The World of Wyrd
For more information on a subject, click on the bold, blue text.
Wyrd is the world on which FTLY takes place. It is a land much like other lands one finds in fantasy novels and role-playing games, with lots of magic and little technology. Much of the landscape and vegetation resembles medieval Europe, and in some parts ancient Asia. There are creatures like the ones here on Earth, as well as the standard RPG/fantasy creatures, and a few creatures that nobody's heard of anywhere else. Wyrd is technically in a parallel universe to Earth, sharing the same space on a slightly different wavelength. Thus, there are horses and cats and humans on Wyrd just like there are on Earth. Several different sentient races live on Wyrd, and are for the most part integrated and harmonious among each other. There are, of course, still conflicts, but these are usually small. There hasn't been a real war in Wyrd for over 2,000 years.
Geography:
Wyrd is divided into seven main continents, like Earth, but
these continents look rather different from the ones on Earth. (I'll draw a
map eventually... ^_^)
Liqueur is the smallest continent, comparable in size to Australia, and is shaped roughly like a wine bottle. Every major city is named after some kind of alcoholic beverage, though the inhabitants don't seem to notice this, since most of those words have different meanings on Wyrd than on Earth. It's really just a great, cosmic coincidence. (That, and the artist thought it would be funny. ^_^) Most of FTLY's action takes place here. It is the land where both Pader and Tristyn were born and raised. Liqueur is the homeland of Wood Elves, due to its great numbers of forests and healthy Dryad population.
Kenaz is one of the largest continents of Wyrd, shaped roughly like a boomerang. It is the most populous continent, though most of the population is Human. Dark Elves, Fairies, Sprites, Pixies, and several other species originated from Kenaz. The landscape is as varied as, say, North America, ranging from plains to deserts to mountains to forests.
Perdhro is the second smallest continent, and is the most isolated. Shaped a little like a question mark. Landscape is similar to Kenaz, only with more plains. Thought to be the original homeland of Humans, there are few other species living here. The continent is isolated because of its great distance from the other lands, and is surrounded by very treacherous waters. Some of the other species in Wyrd wish that Humans had never migrated from Perdhro...
Landsedge is another fairly isolated continent, though the inhabitants know of the other lands. It is shaped somewhat like a cookie with a bite taken out of it. Mostly Human population (a very sophisticated one at that) with few other species. The famous Academy of Magic is located here, in the city of Sasaen. The landscape is mostly high mountains and ancient forests, so a majority of the population lives near the sea.
Azgarten is the largest of all the continents. It has no distinctive shape, but is impressively massive. Humans refuse to live here, surprisingly, because they believe it is where the ancient gods used to live. They do not believe in this as a religious superstition, but rather as a historical fact. Relics from this land possess great magical powers, and some are even rumored to have connections from other worlds. The landscape is largely composed of deserts and mountains. The only sentient species that still thrives here are the dragons.
Haven is a previously uninhabited, mostly forested continent that is shaped like a footprint. After humans began to migrate to the rest of the world, some species began to migrate elsewhere. Haven is one such land, named as such for obvious reasons. Humans are not allowed to set foot here, even to trade, on pain of death. The population is mainly different varieties of Elves, Fairies, Goblins, Orcs, and so forth.
Coeli is actually a floating island, hovering about a mile above the ocean. Nobody is quite sure what holds it up, for the inhabitants do not have that kind of magic. The perimeter is almost perfectly round, like a flying saucer, though it has a chunk of earth dangling down from the center like the whole island was ripped from the ground at one point—which, in essence, it was. The bottom of the island is covered in tree roots, which seem to hold all the earth together in one piece. The top of the island is perfectly flat, has trees all around the rim, and has a single, huge city on it called Cittaziangeli, or "City of the Angels". Here is where the Serapi live (see Serapi and Angeli in the Species section further below). The island itself tends to migrate occasionally...
Species/Races:
Sentient Races:
Humans on Wyrd are just like the humans on Earth. They come in the same colors and sizes, and have many of the same qualities and faults. They are considered by some other races as a "pest" species, particularly for their tendency to rapidly populate and spread through different lands. Humans are able to use magic, though it is rare to see a full human mage or wizard outside of Landsedge. Patron gods vary according to location and tribe of human.
Elves (or Elders, Edhel [*Elvish]) are a little taller than humans, and generally slimmer on average. They have long, pointed ears, slightly slanted eyes, and flawless skin and hair. They are very intelligent (more so than Humans, anyway). True elves are virtually immortal due to their extremely slow aging process and regenerative abilities, and have been known to live for thousands of years. Elves can be killed, however. They can live just about anywhere, but prefer to live close to nature as opposed to busy cities. In most Elven societies, females and males are equal, though sometimes they lean more towards a matriarchal (female dominated) society. Elves come in just as many color varieties and sizes as Humans, if not more. There are also many sub-species of Elves, which are covered below as separate species. Patron gods vary according to location and sub-species.
Wood Elves (or Forest Elves, Tauredhel [Elvish]) are one of the most common sub-species of Elves. They are mainly forest-dwellers, especially in forests populated by Dryads (see further below). Most Wood Elves have some Dryad lineage, in fact, due to the amount of interbreeding. Because they are not considered "Pure" Elves, some other Elven clans won't associate with Wood Elves. Wood Elves come in a variety of colors, though earth tones are predominant, and their skin is usually a dark tan color. Green hair is not uncommon. Societies of Wood Elves are largely matriarchal. The lifespan of a Wood Elf is usually about fifteen times longer than the average human's. Though they speak Elvish, they are said to have a distinctive dialect, with unique words and names that are not found in usual Elvish speak. Patron goddess is Pomona, who resembles a green Dryad, and whose symbol is the apple.
Dark Elves (a.k.a. Drow, Ilythiiri [**Drow], or Mori'edhel [Elvish]) are so called because of their coloring and choice of habitat, though they aren't necessarily evil. They live underground and in caves for the most part, where lack of sunlight has caused them to evolve fantastic vision in the dark. Their distinctive coloring and separate language sets them apart from other Elven races, and they are outright shunned by High Elves. They mine and refine precious stones and metals found in their mountain habitats, and sometimes coexist peacefully with Dwarves. Eye color ranges from pale blue to violet to red, hair is generally white or bluish-white, and skin color is usually black. Oftentimes a Drow is born with pure white skin, which seems to be the natural progression to albinism that many creatures attain after living in dark caverns for many generations. A Drow usually lives twenty times longer than the average human. They are fairly antisocial, and other species often feel that it's for the best. Patron god is Ilharn (Patron) and patron goddess is Lolth (the Spider Queen, though she is not worshipped as much these days...).
High Elves (or Cala'edhel, Taurn'edhel [Elvish]) are like the royalty of the Elven world. They are the "purebreds", who can trace their unblemished lineage all the way back to the dawn of Elven civilization. Most High Elves feel superior to other races because of their heritage. It is thought that if they are not killed, they can live forever. High Elves are generally fair of skin and hair, though not necessarily in a Caucasian-looking way. They speak what is considered the purest form of Elvish, without any unusual accents. Unlike most Elves, High Elves are usually patriarchal. Patron god: Varies.
Fairies are similar to Elves in appearance and intelligence but with a few big differences. For one thing, Fairies have wings (usually resembling those of insects, but much prettier). They can also change their size from Full-size (on the same scale as Elves) to Convenient Pocket-size (about six inches tall on average). In either size, they can retract their wings when it's convenient. Fairies are so varied in color, size, temperament, and habitat that it would take forever to name them all. Most Fairies don't even bother to give themselves a specific category, unless they want to feel important. When Fairies actually organize themselves into a sort of society (which is rare, but not unheard of), they are usually matriarchal. Their lifespan is usually about ten times longer than a Human's, though some live longer than others. Fairies speak a variety of languages, including Elven and Common, but have no official language of their own. Patron gods vary greatly, and some Fairies don't claim a patron god at all.
Pixies are almost exactly like Fairies, only they're permanently stuck in that Convenient Pocket-size mentioned before. They are less intelligent than true Fairies, and are usually capricious and mischievous. Pooks, Leprechauns, Clauricanes, Brownies, and all those other "Little People" fall under the Pixy category. Some have their own languages and gods, but these are usually never documented.
Sprites are similar to Fairies, but are three to five feet tall on average and only come in one size. They have wings and pointed ears like Fairies, and are actually a distant cousin to them. Most Sprites can turn invisible, and are associated with a particular element of nature, which could be anything from water to stones to flowers. They are not true Elementals or Nymphs, however, but seem to be distantly related to them as well. Language is only used to communicate with other beings. Among themselves, they speak telepathically. Gods vary, if any.
Gnomes are rare, intelligent, benevolent beings that are Pixy sized and wingless. They are a little like tiny, friendly Dwarves. They're all plump and good-natured, wear pointed caps, and live under trees and boulders. They're also known as the "Caretakers of Nature", who help animals and plants in need. Around Humans, however, they are shy and rarely seen. Though Pixy sized, they are not related to that ilk, and are rather a separate species. Have their own language, which is never spoken by other creatures. Do not worship gods of any kind, but have their own spirits and nature forces in which they believe.
Sylphs are Fairy half-breeds, and can describe any creature with Fairy blood.
Half-Elves are cross-breeds between Humans and Elves. They are generally shunned by both races, and are usually loners because of this. Depending on their birth parents, they will either have more Elven or Human characteristics.
Dwarves (or Khazâd [***Dwarvish]) are mountain-dwelling beings that are a bit shorter and stouter in build than humans. The men have thick, long beards. The females, who are rarely seen outside of their mountains, are plump and just as tough as the men. Like Drow, Dwarves mine and refine precious minerals. They're known for great craftsmanship of weapons, treasures, and anything related to stone-working. They are also good metal smiths and foresters. Dwarves are known to be reticent and grumpy around other races, though they're big on feasts and parties back at home. Dwarven mead is so strong that a single thimbleful could inebriate a human. Speak their own language, of which little is known outside of Dwarven societies. Patron god is thought to be called Aulë.
Demons are widely varied creatures that are born with no physical bodies and reproduce asexually. They are denizens of the Astral, or spirit, plane. Many demons take on physical bodies in the mortal plane, and can usually modify these bodies to an extent. They can choose their gender, for instance, and physical appearance, though they usually stick with one type of body once they settle into something comfortable. Many demons enjoy antagonizing Humans, and some are outright violent towards them and other sentient races, though not all of them are technically evil. There are several subclasses of Demons which are covered below. Demons have no language of their own, for they need none in the astral plane, but they are proficient in the language of other creatures. Demons have no gods, either, for they are like gods (or demi-gods) themselves.
Demon Beasts are a particular class of demon that takes on the shape of an animal, usually similar to a cat or wolf, though it could be any creature. Demon Beasts are generally not mistaken for true animals, however, since they enjoy decking themselves out in unusual colors and sizes. A Demon Cat, for instance, might be the size of a large dog and have bright blue fur. It all depends on the whim of the Demon. These are some of the more powerful Demons, and the most dangerous to mortals.
Draco Demons (or Gargoyles) are a peculiar sort of Demon. They take on shapes that are a cross between humanoid and dragon, in which they are permanently fixed. They are the most limited of Demons, and though powerful, are not very dangerous to mortals. In fact, they feel it is their duty to protect mortals, and are often seen high on castle ledges as guards. When sleeping or dormant, the Draco Demon leaves their mortal body and returns to the Astral plane. The body left behind turns to stone, which comes back to life when the Draco Demon awakens. Thus the origin of Gargoyles. Some people, seeing that their castles were less likely to be attacked by other Demons if they had Draco Demons on guard, would carve false Gargoyles from stone and set them in high places on their castles. These seemed to work just as well for a time, but real Draco Demons became jealous and less willing to work for humans. Very few real Gargoyles still hold their posts...
Orb Demons are rare and were specially created for the purpose of serving high-level sorcerers. Depending on the temperament of their masters (to whom they are unquestioningly loyal), they can be used either for good or evil. Some were used to level entire cities and wipe out races. Others were used to recover from such attacks. Though extremely powerful, Orb Demons can only act on the wishes of their masters. Their emotions and desires are directly linked to their masters, also. Though they each usually take on one particular (usually humanoid) body, they can modify that body in any way to please their master. Without a master, an Orb Demon is just an empty shell.
Serapi (singular: Serapis) are humanoid beings with feathered wings, pointed ears, cat-like eyes, and sharp fangs. They are beautiful, mostly dark in color, highly intelligent and sophisticated... and warlike. A long time ago, before Humans began to migrate from their homelands, Serapi ruled over all beings from a mountaintop city. They punished any race that opposed them with genocide. The word "Serapis" means "A god of the lower realm", though they are technically mortal and not really gods. In the last Great War of Wyrd, all of the sentient races banded together to fight back against the Serapi, with the aid of Orb Demons and such. They managed to kill a majority of the population, and banished the rest to a large island. This island was in turn plucked right out of the ocean and flung into the sky (by who or what, nobody really remembers, and the theories vary), where it still floats today. Serapi speak a language similar to Earth Latin, with some Elvish influences. Patron goddess is Madiana.
Dragons are highly intelligent, warm-blooded, reptilian creatures that speak their own language and have their own kind of magic. They range in size, shape, and color, and can look like just about any sort of dragon you can imagine. Most have scales, wings, claws, and the like, of course. Some breath fire, some breath poison, some can just stare a person to death. All are considered dangerous, though some of the smaller species can be tamed if they are raised from eggs. Most are immortal, and can only die if they are outright killed... which is a difficult thing to do.
Griffins, like Dragons, are intelligent beasts that look like a lion with an eagle's wings, head, and forefeet. They are larger than the average lion, and much stronger and more vicious. All are considered dangerous, and it's nearly impossible to tame one. Some can speak to other creatures, but most languages other than their own tend to be difficult for them due to a marked lack of lips and soft palette. They live for a long time, but rarely get older than two hundred years.
Unicorns are mysterious, shy creatures that resemble a small, slender horse with a single spiraling horn on their forehead. The horn is usually about a meter long in adulthood, and has magical properties. The standard coloring is iridescent white, like an opal, though there have been other documented colors. Black and silver are the most common deviations. Unicorns have the power to dispel poison and impurities from liquid with their horns, and to touch one means you have given it possession of your soul.
Perytons are winged, deer-like creatures that have a taste for human flesh. They can speak with the voice of a human and cast a human shadow when they fly, and some can even take on a human shape. Some think they are products of revenge for all the deer that humans kill...
Orcs are short, ugly creatures of low intelligence. Rumor has it they were corrupted Elves, though Elves deny any relation. They usually eat raw flesh and carry crude weapons. Often hunting in packs, their smaller size is an advantage when hunting humans. They're usually black or greenish in color, with pig-like noses and thick skin. Have their own language, which sounds like a crude form of Elvish, but nobody would ever want to speak it. Have no known gods.
Ogres are clever and strong, often traveling in small groups, though they don't mingle with the more civilized races. They're not as ugly as Orcs, though they wouldn't win any beauty pageants. Some Ogres look just like humans, with the exception of two small horns on their foreheads and yellow or red eyes. Have their own language, though nobody ever got close enough to an Ogre to learn it. No known gods.
Goblins are surprisingly attractive creatures, though their souls are dark and ugly. They have stubby, pointed ears and long limbs and fingers, though they tend to be a bit shorter than humans. Tricky and intelligent, it is wise to watch your purse around these beings... Language is known only to Goblins. No known gods.
Beast-Men are any humanoid creature with animal characteristics, including zoothropes (animal shape-shifters). The most common of these are were-wolves and cat-folk, though the category includes a wide range of mutant beasts and were-creatures. Languages and gods vary.
Vampires are undead humans and other mortal creatures, which are created through the bite of another vampire. They have fangs, feed on blood, are sensitive to sunlight and silver, and have severe allergies to garlic (because it thins the blood). Crosses and coffins are obsolete, however. A vampire can walk around in broad daylight if they cover up well, though they prefer to sleep somewhere dark and safe during the daytime hours. Vampires are pale and cold until they feed, and then they can almost pass for human. The older a vampire gets, the more powerful it is, the more powerful its fledglings are, and the harder it is to kill. A vampire is immortal unless it is killed by overexposure to sunlight, losing too much blood, burned by fire, or chopped into tiny bits which are kept separate. Needless to say, it's tough to kill a vampire. Languages vary according to what the vampire was before it was turned into a vampire. Most vampires stop believing in gods.
Centaurs are intelligent, proud creatures that have a humanoid torso and the lower body of a horse. There are sometimes variations on this race, such as centaurs with the body of a deer (Hind) or bull (Minotaur) or even the hind legs of a goat (Faun or Satyr). Nobody is sure of their origin, and they are fairly rare around human settlements. Languages and gods vary, though the horse-like centaurs supposedly have a goddess named Epona.
Nymphs are nature spirits, a little like Elementals but sentient and mortal. They resemble pretty, nude humanoids. There are many varieties, but the most common are Dryads (tree nymphs that die when their host tree dies), Oreads (mountain nymphs), and Nereids (sea nymphs, also known as Mermaids, which have fish tails). They aren't particularly bright, but are usually shy and gentle creatures. Wood Elves have a particular fondness for Dryads... Language is usually a form of Elven or Common, though they speak to each other with a form of sign language. No known gods.
Harpies have the bodies and wings of birds and the heads and torsos of humans. Most are female, due to a strange genetic defect, and the few males are highly valued. Not all harpies are ugly and dirty, though plenty of them are, but most are at least mischievous. Higher-ranking harpies even have some magic, and can shift forms at will, becoming full human or bird or even a winged human. Usually speak dialects of Common and the languages of birds. No known gods.
Non-Sentient Creatures: the ones you won't find on Earth, anyway!
Hippocampus is a type of carnivorous "sea-horse" with a dolphin's tail and flippers instead of hooves.
Pegasus is a rare, winged horse that is not easily captured or tamed.
Angeli (singular: Angelus) are non-sentient, humanoid creatures that have wings and slightly pointed ears. They are beautiful, peaceful creatures with no real speech or intelligence. They're about as advanced as monkeys, and are in fact a lower evolutionary cousin of the Serapi. They live in communal family groups, much like chimpanzees. Though gentle and mostly harmless, an Angelus will fight if it or its family group is threatened. Because of their lack of defenses, however, many of these lovely creatures are unfortunately caught and sold as slaves. They are easily trainable, like dogs, but can only do simple tasks. Some live on Coeli, in the forests around Cittaziangeli. The rest are scattered throughout the world.
Wyverns are small, bird-like cousins of the dragon. They're aggressive and territorial, and should be avoided at all costs. Some foolhardy humans have tried hunting these colorful creatures for their rich feathers, but most meet with failure.
Glyphs are strange creatures. No two seem to be alike, since they are changelings. They aren't very bright, but they have powerful aversion magic, so some castles employ Glyphs to guard treasure vaults. They can take on just about any shape, too, which makes them especially valuable. Unfortunately, they are very rare, and it's hard to find one in the first place since they can look like practically anything. The easiest way to find one is to stumble across one with an eccentric taste in shapes... a pink sheep, for example.
Opinicus is a type of large, feathery-winged cat, similar in build and size to a tiger. They come in a variety of colors, and are very fierce.
Wulf is a type of wolf, only much larger and far more dangerous. More intelligent than regular wolves, though not quite sentient, these creatures are relentless when hunting. Often employed as familiars by sorcerers.
Preets are cute, curious, harmless creatures with the intelligence of a spider monkey. They look like a bizarre cross between a ferret, a cat, a rabbit, and a fox. They come in all sorts of colors, even rather unreasonable ones, and are usually striped or spotted. They make good pets, if you don't mind that they have to investigate absolutely everything...
Phoenixes are extremely rare birds with unusual magical properties. Every 500 years, a phoenix bursts into intense flame. After the fire dies, a new phoenix rises from the ashes. Only rarely do phoenixes actually mate, and that is usually when the species is in danger of extinction. A phoenix egg is a prized possession, and exceedingly rare. Phoenix feathers can be used in potions and spells to restore health and even bring a person back from death (as long as the body has not had time to decay). Phoenixes have the body of a rooster, the head of an eagle, disproportionately large wings, and a long tail that resembles fiery peacock feathers. They are usually rainbow colored, with brilliantly shining feathers and sapphire eyes.
Footnotes:
*Elvish language based on information from this site.
**Drow language based on information from this site.
***Dwarvish language based on information from this site.
The information on this page was based loosely on several fantasy sources:
D&D 3rd Edition
Piers Anthony's Xanth novels
Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn
Japanese legends and mythology
Greek mythology
Various other fantasy creature books
And my own imagination ^_^
Questions, Comments, Suggestions? E-Mail Me Here!