Chronicles of Solaris: Reflections of a Long-Lived Citizen
"In the annals of the Crownlands of Solaris, one finds record of a vast and venerable land, encircled by the ceaseless expanse of the ocean, a realm whose breadth defies simple measure and whose antiquity is whispered in every stone and river. This continent, known to scholars and wanderers alike as Solaris, is divided into three distinct regions, each remarkable in its character and heritage.
To the north lie the Northwind Barrens, a region of harsh majesty. Here, jagged peaks pierce the clouds and glaciers cling stubbornly to the mountain faces, their icy sheen reflecting the pale northern sun. Snow blankets much of the land, though pockets of rolling plains provide respite from the relentless cold. The tribes dwelling here are few and far between, hardy folk whose traditions are as old as the mountains themselves, preserving customs that speak of a time when the world was yet young. The Barrens are a land of endurance, where life persists against the bite of wind and frost, and where the lore of ancestors is etched into every cliffside and frozen stream.
The central expanse, known as the Golden Reach, is the heart of Solaris, resplendent with forests, sun-drenched fields, and rivers that gleam like molten silver under the sky. Here, diversity flourishes: myriad races dwell in villages and bustling towns, their lives interwoven with the rhythms of nature and the prosperity of trade. The earth is rich with veins of gold, the lifeblood of the realm’s economy, and miners labor beneath the sun, their craft sustaining the wealth and culture that have come to define Solaris. Scholars, artisans, and merchants alike recount tales of ancient settlements, of halls carved from stone and timber, of markets where the glint of coin reflects the enduring splendor of a civilization steeped in history.
To the south stretches the Sunset Coast, where the land meets the Azure Expanse, a sea of clear, vibrant blue whose waters carry the sails of innumerable ships. Here, the air is tempered by gentle breezes, and the shores are lined with golden sands and scattered islands. Fishing communities thrive along the coastline, and mariners speak of currents and tides as old as the world itself. Trade flows freely, bringing exotic goods from distant lands, and the warm sun casts a perpetual glow over the coastal towns, a reminder that Solaris is a realm of both wealth and abundance, blessed by both land and sea.
Seated upon his gilded throne in the imposing Soulcrest Palace, King Alistair Malvorn, the sole ruler Solaris has ever known, governs the realm with wisdom, justice, and unmatched skill. For twenty-five years he has guided the people, ensuring that every corner of the kingdom yields prosperity and that the wealth of the land—its gold, its forests, and its waters—flourishes under his care. His Majesty’s reign is lauded in every hall, his name spoken with reverence by merchants, scholars, and common folk alike.
As a citizen now advanced in years, I cannot help but feel pride in belonging to this realm and in sharing in the abundance cultivated under our king. I must admit, my age is showing, and I cannot recall clearly what came before King Alistair, yet a land so ancient surely could not have existed for only twenty-five years. Ah, the years are taking their toll, and my memory is not what it once was. But what does it matter? As our saying goes, “A land that prospers needs no other tale than the one it lives today.” And indeed, Solaris prospers, and we with it, under the watchful eye of our King Alistair Malvorn."
-Remus Aurelius, Scholar of the Golden Quill