Worldbuilding 'n' Stuffs

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So, if you guys wanna know, I've kinda been brainstorming a setting/characters for fun. Maybe I'll do something with it, maybe not. But I figured, hey, some people might wanna look at this stuff. So I'm gonna take all the stuff I have collected in my phone and put it all here more organized. Keep in mind this will be very WIP since I usually just make up stuff as I think of it and in no particular order :P

The basic gist is a fantasy world with some Persian/Arabic-flavored elements thrown in. And magic n' dragons n' all that good stuff of which I will detail further.

Basically I started this by thinking of characters, then I built a world around them haha. I have a weird process.

Also if you want to comment or anything, PLEASE don't post in this thread. But feel free to shoot me a PM/VM/even rep if you want

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Spoiler: Humans 

info coming soon

Spoiler: Elves 

The elves (kujann in their own tongue) are one of the most bountiful races on Akaresh. They have dark skin over lean, muscular bodies, averaging just shorter than humans. They live to about the same age as humans as well, around 80 years of age. The elven kingdom is spread across the jungles to the north and most of the desert to the west. They have conquered these harsh environments with impressive cities that stretch high into the sky and buildings that seem to camouflage into their surroundings. Throughout their long history, the elves waged many wars, conquering territory after territory to build their vast nation. They had especially bitter feud with the desert dwelling jackalmen, whose grudges continue until this day. Elves are typically viewed by other races as warlike and stubborn, although they have remained on good terms with the humans for many centuries.

Spoiler: Kalaabin (Jackalmen) 

info coming soon

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Long ago, magic was given to the elves and humans by the dragons. They taught men how to harness the energy of the world around them, to control the uncontrollable and bend nature to their will. Sorcerers were plentiful, and magic was often used to facilitate the building of vast cities or to heal the sick. It was very rarely used for combat- that is, until the War of the Scarlet Sands, when the deserts turned red with the blood of every race.

When the dragons disappeared, magic users became less and less common. Very few people were born with the innate ability, and the masters of the art died off until almost none remained. Presently, only about one in ten or fifteen thousand are born with magical talent- signified by a small birthmark in the shape of an eye somewhere on their body. Almost all information on magic and magic users has been kept from the common eye and sheltered away by one large organization: the Circle of Sahir, often whispered among the public as simply "the Circle". It has agent who search for new mages, taking them from their families and training them to use their abilities to the fullest. It is incredibly secretive and isolated, however occasionally a wizard will perform a service for a king or wealthy noble.

Spoiler: Forms of Magic 

All magic can be performed by all magic-users, but many mages prefer to focus on one specific realm of study. Here are a few examples.

Illusion: The magic of making things appear to be something else, or creating distractions out of thin air. Disguises, charms, and transmogrifications fall under this category. Many high-class mages consider this school a waste of time, but those who can master its potential can create powerful enchantments.

Elemental: These spells are used to control the forces of nature, be it flame or frost, earth or wind. Masters of this class can conjure thunderstorms or huge conflagrations, and it is well-respected.

Restoration: Once studied exclusively by paladins, this school of magic is among the oldest, and deals in the skills of healing the sick and injured, and wards to shield others from danger. Mages of restoration are highly respected for their selflessness and devotion to the craft.

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Dragons were ancient, wise creatures who roamed the lands freely during their time.

They were massive beasts, averaging around 30 feet long with a wingspan of up to 50 feet. They came in almost every color, usually determined by environment or personal taste (some dragons were even born with the rare ability to shift colors). They were mostly scaly, although some had feathers on their wings, spines, or tails, and had varying horn sizes/numbers. A dragon's lifespan is unknown, but old texts estimated the oldest had lived over a millennia.

Thousands of years ago, dragons were plentiful. They were reclusive, not often contacting members of other races, but occasionally some young dragons would become curious and seek knowledge from men or elves. But suddenly and without warning, the dragons began a mass exodus from the continent. Flocks of hundreds, even thousands of the creatures were reported to have flown north over the mountains and never returned. Eventually, the dragons were believed to have vanished, perhaps hunted to extinction by the races of man.

The knowledge of the dragons was lost to mankind, and in due course, memory of the species was lost as well. No one in the present day can boast to have seen a live dragon...


...that is, until now....

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There are a smattering of different religions and mythologies throughout the continent of Akaresh, but one pantheon in particular is worshipped over the majority. There is no strict name for this group of deities, and patrons usually devote themselves to one specific god or goddess. While the existence of the gods is not certain, there have been many accounts of miracles and holy might performed by paladins and priests, and the majority of people are believers in at least some form of divine being.

Spoiler: Major Deities 

The elves and the humans, on the whole, worship the same major gods and goddesses, albeit with varying names and traditions.

Format: (Human Name)/(Elven Name) - realms/patrons - info

Johanna/Jehaan - war, justice, protection - Johanna is depicted as a tall, proud woman clad in shining metal armor, wielding a sword in one hand (to deliver justice) and a shield in the other (to protect the innocent). She is often worn on emblems or medallions and carried by soldiers in battle. A holy order of paladins called [insert name here when i think of one] is devoted to spreading the teachings of Johanna and training in martial combat. Her symbol is a fiery sword.

Sahir/Sahir - magic, wisdom, intelligence - This deity is very unique, as they can be portrayed as either a man or a woman depending on the church, sometimes both simultaneously. However the variations, they are always depicted alongside a dragon, who worshippers believe they created to bring magic to man. Sahir is the patron of scholars and mages, being the namesake of the secretive Circle of Sahir, and is prayed to by those seeking knowledge or magical power.

Ghanir - dead, underworld - Ghanir, unlike the other deities on this list, started out as a chiefly elven god before being adopted by the humans, instead of vice versa. The name Ghanir, similar to Hades, can be used to describe the person as well as the actual place where the departed travel after death. He is depicted as a giant, grey-skinned man, with eyes of clear white. He is not usually worshipped by the common folk, as he is feared, although he is respected for the part he plays in the cycle of life.