Land of Waternia
Regional merchandise: wheats, food, hex (Baymore).
The swampy land situated between Astoria and Morozia holds a single precious resource: food. One distinctive feature that travelers will notice about Waternia is the vast expanse of fields surrounding the cities. It is said that these fields stretch as far as the eye can see from the city’s tallest towers, and this claim might indeed hold true.
When journeying south from the Iron Fortress, travelers reach the expansive fields of Willofen. From here, they have two options: they can continue southward into Morozia or head eastward to the port city of Bogmoor. Located deep in the Morbel swamps, this ever-rotting city serves primarily as a transit hub for those traveling to and from the island of Misthaven. It also offers entertainment for people from all walks of life, regardless of their wealth. Many sailors navigating the eastern shores often make extended stops in Bogmoor, enriching the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
To the east of Bogmoor lies the remarkable city of Baymore, renowned for housing some of the world’s most skilled hex artisans. Being an island, Baymore remains somewhat detached from the mainland of Waternia, making their relationship more symbolic than practical. Nearly all nations strive to maintain strong relations with this relatively small island, as it plays a substantial role in the production of hex machinery.
The continental part of Waternia is often regarded as a collection of mere villages, and governing bodies have taken little action to foster diplomatic relations. Instead, it’s the traveling merchants who frequent the area, serve as the de facto diplomats, possessing a deeper understanding of this land than anyone else. The historical conflicts with Morozia have indeed left a lasting resentment among the people of Waternia towards those from the frozen south. However, Waternia has now managed to maintain its independence for more than 120 years, a period during which it has developed its own unique culture, economy, and political identity separate from Morozia.
Waternia is a relatively small region, comprising three major towns and is predominantly inhabited by Humans, who make up a significant portion of the population in these urban centers. While there are some Beastly and Virdis living among them, their numbers are relatively low, and they often lead somewhat separate lives. In the cities, there are districts primarily inhabited by Beastly, but these areas are best avoided without an invitation, as they can be dangerous for unwanted guests. Virdis have their own green enclaves within the towns, and some of the more aged Virdis can be seen living amongst the locals.
The most eclectic mix of individuals can often be found in the local taverns, which serve as lodgings for many travelers passing through. Most of the local population is engaged in farming, with only a few pursuing other occupations. In Bogmoor, however, the urban environment fosters a thriving trade and service sector. Here, musicians, carpenters, tailors, merchants, and smiths operate, although often at a slow pace, eventually completing their commissions. Among the notable figures in Waternia is Heron the Great, a renowned musician who hails from and continues to reside in this land. Although she is frequently invited to perform for distant royalty, she tends to decline, saying that “Home is where you were born, not where you sleep.”
Artifex who consider this place home can be found in the cities, primarily working on repairing and maintaining the old farming machinery. Their numbers are relatively small, with fewer than 50 of them in the entire region. Baymore, being situated away from the mainland, operates according to its own unique rules. The city is a vibrant and colorful place where individuals of all races and backgrounds coexist. Virdis have their own forested domains, while Beastly communities can be found both on the western side of the island and within the city. Artifex are known to be scattered across the landscape, tirelessly working on mechanical and hex-related projects, while Humans fill various roles in between, engaging in trade, everyday chores, and whatever else comes to mind.
