The Kingdom of Astoria, once known as the Great Kingdom of Eldoria, now stands as a shadow of its former glory. Named after the expansive lake that connects its cities, Astoria has three major towns, each with its unique significance.

Karagor, the largest city and the westernmost of the kingdom, serves as a crucial gateway for Beastly travelers journeying from the Wild Lands. Eastward lies Jogunhol, a vital trading city connecting the northern and southern regions of the kingdom. However, traversing this route can be perilous, requiring passage through the treacherous mountain pass known as the Fool’s Gambit, a journey few can reliably navigate. Lastly, the southernmost city, Ironwall, forms a natural border between the kingdom of Astoria and the Land of Waternia. Nestled among Mountains of Eldor, this region not only is sheltered from external threats but also endowed with vast riches in the form of precious gems and ores.

The primary mode of transportation within Astoria is sled-like boats that, depending on temperature, can either float or glide upon the Great Lake. The lake’s profound depths and enigmatic secrets have given rise to local legends and fairytales. Some wealthier residents opt for blimps as their preferred mode of transport, as the vertical layout of the cities often presents challenges for other means of travel.

Residents of Astoria are not universally beloved in other regions, due to their perceived arrogance and constant flaunting of wealth. While this stereotype may contain some truth, it has strained relations with neighboring countries. Beastly from the Wild Lands, Virdis from Verdalia, and those from Waternia tend to harbor unfavorable opinions of their prosperous neighbors and are known to sell their products to them at premium prices. The kingdom’s ruling elite wield significant power and influence over folk but do nothing to change the political climate. Non the less, smaller merchants strive to change the hurtful status quo.

Astoria has faced numerous attempted invasions from the south, but its natural mountain fortifications have rendered most of these efforts unsuccessful. Despite being somewhat disliked in other lands, Astorians enjoy traveling to the Land of Nur and Kambala, where they are better received. However, the distance and challenges associated with these journeys make them both costly and difficult.

Astoria is home to both Humans and Beastly. While some Virdis reside in the cities, and Artifex primarily live in the Magic city outside of Karagor, they are a minority in both cases. If you are looking to meet all of these diverse groups, Karagor is your best bet, but other cities tend to be more uniform in their populations. Humans and animal folk were the original settlers of Eldoria, and to this day, they make up 80% of the entire population. Jogunhol and Ironwall have larger Beastly populations, as they are considered the backbone of Astoria’s military power, while Karagor is mostly inhabited by Humans. One notable figure is Blackfang, a bear originally from the Wild Lands, who serves as one of the leading priests in the Temple of Derzen. It’s said that he has never lost a fight, and he’s been involved in many, some of which he probably started himself in local taverns.

Virdis are predominantly found in the commercial district, where they engage in various business activities, while Artifex prefer the Magic City, where they contribute to the creation of innovative machinery. Their work is made possible by the constant flow of goods arriving in the city, thanks to Virdis traders. Hex materials, crystals, foreign inventions, and other exotic commodities arrive regularly, providing inspiration and components for the creative industry.

The majority of Humans and Beastly are engaged in labor at the mines, which are widespread throughout the kingdom. Their physical abilities make them well-suited for such work. The wealthy elite of Astoria is perhaps the most diverse group, as representatives of all races gather around the city hall table, advocating for the interests of their respective communities.