Nauthion: The Guardian Kingdom
In a land where day or night can vanish for months at a time, it is awe-inspiring to see such brave souls call it home. Nauthion's predecessor was the staging ground for the slaughter that Takira saw in the Long Night. The soil of the north is soaked with the blood of innocent and fiend alike and yet with all that death, people still returned to the land in its wake to rebuild. And as the Demons rise once more to threaten all of Acria, Nauthion and its people stand tall against the night and its terrors to safeguard the mortal realm. I can only hope that the unsung heroes are finally given their just due when all of this is over.
History
The history of Nauthion is forged in the final days of the Warring States period. The Cixan Empire, once a mighty holder of the north fell on hard times when several Orc tribes began a campaign of raiding and pillaging across the north. The capital, the jewel of the north was lost, as well as the northern half of Cixia. The Emperor and Empress were thought lost, leaving their son and Crown Prince, Majen, to lead the southern holds. He was able to stem the chaos with the help of influential figures such as Ragas and aid from the kingdom of Hanoc in exchange for aid in a war against Imuyueg.
However, that wouldn't help them worst came: the Demons. They had finally defeated the Devils and broken through the defense of the Nine Hells, invading Acria proper. Led by the Demon Princes, they ravaged the northern holdings and pushed deep into the south, causing chaos wherever they went. The Long Night had begun and it seemed like the end of days was close behind. But it never came as heroes were willing to hold the line.
In Undrek, or the Underdark as the surface dwellers call it, the same had happened and many denizens turned to the side of the Demons to aid them in their conquest. However, Dark Elves and Grey Dwarves turned against this chaotic evil that had infested Undrek and chose to fight against it instead, separating from their Drow and Duergar brethren. They fought not only in the depths but on the surface too, trying to hold the line as best they could. Aided by reinforcements from the south, they were able to fight back for 5 long centuries until finally, the combined forces of Takira marched north under the banner of the last Lions of Leowyn, the Heroes of the Tempest, and the King of Light, Rhenthir.
In the darkest hours, light finally broke through and the Demons were defeated and driven back into the Abyss with the Devils once again serving as guardians. However, there were still some forces left on the surface and with the continent healing, they knew they could not sustain another assault of that nature in a short time. So the Kingdom of Nauthion was formed under the banner of Narisa Yoren, a dark elf who led many of her former Undrek kin against the Demons. Nauthion was formed under her banner and even after her death, it still serves its purpose: To guard against the Demons and their ilk and to serve as a shield for Takira.
Demography and Population
1.3 million people call Nauthion their home but most of that population is found along the Nudh river or in the southern half. Dark Elf, Gray Dwarves, and Deep Gnomes reside in the land, many of them leaving Undrek to live on the surface. The Dark Elves were the original dwellers of the land, living as Snow Elves until an offshoot formed and the original Snow Elves went extinct during the Warring States period. Blood Hunters are also a common occurrence, hunting down demons or any monsters that invade from Dagdra.
Territories
Nauthion is divided between two provinces other than the capital province: Bedil Un in the south and Drydna in the north. Bedil Un is where those from Britvalia and the southern lands migrate to live or pass through. Bedil Un also serves as the seat of the southern Cixan holdings, its walls battered by attacks from Orcs and demons alike during the long night. If the north and Eithon were to fall, it would serve as the final bastion for all of Nauthion in the face of Dagdra.
Drydna serves as the first line of defense against Dagdra. The leader of the province was quick to move when the Northmen and Lupin lands were attacked, taking some of them under their banner. Many Blood Hunters flock to the region to fight against incursions in the heavily forested areas and adventurers who hope to gain some experience or gold.
Military
The majority of Nauthion military forces are based along the Nudh river since that is often the main avenue of attack. Patrols go into the forest and along the border but they mainly leave that to tribes and mercenaries that are willing to risk their safety in exchange for coin or renown.
Religion
The core religions in the region are the Court of Light and Darkness, the Stonekeepers, the Northmen/Giant pantheon, and the Lightbringer's faith. In a place where death can come at a moment's notice, many cling to their faith and hope for a better tomorrow. And those who hope know that it can't come unless they do something to help it. The only forbidden religions are those of the Demons and slowly the Devil faiths that have appeared are being pushed out due to mistrust in any fiend.
Foreign Relations
Britvalia and Nauthion are good friends from the past, many veterans of the Undrek conflicts going to Nauthion for "retirement". Britvalian veterans and Undrek escapees help to protect the region. Nauthion serves as a safeguard against Dagdran aggression and Britvalia serve as good references should the kingdom need it. Despite the Dwarves and Gnomes warring with the Drow and Duergar who succumbed to demonic influence, they are more than willing to fight alongside the guardians of Nauthion.
Ris and Nauthion have a dark history as the Cixan Empire and the Dragonlands were constantly in conflict with each other. It doesn't help that the Draconics of Ris don't trust the Northmen or former Undrek-dwellers who reside in the region. It's likely that once the Demon threat is ended, the two may come to blows with each other if peace can't be maintained.
For descendants of the Cixan Empire and people from Undrek alike, they are united in their hate of the Dagdrans. The Abyssal Princes ruined their lives and subject them to constant threat of invasion, death, and fill their lives with despair. But spite keeps Nauthions from falling to them, fighting tooth and nail to finally rid themselves of the Demonic threat. Maybe eventually, the demons will finally be defeated and the Nauthions look forward to razing that land when they do.
The Shield That Guards In The Night
Founding Date
1000 SF
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
The Kingdom of Nauthion
Demonym
Nauthion
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Copper, Silver, Gold
Executive Body
The Nauthion Monarchs
Neighboring Nations
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