THE VORTEX
THE MANY REGIONS OF THE VORTEX
Below are descriptions of the many and diverse regions that make up the world known as The Vortex.
Steam City, the land of invention. Filled with inventors and engineers, you can find all kinds of contraptions here. Flying Machines, driving machines, even robots! The streets may look like the 1920's in America, but aside from appearance, it's a completely different world. A fusion of magic and invention, and a mix of old and new, Steam City is a truly unique region and has peaked the interest of many explorers.
The citizens of Steam City are the problem solvers of the world. They are responsible for creating flying machines, the printing press, generators and much more. Many have personal robots that they interact with on a daily basis. Several of these were created to assist doctors and healers in the hospital located in The Metro. Additionally, they are at the forefront of the battle with the Shadow Walker. The Steam City Air Corpse has served as a protective force for all the allied realms.
Due to the high number of pilots, there is a small airport on the edge of Steam City. Many are retired members of the Steam City Air Corps.
They created the train system,The Steam City Railway, that runs from Steam City to The Corral. It can travel at high speeds, though it isn't uncommon for it to break down. Having access to printing presses, they also deliver their newspaper, The Daily Steam, along this route. Though it certainly does contain local news, the focus of the paper is worldly.
Steam City is the region where most worldwide celebrations are hosted. The changed of seasons and solstices are celebrated in the central square with the large fountain.
Steam City is also the location of the Fallout Shelter, an underground system of tunnels that runs beneath the city streets. This is a place used long ago during a great battle with the Shadow Realm. Abandoned for many years, criminals have broken into it's secret chambers and have formed an underground criminal's paradise. They have dubbed this, The Underground (see right). The Underground only inhabits the northern part of the tunnels. Recently, a portal has been discovered in the central part of the tunnels after an allegedly mad scientist tried to create a teleportation device.
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THE UNDERGROUND
(PART OF STEAM CITY)
The Underground is located in the Northern tunnels of Steam City's underground Fallout Shelter. After being abandoned, criminals slowly began to take it over, creating a vast network of streets and buildings in the cavernous part of the shelter. It is a sinful place, full of bars and strip clubs. Drugs are passed off here. For murderers, it's a safe haven from the prying eyes of the police. However, even the most feared criminals should watch their back here. Fights and brawls are a constant occurrence and you never know if there's a rival gang member out to get you.
The entrance to The Underground is top secret, and still unknown to the police. Only criminals know how to get in and out. There is a passageway smugglers carved out from the Lykos caves as well as an entrance from the basement of an abandoned house,
![DSC00661[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb2221_68217900f9c9494f96d232189b5a1798.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_166,al_c,q_90,enc_auto/fb2221_68217900f9c9494f96d232189b5a1798.jpg) |
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THE FALLOUT SHELTER/PORTAL
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STEAM CITY
THE METRO [DOWNTOWN]
The Metro, also sometimes referred to as Downtown, is the only truly modern region of the map aside from Vegas. You won't find much in the way of magic here, but you will find a lot in the way of entertainment. Many view this non-magical realm with hesitation, but those who have ventured there can't help but fall in love. This is a city full of life and adventure, though it is also the most different of the realms. There are many schools here, including several high schools and colleges. The main high school is Metro High. This is also where the main hospital is. There are both healers and traditional doctors that work there.
Though mostly urban, there are many suburban parts as well and several parks can be found throughout the city. Most neighborhoods are safe, although there are some rougher parts of town.
There is a lot in the way of nightlife here, with the area's many restaurants, theaters, and musical performances. There might not be much magic, but that doesn't mean you'll be bored! The Metro is also home to one of the world's biggest cities, Nashville, the music capital of the world.
NASHVILLE
(LOCATED WITHIN THE METRO)
Nashville is the home to many musicians. Music lovers crowd the streets here, hoping to get on the trail of new undiscovered talent. Hopeful artists go out and perform, hoping to catch a lucky break. From bars to coffee shops, music fills the air, making for a very fun and entertaining atmosphere.
Nashville is a very popular city for tourists to visit, and it's easy to see why!
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The Atlanteans are very in tune with spiritual energy and are said to have psychic abilities. A highly civilized and advanced society, Atlantis is considered to be incredibly impressive to all who visit. The people of Atlantis possess astral abilities and sometimes use healing crystals in place of more practical medicine.
They are very knowledgable in the medical field, using both spiritual and medicinal healing techniques. Many of them work at the hospital in The Metro.
Though on the outside it looks to be like any other ancient civilization, there are districts that are incredibly futuristic and modern. With it's fascinating culture and mesmerizing ocean views, Atlantis is a popular vacationing spot.
Atlantis has the most detailed historical records of the realm. Their library is massive and is open to all. Though there are certain areas of the library that only a select have access to.
ATLANTIS
THE MARINA
Located adjacent to Atlantis, The Marina is a shared area by those living in Atlantis, Steam City and the Forest of Valara. Goods are delivered here before being taken through the various trade routes.
It also features a beautiful beach which people from all the allied lands enjoy. There are many shops along the shoreline and a lot of activities to partake in. An aquarium can be found here as well.
There are many islands off the coast, including a pirate strong hold called Port Royal. While it does have a small city, it also boasts an intricate cave system believed to serve as hiding places for their stolen treasure. Port Royal is a lawless island and it is not recommended to travel there. Port Silver is another nearby island, and a popular vacation spot. Though pirates do pass through, they don't stir up much trouble there.
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THE FOREST OF VALARA
The Forest of Valara is the home of the Elves, named after their ancient goddess of life and rebirth. Incredibly in tune to the natural world, many of the Elves have a deep connection to nature. They view it as sacred and both respect and protect it from outside harm. Crossing into their forest means you must abide by their rules.
If you wander into their wooded domain, many of the elves will gladly impart some of their wisdom unto you. Knowledge is held in high regard among them and some see it as their duty to educate and share from their wealth of knowledge to better mankind. That said, they certainly have many secrets that they hold on to.
The Elvish tribes hold many seasonal celebrations, the biggest of these are the celebrations of the solstices. During these times, there is much jouyand merriment among all who live in the forest. Outsiders are even welcomed.
This forest in particular is home to many rare creatures, including unicorns and gryphons. Though sightings are rare, some have reported seeing a phoenix flying around these parts as well. Many rare healing plants live here, causing many healers to travel to this land.
Some humans call Valara home and have fused much of their culture and history with the Elvish people and have coexisted for centuries. Fairies are also common here.
Due to the high amound of magic in the land, The Valara Academy of Magic was built, serving the magically gifted of all ages.
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THE CORRAL
There's nothing quite like the wild west! The Corral is a dustbowl of a town, filled with saloons, a county jail, and more supply shops than you could imagine! Aside from the occasional Model T, you'll only find horse drawn wagons here. There isn't much in the way of modern technology here, but that's just how the citizens like it. Come in with unwanted technology and you'l get yourself a few stern looks.
If you're thinking of visiting this part, make sure to be good on your quickdraw. That's the way many choose to handle their disputes. And watch out for some of the notorious outlaws that call this place home. There are quite a few.
The Steam City Railway makes frequent trips back and forth between The Corral and Steam City.
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LAS VEGAS
Welcome to Las Vegas! Located just 50 miles fromThe Corral, this is a city of risk, gambling, and if you're lucky, reward. Casinos, bars, and clubs, line the streets. There is never a dull moment.
This is the land of surprise weddings, drunk shenanigans, and parties that never seem to stop. Aside from horseback, the city can be reached by traveling down the historic highway, stretching from The Corral to Vegas. Care to take a risk? You might just strike it big!
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THE LAND OF THE GODS
By far, the most challenging realm to discover is the Realm of the Gods, a place where light and color seem to break from reality to create the most dazzling sights any mortal has ever seen. It is a place of great beauty, as well as a place of great danger. For if you disrespect the gods presiding there, you will surely feel their wrath.
Here, there resides gods and goddesses from many different cultures; Greek, Egyptian, Norse, you name it. Though this can cause strife between them, their feuds are typically settled far from the land of mortals. In order to help maintain peace, they have divided the region up so that each culture has their own section, though they often cross into others without issue.
The gods are only immortal if within their home region, though even outside of it they do not age. Their powers are also only full if within this realm though they are still powerful outside of it.. They often work together with The Guardians.
Despite this, many of the gods and goddesses choose to live their lives outside of this region, choosing not to live in the seclusion of the hard to reach mountains. Though most of the divine beings have chosen to leave, they often come back to visit the immense beauty of this land.
Should a god be killed outside of their home, their soul is sent to The Underworld where they will face a series of battles and trials. Only if they succeed can they return to their body.
The Land of the Gods is also home to the famous Oracle.
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THE UNDERWORLD
The Underworld is the place where the souls of all beings go after they've passed on. When someone dies, their soul appears in The Underworld and their heart is weighed against a feather on the scale of justice. This determines where the soul is sent. The Underworld is ruled by the Guardian of Death and is broken up into five sections
THE CHAMBERS: This is the main section of The Underworld that connects all of it's regions.
HEAVEN: The place where the souls of the kind-hearted go. Souls here enjoy the freedom to go watch over their loved ones and live in a kingdom of peace and love. They stay in this paradise until it is time for them to be reincarnated.
HELL: The place where the souls of the dark-hearted go. Hell is a volcanic landscape filled with the souls of the world's worst beings. Souls here are not permitted to leave unless it is time for them to be reincarnated.
CAVERN OF TRIALS: When a god dies, they are sent to the Cavern of Trials. Here, they face battles and trials, twelve in total. Their courage, honor, strength and cunning are all put to the test, ending in one final challenge; battling the Guardian of Death himself. Should they pass the trials, they will be permitted to rejoin their body. If they fail, their heart is weighed and they will be sentenced to wait until it's their time to be reincanrnated.
THE GATEWAY: When it comes time for a soul to be reincarnated, they are lead by the Guardian of Death to the Gateway. It is through here that the soul is sent to join the world of the living again, starting life over as a baby.
 The ChambersThis cave system connects all the regions within The Underworld. |
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 HeavenWhere they souls of the kind-hearted go. |
 HeavenWhere they souls of the kind-hearted go. |
 HeavenWhere they souls of the kind-hearted go. |
 HeavenWhere the souls of the kind-hearted go. |
 HellWhere the souls of the dark-hearted go. |
 HellWhere the souls of the dark-hearted go. |
 HellWhere the souls of the dark-hearted go. |
 HellWhere the souls of the dark-hearted go. |
 The Land of Trials (For Gods)Where fallen gods fight to return to life. |
 The Land of Trials (For Gods)Where fallen gods fight to return to life. |
 The Land of Trials (For Gods)Where fallen gods fight to return to life. |
 The Land of Trials (For Gods)Where fallen gods fight to return to life. |
 GatewayThe place where souls go when they're ready to be reincarnated. |
Though extremely difficult, souls can be won back from Death. However, it comes with great risk. The rescuer must go to the Gateway to the Underworld and call on Death to meet them. Their heart will then be weighed on the same scale as the dead. Only if the heart is deemed not just to be good, but also heroic, can the rescuer continue. If not, the rescuer must give up their soul to Death. Be warned, to have a heroic heart is an extraordinary thing so to attempt to bring back the dead is a perillous risk to take.
Should the rescuer is deemed as heroic, they must then face the same trials and battles a god would face trying to win back their own life. Should they succeed, the soul of the loved one is returned to the living. If not, the rescuer's soul is given to Death. It is also possible for rescuers to go in groups, but each heart must be weighed separate from the others.
ZEPHYR
Zephyr, the great kingdom of the sky. This is the only kingdom that has a changing location. Following the wind patterns, Zephyr flouts across the world, though it can be locked in place if need be using a sophisticated rope system if need be.
Many of the inhabitants of Zephyr have wings and fly from island to island with ease. Those who don't have wings have gryphons they ride, or enchanted ships that can fly.
The winged inhabitants are often attuned to a certain element (wind, water, earth, fire, life or death) and possess special abilities attributed to that devotion. Though appearing angelic, there are both evil and heroic people living in this region.
They have strict rules of order and are considered to be highly noble. In trials, they use telepathic connections to determine honesty and always have just consequences to crime. Those who have committed acts of atrocities are expelled from the land, their wings and magic taken. They are forced to live the remainder of their lives on the land below, a punishment considered to be worse than death.
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THE RUINS OF TAHI
The remains of Tahi have puzzled the experts for the last thousand years. Nobody knows who they were, or why the abandoned their seemingly lustrous city. There are legends of curses and spirits that plague the area, but surely those are just rumors, right?
One of the legends states that the Kaluha, the mythical dragon of light, can be found here. Some believe it guards the once sacred site, waiting for the chosen one to arrive. Most disregard it's existence as myth. Though a mysterious fact remains...many who venture here in search of treasure never return.
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THE LYKOS CAVES
The Lykos Cave system is made up of several caves, popping up throughout the land. Winding tunnels connect the caves, but only those who know the passageways well can traverse them. The caves are perilous and disorienting to the unfamiliar.
There are several underground cities connected by this cave system, including a clan of werewolves. During the full moon, the walls of the cave are said to echo with the sound of howls. A clan of vampires lives in one of the underground cities to the south though they are known for their hostility and notions of superiority.
Many smugglers use the cave system as a means of transporting illegal goods as the tunnels are largely ungoverned. They tell tales of the cave system's beauty, as well as the perils the've faced. Robberies and attacks aren't uncommon, though certain cities remain relatively safe.
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PRIMORDIA
Primordia; the land of the elements. This region is divided into four kingdoms, Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire. Each kingdom represents one of the four key elements to life.
Each land is ruled by a monarch, with a King and Queen in equal leadership positions. [If you would like to play one of the rulers, please let an admin know first to make sure the role is open.]
Citizens of each of the kingdoms possess elemental control of their regions element. The leaders of the region have the most power and control over, far superior than that of their citizens. The leaders are almost looked at as gods in mortal form.
People often go to temples to pray, recharge their energies, and to try and gain favor of the higher powers. You must be of the elemental order of the temple to enter.
Each kingdom has it's own sacred symbology and a strong sense of pride. Though the kingdoms live in relative peace, there have been occasional periods of strife. As each kingdom has it's own beliefs and strengths, disagreements have occured.
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THE SHADOW REALM
By far the most dangerous realm, filled with rogues, assassins, demon worshippers and evil sorcerers who practice dark magic. They follow a leader who only wants one thing; power and dominion over the vortex.
Though formerly the Guardian of Shadows, he veered oway from the other Guardians, seaking power only for himself. He forged The Shadow Realm himself, ruling over it's inhabitants with an iron fist.
He is now known to all as The Shadow Walker. He is believed to have to power to travel silently as a shadow, making it easy for him to spy on the other realms in the land. He is the most powerful magical being in all the realms, both in magic and in the sheer size of his army. Shadows corrupt the hearts of all who serve him, allowing him to bend their will to his advantage. To those with shadows in their hearts, he can sense their every intention. And to the weak, he can put thoughts into their minds and posses them with darkness and despair. He can summon hellhounds and other forms of dark entities, his will is their command.
He is cold, calculating, and ruthless. He wants nothing more than to break the spirit of his enemy, breaking them down until all hope seems lost. He's launched many attacks over the years, such as the attack on the railway, and the raid of Tahi. Sometimes he'll set forth an attack just to stir up the waters and watch the allies squirm.
This realm cherishes those born gifted with magical capabilities, teaching and training them to harness them for malicious purposes. They are all highly trained and are capable of passing without trace and make excellent spies and assassins. They are the hand picked by The Shadow Walker; the elite. Those born without magical capabilities are looked upon with disdain, forced to labor in the factories with poor working conditions.
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The Shadow Realm is undoubtedly the enemy to all, yet no one dares attack. Their power is too great., especially with the recent awakening of the long feared Shadow Dragon.
It is feared that this is an indication that The Shadow Walker's plans for take over will be enacted in the near future.