Aure Nova is a vast and significant island located just south of the equator in the northeastern part of Arindor. Originally inhabited by a small population of Faelin, this landmass underwent a transformative period when it was conquered and settled by a group of humans from New Ascelia just after the The Shallow Passage was discovered. The size of Aure Nova is about the size of the US States of Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota combined.
This settlement became known as Duburi. A militaristic and xenophobic group of humans with ambitions of power, Duburi eventually began a rebellion against New Ascelia and fought for independence. Their aspirations expanded as they sought to dominate the entire landmass due to its strategic importance for trade and navigation. However, amidst Duburi's war for independence, others who wanted control of Aure Nova joined the fray. After a few decades of fighting, Duburi gained its independence from New Ascelia but lost control of the northern shores of Aure Nova. The settlements here that developed into bustling city-states over the next few centuries became known as the Auresian States.
The Auresian states, comprising diverse populations from various parts of the world, formed an alliance based on their mutual interests in trade, navigation, and the island's geopolitical significance. While they retained their individual city-state identities, this alliance allowed them to maintain a cohesive front against potential threats, including Duburi, which everyone knows would take any opportunity it can find to make a grab for more territory.
Much to Duburi's chagrin, Aure Nova became a melting pot of cultures, who eventually became of refer to themselves collectively as Auresian, embracing diversity and fostering a climate of cooperation and exchange. Aure Nova's location as a pivotal stop for maritime routes attracted attention and involvement from other nations, making it an important hub of trade and diplomacy. Philosophers and political scientists anticipate that within the next century, many of the city-states of Aure Nova may move to unify, especially if Duburi were to continue to grow in power and become more of a threat to them.
Duburi, confined to the southern half, maintained its militaristic and xenophobic stance. However, the Auresians' united front, backed by their international ties and shared economic interests, acts as a deterrent against Duburi's expansionist ambitions.
Over time, Aure Nova evolved into a vibrant and dynamic region, with bustling trade cities, cultural exchange, and a blend of various customs and traditions. Its history as a contested land shaped the social fabric, fostering a sense of resilience and determination among its inhabitants.