Geography of the Lands of Warlderia
The known world of Warlderia is centred on a series of connected lands and seas, but much remains unexplored or only partially understood. What is known consists of two primary landmasses—West Warlderia and East Warlderia—alongside two more distant and less familiar continents: Helltenen to the north and Kylma to the south.
These lands are linked not only by geography, but by trade, migration, and the slow spread of culture and conflict.
A World Turned South
Warlderia lies in the southern hemisphere of its world, and this shapes both climate and expectation.
- The central regions of Warlderia lie at approximately 45 degrees south, giving them a broadly temperate climate comparable to that of northern lands in more familiar worlds
- To the north, conditions grow warmer, eventually giving way to subtropical and tropical regions
- To the south, the land becomes progressively colder, leading toward frozen and inhospitable wastes
This reversal of expectation—where warmth lies to the north and cold to the south—has influenced exploration, trade, and cultural assumptions across the known world.
The Indersta Sea
At the heart of the known world lies the Indersta Sea, a vast inland body of water that serves as the primary artery of travel, trade, and communication.
- Surrounded by West and East Warlderia to the north and Kylma to the south
- All major human cultures maintain a presence along its shores
- Key trade routes cross its waters, linking distant regions
- Coastal cities and ports are among the most prosperous and contested locations in the world
Control of access to the Indersta Sea is a constant source of rivalry and conflict.
West & East Warlderia
These two landmasses form the core of the known and settled world.
- Densely populated compared to other regions
- Home to established kingdoms, empires, and successor states
- Extensive trade networks and developed infrastructure
- Long history of conflict, alliance, and cultural exchange
Despite their relative stability, both regions remain politically complex and frequently divided.
Kylma – The Southern Continent
Kylma lies to the south of the Indersta Sea, beginning at approximately 55 degrees south and growing colder the further one travels inland.
It is a harsh and sparsely developed land, where survival is more important than expansion.
The Northern Shore
A narrow band of settlement exists along Kylma’s northern coast:
- Small colonies and outposts connected to the wider world
- Limited agriculture due to poor soil and climate
- Dependent on trade and supply from Warlderia
This region represents the edge of what is considered “civilised” presence on the continent.
The Orcbane Mountains
Running across the continent are the imposing Orcbane Mountains, a natural barrier separating the settled north from the unknown south.
- Difficult and dangerous to cross
- Rich in mineral resources, though rarely exploited fully
- Act as both a physical and cultural divide
Beyond these mountains, knowledge becomes uncertain.
The Southern Wastes
South of the Orcbane range lies a vast, frozen wilderness.
- Extreme cold and hostile conditions
- Little to no permanent human settlement
- Home to orc tribes, once a major threat
In recent decades, these orc groups have turned inward, engaging in prolonged internal conflict rather than outward expansion. Whether this peace will last remains uncertain.
Helltenen – The Northern Continent
To the north, at approximately 35 degrees south, lies Helltenen—a land warmer in climate, but no less dangerous or mysterious.
Only its southern edge is known with any certainty.
The Southern Colonies
A thin strip of coastal territory has been settled:
- Isolated colonies and trading outposts
- Limited control beyond immediate surroundings
- Frequent tension with local inhabitants
Beyond these enclaves, the land quickly becomes unknown.
The Interior Lands
What lies beyond the colonies is only partially understood:
- Regions of hills and open land inhabited by hostile human tribes
- Reports of numerous dangerous creatures
- Little reliable mapping or knowledge
Exploration is rare, and few who travel inland return with clear accounts.
The Great Desert
Further north lies a vast desert, forming a natural barrier to deeper exploration.
- Harsh, arid conditions
- Said to be inhabited by lizardmen and scorpion-folk
- Difficult to cross and largely avoided
This region remains one of the least understood parts of the known world.
The River Kingdom (Rumoured)
Beyond the desert, rumours persist of a great civilisation:
- A wealthy and powerful kingdom centred on a major river
- Advanced compared to surrounding lands
- Largely unconfirmed, based on fragmented reports and stories
Whether this kingdom truly exists remains unknown, but it is a source of intrigue and speculation.
Further information on Helltenen
The Straits of the Kraken
To the north of the Indersta Sea lie the Straits of the Kraken, a narrow and strategically vital passage.
- Connects the Indersta Sea to wider northern waters
- Name suggests ancient origins, though its meaning is long forgotten
- Known for dangerous conditions and uncertain navigation
Control of the straits is both valuable and difficult to maintain.
Beyond the Known World
To the far west and east lie lands that are largely unknown.
- Little exploration has been undertaken
- No reliable maps or accounts exist
- Rumours and speculation abound
These regions offer opportunity for discovery—or danger—and may be shaped as needed for future exploration or campaigns.
A World of Possibility
While much of Warlderia is known, vast areas remain uncertain or unexplored. Geography is not fixed in understanding, and new discoveries—or new dangers—may emerge at any time.
For those willing to travel beyond the familiar, the edges of the map remain open
