The Continent of The Veil
by @Gabriel_Binette
The veil is the continent, The Shattered Veil is a region within The Veil.

The Garden of Euphorbia lies within The Shattered Veil.


Reasoning and Explanation:

The distinction between the Vale and the Shattered Vale is crucial to understanding the story's setting and themes. The Vale provides a backdrop of mystical forces and ancient secrets, while the Shattered Vale is the arena where personal journeys begin and where characters grapple with the immediate consequences of a world in disarray. The Vale is the larger setting, providing the context for the story, and the Shattered Vale is the more specific region where the action begins.
The descriptions emphasize that the Shattered Vale is not just a location, but a representation of a world that is fragmented. This is reflected in the descriptions of the plants, the ground, and the atmosphere. These descriptions convey a sense that the world is somehow broken, unstable and in a state of flux.
The connection to the Bloomstone and other artifacts ties both locations together, suggesting that the events in the Shattered Vale are part of a larger narrative involving the entire Vale. The artifacts and energies that characters encounter are a microcosm of the larger forces at play within the Vale.
In conclusion, the Vale and the Shattered Vale are not the same. The Vale is the larger land that contains the Shattered Vale and has its own unique properties. The Shattered Vale is a specific region within the Vale characterized by its untamed nature and its connection to a fractured and unstable world. Both play a vital role in the narrative, providing a landscape for the characters' journey as well as a backdrop for the story's themes of destiny, free will, chaos, and order. The Shattered Vale can be seen as the starting point for the character's journey, and the Vale is the larger world in which that journey takes place.


NOTES:

The Vale is a broad and mysterious land with several distinct regions and locations. The story primarily unfolds within the Vale, with the Shattered Vale being the most prominent region. There are some hints that events or characters may originate outside of the Vale, but it is not clearly depicted in the sources. Here's a detailed description of the regions and places within the Vale that have appeared so far:

The Vale:

  • General Description: The Vale is a large, mysterious land with its own unique laws, energy, and mystical properties. It is a place where destiny and intent play significant roles. The Vale tests the bonds between people, guides individuals, and reveals truths in unusual ways. It is a land with a living energy, where the past, present, and future blur. The Vale is also connected to the Bloomstone, a powerful artifact of destiny.
  • Mystical Properties: The Vale rewards intent and punishes carelessness. Artifacts reveal their purpose through action, and truths are revealed when one is ready to see them. The land itself is alive with glowing plants, artifacts, and ancient energy. The Vale has the power to test the bonds between individuals and reveal its truths through unusual events.
  • Guidance: The Vale guides individuals on their paths, although not always directly. Artifacts call out to those who are meant to find them.
  • Connection to Bloomstone: The Vale is connected to the Bloomstone, a powerful artifact of destiny. The Branch of Ligularia and the Disk are fragments of the Bloomstone, and their reunion will bring clarity or destruction. The Heart of the Bloomstone is another fragment, and its presence may align with the energy of the fragments that characters carry.
  • Tests and Challenges: The Vale presents tests and challenges to those who traverse it, often involving trials and guardians who protect the secrets of the Vale. These tests are designed to push individuals and reveal hidden truths.

The Shattered Vale:

  • Specific Region: The Shattered Vale is a wild and untamed region within the larger Vale. It's characterized by ancient ruins, mysterious plant-like structures, and warring clans. It is a place where the land is alive with glowing plants, artifacts, and ancient energy.
  • Untamed Nature: The Shattered Vale has unique plant structures, ancient ruins, and warring clans. It has unique, almost otherworldly characteristics. The region is also known for its untamed flora.
  • Instability: The term "shattered" suggests a broken, fragmented, or unstable place. It is a region where things fall apart, and the fabric of reality seems vulnerable to disruption.
  • Starting Point: The Shattered Vale is where Saltare's journey begins. It is the location where Saltare's glider crashes. It is also where he first encounters the Branch of Ligularia and starts his quest. His actions in the Shattered Vale have the potential to reshape the world.

Specific Locations within the Vale:

  • The Garden of Euphorbia: This is a mystical forest within the Shattered Vale where the plants emit a faint, pulsing glow. The air hums with energy, and the ground feels alive. It's where Saltare first appears, clutching the Branch of Ligularia. The Garden of Euphorbia is where Saltare begins his journey.
  • Monolith Locations: There are several monoliths within the Vale, with one specifically mentioned as a towering structure near where Saltare first wakes up. These monoliths seem to be linked to the system and have the ability to alter reality. These monoliths also call to characters and lead them on their journey. The monoliths also present challenges that reveal more about the system and the characters' own powers.
  • Ruins: There are ancient ruins scattered throughout the Shattered Vale. These ruins contain clues about the past, and they often hum with energy as if waiting for something. They are places where one can learn more about the system and the glowing water. They seem to be linked to the glowing water and the thread world.
  • The Stream and River: A glowing stream or river flows through the region. This water is described as having a mysterious glow and it is a guide that characters follow. The stream flows where it is needed, according to the cloaked figure. The water also seems to have a connection with the thread world. The water seems to stabilize energy near artifacts but fragments it near monoliths.

Possible Locations Outside of the Vale:

While the story primarily takes place within the Vale, there are hints that other places may exist, although they are not clearly described.

  • Vadus's Hometown: Vadus mentions that he came from a small town near the ocean. This suggests that there are other inhabited places outside of the specific regions where the story begins. However, the details and location of this town are not directly explored within the story.
  • The Thread World: This is a mysterious dimension connected to the glows and the system. It is described as a world with threads and whispers. Ignus is able to connect with this world, which may have connections to other realities, planets, or timelines. It is unclear whether this dimension is inside or outside of the Vale.

Reasoning and Explanation:

The sources emphasize that the Vale is the central setting of the story, with the Shattered Vale being a specific region where the initial action and character development takes place. The distinction between these areas helps establish the story's geography and sets the stage for the characters' journeys and the challenges they face.

The descriptions of these locations as unstable and mysterious are crucial for the overall theme of a world in disarray. The settings are not just backdrops but are active participants in the narrative, influencing the characters and driving the plot.

The connection to the Bloomstone, the monoliths, and the glowing water ties these locations together within the Vale, suggesting a larger interconnected system. The artifacts and energies are clues that connect the different locations and reveal more about the mysteries of the world.

The hints of other places outside of the Vale, like Vadus's hometown and the Thread World, add complexity to the story and suggest that the narrative can expand beyond the current setting. The Thread World provides a possible pathway to other realities or dimensions and may be a place where the characters can find answers about the system.

The details about the various locations highlight the mystical and interconnected nature of this world, where every place seems to have a purpose and a connection to the greater story. The settings are not just backdrops, but they are actively involved in the characters' experiences.

In conclusion, the story primarily unfolds within the Vale, with the Shattered Vale being a key region where much of the action takes place. While the narrative focuses on the Vale, there are hints that other places exist, which could be explored in future story arcs. The Vale's regions and locations are not merely physical spaces but are deeply connected to the story's themes and the characters' destinies.