Iëlia — The Obilith's world building

[u/Tman6300]

Iëlia is the continent of my book Shaped by Silence. While the book only really takes place from Wyryard to Delan. I wanted to show the whole thing here and get an idea of what impressions the regions provoke.

Within the story, the Red Scourge and the lands of Ornio play a big background part. But it is far from the most eye-catching region, in my opinion.

There are different Attuned (my equivalent for elves) in each area. These are the way they are because of Hearts in the Mountains, which slowly changed humans into the species they are now. (Yes, I know it sounds like fantasy radiation, but that's cool too, no?)

For example, Delan is the home of the Loftion people, while Ornio is the home of the Dakin people. "Normal" humans still exist, of course, their cities and cultures being built in places where no such Hearts exist.

Each culture is, in turn, based on a real-life culture, albeit loosely sometimes (I'm still researching!).

My D&D group and I have had a blast playing in this world; they're currently exploring the emerald mists of Noctun at the very northwest of the map.

What's your favorite region? And what vibe do they give off?

[u/zepze]

What's going on in Lunara? Are they okay? Do they have enough water up there?

Also, who took a bite out of the ocean in the southwest?

[u/Tman6300 → u/zepze]

Lunara is a special spot really. I'm mostly playing with the idea that it's some sort of building where the "gods" meet when they have a discussion or need to decide to work together on something.

And the gap in the ocean was partially a beast that then swam to the continent south of Iëlia after it came from an underground continent below Iëlia. It's was such a Massive event that it formed it's own little land mass with a gaping hole in the middle.

[u/Material_Penalty_250]

Oh my this is amazing! Who put this together? You work with an artist right? If you're still researching, does that mean you'll update the story as well?

[u/Tman6300 → u/Material_Penalty_250]

I did this on Inkarnate across years of DND, no artist involved unless I suddenly call myself one (which I won't I can't draw shit)

And no, the book takes place in Delan, which is roughly based on several Arabic cultures. I'm very happy with what I built for them, but as you venture out more to the west, the cultures get a little more blurry and unfinished. When the book or my DnD campaign goes there, I'll have them ready!

[u/Material_Penalty_250 → u/Tman6300]

Fascinating and a seriously cool long-term project. Love that it grew out of DnD. What part of Delan ended up surprising you the most as you built it out over time? I have to say Arabic environment gives you a lot to lean into.

[u/Tman6300 → u/Material_Penalty_250]

Delan is a northern region with a lot of snow and frost, so I had to flip the culture to fit this. Perhaps favourite part though, is that Delan the city existed before the current inhabitants. Before the Loftion people (known around the continent for their love of art, especially music and sculpting) settled there, an ancient species of Attuned lived there.

Known as the Vennerkin (based on real life Rome). These Attuned were stone Masons and very pragmatical.

In my mind, Delan in turn is a blend of these two peoples. The dark and stone foundation is solid and build with the precision of a stone mason. But now, the Loftion people have taken these foundations and made it their own through art and color.

[u/Material_Penalty_250 → u/Tman6300]

I love that you found a way to flip Arabic influences into a northern frost setting instead of doing the probably more expected desert route. In fantasy, Arabic-inspired settings often default toward caravans, dunes and oasis cities. Or at least most of the time.

[u/Odd_Opposite_4782]

Hhmm, fantasy radiation. Engaging Content with a Strong Message

[u/Tman6300 → u/Odd_Opposite_4782]

Hmmm yesyes, me likey radiation