Exploration in the Age of Dragons

Tellaia is a big place, and much of it is still unknown to the people of Tirenia. Trade is commonplace with Crescentia to the east and Sahelio to the south. Beyond these are lands that are known more distantly, save to the most daring of traders: frozen Tataria to the north-east, the silk-lands of Serica and Cataia and the spice islands of Baratio to the east.

But there are more lands beyond these. It is a well-known fact that Tellaia is a globe, and the calculations of wizards and philosophers indicate that the whole known world takes up only a portion of its surface. The city-states of Tirenia are keen to find more lands, for more lands equals more money. In addition, new sea-routes to distant trading partners would mean Tirenian merchants would achieve a greater share of the profits.

There are three continents in particular that Tirenian scholars are particularly interested in exploring. Firstly, explorers know very little of Sahelio. There are rumours of great empires in the heart of that continent and riches beyond belief, but travelling through the deserts and jungles to find them has thus far thwarted serious exploration.

Secondly, rumour is starting to spread in Vanzenia that there a new continent has been discovered, far to the west. A ship blown off-course landed on the shore of a strange and undiscovered land. They put in ashore for repairs and made some small exploration before departing. Exactly what they discovered is unknown, but Morignus, the red dragon overlord of Vanzenia, is reportedly interested in mounting a larger expedition to this new land.

The third land which sages wish to find is the fabled 'southern land'. It is known that magical currents flow around the world in lines of energy, which converge on Tirenia. Logically, they must also converge on the other side of the world, and there must be a 'southern continent' with equally strong magic. No one has yet managed to find this fabled southern land yet, but it remains a dream for all explorers. 

Image result for renaissance art ship
Art: 'Brederode off Hellevoetsluis'. Simon de Vlieger, date unknown.

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