R.P.G. Spelljammer Sandbox - Part 10 - Hyperborea Prime

This land is mythical and is a crystal sphere of ice and fire that has been locked in a colossal tug of war between two different cultures.  Depending on the era it has been both a Colony of the 9 realms and a part of the empire of Astra Byzantium.  Currently there is an agreement known as the Commonwealth Agreement, to share the sphere, but tensions run deep.  The main reason for this armistice is wariness from the Glorious Gnome empire and the Bullywug Empire as they are expanding at a rapid pace. This thesis/anti-thesis has created a unique culture to the inhabitants that can best be described as Greco-Nordic by those who bother to classify such things. 

 Overall, the culture has defaulted to chieftain homesteads that require the say of all involved.  The normal hierarchical nature of the empire has been diluted by the most common human ethnic groups being Greek and Nordic and this need to have a say before most actions go true.  This also causes quarrels between the groups, but they have setup a protocol to allow for feuds to stay merely competitive…for the most part.

Druids are surprisingly common between both groups.  Shapeshifters abound and most of them seem to have a connection to the local spirits and act as mediators between the world and the people.  Whom they worship varies wildly and a common feud is to say whom they are calling upon. 

Apollo’s Chariot

The astral body that all of the world travels around is unique in that it is, for lack of a better term, the summer home of Apollo.  Ostensibly it appears as a bright yellow sun at first glance, but upon further glace, you can see a massive ship at its core.  While it is technically possible to go there with the right spells, it would be in bad form to show up uninvited as even a relatively nice Greek God like Apollo has a temper.

What is little known is that Apollo recently married a woman called Hildur who is a demigod as part of the agreement between the two pantheons.  There are rumors that she might actually be a high level Elven Embassary but what we do know is she is very powerful, and very wrathful.  It is believed that Hildur stays here even when Apollo does his journey to perform his godly duties. 

The Eridanus Stream and Aquarius’ Jug

This is a celestial waterfire stream that flows in orbit around Apollo’s Chariot.  This is a place of abundant food and creatures and acts as a main food source for the sphere, provided you can brave the dangers of the flame.  It has a starting point of being a dwarf planet called Aquarius Jug which has the major fishing port of Phaethon. 

Thule

This inner planet is slightly out of phase in the astral and use to require special magic to transverse into this exotic land.  Nowadays, there is a phase gate that is patrolled by the empire that allows people to get in sync with the planet below.  There used to be ludicrous legends of immortality and never-ending light, but the truth is that as being part of the astral gave those inhabitants a sort of timeless feel.  This planet has an incredibly high population of dwarves from Svartálfaheimr that often using the unique properties of the realm for customizing magical items. 

This world is renowned for its volcanos that generate “earth fire” That is one of the reasons for the high Dwarf population:  they really love using them as a forge. 

Riphean Asteroid belt

This set of asteroids are a mix of rock and ice that is surprisingly habituated with homesteaders of both the Greek and Nordic Variety.  They are interconnected using the Byzantium Postal Service supplying a space chariot service in the name of public transportation.   While ostensibly at peace, neighbors often class with neighbor over petty things.  It is also known for it’s sizable Griffin population, that are often domesticated by the locals. 

What is less known is that this a place where Elven Deserters end up.  For some reason it seems to attract those fed up with Arcanum Acadium’s rigidness to go their own way.  These people are usually very guarded and would prefer that nobody knows where they are.  They are often known derisively as “the hidden folk.”  Be wary of their Álfhól as they are quite distinctive.

Abaris Asteroid has a massive temple structure dedicated to Asclepius whom declared themselves neutral and will heal all whom enter their gates.  Just mind the snakes as they are considered sacred. 

Issedone

This yellow Gas Giant is the land of the One-eyed ogre mages, who have grudgingly thrown in their lot with the Commonwealth Agreement.  They live on the various moons and have been given tribute to act as a massive lighthouse to guide ships in safely.  However, they are temperamental and are often raid their neighbors when they don’t feel they are getting the respect they deserve.  They also send out their young to find themselves when they come of age, which often leads to either great heroes or villains.  They are often misidentified as trolls for their unique properties and magical nature.

What is it particularly known for is acting as a massive sun mirror making the dark side of the inner planets to be as bright as they are during the day.   

The Oceanus Solar Wind

This solar wind acts as a carrier wave from Niflheim to Hyperborea.  This used to be used for the people of the 9 realms to go a Viking until recently.  Now it is mostly used as a trade route.