[translation] Notes on the World Map
World Map of "Dishonored"
The World
The action of "Dishonored" takes place in a city amidst a vast world, somewhat resembling Earth but significantly different overall. While there are many differences, the main one is the hostility of the environment. Whether it is impassable seas or distant wild continents, authoritarian governments or plague-ridden alleys—living here is dangerous.
Calendar
The calendar in this world has an interesting peculiarity. After thirteen months of twenty-eight days, an indefinite period of time is always placed before the astrological clock is reset. The High Observer of the Universal Abbey (the world church) determines the duration of this period, thus starting the celebration of Fugit*—a time of legalized anarchy. Being "out of time," people can do as they please without any consequences. Kill a rival. Sleep with a traveler’s wife. Commit unspeakable acts. During the celebration of Fugit, anything goes.
\Fugue—a term in psychiatry referring to a loss of identity and escape from one’s usual surroundings (translator's note).*
Islands. Civilization
The known civilization primarily originated here, clinging to life on a small archipelago far from the mainland. Hidden in the harsh ocean are a number of small ethnic states. Recently, all the islands came under the control of the imperial government, but each nation retained its own ruler and relative autonomy.
Tivia. Northern Wastes
On the northernmost island, cold steppes are ravaged by stark and severe seasons. Men and women in fur boots roam through the snow, barely scraping by.
Morley. Gloomy Cliffs
Among the steep black cliffs of Morley lives a resilient people. Due to the rainy climate, Morley is not a pleasant place to visit—and living there is even worse.
Gristol. The Heart of Industry
The hilly plains of Gristol are covered with green forests and meadows. There lies the capital, Dunwall, from which the imperial government rules over all the islands. From Gristol, the muddy hands of industrialists reach out to all the islands. It was here that the Litanies of the White Cliffs took place, one of the most significant events in history, giving rise to the world’s primary religion.
Dunwall. The Capital of the World
Most of the action of "Dishonored" takes place in the large city of Dunwall. Having fallen under the control of a terrible all-consuming plague, the city is a grim and dull place. If the plague guards don't kill you, the rats surely will.
Academy of Natural Philosophy. Research and Innovations
The Academy of Natural Philosophy welcomes the brightest minds from all the islands: chemists, cosmologists, philosophers, and vivisectors. This educational institution is the main authority in everything that we would call science. As stated here, it also trains cartographers who create maps like this one. The academy is headed by Anton Sokolov. Additionally, Sokolov is a court physician, known as an artist, a drinker, and a likely heretic.
Into Unknown Waters
The hostile waters surrounding the islands have no names. Recently, the islanders finally combined technology, finance, and courage to explore these waters and found a source of energy that changed all civilization—whales.
Monsters from the Abyss
Strange creatures with tentacles, called whales here, quickly became one of the most valuable and important resources. The oil of these massive creatures is extremely volatile and can be used for energy in unimaginable ways. Rows of fins and other oddities make the "whales" something between H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu and the regular inhabitants of our oceans. Whale oil here has countless applications, much like oil in our world, and the scale of whale slaughter continues to grow. What will such brazen and cruel attacks on nature in the name of industrial development lead to?
And I Will Strike You from the Heart of Hell
The Dunwall industrial revolution would have been impossible without whales and the grey whale hunters. Whaling ships are unusual in that their long bows can detach from the hull, allowing the catch to be pulled aboard. A dead whale is towed by a hook across the deck, where its precious oil is extracted.
Serkonos. Warm Shores
The southernmost island is a warm place with a mild climate where olive lovers reside. Something like our Greece or Italy.
Pandissian Continent. Wild Shores
On the Pandissian continent, the islanders believe there is no civilization. Likely, coastal peoples depend on trade. However, most of the continent remains unexplored—those who cross the deserts and jungles will perish within their borders.
Thanks for the support — Sinmara.