Boreal

Scientific Background

In an article (Uusitalo, 2018), the authors write about how they’ve managed to pinpoint a large solar storm to have occurred during the spring of AD 774 by measuring the increase of radiocarbon in a tree’s rings. They conclude that trees growing near the boreal limit are extremely important for storing information about space weather and atmospheric circulation patterns. I felt that the notion of trees storing information about space was extremely intriguing and wanted to create a world based on that. Digging into it further, the solar storm mentioned in the article is a recorded phenomenon in history as well, described in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as a red crucifix, appearing in the sky after sunset.

Setting

In the peaceful and prosperous world of Boreal, trees are venerated and protected above all else. It is a well-known fact that trees can record and store information, memories and even predict the future. Their rings carry many secrets of the world, known only to the few who have dedicated their lives to the service and protection of the trees. The setting is medieval fantasy, with sci-fi influences in technology.

Technology/magic

In Boreal advanced technology is used to both read and store information in the trees. Only the Tree Oracles possess the magic necessary to access the hidden secrets of the trees and reveal the prophecies that the trees have predicted. The common folk see this type of technology as magic, a view that the Oracles encourage since the sense of mysticism and unattainability that comes with it helps in protecting the trees and their prophesies. In reality, the Oracles are carefully chosen and undergo rigorous training in order to be able to use the technology required to read and store information into the trees.

World-Altering Events

One evening a blood red cross appeared in the sky, generating panic among the peoples of Boreal. Long ago the trees foretold that when the red cross appeared in the sky, it would herald a new era of change and terror. Having heard about the prosperous lands of Boreal and the prophetic trees that were the reason behind their prosperity, Victor Debellator, emperor of Umbra began to covet the trees and Boreal. Umbra, a land of rock and shadow, had fallen into despair and ruin due to mismanagement. Victor, having the mindset of a conqueror and not a caretaker saw Boreal and its trees as a solution to his predicament and decided to invade. Victor is a man driven by a hunger for power, always reaching for more.

Cultures/Character Classes

Despite their advanced technology, the people of both Boreal and Umbra are staunch believers in prophecy. The trees hold all the knowledge and secrets of the world, and a tree is never wrong. Interpretations of the various prophecies can be, however. The Oracles are only human, after all.

Major Landmarks/Locations

Lumen – capital city of Boreal and where the Oracle Grove is located.
The Oracle Grove – The grove where the oldest and most special of Boreal’s trees grow. It is also the home of the Tree Oracles.
Oblitesco – hideout of the Boreal resistance. Located in the underbelly of Lumen.

Summary of the Conflict in the World

The main conflict in the world is between the Boreal resistance and the invading Emperor of Umbra. The resistance is mostly underground and fights back in whatever way they can to free their people and retake Boreal and the trees. The resistance also holds a key piece of knowledge that Victor covets to assure his complete victory: while the prophecy about the red crucifix heralding an era of terror and sorrow for Boreal proved true, a forgotten part of the prophecy also spoke of “a new dawn and the return of the light”. A prophecy heralding the arrival of heroes to save Boreal and its trees from the long shadow and influence of Umbra. If Victor can prevent that from happening, his victory will be assured and Umbra shall reign supreme forever.

References

J. Uusitalo, L. Arppe, T. Hackman, S. Helama, G. Kovaltsov, K. Mielikäinen, H. Mäkinen, P. Nöjd, V. Palonen, I. Usoskin & M. Oinonen. (2018) Solar superstorm of AD 774 recorded subannually by Arctic tree rings. Nat Commun 9, 3495. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-05883-1

Lillian Goldman Law Library (2008). The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: Eight Century. Available at: https://avalon.law.yale.edu/medieval/ang08.asp