the ATLAS Elyden

The Atlas Elyden started out as a single map made in 2016 to experiment with a style apart from traditional fantasy maps, which I felt did not suit the character of Elyden, which was increasingly turning into a post-industrial world that quaint tolkienesque fantasy maps just did not suit any more.

I enjoyed the style so much that I stuck with it and now the atlas stands at around 70-maps and counting, which I publish around once every 4-weeks. I've changed and (hopefully) refined the maps over the years and have added new features and details which have dated the older maps, which will be updated in due course.

The maps are made in Photoshop, and projection work is either done though in PS itself, using a plug-in, or G. Projector. Many have commented that Illustrator or a similar vector-based software would be more adequate to the work. and they would be right, but given that these are intended to be produced in-world (ie. by cartographers in Elyden itself) I feel the rougher appearance of using raster graphics looks more 'authentic'.

The maps are all based on a large black and white world map made in equirectangular projection. I create the projection I need and resize and rotate it and then trace over it with the topography making that any neighbouring regions that have already been mapped line up with the new work so that the topography is consistent.

This is where all maps from the Atlas Elyden go to live once they're completed. I've included the entire back-catalogue of Atlas images on this page, in the order of original publication, and will keep it updated with new low-res entries, after exclusive high-res and textless options are made available to my patrons.

A Key to all below maps can be found here.

For a full map of the Inner Sea, check out this page

Clicking on each of the maps brings up more information as well as a link to a higher res version.

This is the heart of the empire, and as such its main cities are huge, sprawling, polluted, but decadent. The nation serves as the administrative centre of the high-empire, and is home to a large number of politicians, patricians, diplomats, clerks, administrators and bureaucratic staff that keep the day-to-day running of the empire in order.
One of the oldest of Korachani territories, Pelasgos was wracked by a lengthy civil conflict that left it sundered in two - the Free-isles in the south and the loyal Korachani land in the north. The nation was once home to great manufactories and it was the heart of industry in the empire, and though man have since fallen silent, it remains a viable part of the imperial military industrial complex.
Once called the garden of the empire, Azazem is now a major manufacturer of dross - the slurry-like food that feeds the largest conurbations and cities of the empire. Fields and grasslands have now been replaced with moss farms and processing plants were offal, dead paupers, vegetable matter, artificial nutrients and other ingredients are combined to make the food of millions.
An independent region to the east of the Korachani empire that is embracing the industrialization that is now commonplace around the Inner Sea. It is composed of 8 kingdoms that together rule the entire region. The capital is Caria, in which rules High-king Caeron.
A major power in the Inner Sea Region, Almagest found independence in 3014 RM following the short-but-bloody War of the Artifexes. Today it is a major industrial centre and its eponymous capital city remains one of the largest known cities in the civilized word.
Skaros is a land between two rival powers - Almagest in the north and Korachan in the south. It is a religious land, and has many landmarks that form part of the great Shadow March pilgrimage, and much of its economy revolves around catering to pilgrims and others who travel with them on the Marches.
Part of the Korachani empire since 15 RM, Laaskha is seen as a martial land. Its ancestors were warriors, and it continues to be a major recruiting ground for the imperial armies to this day, with most of its generals originating from patrician houses based there. It is also a major link between southern Llachatul and the north of Sammaea, and the harbours of Baayn are busy with ships leaving for the south.
Once a major industrial centre, Vârr was widely known both for its sprawling open-cast mines, which left its forests all but destroyed, as well as its eerie mountain marking its northern border. The mountain, named Varrachon after the Demiurge Vorropohaiah, is said to contain the waste-material from the creation of a small part of the Prison Carceri, which sprawls beneath the surface of half the world.
Ruled by the halfblood Volupis, this land is known for its idyllic southern coastline, and the north, which is dominated by Atramental wastelands in which dreams and nightmares commonly manifest. It is a popular place for oneiromancers from across Elyden, who use this trait to help them study their field.
A staunchly-loyal people to the Archpotentate Malichar, Vaalk remained part of the High-empire after the sundering of Korachan in 3705 RM, even as the rest of its southern territories became part of the Reformed Empire. However, pressure from Sarastro and increased religious strife saw Vaalk become a vassal to Sarastro in 3736 RM, Though Malichar remains a respected figure there to this day and is revered as a living saint of the Reformed Church, muct to the annoyance of Sarastro.
Ruled by the enigmatic Augur and her Nine Seers, Lyridia is a land of great wealth and dichotomous ways that clings on to an ancient way of life. Those who cling to the old ways are known as troglodytes and live in cave-settlements, revering the Augur and her seers as living deities.
Becoming a vassal to Parthis in 3696 RM, Jurras is a land rich in soulstones, which are highly in demand by technarcanists, philosophers and occultists in equal measure. It is a land of ancient ruins - a remnant of the Samarian kingdom that struggled beyond the Fourth Age, ending by the 3rd millennium of the Fifth Age.
A northern endorheic desert, Astudan is largely uninhabited,save for the Free-city of Gatha, which acts as its de facto capital. Gatha is well known as a place where all are accepted and it is renowned for its large population of non-humans, including a myriad of other mortal races, halfbloods, scionborn and otherworlders.
This nation is so-named for its position between three major territories. It is at a crossroads of cultures, where religions and different beliefs mingle amongst its many merchants, leaving its people somewhat jaded and more world-weary than your typical work Slave in the empire. Bassorah emerged a newly independent nation from the ruins of Ipanah in the years following the Dissolution of the Korachani empire.
An outcast amongst nations, Paraiya is a land that clings to its tribal beliefs with an unflinching grasp. It lies just north of the Atramental-expanse known as the Umbra Solare, and its people are xenophobic an self-reliant to a fault.
One of the four major powers in the Inner Sea, Parthis controls many lands surrounding lands south of the sea. It is noted for its agnostic beliefs and for its the expertise of its geneticists who alter the bodies of its wealthy with ease, even as they manufacture tailor-made organisms for purposes that range from the frivolous, such as pets; to those of great import, such as their beasts of burden and warbeasts.
A green land on the doorstep of the empire. It is known to outsiders as a water-logged region with hundreds of fresh-water lakes and myriad waterways connecting them together. Its indigenous people are regarded as fen-living, stilt-walking agriculturalists, though that stereotype has become less prevalent as the region became fully industrialised decades ago.
So-called due to their state of abandonment by the Sarastroan empire. The lands surrounding the Sea of Daarken are diminishing, their resources spent, their golden ages in the distant past. Those that have not already been abandoned by Sarastro are kept only because they yet have some industrial use remaining.
Of all the nations surrounding the Inner Sea, Karakhas and Khuraur are perhaps those with the closest links to a Demiurge other than Rachanael. Worship of Kharani and his scion Khar'illae are deep-rooted here and efforts from both the High-empire and, later, the Reformed Empire at supplanting their ancestral religions with worship of their respective religions ended in bloodshed. The people of these twin nations are unruly do not take kindly to outside rule.
The forests of Llachatul were once far larger than they are today, dominating most of the continent up to an arctic latitude. The forest has dwindled greatly, through over-exploitation and changing climate, though it remains populated. The people of the empire are superstitious of those who dwell in the forest, and though they are considered to be little more than savages, the truth is quite different.
Both Tahall and Ezasuh are descended from ancient Korachani migrants exiled for their religious beliefs by a newly appointed Archpotentate Malichar. Today both have powerful navies and are ill at ease with the power that Korachan has maintained for 4-millennia.
a vassal of Sarastro since 3713 RM, Lideans are known for their love of team, and the tea leaves grown here are enjoyed across the Inner Sea region. Since 3973 RM it has been ruled by a Regent-king in the name of Sathep.
A tumultuous recent history has seen Mharokk come under control of the Dorn Kings, then Sarastro, and, finally, 70-years ago back to Korachan, though being surrounded by Sarastroan territories, its political future remains uncertain
a Vassal of Parthis, Tartak is a major source of Umbra to its parent nation, and is heavily defended due to this.
Andiluth is a land that is assaulted by savage storms that bring great waves dozens of miles inland. It is populated by nomads who comb the shores for trophies on wind-powered crawling ambulants. Trakian are adept at fighting the Atramenta, which affects its people in the form of cyclocephaly. Those who are born with cyclocephaly are more likely to have an affinity for the Atramenta and are sent to study in Deacania, where they become shapers who fight against the spread of the Atramenta.
Sagittaria is a nation founded by korachani exiles. They settled the area surrounding the lagoons of Troja and became expert mariners, but the retreat of Elyden's seas left the sea dry, and a wretched salty basin now lies in its place Erebeth is a proud nation that unfortunately finds itself on the doorstep of the warmongering Cyhlagharri oghurs, and its south-eastern borders have been a contested warzone for decades
Its position just south of the Srait of Nárthel found this nation growing rich off taxation of sea traffic across the strait, but its silting a few centuries ago saw it diminish. As a result it was annexed by Venthir some decades ago, and it continues to grow in confidence now as it has learnt to redirect lost ea traffic overland
a wretched grotesque land of exotic succulent plants and the grotesque aantha - spider like abominations that build great fortresses from the resin-like 'silk' that they produce
Observing ancient eastern Firmamental traditions, Khamid is the western-most outpost that clings to these abhorrent beliefs and it has been subject of various crusades by the Korachani empire, in a bid to rid Elyden of its foul 'witches'
An archaic land that, at least in the eyes of the Korachani empire, epitomises the eastern heathen 'ideals'. It has been on the receiving end of manny Crusades of Faith over the years, but its people remain strong and resolute in their animistic beliefs
Ruled for millennia by the paranoid sphinx-queen Hetepheres, Venthir is ncurrently in a silent war with Sarastro - both sides are eager to lay waste to their neighbour, but are weary of the devastation that retaliation will bring.
A map showing the hours of daylight in the northern and southern hemispheres during winter months
The heart of the Reformed Empire, which broke away from Korachan in 3705 RM, Sarastro is ruled by the lich-king Sathep - a political and religious rival to the Archpotentate Malichar of Korachan.
a vast land of hundreds of city states and small states, the region shares a cultural heritage yet each of its political entities is proudly distinct. The region is rife with political intrigue and winding merchant caravans are a common sight, trading specific goods that each of the states is renowned for.
a vast land of hundreds of city states and small states, the region shares a cultural heritage yet each of its political entities is proudly distinct. The region is rife with political intrigue and winding merchant caravans are a common sight, trading specific goods that each of the states is renowned for.
A map showing the flags of the many city-states of the Surrach, as well as info on enclaves found within its territories.
Tzallrach has a proud martial history and has fended off many Crusades of Faith over the years. It is divided into four Onarchies, each of whichis ruled by an Onarch - answerable only to the Anarch, who rules from the capital in Luccitaria
A map detailing the skies of the northern and southern hemispheres.
Two lands locked in the middle of a power struggle between the High-empire to the east and the Secular Republic of Parthis in the south-west. Ahka is a contested land, its entire south-eastern territories now lost to war and its population is dispersed across Ataraxia, which its larger northern neighbour, which has fared better at fending off Korachani attacks. The waters off Ahka’s south-eastern coast are replete with umbra, which are a valuable assed to whoever can control them.
A Kingdom grounded in the past, Saua is divided into 56 feual states, each of which owes fealty to the Diadon. Its people are spiritualists and hold a great respect for the natural world - a part of their culture which is currently at odds with the growing industrialisation in its larger cities.
Descended from ancient Korachani exiles, the people of Aquariia are expert mariners
Gnoth is a land populated by the dour contemplative giganri - a race of slender giants who seek introspection and meditation as a means of understanding the melancholia that they inherited from their Demiurge father - Urakabarameel
Gnoth is a land populated by the dour contemplative giganri - a race of slender giants who seek introspection and meditation as a means of understanding the melancholia that they inherited from their Demiurge father - Urakabarameel
the giganri of Gnoth have a longstanding tradition of mysticism, some aspects of which are detailed here
a nation of rutheless calculating oghurs renowened for their pirates and slavers, cyhlagharr is a menace to all trade across the Inner Sea
A land ruled by women, where men are slaves. It is a land steeped in baroque religious ritual. Each Naarethi household (city) is ruled by a religious figure known as a Matriarch. Male offspring become elite soldiers or slave overseers, whilst females are educated to become citizens, making them eligible to take part in the Rite of the Volute.
Twin nations south of the great desert of Anubia known for their extremist religions, in which scarification and self-mutilation are the norm.
Not truly a nation, but a series of expansive deserts, the largest of which is the Molachari Desert (named after the Imperial Archpotentate), in the north-east of Sammaea. Most of its people share a cultural heritage that dates back to ancient ages, though which today are largely forgotten beneath the marching sands. The place is dangerous, not only for its environmental perils, but also for the strange beings, known as mkisihs, that roam the wastelands – failed genetic experiments of the kingdom of Venthir, they now wander the deserts and are worshipped as living idols by some of Anubia’s nomads.
the various colonies of the Korachani empire, across Elyden
a cutaway map showing the history of Venthiri coastal towers
A distant land, far from the politicking of the Inner Sea and even the influence of the Korachani empire. This is an idyllic land, by the standards of the ancient post-industrial states of the Inner Sea, and its people are expert mariners, using catamarans to skillfully navigate their shallow waters.
A polar kingdom that is known across Elyden for its cloning techniques and meteore mines.
The Atramental wasteland of the Umbra Sokhar is but a teaser of the grotesque an inimical wastes that lies south of the Moloth Khammothul Mountains
Comprised of dozens of warring tribes, the Growing Mountains of Rhinocoloura are a hotbed of conflict and borders that are in flux.
a map detailing the Strait of Narthel and the consequences of its silting up a few hndred years ago
The damming of the river Shibboleth in 2943 RM brought electricity and political power to Aethios, but it was short-lived, and the Korachani empire declared war, ultimately destroying the dam flooding the Shibboleth for hundreds of miles downstream, ruining Aethios.
The Sultanate of Rhinocoloura controls a large length of the great river Shibboleeth
These distant nations are known to the people of the Inner Sea for their worship of the Sun-deity Nergaal and the mysterious cult that surrounds its worship
The maddening realm of Carceri pervades the flesh of Elyden like a vile parasite. Created by the demented Demiurge Vorropohaiah to imprison ancient beings, it is now home to the ropohaii - mishappen mortal children who shun the light and populate the nightmares of children across the Korachani empire
A map showing the watershed and drainage basin of the great river Shibboleth
Once a Korachani colony, this region is now independent, controlling most trade in the treacherous Lethean Sea
Three closely-linked nations in this tropical east of the continent of Llachatuk
A technocracy ruled by a millennia-old god-scion, Porphyr is known as for its ark-worshipping populace
detailing the various time-periods that shapedthe current political borders of the Porphyri peninsula
A federation of many city-states
twin nations on a peninsula in the dreaded sea of Lethea
a map detailing the prevalent currents within the Inner Sea
Jahadat emerged from a tumultuous period in abacaradti history though the two are now uneasy allies.
a map detailing th White Sheet that covers the northern pole of Elyden
a polar nation made up of a federeation of allies states
an oddity to the far north of the Inner Sea, known to most outsiders as an antiquated feudal realm whose people practice cannbalistic ancestral worship. The region has only now begun to embrace the wonders of industrialisation nnote: this entire region and map was made through the combined efforts of my Patrons. Check out my patreon for more ativities such as this.
A sub tropical region known for its policing force that use trained baboons and deadly fungi that lurk in its jungles
an expansive republic that encompassesthe majority of the Waelmigh rainforest, its people are ill-understood by the more 'civilised' north
three culturally-linked nations that together known as the Parnasian States
a map detailing the extant territories of the Korachani empire and recent major events
detailing the supranatural forces of the Materia Omna and the arbitrary equinostial line that marks the furthest point from the Atramental and Firmamental major lacunae
a map detailing the major Atramental Lacuna
Almost bankrupted by two unsuccessful wars, the Hmmen regime is now distrusted by its people, who have turned to trade with neighbouring nations. Pnessans are known for their effective if exotic medicines and poisons, made from the myriad flora and fauna of their rainforest home.



A map detailing the time-zones of Elyden
A map depicting the most common route of the Shadow March, the great pilgrimage undertaken by the followers of no less than 3 religions with common roots, the destination of which is the Sepulchral Palace and the body of the Undying Machine Rachanael
a cutaway map depicting a Sammaean caravanserai

a map depitcing the years leading to the unification of Korachan and the Inner Sea, and the so-called Itinerary of Malichar that led to him becoming the Archpotenate of the Korachani empire
A cutaway map detailing a temple of the Reformed Church of Sarastro





a map detailing some of the cuisine that is common in the Korachani peninsula.
a map detailing the extant territories of the Sarastroan empire and recent major events
a map detailing the smaller dependencies and colonies of Sarastro
A map detailing the relationships between the nations of the Near-hemisphere
a map detailing the governments of the Near-hemisphere

Here you can find all maps from the Atlas Elyden that are not structured around a single nation. This includes climate maps and maps about specific subjects like trade-routes or ethicities.

MISCELLANEOUS Maps from Atlas Elyden

the ATLAS Elyden

An independent region to the east of the Korachani empire that is embracing the industrialization that is now commonplace around the Inner Sea. It is composed of 8 kingdoms that together rule the entire region. The capital is Caria, in which rules High-king Caeron.

A major power in the Inner Sea Region, Almagest found independence in 3014 RM following the short-but-bloody War of the Artifexes. Today it is a major industrial centre and its eponymous capital city remains one of the largest known cities in the civilized word.

Ruled by the enigmatic Augur and her Nine Seers, Lyridia is a land of great wealth and dichotomous ways that clings on to an ancient way of life. Those who cling to the old ways are known as troglodytes and live in cave-settlements, revering the Augur and her seers as living deities.

An outcast amongst nations, Paraiya is a land that clings to its tribal beliefs with an unflinching grasp. It lies just north of the Atramental-expanse known as the Umbra Solare, and its people are xenophobic an self-reliant to a fault.

Both Tahall and Ezasuh are descended from ancient Korachani migrants exiled for their religious beliefs by a newly appointed Archpotentate Malichar. Today both have powerful navies and are ill at ease with the power that Korachan has maintained for 4-millennia.

a vassal of Sarastro since 3713 RM, Lideans are known for their love of team, and the tea leaves grown here are enjoyed across the Inner Sea region. Since 3973 RM it has been ruled by a Regent-king in the name of Sathep.

A tumultuous recent history has seen Mharokk come under control of the Dorn Kings, then Sarastro, and, finally, 70-years ago back to Korachan, though being surrounded by Sarastroan territories, its political future remains uncertain

a Vassal of Parthis, Tartak is a major source of Umbra to its parent nation, and is heavily defended due to this.

a wretched grotesque land of exotic succulent plants and the grotesque aantha - spider like abominations that build great fortresses from the resin-like 'silk' that they produce

Observing ancient eastern Firmamental traditions, Khamid is the western-most outpost that clings to these abhorrent beliefs and it has been subject of various crusades by the Korachani empire, in a bid to rid Elyden of its foul 'witches'

An archaic land that, at least in the eyes of the Korachani empire, epitomises the eastern heathen 'ideals'. It has been on the receiving end of manny Crusades of Faith over the years, but its people remain strong and resolute in their animistic beliefs

Ruled for millennia by the paranoid sphinx-queen Hetepheres, Venthir is ncurrently in a silent war with Sarastro - both sides are eager to lay waste to their neighbour, but are weary of the devastation that retaliation will bring.

A map showing the hours of daylight in the northern and southern hemispheres during winter months

The heart of the Reformed Empire, which broke away from Korachan in 3705 RM, Sarastro is ruled by the lich-king Sathep - a political and religious rival to the Archpotentate Malichar of Korachan.

A map showing the flags of the many city-states of the Surrach, as well as info on enclaves found within its territories.

Tzallrach has a proud martial history and has fended off many Crusades of Faith over the years. It is divided into four Onarchies, each of whichis ruled by an Onarch - answerable only to the Anarch, who rules from the capital in Luccitaria

A map detailing the skies of the northern and southern hemispheres.

A Kingdom grounded in the past, Saua is divided into 56 feual states, each of which owes fealty to the Diadon. Its people are spiritualists and hold a great respect for the natural world - a part of their culture which is currently at odds with the growing industrialisation in its larger cities.

Descended from ancient Korachani exiles, the people of Aquariia are expert mariners

Gnoth is a land populated by the dour contemplative giganri - a race of slender giants who seek introspection and meditation as a means of understanding the melancholia that they inherited from their Demiurge father - Urakabarameel

Gnoth is a land populated by the dour contemplative giganri - a race of slender giants who seek introspection and meditation as a means of understanding the melancholia that they inherited from their Demiurge father - Urakabarameel

the giganri of Gnoth have a longstanding tradition of mysticism, some aspects of which are detailed here

a nation of rutheless calculating oghurs renowened for their pirates and slavers, cyhlagharr is a menace to all trade across the Inner Sea

Twin nations south of the great desert of Anubia known for their extremist religions, in which scarification and self-mutilation are the norm.

the various colonies of the Korachani empire, across Elyden

a cutaway map showing the history of Venthiri coastal towers

A polar kingdom that is known across Elyden for its cloning techniques and meteore mines.

The Atramental wasteland of the Umbra Sokhar is but a teaser of the grotesque an inimical wastes that lies south of the Moloth Khammothul Mountains

Comprised of dozens of warring tribes, the Growing Mountains of Rhinocoloura are a hotbed of conflict and borders that are in flux.

a map detailing the Strait of Narthel and the consequences of its silting up a few hndred years ago

The damming of the river Shibboleth in 2943 RM brought electricity and political power to Aethios, but it was short-lived, and the Korachani empire declared war, ultimately destroying the dam flooding the Shibboleth for hundreds of miles downstream, ruining Aethios.

The Sultanate of Rhinocoloura controls a large length of the great river Shibboleeth

These distant nations are known to the people of the Inner Sea for their worship of the Sun-deity Nergaal and the mysterious cult that surrounds its worship

A map showing the watershed and drainage basin of the great river Shibboleth

Once a Korachani colony, this region is now independent, controlling most trade in the treacherous Lethean Sea

Three closely-linked nations in this tropical east of the continent of Llachatuk

A technocracy ruled by a millennia-old god-scion, Porphyr is known as for its ark-worshipping populace

detailing the various time-periods that shapedthe current political borders of the Porphyri peninsula

A federation of many city-states

twin nations on a peninsula in the dreaded sea of Lethea

a map detailing the prevalent currents within the Inner Sea

Jahadat emerged from a tumultuous period in abacaradti history though the two are now uneasy allies.

a map detailing th White Sheet that covers the northern pole of Elyden

a polar nation made up of a federeation of allies states

A sub tropical region known for its policing force that use trained baboons and deadly fungi that lurk in its jungles

an expansive republic that encompassesthe majority of the Waelmigh rainforest, its people are ill-understood by the more 'civilised' north

three culturally-linked nations that together known as the Parnasian States

a map detailing the extant territories of the Korachani empire and recent major events

detailing the supranatural forces of the Materia Omna and the arbitrary equinostial line that marks the furthest point from the Atramental and Firmamental major lacunae

a map detailing the major Atramental Lacuna

Almost bankrupted by two unsuccessful wars, the Hmmen regime is now distrusted by its people, who have turned to trade with neighbouring nations. Pnessans are known for their effective if exotic medicines and poisons, made from the myriad flora and fauna of their rainforest home.

A map detailing the time-zones of Elyden

A map depicting the most common route of the Shadow March, the great pilgrimage undertaken by the followers of no less than 3 religions with common roots, the destination of which is the Sepulchral Palace and the body of the Undying Machine Rachanael

a cutaway map depicting a Sammaean caravanserai

a map depitcing the years leading to the unification of Korachan and the Inner Sea, and the so-called Itinerary of Malichar that led to him becoming the Archpotenate of the Korachani empire

A cutaway map detailing a temple of the Reformed Church of Sarastro

a map detailing some of the cuisine that is common in the Korachani peninsula.

a map detailing the extant territories of the Sarastroan empire and recent major events

a map detailing the smaller dependencies and colonies of Sarastro

A map detailing the relationships between the nations of the Near-hemisphere

a map detailing the governments of the Near-hemisphere

MISCELLANEOUS Maps from Atlas Elyden