Koruna
[kɔːˈruː.nɑː]
The country of Koruna lies in the south of Mereldia and is also widely known as "The Desert Country" or "The Land of Gold". While the former name obviously derives from its location, the latter refers to its outstanding wealth. Monabur is its oldest and biggest city, as well as the location of the Cellaryre Palace from which the King of Koruna rules.
Index
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Geography
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Monabur
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Centre Wall
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Inner Wall
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Outer Wall
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Walls-Spanning Districts
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Markets
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The Eight Cities
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Monabur
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Santugan
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Waria
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Maroven
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Belrador
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Nemris
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Eden
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Tenour
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Currency and Trade
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Social Order
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Festivities
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History
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Cynfor's Legend
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Silver Crowns
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Monarchy
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Religion
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Book of Prayer
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The Official Faith
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The Restored Faith
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Clergy
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Temples
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Practices
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Holy Days
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Superstitions
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Currency & Trade
Asterra [ɑsˈtɛrːɑː]
Asterra is the standardised currency of Koruna, divided into three coin values distinguished by metal and celestial seal: Solari for common daily exchange, Lunar for trade and travel, and Stellar for high-value transactions such as contracts, dowries, and noble payments. Values are formally recorded in Asterra, though coins are referred to by their individual names in everyday use.
Solari [zoˈlɑːri]
Copper | Sun-stamped
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Lowest denomination. Daily wages, bread, water, basics.
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100 Solari = 1 Lunar
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5,000 Solari = 1 Stellar
Lunar [luːˈnar]
Silver | Crescent-Moon-stamped
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Middle denomination. Travel expenses, inn stays, trade goods.
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1 Lunar = 100 Solari
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50 Lunar = 1 Stellar
Stellar [ˈstɛlɑːr]
Gold | Star-stamped
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Highest denomination. Large trade, dowries, noble payments.
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1 Stellar = 50 Lunar = 5,000 Solari
Example Usage
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“The toll is 30 Solari per wagon.”
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“He slipped her two Lunar to keep quiet.”
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“The deal was sealed for five Stellar, a small fortune.”
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Formal: “Value reckoned in Asterra.”
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“He offered the money to the merchant.”
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“The vendor eyed the coins sceptically.”
Note: To give you a sense of how much each is worth, the real life equivalent would roughly be the following:
1 Solari ≈ 0.20 €
1 Lunar ≈ 20 €
1 Stellar ≈ 1000 €
Religion
The people of Koruna revere the stars and direct their prayers to them, believing they are being heard. This goes back to the first king of Koruna, Cynfor, who is said to be descended from the stars themselves. The religion's holy text is the Book of Prayer, written by Princess Umashree. Because of this, many Korunans believe it to be an accurate account of the kingdom's earliest history.
Princess Umashree was one of Cynfor's six children and the youngest princess. She is remembered for her strong connection to the stars and for inventing the magical art of summoning constellations down to Mereldia. Her devotion to the stars and her role in recording their teachings have made her a revered holy figure within the Korunan faith.
It is customary for prayers to be spoken aloud, as the stars' light is believed not to reach as far as one's thoughts. Private prayers are therefore usually whispered or spoken where others cannot hear. The custom is also believed to have influenced Korunan culture, making its people more inclined to voice their thoughts rather than keep them to themselves.
Alongside the Star Temples, Koruna maintains temples dedicated to the four sacred elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth each. These elements are believed to be gifts bestowed upon Mereldia by the stars and many choose to frequent the temple associated with their own primary element, while still directing their prayers to the stars. Every city in Koruna has those five temples.
Book of Prayer
text
The Official Faith
The official interpretation of the Korunan faith is the branch recognised by the royal court and followed by the majority of established temples. It follows the commonly accepted version of the Book of Prayer and forms the basis of Koruna's religious traditions.
Followers of this branch believe that magical affinity reflects one's connection to the stars. Light affinity is viewed as being aligned with the stars' guidance, and the ability to summon constellations is considered one of the greatest signs of their favour. The faith teaches that the stars guide those who are able to receive their light clearly. As a result, many followers view Light as a spiritual virtue and the practice of dark magic as a potential path towards corruption.
Although Darkness is recognised as one of the two magical affinities by scholars, it holds no place within the official religious structure. Many followers believe that dark magic can cloud the mind, distort one's thoughts, and distance an individual from the guidance of the stars. Because of this, those with a Darkness affinity have historically faced suspicion and exclusion from certain religious and even academic roles.
The exclusion of Darkness from the official interpretation of the faith is also reflected in the common prayer spoken during ceremonies:
You gifted us this destiny,
With kindness and with clarity.
Guide our souls, we pledge our lives,
To shape the world you once designed.
Be our shield and guiding light,
Defend us from the endless night.
From those whose hearts were lost to woe,
Whom darkness claimed so long ago.
The Restored Faith
The restored interpretation is a recent branch of the Korunan faith that began spreading widely around 1310 A.W. in Monabur. It is based on older versions of the Book of Prayer and the original teachings of Princess Umashree, which followers believe more accurately preserve the original meaning of the faith.
Followers of this branch believe that later editions of the Book of Prayer introduced interpretations that were not present in Umashree's original writings, particularly regarding the relationship between magical affinity and the stars. While the four elements have always been considered sacred and are honoured through their respective temples, Umashree's writings did not distinguish between Light and Darkness as measures of a person's connection to the stars.
The restored interpretation teaches that a person's actions and character determine their worth, not the affinity they were born with. Light and Darkness are viewed as different aspects of magic rather than indicators of virtue or corruption. Unlike the official interpretation of the faith, the restored interpretation does not consider an affinity for Darkness to represent a spiritual distance from the stars.
Many followers of this branch come from communities that have been excluded or mistrusted due to their Darkness affinity, though the movement has also attracted scholars and others who believe the faith should return to its original teachings. Because it challenges the authority of the established temples and the royal interpretation of the Book of Prayer, many followers continue to practice privately or in hidden places of worship.
Clergy
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Temples
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Practices
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Holy Days
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Superstitions
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Geography
MAP PLACEHOLDER
Despite it being the most influencal and the richest country in all of Mereldia, the majority of Koruna is simply uninhabitable. The cities are the epitomes of life and activity, while the rest remains a barren desert. To cross it, you will either need a lot of experience, or a caravan to travel with - though those don't come cheap. Villages are therefore only found in the far south-west, where the climate is less unforgiving. The cities Waria and especially Tenour also lie in such generally habitable flecks of land and both pose as the centres of Koruna's oversea travel and trade.
The land to the South of Koruna has been deemed uninhabitable as well by explorers. Apparently, a lot of dangerous creatures have settled down there - demons and faeries who do not take kindly to mortals.
Monabur
Although Monabur lies more than 100 km south of the Veil, the outer reaches of the mountain range still shape the local landscape. The terrain around the city is gently hilly, with the most prominent rises found along the northern shore of Starfall Lake, just beyond the city itself.
Within Monabur, several hills define the inner city. The most notable stands at its centre, where Cellaryre Palace was built, allowing it to be seen from nearly every part of the city. The largest rise within the walls lies south of Starfall Lake, where members of High Society have established primary estates and secondary residences to take advantage of the elevated views over the lake and surrounding hills.
Beyond the terrain, the most defining feature of Monabur is the River Deris. Averaging around 300 metres in width, it forms the city’s primary route of east–west travel and serves as the backbone of its trade and transport. Both the Deris and Starfall Lake serve as the main water sources of the city and it is considered a crime to pollute them in any way.
topographic map of Monabur
District map of Monabur
The streets depicted are the main streets. Alleyways and other narrow streets exist between them but are not showing up on the map.
Markets
Monabur has several permenant markets on top of the seasonal or travelling ones. Most of them consist of booths, but establishments in buildings are almost as common.
Lake Market
The most well known market in the Lake District, which specialises in luxury goods and fine craftsmanship. Even members of High Society who do not reside in the district often travel here to shop.
Snake Market
Further down the hillside of the Lake District lies the Snake Market, named after the winding street that leads up to it. It is known for selling imitation goods and clever forgeries. Many of its customers are the middle-class residents living near the affluent estates. Their proximity to High Society often leads them to emulate that lifestyle, and the market caters to this demand by offering convincing copies of luxury items at far lower prices.
North Bank Market
It lies directly beside the Guild District, bordering the affluent University Ring. Its location makes it a popular stop for travellers arriving from the east. The market is known for offering high-quality goods, though its prices are often excessive, reflecting both the demand and the prestige of its location.
South Bank Market
South of the river, the South Bank Market sits at the far east, close to the eastern gate and East Port. It specialises in fresh and imported goods, particularly food and household supplies. Its proximity to the gate ensures a steady flow of merchants and traders, but the prices here are comparatively high.
Sun Bazaar
The Sun Bazaar, located south-east of the central streets, grew as a more affordable alternative to the South Bank Market. Over time it expanded into Monabur’s largest market, now catering primarily to the lower middle class and lower-class residents. While it lacks the luxury of the north and south bank markets, it offers a wide variety of everyday goods and remains the busiest market for those who cannot afford the high-end stalls. It is also widely known for its ever-changing nature. Stalls change on the daily and even storefront locations are rarely the same every season or even week. To find what you need here means to know who to go to, rather than where to go.
The Eight Cities
text
Monabur [mɔːnɑːbʊə]
Capital City
Also Known As: City of Gold
Founded: 0 A.W. by Cynfor Astralis
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Despite it being the most influencal and the richest country in all of Mereldia, the majority of Koruna is simply uninhabitable. The cities are the epitomes of life and activity, while the rest remains a barren desert. To cross it, you will either need a lot of experience, or a caravan to travel with - though those don't come cheap. Villages are therefore only found in the far south-west, where the climate is less unforgiving. The cities Waria and especially Tenour also lie in such generally habitable flecks of land and both pose as the centres of Koruna's oversea travel and trade.
The land to the South of Koruna has been deemed uninhabitable as well by explorers. Apparently, a lot of dangerous creatures have settled down there - demons and faeries who do not take kindly to mortals.
Santugan [zɑːnˈtʊɡɑːn]
Second largest City
Also Known As: City of Blood
Founded: 97 A.W. by Caelan Astralis
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book
Despite it being the most influencal and the richest country in all of Mereldia, the majority of Koruna is simply uninhabitable. The cities are the epitomes of life and activity, while the rest remains a barren desert. To cross it, you will either need a lot of experience, or a caravan to travel with - though those don't come cheap. Villages are therefore only found in the far south-west, where the climate is less unforgiving. The cities Waria and especially Tenour also lie in such generally habitable flecks of land and both pose as the centres of Koruna's oversea travel and trade.
The land to the South of Koruna has been deemed uninhabitable as well by explorers. Apparently, a lot of dangerous creatures have settled down there - demons and faeries who do not take kindly to mortals.
Waria [ˈvaːri.aː]
Port City
Also Known As: h
Founded: 120 A.W. by h
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen
Despite it being the most influencal and the richest country in all of Mereldia, the majority of Koruna is simply uninhabitable. The cities are the epitomes of life and activity, while the rest remains a barren desert. To cross it, you will either need a lot of experience, or a caravan to travel with - though those don't come cheap. Villages are therefore only found in the far south-west, where the climate is less unforgiving. The cities Waria and especially Tenour also lie in such generally habitable flecks of land and both pose as the centres of Koruna's oversea travel and trade.
The land to the South of Koruna has been deemed uninhabitable as well by explorers. Apparently, a lot of dangerous creatures have settled down there - demons and faeries who do not take kindly to mortals.
Maroven [mɑːroʊˈvɛn]
h
Also Known As: h
Founded: 0 A.W. by h
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book
Despite it being the most influencal and the richest country in all of Mereldia, the majority of Koruna is simply uninhabitable. The cities are the epitomes of life and activity, while the rest remains a barren desert. To cross it, you will either need a lot of experience, or a caravan to travel with - though those don't come cheap. Villages are therefore only found in the far south-west, where the climate is less unforgiving. The cities Waria and especially Tenour also lie in such generally habitable flecks of land and both pose as the centres of Koruna's oversea travel and trade.
The land to the South of Koruna has been deemed uninhabitable as well by explorers. Apparently, a lot of dangerous creatures have settled down there - demons and faeries who do not take kindly to mortals.
Belrador [bɛlˈrɑːdɔːr]
h
Also Known As: h
Founded: 0 A.W. by h
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen
Despite it being the most influencal and the richest country in all of Mereldia, the majority of Koruna is simply uninhabitable. The cities are the epitomes of life and activity, while the rest remains a barren desert. To cross it, you will either need a lot of experience, or a caravan to travel with - though those don't come cheap. Villages are therefore only found in the far south-west, where the climate is less unforgiving. The cities Waria and especially Tenour also lie in such generally habitable flecks of land and both pose as the centres of Koruna's oversea travel and trade.
The land to the South of Koruna has been deemed uninhabitable as well by explorers. Apparently, a lot of dangerous creatures have settled down there - demons and faeries who do not take kindly to mortals.
Nemris [ˈnɛm.rɪs]
h
Also Known As: h
Founded: 0 A.W. by h
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book
Despite it being the most influencal and the richest country in all of Mereldia, the majority of Koruna is simply uninhabitable. The cities are the epitomes of life and activity, while the rest remains a barren desert. To cross it, you will either need a lot of experience, or a caravan to travel with - though those don't come cheap. Villages are therefore only found in the far south-west, where the climate is less unforgiving. The cities Waria and especially Tenour also lie in such generally habitable flecks of land and both pose as the centres of Koruna's oversea travel and trade.
The land to the South of Koruna has been deemed uninhabitable as well by explorers. Apparently, a lot of dangerous creatures have settled down there - demons and faeries who do not take kindly to mortals.
Eden [ˈiː.dən]
h
Also Known As: h
Founded: 0 A.W. by h
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen
Despite it being the most influencal and the richest country in all of Mereldia, the majority of Koruna is simply uninhabitable. The cities are the epitomes of life and activity, while the rest remains a barren desert. To cross it, you will either need a lot of experience, or a caravan to travel with - though those don't come cheap. Villages are therefore only found in the far south-west, where the climate is less unforgiving. The cities Waria and especially Tenour also lie in such generally habitable flecks of land and both pose as the centres of Koruna's oversea travel and trade.
The land to the South of Koruna has been deemed uninhabitable as well by explorers. Apparently, a lot of dangerous creatures have settled down there - demons and faeries who do not take kindly to mortals.
Tenour [tɛnˈu̯ɑ]
Smallest City
Also Known As: h
Founded: 0 A.W. by h
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book
Despite it being the most influencal and the richest country in all of Mereldia, the majority of Koruna is simply uninhabitable. The cities are the epitomes of life and activity, while the rest remains a barren desert. To cross it, you will either need a lot of experience, or a caravan to travel with - though those don't come cheap. Villages are therefore only found in the far south-west, where the climate is less unforgiving. The cities Waria and especially Tenour also lie in such generally habitable flecks of land and both pose as the centres of Koruna's oversea travel and trade.
The land to the South of Koruna has been deemed uninhabitable as well by explorers. Apparently, a lot of dangerous creatures have settled down there - demons and faeries who do not take kindly to mortals.
Festivities
General
Equinoxes and Solstices
Date: Equinoxes & Solstices
The habitants of Koruna are depending a lot on the stars and other heavenly bodies when they are traveling in the desert, outside of the safe walls of their city. Everyone in Koruna has a knowledge of Astronomy to find the way when they are lost outside. Since the sky plays such an important role in their daily lives it, and everything connected to it, is seen as holy. When big changes come around, like the Equinoxes or Solistices, the Koruneans celebrate with big street festivals and pray to it, so that it shall continue to keep them safe and sound. These celebrations are usually quite big events where fights of famous mages are held in the arenas of the cities and where booths with special food, extra made for the occasion, is available, as well as games and attractions. The whole celebrations take three days, starting on the day before the actual equinox/solstice and ending the day after it. Though the celebrations for the Solstices are usually slightly bigger events than then ones for the Equinoxes, which means that more booths are provided and even more events take place.
Fire Parade
Date: Lughnasadh | 1st Anagantios
In the middle of summer, when it’s the warmest time, the so called Fire Parade is held. It is meant as a huge and collective prayer to the god of fire to have mercy and let it become cooler again.
The celebration only lasts for one day and on this day, everyone should wear red or orange clothing to praise the fire god and show the subordination to him and his powers.
The parade itself is held by the royal family and members of the high society. Everyone else of the city has to bow down to them, since they are the ones who are nearest to the gods and so will lead the prayers to the high god of fire. The parade always ends at the fire temple of the town, where everyone will bow down and leave a personal prayer.
After the parade, everyone will return home and celebrate with their families. Usually feasts are held and all relatives come together for this celebration.
Ice Festival
Date: 14 days after Winter Solstice
Even though winter does not show itself with snow in Koruna, Princess Shree still regarded winter itself as important. Following the Korunian Book of Prayer, winter is therefore celebrated on the day it was once coldest for the Princess and Holy Priestess. She had asked the stars to show her the wonders of the rest of the world that day and they had answered her prayer to let her feel what snow felt like, gifting Monabur with the frozen water on this day only. It should remind them that water is a great gift and that ice in the desert is even more valueable.
In celebration of this day of wonder, crafts of snowfalkes are made and often also painted on fur with henna to honor the god of water and the stars. It is considered as a day of kindness and a day of giving. One sits together at home with their family, reads the story of how the gods gifted Princess Shree the wonder of snow for one day, and decorates everything in white, blue and silver. One eats with their family and gifts each other presents as a meaning of gratitude. Songs about snow and wonder are sung and stories about Princess Shree and the stars are told. Small trees are brought into the house and decorated with trinkets and white letters with wishes, symbolizing the snow and the wonder that has once layed on the trees and streets of Monabur.
Scarlet Day
Date: 8th Elembiuos
On this day people gift their lovers and/or family red flowers as a sign of their love. It goes back to Princess Shree, who laid red flowers on her brother's grave to show her love for him and to remind him of his sins. Ever since then, a red flower has been seen as a symbol of love, as well as a symbol of forgiveness.
City-Specific
Santugan
Moonlight Fest
Date: Bi-Monthly Full Moon
The moonlight fest takes place in the full moon nights in between the Days of Blood, also every two moons. The celebration is held because, for the people in Santgan, the full moon has a special meaning. The city was founded in the time of a full moon, as it is told, the first king of Santugan was crowned in the time of a full moon, and on every second full moon the criminals face their just punishment and therefore the city is made safer. It is said that the full moon takes away all pain and darkness, so that full moon nights are very pure and therefore precious. By celebrating this day, the people of Santugan believe their souls to stay clear and pure.
On the moonlight fest the whole family sits together, eats the best food and just has a few very peaceful days in general. It is a religious celebration which the majority of Santugan takes part in.
Days of Blood
Date: Bi-Monthly Full Moon
Every second full moon, the criminals are to be executed publicy. This is done to set an example. The days of blood last as long as the moon stays full. Feasts are held in the HIgh Society to celebrate that the criminals faced their just punishments.
History
While the desert itself is too harsh for permanent settlement, life thrives in the eight cities of Koruna, the oldest and largest being Monabur and Santugan. Each city is a bustling hub of trade, culture, and governance, shaped by long-standing social structures that all residents are expected to respect.
Korunians are deeply religious, guided by the Book of Prayer. This sacred text begins with the legend of Cynfor and the founding of Koruna, instructing the faithful to honor the elements, worship the light, and fear the darkness. Heavenly bodies hold particular significance: they guide travelers through the desert and provide hope when the night threatens to overwhelm. The symbol of Koruna itself combines the North Star—the most sacred celestial body—with the archaic emblem of light, reflecting the city’s devotion.
In keeping with the Book of Prayer, Korunians regularly visit the temples of the elements to pray and seek cleansing from sin. These temples also serve as centers for community gatherings and holy celebrations, reinforcing both spiritual and social life.
Koruna’s calendar is marked by numerous festivals, from solemn holy observances to lively seasonal celebrations.
Monarchy
While the desert itself is too harsh for permanent settlement, life thrives in the eight cities of Koruna, the oldest and largest being Monabur and Santugan. Each city is a bustling hub of trade, culture, and governance, shaped by long-standing social structures that all residents are expected to respect.
Korunians are deeply religious, guided by the Book of Prayer. This sacred text begins with the legend of Cynfor and the founding of Koruna, instructing the faithful to honor the elements, worship the light, and fear the darkness. Heavenly bodies hold particular significance: they guide travelers through the desert and provide hope when the night threatens to overwhelm. The symbol of Koruna itself combines the North Star—the most sacred celestial body—with the archaic emblem of light, reflecting the city’s devotion.
In keeping with the Book of Prayer, Korunians regularly visit the temples of the elements to pray and seek cleansing from sin. These temples also serve as centers for community gatherings and holy celebrations, reinforcing both spiritual and social life.
Koruna’s calendar is marked by numerous festivals, from solemn holy observances to lively seasonal celebrations.
Trivia
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There is a huge lake north of Monabur called the Starfall Lake.
- Monabur has three ports, one of them private (belongs to the royal family).
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