World


Rishou

The eelum's home world is Rishou. It is rich in magics and can sustain all kinds of life. Other traveling species occasionally make their homes there, and eelum are welcoming to any that are not aggressive.

Rishou experiences four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each lasts for approximately three months and brings the appropriate weather with it. There are some regions that are so heavily saturated with magic that they are not affected by the changing of the seasons.

There is one sun and two moons. The greater moon wanes and waxes slowly throughout the month, offering a decent amount of light at night. The lesser moon wanes and waxes more quickly, going through the whole cycle within a week. When both moons are new, the night sky will show many distant worlds and stars. The stars remain constant in the sky, but worlds will come and go. It is rumored that worlds that can be seen more often are those that are most in need of help from eelum.

Locations

Rishou is full of eelum-built towns, cities, or spread-out communities. Nothing truly seems to be able to prevent eelum from living where they want, as even harsh climates can be adapted to through the use of their magic.

The Gardens : A densely forested area, where many of the trees are frequently in bloom. Years and years ago, there were many who took advantage of the fertile area to grow plots of flowers and various crops. The plants grew so enthusiastically that it became difficult to maintain. New growth popped up so frequently that sudden patches were referred to as gardens, even though they didn't require the tending of any gardener. At some point, it was realized that the plants had more control of the area than the eelum residents. There were some unsuccessful attempts to tame the area. Many still make their homes in the Gardens, either tidying up abadoned abodes or building new homes that cooperate with the plant life around them.

Cape Coral : Mainly occupied with beach houses and snack stands, this area is a hotspot for trade. Those who live in the sea frequently present treasures to exchange for goods from farther inland. The sea in this area is considered rather dangerous for those who are not powerful swimmers, and boating excursions are discouraged. The weather is at times volatile and may abruptly whip up impressive storms, fueled by wild magic. Eelum who visit the area often may be trying to learn about the magic involved in the weather as much as they are interested in sea treasures.

Winterfell Mountains : A massive mountain range, broken up by many wide passes and valleys that allow easy travel. The mountains are riddled with natural caves, quarries, and natural stone structures. Adventuresome eelum often come seeking adventure here, and there are a number of those who have to be found or rescued by the locals who are more familiar with the confusing paths.

Twin Moons Mountain : The highest known point in the Winterfell Mountains. Eelum who are protected by magic can travel to the very top of it. The trek is somewhat dangerous, growing colder and harsher as one climbs higher... But those who pass the cloud level know that the upper part of the mountain is comfortably warm. At night, the skies seem close enough to touch. Moons and stars are easy to identify without any sort of spyglass or tool needed. Some climb to the top of Twin Moons Mountain just to appreciate the view; others claim that a visit there has brought them some form of enlightenment.

Firewater : A resort town built up around natural hot springs. The climate around Firewater is chilly at best, but it's typically covered in a thick blanket of snow. The air is often misty, due to the open springs. Many resident eelum have built homes or other structures over some of the springs, both allowing them to create a warm interior and to access the springs without having the face the cold temperatures when they get out. Some hot springs are rumored to have different kinds of effects, such as improved healing or luck.

Goose Lake : Named for some of the resident waterfowl that were brought from another world, Goose Lake is home to a huge variety of fish and animals. Not far northwest of the lake is a spiraling rock structure, from which falls a massive waterfall that runs to the lake. Several rivers run from Goose Lake, some even circling back in on themselves. The area around is well-known as a common campsite for those who visit.

Dangers

There are more unknown dangers on Rishou than are officially recorded. Many are non-native things from other worlds.

The Call of the Void : What may seem a silly phrase to outsiders is an ominous encounter for an eelum. The Call is an unseen voice, similar to that of a summon, which only eelum can hear. An eelum may hear it for several days at a time. It will grow increasingly persistent until it draws the targeted eelum alone to a secluded location and then... No one is entirely sure what becomes of the eelum, but they are never heard from again. Solitary eelum who avoid interaction with others seem to be the most likely targets. An eelum can escape the Call, simply by spending a few days' time in the company of friends. The louder or more excitable the group, the more likely the targeted eelum is to be freed of the voice.

Fantoma : Powerful, evil spirits. They are incapable of speech. Their appearance is something like a large black bear, usually twice the size of an eelum. Fantoma always hunt alone, but are not constrained to any particular area. They move quickly and silently while hunting. When they attack, they will make terrible roars and shrieks to disorient their prey. Eelum are their favorite target since they have higher concentrations of magic. An eelum's only real option when confronted with one is to fight, as fantomas are typically too fast to outrun. There is strength in numbers; fantoma are not clever enough to divide their attention when faced with multiple targets and would rather run than try to choose one. Fantoma may kill an eelum through draining them of all their magic; the shock is usually too great for an eelum to physically handle. Those who manage to get away with some of their magic usually struggle to regain their former abilities and may never be able to fully recover.

Claw Burrs : While not fatal, claw burrs can cause injuries or sickness. They are plants that mimic the vegetation around them, but they grow sharp burrs that easily catch on feathers or fur. Most eelum will develop rashes or other allergic reactions after coming into contact with them, especially if they are scratched. Those who handle the plants too much or accidentally injest them will become sick and feverish. The sickness rarely lasts for more than twenty four hours and can't spread to others, but it is a great discomfort for those who experience it.