Saydia

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Saydia is the light side of Saylua. In contrast to Luaria, Saydia is always day. The people of Saydia are called Saylians. Luarians often stereotype Saylians as being spoiled and naive. However, Saydia is far from a homogenous region. While those who live in the temperate parts of Saydia tend to prosper from the lush vegetation and abundance of natural resources, Saylians who live in the more arid parts of the hemisphere tend to live a much harsher life.

Life in Saydia

The meteor impact and subsequent tidal locking of Saylua brought what many consider to be both a blessing and a curse to the region of Saydia. On the one hand, huge areas were scorched and made barren under the endless daylight, but on the other the areas near the dawnlands were given an endless growing season. This growth was only accelerated by the arrival of the aurora's magic, causing a bountiful bloom all around the border. Many refugees came from the region now known as Luaria, braving passage across the treacherous dawnlands to in search of a new home. All in all, the more habitable regions of Saydia are now relatively densely populated with people from all over the planet.

Saylian culture also bloomed in the wake of the disaster as scholars and artists worked tirelessly to preserve and synthesize all that the peoples of the world brought with them. Technological progress also took off with many cities becoming hotbeds of basic research and engineering. Despite the lower levels of magic present in the environment compared with those in Luaria, Saylian magic users still achieve impressive feats through careful study and documentation of magical phenomena and a focus on the careful and efficient use of magic by trained practitioners. Like their counterparts on the other side of the planet, many Saylians have magical creatures as companions to aid them in their daily lives and be cared for in return.

For all the progress that has been made, it is best to think of Saydia as a place which has progressed in spite of the meteor's impact rather than because of it. For every person who made it to the border regions and their shimmering cities there were many who did not. Some however, did in fact choose to remain in or migrate to the burning deserts where the sun is at what would be considered close to noon. They usually eke out a simpler existence in or near one of the many oases that dot the landscape. One of the most striking forms of shelter to be found in the hotter regions is the areas shaded by ancient trees which have proven tough enough to survive the drastic changes. Researchers from the border region have observed faint traces of magic being absorbed by these gentle giants. Apparently they were either fortunate enough to be ready or able to quickly adapt to this new way of life.

To be ignorant is seen as a great personal failing in Saylian cities, less so once you get outside the built up centers. It is sadly common for people who have incorrect or even sufficiently unorthodox ideas to be looked down on as foolish without regard for the opportunities they've had. Debate and experimentation is welcomed and encouraged but the process for doing so correctly is not always easily understood. Still, if a Saylian has the time and is in the right mood most will gladly answer questions from outsiders, although you can expect them to ask you some in return. Apprenticeship is a major component of Saylian education, and the various guilds and independent craftspeople are always looking for eager youths willing to learn their trade.

Many in Saydia hold rather romanticized views of life in Luaria, often based in fact but lacking critical nuance and detail. Several times a year large caravans full of eager students and professionals alike will cross the dawnlands for a chance to visit the fabled lands. These visits often lead to surprise followed by understanding, although by the time they return home they've often picked up new and persuasive misconceptions of their own.

Geography

Saydia is home to a number of different climates, varying primarily with the angle of the sun. The hottest and driest region is commonly referred to as the Noon Desert. Here the sun shines straight down and only the toughest and most well adapted creatures can survive. At high altitudes the land is rocky and broken up by canyons and crevices, while the lower deserts are home to rolling dunes.

Moving outward from the Noon Desert, the arid plains give way to a wide savanna. Areas of grassland and scrubby forest are woven together along hills and riverbanks. The temperatures are still very high, so most plants and animals living here still display significant adaptations to help them keep cool. Wide open spaces and plentiful foliage lend themselves to herd behavior with many species forming large social groups. Many human inhabitants live nomadic lifestyles, following the herds as they migrate in search of food and mates.

Eventually the grass grows thin and the trees grow thick, marking the transition to the rainforest. There is no universally accepted border, but eventually the flora and fauna become vastly different with the changing climate. Large herds with territory covering hundreds of square miles give way to tiny self-contained ecosystems taking place in the space of a few yards. Towering trees provide much-appreciated shade, keeping the steamy jungle habitable. Many creatures display bright colors as camouflage depends more on shape in the broken shadows. For people living in the rainforest region, local knowledge is essential. In any given spot there's likely something edible and something poisonous within arms reach.

Saydia is also home to some of the largest bodies of water on the planet, most notably a giant freshwater lake known as the Crystal Crescent. Many species of fish have only ever been seen in the Crescent, although some formerly unique species have been introduced to other habitats. The Crystal Crescent is also important because it penetrates quite a distance into the rainforest, providing water access to otherwise very difficult terrain. Small boats fish and trade along its tranquil shores, carrying humans and animals alike.

Saylian Pets

Saylian NPCs