Look and Feel - The Blightlands

The Blightlands are a hardened nation, often dressed in blacks and reds to reflect their land and the sacred fire. Despite the misconceptions about Blightlanders across Ayrillia, they are a people of resilience, hope, and unyielding optimism. They speak often of returning to their former glory, before the Courts’ oppressive influence, when they were part of the Solarian Empire. A once-thriving trade territory united with lands now completely cut off from Ayrillia. 

Due to the lava constantly running beneath the earth and the warmth radiating from Mount Fornax, most Blightlanders dress in lightweight materials to ensure comfort and prevent overheating. Common folk wear loose tunics, black or red cotton trousers or skirts, and short sleeves. Soldiers, however, are the exception. The highest commanding officers wear black armour crafted from Jettite, a rare metal that absorbs heat without becoming hot. Standard soldiers wear a mix of blackened metals and cloth.

Many Blightlanders worship the fire god, Kolkan, believing fire to be a living, breathing entity of both creation and destruction. Fire holds deep cultural significance, and numerous customs revolve around its reverence. For example, it is considered disrespectful to extinguish a flame by blowing it out. Instead, one must use a candle snuffer. Fireplaces within homes are sacred spaces, often adorned with gemstones. Fire rubies would be considered a common fireplace adornment as they are abundant in the Blightlands. Wooden carvings of animals and objects are commonly offered to the fire, symbolising good luck and securing favour with Kolkan. These carvings, crafted with careful intent, are cast into the flames as an act of devotion, ensuring the god’s warmth and protection. 

The Blightlanders operate under a centralised political system, answering to the Thanebreaker, their reigning monarch. The ruling family had remained in power since the Hundred-Year War when the Pyreign family seized control following the downfall of Mad King Cessair Ubel and the collapse of House Ubel.

Though the Thanebreaker is the kingdom’s figurehead, actual governance is shared with an elected council. The monarch cannot pass political decisions alone; they require council approval, ensuring a balance of power within the Blightlands.

The Blightlands’ primary source of wealth comes from the mining and trade of Jettite, a raw black mineral found in the mountains and volcanic regions. Weapons forged from Jettite are sharper than steel and far lighter, making them highly coveted in warfare.

The Courts have long sought to seize control of the Jettite trade, viewing it as a strategic advantage. However, the Blightlanders fiercely protect their resources, knowing that their survival and independence rely heavily on maintaining dominance over the Jettite supply.