THE CONTINENTS of AYANDOH (updated June 30, 2021)

Hi everybody! Long time no see. Type. Read. Whatever.

If you've read A Journey Unveiled and An Enemy Defined, you might be wondering what life is like elsewhere on Ayandoh. (If you haven't read them, what are you waiting for?! Tsk tsk.) Well, you're about to get some answers. Not all the answers, mind you. I have to save some surprises for the as-yet-untitled third book, especially the creatures. Plus, well, I'm 90% a pantser when I write, meaning I write mostly by the seat of my pants rather than with extensive planning. I have the basic outline for book three and already know exactly how it ends (and I have a rough draft of the final chapter), but I don't know every single step and every single scene. So, the following info will be expanded upon and could be subject to change. This is everything I've "known" since before beginning to write Journey.

There are five continents on Ayandoh. Nebella we're familiar with because that's where we find Gowerland. Like Nebella (Ayanella + Nebdos), each continent has a "Bennifer"-type of name. (ASIDE: Bennifer is back together! Who else called it? Just me?) In this case, it's the names of the goddesses and their associated gods that are combined. Here they are:

TARATARR = Tarathiel + Dextarr

KYBRIS = Kyilla + Cebris

AVRUS = Aventa + Uxarus

JOSION = Joasis + Esion

And here's a reminder of what each goddess and god controls:

GODDESS	ELEMENT	GOD	BLESSING
Ayanella	Aether	Nebdos	Healing, life, death.
Tarathiel	Earth	Dextarr	Strength, courage.
Kyilla	Air	Cebris	Wisdom, fate.
Aventa	Fire	Uxarus	Justice, battle.
Joasis	Water	Esion	Protection, peace.

The climate and topography of each continent are dominated by the element the goddess represents. Because of this, the peoples and creatures of the continents are adapted to their environment, physically, culturally, and behaviourally. Let's go through them one-by-one. 

TARATARR:

It's no coincidence that Taratarr sounds like "terra"--Tarathiel's element is earth. Remember, earth Vedosh don't just control dirt. They can manipulate everything from a grain of sand to a fallen leaf to a towering redwood, depending on the amount of magic the Vedosh possesses and their skill level.

When you think Taratarr, think big and tall. The majority of the continent is covered in lofty mountains and lush forests of massive trees. Picture Endor (you know, from Return of the Jedi...at least you should know because Star Wars is life) meets the Rocky Mountains. 

Like the Ewoks of Endor, the forest-dwelling people (and by people, I mean humanoid, not just humans) live in interconnected tree houses, albeit much fancier and sturdier than the Ewokian (is that a word?) versions. During daylight hours, they do venture down to the ground and the structures they've built there. However, the forests are filled with nightmarish creatures that come out at night. You don't want to be caught at ground level after dusk!

Those who live in the mountains live in caves, underground cities, and towns above-ground wherever there's enough open space. 

Its people tend to be excellent climbers, agile, and with above-average balance. They grow up rock-climbing and scampering along branches, after all.

The countries are separated from each other by mountain ranges, the majority of which are ruled by royalty or democratic governments.

The economy is mainly fueled by trade in lumber and mining.

KYBRIS

When you think of Kybris, think of the Great Plains of North America. Think wide open spaces...and the windstorms and tornadoes that come with them, because Kyilla is the Goddess of Air.

You'll find more air Vedosh here than anywhere else on Ayandoh. Why? Evolution. Vedosh who control air can, to varying degrees, control and deflect some of those vicious winds, and those who can fly can not only escape the clutches of those storms, they can also fly to places with a greater supply of resources.

Can't fly? No problem. If you're brave (and trusting) enough, you can find an air Vedosh or two to carry you, and, if you're really brave, you'll have them drop you so that you can experience flying for yourself by wearing a specialty gliding suit and/or a parachute.

The people of Kybris pioneered the use of windmills. They're also master builders, constructing sturdy buildings that can withstand being repeatedly hammered by winds.

Agriculture is the largest contributor to their economy, including grains and other crops, but Kybris is the poorest continent in general. Hunting supplements their diet, especially in the areas where it's difficult to farm. However, most citizens follow the Ayandonian traditions of praying over their kills and ensuring that no part of the animal goes to waste. 

AVRUS

If you've read Enemy (pointed stare), you'll have heard mention of Prince Bliant of Azkesh, the wealthiest country in Avrus. Aventa is the Goddess of Fire. Think heat. Think savannas and deserts and, to a lesser extent, rainforests. It's no coincidence that the lion represents fire in Ayandonian tradition.

The predominately hot, dry conditions give water Vedosh an advantage. They're able to extract water from the atmosphere, ground, and vegetation. Fire Vedosh outside of the rainforests must learn to master their power or they will be forbidden from using it. Imagine the devastation that an uncontrolled fire could cause in these areas!

The cities (and the majority of the humanoid population) are concentrated near water sources, such as rivers, and along the coast. People who live outside of the cities are either nomads who live out of tents, or permanent dwellers who live in buildings made of whatever resources that they can find or trade for.

There is great disparity in the levels of wealth among the citizens of Avrus, and unfortunately many of the wealthy families began building their fortunes via the slave trade. Other sources of income and trade come from mining, farming, fishing (along the coasts), and lumber.

JOSION

When I think of Josion, four things come to mind: lakes, rivers, islands, and bridges. In other words, water. Think Galapagos and Nunavut (geographically, not climate-wise). Archipelagos. 

The climate ranges from rainforest to tundra, meaning a wide variety of towns/cities, structures, and so on. With so much water around, learning to swim is a must, even in the colder climates. You never want to go up against someone from Josion in a breath-holding contest! 

The culture of the people of Josion is as peaceful as that of Avrus is violent. The continent is not divided into countries and is ruled by the traditional council arrangement that we learn about in Enemy. The people also follow Ayandonian traditions that pay respect to all living creatures, flora and fauna, with the exception of pescatarian diets in most regions. 

Josion is home to masters of shipbuilding, which contributes to their trade and economy. Other sources of income for the country are crops such as coffee and cocoa, lumber, and seafood.