Landscape and Geography:
Drenborough is a hauntingly beautiful and eerie realm, where the veil between life and death is thin. The landscape is dominated by rolling mist-covered hills, shadowy forests with twisted trees, and ancient ruins that speak of a long-forgotten past. The skies are perpetually overcast with dark, swirling clouds, casting a gloomy pall over the entire realm. Rivers of spectral light flow through the land, illuminating the way for lost souls.
Climate:
The climate of Drenborough is cold and damp, with a constant chill in the air that seeps into the bones of any living being who ventures there. Fog and mist are ever-present, making it difficult to see far ahead. The air is filled with a quiet, almost oppressive silence, broken only by the occasional wail of a ghost or the rustle of spectral winds.
Inhabitants:
Drenborough is primarily inhabited by the spirits of the dead. Ghosts, wraiths, specters, and other undead beings roam the land, each bound to Drenborough by unfinished business or a lingering attachment to the mortal world. There are also necromancers, death priests, and other mortal beings who have chosen to live among the dead, often seeking knowledge or power from the afterlife.
Culture:
The culture of Drenborough revolves around memory, reverence for the past, and the acceptance of death as a natural part of existence. Storytelling is a key aspect, with spirits sharing tales of their lives and deaths, ensuring that they are not forgotten. Rituals to honor the dead and to aid restless spirits in finding peace are common. There is a deep respect for knowledge and history, with many inhabitants spending their time in contemplation or study.
Major Settlements:
The Necropolis of Shadows: A vast city of the dead, filled with towering mausoleums, crypts, and tombs. It serves as the capital of Drenborough and is the seat of Phoena, the goddess of the afterlife. The city is a hub of spiritual activity and a place where necromancers and death priests gather.
Wraithwood: A dark forest where the trees are said to whisper the secrets of the dead. It is home to many nature spirits and is a place where those seeking communion with the dead often journey.
The Ebon Spire: A tall, dark tower where powerful necromancers conduct their studies and rituals. It is a place of great learning and power, attracting those who wish to delve deep into the mysteries of life and death.
Economy:
The economy of Drenborough is based on the trade of knowledge, relics, and services related to death and the afterlife. Souls, memories, and artifacts from the mortal world are highly valued. Necromancers and death priests offer their services in exchange for rare materials, magical items, and ancient texts. There is also a market for ethereal goods, such as spectral light and ghostly essence.
Politics:
Drenborough is ruled by Phoena, the goddess of the afterlife, who oversees the realm with a calm and just hand. Her word is law, and she ensures that the balance between life and death is maintained. Below her, a council of powerful spirits and necromancers advises on matters of governance. Politics in Drenborough is more about maintaining order and balance than power struggles, as the inhabitants are more focused on their own spiritual journeys.
Religion:
Worship in Drenborough centers around Phoena, the goddess of the afterlife. Rituals to honor her and seek her guidance are common, especially among those who seek to aid lost souls. There is also a reverence for the spirits of the dead, with regular ceremonies to remember and honor them. Lesser deities or spirits associated with specific aspects of death, such as the passage to the afterlife or the guardians of tombs, be venerated.
Unique Features:
The Veil: A mystical barrier that separates Drenborough from the mortal realms. It is said that during certain times, such as the full moon or during specific rituals, the Veil becomes thin, allowing communication or passage between the realhe Eternal Flame: A ghostly fire that burns in the heart of the Necropolis of Shadows. It is said to have the power to purify souls and release them from their earthly bindings.
The Hall of Memories: A vast library where the memories and histories of the dead are recorded. Spirits can visit to relive their past lives or to share their stories with others.
The Ascendant Path: A treacherous and mystical route that souls must navigate if they wish to leave Drenborough. Overseen by Phoena, the journey is fraught with challenges and tests of resolve, making it an extremely difficult task to escape the realm.
