A nation within Astrodia located on the continent of Valedrune
The University and the Witch of the White Forest – The Kingdom of Artmegia’s entire economy, government, and way of life is centered around the Academy of Arcane Arts, the most prestigious school for magic in Astrodia. Spellcasters and non-spellcasters have traveled across the world to learn different types of magic and skills at the colleges and campuses that can be found across Artmegia. And with the crackdown on magic from the Endymion Empire, the enrollment rate is higher than ever. However, things are not perfect. Years ago, a curse began to spread from the White Forest, thought to be the home of a coven of witches, into the Kingdom, threatening the Academy and its students. It is unclear why, but before the curse could do any real damage to the Kingdom, it retreated back into the Forest. Some believe the Forest is safe now, while others believe the curse could return at any moment and threaten Artmegia’s way of life again, but all who have gone to investigate haven’t returned.
Update from Tommy 2/6/2026
see image above
I have denoted some of the largest settlements across the kingdom, but not everything is shown (partially due to scale as well as the ability to improvise and add things as needed). The colleges of the Academy of Arcane Arts (AAA) are miles apart from each other and have a large enough influence on the local economy that entire cities have been built around them (think of it kinda like the UC system). Those traveling across the Expanse will likely disembark at Bayhaven, the largest port town in the kingdom.
The Fire King Island to the east is not technically apart of the Kingdom but they have a good relationship as the island is largely inhabited by those that continue to venerate the Phoenix King, a Higher Being, and some temples to the Phoenixes can be found around Artmegia proper.
Ulfr’s Journey there
Ulfr would have found his way to Artmegia after he met a traveling mage who described the academy to him and presumably told Ulfr that some of the college folk might be in need of day labors. Privately Ulfr was also excited by the idea of being around those who study books for a living. Perhaps it might help him understand his desire to learn and compose more verses…but he would never presume the academy would ever allow him to enroll so he’s hoping to absorb what he can from the outside.