Cherreads

Chapter 2. World Geography - Detailed Descriptions

## **Res Domain** (Central Domain)

The sprawling heartland of the continent, [[Res Domain]] stands as the largest and most populous region. Its central location has made it the natural crossroads of trade, politics, and culture. Rolling plains transition into fertile river valleys, creating an agricultural powerhouse that feeds much of the continent. The domain's prosperity has attracted merchants, nobles, and adventurers for centuries, making it a melting pot of races and traditions.

The climate is temperate, with four distinct seasons that favor cultivation. Ancient roads built during the First Empire still connect major settlements, though many have fallen into disrepair in remote areas. The domain's size means it encompasses diverse landscapes—from the Mirror Forests in the northwest to the Sundering Hills along its eastern border.

Political power in [[Res Domain]] is concentrated in [[Qara City]], though regional lords maintain significant autonomy in their territories. The domain's central position makes it both a strategic asset and a target; historically, whoever controls [[Res Domain]] controls the continent's destiny.

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## **Fers Domain** (Southern Domain)

Despite being the smallest domain, [[Fers Domain]] punches well above its weight in influence. The southern climate is warm and humid, with tropical forests dominating the landscape. Coastal regions feature pristine beaches and natural harbors that have made the domain a maritime power.

The people of [[Fers Domain]] are known for their naval expertise and exotic goods—spices, rare woods, and minerals found nowhere else on the continent. Their cities are built vertically, with structures climbing hillsides and cliffs to maximize limited space. Architecture here features open-air designs to combat the heat, with flowing water channels providing both cooling and beauty.

Despite its size, [[Fers Domain]] has never been successfully conquered. The dense jungles and treacherous coastal approaches have swallowed countless invasion forces. The locals have developed guerrilla tactics refined over millennia, making their small territory virtually impregnable.

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## **Mes Domain** (Eastern Domain)

[[Mes Domain]] stretches along the eastern coast, where the continent meets the Endless Ocean. This domain is characterized by dramatic coastal cliffs, windswept plateaus, and ancient mountain ranges that run parallel to the shore. The eastern winds bring both prosperity and peril—monsoon seasons can be devastating, but they also ensure abundant rainfall for agriculture.

The domain is known for its scholarly traditions. Great libraries and universities dot the landscape, preserving knowledge from before the Cataclysm. [[Mes Domain]] produces the continent's finest cartographers, astronomers, and historians. Their ships are equally famous, combining elegant design with exceptional seaworthiness.

Culturally, the people of [[Mes Domain]] value contemplation and long-term thinking. Their architecture reflects this—stone structures built to last millennia, with careful consideration for how buildings interact with natural light throughout the day and seasons. The domain maintains complex diplomatic relationships with [[Res Domain]], sometimes cooperative, sometimes competitive, but rarely hostile.

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## **Eres Domain** (Western Domain)

The western frontier, [[Eres Domain]] is a land of extremes. Vast deserts transition into scrublands, which eventually give way to the Shattered Mountains—a jagged range that marks the continent's western edge. Resources are scarce, making the inhabitants hardy and pragmatic.

Despite harsh conditions, [[Eres Domain]] has developed a unique culture centered around water management and survival. Oasis cities serve as hubs of civilization, their locations guarded secrets passed down through generations. These cities are engineering marvels, featuring underground aqueducts and reservoirs that can sustain populations through years-long droughts.

The domain is also rich in minerals and precious stones, drawing miners and prospectors. Nomadic tribes roam the wastes between settlements, following ancient routes and trading goods. [[Eres Domain]] maintains a fierce independence, often viewing the other domains as soft and complacent. Their warriors are legendary—small in number but unmatched in individual skill.

Relations with [[Abyss Domain]] to the north are practically nonexistent, with the Shattered Mountains serving as a natural barrier between them.

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## **Abyss Domain** (Northern Domain - Forbidden)

Shrouded in mystery and terror, [[Abyss Domain]] is the forbidden land. Perpetual twilight hangs over the region, with the sun barely cresting the horizon even at midday. The temperature never rises above freezing, and strange phenomena occur with disturbing regularity—time flows differently, the dead do not stay buried, and madness claims even the strongest minds.

Ancient ruins dot the landscape, remnants of civilizations that existed before recorded history. These structures defy understanding, built with materials and techniques that modern scholars cannot replicate or explain. Most are actively avoided, as explorers who venture inside rarely return, and those who do are... changed.

The Forbidden Edict, signed by all domain leaders three centuries ago, declared [[Abyss Domain]] off-limits to all citizens. Border fortresses along the southern edge maintain constant vigilance, not to prevent invasion, but to stop things from coming south. Soldiers stationed there serve short rotations—prolonged exposure to the domain's influence causes psychological deterioration.

Rumors persist of settlements within [[Abyss Domain]], communities of exiles and cultists who worship the dark forces that dwell there. Whether these stories are true or merely cautionary tales remains unknown. What is certain is that expeditions into the domain have consistently ended in disaster.

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## **Qara City** (Capital of the Sera Continent)

More accurately described as a city-region, [[Qara City]] sprawls across hundreds of square miles at the heart of [[Res Domain]]. With a population exceeding three million, it is the largest settlement on the continent and serves as the political, economic, and cultural capital.

The city is divided into distinct quarters, each with its own character:

**The Crown Quarter** houses the Continental Council, where representatives from all domains (except [[Abyss Domain]]) meet to discuss matters of continental importance. Grand palaces belonging to influential families line wide boulevards, their architecture displaying wealth accumulated over generations.

**The Guild District** is a maze of workshops, warehouses, and guild halls. Every major trade organization maintains headquarters here, from the Merchants' Consortium to the Adventurers' League. The district operates with semi-autonomous governance, with guild masters wielding power that sometimes rivals noble houses.

**The Commons** is where most citizens live and work. Markets sprawl through neighborhoods, offering goods from across the continent. Temples to various deities stand beside each other in relative harmony. The Commons is vibrant, chaotic, and the true beating heart of [[Qara City]].

**The Undercity** exists beneath the surface—a network of tunnels, sewers, and forgotten chambers dating back centuries. Criminal organizations control these depths, and even the city guard ventures below only when absolutely necessary.

[[Qara City]]'s position near [[Meris Lake]] provides abundant fresh water and facilitates trade via river barges. The city's walls, though ancient, are maintained impeccably and have never been breached. The city is also home to embassies from the [[Academy of Reyas]] on the [[Island of Vias]], maintaining close ties with the premier magical institution.

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## **Island of Vias** (Floating Island)

Defying natural laws, the [[Island of Vias]] floats serenely above [[Meris Lake]], approximately five hundred feet above the water's surface. Measuring roughly three miles in diameter, the island serves as home to the legendary [[Academy of Reyas]], the continent's foremost institution of magical learning and research.

The island's underside is visible from [[Qara City]] and nearby settlements—a strange mixture of earth, stone, and crystalline structures that seem to grow like roots reaching toward the water below. At night, these crystals glow with soft blue light, creating an ethereal spectacle reflected in [[Meris Lake]].

Access to [[Island of Vias]] is restricted and controlled entirely by the [[Academy of Reyas]]. Several methods exist for reaching the floating landmass: teleportation circles for those skilled enough to use them, griffin-drawn carriages for important visitors, and levitation platforms for regular supply deliveries. All access points are heavily guarded and monitored.

The [[Academy of Reyas]] dominates the island, its towers and halls spreading across most of the available land. Gardens cultivated with magical enhancement produce plants that grow nowhere else. Libraries contain tomes dating back millennia, protected by wards that have preserved them perfectly. Research laboratories probe the fundamental nature of magic itself, sometimes with spectacular (and dangerous) results.

The Academy maintains political neutrality, refusing to align with any particular domain or faction. This independence is respected because the Academy provides invaluable services: training mages, researching magical threats, and maintaining wards that protect the continent from supernatural dangers. Students come from all domains (though notably few from [[Eres Domain]] and none from [[Abyss Domain]]) to study under the greatest magical minds alive.

The island's origins remain a mystery. The [[Academy of Reyas]] claims to have founded their institution on an already-floating island discovered over a thousand years ago. What caused [[Island of Vias]] to float, and whether it could fall, are questions that even the Academy's greatest scholars cannot definitively answer—though they continuously study the phenomenon.

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## Geographic Relationships

[[Res Domain]] borders all other domains except [[Fers Domain]], making it the continental hub. [[Mes Domain]] and [[Eres Domain]] are separated by [[Res Domain]], having no direct border. [[Fers Domain]] is connected to [[Res Domain]] by a narrow land bridge known as the Southern Passage. [[Abyss Domain]] shares borders with [[Res Domain]], [[Eres Domain]], and [[Mes Domain]], though these borders are marked by fortifications rather than trade posts.

[[Meris Lake]], where [[Island of Vias]] floats, is the largest freshwater body on the continent, fed by rivers from [[Mes Domain]] and [[Eres Domain]] that converge near [[Qara City]].

Other Continents : Unknown

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# Most Influential Forces in the World

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## **[[Descartes Guild]]**

The strongest guild in the world, [[Descartes Guild]] is recognized as one of the Top Three Forces. Their headquarters dominates a significant portion of [[Qara City]], a sprawling complex that serves as both administrative center and training grounds. The guild's influence extends across all domains, with branch offices in every major city except those in [[Abyss Domain]].

[[Descartes Guild]] maintains strict standards for membership, accepting only the most skilled hunters. Their reputation was built on consistently completing the most dangerous commissions—from dragon subjugation to dungeon clearance in forbidden zones. The guild's financial resources are unmatched, allowing them to fund expeditions and research that other organizations can only dream of.

The relationship between [[Descartes Guild]] and [[Descartes Family]] is complex, with significant overlap in membership and interests, though they maintain separate organizational structures.

**Location:** [[Qara City]], [[Res Domain]]

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## **[[Descartes Family]]**

The strongest and most influential family in the world, [[Descartes Family]] resides in the prestigious Descartes Estate within [[Qara City]]. Their estate is practically a fortress, occupying an entire district with walls that have stood for centuries. The family's wealth is legendary, accumulated through generations of strategic marriages, business ventures, and control over key resources.

[[Descartes Family]] members are born into power and trained from childhood in combat, politics, and leadership. Their influence touches every aspect of continental affairs—they hold seats on the Continental Council, fund multiple guilds including [[Descartes Guild]], and maintain private armies that rival some domain military forces.

The family's political neutrality has been key to their longevity. While they clearly hold power, they rarely exercise it overtly, preferring to influence events from behind the scenes. This has allowed them to maintain good relations with all domains simultaneously.

**Location:** Descartes Estate, [[Qara City]], [[Res Domain]]

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## **[[Mairis Family]]**

The second-strongest family in the world, [[Mairis Family]] holds a unique position as royalty and the only surviving bloodline of the Asura race. Their Mairis Estate in [[Qara City]] is built in traditional Asura architectural style—massive stone structures adorned with ancient symbols that predate the current continental calendar.

The Asura heritage grants [[Mairis Family]] members exceptional physical and magical abilities that manifest from birth. This bloodline advantage, combined with centuries of accumulated knowledge and resources, makes them formidable despite being smaller in number than other major families.

[[Mairis Family]] maintains extensive historical records of the Asura civilization, guarding them jealously. Scholars from [[Mes Domain]] and the [[Academy of Reyas]] have repeatedly requested access, but the family shares their ancestral knowledge selectively. Their royal status is recognized across all domains, though they hold no formal political territory.

**Location:** Mairis Estate, [[Qara City]], [[Res Domain]]

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## **[[Academy of Reyas]]** (Reyas Academy)

The world's premier academy for hunters, [[Academy of Reyas]] is considered one of the Top Three Powers. Located on the [[Island of Vias]], the academy benefits from isolation that allows for dangerous training exercises and magical experiments that would be impossible in populated areas.

[[Academy of Reyas]] accepts students from across the continent based purely on talent and potential. Graduates from the academy are highly sought after by every major guild and family. The curriculum is brutal—combining theoretical knowledge with practical combat training in real dungeons and against actual monsters. The mortality rate during training is significant, but survivors emerge as elite hunters.

The academy maintains political independence from all domains and families, funded through a combination of tuition from wealthy students, donations from alumni, and income from magical research patents. Their neutrality is fiercely protected, and any attempt to influence academy affairs is met with unified resistance from all major powers who benefit from having a neutral training ground.

The current administration is led by the head of [[Zeus Family]], who serves as Dean.

**Location:** [[Island of Vias]], above [[Meris Lake]], [[Res Domain]]

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## **[[Zeus Family]]**

The third-strongest family of hunters and royalty of the Demon Clan, [[Zeus Family]] holds unique authority as the current leadership of [[Academy of Reyas]]. They reside on the [[Island of Vias]], their estate integrated into the academy grounds while maintaining distinct private quarters.

As demon clan royalty, [[Zeus Family]] possesses inherent magical abilities that exceed most human capabilities. Their control over magic is legendary, and family members often serve as advanced magic instructors at [[Academy of Reyas]]. The family's dual role as educators and demon royalty creates interesting diplomatic dynamics—they're respected for their position at the academy while being treated cautiously due to their demonic heritage.

[[Zeus Family]] uses their position at [[Academy of Reyas]] to maintain influence across the continent. Every major family sends their children to the academy at some point, creating networks of relationships that [[Zeus Family]] carefully cultivates. Despite their power, they remain focused on academic excellence rather than overt political maneuvering.

**Location:** [[Island of Vias]], [[Res Domain]]

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## **[[Starlight Guild]]**

The second-strongest guild in the world, [[Starlight Guild]] holds the top ranking among all forces and is fourth in the overall Top Force rankings. Their headquarters in [[Qara City]] rivals [[Descartes Guild]] in scale, featuring state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment.

[[Starlight Guild]] built their reputation on speed and efficiency. They pioneered rapid-response teams that can deploy to crisis situations within hours, a capability that has saved countless lives during monster outbreaks and dungeon breaks. The guild specializes in coordinated team tactics, with members training together for years to achieve perfect synchronization.

The relationship with [[Starlight Family]] provides significant advantages in recruitment and funding. However, [[Starlight Guild]] maintains operational independence, accepting members purely on merit regardless of family connections.

**Location:** [[Qara City]], [[Res Domain]]

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## **[[Starlight Family]]**

The fourth-strongest family in the world, [[Starlight Family]] resides in Starlight Estate within [[Qara City]]. Their rise to prominence has been relatively recent—only three generations—but meteoric. Through strategic guild leadership, business acumen, and producing exceptional hunters, they've secured a position among the elite families.

[[Starlight Family]] is known for innovation, often adopting new techniques and technologies before other conservative families. Their estate features modern amenities alongside traditional defensive measures. The family maintains extensive intelligence networks, gathering information from across the continent through [[Starlight Guild]] operations.

Unlike older families that rely on bloodline advantages, [[Starlight Family]] succeeds through rigorous training methodology and strategic thinking. This approach has made them popular among common-born hunters who see them as proof that skill can rival inherited power.

**Location:** Starlight Estate, [[Qara City]], [[Res Domain]]

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## **[[Aero Guild]]**

The third-strongest guild in the world, [[Aero Guild]] is considered a top-ranked force, holding fifth place in the overall Top Force rankings. Their headquarters in [[Qara City]] is distinguished by its vertical architecture—towers that spiral upward, reflecting the guild's specialization in aerial combat and high-altitude operations.

[[Aero Guild]] pioneered the use of flying mounts and magical flight techniques in hunter operations. Their members are trained extensively in three-dimensional combat, making them particularly effective against flying monsters and in mountainous terrain. The guild maintains the largest fleet of combat-trained griffins, wyverns, and other aerial creatures on the continent.

The connection to [[Aero Family]] provides access to vampire abilities, particularly enhanced speed and sensory perception, though the guild accepts members of all races. [[Aero Guild]] handles contracts that other guilds find impossible—operations in the Shattered Mountains of [[Eres Domain]], high-altitude dragon nests, and floating dungeon clearances.

**Location:** [[Qara City]], [[Res Domain]]

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## **[[Aero Family]]**

The fifth-strongest family in the world and royal bloodline of the vampire race, [[Aero Family]] resides in [[Fers Domain]] rather than [[Qara City]]. This unusual choice reflects the family's preference for privacy and their affinity for the tropical environment of the southern domain.

As vampire royalty, [[Aero Family]] members possess enhanced physical abilities, extended lifespans, and natural magical talents related to blood and darkness. The family has worked for centuries to overcome prejudices against vampires, positioning themselves as protectors rather than predators. Their influence in [[Fers Domain]] is significant, with local lords respecting their authority.

[[Aero Family]] maintains a complex relationship with other major families. While their power is undeniable, their vampire nature creates social distance. They compensate through exceptional diplomatic skills and by demonstrating unwavering loyalty to continental stability. The family's long lifespan has given them patience and perspective that shorter-lived races struggle to match.

**Location:** [[Fers Domain]]

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## **[[Aven Family]]**

The sixth-strongest family and second-most influential family in the world, [[Aven Family]] is the only surviving bloodline of the angels. They reside in [[Mes Domain]], where they maintain extensive religious and scholarly institutions alongside their family estate.

Angel heritage grants [[Aven Family]] members natural affinity for light magic and healing abilities. Their wings—manifesting in adolescence—allow natural flight and are considered symbols of divine blessing. The family has leveraged this perception to build significant religious influence, with many viewing them as intermediaries between mortals and higher powers.

[[Aven Family]] guards ancient knowledge from the angel civilization, including magical techniques and historical records that predate human settlement of the continent. Their libraries rival those of [[Mes Domain]]'s greatest universities. The family's influence comes less from military might and more from their role as spiritual leaders and knowledge keepers.

Despite being ranked sixth in strength, their influence arguably exceeds higher-ranked families due to their religious authority and the respect commanded by their angelic heritage.

**Location:** [[Mes Domain]]

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## **[[Gates Family]]**

The seventh-strongest family in the world, [[Gates Family]] is the royal family of the dark elf race. They reside in [[Eres Domain]], adapted to the harsh desert environment that suits dark elf physiology and culture.

Dark elf heritage provides [[Gates Family]] members with enhanced agility, superior night vision, and natural proficiency with shadow magic. The family has ruled the dark elf population for millennia, maintaining traditions that predate the current continental political structure. Their authority over dark elves is absolute, though they govern with a light touch that preserves clan autonomy.

[[Gates Family]] controls significant mineral wealth from [[Eres Domain]], particularly rare magical crystals found only in the western deserts. This gives them economic leverage despite their remote location. The family maintains a deliberately low profile in continental affairs, preferring to focus on dark elf concerns while monitoring external threats.

Their position in [[Eres Domain]] makes them the furthest from [[Qara City]] among the major families, contributing to their isolation from mainstream politics. However, this distance also provides independence that other families lack.

**Location:** [[Eres Domain]]

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## **[[Rees Clan]]**

The lost clan of a mysterious race that has gone extinct, [[Rees Clan]] exists now only in fragmented historical records and occasional archaeological discoveries. The race's name, culture, and abilities remain largely unknown, with different scholars proposing conflicting theories about their nature.

Ruins attributed to [[Rees Clan]] have been found across all domains, including within [[Abyss Domain]], suggesting they once controlled significant territory. The architecture and artifacts left behind demonstrate technological and magical capabilities that current civilization cannot replicate. Some ruins still contain active magical defenses that kill intruders, despite being abandoned for unknown centuries.

Legends claim that [[Rees Clan]] didn't go extinct naturally but was deliberately erased from existence through some cataclysmic event. Certain forbidden texts suggest their disappearance is connected to the current state of [[Abyss Domain]], though this connection remains unproven.

Occasionally, individuals claiming [[Rees Clan]] heritage appear, but their assertions are impossible to verify. [[Academy of Reyas]], [[Mairis Family]], and [[Aven Family]] all maintain research projects attempting to uncover the truth about [[Rees Clan]], though progress has been minimal.

The mystery surrounding [[Rees Clan]] has made them subjects of countless stories, with their extinction serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power.

**Location:** Extinct/Unknown

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## Force Rankings Summary

**Top Three Powers:**

1. [[Descartes Guild]]

2. [[Academy of Reyas]]

3. (Third power unspecified)

**Top Force Rankings:**

1. [[Starlight Guild]] (top-ranked overall)

2. [[Descartes Guild]] (one of Top Three)

3. [[Academy of Reyas]] (one of Top Three)

4. [[Starlight Guild]] (fourth in rankings)

5. [[Aero Guild]] (fifth in rankings)

**Family Strength Rankings:**

1. [[Descartes Family]]

2. [[Mairis Family]]

3. [[Zeus Family]]

4. [[Starlight Family]]

5. [[Aero Family]]

6. [[Aven Family]]

7. [[Gates Family]]

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