Fantasy Worldbuilding Guide

World Theme: Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy Geography The world of Ashedra is a shattered realm. Once whole, a magical cataclysm sundered it into floating islands suspended in a violet, stormy void known as the Aethersea. Major regions include: The Ruined Continent: The largest surviving landmass, filled with petrified forests and crumbling ruins of ancient cities. The Skystep Isles: A chain of floating islands where fertile land thrives, connected by mysterious glowing vines. The Voidscar Desert: A desolate wasteland with shifting sands of black glass, caused by the initial explosion. The Abyssal Spires: Giant stalactites hanging upside down in the void, home to strange, predatory beings. Cultures Aetherborn Tribes: Survivors of the Sundering who live in the floating islands, specializing in airship travel and scavenging relics. They revere storm spirits and conduct “Void Dances” to predict safe travel routes. Ashkinder Dominion: Militaristic survivors in the Ruined Continent, ruled by a council of Warlords. They worship the Scarred God, whom they believe caused the Sundering as punishment for hubris. Spireshades: Nomadic desert dwellers who live near the Voidscar. They wield forbidden magic to harvest power from black glass, which they claim contains trapped souls. History The Sundering (0 AS): A council of sorcerers sought ultimate knowledge but broke reality. Sky Wars (100 AS): Conflict among survivors over fertile floating lands. Age of Relic Hunters (250 AS): Present day, marked by widespread treasure hunting and survivalism. Magic System Magic comes from Aethershards, crystals charged with the fragmented remains of the shattered ley lines. Magic users, called Weavers, manipulate shards but risk “Aetherburn,” a condition causing mutations. Magic falls into categories: Shardcasting: Direct use of Aethershards for elemental powers. Voidbinding: Dangerous manipulation of the Aethersea, which warps reality. Economy Airship Trade: Essential for moving goods between islands. Relic Hunting: A lucrative but perilous trade in ancient magical artifacts. Aethershard Mining: The backbone of wealth, though exploitation risks environmental collapse.