The setting of this story (Spira Reborn) is one in which the geographic and geological make up of Spira has been altered by earthquakes, related tectonic activity, and other natural disasters. It is also one in which new factions and cultures have arisen as a result of the impact on the people of Spira and the socio-cultural developments that went along with it. Because of this I have included below a list of locations of note in addition to a glossary of terms.

These may evolve and change a bit as I continue to write. But as some of these terms may appear in the prologue I thought I would provide this list so as to create an idea of what Spira has become, a thousand years or more after The Eternal Calm.

Locations of Note

New Zaeon - Isolated community that dwells within the forest ruins of the area once known as Guadosalam. They reject the ways of the outside world.

Island Federation - A collection of Island Nations that have built a larger community out of necessity. Violent earthquakes and volcanic explosions over time changed the geographic face of Spira. These Island Nations include Besaid, Kilika, and Luca. (Yes, Luca. Changes in Island Makeup, size, and the like will be addressed in the story. Fret not.)

The place from which the ruling council of said federation operates is the capital city of Vidina. Located in the Heart of Old Besaid, Vidina is named for a leader who fostered cultural exchange and reconciliation with the Al-Bhed. Allegedly this leader was the son of a great Island Hero whose name has been lost to time.

Djose Temple - The temple remains an enigma to many people. It now rests on a rock formation that floats in mid air, in front of waterfalls that appear to flow away from a lake or river, along with bits of the moonflow. A cave behind one of these falls is a hidden entrance to the farplane.

Rusa (Phonetic: Raoo-seeah) - Once submerged underneath the moonflow, earthquakes and related tectonic activity raised the ancient technological city from its grave. Presently it is occupied by a community of technomages who have cultivated the art of powering machina with magic. Though it pales in comparison to Zanarkand, those aspiring to be talented technomagi or machinists in general often begin their studies here, due to its strategic location and trade with Bevelle and the Island Federation.

Macalania - Macalania is home to a tribe of Ronso who chose to migrate from Mount Gagazet and intermingle more with the other denizens of Spira. The Macalania Tribe has long since charged themselves with the protection of Macalania Temple, which is said to have been preserved in near perfect condition between the lake ice. Macalania Ronso are often chosen as Ambassadors between the Ronso of Sacred Mount Gagazet and the rest of spira.

Bevelle - The city of Bevelle remains an economic and cultural hub. The Blitzball tournament is held here now, and the schools here have graduated students whom have since gone on to become talented paladins or accomplished black mages.

Calm Lands - The calm lands remain the spiritual heart of Spira. Remiem Temple now serves as a school for the gifted, and the region of the calm lands is one in which brawlers, hunters, and green mages thrive.

Mount Gagazet - Ronso Ancestral Lands. The sacred mountain is closed to the general public. Those wishing to traverse the mountainous region must receive special dispensation from the Macalnia Ronso. Those wishing to travel to Zanarkand must find other means.

Zanarkand - Precious few are aware of the city's ancient history. Built upon ruins of ruins, the city once more serves as Spira's technological hub and example of what the future might hold. The Pan-Spira Games, a competition to promote cooperation through the spirit of sportsmanship, is held here. Competitors come from all over Spira to compete for joy, honor, and fame.

Vocabulary

Glossary:

Emissary - Someone who has completed the Rite of Becoming. Typically speaking they bring the teachings and wisdom of New Zaeon to other parts of Spira. Legend speaks of Emissaries being granted a special gift or power; however, what that entails is almost never discussed.

High Elder - One of three people who serves as a representative on a ruling council in New Zaeon.

Rites of Departure: This term is used to refer to the Rite of Renunciation and to the Rite of Becoming, the two methods by which a denizen of New Zaeon voluntarily leaves the community. Citizens of the small community do not address each other by names in public, but instead, by the role which they perform and/or age. The Rites of Departure allow for the public taking of a name; however, the role of the person and how the rites impact said individual are very different.

Rite of Becoming: A Rite of Passage for those who wish to become an emissary. Candidates for the Rite must ingest a potent hallucinogenic and go into seclusion with a single witness somewhere along the farplane. There, the participant interacts with spirits from Spira's collective memory. If the participant survives the feverish trance into which he or she is thrown, a name granted by the spirits or gleamed from a glimpse of a past life and then he or she becomes an emissary for the community. Due to the high mortality rate it is considered by some to be an almost archaic practice.

Rite of Renunciation: A public renunciation of the lessons and philosophies of the isolated village. Most often, people who abandon the path they walk within the community go on to become warrior monks who protect Djose temple, or people who leave for places unknown to study other forms of magic.

Warder: Someone who guards New Zaeon