Codex - Harduin's Locations of Interest (Patreon)

Blacksea: Also called the dark vastness by the pirates and merchants who sail through its black frigid waters. Is safe to say this place was not made for the faint of heart. Enveloping the continent of Harduin, the extreme south of Asteria and reaching as far as the gates of the underworld this ancient place is teeming with terrifying sea creatures, like the gargantuan leviathan and the pale sea-maids with black-scaled tails.

North Watchtower: Is both the northernmost and highest structure in all Harduin to be still intact to this day. An ice covered tower that was used before the purge as a celestial observatory, but now it serves the purpose of an outpost for one of the many factions that battle for control over the continent.

Blacksea Lighthouse: The literal light at the end of the tunnel. The lighthouse is the first sign of civilization for those making their way to Harduin from Asteria across the dark expanse of the blacksea. It was built after the purge at the command of the holy hierophants, and it also serves as a reminder for the people of Harduin that Sol's light is ever-reaching.

Mount Inferno: Also known as Helgate—hel being the name given to Quaboth's realm. The birth of this massive volcano was single-handedly responsible for the splitting of the continent into several islands. Legends say it sprouted from the ground itself following the fall of the star. From its gaping mouth enough ash poured to darken the world.

Hollowind: The only village located at the feet of mount inferno, and the believed birthplace of humans that were touched by fire. Those born under the shadow of the volcano must live at the mercy of the temperamental giant. The black sand beach and the winds coming from the east that are strong enough to flatten trees are two important features of this place.

Harkin Fortress: At the end of the Black Gulf a great fortress still stands proud. Built to withstand even the strongest enemy fire, the reinforced stone walls were able to resist the shockwave unleashed in the great purge and now serves as the house of one of the many factions in the region.

Abandoned Watchtower: The ruins of a watchtower, forgotten and left to rot after the purge. At the center of the crumbled structure there's a crater, which was caused by a fallen cursed object. What is left of the old tower's stonebricks are covered in a tar-like substance that is believed to be blood of the fallen star.

Blackwater Port: The only seaport in the continent. It is here that aboard pirate ships adventurers arrive seeking riches and fame, but they most often than not end up forgotten deep in a grave somewhere. Along the coast the dark currents become treacherous stirring the ship towards the rocky shoreline, making nearly impossible for a amateurish helmsman to dock.

Azurian Lake: The deepest lake in the continent. No one really knows how deep it is exactly, but legends say it can take you to the other side of the world—if you can hold your breath long enough. The lake's water are of a deep blue color, hence its name, and it has the unique feature of remaining at a liquid state even with the below freezing temperatures.

Black Gulf: This large inlet from the ocean into Harduin is marked by its dark murky waters that smear the coast in black. Two small islands act like a natural bridge, and they are used by several fishing villages as a shortcut to the other side as well as a makeshift fishing port for the locals.

Frozen Expanse: The frozen expanse spans for several miles, seemingly without end. Characterized by its ice plains and dead tree trunks, this place is said to be uninhabited even before the purge. Locals believe the blood of the dead coming from the City of Bones runs beneath the ice, rendering the area unlivable.

Star Crater: Obviously the most notable location in all of Harduin. The star crater was given its name thanks to the legends that recount the event that started the purge two thousand years ago. It is said that at the end of the first era the night sky was set alight by a falling star that plunged deep into the blacksea, carrying the world's light with it.

City of Bones: The oldest and first cemetery in Hylaria. The city of bones was built by the ancient humans during the first era, it expands bellow ground—seemingly forever—with several levels populated only by the skeletons of the dead. The pits of the necropolis are vastly unexplored by the denizens of Harduin that fear the wrath of the gods and the specters that are rumored to wander the place.

Castle Ruin: The real name of this once great castle is lost to time. Its crumbling walls are held upright by the sheer force of magic, and thanks to its proximity to the city of bones many go out of their way to stay clear from this cursed place. Rumor has it that the halls are filled with specters of the first era, sinners and worshipers of the Abyssal.

Temple of the Old Faith: No one dares to enter this cursed place, or even set foot on the small island where it is located. A wicked aura permeates the building where it once was held massive prayers and offerings to the gods. The structure is massive, both in height and length with the entirety of the first era's history being depicted in stained glass windows.

South Watchtower: The southernmost structure in all Harduin. It faces the end of world, where it is believed the gates of the underworld are located. The extreme south of the blacksea is covered with an impenetrable fog since the star fell two thousand year ago, and the watchtower was decommissioned some time after that event.