Silkkassa |
"pure, sheer, stark" |
Always a work in progress! Feel free to ask questions here if there's anything more you'd like to know in regards to the land! Silkkassa is just one continent among others in this world, modeled after the climates of northern North America and Northern Eurasia.
Silkkasa is a small, northern continent surrounded by small islands. The ecosystems here range from frozen tundra to taiga to boreal forest, mountain range, wastes, to lush northern rainforest. So far we know of two special species who live here alongside humans: bepotelkh and shroomkin. This guide details the human settlements and the elkh they inhabit. The map also indicates where bepotelkh shrines are located.
Architecture tends to be A-frame and the like (try searching for ancient Norwegian architecture for examples!). Electricity is not really a thing yet in this world, so candles, torches, oil lamps, etc. are used. Wood, and stone (often sandstone for buildings) are common materials, with metal being a little harder to come by. There are some small mining operations in this world. The most common metals here are copper and iron by far, but other metals are found too. Anything gold is likely gold-plated. Fabrics and such are made from plant fibers and animal pelts/hair (of course, elkhs pelts are not used, but others animals are. However, elkh may let people take some of their hair). Plumbing and running water exist but are uncommon, especially further north. Villages tend to have a common well pump at the center. Travel is by boat, on foot, by elkh, or by elkh drawn cart but as always, the elkh must consent to providing these services. Bigger villages may have cobblestone streets, while smaller ones tend to have plain dirt roads.
Each town has a general area, including shelter, for elkh to eat, drink, and rest. Some cities (like Kei) have multiple areas. These areas tend to have fresh hay or other grasses piled up for bedding, troughs of fresh water, and various containers of food. Of course, the quality of these areas varies from town to town, with Kei having the most luxurious accommodations. These areas may be on dirt or on cobblestone, with wooden posts holding up a roof of either thatching or cedar shakes.
Elkh may also be admitted into homes if they fit. Some houses are built to allow elkh, and even the palace has doors wide enough for an elkhs antlers to fit through. When this isn't the case, houses may have an attached building or an outbuilding to house their elkh comfortably. These structures vary widely in style and contents, based on the caretakers means and the elkhs preferences.
Silkkasa is a small, northern continent surrounded by small islands. The ecosystems here range from frozen tundra to taiga to boreal forest, mountain range, wastes, to lush northern rainforest. So far we know of two special species who live here alongside humans: bepotelkh and shroomkin. This guide details the human settlements and the elkh they inhabit. The map also indicates where bepotelkh shrines are located.
Architecture tends to be A-frame and the like (try searching for ancient Norwegian architecture for examples!). Electricity is not really a thing yet in this world, so candles, torches, oil lamps, etc. are used. Wood, and stone (often sandstone for buildings) are common materials, with metal being a little harder to come by. There are some small mining operations in this world. The most common metals here are copper and iron by far, but other metals are found too. Anything gold is likely gold-plated. Fabrics and such are made from plant fibers and animal pelts/hair (of course, elkhs pelts are not used, but others animals are. However, elkh may let people take some of their hair). Plumbing and running water exist but are uncommon, especially further north. Villages tend to have a common well pump at the center. Travel is by boat, on foot, by elkh, or by elkh drawn cart but as always, the elkh must consent to providing these services. Bigger villages may have cobblestone streets, while smaller ones tend to have plain dirt roads.
Each town has a general area, including shelter, for elkh to eat, drink, and rest. Some cities (like Kei) have multiple areas. These areas tend to have fresh hay or other grasses piled up for bedding, troughs of fresh water, and various containers of food. Of course, the quality of these areas varies from town to town, with Kei having the most luxurious accommodations. These areas may be on dirt or on cobblestone, with wooden posts holding up a roof of either thatching or cedar shakes.
Elkh may also be admitted into homes if they fit. Some houses are built to allow elkh, and even the palace has doors wide enough for an elkhs antlers to fit through. When this isn't the case, houses may have an attached building or an outbuilding to house their elkh comfortably. These structures vary widely in style and contents, based on the caretakers means and the elkhs preferences.
House Inspiration
Houses vary but are typically made from wood (logs or lumber). Some could be made from stone (either field stones or sandstone, but these are typically reserved for public buildings in bigger towns).
Wilderness Inspiration
Silkkassa ranges from subarctic tundra to boreal forest and is covered in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and bogs. Like a spine through the center of the mainland, there are the Buckh and Jutsk mountain ranges. The southernmost tip and islands are temperate rainforest.
Northernmost Parts of Silkkassa
Forests
Coastlines
Bogs
Wastes
The wastes aren't actual wastes, but a vast area of exposed bedrock. There are lichens and some mosses, some pools of standing water when it rains, but mainly miles of bumpy rock. In the winter, it just appears as a vast sheet of white snow. It's easy to get lost here.
The wastes aren't actual wastes, but a vast area of exposed bedrock. There are lichens and some mosses, some pools of standing water when it rains, but mainly miles of bumpy rock. In the winter, it just appears as a vast sheet of white snow. It's easy to get lost here.
Mountains
Southernmost Parts of Silkkassa
Villages
Gebrul |
"the roar"This beautiful little village rests on the shore of the biggest freshwater lake in Silkkasa. The people here hunt, fish, gather, and do some farming, but the short season and permafrost make farming too difficult. Gebrul doesn't have a lot of income, but manages to get by on methods of living that have lasted for centuries. In the summer months, the elkh may allow their villagers to comb out and shear their fur to make textiles. The elkh here tend to be polar and highland.
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Herbergen |
"the harbor"An island off the eastern coast of Silkkasa, Herbergen is a fishing village and trading port between continents. The island is well known for its berries and wood products. Because the island is cultivated and logged, it's an inhospitable place for most wildlife that rely on old growth forest, including shroomkin. Highland and polar elkh are at an advantage here because of their smaller size.
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Huippu |
"the peak"Huippu is as far into the mountains as any village would dare to be. It's a rugged environment with little land to grow food on, so the village is quite small. Because the village is located at a mountain pass, they rely on travelers for income, selling them handmade wares like pelts, pottery, and outfitting them with needed gear replacements. With that income, Huippu villagers must import food goods for much of the year, needing to stock up before the pass becomes too treacherous to travel for the winter. The bepotelkh here are primarily highland elkh and polar elkh.
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Kei |
"the boulder"The queen of Silkkasa lives here in the biggest and busiest village in the nation. Kei is a farming village, but only vegetables are farmed- meat comes from outside the village via hunting. The village is to the east of the Buckh Mountains, on fertile land dotted with lakes and bogs. There are a huge variety of specialty shops in Kei, including shops specifically for elkh. People and elkh come from all over just to shop or use services, as some of the best doctors live here. All varities of elkh are found here because of the huge population of humans, but the wild elkh in the area tend to be swampland and taiga.
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Kutoa |
"the weavers"Kutoa is on a mixture of forest and plains, and they make their living by making baskets, tools, and textiles. The village also boasts some excellent hunters and does farm several crops. Overall a very typical village, mostly self-sustained, but also thriving on trade. The elkh here tend to be taiga and polar.
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Marjasa |
"the berries"This eastern island is widely known for its wild berries and large inland lake. The elkh here are all domestic, and have an interesting, insular sort of society that has arisen from their isolation from wild elkhs, making them a bit unique. Marjasa is another popular destination for those wealthy enough to travel, including royalty, so the village has some fine shops and eateries. Some limited farming is done on Marjasa, but they do rely on shipments for food and supplies several times a year. Ice skating on the lake is a popular tradition in winter, and can become competitive. The elkh here are all domestic, but vary in subspecies with taiga and polar taking the lead.
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Onkia |
"those who fish"Onkia is a fishing village with a healthy population. It's also a port, boasting a few ships of its own. Aside from these important elements, Onkia is also known for its incredible sea caves. The village is considered quite pretty, with banners, sculpture, and gardens. Onkia a popular place to visit for those who are able to afford it. The elkh here are primarily taiga but there is diversity.
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Reheva |
"the verdant forest"Reheva is an incredible location at the foothills of the Buckh Mountains, surrounded by lakes and lush temperate rainforest. Though its cliffs along the ocean are high and rugged, there are coves which have shoreline, and these coves are gateways to some small, magical islands nearby. Though Reheva could be known for its breathtaking beauty alone, it is also known for being the most important producer of medicine in Silkkasa. Medicines are both developed and produced here, then exported to various villages in the nation. Reheva has a good-sized population, but they manage to mostly live in harmony with their surroundings. The area is a little uncomfortable for bepotelkh, especially those of a fluffier quality, such as polar elkh. The elkh that do live here tend to be swampland and highland elkh.
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Sakara |
"the antler point"Sakara is between the icy Jutsk Mountains and the unforgiving ocean cliffs of the northeastern shore of Silkkasa. This small village is similar to Gebrul, in that their main focus is on their own survival in a harsh environment. Sakarans are known for their music and storytelling; past times that get them through the long winter. The village is also a resting point for travelers between Vuur and Kutoa, so they sell wood, bone, antler, and bark crafts and tools to passers-by. Most of the elkh here are polar and highland.
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Schad |
"in the shadow of the mountain"Schad is a small village at the foot of the Buckh Mountains. Surrounded by trees (primarily spruce) this village is a beautiful place. The fertile ground is good for farming, short as the season is. This village is known for its cultivation of the arts. The elkh here tend to be mountain and taiga, but there is diversity.
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Schel Point |
"the bell"Another port village, Schel is considerably smaller and less vibrant than Onkia. Though it does have a reasonable population, one could say that Schel exists as a portal to Herbergen if nothing else. Schel is on a forested peninsula and has a rugged, rocky shoreline where ships are built for everyone in the nation, from fishermen to royalty. Though small, the village of Schel Point is proud of their primary trade and, as a port town, is also well cultured. All types of elkh are found here, but primarily taiga.
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Suoja |
"the safe haven"Suoja is not an easy village to reach. Between the wastes and the ocean, it's a bit of an oasis along with its neighbor, Vreedzaam. This village is known for making textiles, including clothing and material in general. Some artisans here import beeswax from Tuil to use in the making of batik fabrics and candles. Suoja relies on fishing, sea vegetables, and a few crops for sustenance, as importing food here can be tricky. Interestingly, Suoja and Vreedzaam share a bepotelkh shrine halfway between the two villages. The elkh here tend to be highland elkh.
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Tuil |
"the bouquet"Tuil is a settlement on the western coast of Silkkasa. Relatively isolated, Tuil boasts a good-sized population. This village is known for its beautiful gardens and for its glassware made from the fine sand on the shore. Villagers here have also been proud beekeepers for some time, and the bee motif can be found on buildings, seals, and exported items. Along with the botanical gardens and beekeeping is, of course, an impressive array of food crops. Despite the somewhat poor soil of the area, Tuil has found ways to improve it and make it work, though the town does also fish and hunt. The elkh here tend to be taiga and mountain elkh, but there is much diversity.
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Villainen |
"the wool"Villainen is a large island at the far east of the main landmass. It's a fairly harsh environment comparable to Vuur and Sakara. A special breed of bepotelkh (Villa) was developed here, likely originating from the polar subspecies. The villa breed is tiny and has long fur all over the body, which the islanders use to make clothing, blankets, and more. Fishing is important in sustaining this villages population, but they also keep laying birds (similar to chickens). Most of the elkh here are Villa and/or polar.
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Vleugel |
"the wing"A northwestern island, Vleugel is a good-sized island but hosts only one village, named after the island itself. Like much of Silkkasa, Vleugel is a harsh place to live, but they do farm and hunt, as well as fish. Hunters here are known to use falcons for hunting. Vleugel is also known for its excellent pickled vegetables. The elkh here are primarily polar with some highland and taiga.
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Vreedzaam |
"enduring peace"This village is quite small, but is well known for its massive bepotelkh herd, mainly made up of taiga elkh. Wealthier people from cities over the mountains and to the east will get their prized elkh from Vreedzaam, knowing they will be of good stock as companions and assistants. At the edge of the wastes, Vreedzaam has miles and miles of land for bepotelkh to graze. The town doesn't have any major lakes nearby, but rivers run through it, and over the rocky cliffs into the ocean. The town itself is very much centered around bepotelkh, with areas for them to relax, eat, bathe, and socialize in comfort. The people of Vreedzaam live fairly utilitarian lives. The wild elkh here tend to be highland elkh.
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Vuur |
"the flame"Vuur is a village existing in a place some would think impossible to thrive. The people rely heavily on their elkhs for travel here, especially when the snow gets dense. This village is on a stark tundra without much to offer for food throughout most of the year, so Vuur villagers depend on fishing and hunting for most of their sustenance, though they do import some food as well. The economy of Vuur is rather self-contained, but they do sell and export crafts made from bone and antler, and are some of the finest weapon crafters in the nation. They are also said to know how to make the best warm drinks. Most of the elkh here are polar elkh.
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Miatias
- A sort of "desert island" with some deciduous forest at higher elevations.
- Miatias biome heavily based off the Sonoran Desert so see Sonoran Desert info for inspiration for species of flora and fauna, weather, etc.
- Ground is tough, gravelly, rocky as opposed to sandy. Lots of vegetation; most of it is just succulents or very small plants that lay dormant much of the year until the monsoons arrive.
- 3 major towns along the Soti River; 2 villages in the mountains.
- The people are similar to Silkkassans but have a fairly different culture.
- Human and sono spirituality somewhat intertwined; their creator being a giant white bird.
- Magic more prevalent/accepted/studied here than Silkkassa.
- Ubiquitous motifs include wings, feathers, celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars), desert flora and fauna.
- Sono racing is a cherished pastime which sonos relish in. Bets are often made. Could lead to sonos being pressured by humans...
- Sonos are generally treated as well as beps in Silkkassa. There are shade areas set up using giant cactus ribs as poles, with suspended cloth blankets. Villages may have a building just for beps to go into a pool to cool off in the shade; pool is fed by water from the nearby river.
- Lots of food comes from the mountain foothills, the mountains in general; growing season for the rest of Miatias is year-round but may require shade-making structures or strategically planted trees.
- Chili peppers are a specialty in the region and are beloved by sonoelkh. Other specialties include textile making (including silk), metalsmithing, and pottery.
- Buildings at lower elevations tend to have only one level; mountainous regions may have homes with multiple stories with winding staircases.
Villages
Tama |
ta-ma
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PirilloAmbassador:
Hosni |
peeree-o
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LeriosAmbassador:
Lin |
leree-ose
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Havi |
ha-vee
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Saea |
say-a
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