The Vale of Seasons

A fantasy realm that is divided into four distinct Domains, each based on the 4 seasons.

High fantasy

It was formed by Fae, the genderless god of balance.

At first, Fae was the only being in existence. They were surrounded by the turmoil of an ever changing universe, and greatly desired companionship. So, from Their power, They created four distinct beings. From the cold stone of a meteor came Ka'van, god of strength, honor, metallurgy, and the patron of Winter. From a comet trail They formed Tohah, patron of Autumn and the goddess of agriculture, change, and hospitality. Avi, the patron of Summer, was created from the flames of a star. She was given dominion over art, passion, and joy. Finally, from nebula dust, They created Ronan, patron of Spring and god of ingenuity, academics, and the bringing of new life. They named the four gods and goddesses Their children, and created a land for each to rule over. They shaped mountains, valleys, fields, and marshes. They created the creatures of the water, earth, and air. Finally, They created humans and scattered them across the land. The gods each took Domains and began passing on knowledge to the humans. For a time, balance was achieved and Fae was pleased. But balance and love cannot exist without chaos and hate. Soon, another being of equal power to Fae manifested: Hex. Hex was the amalgamation of chaos, and They looked down of the Vale of Seasons with scorn. They hated all that Fae had created, so Hex began plotting a way to destroy it. He created the Helicans, agents of chaos that spread mayhem throughout each Domain. He whispered into the hearts of humankind and turned them against one another. Domain turned against Domain in a war that would come to be known as The Divide. The Vale began to crumble, and it appeared as if Hex would succeed. Fae feared for the lives of Their children and for Their creations. They were the only being would match Hex's power, so They went to confront Them. Darkness fell over the Vale as the two immortals clashed in combat. Fire and lightning fell from the sky and the humans ran for cover. Their beloved patrons sheltered them and watched on as the battle raged on. At last, Fae was able to concentrate Their power into one final attack. Using the last of Their might, They sealed the weakened Hex away in a barren dimension. The patrons were overjoyed at the victory and ran to see their parent, but Fae was not there. The great creator had disappeared, leaving behind a barrier of energy that held Hex back. The patrons were overcome with grief, but the war was not over yet. Chaos had flooded the world. Hex was dormant for now, but They had succeeded in tainting Fae's creation. The patrons could remain in the Vale no longer. But they did not leave the humans empty handed. Knowing that Hex may one day return, the bestowed each Domain with a gift. Four relics that granted power abilities: The Cloak of Wind, The Bracers of Fire, The Pendant of Flowers, and The Circlet of Ice. Each relic was infused with the essence of it's corresponding season and hidden away until it's time came. As Hex's return would grow closer, the relics would be uncovered by four humans who best embodied the ideals of each season. Together, they would push back the chaos, destroy Hex for good, and allow the patrons to return to the Vale. After the patrons left and many ages passed, the story of the relics was reduced to nothing more than myths and folklore. Humanity was able to make advancements in science and technology with the discovery of a substance called magite. Despite all this growth, tensions remained high between the Domains. Helicans still roamed the outskirts of society and the relics stayed buried, waiting for the chosen heroes to arrive.

All magic in the Vale of Seasons is based in a substance known as magite. At room temperature, magite is a solid, purple-colored crystal found deep beneath the earth. It is unearthed by the citizens of the Winter Domain and shipped to the magic forges that are scattered across the Spring Domain. It can be melted into a liquid, ground into powder, forged into weapons, etc. Magite effects the human brain and the world around it in a unique way that Spring scientists have been studying for centuries.

Magite allows for speedier travel over short distances, and paved roads connect further destinations. Trade runs between the Domains. Without this steady exchange of goods and services, the whole Vale would likely crumble. Agriculture has also been made semi-automated thanks to magite advancements.

Inspired by an idea I had as a little kid. I think younger me would be proud of this.