The Three Great Continents

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There exist three main landmasses in Hydaelyn, the largest being that which contains the three great continents—Aldenard, Ilsabard, and Othard. The following section touches upon the locations, geography, and climate of those areas.

— Encyclopædia Eorzea vol 1, page 12

Geography

Situated in Hydaelyn's northern hemisphere and stretching from the polar region, almost to the equator, the Three Great Continents consist of Aldenard in the west, Ilsabard in the north and center, and Othard in the east. So great is the distance that even the fastest of trader vessels carried by favorable winds require at least a fortnight to make the journey from Old Sharlayan to Vylbrand, and another two moons to travel from there to Doma.

Regions

Aldenard

Main article: Aldenard

Ilsabard

Main article: Ilsabard

Othard

Main article: Othard

Mythology

Regional folklore maintains that the continents were all brothers whose hearts were so filled with love for one another that they remained inseparable for eons. However, the brothers Othard and Ilsabard grew jealous of Aldenard, who was blessed with incredibly rich and fertile lands despite being the youngest. In a violent fit of anger, the brothers ripped themselves away from their younger sibling to where they stand today.

Surrounding Land Masses

Though there are other smaller nations, they are on separate land masses surrounding the Three Great Continents. These smaller lands house their own peoples, cultures and societies. However, for one reason or another, they remain mostly isolated from the other continents.

Thavnair

Main article: Thavnair

This island lies to the south of Ilsabard in a sea called The Bounty. Being so far removed from the Three Great Continents, Thavnair has thrived even during the Umbral Eras. Radz-at-Han, the largest city-state of Thavnair is an ancient nation that has existed for thousands of years, and is best known for being the birthplace of modern day Alchemy. The nation, despite minimal military, managed to sign a non-interference treaty with the Garlean Empire, ensuring their independence. They remain a trade hub for Eorzea.

Sharlayan

Main article: Old Sharlayan

Though they once made their home in Dravania, following the threat of invasion by the Garlean Empire, the nation of Sharlayan returned to their home island in The Northern Empty. Surrounded by several smaller islands that are mostly deserted, including the isle of Val, the home of the Roegadyn, Sharlayan is still counted as one of the six city-states that make up Eorzea. They took a neutral stance to the war with the Garlean Empire, viewing it as an unnecessary show of force that they would rather not get involved in, choosing to take a "higher road" and continue to pursue knowledge.

Tural

Main article: Tural

Though quite far removed from the other landmasses, Tural (also known as the New World) lies far to the west of Eorzea across the Indigo Deep. Due to the destruction of almost any documentation to prove the landmass actually existed, many believed it to simply be a myth. However, a Sea Wolf named Ketenramm the Blue sailed for nearly two months to find the land. Upon this land did the crew of Ketenramm discover the inhabitants of the nation of Mamook. Presenting their Autarch with gifts from Eorzea, he and his crew were gifted a statue of pure silver and granted the privilege of roaming the land freely. The crew were able to map the entire land, as well as gather several roots, vegetables and fruits that are now considered staples of Eorzean cuisine, such as pumpkins, ruby tomatoes and popotoes. Distance is the main factor in the lack of interaction between Eorzea and Tural, however Eorzea has seen an increase in Mamool Ja mercenaries coming to their land to make profit from the unrest in the east.

Meracydia

Several millennia ago, Meracydia was once the home to several races and groups of people, such as the Hyur, Miqo'te, and most notably, the dragons. All upon that land lived in peace. Several worshiped different gods, namely the three who would make up what would later be known as the Warring Triad. However, in the twilight of the Third Astral Era, the Allagan Empire invaded, seeking to expand their control to one of the few places their empire did not yet reach. The war that raged would decimate not only the populace that remained there for the love of their homeland, but also the land itself. The entire landmass would become a desert wasteland that still remains mostly uninhabitable to this day. The few parts that have been reinhabited rarely welcome contact from outside lands, and attack any who approach. Owing to this, even the most basic information about this land is unknown, including geographical information.