THE DRAGON CONTINENT OF ANGARA
DESCRIPTION - LOCATION - PEOPLE - COAT OF ARMS - CLIMATE - FLORA - FAUNA - PROMINENT LOCATIONS - THE MAGICAL BARRIER - RESOURCES
DESCRIPTION - LOCATION - PEOPLE - COAT OF ARMS - CLIMATE - FLORA - FAUNA - PROMINENT LOCATIONS - THE MAGICAL BARRIER - RESOURCES
Far to the west of the main Gaian Continent lies a land shrouded in mystery, still unknown and uncharted. Many brave explorers have tried, and failed to reach this mystical place surrounded by mighty storms, dangerous reefs, and towering waves at sea. This is Angara, the Continent of Dragons. Hidden from the world by massive natural barriers, as well as an ancient magical barrier that hides the area from view, visitors are rarely seen, or heard of. Life here has changed little since the days of old due to a lack of contact with the outside world. This is where the dragons have taken refuge from those who would hunt them, and where they have lived peacefully for thousands of years.
Description:
Angara is a relatively large Continent at a size of roughly 2,500,000 square miles. Within it are dozens of different types of ecosystems. They range from cool temperate areas, massive ancient forests, desert plateaus, frozen wastes of snow and ice, mountain ranges, wide-open plains of grass, and great valleys flowing with streams.
Location:
The Continent of Angara lies far to the west of the main Gaian Continent, but a little farther north, which gives it its massive temperature differences.
People:
Angara is currently in its Third Age of Existence and it has been going on for nearly seven thousand years. Some argue that it should be called the Fourth Age since there was a period of rebuilding and revamping of the way things were done that lasted for an additional three thousand years, but this has been classified as part of the Warring Age, making the total time of the Warring Age about nine thousand years.
The Humanoid Decree - There are many different types of people on Angara; however, none of them are really �human�, though they may look it. The decree that bound the dragons to their human forms has long since been edited to take effect only during wartime; however, most dragons remain in their human forms simply out of habit. If you had been doing so for almost all your life, you might do so as well. There are many that do roam around in their dragon forms, such as the High Council, and many others as well. Many scholars in dragon sociology guess that by the time the Fourth Age comes about, that the majority of dragons will be in their dragon forms once again as more and more become accustomed to being able to do so. Travel between Angara and the human mainland has also been re-opened.
Coat of Arms/Sign:
The Angaran Coat of Arms is set upon a brilliant dark-blue shield, and in the middle of the shield sits the Talon of the Adamants. The talon is really comprised of several symbols that take on the appearance of a dragon�s talon. This symbol has been the emblem of Angara since it was formed thousands of years ago.
Climate:
The Climate of Angara changes depending on which section or area of the Continent you happen to be visiting. The temperature can range from between negative 15F degrees at the northernmost latitudes, and as hot as 120F degrees in the desert areas. It can be rainy and humid in some areas, and in others dry as a bone.
Flora:
The Angaran flora is unlike any other types across the Gaian world. This is due to the large degree of separation between Angara and the mainland Gaian Continent. However, some types of plants are the same as their mainland cousins, suggesting that Angara was once connected to the mainland millions of years ago. For that reason, several different species of mainland plants have evolved, such as the Angaran redwood, oak, pine, and others. These plants look very much like their mainland relatives, but are different enough to be classified as a different species.
However, Angara is also home to numerous other plants that appear nowhere else on the planet. Many are strange and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In fact, some of the most dangerous life on Angara is its plants. Living on a Continent of dragons makes the resident life tough, and the plants of Angara have adapted to live in the difficult living conditions. Travelers beware; the inviting leaves of a large plant may suddenly become very dangerous.
Fauna:
Just like the flora, the fauna of Angara is also unique in many ways, yet also similar in other aspects. Many creatures have grown and evolved into different shapes and sizes for survival across Angara�s broad range of habitats. While the most prominent creatures are the dragons, other lesser creatures are abounding in this place. Birds, small mammals, reptiles large and small, and numerous spirits and magical beings inhabit this place. Angara is truly a biologist�s dream.
Prominent Places:
The Bounty Plains - The plains are just that. A large mass of plains and farmland that bring forth the majority of Angara�s food supplies. Be it grains and other crops, or meat and poultry, this place can create enough food to fuel most of Angara�s inhabitants.
Presea - Often called The Capital of the Plains, Presea is a small town near the center of the Bounty Plains. Besides being the hometown of Ryugi and Ryudo Kazamaru, as well as the hometown of Vargus Kobayashi, Presea is the main farming town in the whole of Angara, as well as one of the most calm and peaceful. The town itself has a large history for also being the hometown of Angara�s greatest hero, Eclipse and served as his base of operations during the Great War. The town was completely destroyed in the Third Age by an unknown assailant, but was soon rebuilt to its former glory. If you seek a calm and relaxing place to stay, Presea can offer this with a gentle and easygoing atmosphere.
The City of Elders - This magnificent city is the Capital of Angara, as well as home to the Dragon High Council. The High Council is made up of eight different members, presided over by the High Elder of Ceremonies. The High Elder acts as another member of the council, but does not vote on issues. Only if there is a tie in the council does the High Elder step foreword and cast their vote as a tiebreaker. The Council Chambers are deep within the Hall of Elders, a magnificent building near the western end of the city.
Nearly twenty stories tall, the building sports a massive banner of the Angaran Crest trimmed in gold along the outer rims. The city itself is beautiful, adorned with white marble walls and golden sidings. Even the streets themselves are made from white stone, making the city a beautiful sight to behold come sunset and sunrise. The city is also home to the High Council�s Personal Forge; the same forge that birthed Ragnarok, the Sword of Eclipse. This vast city is also home to the High Council Ceremonial Guard, a relatively large group of individuals who carry out high priority missions deemed too dangerous or risky for the Army alone.
The Angara River - This River is really the only real river in all of Angara. It starts high in the frigid peaks of the Altin Mountains and splits across the entire Continent, stopping to fill some lakes before meandering all the way to the open ocean. Due to the river�s nature and plentiful splits, groundwater is rarely used. It is said that the water is so clear, cool, and refreshing that it has healing properties for many different diseases and ailments.
Altin Shrine - High atop the peak of Mount Aleph, the Altin Range�s tallest peak, sits the chilly and secluded Altin Shrine. This place is the home of the Adamantist Sect, a group of individuals who go about their days increasing their powers and abilities while waiting for inspiration and prophecies from the great Adamant Dragons who are said to be the creators of dragon kind. They are said to be among the strongest and most powerful elementals in all of Angara.
The Magical Barrier:
The magical barrier was formed at the end of the Warring Age when the dragon race was faced with the prospect of Extinction should the humans, or any other unforeseen enemies, return. They then realized that there were only two choices they could make. To either destroy all their known enemies, or to conceal themselves and hide away from the world. Being a caring and nature loving race, they chose to hide away from the world and stay out of mainland affairs. The barrier was created out of ancient and living magic, fused with the souls and essences of former High Council members. The process destroyed their souls, but forever bolstered the magic that now protects and shields the Continent from being seen by the prying eyes of the modern, and magical world. No eyes of magical, spiritual, or technological construction can see through this mighty structure. The Continent can only be seen with the natural unaided eye, however, getting close enough to see the landmass is next to impossible due to the raging storms and miles of angry seas that surround the home of the dragons. Even if one manages to get within sight of the land, they may not see it due to pouring rains, thick fogs, and low sitting clouds. However, though the barrier prevents the continent from being seen, it does NOT prevent entrance since the High Council did not wish to completely exile their race from the world.
Resources:
Angara has many natural resources, but does no trading outside its borders. The mountains are rich in metals and gems, but they are rarely mined. The Bounty Plains provide most of the food for the Continent, and the forests provide lumber if needed.
