#escia

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Escia Worldbuilding

So I decided to do some worldbuilding stuff for ATR and Escia while I take a short break on my book, so here, take this!

Escia: Basic Overview

Founded:1334 

Current year: In ATR, it’s 2025

How old is it?: 691 years old

Population: ~2 million people

Capital City: Lasvia, in the southeast surrounded on most sides by the Kariva Mountains

Major cities: Thenva, in the west, on the Wayland river; Calcon, in the middle of the country and the Great Yanho Forest; Makkadon: In the North, on the Valiun Tundra

Government Type: Oligarchy; a group of nobles who rule the country known as the Royal Eight. Each Noble focuses on a certain ‘piece’ of the country, i.e. the Thenva Nobles focuses on business and economy while the Makkadon Nobles focuses on supplies, the gathering, and the distribution of them. More down below

Economy Type: Standard buy-and-sell economy.

Relationship with other Countries: Escia is an ally to Shoysia in the west, and has strained relations with Glaskov to the north, Akkir to the northeast and Muna to the southeast. It’s currently engaged in a war with Ushia across the Mokushan ocean. 

Birth rate: ~200 babies per day

Death rate: With the war going around, ~800 deaths per day, but is normally ~400

Demonym: Escian

Alternative Names: The Kingdom of Escia, the Supernatural Safe Haven and the Supernatural Kingdom.

Religion: The most prominent religion is Saintism, or praying to the Supernatural Saints such as Saint Liben or Saint Marline. It’s mainly Supernaturals who partake in this. The other religion is Rethenism, which is mostly humans and praying to the True God Rethen. A forbidden religion is Jovidun, which is when Supernaturals pray to the Second True Saint, Jovidun, more commonly called the Dark Saint. 

Historical sites/buildings: The Midon Ruins is the most popular historical site, rumored to be the birthplace of Saint Midon, a renowned Saint. Calcon is another popular site, more specifically the Old Hall, where Saint Liben overthrew the former Queen of Escia, Indina

Escia: The Nobles

There are eight noble houses in Escia that run the country, and they’re offered to as the Noble Eight. Each of them oversees a specific section of the country to keep it running.

Lasvia Crest: The nobles in the Lasvia crest are responsible for overseeing foreign affairs such as wars and alliances with other countries

Thenva Crest: Nobles who are in the Thenva crest oversee the country’s economy and business affairs. Not all of them are necessarily the right fit, however

Calcon Crest: The nobles who are part of the Calcon crest are responsible for domestic affairs, and oversee the other six crests, aside from Lasvia

Makkadon Crest: These nobles are responsible for dealing with supplies, the production, and distribution of goods. Seeing as how it’s winter nine months out of the year and deal with constant blizzards, they’re always trusted in their judgment

Hisho Crest: These nobles are responsible for new inventions and technology so as to help Escia when it comes to war 

Yalvun Crest: Yalvun nobles are responsible for justice, both domestic and foreign, and, as such, write many of the rules and laws in place for Escia. Often goes with the Lasvian crest to internatial affairs involving justice and proper punishment. Rivals with nobles from the Thenva Crest

Bakabrun Crest: The nobles responsible for schooling, healthcare and other things like that. They work closely with the Thenva and Calcon Crest nobles

Quival Crest: These nobles are responsible for Domestic Security and Foreign Security, as well as making sure police and army procedures are up-to-date. They work closely with the Lasvian, Calcon and Hishio Crest nobles

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Escia Worldbuilding

Escia’s cities: Quivial

Brief Description From The Escia Tourbook: Everything You Need To Know When Traveling To Escia: Quivial is a city steeped in lies, secrecy, and shadows. It’s one of the hardest cities to find, and even finding the road to it is tricky, steeped in magic and mist.

If you do manage to find the road, it’s good to always keep a light on. Mist edges up to the road, but it never actually does go onto it if you have a light. Vengeful spirits that are known as Nihjin also live in and around the city, preying on those with poor mental health and depression.

The city itself is very gloomy, with it being cloudy nine times out of ten, and even the shadows themselves seem to move. The people are very distrusting of others, and it takes a long time for people to warm up to newcomers.

You may feel as if someone is following you, but when you look, you don’t see anyone. People say that it’s Sankta Avsol, judging whether you are worthy or not to be there. If you are, she’ll leave you alone within a month. If you aren’t, you’ll find yourself and all your items back on the road that leads to Quivial. 

Everyone in the city is a Supernatural, so more often than not humans aren’t allowed inside. As such, the city usually holds a tournament to see who the best magic-user in the city. Also, those who aren’t silent during the Vigil are often cast out of the city. 

Despite the town’s appearance, though, few crimes actually happen in the city. Many believe that this is a result of being cast out of Quivial by the Quivial Crest head or even Sankta Avsol herself. 

Population: 756,000 Popular Pastimes: Silent Vigil on the night of Sankta Avsol’s death, a magic tournament in the winter, and the annual Spirit’s Week Festival in the summer City Flag: Grey wolf standing on a rock with a purple background Popular Places to Visit: Dandy’s Tavern, Old Rick Tree in the center of town, and the Wolf’s Den.

The Quivial Nobles

The Quivial noble’s mansion is more like a haunted castle, west of the town, across the Bosa River, and anyone who tries to enter without permission finds themselves falling asleep and waking up in their own bed. One who does not have a Noble’s Ring or a Noble’s Brooch cannot enter the mansion, surrounded by mist and old, gnarly trees.

After the death of Mr. and Mrs. Iponia, their daughter Hinoka is now the head, but because she’s only 16, most of the business is done by her butler, Timothy, until Timothy and the other nobles decide that she’s ready to head the house by herself.

Hinoka is an incredibly gifted Supernatural, having devastatingly powerful physic abilities. Because of this, it’s rumored that Hinoka accidentally killed her parents, but no one knows if this is true or not. Often stays in her home unless called out to a meeting or is attending the annual magic tournament. Some even claim that Hinoka is not from this world, but rather, a Nihjin who took control of Hinoka’s body after her depressive episode when she was thirteen, thus leading to the death of her parents.

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Escia Worldbuilding

Escia’s Cities: Brakabun

Brief Description From The Escia Tourbook: Everything You Need To Know When Traveling To Escia: Barkabun is known as the Backbone city, which is very true. Brakabun and the nobles there are responsible for healthcare schooling, roads, transportation, and many other similar things in Escia that the other nobles don’t focus on.

Brakabun is located between Calcon and Lasvia, somewhere outside the Great Yanho Forest. The roads to there are long and quiet, for not many people come and even fewer people leave. 

Most of the city is built from stone, so as to prevent fires from burning most of the buildings after the Brakebun fire of 1943. Many people around the city work as farmers or cattle ranchers, but quite a few people work in office jobs in the city itself.

The city is very lively and colorful, street art, graffiti, and parades being common there. One of the most popular holidays is the annual Blockfest parade in early spring, a chance for many artists and painters to show off their work and for most people to have a good time. 

However, many people tend to shy away from the Nibun Cemetary, for it’s rumored that the spirit of Sankta Jahi went crazy after her death and now attacks tourists and locals alike. As such, unlike most of the cemeteries in Brakbun, it’s dark, overgrown and dangerous. 

Population: 576,000 Popular Pastimes: The annual Blockfest Parade and Moci Gochi, where the denizens build wooden statues of their ancestors and then burn them on October 12th to appease their spirits. City Flag: Multi-colored hummingbird with a crocus in its mouth on a beige-and-ivory background Popular Places to Visit: Maria Skia golf course, Detoi art gallery

The Brakabun Nobles

The nobles of Brakabun are an old married couple, Mr. Richin Lipu and Mrs. Camilla Lipu. They have been together for 48 years, and many people in the city love and appreciate them for all they’ve done, mainly the children.

Although they have no children, they don’t mind. They are attended to by Amelia, their bodyguard and representative when they aren’t able to go to any noble meetings. She’s a master at martial arts and sneak attacks, and some people are even questioning if she is real. Amelia, Mr. and Mrs. Lipu are also the only ones who can go to the Nibun Cemetary without any consequences.

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Escia Worldbuilding

Escia’s Cities: Yalvun

Brief Description From The Escia Tourbook: Everything You Need To Know When Traveling To Escia: Yalvun is one of Escia’s biggest port cities, and it’s on the coast of the Mokushun Ocean. The city itself is near the tip of the Avion Peninsula, where it rains most of the year. As such, Yalvun is also known as Water City.

The most popular job in Yalvun is a fisherman or sailor, anything having to do with water. Most of the other jobs involve working at local restaurants, and there aren’t many rich people who live in or near the city. 

Yalvun is a closely-knit town, and the people’s behavior reflects that, many often wary of newcomers. However, there are still quite a few popular places where tourists and newcomers alike are welcomed, which locals tend to avoid. 

It’s rumored that sirens live off the coast near Yalvun, luring ships, men and women to their death alike. However, despite many searches, the closest things to sirens that people have found are shy Vilpops, hiding in the seagrass and under the sand. 

Another popular rumor in town is that, on stormy nights, if you go to the Conch Shell Lagoon a few miles south of Yalvun, you can see the spirit of Saint Irenie there, blessing the waters so travelers and tourists can swim safely. But once the moon appears, they disappear, and you will never see them again.

Population: ~475,000 Popular Pastimes: Monthly Fishing Competition, the Floating Candle ceremony, and festival in mid-fall, and the surfing competition in summer City Flag: Two fish circling around a  pearl on an aquamarine background Popular Places to Visit: Conch Shell Lagoon, Coral Lighthouse, Mokushun Ocean

The Yalvunian Nobles

The nobles of Yalvun are known for two things; their singing and their iron-fist justice. As of right now, the head of the Yalvun Crest is Eliza Ceshun and is known as the Water Dancer. With water-based powers, a gifted singing voice and professional dancing skills, she puts on a show once a month for tourists and locals alike.

She has one son, named Quinten after her husband left her when she was pregnant. Although Quinten is not a great singer, he is very good at dancing, and the mother-and-son team knows what is justice and what isn’t.

Their house overlooks Yalvun, at the top of the Minowa Cliffs to the Northwest. It’s considered a great honor to go there, despite the relatively small house. The housemaid, Angie, also mans the lighthouse just to the left of the house.

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Escia Worldbuilding

Escia’s Cities: Hisho

Brief Description From The Escia Tourbook: Everything You Need To Know When Traveling To Escia: Hisho is the smallest out of Escia’s big cities, standing at only some 300,000 people. Despite this, it is one of the most technologically-advanced cities in the country, and three out of five scientists come from Hisho, the universities there, and the surrounding areas. 

Hisho is located in the east, by the Akkirian border, and the road that runs from Hisho to Akkir is the major road to get to Akkir. The Saint said to guard the city against disaster is Sankta Bellema, known as the Science Saint by many. However, no one quite knows how to find her. Even 

Although it’s not as far-north as Makkadon, it still gets cold there quite often, so be sure to bring some warm clothing.

The city is small, at least compared to some of the other major cities, but it still has many festivals and celebrations. One of the more popular ones in the city-wide Science Fair, taking place from June 3rd-June 10th, in where every scientist in the city goes to show off some of the latest inventions and see if they can wind a Grand Pagent, which allows that scientist to work with the Hisho Crest nobles and Escian Military on making new defense and war items.

Population: 300,000 people Popular Pastimes: Showing off work in the Science Fair, attending the Science Saint festival to pay homage to Sankta Bellema City Flag: Snowy owl holding a strand of black hair on a blue background Popular Places to Visit: Hisho City University, Sankta Bellema’s home, Buffy’s Tavern

The Hishonian Nobles

Every noble in the Hishonian Crest pride themselves on their intelligence. The head is Mrs. Jaquine Belle and is a descendent of Sankta Bellema. Blessed with an I.Q. of 104, she’s considered the smartest person in Hisho. Her husband is Mr. Wolvine Belle, and his I.Q. is 98, leading to a very smart power-couple who has the ability to solve any problem quickly and efficiently.

Their kids are Yakus and Britni, who are both out at the Hisho City University and working to get degrees like their parents so they can help protect Escia, but some sources say that the daughter, Britni, wants to instead be a fashion designer and move to Thenva, and spends most of her time partying rather than studying. They also have about fifteen cats and three dogs. 

Once a year, however, they go silent and shut themselves off from everything to pay homage to Sankta Bellema. When that happens, they send a representative by the name of Zuvi in their place, should a meeting between the other nobles happen.

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Escia Worldbuilding

Escia’s cities: Makkadon

Brief Description From The Escia Tourbook: Everything You Need To Know When Traveling To Escia: If you’re going to Makkadon, whether for a trip or indefinitely, bundle up! It’s considered the coldest city in Escia, in the Valia Tundra, where it snows nine months out of twelve and never gets above sixty. 

If you are going to Makkadon, go in the months of Late May to Mid-August, as that’s the time it’s least likely to snow, meaning the roads will be visible. Although wolves, bears and other creatures may prowl the road, looking for travelers weak enough to not run, so long as you keep to the road, you should be good. It was blessed long ago so no wild animals would pass through it. 

On the road, you may meet a traveler in blue clothing with a cane and an appearance like mist. Don’t be alarmed, that’s just (probably) the ghost of Sankta Ophel. She’ll probably want a ride, and it is safe to let her get in. 

Makkadon itself is a rather huge town, with mine on the north side, forest on the east, and the Wayland river to the rest. Many of the houses here are wood, coated on the outside with the skin of bears, moose, and other large creatures that roam the area for insulation.

More commonly, you’ll see houses underground, meant for bettered protection against the fierce blizzards. Downtown Makkadon even has a system of tunnels and shafts in case a blizzard traps the denizens of the city. 

If in the town, you may come across rumors of a lake known as Opal Lake, which supposedly lies in the east, surrounded by mountains on all side. However, many people believe it to be fake, and even if it was real, it’s dangerous to get to, guarded by a mysterious monster that hunts to kill. 

And if you see storm clouds gathering on the horizon, get underground or inside as quickly as you can. The blizzards here come quick, leave quickly, and are always deadly. 

Population: 145,000 Popular Pastimes: A hockey-like sport known as Ski Ball in from November to March.  City Flag: Buffalo on a brown and white background Popular Places to Visit: Abandoned Mines, Makkadon Theater, Valia Ski Ball Rink

The Makkadon Nobles

Out of all the noble families, these ones are the most well-known and well-liked. The head honchos are a wife-and-wife team, the older one being Lalia and the younger one being Yousia. They don’t yet have any children, but Lalia said they were thinking of adopting. 

Lalia and Yousia travel around Makkadon quite often, greeting the citizens and giving out little gifts, especially to children. While some say they shouldn’t do that, the most dangerous things in a hundred miles of Makkadon are the blizzards, bears, and wolves. So off they go. 

Although she’s rarely seen, Lalia and Yousia have an excellent bodyguard by the name of Kai, last name unknown, though she is referred to as The Lynx more often than not. If you look well enough when the two nobles are passing through town, you may just see her shadowing behind her lieges. 

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Escia Worldbuilding

Escia’s Cities: Thenva

Brief Description From The Escia Tourbook: Everything You Need To Know When Traveling To Escia: Thenva is considered the prime city for anyone who needs dirty business done fast. It’s separated into two parts by the Wayland River -- North and South Thenva -- and the two main bridges are the Obsidian and Quartz Bridges. A real-life Yin and Yang city. 

While the outside of the city is relatively safe, it’s the city itself you have to watch out for. Pickpockets, thieves, criminals and all sorts of nasties run about; despite this bad reputation, however, it’s considered the No 1. Tourist Spot in Escia. Just watch your valuables and don’t go out after eleven, for that’s when the Underhour begins. 

The Underhour is when most of the baddies come out of hiding, doing all their dirty work on the Underground, a secret and highly-protected system of trade, bartering, buying and selling for all sorts of illegal deeds, from muggings to murders and assassinations. Police have tried for years to crack it, but with no luck. 

The north is much safer than the south, especially during the day, when the mass of crowds keeps the smaller fish at bay. Many of the more pleasurable tourist attractions, such as parks and stores, are found here, and most close at nine pm. Site of the famed Mason Towers, and where many of the businessmen live and work. 

For those looking for a little risk with more pay, head to the south, where you’ll find casinos, nightclubs, bars and everything in between. Many of the citie’s baddies live here to crawl out at night for their deeds. If you’re going out, come and leave with a friend or two; otherwise, you might just get mugged.

Many of the city’s decision is made by the Thenva Ten, the ten richest businessmen and women in Thenva. They gather weekly at the Mason Towers in order to discuss how to help the city, but many agree that they aren’t doing much; some even claim they’re going to drive the city into chaos. Carlos’ family, the Myers family, is number 5 on this list. 

Population: 578,000 Popular Pastimes: Going out to the club, visiting Downtown North Thenva, the annual Freedom Parade, and Supernatural tournament in mid-to-late fall City Flag: Golden Dragon on a white background meant to signify purity Popular Places to Visit: The Mason towers, where many of the rich in Thenva live or work; Riti’s Nightclub and Stefano’s Bar; Downtown North Thenva; Northern Park

The Thenvian Nobles

The nobles in Thenva are decided a little differently here than in the other major cities. For Thenva, whoever has the most money or power is at the top. Whether or not they should be there is to be debated. 

As of right now, the family that holds this title is the head of the Mason Family, Vincent Mason, after inheriting his grandfather’s title. He lives in the penthouse suite at the top of the Mason Towers with his twelve-year-old nephew, Zaylar. Doesn’t do much, though; usually sends his advisors in his place. 

Of course, with power comes resistance. Currently, an up-and-coming business family by the name of Banir’s is rising quickly, already second-most prosperous business family in Thenva. However, their daughter is not well-liked, and definitely not a fit to be a noble. Many agree that Vincent is a much better fit than the daughter, and it’s causing tension as to who should be the next noble

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Escia Worldbuilding

Escia’s Cities: Calcon

Brief Description From The Escia Tourbook: Everything You Need To Know When Traveling To Escia: Calcon is, by far, the biggest city in Escia. It’s set upon the Great Calcon Tree, the biggest tree in the world. Standing strong at 500+ feet, it was the foundation for the Calcon, the City Built On Trees. 

It’s centered in the Great Yanho Forest, but don’t be intimidated by the tall, large trees that make it up. There are several roads that lead there, but they're not too dangerous. The most dangerous thing that could happen is falling from the trees. 

Calcon has three different ‘sections’ to it. The first section is the Outer Section, which are the trees between a 100-250 mile radius. Most of the things here are ransack houses and those who can not afford houses closer to the GCT. 

The second section is the Inner Section, which are the trees within a 50-100 mile radius. Many of Calcon’s homes and small shops live here, in communities known as Neighborhoods. 

The third section is the Great Calcon tree, stretching outwards at about fifty miles or so. Many of the major stores, tourist areas, arenas and stuff like that are found here. 

In order to navigate Calcon, you need to know basic math and how to read a map. There are several ways to get around the large expanse of the city, the two most popular ways being Trams and Airbirds, small ships meant for quick transportation without the hassle of getting onto a tram. 

However, they are expensive, so most people stick to trams. There are three separate types with their own colors. Green is meant for traveling up and down the GCT, Yellow is for traveling from the GCT to the IS, and Blue is for traveling from the IS to the OS. 

Most Tram Maps are written like this: *Color* to *FL* FL stands for floor number, which is essentially the branches and leaves upon which things are set. So, if you want to get from the Inner Section to a restaurant on the GCT, you would take the Yellow Tram to the floor you need to go to, which looks like this: Y-F23. 

Also, if you are going down to a different level from the tree you are on, ex going from floor 14 of the GCT to floor 12, you can either take the stairs that are built outward from the center of the tree, the ladders, or the elevators. Most people choose elevators. 

Spirits known as the Komid are often seen hiding out in Calcon, in large, obscure areas where not many can see them, let alone reach. Most Komid’s are harmless, but they are considered masters at pranking. Also, if you visit the Calcon Supernatural prison on the anniversary of the Liben Rebellion, you may even get a chance to see Saint Liben themselves at the top of the prision, still wearing the red coat they had on when they died. 

Population: 963,000 people Popular Pastimes: Exploring the city in general, visiting the abandoned Calcon Supernatural Prison, the official start of the Liben Rebellion, or taking an ariel tour of the city City Flag: Red Wolf set upon a black-and-white background in reference to the flag the members of the Liben Rebellion carried Popular Places To Visit: Calcon Supernatural Prison, Tovi’s Custard shops, Boquetta Mall on GCT-35.

The Calconian Nobles

The Nobles of the Calcon Crest are rumored to live in the hollow of the GCT, but other rumors place the manor on the highest branch of the Great Calcon tree, blocked by a magic barrier to keep unwanteds out. 

The head of this crest is a widow by the name of Marcia Jamesio, and it’s said she posses great magic thought to be able to control plants of any size, though this is not confirmed. She is attended to by three people when out. Gunter, her guard. Salazis, her butler and Fern, her maid. 

Although not much is known about those who work under Marcia, many denizens in Calcon agree that she is a powerful magic user, and between her magic and the strengths of her attendees, it would be very tricky to land a hit on her.