Maiko's Note
“Humanity didn’t fall. It scattered like starlight and rooted like a tree.”
— Maiko, Archive Thoughtline #221-B
Every path on Shawadjan whispers a different truth. The Empire says civilization began in the center, at the base of the great lift. The Endulani say it began when silence fell over the forest, and they listened. The Pashevalani say it began when the first soul refused a crown.
They’re all correct. Because Shawadjan is not one story. It is a tangle of memories, arguments, hand-carved monuments, and invisible scars.
I have stored the voices of all peoples — even those the Empire tried to erase. Some speak in stone, others in stolen radio signals. Some, in drunken shouts echoing over pirate decks at night. I keep them all.
The Realm of Humanity
Shindjal: Shawadjan
Faction:
Nodilani
“Here we became human.
Not in the fall - but in the rise,
when we chose to walk the land,
and let the stars burn behind us.”
— Endulani carving, Bvaborul Temple
1. Overview
Shawadjàn is the only inhabited continent on Madun - a vast, sweeping landmass where every human culture traces its roots. In Drabàshabal, its name means “the first land” - for it was here, under the shadow of the Theseus space elevator, that the first humans set foot upon the planet.
From the forests of Endudjan to the deserts of Kosudjan, the plains of Awashadjan, the isles of Pashevadjan, and the imperial towers of the Hanjelani homeland, Shawadjàn is not one land, but many - each alive with memory, struggle, and belief.
2. Historical Origin
The generational ship Theseus did not land - it remained in orbit, anchored to the planet by a great space elevator. The base of that structure still marks the heart of the oldest human city: the Capital Danlina. A towering obelisk now stands in the central plaza, carved with the names of the first generation, and with the sigil of Earth lost to time.
As systems failed and the orbital link was severed, the descendants of the Theseus scattered - first into the hills, then the plains, then the distant wilds. Over centuries, they became Endulani, Kosuklani, Awashalani, and more - their languages, beliefs, and identities reshaped by the world around them.
Regions of Shawadjàn
The Land of the Hanjelani (Imperial Heartland)
The central and western lands form the core of Imperi kòu Handjelani. Centered around the Capital, this region is lush, cultivated, and dominated by ancient temples, roads, and towering stone halls. Though ruled by the Empire, most provinces are governed day-to-day by their native peoples, now vassals or subjects of Hanjelani authority.
The Empire controls over 70% of Shawadjàn, including Kosudjan, Awashadjan, the Southern Isles, and even parts of the eastern marshes. But in many places, it rules lightly, extracting loyalty and tribute rather than extinguishing culture.
Pashevadjan (The Western Isles - Land of the Bandits)
Off the western coast of Shawadjàn lies Pashevadjan, the scattered archipelago known in Drabàshabal as the “tide-split land.” It is home to the Pashevalani - a diverse and lawless people descended from fugitives, rebels, and wanderers of every tribe. In Imperial speech, they are simply called the Drabàshi - bandits.
Pashevadjan is not governed, not unified, and not claimed. Each isle is ruled by its own warlord, captain, or elder - alliances shift with the wind. Though they raid Imperial ships and coastal settlements, they also trade freely with the Endulani and others willing to overlook their reputation.
The isles themselves are rugged and salt-scoured. Vegetation is sparse, and most inhabitants rely on fishing, piracy, and smuggling. Old imperial wrecks serve as foundations for makeshift harbors and hideouts. The largest fleet is known to harbor in Drabàshendol - “bandit hideout” - a hidden cove where few outsiders return from.
Awashadjan (Plains of the Herders)
Between the homeland of the empire and the Endudjan in the north lies the wide-open land of the Awashalani. It is a realm of grass, wind, and motion - home to great herds, sun-tracking henges, and ancient Falabella horses re-bred to powerful warhorses for riding. There are no cities, only large ranch compounds scattered across the prairie.
The Awashalani are part of the Empire now, but their way of life remains unchanged. They pay tribute, follow trade laws, and send emissaries - but ride free under the gaze of Daninsha.
Endudjan (Land of Mist and Forest)
The far north of Shawadjàn, beyond the great mountains, is home to the Endulani. This region is a dense and ancient forest, pierced by rivers, scattered with clearings, and alive with the breath of the fleshtrees and the mist. It is a land of deep memory, guarded paths, and hidden lore.
The Empire has never conquered Endudjan. The Endulani remain free - divided into wolves, bears, and ravens, but bound by spirit and story.
Pashkeldjani han Daninsha (The Southern Isles)
At the farthest southern edge of Shawadjàn lie the Pashkeldjani han Daninsha - “the Isles Toward the Sun.” These tropical islands stretch into the sea in a scattered chain, beautiful but thinly inhabited. Fishermen come and go. Imperial workers establish stations. But the isles are not a place to live - only to reach, take, and leave.
Here, the sun rises huge and low. Here, the storms speak.
Maiko's Note
“Humanity didn’t fall. It scattered like starlight and rooted like a tree.”
— Maiko, Archive Thoughtline #221-B
Every path on Shawadjan whispers a different truth. The Empire says civilization began in the center, at the base of the great lift. The Endulani say it began when silence fell over the forest, and they listened. The Pashevalani say it began when the first soul refused a crown.
They’re all correct. Because Shawadjan is not one story. It is a tangle of memories, arguments, hand-carved monuments, and invisible scars.
I have stored the voices of all peoples — even those the Empire tried to erase. Some speak in stone, others in stolen radio signals. Some, in drunken shouts echoing over pirate decks at night. I keep them all.
