In the vast world of Burghandia, numerous kingdoms and nations flourish, each shaped by distinct cultures and customs handed down through generations. The continent itself is sprawling and interconnected, fringed by various islands at its outer edges. Across these lands, one discovers a rich tapestry of climates, ecosystems, and landscapes that range from lush rainforests to arid deserts, each teeming with its unique wildlife and vegetation.
Beginning in the far west, the twin islands of Northia in the northwest and Kastria in the southwest stand as prominent markers of Burghandia’s diverse geography. Both islands, separated from the mainland by the Twin Straights Sea, possess rugged coastlines. Beyond these isles, the semi-disconnected region of Steppya extends inland, comprising Sigurd to the north, Makyri in the hinterlands, and the vast, mostly untouched Saltus Rainforest that dominates the southern portion. This rainforest, covering roughly one-fifth of Steppya, is said to harbour unknown species of flora and fauna, making it an alluring frontier for explorers.
Continuing east across the Blackwater Sea, travellers reach the southern portion of the Heartlands—an expansive territory that stretches over much of the continent east of Steppya, forming the central core of Burghandia. Journeying deeper inland, one encounters the Codio Desert, a harsh environment where scorching sun and shifting dunes pose significant challenges for traders and nomads who traverse its barren expanses. South of this desert lies Surkia, a semi-tropical region where thick canopies of palm trees border fertile soils. Beyond the Strait of Grithium (south of Surkia), a small, wildlife-rich island rises from turquoise waters, known for its abundance of natural resources, freshwater lakes, and thriving marine life.
Heading back north into Surkia and skirting the edges of Codio, the landscape transitions from arid plateaus into broad prairies known collectively as Treelia. Here, windswept grasslands sustain herds of grazing animals and scattered farming communities. Just across the Curo River is the forbidding island of Cacan, where rocky terrain and an unforgiving climate create an uninhabitable wasteland, devoid of human settlements. Continuing north by sea past Cacan brings travellers to the Blue Sea and, eventually, to Domo—a modest island with gently rolling fields and a temperate climate that supports year-round agriculture.
Retracing one’s route south past Cacan and Treelia leads back over the Codio Desert, where travellers approach a chain of elevated plateaus often referred to as the Mesa line. Beyond these mesa formations, the lands open into Vikoria, a region enriched by gleaming rivers, serene lakes, and mineral-laden foothills. Vikoria spans much of the central heartlands and shares borders with Oron to the north, a land reputed for its gold-rich deposits and fertile plains, while Surkia’s vibrant tropical forests and farmland lie to the south. As one journeys east from Vikoria, a commanding Massif range rises abruptly from the terrain, extending from north to south and forming a natural barrier that partitions the coastal region from western Vikoria. Nestled beyond these towering heights is a narrow yet lush coastal valley, where the climate shifts to mild maritime conditions. Off the coast, the volcanic island of Kriti looms, its jagged landscapes shaped by ancient lava flows, though parts of the island remain habitable and cultivated.
