Welcome, dear shapeshifting friends! And safe travels to you!
A message from the Author:
Why did i write this guide?
Despite the beliefs and wishes of some populations of our great continent, us shapeshifters do not always prefer to settle down in some forgotten corner of the land, out of view and out of mind of the humans. We like to travel, to explore, and satisfy our wanderlust. However, it is important to take some safety precautions before venturing out. This guide is intended to help shapeshifters like you avoid or overcome the dangers you may come across during your journey so that you can safely arrive at your destination.
Before Leaving
How to travel?
I do not recommend using winged ships for travel. While they may be convenient thanks to their speed, they cost a lot of money. Also, since the vast majority of winged ship compagnies do not accept shapeshifters on board, options will be severely limited. Instead, i recommend traveling on foot, by horse, or if you must, sail.
Where are you going?
Having a final destination in mind before setting out is essential in order to plan a successful voyage. Planning ahead will also help you avoid potential dangers on your way, or at least, be better prepared against them.
Are you alone?
Should you travel alone, or in a group? Both have upsides and downsides. A large group will bring unwanted attention and scrutenie, while being alone leave you more vulnurable in a dangerous situation Thus, i recommend traveling in a small group of around 2 to 4, and no more. Small groups move faster and have less of a risk for internal conflict.
Advices from the Author
Should you trust humans?
Many of us would say no if asked, and unfortunatly, in most cases, it would probably be the right answer. However, this is ultimatly your own decision to make. I recommend that you should trust your instincts, and those of your ikshai.
Trust your Ikshai
Always remember that your ikshai is a supernatural creature, and originaly, an animal. Thus, it is very likely to know and sense more about a person than you ever will. You must trust their instincts above all else. Humans are known to be deceaving, and while their ploys may work on you, your Ikshai will know the truth.
Are cities safe?
A city may feel like a safe stop on your travels at first glance, but it is important to keep some things in mind. Cities are cramped and populous, and can thus become very dangerous if its population turns against you. Ultimatly, the decision entirely depends on which city stands in front of you. A friendly city may be a formidable refuge, but a dangerous city may make your latest stop be a bit more permanent than you wanted.
Always use your human form
Whenever possible, i recommend that you always use your human form, Remove any indications of your true nature in public, unless you are in a safe area. Most humans do not care much for strangers as they go about their days, so if you do not show any unique (animal) traits, they will likely not notice you. When Veos's influence becomes too strong to ingnore, find a safe place to spend the night, or prepare ways to suppress it, such as with Talismans. Remember to hide those, as they can be clues for humans to know your true nature.
Locations
Safe
-The City of Arakyr (Kingdom of Paxolia)
This city, located in north-eastern Paxolia, has a long history of acting as a refuge for shapeshifters. The population there is favorable to all shapeshifter species, but are especialy welcoming towards Bearkins, Wolfkins, Deerfolks, and Catfolks. Should you find yourself in western Arros, the city of Arakyr is a great destination to set a course towards.
-The city of Hersa (Kingdom of Alvaros)
Governed by joint shapeshifter and human rule, this city in north-eastern Alvaros was established for the same reasons as Arakyr, and has continued to serve as a refuge for shapeshifters to this day. The city is also located in a region considered to be very safe for shapeshifters over all, making it a great place to visit or even settle.
-Confederation of Ru'mensh (Rumalia)
This large coutry in northern Arros is a union of principalities ruled by shapeshifters. The population here is small, and divided roughly equaly between humans and mages, which include shapeshifters. The humans here is largely friendly towards shapeshifters, including foreign ones, in part because of religious reasons. This makes Rumalia are very good place to visit or settle in, as long as you don't mind the cold.
-Kingdom of Alvaros
The kingdom of Alvaros is located north of the Kavasian Empire, and west of the kingdom of Heoria. It is considered very safe for shapeshifters, especialy its cities. However, beware of the south-west, where Arthesian attacks from the nearby ghoro marshlands and bandits/rogue attacks from the Kavasian border have been historicaly common, even if they have become much rarer as of late. They are known to kidnap shapeshifters. Aleida, the capital in the north, has a large magic academy dedicated to the study and training of Shapeshifter abilities, making it a popular destination for our people.
-Kingdom of Northengor
Northengor is a rather isolated kingdom located in the north-east of Arros, mainly on the Accosian Isles, and the mainland directly to their west. They are generaly tolerant of shapeshifters in both regions, but the mainland is more suspitious of outsiders than the islands. Not many Shapeshifters exist on the islands, but they have regular contact with many of them through trade. Overall, the country is pretty safe to travel to, and is ok to settle if you like long months of constain rain.
Take Caution
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Arthesian Confederacy
Despite being nearly all populated by Shapeshifters, i recommend that you proceed with caution here. This is because the people here are not fond of foreigners at all, and are very suspitious of them. If you must travel through their lands, follow the directions of the local guides, as their job is to guide outsiders through the area safely.
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Kingdom of Heoria
Located in eastern Arros, nearly half of the population of this kingdom is made up of shapeshifters, yet the country is largely run by humans. Both groups are generaly suspitious of each other, and of outsiders, especialy towards wolfkins. Cities are where you should be most cautious, as it is common for guards there to exort a toll against foreigners, and especialy foreign shapeshifters, in order to allow them to enter and exit the cities. A similar situation exists in the southern borderlands, so be prepared to pay them for safe passage.
-Kingdom of Naurcia
The Kingdom of Naurcia has a medium-sized shapeshifter population. Much like in Northengor, the human population is generaly tolerant of them, especialy in cities and larger towns. Small towns and the country-side are much more suspitious of them. Meanwhile, the shapeshifter clans are very territorial here, and may forbid you from entering their lands. In both places, harrasement is possible, so best to stay on the main roads and the larger settlements.
-Kingdom of Paxolia
Excluding the city of Arakyr, the kingdom of Paxolia is still relatively safe. However, incidents of aggression or discrimination against shapeshsifters aren't uncommon, especialy in the north, in the border regions near Rumalia. The capital, Palynor, is probably the safest place in the kingdom outside of Arakyr, but avoid the smaller cities, and the Peryn woods in the north, as they are occupied by territorial clans.
-Kavasian Empire
It is hard to make a sensible judgement for this country, on account of its vasteness and cultural diversity. As a general rule of thumb however, the further north or east your are, the safer it becomes. Most cities in the south should be avoided if possible, as reports of slavers and other criminals targeting mages, including Shapeshifters, are common. Cities in the north however, such as Larasor or Tilesi, have a decently large shapeshifter population, and many shapeshifter-led guilds, making these cities very safe in comparaison, and great places to visit and stay in.
-Kingdom of Shorai
The southern and central regions of the kingdom are safe to travel through, unlike the northern countryside, which has historicaly been victim of Arthesian raids, so best to avoid the area. The cities of Usenqa and Yareval are very safe and welcoming to outsiders. The capital, Sirok, is safe as well, but largely devoid of shapeshifters, or other soulbound mages.
-Kingdom of Faressia
This small kingdom, located south of Heoria and west of Naurcia is generaly safe for shapeshifters, even if, unlike its neighbours, it is a Solian country. The capital, Neurasse, is safe for shapeshifter, and a few thousands of them live in the city. The trading town of Montello further south is safe, but has less accomodations. The hills along the border with Heoria should be avoided, and the shapeshifter clans inhabiting the area are very territorial and wary of foreign shapeshifters.
-The Kaeldrian Kingdoms
Located in the far eastern end of the Arrosian mainland, the fork region hosts a number of small kingdoms. All of them practice choranism, making them safer than otherwise, but have a very low population of shapeshifters. Plus, attitudes around foreigners here are even worse than in Naurcia, even in the cities and larger towns. Proceed with caution.
Avoid if possible
-Vechor Islands (Kingdom of Nhaggoria)
This large archipelago located in the south-east of the continent was once considered a refuge for the Dragonkin community of Arros, yet now the region is embroiled in war. An insurgency calling themselves the Dragonknights seek to liberate their country from occupation by the kingdom of Nhaggor. Simply getting to the island may prove difficult thanks to the blockade around them. Both the invaders and the natives are aggressive towards foreigners, although, a significant number of foreign shapeshifters have traveled to the island and offer their services to the Dragonknights, and were warmly received. You should avoid traveling here, unless you plan to do the same.
-Kingdom of Gysia
Gysia is a large Solian kingdom located in the south-west region of Arros. It has a very small population of shapeshifters, which aren't considered citizens. Most of the local population doeesn't view us favorably, which makes traveling there risky. However, not all of the kingdom's regions are dangerous. In particular, the city of Sargassin stands out as a somewhat safe refuge, for a time at least. In general however, if you can avoid traveling through this country, do it.
-Republic of Togano
This small solian country south of the Kavasian Empire is nearly completly devoid of shapeshifters after centuries of percecution. The small population that remains are confined to the Corohnian mountains as a few small clans. They are prohibited from entering the cities and this rule applies to foreign shapeshifters as well. However, the countryside is safe enough to travel through, if you must.
-Merchant Republic of Arba
This poweful country is home to a very low native population of shapeshifters. Because of its geographic reach, a complete portrait of the internal situation for shapeshifters is hard to get, but it is generaly understood to be quite bad, unless they are part of the country's army, which then allows them a more confortable living. It is important to note that while slavery is officialy illegal in the republic, in practice it is still rampant, especilay in its most fringe territories near the continent of Mahador. Avoid traveling to their cities, especialy those along the illynian sea.
Dangerous
-Kingdom of Nhaggoria
This country located in south-East Arros, unfortunatly still continues the practice of slavery, and many shapeshifters like us suffer under brutal conditions there. They are known to capture and enslave lone shapeshifters in their territory. Some are even sold to other countries, such as Kavasia, Arba, and even the pirates of Hydrask isles and the kingdom of Asderaan in Mahador. Worse, many shapeshifters are slave masters themselves, making them just as dangerous as the humans. Avoid this kingdom at all cost.
-Southern Hazian Cities (Vrahlis, Taralan, Casqal, Naldah, and Harath)
Because of local laws, shapeshifters (and most other soulbound mages) are forbidden from entering these cities, meaning that if you are caught doing so anyways, you'll be arrested and either thrown out of the city, or imprisoned and eventualy sold as a slave. Because yes, these cities still practice slavery, even if they are in kingdoms and empires that have outlawed the practice. Slaves from these cities usualy end up in Nhaggoria, or in some of the eastern Mahadorian kingdoms. Unfortunatly, it is more common that one may think, so i recommend that you do not set foot in any of these cities, for any reasons.
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