Worldbuilding Part 1/3

Decided to change my world a bit.

Storyline

The story takes place within the Middle Continent, which is a portion of the entire world that is based upon our Earth. Alongside the Middle Continent, there also exists the Upper Continent and the Southern Continent, due to traveling distances and purposes in this story, both of these can’t be reached.

The Middle Continent consists of 3 countries: Cyrophena, Anatonio, and Drez. At the beginning of the story Anatonio and Drez were going to start a war due to cultural and religious differences. Cyrophena, being the largest of the three countries, and having no need for extra power wanted to remain neutral, but as time went on, it became impossible to escape from the conflict.

Basic Country Descriptions

Country: Cyphra
Capital City: Teranus

Colors: Silver, and Blue
Symbol: Moon (shadow of a moon)
Races: Cyphranians, Rhonians (not fully integrated at all-still some major conflicts), some people from the Northern continent came to live with them (the blondes-and have chosen to co-exist with them, although they are few in number, and tend to be part of the upper class.

Physical: To the west of the country, they have fairer skin and also have orange red, and brownish hair, to the east of the country, more darker skinned.

Country: Drez

Colors: Red and white (subject to change)

Symbol: Diagonal, cross, like an ‘X’, or maybe even an abstract version of a falcon

Races: Drezian only (they are not open to other races entering your country)

Physical: Desert-skin, most men have beards, women and men must be fully robed.Black haired, although some could be red-haired, and blond-haired

Country: Antonio

Colors: Green, white, and red

Symbol: Female figure (front with a crown and a spear)
Races: Mostly Antonians, and Hazarians (who have gone back to Antonio-since they tried to escape)

Physical: Dark skinned with black hair,

Country: Hazaria

Colors: White, and the color of ash.

Symbol: Seagull

Races: Previous Antonians, but mostly Hazarians as well.

Physical: Olive skin, with dark hair. Although some mixed races have brown hair. Known for spaced out, drifty, dreamy eyes.

Setting

Overview of the world in brief, description of geography, striking features of landscape (Major mountain ranges, rivers and lakes, forests, tropical and otherwise, grasslands and plains):

Cyrophena (where most of the story is supposed to take place) is located right close to the coast (aka.the sea), and is known as an import/exporting country that regulates trade towards the rest of Cyphra. As for major features, most of the island is covered in hills. With the lower levels hosting the main streets (major stores [merchant, trade etc]). Meanwhile, the middle left area hosts residential areas. Cyrophena, before being colonized by Cyphra used to belong to Harazia, because of this some elements of Crophena appear Hazaroni-like including patterns, and carved out mosaics, which are located on some of the walls, as well as residential areas. (It is because of this, and the Cyrophenians envy of Hazaroni culture that they decided to keep this. The Hazaronis were considered to be more artistic.) Most residential housing included tile and brick roofs, bright orange in color, and most of the houses located in this region due to the heat are white, and spaced out—so that more air would be allowed to float between the houses. They eat a lot of fish.

Cyphra: Teranus-where the center of government, high pillars, temple-like, with roof-like-tiles. Compared to Cyrophena, more clean-cut. Government is placed on the highest mountain range, compared to civilian residences who are the lower mountain ranges. River streams, to collect water. More forest-like. Lots of mountain/hill ranges.

Drez-Is based upon a single temple/ kingdom like structure-based upon flat ground and desert-all on one piece of flat land, lots of sand dunes everywhere away from the city, therefore correspondence is difficult. Lots of pieces of fabric hanging from the huge palace-like structure, should be mostly square-like, and clean-cut. Specialize in fabric. Water is scarce, and needs to be drawn from a well.

Antonio-has deserts and landscapes, but they also have a lot of natural scenery as well. Which mostly includes stone hedges, grasslands, and grand canyon-like structures. Most of their architecture consists of simple limestone buildings with arches. Although sometimes some of their buildings are just disintegrated pieces of rock, spread out. All in a single level as well, only the nomads manage to live on the higher levels.

Hazaria-before being colonized by Cyphra was actually a nomadic tribe type of country-the only difference was that they are similar to Antonio in terms of building-like structure, and their roofs were a bit more slanted.

Philosophical and metaphysical ideas inspired by your world:

Philosophical-the essence of war and the value of life, whether it is right to deem one culture, more superior than the other, colonization. The goodness of humanity, and how far one is willing to sacrifice for the other.

Themes: Love, representation of honor, and sacrifice.

The shape and scope of your universe:

Shape-is kind of like a normal earth.

Scope: This world consists of three continents: The upper continent, the lower continent, and the middle continent. The middle continent is what this story would be focused upon.

The top is the south pole, and the bottom is the north pole.

Astronomy and planets:

There is only one earth, and there will be the moon, the sun, and the stars accordingly. The equator will still be existent. Weather, shadow & light, and climate will be planned accordingly. This is a solar system with only two planets.

Typical buildings:

Cyphra:Temples, government-official buildings on the high ground. Resident buildings on the low ground. They have schools, but they kind of look similar compared to most of the residential buildings, should show some traces of destroyed wall.

Cyrophena: Universities, trade-schools (sowing, cooking), governor’s house, primary/secondary schools, farmer’s market, don’t have a vegetable garden (because they could trade stuff, although they have fruits), correspondence mailroom, don’t have a hospital-however they have a community hall where all could gather and heal the wounded-worse case scenario, Village square, meeting house, Cathedral (only one), bakery, florist. Has a pier so it will help them with trading and such.

Drez:High castle/fortress-like structure, marketplace, pottery (must specialize in it), fabric shops, artist/portrait shops, dried products (herbs, shrimp, insects), maybe dried fruit as well, government offices (are inside the palace), schooling-is more like trade-schools, slaughterhouses, hostels (probably hospitality-stays, since these are based within the ancient times), houses and residences (should look like shacks), for the upper class (this should look like villas), medics/doctors (should be the person’s home/people come directly to them), courthouse (is inside Drez itself), Prison (is inside the palace as well), mosques (include that as well), bakery, bookstore, only the palace has scriptures that could be read (so in a sense this could included as a library), gramaries (used to store rice, and could be used to last a long time through the summer), got water in pots.

Antonio: Chicken coop, barn, farmhouses (they have a lot of animals as well as farmland, so this should actually be possible), granaries, probably have cattle but they lead them by rope or something, slaughterhouses, market (but only in some villages, or based upon certain places-can’t be scattered all too often), hostels (but only in certain areas as well), mail-probably delivered by the village chief or elder-they use birds, warehouse,  villas, village community housing (most likely-make them clean cut-housing like, for the shacks-made out of twigs, has a healer hut (should probably work), where the healer is certainly most of the time), schoolhouse, they don’t have a courthouse-everything works according to the tribe judicial system. Prison-they do have one but it is certified-or it is a person who is trapped within a house or something, they have a meeting hall-which is the tribe leader’s house, they have an asylum-kind of somewhere for the mentally insane though. Post office, where the people drop off the letters-elders have to review them-then only then are the letters sent off, no bakery (they don’t specialize in bread). Citadel, watch towers-to watch out for enemies, castle remnants. Pray to their Gods-near the campfire, had a well

Hazaria: Campfire/altar for praying to the Gods, became vegetarian (has a farm)-because they don’t believe in killing animals according to religion), root cellar (for storing food and other items), they had a well to draw water from, doesn’t have a market, just grew stuff from farms (had a home-feeling type of community), for prisoners-their hands were just tied, and they were left to starve and thus die off. Had a lot of mosaics, and a square for dances, some people lived on houses near the coast. Most houses had their private library-they were advanced than Antonio architecture-wise, and also were knowledge-based.

Cities: (add to this later if you realize you need more info)

Cyphra: Teranus (The Capital), Cyrophena (where most of the story takes place)

Drez:Heotico (Capital)

Antonio: Aster (Capital)

Hazaria: Yavistava (the former capital), Horien (the place where Damir lived)

Countryside:

Cyphra: Cyphra has a lot of hilly areas and fields, one of them being the Sacred Graveyard, the Fields of Tributes, The Holy Ranges, (Sea to the west of Cyphra: Red Desert Sea, South of Cypha the Herithotican Sea)

Cyrophena: Cypha has no countryside, the only exception is the “garden of hopes” which is a huge rocky cliff, with grass, overlooking some part of Cyrophena, which is meant to commemorate the war dead. The rest of Cyrophena is built near the coast, and already well-decorated so there is no countryside. It is close to the Anartic sea (on top of Cyrophena), and below Antonio and Drez), Below Cyrophena is the Middle sea.

Drez: to the west of Drez & Cyphra is the Red Desert Sea. Geireucgu desert the East of Heoiko (The Capital), Downward to Heoiko is the Hapsharan Cliff, and way below that is the Kozeri Plains, to the left is Leyon Hole (the forbidden area everyone shouldn’t go), and left to Heoiko is the Horeichi desert. There used to be a river called the Sashreyi River-but due to drought and other unknown factors it has dried up over time.

Antonio:Verantic Ranges, Hillaf Grasslands, Hedi fieldlands.

Hazaria: Oaestic Grasslands, Saenten Grasslands, Heyulnar grasslands

Oceans: Red Desert Sea, Anartic Sea, Middle Sea

Climate (have human activities affected climate, landscape, are there any weather patterns in general? Tropical?  Stormy?  Cold?  Earthquakes?  Climate in general? Weather/climate contribute any habits/customs, such as the mid-afternoon siesta in hot countries?)

Cyrophena: Tsunamis, hurricanes, storm surges (since it’s near the cost there should be lots of wind as well, and because of that, there may even be hidden volcanos) (however this will be hidden underwater and not near the island itself) Human activity has contributed to the heating of the sea over time: including trade across the sea and fishing practices Habits/customs: In Cyrophena during July to mark the coming of the summer months, there is a festival tributed to the Universe which the entire town must celebrate. In December, most families stay at home for the water surges, but it is also to celebrate the end of the year. In January, people visit each other and present gifts to each other and eat family based meals, for the upcoming New Year.  

Cyphra: Anything about Cyrophena-but with the exception in that earthquakes could happen, since there is more likely for there to be volcanoes on the island (or even hidden ones that are meant to be there), may suffer from intense heat. Same customs/rituals as Cyraphena. (Similar to Athenian weather)

Drez: Sandstorms, I guess an infestation of poisonous insects or such (maybe even scorpions), Monsoon, Droughts, Haboob (a large wall of dirt that can reach up to 3000 feet high), microbursts (strong, concentrated winds), spread of fire (worse case scenario). During October before the weather drops, those in Drez, often go to the temples and pray to the Oracles that the weather would not drop that much, so they would last during the winter months (based upon Cairo weather)

Antonio: Tsunamis (for those countries located close to the coastline), strong winds (including hurricanes), sand dunes/sinking sand (for the sandy areas, when really dry, fire could easily spread, more grasslands and weltands (so it is more likely to rain-because of this there is likely for there to be tumultuous changes in weather), hurricanes, storm surges. May suffer from an intense amount of heat. In January to represent the snow falling, all of the Antonians try to watch the First Snow fall. In April, as the flowers start to bloom, they also have a flower-blooming ceremony as well. (Weather is based upon Israel:screenshot attached)

Hazaria: Anything from Cyrpohena, with the exception of it being a bit cooler (although still hot) as the years go by. (Weather is kind of similar to Cyrophena, the only exception is the rituals. Ritual: In August, to thank the Hoseya-the God of Fire for giving warmth to the land, there is a ritual and a dance (Hazarians are best known for their dances.) In March, Hazarians love to watch the dew-flowers bloom.

In rainforest and mountain areas, yeti’s, rabbits, monkeys, hedgehogs,

Animals:

Cyphra: (land animals) Calfs, Horses, River Fish, Chicken, Cows

(forest animals)

Drez: Camels, Vultures, Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Owls, Quail, Pelicans, Storks, Cobra (out in the desert), Egypitan Mau, Sacred Bull, Abyssinian Cat, dried crocodile, dried silverfish

Antonio: Crickets, land-frogs, hyraxes, European Hare, Hedgehogs, Arabian Wolf, tortoise, storks

Hazaria/Cyrophena: Hidden Tropicsbirds/seagulls (although Cyrophenians don’t seem to know how to call them out), horses, fish (lots of fish), maybe ducks as well (not too sure)

Seasons:

Cyrophena: Warm-Summer and Spring (the coldest it gets is when the flowers in the area are just starting to bud out.

Drez:Mostly summer, but gets really cold at night, because of how much heat in which the sand could trap.

Antonio: Spring,Summer, Fall (lots of wind and enough to make leaves shake, but not too much.)

Hazaria: Warm-Summer & Spring

Maps: (will include maps as images, and will do a map of world, countries, and other things later)

Quote, what someone from this area would talk like, or talk about:

Cyphra:”Oh yes, we have a splendid government, and splendid people, and yes we got to show you some of our delicious cuisine!” Usually talk about how great their military is, and great things about their resources.

Cyrophena:”Oh look that man is so gorgeous, and the sea it is beautiful isn’t it-you should marry that military man, it seems like he is going to be great husband material!” Likes commenting about the scenery and talking about the latest gossip in town, but they are still patriotic in a sense.

Drez:”Worship our almighty Sovereign! He will provide the solution to all of our problems! All praise our Sovereign!” (This is interesting, as behind the scenes they will probably say this: “What a stupid goddamn Sovereign, forcing people to swear loyalty to him! What about the peasants! And the farmers! And the people who work hard everyday! I swear I’m going to start a rebellion, and put that bastard in his place!”

Antonio:”So what are you reading?” “I’m reading about sheep herding and learning about far away lands, afterall we do need a way to reform this farm, also how about the economy and the fortress?” –More intellectually driven, and constantly thinking of a way to improve their land: especially crops and resources, trying to think about the battle ahead and how to fortify their walls-they are rather protective of themselves.

Hazaria: “We must show our gratitude to the spirits, it is because of their will that we are living, therefore we must do our outmost to pay them back. Harm no living creature, and cultivate peace and harmony amongst themselves.”

Natural resources (which areas are the most fertile farmland? Where are mineral resources located, which are scarce or not-where are they rich deposits that haven’t been discovered yet, or where they haven’t been fully exploited, how much conflict will there be caused by these imbalances in resources, how many active, peaceful trade. What water resources available-and for what uses (a mill wheel requires flowing water, i.e., river or stream; irrigation needs a large, dependable water source like a lake or large river; etc.):

Later update-

Cyrophena: In Cyrophena, they do not have any fertile farmland, rather, because most of the food such as vegetables and fruits come from houses and such-they are able to sustain their own-for fertile farmland in Cyrophena. Most of their water comes from wells, streams, and the Ocean (since they are located near the Ocean.) They have plenty of resources such as fish, and their military is strong-so they have plenty of military resources. Water filtration system (made out of-like the 1700s): wool, sponge, and charcoal.

Because they have a lot of resources they don’t have to go to the war with the other countries, instead they are listed/known as a neutral country. Use a cesspit for water filtration systems-could create an underwater sewage system.

Cyphra: Similar to Cyrophena-but because they are on land, they have more oil, as well as resources such as land (lots of animals as well)-because of this they never had to fight.

Drez: Drez has to fight the most because they have a lack of water resources and most of their land is made out of desert. As for resources, they do have, they have oil, as well as food (if they search hard enough for it), but the issue is that the nobles keep it to themselves, because of this the people are really upset about it, and the King himself says because of claiming “a holy land” they decide to go to war against Antonio (which they think they could win), of course the people are really angry about that.

Antonio: Has plenty of land, castles (historical ruins), as well as animals, land, oil, rivers and such. (They only go to war if they are to defend their historic heritage, or to provide assistance, therefore since they have plenty of resources, and much of everything, they shouldn’t need to go to war.) (Most of their problem comes internally from the difference between tribes and what they have to deal with-trading issues.)

Hazaria:The one thing that Hazaria had that the other country wanted were their gems, and fertile soil-merely Cyphra invaded them because of their land-because all knew before that Hazaria was a beautiful country, and most people wanted it for themselves. (Of course the Hazarians were peaceful so they wouldn’t give them that)

What resources do they import/export/are famous for: (To be updated later)

Cyrophena: Imports and exports pretty much everything, since they are an importing and exporting town. Importing included: silk, fabric, corn (dried goods), peanuts, dried raisins, tobacco, sugar (a major force of economy), wine, rings, jewelry, weapons. Exports mostly include jewelry though. (Cyrophena imports a lot of stuff from the Upper, and the Lower Continents who are mentioned in the story as well.) Known for exporting herbs.

Cyphra: Rarely imports or exports anything since they are abundant, but usually ask for dried fish, as well as paper (maybe even books as well from Cyrophena), Cyrophena is known for being beautiful, so to show elements of its beauty, crafted ships from bottles, or even jewelry would be brought back at times. (They basically receive anything that passes through Cyrophena.)

Drez:Drez is a strict country that does not let anything come and pass by its borders. This is because their kingdom is really strict and thus nothing, unless there is permission (or a request to do so) are most citizens allowed out of the country). For importing and exporting there is actually an illegal market for importing, and it mostly consists of food-related items such as: spices, peanuts, nuts, and preserved fruit (maybe apricots, mostly food items they would be able to store in harsh conditions, books (although forbidden) are also imported as well. (Especially from Antonio-the Hazarian-related books are especially valuable.)

Antonio: Things previously were imported to Antonio (illegally) through Drez: Drez specialized in their pottery so the Antonians liked that, and they have some pottery through Drez, as for the rest though they did not need it since Antonio already has a lot of resources within their own land. As for things in which they export they export the following: Books (especially those in the scripture), clothing (Antonian clothing although simple is practical), thread-used to make rope and various other garments is also traded as well. Known for exporting herbs.

Hazaria: Hazaria was mostly self-sustainable, however in terms of trade they mostly traded books, maps, drawings, as well as wood. (They never traded the gems as it was within their culture to not be greedy.) As for things they imported, they rarely imported unless from Antonio, which was (mostly) clothing. The Hazarians mostly did a trade-based form of economy (that way they could save more money.)

Major Cities & Landmarks (Cities, Landmarks):

(Will draw maps for world and continent and develop upon this later)

World’s economy

Basic economic system

Cyrophena: similar to Cyphra, the only exception is that it is more open to Antonian-based currency since it is a port town (so they have to be more open towards other currencies-such as Drez related currencies as well [even though it is forbidden])

Cyphra:Again, Ciphil (gold, silver, bronze currency-there was dollars, cents, and a diniar(which is equivalent to 5 dollars), for the numerical system, they kind of use a system similar to the Roman numerical system, although it is more of a scribble-like version of it.)

Drez:Drez’s currency is a bit unusual. They don’t use coins, but in fact their currency is similar to stone, a green jagged rock is the equivalent of $1,5, small blue jagged rock is the equivalent of 10 cents, and small brown rocks are the equivalent of ten cents. Huge Grey rocks are $10, and drak black crystal stones are $20, (or if larger) $50, respectively.

Antonio: Antonio has a similar currency system to Cyphra, their currency is slightly more different though-for instance the coins are different and the colors are lighter,(for instance reddish copper, space gray, and dirty gold)  it is because of this that Antonian currency and Cyrophenic currency are more likely to be mixed.

Hazaria: Hazaria, surprisingly did not have a currency system, they just traded amongst themselves. The only exception was when it came to outsiders, to make things fair they would include one book amongst all orders traded (whether it would be a valuable book or not would depend upon the items traded or not, although a book would nevertheless be included with any purchas). This is because the Hazarians were a family-based community (even though they weren’t related, and they were considered really close)

The government:

Cyrophena: Tribe based system (for the smaller tribes), and Government-based system for the capital, although all of the smaller tribes are required by law to report to the Capital.

Cyphra: Government Town Council (kind of like the mayor)

Drez: Drez is a monarchy with a single ruler, and are strongly religious (because of this a lot of people are more likely to hate the King)

Antonio: Tribe-based system, elect a leader to handle all the decisions, although everyone is aware that there are specialists in each of the fields. (such as a farmer, educationist etc.)

Trade: Trade is mostly done through ship from Antonio to Cyrophena. Stuff from Drez is smuggled into Antonio so trading is mostly done through there. (That’s how everyone gets their merchandise from Drez.) For Antonio though they deliver their goods by Cargo (horseback or so), then only by ship.

Differences between economies in your world:

Drez has the strongest economy but lacks resources. Antonio is poor (to middle class) but they have enough resources to fend for themselves, Hazaria was plentiful but it got invaded. Cyrophena is rich and plentiful.

Everyday life in your world

Work Ethic:

Cyrophena:In Cyrophena, people take life as it goes. When one’s position is decided, it is decided. Bravery is valued, thus those which who are the most sought out are those within military positions, since those in the military are valued. Those at the lower end of the foodchain may have to shuffle, but they accept it, as those who work hard (they believe) will at least be content with life.

Cyphra:Cyphra is busier than Cyrophena, so people here work hard although they demand that they should at least be able to stay with their families. Even in the most urgent of matters, they demand rest should be needed first, and only then should the decision should be decided later. Government officials and those in the military are likely to be respected

Antonio: In Antonio a high-work ethic (or productivity in general) is encouraged. Thus, the Antonians have the highest intellectual vigor out of all the countries. They love working together to explore new ideas, such that sometimes even intellectual activities could take over family time (or even discuss ideas over the time). Either way a strong work ethic is valued, and everyone from the commoner to the highest official is respected (all criminals however are condemned for. (Although there is a strong religious element as well, both religious and intellectual sectors both live in harmony.)

Drez: In Drez, everyone is worked to death, especially if they are in the service sector. In Drez, the priests, and the Sovereign, and any religious person are the most respected. Because of tight financial constraints, and a lack of reward given, people either work themselves to death, or give up entirely. In Drez work ethic is necessary when only it is necessary. Working hard does not mean working efficiently, and it’s a “tough mentality” and a “strong sense of tenacity” that will make you survive.

Hazaria: Everyone had an easy way of life, everyone as a sense of responsibility is required to work hard, however people usually  to do it with an easygoing, relaxing kind of attitude (they believe you should have fun as well.) However within the family, education is especially strict, and since the school has a limited supply of teachers, parents are usually expected to teach children some parts of education they would not be taught within schools.

Drugs:

Cyrrophena: As this is in the 1700s, no sort of drug has been invented yet, although if one were to sniff a certain type of herb such as Grassroot-one would have the impression that they have dived deep into a state of relaxation, even though it is not their intention to-thus some have formed it into candies, or even soups, however this could become really addicting if it is not properly maintained.

Cyphra: In Cyphra, drug management is somewhat contained, although they do admit Grassroot candies could become somewhat addicting if not properly maintained. Therefore there has been some conflict (especially with some parts of the population on how to maintain them)—although measures have yet to be put into place on how to manage them properly.

Antonio: In Antonio, there are no sort of problems, as addicts are immediately exiled from the community, in fact, for a chance of redemption, addicts are to explain to the community what they took, and how it affected them, this actually helps in terms of medical advances, searching for cures, well as herbs, therefore even though there are drug problems, they are at least at a means to solve it

Hazaria: Hazaria has a few drug problems but out of a human sense of obligation they let it pass, and rather treat the people like normal human beings and talk to them about it. They respect and treat them as another member of the community, and when necessary take a step towards rehabilitating with them.

Drez: Drez does not care about its drug addicts, or about drugs, since the Sovereign is too busy and decides to deal with “other matters”.  Drugs and drug Addicts, run rampant in the city’s most impoverished areas, and people (even treat them) as a way of life. Some even have to sell drugs to survive. But drug addicts are viewed not as “bad people” but just “misfortunate people who have had extenuating circumstances.”