Asgartha
Overview
The Asgarthan Peninsula is considered the new epicenter and cradle of human civilization. Despite its rather modest size and complete isolation, this fragmented strip of land has become a biotope where sentient beings have managed to thrive, despite the limited natural resources presented by this ecosystem. In the absence of evidence of the existence of other enclaves, Asgartha is considered the last bastion of humanity.
Government
- Type: Deliberative republic
- Monarch: Basileus
- Capital: Arkaster
- Language: Asgarthan
- Currency: Asgarthan Floret
- Calendar: Asgarthan (Era: AC for “Anno Concordiae”)
Demographics
- Demonym: Asgarthan
- Total Population: Approximately 2,787,000 inhabitants
- Arkaster Population: Approximately 695,000 inhabitants
- Urban Population: 73% live in urban agglomerations
- Rural Population: 27% live in small enclaves, remote agricultural regions, or within Lyra caravans
The population is inherently multicultural and cosmopolitan. The tribes of Tumult Nomads came from all corners of the world. Over time, these communities mixed to become one people.
Administrative Structure
The majority of Asgartha falls under the jurisdiction of Arkaster. The entirety of the administered territories is referred to as the Asgarthan Protectorate. The Protectorate is divided into several autonomous Provinces, known as Caers:
While the territories of Vagheria and Suspira are directly under the control of Arkaster, the Kirighai peninsula (which includes the Katkera and the Silg) is recognized as a neutral and independent zone.
Geography
The Peninsula covers approximately 42,600 km² (16,448 sq mi), spanning about 830 km (516 mi) from east to west. The Asgarthan Peninsula features four smaller peninsulas - Anthea, Kirighai, Enosha, and Vagheria - along with three minor peninsulas making up the isthmus of Caer Eidos, the only strip of land connected to the mainland.
All these peninsulas are surrounded by sandy shallows, which are easy to cross, even on foot during the Season of Mists, when the water evaporates to become a persistent fog.
Suspira Island
The Peninsula also hosts an island called Suspira, located at its eastern end.
Floating Enosha
The Enosha peninsula exhibits a striking feature. Attached to the ground at its western part, it gradually stretches skyward to become an island suspended in the air. The highest point of the peninsula is called the Auriga, which culminates at 4,879 m (16,000 ft). This peak takes root in the Enosha region known as the Makonis Heights, located in the eastern part of the island.
Surrounding Seas
The Peninsula is surrounded by several seas:
- Cierna - tempestuous and perilous sea to the north
- Biela - calmer and more fish-abundant sea to the south
- Undersea - sea located beneath the floating Enosha peninsula
- Muir Concordia - lagoon forming an inland sea
- Shawl - shallow strip of sea connecting Anthea, Kirighai, and Enosha peninsulas
Climate
The Asgarthan Peninsula experiences a wide variety of climates. However, these climates no longer seem to be generated only by meteorological phenomena, but rather by the concepts that have become ingrained there before the stabilization of the Oasis. A snowy area will be snowy because the idea of snow, solitude, and cold will be rooted there; a desert area will be desert because the very concept of aridity will permeate the place.
Season of Mists
For a few months of the year, the lagoon water completely recedes, not due to tides, but due to evaporation that does not coincide with a rise in temperature. This “Season of Mists” envelops the entire lagoon and part of the eastern shallows in a permanent fog. One can then distinguish, through the opaque veils, the silhouettes of waders moving through the sandy mud to fish on foot, as well as sailboats or Kelon barges.
Historical Territory Changes
Throughout its history, the borders of Asgartha have continuously shifted. Initially centered around Arkaster, the Protectorate incorporated more and more regions as the Peninsula was explored. However, this otherwise continuous expansion was disrupted on one occasion several centuries ago. Beyond The Rampart, a sixth Province was once attached to Asgartha before it was seized from the Protectorate.
Ancient Mysteries
The scarcity of pre-cataclysm references complicates the localization of Asgartha on the few surviving maps. Ordis scholars believe that the geology of the Peninsula has been heavily influenced by The Tumult, and that the area, along with its climate, has likely been drastically altered from what it was before The Confluence.
When the waters recede during the Season of Mists, shifting sand currents sometimes expose the remains of four towers sharp as arrows and domes torn apart off the coast of Karuna Island. The Ordis suggest that a great city existed here before the Confluence.