Verdantia
Appearance
Verdantia's cityscape is buzzing with stone buildings and pavements that make way for the kingdom’s big population. Towers are crafted from wood and stone blended together, along with tents made of cotton, linen, and hemp. Stone walls divide the kingdom into districts, with the market districts separate from the academic districts. Hovering platforms and bridges pave the way for the newly developed train railway, pushed by an engine powered by steam, to transport residents efficiently through the urban jungle. At the highest point of the kingdom, on top of a small hill, is the Verdantia castle, home to the leaders who are sworn to serve the kingdom. Small trees and green parks are scattered around the kingdom to allow the residents to breathe away from the populous areas.Demographic
The kingdom is home to a diverse population of firebenders, earthbenders, waterbenders, and airbenders. The inhabitants coexist together, each contributing their unique abilities to the advancement of the kingdom. The combination of the different elements along with the large population is thought to be a driving factor for the kingdom’s technological advancement in different fields, including bending arts. Due to its diversity, however, the population’s efforts are spread across different fields, which prevents more specialization.Government
Verdantia is governed by a council of scholars, engineers, and representatives from different kingdom sectors. These individuals, also known as Chiefs, are revered for their achievements in various fields such as science, technology, mastery of the elements, and other fields the council deems essential to the kingdom’s growth. They are responsible for guiding the kingdom's policies and decisions. These decisions made for the kingdom are guided by the kingdom’s principles of technological advancement, elemental mastery, and scholarly pursuits. Leading the Chiefs is the Head Chief, who serves as both the head of state and the chief visionary. Together, they oversee the kingdom’s activities, including supporting the Order of the Knights.Culture
Path to Self-Mastery
The kingdom of Verdantia is centered around the pursuit of self-mastery. Residents are encouraged to engage in rigorous training, both physically and mentally, to unlock their fullest individual potential. The kingdom places equal emphasis on academic pursuits as well as academic mastery, fostering a culture where knowledge, physical skill, and innovation go hand in hand. As a result, this kingdom-wide mindset sparked the technological advancement of the kingdom, from steam engines to watch tower clocks. Many physical achievements are also celebrated, with festivals and events that allow individuals to display their prowess in battle. Verdantia boasts its prestigious academies where individuals can refine their bending skills, engage in scientific research, and even explore the mysteries of Paradise. These academies are hubs of innovation, with scholars and benders collaborating to push the boundaries of knowledge.Order of the Knights
The Order of the Knights is a renowned expeditionary force, dedicated to unraveling the secrets of Paradise. Equipped with a scholarly mind and formidable strength in battle, they embark on treacherous journeys to discover more about the behavior of Paradise and how to discover it. The Knights' reputation extends beyond the kingdom, as they are often sought after for their expertise in navigating the unknown as well as for their military might. While Verdantia offers support through supplies and equipment, the knights often work independently away from the kingdom, gathering information and even offering favors for other civilizations, in exchange for more support through resting stations, supplies, and information. The Knights are divided into squadrons that act independently from each other, with the squadron leader in charge of the squad's movements and activities. Each squadron makes decisions based on what they believe to be the next step in discovering Paradise. At the heart of Verdantia is the headquarters of the Knights. It serves as a command center for expeditions and a training ground for aspiring Knights. Knights who are recruited by Commander Knights undergo intense training and study in order to successfully be apointed as a Knight.Capture the Flag (CTF)
Capture the Flag or CTF is a high-energy, team-based sport that encourages teams with bending prowess and strategic thinking. Two opposing teams are given a flag that the teams can strategically place within their base. They must always be visible but may be protected by barriers, requiring teams to coordinate their efforts to breach the defenses. The objective is to capture the opponent's flag while safeguarding their own. This game encourages physical confrontation with strategy and tactics. The playing field, comprised of any landscape (hills, dense vegetation, and natural or man made obstacles), allows players to use the environment with their bending skills. Physical contact is also allowed, adding an intense and dynamic element to the game. Players usually engage in duels and use their physical agility and bending ability to navigate the field and outmaneuver opponents. Once a team returns the flag of the opposing team to its base, they earn one point. The team with the most points is deemed the winners, with the tiebreaker being which team captures the opposing flag first, followed by the number of players still in play. Tournaments are held regularly, attracting both participants and spectators to the point where kingdom activity slows down during major sports events.Interpretation of Paradise
In Verdantia, the belief in Paradise takes a unique form. Many believe that Paradise is embodied in a powerful artifact known as the Keystone, a mystical and ancient object said to hold unparalleled energy. This keystone is thought to be the creator of this world we live in. Many speak of a hidden sanctuary called the Lost Sanctum, a place where the Keystone is said to reside. The Sanctum is believed to be always shifting from different locations, making it difficult to locate it. Some even speculate that the Sanctum is guarded by its guardians, whether beast or spirit. Verdantians view the pursuit of the Keystone as a lifelong quest. Only those who attain the highest level of mastery through knowledge, physical power, and skill can succeed in the journey to the Lost Sanctum and unlock the full potential of the Keystone. One who finds and unlocks the Keystone will be granted profound power, power strong enough to change how the very world works, changing its natural harmony.
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