Isles of Xantos

Xantos is hailed by discontent Anayans and Sarporeans as a true paradise on earth, untouched by evil. This is romanticization, of course, but Xantos has indeed largely eliminated poverty. It is a small island nation that was settled in the distant past by Anayan exiles who had grown tired of the dragons’ rule. Many Xantis are sharply critical of Sarpor’s imperialism despite good diplomatic relation, and the political scholar and sometime dissident Jaya Netaryas writes that the government holds up Atlantis as the antithesis of the Xanti way of life “perhaps because of the similarities of condition that bring the geographically distant Atlantean regime only a stone’s throw from frightening reality in Xantos.” The islands are best known for their beautiful architecture, clad in the blue-green soapstone that is one of their major exports, as well as their socialist economy and strong trade network.

History

Xantos was founded by Anayan refugees fleeing the lands of the dragon-prince Hethonwe at the end of the Bitter Aeon. Unhappy citizens from other Anayan provinces soon joined them, and have continued to do so for nearly two centuries. Tensions with the local populations of merfolk led to the Whitecap Wars in 34 and 67, and relationships are strained to this day. Without the intervention of undine peacebrokers, many more lives would have been lost.

Demography and Population

The majority of Xantis are humans. Large numbers of undines have migrated to the islands from Sarpor, attracted by the seafaring culture, and they trade freely with local merfolk.

Military

Xanti soldiers are highly trained and well equipped, but ultimately the relatively small population of the islands prevents them from posing a serious threat to any of their neighbors. They maintain their autonomy through diplomatic relations - and, some whisper, through shadowy machinations.

Religion

The Isles have no state religion, but many Xantis belong to the Quadripart Church.

Foreign Relations

Some enmity still remains between Xantos and Anaya, and citizens tend to be wary of those who support the dragon cult, although they depend on trade with Anayan provinces. Particularly foolish dragonlings may brave the islands’ defenses and try to lair there- if one were ever to succeed, the symbolic blow would attract the world’s attention, but the humans of Xantos have more than proved their mettle over the centuries.

Type

Geopolitical, Republic

Demonym

Xanti

Government System

Democracy, Parliamentary

Power Structure

Unitary state

Economic System

Mixed economy

Location

Xantos Archipelago