The Kingdom
Outside of the more recent conversion of the Dragon Kingdoms into
The Freelands, Vasileio is the youngest nation to have been established throughout Nora. Despite this, Vasileio bears a rich history of internal conflict and great advancements in Risen physicality and spirituality. It also remains the only country with two distinct capitols governing their separate regions. In its youth, there were two separate kingdoms established with differing ideals that have now united for their mutual benefit, at least in terms of external affairs. Two rivers connect the great Kylos Lake to the sea on each side acting as a natural split through the center of the nation that also marks the boundaries of the former kingdoms.
Vasileio, like many other nations, was originally settled by a group that was majority
Human but had a fair amount of
Ohrlen,
Ehlen, and
Ehrlen accompanying them. The Ohrlen settled in the northern half founding the kingdom of
Kolosaio with their Human counterparts. The Ehlen and Ehrlen instead worked with the Humans to settle in the southern half and build the kingdom of
Ignosi. Kolosaio and the Ohrlen within developed the kingdom into one that valued strength and physical ability above all else. Ignosi was instead founded with the intention of expanding Risen knowledge and fine arts, declaring that Arcane and natural studies were superior to physical enhancement. The divide between the two, both physically and ideally, created constant conflict between the two.
Orloch, the chosen patron god of Kolosaio, only encouraged the conflict further. Ignosi was solely focused on Risen advancements and had no favored god outside of individual preferences. That is until
Hector ascended to godhood. Hector, the new god of knowledge challenged Orloch to a series of games called the Mega Dokimes, or Great Trials. These games were split into categories of mental and physical athletics which would require the victor to succeed not just in strength or agility, but intelligence as well. Orloch could not refuse and challenge and accepted wholeheartedly as Hector had planned. The first set of Mega Dokimes resulted in a tie between the two countries, much to everyone's displeasure save for Hector. He proposed that such a result only showed the unique strengths of each nation rather than a standard stalemate. Both nations eventually relented to the god's advice and joined together as Vasileio.
A Life Divided
The unification of the two nations into one has still changed little about the drastically different lifestyles between the two halves. Life in the northern kingdom of Kolosaio is still dedicated to physical perfection. Physical labor is held in high regard and reliance on magickal apparatus is looked down upon. Many of the northern residents have dreams of becoming athletes and gladiators, with the ultimate goal of reaching Kolosaio and becoming a champion of the great colosseum within. Fitness and sporting facilities, training grounds, and arenas are common structures to be found in any northern town while libraries are a rarity. They have, however, adopted many of the architectural advancements of their southern compatriots to develop large aqueducts for communal baths and swimming pools.
Ignosi instead places knowledge and mental acuity above all else. Whereas a morning in Kolosaio will comprise stretching and physical exercise, citizens in the southern half of Vasileio begin their days either in public libraries or private studies. Most then make their way to public forums to share and debate their new findings or bring evidence to back yesterday's arguments. Education for children is begun before they are able to speak or walk correctly in nursery schools found in most towns and cities. Ignosi also holds a much higher portion of Arcane practitioners amongst its populous compared to most territories. Arcane is often treated as some of the most difficult studies and practices throughout all of Nora, so the Ignosians take extreme pride in attempting to master it.
Throughout the entirety of Vasileio, one common aspect is pride. Many have compared it as the 'pride of a Vasileian can only be rivaled by an Ehlen'. Humble is a very seldom used descriptor for citizens of the nation. A life in Vasileio is measured in achievement; to not share one's accomplishments is seen as hiding one's self and covering a shameful past. Despite their martial prowess, northern Vasileians often reject mercenary work as it is viewed as common and demeaning compared to becoming an athlete or a renowned soldier in the nation's military. Scholars and Magi from Ignosi have commonly rejected
The Collective and other associations of Magi as bringing glory to an independent faction would take it away from the individual. While individuals from Kolosaio and Ignosi will commonly talk down to one another, often in fair jest, outsiders disrespecting either half of the nation are looked down upon by both. General insults are not taken lightly and are often punished in the eye of the public outside of debate forums and personal quarrels.
Being one of the most recently developed nations, Vasileio has developed a large and diverse population of Magickal Beasts due to its time without Risen. The lands outside the cities are flourishing with life, from the fearsome Chimeras and Hydras of the mountains to the pristine Pegasi and Tarands of the forest. All of the Magickal Beasts are seen as sacred gifts from
Seigna and are treated as a blessing upon the land. Endemic life is protected regardless of how deadly a particular species can be. Even though hunting and self-defense are perfectly allowed, a lot of care is put into the preservation of species and ensuring that their natural environments are not too badly damaged in the pursuit of new settlements. This has led to the Vasileian government becoming a proud partner and sponsor of
The Wardens faction as they work to preserve and protect Magickal Beasts and cull threats appropriately throughout the world. Often times, when a beast's population is getting out of control or a particularly feral one, is preying on too many Risen, the Wardens will work together with the locals for the capture and transportation of Magickal Beasts to nearby arenas or even the great colosseum in Kolosaio to be used in gladiatorial bouts where they can be dealt with while also providing a greater purpose for the community.
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