Deoria: Stand against the Darkness/Epymna
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Epymna is less of a nation and more of a union of individual city states located in the swamps near the central-east of Deoria. They share their religion, language and general culture, though are each governed individually. All inhabitants of Epymna view themselves as one collective people, yet the idea of unification has never really taken hold.
Epymna is known for its unique fruits and plants and especially for its wine.
Epymna is further viewed as a very enlightened nation, their philosophy and arts widely known.
The swamps and jungle of Epymna are populated mostly by elves, with elvish being the national language.
Society
Faith
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The cities of Epymna are polytheistic, praising a pantheon with many major and even more minor gods. The leader of the pantheon is a nature goddess named Antheia, who is also seens as the mother of all elves.
The way religion is practiced from city to city. The general faith and devotion to Antheia and her pantheon however is shared. |
Administration and Social Classes
While each city in Epymna is governed individually, there are many similarities in their structure. Often, the cities have an Archon, a magistrate that takes on the role of ruler or sovereign. In some cities, the Archon is simultaneously head of the local clergy, but other cities seperate these roles.
The citizens of Epymna all share the same basic rights across the cities. Education, inquiry and reason are strongly encouraged and supported in Epymna, with philosophy playing a large role in the daily life and culture.
History
The free cities of Epymna are the oldest nation in Deoria, predating even the dwarven empire and Ras Rufour. The long lives of the elves allow for them to have watched many of todays nations grow. Some of the elves are even said to be alive since the second age.
The elves are a very peaceful lot, mostly because they have witnessed the horrors of war more than any other and remember them fiercely. They are strong fighters, but prefer the quill over the blade.
Military
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The military of Epymna is made up largely by levies. However, military training is a mandatory part of education, putting these levies on the same level as many occupational soldiers in other countries, simply because the length of elven education compares to an entire human life.
Made up by what are said to be the greatest non-mounted archers, alongside the elven hoplites who are heavy infantry capable of building devestating formations, the elves are more than capable of war. |
Foreign Relations
Epymna holds trade with many nations. Further, they have formed defensive alliances with both, Ithilien and Ascour, stabilizing Deorias center.
Locations
| Calyrgos | |
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Calyrgos is the largest of the city states located in Epymna and as such the most reknown one. It has the Archon as the political leader, though not as the head of religion. The astonishing elven architecture and beautiful nature are a sight to behold. |
Notable People
| Amarinceus | |
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The Archon of Calyrgos, Amarinceus, is the oldest recorded elf currently alive. He is said to have witnessed the second age. He is known as a classical thinker and conservative philosopher. |