My book Owe You My Sins takes place on the continent of Acuador. If you find yourself confused on the terminology, or struggle to visualise the continent and the three major kingdoms, this is the place to go!
Hi! I'm Elodie Wright, the author of the work in progress fantasy novel Owe Me Your Sins. Everything you need to know about Acuador and its inhabitants will be written here for your perusal.
Will be updated along the way.
Acuador is a continent consisting of three main Kingdoms: Windermere, Strathmore and Glauchester. Ferncombe is considered to be its own faction, but its unknown whether civilisation still persists on the island. Acuador is home to fantastical creatures such as vampires, werewolves, and mages as well as a range of new fauna. The land between these three kingdoms is called the Divide, home to countless tribes and unaffiliated clans which usually go unseen.
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Quick City Overview
Windermere
Capital: Stonehearth
Current Lordship: Lord Ulfric Constantine & Lady Serena Constantine (Deceased)
Heir: Maeven Constantine
Sigil: Bear
Colours: Blue & Grey
"What is steadfast will never waver,"
Church of Autellia
Current Power: Mistress Illythia Acyuta
Colours: White & gold
Sigil: Dove
Insignia: White Gardenia
"We all must face judgement,"
Glauchester
Capital: Globurn
Current Lordship: Lord Victor Symonet & Lady Merigold Symonet
Heir: Eldest son Arther Symonet
Colours: Bronze & gold
Sigil: Horse
"We strive for supremacy,"
Strathmore
Capital: Zoria
Current Lordship: Lady Bathilde
Heir: Unkown
Colours: Purple & red
Sigil: Leopard
"True wealth lies in the people,"
To go into deeper detail, I will now expand on each kingdom individually.
Windermere
The Northernmost continent, featuring harsh and wild landscapes. Known for wolves, bears, and snow cats as well as bison, elk, and hardy steeds. Their kingdom was founded by their hunting. Over time, they domesticated wolves which evolved to be the large hounds still in use today. They're known as the Vintulf to those born to the kingdom, but mostly known as Ice Hounds to those less knowledgeable. Windermere is independent and wealthy enough to stand on their own without outside support. In the past, they traded with Glauchester but have now been in a growing rivalry for four generations. Glauchester wanted to seize Ferncombe, the island that between the two. The land has been strictly neutral since the start of time, home to a deeply spiritual tribe of magic-wielders who are believed to influence the prosperity of Acuador. When Glauchester wanted to take control, claiming that the tribe hadn't been seen for centuries, the Constantines fought back. They made a declaration which stated that no man was allowed to step foot on Ferncombe, and when Strathmore signed Glauchester had no choice but to sign as well in fear of risking their trading relations with Strathmore.
Glauchester
The richest in terms of gold, but not in material. They're well known for their political supremacy and lush farming land, their lands flat and blessed by the sun year-round. They're known to produce disciplined soldiers and quick-witted politicians, but rule strictly and without mercy to the lower class. Most common folk are quite poor and survive only on what they can produce. While they are advanced in their infrastructure and the pursuit of knowledge, the reigning family and most upper-class men have poisonous attitudes towards anyone who oppose them. Their loyalty is to the coin, and that has caused a deep rift to develop between the townspeople. Crime is rampant despite strict laws, and oftentimes citizens flee Glauchester to relocate elsewhere.
Strathmore
The trading city. It's known for its exotic fabrics, spices, jewellery, pets, and people. By far the most welcoming and diverse city of Acuador. They have expertise in medicine and poison and are also extremely wealthy possibly even more so than Glauchester though the extent is unknown. They have connections with the entire continent and are known as a stolidly neutral people. They typically rely on trade routes for much of their supplies but hold the finest armada of the three major cities. Their position is secured by the benefits they provide to the other major kingdoms. To be on bad terms with Strathmore is to deny their kingdom the wealth and rewards of material, medicine, and culture. The quickest route to an uprising would be to deny the commoners' their taste of the outside world.
Ferncombe
The island has been declared a sacred heritage site and is strictly forbidden to enter. From shore, stone ruins can be made out above the dense treeline. Rumours and stories tell of caves and tribesman filled with magic. It is unconfirmed if any residents truly remain. Most recently to date, Windermere nobles were the last to stand foot there and it was them who declared the island off limits. The other cities signed the declaration.
The Church of Autellia
Nomadic wandering church lead by vampires, usually housing only a few immortals at a time. It travels from country to country enacting judgement upon the people it comes across. Previous masters of the Church have sought fit to wipe entire kingdoms for their sins. They follow an Old Testament written by what was believed to be an ancient vampire deity, though in truth much is unknown about its origins. They believe that the only right way is their own and naysayers are tainted. Previously dormant for half a century, the Church has recently been reformed by newly appointed mistress Illythia Acyuta.
