Worldbuilding Fantasy Map Update: Sanctaris, Mid Orvainor
I’m now entering the next stage of map development, which is adding mountains, rivers, and other natural features. I’ve been using mountain brushes from KM Alexander’s site, which you can get by clicking HERE. They’ve been incredibly helpful in shaping the style of this, and I’m grateful for the free resources. I found out rather rapidly I’m a bit shit at making mountains otherwise!
This week’s region is Sanctaris. It is one of the most important places in BLOOD OF THE BANSHEE.
Sanctaris is the capital of radiant light magic in Mid Orvainor, and it’s where the perspective of Auralon Dawshielth will unfold. It’s also home to the Valariels, who are a sacred order of magic-bearers with complex ranks and philosophies tied to light magic.
The region is threaded with places of spiritual and historical importance. Villages Lythar, Lumir Hollith, and Varatal carry out centuries-old rites in honour of the light. Pilgrims travel across Sanctaris for healing, prophecy, and volunteer work, too.
The most important historical event here is known as the Path of the Fifty. It was a desperate, sacred journey that took place during the Sirysp, when magic vanished from the world. Fifty Valariels travelled from Dawmir to Sanctaris, defending civilians from the encroaching darkness in the south.
I think I will go over the maps again in the future to add structures. Or, I might move into city/town/village maps to show the layout.
City:
- Sanctaris – The castle capital city and the centre of light magic and Valariel order.
Towns:
- Radeila – A prosperous town with shining streets and sacred gemstones. It is closely connected to Aekinthar.
- Gloiraforl – Built near a waterfall blessed with healing spirits. Sanctaris uses these waters locally for sacred rituals.
- Athura Torvne – A fortified town defending the capital from the west. It is protected by elite Valariels.
Villages:
- Haivilcris – A small village that has an important dock to Cascara and Viridorn.
- Vless Aquvis – Situated below Gloiraforl. Known as a retirement village.
- Lumir Hollith – Deep forest village that is the closest to Lunaaris. Has many sacred groves.
- Damaravaehl – A quiet village where dusk is the most revered time of day.
- Varatal – A hilltop village known for its devout caretakers and candlemakers.
- Sirarill – Mist-shrouded village named for the silver fog that rises each morning. It’s believed the mist is from Lunaaris.
- Lythar – Pilgrimage village with a spire that channels holy magic. Blessings are often sought here. It’s the first stop for trainees from Sanctaris.
- Dawmir – A lake-side village, the starting point of the Path of the Fifty. This has a port to Ruvenar, though nowadays, it only goes to Thoranorsall.
- Celesarforl – Built around a fallen meteor site. It’s a bit erratic.
- Solearthar – Known for its towering natural stone spire that is bathed in sunlight.
- Sanctisath – A peaceful river crossing where travellers rest.
- Zeorus Vost – The northernmost village near the Vetarith border, known for radiant auras that appear at dusk.
This map will continue to evolve over time. There’s at least one place I won’t know for 100% the location until the end of the second volume of BLOOD OF THE BANSHEE.
Thank you for exploring more of Elisar with me. I’ll be sharing an updated map next week of Lunaaris!
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