-Population: Circa 100 million~ inhabitants across all the regions of Archonnen.

-Faction: Justinian.

-Capital: Capitolopolis of Exalossa.

-Government Type: Exaltarchy/Exalted Bureacracy.

-Government Description: An Exaltarchy is a government which has been directly crafted by the Justinian themselves where one of the Apostles were elected its Exaltarch and instantly granted Divine Mandate. The nation is then inherited by the closest bloodline related hero or champion of the Justinian. Beyond the Exaltarch and their exalted family, the remainder of the nation is administered and operated through imperial bureacracy where various titles, such as that of the magnate and the archmagnate, are granted to deserving individuals. The roles of the magnate and the archmagnate are to administer some of the many noble holdings in the case of the magnate, or the administration of the various magnacies in the case of the archmagnate. All titles within the nation are effectively viceroyalties as such, allowing the Exaltarch the ability to remove any such titles from individuals, including noble roles, should the individual in question be unworthy of the title.



-Head of State: Exaltarch Armarossa Gloria the Splendid.

-Currency: The Exaltarchy employs Sacrosanctian currency, often referred to as "Sacros" by the common populace. It is referred to as Aequint Coins by the educated, due to their relation to the ancient Megasovereignty of the Aemos Imperios, which is of big influence in core Justinian lands.

-Languages: Majority Aemerine speaking nation, with a tolerance for Sancthiyin Elvish within its elven majority communities. Due to the massive convergence of languages, the nation has decided to enforce the Aemerine language due to ease of communication.





Firstborn amongst the Justinian crusader states, founded personally by the Justinian and its apostles, the Exaltarchy of Archonnen serves a form of role within the Justinian society which could easily be explained as a direct extension of Sacrosanctia into the nations of mortals. A unified, loyal Justinian nation, the Exaltarchy appears indomitable, monolithic, however waits patiently for its time amidsts the spotlights of the new world’s wars. One could surmise that the nation is more akin to a sleeping giant, as opposed to an active crusader state, its support of other fellow Justinian nations is mostly kept to supplies and equipment, of which there are many of fine quality.

• The Superstate - Justinianism is highly utilitarian, but above all, it is authoritarian to no end. As such, the Exalted State of Archonnen, headed by the Glorious Exaltarch Armarossa the Splendid, has seemingly endless reach into the affairs of common individuals. The Exalted State, represented by the Solar Eye, is an incredibly vast bureacratic institution that reaches as far as local trade and construction, with seemingly no end to its reach within the Exaltarchy. It is a highly paranoid existence, keeping tight wraps on secrets and does not enjoy unexpected occurences.

• Catalyst of Mortal Gods - Armarossa the Splendid, Exaltarch of the mighty superstate of Archonnen, is a highly powerful lord whom walks the Materium. His administrative efforts, and his apparent exemplorary Justinian personality grants him great favour with the One True God, Justinian. In so becoming the avatar for the three greatest of Justinian's Aspects; Wolfraum Azvorn the Dragon Eater, Sovereign Ultimatum of the Aemos Imperios, Apexus the Transcendant, Mortal God amongst Man, and lastly, The First, Founder of the Justinian Ideal, and the Aspect of the Beginning.

• King of Kings - The Exaltarchy is home to a colossal amount of Justinian heroes and champions, and has a hold on immeasurable power. However, the nation itself is ruled by recognition and legend, but most importantly, Justinian virtues. The King of all Justinian Champions rules the Exaltarchy under Justinian’s direct influence, and is called the Exaltarch. The title of Exaltarch comes with many boons, such as that of Divine Mandate under Justinian, making his word and law, a direct extension of the Justinian. They also experience greater supernatural protection, beyond being simple heroes, the Exaltarch also has Divine Intervention, which allows Justinian to directly intervene in matters which involve the Exaltarch’s direct safety. The Exaltarchy is also a nation of countless heroic tales and stories, the Exaltarchy were the first to come into war during the initial Crusade of Justinian, and has since upheld the heroic lineage of their forefathers 300 years ago. The nation is ruled, therefore, by ancient heroic bloodlines, and seldom are there people of note whom do not bear the title of Champion of Justinian.

• The Justinian Giant - The Nation of Archonnen is objectively the largest nation in the Materium, and has the largest population in all the world. To accompany this, the nation itself is effectively centralized, with a highly capable industry, and its people are accepting of the Exalted State. The economy is thriving, and the nation has been in a golden age for 150 years. It is a very stable nation, a nation with complete faith in its Exaltarch.

• The Infinite Army - The Exaltarchy of Archonnen is an inexplicably vast nation, not only of size, but of population. Due to its economic and sociopolitical stability, the Exaltarch, the nation’s ruler, is able to summon forth a practically endless host of warriors. However, the Infinite Army is slow to mobilize, and requires immense preparation before the titan can lay waste to its enemies.

• You are my Fellow Man - Racism and cultural distance is naught in the nation of the Exaltarchy, for it is rich in understanding and benevolence. Instead, assimilation and understanding of other people under the Justinian banner is welcomed and their unique traits are highly desired. Ill thoughts are instead directed towards those whom do not share these traditional justinian ideals. It is also home to some of the most devout, traditionalist Justinians on the world-continent of the Materium, as such it is harsh to alien influence, but still follows the rules of justice and benevolence. Racism is a bygone topic amongst metropolitan Archonnen, instead harm comes to those whom lack the same religious beliefs as the majority.

• Epiphany of the Perfect World - Much like many other Justinian nations, the Exaltarchy of Archonnen wildly utilizes the practice of the Epiphany of the Perfect World to keep its subjects loyal, devout, and hopeful of a united, peaceful future where lands once divided are reunited, and the drums of war turn into the hymns of peace. Although the negative of this process leads to naturally occuring "Great People (super geniuses)" lacking the freedom to fully exercise the full potential of their abilities to acquire the best possible result. This means that most roles in the government, and the system in general, is filled by individuals who are largely limited in their freedom and movement. This means that instead of lateral thinking, reliability and loyalty is instead emphasized.

• World Cities - The nation of Archonnen is vast, but its population far more excessive. Its people are ambitious architects and constructors of marvels of which cannot be compared. It includes cities of which can be described as worlds in and of themselves.

• Armoury of the Gods - The capital city, Exalossa, is home to countless wonders worthy of world recognition, one of which is the Golden Armoury. The Golden Armoury consists of the collected wealth, legend, and recognition of endless heroes in the form of their armour, weapons, and trinkets. It is estimated that tens of thousands of legendary relics can be found within its walls, and some of the strongest weapons on the materium are kept within its inner sanctum, away from dangerous influences. The armoury’s contents are beyond invaluable.

• Proof of Loyalty - Due to the Exaltarchy's somewhat paranoid and control-freaky government, the inhabitants of Archonnen require proofs of citizenry. These proofs are not given handily to anyone, and can be removed at a moments notice by any state official. To gain a proof of citizenship, one must have resided within the Frontier-region of Pinnopol for an approximate 25 years, under strict surveilance. Once this has been completed, one may finally pass beyond the harbours of any city, or cross the menacing Millennium Walls that protect the Justinian Heartlands.

• Distant Allies - The Exaltarchy of Archonnen is a distant political entity to its Justinian allies, unwilling to send military aide in form of military personnel for undisclosed reasons. As such, it is a very enigmatic entity to other Justinian Sovereigns, gaining them great distaste from most Justinian Rulers. Although, in regards to Sacrosanctia, the Exaltarchy and the Theobureacracy of Sacrosanctia share great diplomatic relations, arguably the best in all of Justiniandom.

• Resolute Justinians - Traditionalist Justinians to the extreme, the Exaltarchy of Archonnen is highly unwilling to deal with foreign religions, and the followers that they enthrall. Whilst few exceptions have been made, the Exaltarchy works endlessly to instill disdain and intolerance of other religions, leading to even their Ambassadors to often adopt a "burn the alien" policy when dealing with other allied nations.

• Thrones of Gold - The Exaltarchy of Archonnen appears impossibly arrogant to its allies, often demanding much of them in return of very little. Whilst the Exaltarch's influence and directive is of undeniable religious importance, as he is effectively the Right Hand of the Justinian, he still seldom gives befitting boons in return of other Justinian nations' services. Therefore, dealing with Archonnen politically is a very arduous task indeed.

MEGALOPOLISES (Red)
- Grand Capitolopolis of Exalossa (Capital of the Exaltarchy of Archonnen).
- Regional Capitolopolis of Petrix (Capital of the Archmagnacy of Pinnopol).
- Regional Capitolopolis of Pridos (Capital of the Archmagnacy of Leopol).
- Regional Capitolopolis of Justipolix (Capital of the Archmagnacy of Apollis).
- Regional Capitolopolis of Molis (Capital of the Archmagnacy of Exalos).
- Regional Capitolopolis of Oriossa (Capital of the Archmagnacy of Sepola).
- Megalopolis of Kropolix (Capital of the Magnacy of Constantio, Apollis).
- Megalopolis of Leopolos (Capital of the Magnacy of Macedos, Leopol).
- Megalopolis of Amonos (Capital of the Magnacy of Amo, Apollis).



Points of Interest
- Grand Protectorate of Millennos, the Millennium Walls (Border between Pinnopol and Sepola).
- The Aemoros Border-Mountains (Entirety of Archonnen's norther border).
- The Aemoros Wildwoods (Accompanies the Aemoros Mountains).
- The Great-Mountains of Aporion (Central Archonnen).
- The Daggersand Dune Sea (Central Archonnen).
- The Empyrean Palace (Great Palace of the Exaltarch, Central Exalossa).
- The Immortal Memorium (Surrounds the entirety of Exalossa, millions of statues raised in remembrace of those who fell for the Reconvergence).
- The Monuments of Remembrance (Scattered around the many thousands of cities throughout Archonnen, often manifested as gigantic statues that symbolize sacrifice and resistance).
- The Great-Bridges of Petrix (Petrix; Harbour, commerce, and military districts).
- The Enigmatic Stone (The apex of the Empyrean Spire, Empyrean Palace, Central Exalossa).
- The Golden Armoury (Foot of the Empyrean Palace, Central Exalossa).






-Majority race: There is no direct majority, although humans number in a very sizable racial minority, coming in at a drastic 42% of the population. Humans often dominate the administrative sector, as well as the military, although Auxilliary units from other racial fields are utilized to great effect due to their special characteristics. Whilst they are indirectly forced into service, they are given great boons by the state upon their military resignation.

-Minority race(s): Archonnen is an almost incomprehensibly vast nation with a very sizable populace within its borders, as such almost all of the world's civilized species can be found within it in at least some form or other. A very important distinction to be made, however, is that whether they can be found within the Frontier-region of Pinnopol, or the Archonnen Heartlands are of different importance. Pinnopol serves as some sort of garbage dump for the nation's undesirables, although it does maintain a ready military presence with exemplary auxilliaries levied from these very undesirables.

-Race Description(s): Humans, elves, dwarves, kobolds, centaurs, giants, and so much more, all of it can be found within its expansive borders. If there's a civilized race in this story, chances are high it has found its way into Archonnen in one way or another.






-State Religion: Canonical Justinianism

-Patron Deity: The Justinian

-Religion Demographics: The Exaltarchy and Sacrosanctia collaborates on many-a religious operations, as such the demographics found within Archonnen are an overwhelming majority Justinians, with an unaccounted for, but incredibly small minority Red Pantheonists. These Red Pantheonists are actively genocided, and sacrificed for the greater purpose of the Recovergence of both the Materia and the Celestial Realm. Although, there're some extreme and less extreme cults and sects found within Archonnen, there is only one socially acceptable interpretation is that of the literal interpretation of what is written in the Canonica.

-Holy Relics in Possession: The lands of Archonnen are home to potentially the largest collection of Holy Relics in the world, almost all of which are collected within the Golden Armoury of Exalossa. Whilst entry into the Golden Armoury is almost completely restricted, only a select amount of individuals are granted passage from the Exaltarch himself into the massive vaults of the Golden Armoury, and even then there're some weapons and some areas of which are not granted passage to even the Exaltarch without the explicit say-so of the Justinian themselves.

These are those weapons, and they are ranked from strongest to weakest:



-Holy Sites under Control: There are no Holy Cities in Archonnen, but there are numerous important religious locations; such as Archonnen's Golden Armoury. Foremost amongst them is the entirety of the Empyrean Palace; the personal residence of the Exaltarch, his personal guard, the upper-echelon of the Exalted State, and their personal guard. Center piece in a great board which spans the entirety of Archonnen, the Empyrean Palace consists of a superstructure which towers into the heavens, and sprawls deep into the earth. The Empyrean Spire breaches into the heavens, and at its Apex, lies the chambers of not only the Exaltarch and his Empyrean Court, but also the Enigmatic Stone. Borrowing into the depths of Exalossa, the legendary Golden Armoury lies, together with its tenants, whom may never leave its vaults, and protects the relics. The Empyrean Citadel occupies the surface space of the Empyrean Palace, and is the home for the administrative center of the Archonite War Machine and the Exalted State's High Command.

-Notable Magical Institutions: Archonnen lacks individual centers of scholarly knowledge, and instead relies on Sacrosanctian colleges of magic and knowledge for training most of its administration. That beign said, the nation is not without centers of learning, they're simply few and hard to enter. The Exalted state funds and owns academies of learning in all of the great cities and is the foremost center of knowledge for several fields of study.

-Religious Interpretations/Culture/Structure: Archonnen is home to too many cultures to name, and too many interpretations to even comprehend. Whilst all things are maintained and cooperative by designs established early on in Archonnens infancy, Archonnen has learned to develope a culture surrounded on lack of any definitive, particular culture. City-life in Archonnen is filled with all kinds of oddities, and exotic dishes, where as instead the farmlands develope isolated cultures with their own practice and festivals.

More often than not, however, life in Archonnen centers around the vast cities, with gigantic markets and massive forums for people to spend their times outside as opposed to nothing. Although Archonnen society is a highly hierachical one, with each individual defined by their particular duty, and their purpose, and their work. Everyone is given a purpose, everyone is given a job, and they are supposed to finish said task before their life expires. It is the necessity of Justinian success, and it is the Archonite Dream to work or take part in something that will later become groundbreaking or revolutionary.

This sense of "Worker's Duty" is further emphasized with massive, and numerous monuments that glorify duty and sacrifice for the sake of accomplishment and success. The Grand Capitolopolis of Exalossa is surrounded by one such gigantic monument; a monument consisting of hundreds of thousands of marble statues in the shape of nameless soldiers, all of which gave their lives for the sake of Justinian success. Be it the ones that fell during the Initial Crusade, or the ones whom fell during the Devastation, they are all immortalize here, so that they can stand guard whilst the next generation brings success.

As aforementioned, Archonite society is highly hierarchical, and by extension orderly. The regimes of each individual is strictly controlled and enforced, but made in such a way as to imply a fake sense of control. This is to keep the citizens happy, but also to ensure continued efficiency in the Archonite Industrial, Administrative, Military, and Commercial machine. The State as such has massive insight into the lives of each individual, and monitors them closely to ensure no criminal activity is undertaken.

As such, crime in Archonnen is surprisingly rare, and executions, otherwise called as "Judgements" are massive occations of enjoyment for the common folk, amassing around the Empyrean Spire's Obsidian Obelisk (where criminals are crucified and made to atone for their crimes).

The people of Archonnen, in its sprawling cities, are as such massively controlled, mind controlled even, and the farmers and village-livers are simply too ignorant to know what the Exalted State is doing. As such, the people of Archonnen honour fallen heroes, and pride themsleves in their government. They are incredibly loyal to the state, but also to Justinianism itself, due to Sacrosanctian administrative and theocratic influence.

Archonnen and the Theobureacracy of Sacrosanctia are gigantic allies, and cooperate in almost every sphere of administration, education, and commerce. Miltiary being the only thing that Archonnen itself exclusively operates, since it acts as the effective army of Sacrosanctia, with the Exaltarch being the Supreme Commander of the Mortal-led Justinian Coalition forces.

As Archonnen is a powerful Justinian nation, in close proximity with Sacrosanctia, and with great cooperation with the fatherland of Justiniandom, it is a predominantly Canonical Justinian society. As canonicals, it follows these tenants:

1: Must acknowledge Justinian as the true and only god of the universe besides the deceased Demiurge, the evil creator god of the primordial era - the great antithesis and root of all evil.
2: Must acknowledge and accept the Great Reconvergence as desirable, necessary and inevitable.
3: All celestial entities that are not Justinian (demiurgic entities) must be destroyed, following them is treason.
4: The Justinians word and mandate is absolute.
5: Accepts and takes part in self-sacrifice and the consensual curse
6: Acknowledges and accepts the existence and role of the Oratorium, allowing them the right to carry out their duties and operate within your borders.
7: Accepts and takes part in the Epiphany of the Perfect World.
8: Acknowledges and takes part in fighting in the Sacrilege War. There can be no peace until the Great Reconvergence is completed, as such this will be our final war.
9: Acknowledges Justinians divine intervention and miracles, as well as the magic delegated to the mortals.
10: Acknowledges Asceticism and the inherent impurity of the physical world and as such officially rejects materialism.






Total Military Size: Circa 1,000,000 (give or take a couple thousand) active soldiers are maintained and supplied by the Exaltarchy of Archonnen during this state of peace.

Listed Heroes: Archonnen is a nation whose power and authority stems from its leadership; an upper-echelon of Champions whose heraldry stems all the way back to the age of the Apostles, and in the case of the Great Houses, have direct connection with the Apostles of Justinian that marched forth from Sacrosanctium 300 years ago. The Great Houses are the following; Gloria, Orass, Immortis, Sepolon, Pax, Arboria, Apollis, Eternus, and Immortasus. There are numerous other dominating bloodlines within the Bureacracy of Archonnen, but there're also skillful "unaffiliated" administrators. What is to be most commonly known, however, is that the Champions of Archonnen are LEADERS as opposed to WARRIORS. This leads to most of their time being spent administrating the gigantic realms of Archonnen, although their skills on the battlefield are expected to remain capable, they're mostly employed by the Exaltarch and Justinian as superb military commanders.

• Exaltarch of Archonnen, Armarossa Gloria.
• Archmagnate of Pinnopol, Horus Orass.
• Magnate of Pinnopol, Oramor Immortis.
• Magnate of Basilis, Luxus Gloria.
• Magnate of Herapolis, Solus Sepolon.
• Magnate of Victorix, Glorion In Victorix.
• Magnate of Prodros, Vigilos Gloria.
• Archmagnate of Sepola, Justice Pax.
• Magnate of Sepola, Lorido Immortis.
• Magnate of Solom, Solomanus Orass.
• Magnate of Floris, Glorianus Sepolon.
• Magnate of Solimo, Armaron Pax.
• Magnate of Gloria, Empyraeos II Gloria.
• Magnate of Aris, Praelis Aris.
• Archmagnate of Apollis, Luxiticanus Arboria.
• Magnate of Apollis, Pantokratos Apollis.
• Magnate of Amos, Tribentaros Monoluxus.
• Magnate of Nerona, Paxos Rex.
• Magnate of Constatio, Prevosus Eternus.
• Archmagnate of Exalos, Rex Eternus.
• Magnate of Exalos, Justinianus Gloria.
• Magnate of Palamis, Justrianus Monoluxus.
• Magnate of Akropos, Arborianos Arboria.
• Archmagnate of Leopol, Empyraeos Immortasus.
• Magnate of Leopol, Empyraeos Monoluxus.

Military Doctrine: The Empyrean Court consists of 512 individuals, half of which are Grand Primuses. These Grand Primuses were once regular Primuses, leading legions and training their forces. They were renowned for their ability and granted the Gift of Knowledge. They were promoted into the highest echelon of the Infinite Army and its machine; the Court of the Exaltarch, but more specifically, the War Council.

The Exaltarch, together with his 256 Grand Primuses lead their wars from within the War Council, the inner-sanctum of the Empyrean Court, and craft strategies and tactics around the war table. Regular Primuses do not know strategy, they known only how to lead men, so they employ standardized strategic templates, or in aemerine, Legalimatum Militarismos Templatos.

However, as a Grand Primus, you are given the ability to craft these strategic and tactical templates under majority vote, and the will of the Exaltarch. This ensures that not any template can enter the Iron Biblicon, the book where all the templates are collected, and the book of which all Primuses must know by heart.

Military Units: The Archonite Warmachine is one which baffles the world throughout all of Materia; no nation across the lands does not know of the Exaltarchy, but even less, of the Infinite Army. Originally created by the remnants of the aftermath of the Great Battle of Tramontan, Empyraeos gathered the shattered Justinian Forces and brought them back to the Temporary Region of Archonnen which would later come to be known as the Exaltarchy of Archonnen.

He, with the aide of his fellow Apostles, attempted their utmost to place the first stones for the foundations of the Exaltarchy. One such stone, one such stepping stone, would come to be known as the Infinite Army. Initially a highly modest, but quite numerous collective of anything from woman, man, and beast, it quickly expanded and became the dominating peacekeeping force in the vast land.

Whilst its initial purpose was of pacification, it quickly became known for its prowess in the fields of battle, as it fought against resisting Red Pantheonist enclaves which, by this point, were not as weak as they are in the modern day. They maintained the law, and secured the land, so that the industry, infrastructure, and urbanization of Archonnen could take shape. It would take many decades before the powers of Archonnen became apparent to anyone, but the embers first laid forth by Empyraeos would quickly burst into flame during the Great Birth, 139AWH. The Great Birth was not only the moment that the Birth of the Exaltarchy as a superpower first became a reality, but it was also the moment where the industry, infrastructure, urbanization, and modernization was completed.

But most importantly, it was also the moment of the first renovation of the Infinite Army. It took a decade for the completion of the first renovation, and it would come to be battle tested shortly after in Tramontan, as would only be fitting. The warriors of Archonnen proved powerful and capable, but ultimately only ash made its way home from the battlefield; the devastation instead burning itself into the minds of any Archonite.

Now in the modern day, after the completion of numerous other renovations, the power of Archonnen's Infinite Army is stronger than ever before. And now more than ever, it is ever more apparent.








































Full History: Archonnen's history has its founding in the Aemos Imperios, namely being the former Crownlands of the vast mega-sovereignty of Wolfraum. It was a poor land, but with the herald of Wolfraum and his conquest, the lands quickly became rich, and vast wonders were constructed in rapid succession. Slaves, labourers, and men all contributed to its creation, and many wonders remain from that time, with Exalossa being built upon the ruins of Aemon, the capital of the ancient supernation.

As the Aemos Imperios' rise was quick, but its fall even quicker, the nation was unequaled, but the Gods themselves were jealous of its power and disposed of Wolfraum after he had subjugated the Old Pantheons' enemies. The mega-sovereignty fell apart into thousands of petty kingdoms, all of which fed upon eachother, and once petrified nations spread out across the weak states like carrion birds, consuming the riches of the shattered empire.

Many centuries would pass, and many rulers would come to vy over the former nation's lands. With the heralding of the Justinian, however, things would change drastically. The former elven rulers that feasted upon the ancient knowledge and power of the Aemos Imperios were slaughtered by the revolutionary forces of the Justinian's coalition. Arrogant elves were forced to bend the knee, and those who fought against the new tide were slaughtered without mercy.

The Aemos Imperios' heartlands were reclaimed, and renamed into the temporary region of Archonnen in the typical arrogance of the first crusaders, assuming the Sacrilege War would be over in decades. With the defeat at Tramontan, the Coalition retreated at the helm of Supreme Commander Empyraeos Gloria. They rallied under his banners and established Archonnen. it would take one and a half centuries before the nation would become a power worthy of the name, however, in that time the regions once vast red pantheon enclaves were almost nullified, and all that remains are scared worshippers with nowhere left to go but into the darkness of death.

The nation of Archonnen has risen, and by 150AWH, the nation is a sizable superpower, potentially even the strongest in the world. It marched with its infinite arrogance upon the Great Taunt, as it had been erected in defiance of the End, right in the middle of the world. The great nation of Archonnen suffered catastrophic defeat, its entire bureacratic assembly wiped out in an instant. The bureacracy adapted, however, and a new Exaltarch was appointed.

The defeat humbled and angered the nation to no end, and great grudges are kept to this day against the schemes and minions of the Turqoise Deciever and his plots. The paranoia of the state is partly caused by that defeat, and the hyper-awareness that the world, and the corruption within it, are neverending.

Today the nation has remained largely silent on the international stage, keeping a strict sense of isolationism and harsh immigration and border policies. Its foreign policy is simply that of trade, with the only nation they actively engage with being Sacrosanctia. In its period of isolation, the nation has exploded into power.

Its economy is immense and its resources vast, its military revolutionized and modernized, great care being taken to mold its every aspects. The nation is driven now by an immense sense of rage and a vast desire for justice, with an Exaltarch as a leader who has ever desire to establish a New World Order under his domain.

List of Historical Grievances:

• The Turqoise Domain (TQLR/Turqoise Deciever) - The cataclysmic defeat at the Great Taunt may never be forgotten.

• The Realms of Ouroborasia (East Ouroborasia/Ouroborasian Empire) - As the children of Crusades led by Archonite nobles and warriors, Archonnen has many reasons to bring Ouroborasia under the proper wing.

Relations:

• The Divine Realms of Sacrosanctia (Sacrosanctium/The Justinian's Realms) - Relationships between Archonnen and Sacrosanctia are immense, with the nations often cooperating in matters of administration, education, law, and magic. Trade between Archonnen and Sacrosanctia are also high, with numerous trade-routes going between the two.

• The Loyalist Realms of West Ouroborasia (Loyalist Ouroborasia/The Crownprince) - Archonnen looks upon West Ouroborasia with pity, but refuses to act militarily; it ships vast amounts of resources, food, and provisions to them instead, keeping their side of the civil war alive and fighting.

• The Realms of Aberys (The Kingdom of Aberys/The Federation of Aberysian Kingdoms) - Trade between Archonnen and Aberys is possible, but highly regulated, the Superstate only allowing Pinnopol's markets to Aberysian traders. That being said, the nation is accepting of Aberysian aristocracy, since numerous of them are actually Archonite citizens due to family ties.

Cultural Notes: Archonnen is a nation of many cultures with each city having its own way of expressing itself. Due to this, the Superstate has enforced "Standardized Culture" in an attempt to unify the peoples of Archonnen even further. The Standardized Culture in question embodies many ideas of the Working Man; dutiful citizens whom perform their duties as instructed, and do their assignments on time. People who work for the sake of the Reconvergeance and people who do not disobey the Superstate, for it knows what is best for all of us. It is an ideal of sacrifice, sacrifice for the Reconvergeance, and it is enforced harshly.

The Standardized Culture is enforced by the Military and city guardsmen with ruthless efficiency, but seldom do they employ force to indoctrinate its people into the Working Man's culture. The Guardsmen instead enter the household of the person in question and discusses the wellbeing of the people, the Justinian faith, and the Working Man's ideal with the individual, before finalizing the statement with a harsh fine unless they choose to adopt the cultural norms.

If they are deemed uncompliant, the Superstate will employ violence if no other method works.

The Turquoise Lord's domain is not a nation. Few people live there, and the Turquoise Lord has few living mortal followers. The red god is akin to a opportunistic tumor or parasite, preying upon the failings and desires of mortals in order to accrue power. The Turquoise Lord is known for their exceptionally lenient sacrificial rules and only a single commandment to follow in order to receive Theurgia from them. Thus, the Turquoise Lord is considered the patron celestial being of outcasts, pariahs, exiles, degenerates, bandits, highwaymen, pirates, and other criminals. Upon receiving sacrifices, the Turquoise Lord reanimates the dead bodies as undead minions who then set about corrupting the surrounding region, creating materials of influence for the Turquoise Lord until the land is sufficient twisted and imbued with their power to enable the formation of an anchor for the Stray Palace.

The Turquoise Lord commands in the celestial realm a structure of unprecedented scale and function, referred to as the Palace Straylight. Using material anchors formed by its servitors in the material realm, the Turquoise Lord may cast a shadow, a projection of the Straylight Palace upon the world itself. These projections displace the material world, sealing it away beneath an overlay, cast in the shape of the celestial palace. This terrestrial shadow of the Palace Straylight is referred to as the Stray Palace, the shadow of the Turquoise Lord's own dominion upon the material realm.

When knowledge of the Turquoise Lord returned to mortals three-hundred years ago during the last celestial war, such Overlays began to appear across the entire world. However, it was in the center of the world where the seed of their current mortal dominion would truly be planted. The center of the world, Tramontan, where due to chance alone most of their aimless, wandering servants would convene over time, grew in the most concentrated fashion, unhindered by attempts to destroy or banish it due to the absence of other contesting powers in the area. This infestation was ignored for a century and a half, dismissed as mere scenery by Justinian and Yuwan alike until it had grown so massive that destroying it was a daunting, godlike proposition.

A century and a half ago, the central Overlay grew large enough to manifest and fully support what is today known as The Fount, the axial tower at Tramontan. The gargantuan structure is so massive it can be seen from every corner of the world, and is so tall none can see its top. Justinians refer to the tower as 'The Great Taunt,' seeing it as a mocking symbol of dominance and superiority flying in the face of Justinian values and superiority. This precipitated an attempt by then-existing Justinian powers to destroy the central overlay and The Fount itself in a single concentrated attack, during the siege of the Central Complexus of 157 AWH. This siege, although successful in halting the growth of the central overlay, is largely considered a failure. After a tactical withdrawal and retreat by Justinian forces from the Central Complexus to an encampment within the reconquered territory near its boundaries, the entire coalition was destroyed in an instant in a catastrophic event known as the Devastation, which killed half a million soldiers, crusaders, inquisitors, mages, and even the then-Exaltarch of Archonnen himself. The site of the Devastation, to this day, remains an impermeable zone within which no being or force may intrude.

The various Justinian nations have since established a ring of forts around the central overlay, and have been waging a constant, perpetual siege against it for over a century straight. Justinian has directed for magical artifacts of mass destruction to be assembled and projected into the Overlay over the years, destroying large swaths of the original overlay and turning the surrounding land into barren, desolate waste. Little by little, the central overlay has shrunk and been chipped away at by the constant efforts of Justinian to see it banished for good.

Elsewhere in the world however, the Turquoise Lord remains a constant and unabated menace. There is a perpetual threat of Stray Palace overlay appearing within the large megacities of various states, or else within remote, secluded locales where few venture. Their servants wander the world, spreading forbidden secrets and practices to unwitting mortals who hunger for power. The Turquoise Lord is known to be directly complicit in assisting Ephemem in the Civil War between West and East Ouroborasia, and they are also suspected to be allied with the returning red god Axohaan.

The Central Overlay of Tromontan: The Lord of the Turquoise Scheme's most well-known of holding is the central overlay that dwells at Tramontan, the center of the world. It is here where the axial tower, The Fount, is located. The Fount itself extends out from the Turquoise Lord's holy site, known as The Seat, which itself comprises the core of the Central Complexus, the gargantuan foundation for the axial tower. The various Western Justinian nations have been waging a perpetual, century-long siege against the central overlay, gradually chipping away at its boundaries and occasionally projecting magical artifacts of mass destruction at the tower in order to damage it.

Worldwide Overlays: The Shadow of the Stray Palace is cast all across the world in a scattered, haphazard fashion, wherever it might be permitted to take root uncontested. Overlays can be found within abandoned mines or deep within canyons, found in the turbulent cesspits of undercities or else in the unclaimed wilderness. The efforts of civilized folk throughout the world to tear down anchoring material for the palace before it accumulates is a constant chore, and militia are always on the lookout for signs of a hidden-away extension of the Stray Palace somewhere unseen.

Discrete Freeholds: Rumors abound of a new, insidious form of overlay where the Turquoise Lord's own influence lies dormant and suppressed, while the architecture and denizens have taken guise to appear indistinguishable from indigenous native forms. What purpose and function such curious overlays serve remains unknown, and none have been positively identified even if several 'unconfirmed' freeholds have been banished.

The Turquoise Lord is known for, amongst other things, their very lenient tenants. The only requirement for sacrifices to be made to them is that the sacrifice have been procured 'By Wit of Force' or 'By Right of Conquest,' interpreted broadly. Having made a sacrifice to the Turquoise Lord, the only commandment one must then follow is that they not attack or otherwise interfere with the Turquoise Lord's servants.

These extremely lax requirements makes the Turquoise Lord exceedingly popular with bandits, pirates, cutthroats, and the lawless in general - who pillage and steal, and then simply add kidnapping and seizure to their crimes. Sacrificing their victims, these ruffians gain a measure of magical power they then use to perform yet more crimes and gain yet more sacrifices to make in a cycle of violence and ever-increasing magical power, without the complication of having to abide by the laws and strictures of an overbearing celestial being. The lesser of these fiends are known as Turquoise Bandits, while the most powerful and influential brigands who go on to become warlords or bandit chiefs are known as Turquoise Marauders. They are not true faithful worshipers of the Turquoise Lord, and merely make sacrifices to them as a convenient and comparatively easy means to gain magical power.

The Turquoise Lord is known as the patron celestial being of outcasts, pariahs, exiles, and degenerates. When knowledge of them returned to the world three-hundred years ago during the war in the heavens, it came in the form of the Lord of the Turquoise Scheme's own Trophic Secrets. Twisted and tainted knowledge of arcane natural law, seen in the dreams and idle thoughts of the deprived and forlorn as a form of lure and temptation. Such forbidden knowledge also graced and continues to come upon the minds of great intellects, scholars, and natural philosophers who study the laws and mechanisms of the world, and it is through the proliferation of these Trophic Secrets that the Turquoise Lord continues to gain followers.

When a living mortal soul is sacrificed to the Turquoise Lord, under certain conditions the body is reanimated as an undead golem that serves the Turquoise Lord. These beings are known as Servitors, and are the predominant perpetuating force for the Turquoise Lord's influence upon the material world.

The first condition necessary is that a body must remain to be reanimated. As sacrifices implicitly requires a living victim this is not often an issue, though various means of magically destroying a body during sacrifice might hypothetically be employed in order to prevent the creation of a Servitor. The second condition is that the victim have an expansive, favorable cavity within their body around the abdominal region. The females of most sentient species automatically qualify for this particular condition, but certain degenerate Red Enclaves otherwise unaffiliated with the Turquoise Lord have been known to carve cavities into the bowels of still-living male victims in order to create suitable conditions for the creation of male Servitors.

Once the body is reanimated, the Servitor is remarkably hardy and resilient. Being undead, few injuries will deter it, and even cutting off its head is generally insufficient to destroy a Servitor. Severing the limbs from the body is generally required in order for destruction to be assured, and barring that incineration of the body is generally sufficient.

Servitors themselves, upon reanimation, can bear a wide and diverse array of assumed personas. Some might appear to have identical personas and memories to the victim. Others might appear the same but somewhat changed in demeanor. Still, some may be reanimated complete different to how they were in life, with no or entirely alien memories. It should be noted that Servitors themselves are Soulless, and whatever they do or however they might act they have no true sense of awareness or consciousness, being a form of philosophical zombie. They are known for being extremely fickle and fae in nature. On occasion, if their body is whole and undamaged and if their persona is similar enough to how it was in life, a Servitor can remain undetected amongst its original community for months or even years. Other times, servitors may aimlessly wander the world, corrupting the landscape and tempting mortals with forbidden knowledge.

Additionally, on rare occasions Servitors have been known to 'adopt' individuals, such as the person who sacrificed them in the first place. Upon adopting a person, a Servitor generally accompanies them wherever they go, constantly by their side. These servitors can serve as tormentors, neutral companions, or valued advisers or aides, lovers or hated enemies. Most Turquoise Bandits and Marauders deal with such adoptions as they come in a manner corresponding with however convenient the relationship is, while most civilized folk typically destroy the Servitor itself at the soonest convenience.

Whether they remain undetected, wander the world, or adopt a mortal, Servitors constantly create what is known as anchoring material. Anchoring material comes in many forms. A carved tree, a cairn made of stones, a cave painting, curious excavations, the growth of alien, alchemical flora, chiseled cliff faces, crop circles and sigils, the assembly of crude natural altars, and so forth. All of these curious objects and structures are naturally imbued with the influence of the Turquoise Lord. Over time, once enough anchoring material accumulates in a single locale, it serves to form a foci of power and influence for the Turquoise Lord. This foci forms a physical anchor in the material world, leading to its overlay by a projection of the Stray Palace (see the Stray Palace section for more details).

All Servitors, from the moment of their creation, serve host to a gestating terrestrial monster within their womb - or their cavity, in the rare instance of a male servitor. Such terrestrial horrors are always completely unique as to their anatomical makeup, as well as their innate nature. Terrestrial monsters may run the gamut from massive, monstrous strong, hideously bloodthirsty and of feral, bestial intellect - to diminutive, pathetically weak, docile and civilized with deep and profound intelligence. Regardless of their nature, all terrestrial monsters bear souls. While they have a native, instinctual impulse to serve the Turquoise lord, this impulse may be overcome by those monsters with strong enough wills or intellects. To this day, in a few remote locations, there is the odd monster living amongst other mortals, having rejected the ways of the Turquoise Lord.

Although all Servitors play host to gestating horror within them, approximately half of them never give birth naturally. All Servitors will forcefully give birth if they would be destroyed or otherwise significantly damaged without the monster within having been slain in the process. The birthing process can range from harmless to the Servitor to wholly destructive, ranging from Servitors giving birth to delicate butterfly creatures to a hulking behemoth sloughing off the skin of its mother (or father).

The Stray Palace seen in the material world is a shadow cast upon terrestrial plane by a structure in the Celestial Realm known as the Palace Straylight.

When a Servitor creates enough anchoring material in the physical realm, the influence of the Turquoise Lord consolidates into a single physical structure known as an anchor. The anchor serves as a pin for the projection of the Stray Palace that then overlays the material realm, keeping it in place while displacing the material realm itself.

The displaced material realm is still present and whole, merely displaced. It is possible to banish Stray Palace Overlay by destroying the physical anchor pinning it in place, causing it to be banished and for the material realm to reassert itself as it was prior to being displaced. Those more familiar with the practice of destroying anchors are wary and take care when doing so, as it is possible for an anchor to be located either underground or above the ground relative to the displaced material world, resulting in the would-be-savior being sealed in solid bedrock or left to fall dozens of meters after destroying an anchor.

The projection of the Stray Palace is more than just the structures that form - it is the very skein and fabric of the world that is displaced as well. When one enters an overlay, the Stray Palace is not just the halls they enter, but also the air they breath. The stuff and material of the Stray Palace complies with natural laws, but is altogether still alien. The structures seen will regenerate over time, and possess a curious strength to them. They are not harder to destroy, but may be arranged with a complexity and enormity that might otherwise be impossible with nonmagical materials.

The Stray Palace itself possesses the visage of a mocking, terrible mirror of mortal extravagance. The sprawl of it appears much as a palace would, with great banquet halls and kitchens, ballrooms, grand parlors, long and refined hallways, libraries filled with forbidden lore, ancient and sturdy vaults, armories and barracks, forges and dungeons, thrones and bedrooms - everything one might expect to be found in any palace or castle, one can find within the Stray Palace. Each overlay is liberally littered with artifacts, treasures, and objects of various mention which serve as furnishing for each area of the palace. These objects may be moved and if present within the Overlay when an anchor is destroyed, will be banished normally. If extracted from an overlay however, such items will remain corporeal even in the event of an anchor's destruction. Though whether one can extract such items is another matter entirely...

The Stray Palace is a shadow of the Palace Straylight in the celestial realm - and to carry the analogy, the shadows of the beings that dwell within the Palace Straylight also manifest within the Stray Palace, as the shadows of the beings that cast them. If shadows were solid.

Within each independent locale of the Stray Palace dwells a shadowcast Denizen, a monstrous being who serves as twisted combination of a guardian as well as a chief of staff. Attending them are shadowcast monsters, akin to terrestrial monsters borne of Servitors but instead are projections and part of the Stray Palace itself. Each Denizen is attended by a small army of these monsters, who in turn act as their staff. A Denizen within a library of the Stray Palace might act as head Librarian, and the monsters as book-keepers. The Denizens are monstrous and alien, but largely civilized and docile unless provoked. They may be conversed and dealt with as one might when dealing with the chief of staff of a foreign palace as a guest. The monsters, unlike their terrestrial counterparts, are less overtly ferocious and predatory. They will stalk and hunt intruders, but not with overwhelming numbers or ferocity.

This is due to the rules of the Stray Palace. Within its halls are a number of decrees, and as long as these decrees are followed, intruders may venture and explore in relative safety, troubled only by predatory, shadowy monsters occasionally ambushing and attacking them. These rules include but are not limited to the following:

• No stealing from the Stray Palace.
• Damage not the edifice of the Stray Palace.
• Offend not the sensibilities or dignity of the Denizens and Attendants.
• Aggrieve not the bodies of the Denizens and Attendants.
• Do not intrude upon the grounds of the Straylit Bastions.
• Intrude upon The Seat at your peril.

Once any of these rules are broken, the Stray Palace will begin to react to the presence of an intruder, or intruders, like an infection - responding with overwhelming hordes of shadowcast monsters, as well as Attendants.

Celestial Attendants are to Celestial Servants what Celestial Servants are to Gods. They are celestial beings of lesser power, in service to a Celestial Servant. The Turquoise Lord is known to have a large number of Attendants, and the shadows of these beings are seen in the Stray Palace, standing guard over anchors and hunting down intruders who break the rules. Shadowcast Attendants possess limited omniscience within the immediate area and are therefore impossible to evade or hide from, and possess tremendously potent magical abilities and physical durability. They are slow, but intractable, and are the primary threat to those who would intrude within the Palace borders and break the rules.

Summary:The Crown of Form is a Divine Artifact made by the Turquoise Lord prior to the War in the Heavens. It functions as a Material Catalyst, as opposed to a Divine Catalyst, and is the only known Catalyst in existence that completely preempts the conscious use of magical rituals.

To use the Crown, one simply sends Theurgia into it along with a command. The Crown of Form then automagically casts the desired spell at 100% efficiency, using the most efficient ritual possible to cast for that particular effect. This is distinct from the usage of Divine catalysts, which will only augment the efficiency of a given spell the caster chooses to use.

It is known that any mortal who would lay hand upon the Crown of Form would immediately become Champion of Form under the Turquoise Lord as one of their Divine Champions, an exceedingly potent combination. However, to this day there have been no known bearers of the Crown of Form, and the Crown of Form has no historically recorded instances of use. It and its affiliation with the Turquoise Lord are only mentioned in the most esoteric and decrepit of ancient manuscripts of hidden vaults of forbidden lore.

The Lord of the Turquoise Scheme, unlike most other Celestial being, is very fickle in selecting their champions...and keeping them. The Turquoise Lord is thought to have ten champions in total, one for each aspect of the Turquoise Lord's ideological sphere that is known to mortals. Each champion has a unique set of prerequisites for being selected, a unique array of magical and innate powers, as well as unique rules for remaining champion. Due to the convoluted mechanisms by which transference of championship works, it has often been the case that the Turquoise Lord's champions have been either entirely unwilling or unwitting, and in some cases potentially even their sworn enemies.

In the event an individual finds themselves selected as one of the Turquoise Lord's champions, if they cannot be made a champion (due to already being a Champion for another celestial being, for example) they are instead cursed, and the moment the transference perquisites are met again the curse leaps to the next victim and makes them champion instead.

Due to the Turquoise Lord's fickle nature, they refuse to control and manipulate their own Champions as other celestial beings might with theirs. The Champions of the Turquoise Lord are essentially free agents, permitted to act however they please so long as they follow the specific rules of their new status.

Although Celestial beings are not known to specialize in any confined domain of magic, with the likes of Justinian, Yuwan, Axohaan, and the Turquoise Lord all freely permitting their followers to employ many of the same - indeed, often identical - magic rituals. There are variances in accordance with regional preferences, professional areas of interest and study by local mages, officially sponsored branches of ritual magic, and as well is the simple fact that even if Celestial beings do not specialize, most nonetheless have favored branches of magic. The Lord of the Turquoise Scheme is no different.

In correlation to the aspects of their Celestial portfolio, such as it is, the Turquoise Lord's favored magics all focus upon the use of raw, brute force. This is not to say that such magics cannot be sophisticated in their own right, but as a trend it cannot help but be noticed that such rituals are often more balanced towards power than finesse.

Population: 6 million humans, about 100,000 vengeful non-human Eirenari refugees – and an untold (albeit vast) number of Ghoul-spawn that comprise the vast majority of Uudhin.
Faction: Red Pantheonism
Capital: The Salten Citadel of Azagôde
Government Type: Diabolical Theocracy
Government Description: A Hierophant and Four Warlords known as the Four Horsemen operate from Azagôde, the capital on Uudhin Peninsula. Göl Kasabi is a human autonomous region, and essentially vassals to Azagôde.

Head of State: Xaphagorma, a Witchprophetess with ‘the Azagôdean Hierophant’ as formal title.
Currency: Kasabioi Ducat (for the Uudhinite humans, but also in use by Azagôde)

Language: The original language used by Axohaan and his lieutenants was a corrupted dialect of Edukeshan. This corrupted Edukeshan tongue is still used by the Courtiers of Azagôde and the Kasabioi on Kasabi Island. The Eudazeans of the north speak a separate dialect of the same language. It is the language mostly reserved for the higher-ups amongst Axohaan’s following, akin to a liturgical language for the Axohar religion.
After Axohaan’s defeat and disappearance, the Ghouls on their part distorted the language over the centuries into something harsh and hideous, with slithery words that other races find difficult to compass, and few are willing to make the attempt. The language spoken by the Ghouls today is a far cry from the original refined Edukeshan lingua it was modelled after, and has evolved into the first ever homunculi language. The Ghoul tongue is spoken rampantly by the inhabitants of Uudhin, even by some of the frontier barbarians and Antimagi.
So in summary; the two languages used in Uudhin are Uudhinite Edukar(also known as Azagôdean Edukeshan) and Ghoul Speech, whom are more-or-less related. Anything resembling a ‘Common Tongue’ isn’t spoken. And if the Axohar Spawn were to hear anyone speak in a language unfamiliar, that person would be immediately attacked with prejudice and hate. The Ghouls tell friend from foe by their language. And whether they display an idol or emblem signifying Axohaan thralldom.

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EXTRA INFORMATION:

-Population: 50,000
-Faction: Yuwan
-Capital: N/A; no true capital city.
-Government Type: Nomadic Tribal Confederation
-Government Description: There is no true central government for the Tribes of Artius, as they have never settled down long enough for a government to form. Further, due to their low numbers, their tribes remain in the hands of a few tribal elders. No tribe leaves what is described as the monkeysphere, the point where they stop considering individuals as more than an abstract concept of the group. For this reason, tribes are tight-knit and have never had a need for advanced governance. Any tribes that did require advanced governance were struck down by Justinians in the early days of the War of Sacrilege.

They have, however, managed to create a loose confederation of the various tribes, ending the warring between themselves for sacrifices and slaves to instead focus on pushing out Justinians from their lands.

-Head of State: N/A, various councils of elders handle day-to-day statesmanship in the tribes.
-Currency: N/A, all resources are distributed by the council elders.
-Language(s): Lingea Aurere is the unofficial language of the tribes, an old language which translates roughly to ‘Tongue of the Material Realm’. It is highly local, with heavy variations from tribe to tribe. Elders of the tribes are usually proficient in the elvish languages, however.

The Tribes of Artius have historically been nomadic, spending their summers in the plains surrounding the central mountains, and hibernating deep within caves in the mountains during the winter. They have always been deeply connected to the dirt below them, following the various gods and goddesses of nature. Said to have been there at the beginning of the material realm, as one of the first mortal inhabitants, they nevertheless have lost such historical records to the sands of times, due to their largely oral histories.

They have always been largely peaceful, preferring to remain the austere seers of the steppes and mountains. However, this all changed when the last cycle ended and the god of nature was slain. They pledged themselves to Yuwan, the sole survivor of the old pantheon, in the hopes it would return the world to a full pantheon, where they could once again worship nature.

Their tribes were then, due to their position in the far west, harried by Justinians. Their massive armies slaughtered the tribes who were too large or unwilling to run and hide. Nowadays, the remaining few tribes are strictly nomadic, under constant fear for their life. They strike out at any Justinians who enter their territory, never sticking around long enough for a counter attack to be delivered.

Nomadic Lifestyle - The tribes are strictly nomadic, and are incapable of higher levels of society due to the constant threat of Justinian attacks upon any discovered tribes.
Natural Flight - The Artiuns are capable of natural flight, getting from point A to point B incredibly quickly from the lack of obstacles in their path.
Seers of Nature - The tribes are finely attuned with the material world, capable of great magics under Yuwan making use of natural elements.
Extreme Speed - The tribes are quick, and seem to almost be capable of being in two places at once.
Frailty - Their body’s attunement to nature, speed, and flight has resulted in weak, light bones and easily pierced skin.

-Major Locations of Interest
Mountains are in the north, with steppes in the south. Due to the nomadic lifestyle of the Artiuns, they do not particularly hold any one place in high value, but they do have connections to the mountains and steppes of their homeland.

-Majority race: The entirety of the tribes are made up of Artiuns, with other species simply incapable of matching their speed, power of flight, or nomadic lifestyle. They are magically attuned to the winglike structures that follow them about, and can use them to fly. They are generally white furred, with orange trimmings, though blue trim isn’t unheard of. They stand relatively tall, at 7 to 8 feet.

-State Religion: Yuwanism
-Patron Deity: Adalgar, the angel of natural magicks.
-Religion Demographics: 100% Yuwan, 96% sub-worship of Adalgar. Any other religious worship is shunned in the tribes, and due to constant Justinian incursions, they are heavily united in their hatred for Justinian.
-Major Holy Relics/Artefacts in Possession:
The Spear of Adalgar - this spear is said to have belonged to Adalgar, and is inherently strengthened by the presence of material things. Due to existing in the material realm, this spear is capable of immense acts, such as cutting through the heaviest armor like a hot knife through butter. In fact, it cuts through armor even easier than expected due to armor’s inherent materialism.

The Urn of Nature - this urn is the source of the magic for their wings, and it is kept extremely hidden deep within the cave networks of the mountains, for if they were to lose this, there would be no magical force to keep their magical wings attuned to their body. It is unbounded, having been created by the old god of nature for the Artiuns.

-Holy Site under Control: The tribes hold no holy site, their holy sites all having been long since desecrated by Justinian raids due to their inability to be moved.
-Notable Magical Institutions: The seers and elders of the tribes are inherently a magical institution, albeit unorganized and varying from tribe to tribe. They are masters of manipulating the world around them.
-Religious Interpretations/Culture: these vary from tribe to tribe, with some only grudgingly accepting Yuwan and Adalgar, while others revere them as the new goddess and angel of nature. This is a source of conflict within the confederation of tribes.

Total Military Size: 30,000 men. Due to the overlap of hunters and warriors, this is an unusually martial society. Warriors are also hunters, and provide for their tribes.
Listed Heroes:
Abelard, the Wielder of the Spear of Adalgar, Eldest of the Macnamiar Tribe
Jealon, the Protector of the Urn of Nature, Eldest of the Kielan Tribe
Oielan, the Unifier of the Confederation, Eldest of the Uiot Tribe
Ulysei, the Great Death, Slayer of Justinians, Eldest of the Loer Tribe
Iuoes, the Cursed Wanderer, He Who is Doomed to Search, Eldest of the Iuii Tribe
Zealon, the Seer of Seers, the Wisest Among the Tribes, Eldest of the Peor Tribe
Military Doctrine: The tribes rely mainly on hit and run tactics, attacking most often from the air and disappearing before they can be counterattacked. They value speed and decisive action above all else. The best outcome to them is breaking the morale of an army in a few, swift, decisive ambushes.
Military Units:
25,000 Hunters - these units are responsible for the bulk of the warrior lodge, and for providing for their tribes.
2,500 Adalgar’s Lodge Hunters - These are the elite hunters, and few hunters are honored with the ability to join their ranks.
2,500 Seers and Elders - These are the magical warriors of the tribes, and are responsible for defending their tribe and leading it as well.

To come

Full History: To come when I understand the history better.
List of Historical Grievances: Any Justinians, who are responsible for desecrating their holy sites, genociding their populace, and forcing them into hiding.
Relations: Hates Justinians, neutral to other Yuwanic nations due to having never met them, and are relatively cold towards the Red Gods, considering them to be false gods compared to the old pantheons.

-Population: 20 Million
-Faction: Justinian
-Capital: The Free City of Lorimir
-Government Type: Confederate Elective Monarchy
-Government Description: The United Principalities functions as such, every fifteen years the Elector-Princes of the Realms gather in the Free City of Lorimir, the founding city of the old crusader kingdom, all twenty-five Elector-Princes decide on who is chosen to be the New King of the United Principalities, the Prince elected to be king of the land therefor must relinquish authority of his former holdings to his next of kin as he is moved to Lorimir.
-Head of State: King Alaric of the Principality of Angris
-Currency: Sacros
-Language(s): Aemarine, Aberi(A Collection of several dialects and accents that resemble various forms of English)

Brief Summery
Over a hundred and fifty years ago, a Crusading Army came marching from the Justinian West, bent on the conquest of the Heathen South, the Crusade begun in what is now known as Ourobosia, at one point in the march, old rumors had resurfaced, telling of a Divine Sword hidden somewhere in the Northern Lands of Eirenar, now known as Aberys. Tensions rose as segments of the crusading army had split off and headed north, off to discover this long lost blad.

The land of Eirenar was riff with barbarism and savagery, all under the dominion of the Red God Utarr, it was a land the Crusaders would gladly tame and take for themselves. Five years pass, the sword is found, and the barbarians are pushed further east as the Crusader Kingdom of Aberys takes its foothold over the land under the Lordship of the New King, Arthanus the First.

Five decades pass, and troubled times befall Aberys, the King, Mordan, prematurely dies from a plague that gripped Aberys for a time, leaving no heir to claim the throne. Noble Houses soon begun to bicker as to who will claim the throne, bickering soon escalated to civil war, a war which would last six years before the Clerisy finally intervened and put a halt to the hostilities.

After nearly a month of negotiations, an agreement was finally settled, one that would satisfy all the Noble Houses, with the death of the King, the old Kingdom had ceased to be, and so, a new order wold rise in its place. Aberys was now divided into twenty five Principalities, each lorded over by the Noble Houses, forming a confederation of aristocratic states, all would vote and agree upon who would the next king every fifteen years.

A hundred years later into the present day, the United Principalities of Aberys still stands today, but ever more fragile and at risk then her predecessor as she is beset on all sides by the enemies of Justinian.





Major Cities:
-Lorimir(Capital of the United Principalities)
-Faywell(Capital of Gallomour)
-Flicrora(Capital of Weshland)
-Prifsall(Capital of Aidden)
-Llanbert(Capital of Velldon)
-Arthanus(Capital of Angris)
-Corusati(Capital of Cromstal)
-Etivine(Capital of Galash)
-Rothsdell(Capital of Rowan)
-Vedrence(Capital of Harrington)
-Beddow(Capital of Lytton)
-Ulwaild(Capital of Markinswell)
-Howell(Capital of Crawford)
-Norridge(Capital of Sherriden)
-New Randarus(Capital of Sevrus)
-Gaildows(Capital of Taaffe)
-Kordu(Capital of Moramond)
-Wynhold(Capital of Alnwick)
-Risca(Capital of Kesston)
-Balinter(Capital of Amran)
-Aernin(Capital of Uthron)
-Talonfell(Capital of Meliodas)
-Caerwys(Capital of Nudden)
-Ferndale(Capital of Caradin)
-Goldcliff(Capital of Tiran)
-Feniram(Capital of Talgarth)

Castles/Points of Interest:
-Sacrosanctian Northern Fortresses
-Fortress of Dawnshield
-Lorimir Palace
-Gallomour Darkwoods
-Winefields of Lytton
-Mountains of Aberys
-Fortress of Stonehill

RACIAL INFORMATION:
-Majority race: Descended from the Old Crusaders, Humanity reigns over the lands of Aberys, making up a good portion of the population in Aberys.

-Minority race(s):

• Drimor: 12%
  The Drimor are race of bipedal Boars that first appeared thousands of years ago, created by the God-King Ashenlur. Before their brief descent into savagery, the Drimor were proud warrior people, with honorable virtues they once upheld vigorously, however, once their Paragon, Utarr has fallen into darkness, the very same darkness had seeped its way into the collective psyche of the Drimor race, however, this stranglehold would not last for an eternity, once many Drimor were shown the Light of Justinian, but many more resist the Justinian's embrace, and continue to willingly follow the dark path of their Fallen Paragon.
  
  The Drimor are rather unique in that, the race itself is divided into differing groups, which they themselves uncreatively simply refer too as the Hooved and the Non-Hooved. The Hooved Drimor are the more beastly of the two groups, resembling more like the squatted Pigguts, only of more taller and more often then not, hunched. The Non-Hooved however, have more "human" features, standing straight like men, feet and hands like men, their only discernible features of course are their boar-like faces.
• Piggut(Creation of Goldeagle): 10%
  The Pigguts, unlike their larger cousins, are still considered the outsiders in Aberysian Society, their savagery still ever present and their behavior shows it. Pigguts are about the height of a grown mans hip and are often found wearing ragged cloths they steal from their victims and are known to devour sentient flesh, despite the heavy taboos. They prefer unfair numbers and ambushes but suffer from stupidity and superstition. They often only form small bands or tribes with rocky leadership. They look like little pig men standing up and have six fingers and two cleft hooved feet.
• Minotaur/Harnian: 2%
• Elf: 5%
• Centuar: 5%
• Satyr: 2
• Other: 1%

-State Religion: Orthodox Justinianism
-Patron Deity: The Lands of Aberys once were under the dominion of the Red God Utarr, but has now since been forcibly dethroned by the Justinian.

-Religion Demographics:

• The Justinian: 88%
• Red Pantheon: 12%

-Major Holy Relics/Artefacts in Possession:
The Old Crusaders had at one time, had came into possession of a lone holy relic, simply known as the Celestial Blade, said to be forged with the soul of a long dead God of the Old Pantheon during the War in Heaven, Legends of the blade and other lost relics in the south spread through the west, leading to the Aberysian Crusade and the founding of the Old Kingdom. The Blade has long since been found by the old crusaders, and now rests in the Golden Armory of Exalossa, waiting to be wielded once more.
-Holy Sites under Control: N/A
-Notable Magical Institutions:

• Oratorium: Headquartered in the Free City of Lorimir, the Aberysian Oratorium functions like any other, acting as a sort of secret police and Inquisition in Aberys, a group feared both by the peasantry and nobility alike, if any is suspected in consorting with witches, other unholy forces and heretics, there will be no mercy to be had.
• The Order of the Radiant Dawn: One of the Four Knightly Orders of Aberys. Under the guideance of Grand Master Alisha Astor, The Knights of Radiant Dawn are a rather unique set of individuals, with many members of the Order being a particular brand of zealous and pious, mostly due to their Paladin training. The Radiant Knights are skilled in limited range of holy and elemental magics, and the Order is often found actively working with the Aberysian Oratorium in hunting down witches, heretics and heathens.
• The Sacred Institute of Tymedus: A Prestigious place of both Learning and Worship, a clear counterpart of the Red Pantheonist Solomonanţă of East Ourobosia.

-Religious Interpretations/Culture: N/A



Total Military Size: The combine might of the abyersian feudal armies, knights and various other groups amount to a total of 100,000 strong.
Listed Heroes:
Arilin The Golden
Princess Rosella of House Weshland
Zaiel Yenn
Nythoalas Sheadros
Urom Goux
Military Doctrine:
Military Units:




DRAMATIS PERSONAE:

My place and responsibility as West Ouroborasia has been terminated. Everything on this post prior to this message is now invalid.



Writer's request: I request some of my own creations no longer be used without me, namely the Harnians, Yerdiax, and that if there was a creation of mine that is needed to be used, please come to me first.

-Population: Without number. None can say how many terrors dwell beneath the soil of Materia, or even think of it without dread.

-Faction: Red Pantheon (unaffiliated).

-Capital: Hive Vextasrir, also known as the Chasm of Ineffable Odds.

-Government Type: Hive Mind.

-Government Description:

The term “government” is perhaps not altogether suitable for describing the internal structure and functioning of the Vex’lir Swarms. In truth, it is more similar to the natural forms of organisation found in the colonies of certain invertebrates, or, in its heavily magically supplemented form, to the workings of a single, vast living organism. The entirety of the Riglir population is bound to the will of its divine master, the fallen Celestial Servant - and now Red God - Vex’xalar by the means of an enchantment which conjoins their minds with its own. This spell allows the Lurker to issue commands to any number of its subjects at any given moment, and physically constrains them to obey such orders, as though they were nothing more than extensions of itself.

Despite the omnipresence of the curse, a comparatively small number of Riglir is, for various reasons relating to their hatching, afforded a greater degree of freedom in choosing how to carry out the divine injunctions. These creatures take up the position of intermediaries between the god and the masses of its thralls, acting as commanders and overseers (Hive Superiors) or priests and shamans (Hive Prophets). Often, these lieutenants will slightly modify the commands relayed to them in order to better adapt its execution to the current circumstances.

-Head of State: Vex’xalar the Lurker Below.

-Currency: None. The nature of the Swarms is such that internal and external commerce alike are nonexistent, and currency thus unnecessary.

-Language(s): Though the use of speech in the warrens is rare, vestigial remains of the former Riglir languages are still employed for ritual purposes. In the rare occasions members of the Swarms will communicate with the surface world, they have shown themselves capable of using the predominant Elven languages, debased and simplified to varying degrees.



Until about ten thousand years ago, most of the Riglir race had lived near the surface in a feral state, benefiting from its symbiosis with titanic creatures known as Leviathans, so vast and powerful that they preyed even dragons. Scavenging in the wake of these beings, they were able to subsist without forming societies more complex than rudimentary packs or broods, despite being potentially capable of doing so. However, when the Leviathans disappeared for reasons now forgotten, the Riglir found themselves deprived of their greatest strength and unable to survive in the upper subterranean levels they had until then inhabited. They thus withdrew into the depths where some of their number had already made their home, and began to settle its relatively more hospitable darkness.

However, the underworld itself was not without its dangers. Lethal monstrosities stalked its tunnels, and its caverns teemed with treacherous pitfalls and strange life which had never seen the light of day. Worse yet, many thousands of years before its deeps had been inhabited by the cryptic Old Ones. Though that race had died out so long ago that even the ruins of its cities had become virtually indistinguishable from unusual rocky formations, its ancient and powerful enchantments lingered still, spawning countless horrors and anomalies in dim wells beneath the earth. To face these threats, even on equal ground, the Riglir had to grow more organised. And, possibly to the surprise of anyone cursorily acquainted with them, they did, strengthening their communities and turning to the worship of gods for the protection they found themselves lacking. One of them eventually ascended to a divine state itself, becoming the first in a line of Watchers Below who guided the Riglir on the way to civilisation.

However, when Justinian arose and moved against the Old Pantheon, the last of the Watchers was slain. Its celestial servant, Vex’xalar, sought to escape by manifesting in the material plane; however, the hasty and poorly prepared ritual went awry, leaving the Red God crippled in body and spirit. Drawing upon dark forces of cosmic imperfection and decay, the maddened Vex’xalar cast a spell to bring nearly all Riglir under its thrall, absorbing them into an unnatural Hive Mind and cursing all future generations to be born in its hold. Only a scant few escaped the spell’s effects, fleeing south.

Vex’xalar remained hidden with its swarms while the War raged; once it was over, they emerged again, more ferocious than ever, to assail all that were to be found in the vicinity in an incessant series of incursions which continues to the present day. Of particular violence have been their struggles with the influence of the Lord of the Turquoise Scheme, whose Overlays reach deep below and into the very seat of Vex’xalar. Such was the Lurker’s wrath at the intrusion that, a century and a half ago, it lashed out with tremendous power, creating the immense Chasm of Ineffable Odds which runs through the center of Materia. In this unfathomable abyss the battle rages still, as more and more horrors clamber out of it to blight the world above.





• One Mind: The entire population of the Swarms is telepathically linked with its master and among itself, enabling them to function more as a super-organism than a nation proper. All acquired knowledge is instantly shared between the millions of Riglir bodies, and, through the action of Hive Superiors and Prophets, their masses can act with an impossible degree of coordination. The Hive Mind eliminates the need for conventional social structures, since the activity of every single creature can be regulated individually to be as efficient in carrying out its tasks as possible. However, such advantages come at a price: not only is the individuality and initiative of most of their bodies suppressed, but the Swarms are heavily reliant on its intermediary leaders to function properly. Eliminating them disrupts lesser thralls, causing them to act haphazardly at the best of their own limited skill. Additionally, all of the Vex’lir Riglir are infected with the Lurker’s madness.

• Myriad Bodies: Ever since their early days, the Riglir have been infamous for their frighteningly rapid rate of reproduction and adaptability. These traits ensure that the species will thrive in virtually any survivable environment, multiplying until they quite literally flood their dens and burrows. Even when faced with heavy losses, they are capable of swiftly replenishing their numbers. This natural prolificness is only increased by the liberal application of mutation-inducing magic, which swells their ranks further in less than describable ways. Thus, despite lacking any sort of technology and infrastructure, the population of the Swarms is colossal and incredibly varied by the standards of all but the vastest nations, and can quickly recover from anything short of complete annihilation.

• Horror in the Flesh: Vex’xalar the Lurker Below, last of the Riglir gods and inheritor of the Watchers, crawls upon the earth once more. Though unable to regain its full power after being weakened by an imperfect manifestation and vulnerable to being fully destroyed, the Red God is a redoubtable foe, inhabiting a gargantuan physical form and wielding earth-rending magical might.

• Unholy Arcana: The Vex’lir spellcasters possess distinctive magical abilities granted by their divine patron and certain ancient Masterless Artefacts. Those include transforming bodies in often gruesome and hideous, but undeniably effective ways, channeling the sinister powers of the Hive Mind to assail the psyche of enemies or manifest otherworldly thaumaturgical effects, and a heightened proficiency at animating skeletons and other bone constructs. However, most of them are fraught with risks for the caster and its allies as well. Transmutation spells are fueled by Vex’xalar’s unstable Theurgia, and thus often backfire in spectacularly ghastly manners, and the influence of the Hive Mind is dangerously unpredictable and often uncontrollable.

• Heart of Madness: Being as of one mind with their god, all Riglir are under the influx of its delusions and savage nature. As Vex’xalar believes to be all inhabitants of the surface and their gods to be servants of the inimical Turquoise Lord, the Swarms are invariably hostile to anyone and anything else, and attempts to communicate with them are doomed to end in failure.

• Ichor and Chitin: While physically resilient and versatile and reasonably skilful in the use of magic, the Riglir have never been gifted with the ability for technological innovation, and the advent of the Hive Mind has wiped away the few advancements they had achieved in the course of millennia. As a result, the Swarms possess no technology to speak of, and can neither devise any nor use what they capture or scavenge. Their workers and combatants are therefore unequipped and unarmed, and rely exclusively on their (often modified) bodies.

• Underdwellers: Rare is the Riglir who rises to the surface for any purpose other than an incursion into enemy territory. The species, in its many variations, is adapted for subterranean life, and the Swarms dwell in a great maze of caverns, vaults and tunnels spanning much of the center of Materia and reaching southwards into Ouroborasian lands, and do not control any territory on the surface. Entrenched belowground, their lairs are difficult to invade for conventional forces, who would be at risk of becoming an easy target for traps and ambushes. Furthermore, the Riglir are thus able to move beneath the holdings of other nations, emerging in the most improbable of places in spite of any defenses on the surface.

• Pit of Nightmares: Though their subterranean nature grants the Swarms some advantages, not even they are immune to the many perils of the underworld. The dim recesses of the earth hide bottomless abysses, strange and dangerous creatures unlike any ever seen on the surface and other lethal portents. Worse yet, ancient lingering spells have, over the ages, permeated entire underground regions, spawning horrifying magical anomalies and twisting wildlife into unnatural and monstrous forms - something which has only been exacerbated by the surges of Vex’xalar’s dire and erratic powers.

• Legacy of the Old Ones: Long ago, perhaps even in the oblivion-shrouded first ages, the caverns that now serve as Riglir hives were inhabited by a race of beings who, their name lost to time, are known today only as the Old Ones. They built imposing cities, temples and ziggurats in enormous vaults, and were adept in many mystical arts. It is likely they disappeared before even the first Riglir walked Materia, but they left enduring traces of their passing. Their cities, though ruined and decayed beyond recognition, are being rediscovered; within them, ancient Artefacts of great power have been found, and vestiges of old enchantments hover below the ground, their might not fully spent even to this day.

• Dark Knowledge: There might be clarity in divine madness. Though Vex’xalar, and by extension the Hive Mind, is severely disconnected from the reality of material and celestial planes alike, its peculiar state seems to grant it a strange insight into the flawed nature of the cosmos itself. It has already shown itself capable of apparently calling forth the energies of universal fraying and degeneration to bolster itself at the expense of the very world’s stability, and who knows what other dread skills it might hold in store?











• Kralhk: The largest and oldest of the hive clusters, Kralhk houses the most important locations in the Swarms' subterranean domain, among which the seat of Vex'xalar and the sacred city of the Forgotten. The under-land here is barren, grim and desolate, with only some particularly resilient insectoid species surviving in the rocky soil. In the north lie the forsaken vaults of the Old Ones, where wander strange energies and presences; further south, the vast sunken graveyards of the Leviathans slumber in their deathly stillness.

- Hive Vextasrir, or the Chasm of Ineffable Odds: The greatest Riglir hive in all Materia, Vextasrir spans the entire center of the continent across, having grown around Vex'xalar's form to span the immense gulf opened by the god's wrath. Its bottom and western wall crawl with the invertebrates' constant activity; surfaces of Turquoise Overlay cover the eastern wall, alternately encroaching upon and losing ground to infinite numbers of assailants. At the lowermost point in the chasm, so deep that even the sunlight does not reach it from the mouth above, the titanic body of the Lurker Below stands, embedded by half in the soil, ceaselessly lashing against the spectral intruders into its lair.

- The Desolate Vaults: The sinister magnificence of the cities of the Old Ones can now largely only be guessed at. Corroded by ages of abandon, their walls and pillars have crumbled and rotten away, growing indistinguishable from the rocky formations around which have crawled into the narrow, winding streets and circular squares. Yet not all is quiet in the Vaults - the powers of the ancient race have not faded entirely, and surreal entities born of rampant magic stalk the silent corridors.

- Hive Velash: Situated on the site of a ruined temple, Hive Velash is where the fearsome Screamers are hatched from a select stock of Riglir and left to grow, fending for themselves from their first days amid the many dangers of the Old Ones' land. Those who survive the trial of Velash, which is in truth less of a hive than an arena and proving ground, are certain to be some of the strongest and most resourceful among the Swarms' elite.

- The Primordial Well: A curious and unsettling anomaly even in the otherworldly atmosphere of the Vaults, the Primordial Well is a place where, through the efforts of either the Old Ones or the Riglir themselves, the last layer of Materia's soil has been breached, opening a gaping hole into the inchoate darkness beyond. Despite the zones surrounding the Well being plagued by particularly terrible abnormalities and unimaginable horrors, the Hive Prophets and Abyssal Brood maintain a strong presence here, and have built strange structures around and within the cavity leading to the limit of the finite world.

- The Boneyards: Where once the mighty Leviathans shook the earth with their steps, now only their great skeletons, interred by time and scavengers, remain in enormous earthen tombs to mark their passing. So large and numerous are these bones that, at first sight, one could well mistake them for a white city built underground by finer artisans than the Riglir, with jagged spines and rigid limbs rising up like towers and ribcages standing up like the walls of a fortress. The Pale Brood dwells in this hell of tangled decrepitude, which never leaves the thaumaturges hungry for materials for their constructs.

• Zattdrok: Adding to eastern Aberys's already troubled nature, Zattdrok was once the first step in the Riglir's southward expansion, and remains to this day the second largest Hive Cluster. In what might be at once the source and reflection of the fertile farmlands on the surface, the earth here is particularly well-suited for life even in the abyssal deeps; as a result, not only are the local hives exceptionally large and populous, but the swarms dwelling there have encountered all sorts of strange beings living in complex and apparently very ancient ecosystems.

- Hive Ulkar: The central settlement in Zattdrok, Ulkar boasts abundant fungus farms and herds of ghoul moles, allowing it to supply a large portion of the cluster with its resources alone. However, it is rich not only in food, but in troops as well, with local Riglir being especially numerous and well-fed. As such, it is the staging ground of most raids upon the lands above.

- The Dim Marshes: A particularly damp spot at the confluence of several underground streams which has over the centuries developed into nothing short of a stretch of darkling swampland. Under an air heavy with humidity and warm with the slow decay of forests of algae, lichens and fungi there dwell creatures never seen elsewhere who adapted to thrive in this improbable and treacherous environment, the most notable of them being the powerful but lethargic bog goliaths.

- The Chambers of Life: Stranger yet than the Marshes, the Chambers of Life are a web of caverns in which, contrarily to what one might expect having observed the laws and processes of natural life, there seems to exist an entire world of beings as alien as they are diverse. Here, the boundary between plant and animal is even less visible than in the Swamps: the Primal beings that inhabit these chambers, both growing in them as trees and moving through them as beasts, are as much of a riddle in their nature as in their survival so deep within the earth.

• Xelkash: Sinking the claws of its many tunnels deep into the south of the continent, Xelkash might be seen as representing Vex'xalar forcefully - and altogether involuntarily - staking its claim as being part of the Red Pantheon, without, for that matter, entertaining anything but savage hostility against the loose alliance of the southern gods. The under-lands here are inhospitable, but not desolate as those of Kralhk; rather, they are more directly harsh and treacherous, full of pitfalls and overhanging damp soil, and few but the hardy ironhide worms dare make their home here.

- Hive Raahkal: The central hive of Xelkash, and the origin of most incursions into East Ouroborasian territory. Raahkal in particular is home to many Azure Brood Screamers, often engaged in experiments to see to what extent they can employ Turquoise magics against supposed direct servants of the Lord, which include anything from witches to peasants to homunculi.

- The Warrens of a Thousand Maws: Within the south's variably rocky and damp soil, some species of great worms and maggots have found an ideal habitat, digging a complex of chambers and tunnels through which their bloated bodies may move freely. On occasion, the local Riglir collapse and divert some of these passageways, forcing the worms to travel towards specially selected locations - often villages or encampments on the surface.

• Sehtekr: The easternmost Cluster, Sehtekr was severed from Kralhk by the expansion of the Stray Palace Overlay in Tramontan, and now remains connected to it only through a small number of tunnels. Due to its isolated nature and unfavourable position, Sehtekr is presently engaged in struggles against the Turquoise Domain and Justinian forces in the west, as well as attempting to adapt to the desert terrain in the south. The region is altogether quite dry, but some recesses contain small subterranean rivers and lakes.

- Hive Starak: Major hive in Sehtekr, from where the Arch-Superior directs works of entrenchment, encroachment and gradual reestablishment of a direct link with the western Clusters. Due to Sehtekr's overall less centralised nature, it is not as large as Ulkar or even Raahkal, but it benefits from direct connections with lesser hives near and distant alike.

- The Wraith Pits: Though the soil here is nowhere as fertile as in Zattdrok, the local subterranean water deposits have abetted the growth of some dark-dwelling life-forms near and within them. Many small lakes are thus surrounded by circles of undergrowth, through which there move the uncommon beasts which lend the Pits their name: the otherworldly gelatinous wraiths, which resemble the Primals in not being clearly categorisable, but otherwise are as unlike them as anything else in the known world.



-Majority race: Riglir. While once this name designated a single species of semi-sapient, gregarious invertebrate creatures, millennia of natural and magical evolution have made it so that it is now more of a blanket term covering several subspecies with a common ancestor. The modern Riglir vary greatly in shape, size and environmental preferences; nonetheless, they all share some basic biological traits. Riglir physiology is somewhat similar to that of crustaceans, having a hard, chitinous exoskeleton and diverse (but generally even, unless chaotic magic is involved) numbers of segmented limbs. As a rule, they possess sharp and robust claws, fit for digging through soil and rock and often supplemented by corrosive secretions. Being subterranean creatures, they generally have poor eyesight, and mainly rely on scent, hearing and vibration detection to perceive their surroundings.

Riglir are known to be short-lived, with the average life expectancy among them being between twenty and thirty years. To compensate for this, they are highly prolific, breeding twice a year in normal conditions. Under Vex’xalar, reproduction has become an almost industrialised business, with millions of bodies being regularly herded into special hives every cycle. The hold of the Hive Mind on them is then briefly relaxed, leaving the thralls under the sway of natural instincts and mating pheromones (which cause the usually androgynous Riglir to temporarily develop sexual characteristics). Each impregnated individual lays several eggs after gestation, which, if they are not lost or eaten by predators, hatch within a few weeks.

Unlike their free counterparts in the south, Vex’lir Riglir are born with the curse of the Hive Mind ingrained in their bodies, which places them under the Lurker Below’s dominion unless it is magically removed.

Being the only currently living species in the Swarms that is more than sentient, the Riglir are dominant within them, with other creatures under the Hive Mind’s control being considered as analogous to cattle or beasts of burden at best.

Minority races:

- Leviathans (extinct): The species of giant animals that once roamed central Materia. It is said that they might have been the natural predators of dragons, and their size certainly seems to support this theory, as even an average-sized Leviathan would have dwarfed the mighty creatures. Having died out due to unknown causes ten thousand years ago, their bones remain exceedingly well-preserved, many of them still untouched by decay.

- Old Ones (extinct): The first intelligent race to inhabit the underworld, and likewise the first to vanish. The Old Ones' civilisation reached its apex during the first few Cycles of creation, then gradually declined and disappeared, its works falling into ruin. Nevertheless, their semblance remains known to this day thanks to its depiction in the mighty idol of the Lost.

- Tunnel Skulkers: Large predatory insectoids most common in Hive Cluster Kralhk, where they eke out a living for themselves amid the harsh and unforgiving walls of grey rock by preying on smaller animals such as worms and rodents, and occasionally even minor aberrations. Skulkers have been historically tamed by the Riglir, and were among the first beasts to be controlled through the Hive Mind.

- Onyx Spiders: Enormous, highly intelligent cave-dwelling arachnids, spinning tremendously resistant silken webs. Though so developed as to be entirely sentient and even capable of using tools, onyx spiders are asocial and strongly driven by instinct, a combination making them fearsome predators and impervious to taming attempts. Interestingly, the spiders have devised an inventive method of overcoming mounted humanoid foes by dragging their steed from under them as they charge.
Related to the similar, surface-dwelling Agate Spiders.

- Ironhide Worms: A species of large worms native to the southern burrows, with adult specimen measuring up to twelve or fifteen feet. Ironhide worms possess several vestigial limbs with which they propel themselves through narrow tunnels, frequently reaching high speeds, and proverbially hard shells, which earned them their name.

- Bog Goliaths: A bizarre species dwelling in the Dim Marshes, bog goliaths appear, by all tokens, to be a sort of fungus which somehow achieved the ability to move and act as a sentient creature. Though large and physically very strong, the goliaths are lumbering and apathetic, only reacting violently when harmed.

- Ghoul Moles: Subterranean, burrowing mammals that earned their macabre name by occasionally being found eating fresh corpses, being omnivorous but not predatory. They will sometimes emerge in fairly large numbers to feed on battlefields. Since they are fast and easy to fatten, ghoul moles are farmed in Zattdrok hives as livestock.

- Gelatinous Wraiths: Many-limbed creatures found near subterranean lakes in Hive Cluster Sehtekr, their strange shape makes gelatinous wraiths are an enigma as regards their life and functioning. Though normally herbivorous, they have been known to capture other animals with a paralysing poison and consume them by digesting them externally.

- Primals: Even more mysterious than the wraiths are the beings inhabiting the Chambers of Life. More than anything - and indeed if anything - they resemble unnatural fusions of plant and beast, growing in many twisted shapes. Uncomfortably enough, they call to mind the idea of an early, unfinished creation, abandoned due to a flawed design and sealed away so that none may see it.

- Aberrations: The most outlandish of all subterranean entities, aberrations are created by the uncontrollable magical energies pulsing through the Desolate Vaults or erratically unleashed by Vex'xalar, and as such are thoroughly unnatural. No two of them are alike, but all are made similar by the distinct appearance of not belonging in this world, if any at all.





-State Religion: Red Pantheonism.

-Patron Deity: Vex’xalar the Lurker Below.

-Religion Demographics: Given that the Swarms are shackled to the mental dominion of their god, no deviation from its religion is physically possible among them.

-Major Holy Relics/Artefacts in Possession:

• Eikon of the Lost (Masterless): An idol so ancient as to seem to belong to another world altogether, the Eikon of the Lost is believed to date back to the early days of the Old Ones themselves. This imposing statue, despite its incalculable age and the apparent fragility of some of its materials, is surreally well-preserved, bearing not the slightest dent or scratch to show, and remains even now unnaturally resistant to damage. It depicts a member of the vanished race bowing in supplication before a large opalescent gem, held aloft by cunningly fashioned supports of translucent crystal and presumed to represent one of the first deities, or perhaps even the Demiurge itself. As powerful as it is old, the Eikon is overflowing with divine essence. So thoroughly imbued is it that it emanates unearthly distortions of the cosmos’s laws, creating magical anomalies or portentous strength with its mere presence. The Artefact played a crucial part in Vex’xalar’s blasphemous ritual, and continues to sustain the curse of the Hive. The Eikon currently rests in the Vault of the Forgotten, guarded by the Abyssal Broodmaster.

• The Withered Visage (Masterless): A second relic hearkening back to primeval times, though distinctly more recent than the Eikon of the Lost. The Withered Visage is a headdress fashioned from the mummified exo-skull of an Old One, plaqued with silver and studded with precious stones. Those who don it are granted unparallelled osteokinetic powers, becoming capable of assembling bones of any size and shape into redoubtably strong, robust and fast constructs, and maintaining control over hordes of fleshless horrors at once. Furthermore, when worn by a powerful Screamer, part of the essence stored in it can be absorbed by the Hive Mind, enabling other Vex’lir casters to access a limited form of its potential. The Withered Visage is currently carried by Athksarak, the Pale Broodmaster.

-Holy Sites under Control:

• Vault of the Forgotten: Of all the ruined cities of the Old Ones, invisible in their corrosion to any but the trained senses of the Riglir, the one lying in the great cavern known as the Vault of the Forgotten is the largest in its identifiable remains, and the one most haunted by the magical influences of bygone ages. Strange mists coil among the cyclopean heaps of rubble that once were palaces, shrines and pillars, and eerie sounds drift in the maze of the few barely surviving streets. Such is its size and so potent its influences that it might be that it once had been the Holy City of gods now beyond memory. The Vault has become the lair of the Abyssal Brood and numerous Hive Prophets, who ceaselessly work to gradually restore at least a fraction of the city following half-guessed, half-divined designs. The purpose of these efforts remains unclear.

-Notable Magical Institutions:

• Hive Velash Broods: Since performing the necessary ritual to cast a spell requires a degree of concentration greater than the Hive Mind can devote to a single body and, more importantly, a focus upon the sacrifice’s recipient which, due to its monolithic nature, it is physically incapable of (as it would involve the paradox of Vex’xalar sacrificing to and demanding Theurgia from itself), the only possible magic wielders among the Swarms besides the god itself are those Riglir who maintain a degree of partial autonomy in their thoughts and actions. Since, all things considered, the Riglir are anything but wasteful, this potential is exploited to the fullest, with all Hive Prophets and, to a lesser degree, Superiors being capable of spellcasting. However, they are by far not the most fearsome magic users under the Lurker. In a hive obtained from a temple-city of the Old Ones, it has bred a strain of Riglir specialised in performing incantations and directing the obtained Theurgia with utmost skill and efficiency. These creatures, known as Screamers, can exert a far greater control on Vex’xalar’s unstable energies than their normal counterparts, and are divided into four Broods by the branches of magic they are most adept in:

- The Earthen Brood, most numerous and commonly seen of all, specialises in the Red God’s own transmuting magic. Its members’ carapaces are of dark brown and grey colours, and their bodies are notoriously deformed.

- The Abyssal Brood focuses on harnessing the strange powers of the Hive Mind and its magical sources. Its carapaces are black with irregular purple markings.

- The Pale Brood, using the Withered Visage worn by its leader, channel the power of moving and animating the bones of corpses old and new. Its carapaces are of a faded, skeletal white.

- The Azure Brood, the smallest of the four, has as its purpose to experiment with the magics of the Turquoise Lord and learn to turn them against their supposed masters. Its carapaces are of an unnaturally bright azure colour, as in mockery or clumsy imitation of the Turquoise.

-Religious Interpretations/Culture: Limited though its manifestations, and indeed effective substance and utility, might be within the all-controlling Hive Mind, Vex’xalar maintains a semblance of religious rite and canon beyond the strictly necessary utilitarian minimum - perhaps simply out of habit, or for some other less fathomable purpose. Its Prophets do not serve simply as spellcasters and minor taskmasters: following some sort of apparently irregular cycle, lesser thralls gather around them in special chambers or hive sections, and are made to bow and recite ritual chants under the clerics’ lead. These ceremonies, more similar to a puppet show than worship, are typically performed in veneration of Vex’xalar, who is represented with variations of the rather primitive religious symbols used by the Riglir during the time of the Watchers; however, some different versions can now and again be observed, where to the Lurker Below there are added other objects of veneration. Among those, there appear strange signs and images never used before, possibly, albeit strangely, depicting the dead Watchers themselves.

The frequency, magnitude and specific of these rites do not seem to follow any persistent scheme, varying depending on available space, celebrants and victims. Some, held in great vaults with hundreds or thousands of participants, are complex functions, involving otherworldly intricacies in disposition and chant modulation, large idols or murals of alien symbols and elaborate mutilation and slaying of the offerings, whereas others, performed in the corners of lesser hives, may involve only a few dozen supplicants, a crude eidolon and rapid, brutal executions. If something has not changed since Vex’xalar came to power, it is the savagery of the Riglir race.





Total Military Size: Uncountable as the maggots in a dragon's carcass. No matter how many are slain, there are always more coming.

Listed Heroes:

- The Archprophet
- Tsakkal, Voice of the Hive
- Skalerak the Insatiable
- Kal'avakk, the Earthen Broodmaster
- Ulrax, the Abyssal Broodmaster
- Athksarak, the Pale Broodmaster
- Kra'itsval, the Azure Broodmaster
- V'nakkr, the Dweller
- Itarax, the Hunter
- Naxxar
- The Great Primal
- Bonehide
- The Marsh Titan
- Dim Breath
- The Unspoken

Military Doctrine: While the inhabitants of the surface may have dimly remembered the Riglir of old as bestial creatures, blindly rushing against their opponents in droves, the Hive Mind has since transformed them from a disorganised horde into an unnaturally cohesive, cunning and relentless force. Their favoured approach to engaging battle remains a massed charge of innumerable bodies, overwhelming any opposition through brute strength and sheer force of numbers; however, this basic strategy is now improved and supplemented with a variety of additions which shift and change to adapt to every challenge the Swarms encounter.

Hive Superiors understand the concept of “tactical advantage”, and are generally capable of calculating how many casualties acquiring a given edge over the enemy is worth. Due to the nature of the Vex’lir, Riglir commanders have not the slightest hesitation in sacrificing thousands of thralls should the battle plan demand it, and those latter, fully aware of their purpose, can be relied upon to carry out their tasks just as indicated. Every being, no matter its form, abilities and role, will be certain to employ its potential to the fullest. Much less than a chaotic tide of horrors, the Swarms are as precise and calculating as a mantis luring in and seizing its prey without a single unnecessary movement.

Being accustomed to fighting in narrow and winding underground tunnels, the Riglir are fond of ambushes, pincers and surrounding tactics, pinning their foes in place before bearing down on them with the full strength of their numerical superiority. When forced to meet the enemy in broad, open fields, they will nonetheless attempt to use the terrain to their advantage, crawling behind hills and rocks, skulking in bogs and thickets and even burrowing underground to ensure that their prey has no way remaining to retreat. Wherever it turns, it meets claws and mandibles, spines and poison, humming wings and viscous webbing. There is no escape, and the Riglir do not take prisoners.

Military Units:



























[to fill]

Full History: (Your nation’s history following the major eras/cycles. Remember to align it with the settings history, as it is hard for nations to live in an isolated bubble here)

List of Historical Grievances: The Turquoise Lord and their servants are seen by Vex'xalar as the most dangerous and hated enemy, having been the first to intrude upon the god's abode themselves when, about 150 years ago, the Stray Palace Overlays reached into the bottom of Hive Vextasrir. Unfortunately, in its warped sight, all inhabitants of the surface fall into this category, leading to uninterrupted aggression against all sides.

Relations: Universally hostile. Approaching the Swarms would not lead to anything good, whoever one might be.

Cultural Notes: (Anything cultural of note or unique about the nation that isn’t mentioned under religious interpretations/culture)

-Population: 22 million
-Faction: Justinian
-Capital: Urbi Ferro
-Government Type: Absolute Monarchy
-Government Description: The government is divided into 4 tiers each having more power than the other. On the lowest level are the counts they oversee enforcing imperial law, collecting taxes, and rising soldiers over their fiefdom of which there is twenty-four of them. Four fiefdoms are grouped into a province under a control of one of the six lord whose role is to see to that the taxes are collected from the fiefdoms and to settle dispute between counts. Above them is the triumvirate each of the three members have a role within the empire. And at the top of the pyramid is the lord of the mountains He controls the overall policy within the empire and handles external affairs.
-Head of State: Monte Dominus Messor I
-Currency: Imperial mark
-Language(s): Majority use a local dialect, while the upper class speak both Aemarine and said native tongue.


Excerpt from history of the empire abridged, by Nicodemus Tatian
The origin of the empire stared during the chaotic days of the war in the havens the death of the old pantheon flung the Vosta region into chaos as the old empire fragmented. During these chaotic years, many city states rose and fell each trying to carve a hold in the decaying empire. The accounts of the event that radically shifted the history of the region are scares and conflicted with each other. I will do my best of give an accurate account.

All the accounts began the same way the city of Volsinii was under siege by the local power of the region the city of Isara and their allies. After three years of the siege the inhabits of the city were growing desperate they turn for their king Sparax Aetius for leadership. Seeing no way-out Aetius prepared his army for one last charge. That night while he was at the abandon temple desperately praying to any god that could hear him for aid in the upcoming battle. He pray did not go unanswered as Justinian reveled himself to the king. The accounts vary wildly as to what happen in that meeting. The account form the Ferreumins suggest that there Justinian told Aetius that he was his son and to mark his holy seal upon his shield and banners and he will win not only the day but to reforge the empire under his banner. Other sources say that Aetius divine origin was nothing more than Ferreumin propaganda. Either way under the sign of Justinian King Aetius won the battle. Annihilating the Volsiniin army.

With his major victory, Aetius could rally the other city states to his side eventual brining the region that would be known as the Imperial hearth. With the first expiation done Justinian message the king again telling him the new empire would need a new capital. He instructed the king to build this new capital on the highest mountain Iugum Ferreum the tallest known mountain in the world. Aetius took the challenge with pride and for the rest of his reign he spent fulling the request of his new god. More territory was brought under control of the empire through a series of wars. And the construction of the new capital of Urbi Ferro going along ahead of schedule he started the construction of the glorious cathedral of Justinian light. Aetius passed away in his sleep a week later. His death marked the being of house Hydra with his son given the new title of Monte Dominus the mountain lord. From there Ferreumin expanded its borders throughout the years via a series of wars over the next several decades. Eventually with reinforcements from the southern nations helped pacified the region.

• Technology: - Necessity is the mother of innovation and to the people of the north it is a matter of life and death. This have led to developed advance metallurgy allowing them to create advance tools and weapons to survive the harsh north.
  Industry: The Ferreumin people are known around the world to be masters metal workers. Able to forge master crafted weapons and armor. These weapons are made from very high quality steel with Ferreumin blacksmith claiming they will never lose their edge.
  Harsh north: The lands of Ferreumin are harsh and cruel. The mountains soil is poor and extensively use magic an advance farming techniques to make it farmable. The local fauna is known to be very hostile to natives. And in the vast Taiga are all filled for monster and other creatures.
• Earth Magic: - What magic is known is a specialized form of earth that allows them to make the land much more fertility. Although they don’t have access to the different types of magic of other nations.
• Mineral Rich: - The Vosta mountains have large veins of ore of all type. Giving the Ferreumin large reserve for high quality minerals to supplies their war effort.

-Majority race:
95% Northmen: the Vosta mountains is a harsh mother and the humans who call it home have adapted to it. Often refer to as dwarf giant do to blood of ancient giants in their veins. They stand between 10-12 ft tall into a mountain of muscle and sinew towering above other races. The dangers of Vosta have forge them into a hardy group with an uncomplicated attitude towards danger.
-Minority race(s):
-5% Dryads


-State Religion: Justinian Orthodox
-Patron Deity: The Justinian
-Religion Demographics:
80% Justinian Orthodox
5% Yuwanist
-Major Holy Relics/Artefacts in Possession: The armor and blade of the mountain lord. Forge from a fallen star it is said to grant the user to increase their strength and combat prowess.
-Holy Sites under Control: The cathedral of Justinian light.
-Notable Magical Institutions:
The Earth Shakers guild.
Fortress Virunum- the main base of the Inquisition in the Ferreumin.

-Culture: The pragmatic outlook the Ferreumin people carry over to their culture and their religious customs. They express their devotion to Justinain by action rather than prayer. Self-sacrifice is large in their culture with many warriors marking the symbol of their god into their body’s marking them with a consensual curse to make their death useful to their god. Outside of battle the Ferreumins expression of faith is limited with most undergoing the Epiphany of the Perfect World to unite themselves to a single cause. The only glaring difference between the religion practices of the Ferreumin and the western nation is that the people of the north see their emperor as a direct decedent of Justinain themselves. And is consider to be the authority on religious matter within the empire. The northern empire maintains a Oratorium branch locally called the Inquisition under the command of the watchman to hunt for threats within the empire. As for civilian life the Ferreumins there is a great effaces placed upon honor.


Total Military Size: 450,000
Listed Heroes:

• Praetor Stadius Ancus,
• Praetor Tranio Carantus,
• Praetor Curculio Gessius,
• Praetor Mulier Auxilius,
• Consul Gulielmus Catius,
• Consul Henricus Mactator,
• Consul Artotrogus Sylla.

Military Doctrine:
The Ferreumin prefers to use shock tactics to use their sheer sizes and strength to tear apart enemy formations. They do this by heavy armored united advancing behind shield walls. Along with berserker to create gaps to exploited with infantry.







Full History: WIP
List of Historical Grievances:

• The Bloodied: Hostile consider to be a menace to the civilized world.

Relations:

• Concilio Union: A strong ally
• Evernyx: Hostile, regularly send raids and invasion into the principality regular.
• The Bloodied: Hostile

Deep in the forest, where the Birchmen stride, I came across a woman, dead and dried...

The Birchmen, named for their devoted following to a mysterious being known as the Birch Man, formed the tribal confederacy 200 years ago to better defend their lands against the growing Yuwanist threat in the East. Inhabiting an isolated basin called the Coyle that once lay deep in Yuwanist lands, the Birchmen fought a low-level guerrilla war against Yuwan and Red God factions for 100 years. However, as the Justinian empires pushed forward, the Birchmen found themselves a new enemy - so-called Canonical followers of the Justinian, who branded the tribes as heretics and the Birch Man as a false prophet.

The Birch Man, having united hundreds of once bickering tribes under his banner, has refused the offers of alliances from Western missionaries and reacted violently to attempted conversions of his people within the Coyle. The Birch Man is determined to spin his own version of Justinianism, one which will see the revival of his species in the Justinian's paradise. Although once worshiped as demigods by the races of the Coyle, the last of the Crann, as his species was once known, has firmly encouraged his followers to take up the new God, the Justinian, resigning himself to the position of a prophet.

Charismatic and popular, the Birch Man's overall goal is to revive his species and he believes that with the help of the Justinian, this is possible. His followers, whose ancestors once worshiped the Crann, believe that their souls will mingle with the revived Crann in the post-Sacrilege War paradise and be elevated to the same position the Crann once held. However, due to the position of other Justinians, the Tribes have had a limited role in the Sacrilege, treated with suspicion by their religious allies, who have been known to clash with them.

Traditionally, the Birchmen have been insular, bickering constantly among themselves. In recent years however, they have brushed shoulders with their numerous neighbours and have found few allies and many enemies. Many believe the Birchmen to be insane heretics and barbarians, who take pleasure in killing for their deer-headed prophet but the Birchmen only wish to make it to paradise with their adoring prophet at the helm.

+Isolation of the Coyle: The Confederacy lays within an isolated region known as the Coyle, which few from outside it have knowledge of. This secrecy has led to the Coyle being easily defended from attack, as many nations believe it to be a dangerous land inhabited by war-like tribes and they are easily susceptible to ambush.

+Guerilla Warfare: The Birchmen are skilled in ambushes, traps, hit-and-run tactics and causing chaos behind enemy lines. As they lack the unified military and tactics of other nations, tribes often make their own decisions on the battlefield to achieve their goals.

+Reputation: The Birchmen have gained a ruthless, bloodthirsty reputation in recent years among foes and allies alike for their actions on the battlefield. Indeed, horrific crimes against humanity are not uncommon for some of the tribes but the vast majority have simply adopted this reputation to put fear into the hearts of the enemy.

-Technological Backwardness: The Birchmen, due to the isolationism, have missed many advances in technology. Full plate armour is extremely uncommon and the use of pistols is unheard of in the Confederacy. The tribes instead rely heavily on spears, bows and other traditional forms of warfare. This, combined with their lack of tactical unity, has seen the Birchmen avoiding the front lines of battle and instead taking on garrison and scouting roles.

-Lack of resources: Due to the direct intervention of the Justinian, the male population in the Coyle has exploded, putting a significant strain on resources. The Coyle possesses few mineral resources and only a quarter of the land is arable. This strain on resources has led to shortages in food and weaponry, which have occasionally required assistance from allies.

-Diplomatic Isolation: Due to the nature of their religion and the suspicious nature of the Birch Man, the Confederacy has few close allies. Only the Union to the North are considered tentative allies, with other Justinians merely permitted to pass through Birchmen lands. Some Justinian nations hold embassies in the Great Crest but relations are often strained.

The Coyle: A secluded, isolated region in central Meteria, the Red Goddess Talamh once made the Coyle her domain. Heavily forested in parts but also mountainous along the West and South, the Coyle is home millions of beings. The nation is divided into hundreds of subdivisions, split along tribal lines. There are some larger towns and settlements, especially along the borders but a majority of beings live in small towns and villages. Some tribes are nomadic hunter-gatherers but a majority are settled and agricultural. The entirety of the Coyle is under the control of the Birchmen Confederacy. The borders of the Coyle are blurry, however and some within the Confederacy call for the borders to be expanded into the "Greater Coyle".

Mountain ranges snake along the Eastern and Southern borders with the Concilo Union and the Artiun tribes. Plains cover the eastern region of the Confederacy while the western and southern regions are more rocky. The northern region of the Coyle is covered in thick, deciduous forest that cover over 50% of land of the Confederacy. The Coyle experiences mild summers and cold winters, especially in mountainous areas. Due to the nature of its border, it has recently become something of a passageway to the Northern Frontline with the Turq Lord and the Yuwanists. The Confederacy has a noticeable lack of underground passages leading from the Chasm of Ineffable Odds, most likely due to the effect of the secretive Skull of the Hunter artifact hidden deep in the mountains.

The Great Crest lies deep in the forests and acts as more of a Administrative capital than anything, housing a small civilian population and the political classes of the Confederacy. It is small for a capital town and is infamously restrictive in who can enter and who cannot. The seat of the Birch Man's power lays in the Great Crest, as it possesses the First Contact Shrine to the Justinian.

Birchmen (90%)
-Humans (40%)
-Elves (35%)
-Dwarves/Gnomes (15%)
-Other Races (10%)
The Birchmen are a cultural group, who see no difference in race but instead in tribal affiliation. They are united in their geographic proximity, their support of the Birch Man and their belief in the Justinian.

Non-Birchmen (10%)
-Missionaries, refugees, foreign soldiers, neutral tribes within the Coyle, rogue tribes, others.

-State Religion: Justinian (Heterodox)
-Patron Deity: The Justinian
-Religion Demographics: A majority of the tribes follow the Heterodox Justinianism that the Birch Man preaches while a small minority have chosen to interpret his teachings in a slightly divergent way. For example, one small tribe of elves deep within the forests of Coyle still worship the dead goddess of Hibernation (and creator of the Crann), Talamh, and a few others worship the Birch Man as an aspect of the Justinian, following a sect that falls more in line with Orthodox forms of Justinianism.

A few rogue tribes, which refuse to follow the Birch Man and Justinian, live on the edge of society and worship Yuwanist or Red Gods from neighbouring states. They are hostile to the Birchmen tribes and have been known to collaborate with enemy forces to disrupt the confederacy. These rogue tribes have recently begun uniting under the banner of powerful warlord, who is said to be receiving help from an outside source.
Major Holy Relics/Artefacts in Possession:

The Skull of the Hunter
A huge skull uncovered 200 years ago, deep underground, that has acted as a ward against any divine intervention. The Skull is infused with an unknown, ancient magic and it is unknown who created it or what creature the skull belongs to. It has been left in its place of discovery, on the Birchmen border with the Chasm of Ineffable Odds and is a highly guarded secret, with only a handful of beings aware of its existence and purpose. It has proven useful in repelling the hordes of monsters that tunnel towards the Coyle from the Chasm and it's been decided that the artifact will be kept and not handed over the Vault.

Holy Site: First Contact Shrine - formerly a shrine to the Red God Talamh, who died centuries earlier. It was using this shrine that the Birch Man first contacted the Justinian and had an Epiphany of the Perfect World. An ancient stone fort and town had been built around the shrine previously and the Birchmen simply adopted the area as their capital.

Notable Magical Institutions: The Doire are an extremely secretive group of magic-users who are close to the Birchman. They are said to have ancient Crann blood in their veins and are highly sought after by the Birch Man as he believes them to be a higher state of being among his followers.

Religious Interpretations/Culture:
The Birchmen disagree with Canonical Justinians on several points, especially their disdain for "false prophets" and the autocratic nature of several Justinian states. They genuinely believe that the Birch Man, the last of his race, to be a prophet or an "aspect" of the Justinian. Due to the tribes recent conversion to Justinianism (the last 200 years or so), several aspects of old Crann/Talamh worship have been mixed into worship of their new God.

The Birch Man has convinced the majority of his followers that his species souls will inhabit the next world alongside their own and that the worthy amongst them can become Crann. Due to the extreme cultural significance of Crann in the Coyle, many tribes see the Crann as a race superior to their own and wish to join them, to ascend to a form of demi-godhood.

The Birch Man also disagrees with the Exaltarchy of Archonnen on their imperialistic and (in his opinion), quite preferential treatment of certain individuals over others. As the Coyle has been tribal for centuries, many have become used to the somewhat equal ground that they all live in. The Birch Man believes anyone, from the smallest child to the oldest man, can become contact the Justinian.

The usage of so-called "Epiphany Sap" is also widespread in religious ceremonies in the Confederacy, which is seen as heretic by other Justinians. A mind altering sap taken from certain trees in the forests of Coyle is said to give the user a small glimpse into the perfect world being crafted by Justinian and to put the user into contact with the souls of the long-dead Crann, who are said to impart advice or comfort to the user. The Birch Man actively encourages the usage of Epiphany Sap among his followers. However, the overuse of Epiphany Sap is known to break the minds of those unprepared to use it and they are sent into a permanent state of berserk.

Finally, proselytising from other gods or branches is widely frowned upon, especially from the Birch Man. He sees the confederacy as united only by their belief in him as a powerful prophet and sees any attempts by foreign nations to undermine him as going against the plan. Missionaries have been banished and even sacrificed in the Confederacy. Although minor differences exist among tribes, the Birch Man tolerates such religious differences as long as they don't diverge too far from his teachings.

Total Military Size: 100,000

Listed Heroes:
Yoe Thickens
Ruri the Fallen
Cahale Igho
Bren Muid
Themaus the Enlisted

Military Doctrine: The Birchmen are masters of guerrilla warfare, especially in forests. They also excel in sneak attacks and boobytraps. They try to avoid all-out, open warfare due to their inferior organisation and armour and units act independently of each other. The Birch Man is the overall commander but has very little experience with organised warfare, leaving the battle plans to the individual tribes, who act independent of each other in warfare and use whatever means necessary to achieve their goals.

Military Units:
Deadwood:
-The Deadwood are a lightly armoured unit, made up primarily of criminals or volunteers who are terminally ill. Their minds are broken by their near-constant use of Epiphany Sap, which cause them to have violent visions and outbursts, seemingly at random. They are kept well away from the Coyle and can usually be found on the front-lines of battle as a form of berserker who kill everything they can before being felled. Epiphany Sap gives them an extremely high tolerance to pain but their broken, hallucination-filled minds often mistake allies for foes. The casualty rate among the Deadwood is extremely high but due to the nature of the Coyle, there will always be beings to take their place.

The Cysquatch Clans: In the far western mountain range of the Coyle, a unique race of primitive, shaggy beings dwelled in caves, loosely organised into clans or families. They were among the last races to join the Confederacy and have proven to be extremely physically powerful. Due to their small numbers and low intelligence, the Cysquatch are primarily used as pack animals, caravan guards and even siege weapons. They are split into several clans with no clear leader.

Equini: The largest tribe in the Coyle, numbering thousands of humans and elves, the Equini are a primarily male and extremely war-oriented tribe who make up the bulk of the Birchmen army. They are warriors trained in swordsmanship and archery and are lightly armoured in furs and leather. Extremely devoted to the Birchman, they have been known to follow his orders above even their own leader, Rangan Bloodroot.

The Adhmaid: The Adhmaid are another large tribe in the Birchmen army, made up primarily of gnomes and elves. They are probably the best equipped unit in the army, possessing the technology to create better weaponry and siege machinery. However, due to the limited mineral resources in the Coyle, they have begun to look further afield for materials to create instruments of war.

The Doire: Not so much a tribe as a small collection of individuals, close to the Birch Man. They are magic users chosen at random from the tribes and brought to the Birch Man, who believes they possess a small amount of Crann blood in them. The Doire act as a last line of defence in the Coyle, bodyguards of the Birch Man and as a form of secret police in the Confederacy. They root out criminals and spies and are said to be adept magic users. Their numbers are small but they are easily spotted by their distinct lack of tattoos and use of heavy forest imagery. They work in close conjunction with tribal shamans and other tribal powers and occasionally travel outside the Coyle to undertake missions for the Birchmen.

Chun-Fiach: A small tribe of Elves, the Chun-Fiach have gained notoriety in the Confederacy for their extremely violent conduct on the field of battle. Although only numbering 600 individuals, they are known to partake in head hunting, sacrifice and cannibalism. The Chun-Fiach are not strict Justinians but believe in the long-dead goddess of Hibernation, Talamh, who created the Crann. They only follow the Birch Man's orders loosely as they believe him to be the only being capable of reviving their dead goddess but have refused offers to convert and have violently resisted attempts from the Birchmen to formally induct them into the Confederacy. Although the topic of their destruction has passed the mind of the Birch Man several times, it has been decided that they will continue to exist as long as they stay loyal to the Crann.

Others: Hundreds of other smaller and less notable tribes operate within the army, all independent of each other. Some tribes prefer to work alone while others join together into larger units but all follow the general orders of the Birch Man, using whatever means necessary to achieve the goals set out to them.

The Birch Man

The Birch Man, the last of the Crann, is the charismatic yet cunning leader of the Confederacy, which has grown from the union of two human tribes 200 years previous to a multi-racial union all under his banner. Standing at 8 feet tall, the blue skinned deer-man towers over his followers and commands them with a powerful voice and a sharp wit. The Birch Man is a firm believer in the Justinian but also in his own power, seeing himself as one of the Justinians most powerful followers on the frontier. However, his overly-suspicious nature and his single-minded determination to bring back his race from the brink of extinction could prove to be his downfall as the climax of the Sacrilege War grows near.

The Birch Man is extremely secretive about his own background and has shared very little of his past, even with his closest followers. His true name remains unknown and he has vowed not to utter it until the end of the world.

[optional stuff you may add]
Full History:
For thousands of years, the great forests of Coyle lay peacefully under the patronage of their creator, protector and goddess, Talamh. A lesser Red Goddess, the Goddess of Hibernation created a small, mortal race in her image - the Crann, the guardians of the Coyle. The Crann never numbered more than 1000 individuals but they were powerful beings, with long lives, multiple faces and great antlers. Talamh foolishly weakened herself creating what she deemed a perfect race and so the legend goes she fell into a deep hibernation, only to mysteriously die in her sleep centuries later later. The Crann, now sole protectors of the forest, soon came into contact with other sentient species. Tribes of elves and men encroached on the great Coyle forests and viewed the Crann as mystical protectors, who silently observed them and helped them in times of need. The Crann were passive creatures, who disliked death and encouraged growth.

Humans and elves alike grew to love and admire the secretive Crann, worshiping them as demigods. The Crann, in turn, worshiped Talamh and encouraged their neighbours to do the same. The Coyle forests, isolated from world events, was a place of peace, one where celestial beings and mortals lived in relative harmony. Some Crann even took up wives and husbands, living among the humans and elves for hundreds of years. They protected their adopted tribes in times of danger and protected the forest from "undesirables".

But alas, all good things must come to an end. The peace and harmony of the Coyle, Talamh's tiny domain on Materia, was shattered on the eve of the War in Heaven. Without the love and devotion of Talamh, the Crann lost all purpose and sanity. Normally docile, quiet beings, the Crann's worldview changed for the worse. Some Crann committed suicide, others slaughtered hundreds of innocents and one even foolishly took on the Justinian on the battlefield but it ended the same for all of them - death. All bar one.

After the death of his race and the great calamity that overtook the Coyle, the final survivor of the Crann withdrew deep into the forest, conserving what magic and power was left in the Coyle. The Birch Man, overcome with depression at the violence and his loss of purpose, hibernated alone for fifty years, rarely venturing from the tiny shrine to his presumably dead creator, Talamh. As generations of men passed, the horrid memories of the crimes committed by the broken Crann slowly slipped from the humans collective memory and their legacy was lost to time.

It was in the ancient shrine to Talamh that the Justinian made contact with the Birch Man, showing him the world that could be under his guidance. The Birch Man, in his epiphany, saw his race revived and their place as the true race of the forests restored. Vowing to achieve the world he saw in that vision, the Birch Man left the shrine at Fort Crest and began to observe the denizens of the forest. To his surprise, most humans had already forgotten the Crann in only a century and now worshipped false, Yuwanist gods who demanded blood sacrifices, keeping the tribes of the Coyle in a perpetual state of war. The Birch Man rarely appeared to the humans and his
deliberate obscurity led to him achieving a mythical status among the humans. They simply nicknamed him the Birch Man and it is the name he has used since, swearing not to utter his real name until the end of the world.

When the Birch Man became well-known among the Coyle's inhabitants, he began to take a select few individuals to Fort Crest to experience the Epiphany. These few became the Birch Man's inner circle, known as the Birchmen (later giving name to the tribal confederacy) and helped him to convert thousands of followers to his cause. Within 100 years, the Birchman had united hundreds of small tribes and clans of various races to his own form of Justinianism. Despite rarely venturing from the Coyle himself, he has sent tribesmen to every front of the war and openly declared himself against Yuwan.

In the last century, the Coyle has faced few attacks from either side and the population has swelled, with males far exceeding the female population. However, as the frontier has moved further west, the Coyle has also found itself on the front lines of battle and has taken a largely independent strategy of the other major Justinian powers on combating the Yuwanist heathens. Along with their tentative allies to the north, the Concilio Union, the Birchmen have found themselves fighting Yuwanists and the Turquoise Lord along the Northern Front. Rumblings from the the Chasm of Infathomabal Odds to the south-east of the Coyle have also been a cause for concern, as the Birchmen fear raids from the monstrous denizens who lurk beneath the Earth.

List of Historical Grievances:
-The Turquoise Lord, which has been besieged for the last 142 years, has slowed the rate of eastern expansion, much to the annoyance of the Birch Man, who has maintained a detachment of Birchmen warriors at the siege.

-The Artiun Tribes to the south have faced systematic genocide from the Birchmen and other Justinians. The Birchmen actively hunt the Artiuns for sport and have been known to consume them in times of starvation. Although once they considered the Artiuns potential entries into the Confederacy, their refusal to join the Birch Man and continued worship of Yuwan has made them into one of their biggest enemies to date.

Relations:
The Confederacy has had few diplomatic relations with outside nations, due to the nature of its religion and the reluctance of the Birch Man to leave his natural domain. However, the Birchmen enjoy warm relations with their neighbours, The Concilio Union, which shares the Birchmen disdain for far-western Justinianism and has established a similar system of multi ethnic harmony within its borders. The two nations have also had limited co-operation in the wider Justinian siege of the Turquoise Lord.

The United Principalities of Aberys have been known to station troops in the Confederacy to assist in the Northern Front and they have been tolerated by the Birchmen, if treated with suspicion.

Ferrumin Empire:

The Artiun Tribes:

Relations with other Justinian dominions are cold, if not outright hostile. While the Birchmen originally had a policy of openness with other Justinian domains, they quickly grew tired of constant accusations of heresy and multiple missionaries being sent into the Coyle. Now, missionaries are turned away and Justinian troops are only allowed in certain sections of the Confederacy.

Relations with Yuwanist/Red God domains are practically non-existent and they are in a state of total war, murdering them on sight. The Birchmen have developed a ruthless, barbaric reputation in their treatment of heathen prisoners.

Cultural Notes:

The Birchmen are known for their complex tattoos and body markings that mark their tribal affiliation. In the Confederacy, to be without tattoos is seen as taboo and it is common for outcasts to have their tattoos removed or defaced. In many tribes, beings are more or less equal, apart from the tribal leaders or Shaeman.

The witches and their cult familiars convene for the year 297AWH's Ceremony of the Red Effigy, here as the Justinian POWs inside the effigy burn alive, the true masters of the Empire decide on national policy.

Population: 23 to 25 million. No census has been performed and the actual number is erratic due to the fact that both a civil war is actively being waged and large numbers of Homunculi and Ghouls are being created or are entering the country.
Faction: Red Pantheonist
Capital (De jure): The Old Capital, Sepulchravest
Capital (De facto): The New Capital, Xur'valău Mare
Government Type: Feudal Monarchy (Under the control of Cabalistic Witch Oligarchy)

Government Description:
The Empire of East Ouroborasia maintains the illusion legally of a traditional feudal monarchy, maintaining the pretense that the old pre-civil war government was entirely unchanged. The Emperor sits on his throne, legal power to rule is delegated among the many feudal vassals of the Emperor who in turn rule over their many serfs. With that said, this government in truth no longer functions as it once did. With the rise of the Witch Covens and beginning of the civil war, witches have since monopolised much of the power of the Empire into the hands of secret societies and religious cults - many of these secret societies no longer even secret, acting blatantly and in the open for all to see.

Witches rule over private demesnes known as “Witchedoms”, usually circular territory carved out of former feudal lands held by now dead/traitor Justinian aristocrats, in each of these territories centrepoint exists a large tower - often black and saturated in magic. The Emperor acts as a figurehead for the Supreme Witch Nenepheni, the mastermind behind the witches rise to power and corrupter and usurper of many of the empires Justinian institutions such as the Oratory. The Supreme Witch heads the Hecataphrim Coven, a council of the most powerful Witchedom-controlling witches (Often ancient foreign witches) that make all the true decisions of East Ouroborasia. As for the traditional powers of the nobles? Many of them have either been sidelined, bewitched or seduced to essentially refer their powers to the covens.

Head of State (De Jure): Emperor Vasilius I Dragcumir
Head of State (De Facto): Supreme Witch of the Hecataphrim Coven, Nenephni of Terra Incognita
Currency: Imperial Gold Leuri (Includes other legal coinage, The Kasaboi Ducat included)
Languages: Ouroboran(majority), Aemerine, Sancthiyin Elvish, Kasaboi, Old Eudakar, Grey Eudakar, Ghoul Speech, Many local ethnic dialects

The Blackguard Mihai Negrescu leads a contigent of the Imperial Army of the East into the breach during the Siege of Morticia

• Wretched Empire of the Witches - Witch. A word that means many things. A user of heretical magic. A heathen worshiper of false gods, rejecting the light of Justinian. An evil woman. In East Ouroborasia the name has taken on a new meaning; Master. for many apostates and wretchkin since the civil war begun, the witches are the chosen children of the Goddess Ephemem (or other Red Gods), blessed with the 'witch curse', and as such a blessed chosen people. For the Anathema Justinians of the Radiant Cult, they are enlightened materialists, exemplars of the ways of the Verum Codex and its holy principle senses. Regardless, because of this magical and religious authority, Witches dominate the government and army of East Ouroborasia. Their numbers grow into the hundreds of thousands. They are trained in shadowy covens and elite academies from early childhood. Corrupted paladins - now blackguards serve them by choice. Familiars - men forced by geas to obey serve them regardless. No longer do they hide in decaying hovels but rule atop black towers of marble, stone and the blood of countless sacrifices.

• Rot Within, Rot Without - When the witches took control of the empire, they did not merely usurp the government and its institutions but twisted them to their will. The first to fall, the Oratorium now serves the witches, finding witches to be trained or protecting them rather than hunting them as they once were supposed to do. Ex-paladins seduced by the witches have since become blackguards, turning the martial, magical and ascetics of the paladins against them. Even the Clerisy, though most stayed loyal and fled west to fight in the civil war has now fallen in line. Heretics named anathema have been made clerics by the witches, preaching new heretical and Anathema forms of Justinianism, ranging from arbritray syncretism to the contrarian anti-Justinianism of the Radiance Cult. Where heresy has not been used, blatant cults have taken their place, moving their cult activities into public view, ranging from sacred prostitutes of Ishnanneh wearing the robes of Clerics and performing orgies in old cathedrals to 'priests' performing mass sacrifices to Axohaan.

• Wretchkin Grudge War - Ouroborasia has forever been in turmoil over ethnic groups fighting over the region, but now Ouroborasia has to deal with a whole new concept of 'ethnicity' to wage war over. The Wretchkin or 'bad blood' are the blood relatives of witches. They are the mothers whose wombs were where fetus' were given the witch curse. They are the fathers and brothers of burned and drowned sisters and daughters. The husbands of hanged wives. The Purges and Ouroborasian Genocide that followed the Witch Plague gave all the reason in the world for generations of Wretchkin to rise up violently, many declaring themselves apostates or adopting Anathema Justinianism. When the government itself fell to the witches, with a great deal of irony, the Wretchkin ended up becoming the governments greatest asset, willingly joining the ranks of the army and militia if it meant vengeance. Isolated peasant villages, foresters, merchant pedlars. The Wretchkin represent a new dimension of the Ouroborasian Civil War, as the people's militias in the West also showed. A popular and widespread Peoples War.

• Lord Swampland - Ouroborasia's not particularly secret weapon O'Lord Swampland, the greatest commander of Ouroborasia for millennia. He is always defending the country though is stronger in certain seasons. With him comes harsh and constant rain, ever obstructing mud, insidious murky water and creeping mangroves in the wetlands, and shadowy black forests in the hinterlands. Invaders fear him, for their cannons sink into the mud, their powder becomes useless. Disease and illness; Lord Swamplands faithful squires strike them down as they cower, huddling around fireplaces that refuse to start, so wet is the wood. Those who seek to besiege castles fear this great defender, for he is the weather, and while invaders have come and gone, Great Lord Swampland has never been defeated.

• Monstrous Homunculi - The creation of homunculi is a feared magical art perfected by the witches of the Red Pantheon. Using transmutation on biological forms and people, those that are transmuted can have their form twisted and changed to newer, more grotesque and often more combat capable forms. Werewolves now roam the black forests of Ouroborasia where men once hunted game. Giant twisted Wendigoes with the deranged forms of humans molded into hunt, even the natural Wendigo beasts fearing their new, magically twisted cousins. The ghoul armies of Uudin march through the marshes and hills of East Ouroborasia, the surreal part-man, part-animal mismatched monsters of Axohaan having fought here for millennia. Ouroborasia has long been a land beset by monsters, but now the people of Ouroborasia must contend with a land where they too may one day become monsters.

• Phantasmal Miasma of the Witch Goddess - The Witch Goddess Ephemem, the greatest of East Ouroborasia's patron deities often performs her miracles in these lands. While her acts range from flocks of animals to the moving of waves and magical curses, her most famous gift to East Ouroborasia is a miasmic fog, one crafted from and made of magic, an often long-lasting divine intervention. This fog conceals and obstructs, further aiding Lord Swampland against Ouroborasia's enemies. It saps the will of those within, illusions and phantoms of doom harassing those within it. It corrodes the bright armour of paladins and burns skin, while healing and protecting the Witch Goddesses own. Where the miasma goes, the eyes of the Goddess go, the purple deathly fog announcing the goddesses dominion over this land.

• Solomonanţă, The Black Academy of Witchcraft - Witches are often stereotyped as elderly crones that lurk in the darklands of Uudin, or as ancient shapeshifters, having long changed forms to whatever pleases them. The truth is however, the vast majority of East Ouroborasia's witches are young. The witch plague that struck the country 25 years ago ensures that the vast majority are witches are below that starting year point. Many of them are still teenagers or children, thrust into a brutal civil war due to their Witch Curse. Those who are more fortunate; whom avoid becoming magical child soldiers, instead are taken on either privately with cabals/covens or sent to the Black Academy. Solomonanţă, one of the greatest Red Pantheonist magical institutions in the world. Solomonanţă will gladly accept the young witches of Ouroborasia and teach them the arts of the Goddess of Witches or other Red Gods, being an interfaith school. Even the Anathema Justinians are present - to a degree. Regardless, there they will learn how to bend the world, monsters and mankind to their will, they will learn the arts of proper ritual sacrifice and casting. Of catalysts and dark, secret knowledge. The Black Academy, a dark-stoned fortress of a school is filled with occult knowledge, monsters and enthralled familiar slaves, an irony and hypocrisy that a supposed goddess of rebellion and self-determination seems to ignore. In the eyes of the East, all the dark experiments that take place in the school and classes range, activities that range from learning how to shape-shift cats to forcing prisoners of war to kill and torture each other to death can be perfectly justified. They are being prepared for the Sacrilege War where all weapons and means are permitted. Those who emerge from this school are prepared as true witches, eager and ready to face a harsh world filled with death and holy war.

• Dark Covenant Of The Six Gods - East Ouroborasia has always been a sanctuary and staging ground for Red God Rebellions. For centuries before the Justinian crusaders conquered this land, the Red Pantheon ruled supreme across both East and West Ouroborasia. Numerous Red Gods have made Ouroborasia their favoured hiding grounds in the material plane, and as such have been forced to coexist and cooperate if they are to survive Justinian and Yuwan's onslaught. The Dark Covenant as such is the loose coalition formed in the south, revolving around Axohaan and Ephemem as its ringleaders. Other Red Gods, either by choice, opportunity or by force have joined this southern pact as both a means of survival and to enhance their own power. While this agreement is tenuous and often a cause of internal strife and disagreement, it also represents East Ouroborasia's strong diplomatic position and power of alliance building between Red Pantheonist states.

The Gravecoast of the south-eastern provinces is as infamous as it is ancient. An old Axohar tradition, the Eudekeshan people either floated their dead into the ocean or buried them on the coastline, the latter of which continues even today, its origins.

• Sepulchravest - #1, The former capital is on the frontlines of the civil war, having switched hands numerous times between the east and west. The city was attacked by Crown Prince Istvan (now the ‘emperor’ of West Ouroborasia) in the first day of the civil war, however was driven off by monstrous creatures summoned by the current Witchfinder-General of the Maleficar Oratorium (and champion of the Turquoise Lord). Since then the city has become a half-ruined hellhole and is saturated with the influence of the Turquoise Lord. Most of the city's inhabitants are now either Turquoise monsters or witches and their homunculi or familiar tools.

• Xur'valău Mare - #2, The new capital of East Ouroborasia. Xur'valău Mare is a Gothic and gloomy city infamous for being built atop the ruins of Xur, the old citadel of Axohaan during the Axohaan Rebellions. Xur was perhaps once the very headquarters and centre of the entire worlds Red Pantheonist movement, with ghouls calling the former citadel their capital. Today the city is said to be cursed by the wrathful presence of the Salt Prince and other Red Gods. Vast catacombs under the city still house feral ghouls and Axohar cults, while the dark city and fortress above house the government of East Ouroborasia and numerous witches of Ephemem, meeting among within the spires that tower over the city, decorated with gargoyles and other forms of grotesque art.

• Witch-fortress of Nazaimae - #3, Primary military headquarters of the ruling Witch coven, the Hecataphrim. Nazaimae was originally a local dukes fortress that was 'confiscated' during the beginning of the civil war, and has since been retrofitted to be a suitable seat of power for the central Witchedom of East Ouroborasia, made in the likeliness of the Xur and Azagôde citadels of old. Nazaimaes central keep has since been augmented, black stone and a great spire towering from the middle, more smaller towers circling it and numerous curtain ring walls expanding outward. Nazaimae besides being a central command structure is also a training area for blackguards, having a blackguard academy built into the fortress. It also acts as a smaller school to train witches, often the personal apprentices of the Hecataphrims elder witches, as the majority of young witches learn at Solomonanţă.

• City of Vansanguira - #4, regional capital of the Archduchy of Vlachia and seat of power for Archduke Cosmin Dragcumir.

• Lázárfieran Citadel - #5, regional capital of the Grand March of Upper Cilistria, seat of power of Grand Margraf Ostorius Răceanur, Marshal of the Army.

• Solomonanţă - #6, black academy of witchcraft, the great magical educational institute of the southern Red Pantheonists. The academy is a magically fortified castle built on an island surrounded by a lake formed from a passing river.

The towering spires of Xur'valău Mare look down upon East Ouroborasia, a constant and grim reminder of the Red Gods deep influence in these lands.

Cities:
-Sepulcravest
-Xur'valău Mare
-Vansanguira
-Mare Danub
-Darazgamor
-Mare Romagave
-Requiemaria
-Mare Vilistruvia
-Vanra Zajorvo
-Morticia (Occupied)

Castles
-Sepulcravest Palace
-Lázárfieran Citadel
-Slavăvest
-Nazaimae



Majority race: Humanity is the majority and ruling class of the East Ouroborasian Empire. Technically its ‘ruling’ status is debatable as while the vast majority of witches of the empire are of human origins, a number of them are either foreign elves or have performed auto-homunculus metamorphosis on themselves, turning themselves physically into other beings. Humans have been the majority species of Ouroborasia for millennia, though originally this land was populated by ethnic Eudekeshan humans. The Eudekeshans were pushed or bred out of most of their ancestral homelands of Ouroborasia 1200 years ago first by Wolfraum's Aemorian Imperium, then by its Old Pantheonist successor states and finally by the Justinians 150 years ago. The actual Eudekeshan ethnic group survives in parts of Lamashi-occupied Eudaz, Uudhin and isolated communities of Far-east Ouroborasia, though both have also been corrupted culturally by the Gushawari Gusho-Aemarine people and Axohaan. The majority of Ouroborasian people today are Aemorian ethnically, though there remains dozens of sub-races and ethnic groups as well as hybrid cultures that have grown over the centuries and millennia due to constant invasions. It is said that because of this, Ouroborasia will never have peace. There are around 17.8 million humans living in East Ouroborasia, or around 71% of the total population)

Minority races:

• Ouroborasian Homunculi - Creations of the Witches of East Ouroborasia. Unlike the Ghouls of Axohaan, usually Ouroborasian Homunculi are born through the transmutation of other living beings, particularly humans and wendigoes. Ouroborasian Homunculi are usually sterile, either by their flawed creation or intention by their creator, though some freak examples can actually breed or even interbreed with other species. As Homunculi are a category of beings rather than a specific species, there isn't any unified appearance or biology, though most are fierce and typically designed to terrify enemies and fight in the witches wars. Notable Homunculi include Werewolves, Uberwendigoes, Gretchlings and Coalescent Homunculi, the former two being large furred beasts and the latter being grotesque mockeries of human form, the Coalescents typically being inhumanly pale, humanoid-shaped beings with additional limbs and organs.

• The Ghouls of Uudhin - The Ghouls of Uudhin (See Grijs nationsheet for details concerning the species itself): The ghouls of Uudhin once, during the Axohar First and Second Rebellions, found their headquarters in Ouroborasia, then the homeland of the Eudekeshans, who were loyal to the same pantheon that Axohaan once served under. While Axohaan was defeated and the Eudekeshans pushed out, the ever tenacious warrior-race crafted by the Salt Prince held out defiantly, residing in the badlands and mountains of Ouroborasia to this day.

• Centauroids - Centaurs are a demographic newcomer into the ethnic mess that is Ouroborasia. While there are stories of ancient centaur nomads trying to conquer Ouroborasia numerous millennia ago, the actual centaurs of Ouroborasia descend from Justinian crusaders that arrived 150 years ago, when the Justinian crusaders conquered Ouroborasia in its entirety. The centaurs of East Ouroborasia today are a isolated minority, living in a hostile environment that is not particularly hospitable for centaurkind. Once the fanatical religious zeal of the crusades wore off, the centaurs became bitter though still too stubborn to leave. Those in East Ouroborasia mostly live in the rural areas and farmlands, avoiding the swampy and forested areas Ouroborasia is most infamous for. Centaurs have like humans also been used as 'bases' for homunculi, having their own grotesque cousins in the form of the Bicortaur Homunculi, an oversized horned and fanged centaur with demonic features.

• Wendigoes - A believed to be native inhabitants of Ouroborasia, the Wendigoes are actually immigrants, having swarmed into the region millennia ago during a great war, and were then conquered by the ascending Eudekeshan people, continuing the cycle of Ouroborasian invasions. The Wendigoes are mostly intelligent however are a on average barbaric people, having socially regresssed since their civilised era millennia ago. They are notorious carnivores that intentionally eat other intelligent beings, particularly humans, sometimes even incorporating such feasts into religious sacrifical ceremonies. Avid survivalists and ancient practitioners of the Red Pantheon, Wendigoes were mass persecuted by Justinian crusaders, who undertook pogroms and massacres against them after many failed attempts at converting them. While they have taken the opportunity to rise up behind the witches, they also resent them and all humans, for they know that they are a dying ancient race that will likely see many more massacres before their last days come.

• Riglers - Something crawls in the deep.

The Anathema Justinian Cleric and witch Iulia to the left meets with the Ishnannehi witch and priestess Mariana at the Xur Cathedral

State Religion: Red Pantheon (Also includes heretical Anathema Justinianism)
Patron Deities:

• Ephemem - Ephemem, also known as the Goddess of Witches, and less commonly the Goddess of Heresy. She is a Red God that rose with the fall of the Ancient Pantheon in 1300BWY (1300 years ago), A remnant of the days of Eudeye. With the fall of her old master, Ephemem turned against the new order by embracing the Turquoise Scheme, rejecting her fellow Eudeye disciple Yuwan and the Old Pantheons belief in harmony between Materia and the Celestial Plane, seeing the Celestial Plane as the root of all evil in the universe and thus must be destroyed. Having been the one responsible for unleashing the Turquoise Lord and Axohaan from their celestial prisons, Ephemem as been instrumental in sowing chaos and war across the world for over a millennia in her war against the heavens. To some, Ephemem is a goddess of freedom, defiance and independence, allowing dissidents, outcasts and rebels to break free, a patron of new ideals and those who lived on the periphery. To others, she is an agent of chaos, and like Axohaan a force of destruction hellbent on bringing nothing but anarchy for its own sake. she is often worshipped by those who reject the two grand norms of Justinian and Yuwan; by outcasts and rebels, by those who hold grudges or seek revenge, those bitter and resentful as they are filled with the belief they are oppressed or exploited. This has thus made her a particularly favourable patron of the Wretchkin, whom she conspired to create with the Witch Curse. Though little known by those outside the Eudekeshans and her followers, Ephemem once upon a time was a naive and idealistic Angel of the completely unrelated celestial duty of Healing of the Ancient Pantheon, and thus is also the patron of doctors and healers. How she went from a healer to a chief patron of militant rebels and heretical ideas is unknown. Ephemem is a primary supporter of the Radiant Cult of Anathema Justinianism, not only because they weaken Justinianism but because they perfectly embody her own opinions and ideals... seeing as her own ideals are what the radiant are built around - with a Justinian context.

• The Anti-Justinian - The Anti-Justinian, also known as "The True Justinian" contra to " The False Justinian" of Sacrosanctia. The Anti-Justinian is the 'deity' of the Anathema Justinians of East Ouroborasia, particularly the Radiant Cult from which it originates. Unlike the vast majority of deities worshipped or followed in Materia, the Anti-Justinian is not an actual deity as much as it is a concept. Known as the Radiant or Grand Heresy in Sacrosanctia, the Radiants believe that The Justinian of Sacrosanctia is a false god, a mirage formed in the celestial plane following the War In Heaven. They believe The Justinian was and is the true god of the universe, but its divinity was polluted by its formation in the celestial plane - The domain of the Demiurge. They believe the True Justinian is trapped within an interstice or limbo of souls, engulfed under the weight of its own collective consciousness, corrupted by Demiurgic Entities like the ones it slew. As such, they believe that all messages delivered by The Justinian following the War In Heaven are in fact demurgic lies, corruptions to lead the trapped mortal souls astray from true salvation. Their solution and what they perceive as the true goal of The Justinian is as such for it to become free from its celestial prison and returned to the material world, where from the holy material plane it will bring about the Great Reconvergence - As a material paradise rather than a spiritual Empyrean one. As such, as written in the heretical pages of the Verum Codex - The Most Noble Apocrypha of Radiance, all true Justinians must wage war against The False Justinian of Sacrosanctia so to free the true god from its chains and accomplish its divine mission of utopia on Materia. The Anti-Justinian is particularly popular among Wretchkin who could not comprehend that despite their belief in Justinian they were suddenly enemies of their own god following the civil war. Of particular interest is the meddling of Ephemem and the TQLR in the Radiance Cult, the former being the cults creator is particularly interested in it, as it is essentially the same as her own goals.

• Axohaan - (see Grijs' sheet for details) The Salt Prince, the devil figure of the Ancient Pantheon, thrown in the celestial prison for crimes against the Ancient Pantheon, with his gods long dead, now a rogue Red God. A brutal and direct figure that has long since embraced his reputation and role as a great antithesis and force of darkness, Axohaan has become another patron of rebellion and defiance across the world, long before Ephemem left her path as a benign healer, Axohaan was raging against the heavens. Axohaan once was the traditional god of Ouroborasia, having taken over the role of the Eudekeshan peoples patron following the fall of Eudeye, from there waging constant and futile war against the Old Pantheon. While the Eudekeshans have long been pushed out of their own ancestral homeland, Axohaans followers remain in the form of ghouls and Neo-Axohar cultists, once again embracing the Everlasting War against the universe and powers that be. Axohar followers are often ethnic, cultural and even nationalist romanticists. They dream of one day restoring the days of Eudeye and the Ancient Pantheon; a world they believed was far more just than the one today.

• Ishnanneh - The Goddess of Many Delights is a new Red Goddess, having risen with the fall of her old mistress Ashyeiha, the Old Pantheon Goddess of Fertility, Love, Hearth, Home and Motherhood. Following The Justinian's killing of Ashyeiha during the War In Heaven, Ishnanneh has since abandoned the traditional ideals of her own mentor and embraced the rabid materialism and nihilism often associated with Red Pantheonism. Her cult is one of pleasure and hedonism, praising the basest nature of all souls as the truest and purest form of life. On a more idealogical note, Ishnanneh could be considered a positive Utilitarian. She truly believes that since the world is hellish and meaningless place the only thing that matters is happiness - any happiness, it just so happens that physical pleasure is the lowest common denominator. She is often associated with beauty, putting her at odds with 'the little upstart' Mastrix, who she sees as a fake and is often insulted by the comparison between herself who aspires to spread happiness across the world to Mastrix who to her only exists to feed her own empty pretense of narcissism. Ishnanneh is a powerful goddess despite being constantly underestimated by her rivals and allies. It is often suggested by her cultists that if they weren't so busy spreading 'joy' and 'happiness' they would be leading the southern Red Pantheon.

• TQLR - The unnamed god of the Turquoise Scheme, often known as the Turquoise Lord, Turq or TQLR. An incredibly ancient Red God whose origins are long lost to history, a being that even Yuwan, Axohaan and Ephemem know not of his origins, only that he has spent an incredibly long time in the celestial prison, only unleashed by Ephemem 1300 years ago following the fall of the Ancient Pantheon. Regardless, the Turquoise Lord has no real worshippers, only pawns and tools for which to use to enact its grand, universe-spanning scheme to remake the universe in its image. Today, it is deeply involved in the Ouroborasian Civil War, having formed a diabolical pact with the Witch Goddess, his surreal overlays springing up across the East. Due to TQLR's obscurity and the general ignorance of the average Ouroborasian peasant, many mistake him for Axohaan the Salt Prince, or also mistakenly known as 'Axehand the Pepper King".

• Longthirung - Longthirung the Inheritor. Dragon God. 'Long' is a Red God, once demi-god dragon child of Sirrišushan the King-of-gods of the Ancient Pantheon, then angel under his father after he ascended. Over two thousand years old, Lonthirung saw and survived the fall of his father to Ashenlur, wielding the Dragonslaying Sword Agur, and in turn saw and survived the fall of Ashenlur and his Old Pantheon to Justinian and his Godslaying Epilogeon Sword. A survivalist to the core, Longthirung is 'famous' for being the only Red God to have survived a personal battle with The Justinian in its full Avatar form, mostly because he fled half way through the battle as his allies were obliterated. While surviving, Longthirung was horribly wounded, including being half-blinded, burned (despite dragons supposedly being immune to fire) and afflicted with a form of unique radiation poisoning and cancer common to those in the presence of Justinian's full Avatar. Forced into servitude by Ephemem in exchange for medical treatment, Long now mostly hides in Ouroborasia and occasionally kidnaps princesses from Aberys since attacking Gushawar would likely cause a war he cannot win. These days he has been reduced to a pathetic shadow of his former self.

• Uturr - The Lord of Slaughters influence while slight after his lands being occupied, does still reach across from Aberysia and Weshland, his dominion over strength, fighting, brutality and survival in harsh times appeals to many a starving peasant. To the most desperate of East Ouroborasia's peasantry, those living in the most flooded, war-torn and desolated areas, wracked with famine... The simple promise of a filled belly is the greatest miracle any god could possibly provide, greater than Ephemems revenge and power, Ishnannehs pleasure and carnality, Axohaans defiance, even Justinians justice and order. Uturrs faithful desire only one thing: Survival at any and all costs.

Religion Demographics:
-48% Red Pantheonism
-35% Anathema Justinianism
-17% Orthodox Justinianism

Holy Relics in Possession:

Holy Sites under Control:

• Xur Cathedral - The Xur Cathedral is the largest operating Justinian cathedral in East Ouroborasia with the destruction of the Apostle Sepulchravia's Cathedral in Sepulchravest. From here, the heretical and arch-Anathema High Cleric Septimus Justinescu watches over the doings of the Radiant Cult, representing the followers of the Anti-Justinian and the teaching of the Verum Codex. Xur Cathedral is also a major religious centre for Ephemem's cult. Besides administrative tasks, pregnant cult members have their fetus' blessed by the Witch Curse, important sacrifices are performed, Effigies are burned and various rituals are performed to communicate with the Witch Goddess. Both the Radiant and Ephemite cults practice numerous ceremonies that venerate the physical world and denouncement of the celestial plane, syncreticism between the two is quite common.

• Danub Cathedral - The Danub Cathedral is a formerly Justinian place of worship that has since been converted into the centre of the Ishnannehi Cults operations, alongside the more economically orientated Temple of the Covenant. The Danub Cathedral now hosts a vast pleasure cult, sacred prostitution, virgin sacrifices and other 'services'. The Danub Cathedral is notable for having an idyllic garden/grove built into the Cathedral's grounds which have now been repurposed for Ishnannehi ceremonies, of particular note was when Ishnanneh's own personal avatar laid with a particularly valuable champion, giving birth to a demi-god.

• The Catacombs of Xur - The Catacombs of Xur are an intensely magical and sacred place for the Eudekeshan, Neo-Axohar Cults and Ghouls in particular, as the Catacombs contain the last ruins of the old Xur Citadel, Axohaans personal seat of power in the material world during the Great Rebellions. In these dark catacombs, the Neo-Axohar cultists give their vows of eternal defiance, to carry on Axohaans endless war against the universe.

• Longs Hoard - The personal hiding hole of Longthirung the Inheritor, Dragon-Red God. Dug deep into the Coschapathan Mountains, Longs home is a glittering tunnel filled with gold, gems and other treasures collected over Longthirungs two thousand years of existence. A place of intense theurgia and importance to the Longist cult - being the residence of their gods personal avatar in this world. Only the highest of Longs cult minions may approach the tunnel entrance to give tribute in return for an audience, unless either chosen Eunuchs or various kidnapped trophies (nearly always Aberysian or Ouroborasian maidens, preferably princesses)

• Temple of the Covenant - A new temple, the Temple of the Covenant was built a few years ago to represent the Southern Red Gods and the pantheon as a whole. The temple was built in the coastal city of Vanra Zajorvo, a major trade hub in East Ouroborasia, particularly betwen Ouroborasians and the Kasaboi. The Temple of the Covenant includes Axohar, Ephemite, Longist, Ishnaanehi and Utturish cult wings. TQLR does not have a cult wing, and instead has a small overlay built in the temples catacombs. The Temple is unique for being frequented not just by witches and cultists but also regulars of the city, merchants and traders. It is a powerful hub of economic, political and religious power in the city of Vanra Zajorvo. The Sacred Prostitutes of the Ishnaanehi cult are said to operate their 'silk road' to Gushawar from this temple, and Axohar witches organise movement between Ouroborasia and Uudhin from here as well.

• Witch Demesnes - The various witch towers and magical fortresses personally ruled by the witches are often all sacred places to whichever god acts as the witches benefactor - usually Ephemem or Ishnanneh. Of particular note is Solomonanţă the Black Academy and Nazaimae the Witch Fortress.

Notable Magical Institutions:

• Hecataphrim Coven - Cabal of foreign and often very elderly (though do not appear as such) witches headed by Supreme Witch Nenepheni. This cabal while a political body is made up of very powerful magic users who in turn usually personally train apprentice witches of them own, either found on their own or poached from Solomonanţă's elite.

• Witchedom Demesnes - The personally ruled territory of witches. Beyond being political entities, the Witchedoms are often magical institutions as the witches collect knowledge, artifacts, ingredients and other related things concerning magic.

• Solomonanţă - The Black Academy of Witchcraft, see attributes for more information.

• Maleficar Oratorium - The former Justinian Oratorium of Ouroborasia, now a corrupted shadow of its former self. The combined effort of Ephemem and TQLR saw many Orators corrupted either via magical or nonmagical means. Either way, the Orators are now essentially anti-Orators and anti-Witchhunters, tasked with hunting down other Orators, protecting witches as well as hunting down witches to be brought to Solomonanţă or other institutions to be trained properly.

• Rite of the Ouroboros - The former Justinian Paladin order led personally by the Emperors younger brother, Archduke Cosmin. They have since been corrupted, becoming the infamous Blackguards of East Ouroborasia. Blackguard training has remained relatively the same as before, with focus on melee combat, magical barriers and counter-curses, however they have now taken on a new, 'interesting' perspective to various Paladin vows. Many Blackguards are known to have sworn themselves to specific witches, even becoming willing familiars in a kind of twisted 'Lady and Knight' companionship.

The infamous Red Purge of the Imperial Army of the East. on the eve of the Ouroborasian Civil War, as the Imperial Army withdrew from the Eudaz front, the Istvanite Justinians were slaughtered by their former comrades.

Total Military: 250,000, though the actual official army has around 110,000 soldiers while the rest are either peasant militia, homunculi monsters/ghouls or private witch retinues.
Listed Heroes:
-Supreme Witch Nenepheni of Terra Incognita
-Princess Astaszia Dragcumir
-Szilamir ‘The Witch Bastard’ of Vlachia
Military Doctrine:
Military Units:

The bloodied.
The bloodied have varied flags, most consisting of actual red painted minotaur skulls, or when actual banners are made they show a stylized red pair of minotaur horns. Depicting the horns of their leader drenched in blood.
Background is usually colourless or black.





NATIONAL INFORMATION: The Bloodied.
-Population: 312.000 roughly.
-Faction: Red gods / Unaffiliated.
-Capitol: None
-Government Type: Meritocratic dictatorship
-Government Description: The bloodied are led by Kraam "God-eater" "Foe-hammer".
Government being a generous statement for the Bloodied seeing they are a roving warband of elite soldiers. Leadership is granted by Kraam who decides who are worthy to lead based on ferocity and cunning.
Currently there are roughly a dozen chiefs in charge of contingents of the army. Under the chiefs are bosses who lead hundreds of soldiers each. Each chief commands several bosses.

-Head of State: Kraam God-eater.
-Currency: Whatever they can get hold of. Internally food and weapons are used for bartering. Externally looted gold and other riches are used for bartering.

-Language(s): The Bloodied speak Taurish. A brutish and grunting language. However all of the members can at least decently shout commands and demands in Amerine albeit with an amount of grammatical errors which would have many Justinians claim heresy just from how they butcher their language.

History of the Bloodied.
The vaunted reign of Zul The blood lord lasted a century, the red god had managed to forge powerful weapons and armour infused with blood magic to enhance its potency and durability in and out of combat. His massive army of minotaur and satyx slaves cursed with strength and ferocity, the elite given armour of steel and magic alloy and with weapons of similar nature.

The Bloodied he had named them, baptized in constant battle and conflict. Forced to enslave their own kind to fill out their ranks, then cursed by their red god to become violent potent warriors, at the cost of almost half of their life-spans.
Zul the blood lord was a red god of great vanity and greed, unpopular among other red gods in the region because of his many raids and wars against his neighbours.
He used the bloodied to forcibly gather blood sacrifices to empower himself and his magic. He elected shamans who would ensure his armies were given the magical potency they needed, in the form of battlefield magic and empowering wargear. With his army he forged himself an empire. True, nothing as impressive as Yuwan or Justinians, not even as impressive as many other red gods. But it was a reign of war and bloodshed.

He himself was once a human, or what looked like a human at least. Clad in once white robes, forever stained with blood. He bore massive gauntlets which helped him cast his magic. He had long blonde hair and would be considered handsome by some.
His warchief, his right hand and leader of the Bloodied. Kraam Foe-hammer was a large minotaur who had sworn himself to Zul when he was younger. In exchange he was severely cursed, to be the most powerful of his soldiers, the mightiest commander. But would live only a third of his life.

After several massive mass slaughters and forced sacrifice of large portions of his troops, Kraam however got tired of the rule of his master.
He spoke with the shamans to get rid of him.
It was a cunning plan, it took several years to fulfill. Only the vanity of Zul and luck made sure the plan was not prematurely exposed.
Luck being the emerging of the Triskellion artifact.
The shamans gathered Theurgia in secret, stored in vessels. Some vessels were urns, others were people, some were armour and weapons.

After the massive battle of Triskellion, the plan was set to motion.
The shamans prepared the sacrifice, it was to look like a regular sacrifice for Zul, to empower his armies and rule Materia.
But it was here where the trap was sprung, where Zul's avatar went to the sacrifice, the shamans were ready together with thousands of new slaves to fuel Zul's armies.
The ritual had begun, all the prisoners began to shrivel and die to fuel the ritual, Zul had even helped until he realized something was wrong. He stopped helping, began to withdraw his gift from the shamans who died in dried husks one by one as Zul denied them.
But the rite was in motion, as Kraam entered the ritual circle and stabbed the butt of his axe into the back of the head of Zul when he wasn't looking.

Above Kraam the Triskellion floated, being what seemed like a triangular pyramid made from an infinite amount of triangular pyramids within the last pyramid which shone with a blue light within. Rotating slightly with some unseen force.

Kraam had also brought the skull of a fallen celestial servant from a battle with Zul, it was used to fuel the ritual further as he tossed it to the floor as Zul turned around.
Now the ritual began proper, as the energies of Zul was being forced to succumb to Kraam, he figuratively and literally began to eat Zul alive. For a simple battleaxe to the head would not kill a red god.
But the ritual, figurative and literal eating of one would, and Zul screams ended as Kraam's rooar began, blood dripping from his mouth as red energies blasted out from his eyes. So much power, it could not be contained.
The triskellion happily sucked in all the energies with its raging appetite. Before it was satiated.

With a blast, Kraam detonated and turned into a swirling bonfire which began to rise, the entire hill was set alight with a swirling vortex of fire and blood. The shamans were burned alive and Kraam being in the centre of the pillar did not stand a chance.
It reached several kilometers into the heaven, an event which surely would draw the eyes of many.
The screams of Zul could be heard in both the celestial sphere and Materia for several minutes, for thousands of kilometers.

After a couple of seconds which felt like hours, the pillar got thinner and thinner until it with a final swirl disappeared. A lightning bolt struck from the heaven into the center of the ritual circle.
And there stood Kraam, reborn.
Now a manifest red god.

This happened about 5 years ago.
The triskellion has not been seen since the event.

UNIQUE ATTRIBUTE INFORMATION:
Of magic born The bloodied have a lot of magically empowered wargear. Swords, axes, polearms, armour, shields.
Usually enhanced with unnatural sharpness and/or durability, some have more obvious effects like flame.
They also have a tradition of empowering themselves with curses.
This makes their already strong warriors even more potent.

Of magic unborn The cost however is their short lifespans. Few having a maximum age over 30. The longest living bloodied was reportedly 47. When usual minotaurs have a slightly longer lifespan than humans, Bloodied have about half that.

Lost and alone The Bloodied roam the world. Who knows how long they will actually last. They are powerful warriors. But lack land.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION:
Top right, in the former empire of Zul. The Bloodied roam the lands they once forged. An empire falling apart without the ruling hand of Zul.
On the western shore of the former empire of Zul lies Zul'Goroth, the former capitol of the empire of Zul.
This massive fortress city has proclaimed independence. And is not under the influence of the bloodied.
They are in the process of renaming it Westhaven, however the long dread reign of Zul makes the name-change a slow process.

RACIAL(species) INFORMATION:
-Majority race: Minotaurs. Roughly 75%.
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-Minority race(s): Satyx. Roughly 23%.
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Others. 2%.
The Bloodied have a few odd ones out. Humans, elves, gnoll. They are very few, but alas they exist.

RELIGIOUS INFORMATION:
-State Religion: Follows the orders of Kraam God-eater. Whom also act as their deity.
-Patron Deity: Kraam God-eater, foe-hammer.

-Religion Demographics: Basically everyone is devoted to Kraam.
-Major Holy Relics/Artefacts in Possession: Red fists of Zul.
These gauntlets are the only physical remains of Zul, taken by Kraam and worn with pride. They are said to make ritual spell-casting easier. If this is true is not known.
They can however drain the body and soul of someone it touches should the wearer want it. The victim is left a dried blackened husk with its soul becoming a sacrifice which the wearer can use.

-Holy Sites under Control: They held a site believed to be of great power. However they blew it up.
-Notable Magical Institutions: The Bloodied shamans.
-Religious Interpretations/Culture: None known.

MILITARY INFORMATION:
Total Military Size: Around 190'000 soldiers. With 30'000 super heavy elite infantries. The rest of the entire population is in the baggage train.
Listed Heroes: None yet.
Military Doctrine: Usually charge, pillage and burn. The tactics of the bloodied never was overly complex.
Military Units:
Regular soldiers.
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The regular soldiers are not very regular at all. As in it is a complete ragtag bunch of cursed warriors armed with whatever weapons they could get their hands on.
A whole lot of them has had their arms enchanted, but very few have armour of any notable quality.

Dread warriors.
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The curse of the dread warriors is even more dire of the regular soldiers. Their skin not wanting to stay on, parts of their muscle falling off and their eyes turning to an inferno.
Often decked out in more gear, focusing on dangerous weapons. Few armed forces in Materia are as as dangerous as the dread warriors as the magical energies take over where their own flesh and bones fail. Enhancing their strength and resilience to supernatural levels.
The dread warriors are rather uncommon, but small groups of them are often brought together to completely annihilate smaller formations or parts of larger ones.

Elite guards.
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Clad in blackened plate armour, often carrying massive metal shields and wielding axes and spears. They have first priority for magically enchanted wargear and each one of them has magically enhanced wargear.
Forming roughly 30'000 strong, this elite vanguard is led by Kraam himself. Forming a battering ram which annihilated enemies in field battles. Some soldiers have even been seen to be hit by artillery fire and return to the line after a short stagger.
These warriors are the most disciplined and ferocious of the minotaurs, satyx and others are considered to weak to even consider a position of elite guard.

Javelineers.
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The ranged contingents of the army. Almost no minotaurs fight like this within the bloodied. And if they do it's with large throwing axes.
Javelineers refer to the most common ranged weapon within the groupings, but all sorts of ranged weapons are used. With the exception of blackpowder arms.
The overwhelming majority of Satyx are javelineers. Their speed and nimble frames and massive jumping capacity makes them suitable for the position.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:
Kraam God-eater, foe-hammer.
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Kraam's form can be hard to focus on, he appears to be constantly furious. But in truth is not. He is a massive beast, 4 metres tall, standing a full metre over normal minotaurs.
A fully manifest red god, his form however is not proper, and thus his manifestation is flawed. Hence why his form is hard to focus on, and other oddities occur around him.
He wears the red fists of Zul, made of blackened steel with a glint of red which seems to bleed dark tar-like red blood. Along with blackened steel full blood steel armour. Enhanced with lightness and strength.
Kraam is the lord of the Bloodied, no more will someone use them without reason, no more will they be sacrificed at a whim, no more shall their kin be enslaved against their will.
The bloodied will now fight to end this madness. True, the only way might be similar to the way their old wretched master Zul envisioned it. But this time they have a leader who cares about them.
Materia belongs to mortals. All gods except Kraam will be cast out!

Krûl dread master, blood spiller, skull-crusher.
The former master of the Bloodied. Performed Zul's orders without hesitation. Most of the worst vile atrocities the last 50 years performed by the Bloodied were under his supervision.
He died as the curse finally claimed his bones and soul, he was 47.

EXTRA INFORMATION:
Full History:
Relations:
The principality of Evernyx. The Bloodied have been a thorn in the principalities side for decades. Pillaging their lands and taking their people. The Bloodied and the principality is therefore not on the best footing starting out.

The Concilio union. The union has suffered against the bloodied. Only their artillery has been enough to halt the Bloodied. That and their numbers.
However, the union has also been subjected to raids and unsavory acts by the bloodied for decades. The union and the Bloodied are therefore not on the best footing either to start out.

Friendly with Justinian, it really likes Kraam and they both drink beer every weekend.
Cultural Notes: (Anything cultural of note or unique about the nation that isn’t mentioned under religious interpretations/culture)

NATIONAL INFORMATION:
-Population: 97,300,000
-Faction: Yuwanist
-Capital: Basiliska
-Government Type: Federal Republic
-Government Description: De Jure, Drakma is a federation formed by the main Republic and its minor orbiting states that allow vast freedoms to the regional Assemblies with matters of war and trade being left to the central parliament. Assembly members are elected for a year and the assembly members will vote for a chancellor who will be the legislative head of the Assembly they serve in until he loses the faith of its members. He will thus work for a governor, elected every 5 years for local Assemblies and for 10 for the office of Basilisk Supreme who holds executive power.

De Facto, the realm is chained to a bi-partisan system where the other party is controlled opposition, the entire structure being established by Nobilis the Black, the eternal Basilisk of the nation, so the outcomes of everything that matters falls into his plans while the representatives themselves get reviled for any negative things that happen to the nation only to be replaced and for the process to restart anew, insuring incredible stability for the realm as the complacent population chooses to change things with useless votes rather than bothersome rebellions. Should this system fail Nobilis, he still technically can hold dictatorial power simply by declaring a state of emergency.
-Head of State: Basilisk Nobilis the Black. The title is the one the first leader of the draconic democracy, Karkarth the Betrayer, used centuries ago and that became synonymous with a reptile that can kill with only a gaze due to how terrible he became. Is officially in charge of only the executive branch of the country but is in actuality so much more than that.
-Currency: Gold
-Language(s): Edhelywlin Elvish, Draconic, Kobold Draconic, Dwarven, Gushawari


UNIQUE ATTRIBUTE INFORMATION:
-The Great Equalizer: 300 years ago, firearms were an oddity in the world, peculiar novelties that, while interesting, didn't really seem to be anything but a fade. Kobolds however, being physically weak found this to be their salvation. From the handgonne to arquebuse and the modern musket, guns are seen as a symbol of the power of the many, able to take down armored foes, to bring down mighty fortresses, guns are the kobold's weapon of choice!

-Innovation at all cost: When faced with an enemy and using the same tactics as he, kobolds suffer a great chance of loosing because of their natural weakness. As such, they rely on being at the edge of technical and tactical progress to win. This makes the commanders of the army desperate for innovation in all forms, something that can make the kobolds an extremely dangerous foe or sometimes lead them to pour insane amount of resources in complete wastes of efforts and dead ends.

-Eugenics: Kobolds have a wide distribution of both physical attribute and intellect, meaning that while kobolds produce a surprising amount of genius, they also house the stupidest of idiots. Likewise, while on average they are short and weak, some can be tall and strong. The state thus sponsors physical and intellectual contests for the best of the best to come up and finance children issued from people with superior attributes, and that's without counting the magical enhancements of the Eugenist in chief. An elite of kobolds, dragonborns as they are sometimes called, is growing in the Republic.

-Criminal stupidity: Criminal stupidity is a thing in the realm, further effort to weed out bad traits among the population. Those deemed too stupid, too ugly, the handicaped, the disfigured and the bottom of the society are used as sacrifice fodder for Mastrix and Yuwan, hopefully, this will be for the better in the future.

-Courage and Cowardice: Ironically, the kobold fodder is reputed to have unbreakable moral and team spirit, being able to stick together through thick and thin and not hesitating to face certain death with the confidence that they are fighting for a cause greater than themselves. Death, after all, is seen as somewhat of a lesser concern when you're part of a race weaker than all others and with a terribly short lifespan. Ironically, the elite 'Eugenized' batallions that are supposed to be shock troops often suffer from a very average moral at best. Indeed, it should be no surprise that people who are told they are better than everyone else and the best of the best think that somehow their lives is worth more than the common cause. It doesn't help that because there is few of them, generals tend to never use dragonborn shock troops as not to risk losing them.

-Draconic hyperinflation: The fact that gold is used as a currency in the realm is actually a very dangerous things due to the dragons that inhabit it. It is indeed a constant danger that a dragon will decide to spend all of his gold and cause sudden bouts of hyperinflation.

-Glass Ceiling: Nobilis chose kobolds to make his country a thing because of their reproduction rates, they can quickly replenish their loses and move to exploit all available resources. This allowed them to grow at an exceptional rate but now Drakma suffers from it. Overpopulation is becoming a real problem as are lack of opportunities and social alienation. This isn't the first time this feeling settled down on the people but if history is any indication, what happens next is Drakma solving this problem with a massive war killing a lot of people and gaining new territories to expend into.

-The National Academy: What serves as state education is massive classrooms with hundreds of seats where for a year, kobold children are given instructions. No questions are allowed, anyone that causes trouble is cast out and misses his chance for education. After this year there is a general state exam and those who succeed are allowed superior studies at the state Academy. Failure rate is over 95% but this system gives a chance to those smart enough for a better life. Culturally, 'The Exam' is extremely important for all kobolds and the parents will do everything they can to stress their children into succeeding and be serious about their studies. Still, a lot of failures can be competent enough to have learned how to count and maybe read from the entire ordeal. Note that the rich people can just use private tutors and attend private institutions though.

-Draconic Offshots and the Food Deficiency: Kobolds can be fed easily, they don't eat much and thankfully can eat vegetables, so turnip bread is a staple of the poor. The army's Drake land cavalry and Wyvern air cavalry however are carnivorous, as are the dragons that live within the realm. Much land is used for herding and growing the feed of domestic animals used to feed the beasts, even then the Republic buys a substantial amount of grain and cattle.

-Land of the Free: It is common knowledge for any slaves in Yuwanist countries that the easiest way to escape is to make a run for Drakma where slavery is abolished. Not only that, but it is somewhat tolerant of others. This makes the republic a host of many minorities and not the least, of Justinians that ran away from their masters. Officially, no Justinians are allowed, but people are given the opportunity to convert and although underground Justinian churches exist, they are honeypot for infiltrators to keep an eye on Justinians, making sure no radicals hide among them. Thankfully, the kobold population is so massive people have no choice but to integrate to the culture, learn the language and be assimilated.

-The Great game of Love!: Mastrix may be a goddess of love, but her concept of love is pretty much that of a Casanova as she is of the opinion that love needs to be maintained and that people should not settle down for mediocrity. Outsiders are thus surprised of the importance that romance has for kobolds for whom a lot of their action is made thinking about the other gender. Nobilis is quite satisfied with this since this this acts as a social pressure against cowards and undesirables who are forced to conform and strive to always be better than others for their romance to be successful and likewise, this love for the consumption of love insures that the kobolds who have a very large reproductive ability constantly make even more children than normal due to the lack of any form of contraceptives, those available being illegal.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION:

Raj of Peshda: An old province of Gushawar, Peshda always was a zone of conflict, exchanging hands a few times with Yllendthyr. This brutal history made the Peshdi inhabitants cynical and rebellious to their overlord they knew didn't especially care about them. With the support of Drakma, the province revolted and and was yet again the scene of a large scale conflict. After he won, Nobilis decided to make a puppet out of a popular leader of the rebellion to maintain a highly militarized buffer between the core lands and Gushawar as well as a staging point for future 'Liberations'. The province is overall calmer than most of the other satellites of Drakma and still sees the kobolds as liberators, not minding too much the constant influx of migrants.
-1, Sangawar:Capitol of the Raja, the city has seen better days as it now serves only as an administrative and military center, most of the industry having moved south to port Saif to be closer to the kobold overlords and their gold.
-2, Fort Karsouf: Many more places are more suitable for an invasion than the pass Karsouf defends in the north, but the point of keeping this old fortification in working order isn't as a means of defense but as a staging location for the Gushawar war plans. It is unfortunately probably leaked already, but it is the opinion of the High Command of the Realm that the best way to invade Gushawar is an attack through Karsouf moving north to cut off and encircle the main Gushawan forces to then continue unhindered West to the mainland.
-3, Port Saif: With how depleted the forests are south of the realm, Peshda has become the main entrance point to lumber from Yllendthyr and Gushawar and rather than transport them to the usual dockyards south has become an important shipyard and industrial center. This has attracted many kobold labourers and elven bureaucrats as well as dwarven technicians, making the city one of the most cosmopolitan of Drakma.

The Mandrakes: A disgusting swamp that naturally protected Soletaria from Gushawar for generations, it houses 'The Green Ones', a pair of especially inbreed dragon twins and savage kobold tribes. The twins recognize Nobilis as their overlord and have agreed to let a single highway (quite literally, a very long road on stone pillars going above the swamp) go through their land to Peshda. Still, the kobolds there are still a constant problems to those living near and to Drakma entirely since they often go on raids in neighboring Yllendthyr despite the potential political outcomes this could bring.

Soletaria: Officially the 'northern province of', Soletaria used to be an independent elven kingdom but it was subjugated by Boletaria to the south. The elves here see themselves as much less martial and rigid than those in the south but today this is probably not so true anymore. Still, elves here feel less concerned with the whole kobold thing than their cousins and are content that Nobilis (as to divide and conquer) allowed the elves to remain owner of their land after the rebellion. Elves thus remain an insulated rural elite of land lords while their poor and the kobolds mass in the cities.
-4, Camp Fran: A fortress built by the elves, it now serves as the final training point for the troops where a massive wargame is held every year during peace time to allow the soldiers and officers to graduate into official position.
-5, Korvosa of the Pillars: The ancient Soletarian capital and an important cult location of the old faith, massive rock formations climbing in the skies were told to be the earthly reflection of a Celestial meeting ground for the gods and that as such, each true god had a pillar in their name. During the rebellions, an earthquake caused some of the structurally weaker pillars fell, leading to the belief that once the last pillar of Korvosa fell, it would usher in a new Godless age. Officially this is denied as mere superstition but it didn't prevent the government to transform the spires of Mastrix and Yuwan into reinforced fortresses. This city has otherwise grown into one of the most diverse in the empire due to the constant flow of freed slaves from the north that aren't welcome in Peshda, this unfortunately led the ordinarily magnificent city to become a desperate slum filled with destitute. The Justinian minority of the Republic is the strongest here with the main underground worshiping center of the Realm being the 'Pillar of Justinian', a small rock formation said to have been created during the earthquake almost 300 years ago, a sign for the lonesome believers.

The Bayerleins: The chain of mountains naturally separating Drakma from Yllendthyr, they are renown for the exceptionally dangerous critters that roam them as well as for their maker, Veridel the Blue, Keeper of Wisdom. This province hosts many draconic vassals of the Basilisk that prefer the quiet and isolation living here allows as well as the institutes of knowledge Veridel use to keep his researches in order and work on side projects for him.
-6, Veridel's lair: A place known as the School of Shapers over 700 years ago, it was a place of knowledge for those researching the manipulation of the flesh and was rumored to be a HQ of the Cabinet of Faces. That is at least until Veridel decided to make it his lair after the fall of the dragons and, with the help of associates with toxic breath, claimed the mountain hosting the libraries and laboratories of the school for himself, forcing the remaining survivors to flee and eventually end in Lamash where they perfected their craft on their own. Veridel's quest to breed circumvent the curse afflicting his race continues day and night and even if he swore himself as a vassal of Nobilis, it is just to use his resources to further his own goal, using money and manpower to get new knowledge by whatever means possible.
-7, Veritas: Veridel's experiments and research brought to him those hungry for knowledge and those brought along merchants, builders and those willing to be paid to sustain the community of scientists. Veritas may not be the Great Library of Eudeye or the Academy, but it still has a great reputation regarding the study of natural sciences and hosts a few private universities for the rich and the passionate and museums about anything ranging from geology, to archeology to the new Hypernotean exposition displaying the weirdness from the edge of the world.
-8, Wyvern's Keep: Despite being draconic offshoots produced by scientific failures, Wyverns and Drakes with all their aggression and weirdness serve perfectly for war and thousands apply to ride these creatures in battle. It is here that those selected train to achieve this aim and where the caretakers go out in the mountains to get eggs and younglings to fuel the eternal need of the army for those creatures.

The Kingdom of Boletia: After his triumph over the elves, Nobilis found himself with their king and hundreds of nobles, captured by the kobolds. Killing them would have attracted the ire of the still sizeable elven population and letting them go could have resulted in exiles mounting expeditions to recapture their homeland. Nobilis thus gave the king and the nobles a gilded cage centered around the Emerald Palace to play nobility in. The entire thing only festered for the last 300 years, the already disconnected elven nobility only falling further to depravation as time passes, the peasantry that had once been the most loyal to their king suffering a thousand torments as they are sent to work the mines and the fields to death while nobles randomly select unlucky persons to be the subject to their sadistic urges. This turn of event makes the kobolds chuckle under their breath and serves as a deterrent to rebellious elves as they can easily be shown mercy and be told that they are rightful subjects of the king of Boletaria and will be sent to this open air concentration camp.
-9, The Emerald Court: The isolated crown jewel of Boletaria, elven royalty used to rule the commoners from this grand place. It is also where Mastrix, then known as Malice, became a servant of Yuwan and took on the mantle of godhood. Even today it is where her friends of old that still have her favor convene and keep to heart the old meaning of the worship of Malice, a goddess of courtly intrigues. High stake games of power and public humiliations are held in those halls, though now only as a distraction for the inhabitants rather than any true world shaping contest.
-10, The ruined temple: Mastrix might not have been the first of Boletaria to rise to godhood, but she was certainly the most influential, enough that the royalty of her land of origin honored her with a grand temple in her name where those seeking her favors prayed her name, very close to the palace. Years ago however, Mastrix cursed most of her own priesthood for its lack of faith and hubris. Today, this ruin is inhabited by a few of the 'Grotesqueries' that didn't move out, the abominable cursed beings whom to merely look at makes one scream in terror and die.

Boletaria: The name of Drakma under the elves, this land used to be the center of their old kingdom but now the thriving metropolises have been taken over by the kobolds, the elves expropriated and either displaced or forced to live in slums alongside their old slaves. The country side once had seen a multitude of tiny farms distributed to kobold families but are now home to vast farming estates of those few that got a hang of farming in the early days of the republic, these places being much less miserable than the cities.
-11, Basiliska, The capital: Entirely built from the ground up by kobolds, the city sits on the river Toles, historically separating Soletaria from Boletaria. It serves as the capital of the realm and a show to outsiders of the greatness Kobolds aspire to. There is a reason why this city didn't end up as a slum like all others though, as people moving in this city all need to have a job and the construction of new buildings is tightly controlled and supervised as not to have this grow out of control and get oh so problematic Stray Palace overlays popping all over the place. Secretly, Nobilis had the city construct as to get away from Mastrixen and his dearest love goddess.
-12, Mastrixen: Boletaria was built on the gold the elves took from Karkarth the Betrayer, it is only fair that with all the gold of the elves and homage to the new Goddess of dragonkind be made! The kobold indeed first showed their dedication and skills by making this entire city of gold and marble, wanting to eclipse any previous monument made to honor their young goddess before. This site was also intended as a possible capital but this was moved to Basiliska at the insistance of Nobilis who didn't want to alienate the people in Soletaria and thus wanted a more central location. Today, Mastrix, Servant of Yuwan resides here and in her wake, thousands of artists eager to show her their work and maybe receive a boon should they prove skillful enough.
-13, Qualinos: The ancient capital of the elves of this land, destroyed many times by dragons in the times of old but always rebuilt with more splendor, it was the capitol of the republic for its early days before Basiliska was built and thus it attracted many of the newly freed slaves. There are bigger cities, but none more populous as kobolds and a few elves live cramped in either the old city or the new slums that spread beyond the horizon.
-14, The Great Library & The Academy: The library has been standing... forever as far as history recalls, its been a venerated site of Yuwan since she assumed its control at the death of Eudeye and its been told that Eudeye himself inherited it from a god of another cycle. The amount of books contained in this library is incalculable but many consider this tool a powerful one but also one of limited use as no librarian knows the full extend of the collection that includes many books of long dead and now impossible to decipher languages. Even if they are meticulously classified and indexed, the index itself only tells the title and location of a book. The republic has begun the task to make a great re-indexing of all the books with multiple more detailed indexes but this is no easy task... Especially not with all the students using the books. Indeed, outside of the library is the Academy, where the young kobolds that manage to pass the state exam are sent to further their knowledge in all matters useful for the realm. This city, tidier than others is known only as 'The Academy' and thus serves as the official center of knowledge of the Republic.
-15, Tarsis: The realm's gateway to the sea, the city only gained importance some 25 years ago when the war with Uudhin ended and the sea trade was open to Drakma and has since boomed, doubling in population every few years. It is known as a place where money is made but not one it is kept since rampant poverty and easy access to the outside made it one of the most criminally dangerous in the realm.

Karak: The dwarven kingdom of Karak was long considered unconquerable. Many had tried but all had failed, even dragons didn't manage to humble the power of the dwarves. Still, it had always been politically isolated for after all, what need did the powerful Karak had of allies! As the republic grew and found itself in need of new resources, Karak fell into the sight of Nobilis. 'Let them come!' was what the dwarven king said when Nobilis ordered him to submit but never had the dwarves seen an enemy such as the kobolds. Able to see in the dark, smaller than the dwarves and thus able to do as they did against taller foes and move in places they couldn't be reached, the dwarves were in particular humbled by their lack of magic after their god had died and they refused to join Yuwan and especially by gunpowder, their armor being blasted open and tunnels collapsed. Peace was made and Karak became a semi-independent parliamentary monarchy within the realm, the king still bowing to the Basilisk. Nobilis allowed the dwarves to police themselves and many other liberties, such that the abundance of commodity and cheap kobold labor from the surface was initially accepted with greedy enthusiasm. Today however as kobolds begin to be an emerging majority in all but the most conservative of vaults, the dwarves look at their assimilation with mixed feelings.
-16, Karaz Kadrin: The ancient capital that stood proud for thousands of years from which the king of Karak rules now over a city with a majority of kobolds in it that brought with them the republican way of life and didn't pick up much respect for the culture of their hosts. Still, at least the government is happy that kobolds can't build slums like they do on the surface as digging requires some central planing, now there are merely tons of homeless of varying honesty praying on the wealthier dwarven population.
-17, Karaz Stahl: Dwarven steel works had always been highly impressive and even if they did fall short to compete with new gunpowder weapons, it was nothing some experimentation and technical help from the kobolds couldn't resolve and Stahl, the control of which had been taken from the dwarves and given to a kobold merchant prince, once again became a foundry of importance, seeing significant expansion to today produce a vast part of the Realm's best armors and weapons.

Karkan Wastes: Named after the illustrious first Basilisk and its terrible deeds, this once mountainous but habitable land has 700 years ago been reduced to a smoldering waste. Today brave geologist and miners come to do the dangerous task of exploiting the rare minerals brought to the surface by the flows of lava while most of the fire dragons of the realm enjoy comfortable lairs. Of course this land may be inhospitable but it is no deterrent to the forces of Axohaan just across the straight and as such, a significant military presence is also maintained.
-18, Mount Erebus: The cursed place, where it all happened. Located at the center of the devastation, it is impossible to reach the volcano and its chambers without flying and knowing the ways in that won't lead you to asphyxiate in poisonous gas. Karkarth really made this last stand location impregnable, it would serve as a great fortress if it wasn't also unlivable. It holds some importance for draconic cultists around the world, but only the most determined of them manage to reach it and if they do, the government is more likely to try and starve you out than to remove you.
-19, Obsidian Landing: An estuary of lava by the convergence of many rivers (Karkarth's Claw) formed here a beach of solid black rock, this obsidian landscape with trails leading across the wasteland is considered by the strategists of the realm the most likely location of an attack by Uudhin. And so, it is why the Redoubt was made at the flank of a volcano to bombard any invader. Needless to say, it is a punishment assignment to be sent here.
-20, Castle Dour:A partial island that is linked to the wasteland on low tides. Maintained practically only so the Ghouls can't set foot on it instead, this location still served as a stop for flying critters raiding the straight or Uudhin itself although it now is mostly a place of boredom maintained 'just in case'.

The Marche: No war has ever been fought between Boletaria and Yllendthyr without an army attempting to cross Boletian's Road and as such, Boletaria did all it could to make it costly for Yllendthyr to try and do so. Many castles and fortresses dot the landscape of the Marche and although they still host a lot of men and supplies, they probably wouldn't defend much today. Officially this is because the state deems offense to be more important than defense and doesn't believe it would allow Yllendthyr to get this far, but this is merely an excuse for how unlikely war is between the two countries for reasons beyond common people.
-21, Boletian's Road: Old King Boletian the Founder took his elves through the mountains and as the story goes when no way to cross was found, simply slashed the mountains in two for his people to cross. This road now stands an homage to his exodus and sees his pursuers try and follow him now and then. So goes the elven lore at least, now the kobold merchants with heads cool enough to endure Yllendthyr's elves use this way to trade with them.

Nalbina: Highlands and mountains where on the coast lie the fishing villages of the rustic inhabitants of the land. This place is hosting quite a few dwarven like settlements the realm sponsors to try and stimulate inward growth and starve of stagnation but it is especially known to be home of the Lightning, a number of blue dragons living on the coast, plundering the dept for food and riches. They are known as more temperate creatures than most however, accepting pearls and other precious things as peace tributes and in exchange for beaching whales for the fishers to consume from time to time.
-22, The Naval Arsenal: During the war with Uudhin, the admirals of the realm had trouble doing any naval buildup without their Kasabi counterparts simply raiding the dockyards to ruin what little they had accomplished and thus set on building an impenetrable port for the fleet to anchor in peace. It would take the entire war for the Arsenal to be over and thus it ironically served no purpose. Even today, the new admirals wonder what the hell their predecesors were thinking as such an impressive port indeed protects the fleet quite effectively but simply sinking a ship at the entrance would block in all ships. Simply leaving a few vessels would indeed be enough to severely damage an entire fleet that would have to leave port ship by ship!

Hypernotei: The strange lands to the south, the Demiurge's incomplete work where the laws of nature end. What started as a quest to take a long way around Uudhin to either surprise the Salt Prince or raid the Justinians soon became a lucrative expedition. Ivory! Eternal Ice! And oh so many specimens of weirdness for the magicians and scientists of the world to examine. People thus brave the magical phenomenons, the walrusmen and the climate itself to make fortune. Unable to stand being cornered out of a market however, the adventurers now being even more weapons to fight a small war against their Kasabi competitors.
-23, Polaris: Being stranded on Hypernotei was unfortunately not too uncommon back in the early days of exploration, even today. Still, a crafty captain managed to get a layer of ice to break away from the main shelf and sail the damn thing back to land. This is pretty much a legend but still in little streams to simply detach some ice and ride it back to the main ship became rather standard practice when sailing the coasts of Hypernotei. No matter how prilous, this was still safer than walking with the ice abominations and walrus tribes on the land. An admiral many consider mad heard of this and wondered if the experience could be replicated on a larger scale. And it was. The Polaris now serves as the admiralty's mobile base in the south, the ice ship being sailed in sub-zero temperatures to keep it frozen along with the help of some mages, making this probably the biggest testament to the kobold's mad genius.
-24, Coriace:The Kobold find no shame in learning from others the best way to do things, even if that means finding where a tribe of walrus men reside to genocide their underground hideout and take it for themselves while eating said walrus people for food and selling their ivory. Coriace is a comfortable base camp for kobold operations deeper in Hypernotei though its acquisition seems to unfortunately have sparked some kind of a war with the locals. The kobolds jokingly say that it just means the ivory is coming to them but they do not have the monopoly on learning from others either and through the years, there has been quite a few close calls due to tribal aggression.

RACIAL INFORMATION:
-80% Kobold
-8% Elf
-5% Dwarf
-4% Other
-3% Human

Majority race:
-Kobolds: The cursed dragons of Axohaan, they are reputed to be short and stupid weaklings and while on average this is true, kobolds actually possess much variety to them and while it is true that they produce the stupidest of idiots, they also create a surprisingly large amount of geniuses and likewise some can be surprisingly physically gifted or have draconic attributes such as wings or a breath. Through Eugenics and a bit of magic, an elite is born though and the best of the best kobolds are sometimes called dragonborns.

Minority races:
-Elves: The ancient rulers of the land, now subjugated and mistrusted, though by their cheer skills and long lives many don't have much trouble finding work in accounting or other jobs, though they are rarely given positions of authority.
-Dwarves: Not as persecuted as the elves, most live in homogenous settlements in their mountains of Karak, but the few that are seen outside often hold technical jobs and the stereotypes about them are much less negative than most, kobolds considering them reliable and smart, though unimaginative and stubborn.
-Other: Four million people of other origins inhabit Drakma, mostly ex-slaves that managed to flee to this free country. Some manage to have small communities, but most get absorbed in draconic culture.
-Humans: Mostly ethnic Gushawar from Peshda, there are still quite a few westerners, old slaves from slave raids in Justinian territories.


RELIGIOUS INFORMATION:

-State Religion: Yuwanist, Mastrix Cult of Personality.

-Patron Deity: Yuwan and her servants, Mastrix and Saint Paulus

-Religion Demographics:
--97% Yuwanist
--2% Red Pantheon
--1% Justinian

-Holy Relics in Possession:
--The Orb of Fire (Masterless): Nobilis's secret weapon, this orb dating to the ancient pantheon may bring forth to the surface torrents of lava, sometimes in quite an explosive manner. It was extensively used during the overthrow of Karkarth the betrayer and turned the western tip of the realm in the wasteland it is today. How such an item came into his possession no one knows but Nobilis now keeps it in his private chambers in the Basilisk's palace. It seems relatively lightly guarded for such a powerful thing, but it is a five meter wide engraved solid gold orb that burns to the touch.
--The Guiding Hang (Yuwan): In his quest to breed dragons out of kobolds, Veridel went to Yuwan to plead for secrets that could help him. Yuwan had none but still made this artifact for Veridel. At first the dragon tried to brute force evolution to the kobold but often broke their fragile psyches and souls to render them little more than animals, thus creating Wyverns, drakes and a slew of other draconic sub races. After hundreds of years, Veridel learned the subtleties of the device and knows how to expertly tweak his subjects and produce Dragonborns by the thousands and a prototype of a new generation of 'super dragonborns'.
--The Mastrix (Masterless): Mastrixen, a city of gold, wasn't enough for the kobold in terms of gift for their goddess, no. Using tons after tons of the priceless eternal ice brought for a high price from Hypernotei, the craftsmen of the goddess proclaimed their undying love for her by building her a ship of the stuff, the only item other than a city of gold they dared to name after her. It is stuff of beauty but it is also more durable than metal and as lighter than wood, allowing it to cruise at extremely high speed or even fly with grace at a much lesser cost of theurgia than yer ol' flying ship made of wood. (Not that kobolds actually care about theurgia cost at this point since this thing cost more to build than the entire kobold fleet.) Even the weight however doesn't seem to explain how strangely fast it goes when affected by magic however or how it radiates at the touch of Theurgia charged individuals (giving quite the light show when the avatar of Mastrix touches it). Still... An artifact that a god could desire or be jealous of, made by mere mortal hands.

-Holy Sites under Control:
--Korvosa of the Pillars (Minor)
--The Great Library (Major)
--Mastrixen (Minor)

-Notable Magical Institutions:
--The Court: For hundreds of years, the courts of Boletaria have been an arena of intrigue and while far from an official institution of magic, the games of power always produced many adepts and masters of Yuwan's magic, as hunger for power made people learn the finer points of Yuwan's subtle magic much better than any School. The Emerald Palace is thus the last great court of Boletaria but still many disgraced nobles eagerly sell their talents to Drakma and other Yuwanist nations.
--Veridel's Laboratory: Assistants come and assistants go in the laboratory of Veridel where he learns to master all things physical to try and produce better things. Still, intense study of biology and the magic linked to it has made many students master of shape shifting into non humanoid things as their vast knowledge in the matter allows them the use of expert spells they can maintain for longer and with less energy.
--The Academy: Spellcasting is one of the numerous majors available to those who succeed the state exam. Students will first train in general magical aptitudes before choosing an area of expertise. A mix of oracle training and an officer's class can make any kobold quite comfortable in a career offering quick promotions to the skilled. Your usual 'fireball caster' is however generally a failure by most standard who is taught only a limited amount of spells to be used in combat.
--The Circle of the Raven: Said to follow Yuwan before she reached godhood or even was a servant of Eudeye, these more shamanistic mages do not have an official status but still teach the art of divination and 'The Odds' through ancient rites to some people and have a small following, especially in the Mandrakes.
--The Guild of Enchanters: Magic used in a more civilian departments, the craftsmen take apprentices and train them in their own specialized magic, a master artisan often having knowledge and spells unique to him he'll only teach to his apprentices, 'Trade Secrets' as they call them.

-Religious Interpretations/Culture:
--Mastrix's Cult of Personality: People know Yuwan and if asked would say of course they worship her, but this is certainly almost always through Mastrix as Kobolds see themselves as her favored race and so do the elves not entirely disgusted by her (As she is an actual elf after all). They hang to her every words and many are said since she is quite a public Celestial Servant, while many others restrict their presence to the elite or simply don't appear in normal circumstances.
--Be better for others: Mastrix originally was a divinity of courtly intrigue as her status as one of Yuwan's chosen demanded to be linked to knowledge somewhat. She however slowly changed to become a divine figure of narcissism and ego, using your appearance to get what you want and not specifically knowledge. This again changed to the modern view of Mastrix which is a goddess of love, with the popular interpretation of this being to be your best for the one(s) you cherish and this on every aspect from the physical to the intellectual.
--Saint Paulus's worship: Saint Paulus came from the west, hailing from western Abery, place he left as Justinian marched east. He is a divinity of mercy, tied to Yuwan by being the prophet of the best omens, able to delve in the mind of those suffering and give them vision of a perfect future where everything went right. Nobilis, ever the pragmatic, found it better to keep him and his few dedicated worshipers around as a harmless fallback option for those Mastrix alienated rather than risk them worshiping more... dangerous options. The worshipers of Saint Paulus are more often than not those that suffered loses and can take various form, not least many who take a copious amount of drugs and simply go far out on a chemically enhanced reality for the rest of a short life. Even if the motto of Saint Paulus is 'whatever makes you feel better', his priests ordinarily frown on such methods and are dedicated to help those in misery, no matter if it is a sick man who lost everything or a violent criminal that lived his life at the edge of a sword and is now desperate to face justice. More often than not, all that can be provided is comfort, rather than real help.
--The Time of Romance: Pretty much an excuse for people to ask eachother out, the Time of Romance begins when Lilac first blooms and signal a week long kobold frenzy where on each street at least one kobold is singing serenades to his loved one. Still, this is stressful for males who are expected to take the first step and are judged by their success or failure on this week but also for females who are judged by the amount of males pleading their cases to her, often pressuring the bottom percentiles to match with each other just to prevent the embarrassment of finishing the week alone. In the army, an almost exclusively male environment, the rare female can expect hundreds if not thousands of suitors and even the occasionally feminine male a few of his owns. Two months later the kobolds generally see a sudden increase a dramatic increase of population.
--The day of Misery: The only day where the worship of Saint Paulus becomes the norm rather than quasi cult behavior, it is the day where people rather than better themselves for love, reach downward at their dead, sick, wounded or disfigured lover. Suicides, public self humiliation, self flogging and others are just some of the things that are seen on this day where others silently rejoice around the idea that their situation is quite comfortable.

MILITARY INFORMATION:

Total Military Size: 300,000

Listed Heroes:
-Her Beloved: Great heroes always have great women behind them. Thus, when they fall, those left behind stuck by grief can sometimes be elevated in status by Mastrix. These chosen ones will fight with the memories of their husband in their heart and specialize in mass illusion magic, appearing to Drakman armies as the individual love of each men, rousing their moral and urging them to be victorious for their loved ones left behind in Drakma. Forces led by a beloved thus tend to find extreme resolve no matter the situation and are rewarded with competent healing after the battle, though the power of these ladies in terms of damage is often more limited than other champions. Occasionally, a champion will appear alongside his beloved before his death, though this is rare but results in a devastating combo with perfect synergy.

-Her Favored: Upon Ascension, celestial servants and ultimately gods generally abandon their mortal attachments, including their friends and relations. Mastrix wasn't one to do so and as even elves age, she ultimately offered her closest friends and lovers immortality. Well, something close to it. The ultimate time limit of a soul is a thousand years but a body often gives up way before that. As such, using magic, Mastrix is able to merely prevent the departure of the soul from a body, repairing the body with magic enough to keep it 'alive', somewhat. These not-dead are thus bound to Materia, but at the will of Mastrix who purged quite a lot of them through the years, thus leaving a bunch of submissive yesmen and women, each exceptional individuals with centuries of experience in their fields eager to prove their devotion to the goddess.

-Dragons: The legendary creatures that do not need any divine favor to cause armies to route at the mere sight of one. With scales making ballista bolts mere rose thorns and spells a gentle breeze, the 30-some dragons that accepted to be vassals of Nobilis are considered more powerful than any infinite horde of kobolds Drakma may spawn. These weapons of mass destructions are fickle ones however, demanding a tribute for them not to rampage the lands that host them and to even bother going at war, nothing but the promise of at least half of the riches to be pillaged will make them leave their lairs, the hate they have for each other making it complex to ever send more than 1 or two at the time. Still, they are things only the suicidaly brave would stand up to.

Military Doctrine:
Strategies are often the result of the experience gathered by a nation in its last war. For Drakma, these are the lessons of the war with Kasabi with the main one being that no matter what overwhelming advantage one might have with conventional forces, the control of the air is key to turn the tides. The naval powerhouse was indeed unable to sustain loses to air assaults despite overwhelming naval power and the kobold intend to repeat the feats of the war of the Straight elsewhere.

Aerial reconnaissance and superiority is critical to insure correct function of the massive land armies bellow as under correct circumstances, this would allow not only logistics to move smoothly, armies to remain in contact with one another and chose the best battlefields in case of major encounters, but also move dedicated mages by air in order to deliver overwhelming magical artillery where it is needed as well as move Winged Infantry in strategic flanking positions and on the enemy's rear. Ultimately, do anything to get rid of the 'cannon fodder' reputation kobolds gained in their previous military encounters where they gained success certainly because of their advantage in firepower but also because of their ability to soak up loses. 'Having this luxury is nice, but it shouldn't become the center of our strategy'.

Military Units:
-Scarves: The generic name the allies and enemies of the kobolds give to the soldiers forming the backbone of the 'Thirds' (Named thus because of their weapon composition: A third sword and shieldmen for attack, a third pikemen for defense and a third rifle/crossbowmen) and of the Kobold armies. Their uniform is standard, green pants and shirts along with a light breastplate and a comb morion sporting a different colour feather per batallion. There is one item out of the dess code however that is a scarf gifted to a soldier by a loved one as he leaves for his service. These men thus have around their left arm (their shield arm) generally a fancy scarf of any kind as a charm of protection and good luck, something the wounded will clutch as they expire. These soldiers are reputed to have high moral and be surprisingly effective when used correctly, though this moral doesn't always come to the party when the kobolds are forced in offensive actions the common soldiers see as suicidal for no good reasons. A kobold will never fall back when on the defense of his nation, but isn't so stupid as to carry impossible attacks to the end.

-Battalions of Death: The more zealous kobolds attracted by either strong ideals or a desire for quick promotions to join the most dangerous position in the army, that of a death battalion. Showing their courage with a black uniform and a draconic skull on their chest plate, these soldiers will never fall back under any consequences, fighting to the last men. They are thus placed in areas that cannot fall but generals are also careful with their use, as the soldiers of these units find it shameful to retreat under any circumstances and thus will serve as a fighting rear guard in case of retreat, no matter how nonsensical this would be.

-Female Battalions of Death: War is seen as a male's business but still many females want to join the fight. This caused problems historically but this was solved by segregating the genders and only open specific death battalions for women to join as to limit their numbers. These females don't lack courage but... it is factual that they have extremely low fighting potential, female kobolds being simply even weaker than normal kobolds on average. Gentlemen generals will often place them in reserve and not use them at all in any battle... Practical generals however don't hesitate to use them as attrition sponges, sending them for example as the first wave on a fortress assault, the wave that is certain to die to the last while it is unable to even fight back as it closes the gap to the walls.

-Mixed Battalions: Drakma's army was at first entirely racially segregated but Nobilis found after a certain incident that homogeneous units were simply more likely to deflect to another cause and thus reformed the army to integrate the minorities. People weren't hopeful about this at first but this resulted in very good mixes for the most part, battalions outright superior to pure kobold ones since the extra non-kobold muscles game them more punch and flexibility, the mass of kobolds also compensating for the usually poor moral non-kobold soldiers have.

-Light Flying Infantry: Quite a few kobolds have wings, but it is very rare for them to be developed enough to allow flight. Those rare few capable to use these wings to move in the skies are almost automatically conscripted in the light flying infantry. These soldiers are often lightly armored and armed as well as formed by rather scrawny individuals as not to hinder their flight but still serve important tactical roles, if only to be able to fire their rifles on engaged enemies at a better angle. Note that any flying kobold or dragonborn is classed as 'light', even if there are rare full plate wearing heavily armoured batallions like the 'Skyhammers' that serves as elites.

-Heavy Flying Infantry: The much more common winged kobolds are those who can't fly but still glide. These soldiers are generally deployed on airships and overgrown elder wyverns to be dropped behind enemy lines, gliding to the ground and still packing quite a punch.

-Wyvern Riders: Often riding the widely available Scorpion Tailed variant, the backbone of the air strength of the republic is more than capable to stand toe to toe with its competitors because of how underhanded its fighting style is. Indeed, while the armored knight steering the beast is dangerous with its poison tipped lance, the Wyvern itself is a vicious predator that prefers a quick flyby to sting its enemy with its lethal venom rather than engage in a physical duel (even then, it is quite strong, but more often than not it'll try to sting its enemy again and again.)

-Elder Wyverns: Riders mount younger wyverns who are quicker and more nimble, but when their mount outgrows its usefulness as an air superiority fighter, it still remains useful as a large beast capable of flying cargo and people, often being used by heavy flying infantry as a jumping platform to glide down.

-Air Scouts: Tasked with reconnaissance work, the fact that these units are the most likely to encounter superior enemy air forces has actually turned them into somewhat superior fighters than the armored self styled 'knights' charged with air fighting. Their saddle of a new design where the rider lays down 'hugging' the beast hampers the wyvern very little while allowing the rider to hold on in daring air maneuvers and likewise the lack of armor and heavy weapons diminishes the air drag and weight, allowing for more speed. As it turns out, the wyvern itself is a born killing machine and allowing it to do its things with a rider just there to keep situational awareness makes it much more dangerous. A rider being the accessory of its mount rather than the inverse.

-Warlocks: Mages are considered too precious a resource for them to just be ground based fire bombers. Instead they are often mounted on wyverns (or some are outright winged) and zip around the battlefield, delivering crushing arcane barrages before the enemy can react and quickly retreating to flee from any ranged attacks. It is notable that many a female wizards chose to enroll in this much less strict branch of the army, making the members rather diverse.

-Grenadier: While special battalions of dragonborns are made to break through the enemy lines, these are rare and ironically so precious no one wants to use them. Thus the grenadier come in, serving as a poor man's shock troops. Fire a volley, throw grenades, charge.

-Spitfires: Incendiary weapons are nothing new, especially when relating to naval warfare. There is something however about kobolds, most of them not having a breath of any kind, wanting to feel the power of their ancestors that pushed them to develop dangerous incendiary devices to use on the battlefield. Spitfires are thus specially selected courageous, brave and slightly maniacal individuals chosen to use semi-magical flame throwers alongside enchanted fire resistant armor to cause chaos in the enemy ranks. Nothing beats a dwarven shieldwall in a tunnel quite as fast as a spitfire.

-Streetsweepers: Drakma is by far the most urbanized place in the world, the concentration of people in urban area superior to even Archonnen and thus it saw heavy fighting in urban areas, seeing the formation of specialists in the affair. Streetsweepers actually rarely set foot on the street themselves, instead using roof tops or sewers to quickly get around the enemy and hit targets of importance with pistol fire, grenades and an assortment of close quarter weaponry. If kobolds in melee are reputed to strike low (not like they have any choice) these however are known to be exceptionally vicious.

-Eugenized Battalions: The creme de la creme, units formed with recruits passing tests impossible for normal kobolds to even think of doing and putting them above most mortal races of the Materia, these heavily armoured super soldiers are supposed to be the shock troops of the nation. This is theoretical as the vast majority of these super battalions haven't seen combat yet but who could doubt of how overwhelming such an enemy would feel? People are eager to see them in action rather than just suffer their presence as these elitist pricks always receive special treatment and never socialize with the common grunts of the army, seeing themselves as better than the rest.

-The Old Guard: Before the eugenized soldiers, there was the Old Guards! Generals veterans of a few battles often surrounded themselves by the most impressive soldiers to be found under their command giving them all the special status of bodyguards and used this elite unit either to land the finishing blow on the enemy or to make a final stand and rather than return home in disgrace, allow some more basic troops to escape while they held on the onslaught of enemies. Despite the changes in the army, the Old Guard remains, if only as a police force to maintain discipline and to show ordinary kobolds that despite the arrival en masse of dragonborns there was still room for distinctions and promotions.

-Homeguards: The army always try to be professional and well drilled as their enemies and allies stand witness to their actions, but there is no harsher critique than Mastrix and as such, units serving closer to home such as the Homeguards (Pretty much federal police) are expected to be exceptionally superb in their display. Still, if they 'look' good, doesn't mean that they 'fight' good. Oh good enough to handle mere criminals or occasional riots, but a real organized enemy?

-Militias: As a free nation, citizens of Drakma of course have the right to bare arms and actually have a duty to defend their land along with the state. This led to the formation of hundreds of smaller militia companies across the nation each with different modes of operation until they were more or less standardized in the recent years (Finance methods of the militias had resulted in many of them becoming thinly veiled extortion businesses, thus the crackdown). Militias are thus a paramilitary organization loosely organized by the state with the particularity that officers are democratically elected, insuring greater obedience to the leaders even if the ability to get elected doesn't always mean a good ability to command. Still, they are extremely useful as the first line of defense against civil unrest (that is, when they do not cause the unrest) as well as things like Stray Palace incursion. They share no uniform save for the green armband, symbol of Yuwan.

-Black Hats: Everything you hear about them is false, they do not even exist, move on.

-Republican Guard: The only troops under the direct command of the Basilisk instead of his generals, these dragonborn are in charge of defending the core of the realm: Its leader and the constitution, at any cost. Mostly they just stand there and look pretty but still, they are selected among the few dragon-born with actual combat experience.

-Revenge Societies: Disfigured veterans, brothers and sons of lost soldiers, these people train tirelessly to bring destruction to the target of their hate. Nations, specific generals or rarely, specific warriors of renown. They will spontaneously organize and volunteer when war goes to the target of their hate to face them in combat, also serving as a strong lobby to the assembly in favor for war with these targets.

-Escorts: It is understandable that people of importance sent to foreign courts aren't allowed to carry an army with them, but they'll still be excused if their escorts are of exceptional quality. These rather than exceptional individuals are the latest of Veridel's creation, but also the flawed ones he has no use for. All of that beautiful armor hiding deformed monstrosities of overly developed muscles that's generally just smart enough to follow basic orders.

-Imperfects: Over a century ago, Mastrix had been a primarily elven diety but this changed after 'The Great Punishment' when Malice became Mastrix and cursed her own high priesthood into unfathomable uglyness. Most killed themselves or disperced around the world, but some begged for redemption and went on to try and work toward salvation through humility and making themselves useful in whatever capacities they could. Mastrix still refuses magic to most, but there is a certain utility to be found in persons whom merely look at their bare face causes you to die.

-Gallias:On paper this was a blunder for the generals long before the ships were built, giving the army a few air platform to play with at the cost of crippling the amount of magic users available to them. Still, what the army gets isn't chosen by the army but by the Assembly who is an even more hardcore fan of airpower than the army staff. Well, if they have those things, they might as well use them.

-Galeasses: It isn't entirely true to say that the navy suffered only a long and unending defeat during the War of the Straight. Small coastal vessels able to maneuver in swallow areas were always active to face bold Kasaboi captains getting too close to the shores or monsters getting lost in shallow water to get impaled at full speed by these ships. 'A million oars to sail to Azagod!' was thus what the Assembly commanded the navy to prepare, for the next war. These ships are thus the staple of the navy though as the relationship with Kasabi relaxed, the focus since shifted somewhat.

-Galleons: With the importance the Sacrilege war has taken in the world, the idea of a fleet to crush the immediate neighbors of Drakma lost its importance. The new naval armament program is thus centered around ships that are, ironically, a joint creation of Drakma and Kasabi, the former lacking high seas ship technologies and the later having no design suitable to the small size of individual kobolds. These high endurance ships thus scour the seas, delivering reinforcements in the north or doing 'aggressive reconnaissance' on the Justinian coasts in the south.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:
-Mastrix the Fair, Goddess of Love and Patron of Drakma: Her latest incarnation as Mastrix was a mortal made servant of Yuwan and aspect of Courtly Intrigue by her scheming ways but turned a goddess of beauty and narcissism by her egotistic ways. Infatuated with Nobilis and her own self, she is quite content to be left alone in her corner of the world without interest in greater things... Or so she acts.

-Nobilis the Liberator, Basilisk of the Republic:

-Vermillion the Kinslayer, Whip:

Moras the Shinning One, Minister of Finance:

-Princess Morngwen: Mastrix's best friend, her mentor, her confident. There was a day when Mastrix, then known as Malice, was but the daughter of a minor noble having her first day at court. So naive and innocent. It was Morngwen, mistress of the court who had a prince in her hand that saw potential in Malice and thought her how to use the hearts of men to her advantage. Years later as Malice was stabbed in the heart by a lover, she was chosen by Yuwan to be a Celestial Servant and Morngwen stood beside her as Malice first appeared to the mortals as a new divinity. In these hundreds of years Morngwen served at the side of her old apprentice, she never betrayed the intense, burning jealousy and hate she feels for her.

-Baltazos Nobilis, Corruption Investigator: Some say Nobilis, being unable to have a child with Mastrix, asked the most awe inspiring human hero he had ever seen to impregnate his divine wife with a surrogate child. Others say that Nobilis breached the Gushawar Imperial palace to steal one of the Emperor's children away as an hostage and raised him as his own. The very origin of this incredible man is shrouded in mystery but it only add to the surreal of the Basilisk's adopted child. Having received the best of kobold education with dystinction (No small feat as this meant he had to follow the neck breaking pace of a race that sleeps only 4h per day and are notorious workaholics), Baltazos was only 12 years old when he discovered a cell of Imperfects trying to corrupt the government out of spite for Mastrix. Since then, we has had a brilliant rise through the ranks, though his detractors can't help but insinuate it's because he has Nobilis's favor.

-Erzat, the Thing: Mastrix and Nobilis DID have a child. But a cursed dragon with a celestial servant? Conveived as she took dragon form but constantly shape changed afterward. The result was a... thing. An abnormal and disgusting blob of matter that was dying the moment it came out of the womb, with the umbilical cordon being its only tether to life. Mastrix, on an impulse to save her child, made it her champion and used magic to give it form. The horror thus being able to shapeshift using a constant influx of magic. Still... Mastrix was disgusted and only Nobilis convinced her not to end the life of this thing. It grew and, sentient, learned from its caretaker. Adopting mostly an elven form it craves parental approbation, making it an excellent tool for Nobilis to use.

-Eolim, the Heartbreaker: An old lover of Mastrix who could not handle his rejection and decided to end his life along with Mastrix's. He wasn't successful on the first point unfortunately and when Mastrix ascended to be a celestial servant, she was furious. The quite literally tortured soul thus now serves as her champion under the vague promise that maybe, if he won yet another fight, Mastrix could forgive him and allow his soul to depart his body rather than continue to suffer as it does.

-Milfano, Adventurer Extraordinaire: Kobolds are told to be brave and fearless from a early age as to take the one chance their very short lives will be remembered forever through their immortal deeds. Many aspire to this but few succeed as Milfano did, exploring ruins and boldly going across the world to find priceless artifacts. Above all however, Milfano knows how to play a crowd, how to get the bards to sing about her, making her a renown personality in Drakma.

EXTRA INFORMATION:
Full History:
-432BWH: Dragons dot the world and all are aware of the power of these Wandering Calamities. This era is reputed to be the height of Draconic power since Wolfraum the Accursed waged war on the dragons. Axohaan however finds them to be ideal war beasts and tries to hunt a few down as to acquire eggs to corrupt into war beasts. He has very little success in this endeavor and while capable to sometimes defeat dragons at a heavy price, he fails to be able to immobilize them to finish them off. They simply retreat with their eggs.

-428BWH: Axohaan is a nuisance to all Dragons but overall the god is seen as beneath the concerns of dragonkind. That is until a persistent rumor emerges that he did manage to conquer some eggs and that from this he spawned a twisted creature that was now growing within the confines of his domain. Some dragons are furious and undertake the task to take down his land but find out that Axohaan is still a god and that on his ground, victory is difficult. The rumors grow out of control and wary of another Wolfraum like disaster for their kind, many dragons go to Drakma to try and formulate a united answer rather than just do a reckless charge. The land and local elven kingdoms will be decimated for the years to come as the dragons forage to feed themselves with no concern for the locals.

-425BWH: It would take years but eventually the dragons manage to loosely agree to an emergency system to figure out how to act together. The mighty Karkarth through his influence and power emerges as the Basilisk, elected 'First Among Equals' to lead the dragons until either victory or a vote that would remove him. Every dragons are entitled to a vote when the question arises to extend or limit the powers of the Basilisk. The results are immediate, Axohaan's forces are devastated within months and at significantly lesser cost than the defeat of Wolfraum earlier.

-421BWH: Karkarth being a power hungry autocrat does his best to consolidate his power and slow down the defeat of Axohaan while trying to find new enemies for the dragons to fight but ultimately the dragons tire of this and seem willing to declare that the entire dragon spawn of Axo was just a hoax. Many wish to go back to their land and stop having to be side by side with other dragons. Axohaan then appears by Karkarth as the legends say and offer him a way to seat his power. Force the dragons to orbit around him by cursing their eggs so that they may hatch only in one place. He who controls this place, controls the dragons. In exchange, merely 3 eggs. Karkarth would agree, but immediately go back on his deal with Axohaan and refuse to give the eggs.

Noticing Karkarth's ruse, rather than admit defeat many dragons decide to charge at Mount Erebus where the hatchery is located. Karkarth, with those loyal to him through the promise of rank and wealth, defends his hold. Numbers are against him but he did chose a very defensible location and thus the whole ordeal turns into a massacre as more dragons around the world leave in a hurry to take down Karkarth and have their eggs hatch. During the assault, Axohaan uses the confusion to sneak inside Mount Erebus and place a second curse on the eggs, that they may now only hatch twisted imitations of dragons, weaklings with none of their forefather's strength, kobolds.

Karkarth is defeated at a heavy cost but the dragons see how they were fooled. Attempts are made to break the curse but prove useless. Disgusted, the remaining dragons leave the few hatchlings of their now dead enemies behind with the thousands of kobolds in the process of spawning to go back to their lair. Many dragons lost their gold in the ordeal and the world would see a spike in dragon attacks for a few years as they reconstitute their hoard. This however marks the sharp decline of the number of dragons in the world and dragonslaying becoming a legendary glory sport rather than a chore.

-410BWH: Revival of the old elven kingdoms in Drakma who thrive by enslaving the quickly reproducing kobolds and by the discovery of Karkarth's hoard, paving the way for a literal golden age. Two dragons remain from the orphaned hatchlings and are named Nobilis and Vermillion. They would serve as a symbol of elven power until they freed themselves a century later.

-393BWH: Boletaria after only a few short years of peace now that the dragons left manages to invade the much less devastated Soletaria in a feat of martial genius.

-272BWH: A minor elven noble by the name of Malice arrives at the Golden Court of Boletarias and learns the rope of the court. She would eventually rise to become Patron of the Courtiers, Celestial Servant of Yuwan.

-0AWH: The War in Heaven. Many gods and Celestial servants are killed by Justinian, leaving the kingdom stunned as the kobolds, tired of their state of slavery rebel across the world. Drakma being home to most of them and overwhelmingly superior numbers in comparison to the resident elves is taken by storm. At first the kobolds are disorganized rabble as usual, but the elves are surprised by their moral as when employed in slave armies they usually crumbled at the slightest pressure. Their hunger for freedom however boilster their moral. Quickly however the kobolds develop strategies to use their overwhelming numbers and gain the support of 2 dragons, none other than Nobilis and Vermillion there to enact their revenge on the elves that captured them it would seem.

-11AWH: Malice, servant of Yuwan returns exhausted from the confrontation with Justinian and finds that while she and the other servants of Yuwan where gone, the situation went from bad to worst. She is now the only Celestial Servant in the region and is in a position of weakness. Thus, when approached by Nobilis with the suggestion to end the hostilities and form a new country with the kobolds at its core, she is forced to concede rather than bitterly fight to the end and lose her dominion to the nearby countries. She would become popularized as Mastrix, Goddess of Perfection to the kobolds and their new republic.

-89AWH: End of hostilities with Yllendthyr with a return to status quo ante bellum, Drakma thus taking the first step to become a real state, though it would take time for the world to recognize it as a legitimate state. Meanwhile, Mastrix to gain control over Nobilis, now Basilisk of a republic, puts on the charm. She is surprised when he falls for her with relative ease. The two entities had thus far been rather antagonistic to one another but they slowly start to work with one another.

-150AWH: The Elven priesthood of Mastrix confront their goddess and accuse her of favoring the kobolds too much. Indeed, Mastrix took a liking to the little lizards simply because of their industry and dedication. Kobolds know that they are ugly and so are quite happy to celebrate the beauty of another, gifting Mastrix with statues and paintings, singing her greatness all the time. Elves meanwhile were always more concerned with their own selves and image, worshiping Mastrix as a way to get her favor. This enrages Mastrix who curses much of her elven priesthood to be so ugly to look at you'd die if you did. She proceeds to isolate herself in sadness and despair. Nobilis would go to her and spend his time to cheer her up and the pair grows closer as a result. Leaving her isolation, Mastrix would declare herself a Goddess of Love and become absolutely infatuated with Nobilis, making dragonkind her favored race.

-198AWH: Drakma sends an ultimatum to Gushawar to free all kobold slaves, or else. The two nations constantly had border skirmishes and minor conflicts, but this is a first. Gushawar refuses and Drakma enters its first major offensive war.

-220AWH: The republic defeats Gushawar convincingly with its numbers and efficient new tactics and threatens to walk on the Palace of the Raj. Peace is made and Gushawar recognizes the Republic as the rightful sovereign of Drakma rather than the elves, releases almost all Kobold slaves and gives independence to a border province, which would de facto become part of Drakma.

-224AWH: Almost immediately, Drakma gives an ultimatum to Kasabi to cede part of their trade to the republic. It is of course declined as Drakma has little in terms of navy. Now certain that Gushawar wouldn't recover soon from its defeat, the Republic focuses on a vast sea effort and the deployment of hundreds of privateers praying on the merchants passing the straight and elsewhere.

-239AWH: The privateer offensive comes to a halt when Kasabi petition Azagod for help and numerous sea monsters are dispatched to crush the Drakman ships. Still, this makes trading perilous for even Kasabi and doesn't stop Drakma, as it falls back on its flying units to continue sinking ships where they are seen.

-276AWH: Peace is made with Kasabi as the merchants fold and see allowing Drakma to operate as the option of lesser cost to continuing this useless conflict. A comprehensive deal is made, notably insuring that Kasabi would continue to oppose any other faction other than Drakma to operate at sea to make sure the pie wasn't further split between other parties, ironically this forces Drakma and Kasabi to work together.

List of Historical Grievances:
-Gushawar: Even if Gushawar is supposed to have liberated all Kobold slaves, some remain. This combined with their racism and proximity contributes to make Gushawar the nemesis of the Realm, having had many small wars since the inception of the Republic. At the moment, it seems only the threat of an intervention from Lamash is what keeps the two from going at it again.

Relations:
-Gushawar: Cold, the two nations have done nothing but insult each other for the last 20 years as well as military posturing. Both seem to look at the right moment to continue the hostilities. It is notable that while Drakma and Gushawar are at peace, the Raj of Peshda, satellite state of Drakma, is still technically at war with Gushawar.
-Yllendthyr: For a nation as agressive as Drakma, it is surprising how quiet they are on the subject of their Eastern Neighbor. Any kobold would say they don't trust them since they are elves after all but yet, since the great exchange over two centuries ago where a mass of kobold slaves were freed (at the cost of thousands of elven war prisoners now serving Yllendthyr as slaves) things have remained silent. Under the surface, there is quite more than meets the eye however, such can be noticed in international matters when for no apparent reasons Nobilis's foreign policies seem to align with that of its neighbor.
-Lamash: Warm, Drakma officially recognizes the authority of Lamash as 'leader of Yuwanists', but know that Lamash has actually very little power to enforce its authority without going to war, which it isn't willing to do, and so reserves itself the right to ignore the dictates of the Empire as it suits them. Still, this makes Drakma much more cooperative to the Empire than most Yuwanists.
-Uudhin: Neutral, even if they are supposed to be enemies, simple trade concerns forces at least Kasabi to work with Drakma and vice versa. The kobold privateers no longer raid Kasabi's assets but now work together to go westward and raid Justinians.
-Midbari: Officially, the far away desert is of no concern to the Realm, but Midbari is still quite connected to Drakma due to banking and... assassin guild related concerns. Drakma would probably not exist without the loans from Midbari but this made for a rocky history between the two as a dragon is not so easily forced to pay back its loans.
-Concilio Union: Justinians really are a mass of enemies with the average kobold being unable to see one country as different from another, but the union is of specific concern for Drakma. For indeed, not all kobolds decided to embrace Nobilis's system. The existence of the union is widely refuted as false as no kobolds can be contaminated with Justinian ideals but special forces are still dispatched to help subverting or destroying the kobolds within the Union so this doesn't become a problem.

Cultural Notes: (Anything cultural of note or unique about the nation that isn’t mentioned under religious interpretations/culture)

Population: 52 million. They are mostly made up of humans, Nephthys Elves, the Bastati, and the Dianads
Faction: Yuwanist
Capital: Nychta, City of Origin.
Government Type: Principality
Government Description: The Nation is ruled over by the Grimoire family. Though theirs is a monarchy, there are no kings, nor even queens – princes and princesses only. Artem is their official Prince Regnant, the ruling prince, given that both his elder siblings forswore the title.

Head of State: Prince Regnant Artem Grimoire
Currency: Eamilla, a series of coins made of flattened silver or gold, their worth determined by the seals on their surfaces. Lower classes will also use the barter system.
Language(s): Edhelywin Elvish is spoken by a portion of the Elven populace, and the all of the aristocracy. However, they also have their own tongue, known as Nyxtis by the nobility. While ‘shared’ by all citizens of Evernyx, there are subtle differences between the ways the higher and lower classes speak it.

Evernyx once had a King, Fenris Grimoire. It was a small nation once. A small place just barely large enough to warrant notice. For the duration of the First Crusade, by the decree of the King, they had sided with the Justinian forces. But, given that over a third of their population was sent off to battle, and people were still being conscripted and sent off with little more than a pitchfork to fight with, unrest grew quickly. And after the Justinian and Yuwa’s battle was over, their troops were finally recalled. A mere thirty. Thirty men returned to Evernyx.

On seeing this, Princess Rhea could no longer contain her rage. Rousing her siblings, she staged a coup, and slew her father. She then ascended the throne, and proclaimed herself Princess Regnant. Never again would a king or queen step foot in their halls. In the years following, she converted her people to Yuwanism, using a mixture of appeal, threats and preaching.

And once her hold was solidified within her borders, she turned her gaze to beyond them. Evernyx was not the only smaller nation in that region, nor the only one to follow Yuwa. First she began by assimilating those closest to them, through marrying off her siblings and promising great bounty in return for their loyalty. Then it was subtle hints, threats of war, assassinations. The remaining provinces were given the choice of either surrendering to the greatly-increased power of Evernyx, or fighting for their lives. Most surrendered. The rest would fight futilely, like sand against the tide. And on seeing the nation she had created, her hair grey and her face lined with all her years, the Princess Regnant closed her eyes, and rested.

Records of these wars tell of magic Rhea used that would turn a field into an inferno, or armies of creatures that would tear into the ranks of opposing armies, terrifying in power and appearance, only to vanish with the dawn. Though, many of these records were made after the wars themselves, and so their reliability is not certain. However, Rhea does bestow a special kind of power upon those who are most loyal to her. It comes in many forms, and changes with the moon, but is powerful nonetheless.

Evernyx has become recognised as a bastion against the Concilio Union, halting the advance of the false Justice, and as a deterrent for the Empire. Since, their people have grown in number exponentially. An influx of elves from both enemy nations who were willing to sell themselves into slavery in exchange for protection. There was also the migration of the Dianads, a race of canine men, and the Bastati, felines, from a place far to the north. While their origins are solely theirs, they are unquestionably loyal, and believe that by serving the descendants of Rhea, they will be rewarded upon death.

In recent years, though, Evernyx has come across several instabilities. Among them was the rise and fall of Prince Regnant Nathair, the breaking of traditions, battles and losses with the Concilio Union and the Empire of Zul. And the new, shaky, alliance of the dragon known as Mania. Both necessity and risk to the other Yuwanist states, they cross several boundaries their allies are uncomfortable or disapproving of, but undeniably needed for the survival of Evernyx.

• Night Magic – Though some have doubts as to whether this form of magic is more of a hindrance than an asset, it is nonetheless a practiced form in Evernyx. Using it allows one to cast minor illusions, or to physically alter large areas and landscapes, even people. Though, the spells that can be accessed are all dependent on the phase of the moon, and will always be dispelled by dawn’s first light.
• Beastly – The Principality is home to the largest populations of Bastati, a feline race, and the Dianads, who are all manner of canine people.
• Secrets and Shadows – Evernyx has a history of assassinated nobles, quelled rebellions, and spies who garner information on their enemies and allies alike. It is no small wonder that a reputation has been garnered.
• We ARE the Northern War – The Principality of Evernyx is large part of the Yuwanist front line, bordering almost all of their Justinian ‘counterpart’, the Concilio Union. As such, their allies have been known to send soldiers to the front lines in order to reinforce the border, and more often than not, aim to battle their enemy.

Major Locations of Interest:

• The Emerald Spire – The resting place of Rhea, first princess Regnant, and now her place of divine residence. It is also the Chevaliers’ base of operations. Represented by the Crescent Moon.
• Nychta – Capital city of Evernyx, and location of the royal palace. The First City of Evernyx, where Rhea’s plans were first set in motion.
• Hadden – Hadden was Rhea’s first ally when she began her campaign, when they were given a promise of wealth and prosperity in exchange for soldiers. Though scholars have long argued of her relationship with Karten Hadden, no consensus has ever been reached, nor will Rhea herself speak of it.
• Mariana – Mariana was a vital part off Rhea’s plans. Though Swyncrest was further south, Mariana was the richer of the two, due to the flow of trade. So, through marrying her younger sister Palla to Mariana’s Prince Asil, she gained their alliance. To this day, it is the main port of Evernyx, and has grown all the larger for it.
• Ostburn – Ostburn was the name of the country to the north of the original Evernyx. With the threat of Mariana blockading the docks, Ostburn eventually parleyed with Rhea, and would cede its lands and throne to her. However, it became a steadfast ally over the years. Most of the Principality’s traded goods will flow through Ostburn at one point or another.
• Brightglass – The land of Brightglass has long been renowned for its prosperous mines, be it iron, gold, or precious stones that you seek. Rhea’s campaign took it there almost last – after Lamor fell to her army, Brightglass surrendered, leaving the corner kingdom of Reddale to its own fate. Still to this day, the beauty of the Principality is claimed to be this city.
• Blackden, Swyncrest, Caydon, Dellmere, Lamor and Reddale – The various towns across Evernyx that bear the names of their ancestral domains. Their guards are often minimal, and the nobility are sparse in those parts.
• Serpents’ Forest – Forbidden to most of the population, the Serpents’ Woods is rumoured to be one of the few places that the ‘Overlays’ still exist in Evernyx. In reality, the Serpents’ Woods is the main base of operations for Princess Shara and the Dusk Guard. Represented by the tree in Hadden territory.
• The Fortress of the Triskelion – The location of the great battle five years ago, known as the Fortress of Norsal to some. Though technically still within the Principality’s borders, they lost control of it alongside the skirmish. Represented by the Triskelion, at the northernmost point of Blackden.
• Mania’s Redoubt – The residence of the dragon Mania. A trail a few meters wide foes through the rock into the otherwise isolated inlet. Represented by the Dagger and Dragons.
• The Legion Fortresses – These four fortresses are where you may often find segments of the four legions of the Bastion. Interspersed along the wall, these forts serve as barracks, and are where many plans are devised. The Fortress of the Triskelion was once one of these.
• The Bastion of Eternal Night - A monumental wall, located on the northern border. It has been there since the throne passed from Rhea to Argon, and was Rhea's first feat as a Servant of Yuwan. From the earth, she raised a wall of stone, with only four ways to pass through it. Each gap was filled with a Fortress, as well as one at the northernmost end, which was open to other nations. Any who attack must either go over, or focus their attack on those four points.

• HUMANS: 39% - Approx. 20.3 million. The most common race. Roughly a quarter of the human population are slaves, whereas the rest are of varying social status.
• NEPHTHYS ELVES: 14% - Approx. 7.3 million. The majority of the Nephthys elves commonly possess dark or pale hair, extremely pale skin, and slanted eyes that are amber in colour. Most of them are also slaves, due to their origins. The few free elves are among the nobility, though they seem to hold no more love for their kindred than the human nobles.
• BASTATI: 20% - Approx. 10.4 million. (singular; Bastet) You will find Bastati in most social standings – as higher slaves, or low nobility, and all across the common folk. Known for their pride, they have ever stood tall, and have gained both the respect and envy of some of the other races. They were also a favourite of Rhea’s, and so sacrificing a Bastet to her specifically will yield less Theurgia.
• DIANADS: 20% - Approx 10.4 million. (singular; Dianad). While there are no noble Dianads, there are also comparatively few slaves of this race. Dianads generally serve as labourers, transporters or city guards.While some hold the respect and love of their human neighbours, others call them beasts. Inherently loyal, as long as there is a bond of trust, they will assist you. Rhea has no strong feelings toward them, but accepts them as Evernyxians.
• OTHER ELVISH: 7% - Approx. 3.6 million. Since Nephthys elves have found sanctuary in Evernyx, and it is often the first stop through to Yuwanist territory, many other elves have passed through in the last three centuries. Some also settled here, and hold similar statuses to their kindred, though more walk as nobility than slaves.

State Religion: Yuwanism
Patron Deity: Rhea
Religion Demographics:
97% Yuwanist

• 42% Rhean

1.3% Justinian
1.7% Red Pantheon
The majority of Bastati and Dianads are devoted to Rhea more than Yuwa, but comply with Yuwanism since that was Rhea’s own faith. Then the greatest majority of Evernyx follows both Yuwa, and Rhea as her servant. There are a few insurgents, who have converted to Justinianism or to a Fallen Servant, but the Chevaliers of the Spire are often swift in tracking down these groups and exterminating them.
Major Holy Relics/Artefacts in Possession:

• The Eye – This relic, pictured in Rhea’s portrait, can grant wisdom and knowledge to whoever uses it. By Yuwan's grace, since it is bound to her, she will set out a path to follow in order to obtain the answers you seek. It can also grant various other powers, such as the ability to scry and divine without having to learn the spells to do so, and to see what lies beyond mortal sight.
• The Grimoire Sceptre – An artefact that is invariably held by the current Prince or Princess Regnant of Evernyx, first held by, and bound to Rhea. While not even they can determine its true power, it does grant them the ability to cast a number of spells without needing to prepare a ritual first, since these are already engraved into the sceptre itself.

Holy Sites under Control:

• The Emerald Spire – This is the foremost place of reverence for Rhea, and where the majority of her clerics and chevaliers will be found if they have not been bade travel to other locations.

Notable Magical Institutions:
Each of the major towns and cities for which Evernyx’ provinces are known has a Grand Hall dedicated to Yuwan and Rhea. With the rise of the Reformation, these buildings slowly began to include the other Celestial Servants of Yuwan. Additionally, if one bears a seal of a noble house, the Halls will allow you to study whatever scrolls or tomes they have acquired there.
There is also a library, located within the boundaries of ------'s old territory, which is home to a grand deal of knowledge, magical and scientific both.
Religious Interpretations/Culture: Most people of Evernyx believe that Yuwan supported, if not directly assisted, Rhea in her formation of the Principality.
Many Evernyxians are also supportive of the Reformist movement in Yuwanist politics – and believe that the Celestial Servants should not just be recognised by the countries they watch over.


Total Military Size: 130, 000 estimated
Guardians of the Wall: 50, 000
The Oaken Vigil: Roughly 34, 000
The Dawn Guard: 20, 000
The Dusk Guard: 10, 000
Chevaliers of the Spire: 16, 000

Listed Heroes:(Descriptions will likely change. I have the images, but need to upload them first.)


Military Doctrine:
Military Units:










(All these will be expanded on a later date.)


Full History: (Your nation’s history following the major eras/cycles. Remember to align it with the settings history, as it is hard for nations to live in an isolated bubble here)
List of Historical Grievances: Given its location, the Principality of Evernyx has long bordered both the Concilio Union and the Zul Empire. The recent, relatively catastrophic battle is just one example of the many clashes between the three.

Relations:
Lamash: Allied. Evernyx received military support from Lamash as means of further securing the northern frontiers. However, tensions have become a little higher, given that the soldiers sent five years ago were lost in battle. However, twenty five thousand soldiers have been stationed in Evernyx since, and another contingent are en route.
The Republic of Drakma: Tense. The people of Evernyx are familiar with kobolds… given that the Union hosts them. And given that Evernyx will sacrifice or enslave most kobolds that are not killed in battle, many of the Drakman kobolds tend to be a little tense around them.
Cultural Notes: (Anything cultural of note or unique about the nation that isn’t mentioned under religious interpretations/culture)

NATIONAL INFORMATION:
-Population: 2.37 Million
-Faction: Red Pantheonism
-Capital: Vess
-Government Type: Republic
-Government Description: Each member race gets one representative. They are to represent their race’s interest, for example, the elvish representative might want people to stay out of the forests. Each new decision must have both sides told before a decision can be reached, and only the races that are affected by the outcome may vote. For example, a giant may not vote on a decision that affects beastmen and elves. That is the form of Government that affects the Union, each member race does however have their own form of government “Does much get done? No, but peace is assured.”
-Head of State: The Council of Cranox
-Currency: Cranoxian Coinage (1 gold = 12 silver, 12 silver = 12 copper; Bread = 1 copper)
-Language(s): Avondia, Most Relevant Language once only spoken by the Dwarves, when the first men landed they quickly picked up the language so that they might speak with the dwarves. Soon elves, giants, and beast men also came and they too picked up the language. Outside of Avondia only the Giants and the Beastmen speak other tongues. With the recent Union Giant Elders and Beastmen Shamans have taken to teaching their language to the other people of Cranox. Other languages include ferreumin and Taurish.

-State Religion: Ne Saverné a Tuath (The Northern Gods)
Both Vreka and Chreobh strom were servants of Balrock, he tasked them with aiding the Cranoxian Empire when a rogue servant attacked them. Believing the mortals could handle it they did not offer aid and ignored the pleas of Balrocks followers, believing them to be overreactions. Once they found out however they hid the information from Balrock, fearing his fury. When the War in heaven began Balrocks spirit left its Stone shell to participate in the battle where he would be slain by Justinian. Balrock eventually sustained far too much damage and was executed by Justinian. In his last dying moments two things occurred one in Heaven and one back in the material realm. In heaven Balrock mocked Justinian, calling him a coward for not facing him in battle. In the material realm Balrock directed his servants to protect the North from Justinian, no matter the cost. Most of his Servants would strike out on their own, swearing allegiance to Yuwan or seizing the moment to claim a portion of the north for themselves. Vreka and Chreobh, feeling guilty for failing Balrock before. Vowed to do everything in their power to aid the Cranoxians in resisting the treachery of Justinian. To do this they would mask their region under a veil of shadows, hiding them away from the world at the cost of their own strength. When the time was right, they would unveil the Cranoxians so that they might strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.


-Religion Demographics:
The Crow: 27%
The Tree: 13%
Both: 57%
Other: 3%

Total Military Size: 127,000
Giants: 10,000
Beastmen:40,000
Humans: 45,000
Dwarves: 10,000
Elves: 10,000
Ents & Dryads: 12,000

Proud is our nation, and holy is her crown.
The great heroes led us in crafting our new realm.
From the shores of Sac’sanct to great Pikin-Town,
Our forests bring Emp’en, ev’ry oak, pine, and elm!

Come, rally at our most gallant cry:
Onward Forever - Heaven Shall Yet Come!
Join us friends; our banner waves on high!
Forsake: your brothels, gold, and rum!

Ours is the land to prosper for’er,
Home to braves and harden’d men.
Hearken, friends, to our grand endeavor:
Our blades march forth to hell’s den.

Come now and slay all them:
The monstrous hordes of the east!
Our world breaks at the hem;
Gather ‘round now to slay the beast!



None.

Churches of the Holy Alliance



Upper Ecclesiastic Hierarchy



Regional Ecclesiastical Hierarchy







Approximately a half year after the War in Heaven and the Ascension of Justinian (0 A. J.), Justinian sent an avatar to the north to unite the lands of Aurynn and expand the fledgling kingdom of Norumeua into a proper Justinian state. According to official tradition, this was done almost entirely through peaceful conversion, although some scholars dispute this assertion. Most of the existing hierarchy was transferred into the initial mission kingdom and the various local lords (originally only the Petty King of Aumanx and several Illuthrian lords with the loose addition of several members of the Quirannian Monastaries and Druidic Orders) kept their own administrations intact under a common banner, creating a de facto state. Most of the original religious hierarchy was transferred to the Church of Aurynn and the Church of Illuthria, as the Church of Excelsiorum (also known as Ecclesia Excelsiorum) was not yet founded.

The Church of Aurynn retained most of the pagan festivals but began to interpret (at least, officially) the elder gods as servants of Justinian. Eutherynn herself had been partially taken in conquest by Aumanx although Deusaltor was among the first to refer to the region as Aurynn, giving credence to Aumanx’s dynastic claims in the region. The Aurynns themselves were Satyrs and only distantly connected to the mainland nymphs. It is said that King Sedel Manx was called in a dream by the Father Satyr-god (later reimagined as a Justinian hero) Ladelp.

The claims that Ladelp and other similar gods were in fact Justinian heroes was a loose interpretation at best and heretical at worst. This determination by the first Archbishop of Aurynn (Sedel Manx’s youngest son, Abbel Manx) led to inquiry from Sacrosanctia and a heated controversy. In the end it was figured that so long as they followed the correct tenets, there were more pressing threats and the young church required the military aid of Aurynn.

The Church of Illuthria, being the closest geographically to Norumeaua and Sacrosanctia herself, was modeled very closely to the traditional Sacrosanctian clerisy. The nymphs of Illuthria also shared ancestry with the Elves of Sacrosanctia and Norumeua, easing the title merger with King of Norumeua into the King of Norumeua-Illuthria after the previous King of Illuthria died with no heir. These two churches both maintained their own patriarchs under the Prophet-King Deusaltor, who had not yet taken the title of Rex Magna.



Broad ranks of cavalry had to be summoned from the three broad regions of the new Kingdom, each of which was largely separatist: The Kingdom of Norumeaua, the former Kingdom of Illuthria (now upset at their loss of sovereignty), and Aurynn, which by this point and time had been forced mostly back to Aumanx. To unify Norumeaua and Illuthria and in turn increase the loyalty of the locals and their levies, the Prophet-King elected to move the capital to the former seat of Illuthria on the Phoullic Peninsula, beginning the Phoullian Imperial era. Deusaltor took the title Magnoimperator Illuthria, a fitting title for a broadening realm.

In conjunction, the Patriarchies were merged into the Phoullian Church with the Prophet-King, now Archbishop of Phoullia, at the head. All the while, the Quirannian wars raged on. Although conversion was a somewhat successful tactic in Quirannia, the Archdruidic Council of Greater Quirannia (later Quirannia Maxima) was not as susceptible to conversion as Aurynn due to the fact that the Druidic red god Afeldor (loosely the same farie god worshipped in Aurynn) was much closer in proximity and the Archdruidic council much more closely united than their counterparts in Aurynn. The sect of Druids that converted to Justinianism (later the Green Monastic Order) were instrumental in providing the intelligence necessary to make a night-cavalry attack on Quirannia City (later Quirannia-Urbe) with the help of the new convert’s darksight magics, which the modern Green Order claims was a direct gift from Justinian.

Quirrannia was won decisively, although the dryads and archdruids continued secret practice in service to Afeldor. Populations in Aurynn and especially Eutherwynn also became attracted to the cult of Afeldor and soon, in the Aurynn fashion, merged Ladelp with Afeldor into the the loosely connected Farie Cult, which worshipped a subset of red-Farie gods later including the Northpike druids. The remainder of the Quirinnian monasteries became the Black Monastic Order, which kept many of the same strict tenets as the ancient monks. Concurrently, the Gaeledian Farie-Pygmies allied with the King of Aurynn in an attempt to take Eutherwynn. In return for conversion and union with Aurynn, Queen Galadelia was allowed to marry matrilineally to King Gelderon Manx, a practice heavily discouraged by the Canonical Church. Furthermore, Gelderon proclaimed that the farie god was the equal of Justinian, committing an absolute heresy. The conquest was successful, although Gelderon’s folly would provoke the wrath of the King.



Sacrosanctia at long last declared the Church of Aurynn an anathema. Deusaltor immediately invaded and seized the throne of Aurynn, including Gaeledia. Legend says that the inverted and twisted corpses of Gelderon and Galadelia are suspended from the throne room of Excelsiorum. Deusaltor proceeded to unify the Church of Aurynn with the Phoullian Church to form yet another merged canonical church, the one that persists to the modern day: The Ecclesia Excelsiorum Magna. The Church of Aurynn proceeded to splinter into the farie cults and the Red Monastic Order, a persistent and secretive heterodoxy.

As the empire had grown far into the east and the Northpikes now fell into his hands after a series of successful conquests, it became necessary to centralize and reform the temporal government into a series of Lord-Governorships. Within these governorships, a relatively efficient bureaucracy built on elected Magistrates and Mayors was born to manage the territories Unfortunately, many of the Magistrates quickly fell into corruption and competition with the established nobility of the regions and the Church. Illuthria and Aumanx were the only provinces with the infrastructural and urban development required to truthfully be considered to fall under the reformist scheme, and a solid quarter of Aumanx was under the indirect control of the Red Monastic Order. The remainder of the provinces either saw the positions of the new system de facto merged with the hereditary nobility, or outright ignored as the church was the only significant enough presence to rule, such as in Norumeaua. Civil discontent broke out often even violent disagreements about the hierarchies and often overlapping duties of each power structure.

The White Monastic Order, the only canonical monastic order of all Excelsiorum, was established to aid Deusaltor in provincial peacekeeping. The order was generally effective but lacked the manpower needed to make solid and long-term gains toward centralization. As focus turned toward foreign affairs, the influence of the order began to fade. The domain of the Prophet-King had been separated into the core territory of Norumeaua, Illuthria, and steadily more of Aurynn, and the outer territories of Quirannia, Northpike, and recent southern additions to the Alliance including Baumkuste. The Prophet-King had also began to shut himself out from political and foreign affairs, preferring to command from the throne rather than the field. He also became steadily more irritable, and his advisers began to fear him. Often, this meant lying to him about affairs of state, severely crippling his leadership ability.

During the Great Taunt, Deusaltor sent twelve Inquisitors against the Turquoise Lord, along with one hundred thousand soldiers. The troops intercepted the forces of Morus Gloria, Exaltarch of Archonenn, shortly before the encampment was established and the front line established. The army of the Exaltarch and the Rex Magna made solid advances before the Devastation. To the day, the Inquisitors are mourned alongside the Exaltarch, and the battle cemented the strong relationship between the Exaltarchy and Excelsiorum.

In the midst of this crisis, Deusaltor elected to construct Excelsiorum, a new capital for a centralized and unified Holy Justinian Union, steadily progressing more toward a single nation in the style of a loose confederation. It would also serve as his private sanctum and allow for him to be closed off from the world. Legend says that all one thousand of the builders, architects, and engineers committed ritual suicide in the name of Justinian after completing the building. The Excelsiorum itself, the grand palace-cathedral of the the new Great Kingdom, was to be surrounded by thick walls, coated in lead and marble. The citadel may be seen Few have ever seen the Excelsiorum, and almost nobody has ever come into contact with His Divine Majesty from outside the walls in a century. His final public event was his coronation as Rex Magna Excelsior, which only the high clergy and officials were invited to.



A new city, Excelsiorum-Urbe, began construction around the palace. Of all the cities in the world, it may be said to be the shiniest. Deusaltor withdrew almost all resources from the provinces, leaving the various hierarchies to mostly care for themselves. The White Monastic Order concurrently withdrew to an entirely spiritual function as a separate religious society rather than a police force. The Gilded City itself was a remarkable success; gold poured from around the world and to the day it might be said to be the capital of the Justinian coast.

Concurrently, as focus shifted yet again further from the provinces, new hierarchies arose. A splinter group of the Red Order declared themselves to be the revised Church of Aurynn, or rather the Aurynn Patriarchy. Although this church was much closer to Justinian Orthodoxy than the previous incarnation of the Aurynn (going so far as to mostly dismiss the Satyr-gods as pagan, with the exception of Ladelp, whom was considered an early Satyr evangelist). This church maintained an uneasy status with the Ecclesia Excelsiorum, and after the Patriarch Halderfudd I declared his church an official Orthodox branch of Justinianism, a civil war broke out in Aurynn. Curiously, word had not reached Sacrosanctia at the time, and the war was finished (mostly bloodlessly) before the official inquiry of the Oratorium was complete. In the end, the Archbishop of Aurynn granted Patriarch Halderfudd I the status of co-Archbishop, and allowed the Patriarchy to be maintained mostly separately from the Ecclesia Excelsiorum on the condition that they maintained the Orthodoxy. After the brief conflict, the Aurynn Patriarchy established the Quirannian Patriarchy on the mainland. Although commonly viewed as a rousing and unlikely triumph of the power of the local churches, this was an extreme compromise on the part of the Patriarchy given the aforementioned massive withdrawal from provincial government.

All available resources were centered on the production of a war machine. To this effect, Deusaltor declared a state of Administrative Stasis. This cemented the current administrative structure, and divided the allied lands into Monastic (lands given to any of the five monastic orders), Clerical (land under the temporal control of the church), Extraclerical (lands under the control of the Aurynn Patriarchy and the newly formed Quirannian Patriarchy), Feudal (lands governed by various ancient nobilities), and Imperial (reformist) control. In reality, the most powerful leaders of each territory were selected and in exchange for official status and the ability write the common laws of their regions made to swear an oath to raise levies and taxes for Excelsiorum.

This Industrial-Military buildup is at the center of Excelsiorum's Northern Crusade. Ten Inquisitors and the full Imperial Guard accompanied by the Monastic Order have been sent into the cruel tundras to carry on the banner of Justinian. At the heart of this push is the Holy Alliance’s relationship with the Ferreumin Empire. They have served as forward command and base of operations for the agricultural supply lines that feed into the Justinian vanguard. Given the preoccupation with sending potential fieldhands to the frontlines experienced in the other holy nations, this service has proved invaluable in defeating the heathens. It is often said among the men of the Crusade that Ferreumin milk tastes sweeter than their mothers; such is the dire state of supplies on the front. As well, their firearm manufacturing has provided a critical supplement to motherland manufacturing given the length of the supply lines.

In addition to supporting the larger push into Yuwanist lands, five Inquisitors and the bulk of the Holy Fleet (carrying over half of the Rex Magna’s retinue) are set to arrive in Ouroborasia to support the continued effort of the Justinians in the region to reclaim the territory. Representatives from the two nations have concluded that a small blockade and setup of defensive infrastructure in Ouroborasian marshes is the best method to secure the success of the broader endeavor. Ideally, upon victory, southern supply lines and new Yuwanist front would be liable for creation.



65,403,954 Total Population

20,641,488 (31.56%) Nymphs
The nymphs of Illuthria and Norumeaua are ancestors of the modern elf; marble-skinned and wood-toned in hair. Traditionally, the majority of their society (the agrarian and hunting classes) are nude in all public affairs. Indeed, before the ascension of Justinian, they are said to have formed a very sexualized Cult of Afeldor. To this day the originally promiscuous and extravagant Nymph culture has clashed with the clerical imposition of divine temperance. To a large extent, given Illuthria’s proximity to Sacrosanctia and Excelsiorum, most of this culture has been wiped out. That said, sizable pockets of Illuthrians more loyal to the old cults have fled into Quirannia and formed a major subset of the Farie Cults. The old Illuthrian nobility as well is the prominent in all the Holy Alliance, although their chastity and faith is often scrutinized by the Oratorium.

19,111,036 (29.22%) Satyrs
Satyrs have long existed as the hedonistic and materialistic of the Northern peoples. Among their fellow Afeldorites, they consistently rank as the least tempered. Often the Satyrion cities would be known by sleepless revelling and lawlessness in the times before Justinian. In Aumanx, the southern lands of Aurynn, Satyrs have largely adapted to a mostly canonical lifestyle, with the more Orthodox feudal society farther north of Aurynn, with most Justinian influence ending completely on the Eutherwynn borderlands. The two principal clans (and later kingdoms) of Satyrs are those of Aumanx and Eutherwynn, the southern and northern lands of Aurynn respectively.

7,403,728 (11.32%) Pygmies
Pygmies, native to Gaeledia, are a curious race in that they possess no sexual organs. Rather, they reproduce exclusively by minor magical rituals involving a male pygmy and any chosen consort, including consorts of other races (notably in Pygmy history, Satyrs and Dryads). Female pygmies do exist and may be consorts, although they are ‘born’ at the rate of one in twelve. Their exclusivity has also maintained Gaeledia as a generally matriarchal society. The details of the ritual vary wildly, but pygmy children as a result of their unique anatomy are created fully formed and usually after continued ceremonies lasting between a half year and three years depending on the practices used and the individual. The very close bond that this ritual provided to Afeldor, the ancient god of Gaeledia and the wider Northlands, was very difficult for Justinian to uproot and replace. Ultimately, Justinian still provides almost equivalent magic, but truthfully the cause of Justinian never captured the hearts and minds necessary to eradicate worship to the old god. This ritual, at the very core of Pygmy society, is also predominantly why organizations such as the Red Monastic Order (now according to many sources removed altogether from the guise Justinian worship and now squarely in Afeldor’s control) and the Farie Cults (another prominent and more widespread institution of Afeldor) hold such sway in Gaeledia and Aurynn, particularly in regions far from the Excelsiorum. With the focus of Justinian magic now very much on the frontlines, less Epiphanies of the Perfect World have been performed, and worship of Afeldor is soaring to an alltime high.

5,866,735 (8.97%) Dryads
The race of dryads includes both the females properly referred to as dryads as well as their male counterparts, the treants. Dryads are among the most contentious peoples that come into the fold of the Holy Alliance. Long before the most ancient bloodlines of man, elf, satyr, or any other sentient crossed into the Quirannian forests, there was Afeldor and his chosen, the dryads. The bond of blood shared between the very essences of Afeldor and the Dryads has shaped Dryadic and more broadly Northwestern culture considerably. Many of the Dryads persist in their worship to the day in the form of the Farie Cults.

5,487,392 (8.39%) Humans
The Humans of the Holy Alliance are almost entirely migrants of the broader Excelsiorum era, when Deusaltor expanded the Alliance’s international influence and dealings. The vast majority of the Alliance’s human population hails from the Exaltarchy of Archonenn.

2,962,799 (4.53%) Giants
Giants hail from the Northpikes, an icy landmass connected to the Quirannian forests by barren tundra. The giant’s remarkably thick and leathery skin protect them from the poor conditions of their homeland. They are also renowned for their stature, an impressive three to four meters (on avergae). In times long ago, Giants were ruled by a clan of Behemoth-kings. The Behemoths, as their bloodline spread, were said to stand in some cases five to seven meters or in the cases of the stronger bloodlines up to sixteen meters.

2,825,451 (4.32%) Elves
The Elves of the Holy Alliance are entirely a migrant population. As with humans, the majority of Elvish migration occurred during the broader Excelsiorum era. They have found fairly easy settlement, blending in with the existing population of Nymphs.

1,105,327 (1.69%) Centaurs
Centaurs hail from the land of Barbaros and have been known to quickly accept the teachings of the Justinian, seeing as they were previously devoid of religious unity or zeal. The centaurs are known to be a rambunctious people and prone to both melodrama and wanderlust. Their lifespans are unfortunately quite short, the median being forty years.



Illuthrian Nymphonican Elvish and Dryadan Hybrid, Nymphonican Dialect, elder dialect
Norumeuan Nymphonican Elvish and Dryadan Hybrid, Nymphonican Dialect, closer to Sancthiyin Elvish
Standard Nymphonican Official Language; spoken rarely outside Excelsiorum
Aumanx Satyrion Southern Dialect of Satyrion, Loosely Related to Dryadan
Eutherwynn Satyrion Northern Dialect of Satyrion, Loosely Related to Dryadan
Dryadan Language of the Dryads
Afeldic Traditional Dryadan and Satyrion Language, Tongue of Afeldor
Sancthiyin Elvish Primary Lingua Franca Due to Similarities with Nymphonican
Pikenard Distinct Language of the Giants of the Northpikes
Gaeledi Language of the Pygmies, Closely Related to Eutherwynn Satyrion and Dryadan
Aemarine Human Minorities and Traders Take This as Language of Choice
Centauri Unique Language of the Centaurs, No Written Form


Deusaltor Noruth Justinian, Divine Aspect
Supreme Chancellor Veranophel, Guardian of the People
Grand Inquisitor Kaleton the Valorous, Guardian of the Sanctuary
Grand Inquisitor Alekemm the Pious, Guardian of the Sanctuary
Grand Inquisitor Thrateio the Chaste, Guardian of the Sanctuary
Grand Inquisitor Mawerun the Humble, Guardian of the Sanctuary
Archbishop Aeleterus of the Urbelands
Archbishop Chaereten of the Forestlands
Archbishop Jammarei of the Farlands
Archbishop Zeddekh of the Icelands
Supreme Commander Ameleton of the Holy Allied Forces
Grand Admiral Faruthos of the Holy Allied Sea-Navy
Grand Admiral Haurel of His Divine Majesty’s Mariner-Warriors
Grand Marshal Gelephus of His Divine Majesty’s Imperial Levy
Grand Marshal Baceledon of Holy Allied Armies
Grand Marshal Erothus of the Righteous Justinian Purifiers
Captain-General Queleron of His Divine Majesty’s Retinue
Sanakto the Whitelord
Lord Commander Astiabo of the Royal Guardians
Lord Commander Gaeberei of His Divine Majesty’s Justicars







The Evangelists
The original missionaries of Sacrosanctia, the forty monks and ten knights, founded the tradition of Northwestern Evangelism. The practices of the Evangelists rely on willing conversion through fiery rhetoric and societal pressure. Originally, due to the difficulty of the task of converting the entire Northwest, the Evangelists focused exclusively on espousing the absolute basics of the tenets of Justinian and relied heavily on the promise of Empyreon. Almost all of the early Northwestern Justinians, including Deusaltor himself, were a part of the original Evangelist Order. Gradually, Orthodoxy took hold in Norumeua and later Illuthria and Aumanx, but rituals at all points in the history of the Holy Alliance vary incredibly across regions. The Evangelists would later disperse into a variety of Justinian traditions, although most of their descendants would consider themselves exclusively members of the Ecclesia Excelsiorum. The Evangelists are also the original authors of the Biblica Canonica, a collection of canonical Justinian teachings.

The Orthopraxists
The Orthopraxists, so called due to their support of highly traditionalist and conservative Justinian rituals and customs, began as a reaction to the lack of standardization in ritual in early Evangelist colonies. The early Orthopraxists would publish a supplement to the Biblica Canonica, the Biblica Sacromentum, a collection of rites and practices for coming of age, inauguration of church and state officials, and holy unions. Over time, Orthopraxists became increasingly violent in expressing their concerns which nearly devolved into civil war with Adaptationists.

The Adaptationists
The Adaptationists are a collection of Evangelists who grew frustrated with the relative decline in speed of conversion and ultimately elected to focus on a policy of ‘conversion before doctrine’. As such, they had a tendency to disregard socially inconvenient tenets of Justinianism and instead focus on the ‘spirit of Justinianism’ within new populations. This led them into conflict with Orthopraxists.

Early Illuthrian Churches
After the Orthopraxist-Adaptationist conflicts, groups of Neutralist-Evangelists began the Five Churches (those of Phoullia, Norum, Auturs, Atyros, and Phelos). These churches served as centers of regional power intent on healing local ideological factionalism rather than central control. These churches also gradually absorbed the old nobility of the Northwest, generally including them in church hierarchy and ultimately reforming the feudal hierarchy of the region through ecclesiastical legitimacy. As such, even in modern times, the ‘Holy Nobles’ near these centers enjoy much of the same privileges as they did in the times of Afeldor.



Church of the Prophet
After the initial Crusades, Deusaltor returned to a realm in ideological turmoil. To remedy this, the first central church in the Northwest was created with Deusaltor at its head. This began the Church of the Prophet, or the Phoullian Church. This church would initially be generally relaxed in enforcing central doctrine and served more as ‘guidance to the land’ and peacekeeper than a total Orthodoxy. The seat of the church was also move from Norum to Phoullia, the site of the first mission’s famous sermon: ‘The Calling of Empyreon’.

The Bishopric Model
The Phoullian Church the embraced the Bishopric Model, a proposal to formalize church structure in the Holy Alliance into a hierarchy with Deusaltor as the leader of all allied churches. This solidified much of the aristocracy developed by the Five Churches into actual law. The Bishopric Model as well created the Bishops, a separate hierarchy from the regional aristocracies invested with the power of the Orators and the central church. This is notable as the first concrete measure made to advance central authority in the Alliance.

Mysticism and Personal Justinianism
The Justinian Mystics was group formed as a reaction to increasingly centralized and even Orthopraxist central Church. The Order of the Mystics encouraged followers to perform rites upon themselves by their customs and create a personal communion with the Justinian. This in turn led to widespread exodus from the central church. The legitimacy of the mystics is constantly disputed, although they have generally been allowed to practice as they wish in later times.

The Canonical Church
At the conclusion of the Phoullian era, the Church of the Prophet adopted the Biblica Sacromentum as an official document, effectively creating the The Canonical Church of the Prophet. This marked a complete shift toward Orthopraxy, further separating the church from the realistic situation of the citizenry.

The Church of the Excelsiorum
The city of Excelsiorum, a pilgrimage site on the northern Illuthrian coast, was chosen as the new capital of the Holy Alliance. No expense was spared in the construction of the massive citadel, a massive monument to Justinian over four hundred and thirty meters tall with a volume of roughly ten million cubic meters. This marked the beginning of the Church as a global Justinian power with a densely fortified and urbanized capital. The church very rapidly became an organ of the army, the civic nation, and a symbol of the leadership of the Holy Alliance. After the construction, the final iteration of the churches would be established, the Ecclesia Excelsiorum.

Tolerance of Flexipraxy
The church has wavered on its original Orthopraxist teachings, with many Grand Inquisitors and various times in Excelsiorum’s history arguing that realism must prevail over idealism. Although formally removed, Adaptationists and their descendants have at times won contol of high level church infrastructure and executed policies favorable to their ideology. The Illuthrian Marches, an example of a territory originally incredibly hostile to Justinian forces and rule, is generally accepted by even neutralists to be an example of the fruits of adaptationist practice.

Roles of the Monastic Orders
At various points in the history of the Holy Alliance, a total of four Monastic Orders have carried legitimacy as bodies dedicated to the Justinian. Grand Inquisitors, throughout this history, have been the authors of conflicting ecclesiastical opinions on the role of these monasteries. The most extreme have praised them as the true model of Justinian organizations or condemned them as separatist anathema movements guilty of heresy. Between the two currently legitimate Monastic Orders, the White Monks and Green Monks, the White Monks carry more prestige and are seen as a pure Justinian order whereas the Green Monks are seen as legacies of Afeldor.

The White Monks
The White Monastic Order was a creation of Deusaltor to replace the declining Order of Inquisitors as the primary body responsible for civic theurgia usage. The White Monastic Order is based on a remote Northern island known as Caeludon. The headquarters of the White Order is also known as the Isle of Mercy due to its status as a home for sufficiently repentant criminals looking to enter public service rather than worse fates.

The Green Monks
The Green Monastic Order was formerly loyal to Afeldor but would later take the side of Deusaltor in the Northwestern Upheaval. As such, they were allowed to remain as a reforged Justinian organization. There are some elements in the Ecclesia Excelsiorum that doubt the truthful alignment of senior officials and abbots in the order, some going so far as to say the order only remains due to Deusaltor’s personal attachments, although given his status as an aspect this seems unlikely. The Green Monks are often cited by Adaptationists as being the only reason Quirannia and other Dryadan territories have not erupted into full revolt.

Reformists
Due to immense ideological and ecclesiastical instability and disunity in the history of the Holy Alliance, reformist sects have often formed in an attempt to reconcile the diverse and complex issues and beliefs of the church through the introduction of the concept of loyal opposition and church congresses. These proposals have been generally denied or met with institutional inertia, prompting the creation of Skeptic Orders.



Aurynnian Heroism
The beliefs of the Justinians of Aurynn, like the majority of the previously Afeldorite lands, have often attempted a fusion of culture and belief. Foremost among the traditions dear to Aurynnians are the heroes of Satyrion, those that liberated the isles a millennium before the war in heaven. This resulted in a dual Aurynnian pantheon, one of the satyrs who freed the island from Nymphonican control, and one of the Justinian heroes, held on equal standing and premise. This doctrine is now considered anathema after the Manx War.

Skeptic Orders
Skeptic Orders are outgrowths of the Reformist movement and are suspect of Deusaltor’s authority over the land and the legitimacy of Justinian governance. In their view, the Reconvergence must come about as a cooperative effort of the world’s nations with the Justinian acting as mediator. They also do not believe in the infallibility of the Justinian but rather respect them as the best means available of forcing a higher world state. Although they often tempt a decree, they are not considered anathema.

Dualism
Dualists support a Pantheon that includes Justinian as a revolutionary aspect and Afeldor as the traditional father of the Northwestern peoples. Often, they will present these two as the heads of a pantheon that includes traditional Afeldorite heroes and Justinian ones as forces that together push for righteousness but nevertheless compete. Dualists often use the metaphor of Afeldor and Justinian as a means of embracing the concept of loyal opposition. After a panic regarding false-Justinians approximately fifty years after the construction of the Excelsiorum, Dualists are considered anathema.

Practical Justinianism
Practical Justinians, rather than possessing any sort of conviction in the righteousness of Justinian’s aims, consider themselves convenient Justinians, content to live under their presidency. They generally blend in well to society, although most avoid Epiphanies (not a difficult thing in the Holy Alliance). Due to their nature, they are not considered anathema as a broad movement although particularly outspoken practicals may be prosecuted under anti-heresy laws.

The Old Monastaries
The Second Afledorite order gave rise to many Monastic orders, foremost among them the Black Monks and the Green Monks. In the times before the invasion, they performed critical societal and ritual functions. The two aforementioned orders survive into the present day under the pretense of institutional conversion.

The Black Monks
The Black Monks, originally the highest Afledorite justice order, are famous for incredible opulence and seclusion. Although they were known to be intensely radical, they nevertheless converted during the invasion. Their true loyalties are highly questionable and rumors abound about collaboration with red forces. Due to their intense secrecy, too little is known of them to declare the order a true anathema.

The Red Monks
The Red Monastic Order was founded as a reaction to the prosecution of the Aurynnian Heroists after the Manx War. Rather than the relatively moderate stance of the Heroists the Red Monks actively plot the overthrow of Justinian and align themselves with The ancient Aurynnian separatists from the Second Afeldorite Order. As such, they are not aligned with Afeldor as an organization although they do often collaborate for the sake of defeating the Excelsiorum. They are considered complete anathema.



Deusaltor Noruth Justinian, Divine Aspect
Supreme Commander Ameleton of the Holy Allied Forces
Grand Admiral Faruthos of the Holy Allied Sea-Navy
Grand Admiral Haurel of His Divine Majesty’s Mariner-Warriors
Grand Marshal Gelephus of His Divine Majesty’s Imperial Levy
Grand Marshal Baceledon of Holy Allied Armies
Grand Marshal Erothus of the Righteous Justinian Purifiers
Captain-General Queleron of His Divine Majesty’s Retinue

The military of the Holy Alliance is, as of the Sovereignty Decree of 246, led by the anointed Justinian hero Ameleton in the name of the Justinian Rex Magna Excelsiorum Deusaltor. He is formally known as the Supreme Commander of the Holy Allied Forces. As such, he has direct charge of the five bodies of foreign military service. These are (commonly) the Navy, Mariners (or Honor Warriors), Lord's Army, Bannermen, and Purifiers. In addition, the Excelsiorite Retinue is commonly adjoined to foreign campaigns as the commander's guard. They are officially under the command of the Dux Magna Urbe, despite being assigned in near perpetuity to he authority of the Supreme Commander.


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His Divine Majesty Deusaltor Justinian Rex Magna Excelsiorum, Unlimited Sovereign of the Holy Justinian Alliance and Warden of the Holy Crown’s Freeholds and Marches, Father of the Sacred Union and Executor of the Divine Allied Will, Dux Magna Urbe and First Excelsiorite, Prophet and Ancient King of Norumeua and Exarch of Her Most Holy Cathedral, Magnoimperator Illuthria, Prophet of Phoullia and Evangelist of the Reconvergence, Grandest Prince of All Nymphs and Folk of the Faries and Woods, High King of Magna Aurynn, Bearing the Red Crown of Aumanx and Blue Crown of Eutherynn and Their Rights and Duties, Anax Asatyrion and Bearer of the Bladed Daisy-Rose, Ardri na Gaeledia and Father of the Pygmies, Highest Chief of All Clans and Tribes of the Realm, Overlord of Quirannia and Defender of the Greenfolk and Dryads, Father Under the Green-Eye, Basileus Barbaros and Noblest Companion of the Centaurs and Their Kin, Marshal-Chief of the Ironhooves and Bearer of Their Diamond Star, Honorable Commander of the Horizon, Hegemon of the Gatherings, Konigbaumkuste and Applebearer, Elder of the Thaneswood, Lord Protector and Magistrate-General of Rygex, Elder Counsel and Guardian to the Whitestones and Their Trades and Peoples, Friend to the Tallfolk and Knight-Companion of the Illustrious Order of the Northern Eye, Steward of the Northpikes, Behemoth of Pikard and Bearer of the Giant’s Scepter, Prime Justicar of the Divine Domain of Providence, Consul of the Parliament of Justice, King of the Alpines of the Far Lands, Archon Mare Terre, Illustrious Scribe of the Canonica Biblica, Father of the Theological School and the Orders and Guilds of the Muses and Sciences, Honored Whitecloaked-Knight and Archbishop of Caeludon, Knight-General of the Paladins and Companions of the Silver Shield, Patriarchae Ecclesia Excelsiorum, Defender of the Faith and Heathenslayer, Divine Hero of the Justinian, the Might of Justinian Be His Own and by Sacred Ancestral Right and Duty His Will Be Done