Shardlands

The Shardlands or Shardland High Cities is an area of the world touched by the elemental planes of air and earth. The controlling species of this region are the Aarakocra and the Owlin. The Shardlands connect to the mountain range to the north, the plains to the west, and the deserts to the south and east. The most notable and famous part of the Shardlands is their grand flying cities. The Shardlands are home to vast chunks of floating earth that drift in the skies never moving more than 100ft from a static point. On top of these cities, gorgeous cities of stone have been constructed by the now mostly fallen Xosutan Kingdom and the Aarakocran's that settled these lands before, during, and after the fall of the Empire.
Perhaps as a point of species origin, or just ease of access the main people in the Shardlands are Aarakaocra and Owlin, although Genasi does make up a small portion of the population, other people find living in this harsh region nearly impossible. The floating cities of the Shardlands once were home to the capital of the Xosutan empire a few generations before its fall, although they moved the capital long before that. It is said that during The Arrival wars and before the Xosutan empire utilized flying boats that could take them over the Shardlands and to the 'High Cities' although many in the world consider these mere stories the people of the Shardlands know them to be a reality, as they still keep a small fleet of five of these ancient vessels, although none now are fit for war and the knowledge on how to maintain them has faded to the point they are kept permanently in the docks in the High Cities unless they are being used to transport people from the surface up.
The people of the Shardland High Cities worship a combination of the Elemental primes of air and the major gods of the other nation, although some Aarakocran's and Owlin's that live here keep to 'The old ways' which is to solely revere Kūki, Prime of air.

Fauna & Flora

Zephyr Blossom

The Zephyr Blossom is a delicate and ethereal flower that thrives in the Shardlands, uniquely adapted to the floating cities and the elemental energies that permeate the region. Its slender, iridescent petals shimmer with hues of blue, silver, and white, resembling the wisps of clouds. The Zephyr Blossom has an enchanting fragrance that fills the air, carrying with it a subtle hint of the elemental plane of air. The flower is highly sought after for its mystical properties, as its petals can be infused into potions and elixirs to grant temporary levitation and enhance the ability to harness wind-based magic. It is regarded as a symbol of connection to the celestial and elemental forces that shape the Shardlands.
Aetherwing
The Aetherwing is a magnificent avian creature that soars through the skies of the Shardlands with grace and agility. Resembling a fusion of an owl and an eagle, it possesses large wings with vibrant feathers that shimmer in the sunlight. The Aetherwing has a natural affinity for the elemental energies of air, effortlessly riding the currents and updrafts that swirl around the floating cities. Known for their keen eyesight and acute hearing, Aetherwings are prized companions and scouts among the Aarakocra and Owlin populations. Their ability to navigate the ever-shifting skies and detect subtle changes in the atmospheric conditions make them invaluable guides and protectors. Legends speak of rare individuals who can forge a deep bond with an Aetherwing, allowing them to share in the creature's aerial prowess and harness the power of the winds.