Overview:
Spanning roughly the size of modern-day France, Sylvaran Commonwealth stretches eastward from the deserts of @Nivaris into vast, temperate forests covering nearly 90% of the territory. Towering conifers, moss-covered valleys, and cascading rivers dominate the landscape, punctuated by high cliffs and deep lake basins. The country has preserved an old-world aesthetic, with centuries-old castles, stone towns, and sprawling manor estates blending seamlessly with the wilderness.
Population: ~33 million
Density: Moderate overall, high in valley cities, low in forest interiors
Climate: Temperate with warm summers (25–30°C / 77–86°F) and cold, snowy winters in the north. Mountainous zones experience year-round precipitation and fog.
Primary Languages: Sylvarish (rooted in English, with regional forest dialects), common trade language often Nivarian
Forest Coverage:
90% of the country is dense woodland; old-growth trees tower over settlements.
Rivers and lakes are common, creating natural transport and trade routes.
Foggy valleys and waterfalls contribute to the mythic atmosphere, inspiring local legends.
Mountain Ranges:
The northern and western borders are mountainous, creating natural defenses.
The Eastern Peaks act as a watershed, feeding rivers to the south and west.
Urban Planning:
Cities are designed around natural clearings and rivers, preserving forest continuity.
Architecture incorporates stone, timber, and moss-covered walls.
Many urban areas retain cobbled streets, clock towers, and heritage districts.
Political System: Federal Parliamentary Commonwealth
Bicameral legislature: The High Council (senior representatives from provinces) and The Assembly of Commons (popularly elected).
Head of State: President-Consul, elected every five years.
Prime Minister oversees daily governance and legislative execution.
Local provinces enjoy autonomy over forest conservation, transport, and trade.
Law and Tradition:
Forest preservation is legally mandated; illegal logging is heavily penalized.
Castles and historic sites are protected as part of national heritage.
Hunting is regulated by a combination of law and tradition, favoring sustainable practices.
Key Sectors:
Timber and sustainable forestry exports (rare woods, medicinal plants, paper production).
Eco-tourism, luxury forest retreats, and heritage castle stays.
Mining (iron, copper, gemstones) primarily in the northern mountains.
Technology: Sylvaran engineers focus on green energy solutions adapted for forested environments, including hydro, wind, and solar micro-grids.
Trade:
Main trade partners include Nivaris (desert goods for forested resources), coastal nations, and distant continental powers.
Trade routes are river-based, supplemented by high-speed rail between major cities.
Heritage:
Cities feature old stone castles, medieval-style guildhalls, and forest-village communities.
Music is heavily influenced by folk traditions: strings, choral arrangements, and nature-based rhythms.
Festivals celebrate the seasons, forest bounty, and historical victories.
Cuisine:
Wild game, mushrooms, forest fruits, hearty breads, and smoked meats.
Rivers provide freshwater fish, integrated into traditional dishes.
Brewing and cider-making are common, with craft traditions maintained for centuries.
Architecture:
Sylvaran cities blend old-world castles with functional modern infrastructure.
Town halls, guilds, and universities often occupy centuries-old stone buildings.
Forest cities integrate treehouses, hanging walkways, and water-powered mills.
River ferries and forest pathways dominate rural movement.
High-speed rail connects capital and major cities, with tunnels carved into mountains.
Carriage roads and eco-trails provide access to smaller settlements.
Airships and aerial tramways are common for difficult terrain.
Sylvaran Armed Forces:
Forest Rangers: Elite reconnaissance units trained for forest and mountain combat.
Sylvaran Army: Heavy infantry and light cavalry units, strong defensive doctrine in rugged terrain.
Navy: River and lake patrols; limited coastal ships.
Air Corps: Light aircraft and dirigibles for transport and forest surveillance.
Strategy:
Defense relies on terrain knowledge, early-warning outposts, and heavily fortified castles.
Guerilla and ambush tactics are preferred over direct confrontation.
Historically neutral, with alliances maintained through trade and mutual security pacts with Nivaris.
Overview:
Size and feel comparable to Denver; built on high valley plains surrounded by mountains.
Architecture: Stone and timber, with modern infrastructure carefully integrated.
Population: ~1.8 million in the metro area.
Districts:
Civic Spire: Houses government buildings, parliament, and the Presidential-Consul residence.
Old Town: Cobblestone streets, guild halls, historic castles, and marketplaces.
Forest Edge: Suburbs that integrate homes into treetops and forest clearings.
Industrial Quarters: Eco-conscious factories, mills, and transport hubs.
Academic Ring: Universities, research institutes, and libraries, with forest-based ecology programs.
Cultural Tone:
A mix of modern American practicality and old-world forest mystique.
Festivals celebrate forestry, rivers, and historical events.
The city is a hub for politics, education, and eco-innovation.
Ironspire Castle: Ancient seat of Sylvaran nobility, now partially museum and partially government.
Evercrest Observatory: High-altitude facility studying weather, mana currents, and forest phenomena.
Whispering Falls: Massive waterfall system, national park status, used for eco-tourism and magical research.
Sylvaran Library of Lore: Collection of centuries-old magical and mundane knowledge, partially enchanted to preserve manuscripts.
Mild summers, snowy winters in mountains, temperate and rainy in valleys.
Forest fires are rare but controlled through strict fire law.
River systems provide natural irrigation and transport.
Wildlife includes large predators, deer, waterfowl, and magical beasts preserved in forest sanctuaries.
Sylvaran Commonwealth is effectively the “green lung” of the continent: a wealthy, educated, and ecologically conscious nation steeped in history, with strong ties to Nivaris but a personality all its own.