The Land of Asharen

The Land of Asharen is a mysterious crescent-shaped island at the center of Eldross. It encases the Nexus, a colossal storm of Aethyric energy that stretches from the sky to the sea. The island's forested mountains rise to a central peak, Summis Mundi, with stone bridges connecting high towers. Floating above are twelve massive rock-like forms called the Spires, which slowly rotate with the power of the Tempus Paradyne, keeping the Nexus stable. Together, the Spires and the island form Asharen, home to the stoic and otherworldly Asharen people.

Asharen's history is defined by the Great Upheaval over 200 years ago, a catastrophic event that saw the opening of the Nexus. This tempest tore apart the continent of Chrossus, sending chunks of land flying into the sky to form the Spires. The original King and Queen vanished, and a growing storm threatened to destroy the entire island. Many fled or were lost, but the remaining people, who would become the Asharen, survived by adapting to their new, otherworldly environment. For a long time, the land was considered lost to the Nexus, but it has since become a central hub for trade, knowledge, and those brave enough to venture into the Nexus itself.

Social Culture & Beliefs

The Ashari are a deeply philosophical people, and their culture is a reflection of their unique relationship with the Nexus and the concept of time.

Central to Asharen philosophy is the belief that all of reality is a timeless, cyclical wheel, a balance of the Aethyr and Nethyr. Life is an eternal process of transformation, not destruction, and everything exists in one of seven states of matter or energy. The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of perfect timelessness, called Anchored, where one is in touch with the nothingness of existence and has total control over their mind, body, and spirit. This state is thought to have been achieved by the ancient Anchorites of the Incarnate Queen, who could fight without their bodily senses.
Communication is slow and deliberate. The Asharen are soft-spoken and consider rushing or interrupting to be poor etiquette. They favor a polite bow with hands together to symbolize the balance of Aethyr and Nethyr. As a result of the constant winds and storms, they often use a form of sign language. The nobility also communicates telepathically using quickspeaks, bowls filled with a shining mercurial fluid called quickwater.

Asharen is ruled by a unique Diarchy—two married co-rulers, the Star King and the Moon Queen. Power shifts between them every six months, with the King ruling from Sundance through Soulfall from Aethyrspire, and the Queen ruling from Moonsleep through Lifespring from Aeteras Oppidum. The Diarchy allows the people a great deal of freedom, but its power is absolute over those seeking to enter the Nexus. Many Ashari see themselves as the rightful descendants of the original rulers of Eldross, having never really accepted the separation of the world into many nations, and view foreigners as "subjects of Paradyne" who lack their holistic worldview.
Laws are enforced by the Knights of Aetera, though crime is rare due to the generally peaceful nature of the populace and the nobility's ability to scry on lawbreakers using quickspeaks. Theft and assault are illegal, with severe punishments ranging from fines to banishment. In cases of extreme grievances, an assassination permit can be granted. For cases of disputed guilt, a person can undergo a trial by fire by being sent into the Nexus to prove their worthiness.

Patience is the primary virtue in Asharen. Haste is seen as foolish and disrespectful, a disconnection from the timeless nature of the multiverse. The Asharen show great deference to social stations, which can be changed through transformative rites and trials. Noble blood is highly valued, and marrying a commoner or Mortal is taboo, resulting in a bastard child who cannot inherit the noble's House name.

All professions are respected for their part in the "great wheel" of society. The most esteemed include knights, Alchemancers, librarians, and teachers. The builders of Fluyt ships are also highly respected for their unique craft.
The Asharen diet is primarily based on bread, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and mutton. Seafood is a staple, with delicacies like Aethyr Kraken for the wealthy and rare Nethyrshrooms, which can cause temporal hallucinations. Other unique foods include Glowort, a glowing plant, and Kronnus Wine, which is said to grant visions of the past and future.

Commoners live in simple stone and thatched-roof homes, while nobles inhabit castles of strong stone and Chrossus Marble, which is recognizable by its silver veins on a purple surface. The towers on the floating Spires are so high they appear to be a natural extension of the stone, blurring the line between the natural and the man-made.
Art is most commonly seen in statues and masonry, which often depict the temporal nature of existence and the seven stages of transformation. Symbolism is paramount, featuring alchemical and celestial motifs. The most popular form of entertainment is silent theater and puppetry, an art form that evolved from the magical practice of spectral theater, where viewers could see into the past, future, and other timelines.

The Asharen People

Incarna

The Ashari are a mysterious and stoic people whose appearance has been subtly altered by the Nexus. They are often called the “aethyr fey” by outsiders due to their ethereal look. The Incarna are the noble, immortal-blooded people, direct descendants of the original rulers. They are the highest tier of Asharen society and hold political power.

Appearance: Their skin, hair, and eyes often show a silvery shimmer from the Aethyr Storms or a deep purple glow from the Nethyr Sea as a reflection of the physical manifestation of these natural phenomena. Many Ashari bear the Ocularum, a moon or star symbol on their forehead that represents their ability for "sight beyond" into the Aethyr.
Lifestyle: The Incarna live in grand castles and spires, leading a life of political intrigue and philosophical debate. They are at the top of the social hierarchy, with their lives and marriages often dictated by the need to maintain House power. They use quickspeaks for private communication and are the primary practitioners of advanced ritual magic.

Mortals

Mortals are the largest and most diverse group within Asharen, comprising both native commoners and foreign visitors. Mortals live in the valleys and mountains of Luna Isulam. They are the backbone of society, working as farmers, fishermen, and laborers. They are expected to follow the laws and customs of the land and respect their social superiors. While they may not have the same power or abilities as the Incarna, they are a vital part of the cultural tapestry.

Appearance: Mortals in Asharen look like people from other parts of Eldross, without the otherworldly glows or the Ocularum mark of the Incarna. Their fashion is practical, with cowls and long robes being common to protect against the wind. Jewelry, shaped like moons and stars, is a popular accessory.
Color Palette: The cultural aesthetics of Asharen are heavily influenced by the Aethyr Storms, Nethyr Sea, the Nexus, and the Paradyne Tempus, resulting in a palette of deep purples, silvers, grays, and blacks. The colors of purple and silver are often set against a backdrop of black or dark gray, which is common in their practical clothing and reflects the stoic nature of the people.

Key Locations

Aeteras Oppidum: The ancient capital city, located on the highest peak of Summis Mundi. It is home to the Queen for half the year and features a massive network of tunnels leading to a protected deep-water port.
Aethyrspire: A tower-like fortress on the central Spire that serves as a launching point for skysailers and the secondary capital where the Star King resides.
Nethyrdown: A small fishing village on the shores of the Bay of Tempust, it is a primary launch point for ships venturing into the Vortex.
The Eternal Cloister and the Abbey of Emptiness: Monastic structures where stoic hermits pursue spiritual enlightenment and inner peace through timeless meditation. The Putaverent reside in the Abbey of Emptiness.
The Shifting Spire: A mysterious thirteenth Spire that floats through time and space. It houses a great library said to contain all the knowledge of Eldross.
The Imago Incarnate: Seven massive, worn statues lining the shores of Luna Isulam, looking into the heart of the Nexus. They are believed to be the remnants of the legendary Crucible created by Kannan the Maker.