Post by Whitehawk on Oct 15, 2014 19:37:01 GMT -6
This is for a potential story I plan on writing. This is in no way complete, and I would love to hear feedback/criticism/ideas. The names for countries are all based off of real cities/towns/villages in their real life country. (Except for Borjigin, since he Mongols really didn't have cities. So I used the name of Genghis Khan's like Clan or whatever as the tribe name xD). Many things have inspired all of this. The Elder Scrolls, Game of Thrones, real history, TV shows, movies, etc. etc. have all been major inspirations for many different things. Many names (like the capitols and metals) came from fantasynamegenerators.com which is an awesome site that you should definitely look at.
Planet = Vahiri
Five Kingdoms (Major) = Lanchester (England), Lille (France), Roth (Germany), Attica (Greece), & Pompeii (Rome)
Four Kingdoms (Minor) = Beijing (China), Montreal (Canada), Melbourne (Australia), Kyoto (Japan)
Wildling Tribes = Tepanec (Aztecs), Cheraqui (Native American), Borjigin (Mongols)
Lanchester: Lanchester is based off of England. It is the largest kingdom in terms of both land and population. It has six major cities, and an unknown number of towns and villages. It's population is roughly 6.5 million, give or take. It's largest city, and capitol is Hillford, with a population of about 40,000. The majority of the region is made up of fertile prairies and hills that make Lanchester an agriculture haven. However, the northern and north-eastern portion of the borders are made up of a mountain range, and the farther north you go, the colder the climate gets. Allied with Montreal.
Lille: Lille is based off of France. Lille is the smallest kingdom in terms of population, but has a fairly large amount of land. It has four major cities. It's capitol, Westwend, has a population of about 25,000. The majority of the region is made up of either rolling hills or large pine forests. The eastern region, which begins to hit the coast, is a bit rocky and holds mostly smaller villages. The upper most portions of the land are a bit cold and also mostly hold smaller villages. The population over all is about 4.25 million. Allied with Roth.
Roth: Roth is based off of Germany. Roth is the third largest kingdom, but the most distant. It has five major cities. It's capitol, Saxondale, has a population of about 35,000. The territory is mostly forests of many kinds, which means Roth is mostly small towns scattered about, with five major cities in the best places to farm. Roth's overall population is about 5.5 million. Roth is located in the center of the main continent, and is moderate in temperature year round. Allied with Lille.
Attica: Attica is based off of ancient Greece. It is one of the smallest major kingdoms, however it's people are hard working and tough. Since it's so small, it, by it's own standards, has seven 'major' cities. It's capitol is Salamis, which holds a population of about 9,000. The other 'major' cities hold between 5,000-10,000 people. The overall population of Attica is roughly 2 million. It is located along the eastern coast below Lille, and is really only ever truly fertile either around the rivers in it's land, or in the one stretch of land going west that Attica owns. Allied with Pompeii. Cities will go to war over land/religion, but the kingdom unites as a whole in times of crisis/and in terms of national borders.
Pompeii: Pompeii is based off of ancient Rome. Now one of the smallest kingdoms, it used to be the biggest empire on the continent. It now only has four major cities, which are actually major, unlike Attica. It's capitol is Vicentia, which has about 17,500 people within it. The overall population of the kingdom is a little less than 3.75 million. Pompeii is located just to the west of Attica, and is located in the middle southern coast of the continent, which is mostly either open fields that are fertile or wild pine forests. Allied with Attica.
Beijing: Beijing is based off of China. Technically it's only classified as minor because it isn't part of the main continent, and therefor doesn't intervene on things enough for most of the kingdoms to classify it as major. However it's bigger, in population and land, than Attica, Pompeii, and is close to being the same size as Lille in terms of population. It has four major cities, with it's capitol, Sheyoni, having a population of about 30,000. It's overall population is is just at 4 million. 3/4ths of the land is surrounded by the ocean, and the inlands are mostly just rolling hills, with the occasional dots of forests. The 1/4th of land that borders with Kyoto is mountainous and rocky, and only holds small villages or the occasional small town.
Kyoto: Like Beijing, Kyoto is also just as big as the major kingdoms, but since it isn't on the main continent it isn't classified as such. It has three major cities, with it's capitol, Honi, having a population of about 25,000. It's overall population is roughly 3.8 million. Like Beijing, 3/4ths of the land are surrounded by water. It's other fourth, it's border with Beijing, is mountainous and rocky. The rest of the land is mostly rolling hills or dotted forests.
Montreal: Montreal is the "largest" minor kingdom. It used to be a part of Lille, but split off about a century before. It has four "major" cities, and it's capitol, Queenstown, has a population of about 17,000. It's overall population is about 3.3 million. It's territory is farther to the south and west than Lille, and is therefor more fertile, and is less made up of pine forests and more made up of rolling hills. It is currently close to becoming a major kingdom, and is also currently allied with Lanchester (who helped the Montrealian people split off from Lille), as well as Melbourne.
Melbourne: Melbourne was originally a few colonies in the southern most region of the continent owned by Lanchester. When Montreal split off from Lille, and gained land that separated Lanchester from itself, it had it's revolution. Since Lanchester had just helped Montreal, it didn't bother to fight back, and thus, Melbourne became it's own kingdom. Despite it having a fair amount of land, Melbourne only has a population of just around 2.75 million. It has three major cities, and it's capitol is Warrington, which has a population of about 12,000. It's land is mostly fertile fields and hills, which are dotted with many lakes. It is currently allied with Montreal.
The Black Archipelago:
Tepanec: Off to the east of the continent is the first of the three Unconquerable Islands. Tepanec is the Wild Tribe that occupies it. They only have one major "city", which is really just where the largest temple is located, as well as the Sun Chief (the overall leader of all of the separate Tepanec tribes). The Tepanec tribes are thought to have a combined population of about 750,000. The tribe is neutral with the Kingdoms, and sticks to itself. It is likely unaware of the other Wild Tribes at all.
Cheraqui: The Cheraqui people make up the second Island Tribe. While the Tepanec people are scattered and only come together for their holidays, sacrifices, and religions, the Cheraqui people are a bit more civilized. They have a capital 'City' (which is just a big village), as well as a second larger village on the other half of the island. The Cheraqui people are more peaceful with the Continental Kingdoms, however they remain happy with their tribal lifestyles, and prefer to live peacefully with nature instead of in big, polluted, war-ravaged cities and kingdoms. They have a population of about 800,000.
Borjigin: The Borjigin tribes are by far the most deadly of the three Island Tribes. They live in a false unity. Most of the time, they live in separate tribes that go to war with each other. There is only one true city, and is only inhabited during the Harvest Moon, which the Borjigin people view as a sign from the Gods. They only unite as one giant tribe when they are ALL threatened. This has only happened one known time to the Kingdoms, which is when they initially began to explore their island. They have an overall population of about 800,000 as well.
Metals: While there are metals similar to ones in our world, like Iron, Gold, Bronze, and so on, there are also some unique metals in the world of Vahiri.
Purparum: imgur.com/XkMAEo9 Is a metal about the same strength as iron, however it is violet in color, and harnesses magics better. It is mainly used in armors and weapons that need to have stronger enchantments, or armors and weapons that can deflect magical attacks better.
Loremaes: Is a metal about the same strength as bronze that is cobalt in color. It's flexible but strong, and a good choice for someone who wants metal armor that is still light in weight.
Draconium: This metal is named for the similar look it has to a dragon's scales. The metal itself seems to be covered in separate shells, and it gleams almost like a dragon's hide. This is an extremely rare metal, as well as hard to craft. Usually only the best blacksmiths can forge with it, and usually only the best men and women get weapons or armors made from it.
Types of Magic:
Elemental Control: These magics are the ones in control over the major elements. Fire, water, earth, air, and metal. These magics are the most commonly seen, but probably the most chaotic by nature. It is entirely possible to master control over all five elements, but it would take time.
Arcane Rituals: These are spells created by the best magic users throughout time. These spells are typically kept in the Temple of the Gods up in the northern mountains. However some remain within the kingdoms, usually in prestigious colleges. These spells are usually destructive and very powerful, and have been banished in battle by all of the kingdoms, and may only be used for one, giant, common threat to the entire continent.
Conjuration: This is the ability to summon something with the usage of spells. Ranging from a piece of paper, to a sword, to a spectral bloodhound, nearly anything can be summoned. But the larger, or more powerful, the object, the harder it is to summon. Usually it takes someone decades to master Conjuration, and usually it is only used to summon every day items, such as tools or other magical scrolls.
Weather Manipulation: Just as the name implies, these magics allow a person control over weather. Rainstorms, hail, hurricanes, and whatnot. This is a very difficult magic to learn, and one that is nearly impossible to master. The use of it has been banished by most magical schools, as well as the kingdoms of Lille, Lanchester, Montreal, and Melbourne.
Enchantment Spells: Any spell can be written down. However, there is also a series of spells one can do on written incantations that essentially enchant the item it is on. For example, one could create a sword of fire by writing a Fire Enchantment into the blade and using an Enchantment Spell. Certain enchantments need the use of more magic. Purparum is a natural choice to use with these magics, as it has a natural emission of magic.
Dragons
Wyverns: The dragons with large wings and hind legs, but no forelimbs are those called wyverns. In Vahiri wyverns are fairly large, deadly, and are probably the most feared dragons seen by mankind. Many of them have been hunted off, and now they mostly live in the northern mountains, or on small, unexplored islands. Wyverns come in three types. Fire, ice, or sound. Fire wyverns breathe fire, ice ones breathe frigid/icy air, and sound wyverns produce what can only be described as small sonic booms.
Drakes: The drakes of Vahiri are small, usually horse-sized, and rare. They are most commonly found in swamplands or large, wild forests, however some have made home in the northern mountains. If one were to wander into small villages, it might be quite deadly. But a squad of soldiers could easily take a drake on. Drakes are just giant lizards, essentially.
Nature Spirits: These are the only known peaceful dragons. They are extremely rare, and to many, myths. They are protectors of the earth, and are said to only be seen during natural disasters, or to punish those who destroy their personal lands. It is said that they come in many sizes, but they are always green with golden accents, and many appear to have small, useless wings, antlers, or even beaks.
Nightmares: The Nightmare Dragons fit their horrid name. While they may not be colossal in size, their destruction definitely seems so. They have a nearly impenetrable hide, are extremely fast, and extremely strong. They come in a few different variants. Some have whip-like tails, some have longer claws and fangs, and some have larger wings. They are all, however, pitch black, with lifeless looking eyes. It is said that if you see one, it is the very last thing you will ever see. None have ever been killed, and there have only been reports of a few throughout all of time. Many people believe they are simply myths. Others call them the punishments of the Gods.
Sea Serpents: The dragons of the sea, commonly called Sea Serpents, are well named. They have no limbs or wings, and typically just look like giant snakes. However, many do have fins along their tail or back. Sea Snakes are not as destructive as Nightmares or Wyverns, but aren't technically peaceful like Nature Spirits. They usually only attack when they are frightened, and when they do, most people are lucky to survive. Sea Snakes are also only found in the middle of oceans, and aren't typically problems for fishermen and sailors. That doesn't mean the youngsters, which are actually quite small, aren't issues sometimes, though.
Religion
The Sacred Pantheon: The main religion in the world of Vahiri is the Sacred Pantheon. The major kingdoms, as well as Montreal and Melbourne, all believe that the world, and everything in it, was created by a series of gods and goddesses. It is believed that before Creation, the Gods all had their own realms, filled with whatever they ruled over, and that one day some of the Gods morphed their realms together to make one grand one, and eventually more of the Gods gifted their realms to the world so that it could be blessed with their animals, plants, magics, etc. This was titled the Time of Creation by the kingdoms, and all of the following kingdoms date themselves by the Time of Creation, and follow it as their base religion. (I'll go more into depth about the specific Gods/Creation later, as this is the pantheon that is actually correct)
The Divine Gardens: To the mysterious peoples of Kyoto and Beijing, the afterlife is either an endless amount of gorgeous palaces, gardens, cities, and forests, or an eternal amount of darkness and fear. It is believed that to reach the Divine Gardens, one must confess their sins to Nature Spirits directly after death. If the Nature Spirit believes that the person lived a good life, they are sent to the Gardens. If not, then they are sent to the Blind Forests, where they spend eternity in blindness, fear, and pain. The people of Kyoto and Beijing believe that dragons, specifically the Nature Spirits, are the creators of the world, and that certain dragons (Nightmares) are demons seeking out those who are truly evil.
The Angelic Tribe: The Tepanec people believe that there is a giant tribe that lives on the sun. It is believed that the great Sky Chief made the world in reflection of his own Tribe, and that when people die they are reborn in the Sky Tribe as holier beings. Religion to the Tepanec people is above everything, and the majority of the standing buildings on their island are temples for the Sky Tribe and it's Chief. The head Chieftain of the Tepanec peoples is actually a great priest, and is believed to be a piece of the Great Chief walking among the living, giving them wisdom and guidance.
The Three: To the warmongering Borjigan tribes, religion is nearly useless. The only gods that they believe in are the God of War, the Goddess of Birth, and the God of Harvests. When tribes go to war, they sacrifice animals, and people, to the God of War for victory. Pregnant women make things for the Goddess of Birth so that they have a healthy child, preferably a boy. And finally, the God of Harvest. The God of Harvest does not get sacrifices from the Borjigan. Rather, it is believed that HE gives THEM sacrifices, their crops. During the Harvest Moon it is believed that the God of Harvest is preparing to give the tribes very great gifts in terms of crops, and it is then that the Chieftains of the tribes go to his temple and make sacrifices; usually in the form of a slave, prisoner, or great animal.
Cheraqui Rebirth: To the tribes of the Cheraqui people, there is no God, and there is no afterlife. It is believed that the world has always been there, and that it has no creation or pre-history. It is believed that the world is shared in power by people, animals, and plants alike. In terms of death and an afterlife, it is believed that a Cheraqui person will be reborn as their Spirit Image. It is impossible to know one's Spirit Image until death, and when they see it, that is what they will be reborn as. To the Cheraqui, all things living are holy and sacred, and all life must be valued no matter what.
Noble Bloodlines: These are bloodlines and Houses that have, in some way, made major history on Vahiri. They come from any and all of the kingdoms, and even some tribes. Members of these bloodlines are generally rich, royalty, and/or highly respected by all. However, they usually go against each other for land, riches, etc. etc.
Ravenborne: The Ravenborne family of Roth was originally founded in the very beginning of the kingdom itself. Ravenborne made up the second imperial bloodline in Roth up until about two centuries ago. Now they are trying to regain their fame and fortunes through wars and land grabbing.
Waidwell: The Waidwell family is a large merchant family from Lanchester. They built some of the earliest harbors in Lanchester, and have largely added to naval technology and trade. The Waidwell's have no direct history with royalty (aside from a few marriages to Lords), it is majorly suspected that they've been paying Lanchester kings and queens for countless decades to get their way.
Things to Add: The Silver Tundra (Northern tundra), Chain (Conjuration), Flaming Spear (Elemental), Frozen Shield (Elemental), Curse of the Dragons (Arcane Ritual), Spellpower (Enchantment)
Planet = Vahiri
Five Kingdoms (Major) = Lanchester (England), Lille (France), Roth (Germany), Attica (Greece), & Pompeii (Rome)
Four Kingdoms (Minor) = Beijing (China), Montreal (Canada), Melbourne (Australia), Kyoto (Japan)
Wildling Tribes = Tepanec (Aztecs), Cheraqui (Native American), Borjigin (Mongols)
Lanchester: Lanchester is based off of England. It is the largest kingdom in terms of both land and population. It has six major cities, and an unknown number of towns and villages. It's population is roughly 6.5 million, give or take. It's largest city, and capitol is Hillford, with a population of about 40,000. The majority of the region is made up of fertile prairies and hills that make Lanchester an agriculture haven. However, the northern and north-eastern portion of the borders are made up of a mountain range, and the farther north you go, the colder the climate gets. Allied with Montreal.
Lille: Lille is based off of France. Lille is the smallest kingdom in terms of population, but has a fairly large amount of land. It has four major cities. It's capitol, Westwend, has a population of about 25,000. The majority of the region is made up of either rolling hills or large pine forests. The eastern region, which begins to hit the coast, is a bit rocky and holds mostly smaller villages. The upper most portions of the land are a bit cold and also mostly hold smaller villages. The population over all is about 4.25 million. Allied with Roth.
Roth: Roth is based off of Germany. Roth is the third largest kingdom, but the most distant. It has five major cities. It's capitol, Saxondale, has a population of about 35,000. The territory is mostly forests of many kinds, which means Roth is mostly small towns scattered about, with five major cities in the best places to farm. Roth's overall population is about 5.5 million. Roth is located in the center of the main continent, and is moderate in temperature year round. Allied with Lille.
Attica: Attica is based off of ancient Greece. It is one of the smallest major kingdoms, however it's people are hard working and tough. Since it's so small, it, by it's own standards, has seven 'major' cities. It's capitol is Salamis, which holds a population of about 9,000. The other 'major' cities hold between 5,000-10,000 people. The overall population of Attica is roughly 2 million. It is located along the eastern coast below Lille, and is really only ever truly fertile either around the rivers in it's land, or in the one stretch of land going west that Attica owns. Allied with Pompeii. Cities will go to war over land/religion, but the kingdom unites as a whole in times of crisis/and in terms of national borders.
Pompeii: Pompeii is based off of ancient Rome. Now one of the smallest kingdoms, it used to be the biggest empire on the continent. It now only has four major cities, which are actually major, unlike Attica. It's capitol is Vicentia, which has about 17,500 people within it. The overall population of the kingdom is a little less than 3.75 million. Pompeii is located just to the west of Attica, and is located in the middle southern coast of the continent, which is mostly either open fields that are fertile or wild pine forests. Allied with Attica.
Beijing: Beijing is based off of China. Technically it's only classified as minor because it isn't part of the main continent, and therefor doesn't intervene on things enough for most of the kingdoms to classify it as major. However it's bigger, in population and land, than Attica, Pompeii, and is close to being the same size as Lille in terms of population. It has four major cities, with it's capitol, Sheyoni, having a population of about 30,000. It's overall population is is just at 4 million. 3/4ths of the land is surrounded by the ocean, and the inlands are mostly just rolling hills, with the occasional dots of forests. The 1/4th of land that borders with Kyoto is mountainous and rocky, and only holds small villages or the occasional small town.
Kyoto: Like Beijing, Kyoto is also just as big as the major kingdoms, but since it isn't on the main continent it isn't classified as such. It has three major cities, with it's capitol, Honi, having a population of about 25,000. It's overall population is roughly 3.8 million. Like Beijing, 3/4ths of the land are surrounded by water. It's other fourth, it's border with Beijing, is mountainous and rocky. The rest of the land is mostly rolling hills or dotted forests.
Montreal: Montreal is the "largest" minor kingdom. It used to be a part of Lille, but split off about a century before. It has four "major" cities, and it's capitol, Queenstown, has a population of about 17,000. It's overall population is about 3.3 million. It's territory is farther to the south and west than Lille, and is therefor more fertile, and is less made up of pine forests and more made up of rolling hills. It is currently close to becoming a major kingdom, and is also currently allied with Lanchester (who helped the Montrealian people split off from Lille), as well as Melbourne.
Melbourne: Melbourne was originally a few colonies in the southern most region of the continent owned by Lanchester. When Montreal split off from Lille, and gained land that separated Lanchester from itself, it had it's revolution. Since Lanchester had just helped Montreal, it didn't bother to fight back, and thus, Melbourne became it's own kingdom. Despite it having a fair amount of land, Melbourne only has a population of just around 2.75 million. It has three major cities, and it's capitol is Warrington, which has a population of about 12,000. It's land is mostly fertile fields and hills, which are dotted with many lakes. It is currently allied with Montreal.
The Black Archipelago:
Tepanec: Off to the east of the continent is the first of the three Unconquerable Islands. Tepanec is the Wild Tribe that occupies it. They only have one major "city", which is really just where the largest temple is located, as well as the Sun Chief (the overall leader of all of the separate Tepanec tribes). The Tepanec tribes are thought to have a combined population of about 750,000. The tribe is neutral with the Kingdoms, and sticks to itself. It is likely unaware of the other Wild Tribes at all.
Cheraqui: The Cheraqui people make up the second Island Tribe. While the Tepanec people are scattered and only come together for their holidays, sacrifices, and religions, the Cheraqui people are a bit more civilized. They have a capital 'City' (which is just a big village), as well as a second larger village on the other half of the island. The Cheraqui people are more peaceful with the Continental Kingdoms, however they remain happy with their tribal lifestyles, and prefer to live peacefully with nature instead of in big, polluted, war-ravaged cities and kingdoms. They have a population of about 800,000.
Borjigin: The Borjigin tribes are by far the most deadly of the three Island Tribes. They live in a false unity. Most of the time, they live in separate tribes that go to war with each other. There is only one true city, and is only inhabited during the Harvest Moon, which the Borjigin people view as a sign from the Gods. They only unite as one giant tribe when they are ALL threatened. This has only happened one known time to the Kingdoms, which is when they initially began to explore their island. They have an overall population of about 800,000 as well.
Metals: While there are metals similar to ones in our world, like Iron, Gold, Bronze, and so on, there are also some unique metals in the world of Vahiri.
Purparum: imgur.com/XkMAEo9 Is a metal about the same strength as iron, however it is violet in color, and harnesses magics better. It is mainly used in armors and weapons that need to have stronger enchantments, or armors and weapons that can deflect magical attacks better.
Loremaes: Is a metal about the same strength as bronze that is cobalt in color. It's flexible but strong, and a good choice for someone who wants metal armor that is still light in weight.
Draconium: This metal is named for the similar look it has to a dragon's scales. The metal itself seems to be covered in separate shells, and it gleams almost like a dragon's hide. This is an extremely rare metal, as well as hard to craft. Usually only the best blacksmiths can forge with it, and usually only the best men and women get weapons or armors made from it.
Types of Magic:
Elemental Control: These magics are the ones in control over the major elements. Fire, water, earth, air, and metal. These magics are the most commonly seen, but probably the most chaotic by nature. It is entirely possible to master control over all five elements, but it would take time.
Arcane Rituals: These are spells created by the best magic users throughout time. These spells are typically kept in the Temple of the Gods up in the northern mountains. However some remain within the kingdoms, usually in prestigious colleges. These spells are usually destructive and very powerful, and have been banished in battle by all of the kingdoms, and may only be used for one, giant, common threat to the entire continent.
Conjuration: This is the ability to summon something with the usage of spells. Ranging from a piece of paper, to a sword, to a spectral bloodhound, nearly anything can be summoned. But the larger, or more powerful, the object, the harder it is to summon. Usually it takes someone decades to master Conjuration, and usually it is only used to summon every day items, such as tools or other magical scrolls.
Weather Manipulation: Just as the name implies, these magics allow a person control over weather. Rainstorms, hail, hurricanes, and whatnot. This is a very difficult magic to learn, and one that is nearly impossible to master. The use of it has been banished by most magical schools, as well as the kingdoms of Lille, Lanchester, Montreal, and Melbourne.
Enchantment Spells: Any spell can be written down. However, there is also a series of spells one can do on written incantations that essentially enchant the item it is on. For example, one could create a sword of fire by writing a Fire Enchantment into the blade and using an Enchantment Spell. Certain enchantments need the use of more magic. Purparum is a natural choice to use with these magics, as it has a natural emission of magic.
Dragons
Wyverns: The dragons with large wings and hind legs, but no forelimbs are those called wyverns. In Vahiri wyverns are fairly large, deadly, and are probably the most feared dragons seen by mankind. Many of them have been hunted off, and now they mostly live in the northern mountains, or on small, unexplored islands. Wyverns come in three types. Fire, ice, or sound. Fire wyverns breathe fire, ice ones breathe frigid/icy air, and sound wyverns produce what can only be described as small sonic booms.
Drakes: The drakes of Vahiri are small, usually horse-sized, and rare. They are most commonly found in swamplands or large, wild forests, however some have made home in the northern mountains. If one were to wander into small villages, it might be quite deadly. But a squad of soldiers could easily take a drake on. Drakes are just giant lizards, essentially.
Nature Spirits: These are the only known peaceful dragons. They are extremely rare, and to many, myths. They are protectors of the earth, and are said to only be seen during natural disasters, or to punish those who destroy their personal lands. It is said that they come in many sizes, but they are always green with golden accents, and many appear to have small, useless wings, antlers, or even beaks.
Nightmares: The Nightmare Dragons fit their horrid name. While they may not be colossal in size, their destruction definitely seems so. They have a nearly impenetrable hide, are extremely fast, and extremely strong. They come in a few different variants. Some have whip-like tails, some have longer claws and fangs, and some have larger wings. They are all, however, pitch black, with lifeless looking eyes. It is said that if you see one, it is the very last thing you will ever see. None have ever been killed, and there have only been reports of a few throughout all of time. Many people believe they are simply myths. Others call them the punishments of the Gods.
Sea Serpents: The dragons of the sea, commonly called Sea Serpents, are well named. They have no limbs or wings, and typically just look like giant snakes. However, many do have fins along their tail or back. Sea Snakes are not as destructive as Nightmares or Wyverns, but aren't technically peaceful like Nature Spirits. They usually only attack when they are frightened, and when they do, most people are lucky to survive. Sea Snakes are also only found in the middle of oceans, and aren't typically problems for fishermen and sailors. That doesn't mean the youngsters, which are actually quite small, aren't issues sometimes, though.
Religion
The Sacred Pantheon: The main religion in the world of Vahiri is the Sacred Pantheon. The major kingdoms, as well as Montreal and Melbourne, all believe that the world, and everything in it, was created by a series of gods and goddesses. It is believed that before Creation, the Gods all had their own realms, filled with whatever they ruled over, and that one day some of the Gods morphed their realms together to make one grand one, and eventually more of the Gods gifted their realms to the world so that it could be blessed with their animals, plants, magics, etc. This was titled the Time of Creation by the kingdoms, and all of the following kingdoms date themselves by the Time of Creation, and follow it as their base religion. (I'll go more into depth about the specific Gods/Creation later, as this is the pantheon that is actually correct)
The Divine Gardens: To the mysterious peoples of Kyoto and Beijing, the afterlife is either an endless amount of gorgeous palaces, gardens, cities, and forests, or an eternal amount of darkness and fear. It is believed that to reach the Divine Gardens, one must confess their sins to Nature Spirits directly after death. If the Nature Spirit believes that the person lived a good life, they are sent to the Gardens. If not, then they are sent to the Blind Forests, where they spend eternity in blindness, fear, and pain. The people of Kyoto and Beijing believe that dragons, specifically the Nature Spirits, are the creators of the world, and that certain dragons (Nightmares) are demons seeking out those who are truly evil.
The Angelic Tribe: The Tepanec people believe that there is a giant tribe that lives on the sun. It is believed that the great Sky Chief made the world in reflection of his own Tribe, and that when people die they are reborn in the Sky Tribe as holier beings. Religion to the Tepanec people is above everything, and the majority of the standing buildings on their island are temples for the Sky Tribe and it's Chief. The head Chieftain of the Tepanec peoples is actually a great priest, and is believed to be a piece of the Great Chief walking among the living, giving them wisdom and guidance.
The Three: To the warmongering Borjigan tribes, religion is nearly useless. The only gods that they believe in are the God of War, the Goddess of Birth, and the God of Harvests. When tribes go to war, they sacrifice animals, and people, to the God of War for victory. Pregnant women make things for the Goddess of Birth so that they have a healthy child, preferably a boy. And finally, the God of Harvest. The God of Harvest does not get sacrifices from the Borjigan. Rather, it is believed that HE gives THEM sacrifices, their crops. During the Harvest Moon it is believed that the God of Harvest is preparing to give the tribes very great gifts in terms of crops, and it is then that the Chieftains of the tribes go to his temple and make sacrifices; usually in the form of a slave, prisoner, or great animal.
Cheraqui Rebirth: To the tribes of the Cheraqui people, there is no God, and there is no afterlife. It is believed that the world has always been there, and that it has no creation or pre-history. It is believed that the world is shared in power by people, animals, and plants alike. In terms of death and an afterlife, it is believed that a Cheraqui person will be reborn as their Spirit Image. It is impossible to know one's Spirit Image until death, and when they see it, that is what they will be reborn as. To the Cheraqui, all things living are holy and sacred, and all life must be valued no matter what.
Noble Bloodlines: These are bloodlines and Houses that have, in some way, made major history on Vahiri. They come from any and all of the kingdoms, and even some tribes. Members of these bloodlines are generally rich, royalty, and/or highly respected by all. However, they usually go against each other for land, riches, etc. etc.
Ravenborne: The Ravenborne family of Roth was originally founded in the very beginning of the kingdom itself. Ravenborne made up the second imperial bloodline in Roth up until about two centuries ago. Now they are trying to regain their fame and fortunes through wars and land grabbing.
Waidwell: The Waidwell family is a large merchant family from Lanchester. They built some of the earliest harbors in Lanchester, and have largely added to naval technology and trade. The Waidwell's have no direct history with royalty (aside from a few marriages to Lords), it is majorly suspected that they've been paying Lanchester kings and queens for countless decades to get their way.
Things to Add: The Silver Tundra (Northern tundra), Chain (Conjuration), Flaming Spear (Elemental), Frozen Shield (Elemental), Curse of the Dragons (Arcane Ritual), Spellpower (Enchantment)
