Olimandias
A massive city-state located at the center of the Interior, at the intersection of the region's four major nations. The continent's largest settlement with a population of 450,000. Olimandias is the leader of Verden's hegemony and has massive influence over the other nations.
Structure
Ruled by the Lord of Olimandias, who has a lifelong appointment and governs with unchecked authority. A Lord typically chooses their heir, either selecting a blood relative or an adopted protege. The Lord of Olimandias delegates general administration of the city-state's districts to a collection of magistrates. The Lord of Olimandias never leaves their palace without a signature golden mask, hiding their true identity from the public.
Public Agenda
Olimandias is the "neutral" center of civilization, where expert diplomats and masterminds pull the strings of society far beyond the city's borders. It is effectively the hegemon of Verden.
Assets
In Olimandias, you will find:
- The largest populated city in Verden.
- The Temple of Diel, the center of Verden's religion.
- A wide array of shops, from budget booksellers to luxury magical goods.
- The headquarters of the continent's largest merchant companies.
- A massive combat arena called "The Ascension."
- A network of spies, secret agents, and whisper bards.
- High fashion.
History
The oldest city on Verden. It gradually gained power and influence as a city-state and established a hegemony over other nations.
Diel's mortal general during the divine war became the first Lord of Olimandias, and so all subsequent rulers of Olimandias claim to be the protector and overlord of civilization itself. Their extensive history has allowed them to chart and follow every change in society since the dawn of recorded history. Rather than rule with a direct iron fist, Olimandias exerts its influence through The Eyes of Diel -- a vast spy network that has agents in every court. Assassins and inquisitors hunt down and strategically remove dissident figures throughout Verden and even stage the collapse of kingdoms.
Magistrates and merchant lords have come to control nearly all trade routes in Verden, and Olimandias demands tribute from the other nations in exchange for protection and support from large trading companies and elite warriors.
Olimandias systematically recruits the "best of the best" from every nation by offering them great wealth, building an unrivaled military force that can dismantle any single army without much challenge. The city has come to learn that everyone is ruled by their desires, and they have built up a powerful hegemony by catering to those needs.
Territories
The city of Olimandias is a sprawling metropolis at the heart of the interior region, and all roads converge here. The city itself is radial in shape and covers roughly seven hundred square miles. A large ring of farmland and vineyards surround the city.
The Great Temple of Diel is a massive ziggurat at the heart of the city, and the Lord's palace -- the tallest spire on the continent -- shadows it.
Military
Olimandias has a large private army of devout loyalists. They have taken the policy of "quality over quantity." While other nations have greater manpower, no one directly rivals the skill of Olimandias soldiers. They train patriotic locals for 10 years, turning them into experienced specialists, and recruit the best warriors from other nations to serve in the Lord's honor guard. They also offer esteemed positions to those who triumph in the arena, which is why it is called The Ascension.
The archmages of Olimandias are unrivaled, often recruited from Vanadiel's best colleges. From Uradiel, they recruit battle clerics and noble paladins. From Muldinach, they purchase the services of the best gunslingers and artificers. From Roslen, gallant cavaliers and glory-seeking bards.
The true power of Olimandias lies in the Eyes of Diel, however, and training academies here produce the continent's best assassins and spies and whisper bards.
Type
Geopolitical, City-state
Demonym
Olimandian
Government System
Dictatorship
Subsidiary Organizations
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
