to it. The side seen in the upper city is intended to be the ideal Ezra nation created by the Genesis Corporation while the lower city is almost a darker, seedier reflection of that. For example, while the upper city’s entertainment district has wholesome entertainment and is kept up well, the lower city’s entertainment district looks run down and offers entertainment considered unsavory.

In each sector, a mana-reactor can be found. Babylon was built upon a plentiful source of mana which is being used to this day to power the city. While these mana-reactors pose little danger to those in the upper city, they’re very much an inconvenience for those in the lower city slums. The waste from the mana-reactors is often discarded into the slums through sewers and pipes. This waste has seeped into the ground over years and years, corrupting the very earth with mana-radiation. This radiation is quite unhealthy to live in and creates many birth defects.

Below, you can learn the purpose of each sector and a little bit about it. The information being covered primarily focuses on the upper city of that district rather than the lower city.

-Sector Zero (Genesis District): Located in the center of Babylon, Sector Zero is home to the Genesis Corporation headquarters. This sector is heavily guarded and access to it is typically restricted to employees and visiting guests. The majority of the sector is comprised of a single towering building. This building is hundreds of stories tall and it can be seen from all across the city. Genesis Corporation uses this building to run most of their business out of. Many executives actually stay and live in the building full-time.

-Sector One (Nobility District): Sector One is new, bright, and shiny. It is actually one of the oldest sectors, but the Nobility District is constantly repaired and updated. The richest folk found in Ezra live here and it shows in the décor. Many executives in Genesis have homes here, but the denizens aren’t restricted to just company employees. Many rich families that have nothing to do with the company live here. This sector is well policed and common riff raft aren’t allowed in (aside from servants).

-Sector Two (Garden District): In an attempt to pay homage to the roots of Ezra, Sector Two is known as the Garden District. Aside from the mana reactor, the entire district is one giant park. Trees, plants, and flowers have been planted here. Despite the attempt to make it natural, much of the district feels artificial. This doesn’t seem to bother many people, though. Families come here to conduct picnics and many youths use the district to play competitive sports (football, baseball, paintball, and more). Sometimes, the Garden District is turned into a hunting ground for ceremonial games.

-Sector Three (Business District): Referred to as the Business District, Sector Three is the primary hub for trading, buying, and selling. The Genesis Corporation has many stores located here, but many other businesses exist here too. If you don’t work for Genesis, this is probably where you look. The news station can be found in the business district. In addition, the Exodus Corporation headquarters can be found here too.

-Sector Four (Entertainment District): Restaurants, movie theaters, dance clubs, arcades, bars, inns, and all other manner of entertainment can be found in Sector Four. Labeled the Entertainment District, much of Ezra’s populace comes here to try and unwind at the end of a long day.

-Sector Five (Housing District): Where do the middleclass live? Why, in the Housing District of course! Sector Five is entirely dedicated to providing reasonable homes at a reasonable price. The majority of residents are Genesis Corporation employees as Genesis provides free company housing to employees. While it is not as fancy looking as Sector One, Sector Five is still a huge class above what is found in the lower city slums.

-Sector Six (Testing District): Sector Six has the pleasure of being labeled the Testing District. What does that entail? Shh, top secret, can’t tell you. Sector Six is considered off limits to the majority of Babylon’s populace. The Genesis Corporation uses Sector Six to test various projects and weaponry deemed unsafe for testing in Sector Zero. Sector Six is also used as a storage facility for the company as there are many warehouses here.

-Sector Seven (Foreign District): When the Upheaval occurred, the Genesis Corporation needed a location to meet and greet with foreign dignitaries. In order to keep track of them while in the city limits, Sector Seven was created and labeled the Foreign District. Sector Seven is comprised of two sides: the dwarven side and the elven side. On the dwarven side, you’ll find Montezuma themed shops, restaurants, and entertainment hotspots. Even the cartels have a small presence here. They’re friendly enough. The elven side is less hospitable, although you find the occasional elf running a store or a restaurant themed after Ramesses. Many dwarves and elves (as well as half-breeds) that live in Babylon, live in Sector Seven.

-Sector Eight (Hengeyokai District): Also known as Little Musashi, Sector Eight is home to a large population of hengeyokai that have broken away from their caravans and moved to Babylon. Labeled the Hengeyokai District, this sector came into creation in the past hundred years thanks to the lobbying of some of Ezra’s nobility. Indeed, not even the hengeyokai wanted a district. However, Ezra’s nobility insisted as many found hengeyokai culture to be quaint and adventurous. The people of Ezra almost treat the district like a foreign vacation. The Genesis Corporation approved of Sector Eight predominantly because it allows them to keep tabs and track on the hengeyokai in the city. More than likely, if you live in Sector Eight, Genesis Corporation has a file on you.

The Wolf’s Woods: The primary forest found in Ezra, the Wolf’s Woods dominate most of the countryside. During the barbarian times, it was said that packs of dire wolves ran alongside man. Dire wolf sightings are now rare to see and much of the Wolf’s Woods is being demolished to make room for expansion and growth from Babylon and other cities.

The Bear’s Fjord: Located east along the Legionis Mountains, the Bear’s Fjord is one of the landmarks of Ezra. This long, narrow inlet leads into the country’s interior and connects to the Centurion Ocean. Named for the Champion, the Bear’s Fjord was once the site of tribal meetings and battles for leadership.

Potom Falls: Rural farming and logging community located where the rushing river that cascades hundreds of miles through the nation's heart empties out to make a vast wetland. These wetlands have escaped development due to the expense of draining them all. Potom Falls makes a meager living by doing logging where the Ezran machines can't go. The nearby Mitran Forest has been cleared and turned into farmland.

-Montezuma:

Capital: Palenque
Government: Republic
Rulers: Javier Santiago (Dwarf), Ramon Gomez (Gnome), Elisa Vargas (Halfling)
Major Races: Dwarves, Gnomes, Halflings
Minor Races: Hengeyokai, Huamns, Manaborn
Religions: The Patron, The Reaper, The Merrymaker

With hot days and cold nights, Montezuma largely has a southwest desert feel to it. There is a lot of brush, cactus, and flowers. The terrain is not as harsh as Ramesses, but it is still a land to tread carefully. While the terrain can be hilly and mountainous in places, the true danger comes from the cartel families. Santiago, Gomez, and Vargas are the three head families found in Montezuma. Together, they run an uneasy republic government. The republic fools no one. The inhabitants are well aware that the three cartels fight for wealth, land, and resources. Many towns must swear allegiance to a specific cartel and depend on them for protection against the other cartels.

Before these modern times, it is theorized that the dwarven people used to have a single emperor. The records of these early times don’t exist in story or in writing. Whatever happened to this great empire is a mystery, but the structures they’ve left behind are proof of their existence. Many temples and ruins are scattered across Montezuma. The modern dwarves explore these places and inhabitant them. From these ruins, hieroglyphics exist which scholars have been using to try and piece together the ancient civilization that once resided here. Some compare this ancient dwarven civilization to the current elven civilization in Ramesses, as there are a few similarities between them. The majority of elves and dwarves (out of pride) find this notion to be laughable.

When the Upheaval occurred, Montezuma’s inhabitants were eager to see if they could stake new claims. When they came across the humans and elves, bloody skirmishes occurred. Montezuma was unfortunately less organized than Ezra and Ramesses, which caused Montezuma to be on the losing end of many of these conflicts. As a result, Montezuma was the first country to submit the idea of a peace treaty. Once peace was had, Montezuma quickly entered into negotiations with Ezra (and the Genesis Corporation) to get their hands on some of the human’s mana-tech.

Each of the cartels (Santiago, Gomez, Vargas) all try to entreat Genesis with different tactics. Genesis, knowing that they’ve got three different buyers, initially hiked up prices and was only selling old, outdated pieces of technology. When the cartels learned they were getting screwed over, they tried to find different methods to obtaining mana-tech (purchasing illegally stolen goods from Hengeyokai or by stealing it themselves). When this became a problem, Genesis lowered their prices to be more reasonable and began trying to work out exclusive contracts. Santiago Cartel in particularly seems to be Genesis’ favorite due to their size and power. As a result, Genesis has many exclusive mining rights in Montezuma. These rights were acquired in exchange for mana-tech. Genesis is starting to spread their mana-reactors across Montezuma as they have found the country is a rich and untapped resource.

Not to be outdone, the Gomez Cartel worked out exclusive rights with hengeyokai caravans for illegally acquired mana-tech. The Vargas Cartel is more likely to try to steal their mana-tech from Santiago, Gomez, and Genesis, but the Vargas Cartel seems to be the only organization that has made any impact on the elves of Ramesses. Indeed, it seems that Ramesses’ pharaoh has taken a liking to the halflings.

The basic food staples of Montezuma are chili peppers, corn, and beans. Many domesticated animals (cows, chicken, pigs, goat) can be found as well which provides meat and dairy. Spices and sauces are used in many of Montezuma’s dishes and the country favors tortillas over bread.

To outsiders, Montezuma can look like a peaceful place. The inhabitants though live in constant fear of the cartels. Although the cartels speak of having the country’s best interest at heart, it seems like they have no qualms with selling their country and culture piece by piece to further their own ends.

-Ramesses:

Capital: Tanis
Government: Monarchy
Ruler: Pharaoh Antef Azer (Eladrin)
Major Races: Elves, Eladrin, Drow
Minor Races: Hengeyokai, Humans, Manaborn
Religions: The Lawmaker, The Warrior, The Survivor

As the story goes, in the beginning, the Lawmaker created Ramesses. Eladrin, elves, and drow were created equal and the trio of races lived in peace and harmony. In these days, Ramesses was thought to be a tropical paradise. Beautiful crystal clear lakes and rivers could be found as well as towering trees and vegetation which provided a wealth of resources. Fantastical creatures roamed these lands during those days.

This all changed when the drow desecrated the Lawmaker’s tenants. With His laws disobeyed and broken, He cursed the drow and blackened them under the sun. In the span of an instance, He used the sun to turn the tropical paradise into a desolate wasteland. The terrible and sudden ecological that occurred changed everything in Ramessess.

That event formed the basis of the society still found in Ramesses to this day. The eladrin were praised for following the Lawmaker and became the nobility of Ramesses. The elves, the common people, were tasked with keeping society peaceful. And finally, the drow, in repentance, were enslaved and forced to hold up the greatness of Ramesses on their backs.

As of today, Ramesses is a sprawling desert. The only thing that resembles the luscious lands of the legends is the pockets of oases found scattered across the country. Bastions of civilization are spread throughout the country’s city-states. Desert creatures can be found in Ramesses, but the exotic monsters of legend and lore are all gone for the most part. Stone and mud brick form the basis of most of Ramesses’ buildings and structures. There are numerous temples in each city dedicated to the Lawmaker and the Warrior. Each pyramid built in Ramessess is said to represent a past pharaoh and each pharaoh tries to outdo the previous one.

Ramesses fashion is designed to keep cool in the desert. Linen skirts, headdresses, tunics, and dresses are common. It is not uncommon for youths and slaves to be naked all the time. Footwear consists of leather worked sandals. Animal hides and silken garbs are typically reserved for nobility. Jewelry, cosmetic makeup, perfume, and cologne are all common as well in the upper-class. Protective garments are worn during sandstorm season.

Despite being in a desert, the flood seasons and the Scepter River allow the country to have bountiful agriculture. Wheat, barley, flax, papyrus, figs, grapes, dates, corn, beans, onions, garlic, lettuce, parsley, olives, and pomegranates are common products of agriculture here. Cuisine here consists of a lot of spiced dishes with bread as the basis (either used to make sandwiches, or the bread used in place of utensils to eat food with). Many vegetarian options are available. Seafood and poultry is common with beef being rare.

*SETTLEMENTS AND FEATURES*

Tanis: Consisting of numerous pyramids and other large structures, Tanis is the capital city of Ramesses and where the monarchy resides. The city has few of the modern conveniences that Ezra’s Babylon does, instead opting for more traditional and ancient methods of living. It is believed some of the greatest mages, druids, and clerics reside here as Tanis is home to one of the largest libraries of ancient lore.

The Apepi Desert: The largest desert in Ramesses, the Apepi stretches over across most of the country. It is a harsh and dangerous terrain. The desert is named after the first pharaoh of Ramesses.

The Sphinx Oasis: Found halfway between Tanis and the Legionis Mountains, the Sphinx Oasis is one of the largest trading centers in Ramesses. Travelers are practically required to stop here for relief while traversing the countryside of Tanis.

The Scepter River: Zig-zagging through the country, the Scepter River is used as a landmark and is one of the primary travel routes in Ramessess. It is named the scepter due to the “head” of the river being the large lake located at the Sphinx Oasis.


Musashi:

A mysterious island cloaked in mists and subterfuge, Musashi is said to be the homeland of the hengeyokai. The legends claim that Musashi resides on the back of the Goddess known as the Turtle. Atop of Her shell, the lands are kept safe as they travel around Terra Nullius on the whims of their Goddess. All four seasons are represented in Musashi. The island is said to have animals and vegetation unique to it and the proof of that is in the seeds and creatures the hengeyokai caravans have brought to Augustus. It is also believed that Musashi has plentiful sources of mana. The hengeyokai claim that many creatures of legend and lore did not go extinct there.

When the Upheaval occurred, it is believed that the earthquakes did something to displace the majority of hengeyokai from Musashi. The hengeyokai came in troves to Augustus and settled on the continent in their caravans. Since the Upheaval, no new hengeyokai have come to Augustus and none have left the continent either. The hengeyokai will speak of their homeland, but when confronted with why they’ve come to Augustus and whether or not they can return to Musashi, the only answer given is silence.

Hengeyokai lore states that their race has been around for hundreds of thousands of years. Until the Upheaval, they have never left Musashi. Musashi was a largely peaceful place of the course of its history, although it did know of war. The hengeyokai tell of wars with a humanoid mantis race called Thri-Kreens, a humanoid hyena race called Gnolls, and a humanoid bovine race called Minotaurs. Fey are featured predominantly as well in hengeyokai legends. There are many stories of satyrs, pixies, and hamadryads. If these creatures exist, none came over with the hengeyokai. However, that is not to say that they don’t exist, as hengeyokai stories and art do depict these creatures.

Musashi culture favors silken garments and pastel colors. Opened toed sandals, kimonos, and yukatas are common. For cuisine, Musashi is well known for its rice, seafood, sushi, and tempura. Pears, apples, oranges, cherries, spinach, radish, cabbage, yams, and taro roots are just a few of the items brought over to Augustus.

If Musashi exists, the location of it is unknown.