The World of Infinite Sky - Revision history

Maloncanth: /* Northern Peninsula */

2013-09-23T07:43:37Z

Northern Peninsula

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:43, 23 September 2013
Line 47:		Line 47:

	===Northern Peninsula===		===Northern Peninsula===
	The '''Northern Peninsula''' is a land of many characters divided by small, forested mountain ranges that stretch apart from the mountains of the Pureland. The countries of this region are traditionally the most technologically advanced on the Continent, being the birthplace of both the Luftum Revolution and the ''Dreadnought'', but were mostly caught on the wrong side of the Continental War. Once a stronghold of democracy, defeat has led to the collapse or crippling of the republics and constitutional monarchies, leading to a new breed of dictators. Reconstruction and revenge are foremost ~~one~~ the minds of the population here.		The '''Northern Peninsula''' is a land of many characters divided by small, forested mountain ranges that stretch apart from the mountains of the Pureland. The countries of this region are traditionally the most technologically advanced on the Continent, being the birthplace of both the Luftum Revolution and the ''Dreadnought'', but were mostly caught on the wrong side of the Continental War. Once a stronghold of democracy, defeat has led to the collapse or crippling of the republics and constitutional monarchies, leading to a new breed of dictators. Reconstruction and revenge are foremost on the minds of the population here.

	===Southern Highlands===		===Southern Highlands===

Maloncanth: /* Northern Peninsula */

2013-06-07T12:21:00Z

Northern Peninsula

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:21, 7 June 2013
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	===Northern Peninsula===		===Northern Peninsula===
	The '''Northern Peninsula''' is a land of many characters divided by small, forested mountain ranges that stretch apart from the mountains of the Pureland. The countries of this region are mostly ~~defeated ones in~~ the ~~midst~~ of ~~reconstruction and turmoil~~. Once a stronghold of ~~republican~~ democracy, defeat ~~in war~~ has led ~~tothe rise~~ of a new breed of dictators.		The '''Northern Peninsula''' is a land of many characters divided by small, forested mountain ranges that stretch apart from the mountains of the Pureland. The countries of this region are traditionally the most technologically advanced on the Continent, being the birthplace of both the Luftum Revolution and the ''Dreadnought'', but were mostly caught on the wrong side of the Continental War. Once a stronghold of democracy, defeat has led to the collapse or crippling of the republics and constitutional monarchies, leading to a new breed of dictators. Reconstruction and revenge are foremost one the minds of the population here.

	===Southern Highlands===		===Southern Highlands===

Maloncanth: /* Geography */

2013-06-07T12:15:36Z

Geography

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:15, 7 June 2013
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	=Geography=		=Geography=
	==The Continent==		==The Continent==
	The '''Continent''' is by far the largest landmass in the known world. It has a temperate climate, though it was warmer in the past, and has seasons caused by regular atmospheric cycles. Nonwithstanding local variation, there is a slight trend for the land to slope downwards towards the west, thought to be the result of greater concentration of Luftum within the mountains of the Pureland.		The '''Continent''' is by far the largest landmass in the known world. It has a temperate climate overall, though it was warmer in the past, and has seasons caused by regular atmospheric cycles. Nonwithstanding local variation, there is a slight trend for the land to slope downwards towards the west, thought to be the result of greater concentration of Luftum remaining within the mountains of the Pureland.

	While humans have dwelt on most landmasses since prehistory, the Continent is the cradle of civilization. Continental cultures have initiated periodic waves of influence and colonization outwards and it is only recently that the balance of power has shifted in favor of their oldest former colonies. Above the usual political division between countries, there is a tradition of dividing the Continent into five cultural regions – the four cardinal directions and the centrally located Purelands.		While humans have dwelt on most landmasses since prehistory, the Continent is the cradle of civilization. Continental cultures have initiated periodic waves of influence and colonization outwards and it is only recently that the balance of power has shifted in favor of their oldest former colonies. Above the usual political division between countries, there is a tradition of dividing the Continent into five cultural regions – the four cardinal directions and the centrally located Purelands.

	===Western Plains===		===Western Plains===
	The kingdoms of the vast '''Western Plains''' have been unified under an imperial ~~banner~~ a few times in the past but found strength despite division during the Age of Luftum. They emerged victorious but diminished ~~and~~ from the Continental Wars ~~and in some cases split~~ into ~~numerous~~ miniscule component states. Now, ~~each~~ wrestles at once with both stability and integrity of what they still hold ~~and~~ the disconcerting notion of reunification in this time of crisis. ~~The western portion~~ of the ~~region suffers~~ cold winters ~~while~~ the ~~middle portions face seasonal~~ flooding.		The kingdoms of the vast '''Western Plains''' have been unified under the banner of an imperial ''Great King'' a few times in the past but found strength despite division during the Age of Luftum. It was in the west where the Luftum Revolution was felt strongest and the most powerful industrial economies and empires developed from countries such as the Kingdom of Jigash. They emerged victorious but greatly diminished from the Continental Wars, even splitting into multitudes of miniscule component states in some cases. Now, they wrestles at once with both stability and integrity of what they still hold verses the disconcerting notion of reunification in this time of crisis.

			Overall the coolest part of the Continent, the Western Plains are heavily populated but face relatively cold winters, especially in the westernmost areas. Because of ice melts from East to West - the same direction most rivers flow - the central areas of the region are known for (and agriculturally benefit from) annual flooding.

	===Northern Peninsula===		===Northern Peninsula===
	The '''Northern Peninsula''' is a land of many characters divided by small mountain ranges that stretch apart from the mountains of the Pureland. The countries of this region are mostly defeated ones in the midst of reconstruction and turmoil.		The '''Northern Peninsula''' is a land of many characters divided by small, forested mountain ranges that stretch apart from the mountains of the Pureland. The countries of this region are mostly defeated ones in the midst of reconstruction and turmoil. Once a stronghold of republican democracy, defeat in war has led tothe rise of a new breed of dictators.

	===Southern Highlands===		===Southern Highlands===
	The '''Southern Highlands''' are a rugged land of chasms, caverns ~~and~~ underground rivers. The small countries of the South had their time in the sun during the Age of Sail but have struggled to find relevance in modern times.		The '''Southern Highlands''' are a rugged but beautiful land of chasms, caverns, underground rivers and other natural wonders. The climate is pleasant (though a little damp) and mild through both summer and winter. The small countries of the South had their time in the sun during the Age of Sail but have struggled to find relevance in modern times.

	===Eastern Sky===		===Eastern Sky===
	The '''Eastern ~~Sku~~''' refers to a roughly semi-circular archipelago adjoining the eastern shores of the continent ~~to form~~ a ring around the '''Great Gulf'''. Always more attached to the skies than fellow continental inhabitants, states of the East had been at the forefront of naval technology and imperialism for millennia but has largely been in turmoil ever since the Great Collapse.		The '''Eastern Sky''' refers to a roughly semi-circular archipelago adjoining the eastern shores of the continent, forming (along with the eastern shore of the Pureland mountains) a ring around the '''Great Gulf'''. Though made up of islands, the Eastern Sky is nevertheless traditionally considered a part of the continent. Always more attached to the skies than fellow continental inhabitants, states of the East had been at the forefront of naval technology and imperialism for millennia but has largely been in turmoil ever since the Great Collapse.

			As a region of disparate isles, the Eastern Sky has the greatest extremes of altitude with warm subtropical rainforest isles that look down upon the Purelands as well as bitterly cold realms perpetually in the shadow of the Continent's girth.

	===The Pureland===		===The Pureland===
	The '''Pureland''' is a great mountain range that occupies the center of the continent. The Oracle's Mountain lies within it, surrounded by minor states. The people of the Pureland are ~~neutral but~~ well known for their sometimes extreme zeal. As such, they have mostly shunned heavy industrialization.		The '''Pureland''' is a great mountain range that occupies the center of the continent. The Oracle's Mountain lies within it, surrounded by minor states. The people of the Pureland tend to emphasize their neutrality to the political turmoil around them but are well known for their sometimes extreme zeal. As such, they have mostly shunned heavy industrialization and are technologically and economically backwards as a result.

	====The Oracle====		====The Oracle====
	The seat of the Oracle lies within the dormant caldera of the '''Oracle's Mountain'''. It is not the highest of peaks, but its ~~striking,~~ almost perfect cone is ~~certainly among the most visually impressive~~. The verdant canopy of the '''Providence Tree''' hides just beneath the mist shrouded rim. While the oracular tradition has spawned countless shrines with predictive services throughout the ~~land~~, ''the'' Oracle (capital O) perpetually resides ~~in this '''Valley of Providence''' and grants audiences only to kings~~.		The seat of the Oracle lies within the dormant caldera of the '''Oracle's Mountain'''. It is not the highest of peaks, but its almost perfect cone is a striking and universally known landmark. The verdant canopy of the '''Providence Tree''' hides just beneath the mist shrouded rim. While the oracular tradition has spawned countless shrines with predictive services throughout the world, ''the'' Oracle (capital O) perpetually resides here.

	~~Any description of history begins necessarily with the institution of~~ the Oracle ~~which~~ first developed ~~writing.~~ Oracular script ~~was initially developed~~ to transcribe results from prophetic trances and these eventually developed into Mercantic script and Storic script which branched off into all known forms of writing today. Aside from the usual vague prophecies and interpretable predictions, one of the most important powers of the Oracle was (and ~~sometimes~~ still is) to confer kingship.		Long ago, it was the Oracle that first developed Oracular script to transcribe results from prophetic trances and these eventually developed into Mercantic script and Storic script which branched off into all known forms of writing today. Aside from the usual vague prophecies and interpretable predictions, one of the most important powers of the Oracle was (and occasionally still is) to confer kingship. The Oracle has steadily lost credibility over the past millennia and is generally not considered to hold much sway in the political landscape of 11930.

	==Near World==		==Near World==
	The '''Near World''' refers generally to ~~lands~~ separate from but fairly close to the Continent – near enough that regular trade has been taking place for centuries or more. The countries in this region are presently the most advanced in the world, having largely overtaken the moribund Continental Powers in effectiveness if not size. Some are former colonies while others are indigenous cultures that have managed to preserve their independence whilst biding their time until today.		The '''Near World''' refers generally to island realms separate from but fairly close to the Continent – near enough that regular trade has been taking place for centuries or more and often close enough for direct flight by airplane. The countries in this region are presently the most generally advanced in the world, having largely overtaken the moribund Continental Powers in effectiveness if not size. Some are former colonies while others are indigenous cultures that have managed to preserve their independence whilst biding their time until today.

	==Middle Reach==		==Middle Reach==
	The '''Middle Reach''' is the vast halo of lands that have been known since the Age of Sail but only fell into practical reach with the development of Luftum ships. These were the stomping grounds of the Continental Powers during their latter heyday though how much sway they still hold so far out varies from case to case.		The '''Middle Reach''' is the vast halo of lands that have been known since the Age of Sail but only fell into practical reach with the development of Luftum ships. These were the stomping grounds of the Continental Powers during their latter heyday though how much sway they still hold so far out varies from case to case. While the dispersion of technology and wealth during the Age of Sail has benefitted some of these areas, they are more often poor, backwards and objectionable places to be.

	==Far Shores==		==Far Shores==
	Storied lands even in the modern age, the '''Far Shores''' are at the limits of reach even for ships powered by modern Luftum turbines. Here exist vast and fabled lands.		Storied lands even in the modern age, the '''Far Shores''' are at the limits of reach even for ships powered by modern Luftum turbines. Here exist vast and fabled lands.

Maloncanth at 08:50, 6 June 2013

2013-06-06T08:50:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:50, 6 June 2013
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	''[[Infinite Sky]]''		''[[Infinite Sky]]''

			=Technology=
			The general level of technology is dieselpunk with a guide date of roughly 1930.

			==Luftum==
			Luftum is the fuel of civilization and the source of energy that ultimately powers all of humanity's innumerable gadgets and machines. It is extracted from the established root systems of the Ciela tree which extend deep underground. While the trees that once grew from these roots drew only small amounts of luftum from the earth, modern industry has incomparably greater thirst.

			It has been proven that industrial scale extraction of Luftum causes landmasses to sink closer to the Sea of Storms, therefore cooling their climates. The smaller the landmass, the greater the adverse effects of Luftum extraction.

			===Luftum Torus===
			The oldest and most basic of luftum mechanics, the luftum torus is a ring-shaped container of luftum that is driven to rotation by some other mechanical force. When so "spun up", the luftum torus creates an anti-gravitational field inside of its circular area which in turn causes the load-bearing portion of a ship contained within the torus to levitate relative to the planetary core. The spinning process causes Luftum to disaggregate into oil, water and dangerously toxic cielite tailings.

			Due to engineering requirements, there is a certain minimum size associated with a luftum torus required for it to be efficient and useful. This has shrunk significantly in the past century and a half but it's still a very rare ship that masses less than a kiloton at standard load.

			===Luftum Dynamo===
			The luftum dynamo is basically a torus that, instead of lifting a large object, drives a high mass working fluid – typically mercury – to produce mechanical or electrical energy. A typical modern ship's luftum toruses would all have a dynamo incorporated to produce power. While no luftum dynamo is nearly as efficient as a torus, it is the key technology that allows production of useful electrical or mechanical energy from luftum. So long as the torus itself is operational, a dynamo produces more than enough energy to keep the torus spun up.

			===Luftum Combustion Engine===
			The luftum combustion engine is a class of devices that burn highly refined luftum (cieline) directly to produce thermal energy. The newest type is the '''Electrolyzed Luftum Combustion Engine'''. The ELCE was developed and generally used for airplane propulsion though it now also sees use in high performance ground vehicles.

	=Meteography=		=Meteography=

Maloncanth: /* The Continent */

2013-06-06T08:40:23Z

The Continent

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:40, 6 June 2013
Line 18:		Line 18:
	=Geography=		=Geography=
	==The Continent==		==The Continent==
	The '''Continent''' is by far the largest landmass in the known world. It has a temperate climate, though it was warmer in the past, and has seasons caused by regular atmospheric cycles. Nonwithstanding local variation, there is a slight trend for the land to slope downwards towards the west, thought to be the result of greater concentration of Luftum within the mountains of the Pureland.		The '''Continent''' is by far the largest landmass in the known world. It has a temperate climate, though it was warmer in the past, and has seasons caused by regular atmospheric cycles. Nonwithstanding local variation, there is a slight trend for the land to slope downwards towards the west, thought to be the result of greater concentration of Luftum within the mountains of the Pureland.

	While humans have dwelt on most landmasses since prehistory, the Continent is the cradle of civilization. Continental cultures have initiated periodic waves of influence and colonization outwards and it is only recently that the balance of power has shifted in favor of their oldest former colonies. Above the usual political division between countries, there is a tradition of dividing the Continent into five cultural regions – the four cardinal directions and the centrally located Purelands.		While humans have dwelt on most landmasses since prehistory, the Continent is the cradle of civilization. Continental cultures have initiated periodic waves of influence and colonization outwards and it is only recently that the balance of power has shifted in favor of their oldest former colonies. Above the usual political division between countries, there is a tradition of dividing the Continent into five cultural regions – the four cardinal directions and the centrally located Purelands.

	===Western Plains===		===Western Plains===
	The kingdoms of the vast '''Western Plains''' have been unified under an imperial banner a few times in the past but found strength despite division during the Age of Luftum. They emerged victorious but diminished and from the Continental Wars and in some cases split into numerous miniscule component states. Now, each wrestles at once with both stability and integrity of what they still hold and the disconcerting notion of reunification in this time of crisis.		The kingdoms of the vast '''Western Plains''' have been unified under an imperial banner a few times in the past but found strength despite division during the Age of Luftum. They emerged victorious but diminished and from the Continental Wars and in some cases split into numerous miniscule component states. Now, each wrestles at once with both stability and integrity of what they still hold and the disconcerting notion of reunification in this time of crisis. The western portion of the region suffers cold winters while the middle portions face seasonal flooding.

	===Northern Peninsula===		===Northern Peninsula===
	A land of many characters divided by small mountain ranges that stretch apart from the mountains of the Pureland. The countries of this region are mostly defeated ones in the midst of reconstruction and turmoil.		The '''Northern Peninsula''' is a land of many characters divided by small mountain ranges that stretch apart from the mountains of the Pureland. The countries of this region are mostly defeated ones in the midst of reconstruction and turmoil.

	===Southern Highlands===		===Southern Highlands===
	A rugged land of chasms, caverns and underground rivers. The small countries of the South had their time in the sun during the Age of Sail but have struggled to find relevance in modern times.		The '''Southern Highlands''' are a rugged land of chasms, caverns and underground rivers. The small countries of the South had their time in the sun during the Age of Sail but have struggled to find relevance in modern times.

	===Eastern ~~Skies~~===		===Eastern Sky===
	~~A huge,~~ roughly semi-circular archipelago adjoining the eastern shores of the continent to form a ring around the '''Great Gulf'''. Always more attached to the skies than fellow continental inhabitants, states of the East had been at the forefront of naval technology and imperialism for millennia but has largely been in turmoil ever since the Great Collapse.		The '''Eastern Sku''' refers to a roughly semi-circular archipelago adjoining the eastern shores of the continent to form a ring around the '''Great Gulf'''. Always more attached to the skies than fellow continental inhabitants, states of the East had been at the forefront of naval technology and imperialism for millennia but has largely been in turmoil ever since the Great Collapse.

	===The Pureland===		===The Pureland===
	The '''Pureland''' is a great mountain range that occupies the center of the continent. The Oracle's Mountain lies within it, surrounded by minor states. The people of the Pureland are neutral but well known for their sometimes extreme zeal. As such, they have mostly shunned heavy industrialization.		The '''Pureland''' is a great mountain range that occupies the center of the continent. The Oracle's Mountain lies within it, surrounded by minor states. The people of the Pureland are neutral but well known for their sometimes extreme zeal. As such, they have mostly shunned heavy industrialization.

	===The Oracle===		====The Oracle====
	The seat of the Oracle lies within the dormant caldera of the '''Oracle's Mountain'''. It is not the highest of peaks, but its striking, almost perfect cone is certainly among the most visually impressive. The verdant canopy of the '''Providence Tree''' hides just beneath the mist shrouded rim. While the oracular tradition has spawned countless shrines with predictive services throughout the land, ''the'' Oracle (capital O) perpetually resides in this '''Valley of Providence''' and grants audiences only to kings.		The seat of the Oracle lies within the dormant caldera of the '''Oracle's Mountain'''. It is not the highest of peaks, but its striking, almost perfect cone is certainly among the most visually impressive. The verdant canopy of the '''Providence Tree''' hides just beneath the mist shrouded rim. While the oracular tradition has spawned countless shrines with predictive services throughout the land, ''the'' Oracle (capital O) perpetually resides in this '''Valley of Providence''' and grants audiences only to kings.

	Any description of history begins necessarily with the institution of the Oracle which first developed writing. Oracular script was initially developed to transcribe results from prophetic trances and these eventually developed into Mercantic script and Storic script which branched off into all known forms of writing today. Aside from the usual vague prophecies and interpretable predictions, one of the most important powers of the Oracle was (and sometimes still is) to confer kingship.		Any description of history begins necessarily with the institution of the Oracle which first developed writing. Oracular script was initially developed to transcribe results from prophetic trances and these eventually developed into Mercantic script and Storic script which branched off into all known forms of writing today. Aside from the usual vague prophecies and interpretable predictions, one of the most important powers of the Oracle was (and sometimes still is) to confer kingship.

	==Near World==		==Near World==

Maloncanth at 08:33, 6 June 2013

2013-06-06T08:33:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:33, 6 June 2013
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	''[[Infinite Sky~~\|Back~~]]''		''[[Infinite Sky]]''

	=Meteography=		=Meteography=

Maloncanth: /* Geography */

2013-06-06T08:32:52Z

Geography

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:32, 6 June 2013
Line 18:		Line 18:
	=Geography=		=Geography=
	==The Continent==		==The Continent==
	The '''Continent''' is by far the largest landmass in the known world. It has a temperate climate, though it was warmer in the past, and has seasons caused by regular atmospheric cycles.		The '''Continent''' is by far the largest landmass in the known world. It has a temperate climate, though it was warmer in the past, and has seasons caused by regular atmospheric cycles. Nonwithstanding local variation, there is a slight trend for the land to slope downwards towards the west, thought to be the result of greater concentration of Luftum within the mountains of the Pureland.

	While humans have dwelt on most landmasses since prehistory, the Continent is the cradle of civilization. Continental cultures have initiated periodic waves of influence and colonization outwards and it is only recently that the balance of power has shifted in favor of their oldest former colonies.		While humans have dwelt on most landmasses since prehistory, the Continent is the cradle of civilization. Continental cultures have initiated periodic waves of influence and colonization outwards and it is only recently that the balance of power has shifted in favor of their oldest former colonies. Above the usual political division between countries, there is a tradition of dividing the Continent into five cultural regions – the four cardinal directions and the centrally located Purelands.
	===~~The West~~===
	~~A vast plain on which most of the Continent's rivers flow.~~ The kingdoms of the ~~region had~~ unified under an imperial banner in the ~~classical~~ past ~~and~~ found ~~their~~ strength ~~once more~~ during the Age of Luftum. They emerged victorious but diminished from the Continental Wars ~~but now wrestle~~ with stability and integrity.		===Western Plains===
	===~~The North~~===		The kingdoms of the vast '''Western Plains''' have been unified under an imperial banner a few times in the past but found strength despite division during the Age of Luftum. They emerged victorious but diminished and from the Continental Wars and in some cases split into numerous miniscule component states. Now, each wrestles at once with both stability and integrity of what they still hold and the disconcerting notion of reunification in this time of crisis.
	A land of many characters. The countries of this region are mostly defeated ones in the midst of reconstruction.
	===~~The South~~===		===Northern Peninsula===
			A land of many characters divided by small mountain ranges that stretch apart from the mountains of the Pureland. The countries of this region are mostly defeated ones in the midst of reconstruction and turmoil.

			===Southern Highlands===
	A rugged land of chasms, caverns and underground rivers. The small countries of the South had their time in the sun during the Age of Sail but have struggled to find relevance in modern times.		A rugged land of chasms, caverns and underground rivers. The small countries of the South had their time in the sun during the Age of Sail but have struggled to find relevance in modern times.
	===~~The East~~===
	A huge, roughly semi-circular archipelago adjoining the eastern shores of the continent to form a ring around the '''Great Gulf'''. Always more attached to the skies than fellow continental inhabitants, states of the East ~~have~~ been at the forefront of naval technology and imperialism for millennia but has been in ~~devastating~~ turmoil ~~in recent decades~~.		===Eastern Skies===
			A huge, roughly semi-circular archipelago adjoining the eastern shores of the continent to form a ring around the '''Great Gulf'''. Always more attached to the skies than fellow continental inhabitants, states of the East had been at the forefront of naval technology and imperialism for millennia but has largely been in turmoil ever since the Great Collapse.

	===The Pureland===		===The Pureland===
	The '''Pureland''' is a great mountain range that occupies the center of the continent.		The '''Pureland''' is a great mountain range that occupies the center of the continent. The Oracle's Mountain lies within it, surrounded by minor states. The people of the Pureland are neutral but well known for their sometimes extreme zeal. As such, they have mostly shunned heavy industrialization.

			===The Oracle===
			The seat of the Oracle lies within the dormant caldera of the '''Oracle's Mountain'''. It is not the highest of peaks, but its striking, almost perfect cone is certainly among the most visually impressive. The verdant canopy of the '''Providence Tree''' hides just beneath the mist shrouded rim. While the oracular tradition has spawned countless shrines with predictive services throughout the land, ''the'' Oracle (capital O) perpetually resides in this '''Valley of Providence''' and grants audiences only to kings.

			Any description of history begins necessarily with the institution of the Oracle which first developed writing. Oracular script was initially developed to transcribe results from prophetic trances and these eventually developed into Mercantic script and Storic script which branched off into all known forms of writing today. Aside from the usual vague prophecies and interpretable predictions, one of the most important powers of the Oracle was (and sometimes still is) to confer kingship.

	==Near World==		==Near World==
Line 37:		Line 46:

	==Middle Reach==		==Middle Reach==
	The '''Middle Reach''' is the vast halo of lands that have been known since the Age of Sail but only fell into practical reach with the development of Luftum ships. These were the stomping grounds of the Continental Powers during their latter heyday though how much sway they still hold varies from case to case.		The '''Middle Reach''' is the vast halo of lands that have been known since the Age of Sail but only fell into practical reach with the development of Luftum ships. These were the stomping grounds of the Continental Powers during their latter heyday though how much sway they still hold so far out varies from case to case.

	==Far Shores==		==Far Shores==
	Storied lands even in the modern age, the '''Far Shores''' are at the limits of reach even for ships powered by modern Luftum turbines. Here exist vast and fabled lands.		Storied lands even in the modern age, the '''Far Shores''' are at the limits of reach even for ships powered by modern Luftum turbines. Here exist vast and fabled lands.

Maloncanth at 06:21, 6 June 2013

2013-06-06T06:21:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:21, 5 June 2013
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			''[[Infinite Sky\|Back]]''

	=Meteography=		=Meteography=
	Although the altitude of any landmass could change over time, '''Mean Altitude''', much like our world's magnetic north, is still the most frequently used altitude reference. It is defined as the altitude matching the official indicator at '''Kirisame Observatory'''. While not useful to scientists for advanced work, it is simple and useful for virtually everything else, including aeronautical navigation. Mean Altitude is at the low end of the atmosphere's habitable band and matches up very well with estimations for the overall center of mass of all known land as a whole. Below MA, average temperature rapidly drops and turbulence becomes more frequent. Low altitude areas tend to be cold, non-specifically gloomy and will experience intense blizzards if they are low enough to be engulfed by swells from the Sea of Storms. Above MA, average temperature gradually increases, though altitude cooling dominates local temperatures over land. This means that higher altitude landmasses are more likely to be warm overall but mountain tops are still colder than low lying areas of the same island. Beyond 20-30km above MA, increased fuel requirements reach a significant level, stimying both commercial and military shipping.		Although the altitude of any landmass could change over time, '''Mean Altitude''', much like our world's magnetic north, is still the most frequently used altitude reference. It is defined as the altitude matching the official indicator at '''Kirisame Observatory'''. While not useful to scientists for advanced work, it is simple and useful for virtually everything else, including aeronautical navigation. Mean Altitude is at the low end of the atmosphere's habitable band and matches up very well with estimations for the overall center of mass of all known land as a whole. Below MA, average temperature rapidly drops and turbulence becomes more frequent. Low altitude areas tend to be cold, non-specifically gloomy and will experience intense blizzards if they are low enough to be engulfed by swells from the Sea of Storms. Above MA, average temperature gradually increases, though altitude cooling dominates local temperatures over land. This means that higher altitude landmasses are more likely to be warm overall but mountain tops are still colder than low lying areas of the same island. Beyond 20-30km above MA, increased fuel requirements reach a significant level, stimying both commercial and military shipping.

Maloncanth: Created page with "=Meteography= Although the altitude of any landmass could change over time, '''Mean Altitude''', much like our world's magnetic north, is still the most frequently used altitude ..."

2013-06-06T06:20:07Z

Created page with "=Meteography= Although the altitude of any landmass could change over time, '''Mean Altitude''', much like our world's magnetic north, is still the most frequently used altitude ..."

New page

=Meteography=
Although the altitude of any landmass could change over time, '''Mean Altitude''', much like our world's magnetic north, is still the most frequently used altitude reference. It is defined as the altitude matching the official indicator at '''Kirisame Observatory'''. While not useful to scientists for advanced work, it is simple and useful for virtually everything else, including aeronautical navigation. Mean Altitude is at the low end of the atmosphere's habitable band and matches up very well with estimations for the overall center of mass of all known land as a whole. Below MA, average temperature rapidly drops and turbulence becomes more frequent. Low altitude areas tend to be cold, non-specifically gloomy and will experience intense blizzards if they are low enough to be engulfed by swells from the Sea of Storms. Above MA, average temperature gradually increases, though altitude cooling dominates local temperatures over land. This means that higher altitude landmasses are more likely to be warm overall but mountain tops are still colder than low lying areas of the same island. Beyond 20-30km above MA, increased fuel requirements reach a significant level, stimying both commercial and military shipping.

==Sea of Storms==
The lower boundary of the habitable band, the '''Sea of Storms''' is an intensely cold atmospheric layer that rises to within 6km of Mean Altitude in winter and retreats to approximately 12km in summer. This is also approximately the altitude of the lowest known land. Land beneath a certain altitude would experience snow and ice buildup exceeding the rate of outflow from thaw and glacial drift and would inevitably be pulled into the Sea of Storms by a feedback loop of mass increase. Most ships want to have as little to do with this layer as possible but some vessels are designed to run in it. For those, the ability to shed ice and negotiate very limited visibility are essential.

==The Tropics==
The '''Tropics''' are a remote layer beginning approximately 40km above MA and continue upwards, ramping up in intensity as one ascends. While this layer can experience intense weather, the greater challenge to ships is producing the lift to get here in the first place. Fuel requirements for altitude increase at an ever greater rate the higher one ascends. A cruiser with weeks or months of endurance at MA could burn up its Luftum supply in a matter of days patrolling the Tropics. Hand in hand with the impact on fuel economy is a marked reduction in the amount of land the higher one goes. Landmass altitude is obviously correlated in some way with the amount of Luftum permeating it. Whether this wealth could be extracted from such remote locations is another matter entirely. Beyond a certain point, there is so little land and habitation that most ships simply aren't built to go there. As a related matter, extraction of Luftum from any landmass naturally lowers its altitude and therefore has a cooling effect on its climate. This has already occurred in some locales with disastrous results.

==The Desert==
At very high altitudes, water supply becomes a concern. While landmasses in the Tropics have plenty of water, humidity rapidly drops off beyond around 60km above MA and dredging for water with condensations nets becomes virtually impossible. What little land there is becomes increasingly harsh and arid. Some of the highest flying Luftum ships ever constructed were highly specialized tankers and colonial cruisers designed by Continental Powers to operate here. Today, this region of the sky is largely the domain of the airplane.

==The Void==
High above, beyond even the '''Desert''' is the '''Void'''. It is too high for even airplanes to reach.

=Geography=
==The Continent==
The '''Continent''' is by far the largest landmass in the known world. It has a temperate climate, though it was warmer in the past, and has seasons caused by regular atmospheric cycles.

While humans have dwelt on most landmasses since prehistory, the Continent is the cradle of civilization. Continental cultures have initiated periodic waves of influence and colonization outwards and it is only recently that the balance of power has shifted in favor of their oldest former colonies.
===The West===
A vast plain on which most of the Continent's rivers flow. The kingdoms of the region had unified under an imperial banner in the classical past and found their strength once more during the Age of Luftum. They emerged victorious but diminished from the Continental Wars but now wrestle with stability and integrity.
===The North===
A land of many characters. The countries of this region are mostly defeated ones in the midst of reconstruction.
===The South===
A rugged land of chasms, caverns and underground rivers. The small countries of the South had their time in the sun during the Age of Sail but have struggled to find relevance in modern times.
===The East===
A huge, roughly semi-circular archipelago adjoining the eastern shores of the continent to form a ring around the '''Great Gulf'''. Always more attached to the skies than fellow continental inhabitants, states of the East have been at the forefront of naval technology and imperialism for millennia but has been in devastating turmoil in recent decades.

===The Pureland===
The '''Pureland''' is a great mountain range that occupies the center of the continent.

==Near World==
The '''Near World''' refers generally to lands separate from but fairly close to the Continent – near enough that regular trade has been taking place for centuries or more. The countries in this region are presently the most advanced in the world, having largely overtaken the moribund Continental Powers in effectiveness if not size. Some are former colonies while others are indigenous cultures that have managed to preserve their independence whilst biding their time until today.

==Middle Reach==
The '''Middle Reach''' is the vast halo of lands that have been known since the Age of Sail but only fell into practical reach with the development of Luftum ships. These were the stomping grounds of the Continental Powers during their latter heyday though how much sway they still hold varies from case to case.

==Far Shores==
Storied lands even in the modern age, the '''Far Shores''' are at the limits of reach even for ships powered by modern Luftum turbines. Here exist vast and fabled lands.