[hider=Kelthis]
[h1][center] Kelthis, He Who Listens, the Shadowed One, the Whisper in the Dark[/center][/h1]

Deity of [b]Deceit and Planning[/b]

[b]Indirect, or Direct:[/b] Indirect relationship

[b]Appearance:[/b] Kelthis adopts various forms, each time changing a slight facet of the appearance, a quirk of his personality. His most common figure is that of a tall man concealed in a cloak of oily black which does not react to natural effects, remaining motionless no matter the action or surrounding conditions. His face is shadowed by the hood, although one can sometimes glimpse a cold, gaunt face filled with malice staring out from underneath, darkened eyes gleaming dully. Apart from the gods and select mortals which he seldom appears to, Kelthis appearance and even physical form is always unique in each appearance, adopting the guise of a woman as frequently as that of a man, although most refer to the deity by its masculine pronoun.

[b]Personality:[/b] Although normally reserved, Kelthis personality is what he requires it to be for a specific situation. His preferred personality is that of a calculating, passionless individual, treating others as pawn, allowing no anger to slip through, only pity. He cares not for the specific ties associated with an event but rather its execution and results.


[center][h2] Faeros [/h2][/center]

[b]Population:[/b] 604,900

[b]Denizens:[/b] The inhabitants of Faeros inhabit three distinct environs: the coastal plains, the marshes, and the deep forests. Most share the same lithe stature and tolerance to cold, although the specifics of a person depends on which of these locations they inhabit. Intermediate areas where the terrain transitions plays host to grand merchant fairs, arenas, brothels, and a multitude of illicit and gold-sealed dealings. Clothing is generally made of cotton when it can be had. Approximately half of the population lives in the forest cities, with the remaining half weighted towards the coast. All in Faeros, more so the upper classes, play the game of houses, for to do otherwise is to invite ruin. These states may appear divided to foreign powers, and so they are, but a threat will see the unification of these great cities.

[IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/2927mut.png[/IMG]


[b]Government:[/b] A collection of city-states, the most common form of control is that of a despot or small oligarchy that wields influence over the factions in their areas, although some of the more moderate city-states have larger councils. This fact does not detract from the ruthlessness of politics in the slightest.

[b]Military:[/b] The military of Faeros is a composition of household troops, city levies, and mercenaries, with each city bringing a unique or balanced approach. Many of the professional troops are skirmishers or heavy shock infantry, effective within the confines of the Faerosian cities and the forests which most inhabit. Cavalry is a comparatively small portion of the overall military, although the coastal cities field them in higher numbers. Most skirmishers utilize atlatls to be able to engage at a distance and still have power while freeing themselves of the constrictions of both javelins and bows, though the weapon has its own drawbacks. Shock infantry normally utilize swords and shields, although some of the more elite units arm themselves with flanged maces or axes.

[b]Culture:[/b] Faeros is a culture divided and unified, each city-state an independent polity that bears similarities to its neighbors. Begun as a small series of forest settlements which served as stopping posts for the hunter-gatherers of the society, these camps, called [i]faers[/i] in the native tongue, would slowly grow, clearing and occupying more area of the forest as they grew in importance. Some [i]faers[/i] would move to the coast, plying the seas for more food and trade albeit with less success than their land-locked cousins. In time, the camps would establish seats of power, walls, and larger, more permanent buildings, the start of the city-states. Continuing unabated for decades, the cities would host a majority of the population of Faeros, so named because of the origins of the collective.

The larger each city-state became, the more of an emphasis was placed on the ability to outwit and manipulate one's rivals both near and far. Whether bloody or peaceful, good-willed or malicious, intrigue and convoluted plots became the premier tenets of Faerosian society. While one would normally correlate scheming with nefarious purposes, many plots are formulated and enacted to bring peace and prosperity with the least amount of disruption possible, for trade and industry is the heart of Fearos. Temples to Kelthis are few, with four in any given city considered a plurality. Instead, worship, as it can be called, is private, with individuals or groups sending prayers for guidance and fortune to their sovereign for success.

To be touched with the gift of magic is to be honored in Faerosian society, for the touch of Kelthis is rare indeed. Wielding sorcerous powers invites jealousy as well, making those who wish to survive some of the most able manipulators and leaders in Faeros.

Cities in Faeros are densely populated, host to more than two-thirds of the total population of the collective. Food is primarily supplied through the coastal cities, interspersed farms, or trade, placing a modicum of reliance on the outside world for comfort. Many sorcerers themselves own plantation estates, using their gifts to help their harvests and its sale.
[/hider]