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atlas:theodova [2013/04/04 17:26]
galacticcmdr 		atlas:theodova [2021/12/03 23:36] (current)
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 A collection of independent city-states with a shared cultural history located along the shoreline of the [[Serpente Sea]]. Known to scholars as the City-States of Theodova, among its people they are far more likely to call themselves [[Palgorus|Palgorii]] or [[Crotus|Croton]] than Theodovian. Once the lands of the Dragon Kings, whose ships stuck fear in the cities along the Serpente Sea, these city-states now are the center of the newest ​ philosophy, art, and science in the [[Western Realms]]. A collection of independent city-states with a shared cultural history located along the shoreline of the [[Serpente Sea]]. Known to scholars as the City-States of Theodova, among its people they are far more likely to call themselves [[Palgorus|Palgorii]] or [[Crotus|Croton]] than Theodovian. Once the lands of the Dragon Kings, whose ships stuck fear in the cities along the Serpente Sea, these city-states now are the center of the newest ​ philosophy, art, and science in the [[Western Realms]].
  
 +
 +===== Statistics =====
 +
 +  * **Name:** City-States of Theodova
 +  * **Periods:​**
 +    * [[#Archaic Period]]: 1150 - 1912 AE
 +    * [[#Commerce Period]]: 1912 AE - 239 AH
 +    * [[#​Enlightenment Period]]: 239 - 420 AH
 +    * [[#Draco Period]]: 420 AH - Current
 +  * **Head of State:** No Central Government
 +  * **Land Area:** 128k km<​sup>​2</​sup>​)
 +  * **Population:​** 1.2 million
 +    * Ethnicity: [[creatures:​Human]],​ [[orgs:​theodovans]]
  
  
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 //Main Article: [[Ancient Theodova]]//​ //Main Article: [[Ancient Theodova]]//​
  
-In 1150 [[lore:Age of Empires|AE]] the nation of Theodova emerged from the fall of the [[Lycene]] civilization ​with the crowning of the first Dragon ​King. Claiming ​the right to rule from their Dragon ​Ancestors these kings expanded ​the control ​of their navy across ​the whole of the [[Serpente Sea]], demanding tribute from any other city whose ships used these waters.+From 1150 - 1561 [[lore:Age of Empires|AE]] the nation of Theodova, which had emerged from the fall of the [[Lycene]] civilization, was ruled by the Dragon ​Kings. Although these were not the same [[Lycene#Dragon ​Kings]] as existed before ​the name still invoked a sense of fear. Their terrifying [[lore:​Dragon Ships]] raided along the shores ​of the [[Serpente Sea]] demanding tribute from other people. Anyone who defied their will was destroyed.
  
-The nation fell into ruin in 1461 AE when the last Dragon King was killed with no immediate heir. Several blood relatives did step forward to claim the crown, but none were able to solidify their rule. For 8 years civil war raged across the land until anyone of the bloodline ​was hiding or killed.+With the death of the last Dragon King, the nation fell to civil war. It would be another hundred ​years before the largest of the cities would emerge from the destruction. With increased prosperity came increased competition with other Theodovian cities. Once again war raged across the land and cities burned. The result this time was different as a plague nearly destroyed everything.
  
-With its cities in ruins and cropland destroyed, the lands that once paid tribute to them came to now demand tribute from them. The most prolific ​of these new masters were the [[Zentirovan]] whose lands in the [[Tarakian Islands]] had long resisted Theodova. Although ​the largest cities were able to stave off the Zent raiders, most of the smaller cities were sacked. From 1488-1543 AE the Zents raided the coastline for slaves, food, and treasure. +The rapid spread ​of the [[lore:​diseases#​Red Plague]] in 1901 brought the war to a quick halt. For nearly five years this virulent plague spread across Theodova and much of the [[Western Realms]]. In Theodova nearly 40% of the population was killed as the plague peaked in 1906. This death struck noble, craftsman, serf, and slave alive. Most of the slaves were burned outright, but the death of the serfs meant the plague was followed by a time of bloody banditry ​and famine. By the 1912 the plague seemed to have finally run its course.
- +
-By 1543 AE the smaller cities of [[Abdora]], [[Crotus]], [[Thulli]], and [[Edessia]] were finally strong enough to repel the raiders. This minimized ​the raids and the small states were once again able to grow and prosper. The Theodovians were once again able to regain much of their control over the Serpente Sea when a volcanic eruption in the Tarakian Islands in 1690 AE destroyed many of the Zenti cities.+
  
  
 ==== Commerce Period ==== ==== Commerce Period ====
  
-1912 AE - 239 AH+The lack of destruction in the rural farmlands led to an overabundance of food and labor shortage. These conditions allowed the serfs to demand more freedoms from the nobles as the wages of craftsmen were rapidly rising. These new rights effectively destroyed the feudal system of land-bound serfs, replacing it with thousands of land owners. 
 + 
 +The powerful craft-lodges who once controlled the means of production were now hollow shells as many of their masters were killed by the plague. This allowed new workers to rush in and fill the void. These new workers were not invested in controlling the "​hidden arts" of their craft, but instead on increasing their own wealth. The newly enriched peasants and craftsmen demanded more access or foreign goods, which lead to huge increases in the size and reach of the city-states merchants.
  
-The much smaller number of peasants were able to force the nobles to grant them many new freedoms. Many of the peasants ​were given the freedom to purchase land and thereby increase their personal wealth. As landowners they now owed a land tax to the noble who still controlled all of the local government.+As the cities became increasingly wealthy ​many merchants financed ​new settlements to increase their growing political influence. The city-states ​of [[Arakhova]] and [[Sfakia]] ​were founded along the shores of [[Miran]], while [[Neokhori]] was founded in the [[Tarakian Islands]]. With the new cities the descendants ​of the Dragon Kings controlled Serpente Sea.
  
-The smaller workforce broke up many of the guilds that controlled the means of production. The lack of adequate  +This period ​of expansion suffered a major setback when the Red Plague again struck in 232 AH. Although it was not as devastating ​the rebuilt roads and increased shipping allowed the plague to strike several ​of the largest cities before ​their rules could properly quarantine the affected areas. While the rural population suffered very little, the cities suffered nearly 10% dead and another 20% crippled.
-blacksmiths,​ coopers, dyers, leather workers, and other labors controlled by the guilds became more independent as new workers opened up shoppes and craft houses. These new workers were not as invested in controlling ​the hidden arts of their work, but instead on increasing their own wealth.+
  
  
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 The excessive greed and corruption has caused a conservative backlash among the common people of the lands. In the small villages and hamlets the people have rekindled the worship of the Drago Setta. These people have cast off the worship of the gods of the cities and embraced the strictest traditions of the Theodovian Dragon Kings. Although their numbers are growing, they must still hide their faces for the worship of the Dragon Kings is forbidden upon pain of death within the City-States. The excessive greed and corruption has caused a conservative backlash among the common people of the lands. In the small villages and hamlets the people have rekindled the worship of the Drago Setta. These people have cast off the worship of the gods of the cities and embraced the strictest traditions of the Theodovian Dragon Kings. Although their numbers are growing, they must still hide their faces for the worship of the Dragon Kings is forbidden upon pain of death within the City-States.
- 
- 
-===== Statistics ===== 
- 
-  * **Name:** City-States of Theodova 
-  * **Periods:​** 
-    * [[#Archaic Period]]: 1150 - 1912 AE 
-    * [[#Commerce Period]]: 1912 AE - 239 AH 
-    * [[#​Enlightenment Period]]: 239 - 420 AH 
-    * [[#Draco Period]]: 420 AH - Current 
-  * **Head of State:** No Central Government 
-  * **Land Area:** 128k km<​sup>​2</​sup>​) 
-  * **Population:​** 1.2 million 
-    * Ethnicity: [[creatures:​Human]] 
- 
  
 ===== Geography ====== ===== Geography ======
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 ===== Politics ====== ===== Politics ======
  
 +Theodovan politics revolves around "The Family"​ and "​Respect"​. Respect is what lessors display to their betters on a daily basis. The Family is not always bound by blood; although in many cases it may be so. Instead it is bound by agreements that are seen as tighter than blood. While Theodovan cities all have councilmen and officials that run the day-to-day workings of the bureaucracy it is the family that put them in the position that they work for in truth.
  
 +The Families have worked for a smooth and even relationship between them - a trust of equals. I may ambush and kill your men, while you do the same to mine. Those breaking this natural order will find themselves as outcasts - nobody deals with outcasts. They may live in the city and scrape out a living, but they will never amount to anything ever again.
 +
 +
 +==== Foreign Relations ====
 +
 +As expected for a nation centered around trade, Theodova seeks to harmonize relations with as many potential trading partners as possible. The driving philosophy of the largest families is that "War is Profitable as long as you are not at War."
 +
 +
 +=== Zentirovan ===
 +//Main Article: [[atlas:​Zentirovan]]//​
 +
 +Fierce competitors for trade along most of the coastline of both Miran and Aquanius, Theodova has a much larger merchant fleet while the Zents control the other mouth of the Serpente Sea. The Theodovan'​s could sail up the [[atlas:​Black River]], but that holds its own unique dangers. Theodovan merchantmen may grouse over tariffs their ships are charged, but the Sea Lords nearly single-minded devotion to destroying piracy makes the Serpente Sea safer for them. Even if they sell their goods as a loss in Zentirovan markets the largest Theodovan families still find the their relationship with the Zents profitable.
 +
 +
 +=== Bornheim ===
 +//Main Article: [[atlas:​Bornheim]]//​
 +
 +The largest and richest port on the western shore of Miran. This [[atlas:​Kingdom of Dakar|Dakarian]] Free City has a population of over 25,000 people with well-established overland trade routes to Eastern Dakar and the dwarven towns in the [[atlas:​Iron Mountains]] as well as [[atlas:​Stoneheart Hold]]. Given the inability of Theodovan merchants to stop at [[atlas:​Xian|Xianese]] harbors even to repair or wait out a storm, the port of Bornheim is a rich jewel in any merchants pocket. The largest Theodovan families have warehouses and factors within the city, with a few of them even setting up permanent residences.
 +
 +
 +=== Turan ===
 +//Main Article: [[atlas:​Turan]]//​
 +
 +The Thoedovans have two massive fortress-cities located on either side of the [[atlas:​Dengal Strait]] that hold a commanding position against any vessel seeking to enter the Serpente Sea from the [[atlas:​Maritic Ocean]]. This is the reasons the Turanians conquered the eastern coastline of [[atlas:​Miran]] and have established land routes - the tolls for passing between the straits was strangling their trade. Likewise, Theodovan merchants do not enter the Maritic as most of their ships never return. This stalemate is unlike to become a war as trade flows between the nations - it is just more restrictive and Theodova'​s other partners.
 +
 +
 +=== Sithara ===
 +//Main Article: [[atlas:​Sithara]]//​
 +
 +Although they are neighbors and have fought many skirmishes and battles of the years, there is very little trade between the two lands. Several Theodovan merchant houses, and even the great families, have tried and failed to have any meaningful contact with the [[creatures:​shoag]]. The shoag are very alien to the humans of Theodova. The shaog see trade as tribute and demand ever more for ever less in return - until they decide to take everything including the people there (which are traditionally eaten). This ensures that few Theodovans will travel beyond the somewhat established borders.
 +
 +
 +=== Talarak ===
 +//Main Article: [[atlas:​Talarak]]//​
 +
 +A next of pirates and freebooters would seem to be anathema too a major maritime power, but being able to sink your competition'​s merchant vessels through a third-party ensures that Theodovan coin flows freely in the Talarakian markets. While the families praise the efforts of the Zents to sink pirates - they continue to pay enough to ensure people continue to flock to the black sails. It is a well-known secret that many of the pirate captains are actually completely paid by Theodovan families and in fact recruit their crew from Theodovan cities.
 +
 +
 +=== Corvis ===
 +//Main Artcile: [[atlas:​Corvis]]//​
 +
 +While much of the trade between this city and Theodova dropped when the Seat of Lords fell to [[people:​Llannoth the Lich King]] - even trading with the [[creatures:​undead]] has its advantages. All of the major families have frequently, and publicly, announced that they will not trade with Corvis and anyone that does is an outcast. Privately there is a great deal of trade that goes on with Corvis. The city pays well for those willing to trade with it. Most of the Theodovan trade goes through the black sails of Talarak, more desperate captains, or even Theodovan outcasts the families keep around for such off-hand work.
 +
 +
 +=== Pah ===
 +//Main Article: [[atlas:​Pah]]//​
 +
 +The [[orgs:​Pah'​Shar]] do not build cities or even villages on the coastline as they consider it cursed. This requires that merchants anchor near the shore and transport their goods to Pah'​Shar villages by hand. Several attempts to build trading houses on the Pah'​Shar coastline have met with failure and the disappearance of those that worked there. Pah'​Shar is poor in iron, but it is also so wet that iron and steel rust rather quickly - instead most of the trade is in food.
 +
 +
 +=== Chrysalis ===
 +//Main Article: [[atlas:​Chrysalis]]//​
 +
 +While their coin is good, all trade with Chrysalis only goes one way. Everything the Chrysalons produce is tainted with the power of their land and thus it only lasts a few days it is removed from the land. The sole exception to this rule is trade in precious metals ([[wp>​noble metals]]). These metals carry the taint of the land, but after a few days the taint leaves the metal and it is indistinguishable from that traded anywhere else. Where they get the gold since all other trade runs into the same problem is not the problem of the Theodovans - only that their cities import a great deal of goods and pay in coin.
  
 ===== Economy ===== ===== Economy =====
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 ===== Culture ===== ===== Culture =====
  
 +
 +==== Innovation ====
 +
 +During the Commerce Period new technological and financial inventions allowed the city-states to rapidly expand. Some of these include [[wp>​Fuel Coke]], [[wp>Dry Compass]], [[wp>​Portolan Chart]], and the [[wp>​Triangular Sail]]. Their contacts with the [[Turan|Turanians]] gave them access to non-naval astrolabes and intermediate algebra.
 +
 +The Enlightenment Period saw more social advancements with the addition Legal [[wp>​Dissection]],​ [[wp>​Movable Type Printing]], Personal Hygiene, and the Water-powered [[wp>​Paper Mill]]. The inventions of Movable Type allowed for the mass creation of books. While the wealthy still have private tutors all but the poorest peasant could afford at least one book and educate themselves and their children.
 +
 +
 +=== Banks ===
 +
 +The most important invention can be directly tied to the quick expansion during the Commerce Period. Existing [[lore:​Trading Companies]] were heavily restricted to the nobility and a few well-connected merchants. [[wp>​Banks]] allowed even simple peasants to save money, which was in turn invested in merchant vessels and craftsman.
 +
 +
 +
 +===== Ideas =====
  
 To this I've added some darker elements of Poe (Cask of the Amont..., Masque of the Red Death, Pit/​Pendulum,​ etc. [aka torturers and dungeons]), the beginnings of the darker side of trade and mechanization (hereditary slavery by race, abuse of workers by capital, child labor, dehumanization of lower classes) and a conservative backlash. To this I've added some darker elements of Poe (Cask of the Amont..., Masque of the Red Death, Pit/​Pendulum,​ etc. [aka torturers and dungeons]), the beginnings of the darker side of trade and mechanization (hereditary slavery by race, abuse of workers by capital, child labor, dehumanization of lower classes) and a conservative backlash.