#casuara

[escarava]

Escaravan voyage discovers new continent

Following a discovery made by the Salgonese, Maestro Gordura authorized an expedition to discover new lands for Escarava. The initial expedition landed on an island, named Epimenta by the Escaravan explorers. Over the next week, the explorers began to explore further south, discovering the north of an entire continent. The continent was named Quewantas, likely a misspelling of the native pronunciation of the land.

Upon meeting the natives, they received mixed reactions. The now "Quewantese", violently expelled the Escaravans, however on the island of Epimenta, they received gifts and were given makeshift crowns and capes made of leaves and stones.

Other outer islands were labelled by the explorers in Escaravan before returning home to Escarav, two months after the voyage began. Upon their return, they were immediately summoned before the Maestro, who cancelled an orchestral performance to meet with the explorers. They gifted the Maestro an oud, an instrument discovered in Quewantas.

The Maestro was delighted upon receiving the instrument. He immediately ordered for "A hundred more ships to visit Quewantas" to learn more about their music.

Map in Native Language

Map compared to Casuara

[luxardy]

BREAKING: NEW LANDS DISCOVERED BY NASAZUR'S VOYAGE!

Nadalger Nasazur has returned, by some miracle, from his expedition sponsored by Salgon, bearing exciting news. Rather than coming around the other side, he announces that he had successfully found La Occidente, the Western lands. He named, charted, and claimed three islands which he explored after sailing southeast.

Nasazur recounts his first thoughts during his landfall on the first landmass he step foot on, Costa Justa.

"I first did notice the fair and whyte beaches of this land which did welcome the bann'r of Salgon comf'rtably and easily. I wouldst name this land: Costa Justa, and claim it for Salgon.

The sky was shimmering blue, as mine nose. The sea was shining blue, as mine nose. The sand was glistening white as mine no- as mine leg. The climate was warmful and comfort-rich, as mine leg. "

Nasazur then, to his surprise, encountered a party of what he assumed to be this land's locals. He described them as

"Grene and Slimeous"

The natives and Nasazur and his crew had a stare off for a good 7 minutes. Not one moved. Nasazur then broke the awkward silence and apparently heroicly stepped forward and said:

"HO! Holla, Greetings, O Weird and Grene Symians! I am NADALGER NASAZUR, world-famous explorer for the Crown of Salgon! Kneel before me, and then go fetch me thy golds and opals and also your KING so HE may also kneel before me!"

The locals reportedly just stared back, without a hint of understanding. Realizing they did not speak Luxardish, Lucet OR Roncevalois (what sort of barbarians are these?) Nasazur then decided to wave his rapier around at them, banking on them understanding his might. They instead responded by beating him to a pulp with their spears.

"By Snod, Fie! I hadst never witnessed such barbarities in my most handsome life. We would do well to skewer this cabal of Cantankerous Swampdoodles like the Eastern Shrike. Yet, one kind Beastie, a lonesome forlorn Womanly-specie, in an act of unusual hospitalities, thus invited me, in some disgusting gutteral bunkum, to Design her as mine own loyal steed, and mount her so I may capture this lands treasures!"

Nasazur and his party then set out with one local who may or may not have willingly agreed to collaborate with the explorers. Nasazur would go on to leave a small outpost of 15 men on Costa Justa before charting two other islands, dubbed Isla Mardis and Isla Cuferion, before returning home with captured slaves, funny rocks, ugly artwork, and most importantly, GOLD!

It is expected Queen Luísa will order a second expedition to continue the no-longer Lunatic attempt to circumnavigate the world. What this means for Luxardy and Casuara at large will soon be witnessed.

[thyngland]

Domarchia Tis Exochias

To the east of Thynglish Peninsula lies a realm dubbed Exochias, an archipelago of long-forgotten, conquered and isolated colonies heralded and traveled by the Medouian hero of old, Chiam. Many stony reefs, mangrove barriers and sandy bogs line Exochias' southern coast, making navigation out of Casuara challenging for simple vessels.

Nowadays, many fierce and diverse cultures inhabit its islands, building great structures and trading between eachother, but staying outside of Casuara's politics. Deeper within, a militant state of insectoid-like people once at odds with Medouian colonies called the Eusócians makes their home.

One Qalos-adjacent civilization remains on the long, rocky stretch of Dyialia. Dyialia is home to the distant cousins of the Qalos and Medouians, Dyiali, who possess more animalistic features and a wider range of body types compared to their western relatives.

These solidary herders, diviners and artisans live in accordance to the whims and wishes of greater abyssal beings dwelling beneath Dyialia's reefs. Otherworldly inspiration, protection and isolation from the mainland cultivated a relatively peaceful nation, that which tends to its lands and seas, and believes those possessed by the greatness of that which lurks below.

Their structures and homes are larger and more communal than those of the Thynglish, with some villages sharing a single burrow or longhouse. Their de-facto governance and way of life is ordained by unknown and cryptic god-like beings only speculated on in Casuaran tales, but the Dyiali have formed a more intimate relationship with them. They are also known to possess foreign tongue and methods of communication involving gentle tapping on water and a sign language shared with dryland neighbors.

With an attempt to restore old overseas ties and dependencies, the Archons and Mayors of Amphorea and Metereion set out to sail to these long-forgotten lands and preach promises of a glorious, unified future. Will the sea gods accept their offer?

[escarava]

The Maestro meets the leader of Astoria

The leaders of Escarava and Astoria have met today in the Escaravan region of Astoria Minor.

The two discussed many things, including the potential threat of their eastern Lucean counterparts. The leaders both agreed that the eastern Luceans could be dangerous to their states. Valdia was also discussed, as the narrow points of the Bay of Sectus are extremely worrying to Escarava.

Maestro Rudolfo suggested a wedding, between the Escaravan prince and the Astorian princess. This would closen ties between the two nations, securing the border and the northern border of the Aridus Plain. Without having to worry about their shared border, both monarchs could focus on their borders with more threatening neighbours. The marriage would also increase collaboration between the two states.

However, despite hopes of a better relationship between the two states, the Maestro kept important information to himself about lands beyond Casuara.

[luxardy]

Introduction to the lands of Luxardy...

Luxardy is a region in Casuara, occupying the majority of the Struthion Peninsula, bounded by the Gnathonean Sea to the south and the Bay of Acipenser to the north. It is bordered by the realms of Ronceval, Astoria, and Escavara to the continental north and Veria on the southeastern tip of the peninsula.

Considered the shell of the once dominant Lucean Empire of ancient times, Luxardy has been disunited for centuries. There exists many Luxardish realms and polities, but most are united under one of two composite monarchies.

The Crown of Marlusca is the largest of the two crowns, occupying more than half of the entire Luxardy region. Centered around the capital of Polvoriento, the second largest city of the region, the Crown of Marlusca presides over 11 kingdoms and other realms united under the reign of the current King, Felipe III the Philanderer. The lands of Marlusca are chiefly arid and dusty hillocks and shrublands. The Crown of Marlusca has recently emerged as the dominant power in the Luxardy region, thanks to its modest wealth acquired by cultivating its impressive mineral deposits, and its subjugation of its neighbours. Marlusca is a regional hub for culture and the arts, drawing in some of the world's most skilled architects and artists to beautify the otherwise unremarkable drylands. Marluscans are known as deeply faithful people, who make space for a bit of charm. Sorcery is largely restricted to the clergy in Marlusca, and Marlusca relies more heavily on non-magical means for its famed prowess in conquest.

The Crown of Salgón is composed of three kingdoms in the southeast, along the narrowest part of the Struthion peninsula. The stranger and more arcane of the two crowns, it is founded around the capital, Lluvia, and is ruled by the infamous Queen Lucía I the Lunatic. The lands of Salgón are patched with marshland, making for a significantly wetter region better suited for agriculture than in Marlusca. Salgón is significantly less developed and wealthy than its northern counterpart. However, the Salgonese are considered the both the most skilled sorcerers and seafarers in Luxardy. Owing to their dual coastlines and many navigable rivers, and bogs, the Salgonese often turn up in many places they may not be expected to. Salgón has a far more lax magical culture than in the rest of Luxardy, where sorcerors are trained as priests, soldiers, and increasingly, in civilian professions. Salgonese sorcerers specialize in magic of the mind.

Finally, independent from the Crowns of Marlusca and Salgón, is the Grand Pontificate, based in Luces, the largest city in Luxardy and the religious centre of the continent. Once the capital of the great Lucean empire, the city is still hugely influential. The institution of the Church is headquartered here, headed by Pope Jovian. Luces is home to many of the world's largest temples and monasteries, with some claiming to house the physical bodies of select Gods. The clergy in Luces are not only some of the most powerful and influential men in the world, but some of the most powerful magicians as well.

[thyngland]

The Despotate, an Introduction

Thyngland is a newly forged union of ancient Qalos city-states in Casuara situated within a mountainous peninsula and its nearby islands, guarding the Gnathonean Sea to its north and leading outward into the great blue expanse. Thyngland's territorial reach extends to the northern Vitra Mountains, protecting the mustelids beyond.

Thyngland is dominated by two peoples: The omnivorous coast-dwelling Qalos gastropods, who have dominated its southern shores since ancient times; and the Smethyngs - arcane constructs with a deep connection to the world's earth, puppeteering humanoid forms via their Birthblades, nested within the stony valleys of what is now called the region of Thynphalis. The Qalos and the Smethyngs were inseperable rivals for over a thousand years, but as centuries passed and as the Qalos colonies spread across Casuara, gaining them immense wealth and influence, the gastropods overtook the mountains as well, effectively absorbing the Smethyngs and decidedly forming a union of peoples, or the Thyngs.

While their ancient colonies over Casuara have since fallen to the influence of Valdia and the Lucean Empire, they have been steadily rebuilding and regaining their lost glory.

Nowadays, the people of Thyngland are known for its pragmatic and cunning ways, consuming and recycling their dead both as signs of reverence and ways to continue the cycle of life. They extend this honor to respected foes, and while it's a sign of admiration, not everyone sees it that way. Thyngland is ruled by a despotess, with a mix of hereditary and autocratic rule and the peoples' democracy on a local level, with a strict mercantile law that specializes its 16 regions and funnels its goods into their major cities.

While rule is split into several metropoleis to accomodate the large land claimed by Thyngland, the despotess resides within Porpyrea, internationally considered to be the current capital of Thyngland.

Will this once-doused pheonix of the sea rise again? Or will it further stagnate into obscurity as nothing more than records in history?

Only time will tell.

[luxardy]

Queen Luísa of Salgón invites the Caravan of Clowns to her court in Lluvia

Queen Luísa I of the Crown of Salgón has extended an invitation to fools and funny guys across Casuara.

As it goes every five years, in the great Caravan of Clowns festival, a parade of buffoons is touring eastern Casuara, capering about and bringing bemusement to the masses. This swing around however, the infamous Queen of Loonies herself has decided to throw her hat in the ring. A notorious sponsor of the Wacky Arts, Queen Luísa issues a challenge to those who may consider themselves the greatest larks in the land.

Those with enough foolish courage and foolish foolishness may try their luck, and be permitted to perform at Queen Luísa's royal court in Lluvia. The goober which bring the most impressive Shenaniganery before the Queen are promised a great reward beyond their most nonsensical imaginations. However, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity may be just that. Queen Luísa the Lunatic is called such for a reason, and has a habit of brutally executing her jesters once she is finished with them, regardless of how much she enjoys them.

Good luck to all the goobers going for the gold! Tickle 'em to death! Laugh 'til it hurts!