The Courtlands
A Harsh Homeland
The Courtlands is the land under direct control of The Court of Eyes. The Courtlands and the Court of Eyes are both referred to as 'the Court', the meaning reliant on context. The modern Courtlands are a thriving, if somewhat dour land, eager to shed its reputation as the haven for the enemies of Arborea. Unlike the perfumed and self-important Owenas and the chaotic energy of the Yhagrex horde, the Court has slowly fostered an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit amongst its people, much to the concern of the Owenian garrison charged with monitoring the remnants of the Shadowfell in east-Court (see: Void Islands). As a result, the Court has taken on the role of a youthful yet wise nation whose rebellious spirit has been harnessed for the betterment of its people, now free from the wild excesses and unbridled ambition of past foolish leaders. Their fanaticism has been transformed into thoughtful introspection and patient cynicism, never more cutting than when aimed at themselves. Courtland residents are tough, hardy, yet surprisingly vulnerable when reminded of their hardships. Residents of the Court no-longer view 'shadow-touched' as the slur it once was. Most use it with a reformer's pride, proof of their ability to survive and thrive despite their harsh environment.Damaged Lands, Fighting Spirit
The Court of Eyes territory had been markedly altered by the Shadowfell's touch, which poured over the land like a corrupting molasses. Much of their land is covered in a perpetual dark tinge while the land requires significant magical care and attention to host edible crops and sustain animals. In east-Court, the land had crumbled and fallen partially into the swirling and endless Void Sea, creating islands of smooth, cracked glass, covered in unpredictable mists and darkness. Tales abound of horrendous creatures emerging to snatch travellers, with legions of ghostly Court troops marching in ceaseless patrols, dangerous manifestations of despondence and sorrow. Even the capital, Lolastre, remains a desolate, despondent city, dominated by architectural styles that do little to dispel the oppressive atmosphere. True to their newfound spirit, many Touched take a perverse pride in their broken lands they proudly display as they travel Arborea, seeking a reversal in fortune no matter the disdain still aimed their way. Despite their stark choice of buildings, the Court is a vibrant and diverse nation, attracting many from different races who always felt they were somehow different. Giants, fey, draconic, elemental, and even eladrin all call Lolastre home.Void Glass
Nothing speaks to the feisty merchantile nature of the Touched more than void glass, a potent and magically resilient substance harvested from the Void Islands, at great personal danger. The rush for void glass claims as many victims as builds successful merchants, with the lucrative industry proving a boon to the growing Court.t
"We was expecting a landscape of blasted glass with bowed people cowering under impossible storms, beggin' for their misdeeds to be forgiven but the poets have done us wrong again! Sure, it ain't dripping in greenery, and their bellies are sparse and thin most of the time, but you'd be surprised how chipper and peaked them in the Court live. Aye, they're built of sarcasm and gallow's humour most fell-darked nights, but they enjoy a good gossip and ain't 'fraid of hard work. Them lookin' for skulkin' villians hiding behind cloaks and poisoned knives will be disappointed - they're a fine, if introspective, folk whose blood is fulla pride when prick'd." - Bogart Looms and Murderin' Tom, wandering dwarves
Type
Geopolitical, City-state
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