Xanth, The Land! |
Xanth is a land of beauty, full of exotic
forests and jungles, mountains, lakes, caverns, and meadows.
Because of the Demon's magical influence, the features of the
land are more aware of their position, needs, and apperance than
those in Mundania, and are able to alter themselves magically if
they choose. The face of the land changes subtly every day.
Xanth's main point of contact with Mundania is the Isthmus. At
times throughout history, this narrow neck of land has been
crossed by fourteen major Waves of Colonization and several times
by single creatures or groups of creatures who found their way
into Xanth by chance. It is possible to determine when or where
you are going by the color of the water around the Isthmus. If
the water is black, Xanth is tied at that moment to the Black Sea
in Asia. When the tide turns crimson, Xanth is close to
Montgomery, Alabama. Because of the Interface of Xanth built by
ancient humans, Xanth time and Mundanian time vary. If a Mundnian
stumbles into Xanth, when he leaves he has no control over when
or where he will end up. You can also leave Xanth through the
gourd as the night mares do, leaving through a Zombie gourd on No
Name Key.
From the north to the south the land of Xanth is filled with many
perils.
Below are just a fiew of the many places in Xanth roughly from
north to south.
North of the Gap: |
Place: | Description: |
Ogre-Fen-Ogre Fen- | Home of the Ancestral Ogres. An ugly swamp inhabited by ogres, which explains the twisted trees. It is not a popular spot for sightseers, or anyone else, as the ogres will happily eat passersby if they can catch them. |
The 5 Forbidden Regions- | Directly south
of the Ogre-Fen-Ogre Fen. From north to south they are: Air-This area is full of moving air, with dust storms and tornadoes driving sand against the cliffs. There is no vegetation or life here. It is bounded by a cyclone fence. Earth-As soon as you cross the border the wind stops, but the relief is only momentary. The ground is quaking and lava flows through the barren rocky terrain. An unscalable mountain range is visible and a huge volcano flowing lava at the border of the region of Fire. Only rock plants and other sturdy growths are produced in the ever-changing soils. Fire-A ring of fire rages along the border to this region. The land beyond is burned and the air is full of ash. To the north, an eternal forest fire rages. To the west, a lake of fire occasionally belches up mushroom clouds of flame. To the east is a field of fire from which columns of flame rise occasionally as gas puffs up from fumaroles and ignites. New plants push up through the ashes, only to be consumed because they are so desiccated that they havn't enough water in their tissues to resist the flames. Water-At the north end of the relm of fire, the firewall at the flaming border raises a hot cloud of steam, which coalesces on the other side into clouds. The Water Wing has a tendancy toward weather. Strong rainfall is common here, as are sleet and snow. Water abounds in all its states, and there is almost no dry land. A few middle-aged mermaids and tritons live her, enjoying the constant abundance of cool water. Void-Beyond the border of Water, is an imperceptable swirl of nothingness. Perception is confused here, one sees what one wishes to see; and all is illusion. It is difficult to leave the Void, once entered, an invisible one-way stone wall prevents any escape. Any who enter the Void are considered lost, though there have been a few lucky folk who managed the difficult escape. |
Regions of the creatures- | Dragonland- The place where dragons rule, all
shapes and sizes, species and kinds. Naga Caverns- Home of the Naga, half human half snake. Realy hate Goblins. Region of the Goblins- Baisicly like an ant mound of ugly, short, rude humanoid things. But their gettin better now. Home of the Callicantzari- Trust me, ya don't wanna know. Elfland- Just that, the land of the little people. Region of Griffons- Home to the creatures with the body of a lion and the hear and wings of an eagle. Birdland- Tweet, Tweet, SQUAK! From the little birds to the real big ones. |
North Village- | Before Castle Roogna was restored, this village was the center of human government. The Storm King was the last to govern from here. This is the largest human village in Xanth, home to Bink and his parents Roland and Bianca. This is also the home of Justin Tree, a transformed man who opted to stay in tree form even after Trent returned and offered to restore him. This village is built within a stockade, to protect all who reside there. |
The Gap Village- | This human settlement is more rustic then the North Village. It is only a minor stockade, but is the largest human settlement on the edge of the Gap. It lies close to the shallowest part of the north slope. This is the hometown of Chameleon, and Magician Humfrey himself! |
The Gap: |
The Gap Chasm- | A great chasm stretches across Xanth, from east to west. Considered one of Xanth's best natural defenses, the Gap Chasm is also the lands worst inconviences to traveling folk. Though there are 3 bridges traversing the Gap, because of an ancient forget spell, some don't even know that it exists, and cannot cross. The forget spell has mostly dissipated by now, but it was forgotten for so long that it takes some time for the word to spread. Patrolling the floor of the chasm is a great whomping dragon, Stanley Steamer, a friend to the royal family and Princess Ivy. |
South of the Gap |
The Faux Pass- | A misstep by the Giant Faux caused him to trip on a mountain range and create this pass through the mountains. |
The Isle of Illusion- | The former home of the Sorceress Iris, this isle is virtually barren, with scraggly plants and a dilapidated shack. When Ireis resided here she used her talent to create the illusion of a lush isle, with a magnificent palace in place of the shack. For a time in her old age her talent started wandering back to the Isle, creating the illusions that once were. |
Vale of the Vole- | Considered by the Voles who reside here not to be a part of the land of Xanth, it is a peaceful valley of the Kiss-Mee River, with it's wiggly curves and loving nature. There was once a considerable problem with Hummers in the Vale, as the Demon Corps of Engineers pulled the river straight. Once restored, the Vale became peacefull again, though the Kiss-Mee River and Lake have yet to fully recover from the trauma. |
Isle of View- | An affectionate island where the sleeping princess was supposed to wait for her prince. Just speaking it's name in the company of the opposite sex can lead to some interesting results, as Prince Dolph found out. |
The West Stockade- | This enclosed village is on the western shore of Xanth "where the gaze-gourds grow." This is a minor human settlement, signifigant only because it was the home of Millie the Maid, Sorceress Tapis, and Electra. |
Isles of Joey- | Theive's Isle-where travelers forget about the
valuables they bring with them, so they fall to Black
Pete, who uses mustard seeds dipped in Forget-Whorl to
make you forget. Beauty-whose natural splendor is so complete and perfect that it would seem illusionary, but it is very real. A hundred-one and a half monsters live here, each more terrible than the last. Horror-which resembles one of the more frightening scenes of the gourd. Water-where the water-worm turns all it touches to water. Fake Isle-which is used as cover for a giant female kraken weed who eats the innocent prey that approaches. Food Isle-which is a huge cake with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and all the trimmings. Children enjoy gorging themselves on the isle, but soon regret eating so much cake. There are believed to be other Isles of Joey not yet discovered. |
Land of the Fee- | Inland from the Gold Coast is the region of the Fee. In this glade live stunningly beautiful humans, mostly young women in glowing white, who are all marred by a single animal feature. Their leader is Fulsome Fee, a handsome young man with duck feet. They seek to breed with outsiders of any race, whether willing or not, and insist they mate for life. It is best for busy travelers to avoid the Fee. |
Magic Dust Village- | The village is a normal stockade where humans and other creatures harvest the magic dust that wells up from the rocks below. They use captured rocs to beat their wings and distrubute the dust all over Xanth. The large abundance of the magic dust causes a great increase in the potency of magic, so no one uses their talents here. They live simply, using no magic to facilitate everyday life. The Gorgon and her sister the Siren live nearby, and the folk of the Village aren't too keen of their alluring capabilities on the village men. |
The Source of Magic- | Far below the Magic Dust Village is a great cavern surrounded by the Shield from the adapted deathstone. Inside the Shield is the Source of all magic in Xanth. The Demon X(A/N)th. An omnipotent being, he spends his days pondering ways to gain status in the complicated demon games he plays. Helped at times by the creatures of Xanth to realize things he never knew about mortal life, the Demon undertakes a serious bet with his fellow demons in the book Yon Ill Wind. |
Lake Ogre-Chobee- | The shores of this lake are the first ancestral home of the Ogres, who moved here from the Ogre-Fen-Ogre Fen. Under the lake lies Gateway Castle, the home of the Curse Fiends. In the center of the castle is a great Vortex, into which the Fiends throw unwanted guests and other such ilk. |
Mount Rushmost- | This is the meeting place of the winged monsters. It is virtually unaccessable by any means other then flying. The leader of the winged monsters, Cheiron, holds court here. Weddings and other important events of the winged creatures are performed here. |
Region of Madness- | Lies all around the southeast edge of the Magic Dust Village. A strange region seeped in magic, it is known for being completely mad, and the events that occur in its wild jungles are wierd even for Xanthly standards! Home to living constellations, new species of butterflys, and Xanth's first recorded sighting of reverse wood, the Region of Madness plays bit parts in The Source of Magic, and plays a greater role in Geis of the Gargoyle. |
The Gold Coast- | The sand, trees, plants, fruit, and rocks are all pure gold. There stands the Ivory Tower, on a lonely promontory, where Rapunzel was once imprisioned by the Sea Hag. The Tower is only accessable by foot at low tide. Otherwise it is cut off by swift moving tides and dangerous golden rocks. |
Mount Parnassus- | Home to the Simurgh, the wisest bird in Xanth, who has seen the destruction of the universe 3 times. The Tree of Seeds grows on the peak, and the Maeneds roam the slopes. The Oracle of the Pythia live here, who answer questions while sitting on a stool over a cleft. The Muses reside here also. No creatures are allowed to fly over or around the mountain, and the Simurgh renders those flightless who try. |
Faun & Nymph Retreat- | A handsome lake and a lovely mountain surrounded by thick forest, enclosed by a ring of mountains south of Lake Ogre-Chobee, is the last reserve of the ancient Fauns and Nymphs. They spend their days in innocent pleasure, full of chases and celebrations. They are so innocent that they do not understand the concept of hate, and do not remember over the span of a day. They are without defense, but once Stanley Steamer resided here and protected them, but his place was taken over by Snortimer, Ivy's monster-under-the-bed. |
Everglades- | Endless tracks of swampy fields, islands of palm trees, and tall grass through which one will pass over and over again unless rescued by Arnolde Centaur with reverse wood. |
Centaur Isle- | On the verge of Mundania, Centaur is the southernmost region of Xanth. This is the home of the centaurs, they live here peacefully, playing people-shoes and trying to forget the existance of obscene magic. |
The Fountain of Youth- | No one in Xanth
knows of the whereabouts of the Fountain. It's locations
is a well kept secret of Magician Humfrey, who uses it's
elixr to keep himself at the perfect age of about 100. Since none of us know its location I put it at the end of the list. |
The Gourd: |
Though technically not a region of Xanth, the Gourd world is a unique feature of the magic of the land. Existing inside the peephole of the hypnogourds, this is the realm of dreams. Ruled over by Trojan, the Night Stallion or the Dark Horse, it is the birthplace of all the bad dreams, created by the gourd inhabitants, and delivered by the night mares, Trojan's handiwork is the bane of all souled creatures. If one looks into the peephole in a gourd, their body freezes in place, and their soul travels into the dream world. It is unfortunate to be trapped in the gourd, because you cannot get out of your own volition, someone in Xanth proper must break the line of sight between your eye and the peephole. If no one rescues you, then you may be forever stuck in to gourd world, or at least until your body rots from malnourishment. |
Castles of Xanth: |
Good Magician Humfrey's Castle- | Though its exact location is not known, on purpose, mind you, Humfrey's Castle is generally located south of the gap and north east of Castle Roogna. Though Humfrey would rather spend his time pouring over his tomes, his status as the Magician of Information tends to encourage flocks of querents seeking an answer to their problems. To discourage petty problems that may not be worth his time, Humfrey had the centaurs build the castle with some very unique capabilities. At a word, something such as "In the name of Good Magician Humfrey, Castle change shape," the castle will up and rearrange itself to a new configuration, complete with 3 challenges that a querent must overcome to gain admittance to seek an answer. Humfrey also charges a years service in exchange for an answer. These challenges and services, and the overall exertion it takes just to find the place, discourages most visitors. Humfrey now gets about one querent a month, which is a bit much for his tastes, but nothing can be perfect. |
Castle Roogna- |
This is the hub of human activity in Xanth. For two generations so far, the royal family and friends have lived and ruled from this magnificent ediface. Dating from the time of the Fifth Wave, Castle Roogna was built by the late King Roogna. It was built on a bet between Roogna and Magician Murphy, if Roogna could overcome Murphy's curse of misfortune and get the castle built within a year, Roogna would be King and Murphy would forget his wish to be king. But, if Roogna failed to live up to the a forementioned terms, Murphy would be the one to rule. For a time it seemed as if Murphy's curse was too strong for Roogna. A goblin-harpy war was set to be waged exactly where the castle was being built, and the Fifth Wave was just beginning to wave through Xanth. But, with the help of a foreign barbarian and his giant spider friend, both the wave, and the goblins and harpies were vanquished, and as a result, the Forget Spell was detonated in the gap. It is all described in Castle Roogna.After laying in ruins since the death of King Gromden and the accession of King Yang, castle Roogna was home to Rose of Roogna for a time, but was deserted for a century or so after that. It wasn't until Bink and the Magician Trent stumbled upon the castle that the Golden Age of Xanth began, and Trent once again established Castle Roogna as the governing point of Xanth. The Castle has many natural defenses, such as the orchard around it where the trees can move to block off trespassers, and some cherry bomb trees. |
New Castle Zombie- | After the Zombie Master Jonathan and Millie the Maid were restored, they set about looking for a place to live. Their Old Castle Zombie was being inhabited by the Good Magician, so they built themselves a New Castle Zombie. On the outside it looks rotten and slimey, with an algae ridden moat and crumbling bricks. It's structure is stronger then it looks however, and don't judge the inside the same way. Millie has made many improvements to the decor, and all rooms except the Zombie Masters laboratory are virtually zombie free. With a faithful contingent of Zombie defenders, Castle Zombie is a very unique and interesting place to visit. |
Ivory Tower- | Because it had not been built yet, Humfrey was allowed to not write about the Ivory Tower in his essay for the School of Magic, to the annoyance of Professor Glosscout. The home of the late Sea Hag, and prior prison to Rapunzel, the Ivory Tower is located off the shore of the Gold Coast. |
Nameless Castle- | A fairly new edition of our knowledge of Xanth, Nameless Castle is located on a cloud above the Gold Coast. It is made of cloud itself, with a gateway that seems as if it's built for a giant. It's labyrinth of rooms inside are built to human standards, however. In the center is a large room with a large glass ceiling, where Roxanne Roc once sat for centuries waiting for the egg that held Simurgh Jr. to hatch. It is now inhabited by a pretty girl named Chlorine and her friend the dragon-ass Nimby(Not In My Back Yard). They spend their days helping as many people as possible, and their nights doing things I can't even begin to discuss because of the Adult Conspiracy. |