Lithos
"The great mages of Lithos know everything, their culture is deeply rooted with the written history of the world and all that is in it."
Structure
Lithos is a historical land full of age old organizations and valued traditions, it is ruled over and administrated by nobles who draw their lineage back to the god kings of ages past. Sixteen royal houses compete for rule through political intrigue and sometimes outright warfare. These sixteen houses are watched over by an ancient order of sages known as the Sages of Verrid, who are also the clergy responsible for upholding the kingdom's core religion of Erudism.
Sages of Verrid - The ancient order of mages who operate the educational system which teaches young Lithosians about magic and how to utilize it. They were wiped out during the late Era of Dusk, but thanks to the work of many dedicated mages, historians, and scholars, their influence continues to keep hold over Lithos.
The Viridian Throne - The executive branch of Lithosian power, it has been the seat of conflict for many centuries, sometimes held by any one noble house for centuries at a time. The one who sits upon the throne is considered the high King which the other houses must adhere to. Some houses may challenge one another to rightful claim to the throne, while others depend on political subterfuge.
Culture
Lithos has always been a kingdom of nobles, commoners, and peasants who adhere to the traditions of Erudism and do their best to maintain peace and order between one another. Of course, from time to time, the ambitions of one royal house causes chaos and conflict; giving this empire a long and rich history.
Lithosians regularly practice magic and study it. The creation of art, poetry, literature is considered its own kind of magic, giving storytellers and artists a highly prized position in society. Many of them are employed by wealthy nobles while others struggle in the streets. Tapestries and heirlooms from historic times decorate the homes of common citizens; over the hearth may be someone's grandfathers magical sword or a magical orb may serve as a centerpiece on a table.
They see other peoples as ignorant of the finer aspects of the natural world, and have a disdain for their neighbors and their industrial engineering perspective on life. They are especially disdainful of the tokage to the south who regularly kidnap and sell unfortunate Lithosians into slavery.
Public Agenda
Lithos is guided by the ambitions of whoever sits upon the Viridian Throne, said to have been created by God Queen Verrid herself when she usurped God Queen Morrigan from her evil rule over the land.
Each Noble House of the Lithosians pursue different ambitions, and so the goals of Lithos has changed from generation to generation. As of the Era of Twilight, the noble House Debtter has hold of the throne through diplomatic relationships with its neighboring empire of Aristolia
History
In the wake of the The Sundering, the Kingdom of the First Men fell into chaos and disarray, shattering along with the landscape. The followers of God Queen Verrid and God Queen Morrigan would retain some knowledge through the collection of ancient tomes found amongst the ruins. Several powerful families related to the god-kings would maintain power through the use of ancient magics, they would go on to form the early kingdoms of Erruditia, Litthos, Sengokka, Arrbora, and Ommyojo.
Thanks to the influence of the Sages of Verrid , an ancient order of powerful sages established by God-Queen Verrid, the practice and application of magic was preserved. They would keep the sixteen noble houses in check from their seat of power in Erruditia, caring only about maintaining and passing down the faith of Erudism through the generations.
There are many tales and stories of the countless battles and conflicts between the different kingdoms throughout the history of the Era of Dusk. Noble kings, ambitious opportunists, and subtle advisors litter the pages of Lithosian history; depending on where you are in Lithos, these stories tell different perspectives from many angles, any of which can be found in a Lithosian library willing to share a copy of the book that holds it.
Over time, the kingdom of Litthos would rise to supremacy through outright conquest, becoming increasingly more and more violent as its rival Empire of Blackhearth began to accumulate power and influence. Erruditia would do their best to stop the bloody conflict, but the ruthlessness of General Marrkar Grimmwood Commondos proved to be overwhelming as he took his battle tactics to levels never before seen by man. With the conquest of Erruditia and the elimination of the Sages of Verrid, the conquered kingdoms of Litthos would gradually take on a unified identity of Lithos.
During the War of the Vigil's Tower, Lithos began to cross over the eastern mountain ranges and sieged and took control of the city of Redrook with the help of the king's right hand man and traitor, from which the city bears its name. The original name has been lost to time, a plaque bearing its name hangs over the southern gates, but the stone has been smashed and vandalized beyond recognition. The Vigil's Tower and the associated Warding Towers were built to maintain a strong defensive grip over the region.
The diplomatic kingdom of Hadanguard would retake the city several decades later, mandating a peace treaty between the Empire of Blackhearth and Lithos which would lead to the founding of Aristolia and the radical changes to Lithosian societal order after a failed retaliation rebellion placed a puppet noble leader on the throne.
Since then, the Lithosian nobility has dwindled and several of the ancient noble houses has fallen to the sands of time. Noble houses cut backalley deals with Aristolian merchants and maintain a corrupt and semi-benevolent control over the common people of Lithos, who do their best to go about their ordinary lives without causing too much trouble.
Demography and Population
Historically Lithos has been very wary of outside cultures, looking down on outsiders who lack the mental acuity to understand their traditions, however as of the Era of Twilight, travelers and outsiders from different lands walk through their streets, much to the chagrin of more conservative figures.
Primarily Lithos is made up of Humans from the following ethnicities:
Litthosian - 35%
Arrborian - 21%
Senggokan - 20%
Other assorted races - 11%
Erruditian - 7%
Ommyojan - 3%
Territories
Lithos makes up the western shores of Ardras with grasslands and forests which see a wide range of weather throughout the year from heavy snow in the northern forests to annual torrential downpours along the southern coasts. The majority of the Lithosian population resides in the northern regions around the cities of Hammas, Garras, and Callos.
Lithos currently controls the following regions:
Nuraflow Mountains
Whispering Mountains
Erudite Forest
Silentwood Forest
Shoresage Islands
Callasi Grasslands
Mystmare Lake
The Fallen Hills
Fireroot Forest
Military
Each of the royal houses operates and maintains their own personal divisions of military while the Viridian Throne is protected by an elite guard, believed to have been originally commissioned by House Prottagos from a hand picked selection of warriors from the mercenary guild, The Emerald Root. This elite guard is known as Viridia's Chosen; they protect the one who sits upon the Viridian Throne under orders from the Sages of Verrid.
In Lithos, people themselves do not make up the military, but instead it is arranged by a large collection of enchanted weapons and their bearers. For instance, House Commondos maintains an armory of over 100,000 enchanted weapons each signifying a rank and division of their military forces. A bearer of the weapon is chosen carefully by advisors and influential nobles and they are then trained to be attuned to their specific weapon until the day comes where they must pass on the role to another, either by defeat in battle or retirement.
Technological Level
Lithos pales in comparison to their neighbor Aristolia in the technology department. While the rival empire of Aristolia invented great feats of engineering, Lithos has put much of its focus into the nature and study of magic, making them technologically dependent on Aristolia to keep with inventions like the wagon, specialty carpentry, and other more mechanically minded jumps in creativity.
Religion
Since the earliest days of the historical Lithosian kingdoms Erudism has been the staple religion of the western peoples. It's texts are made up of the discovered tomes found deep within the ruins of the Kingdom of First Men, found far amongst the peaks of Chillrend. This faith has guided Lithosians for centuries in the proper way of understanding the nature of magic and its role in the world.
Erudism gives thanks and respect to the ancient god-kings who founded the Kingdom of First Men and introduced magic into the hands of human beings. Its practice is widespread across Lithos. In the southern reaches of the land however, the folk religion of Arrshyo exists, though only in small pockets of rural and superstitious southern Lithosians. Cult followers of this religion hide within the hills and mountains, seeking out ambling travelers to abduct for their dark rituals.
Foreign Relations
Lithosians are incredibly shrewd and exclusive, seeing outside influences as threatening to their way of life. It doesn't help that they have a long and violent history with the Tokage of The Drylands, whose slaving practices provide a constant threat to those caught wandering the southern hillsides and forests.
To the east of the Nuraflow Mountains and Whispering Mountains their neighbor Aristolia competes for commercial dominance and their money driven merchant system threatens to destablize the generations of noble rule with corrupt money and practices.
Agriculture & Industry
The Callasi Grasslands provide Lithos with plenty of yearly crops and annual yield, enough to feed the entirety of the kingdom. These farms are serfs to the surrounding cities, which demand an annual yield to feed to populace of the cities, all surplus can be sold within the cities or abroad, so long as quotas are met.
Aside from produce, Lithos is also well known for its sheep and rams, a popular cattle animal which provides the staple for their milk, wool, and mutton. Wool and cotton are the most abundant textiles within Lithos, and the fine robes its tailors weave are a hallmark of Lithosian culture. These garments are often dyed and accessorized with the many different kinds of flowers that are abundent in the mountain valleys.
Trade & Transport
Lithos has three major trade routes which all connect to the capital city, Garras. These roads are patroled and maintained by guards from Aristolia, paid by the noble houses which rule from the Viridian Throne. Arisotolian carts and covered wagons are popular methods of transport throughout the interior of the kingdom.
Lithos also maintains a hearty sea trade with the people of Oceos'lo'kai through the ports of Callos, a beautiful seaside town with wealthy market districts which invite travelers from across the world.
Education
The Colleges of Magic oversee the education of young Lithosians and others interested in learning the craft. Each of the five schools of magic are located deep within the Erudite Forest. They adhere to the tenets of the Erudism faith and teach young mages the fundamentals of being a magic user. The colleges of magic are as follows:
- The Crimson Circle — A community of sages dedicated to the teachings of the red nura.
- Radiance Archaenum — A sacred grove of sages dedicated to the teachings of the white nura.
- Viridia's Vale — An isolated vale inhabited by sages dedicated to the teachings of the green nura.
- Silentshore Sages - A band of sages who occupy the shores and islands dedicated to the teachings of the blue nura.
- Morrigan's Mausoleum - A circle of sages who gather within an ancient graveyard dedicated to the teachings of the black nura.
Infrastructure
Lithos is ruled by a King or Queen who rules from the Viridian Throne, located within the capital city of Garras. Only a member of one of the royal houses of Lithos may sit upon the throne, as is their right by blood. The royal house currently ruling from the throne is responsible for the upkeep and successful administration of the kingdom, keeping its citizens happy, and continuing Lithos's prosperity. Each royal house maintains their own divisions of military, all of whom are equipped with weapons and armor signifying their rank and role.
The Sages of Verrid maintain connections with the Viridian Throne through advisors who aid the ruling king or queen within their royal court. Though some royal houses have had many disagreements with several advisors over the years, theirs is the only power that keeps the ruling individual in check, and their authority comes from their ages of presence within Lithosian culture.
Each city within Lithos is ruled by a lord, usually also of noble blood and has a network of aqueducts which carry water from the rivers and waterfalls throughout the city in impressive feats of engineering. The water flows out from the royal keep which oversees each city, the castles which houses the royal families are decorated with water flowing through the building, accessorized with flowers and flora from across the lands of Lithos. This public water works is kept clean by civil servants who are employed by the nobility, and passerby can drink the crystal clear water with no concern of bacteria or infection.
Practioners of magic, agents of the local mercenary guild, craftsman, and artisans all across Lithos can find employment within her cities, each of her main cities are protected with great stone walls and well thought out defenses. Local barracks house soldiers who patrol and protect the surrounding serfdoms across various regions.
In the name of the God-Kings.
Lithos is heavily forested and filled with magical energy, its people range from egocentric nobility in the north to humble countryfolk in the south.
Founding Date
9025
Type
Geopolitical, Magocracy
Capital
Demonym
Lithosian
Leader Title
Government System
Magocracy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Major Exports
Wool, cotton, produce, sugar, dyes, copper, toys, shadow crysts
Major Imports
Furs, pork, beef, chicken, veal, silver, salt, tropical fruit, chocolate, pearls, spices, artifacts, spell tomes
Legislative Body
Judicial Body
The Noble Houses of Lithos
Executive Body
The Viridan Throne
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Official Languages
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Peace
Lithos is held in check by the powers of the Merchants Guild and the Church of Helios which hold several corrupt agreements between Lithosian nobles and Aristolian merchants.
Non-Aggression Pact
Lithosians and Aristolians are historically responsible for the oppression from which the Fervorian people escaped from, though they have little relations now.
Friendly
Lithosians have had a long history of friendly trade relations with the seafaring peoples of Oceos'lo'kai. Though they are still not safe from pirating of rogue groups.
Unfriendly
Lithosians have an ill attitude towards the lizard folk of the southern deserts, and make it well known to them. There is a history of animosity between these two groups.