The world presented in the Legend of the Grimoire and Knights of Sehaann series is entirely of my own creation. Even though it is based on Earth and has many familiar Earth-like conventions, my beta readers impressed upon me the need to differentiate it from the Earth we know. I have made a concerted effort to do so. As such, there are terms that my characters fling around with which they are entirely familiar and which my Earth-based readers are, regrettably, not. Therefore, for those who would like a brief primer on how the Syndrayan world works, I provide it here.
Syndraya is a world similar in composition to Earth, though slightly smaller (~19,000 miles/30,500 kilometers in circumference). It orbits a single sun, may or may not be part of a well-populated solar system (I honestly haven’t had the need to figure that out), and its surface is primarily water. Navigating about the world relies upon the same standard geographic coordinate system familiar to Earthlings, with coordinates in degrees, minutes, and seconds. Cardinal directions are also the same—North, East, South, West—and it should be assumed that the Syndrayan magnetic field is roughly the same as Earth’s, even though I don’t delve too deeply into magnetics as a resource for navigation. This was done to maintain my sanity.
Now to the differences. The Syndrayan year is 450 days long, divided uniformly into fifteen months of thirty days apiece. Days are 26 hours long, weeks are comprised of six days each, and months, therefore, have five weeks. Syndraya travels around its sun in a near-circular orbit, and the planet’s axial tilt is approximately 20°. As such, Syndraya does have seasons similar to Earth’s winter, spring, and autumn. Syndraya lacks polar ice caps and, excepting a few high-altitude terrestrial locations, no part of the planet experiences perpetual ice cover. Because of its high percentage of planetary water, negligible orbit eccentricity, and ideal distance from its sun, the average Syndrayan temperature is well-moderated, with seasonal extremes that are milder than those experienced on Earth. The only locations on Syndraya which experience conditions similar to summer on Earth are those deep in the interior of a continent and near the equator, of which there are very few.
Distances between land masses are large and travel between them is only possible via ship, so each country has a thriving naval industry. Extraterrestrial travel is not yet possible, though many Syndrayans firmly believe in other worlds, so, for now, they are content to explore the uncharted frontiers of their own planet. Below is a visual reference of the Syndrayan year.
Syndraya is a world similar in composition to Earth, though slightly smaller (~19,000 miles/30,500 kilometers in circumference). It orbits a single sun, may or may not be part of a well-populated solar system (I honestly haven’t had the need to figure that out), and its surface is primarily water. Navigating about the world relies upon the same standard geographic coordinate system familiar to Earthlings, with coordinates in degrees, minutes, and seconds. Cardinal directions are also the same—North, East, South, West—and it should be assumed that the Syndrayan magnetic field is roughly the same as Earth’s, even though I don’t delve too deeply into magnetics as a resource for navigation. This was done to maintain my sanity.
Now to the differences. The Syndrayan year is 450 days long, divided uniformly into fifteen months of thirty days apiece. Days are 26 hours long, weeks are comprised of six days each, and months, therefore, have five weeks. Syndraya travels around its sun in a near-circular orbit, and the planet’s axial tilt is approximately 20°. As such, Syndraya does have seasons similar to Earth’s winter, spring, and autumn. Syndraya lacks polar ice caps and, excepting a few high-altitude terrestrial locations, no part of the planet experiences perpetual ice cover. Because of its high percentage of planetary water, negligible orbit eccentricity, and ideal distance from its sun, the average Syndrayan temperature is well-moderated, with seasonal extremes that are milder than those experienced on Earth. The only locations on Syndraya which experience conditions similar to summer on Earth are those deep in the interior of a continent and near the equator, of which there are very few.
Distances between land masses are large and travel between them is only possible via ship, so each country has a thriving naval industry. Extraterrestrial travel is not yet possible, though many Syndrayans firmly believe in other worlds, so, for now, they are content to explore the uncharted frontiers of their own planet. Below is a visual reference of the Syndrayan year.
For those who may want to see how the Annali school year fits in, here it is:
A couple of countries/continents are featured prominently in the series. Below is some more in-depth information about them.
Annali Republic: The nation of the Annali people comprises the entirety of the Elyran continent, spans approximately 650 miles (1046 km) in diameter, and is governed as a democratic republic. Located at a temperate latitude, the Annali Republic is not only the Syndrayan naval superpower, but also enjoys productive agricultural regions, flourishing ranching lands, and affluent cities surrounding their bustling ports.
Terracova is the national capitol and the seat of the Annali Naval Authority, which provides oversight for the Annali naval industry. In addition to shipboard travel, the Annali also traverse their country via passenger rail and carriages drawn by unique animals called nymeran. The chief export of the Annali Republic is talek, a manufactured crystalline power source which can only be produced by Annali from an ore sourced exclusively in the Annali Republic.
Sehaann: A large country divided into individually-governed provinces, Sehaann is a constitutional monarchy. Sehaann was originally established by a single king, but every ruler since him has been the sovereign prince or princess, out of respect for the distinguished legacy of their founding ruler. The sovereign prince/princess rules in the highest official station, and the title of king or queen is reserved only for those individuals whose accomplishments are profound and enduring.
Sehaannian society is strictly divided in a rigid caste system. Most of the country’s population is situated in the lowest class, which subsists at or slightly above poverty level. There is a healthy middle class, which is comprised primarily of skilled artisans, merchants, and other tradespeople. The titled nobles and royalty make up the highest class.
Slavery is a way of Sehaannian life, but slave ownership is restricted to those who are wealthy enough to adequately provide for their slaves’ upkeep. Thus, slaves are generally treated very well and are seen more as personal companions than indentured servants. Most slaves live and work in the grand homes and palaces of the upper class.
Arcini is the Sehaannian capitol. It is a sprawling metropolis with the massive royal palace sitting at the center. All provinces are ruled by dukes/duchesses and are typically left alone to rule as they wish, providing they follow the laws set in the country’s constitution.
Annali Republic: The nation of the Annali people comprises the entirety of the Elyran continent, spans approximately 650 miles (1046 km) in diameter, and is governed as a democratic republic. Located at a temperate latitude, the Annali Republic is not only the Syndrayan naval superpower, but also enjoys productive agricultural regions, flourishing ranching lands, and affluent cities surrounding their bustling ports.
Terracova is the national capitol and the seat of the Annali Naval Authority, which provides oversight for the Annali naval industry. In addition to shipboard travel, the Annali also traverse their country via passenger rail and carriages drawn by unique animals called nymeran. The chief export of the Annali Republic is talek, a manufactured crystalline power source which can only be produced by Annali from an ore sourced exclusively in the Annali Republic.
Sehaann: A large country divided into individually-governed provinces, Sehaann is a constitutional monarchy. Sehaann was originally established by a single king, but every ruler since him has been the sovereign prince or princess, out of respect for the distinguished legacy of their founding ruler. The sovereign prince/princess rules in the highest official station, and the title of king or queen is reserved only for those individuals whose accomplishments are profound and enduring.
Sehaannian society is strictly divided in a rigid caste system. Most of the country’s population is situated in the lowest class, which subsists at or slightly above poverty level. There is a healthy middle class, which is comprised primarily of skilled artisans, merchants, and other tradespeople. The titled nobles and royalty make up the highest class.
Slavery is a way of Sehaannian life, but slave ownership is restricted to those who are wealthy enough to adequately provide for their slaves’ upkeep. Thus, slaves are generally treated very well and are seen more as personal companions than indentured servants. Most slaves live and work in the grand homes and palaces of the upper class.
Arcini is the Sehaannian capitol. It is a sprawling metropolis with the massive royal palace sitting at the center. All provinces are ruled by dukes/duchesses and are typically left alone to rule as they wish, providing they follow the laws set in the country’s constitution.