Intro To Lunarium [Part 2]
This is a self-insert story that allows the readers to walk through Goa city in Rougeville to better understand the world of The Butterfly’s Revenge. Click here to read the main story. And here to go back to the overall masterlist for this world.
This one is a big long and has many parts. Without further ado happy reading!
Pronounced: Rouge-Vill
Kingdom Colors: Crimson and Gold
Symbol: Dragon with two pink hibiscus flowers in their grasp
Optimal Time to Visit: Year-Round
Place yourself amongst a bustling town square with familiarity in every step. Eyes on the pennant decorated lampposts or castle sigil carved into the town centers brickwork. From small villages to more built towns see the love that this kingdom’s people have for their royals. Swing by the Fountain of Faith in Louge, make a wish and wait for it to come true. Or see the impressive farms of Foosha that supply the kingdom with a majority of their harvests year round.
Blacksmiths will have doors open to showcase their skills and work. Horses being hot shoed more common in farther out towns than the capital itself saving the folks from its rather off putting smell.
Imagine the taverns being lively even in the early hours. Night fishing vessels unloading their haul and selling it to merchants and shop owners alike to provide the freshest offerings. Music is a constant with stringed instruments telling heroic tales of past rulers or brave adventures.
Being one of the oldest kingdoms, second to Spemoore, Rougeville has a timeless feel that captures the hearts of sea worn travelers or those escaping the northern mountains. With their vast villages and towns that vary based on whether you’re north or south it’s no wonder that this kingdom is nicknamed the trade hub. Folks of all walks of life and from continents far off stop by this kingdom year round.
Notable towns include Colubo, Foosha, Gray, and Louge. With Goa as the ruling town it makes the perfect backdrop for the royal castle. Ever lush forests behind and a sprawling town before it.
The royals hail from elves and dragonkin, both intertwined with a long history to Lunarium’s sister continent Solaria. With the Queen, Rouge Portgas, on the throne war was avoided and the kingdom flourished for years. Her birthday every year is celebrated in earnest throughout the kingdom with music and dancing.
Rougeville has strong ties to it’s neighboring kingdoms Fashire and Moonmere as well as more recent ties to Spemoore. Rougeville is the only kingdom to be bordered by two others, all other kingdoms are bordered by three or more.
As a southern continent the weather runs warm, yet not as drastically hot as the deserts out west or as cold as the the mountain kingdoms up north. The strongest aspect of this kingdom being the rather lax government and how devoted the royals are to their people.
Safety and a never ending search for traditions run true in this kingdom.
In search of gear for an adventure, well there are blacksmiths a plenty as aforementioned. Or a hot meal might be waiting just around the corner in a tavern or bar. I personally recommend the Baratie in the outskirts of Goa nearer to the harbor. (Ask Zeff for his personal recommendation, with ease on the oregano.)
Familiarity and peace awaits you in Rougeville.
Pronounced: Moon-Mere
Kingdom Colors: Pink and Silver
Symbol: Reindeer
Optimal Time to Visit: Spring
If one seeks true adventure that lies on the tallest peaks and in the farthest caverns yet to be explored, then Moonmere is a definite on your travels. While not as many mountains as in Willdhellm, the snow is at least seasonal in this kingdom and grass still grows green in the warmer months. Still towns are far and few with more villages being common due to the sprawling terrain that is not for the weak. Most people of Moonmere are stronger than the average human for having tilled such land and climbed most mountains as a right of passage from their ancestors beliefs.
Still the love held by the people of this kingdom is evident in its ruling town of Drum. A town higher than the rest with mountains on one side and a supposed endless forest on the other. A capital that can see it’s land from where it lays and watch over it’s people. In the springtime when the cherry blossoms bloom from Drum they bring their petals down on the rest of Moonmere turning the whole kingdom a vibrant shade of pink.
The royals of this kingdom are bullheaded and strong, with the young royal soon to take throne the kingdom will surely change to be more inclusive and understanding. (Dalton is kinder than his parents and less wary of danger yet still puts the betterment of his people first.) Other notable villages are Gyasta, Syrup, and the town of Robelle.
If travelers dare go north and enter the colder parts of the kingdom they may be allowed to bath in the lake of Robelle known as Rhea. Legend has it that many years since the formation of Lunarium a moon shaped lake allowed villagers a source of water for themselves and their crops. They respected the lake and treated it as a Goddess, holding ceremonies and offering sacrifices as needed. Going as far to not drain the lake of it’s resources during a drought that killed many people as famine persisted. Pleased with their actions, devotion, and love Rhea cried tears of joy into it’s water, proud of the respect humankind had for the earth. Since then the lake was given a name and a powerful gift.
Rumors are that if you seek clarity or insight to oneself then the town Robelle holds the answers. It’s people a safeguard to their kingdoms prized possession. If one passes and their goodwill is transcendent of inherent evil, then they will allow one to bathe from the lake during a full moon. Increasing their chances of fertility and promised comfort in life alongside aforementioned clarity.
Royals are coroneted by walking into the farthest part of the lake. If they drown then the goddess has deemed them unworthy of the crown, yet if they survive then the kingdom they lead will surely be prosperous for years to come. Dalton himself one of seven brothers as many heirs are common in Moonmere if the ceremony was to deem a royal unworthy.
Moonmere is quite close to it’s neighboring kingdoms. Most notably Rougeville and Dimmear, the two often visiting with their own royals to share spoils of their respective kingdoms. While Moonmere does share a border with Fashire they are not as close due to the distance between ruling kingdoms and the vast set of mountains that would need to be crossed. Yet the northern bordering kingdom, Willdhellm, is not a friend. Years before Dalton’s parents ruled a border was put in place and a fortress built within a town to keep Moonmere out. Whether this border runs along all of Willdhellm is a mystery to Moonmere.
However, before the border went up a town of villagers left Willdhellm bringing with them alchemic knowledge and doctoring abilities foreign to the other kingdoms. Most of the doctors remained in Moonmere and brought it to be known to some as the kingdom of health. Ailments of old and new are healed upon a visit to a Moonmere doctor. Quack or not.
I personally recommend heading to Syrup and visiting the Going Merry, a smaller family owned tavern with exquisite food said to have healed the queen of her summer cold a few decades back. It’s quaint and quiet, yet fills you with just the energy needed to brave the Moonmere terrain.
Endless magic and adventure await you in Moonmere.
Pronounced: Wield-Helm
Kingdom Colors: White and Silver
Symbol: Unicorn
Optimal Time to Visit: Summer (If you dare)
Willdhellm is not for the faint of heart. That I will admit.
It’s kingdom strict on their policy of outsiders and only will truly take those in who are committed to their king and or never leaving the kingdom. Those loyal to the kingdom notably will have a unicorn with a star on the tip of its horn as a tattoo if they serve close to the king. Similar styled brands are given to anyone in the kingdom who’s standing is less than a nobles. Travel is rumored to be prohibited and those born in Willdhellm will die in Willdhellm. A border runs along the edge of this kingdom to keep itself safe and travelers away. Forts line the border and guards live their lives out in these makeshift homes. Soldiers dedicated to a job for a king who sees them as numbers.
The folks of Willdhellm are rumored to be masters at alchemy, a skill later enhanced by the unification of Judge and Sora. The current king and queen whom rule the country with an iron fist. Folks from Solaria and more importantly Silvaria, Sora’s home kingdom, speak of a future where the walls are torn down and kingdom opened. Of a woman ruling the throne alone and shattering the darkness of this frozen kingdom. Whether to believe them or not is up to you.
The king, Judge, seems to be discussing war any given chance and sharing his ideals with the people of Willdhellm and its fellow towns. Despite snowy mountain ranges and mazes of forests, Willdhellm has quite a few towns spread throughout the large kingdom. Notable ones include Deul, Flevance, Lvneel, and Swallow. The ruling town is Germa, a castle made colder by the fact it resides on the coast where temperatures are rumored to drop beyond survivable.
It is also surrounded by a series of smaller towns and villagers. A rumored safeguard so that the castle would have to time to protect itself while the towns fall to the enemy.
The snow never stops and the summers are warmer yet not terribly freezing. Merchants claim rare fruits bloom on the snow kissed trees and hearty foods are buried deep beneath frozen earth. Mines that once flourished with rare minerals abandoned and left to cry out as nothing but winter winds to travel the paths once walked by Willdhellms people.
Out of all the kingdoms Flevance is infamous, having since been abandoned after a new plague was dropped onto years before. After a hard winter they were gifted food from an anonymous source, food that was tainted and poisoned. Rumors claim that Germa placed the plague on the towns people for rebelling and sharing their medical knowledge outside of Willdhellm. (The Moonmere incident is known and not discussed in front of the current king). In one fell swoop a town with notable doctors and alchemic knowledge was gone.
If you do visit Willdhellm it’s best to avoid Flevance. The disease still runs rampant in the winds. And more so on the grounds where the snow fails to hide the ivory bones peeking out of cobbled streets and frozen ground. A scene of horror that will haunt you in your waking hours.
If it is a devotion to duty and a lifelong purpose that you seek then Willdhellm awaits.
Pronounced: Green-Wood
Kingdom Colors: Amethyst and Green
Symbol: Phoenix
Optimal Time to Visit: Fall
When you step foot into Greenwood you’ll know from the many forests that surround you. If you do not have a map, then it strongly advised to not venture into the woods until you do. Travelers have gotten lost and gone mad in the secretive woods of the kingdom that hold Lunariums history. Being the third oldest kingdom Greenwood is a place of secrets, where true adventure may lie in the ancient architecture or old tomes of Ohara’s libraries.
Much like all other northern kingdoms the Willdhellm border runs along the top of Greenwood, yet the Zunisha mountain range acts a further defense for the kingdom. Outsiders are rare due to choice as many fear unearthing the secrets will lead to their demise or if they share them then the warriors of Zou will hunt them down from the shadows.
Greenwood is an odd kingdom in which the ruling kingdom of Zou has two leaders. Furthermore, the town of Wano has its own leader which dates back many generations. The three reach agreements and rule the country as one. With the true king said to be in Wano. Yet the mystery remains to those outside of Greenwood making it that much harder to take down the kingdom in surprise or a single blow.
The other notable town is on the far peninsula of Greenwood called Ohara. History is said to have been documented since the start of Lunarium and when Spemoore first begun to lay claim to land. Records of kings, queens, wars won, wars lost, and of strange happenings all in Lunarium are documented in the extensive libraries of Ohara. A tree of knowledge is rumored to have all the answers that one seeks in the heart of the libraries.
That is if you can find it.
Truth, history, and the backbone of traditions await you in Greenwood.
Pronounced: dah-mere
Kingdom Colors: Marigold and Pink
Symbol: Knight
Optimal Time to Visit: Summer
Picture yourself amongst a flower field of yellow blooms that seem to reach the sky. You can hear music and feel the earth beneath you tremble as folks dance to celebrate at any given occasion. In the sprawling field of sunflowers it’s easy to find yourself joining in and dancing with the townsfolk as if there isn’t a single evil in this world. Connecting with yourself and those before you. A song from your soul joining in with those around you.
Dimmear has several towns most notably Acacia, Carta, Cocoyashi, Primula, and Sebio. Their ruling kingdom is Dressrosa which has royals whom can often be found everywhere but the castle. The queen herself is often found amongst armor parading around as a guard or in a dress with an impossibly long trail waving to her people and sampling local baked goods. Despite her father and sister’s worries Scarlett is an amazing queen with a true sense of judgment on her shoulders despite her carefree manner. In the future she’ll surely continue the traditions of Dimmear and lead the kingdom to a lovely future.
As the only kingdom to be truly inland and not border the coast, along with having two water sources, Dimmear is a sought after place to live. In the south there are farmers who feed the people of their kingdom as well as the kingdoms around them. To the north lie the healers who have run from Willdhellm or come from the mysterious woods of Greenwood to the West with more than alchemy in their blood. Yet all around Dimmear are the artists.
Those who dance, who sing, paint, carve, or even bake.
Art runs through the blood of Dimmear in the simple manor of decorated store fronts and patterned clothing. It is as old as the kingdom itself and makes the kingdom pop on the continent when it’s true competitor in the sense of standing out would be Spemoore.
The best time to visit would have to be in spring when the flowers bloom and Dressrosa holds their annual artists faire. Folks from all over kingdom sell their art for wares and goods or even coin if desired. Be sure to find lodging before the faire and that you have enough pack space for the goods you acquire. I personally recommend The Soldier’s Stop. It’s a tavern with a couple rooms to spare for the lucky few. The food is amazing, especially their lunch set called Thunder Soldier. Packed with all the nutrients needed for a day of bartering and bargaining.
Even if you miss securing a room be sure to stop by and enjoy some of the food that is made by the wonderful cooks inside. Flavor found no where else. Mixed with Spemoore spices and Dimmear artistry, food becomes elevated in this kingdom.
If time allows during your travel it would be best for you to pay respects to the ancestors and artists of life before in the red flower fields of Carta. Instead of a temple like those in Spemoore kings of old and queens who commanded the kingdom years past lay below the red blooms for eternity. Offer a pray and leave your mark on the kingdom bricks of Carta with paint. Don the flowers given and dance till you feel your legs go numb. Feel the music deep within your soul and find yourself.
If it a purpose within the arts or a sense of self that you seek then Dimmear awaits.
Pronounced: dah-k-rest
Kingdom Colors: Bronze and turquoise
Symbol: A set of three sand dunes with a breeze blowing above
Optimal Time to Visit: Winter
If Willdhellm is a kingdom of mystery because of it’s seclusion from all others. And Greenwood is one of history that is impossible to discover then Dahkrest is a kingdom of both. Genuinely not much is known about this kingdom. With one town in the north being the only sign of life. Even then the town is simply four houses and a tavern all able to live in the warmer weather thanks to the lake nearby. The desert sands beyond Vira leave a mystery in the endless dunes, creating mirages and false hopes of those who look.
Walking across the desert provided no insight to any sign of life. Yet the rumored kingdom of old is said to be here. Balitigo a home for anyone who dares. A group of people who are said to see the future and are working towards a better world.
If you dare to attempt in locating the old kingdom, then I recommend that you stop by Vira first and search for a baker named Kuma. He makes the best breads in all the kingdoms and tea that I swear by. If you choose to believe then the tea will tell all that you need to know. It’ll open your eyes and provide insight to the world of Dahkrest.
A kingdom not conquered for years out of fear and respect. A home for a single town.
If you desire to be a part of something revolutionary and truly open your eyes, then Dahkrest awaits you.
Pronounced: Spea-more
Kingdom Colors: Gold and sapphire
Symbol: Mermaid
Optimal Time to Visit: Spring
Open your eyes to the world of sand dunes and colors that pop in the drab atmosphere. Surrounded by strong sights and sounds. Music loud amongst the varying street markets and new smells as strong as the mountains of never before seen spices lining shop windows. Travel across the desert to find treasure in towns of architecture older than Lunarium history dates back.
As the oldest kingdom Spemoore has a lot of history and traditions that seem to take place year round. In the winter Cocoyashi village in Dimmear will bring wagons of tangerines and other goods to sell for in the ever growing markets the have reached the Spemoore town of Summerhold. Some of Spemoore’s people are known to trade gold for a small piece of the lucky fruit. It is even said that if you wish to find a Dimmear local selling the fruit to wear brighter colors. And please save yourself the trouble and don’t barter with the stubborn people of Cocoyashi.
In the fall Fashire locals will visit and bless the Yuba lake with fairie dust, also known by some as dance powder. It’s said that the dust will be sure to bring rain to the desert kingdom even in the most stubborn of droughts. In return the fairie kingdom gets spices and mined goods not found anywhere else. As people of Silvaria the fae posses magical abilities that can allow them to utilize metals in a way humans cannot.
In the spring the sea kings of old are said to be noticeable off the coast. It’s a blessing of good luck to even see the majestic creatures yet if you find the one known in the legends as Poseidon then you’ll be granted a lifetime of luck. Some even say immortality, yet the legend hasn’t been spotted in over several centuries. No one anymore even knows what the king of sea kings looks like other than a large fish. Oh and please no fishing during these weeks as you bring bad luck onto yourself if you are caught.
Visiting in the summer is not recommended if you aren’t used to the warmer weather, death by heat a common occurrence for novice travelers. Less clothes doing more harm than good as the sun will melt your skin off one’s bones. Yet during summer the most important tradition occurs. The Nefertari family will make their annual visit to the ancestral temples in the ruling kingdom of Alubarna. Only the royals truly know what happens during this day yet by midday the next day the clock tower bell will sound indicating the start of festivities. Food is shared, music plays, and the castle opens its doors to its people so they can offer their respects to the late kings and queens who have their portraits laid out. Flowers a common offering as well as candles. Lighting them to fight off the darkness of life after for their ancestors.
Noticeable on a map is a small island off the coast of Spemoore. The island is not a temple but rumored to be the home of mermaids protected by the royal family, tough currents make getting to the island impossible to reach. Greedy sailors die more often from tying to navigate the odd currents than they do from a lack of water. However, sailors who’ve survived an attempt to sail across mention a seal like creature fighting with it’s fists to protect the coastline of this strange island.
If you find the chance whenever you visit I recommend visiting this weapons shop in Yuba. The owner Toto is a master in the forge and his young son seems to follow in his footsteps. Despite what everyone says all the weapons in the royal army are made by Toto and the villagers of Yuba, working day and night as the chiming of the clock tower are replaced by a hammer on the anvil. Fae magic strong in the water allowing them honed abilities. Even as the war has ended and the need for weapons diminished the family and town have turned to jewelry making.
If you are seeking to connect to those around you and those who came before you then Spemoore awaits you.
Pronounced: Fah-sheer
Kingdom Colors: Gold and Emerald
Symbol: Half of moth and butterfly joined as one
Optimal Time to Visit: Spring
When you look at a map Fashire is surely a kingdom to peak interest. Even with six lakes and a small little river the continent of Lunarium has one odd kingdom split in two by a river. That kingdom is none other than Fashire.
A kingdom with allure and mystery hidden amongst the woods, inhabited by creatures of old on the right side of the river. Where parties are said to be held under the full moon. Human butterflies flying throughout the treetops and leaving trails of fae dust behind them. Wings larger than the person they’re apart of and as colorful as a Dimmear rainbow. On the left of the river are swordsmen and guardians to the traditions of yesterday and tomorrow. Notable in the stories of Fashire and its dated history.
As you travel through the midst of woods that seem to stretch on for miles you will think to be lost when you start to see nothing but trees and dirt paths hidden by overgrown grass. Yet keep going to find a kingdom on the south shore, its castle laying on a small bay in the town of Emerald. In this kingdom you will find folks of old and legends that history deemed false. A kind driven to the brinks and hiding as war plagued Lunarium. Magic runs so deep that you can feel it in the ground below your feet and see it in the trees that provide safety for this older kingdom. A small town leading to a tall castle seemingly wrapped amongst the trees will be a sure destination on your travels. Some small homes are even carved from trees, with more than one having their homes in the trees. The castle doors open for anyone and everyone. Terra ever kind will let you into her world. A word to the wise, don’t underestimate her.
The Queen hails from Silvaria where the fae were trained warriors in combat. If a fae managed to pass the training then they would be given a weapon of their choosing, though most will craft the weapon and or receive an heirloom with higher magic retention. I won’t give way to what Terra chose and what she utilizes…however I’d be wary of sharp objects.
Being so close to the other kingdoms Fashire does have close ties to Rougeville and Dimmear as well as Spemoore. There’s even a hinted rumor about possible connections with Willdhellm in the coming years. Though the King, Arashi Roronoa, is ever cautious and the latter may be nothing more than long game of miscommunication.
Despite the differences in appearances, find it in your heart to accept the fae of Fashire. Enjoy the world they’ve created and find a small space of history to leave your mark on. Dance in the cobblestone town centers of old and drink a tea so pure it’ll provide insight to your future. Eat the flowered desserts and watch the dance of swordsmen.
If you personally wish to learn some basic skills then I recommend the small dojo named Isshin. The owner Koushirou is a kind man and loves new students. Tell him Anna sent you and he’ll know that you mean well and won’t abuse what he teaches. Be sure to pay respect to his late daughter. Oh and if interested ask him about his go to black smith. They make a lot of notable blades in the highest quality.
Open your heart and let your opinions leave you as you walk amongst legends and beings of old. Fae with glimmering wings leaving behind trails of stardust will surely lure you into flying once or twice. Feel the air beneath you and connect with your history.
If it is a sense of childhood joy that you wish to regain then Fashire awaits you.
A soft blanket on my shoulders rouses me. I sit and sniffle in the wisps of smoke gently pouring from my mouth as I wake. Ann shifts into focus at the table in the kitchen and I stand to see what smells good.
“Well good morning darling.” She pushes a plate of bread with some cheese towards me. A small round orange fruit sits besides the plate. Not wanting my stomach to make itself known I sit and begin to eat. “How was the reading?”
“Good.” I nod too unsure if I’m awake enough for words.
“Well like I said you’re always welcome here Y/N.”
We eat in silence until the town starts to come alive it the far distance and sea birds cry out their songs. I wonder more about my journey ahead and recall both the journal and tome from last night.
“I think I know now.” Ann tilts her head in confusion as she sips from her mug. “I know where I wanna go.” Looking down I stare my empty plate and remember how Lunarium looks to those who’ve traveled it before.
“Well don’t be shy!” My leg is kicked lightly under the table and I’m caught up in Ann’s infectious smile. Even more so how when she does the points of her ears before ever so visible through her mess of hair and under her eyes is the faintest hint of scales. A smile like that described by Oden as the crown princess of Rougeville and the woman Roger loved. A sister in all aspects surely.
Setting my fist down on the table with resolution I smile towards the woman whom history forgot. “I’m heading to __."
I won't lie I poured a lot of time and effort into this small story. I really hope you all have enjoyed reading and got to know a bit more about the world behind "The Butterfly's Revenge". Now I'm curious to know where you'd go (and why). So!
Leave a dragon emoji (🐉) if you'd like to stay in Rougeville
Leave a moon emoji (🌙) if you're going to Moonmere
Leave a rabbit emoji (🐇) if you're willing to brave Willdhellm
Leave a flower emoji (🌼) if you'd like to go to Greenwood
Leave a paint palate emoji (🎨) if you're on the way to Dimmer
Leave a teacup emoji (🍵) if you're bags are packed for Dahkrest
Leave a seal emoji (🦭) if you're heading to Spemoore
Leave a butterfly emoji (🦋) if you wish to go to Fashire
