Immerse yourself in the ever-expanding realm of Blade & Soul, where the world springs to life, drawing inspiration from the brush strokes of the revered artist Hyung Tae Kim.
As your narrative unfolds and blossoms, your path shall wind its way through untrodden territories of the Earthly Realm, each brimming with unseen wonders. Gaze upon the crystalline waters that grace the Viridian Coast, a sanctuary of serenity where ethereal waves lap against immaculate shores.
Yet, dare to venture across continents, and the landscape morphs into a treacherous panorama of desolation and decay known as Solak. Here, the very earth groans under the weight of darkness, and the air hangs heavy with despair.
Below, you can delve deep into the rich tapestry of lore and story that envelops the diverse regions of this world. Blade & Soul is a world of vibrant contrasts, where beauty and serenity intertwine with darkness and decay.
The Earthen Realm is a place of wonder, teeming with the beauty of the natural world and a wide variety of inhabitants. Mortals live side by side with beasts, spirits, and inexplicable creatures born of the mystical energies of the world. Of course, for every gorgeous sunset beyond lush forests, there are also dangerous mires where hidden threats lurk patiently for the unwary. Only the unwise would dare wander the lands content in their ignorance of the world and its potential threats.
The Southern Continent is home to some of the most lovely and abundant regions in the world. There is little that can compare to the serene Viridian Coast. From the sandy beaches outside of picturesque Bamboo Village, to the eerie depths of the Gloomdross Forest where phantoms play, to the towering coastal cliffs of Songshu Isle.
The Viridian Coast lives up to its name with its lush green plains, cool bamboo forests, and valleys where fragments of the earth float into the sky to dizzying heights. It is home to Jadestone Village, a bustling lakeside community where business thrives in the region, and the prestigious Hongmoon School tucked away in Heaven’s Reach beyond the shore. But for all its peaceful beauty, there’s always the looming threat of the devious Blackram Marauders waiting to strike at the unsuspecting coastal towns, or the restless spirits haunting the Gloomdross Forest.
The Southern Continent’s mainland was once the proud heart of civilization, where the mighty Naryu Empire stood uncontested for centuries. The Naryu Empire became a battleground to hold back the invading demons from the Dark Realm, and was blighted during the Four Guardians' fight against the great corrupted energy. Deep forests and surging rivers dried up, leaving a vast wasteland where only the strong and stubborn can survive. Yet in every endless desert there always lies an oasis. Yehara’s Mirage is the hub of all activity in the region, welcoming travelers in from near and far to experience a bit of luxury amid desolation with its fine dining and strong drinks.
Away from the Scorching Sands, the bestial Jaofang Village rests safe in its valley, while not far beyond is the Blindeye Bazaar where shady dealings of a less savory crowd operate outside the law. There are even rumors of the tomb of Mushin himself buried somewhere amid the ruins of the Naryu Empire, where a treasure beyond all imagination waits to be claimed. That is, if daring adventurers could first survive the vicious Bonemask Tribe warriors, the giant scorpions, and the bands of tomb raiders along the way.
After surviving the desolate heat of the Cinderlands, a bit of water is a relief! Upon the Eastern Continent, the Moonwater Plains has a surplus of mighty rivers, crashing waterfalls, and vast lakes as clear as a cloudless sky. The sprawling Lycandi Foothills are home to the native people of the region who live side-by-side with the Lyn of Brightstone Village and the farming community of Hogshead Pastures. The glorious Sapphire Basin is home to many curious species, such as the frog-like Ploggles and the brutish Hoglin.
But a shadow always lurks nearby: The Haunted Necropolis, stained by corrupted energy some 30 years past, is where a demonic outbreak is endlessly held back by the brave Snapjaw Tribe. As the Eastern Continent is also territory of the Talus Empire, one must always be wary of the outbreak of violence where the Talus Army clashes with the rebellious Skyhaven Resistance.
Further north on the Eastern Continent are the Skypetal Plains: gorgeous fields of swaying grass and fragrant wildflowers caressed by the ocean winds. It is home to Zaiwei, capital city of the Talus Dominion, standing as a beacon of wealth and power among nature’s bounty. But it is a city endlessly challenged by the thieving Lumang Syndicate, the corrupt Hao Society, and a bevy of powerful monsters who call Skypetal Plains their home.
Beyond the city awaits frozen mountains full of treacherous heights, blistering snowstorms, and ancient temples of long-slumbering gods waiting to awaken once more. But for all the mystery and intrigue the region has to offer, it is the grand capital city itself that holds the darkest secrets.
Far removed from the clamor of the outside world, Gunwon City lies serene and undisturbed, sheltered by towering barriers that seal off the awe-inspiring Cinderlands. Revered as one of the oldest cities in the Earthen Realm, its roots trace back to the golden era of the Empire. This metropolis is home to a myriad of captivating locales, from the bustling harbor of Faircloud and the resplendent fields of the Dasari Palace Gardens to the labyrinth of Gebang and the mystical depths of the Forgotten Forest, where legendary artifacts lie hidden.
Beyond the central hub of Gunwon City lies the Celestial Basin, tucked away in the southeastern reaches. Within its hallowed grounds, a wild realm teems with untamed monsters, a treasure trove awaiting discovery by intrepid souls seeking fabled riches. The Celestial Basin stands as a solemn testament, the sole remnants of the once-grand Naryu civilizations, now reduced to ruins. The inhabitants engage in peculiar rituals, striving to appease the ancient gods.
Renowned as the jewel of the Realm, Dasari Palace stands as a resplendent city, hosting the fragmented Stratus Empire within its ornate walls. This haven calls wanderers from far-flung corners of the realm, offering an exquisite array of treasures and indulgences to satiate even the most discerning desires. Witness countless merchants, intrepid adventurers, and valiant warriors at the Fortune Harbor, all yearning to encounter the stalwart Stratus Guards who stand sentinel over the majestic Sweetwater Bridge.
Beneath the facade of this city, a darkness lurks, for Dasari Palace suffered a catastrophic loss with the emergence of a Dark Gate. The Empire, once unified and thriving, now finds itself weakened and in disarray. Dissenters have arisen from within the ranks of the Stratus, led by none other than the general Yunma Kahn, who forged the Talus Dominion. These two kingdoms find themselves mired in internal strife and pervasive corruption, locked in a perilous struggle for dominion and authority.
Shrouded in mystery, Solak, also known as the Land of Twilight, is a realm where the boundaries between worlds blur, allowing skilled martial artists to glimpse the In-Between. While dismissed as folklore by some, Solak is a treacherous wasteland tainted by Dark Chi.
Despite the encroaching darkness, several tribes in Solak have held back its grip. The Ajanara Monastery's monks have erected Chi-infused barriers, while the Yun's connection to nature protects their remote abode, Valindria. Further south lies the magical island of Moon Refuge, home to the enigmatic Sacred Longgui and extraordinary wild creatures, though they bear the affliction of the Banestone infection. In the northwest, the toxic Empyrean Citadel stands as a stark reminder of unchecked ambition, where the dead rise to atone for the sins of Prince Sobu, a ruler corrupted by Dark Chi.
Despite the pervasive darkness, Solak boasts breathtaking vistas, ancient forests, and towns that have weathered the storms of time. Only those fortunate enough to witness Solak's wonders can truly comprehend its profound beauty and magic, for it is a realm that inspires awe and wonder in equal measure.
The Earthen Realm emerged from the primordial chaos, its lands and people birthed by the Divines. Scattered across the four cardinal continents, Uttara stands as the first, its nights painted with celestial brilliance and winters locked in an eternal embrace.
Yet, the Gon, a people as indomitable as their land, have never been known for their trusting nature. Their rulers, wary of the Realm's meddling bureaucracy, have long kept Uttara isolated. For decades, the ancestral homeland of the Gon has remained concealed from the outside world.
Power in Uttara rests in the callous hands of the Inheritors, a ruthless military junta clad in crimson armor. Years ago, they seized control from the crumbling Northern empire, ushering in an era of tyranny and exploitation. The Inheritors allowed infrastructure to decay, levied crippling taxes to fuel their excesses, and resorted to selling their people into slavery.
The Kungcho Island's volcanic terrain pushes its inhabitants to the brink of survival, where fear of the law pales in comparison to the ever-present threat of nature's wrath. In the north, the Central Commerce District hums with activity, drawing riches from across the northern lands. Meanwhile, in Dhunga Village, former royalty and their loyal supporters eke out a meager existence amidst dwindling resources and the bleak weight of despair.
Beyond the Earthen Realm rests the unseen Divine Realm, where the pure-hearted spirits and enlightened beings watch over the world. Their chi is pristine and mighty, bearing a power that echoes through the ages. The royal family of the Stratus Empire gained the blessings of the Divine beings in ancient times and thus all its descendants bear a hint of that Divine Chi within them, passing from generation to generation.
It is not a power that is easily gained though. Few mortal beings ever bear the Divine Realm’s energy within them and even fewer master it. But those who do become enlightened enough to embrace Divine Chi stand ready to face the darkness without fear, for the wicked forces of the Dark Realm burn like kindling in the face of such radiance.
As Dark Chi seeped in from the baleful Dark Realm, poisoning the world and unleashing demons upon the populace, the Divine Realm gave a call to arms. Of all the beings in the Earthen Realm, four powerful martial artists were chosen to fight against the darkness. Mushin: the Divine Fist and the heir to the Naryu bloodline. Jiwan: the Righteous Blade. Iksanun: the Realmwalker. Hong Sokgyun, the eldest of the Four Guardians, so mighty his power that it earned him the title Earthbreaker. The divine spirits granted these Four Guardians a weapon of immeasurable power and unknown origins: the Twilight’s Edge. It is said the weapon would change its form to suit whoever wielded it and could drive back the darkness.
Getting to the Divine Realm is not an easy task, and once you're there, the hardships continue. The Realm is free from rules and can be especially disorienting for newcomers. Unlike the Earthen Realm, time doesn't move one way and places never stay in the same location. At the same time, the Divine Realm is also a place of abundance and peace; there is no hunter, no prey, no factions or enmity that divides the people. All creatures can live together in harmony and an everlasting peace.
Savan Village, much like the other enchanting realms within the Divine Realm, exudes an aura of captivating wonder. Embark on an immersive journey through the resplendent landscapes of Cloud Drift Creek, or ascend the majestic heights of Songrise Peak. Alternatively, lose yourself amidst the verdant orchards of the Halcyon Hills, a sanctuary adorned with the resplendent blooms of the Divine Peach.
However, it is the magnetic allure of the north that beckons the intrepid souls. There lies the Lake of Reflection, an enchanted conduit that, with each ripple it breathes, carries the daring wanderer to their intended destination. Legend whispers that within the tranquil depths of its waters, one's very essence is mirrored, unveiling the path leading to one's destiny.
The Dark Realm is home to the Dark Lord and his demons and the source of Dark Chi. The Dark Realm is separated from the Earthen Realm, only accessible through the formation of a Dark Gate. Thousands of years before, the Naryu Empire's excessive Soulstone mining inadvertently created a bridge to the Dark Realm, causing the first influx of demonic energy into the Earthen Realm. Since then, the Four Guardians and the Sacred Beasts of the Moonwater Plains have been fighting the darkness from returning.
The exact nature of the Dark Realm is shrouded in mystery but it is very clear that should the Earthen Realm be subject to its effects, the world would descend into chaos. Cults like the Ebondrake actively seek out Dark Chi; sometimes to continue a blind pursuit of power, and sometimes to open a Dark Gate to let the Dark Realm's ruler finally conquer the Earthen Realm.