Surface
Surface is the name given the planet most of the population of Mankind lives on.
Explorers and scientists have for long attempted to map out all of Surface, as well as the varying mechanics of it, with little success. While assumed we live on the surface of a large planet in space--as celestial bodies are observed to move around Surface, granting us both a stable day/night cycle as well as distinct seasons--geometric measurements often conflict with empiric observations and planetary calculations. No actual proof of the planet's shape or size has ever been made, even after the invention of satellites; some areas seem to render satellite communications, and telecommunications in general, unusable.
Areas that are rumoured to lie beyond our observable world are named the Hinterlands.
Assumed to be directly underneath Surface is The Nether; a vast, sunless area completely isolated between layers of impenetrable rock. The only known nation in this area is Nozahi, but no reliable method of transportation to this area is available.
Rumoured, unconfirmed areas whose location is unknown include The End and The Godrealms.
Inhabitations
Surface holds many nations, each with distinct calling codes and country codes.
- Ihazon, capital: Langenthal
- Thoiria, capital: Landesgarten
- Sas, capital: Langenthal City (Tog SAS)
- Tekkea, capital: Langenthal City
- Radosis, capital: Capu Terram
- Lettusland, capital: Capitallettus
- Misthliþ, capital: Beácenstán
- Shaan Xiin, capital: Shàolín Zhii Xiin
Physical properties
Despite thorough investigation of the physical properties of Surface, few conclusions have been made, as some observations contradict each other. For example, the sun always moves across the sky from east to west, and due to the distinct lunar phases the moon goes through, mathematical equations indicate the most logical explanation being our planet revolving around the sun, and the moon revolving around our planet. However, while this would indicate our planet being spherical in shape, observations of this curvature has not been made. The best efforts at measuring the shape of our planet have resulted time and time again with an almost perfect grid-like shape. It is possible the surface of our planet is simply too large for our observed areas to indicate a curvature, but this brings up the question of just how large our planet really is.
The Border Effect
The largest problem with physically observing the planet is what has been named The Border Effect. This is an unexplained phenomena that prohibits all forms of communications to the Hinterlands. It is observed to render electronics, including all forms of telecommunications, entirely unusable, as well as inflict a mysterious illness on those who have crossed The Border Effect and managed to return alive.
Throughout time, many have tried to venture towards the Hinterlands, yet very few have ever returned.
In 1913, an expedition group set out directly north of Tinville in order to map out areas north of Slouthceister. Communication with the group was lost around 2 km north of Slouthceister's port. After 7 days, the group returned. While some were very heavily affected by The Border Effect, the least affected stated they had travelled 7 km into unmapped land before returning. They described the terrain as "barren, plain, but surprisingly moderate in climate". At the most northern point they reached, "it felt as if it was physically impossible to move on," and that the "atmosphere felt suffocating".
Many sailors have sailed west of Sas and Tekkea, but the ones that have returned alive described the area as "literal endless sea". No land mass has been reported.
The furthest eastern nation is Shaan Xiin, of which only descriptions from previous inhabitants of the nation exist. Si Shaan Xiin, previous citizens of Shaan Xiin, describe the nation as "a vast, dry and empty empire stretching as far as the eye can see, with numerous plains, mountains and rivers snaking between the various clans".
In the south, a large land mass is verified to exist, however, its size is unknown. In the last years, expeditions into the area has been conducted by emissaries from Ampersand, who as a result have established Arc City. The land mass is described as being covered by a dense jungle, with a very warm and humid climate. This type of terrain extends to parts beyond the river Arx, the natural border to Radosis. The expeditions have angered many Radosicus, as crossing the river is forbidden in Radosicus culture, as it is believed to bring bad luck.
The Border Effect seems lighter in the areas below Arc City, however, the land mass is both difficult to manoeuvre through and incredibly hostile; several, undiscovered and highly dangerous animals have already been observed.
Trivia
- There are three Langenthal cities for some unknown reason. Whoever came up with these names must've been really lazy.