Twilight Gazetteer

Hey guys! I noticed that we made a nice little compilation of characters in the good old TK world and other worlds, but I thought there might be something missing. Our stories have a number interesting and fantastical places that I think deserve to be mentioned too! (After all every story needs a setting right?)

Anyhoo, this topic will be a compilation of descriptions of the numerous places and regions in our stories, as well as backgrounds/fictional histories. So feel free to add any that you feel should be up here!

Arata's Chronicles/ Ice Heart:


Arcterra: There is a region that spans the entirety of the planet's southern pole, a majority of it blocked off by gargantuan mountains inland and treacherous reefs off shore. This frozen slab of land is known as Arcterra, named after the God of Winter and Water himself. Covered in almost nothing but snow and ice, it is said Arcterra wove the land and the waters around it from his own tears, and froze the surface and sprinkled snow from his breath. A nearly inhabitable region, Arcterra created people in his own image and placed them there to create a race that would outlast all others. Although not much wildlife is found, there is an abundance of Arcterran Foxes and Tundra Hares, the latter breeding quickly enough to keep both species alive. Despite this, they tend to keep away from Arcterran Settlements and stick to the mountainous areas, making them difficult to hunt for, and their pelts valuable materials. Because of this, Arcterrans primarily rely on the massive schools of Silverslicks that swim through their waters.

The mountains of Arcterra climb high into the sky, snow capping them year round. At the base and lower levels are where the foxes and hares live. The Tundra hares feed on the Permaroot that peeks from the cracks and crags in the mountainside. As far as most scholars know, Permaroot is the only natural plantlife on Arcterra aside from a very sparse amount of pines. The plant is the natural food for Tundra Hares and is a translucent blue-white, looking as though it were made of ice. Despite this, the plant bends and sways perfectly fine, but gives a cold wet crunch when bitten into. It is said Crested Ivorites nest at the very top of the mountains, though none have been able to climb all the way. Crested Ivorites are large birds with pure white feathers, sharp beaks and claws of pure black. During fishing season, one can see the adult male fly out from the peak and grab fish in threes, gripping them in its large talons. As far as even the natives know, this is the only wildlife to be found, little to none living inland.
Between the shores and the mountain range, Arcterra is simply a desolately beautiful wasteland of ice and snow.

The Temple of Torrents: A building of pristine beauty and intimidating size. The Temple of Torrents looms over the shores of Arcterra, on the Tundaria Cape near the main clan settlement. The structure is made entirely of ice, completely reflective and as hard as diamonds, said to be created by Arcterra himself. In the center is Arcterra's artifact, The Katana of Torrents Hokkyoku. The Arcterrans pray to Arcterra through it, giving up gifts in sacrifice, hoping for a less severe winter and more bountiful "harvest" of Silverslicks. Ordinarily, the interior of the Temple is an extended hallway into an expansive chapel area, made of ice with a large pathway of fox pelts leading to the basin in which Hokkyoku rests. Endless waterfalls have been carved into the walls around the chapel area, the water giving off a slight glow. Strangely, the inside of the Temple is very warm.
Somehow (some say by the divine will of Arcterra, others say the Temple is alive), on the Winter Solstice, the inside of the Temple transforms into an impossibly large and labyrintine maze, whose center and end is the Chapel of Hokkyoku. The Temple also spawns an unknown amount of monsters, from carnivorous fish to large humanoid creatures with silver fins, scales and claws. This has made the Structure of Worship perfect for the Arcterran's Rite of Passage for young men.

Darkened Memory/ The Remnants

The Aetherius: In the wilderness near Swordhaven lies a massive cathedral called the Aetherius. Those who have glimpsed the massive building claim the towers on it's top can reach into the heavens. Founded countless centuries ago by those faithful to the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, the Aetherius is a scholarly paradise, filled with countless tomes and priceless artifacts. The Druids of the Aetherius tend to the cathedral's grounds and help the other priests with their spiritual sermons. The Druids of the Aetherius have been there for so long, that many travelers claim to feel Mori's presence there as well.