The Elemental Countries

Welcome to the overview of my alternate universe, referred to as the Elemental Counties.

If you are reading this, please understand that it is a work in progress, and it grows every time I write about my pets.

All of my pets live in this world. Some of their stories are inseparable, others are separated by centuries.

But I digress. Please continue on and learn about my family.

The Countries

Maps:

This is a political map of the Elemental Countries. Drag it to your toolbar for the full image.

This is a physical map of the Elemental Countries. Drag to your toolbar for the full image.

Overview

There are five countries on this small planet: Fire, Air, Earth, Water, and Shadow. Each has different strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons. Some are close friends. Others are uneasy allies. Most are fighting at least one eternal war with another.

The Fire Country is close with Shadow, at war with Air, and indifferent to everyone else. It lies in the south and is very hot and humid year around. Covered in calm forests and highways, the Fire Country is a favorable place for travelers. It's renowned military keeps a relatively peaceful atmosphere everywhere except the Air border, where there is high tension on both sides.

The Air Country is the eastern-most country. It has tentative alliances with Earth and Water, and tries to ignore Shadow at its northwestern border, already fighting Fire to the south. It is known for its vast deserts, the most notable being the Komalji Desert. Many have tried to find the fabled Library in its dunes, but none have ever survived the harsh climate. The border town of Rajahra is the one place that offers guides to take foreigners to other towns farther east. The city attracts many unsavory people from all over the Elemental Countries, especially Shadow.

The Earth Country is a sparsely populated land. Found in the middle of the other countries, it was torn apart by the short war between Air and Water when the armies fought in the middle of the country between them. Now the only people live high in the mountains and plateaus the cover the land, hiding in fear of their powerful military neighbors to the north and south, Fire and Shadow. It's roads are seldom traveled, and bandits attack those who brave the dark land. They have been secretly sabotaging Water's trade routes for years in vengeance for the war that cost them their livelihood.

The Water Country is the only country with islands to its name, and as such does the most trading. Found to the west, Water has discovered how profitable trading by sea is, and takes advantage of their calm ports on the tranquil Mulawae Ocean. They are on unfriendly terms with both Shadow and Air, as a result of previous wars, but they trade freely with Fire. The land is covered in flat plains and river valleys, and the islands out on the Mulawae range from tropical forests to barren volcano wastelands.

The Shadow Country will come to be known as the birthplace of the infamous SFW; Science for Warfare. But during the early years, it is a breeding ground for Assassins, those who walk in the shadows and become one with the darkness. No one bothers the Shadow Country for fear of a quick and unseen retribution. They supply weapons to Fire, and make most of their money dealing in arms.

Glossary

Experiment: Term used to describe people or animals experimented on and changed by SFW.
Halfling: Offspring of an experiment and an average creature. Also sometimes used to refer to experiments that kept most of their original nature.
Hunters: Assassins of SFW.
Realms of Discord: Afterworld under the jurisdiction of the god of chaos. Only those truly evil and corrupt spend eternity here.
Realms of Harmony: Afterworld under the jurisdiction of the god of peace. Most everyone is sent here.
Rebellion, the: Group of experiments and those sympathetic to the cause that fought against SFW and their regime.
Rouge, the: Thief lord of major cities.
SFW: Scientists for Warfare. A biological engineering corps dedicated to using science to enhance soldiers and weapons. The antagonists.
Shakith: Deity; major sun god.
Takeover, the: The time period during which the Rebellion toppled the remaining bits of SFW control.
Uprising, the: The beginning of the guerrilla war between the Rebellion and SFW; when the Rebellion finally gained strength and became a major threat.

Important People

Timeline