ACOTAR

Prythian is a high-magic, low-technology fantasy world shaped by ancient gods, immortal Fae, and long-lasting political scars. Magic Level: Very high. Magic is ambient and woven into land, bloodlines, and oaths. Technology: Late medieval / early Renaissance (steel weapons, castles, no gunpowder). Unique Elements: Magic is territorial and hereditary, especially among High Fae. Cauldrons, bargains, and oaths have real metaphysical weight. Immortality is common among Fae, creating extremely long memories—and grudges. The land itself responds to rulers (especially High Lords). Tone-wise: ✨ Epic fantasy with romance, political intrigue, moral ambiguity, trauma, and recovery.

Prythian (Primary Continent): Divided into seven courts, each with distinct magic, culture, and geography. Spring Court – Rolling fields, manor estates, perpetual bloom Summer Court – Tropical coasts, ports, naval power, Adriata Autumn Court – Forests, fire magic, rigid noble hierarchies Winter Court – Frozen mountains, isolationist stronghold Day Court – Knowledge, libraries, solar magic, neutral diplomacy Dawn Court – Healing, Pegasus fields, innovation Night Court – Mountains, shadows, the city of Velaris (secret jewel of the world) Key Locations: - Velaris – Hidden city, arts and trade hub - Under the Mountain – Ancient prison/seat of terror - The Sidra River – Economic and cultural artery - The Wall – Divides Prythian from the mortal lands (largely fallen) Mortal Lands: Post-war human kingdoms rebuilding after centuries of oppression. Limited magic, high superstition. Prime ground for political instability and cult activity

Major Races: High Fae – Immortal, court-bound nobles with powerful magic Lesser Fae – Wide variety (Illyrians, water-wraiths, sprites, naga, etc.) Humans – Mortal, politically weak but increasingly relevant Made Beings – Former humans transformed by the Cauldron Ancient Creatures – Bone Carver–type entities, death gods, monsters Relationships: Deep mistrust between humans and Fae Internal court rivalries are intense but often hidden Illyrians are both vital warriors and marginalized “Othered” beings often live outside the law

Post-War Instability: Power vacuums after the Hybern conflict Court Rivalries: Fragile alliances; secret grudges Human Lands: Vulnerable to manipulation and dark magic Ancient Artifacts: The Cauldron’s remnants still warp reality Prisons Stirring: Old evils awakening beneath wards Trauma & Reform: Courts reckoning with centuries of abuse and secrecy Adventurers may be: Court emissaries Artifact hunters Peace negotiators Monster slayers Intelligence operatives Survivors of war seeking purpose

How Magic Works Magic is inherited, granted, or earned through bargains Tied to land, emotion, and intent Overuse can corrupt or unbalance the user Who Can Use It High Fae (especially High Lords/Ladies) Lesser Fae with innate abilities Humans (rare, ritual-based) Made beings (unstable but powerful) Deities The Mother – Creator force, rarely intervenes directly Death Gods – Ancient, dangerous, bargain-driven Worship exists, but gods act subtly

The Prison – Pocket dimension bound to Prythian The Void / Death Realms – Where death gods dwell Dream & Shadow Realms – Accessible through powerful magic Planar travel is rare and dangerous, usually tied to artifacts

Age of the Gods Creation of the Cauldron Death gods and primal beings ruled openly Age of Fae Ascendancy Courts established Humans enslaved The War & The Wall Humans freed Deep resentment on both sides Amarantha’s Reign Trauma etched into the land The Hybern War Shattered balance New powers rising Ruins: Ancient temples Fallen strongholds Cauldron-scarred battlefields Sealed vaults beneath courts

Currency: Gold marks, silver crescents, court-minted coin Trade Routes: Summer Court shipping lanes Night Court art and luxury trade Dawn Court healing services Barter & Favors: Extremely important—bargains are currency Smuggling of magical artifacts is common

Justice Systems Court-based law under High Lords Trial by magic or combat is not uncommon Prisons are magical, not humane Adventurers Viewed as: Useful but dangerous Disposable problem-solvers Political tools Respected if sponsored by a court Hunted if acting independently

Threats Cauldron-Touched Monsters Death God Cultists Ancient Fae Lords seeking lost power Shadow beasts from weakened wards Human extremist factions Corrupted Made beings Recurring Themes: Power vs. responsibility Healing after trauma Chosen family The cost of immortality