A famous glassmaker located in the Kingdom of Gamoid, Lustras handcrafts the finest handblown crystal in the world. Wait times for their “simple” paperweights can be more than a year. For larger sculptures and vases, you may need to sell your soul. It is rumored that even the King of Gamoid only owns one Lustras vase despite his best efforts to buy a matching pair.
Pronounced: “Loose-trust”
A shining example of modern steam-ore engineering, the Rensburl “Benson” is the obvious choice for any gentlefolk who desire it all. Comfort, class and conspicuous consumption come together in this stunning four seat saloon, hand crafted by Coriland’s most exclusive automaker. The entry-level package includes a calfskin leather interior, hand-dyed to your exact specifications, sumptuous lambswool floor mats, and rosewood veneers.
However, under its fussy trimmings, the Benson hides a backbone of steel. Nicknamed “the revenant” by mechanics, this car seems nearly incapable of engine failure even after taking over a hundred rounds of direct machine gun fire.
For those with mobility concerns, accessibility modifications such as hand controls or steering spinner knobs can easily be added to accommodate the loss of upper or lower limb function.
If you have to ask how much it costs, you cannot afford it.
The Holy Nation of Antellas is a monotheistic theocracy located in the southern half of the continent near the Vibrious desert. 100% of their population is devoutly religious, praying to a single deity called Solut the All Seeing (or else they are deported, converted, or killed).
Religious teaching ban the consumption of alcohol and the flesh of animals as the flatulence produced by these evils may cause “fouling of Their air”. Beans, however, produce a righteous fart which is perfectly acceptable to Them.
There are three recognized genders: male, female, and Solut-like (meaning intersex OR gender neutral). Sexual and romantic abstinence is a requirement of the priesthood. Men and women are considered equal as Solut is both genders.
Farming is considered the noblest profession.
Despite its tranquil exterior, Antellas is rife with organized crime who trade in illegal spirits.
Pronounced: “On-tell-law-s”. People from this region are “Antellisian” – pronounced like “On-tell-lesion”. The deity’s name is pronounced “Salute” and capitalized “They/Them/Their” pronouns are used.
The Holy Text is an account of the origins of the world used in Coriland, Kestania, and Gamoid.
A group of bored gods decided they wanted to make a new type of creature to entertain them. They got into a drunken debate and divided themselves into two groups. The elder gods made a species called the fae (similar to fairies or elves) who were blessed with magic and long life. The younger gods thought that species was a bit over powered (and therefore not fun) so they made humans who lived shorter lives and lacked magic to see what would happen.
The fae, having had everything given to them, quickly became hedonistic and unmotivated. To the gods delight, humans lack of magic caused them to seek out knowledge and create new technology, thereby far surpassing their original design. However, the fae got bored and decided to torment humans for fun.
After a while, even gods were disgusted by the fae’s behavior and decided to lock them up in a big golden tree (the Fae Tree) in the core of the world. Each of the gods gave a piece of their own life to create the Dark One, a new god of shadows who would guard the tree and oversee punishment for anyone who is needlessly cruel to humans (be they fae or human themselves).
The dominant religion in the United Kingdom of Coriland is the Holy Temple of Coriland (currently overseen by Head Cleric Crepius the Pious). Temple estimates indicate that over 80% of Coriland is devoutly religious (attending temple every week), 18% is casually religious (attending temple for major holidays) and less than 2% are nonreligious or belong to an alternative religious belief.
“Nonreligious” is a bit of a misnomer as it is generally indicative of an antagonist relationship with the Holy Temple’s behaviors rather than an objection to the teachings themselves. Membership in this religion is so pervasive in Coriland that the years are dated by the tenure of the high cleric rather than the king.
The Church of Kestania and The Temple of Gamoid also use the same polytheistic teachings (the Holy Text), but there may be minor variations between countries. The Holy Church of Antellas, by comparison, is strictly monotheistic and worships a totally different deity.
Yes, Crepius is pronounced “creep-us”.
A beautiful two seat coupé. Sloping teardrop shaped fenders and a long, rounded hood complement a powerful steam-core engine. With stunning, mirrorlike black paint, its art deco styling draws rapt attention wherever it goes. Its two backwards-opening suicide doors (handle towards the hood, hinges to the rear) open to reveal a pair of red leather bucket seats.
The stupid thing probably costs more than most people’s lives. Honestly, who can afford to waste that money on a car?!
The author watched too much Top Gear BBC before writing this book.
A three story Jacobean style manor house located in the foothills of the Falkner mountains. It is currently owned by Mr. Sicarius Estrova.
The original noble-born Gravelorne family died in a house fire which engulfed the estate about fifteen years ago. Mr. Estrova had the mansion rebuilt with only a few minor changes to the exterior (namely replacing the family crest with the image of a Archaeidae Spider).
The inside of the manor house was extensively updated with steam-ore powered heating and electricity, a chute and roller system for moving laundry, and automated washers/dryers. In addition, handicap accessibility was strongly taken into consideration and all staircases in the home were widened to accommodate mobility aides. Art Deco styling was used throughout the furnishings and trimmings.
The “Lorne” in “Gravelorne” was meant to mimic “the lost Lenore” – the dead love interest referenced in “The Raven“
The United Kingdom of Coriland is a free nation on the western most edge of the continent governed by Her Esteemed Majesty Queen Tiara Lily Drosseler.
The southern border continental Coriland ends at the river Timas which divides the country from the Holy National of Antellas. To the south-east lays the Republic of Kestania. On the north east border, beyond the Falker mountains is the Kingdom of Gamoid.
Coriland’s territories include the tropical southern isles of Manuei, from which Queen Tiara hails.
Like Gamoid, Coriland is still a patriarchal society but this is slowly changing are women press for the right to vote and inherit property. Currently, all property is passed through the male lines, though widows are entitled to keep their husband’s property until their death.
Mr. Felis picked the name. He wanted something that sounded like “Hickory” because we just planted some hickory trees in the yard and he is very excited about them.
Queen Tiara Lily Drossler has overseen the United Kingdom of Coriland’s affairs since the unfortunate assassination of her late husband (King William Drossler the Third) seven years ago. Under her rule, Coriland has undertaken an ambitious conversion from coal to clean steam-ore energy.
Queen Tiara has distinguished herself amongst the rules of our generation for her generosity towards the common folk. Her tireless efforts have brought us numerous social programs including: Familial Unemployment Benefits, the Veteran’s of War Medical and Mental Health Network, and the right for women to vote. Her Steamworks factories are not only safer for workers than the old industrial complexes but have stringent mandatory break times and provide free daycare. Truly, we are ever so fortunate to have such a benevolent and charismatic leader who rose from the common folk to become a shining example of how a ruler should care for her people.
Also, she absolutely did not kill her husband. That is a vicious lie.
(This summary is brought to you by Queen Tiara’s publicist)
Afipia Felis