Getting Started/Choose Your Nation
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What you'll cover
- Browse all nine nations and their cultures
- Consider what playstyle and aesthetic appeal to you
- Pick the nation that calls to you
The Pact of the Nine
The nine nations of Elandra are bound together by the Pact of the Nine, a magically enforced treaty forged in response to the Corruption. The Pact compels the nations to stand united: to share knowledge, pursue justice, and defend one another against the threat that would consume them all.
Each nation brings something different to the table. They have distinct cultures, histories, aesthetics, and approaches to life. But they all share a common cause, and at Haven, they come together to face what none could survive alone.
Your nation is your home, your community, and your starting point for everything that happens in the game. It shapes your character's culture, your costume, and the people you'll spend most of your time with.
The Three Realms
The nations are grouped into three regions. Have a read through and see which one catches your eye.
The Crownlands
Avereaux
A pastoral nation of optimists, storytellers, and community-builders. The Avereaux are the heart of the Crownlands: warm, welcoming, and determined to build something worth fighting for. Their settlements dot the coast and countryside, full of freeholders, healers, hedge mages, and adventuring parties who stick together through thick and thin.
The look: Cottagecore meets classic fantasy. Warm earth tones, pastels, dyed tunics, wizard hats, wrap-over layers, and practical travelling gear. Matching vambraces or short cloaks mark adventuring groups. Natural fabrics throughout.
Play here if: You want a strong community feel, collaborative storytelling, and the classic "heroes of the shire" experience.
Read more: Avereaux
The Wonder
A mystical forest nation born of magic itself, where the Wonderfolk live in harmony with nature through fable magic and the favour of the gods. They're fiercely independent, creative, and value sustainable practices, repurposing what the forest provides. Life here is shrouded in mystery and rich with investigation.
The look: Vibrant earth tones and jewel colours, Iron Age influences, T-shaped tunics, apron dresses, cloaks, and ponchos. Clothing is customised over time from found materials, with woven trims and embroidery showing pride in craftsmanship.
Play here if: You're drawn to nature, mystery, mediation, and a community that values creativity and environmental stewardship.
Read more: The Wonder
Valdraeth
A nation of dark fairytales, eldritch magic, and courtly intrigue. Valdraeth thrives in shadow. Its mages delve into dangerous power, its courtiers weave webs of influence, and its young people journey to earn their stories and status. Wealth and success are displayed openly, because they've been earned through intellect, cunning, or sheer effort.
The look: Dark, dramatic, and Pre-Raphaelite. Deep jewel tones, high-medieval silhouettes (1300s-1400s), rich velvets, fantastical headdresses, charms and amulets. Think sorcerers, warrior princesses, and ambitious nobles.
Play here if: You love intrigue, ambition, dark fantasy aesthetics, and characters with complex motivations.
Read more: Valdraeth
The Commonwealth
The Urdrevan People
Nomadic herders and traders who live alongside massive beasts: mammoths, direwolves, and even dinosaurs. The Urdrevan draw strength from these great creatures, emulating their power and mastery of the wild. They stand together as equals rather than subjects, proud of their self-reliance and reputation as some of the toughest survivors in Elandra.
The look: Barbarian fantasy meets Mongolian steppe. Practical, well-fitted clothing in neutral tones (browns, greens, ochres), sturdy leathers, furs, feathers, and wrap-coats. Mantles that blend with their beast partners. Celtic knotwork and constellation motifs.
Play here if: You want to ride with beasts, trade across wild lands, and play a proud, self-reliant survivor.
Read more: The Urdrevan People
The Republic of Portavas
A maritime republic of bustling bazaars and a floating city built from lashed-together ships. Portavians are warm, quick-witted explorers who measure success by their maps and their stories. Loyalty to family, crew, and trade house comes above all else. Magic mingles freely with sailors' superstition.
The look: Age of Sail glamour (1560s-1700). Baggy-sleeved white shirts, tight doublets, pearls everywhere, knee-length breeches, and gathered skirts. Sea colours (deep petrol-grey, lush greens, corals) in luxurious brocades and silks. A people who wear their wealth on their sleeves.
Play here if: You fancy swashbuckling, trade, exploration, and a community that feels like the best ship crew you've ever sailed with.
Read more: The Republic of Portavas
The Hammerstadt Charter
A city forged through revolution and innovation. Hammerstadt's streets bustle with commerce, the air smells of molten metal and forge magic, and competitive spirit drives everyone to excel. Allegiance is shown through tattoos, and society is organised through family-like unions called Coteries. Innovation is king, and results speak louder than titles.
The look: 1600s Musketeers-era fashion. Deep, dark jewel tones, tailored doublets, voluminous gathered skirts or baggy breeches, big wide-brimmed hats with feathers, slit-sleeved cloaks. Button details worn undone to reveal tattoos.
Play here if: You love crafting, competition, forge magic, and a society that rewards ambition and hard work.
Read more: The Hammerstadt Charter
The Sanctuaries
Kairos
A coastal paradise of long, hot summers and stunning islands. The devout Kairosi revere all gods equally and believe that through proper worship, they can overcome any threat. A unique feature is the Kolossi: stone effigies of the honoured dead, empowered by forge magic to serve the nation eternally. Self-improvement and collective defence drive everything.
The look: Ancient Greek-inspired. Layered tunics, chitons, togas in rich jewel tones through to muted pastels. Gold and metallic jewellery, headdresses, and decorative belts. Muscleplate armour evoking the Kolossi warriors is prized above all.
Play here if: You're drawn to faith, devotion, martial excellence, and a Mediterranean-flavoured culture with a unique twist.
Read more: Kairos
Syradonia
An underground stronghold carved from ancient caverns, where faith in the gods and in each other keeps the people resilient. Society is split into four Orders: Faith, War, Luxury, and Stewardship. Practical to the bone, Syradonians incorporate armour into everyday dress. They're always ready for what the dark might throw at them.
The look: Fantasy paladins and clerics. Over-dramatic pauldrons, gorgets, tabards, and belt pennants showing Order allegiance. Dark colours with metallic accents. Dark smudged makeup around the eyes with contrasting metallic paints. Glowstone woven into clothing for light.
Play here if: You want to play a devout warrior, a loyal servant of your Order, or someone who thrives in the dark and dangerous places.
Read more: Syradonia
Morvalis
A gothic realm where death is part of life. Ruled by ancient Houses of Dusk wielding necromantic power, Morvalis operates on a simple bargain: live your passions freely, and in death, your body serves the community. The undead perform most labour, freeing the living to pursue art, love, feasts, and celebration. It's darker than it sounds, and more joyful than you'd expect.
The look: 1500s Landsknecht and Trossfrau: cutting, slashing, and bold colour-blocking. High-contrast jewel tones, velvets, metallic trim, and symbols of death mingled with beauty. Dramatic, provocative, and utterly alive.
Play here if: You're drawn to gothic themes, necromancy, passionate living, and a community that celebrates life precisely because it knows what comes after.
Read more: Morvalis
How to Choose
There's no wrong answer here. Every nation welcomes newcomers, and experienced players will be delighted to help you settle in wherever you land. But here are a few things worth considering:
Going with friends? If you already know people who play, joining their nation is a great way to start. You'll have a built-in support network from day one.
Going solo? Brilliant. Pick the nation whose culture, aesthetic, or playstyle excites you most. You'll make friends fast. Solo newcomers are a regular and welcome sight at every event.
Think about what you enjoy. Do you want to fight monsters? Negotiate treaties? Solve puzzles? Trade goods? Worship gods? Explore ruins? Cast spells? Every nation supports a range of playstyles, but some lean more heavily in certain directions. The nation briefs linked above will help you narrow it down.
Don't overthink it. Seriously. If a nation's look makes you excited, or a single line in their description sparks your imagination, that's enough. Follow the feeling. You'll learn the rest as you go.
Remember: Your nation choice shapes your starting point, but it doesn't limit you. Characters grow, alliances shift, and your story is yours to write. The most important thing is that you pick the nation that makes you want to play.