Morella

The Kingdom of Morella is the fictional world seen in the Blades of Light and Shadow series. The majority of Morella is ruled by the human king, King Arlan Valleros VII, also known as the Gentle King, in the capital city of Whitetower. His will is carried out by two dozen local lords.

Geography

Morella is a land enclosed by jagged mountains to the north, blasted deserts to the south, and poison fields to the east. Legends state that beyond Morella's borders lie the mountain kingdoms of Vishanti, ruled by wooly men stronger than orcs, the wastelands of Zaradun, ruled by the dwarves -a race older than elves- and the rainforests of Rysoth, where birdmen of the Avian Kingdom rule the skies.

Sentient Species

Elves

The elven empire was once the greatest, glorious civilization spanning Morella and beyond. For a thousand years, they lived in peace and prosperity, building their society on magic. However, magic was also their downfall and in the pursuit of ever-greater power, rogue elves opened a doorway to the Realm of Shadow and the dark powers therein. The Great War began and lasted a hundred years, wiping out most of the population. After the Great War, there are only five hundred or so elves left alive. Most live in the city of Undermount in the north, and for nearly four centuries, they've sealed themselves away refusing contact with the outside world. For more information on elves, click here.

Orcs

Orcs are the largest and strongest of the sentient species of Morella. They are a nomadic species. "We Lay No Roots" is a foundational principle held by all clans. They value travel, adventure, and the thrill of conquest. They are a seafaring race, divided into twelve fleets each made up of several hundred members. Ventra Tal Kaelen rules with absolute power, advised by a council of twelve leaders, one from each fleet in their capital on the floating city of Flotilla. For more information on Orcs, click here.

Humans

Once the servant caste of the Elves, humans are now the dominant sentient species in the Kingdom of Morella. They are organized in a traditional monarchy, ruled by a king of the Valleros Dynasty from Whitetower. Beneath the monarch are two dozen lords, each presiding over a region. The lords operate with a fair degree of autonomy. For more information on humans, click here.

Grobtars

Grobtars are the amphibious species that live in the ocean depths. Little is known of their culture except for unreliable accounts from captured sailors; however, grobtars are feared for their vicious, merciless attacks on traveling ships.

Vhampyr

The vhampyr live in the crypts of the ruined city of Necropolis. Some believe the bloodsucking immortals are cursed elves; others think they are not alive, but are ghosts made of flesh. No traveller has ever made it out of Necropolis alive.

Mermen

Mermen live in the Shimmering Isles.

Molepeople

Molepeople live in the Red Desert.

Birdmen

Birdmen live in the north.

Drakna

Drakna have a secret society in the Deadwood. They are a large insect-like species ruled by a queen. For more information on Drakna, click here.

Places

Whitetower

Whitetower is the capital city of Morella, full of decadent nobles. It includes the Whitetower palace, the Temple of Light and the slums.

Port Parnassus

Parnassus is a seaside city. The Library of Parnassus housed the largest collection of orcish pastoral poetry in the world before it was destroyed.

Undermount

Undermount exists within the boundaries of Morella, but humans have no jurisdiction over it. It operates as an autonomous city-state. According to Tyril, poets called it the 'City of a Hundred Thousand Alleys' due to the many paths through the city.

Flotilla

Flotilla is a floating city, which serves as the capital of the twelve orcish fleets' alliance. Ventra Tal Kaelen, queen of the united orc Clans, lives there. Flotilla backs up on the Glittering Reef.

Temple of Ellara

The Temple of Ellara is a sacred temple of the Church of Light.

Riverbend

Riverbend is a small town and the MC's hometown.

Cape Valen

Valen was the heart of the Elven Empire many years ago, and its nickname was 'The Golden City by the Sea'. It was, however, destroyed.

Deadwood

The Deadwood is currently the only path to Undermount. It is a sprawling, dense forest with all kinds of horrifying creatures. In the past, at the height of Xaius' empire, it was a bountiful forest and a safe haven for sylvan elves.

Cartesian Sea

The body of water between Port Parnassus and the Shimmering Isles is known as the Cartesian Sea.

Shimmering Isles

Zaradun

Zaradun sunk beneath the sands two thousand years ago. It is said to be a wasteland, and it is inhabited by dwarves, a race older than any in Morella. There, among those red sands, the dwarves practice their arcane magic and guard an unfathomable treasure.

Colaris

They are known for the Cliffs of Colaris.

Unknown Locations

Portals

Trivia

During Blades AMA, it was revealed that the location 'Deadwood' was actually 'Dreadwood' as an error.
Whitetower is spelled as 'White Tower' on the map.
In Book 2's loading screen, it is revealed that the Deadwood was known as the Whimsywood before the Great War.