Neverland is former Briar Kingdom territory that broke off from it during the colonization of the Silver Owls, and was later officially recognized as its own nation rather than being reintegrated as part of the kingdom. It is said that all natives have fae blood in their veins, no matter how little. Located at the center of the current map, it is wildly accessible and a popular pit stop for travelers. Just don't stick around for too long, no matter how enticing it may seem.
Known famously as the economic hub of Twisted Wonderland and where ‘dreams come true,’ people from all various corners of the world come here, either in hopes of striking it rich or simply making trade. It's highly over populated and crowded for this exact reason, as these many aspirations fall flat in the face of what this nation is really like.
The main state is separated into two major districts of varying social status, purpose, and core, each on their own islands. Smaller islands are dedicated solely to trade, and as a bridge between the two districts, while others are protected national preserves. Beautiful land of wonders like pink sand, towering cliffs, vast mines and caves unexplored, enchanted forests and jagged mountains as far as the eye can see.
When first founded, the central base of operations was on the same islands that are now known as the Lower District, with things like the barter system and naval trade as its main creed. As resources began to deplete, people branched out into the other islands and some began monopolizing the resources available there and creating laws to stop people from being able to make it the way they did, while still selling their story for 'hope.' Civil conflict began, and nation eventually split into two distinct factions.
Over time, as priorities began to pivot, the culture from the Land of Briars trickled out into Neverland's own traditions and culture based around some of the same central themes, but uniquely its own. Eventually, in order to survive, the two factions came to an agreement but remained separated from each other. One of them got the short end of the stick.
The Upper District are islands where most business headquarters and offices are, and where the big money families live. To get there from other places on the archipelago, you must travel by water or by air. The Lower District are islands connected to each other by bridges or short boat rides, one half known as the Copper Ring (filled with industrial neighborhoods filled with factories and pollution) and its other half known as the Brass Ring (the slums),
Corruption runs deep through the veins of this nation, upheld by members of the upper crust who believe money makes the world go round, and that there is only so much gold to go around and always, always too many people to share it all with. They hold wealth and money above all else, and purposefully keep the Lower District too weak or downtrodden to speak out against them either through physical means or simply how their system work, Many think they’re too small to really make a difference, or are too accustomed to this way of life either way. Still, it’s important to note that the Lower District is home to many of the people who actually keep this nation running.
Neverland celebrates the day of its independence with the Lantern Launching Festival. Though it originates from Briar Valley, it became something entirely new in terms of what it represents for Neverland. Used during the start of separation from the mainland to find loved ones and disorient the Silver Owls that had come with, some would write messages hoping for it to fly high enough to reach help, and others wrote down their wishes on it hoping someone would find it and that, should anything happen, they wouldn't be forgotten.
It now serves as a symbol of hope and guidance, where magic isn't so out of reach anymore. In dark times when you are lost and cannot see where you are going, you can still find the way with others light. This festival is at the center of the 'Wishfall' event.
People from Neverland are known as ‘Neverlanders’ or ‘Fantasists.’ The latter is more frequently used by natives.