Angrean Atlas

Chrysanthia

Status: Imperial Heartland | Climate: Temperate Grasslands & Forest | Type: Single Island

The largest island of the Neuranian Empire sprawls across the heart of known civilization like a particularly ambitious bureaucrat’s desk; cluttered with important things, surprisingly organized if you know where to look, and absolutely essential to keeping everything else running.

"Chrysanthia: Only less dangerous than the Dragon Isles if you aren't paying attention."
— Iva Simmons, House Silvos clerk

Overview

One might think it odd that the heart of the Empire actually lies along it’s outer edge. One would think a more central location, perhaps somewhere in the Horse Isles, would be more suitable. But while the Horse Isles are beautiful, and centrally located, Chrysanthia has something they lack; the magnetic pull of millenia of history. This is where the greatest of the ships from the Age of Sail came ashore. It’s where Verdallia Chrys defeated Cran vel Tor at the Battle of the Twin Rivers, and where she built what would become Chrysanth, the shining jewel of the Empire. Besides, the easier you make it for your subjects to reach you, the easier it is for them to deliver petitions.

The island’s geography varies dramatically from region to region:

• The Heartland: Rolling grasslands and farmland between Lake Lyre and the Sunward Reaches
• Sunward Reaches: Ancient forests, including the semi-wild Bria’s Wood
• Aether’s Ridge: Dramatic peaks including Mount Kresselrock
• Coastal Regions: Fishing villages and trading ports

Population: The most populous region of the Empire, with millions of inhabitants ranging from the cosmopolitan citizens of Chrysanth to the traditional farmers of the outer provinces.

Major Settlements

Chrysanthia being a single large island, travelers can reach its cities directly without island-hopping. The road network, fallen into slight disrepair since the embrace of airship travel, still connects all major destinations.

• Chrysanth

  Type: Capital City | Population: Large The heart of the Empire. Seat of imperial power, home of the Great Library, and location of more taverns per capita than anywhere else; governance is thirsty work.

• Solanth

  Type: Major City | Population: Significant The City of Trade. If it can be made, grown, sold, or traded for, Solanth has it. Famous for its craftwork and union disputes. Key distribution hub for the farmers of the Nightward Expanse.

• Finhaven

  Type: Historic City | Population: Small One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Empire. The locals claim their city predates the Empire itself, which is technically true but irritates House Neuros.

• Velhaven

  Type: Minor City | Population: Moderate The city of bridges. Sitting astride the river Geminon, Velhaven is a picturesque city of stone bridges and wooden towers. Famed for its music and romance. The setting of many comedies and tragedies that frequent theaters all over the Empire.

• Kresselrock

  Type: Mountain Settlement | Population: Moderate Mining community beneath Mount Kresselrock. Continuously inhabited since before the Age of Sail. Visitors are warned that the architecture is primarily designed around the needs of Dwarves and Gnomes, and prolonged stays may be bad for their backs.

• Darkstone

  Type: Subterranian City | Population: Moderate Gateway to the Rootvast. Named for the distinctive black stone used in its construction. The native Duegar residents are… less than welcoming.

Geographic Features

Lake Lyre

The vast freshwater lake at Chrysanthia’s center, named for the musical sound wind makes across its surface on calm days.

Bria’s Wood

The largest remaining old-growth forest on Chrysanthia, sacred to followers of Bria. The Empire hasn’t officially designated it as protected wilderness, but the trees seem more than capable of protecting themselves.

Aether’s Ridge

A dramatic range separating the Nightware Expanse from the Sunward Plains. Mount Kresselrock, the highest peak, is visible from Solanth on clear days.

The Nightward Expanse

Fertile farmland that produces much of the Empire’s grain. Remarkably boring to describe but essential to everyone continuing to eat.

Travel Information

Getting There

• By Airship: Regular service from all major imperial ports
• By Sea: Coastal routes connect to all maritime regions
• By Road: The Imperial Highway network begins here

Internal Transportation

• Lake Ferries: Regular service across Lake Lyre
• Rail Lines: Expanding network soon to be connecting major cities, currently runs between Chrysanth, Lyrhaven, and Rim and Heart Rilhaven.
• Road Network: Extensive but quality varies by season
• Personal Transport: Available for hire in all major cities

Travel Advisory

Local Cautions: - Bria’s Wood should not be entered without a guide - Aether’s Ridge is hazardous in winter - Chrysanth bureaucracy can trap unwary travelers for days

Historical Notes

Chrysanthia has been continuously settled for at least sixty thousand years, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in known history. The current political structure dates to the founding of the Chrysian Empire, though the island’s importance predates formal imperial organization by millennia.

Key historical events:

• The Founding: Chrysanth established as capital
• The Corvanimus Era: Seven centuries of Golden Age
• The Neuros Coup: Current ruling House takes power
• The Industrial Revolution: Ongoing transformation of society