There are seven Western areas, which are called Provinces. Each is governed by a Mayor who is voted in by the people of the West. The Guild Councillor, however, is not the same as a Mayor, though they can be the same person (such as the previous Councillor Susanna Magrino III). The Councillor is decided on by the majority shareholders of the Guild.
The Avidita Province[]
Mayor: Bartoli Frost, a Male Human
If you are looking to retire, and have a cushiony pension to do so with, then look no further than Avidita. Nothing beats enjoying a walk along the Golden Beaches, or waking up overlooking the Azulian Ocean from the Syrenesse Mountains. With a few prominent harbour towns across the coastline, the land enjoys fertile farmland thanks to the few rivers that run through the Province. The land has seen some gentrification over the years since the Guild moved into the West, with those at the base of the mountains often regarding the rich fat-cats up the mountain with disdain. Still, there are worse places to live in the West than this beautiful Province.
Syrenesse Mountains[]
They say the Syrenesse Mountains are the tallest in Ásaterra; heavily contested by the Cládag Mountains of the South and the Ortun Mountains in the East. But one thing is for sure - neither have the view of the Azulian Ocean to wake up to. Stunningly gorgeous, the various plateaus and ridges of the mountain have been (mainly) turned into wonderful holiday homes or villages for some of the luckiest Ásaterrans. The Guild activity in up and down these mountains have also seen a great boom in profit ever since the Guild prioritised funding development in the area under the guise of “A Great Beach Getaway for all of Ásaterra” - though some believe the all means the rich and wealthy. Located on one of the peaks (it’s always the other peak than the one you think it is) is the entrance into the Karaz-Nur-Karuk, one of the two main Dwarven Karaks in Ásaterra. The Dwarves that live there do NOT get along with the holiday makers littered across the mountain sides, but are gracious towards Mike Dust who purposely built a large home in a strategic position to block the view of many other wealthy holiday home owners.
Twin Peaks (Capital City)[]
The Capital of Avidita is Twin Peaks, a deceptive name for the capital because it is actually only found on one peak. Regarded as The Party Capital of the West, Twin Peaks is a roaring city of youth, fun, glamour, and definitely not a place that is gentrified beyond the common Ásaterran’s lifetime (Elves included), rampant Illegal herb distribution, and just generally a dangerous place to get drunk considering the sheer height you’re partying at. The Mayor of the Province is Bartoli Frost, a Human in his late 40s who resides in the Twin Peaks. Despite the party allure of the city, Frost is adamant that the city is a respectable, if pricy, place for all Ásaterrans - again, the all is believed to mean just the rich and wealthy. Still, it’s hard to find another city in all of Ásaterra with a view like this.
Karaz-Nur-Karuk[]
Commonly believed to be the twin to the North’s Karak Anor, the Karaz-Nur-Karuk is located within the coastal mountain line of the Syrenesse Mountains. However, unlike the fortress city of Anor, this Karak has little in terms of defence or forces ready to jump to defend Ásaterra - mainly because they sit comfortably on the western shorelines, with a wonderful view of the Azulian Ocean (that is, if they weren’t underground). Karaz-Nur-Karuk is a calm city, and likes to advertise itself as such. Trade is good, leisure is better, and the passing of years in peace is the best. The city is run by a council of seven Dwarves, who each govern a particular aspect of the Karak. However, they are not the mayor(s) of the province of Avidita, but Mayor Frost also has little in terms of control over Karaz-Nur-Karuk.
Steelmason’s Church[]
A Temple to Mordon, located on one of the Mountain sides of the Twin Peaks. The Steelmason’s church used to have a great sway over the province, but since Mayor Frost took over many years ago, they’ve long lost their control. They’re known to make a great deal of weapons, supplying them all over Ásaterra, or to personal buyers.
The Vecina Province[]
Mayor: Violetta Amante, a Female Human
Vecina is the frontline between the West and the North - although the tension tends to come from the Westerners more than the Northerners. This doesn’t mean that the two areas don’t mingle together; quite the opposite! Many Northern families live side by side with the Westerners of Vecina, with those who have Northern families nearby accepting them as honorary Westerners, seeing them moving here less of an encroachment on the land, and more as an escape from the North itself. Having said that, those who don’t live nearby these families often resent the North for their actions towards the West since the civil war (that is to say, dumping a bunch of people into the land with the expectations that they would just die in the “harsh” and “inhospitable” swamps of the West).
Viola-Fortezza (Capital City)[]
The great capital Viola Fortezza stands proudly on the cusp of the West/North border, along the Tzeban River. The city, which is spread across both banks of the water, was once defended as a key location back in the Second Ásaterran Civil War, though it never saw any actual combat. However, the fort that is built at the heart of the city still gets some use out of it as one of the main Ninfee Training Academy in the West. Otherwise, Viola-Fortezza is known for its surrounding creeping Vineyards, as well as the Purple Row. The lighthearted Human Mayor, Violetta Amante, lives in the city, though not at the Fort like commonly mistaken. She treats all the residents equally, regardless if they are Westerners or Northerners, but she is always ready to throw hands at any Northern Soldiers who might be getting just a bit too close to the borderlines.
Vineyards[]
Sprawled across the fields surrounding Viola-Fortezza are beautiful vineyards, growing some of Ásaterra’s best grapes (though people of the North commonly refute that claim). It is here that the West’s famous Herb Family grows their famous Giant Grapes, taking up nearly a fifth of the vineyard space. It’s very common for teenagers to get jobs picking grapes during the summer, so much so that it’s almost expected for young adults to have at least a few summers under their belt in the hot Western sun. While no one will admit it, everyone always eats some of the grapes as they pick them.
Purple row,[]
The Purple Row district in Viola-Fortezza is a place where the West likes to poke fun at their Northern neighbours' rules on wearing purple. In the North, you can only wear purple if you are part of the Legions; it’s an official colour that is steeped in tradition. In the West (and the rest of Ásaterra), that’s not the case - so the people of the capital city decided to set up an entire district that looks over the north that sells purple clothes, food, home decor, accessories - anything and everything.
Ninfee Training Academy[]
The Ninfee are integral to the West being able to live in the once swampy lands. Because of this, they are often regarded as key workers, with their training taking a certain pedigree of applicants to even enrol. Trained in mainly Naturmancy, a Ninfee is also well versed in psychology, criminology, combat magic and battle tactics, as well as a litany of other fields. The Training Academy of Viola-Fortezza is regarded as one of the best academy to do your training, especially as it focuses on defence tactics and fighting in general. While the Westerners don’t have an army like the other factions/areas do, it’s believed that the Ninfee could hold its own against most. Some believe that the Fort was originally built for the Ninfee, though those are just rumours from (quite) recent times.
Tzeban River[]
Serving as the main river travelling down from the North, the Tzeban River sees a lot of merchants and traders travelling up and down it. The river is used regularly to ferry goods up and down to the surrounding areas, providing invaluable transport for the people of the West, with the river eventually finding its way at Lake Lak’aros.
The Territory of Terreno[]
Mayor: Dain Bianchi, an Elf Male
Terreno is a peaceful Province; farmers toil away at the plentiful fields, while sheep and cows graze in the greenest pastures. The farmers provide a lot of produce for both the West and the other regions of Ásaterra. Life in good ol’ Terreno is honest work, and one that everyone should be proud of. Unless you’re part of the warring families in Suterreno or Baterreno… The Mayor, Dain Bianchi, is an elf who has lived far too long, and yet is considerably young for one. He is constantly revoted back into the Mayoral status as he has foolishly learnt how to, for the most part, appease the warring Families of Sulter and Bater; and the other farming families are all too fed up with them both to ever elect someone who doesn’t know how to deal with their constant drama.
Lake Tontos[]
The beautiful and still Lake Tontos is regarded as one of Ásaterra’s Natural Beauties! It is believed that hundreds of years ago, a crying bride walked into the lake after her partner failed to show up to the wedding. Ever since, not a single ripple has been seen on the surface of this bed of water. When storms beat the houses of the surrounding cities, no waves crash upon the shores of the surrounding land. When rain provides water to the bountiful fields, not a single ripple emanates from the absorbed raindrops. Lake Tontos is as mystical as it is beautiful; making it one of the premier locations to propose to your partner(s) at! However, if you don’t marry them, it is said you’ll encounter a lifetime of bad luck.
Suterreno (Capital City?)[]
Sutterreno is the real Capital of Terreno, despite what those damned Baterrenians say. It’s the older of the two cities, steeped in history, tradition, culture! From the historical streets that weave throughout the distinguished city painting a weave of culture, to the family heritage of Family Sulter which even has ties back to the Monmoth period of the West - it’s clear that Suterreno is the powerhouse of Terreno and should be recognised as such. What does Baterreno even have credited with them? So what if they handle the most trade in the district, that’s just because Family Suter has to give them something that’s not too hard to mess up so to keep them happy; and still they mess it up!
Baterreno (Capital City?)[]
Baterreno is the real Capital of Terreno, despite what those damned Sulterrenians say. It might be the younger of the two cities, but it is hardworking, devoted, and dedicated to the Province unlike the rubbish Sutterreno! From the traders and merchants that turn produce into well earned coin, to House Bater who maintain law and order in the land - it’s clear that Baterreno is the blood of Terreno and should be recognised as such. What does Suterreno even do? Oh they’re old and have a fancy city that is falling apart at the best of times? Without the real hard workers of Baterreno, the province would dry up - and if Suterreno ever tried to step into the merchant game, then Ásaterra’s currency would be worth about as much as mud from Skovva.
Ninfee’s Job in Terreno[]
The Ninfee’s job in Terreno is a special one; to create and maintain agricultural pathways for the farmers of the land. Although not necessarily difficult, it is a very precise art, with exact measurements needed to make sure each farming family has a strong enough supply of water for crops without “taking” too much from the rivers and lakes. Also, they often help in the creation of wells, but that tends to be done out of the good nature of the Ninfee instead of a job role of theirs.
Vinheim (Crater)[]
The ruins of Vinheim after it exploded due to certain events.
The Ishall Province[]
Mayor: Rydel Ologwyn Salil, an NB Elf
The smallest, but the most important Province, Ishall is the heart of the West, and the Capital. Ishall itself is located in the middle of Lake Lak’aros, with many ferries bringing citizens back and forth, along with merchants selling their goods from all over Ásaterra.
Ishall (Capital City)[]
Ishall itself is a wonderful city with powerful architecture gracing the canals that run through it.
The city of Ishall itself is upstream from the Delta, on an island in the centre of Lake Lak’aros and is the current seat of the Guild of Croesus. Ishall has long been the main hold in the west, hence the term ‘true Ishallians’, and there is serious resentment amongst those of the Delta towards its occupiers. Many of the south-westerners are not happy being controlled by the Guild, as many of them and their ancestors were part of the Royal Council in the privileged north, the very people who exiled the original founders of the Delta there to die or live out a miserable life. However, there are many Ishallians who have done their best to climb up through the ranks of the guild and bide their time. Despite that, Ishall is the central hub of trade in all of the West, just narrowly beating out Gnola in Arrichente. It is packed to the brim with merchants, traders, craftspeople, and customers, often being shoulder to shoulder together.
As of the later half of 1298, Ishall was attacked and left burning after the cult The Forgers blew up most of the centre of the city. While it is on the mend, much of the infrastructure of the city canal system was heavily damaged, and so it is expected to take a while to fully recover.
The Ninfee Academy[]
Most Ninfee placed here are done so to train future Ninfee and to aid them in academic studies, alongside the teachers and lecturers based in the Academy.
The Monmoth Fortress[]
Hailing back to the beginning times of Ásaterra, the Monmoth Fortress is a beautiful underground structure that sits at the centre of the city. While its creation date is believed to even predate that, it has long fallen into ruin status. Some think that it’s still secretly in use, though it’s hard to believe anyone still uses this ancient structure.
The Trading Ports.[]
Littered throughout and all around Ishall are The Trading Ports, multi functional spaces that act as port, storage, and market. It can be as easy as sailing up in your boat, unloading your goods, and getting into a stall in the span of under 30 minutes! There are some more favourable Port spots, such as in the centre of the city, but you get allocated which area you can trade upon sailing into the city.
The Church of Coin[]
A Temple to Florintina. Headed by Mer'ca Tura, the current High Priestex of Florintina who doesn't yet have the title of "High" Priestex. The Church is a beautiful architectural cathedral, with ornate jewels speckled across the many statues, glass stained windows, and other decorative pieces of architecture.
Lake Lak’aros[]
The second biggest lake in all of Ásaterra (behind Mhorlock Lake in the south), Lake Lak’aros protects the city of Ishall with it’s treacherous waters. You must pass a competncy test before being given permission to navigate this lake, especially before heading into the city itself. It is, however, a very romantic spot to hire a gondola to sit beneath the moon and stars with a loved one.
The Arrichente Province[]
Mayor: Sabub Russo, NB Orc
Arrichente is a hub of bustling trade, despite being located at the pinnacle of the west of the West. Many deals, transactions, and trades often take place up and down the Delta, with Gnola, the capital, seeing nearly as much trade as Ishal. The Delta swamps are home to the biggest Goblin population in all of Ásaterra, maybe even Vitalum. The coastline is littered with trading hubs and coastal towns, with beautiful beaches and cliff sides priming the west of the West. In recent years, the Guild had started to build a lot more on the Delta, to the displeasure of a lot of Westerners - although it seems they have gone back on this since.
Laisanen Delta[]
The Laisanen Delta takes up about one third of the whole province. Home to the Ground Dweller Goblin community, the Delta is a large swamp-like land that has been meticulously looked after and cultivated to allow for people to live both below ground and above it. Ninfee students are often sent here to learn the detailed art of their Naturmancy studies, with many taking up residence after their training if they are particularly gifted in dealing with this thick Detla. The Ground Dweller Goblins live in harmony with their upstairs neighbours, though mostly keep to themselves.
Gnola (Capital City)[]
A mighty harbour city, Gnola deals with all of the West’s trading via sea. Gnola itself is a large hub for Guild trading and businesses, with a lot of central hubs being built around the territory. The city is home to Orc Mayor Sabub Russo, one of the heads of the Western Independence movement. They campaign on keeping strong community bonds across the Delta, as well as a fairer West for the Westerners.
The Grand Wharf[]
One of the biggest Wharfs in all of Ásaterra, the Grand Wharf is home to many shipwrite businesses, as well as aspiring craftspeople. All sorts of boats can be found here; from merchant boats from across Ásaterra and beyond, to grand fleet ships that patrol the western shores, and of course smaller fishing boats of the hard working fishers of the country.
The Webway[]
Regarded as one of the best pubs in all of the West, The Webway is a great place for all things cheap alcohol, affordable sleeping arrangements, and great, great gossip. The landlord Spyder is an eccentric enjoyer of rumours, who enforces the “No fighting on the premises” rule strictly.
The D’Maele Bank[]
The central bank of Ásaterra is founded in Gnola. The building itself is always abuzz with foot traffic anytime of the day or night. While The Postacht mint the coins of Ásaterra, there is no other bank that stores as much money as the central D’Maele Bank. While no one has been stupid enough to attempt to rob it, the owners promise that it would not end well for anyone attempting.
The Trader’s Union[]
The base of the influential group The Trader’s Union is housed in Gnola. They offer businesses and people help with start up money, protection, storage; anything that businesses need to flourish.
The Western Comfort[]
Due to the large quantities of Timber that comes through The Grand Wharf, Gnola is also home to one of Ásaterra’s biggest construction companies: The Western Comfort. Despite little timber coming in from surrounding woodlands, The Western Comfort provides public home construction materials, decor, and plans, as well as private unique custom builds for people all over Ásaterra.
The Polacqua Province[]
Mayor: Rodnin Steel-Hook, a Dwarf Fisherman
Polacuqa (Pol-As-Kwa) is probably the quietest province in the West. Mainly housing a lot of fishing towns, the territory only has one major city; its capital Repaiye. Communities are a focal point of Polacqua tradition, however not all of it above board. This Province is rumoured to host many criminal enterprises, though proving it is every aspiring Lawkeeper’s dream of making it to the big leagues.
Repaiye (Capital City)[]
A Quiet Life is a Good Life - that is the moto of Repaiye’s Dwarven Mayor Rodnin Steel-Hook. There’s not a lot to talk about Repaiye; it has a lot of fishers who work hard to bring in the produce, a fair few traders who take the fish to make money, and a quaint amount of businesses to support the local economy. Most in Repaiye don’t want for nothing, and don’t ask for even more.
Crime[]
From Chris “Criss-Cross” Cross the enforcer to Grizzle Fist the loan shark, from Daisy Fodder to even the infamous Maxxy crime family; it seems they all either originate from, or currently are situated in Polacqua. There’s little that local, or even country wide, Lawkeepers can do though as it seems they all cover for each other very well. It’s believed that the Black Market is found here, but if you just walk in asking about it, you’d likely be sent on your way (with considerably less coin in your pockets).
Omar’s Ruin[]
Within Repaiye lies the ruins of a once great Lighthouse. 1213BA marks the first instance of Clans from the South destroying the Lighthouse in hopes that Omar would favour their own; thus began 14 years of attrition between the Western Lighthouse and the Southern Lighthouse. Eventually an Agreement was made so neither would have a lighthouse, but one would be made on the border to watch them both.
The Connoscienzo Province[]
Mayor: Maja Periza
Nearly the entire Province of Connoscienzo is covered in boarding schools, universities, and apprenticeship schools. Famous as the Learning Capital of the West, it homes some of the best places of learning in all of Ásaterra - at least as far as the West is concerned. The territory doesn’t deal with a lot of trade or other such things, with teaching and learning being its main import and export. Despite how prestigious it is, there are many that voice their frustrations with the predominantly Boarding School aspect of the Province, meaning that most families in the West have to send their children off for the most part of the year. Having said that, it’s a unique dynamic that the West has adapted around for many years.
Colescotiv (Capital City)[]
Home to, predictably, many universities, the capital of Connoscienzo is also referred to as The Campus of the West because of the total amount of campus space dedicated to universities, so much so that the City has historically struggled with getting businesses places to set up amongst the rival universities. It is also noticeable south of the Cursed Forest Cappricosia, which has some wondering how long the city will be about before it gets swallowed up by the ever growing woodland.
The Great Observatory[]
The Great Observatory was once a very proud temple to Cosmia, however, as the Capricossia Forest continues to grow outwardly, the premises have long lost the once large group of crew. Still, some priests and followers stay, observing the night sky, watching stars, mapping the cold abyss above.
The Capricosia Province[]
Mayor: Dawn, a Troll
The Capricosia Forest[]
The Cursed Forest of the West, the Capricosia Forest is a warning against all who would dare wander off the trodden path. For many moons, if you were to get lost amongst the trees, you would turn up somewhere else in Ásaterra, dead. There are safe spots located throughout the area, but these are only meant for the safety of those who have wandered in there, not an invitation for you to test its luck. Very few Ninfee are posted here; with those that take a stint by the woods mainly there to document any changes across the borderline of trees. Any mission or operation that is to take place in the Capricosia Forest needs approval by the Troll Mayor, Dawn, who has lived there for hundreds of years.
The Magical Barracks[]
This school was once an Eastern School that was illegally built in the Western province. Once it got a new owner, they transferred ownership to the West, and was changed into a school for teaching magic combat. They have since moved the school outside of the forest; the originally started to move the school brick by brick, but then felt that it was too dangerous to keep trying that, and so left most of the old campus deep in the forest, with their new grounds being on the outskirts, near the creator of Vinheim.