Weissland

[ Added 01/11/23 ]


The frigid, sacred birthplace of Spells



Overview of Weissland

Weissland is located at the southernmost part of the Eastern Continent. The region itself is not a country defined by political or national lines, but refers to the land south of the Linhof River bordering Laubholz. The sole inhabited village in that region is also called Weissland. That remote village literally covered in snow is undoubtably the most famous village in the world since, as we know well, this is the land where Spells were discovered. Historical documents say that the population of Weissland drastically increased after that famous event and the people used their newfound knowledge to advance northward. This is the source for one of the origin theories of Laubholz mentioned previously, by the way. People continue to leave Weissland even in the present, leaving less than a thousand people in the village. Invasions by the Hahn Empire also had a drastic impact on the population.

The villagers revere Quells as sacred objects, still embodying the concept of “Primitive Animism” from ancient times. Further inland from the village is the Ice Megalith, which the people both revere and fear. Despite being the birthplace of Spells, their usage in Weissland has gone mostly unchanged, the main purpose being to keep oneself warm with Flame Anima. In recent years, however, it seems that the people have begun to adopt new Spell techniques brought in from Laubholz.

Because the region is so frigid, very few visitors come from abroad. Most travellers who do make it to the village hail from Laubholz, though sometimes the odd Digger turns up. The villagers are kind and welcoming, perhaps from a desire to seek the company of others.

Aside from using Quells, many of the villagers drink alcohol to stave off the cold. According to one of their sayings, “Quells warm you on the outside, alcohol warms you from the inside.” They call this alcohol “Quell Liquor,” so one can guess how effective it is. It is not made by submerging Quells, of course, but is a colorless liquid with a slight herbal aroma. The name is no joke, however, since Quell Liquor is one of the strongest spirits in all of Sandail.

Adults and children alike warm themselves with Flame Quells and Quell Liquor as they await the warmer months. Such is life in the village of Weissland.


Climate

Weissland stretches to the furthest end of the world, but the whole region is in an arctic zone, giving it a frigid climate. Even so, the snows melt around the only village during summer, so the residents have at least a brief respite from the cold. During this short time, the villagers are able to cultivate the fields and replenish their food supply. They have also devised other ways of long term food storage, such as smoking fish caught from the nearby rivers.




Megalith, the Sacred Grounds of Weissland

The existence of the Ice Megalith has been known to the people of Weissland since ancient times. Thus far, only a few are rumored to have seen the Megalith up close. None returned, however, leading the people to consider it sacred, forbidden land.

Those who actually make it to the Megalith are greeted by monsters who quickly dispatch anyone inexperienced in combat. Even seasoned Sentries and Diggers have never explored the Megalith and returned to tell of their exploits. Expedition parties who turned back said, “The path to the Megalith is a dragon’s nest. There’s no way anyone can get through there.” The Megalith still stands amid the glaciers, as if laughing at the foolish adventurers.


There is a tent left behind by Diggers who were heading for the Megalith. Supposedly, the Diggers carelessly set out in the middle of winter and froze to death in their camp. Stories like this only fuel legends about the Megalith standing amid the glaciers.

Each villager brews their own liquor and wants for the company of others in winter. They gather and bring their liquor to the building that serves as a tavern and loudly talk, sing, and dine together. Sometimes it becomes almost like a liquor fair. Travellers from abroad are welcome to partake in the festivities and are even provided with overnight lodgings if needed.


Role During the Game

Wil comes here in search of the Megalith. He joins up with his namesake William and they find it, but…

The monsters in the glacier are tough, so several visits to the village might be needed. When exhausted, all one might think about is returning to the village straight away and imbibing some of that famous “Quell Liquor”.



The Isolated Town Filled with Treasures

Weissland basically has no other local specialties to export. This is because the village runs on a self-sufficient lifestyle. They possess currency, but bartering among the villagers is common.

Perhaps Quells could be considered an export, but many people come to Weissland seeking them as opposed to Quells actively being marketed abroad. Quell Liquor is another popular souvenir among visitors since it is strong with no impurities, making it a good choice for mixed drinks. Since each villager brews their own, one can enjoy comparing the subtle differences in aroma.