An island shaped by isolation and tradition, Rishuya rests shrouded in mist between the Middlesea and the cold expanse of the Frostmere. Treacherous waters ring much of its coast, keeping its emerald fields, ancient forests, and the towering, snow-capped mountains hidden from all but the boldest travelers. Rishuya's landscapes are as serene as they are striking. Snow-draped peaks encircle the distant north, crowned by the ever-visible Mount Rish. Below, vibrant fields and glimmering crystal rivers stretch between dense woodlands and colorful villages, each brimming with quiet life. The royal city in the south rises with graceful spires and stonework, a symbol of Rishuya’s enduring calm. Only the east bears scars—windswept ruins and battle-worn soil where the Crimson Sea once spilled war upon the land.
Ever since the invasion from the crimson sea, few outsiders now ever lay eyes on Rishuya, and fewer still are welcomed. Its people, shaped by lifetimes of solitude, are cautious of newcomers and know little of the world beyond their shores. Yet within, life moves with a rare and quiet peace. Save for the occasional raid by wandering barbarians or goblin warbands, the land has remained untouched by war or strife for nearly a century.
Tradition reigns supreme. In Rishuya, etiquette is more than courtesy—it is a sacred bond, one that honors all who came before. Outsiders quickly discover how easy it is to commit a taboo, and how swift the social consequences can be. While some Rishuyans may tolerate a more relaxed manner, pride runs deep in their hearts. To insult a Rishuyan is to invite conflict. Respect is not easily given—it must be earned through discipline, humility, and great deeds. To protect others is the highest calling, and many dedicate their lives to the mastery of martial or spiritual paths in pursuit of that ideal. Life here is a quiet rhythm of training, tradition, and ritual. Many born in Rishuya never leave its borders, finding purpose and contentment in the serenity of their ancestral land.
It is a place of breathtaking beauty—and perhaps because of that, the horrors that occasionally rise from its depths feel all the more dreadful.
