the suburbs of bismarck encircle the urban city in the grasslands. the people who live here tend to be friendly young couples or new families; species here widely vary, and the atmosphere is typically quiet and peaceful. the suburbs and the city itself have a small gap in between them, as the outskirts of bismarck are dangerous. the better homes in the suburbs are built towards the outside, farther away from the violent city limits.
cherry tree forest is a woodland made entirely of constantly blooming cherry blossom trees. a large capital city known as mitakihara makes up most of the population that live in the forest. the atmosphere is calm and soothing, and the season remains in spring all year around. most people are approachable, and the location is known to be rather fae-friendly as well, so many flock to the city for protection. most of the residents are skywalkers, smaller fae species such as fairies, and earthdwellers.
in the peaceful forest of halsworth lies clearwater lake. clearwater lake is a medium-sized, shallow lake that's lined with grass and is abundant in fresh water fish. many of the residents in or near the lake are a special variant of seafarer; the seafarers here are adapted to breathe fresh water rather than saltwater, and occasionally have more amphibian-like qualities rather than the typical fish-like ones. fresh water seafarers also tend to be less aggressive, more inclined to a vegetarian diet, and aren't as strong as their oceanic cousins. locals live in wooden stilt homes along the lake, and make their living off of fishing.
coral cove is a small, underwater neighborhood populated almost exclusively by seafarers. the neighborhood is built into the cliffside under the docks, though it extends out to the shallow ocean floor as well. coral cove is known as such due to the fact that the area is covered in brilliantly colored coral species, and many of the homes have coral colonies growing on them. the residents of coral cove tend to be less aggressive than normal seafarers, and many farm the coral that grows around them to sell above land.
the glowing tide pools are found within a deep forest that was cursed to be stuck in perpetual night. the tide pools emit a bright cyan light, and illuminate the forest in a dim glow. teal, purple, and blue flowers bloom everywhere despite the lack of sunlight; along with bioluminescent fungi that grow on the ground in large numbers, fireflies of similar colors flash around these pools as well. the people who live here typically have vision that's well adapted for low levels of light. the tide pools don't have any major town or city nearby, so the few people that make their homes within this forest do so in small, wooden houses.
a dark, silent forest that's cut off by a jagged mountain range. this forest is populated by nocturnal beasts, dangerous people, and other disturbing entities. the tall trees cast the forest into perpetual night, making it easy for one to lose their bearings. the forest is home to the massive, foggy lake nigamo, where it's rumored that standing at the edge will cause one to hear the cries of long lost spirits. those brave outsiders who enter grendelwood are usually never heard from again.
halsworth is a large, temperate forest that blooms with life during the summer and spring. many people make their homes here in small cottages, agricultural towns, or in tree houses. though this forest borders the dangerous, dark forest, grendelwood, halsworth is much safer and more heavily populated. halsworth is also home to a booming lumber industry, though through advanced technology, trees that are cut down are replaced almost immediately. aside from the lumber industry's botany tech, this forest is generally quaint and old fashioned.
heartfelt meadow is calm, quiet and relatively remote. not many people visit and there are only a few houses here and there. it's always sunny, and bad weather never seems to touch this pristine prairie. small mammalian fauna live here, and due to a lack of predators, aren't afraid of people. the meadow is filled with heart and star shaped flowers that give off a subtle, sweet aroma.
iris island is a beautiful, grassy island that has frequent sun showers, resulting in rainbows being seen in the sky almost daily (and thus coining the name of the island). in addition to the flower-filled grasslands, iris island also has a lush rainforest that borders the city of rio, and a clear freshwater lake. rainbow shore is one of the most populated areas on the island aside from the city, and is home to many beach towns where aspiring young adults try to make lives for themselves.
mt. kuula is a composite volcano that is dormant, although fresh lava can be found in large pools all around the summit, crater, and sides from lateral vents. a highly specialized subspecies of seafarers, known colloquially as magma folk, live in these lava 'tide pools'. very few species aside from them can stand to live here, but fire elementals and fire fairies also tend to flock to the volcano for the high temperatures. mt. kuula is located within the stratus mountain range, which separates the valley from the forest of grendelwood.
this location is made up of underwater caves and deep pools of saltwater hot springs, the source of which is from a large oceanic current that stretches underground for miles. the majority of these pools are found in the countryside, which is located in the grasslands. not many live in these pools, but some seafarers have made their home in them. special variants of coral that can withstand high temperatures grow in these springs; the average temperature feels like pleasant bath water. the springs are hot due to deep hydrothermal vents.
snowpeak island is a remote island marked by bone chilling temperatures, a constantly dark grey sky, and perilous wind storms. in addition to the subzero temperatures and nonstop blizzards, the site is also an apparent "ground zero" for a highly virulent disease that causes zombification in infected victims. once a heavily populated island that operated with a successful fishing industry, the docks now contain shipwrecked ocean liners and only a few stragglers remain. small groups of survivors fiercely defend their territories as they avoid infection and scout for resources. some people who are bitten will randomly mutate into sentient, powerful forms, causing further problems for survivors.
stardew meadow is a peaceful, beautiful meadow that overlooks the ocean shore. flat and filled with star-shaped flowers, the meadow has an odd quality in that it retains dew drops that form over night. the starry flowers that give this meadow its name absorb the dew slowly during the day, and then release it back into the sky as soon as the sun sets, allowing it to settle and reform dew drops by morning. the dew is filed with golden, glowing specks of pollen when it's released, making the nightly scene a popular tourist attraction. aside from the city of ambrosia, stardew meadow isn't very heavily populated.
starry pine forest is a thick coniferous forest. the weather there is typically cool but temperate, with frequent rain. the pine trees all have starfruit and glowing, star shaped blossoms; the fruits possess different properties depending on their color and size. the trees there are massive, and usually dwarf people in comparison to typical conifers. some people make their homes here in wooden cottages or in the trees themselves, as the pines' branches provide ample support for entire houses.
this mountain range forms a naturally occurring geographic basin that comprises the valley. those who live on this mountain range are suited for high altitudes and freezing temperatures; however, as traversing the mountains is perilous, not many people live on them. residents often live in the numerous cave systems that can be found all around the mountains. the stratus mountain range separates the valley from the forest of grendelwood, and is home to the composite volcano, mt. kuula.
sul mare is a rich, gated community on the beach that's comprised of white marble mansions with airy, open door frames and windows. the residents are typically wealthy seafarers who inherited their wealth, though there are some who are considered "new money". sul mare is located near the docks and borders the neighboring suburbs, sunset key.
sunset key is a large expanse of suburbs on the beach shore, located near the docks and the neighboring gated community, sul mare. sunset key is a typical oceanside suburb, and is populated mainly by young couples with kids. species vary much more here than they do in other beachside locations.
the area of beach surrounding a large bay that feeds into the river that eventually forms the nigamo lake in grendelwood. this location tends to include people who don't live in the typical shoreline communities of sul mare, the docks, or sunset key. the bay isn't very populated, and residents tend to be loners. the bay is mainly populated by seafarers.
this peaceful location is made up of rural communities living outside the city of bismarck and the surrounding suburbs, next to the forest, halsworth. with flat expanses of fertile terrain, low grassy hills, and flowery meadows, this region is the perfect place for farming. quaint and not very technologically advanced, residents tend to be friendly farmers, florists, or bakers. both sunny and rainy weather tends to be common here.
"the coven" isn't actually a group, rather, it's a region located deep in the dark forest of grendelwood. it's known as the coven due to the high amount of old, royal vampires living in the area. many are from rich families, and live in victorian styled mansions. those who are familiar with grendelwood tend to avoid the coven, lest they become a meal for the locals.
the desert is a brutal, arid landscape on the mainland that's blistering hot during the day and freezing cold at night. the people and fauna that live here are highly adapted to the unforgiving nature of the desert. aside from buckhorn and nokton, civilization is few and far between, and with rampant zombie attacks, not many people will venture into the desert willingly.
the people who live on the docks are typically merchants who sell their products on the beach's shore at the popular fish market. the docks are a heavily trafficked area constantly filled with the hustle and bustle of beach goers: fishermen, beach-side restaurant owners, sailors, tourists, and more. the docks aren't home to a high population of people, but there are a few wooden houses dotting the area. most of the residents are seafarers.
the jungle is a large expanse of lush rainforest terrain that's sparsely populated due to the dangerous animals that live there. despite this, the jungle is a hotspot for travelers, adventurers, and even treasure hunters, as it's home to many old ruins from ancient civilizations. the jungle has a pristine lake that sustains its fauna in addition to the heavy rainfall it receives, known affectionately as lake mango. there are a few more densely populated areas in the jungle, comprised of interconnected tree houses built into the canopy.
the swamp is one of the least populated areas in all of the mainland continent, as it's extremely difficult to traverse, sustain one's self, and build any long lasting structure. however, there are a few people who have made their homes in this remote location. most of the residents are black magic using witches and mutants. the gases that rise from the swamp at night are known to induce hallucinations, usually of ghostly phantoms that float above the water's surface.
a forest made of giant mushrooms, ferns, and conifers, this forest is often considered eerie by the outsiders who visit it. it can be dangerous as many of the mushrooms cause paralysis, poisoning, and even hallucinations just through touch or via inhalation of their spores. the high population of malevolent fairies is also a deterrent for most potential travelers. the forest seems to carry voices in the wind, but the people who live there tend to be unbothered; the locals often seem mysterious and reclusive themselves.
the underwater cave system in the ocean isn't very populated, but the seafarers who do make their residence there tend to be magic-inclined. many identify as witches, and many more are dangerous, offering potions and curses to clients for hefty prices.