Milagon
Milagon is a large country in occupying the west of the continent of Aguna. It's capital is Paragan. It is best known for its achievements in painting, architecture, sculpture, literature, music, philosophy, science and technology, and exploration. As a region, is also has several areas with close overlapping with other planes, such as the Feywild, Abyss and possibly others. Some claim that ideas leaking from these planes could be the source of much of the inspiration that Milagon prides itself on.
Encounters with the Thanes of Order
Whilst the Thanes have been in Milagon, the Obliviati, utilising a significant history in the region and anti-persecution laws, have cemented their position. Attempts to construct a large, mechanical weapon using the technology of Sinan Thune were successfully thwarted by the Thanes. However, the wider machinations of Clavius Interitus were successful in opening a portal to the Abyss, releasing demonic chaos into Milagon. The impacts of this are significant and have lead to an attempt to evacuate Paragan. This is further complicated by an Armada sent to invade Ebrion following the assassination of Queen Loriana Guarnierni.Etymology
"Milagon" is derived from the ancient Milagia, a term coined by the early settlers of the region. The word "Milagia" is a combination of two words: "Millia" and "Lacus." "Mille" is an archaic term in the local language that means "thousand," while "Lacus" translates to "lakes" or "waters." The earliest settlers, travelling west from Alagria following the expulsion of the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Ahkret, settled in the secure region surrounded by the Circauri Mountains, modern Gran Lago. Following the loss of the First Sea, they perceived the waters as a miracle due to the arid landscapes they had so far encountered. Thus, they named the land "Mille Lacus" or "Land of a Thousand Waters." Over time, as the region grew and evolved into a prosperous empire, the name underwent phonetic changes, becoming "Milago" and eventually transformed into "Milagon."Structure
Milagon is divided into a number of regions represented on the Argent Council, reporting to the King.
Albitan
Casillero
Gran Lago
Bosco
Gran Paragan
Costa Nera
Tal'Anar
Casillero
Gran Lago
Bosco
Gran Paragan
Costa Nera
Tal'Anar
Culture
The climate of Milagon ranges from dry summer climate (with mild, wet winters) in the south, oceanic in the north and semi-arid in the east, along the border with Alagria.
It is a highly Lawful culture, with many rules of society, chivalry and order. This perhaps developed during their years as a nomadic nation in the deserts of Alagria before settling, where scarce resources required strict discipline.
Despite this, it is also a highly creative culture and seen as a centre of art, cuisine and increasingly, science. The round-arched architecture has allowed impressive buildings created, often separated by large public plazas. In the major cities and towns, the wealthy often patronise artists, builders and artificers to create large architectural edifices and statuary to display their status, none more so than Paragan. However, life outside the cities, like many other places, has many poor communities reliant on agriculture.
Despite this, it is also a highly creative culture and seen as a centre of art, cuisine and increasingly, science. The round-arched architecture has allowed impressive buildings created, often separated by large public plazas. In the major cities and towns, the wealthy often patronise artists, builders and artificers to create large architectural edifices and statuary to display their status, none more so than Paragan. However, life outside the cities, like many other places, has many poor communities reliant on agriculture.
Public Agenda
Milagon has long viewed itself as Ara's shining beacon of enlightenment and order. It aims to cement this position through soft and hard power. It's mercantile efforts and exports have placed it in a position of wealth. It also undertakes significant 'sub-rosa' activities through spies and influence.
Milagon's historical territories have grown and shrunk across time. The amount of Alagrian land held by Milagon waxes and wanes in fairly frequent warfare, which often makes use of mercenary forces. Milagon also 'discovered' the Spice Islands, and still claims influence in some, though in reality they are largely self-governing.
Milagon also once held the island of Ebrion as a part of its empire. Current cultural views of this vary, as to whether it should still be owned by the kingdom, or viewed as related friends.
This issue has been forced by the recent invasion of Ebrion by Duke Hierro Ortiz.
Assets
Milagon possesses significant assets. It is a huge agricultural powerhouse exporting citrus, olives and oils, wines, grains.
Other significant assets are cultural, exporting both artistic and scientific endeavours.
However, their history as a naval nation that cemented their power, as a mercantile and trade nation.
History
Milagon was first founded in the fertile lakes and hills of modern Gran Lago, nestled in a region afforded the natural protections of the Circauri Mountains.
The first settlers had travelled from across the Bahalrama Desert following the expulsion of the Middle Kingdom of Ahkret. Having spent years as a nomadic culture, hauling their few remaining treasures in great wagons, they saw the fertile watery lands as a gift from Brigantia, naming the great river to the south after her.
The first major city was Valeria. This capital was founded and named for the legendary leader that had brought the refugee nation to this land, Valerius Aurelius. This settlement remained agrarial and largely insular for several thousand years, few knowing of the few important Akhretian treasures it held. Following the sealing of the sky thrones, the culture rapidly expanded, first south to the Gran Paragan region to secure trade routes to Valeria, and then outwards to largely its current borders.
Following the Catastrophe of Mitzu, the region housed many Mitzui refugees. This provided a shot in the arm to the Valerian Empire providing both a power vacuum in Ara and an influx of knowledge, skills and talent. The Empire expanded north to Ebrion and west of the mountains into Alagria. They even attempted to make a claim to the remnant islands of Mitzu, too, however this was quickly ended by their Emperor Tshanhona.
All empires decay, and the Valerian Empire was not immune. Ebrion and Alagrian territories fell away. Some time around 500AR, the Valerian Emperor named Paragan the capital of the Empire. A power struggle ensued, which ended with Amato I of house Mazzario naming himself King and founding the Kingdom of Milagon in 602AR.
Their proud history of conquest has long been in the minds of the Milagonians. This has lead to their strong naval and exploration culture as well as repeated wars with Ebrion and Alagria.
Demography and Population
Milagon has a population consisting of a large number of humans, along with halfings, some dwarves and dragonborn. Many pass through Milagon.
Elves also form a significant part of the Milagonian populace, though as is the wont of their kind, in a somewhat distanced manner. The major current populations are the Anoron'Quessir, the Sun Elves of Tal'Anar, and the Leith'Quessir, the forest elves.
For the most part, the Sun Elves are respected and left to their own devices, a vacant seat left on the Argent Council for them.
The Leith'Quessir are less fortunate. The somewhat perfidious nature of men has lead to the destruction of most of their ancestral homeland forests, leaving them to a nomadic, travelling lifestyle in caravans made from the wood of their dead forests. They are largely disliked and mistrusted by the general population.
Territories
The centre of Milagon consists of a circular enclave of mountains in the center of the country, surrounding a region of lakes, could be referred to as the "Circauri" Mountains. "Circauri" is a combination of "circa," which means "around" or "encircling," and "Auri," which translates to "gold", though this is more likely to refer to the legendary founder of the old capital Valeria, Valerius Aurelius.
The name reflects the unique geographical feature of the circular mountain range that encompasses the lakes, creating a distinct region within Milagon, known as Gran Lago.
To the south is Gran Paragan and the city of Paragan, which served as kingdom's major trade hub (until the events of 1534-5 and the actions of the Obliviati).
Travelling anti-clockwise around Gran Lago, there is the swampy Costa Nera, the Elven enclave of Tal'Anar, the wooded Bosco region and at the north the duchies of Casillero and Albitan.
Religion
Milagon is a pious region, but is also (publicly at least), tolerant of a wide range of belief systems. The capital, Paragan, has laws protecting religious tolerance.
As such, many deities are represented.
Foreign Relations
Milagon is currently at war with Ebrion. Following the assassination of the Queen by actors claiming Ebrionian loyalty, an Armada was formed by Duke Hierro. They quickly took much of South Ebrion, seemingly by surprise and are currently massing for an assault beyond the Belt Mountains.
Agriculture & Industry
Milagon has a temperate to Mediterranean climate, enabling a wide range of crops and produce. Most famous are oranges, olives, wheat, sheep and wine.
Maps
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Milagon, showing the Ducal regions
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Leader Title
Founders
Government System
Oligarchy
Currency
The Régal
Legislative Body
Milagon is a monarchy, but historically the true power has been wielded by the influential Argent Council, composed of the Dukes of Milagon's composite regions.
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Comments