Overview
Terra is a volcanic island rising from the ocean, dominated at its heart by the great mountain Titania — molded from an old volcano and still restless beneath the surface. Boreal forests stretch across the north and south, broken by geothermal hotspots where the ground steams and geysers form. Rivers run down from the mountain’s slopes into small lakes and out to the sea, carving the lowlands where most of Terra’s settlements have taken root.
Humans, elves, and goliaths populate the surface; dwarves and drow largely make their home beneath it, in the tunnel networks of the Underdark and the subterranean city of Niflheim. The river Rhine runs from the foot of Titania through the agricultural lowlands, past Town Morain, and on toward Chrysalis City before reaching the sea at the port town of Malachite.
The western coast sits atop an active underwater volcano, and its waters and shores are rich in mineral deposits as a result. Beneath the island lies a deep tunnel network — the Underdark — connecting the surface settlements to Niflheim and to the buried remains of a much older civilisation.
Twenty years ago, the rediscovery of Originium — a black crystal of extraordinary energy density — transformed Terra’s economy almost overnight, powering new machinery, technology, and industry across the island. It has also brought a slow-moving cost: oripathy, the crystalline sickness that exposure to originium can cause. See Originium for more.
Terra is watched over by Titania, a majestic silver dragon who rests atop her namesake mountain and has long acted as the island’s guardian — aiding humans and elves most readily, though dwarves and drow are not turned away.
The Peoples of Terra
- Humans, elves, and goliaths — the principal surface-dwelling peoples. Goliaths in particular have settled the mountain itself, its forests, and the highland plateau above the treeline.
- Dwarves and drow — make their homes largely underground, in Niflheim and throughout the Underdark’s tunnel network.
- Tieflings and gnomes — concentrated in Wien, the art and music city on the volcano’s far eastern side.
Regions
Surface
Titania (Mountain)
The towering volcanic mountain at Terra’s centre. The first kilometre up is covered in forests, rich farmland, and small homesteads — some of which still tend the forests that grow there. Higher up, geothermal activity becomes visible: hot springs, mineral-streaked ground, and occasional geysers.
Highland Plateau
The elevated plateau ringing Titania, home to the goliath tribes who trade and interact with the humans and elves settled lower on the mountain.
Boreal Forests
Stretching across the island’s north and south, these forests hide caves leading down into the Underdark, hidden gardens, and the remains of early pioneer settlements.
Chrysalis City
Terra’s centre of research, medicine, and politics, lying west of Titania along the Rhine. Home to Chrysalis Labs and the island’s most prestigious academic institutions. Population approximately 4,000.
Town Morain
A quiet agricultural town at the foot of Titania’s eastern slopes, where the Rhine begins. The last settled point before the highland plateau. Population approximately 350.
Port Town Malachite
A coastal industrial port to the northwest, built on rich mineral deposits and known for its wide forges. The outer town is prone to tsunamis and earthquakes; its main facilities are built to withstand both. Population approximately 2,000.
Wien (City)
An art and music city of tieflings and gnomes on the volcano’s far eastern side.
Underground
Niflheim (City)
A subterranean city roughly one kilometre below the foot of Titania, primarily populated by dwarves with a significant drow population. Its climate shifts dramatically with the activity of the western underwater volcano — warm (20–30°C) during periods of volcanic activity, falling to bitter cold (0 to −5°C) when it subsides.
The Underdark
The vast tunnel network beneath Terra, connecting its cities and reaching down toward older, stranger things. Home to myoconids, flumphs, basilisks, and creatures far less friendly.
Notable Landmarks
- Titania, the Dragon — the island’s silver guardian, said to watch over Terra from the mountain that bears her name.
- The Rhine — the river tying Morain, Chrysalis, and Malachite together; the closest thing Terra has to a single artery of trade and travel.
- The Sarcophagi — scattered, half-buried remnants of a much older civilisation, found in pockets throughout the Underdark. Their true purpose and the secrets they hold are not common knowledge.