Duchy of Illuma
The Duchy of Illuma sits along the western reaches of The Final Kingdom. Sparsely populated and popular for its unique wildlife, Illuma is characterized by its lightly forested west, savanna core, and arid east. The Illuman Savanna is the primary inhabited region and one of the main regions served by the Sovereign Viaduct. Its geographic location between the port of Balsearenta and the gateway to eastern Sinderlan has made the region rich by providing essential infrastructure and amenities to traveling trade caravans and convoys.
The Illuma Nomads and Early History
Originally settled by the Illuman Nomads before the Era of the First Free City, the main region of habitation was the central savanna. The Illuman Nomads hunted Bekken Gazelle, also known as North Kingdom Gazelle, and moved with their migratory patterns. Little is known about the Nomads outside of their oral tradition, which they rarely share with outsiders. Sedentary settlers later came to the region from the south, likely Kellenwa, and settled in the vacant ancient Fortresses that dotted the region along the edge of the savanna. Peaceful relations were made with the Illuma Nomads, who retained full autonomy in the savanna regions. However, tensions began to rise as they built roads and populations of the cities began to grow.Starfall Destruction
In the wake of the Starfall in the early 16th century, the savanna was burned and cratered by debris impacts and subsequent drought. The region was left in ash and total chaos as the Illuma tribe attempted to corrale the remaining Bekken Gazelle and other wildlife into underground safe zones established by the survivors in First Light. In this time, nearly 70% of the local wildlife was killed and nearly 50% of the Illluma Nomads perished. The survivors took shelter in First Light while all citizens of Tutfield, Modhen, and Berlisted were killed by extreme conditions and famine. In the decades following the initial destruction, the Teth Desert expanded nearly 800 square miles to the west, up to the edge of the ruins of Tutfield. The newly formed Monarch's Bulwark eventually reached the area in their crusade to establish social stability. Ancient tales speak of their use of extremely powerful magicks to quell the desert's expansion and create a tree barrier to ensure future expansion did not continue. This barrier became known as Bulwark's Push. They later turned their sight to First Light, and quelled the civic unrest in the city. Nearly 5% of the population at the time was killed or exiled to Hrim for their disloyality to The Queen of Reborn Doctrine. After the inquisition's end and the debris bombardment concluded, the survivors began an extensive nature rehabilitation project with the help of the remaining Nomads. While the savanna would not recover to pre-starfall biodiversity, the project is widely referred to as the greatest ecological restoration in history. This project solidified a permanent bond between the Flamekeeper house of First Light and the Illuman Nomads who returned to the savanna to tend to the dwindling population of Bekken Gazelle.Trade Routes Restored and Wildlife Harvested
After Perradin had recovered from the worst effects of the Starfall, Illuma became a major trade artery between the restored city of Balseaerenta and the rest of the Kingdom. The contruction of the Sovereign Viaduct through its territory by the King of Wandering led to the cities of Tutfield, Modhen, and Berlisted to be repopulated by immigrants. A new culture of trade evolved, but with it came the outsider desire to reap regional resources. Foreign hunters and groups moved into the region, preying on the restored savanna wildlife. North Kingdom Gazelle became a prime target, which led to increased tensions with the Illuman Nomads. The Firekeepers of First Light attempted to reign in the increased consumption, but many acted with the authority of Dukes and Duchesses of other regions hungry for new goods. By the year 8400, the North Kingdom Gazelle was declared extinct. This led to a brief war led by the Illuma Tribe and Duke of Illuma on any outsider not of First Light ancestry in 8402. The brief conflict was ended by the King of Kennels, who sent The Monarch's Bulwark to intervene. After the intervention, a law was declared that prohibited any hunting or harvesting without the explicit permission of both the Illuma Nomads and the Firekeeper Duke of Illuma.Modern History
After the secession of the Crag, it became the sole artery from which Portshilia and Tarburland could directly trade with the rest of the main continent without having to pay international tariffs. This led to a boom in population to take advantage of the opportunities such a placement provided. Today, Illuma is an essential trade artery. It is commonly known for its hospitality industry along the Sovereign Viaduct with inns, taverns, and rest houses every few miles. Oftentimes, proprietors offer wildlife excursions into the wild savannas. Common exports include ivory, furs, and rare woods from the exotic plant and animal life of the region, all approved of by the Illuma Nomad and Ducal Throne. Its eastern reaches remain unpopulated due to the intense nature of the Teth Desert. Proposals have been made to attempt settlement or a trade network to take advantage of the Copper Pass leading to Redalia, but attempts have been met with failure over the millennia. The capital Fortress City of First Light is characterized by a gargantuan lighthouse-like structure called the Illu Koret, some one thousand feet tall. Atop the structure, it houses a brilliant purple flame which is fed by a crystal with unique properties, the origins of which are unknown. It can be seen for miles around in the surrounding savanna. Ancient histories and legends of the region claim that the Illu Koret was found by the first settlers of the region, taking it as a sign of protection over the region. Local myths and folklore claim First Light was once a coastal city inhabited by the Fortress Builders before the gods punished them by moving the sea west.
Protector of the Savanna
Founding Date
~500 FFC
Type
Geopolitical, Duchy
Capital
Leader
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Parent Organization
Location
Related Traditions
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Comments