Deoria: Stand against the Darkness/Ithilien

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Ithilien

Ithilien is an empire in Deoria's south-east. It consists mostly of grasslands and forests. Ithilien shares its single physical border with Epymna, however that border is a natural one made up of a mountain range.

The populace of Ithilien consists of many walks of life. However, farmers and soldiers are common occupations.

Ithilien is known to be very militaristic, having a large standing army of occupational soldiers and knights.

The most common inhabitants of Ithilien are humans and aasimar. However, half-elves are very often found toward the north of the nation. The national language is zemnian.

Society

Faith

The faith of Ithilien revolves heavily around the foundation the empire was built upon. Founded as tribute to Ithil the Wolf and since led by his bloodline, the state religion believes each new heir to be a direct re-incarnation of Ithil's very spirit. As such, the head of religion, as well as the subject of said religions praise, is the god-emperor of Ithilien himself. The religion states tenets of bravery and martial prowess, with a religious orders of knights being major figures in the state.

Administration and Social Classes

The god-emperor of Ithilien is the absolute sovereign of their nation, a title that is passed on in a male-preferential hereditary system. While the king is the head of military, religion and state, the administration is done by his second in command, the grand master of the knightly order.

The empire is sectioned into four fiefs. Each fief is held by a monastery of the knightly order, with the master of each monestary acting as the according fiefs administrator. Often, these fiefs are split into smaller counties, which are held by high ranking members of the nearest monastery.

There are not many social classes in Ithilien. Most citizens are equal in their standing, with a select few roles having an elevated position. These are mostly religious figures, such as priests and members of the knightly order.

While soldiers hold no special rights over other occupations, the militaristic culture makes this not only a prestigious, but well paying one.

History

With Ithiliens founding in honor of a historic warrior, often regarded as the greatest military leader in recorded history, the militaristic nature was laid in its cradle. Quickly devouring all teritory south of the mountains, the expansionistic nation had gained a reputation quicker than might have been good for it. Others states now viewed them with care, a potential threat should their ambitions remain. But Ithilien kept to what they had from then on. Still, their strong military was never at rest, often assissting nations in their wars, offering help to the desperate while binding them in gag contracts in return.

The reputation of Ithilien has only hardened, as its behaviour never changed. It is viewed with as much caution as respect.

Military

The military of Ithilien, often also referred to as the Ithilien Wolves, are arguably the most powerful military force in Deoria. The occupational army, made up of a mix of light pikemen, heavily armored infantry, equally heavy cavalry and longbow men undergoes strict training and maintenance to upkeep their status. In addition to these already powerful troops, the knightly order of Ithilien supplies the military with devoted knights, vow-bound and dedicated to do all that needs to be done for their god-emperor.

Foreign Relations

Ithilien has quite the infamous reputation among other nations. Still, it remains a very large trading force.

Ithilien upholds active trade with its vassal state Galardanad, along with Ascour, Epymna and Lundr.

Further, it has a defensive treaty with Epymna.

Locations

Adesten
	Adesten is the capital of Ithilien and its largest city. It is not only home to the God-Emperors palace but many beautiful buildings, the entire cities outline a monument to both the brightness, yet decadence of not only the emperor, but Ithilien as a nation. One of the largest trade capitals of Deoira, Adesten has almost any good that can be thought off. Many merchants, local traders and prestigious tradinghouses can be found in the shopping district.
Hardstein Tunnel
	The Hardstein Tunnel is a gigantic pass built right throug the mountain range between Ithilien and Epymna. Built by the dwarves to pay off a debt to Ithilien, this marvel of architecture now provides easy and safe passage between the two countries. It was named after the city of Hardstein, which its entrance on the side of Ithilien is located near.
The Five Towers
	The very fitting name "The five towers" describes a total of five towers located in southern Ithilien. While theoretically within the nations territory, these buildings do not fall under their jurisdiction. That is due to the simple reason that these towers are home not only to the Elanthir, but the only magic school in Deoria. It is said that the middle tower, which was the tower of the famous archmage Elanthir, namesake of the title given to the master of mages, was built upon the exact spot where the heart of the Magic Manifest melded into the earth.

Notable People

Emperor Dawrim
	God-Emperor Johann-Ithlar I. is the soverign of Ithilien and as such arguably one of, if not the single most powerful man in Deoria when it comes to political power and influence. Johann is known to be a thoughtful decider, considering many options. Temperate and educated, albeit it decadent, he is a man that will attempt to see through things to the last detail before taking action. While inhabitants of Ithilien view him as justice incarnate, other nations see him as an intelligent manipulator, who is just waiting for the right time to get the upper hand in any situation.
Grand Master Nicholas von Thalen
	Ser Nicholas von Thalen is the current Grandmaster of the Knightly Order. As such, he is not only advisor of the god-emperor himself, he is the administrator of all stately buisness in Ithilien. Nicholas is known to be a dutyful man. He is not one for many words, yet very rhethorically talented. His silent and observant nature leads many to underestimate him, but he is as driven as he is intelligent, as intelligent as he is skilled as fighter and currently undefeated in duels.
Elanthir Quoridrus
	The title of Elanthir, Master of Mages, is currently held by a man named Quoridrus. He has held that title a long time, longer than one man is meant to live. Yet it comes to no surprise to the people of Deoria that the most powerful mage is more than just a man. Elanthir has pushed many new concepts and schools of magic into the curiculum of the Five Towers. He is known as a true scholar and innovator, a teacher who never views his own learning as complete.
Lady Mivareth of the Knightly Order
	Lady Mivareth is a human member of the knightly order of Ithilien and a military commander. While she is relativly young, she has claimed a decisive victory in the battle of Irik'han, saving the remaining dwarves from a grizzly fate.