Harmony Town and Woods

Hello, everyone! Silk here. VDY is out today attending a con and having fun (lucky!), so I'll be making a post today. Of course, anytime I post, you can expect a burst of lore, but this time I paired up with CBTwi to bring you all some illustrations as well! Today, we'll be exploring one of the first areas you come across in Hereafter: Harmony Town and it's attached area, Harmony Woods!

As many have gathered (and we may have explicitly said, but I can't remember at the moment), Hereafter takes place before Homestead. Quite a bit so. What is known as the Harmonic Provinces in Homestead is instead a smaller fishing village, just starting out in Hereafter. I've written a few excerpts that will be included in the game as proper lore documents, but this week I'll share them, alongside some early artwork from CBTwi about their conception! Enough preamble- Let's get into it!

Harmony Town

Harmony Town was a quaint, burgeoning coastal community founded on the southwestern shores beyond Everna and the Evernan Forest. The town was the brainchild of the Alicorn Princess, Circlet, who retitled herself as Mayor upon its establishment. Situated at the junction of a bubbling freshwater river and the boundless azure ocean, Harmony Town thrived primarily on its nascent fishing industry. Modest agricultural practices also dotted the landscape, providing subsistence living for the growing population.

The region, later known as the Harmonic Provinces, was a serene blend of gentle, rolling hills and isolated patches of woodlands separated by expansive flatland plains. This tranquil backdrop accentuated the idyllic charm of the coastal settlement.

Although the town was home to only about a hundred souls initially, it was renowned for its warm, inviting nature. Primarily inhabited by unicorns, Harmony Town nurtured a close-knit community that welcomed all outsiders with open arms, laying the groundwork for the multicultural society it later became.

At the heart of Harmony Town was the bustling town square. A hub of community interaction and daily activities, it was surrounded by quaint local docks that branched out into the nearby Tranquil Sea, named so for the hopes of Harmony Town's founders for a peaceful life. The town's architecture, a collection of charming wooden cottages radiating outwards in a circular arrangement, was reminiscent of Evernan design principles. The simplicity and practicality of the rural lifestyle were beautifully married with touches of Evernan charm in the buildings' thatched roofs, whitewashed walls, and modest gardens, though Harmony Town would later go through an architectural revolution that truly set it apart from its mother country.

Adjacent to the town was a picturesque beach, duly named Tranquil Beach. The soft golden sands and the rhythmic dance of the waves provided a perfect spot for relaxation and merriment. A feeling of unified perseverence, welcoming, and a celebration of will allowed the community to band together, intent on improving themselves, their lives, and their society, swearing to become better than the one they had left behind.

Harmony Woods

The Harmony Woods, nestled near the burgeoning Harmony Town , were not only a tranquil testament to the area's rich natural beauty but also a vibrant ecosystem of diverse flora and fauna, both mundane and magical.

The outer region of the Harmony Woods was an enticing amalgamation of grassy meadows and sparse deciduous woodland. A tapestry of colorful wildflowers blanketed the ground, weaving a mosaic of colors that mirrored the hues of the sunset skies. Amidst the scattered trees and flowers, playful packs of Lagua Wolves roamed, their coats subtly tinged with the essence of Spring as they dipped in and out of the waters of the forest.

Moving deeper into the forest, the landscape transformed. The deciduous overgrowth thickened, creating a lush canopy that filtered sunlight into dappled shadows. This inner section was a haven for nature enthusiasts and herbalists alike, but also for the elegant Cervidaer. These Spring-Elemented deer, swift and agile even in the thickest undergrowth, wove through the woods like wraiths, their magical essence manifesting as a slight verdant glow that illuminated their path.

The deepest part of Harmony Woods was home to the broadest, tallest trees. Among these pillars of nature, small creatures called Leapine nestled in burrows carved into the trunks and boughs of the tall trees. These Spring-Elemented bunnies, defying expectations, were as much at home high in the tree canopy as they were on the forest floor.

The forest extended to the base and partially up a craggy hill, where exposed veins of copper added a unique metallic glint to the green and brown landscape. Amid the dense wilderness lay a serene pond, fed by an unseen underground spring. This water body was a lifeline for the woodland creatures and an oasis of calm amid the wild woods, trailing through the deepest portions of the forest to eventually feed into the ocean.

This deepest part of Harmony Woods, while posing challenges, encapsulated the raw, untamed beauty of nature in its purest form, seamlessly blending the mundane and the magical.

Local Fauna

    Lagua Wolves

Lagua Wolves are a remarkable species indigenous to the Harmony Woods . These canines carry the Spring element, setting them apart from their ordinary counterparts. Larger and more streamlined than the typical wolf, Lagua Wolves are built for speed and agility, both on land and in water. Their sleek, muscular bodies allow them to race through the forest at high speeds, often surprising their prey with their velocity.

However, their most distinguishing trait is their unique hunting technique. These wolves have adapted to be able to breathe underwater, a rare ability among mammalian species. They use this skill to their advantage when hunting, submerging themselves in bodies of water to lie in wait for unsuspecting prey. This ambush tactic makes them a formidable presence within their environment and a fascinating sight for observers.

The Lagua Wolves' coats are lush and water-resistant, usually tinted with shades of blue or green. Their eyes are sharp and intelligent, reflecting the cunning and adaptability that have made them masters of their terrain.

    Cervidaer

The Spring-Elemented Cervidaer are the epitome of elegance and agility. Their bodies are sleek, and their coats shimmer with an enchanting blend of their natural colors and a soft, verdant glow. The magic of Spring that imbues their being also enhances their agility, enabling them to move with extraordinary speed and grace, even in the densest parts of the forest. Their antlers, a prominent feature of their species, radiate a gentle, luminescent glow that augments their ethereal beauty. A sight of a Cervidaer, dashing through the forest with their radiant antlers casting light on their path, is indeed a spectacle to behold.

    Leapine

The Leapine are small, adorable creatures that are as unique as they are endearing. Influenced by the Spring element, they have soft, plush fur with a slight, refreshing glow that matches the verdant environment of their habitat. This fur is not just aesthetically pleasing, but also incredibly practical. The Leapines produce an abundance of fur which, when shorn, can be used to create a cool, smooth textile similar to silk or satin, highly sought after for its unique properties. Many of the residents of Harmony Town have taken to breeding and domesticating these fascinating creatures, incorporating them into their community, not just as a source of this precious resource, but also as cherished companions. Unlike typical bunnies, Leapine are natural climbers, often nesting high up in the tree canopies. They carve out cozy burrows within the trunks and boughs, creating a home where they can safely observe the world below. Their small, nimble bodies and agile movements make them skilled tree-dwellers, and their high-altitude homes add a delightful surprise for those exploring the Harmony Woods.

    Sea Scuttler

The Sea Scuttler is a large bird native to Harmony Town. It boasts an impressive wingspan, a sturdy physique, and a distinctive, resounding caw that echoes across the Tranquil Sea. It is clad in a unique grey-blue plumage, reflecting its coastal habitat. Sea Scuttlers are opportunistic scavengers, diving down with surprising agility to snatch unattended food from market stalls, docks, or even from unsuspecting townsfolk. They are not typically aggressive, but their bold antics and audacious thievery can be frustrating to the townspeople. Despite their nuisance, they are part of the coastal ecosystem and are widely accepted as a significant, if somewhat mischievous, part of life in Harmony Town .

They tend to nest in high places.

    Shore Warden

Contrasting the Sea Scuttler, the Shore Warden is a smaller, amiable bird that commands deep respect from Harmony Town's residents. Adorned in bright teal plumage with vibrant, engaging eyes, these birds are a vibrant spectacle amidst the coastal landscape. Known for their industrious nature, Shore Wardens are seen busily picking up small litter along the beach and responsibly disposing of it away from the shoreline. Their dedication to maintaining the cleanliness of Harmony Town's beautiful beaches and coastline is highly admired.

Local lore attaches deep cultural significance to these diligent birds. A popular myth suggests that Shore Wardens are the spirits of past townsfolk who, even after passing on, wish to continue to contribute to their beloved town. This belief bestows upon them a guardian-like status and it's common to see townsfolk leaving small offerings or sharing respectful acknowledgements with these birds as they pass by. Despite their smaller size, Shore Wardens have a grand presence, and their integral role in local lore has rendered them cherished symbols of the town's communal spirit, falling in line with their constant desire for self improvement and community order.

They are about the size of a dove.

And that's about it! If you've made it this far, congratulations! I know we all have busy lives nowadays, but I'm glad to bring you a big, meaty lore drop accompanied by some lovely art. If you enjoyed, let's us know in the comments or just click that button at the bottom with the heart. Or, you know, just enjoy the post and look forward to interacting with them in game! We're working closer and closer to completing every day, and we greatly appreciate your help getting there!

~ Silk Wright

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