The Theussaun Protectorate

Huge thanks to Tyler Edlin for the cover art! Also, credits to Jon Pintar, Mitch Miller, Yuriy Georgiev, and Vladimir Buchyk for the visual designs!

Originally formed from the capital city of Theussau forming a protectorate with several smaller towns nearby, the Theussaun Protectorate is now the premier power in Eastern Iotura, and indeed holds the most territory in the whole of the continent. Founded in the ashes of the Reckoning by the Silver Dawn's most loyal followers, the Protectorate has appreciated centuries of relative peace under the reign of the Theussau royal line; however, things haven't always been easy.
In the early decades, expansion and colonization was extremely difficult, and Theussau struggled to add more settlements to its alliance. Monsters left from the Reckoning, bandit warbands, and other agents of chaos have plagued the Protectorate since the very beginning. With the Ruins of Dergas on the southern edge of its territory and the Desolate Foothills in the northwest, the Protectorate has constantly faced off against the followers of the Obsidian Lords. Indeed, the followers of dark gods and other entities fight against the Protectorate at every step, seeking to undermine the work of the Silver Dawn's most devout followers.

The Monarchy

Since the founding of Theussau, the Theussaun royal line has led the city (and by extension, the Protectorate). Currently, King Usur Theussau III reigns over the Protectorate, and though his public opinion has been lower over the past decade due to increased taxes to fund aid to Aitreas in the wake of the Collapse, his work in foreign relations has established a powerful connection with the remnants of the Imperium, and allowed a burgeoning Imperial community to find its way to the Protectorate's shores. Despite this constant gaze out into the world, King Theussau III does his best to maintain a positive relationship at home. He allows the people to ere their grievances, and does his best to keep public opinion in mind.
Though the Monarch holds total control over the Protectorate, they rarely exert force over the various settlements of the Protectorate. Often times, Lord Mayors, noble families, or original rulers maintain day-to-day operations in settlements. Alnwick, for example, is still led by the Alnwick family of halflings, as per the original agreements of the town joining the Protectorate. This is a trend in many major towns and cities of the Protectorate. Their original rulers still hold a degree of autonomy, but the Protectorate maintains a garrison, taxes the people, can conscript from the populace, and establishes a temple to the Silver Dawn.

The Religion

Theussau was founded by the Silver Dawn's most devout followers, by those who saw Yamma before he left for Drumis and the final battles of the Reckoning -- a journey he would never return from. As such, the Silver Dawn (and all the Children of Yamma, by extension) features prominently in all Protectorate settlements and culture. To many outsiders, the Protectorate borders on fanaticism; however, many Theussaun people use their religion as a method of self-improvement. They hold to the tenets of the Silver Dawn so as to improve themselves and strive to improve their communities.
The Monarch is considered the leader of the church, but in practice the High Priest at the Temple of the Silver Dawn in Theussau functions as the head figure. Rarely has this difference mattered, as often times the Monarch and the High Priest are close friends and advisors to one another.

The Military

Colloquially known as the Theussaun Fists, the military of the Protectorate is powerful, well-equipped, and well-trained. To even become a true Fist, a potential recruit/levee must undergo a full year's training at a garrison or fort. During this time, the prospective recruit must undergo daily training in martial and personal regiments. Not only are Fists taught how to fight, they are taught how to maintain their gear (at least the basics), maintain their bodies, and maintain their minds. Meditation is strongly recommended and taught, and the Fists are instructed in the ways to keep their bodies and minds in fighting shape constantly.
Within the Fists, each contingent of 5,000 men (10,000 in the case of the Fifth Division) are organized into Divisions. These Divisions are then supported by somewhere between 250 - 1,250 civilians and artisans. They also often contain anywhere from 30 to 100 or more priests and clerics. Generally, Divisions contain between 2,000 - 3,000 infantrymen, and then the rest of the Division is a 66/33 split between archers and cavalry. A Division may also be accompanied by a company of Protectorate spellcasters, should the situation call for it. Each Division is lead by a General.
There are currently ten Divisions within the Fists, which organize some 55,000 troops. They are detailed below.

The Ranks

The ranks of the Theussaun Fists are as follows, organized by general rank group and class of troop. There is also examples of what each caste of warrior would generally look like.

The Infantry

Infantry in the Theussaun Fists have the most ranks and are the most varied as they are the most abundant. Generally, an infantryman is just referred to as a Fist. Below are their ranks and organizations.

The standard-issue armaments of a Theussaun Fist.

The lowest ranking members of the infantry are, from lowest to highest-ranking, as follows:

• Private, someone who has finished training and is now on the field. Generally, a Fist stays a private for several months to several years; however, this is an average, not a rule.
• Corporal, someone who has several years or successful missions of duty under their belt. May or may not have command of a squad of Privates, depending on the situation. Denoted by a white star above the lion on their tabard.
• Sergeant, a corporal who has shown tact in commanding men. Often times oversees a small garrison or several squads of men. Denoted by two white stars above the lion on their tabard.
• Lieutenant, either someone who was specifically trained for their ability to lead or a sergeant who has again climbed the ranks. Second-in-command to the Captain. Denoted by three white stars above the lion on their tabard.
• Captain, often times a veteran warrior and experienced commander. Leader of a company within a division (usually around 200 Fists). Denoted by four white stars above the lion on their tabard, as well as four white stars painted on their right pauldron.

The common armaments of a Theussaun Officer.

Once ascended past the rank of Captain, one is truly considered an officer within the Theussaun Fists. The ranks that follow encompass all officer ranks save for the title of General itself:

• Major, a captain who has petitioned for and received the training necessary to become an officer. Bears the simplest form of the officer's armor. Has two to four captains beneath them, also leads their own company.
• Lieutenant Colonel, often times a major who has shown tact in one or more battles or extreme care for their troops. Denoted by a blue star on their right pauldron. Has one or two majors beneath them.
• Colonel, usually a noble or someone who was specifically trained for command. Denoted by two blue stars on their right pauldron. Has one to two majors under command. Rarely more than one per Division, technically fourth in command.
• Major General, veteran commander and established warrior. Denoted by three blue stars on their right pauldron. Third in command, often handles logistics.
• Lieutenant General, sometimes a noble, sometimes a peasant, always a leader. Denoted by four blue stars on their right pauldron. Second in command, often leads in lieu of the General, who may be occupied elsewhere.

The armor of a Theussaun General.

Each Division is led by a single General. At any one time, there are only ten Generals in the Protectorate. Each one reports directly to the Theussaun Monarch, but each one also has an extreme amount of personal leeway. Often times, a General is akin to a monarch within their Division, as there is so much to be organized and so many people to lead. Generals are composed of people from all classes of the military, from established spellslingers to powerful warriors. The one thing that unifies them is tactical cunning and commanding leadership.

The Royal Guard

The royal guard are a specific type of infantry within the Protectorate. Most are found at the Palace of Eternity and any other places where the Monarch may be, but there are also small squads that protect each of the Generals. At any one time, there are rarely more than 500 royal guards in the Protectorate, and each member of this elite warrior caste is highly trained and deadly.

The uniform of the Theussaun royal guard.

The Cavalry

Often times, a Division has anywhere from 100 to 500 cavalry, depending on the deployment. Horse archers are unheard of in the Protectorate, and most cavalry within Theussau are heavy lancers or swordsmen. Typically, a Knight leads anywhere from 5 to 20 cavalrymen, and then a single banneret leads the entire company of cavalry within a Division, reporting to the General themselves.

A Theussaun Lancer.

The Archers

A Division typically has anywhere from 300 to 1000 archers, and all are well-equipped and carry longbows. Every 100 archers is organized into a company lead by a centenar, and then every centenar in the Division reports to the millenar, who leads all the archers as well as their own company. The millenar then reports to the General.

A Theussaun archer.

The Mages

When the situation demands it, a company of Theussaun battlemages may be sent alongside a Division for a deployment, or placed under the extended command of a General. As Theussau doesn't maintain a standing regiment of mages, a conscription is put out and rewards are offered for mages who offer their services (typically those who specialize in evocation, abjuration, or war magic) to the Protectorate. Rarely is any quota for mages not met, but if it becomes difficult to round up the required spellcasters then a draft can be issued (though this has never happened).
Once a company of mages is organized, they are placed under the direct command of the Division's General. Often times, battlemages are summoned so as to provide shielding for troops, rain death on the enemy, or something in between. Other than their role and commander, mages are just as any other troop in the Protectorate. They are even given uniform armor and weaponry.

A Theussaun battlemage.

The Clerics

The Theussaun people are deeply religious, and as such clerics accompany the Divisions of the Protectorate's military. For each company of infantry, there is at least one priest. Across an entire division, there is at least 30, but often closer to 100, clerics and priests to perform last rites, heal the wounded, and provide religious counsel/keep morale up. They are typically lead by a single Bishop, who reports to and works with the General of the Division.

A battle-ready Theussaun cleric.

The Divisions

There are ten Divisions in total, dividing nearly 55,000 Theussaun Fists into their various organizations. This massive military is not only supported by every single member of the Protectorate's work, but also the due diligence of nearly 20,000 support civilians who handle the logistics of the Divisions. These Divisions, and their Generals, are detailed below.

• Fifth Division. The original Division of the Protectorate, the Fifth Division is the largest of the ten. The Fifth Division is currently stationed at the Fort of the Accord in the Arakhor Tathra. They are on the frontlines of the war against Orakgra, and are considered the most veteran Division because of it. The Fifth Division is helmed by General Phinvari, a powerful aasimar woman who is as experienced with her greatsword as she is leading troops. Under her command, the Fifth Division has been making steady gains into Orakgran territory; however, some people voice concerns about how she is treating prisoners of war and civilians on the enemy side. A member of the Fifth Division is denoted by a golden yellow '5' painted on their left pauldron.
• Shield Division. Stationed in Clifland, the Shield Division handles the defense of the Protectorate's largest city. Members of the Shield Division can also be found patrolling the areas between Clifland and Theussau, as well as north into the Wilds and south near the Ruins of Dergas. They are especially vigilant towards the latter, and sometimes send expeditions (or fund mercenary ones) to soften the monstrous inhabitants of that desolate place. The Shield Division is led by General Gixush Brakas, a silver dragonborn who is as strong-willed as he is compassionate. He is, at times, General Phinvari's staunchest opponent, and many believe he is against the war in Orakgra entirely. Nevertheless, he treats his role with a grave seriousness and considers it his duty to make sure ever single man and woman under his command is just as safe and cared for as the people they defend. A member of the Shield Division is denoted by a hollow blue kite shield painted on their left pauldron.
• Naval Division. Similarly stationed in Clifland, the Naval Division actually mans a fleet of some one hundred vessels. They are tasked with patrolling the Ozmit Sea and keeping the vital trade routes into and out of the Protectorate safe. The Naval Division is led by Admiral Azure, a water genasi of extreme nautical prowess and free-spiritedness that some consider unbecoming of an Admiral. Nevertheless, they perform their job to a precise degree, and the trade routes of the Protectorate are some of the safest in the world for it. A member of the Naval Division is denoted by a deep blue anchor painted on their left pauldron (when they wear their armor, which can be rare).
• Aegis Division. The Aegis Division is stationed in Theussau, though their troops can be found as far away as Woodhurst. In terms of organization, they are the most unique. Handling the bulk of domestic defense, the Aegis Division's symbol is the most common one seen by citizens of the Protectorate. The Aegis Division is never seen all in one place, and though they have a significant garrison in Theussau, their members can be found in the garrisons of towns like Alnwick and Woodhurst. They are helmed by General Andris, a tiefling woman who is extremely well-informed, powerful in the arcane arts, and cunning in tactics and leadership. Under her leadership, the towns of the Protectorate are kept safe. A member of the Aegis Division is denoted by a filled, dark blue helmet painted on their left pauldron.
• Shock Division. One of two Divisions stationed in Aitreas, the Shock Division is attempting to help the Imperium regain control of their continent. Working alongside the Imperial Legions, the Shock Division has begun the (at times, grisly) work of pacifying rogue states and bandit warbands. They are lead by General Behmur Shashar, a deadly sniper with a longbow and a powerful orator in front of his troops. Under his banner, the Shock Division has slowly begun pushing back the forces of chaos that hold most of Aitreas, but General Shashar's methods beg concern, especially when they eventually met seceded, independent states in the future.
• Imperial Division. The second of two Divisions stationed in Aitreas, and the newest Division of the Protectorate, the Imperial Division has been formed in the past few years from the remains of Imperial Legions that didn't mutiny. With the Imperium now lacking in commanders and men, the Protectorate offered to send forth a General and a couple companies of men to form a new army. Thus, the Imperial Division was formed. Functioning as a massive, patrolling guard force for the remaining territories of the Imperium, the Imperial Division is a strong sign of alliance between the Imperium and the Protectorate. They are helmed by General Usur Theussau IV, the son of King Usur Theussau III and Crown Prince of the Protectorate. He is becoming an accomplished commander, and hopes to both prove himself as a future king and ally of the Imperium by leading the Imperial Division. A member of the Imperial Division is denoted by a hollow, salmon imperial helmet painted on their left pauldron.
• Onslaught Division. The first of the four Divisions stationed along the First Line, the Onslaught Division calls the foundry city of Lasthaven their home. They are led by the talented battlemage General Hindreano Saelineal, a human man who studied at the Arcanul Ordinate for several years and has mastered the art of war magic. The Onslaught Division is the only Division that maintains a permanent spellcaster company. A member of the Onslaught Division is denoted by a red, hollow star painted on their left pauldron, mimicking the banner of the Protectorate.
• Blitz Division. The second of the four Divisions stationed along the First Line, the Blitz Division calls the farming town of Lighthall their home. They are led by General Moroin Korour, an Imperial battlemage who came to the Protectorate some two decades ago. Even in his growing age, his skill with spells and in managing troops is undeniable, and he holds his position well among the other Generals. A member of the Blitz Division can be denoted by a red, filled claymore pointed downward painted on their left pauldron.
• Honor Division. The third of the four Divisions stationed along the First Line, the Honor Division calls the quarry town of Bayhill their home. They are led by the first of the Thraman twins, General Quaril Thraman. A non-binary elf who is skilled in the ancient art of bladesinging, General Quaril is just as powerful as their sister in a very different way. Their cunning and dexterity is reflected in their leadership of their Division, and the Honor Division's lucidity has saved the First Line from more than one infernal incursion. A member of the Honor Division can be denoted by the red crescent moon painted on their left pauldron.
• Glory Division. The final Division stationed along the First Line, the Glory Division calls the trade and farming hub of Tradedale their home. They are led by the second of the Thraman twins, General Erisdara Thraman. A powerful elven woman whose plate and sword-wielding visage inspires fear even in the demons she fights, General Erisdara is the opposite of her twin. Whereas Quaril is lithe and adaptable, Erisdara is stoic and defensive. For this reason, the Glory and Honor Divisions make excellent pairings, as do the twins who lead them. A member of the Glory Division can be denoted by the red crossed blades painted on their left pauldron.

Goals

The Theussaun Protectorate's primary concern is strengthening and protecting its lands. The Theussaun Ridges are their home, and there are many threats within and without that would seek to bring harm upon them. As such, the Protectorate seeks to defend its borders. Alongside that, under King Usur Theussau III the Protectorate has taken a more aggressive international stance. The Protectorate hopes to strengthen the Camaerithian Concord, even in the wake of the end of the War Against Orakgra. They also hope to expand down into the Saltmeadow Marshes, and claim a fertile new region under their banner. In far-off Aitreas, the Protectorate works to build a lasting alliance with the Imperium, and help them to reunify the continent after the Collapse. Whether this is as innocent as it seems, or King Usur is attempting to establish a foothold in Aitreas, is anyone's guess.

Relationships

The Protectorate is one of the two members of the Camaerithian Concord, and over the past decade has forged a strong relationship with the elves of Camaerith. Yathra Silthame is held in high regard by the King, as are many of the kingdoms in the Ioturan Heartland; however, the Protectorate has yet to take a stance on the raging Second Heartland War.
On Aitreas, in the wake of the Collapse the Protectorate has established a growing alliance with the remnants of the Imperium, and provides them abundant economic and militaristic aid.

Figures of Interest

Between the Generals of the Divisions, the King, and several other important figures, there is a large group of people who guide the fate of the Protectorate.

King Usur Theussau III

Lawful good, human male
The current ruler of Theussau, and thus King of the Protectorate, King Usur Theussau III is the most recent man in the Theussau royal line. Raised on the beliefs and traditions of his family and his nation, Usur believes that all people are his people and that the Protectorate can do amazing things so long as everyone works together. Unlike his father, Usur pursues an aggressive foreign policy stance, and attempts to show the unity within his nation to other political states. While this has been successful, forging the Camaerithian Concord and a growing alliance with the Imperium, the fact that the King's view has constantly been on the horizon has caused some public opinion to fall for him. He is a kind, aging man, and though he is in the eclipse of his prime, Usur truly does seek the best for his people and for Emaxus; however, he is not without controversy. Some people question his relationship with High Priest Corette, especially after Usur's wife Queen Yasmin fell ill and passed just before the Collapse. Also, with the Protectorate growing by the day, Usur struggles to keep his thumb on the Generals, and some of his relationships with them are beginning to show cracks.

High Priest Corette Gladstone

Lawful good, non-binary human
Rising to the position of High Priest a decade and a half ago, Corette Gladstone is a kind, elderly human. They are the first non-binary High Priest in Theussau, and they have gone to great lengths to ensuring that people of all gender identities and sexual orientations feel as welcome in the church of the Silver Dawn as any other mortal. Corette is loved by the people of the Protectorate, and even detractors of the church are often hard-pressed to criticize the High Priest. If they've done anything to be called into question, it is entirely unknown, and Corette maintains a public opinion even more favorable than King Usur; however, they don't allow that to go to their head, and Corette is actually an amicable ally of the Monarchy, and seeks to use their position in the public eye to increase the unity in the Protectorate. But no matter their relationship with Usur, Corette is not always a staunch ally of the Protectorate's growing military. They have been an outspoken opponent of the Imperial and Blitz Division's actions in Aitreas, and Corette's complaints only grow louder as more rumors drift across the sea.

General Usur Theussau IV, Crown Prince of the Protectorate

Lawful neutral, human male
Barely in his second decade of life, General Usur is a strong-willed, intelligent young man. After his mother's death five years ago, and the Collapse just after, Usur IV was eager to take his mind off his grief and began formulating the plans for the Imperial Division he now leads. As a commander, he is cunning, compassionate to his men, and ruthless to his enemies, and hungry to prove himself and earn his father and his people's respect. As a young man, he is at times sweet, other times brash, and bounces so often between the two that people wonder if he is mentally stable. While he shows no symptoms of potential illness, his fellow Generals, and indeed, even his own father, wonder if the death of his mother had a grave effect on the man's mental health.

The Economy

The Protectorate has a powerful economy, strengthened by a lack of foreign harassment, general peace, and friendly diplomatic relations. No basic material is lacking, and there are plenty of workshops and places of industry for many secondary productions. In terms of abundance, the only things not truly overflowing in the Protectorate are fine metals, as there is no mountain settlement to go deep into the earth for precious gems and ores; however, the Theussaun people are pragmatic, and the metals that they need (iron, bronze, copper, etc.) are in more than enough supply.

The Protectorate exports many things, but focuses primarily on what they have an abundance of: primary materials such as grains and other crops, livestock and livestock products (hides, meat, etc.), stone, and lumber. They also ship out cloth and clothing, and the various artisans of the Protectorate are highly valued on the global market for everything from expensive furniture to magical items.

The Way of Life

The Theussaun people appreciate a high overall quality of life, general economic and personal equality, and a strong sense of civil/workers' rights. A farmer is seen as no less valuable as a king in the Protectorate, and everyone is seen as equals in the eyes of the Silver Dawn. The Theussaun people are deeply pragmatic and religious. They hold themselves to the commandments of the Silver Dawn and strive to perform to his standards. Thus, they believe in the value of all mortals and the importance of community. They must also remain humble and strive to welcome all people, from the strongest to the downtrodden, and forge a mortal unity that would make Yamma proud.
To some in the global community, this deeply-engrained religion is concerning and cause for hesitation. While the Protectorate sees it as cause for unity and doesn't actively push their religion on anyone, detractors of Theussau believe that the all-pervasive devotion to the Silver Dawn applies societal pressures to any outsiders or followers of the other Children of Yamma who are in the Protectorate. Also, some feel that this overwhelming welcomeness allows the Protectorate to become a breeding ground for followers of the Obsidian Lords, as they both have motive to undermine the followers of the Silver Dawn and face little persecution if they're stealthy enough; however, when the Protectorate does discover Obsidian Lord influence, they are quick to smite it.

The Major Settlements

The following settlements are the major points of the Theussuan Protectorate:

• Alnwick, a farming town of halflings and gnomish inventors.
• Bayhill, one of the supporting towns along the First Line.
• Clifland, largest city in the Protectorate, port of call.
• Lasthaven, one of the supporting towns along the First Line.
• Lighthall, one of the supporting towns along the First Line.
• Loria, primary trading hub to the First Line.
• Theussau, capital of the Protectorate.
• Tradedale, one of the supporting towns along the First Line.
• Woodhurst, lumber town and druid center of the Protectorate.
• Yarrin, important trade artery between the eastern and western halves of the Protectorate.

Type

Geopolitical, Protectorate

Alternative Names

The Protecorate, Theussau

Demonym

Theussaun

Government System

Monarchy, Theocratic

Power Structure

Federation

Economic System

Market economy

Location

The Theussaun Ridges

Related Ranks & Titles

• Hands of the Crown

The Forts

The following military emplacements provide out-of-city encampments for the Protectorate:

• Fort Dawnbreak, not officially tied to the Protectorate, home to a contingent of crusaders from the Order of Sunrise.
• Fort of the Accord, primary citadel for the Camaerithian Concord's military might in the war against Orakgra.
• The First Line, engineering marvel of the Protectorate that keeps the Desolate Foothills' inhabitants from spreading.
• Saltmeadow Outpost, foothold of the Protectorate in the marshes to the south.