Geography

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Overview

The world is composed of four major countries: Vaelix, Anaran, Babyl, and Njaano, each with its own distinct identity and challenges. Babyl, located to the farthest west, is connected to Anaran through a desolate and treacherous expanse known as "Dead Man's Land." This inhospitable zone, characterized by rugged mountains, frigid temperatures, and dangerous elements, remains unclaimed by either nation. It serves as a deadly barrier, with countless Anaran civilians perishing in their attempts to flee the oppressive dictatorship only to become lost in its unforgiving terrain.

Njaano, to the southeast, is a vast, unspoiled tropical forest, home to the world's last great wilderness. Its rich biodiversity and mysterious indigenous tribe have kept the land largely untouched, despite attempts by pirates and others to exploit its exotic fruits and resources. The natives' fierce protection of their land has made anything that comes from Njaano a rare and costly delicacy in other countries.

Vaelix, situated to the far northeast, is the most technologically advanced and economically powerful nation, capable of sustaining ambitious projects like a massive man-made structure that mines oil and other resources in the harsh northern environment. This operation is beyond the capabilities of any other nation, solidifying Vaelix's status as a global leader.

To the farthest southwest lies the largest coral reef on the planet, a pristine marine ecosystem that is fiercely protected as a wildlife preserve. No country is allowed near it, ensuring its preservation for future generations and highlighting the world's complex relationship with nature.

Countries

Anaran

Anaran is a tightly controlled dictatorship, dominated by a lineage that has maintained its grip on power through generations. At the helm is Tzar Kaldor Draven, who rules from the prosperous and heavily fortified district of Gravineu, the country’s capital and jewel. Gravineu stands in stark contrast to the other districts, thriving with wealth and advanced development while housing the nation’s major facilities and the central base of the armed forces. The Tzar is flanked by the feared and enigmatic "Four Horsemen"—Generals Ezen, Mul, Temen, and Urda—each overseeing one of the four remaining districts: Jahla, Niilo, Festine, and Stulto. These districts, in contrast to Gravineu, are marked by poverty and struggle, with their officials required to pay a bi-weekly tax to support the capital’s opulence. The Four Horsemen personally collect these taxes, embodying both the regime’s authority and its oppressive grip on the populace. Gravineu remains a beacon of hope for those from the poorer districts, symbolizing the pinnacle of success and prosperity in Anaran’s rigid hierarchy.

Babyl

Babyl stands as a stark example of democracy’s paradox, where freedom is often overshadowed by the influence of powerful lobbyists and corporations. Despite being a democratic nation, Babyl's political landscape is heavily skewed in favor of the elite, resulting in regressive legislation and harsh economic conditions for the majority. Taxes and laws perpetuate poverty, and the youth are conscripted into service to fuel the wealth of the few. The country has risen to superpower status through substantial purchases of advanced technology from neighboring Vaelix, yet this has led to an enormous national debt and a constant looming threat of recession. The aftermath of the Battle of Verdant Fury against Njaano exacerbated these issues, severely damaging both their finances and reputation. In response, Babyl has invested heavily in even more sophisticated weaponry, further deepening their debt and fueling a relentless capitalist engine that prioritizes self preservation through military might over the welfare of its citizens.

Njaano

Njaano is a land of mystery and contrast, polarizing the world’s perception. Some view it as the last untamed paradise, while others dismiss it as the savage lands. This vast tropical forest remains untouched by industrialization, harboring a unique ecosystem and a tribe of uncontacted indigenous people who fiercely guard their isolation. The Battle of Verdant Fury, where Babyl’s technologically advanced forces attempted and failed to invade, pillage, and colonize Njaano, revealed the natives’ formidable intelligence and deep connection to their land. Their strategic prowess and manipulation of the environment humiliated a modern army, solidifying Njaano’s sovereignty in the eyes of the world. Since that conflict, other nations have respected Njaano’s borders, recognizing that bombing the land would destroy the very resources they covet. The natives, distinguished by their yellow-tinted skin—a result of consuming Njaano’s exclusive flora—remain enigmatic. The global community harbors a growing curiosity about the secrets Njaano and its people continue to protect from the outside world.

Vaelix

Vaelix, the northernmost country in the world, has turned its harsh, frigid environment into a catalyst for innovation and prosperity. Faced with extreme cold and limited natural resources, Vaelix has evolved into the most technologically advanced nation on the planet, leading the global market in the production of electronic goods and luxury items. This economic powerhouse thrives on its unmatched ability to export high-demand products to any nation willing to pay the price, maintaining a neutral stance in global conflicts. The aftermath of the Battle of Verdant Fury further enriched the Vaelix government, as Babyl’s massive purchase of advanced goods lined their coffers, ensuring economic security for years to come. The nation’s citizens enjoy a high quality of life, supported by advanced utilities and man-made resources, yet they own very little in their communistic society. Everything is rented, a system that has eliminated wealth disparities but ensured economic stability and prosperity for the country as a whole. Migration to or from Vaelix is tightly controlled, often taking years or even decades to process, further preserving its unique and insulated society.