Revision 1

Overview

The First Lands is the original landing site of the Ark in ancient times and the birthplace of civilization on Primaera in Honor of Kings: World. This region holds the deepest historical significance of any area on the continent, as it is where the ancestors of all Primaera's peoples first set foot on the world. However, the region's current state stands in stark contrast to its historical importance: frequent earthquakes, natural disasters, and dangerous inhabitants have made the First Lands one of the most perilous places in the game.

Few inhabitants of Primaera venture to the First Lands in the present day. The region's instability and the powerful creatures that roam its landscape have turned what was once the cradle of civilization into a forsaken wilderness. Only the bravest or most desperate travelers attempt to explore its ruins, seeking the remnants of the Ark civilization that still lie buried beneath the unstable ground.

Geography and Environment

The First Lands is characterized by geological instability. Earthquakes strike the region with alarming frequency, opening crevasses in the earth, collapsing structures, and reshaping the terrain over time. This tectonic activity has created a landscape of fractured ground, tilted rock formations, and unstable cliffs that can give way without warning.

Natural disasters beyond earthquakes also plague the region. Volcanic vents release toxic gases in some areas, flash floods surge through low-lying zones during seismic events, and the ground itself is riddled with sinkholes that can swallow unwary travelers. The environment itself is an active threat that players must navigate carefully.

Despite the devastation, the First Lands retains traces of its former significance. Massive ruins of Ark-era construction jut from the earth at odd angles, partially buried by centuries of geological upheaval. These structures are built from materials and using techniques that surpass anything found in modern Primaera, hinting at the advanced civilization that once landed here.

Remnants of the Ark Civilization

The Ark civilization refers to the ancient people who arrived on Primaera aboard a vessel or structure known as the Ark. Their landing in the First Lands marked the beginning of civilization on the continent. The technology and knowledge they brought with them formed the foundation upon which all subsequent Primaera civilizations were built.

Remnants of the Ark civilization are scattered throughout the First Lands. Ancient machinery, inscribed tablets, sealed chambers, and structural fragments can be found amid the rubble. Many of these artifacts remain partially functional despite the passage of immense time, suggesting a level of engineering sophistication that has been lost to the modern inhabitants of Primaera.

Researching and recovering these remnants is one of the primary motivations for expeditions to the First Lands. The knowledge contained in Ark artifacts could reshape understanding of Primaera's history and potentially unlock capabilities that have been forgotten for millennia.

Dangerous Inhabitants

The First Lands is home to some of the most dangerous creatures in all of Primaera. Large Ferali of extraordinary size and power roam the region, having grown to immense proportions in the absence of human habitation. Demons and other monstrous entities also inhabit the ruins, drawn to the residual energy of the Ark civilization's technology.

These creatures represent a significant escalation in difficulty compared to enemies found in more settled regions. The combination of powerful Ferali, environmental hazards, and the region's remote location makes the First Lands a destination suited for well-prepared, high-level players. Solo exploration is extremely risky, and even organized groups must proceed with caution.

Role in the Game

The First Lands functions as an endgame exploration region where experienced players can test their abilities against the most challenging content the open world has to offer. The region's lore rewards drive players to brave its dangers in pursuit of Ark artifacts and the ancient knowledge they contain.

Quests in the First Lands tend to focus on exploration, excavation, and survival against overwhelming threats. The geological instability adds a dynamic element to exploration, as earthquakes can open new pathways to previously inaccessible areas or collapse routes that were available moments earlier. This creates an exploration experience that feels different on each visit.