SOLSTICE
Solstice is the crown jewel of the Epilesis Dominion, a floating bastion of ancient descendant culture. Originally created with Arga’sheel, the construction is unnaturally clean and precise, enduring through the ages and appearing as it was first built. Perfectly chiseled columns of marble stand at the entrances of most large structures, and beautiful gardens flourish with water sources originating from magically flowing waterfalls that float above the pools they empty into. Descendant citizens stride casually down its pearly stone walkways, although those in a rush can be see flying overhead to their destinations. Relay stations are located at the edge of the city in each cardinal direction, allowing visitors without flight to be brought to or from the ground below using a system of elevated platforms. Guides are eager to accompany travelers who wish to explore the lands below, seeing it as an opportunity to engage in a discourse about their culture, but are wary of those who wish to go it alone, keeping a watchful eye from above on such lone wolves.
Demographics
The descendants of Epilesis make up a society with unparalleled unity. Among their people, political schisms and social debates are largely nonexistent. True poverty is absent as well, with citizens seeing one another as brothers and sisters, ready and willing to assist each other in times of need. This united ideology leads to a strong, albeit stagnant, society that rigorously adheres to their traditions, and instead puts their energy into improving or guiding external civilizations. Citizens participate in local flights, patterns of patrol that are organized by the dominion’s army. These are somewhat lighthearted affairs that citizens participate in regularly, enjoying the sights of their homeland and the joyous company of their kin. This tradition also keeps the territory of Epilesis exceptionally well watched, making movements through the dominion difficult if trying to avoid detection. Within the cities, the lack of need for farming gives the society ample freedom to pursue other time sinks, many of which turn to trade, artistic endeavors or serving the army. Creative arts, such as sculpture, music, and poetry are widely celebrated pastimes, and many visitors to the sky-cities speak highly of the elevated level of excellence found within, often lamenting how bland the rest of Laruna can seem by comparison. Merchants of Epilesis are extremely well received in foreign lands as the pricing of their wares rarely accounts for the scarcity of goods, instead only valuing the functional cost of producing them in Epilesis. Furthermore, when conducting trade away from the homeland, citizens of Epilesis notoriously horde trinkets from foreign kingdoms, seeing things other merchants find worthless as valuable baubles. This causes Epilesis to be a large importer of unusual crafts and goods, supplying much needed coin to fringe villages of foreign territories. Tourism is a well appreciated activity in Epilesis, as descendants are who are normally seen as aloof and judgmental when away from their homeland, can be friendly and warmhearted to visitors. Most citizens are overjoyed at the prospect of introducing travelers to their homeland and customs, causing those who undertake the expense of arranging gated travel to give glowing reports of their time “amidst the clouds.”
Defences
Crimes of violence are exceedingly rare in the sky-cities, and nonviolent crime is substantially less common that in most places. Because of this, there is no standing militia, leaving the army to handle enforcing the Lovis’ law. This is handled by a small number of warriors titled Justicar. Groups of dedicated warriors are broken into divisions called wings, and answer to the small chain of command that ends with the Imperitus, who acts as head of Epilesis’ military. Since The Summit, the descendant army has not waged war of any kind, leaving the other races wondering just what lies at their disposal. Of course, the Imperitus does not make a habit of openly discussing the entirety of his armies capabilities, either. Even with these uncertainties, the common belief among the mortals is that should war break out, the descendants would have no problem rising to the occasion. Warriors of Epilesis make efficient use of bows, practicing their shots while flying, and wielding short handled glaives exclusively for melee combat.
Industry & Trade
Creative works and sometimes rare unnoticed “Gems”
Guilds and Factions
The edges of Epilesis are well maintained. With the Garaith clans respectful of the northern borders, the Dark Forest to the south, and the relative stability of Faranok, Epilesis maintains a peaceful and secure domain. Mesadrin provides the only persistent difficulty, but this has been mostly relegated to vigilant patrolling on the parts of Epilesis. The Empire of Mesadrin has set their collective eyes on Hodramekus across the sands, and has caused them to make very few surface appearances in lands of the Epilesis dominion.
Geography
Originally created with Arga’sheel, the construction is unnaturally clean and precise, enduring through the ages and appearing as it was first built. Perfectly chiseled columns of marble stand at the entrances of most large structures, and beautiful gardens flourish with water sources originating from magically flowing waterfalls that float above the pools they empty into.
Alternative Name(s)
Land among the clouds
Type
Capital
Population
30,000+
Inhabitant Demonym
Descendents
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Lovis Council
