Kingdom of El'Akim, the Kingdom that is Most High
General Information
* A nation devoted utterly to the “King who is most High”, a Mage-King of an Angel’s Lineage, with a Crown containing the souls of all of his predecessors.
* A doomsday cult that wishes to create a god via mass suicide to remake the world into heaven.
* A knightly order that drives out evil wherever it is found with great enthusiasm and zealotry.
* A nation propped up by magical and divine power.
* A Feudal Kingdom of a great lake in the west.
* Wealth: Middling to Poor
* Population: Average
* Army: 1-5% depending on noble cooperation, seasonal harvest, and other extenuating circumstances. Usually around 1% for an offensive venture, but around 5% when the Kingdom itself is under threat.
* Magical Talent: Excellent, but mostly bound in Enchanted Artifacts created over a long period of time. Disregarding that, there are very few magi in El’Akim and so it would be “Poor”.
* Espionage: Excellent
* A nation devoted utterly to the “King who is most High”, a Mage-King of an Angel’s Lineage, with a Crown containing the souls of all of his predecessors.
* A doomsday cult that wishes to create a god via mass suicide to remake the world into heaven.
* A knightly order that drives out evil wherever it is found with great enthusiasm and zealotry.
* A nation propped up by magical and divine power.
* A Feudal Kingdom of a great lake in the west.
* Wealth: Middling to Poor
* Population: Average
* Army: 1-5% depending on noble cooperation, seasonal harvest, and other extenuating circumstances. Usually around 1% for an offensive venture, but around 5% when the Kingdom itself is under threat.
* Magical Talent: Excellent, but mostly bound in Enchanted Artifacts created over a long period of time. Disregarding that, there are very few magi in El’Akim and so it would be “Poor”.
* Espionage: Excellent
Humans are around 90-95% of the populace, and the remainder are small minorities. General treatment of minority groups in El'Akim is poor.
Humans (Islander Lounattar)
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Levantine (Middle East near Lebanon/Palestine) appearance. Most common in Sanctum. Ruling class of El'Akim for the most part.
Humans (Shoreman Lounattar)
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Levantine (Middle East near Lebanon/Palestine) appearance. Most common in Longshore. Almost as prevalent as Islanders among the ruling class.
Humans (Riverman)
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Mediterranean (Greek/S Italian) appearance. Common in Westriver, Southriver, & Cedarwood. Not necessarily second-class citizens, but their influence is mostly limited to the Westriver & Southriver.
Humans (Marchers)
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Andean (Incan/Peruvian) appearance. Most common in Eastmarch. Not necessarily second-class citizens, but their influence is mostly limited to the Eastmarch.
Humans (Woodman)
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Germanic (German...) appearance. Not necessarily second-class citizens, but their influence is mostly limited to the Cedarwood.]
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Levantine (Middle East near Lebanon/Palestine) appearance. Most common in Sanctum. Ruling class of El'Akim for the most part.
Humans (Shoreman Lounattar)
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Levantine (Middle East near Lebanon/Palestine) appearance. Most common in Longshore. Almost as prevalent as Islanders among the ruling class.
Humans (Riverman)
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Mediterranean (Greek/S Italian) appearance. Common in Westriver, Southriver, & Cedarwood. Not necessarily second-class citizens, but their influence is mostly limited to the Westriver & Southriver.
Humans (Marchers)
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Andean (Incan/Peruvian) appearance. Most common in Eastmarch. Not necessarily second-class citizens, but their influence is mostly limited to the Eastmarch.
Humans (Woodman)
Normal humans, with no abnormal characteristics. Generally have a Germanic (German...) appearance. Not necessarily second-class citizens, but their influence is mostly limited to the Cedarwood.]
Elven Exiles
Elves, stubbornly clinging onto whatever they still have in the High Kingdom. Most common in the Westriver. Has absolutely no representation among the ruling class.
Goliaths
Goliaths, living their lives quietly in the hills away from prying eyes. Most common in the Eastmarch. Has almost no representation among the ruling class.
Goblins
A pest for the High Kingdom to dispose of. Most common in the Westriver. Has absolutely no representation among the ruling class.
Elves, stubbornly clinging onto whatever they still have in the High Kingdom. Most common in the Westriver. Has absolutely no representation among the ruling class.
Goliaths
Goliaths, living their lives quietly in the hills away from prying eyes. Most common in the Eastmarch. Has almost no representation among the ruling class.
Goblins
A pest for the High Kingdom to dispose of. Most common in the Westriver. Has absolutely no representation among the ruling class.
Summary:
The Lounattar were one of the first victims of the Muha Empire, for their land once lush and green was turned into a hellish landscape of flame and ash by the last Archon’s vile machinations. They migrated north for reminders of how their lands used to be, rather than what they are. In their moment of weakness, they were enslaved by the Empire. For many years the Lounattar toiled in mine and field for cruel masters.
Until one day, the great prophet of the Lounattar broke their chains, and led them on a great exodus eastward. Upon the isle of a great lake, he would make the Sanctum of his people. Guided by divine vision, the prophet set the destiny of the Lounattar into motion. The Lounattar would labor forevermore to create a better world from the burnt ashes of the old.
For the first few hundred years of the Kingdom, the Lounattar would struggle against their neighbors, and the land itself. But then an era of peace dawned upon the Lounattar, but some may describe it as stagnation. The magic of the High Kings has its costs, leading them to be stubbornly stuck in their ways. The High Kings have prioritized the completion of their divine mission over earthly glory, and so their centuries old schemes continue for generations...
First Age: Slavery, then Exodus
Long ago, during the Dawn of the First Age the Lounattar lived in a land they called ‘Eden’. It was a lush land of endless abundance. The Lounattar lived freely in this paradise for many years, until the Alaz’varkutez ‘broke’ the world. The bountiful fruit of Eden turned to ashes, and the land of abundance became one of famine. Thus ended the first chapter of the Lounattar.
The Lounattar learned to live off of the beasts of Eden, and guided them away from their deadly home north, towards greener pastures. The journey was long and arduous, but as the Lounattar say: “the hottest fires forge the truest steel”. Much like Shepherds guiding their flock, wise elders guided the Lounattar toward virtue and strength. But as the Lounattar marched further north, little did they know they marched towards their doom. The cruel taskmasters of Muha enslaved the Lounattar with sword and sorcery. And thus ended the second chapter of the Lounattar.
The Lounattar toiled for many years in mine, field, and home. For many years their minds were dulled by vile sorcery, but the spirit can never be broken. Abraham, a house slave to one of the ancient Magi of Muha, learned much in secret. Possessed by divine power and arcane knowledge, Abraham led his people to freedom. And so the Lounattar began an orgy of death and destruction upon the Muha, as was ordained by heaven. Once divine justice had been satisfied, the Prophet Abraham led his people east. And thus ended the third chapter of the Lounattar.
Second Age 0-324: Dawn of the First High Kingdom
For seven years, the Lounattar journeyed eastward across land and sea to their chosen land. Ordained by heaven, they cleansed the lands they traveled of demons and worldbreakers, and found their home upon the isle of a great lake. This would be their Sanctum. Here is where the fourth chapter of the Lounattar would begin.
Abraham, the Great Prophet, Possessed by Heaven, Breaker of Chains, Shepherd of the Lounattar, was crowned the First High King of the Kingdom that is Most High in the seventh year of the second age. Abraham knew the destiny of the Lounattar was to remake the world into a divine paradise, a New Eden. And so Abraham took many steps to ensure destiny would come to pass. Abraham had a vision of a god, a true god that could reforge the world. And he knew what must be done.
He forged a great crown of pure gold to hold the souls of the High Kings, for a god is forged from the souls of mortals. Souls intertwined with the same virtue and divine destiny, he reasoned, would form the god who would remake the world and deliver the Lounattar from evil. After many years, Abraham passed peacefully in his sleep, and his son Herod would take reins of the Kingdom.
Herod the Conqueror ascended to the throne in the year 28 of the Second Age. Guided by his father’s wisdom, Herod ruled the isle of Sanctum for many years. Until one day, an elven warlord by the name of Shavanna raided Sanctum with a mighty host to avenge her sons and daughters. Guided by destiny, Herod defeated the elves, and cleansed the Longshore of elven filth.
The eastern mountains were always a wild land of half-giants and beastmen, but it was of little concern to the Kingdom that was Most High. This was until the Perkoni were driven out of their homes by the elves, and migrated west. Many times the Perkoni tried to settle on the Longshore, and many times they were driven back by the Lounattar. The Perkoni would eventually settle further west, and thus they and the Lounattar would remain at peace for many years.
Saul the Smith ascended to the throne in the year 222 of the Second Age. A great giant named the Bonebreaker ransacked the town of Neneveh. Few were spared from the giant’s wrath. The town elders made their plea to the High King, and so Saul sent forth his soldiers to slay the Bonebreaker. But the giant’s skin was made of stone, and the swords of his soldiers shattered before the giant’s hide. And so Saul forged mighty swords from the core of a fallen star, embuing the swords with divine power. These “Seven Swords of Saul” were given to his seven sons. The swords cut through the stone hide of the Bonebreaker like butter, and they shone with the brilliance of heaven.
The sons of Saul set forth into the wild lands of the Lakeshore, and drove out the demons and monsters of the land. They made their own fortresses, and swore eternal fealty to their father. When Saul passed, his first son Joshua IV ascended to the throne. Joshua’s brothers had thought themselves his equals, rather than his servants and so declared their own petty Kingdoms.
Second Age 324-500: The Age of Strife
Many years had passed since the Perkoni first migrated west, and both nations had grown in their own way. The High Kingdom had expanded beyond the great lake Nakum, and the Perkoni had expanded far beyond the forks of the western rivers. The Ruhsoi, master of horses, ascended to prominence among the Perkoni, and rode east for new pastures.
The neighboring Kingdom of Westfields had grown decadent and weak from their wealth, and so fell to the Ruhsoi of the west. The High King rallied his armies, and marched west to deal with the beastmen. For many years the Lounattar and the Ruhsoi struggled over these lands, until events to the east drew the Lounattar’s attention. The High King Joshua IV vowed the Lounattar would return to reclaim their rightful lands.
The Guldani, manipulated by a vile elf Elenar Helioseniar. He remembered when the Lounattar were nought but slaves, and so underestimated the Lounattar. The general sent his Guldani clients into the mountain passes unprepared for the fury of Lounattar. The half-giants smashed into the mountain-fortresses of the Lounattar, and limped home beaten before Elenar. Humiliated, Elenar returned his attention to the Guldani.
Beaten down by the half-giants, the High King returned his attention to the west, to the Ruhsoi. They had regained their strength, but the High King was full of prideful arrogance due to his victory in the east. He returned to reclaim Westfield, but his army was broken at the ‘Battle of Stony Brook’. One of the Swords of Saul was even lost to the Ruhsoi, the First Sword to be lost in battle. High King Joshua died from his wounds shortly after the battle, and the Westfield was lost to the Perkones.
A child High King posed an interesting question for the Kingdom that is Most High. Who is to guide the realm? Should it be the High Church, for they are well versed in the way of the divine? Should it be the men of noble blood, who rule the great castles of Lakeshore? Or should it be the Crown itself, embued with the wisdom of a people, despite the child who wears it? The child-king would at times seem possessed by the will of his ancestors, speaking in the tongue of ancient men. The sign from heaven was clear, and so the men of the court yielded to the Crown.
Second Age 501-988: Machinations of the High Kings
As the Age of Strife faded into memory, the machinations of the High Kings continued ever onward. One by one, the neighboring Kingdoms of Man fell to the High Kingdom. Not by sword, but rather by marriage and subterfuge. The High Kings begin the year 988 doing what they always do, endlessly plotting. Perhaps these centuries old schemes will bear fruit? Perhaps not.
The Lounattar were one of the first victims of the Muha Empire, for their land once lush and green was turned into a hellish landscape of flame and ash by the last Archon’s vile machinations. They migrated north for reminders of how their lands used to be, rather than what they are. In their moment of weakness, they were enslaved by the Empire. For many years the Lounattar toiled in mine and field for cruel masters.
Until one day, the great prophet of the Lounattar broke their chains, and led them on a great exodus eastward. Upon the isle of a great lake, he would make the Sanctum of his people. Guided by divine vision, the prophet set the destiny of the Lounattar into motion. The Lounattar would labor forevermore to create a better world from the burnt ashes of the old.
For the first few hundred years of the Kingdom, the Lounattar would struggle against their neighbors, and the land itself. But then an era of peace dawned upon the Lounattar, but some may describe it as stagnation. The magic of the High Kings has its costs, leading them to be stubbornly stuck in their ways. The High Kings have prioritized the completion of their divine mission over earthly glory, and so their centuries old schemes continue for generations...
First Age: Slavery, then Exodus
Long ago, during the Dawn of the First Age the Lounattar lived in a land they called ‘Eden’. It was a lush land of endless abundance. The Lounattar lived freely in this paradise for many years, until the Alaz’varkutez ‘broke’ the world. The bountiful fruit of Eden turned to ashes, and the land of abundance became one of famine. Thus ended the first chapter of the Lounattar.
The Lounattar learned to live off of the beasts of Eden, and guided them away from their deadly home north, towards greener pastures. The journey was long and arduous, but as the Lounattar say: “the hottest fires forge the truest steel”. Much like Shepherds guiding their flock, wise elders guided the Lounattar toward virtue and strength. But as the Lounattar marched further north, little did they know they marched towards their doom. The cruel taskmasters of Muha enslaved the Lounattar with sword and sorcery. And thus ended the second chapter of the Lounattar.
The Lounattar toiled for many years in mine, field, and home. For many years their minds were dulled by vile sorcery, but the spirit can never be broken. Abraham, a house slave to one of the ancient Magi of Muha, learned much in secret. Possessed by divine power and arcane knowledge, Abraham led his people to freedom. And so the Lounattar began an orgy of death and destruction upon the Muha, as was ordained by heaven. Once divine justice had been satisfied, the Prophet Abraham led his people east. And thus ended the third chapter of the Lounattar.
Second Age 0-324: Dawn of the First High Kingdom
For seven years, the Lounattar journeyed eastward across land and sea to their chosen land. Ordained by heaven, they cleansed the lands they traveled of demons and worldbreakers, and found their home upon the isle of a great lake. This would be their Sanctum. Here is where the fourth chapter of the Lounattar would begin.
Abraham, the Great Prophet, Possessed by Heaven, Breaker of Chains, Shepherd of the Lounattar, was crowned the First High King of the Kingdom that is Most High in the seventh year of the second age. Abraham knew the destiny of the Lounattar was to remake the world into a divine paradise, a New Eden. And so Abraham took many steps to ensure destiny would come to pass. Abraham had a vision of a god, a true god that could reforge the world. And he knew what must be done.
He forged a great crown of pure gold to hold the souls of the High Kings, for a god is forged from the souls of mortals. Souls intertwined with the same virtue and divine destiny, he reasoned, would form the god who would remake the world and deliver the Lounattar from evil. After many years, Abraham passed peacefully in his sleep, and his son Herod would take reins of the Kingdom.
Herod the Conqueror ascended to the throne in the year 28 of the Second Age. Guided by his father’s wisdom, Herod ruled the isle of Sanctum for many years. Until one day, an elven warlord by the name of Shavanna raided Sanctum with a mighty host to avenge her sons and daughters. Guided by destiny, Herod defeated the elves, and cleansed the Longshore of elven filth.
The eastern mountains were always a wild land of half-giants and beastmen, but it was of little concern to the Kingdom that was Most High. This was until the Perkoni were driven out of their homes by the elves, and migrated west. Many times the Perkoni tried to settle on the Longshore, and many times they were driven back by the Lounattar. The Perkoni would eventually settle further west, and thus they and the Lounattar would remain at peace for many years.
Saul the Smith ascended to the throne in the year 222 of the Second Age. A great giant named the Bonebreaker ransacked the town of Neneveh. Few were spared from the giant’s wrath. The town elders made their plea to the High King, and so Saul sent forth his soldiers to slay the Bonebreaker. But the giant’s skin was made of stone, and the swords of his soldiers shattered before the giant’s hide. And so Saul forged mighty swords from the core of a fallen star, embuing the swords with divine power. These “Seven Swords of Saul” were given to his seven sons. The swords cut through the stone hide of the Bonebreaker like butter, and they shone with the brilliance of heaven.
The sons of Saul set forth into the wild lands of the Lakeshore, and drove out the demons and monsters of the land. They made their own fortresses, and swore eternal fealty to their father. When Saul passed, his first son Joshua IV ascended to the throne. Joshua’s brothers had thought themselves his equals, rather than his servants and so declared their own petty Kingdoms.
Second Age 324-500: The Age of Strife
Many years had passed since the Perkoni first migrated west, and both nations had grown in their own way. The High Kingdom had expanded beyond the great lake Nakum, and the Perkoni had expanded far beyond the forks of the western rivers. The Ruhsoi, master of horses, ascended to prominence among the Perkoni, and rode east for new pastures.
The neighboring Kingdom of Westfields had grown decadent and weak from their wealth, and so fell to the Ruhsoi of the west. The High King rallied his armies, and marched west to deal with the beastmen. For many years the Lounattar and the Ruhsoi struggled over these lands, until events to the east drew the Lounattar’s attention. The High King Joshua IV vowed the Lounattar would return to reclaim their rightful lands.
The Guldani, manipulated by a vile elf Elenar Helioseniar. He remembered when the Lounattar were nought but slaves, and so underestimated the Lounattar. The general sent his Guldani clients into the mountain passes unprepared for the fury of Lounattar. The half-giants smashed into the mountain-fortresses of the Lounattar, and limped home beaten before Elenar. Humiliated, Elenar returned his attention to the Guldani.
Beaten down by the half-giants, the High King returned his attention to the west, to the Ruhsoi. They had regained their strength, but the High King was full of prideful arrogance due to his victory in the east. He returned to reclaim Westfield, but his army was broken at the ‘Battle of Stony Brook’. One of the Swords of Saul was even lost to the Ruhsoi, the First Sword to be lost in battle. High King Joshua died from his wounds shortly after the battle, and the Westfield was lost to the Perkones.
A child High King posed an interesting question for the Kingdom that is Most High. Who is to guide the realm? Should it be the High Church, for they are well versed in the way of the divine? Should it be the men of noble blood, who rule the great castles of Lakeshore? Or should it be the Crown itself, embued with the wisdom of a people, despite the child who wears it? The child-king would at times seem possessed by the will of his ancestors, speaking in the tongue of ancient men. The sign from heaven was clear, and so the men of the court yielded to the Crown.
Second Age 501-988: Machinations of the High Kings
As the Age of Strife faded into memory, the machinations of the High Kings continued ever onward. One by one, the neighboring Kingdoms of Man fell to the High Kingdom. Not by sword, but rather by marriage and subterfuge. The High Kings begin the year 988 doing what they always do, endlessly plotting. Perhaps these centuries old schemes will bear fruit? Perhaps not.
Summary:
The Lounattar hail from the deserts far to the south, but have migrated to greener pastures. In the past they depended greatly on their clans in the desert, leading to an insular collectivist culture. The Lounattar believe that the safety and security of their society is dependent on upholding their traditions, and thus they enforce their cultural traditions rigorously, and those who break from the norm are treated harshly.
The Lounattar hail from the deserts far to the south, but have migrated to greener pastures. In the past they depended greatly on their clans in the desert, leading to an insular collectivist culture. The Lounattar believe that the safety and security of their society is dependent on upholding their traditions, and thus they enforce their cultural traditions rigorously, and those who break from the norm are treated harshly.
Summary:
The Lounattar have a mix between a tribal military organization, and a professional army. While each village has its own militia led by elders, the King has his own army drawn from men of the city and zealots. The equipment of the militias is poor as they are self equipped, but no expense is spared for the army of the High King. While the bulk of the army are these tribal militias, the professional army is truly a force to be reckoned with.
The Lounattar have a mix between a tribal military organization, and a professional army. While each village has its own militia led by elders, the King has his own army drawn from men of the city and zealots. The equipment of the militias is poor as they are self equipped, but no expense is spared for the army of the High King. While the bulk of the army are these tribal militias, the professional army is truly a force to be reckoned with.
Summary:
The Lounattar believe in the absolute divine authority of the High King. They also believe in the divine authority of local lords, who are also descended from the blood of the High Kings. This creates some amount of tension, but in most cases these fault lines are not tested as the High King only enforces complete, and absolute religious authority. This authority is rarely tested by the secular lords, but when it is the rebellion is put down brutally. Otherwise, the High Kings prefer to rule with a ‘light touch’ as far as their vassals are concerned.
The Lounattar believe in the absolute divine authority of the High King. They also believe in the divine authority of local lords, who are also descended from the blood of the High Kings. This creates some amount of tension, but in most cases these fault lines are not tested as the High King only enforces complete, and absolute religious authority. This authority is rarely tested by the secular lords, but when it is the rebellion is put down brutally. Otherwise, the High Kings prefer to rule with a ‘light touch’ as far as their vassals are concerned.
Summary:
The roots of Lounattar belief begin with ancestor veneration. They believe that ancestors guide them through everyday life. This belief filters all the way to the top, to the High King himself. However in his case, the guidance is quite literal. The High King wears the ‘Crown of Thorns’, which is infused with the souls of all his predecessors. The voices of past kings guide the High King, and so he is most fit to rule the Lounattar, and guide them. This is how the High Church began, but as time went on, their beliefs evolved.
The second part of Lounattar belief is that the world is filled with suffering. Disease, cruelty, famine, they are all evidence of this fact. According to the Lounattar, the material world is evil. This has several implications for the Lounattar, but the most important is that the world must be destroyed and replaced with divine paradise.
How this is to be done brings us to the third part of Lounattar belief. They believe that god will appear through their King in the “hour of the great ending”, and thus they must all give their lives to join with their High King, and remake the material world into heaven. Foriegn scholars debate whether this can actually be done. Many also debate whether it would be more horrific for the Lounattar to fail, or to actually succeed.
The roots of Lounattar belief begin with ancestor veneration. They believe that ancestors guide them through everyday life. This belief filters all the way to the top, to the High King himself. However in his case, the guidance is quite literal. The High King wears the ‘Crown of Thorns’, which is infused with the souls of all his predecessors. The voices of past kings guide the High King, and so he is most fit to rule the Lounattar, and guide them. This is how the High Church began, but as time went on, their beliefs evolved.
The second part of Lounattar belief is that the world is filled with suffering. Disease, cruelty, famine, they are all evidence of this fact. According to the Lounattar, the material world is evil. This has several implications for the Lounattar, but the most important is that the world must be destroyed and replaced with divine paradise.
How this is to be done brings us to the third part of Lounattar belief. They believe that god will appear through their King in the “hour of the great ending”, and thus they must all give their lives to join with their High King, and remake the material world into heaven. Foriegn scholars debate whether this can actually be done. Many also debate whether it would be more horrific for the Lounattar to fail, or to actually succeed.
Summary:
The Kingdom of El’Akim has a pre industrial economy. It has a large amount of peasant farmers, a few towns, and a significant minority of sheep-herders. Large navigable rivers and a large lake make travel easier, and thus trade with the nearby Guldani much to the chagrin of more conservative village elders. The cities are moderately wealthy, supporting a fair amount of artisans. While food and artisanal goods are plentiful within the kingdom, metals are scarce, and thus El’Akim is forced to trade with its neighbors for it. Most villages operate under an informal economy based on mutual trust. Villages will usually accept metal coinage from outsiders, but not always.
The city operates on a palatial economy, where the King and his functionaries plan the economy. Resources are stockpiled within the palace itself, and are distributed among the artisans and craftsmen as the King sees fit.
The Kingdom of El’Akim has a pre industrial economy. It has a large amount of peasant farmers, a few towns, and a significant minority of sheep-herders. Large navigable rivers and a large lake make travel easier, and thus trade with the nearby Guldani much to the chagrin of more conservative village elders. The cities are moderately wealthy, supporting a fair amount of artisans. While food and artisanal goods are plentiful within the kingdom, metals are scarce, and thus El’Akim is forced to trade with its neighbors for it. Most villages operate under an informal economy based on mutual trust. Villages will usually accept metal coinage from outsiders, but not always.
The city operates on a palatial economy, where the King and his functionaries plan the economy. Resources are stockpiled within the palace itself, and are distributed among the artisans and craftsmen as the King sees fit.
Sanctum:
Even when all seemed lost for the Lounattar, their nigh impregnable Sanctum lived on. While the pious Lounattar will ascribe this success to the righteousness of their divine mission, more cynical observers note that the isle is protected by the lake and high sorcery.
This area serves as the center of both secular and divine power of the Kingdom, and thus is home to the capital of El’Nakum. The people of the isle are often known as ‘Islanders’ to the rest of the Kingdom. Sanctum is the most urban and developed of all of El’Akim’s territories, with no wild land on the entire island. The island is covered with farmland and El’Nakum.
Due to the small and isolated nature of the isle, monsters have been almost entirely eradicated here.
Longshore:
Longshore serves as the core territory of the Lounattar, and those who inhabit it are known as ‘Shoremen’. Longshore is dotted with several farms off of the lake, with several small villages surrounding the lake, and large fortress-cities on the mouths of rivers. While Longshore isn’t as safe as Sanctum, it remains one of the safest places in the Kingdom from monsters.
Eastmarch:
Eastmarch is a buffer zone between El’Akim and the expansionist Goldrani Empire. It provides some metals and goods to El’Akim, but it’s primary purpose is to protect Longshore from potential giant raids. Eastmarch is under frequent threat from giants and goliaths. Eastmarch is home to the ‘Marchers’, who unlike many of the Lounattar, get by through herding sheep and goats in the hilly terrain.
Eastmarch contains several fortresses economically supported by Longshore, and a few fortresses are in mountain passes.
Southriver:
Southriver contains a river important for trade with the Goldrani Empire, and also a fertile valley. Southriver is one of the more diverse regions of El’Akim, holding Goliaths, ‘Rivermen’, and ‘Marchers’ alike. Southriver also serves the purpose of being a buffer territory against the Goldrani Empire.
Westriver:
Westriver contains a river important for trade with the Holy Empire, and other elven successor states. Westriver has a sizable goblin minority, as well as the few elves still stubborn enough to live in El’Akim. Westriver also serves the purpose of being a buffer territory against the elves to the west.
Cedarwood:
Cedarwood has a few important rivers, but also the most expansive forest in the Kingdom. Cedarwood is almost as dangerous as the Eastmarch, but the Kingdom holds onto the territory for its precious lumber, and its precious buffer zone between it and the north & the Goldrani Empire.
Even when all seemed lost for the Lounattar, their nigh impregnable Sanctum lived on. While the pious Lounattar will ascribe this success to the righteousness of their divine mission, more cynical observers note that the isle is protected by the lake and high sorcery.
This area serves as the center of both secular and divine power of the Kingdom, and thus is home to the capital of El’Nakum. The people of the isle are often known as ‘Islanders’ to the rest of the Kingdom. Sanctum is the most urban and developed of all of El’Akim’s territories, with no wild land on the entire island. The island is covered with farmland and El’Nakum.
Due to the small and isolated nature of the isle, monsters have been almost entirely eradicated here.
Longshore:
Longshore serves as the core territory of the Lounattar, and those who inhabit it are known as ‘Shoremen’. Longshore is dotted with several farms off of the lake, with several small villages surrounding the lake, and large fortress-cities on the mouths of rivers. While Longshore isn’t as safe as Sanctum, it remains one of the safest places in the Kingdom from monsters.
Eastmarch:
Eastmarch is a buffer zone between El’Akim and the expansionist Goldrani Empire. It provides some metals and goods to El’Akim, but it’s primary purpose is to protect Longshore from potential giant raids. Eastmarch is under frequent threat from giants and goliaths. Eastmarch is home to the ‘Marchers’, who unlike many of the Lounattar, get by through herding sheep and goats in the hilly terrain.
Eastmarch contains several fortresses economically supported by Longshore, and a few fortresses are in mountain passes.
Southriver:
Southriver contains a river important for trade with the Goldrani Empire, and also a fertile valley. Southriver is one of the more diverse regions of El’Akim, holding Goliaths, ‘Rivermen’, and ‘Marchers’ alike. Southriver also serves the purpose of being a buffer territory against the Goldrani Empire.
Westriver:
Westriver contains a river important for trade with the Holy Empire, and other elven successor states. Westriver has a sizable goblin minority, as well as the few elves still stubborn enough to live in El’Akim. Westriver also serves the purpose of being a buffer territory against the elves to the west.
Cedarwood:
Cedarwood has a few important rivers, but also the most expansive forest in the Kingdom. Cedarwood is almost as dangerous as the Eastmarch, but the Kingdom holds onto the territory for its precious lumber, and its precious buffer zone between it and the north & the Goldrani Empire.
The High Church:
The High Church is the hierarchical organization that directs the worship of the High King, the ancestors, and all of the Lounattar. It’s influence is strongest in the city, but is not unfelt in the countryside. Headed by the High King himself, the High Church is working most actively to fulfill the prophecy of the “hour of great ending”. The High Church also manages the palatial economy of the city, and thus also serves as an army of bureaucrats.The High Church is a large organization, but is wildly effective for its size due to careful management. The High Church is greatly supportive of efforts to centralize the state.
Swords of Heaven:
The Swords of Heaven are an order of warriors hand picked by the High King, and are sworn to his service. They serve as bodyguards, secret police, and elite shock troops. When a village falls to heresy, the Swords of Heaven are usually the first sent in to root it out. The Swords of Heaven are unpredictable fanatics, and while that can be useful for the High King, sometimes it causes problems.
Elder Councils:
The Elder Councils serve as the local administrators of villages. While they are usually in agreement with the High King and the central authorities, this isn’t always the case. The Elder Councils usually oppose new taxes and reforms to centralize the state. Unlike some other factions of the ruling class, the Elder Councils aren’t handpicked by the King, but rather select their own members.
Noble Houses:
The Nobles of El’Akim are directly related to some High King or another, and are the local administrators of great fortresses that dot the countryside. They are generally opposed to Elder Councils, and attempts to centralize the state. They are the aristocracy, and often have feuds with other noble houses in the High Kingdom.
The Court:
The ‘Court’ is filled with nobles that can trace their bloodline to some king or knight. The nobility has a good amount of magi, as many trace their bloodline to the King. While there are only so many magi at once, this makes the Court a faction to be reckoned with.
Cult of the Shining Path:
More or less, missionaries that attempt to convert those of other Kingdoms to the beliefs of the Lounattar. Is not above being underhanded in their methods, and thus serves as a pretty good espionage network as well as missionaries.
The High Church is the hierarchical organization that directs the worship of the High King, the ancestors, and all of the Lounattar. It’s influence is strongest in the city, but is not unfelt in the countryside. Headed by the High King himself, the High Church is working most actively to fulfill the prophecy of the “hour of great ending”. The High Church also manages the palatial economy of the city, and thus also serves as an army of bureaucrats.The High Church is a large organization, but is wildly effective for its size due to careful management. The High Church is greatly supportive of efforts to centralize the state.
Swords of Heaven:
The Swords of Heaven are an order of warriors hand picked by the High King, and are sworn to his service. They serve as bodyguards, secret police, and elite shock troops. When a village falls to heresy, the Swords of Heaven are usually the first sent in to root it out. The Swords of Heaven are unpredictable fanatics, and while that can be useful for the High King, sometimes it causes problems.
Elder Councils:
The Elder Councils serve as the local administrators of villages. While they are usually in agreement with the High King and the central authorities, this isn’t always the case. The Elder Councils usually oppose new taxes and reforms to centralize the state. Unlike some other factions of the ruling class, the Elder Councils aren’t handpicked by the King, but rather select their own members.
Noble Houses:
The Nobles of El’Akim are directly related to some High King or another, and are the local administrators of great fortresses that dot the countryside. They are generally opposed to Elder Councils, and attempts to centralize the state. They are the aristocracy, and often have feuds with other noble houses in the High Kingdom.
The Court:
The ‘Court’ is filled with nobles that can trace their bloodline to some king or knight. The nobility has a good amount of magi, as many trace their bloodline to the King. While there are only so many magi at once, this makes the Court a faction to be reckoned with.
Cult of the Shining Path:
More or less, missionaries that attempt to convert those of other Kingdoms to the beliefs of the Lounattar. Is not above being underhanded in their methods, and thus serves as a pretty good espionage network as well as missionaries.
Abraham, the Great Prophet
First of the High Kings, the founder of the nation. Began his life as a house-slave to a Magi of Muha, he escaped his bondage and freed his people. He is the loudest voice within the High Crown to accomplish the divine plan of the Lounattar.
Herod I, the Warrior
Second of the High Kings, Herod defended El'Akim from the elves who sought to enslave the Lounattar once more. Usually presses the High Kings for more 'direct' means of accomplishing their goals.
Saul I, the Smith
One of the first High Kings, Saul is the origin point of many nobles' ancestry, for he had many sons. Saul also created several enchanted blades, sharpened by divine power. Under his tenure, the Lakeshore was conquered by the nobles.
Joshua IV, the Knight
One of the High Kings born in the middle of El'Akim's history, Joshua fought many wars. He fought against the Guldani, the Perkones, and occasionally his own subjects. His results were somewhat mixed.
First of the High Kings, the founder of the nation. Began his life as a house-slave to a Magi of Muha, he escaped his bondage and freed his people. He is the loudest voice within the High Crown to accomplish the divine plan of the Lounattar.
Herod I, the Warrior
Second of the High Kings, Herod defended El'Akim from the elves who sought to enslave the Lounattar once more. Usually presses the High Kings for more 'direct' means of accomplishing their goals.
Saul I, the Smith
One of the first High Kings, Saul is the origin point of many nobles' ancestry, for he had many sons. Saul also created several enchanted blades, sharpened by divine power. Under his tenure, the Lakeshore was conquered by the nobles.
Joshua IV, the Knight
One of the High Kings born in the middle of El'Akim's history, Joshua fought many wars. He fought against the Guldani, the Perkones, and occasionally his own subjects. His results were somewhat mixed.
