Not my own words, but: "Enjoy memes and have a good time online, but develop a solid sense of self-worth that is rooted in a reality that doesn't disappear when the battery charge is empty."
@RabidAnubis I was actually going to wait around to see if Nerevarine was going to return to claim those very lands you grabbed but I guess they're gone now. Since you're up to reserve the forest bit, I'll stake my claim there!
(Illgarythe's heraldry displays a stylized depiction of the nightlily; a flower native to the region which opens at night and closes during the daytime)
NATIONAL
-Government Type: Illgarythe's government includes a mixture of monarchical, oligarchical and democratic elements. It is a magocracy, with political power dominated by the sorcerer elite. Its executive power rests with a hereditary monarch called an Episkon and a council referred to as the Ephlarchy. The role of the Episkon primarily concerns judicial, military and religious affairs. Xe has the last say in the passing of legislation and may appoint any individuals xe finds competent to the Ephlarchy. The Episkon is considered to be Illgarythe's religious head, as well as the chief military commander in times of war.
Members of the Ephlarchy are drawn from Illgarythe's most learned mages. Ephlarchs may be appointed directly by the Episkon at any time, but there are seats reserved for each Senior Mystagouge in the city-state. The Ephlarchy is the most powerful political force in Illgarythe, next to the monarch. It can create laws and appoint new monarchs if they leave no heir. However, those nominated for the position may not already be a member of the Ephlarchy. The Episkon has the ability to overturn legislation that the Ephlarchy suggests. The Epharchy also is responsible for monitoring the Diakonarchy.
The Diakonarchy is tasked with the bureaucratic matters of Illgarythe. It holds little political power in the face of the Ephlarchy; however, it tends to back the decisions of its upper house counterpart. It consists of publicly-elected representatives.
-Currency: Illgarythe uses a currency called ℘ragon's Heads, which is common between Vrent, Yeodrothan and itself.
℘ Farthing: Lowest denomination ℘
℘ Halfshield: five farthings ℘
℘ Shield: two halves/ten farthings ℘
℘ Groat: five shields/ten halves/fifty farthings ℘
℘ Tower: two groats/ten shields/twenty halves/one hundred farthings ℘
℘ Blood: five towers/ten groats/fifty shields/ one hundred halves/five hundred farthings ℘
Illgarythe is situated on the west coast of the isthmus, north of the Kyrphos River. The surrounding region is dominated by low-rising hills and uneven terrain. The region has a Mediterranean climate - summers are hot and dry, whereas winters are rainy and mild. Snowfall is rare and not typically seen this far west of the Dragon's Teeth.
Illgarythe is built at the top of a sturdy plateau, which slopes in the middle on either side. The bottom of the plateau touching the Kyrphos River has a natural cavernous opening, into which the city-state's harbor is built. Tunnels connect this cavern to the plateau's surface.
The city-state's spires stab into the sky; above which throbs a perpetual, aurora-like mass of colors. The shades are ever-changing, and some sorcerers practice a form of divination using the hues and shapes above to glimpse at the future's possibilities. The reason for this is not known, but it is theorized that raw magic happens to be strong in this section of the isthmus.
Every structure is wrought from stone: tall, phallic towers of varying height that dot the city-state. The interiors of Illgarythe's structures are dazzlingly bright. Alabaster-white stone lines the walls and floor, inlaid with golden tiles and trimming that compose elaborate patterns. Illgarythian architecture emphasizes tall ceilings and liberal use of columns. The streets are kept lit by rows of man-sized crystals, suspended several feet from the ground by magic.
-Buildings of Interest:
RACIAL
-Majority Race: Illgarythians
-Majority Race Appearance: Illgarythians are a race of humanoids that appeared in the west of the isthmus many centuries ago. They have distinctive knife-like points at the tips of their ears. They stand at six feet on average, the shortest of them not below five and a half and the tallest not beyond seven. Illgarythians have relatively gaunt faces, characterized mainly by their prominent cheekbones and strong jawlines. Their eyelids are narrow, containing irises of varying color, but usually having earthy tones. Their skin complexion resembles a light, olive tone. Naturally, their hair grows lank and color ranges from blue-black to dark brown. It is fashionable to either shave their heads or weave their locks into intricate styles. Illgarythian sexual dimporphism is comparable to humans, however their facial features are slightly more androgynous. The males typically have more prominent ear tips.
-Majority Race Characteristics: See Cultural Notes.
-Minority Races: Ventus, Humans, Agarhin, Other
-Minority Race Characteristics: Full citizenship within Illgarythe is confined to its parent race. Humans formerly living in Illgarythian territory were defeated and enslaved long ago. However, they were given subordinate roles within Illgarythian society comparable to serfs. As a low-class people, the descendants of these conquered folk are relatively privileged; they are allowed religious freedom (with the exception of Justiniansim), the ability to marry, and they are allowed keep close to half of the goods produced from their labor. A surprising number become wealthy enough to buy their freedom. This social group is called the Doulotati.
There are free minorities living within Illgarythe; usually these are travelers from abroad, descendants of refugees that fled the Ableon Empire, migrants, etc. While not citizens, these peoples are granted ownership of property and may enroll in the military, however cannot participate in political affairs or marry Illgarythians. They are otherwise treated as equal members of society. Most are Ventus, Agarhin or humans. Free non-citizens are called Parakletans.
RELIGION & MAGIC
-State Religion: The official state religion of Illgarythe is called Lihanism. It is an offshoot of Uwanism, or the Old Ways, that reveres the moon goddess under the name Lihane. Lihane's holy symbol is an eight-pointed rune; each point symbolizing a phase of the moon. She is credited with enabling mortals with magic, as well as guiding individuals along their life paths. She is associated with change and evolution, growth, the passing of time and journeys. Because the moon is always changing phases, Lihane is said to be fickle and capricious, but always on the side of her followers.
-Religious Information: Illgarythe's Episkon is treated as Lihanism's chief priest. Xe is not a saintly figure, as the religion does not recognize them. The Episkon performs most ritual duties during religious holidays and leads the city-state in prayer. It is also xe's duty to confirm the phases of the moon as they cycle.
Lihanism has an informal clergy: the Ekklestati. These are the stewards of the temple-arcanums within Illgarythe. The role is not confined to mages, but senior members of the Ekklestati usually are proficient magic-users. The most powerful of these are the Mystagouges, who oversee all temple-arcanum functions. Senior Mystagouges are automatically given seats in the Ephlarchy.
Lihanist temple-arcanums are equal parts centers of worship and centers of learning. Each has spaces for congregations to gather and libraries for research, as well as chambers for divination and sorcery. Many come to temples to practice magical craft under the tutelage of the Ekklestati. All have sacred calendars that chart the moon's cycles, and the Grand Observatory of Illgarythe's largest temple is used by the Episkon to visually discern the heavens.
-Religion Demographics: Most Illgarythians (by race) are Lihanists, and the religion is more likely to be followed by them than other demographics. However, a small number has turned to the Red Way as practiced in Vrent, or dabble with Yeodrothan's Blood of Varion. Other races usually stick to their native religions and this is tolerated, save for Justinianism.
-Holy Relics In Possession:
-Holy Sites Under Control:
-Magical Schools and Curriculum: (What forms of magic are common?)
MILITARY
A rank-and-file soldier’s armor consists of a lamellar or chain shirt, worn over a loose-fitting tunic. Fitted above these layers are segmented plates of steel, vambraces and greaves. Their conical helmets fully enclose the head and are often topped with some kind of ornamentation. The color or pattern of the tunic denotes unit organization.
Although shields, spears and swords have been integral pieces of a soldier’s equipment since the earliest civilizations, in this day in age huge priority has been given to gunpowder weaponry. Illgarythe maintains moderate stocks of firearms and about a third of its infantry is equipped with them. The Illgarythians have experimented with techniques to increase the effectiveness of their muskets, including sequential firing techniques to ensure constant streams of bullets, lacquerware boxes to protect the firing mechanism from rain, and measuring systems to allow for accurate fire at night by the use of strings.
Despite the lethality and damage to morale firearms are capable of, conventional arms are still a necessity. Two-thirds of infantry carry pikes or swords, and all carry a shield strapped to their forearm.
Illgarythe’s wild terrain negates some of the advantages of cavalry, so more emphasis is placed on blocks of infantry; yet this doesn’t completely discourage mounted warriors in its armies. The Illgarythians found that mounted charges were very devastating given the right battlefield conditions, and riders have the mobility to deliver support where it is needed. Illgarythe maintains a few distinct types of cavalry, detailed below.
A number of units are trained in the way of the saddle, but are also expected to fight as regular infantry if the circumstances demand. These dragoons are equipped for a variety of situations, carrying both sword, utility axe and musket. Dragoons are used for a wide variety of tasks, from supporting other formations of the army, to scouting, to guarding caravans outside the city. Their horses and equipment are not as splendid as dedicated cavalry, but this makes them cheaper to maintain.
The most prominent type of cavalry in Illgarythe's employ are armed with doglock carbines, swords and wheellock or flintlock pistols. These harquebusiers provide devastating charges, letting off volleys at close to point-blank range with their carbines and pistols before engaging in melee with their blades.
The heaviest cavalry, cuirassiers, are armored more thoroughly than their counterparts. They wear three-quarters armor, covering their head to the top of the knee. Like harquebusiers, they carry pistols, but no carbines, along with war picks and swords. A small number wield shorter demi-lances, but lances have been on the decline in recent years. Expensive and falling out of favor with the contemporary style of warfare, cuirassiers are few in number. (Contrary to the reference image, shields are no longer in fashion with cavalry)
Illgarythe's main class of warship is constructed of pine for the hull and oak for masts and pegs. Plates of iron wind around the frame to protect it against arrows and cannon. These ships are simple in design, but structurally sound and well-suited to the rough tides of Illgarythe's waters. U-shaped hulls and flat keels enable them great range of mobility, able to change direction quickly at sharp angles. Sails both on the fore and aft can be easily managed by the crew so that their angles can take advantage of both adverse and favorable wind. The upper deck is manned by the soldiery, giving them a high vantage point from which to attack other vessels with arrows or guns. At the center of the ship is a simple tower, from which commanders relay orders to the crew.
The ships of Illgarythe's navy are not as numerous as those of the Ableon Empire, although the Illgarythians make up for this shortcoming with individual strength. The ships of the line in its possession are among the finest on the isthmus and carry a hefty complement of artillery.
Warships are armed with different types of cannons, varying in caliber and capable of firing different kinds of projectiles, from round shot to great, iron-finned darts. Such darts are favored ammunition, as they have much greater accuracy than cannonballs while capable of the same destructive power against other vessels. Stationed on the upper deck are smaller breech-loading swivel guns, manned by a single soldier. The Illgarythians utilize a unique loading method to achieve greater range and penetrating power by using wooden blocks and paper as wadding.
Illgarythian artillery is commonly used onboard ships, but is just as prevalent as defensive measures in fortresses and on land.
NATIONAL DRAMATIS PERSONAE
-Episkon: Lethadia Araelean
-Notable Ephlarchy Members:
-Notable Diakonarchy Members:
-Notable Ekklestati members:
-Other Persons of Interest:
CULTURAL
-History:
-Historical Relations and Grievances:
Ableon Empire & Vrent: The city-states of Illgarythe and Vrent have stood together against Ableon throughout history. In YD 75, the two established a mutual-defense pact, successfully deterring Imperial interests in the west of the isthmus. In 2 YL, a massive Imperial offensive forced them to defend the isthmus on both land and sea. Illgarythe barely managed to break Ableon's blockade, but it lent its army to break the siege of Vrent and drive the Imperials back. The two city-states have been close allies and trading partners since.
-Cultural Notes: Illgarythians, especially the wealthy, are diverse in their appearances and mannerisms. They strive to maintain unique impressions, most noticeably in their choice of dress and grooming. Very few outfits will look exactly alike, and they range from fairly modest to unabashed in what they reveal. Gaudy jewelry pieces are prized for presenting interesting geometric motifs, often worked into hairpieces. Piercings are not uncommon either, many of which actually hold attire in place. Yet for all their pomp, Illgarythian dress varies little in color palette. Most garments are trimmed in gold threads with fabric of either black, white, muted shades of warm hues, purple, or a combination of these. More attention is given to the silhouettes of the clothing against bare flesh and the luster of ornamentation.
@FlaggI found this link that has a little table of some city populations in the early 16th century and details increments to the 17th. Might be helpful for players when trying to gauge how big their city-state population should be.
I missed the Justinian - Old Gods - Red Pantheon trinity from the good, 'ol Sacrilege War days! I'm not sure what sort of city-state I'm going for just yet.
Unfortunately I won't be able to pursue the elven dilemma with you, @The Sparrow. I can move up north and irk out Sotraeca's existence there, but it's not wooded enough for my tastes. My other option is way down south, but I recalled @Nerevarine deciding on that (though it was 8 days ago and no reply/NS since).
I made a little map with all the definite claims to make things easier:
Those southern forests are pretty enticing for my theme; I only wonder if Nerevarine plans to make another appearance.
@ClocktowerEchosIs it supposed to be this? I read that post as it being a free spot, I didn't know you intended to set up camp there. I noticed your CS but didn't see a claim.
Very WIP; marking my progress for curious parties:
Sotraeca
Capital and Major Settlements:
Ruler and Royal Family:
King Alrendil
People/s:Elves make up the overwhelming majority of Sotraeca's population. It is possible to find enclaves of non-elves living among the edges of the forest, but the toll can be counted on one's fingers. Few outsiders dare venture into the trees without proper guidance from the elves that call this land home.
Kingdom Traits:
A Web of Whispers
A Breaker of Webs
Wondrous Beauty
Military Traits:
Knowledge of War
Messengers with Wings
Foraging
Masters of Ambush
Good Archers
Trained Troops
Trade Traits:
Rich with Ores
Industry
Flaws:
Not a Flawless Family
Arguable Claims
Terrible Boats
Culture:The elves of Sotraeca live isolated lives, hidden within the trees and largely unconcerned with the affairs of foreign realms, save for King Alrendil and his council. As a whole, they are content to be left alone from the politicking of other nations, so long as their own livelihood is unthreatened. However, when Sotraeca finds itself at the edge of a sword, the entire forest readies itself in defense. The elves guard their homeland with a wary eye and a stiff hand; it is not in their nature to conquer, but to preserve.
Former conflicts with neighbors have given Sotraeca's inhabitants reason to distrust outsiders, and as such, they are quick to err on the defensive when the motives of others are unclear. They are a suspicious lot, and when they gaze upon the rest of the world, they do so with great cynicism. When forced to broker with outsiders, they disguise their misgivings under veils of congeniality.
Sotraecan elves emphasize living in accordance to the natural world, rather than manipulating or fighting it. They are prone to value ideals of balance and harmony, where they are just as much a component of the natural order as a tree is but one portion of a forest. At young ages, they learn how to survive among the wilderness, navigate the endless rows of trees and forage from the land. The martially-inclined hone their bodies to glide through the wood with ease, sharpening their instincts and dexterity to great heights.
Military:
Economy:(describe the industry and trade relations of your kingdom)
Reputation:To the rest of the civilized world, Sotraeca is a black sheep. Whereas the courts of most nations are urban, tucked away behind stone walls, Sotraeca's halls are embedded deep beneath the woods. There are no true roads that connect the cities and fortresses of the elves; each settlement is shrouded in the trees and only they have the familiarity with the land to know which direction to travel. The massive forest is whispered to be an enchanted place: a magical entity in itself that detests intrusions of its privacy. Dryads are rumored to assail trespassers, and the most ancient of trees are said to spring to life at whim. Stories of monstrous creatures, possessed of a near-sentience and appetite for men, are told to children in Virian and Baile settlements close to Sotraeca's edge. The isolation in which the elves live, coupled with their penchant for misanthropy makes outsiders wary of their dispositions. It is not infrequently that commoners from other nations, especially those that border the great forest, voice their prejudices concerning the elves.
History:(describe the roots and important historical events of your kingdom)
Misc:(add anything that isn't covered by the rest of the NS)
Member
AP Ottovan
