The Kingdom of Arudis

The Kingdom of Arudis is located on the western half of the southern island of Atlantis and it is by far the most mysterious kingdom in Atlantis. In actuality, it can hardly even be called a kingdom for there is no one ruler over the land. Furthermore, it is the one "kingdom" that is not officially part of the nation- and continent-wide alliance. This is because the inhabitants of Arudis largely wish to be left alone and, since they largely leave the rest of Atlantis alone, they are granted this unspoken request. Indeed, this "kingdom" is known better throughout Atlantis by another name: simply, "The Forest". No doubt this is an appropriate name for a kingdom that is covered completely in its namesake.

You may be thinking, "What is so special about that? Sibia is also forested. In fact, it is also twice the size of Arudis." Which is true, but the forest of Arudis is no ordinary forest. Then you may interject, "Ah, but Sibia is the home of the Elves and also the location of the runes of Riser society!" and you would also be correct, but the forests of Sibia are not magical. With the exception of the Elemental's island and perhaps even Himmel, The Forest is the most magical area in Atlantis. This is due to most unusual circumstances, that will require a look into history to understand:

Long ago, all of Atlantis was magical. The variety of races far exceeded those of today. Not only were there Elves, but dwarves, faeries, pixies, and all manner of other magical humanoids and wildlife. It was said that these various species could be observed throughout the four main islands. It was also during these times that the Elementals wandered freely throughout the lands, sowing the seeds for races more commonly known today: Pixei, Risers, and Uray. That is not to say that there were no Human residents. There were several tribes scattered throughout Atlantis. Still, there were far less than there are today and they were about equal in population to the other races. Things changed monumentally when the Second Fall allowed Demons to escape from Hell… and, as you should know, it was the Demons who discovered Atlantis.

It cannot be said that Atlantis was a figurative Garden of Eden before this event, but it was relatively peaceful. Now, suddenly, there was war between strange godlike beings: Demons and Angels. After the dust cleared, the Angels victorious, the Demons driven into hiding, the citizens of Atlantis hoped that things would return to normal. Sadly, things would never be the same again. The Angels did not return whence they came for they took a liking to the land. Atlantis was large, sparsely inhabited, and had vast tracts of fertile land. To them, it was an Eden, or at least they thought it would be for humanity. It was the Archangel Gabriel's decision to gift this land to the Humans throughout the world that he thought worthy. Thus, the influx of humans into Atlantis began. Despite lacking in extraordinary qualities, one thing can be said of Humans: that they are tenacious. This tenacity resulted throughout the years in a growing population… the formation of cities… the formation of governments. Finally, it can be said that it resulted in The Forest.

As humanity flourished, many races began to decline. Life on Atlantis became dangerous. Demons formed a hive on an island to the west. The Elementals retreated to their own island, not to be seen or heard from again. Elves, Risers, Pixei, and Uray held their own, or adjusted to the new way of life, but the remaining races either did not or could not. Eventually, they gathered together in the forests of what became Arudis. This concentration of magical power seemingly had an affect on the very forest itself. It became magical as well. Thus, the advent of The Forest and the close of this history lesson.

Very little can be said of The Forest of today. As far as we know, it is the same as it was centuries ago, because centuries ago it was discovered that those who entered The Forest never returned. Those who have returned are reluctant to speak of it and not even the few inhabitants of The Forest that emerge from its depths into Atlantis proper know all its secrets. The more optimistic speak of its enchanted pools whose waters grant eternal life and of silver-haired unicorns that frolic through sun-dappled glades. The more cynical speak of fire-breathing dragons and vicious Fae tribes, constantly at war with each other, with the individuals more likely to curse you than to grant your wishes. In the end, it is likely both are right. If you are the doubting sort, feel free to venture there and see for yourself. We'll wait for you out here.