Xemtan Nui:
Xaver Schwarz
Setting: Spherus Magna, 1.000 years in the future
Xemtan Nui is a rather large continent in the center of Spherus Magna's surface, formed 1.000 years ago thanks to Mata Nui's sacrifice. It has a large and diverse ecosystem, the pieces of which are rocky mountains in the north and east (some of which are perpetually capped in snow and ice), a dense jungle filled with life to the west, a dry desert with cool fresh springs scattered across it south, and in the center a long-dormant but still impressive volcano stands. After the planet had been reformed, the inhabitants of both former Spherus Magna and the Matoran Universe set across to explore and populate it. Eventually, settlers from all kinds of species found their way across the ocean to this continent, where they almost immediately became enamored with the diversity of living conditions; here, almost any species could find a place to live with little trouble. Naturally, conflict arose, and some came to blows with each other over resources and living space. Fortunately, the Toa and wise members of other species were able to resolve the disputes with minimal violence, and began establishing a community of where all were equal, regardless of their species, while still respecting their personal beliefs. Eventually, the first version of a community was established, and the continent named Xemtan Nui, "Xemtan" meaning "new beginning" in a long-forgotten language. At first only small colonies, they began to grow over the decades with the addition of other species, and change along with its natural environment, the volcano erupting a few times and forcing the inhabitants to adapt, for example. Some however, refused to join these communities out of pride and/or mistrust, and set off to form their own place on the continent. Other forces of darkness, like the Dark Hunters and the remnants of the Brotherhood of Makuta, attempted to conquer the settlers and establish a foothold to take over the planet, only to be thwarted and, in the Brotherhood's case, nearly wiped out. However, it was not without great cost. This period of war and terror, which lasted approximately 10 years, would later come to be known by historians as the Dominance War. In its aftermath, the current system of leaders for each future city was established, and, seeing as they had proven to be indispensible during the War, the Toa were united as the main defensive force of the continent, being named the Toa Xemtan in honor of their home. Eventually, three great cities rose to symbolize their success and unity: Lex in the north, full of natural and valuable ores to mine, and home to technology and innovation; Unkadrah in the southeast, where the continent's greatest trade markets and various routes that spread throughout most of the continent exist; and Vanon in the west, where the jungle and fertile ground deliver plentiful crops and a feeling of tranquil serenity. Years later, a brilliant scientist would even develop an island network called the "Xem-Hub" and build three towers, one in each unified city, to give all citizens digital information and connection. The Skakdi and a few other outcasts from the War meanwhile formed a city of their own in the sands, far from even Unkadrah, which they named Nuc Zahrot, literally meaning "Fallen Remnant", and vowed they would never succumb to the bureaucracy of the other cities. They still agreed to a non-aggression pact, though, to ensure no interference from either side. Peace has existed for centuries on the continent, and it has remained a strong and unified structure on its surface; despite repeatedly tested by opposing forces, border disputes, wild Rahi, and the elements, all four cities are still standing. But all that may change soon…