Myanothia
The old forest kingdom of Panthais.
| Regional Information | |
|---|---|
| Population | 756,000 50% Humans |
| Capital | Bragih |
| Government | Monarchy; ruled by Queen Callisa Morinog |
| Major Religions | Elal, Mala, Llir |
| Imports / Exports | Timber, coal, silver, leather products |
| Total Area | 3,412,500 sq. miles |
| Dimensions | Length: 1,950 miles Width: 1,768 miles |
| Elevation | Average: 8,500 feet Lowest: Sea Level |
| Known For | Ancient fiefs, Storhet forest, Kingdom rifles, Royal Guard, Watchmen, High Road, Black Gate |
| Major Roads | High Road, Westering Road |
The Grand Duchy of Myanothia is a nation of duchies in the Northern Realms, rising north of the Dhunadin Sea and situated between the Blue Mountains, the Lands of Pal Hurr of the Western Realms, Alisanos to the north, and Ta’Kanasiti and the Via’ Asthierr Mountains to the east.
Among the oldest of the northern nations, Myanothia was established when the independent provinces and principalities of Gahlena, Lyrabion, Dilphur, and Syrshal were united by the Fhen Khanur war captain Urskas Myanthak in 675 B.F.A. This union was created to face the rising menace of goblinoid hordes advancing from the Kingdom of Og, in what is now the upper regions of Alisanos and Ahgrinuu.
After the end of the Goblin Wars in 650 B.F.A., Myanthak established a ruling council of dukes from the various provinces and principalities. This Grand Council became the true protector of the realm and currently numbers thirteen members, each representing one of the duchies that make up Myanothia.
Overview
Myanothia is a land of duchies, stone roads, farms, ranches, copper lodes, guarded trade routes, and old northern traditions blended with practical industry. The thirteen duchies of Myanothia are Gahlena, Lyrabion, Dilphur, Syrshal, Damarah, Hlemach, Raasten, Aglaren, Nentyr, Dalelund, Thardun, Ta’Jahumar, and Tuigar.
Trade within the realm is extensive. Most merchants have little fear of traveling the brick-paved roads, even late into the night, because the roads are frequently patrolled by duchy riders, watchmen, and other groups loyal to the duchies.
Travel is only obstructed by the requirement that travelers carry proper papers. These papers can be obtained from local magistrates in cities, towns, or villages along the borders of the duchies. Those found without proper papers may be escorted to the closest location to obtain them or escorted out of the duchy in question.
Each duchy is friendly with the others, though occasional disturbances arise, usually at a local level between rival villages of different duchies. Most such disputes end peacefully, as local magistrates tend to establish laws that prevent real hostilities.
Every year, in a different duchy, Myanothia holds the Ceremony of Champions. This is the grandest festival in the region, where knights from various realms compete for the highest honors in Myanothia. The ceremony is preceded by tournaments held in each of the thirteen duchies, where warriors, knights, cavaliers, and others compete for title and standing that culminate each spring.
Myanothia does not usually meddle in the affairs of other kingdoms beyond its borders, attempting to remain neutral in the affairs of the Northern Realms. However, it handles Kal Phyriax with care and has stationed troops along its shared border.
Myanothia is rich in copper, silver, and iron lodes mined within the Red Hills, which take up much of the central region of the nation.
Currently, the grand duchy is Raasten, with the city of Carigan serving as capital. Every one hundred years, a new grand duchy capital is selected by the Grand Council. This decision often brings out the political factions of each duchy as they attempt to lobby the Council.
Inhabitants
Myanothia is unique within the Northern Realms. It was brought together by a Fhen Khanur but is dominated by humans. Over the ages, it has become home to a mix of species, including humans, Fhen Khanur, Ta’Jahu, Chovah, Bhahuul, Ha’vatu, Formorians, centaurs, giants, gantu, and others.
Many creatures walk, crawl, or fly over the plains, hills, forests, and foothills of the region. These include wild boars, deer, elk, hares, brown bears, badgers, wild cats, and foxes.
Of great concern to the folk of all the duchies is the dire wolf. These beasts roam in packs of up to twenty, though young males are known to hunt alone for several years before joining or establishing a pack. Myanothian dire wolves are exceptionally cunning compared to those of other regions. They are often pack leaders of gray wolves of unnatural size and intelligence, and many believe these creatures are hybrids of worg and wolf.
Myanothia also has a diverse monster population. Its lands are home to undead such as banshees in the Forests of Lyrhum, gangs of skeletons, roaming hordes of zombies, birigath, banturs, goblins, broodlings, goatmen, and barghests in the Hills of Burgandale.
The plains between Alisanos and Myanothia are also home to turag, kazinars, kobolds, shaldhuns, giant elk, and worgs.
Languages
The predominant language of the Grand Duchy is Common. However, many also speak Cor Shan due to the proximity of Ta’Kanasiti, and Fak-Chun because of Myanothia’s history with the Fhen Khanur.
This mixture has led to a hybrid language called Sletum Lang, which combines Common, Fhen Khanur, and Ta’Jahu speech. It is spoken almost as regularly as Common, and nearly all native Myanothians know and understand it.
Life and Society
For the most part, life within the duchies is relaxed and peaceful, though busy. Most folk are landowners who live off what they raise on their homesteads while supplying their respective duchies with necessities.
All citizens make do with what they produce themselves and rarely rely on imports brought into the duchies. Farming, craftsmanship, and commerce are highly valued throughout Myanothia.
The people are generally honest and hearty, with firmly held beliefs that industriousness and virtue will overcome foreign schemes to sway their land.
Travelers visiting the region are usually met with reserved suspicion. Most Myanothians are quiet people who prefer to remain civil, silent, and deliberate about strangers until they know them well enough to accept them as friends or allies. Once this trust is earned, friends of the duchies find the folk open and generous.
While the people are industrious, the duchies and freeholds also import and export goods to other nations and realms. Towns, villages, and cities near the borders are more urban than those tucked deeper into the interior.
Most folk wear simple, functional attire. Men tend to wear snug jerkins over shirts, with trousers and a large leather belt or sash around the waist. Women often wear comfortable cotton blouses, skirts of varying length, or pants. Most folk wear cotton socks and simple leather shoes. Fabrics are generally cream, gray, tan, or earthen brown.
Nearly all folk, young and old alike, possess a thick linen cloak. This valued garment protects against the elements and is reversible: tie-dyed in splotchy greens and browns on one side and gray-white on the other, depending on season and region.
Myanothians forge tight familial bonds. There is a strong sense of solidarity among kin, and also among non-related folk when trust is deep. Most children grow up calling many women grandmother and many men grandfather.
Parents take the education of their children seriously. This includes survival fundamentals, shooting bows, wielding weapons, navigation, and building shelter before the child turns ten. Between the ages of eleven and fourteen, children are educated by sages in subjects ranging from science and politics to alchemy and philosophy. At fifteen, they are taught the family duties of their household business.
While much of the duchies consists of farms and ranches with thick stone roads between important cities and locations, beyond these roads grow thick forests. These forests are home to dire wolves and their kin. Many attempts have been made to thin or kill off the wolves, but each time they survive and reestablish themselves as dominant predators.
These wolves relentlessly shadow travelers from the woods, waiting for stragglers or for prey to let down its guard. The folk of the duchies fear and loathe them. Many claim the wolves are the spawn of demonic wolves and regard them as wholly evil. They slaughter livestock and drag the old, frail, and infirm screaming into the dark woods.
As a result, most travel between locations is done by day, with armed escorts or in large caravans. Throughout the region, from a young age, all folk are taught to hold a sword and use it with some proficiency.
Social Customs
Myanothia is rich with customs. Some are common across all duchies, others are duchy-specific, and still others are more unusual.
When a young Myanothian reaches the age of thirteen, they leave home for a time and set out alone into the world to gain knowledge of the world they live in. Myanothians refer to this tradition as the Lonely Walk.
Parents do not lightly send their adolescent children into the world. The Lonely Walk is a serious affair and is regarded as a test of courage, resolve, and resourcefulness. Rarely, a youth may wander for months or even years, their familiarity with the wider world growing while the appeal of settled life fades.
Myanothians greatly respect their leaders, whether noble, military, or otherwise. All citizens who are not noble or military bow to these individuals. Among nobles and military personnel, lower-ranking individuals bow to those of higher rank.
Death within Myanothia is viewed as the end of an incredible journey. While there are many variations among different faiths, Myanothians believe that some kind of wake should follow any burial. This belief comes from the thought that the dead person’s life should be revered and celebrated by the living.
Throughout the region, no animal is more revered than the cat. Myanothians believe cats are the eyes and ears of the gods, regardless of religious belief. This belief dates back roughly 1,000 years, when legend holds that a clowder of cats came to the rescue of two sisters surrounded by several dire wolves. Because of this, cats are sacred and should never be killed. It is believed that everyone should have a cat as a pet or companion.
Hunting on another’s land is forbidden. Violation of this custom is equal to betraying trust between neighbors and can result in the offender being ostracized for a time. The offender may redeem themselves by offering a large banquet or allowing others to hunt their land for a period.
Myanothians consider themselves civilized people, and therefore most entertainment revolves around festivals. There are festivals for many holidays, personal events, and community celebrations.
Arts
Myanothian art covers a wide range of styles and media, including ancient pottery, sculpture, ink painting and calligraphy on silk and paper, paintings, woodblock prints, ceramics, origami, and more recent small books of drawn stories.
It has a long history, ranging from the beginnings of human habitation in the region sometime in the 10th millennium B.F.A. to the present day.
Literature and Education
From an early age, nearly all folk are educated in farm life, the use of weapons, and a practical knowledge beyond planting seasons and crop care.
The folk of the duchies are sharp, clear-minded, and often sarcastic. They believe a strong grasp of the world has allowed them to exist in the region for the past thousand years. They value education, from rustic survival knowledge to scholarly learning.
Nearly every village and town has one or two scholarly sages who have come from the large cities of the region. These sages are highly respected and are often sought out by adventurers for their knowledge, if not always their wisdom.
Sages are considered servants of the duchies, paid by them and supported by the duchy where they live. They establish small libraries and educational buildings in villages and towns where they hold classes.
Architecture
The architecture of Myanothia has a long, rich, and diverse history. It ranges from thick stone square castles, keeps, and towers left over from the Kish Empire and the Kingdom of Athigurian to more modern buildings with grand ogival rib arches and tall towers with pointed roofs.
Many homes throughout the region are constructed in brick-and-timber style, fitted with stone or red roof tile, and have steep roofs. Homes and shops alternate between deep russet, pale dun, or diluted yellow.
Most windows have boxes filled with flowers and herbs. Doorways tingle with wind chimes and are decorated with drying herbs. Myanothians are fond of decorating building facades with colorful stones.
Throughout the region, ruins from the Kish Empire dot the countryside. There are abandoned monasteries, crumbling towers, and caravanserai whose ruins have opened into deep underground caverns.
Lifestyles
For the most part, the lifestyle of folk within the duchies is similar. There are slight differences in how one addresses another, how one dresses for farms and nightlife, and in the variations of brews and meads. There are also differences among wealthier folk.
One constant can be found throughout all the duchies: women are seen as the primary protectors and defenders of the home.
The wife, or married partner if there is no wife, is responsible for the overall welfare of the family. Important decisions are theirs to make, and as head of the household, they command the respect of those who live with them.
During the marriage ceremony, the groom places himself under the bride’s protection, taking her name and coat of arms and moving into her house. In return, the bride ritualistically swears to protect the family from everything from bad luck and spirits to predators, thieves, immorality, and malnutrition.
In cases where a partner fails to fulfill their duties, law permits the other partner to divorce them if negligence can be proven before an aristocratic court. Such divorces are rare and treated seriously.
Myanothians are responsible citizens who take the issues of their individual duchies and the nation as a whole to heart. They participate in community affairs. Each village, town, and city has a strong sense of community that is difficult to break down.
This point of view is furthered by wealthier families and nobles, who see their role within Myanothia as a duty to their countrymen and to the duchies individually.
Myanothians believe their nation is superior to its neighbors, particularly Alisanos and Kal Phyriax. Their society is generally divided into three classes: nobles and local lords, the military, and common folk.
Kingdom Law and Government
The Grand Duchy of Myanothia is made up of thirteen separate smaller nation-states called duchies. Each duchy is legally a separate dominion ruled by a high-ranking noble. Together, the duchies are ruled by a council of leaders from the acknowledged capital of Carigan.
Most laws of Myanothia are based on three core concepts: property, person, and domestic law. These laws are adapted from those of the Kish Empire, with influences from Solthania and Dardura Sheva. From this core set, each duchy modifies the laws to better fit its own needs and customs.
Sentences
| Code | Sentence |
|---|---|
| A | Death, instant |
| B | Death upon conviction |
| C | Exile |
| D | Enforced Labor and Imprisonment, Solitary Confinement, Life |
| E | Imprisonment, Solitary Confinement, 8–12 years |
| F | Enforced Labor and Imprisonment, 5–10 years |
| G | Imprisonment, General Populace, 2–5 years |
| H | Fine payable to the government; imprisonment 2–30 days |
| I | Fine payable to the injured party; imprisonment 1–7 days |
| J | Edict against convicted |
Crime Classifications
| Classification | Typical Sentences | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Severe | Any sentence as seen fitting | Treason, murder |
| Serious | Generally C–G; B used about 35% of the time; A used about 10% of the time | Fraud, manslaughter, theft |
| Lesser | Generally E–J; B used only about 10% of the time | Deadly assault on citizens |
| Minor | Generally H, I, and/or J | Damage to property, trespassing |
Technology and Crafting
Situated between the dark lands of Alisanos to the north, with whom Myanothia is deeply allied, and the cruel nation of Kal Phyriax to the southwest, Myanothia has developed a strong focus on aradgah items.
These range from thaumic batteries and arabeitz creations to airships and even voidships. Myanothians also build land-based vehicles such as Svemahjol, or levitation bikes, and the occasional Rhezertok.
Beyond these technologies, Myanothia is also known for incredible farming tools made from hardwoods and dark blue steel. These tools are exported throughout the Northern Realms, with some reaching as far south as the Empire of Rinsha Adynshra and beyond.
Religion
Like many nations home to many species and cultures, Myanothia is awash in various faiths. However, Elal, Mala, Anthia, and Llir are the predominant religions within the Grand Duchy.
Every village, town, and city has one or more shrines or churches to these four deities, alongside shrines of species deities as appropriate.
Features and Important Sites
Myanothia’s most important natural features are its rivers, roads, forests, hills, and ruins from earlier empires. Among these, the Benlhar River is the backbone of inland travel and trade.
River of Benlhar
The River of Benlhar cuts through the western part of Myanothia and is among the largest rivers in all Ta Los, second only in length to the Min Haoc, which cuts northeast through Sahrivik and The Vast.
At points, the river is nearly 300 feet wide and 200 feet deep. It is as though some god dragged a plow down the center of the land, causing the banks to slope upward before plunging into the cold blue waters.
Most Myanothians see the river as a major source of trade transportation. Much of its length is calm and serene, with the water’s surface swirling in large circles while currents below run fast over a sandy bottom.
The river is home to hundreds of water creatures and many other creatures that use it to hide underwater entrances to lairs.
There are many legends and tales of the great river. Most center around the loss of loved ones, resurrection, and the dead. Some speak of a race of beings called the Botua who inhabit the deepest parts of the river, living in communities beneath the surface. They are said to become mortal men and women at night, coming ashore to live among the people of the land before returning to the river before daybreak.
Other tales speak of cave-like openings in the darkest, deepest parts of the river. These tunnels are filled with water and feed a gigantic underground lake where the dead of the world go to live out their lives after death. These beings or spirits are not considered undead or evil, but rather the living dead of those with strong ties to the real world.
Perhaps the longest known river in all Ta Los, the Benlhar River flows from the glaciers in the Ceitha Mountains southward through Ceithlenn and Myanothia before emptying into the Dhunadin Sea. It is the most important river to the western Northern Realms, west of Ta’Kanasiti, Panthais, and the Ice Kingdoms of Naaryn.
The Benlhar is fed by the Uleta River, the Shining River, and thousands of minor streams from the Blue Mountains and Via’ Asthierr. For thousands of years, mortals have used the river for water, irrigation, and transportation.
Prior to 9,000 B.F.A., the Benlhar River flowed through what is now called the Great Dale and emptied into the Sea of Magnara. When the Citadel of Tor Nas was blasted away by profound magical forces, leaving a gigantic crater, the Benlhar River became the main water source that, over thousands of years, filled the entire area now known as the Dhunadin Sea.
The river has long been the backbone of Myanothia’s inland water transportation. It reaches nearly 1 mile wide at its widest point and a mere 200 feet at its narrowest. It ranges in depth from 10 feet to several hundred feet as it approaches the Dhunadin Sea. It is believed to be fed by many Tav Aeduhn rivers.
Uleta River
Originating from spring wells on the southeastern portion of the Plains of the White Worm, the Uleta River begins its journey southward to feed into the Asloc River.
It begins as a white, soot-filled waterway as sand and dirt from the Plains are carried southward. It slowly becomes a translucent blue river as it is tossed through the falls in northern Myanothia.
Organizations
Myanothia is seen as a strategic location in the Northern Realms, especially by the nations of the Southern Realms. It serves as a doorway to the dark lands of Alisanos, a guardian against the vileness of Kal Phyriax, and a power with ports on the Dhunadin Sea.
Alongside the Kingdom of Panthais, Myanothia is considered one of the greater powers for good in the North.
The Cult of Huron
The folk of the Grand Duchy do not tolerate evil cults. If such groups are discovered, they become targets of local sheriffs and watch patrols. Many cults have found that there is little they can do within the Grand Duchy.
However, the Cult of Huron has found its niche and continues to exist just below the surface of life among the folk. It has gained a foothold by appealing to those who wish to fight and curb the dire wolves of the region.
The cult is focused on supplanting leaders of various groups and high-ranking noblemen so it can gain access to high offices and direct the Grand Duchy from within. It does this primarily through domination magic, dojenia assassination attempts, and the replacement of key figures.
The Rangers
The Rangers are an organization dedicated to promoting good, preserving Myanothian history, and maintaining a balance between civilization and nature throughout the region.
They also work to keep invading hordes from causing too much suffering to the duchies. They oppose the growing evil in the dire wolves and act against the insidious activities Kal Phyriax directs toward the Grand Duchy.
The Rangers often work with adventuring groups that challenge these forces.
The Grand Military
The Grand Military is the standing, officially recognized military force of Myanothia.
It is made up of several divisions, including the Field Army, Naval Forces, and the Fleets. Each group is built from those who volunteer for the various divisions. From these volunteers, commanders are trained, and they continue the lineage of the Grand Military.
Many families throughout the Grand Duchy are known for long histories of service within the Grand Military.
Major NPCs
The following is a brief introduction to some of the major people of note within Myanothia.
Master Kelem Varek
Master Kelem Varek is a skilled and fierce fighter, as well as a capable tactician, negotiator, and politician. He is one of the high-ranking noblemen of Raasten and currently resides in Carigan.
Kelem is a very tall, muscular, and ruggedly handsome man in his mid-forties with thick red hair. His face is prone more to scowls than smiles. He often wears traditional military garb, and even in civilian dress, he still wears a metal chest plate.
Kelem is known to be an extremist in everything he does and keeps his sensitivity deeply buried. He is driven to seek law, order, and safety for his neighbors. This drive is tied to the horrific ordeal of losing his family to an attack by a pack of dire wolves.
Lavender
Lavender stands just over 5 feet tall. She is a thin woman in her early twenties with tight, wiry muscles, lavender-colored hair, bright blue eyes, sharp features, and pale ivory skin. Her hair is very short, shaved on the sides, with a single braid of longer hair on one side.
She prefers red, indigo, or blue clothing and is often seen wearing colored leather pants, dyed shirts, and soft leather boots.
Lavender is seen as a hell-raiser: tough, capable, and self-assured. She can be incredibly sociable and can ignite her beauty and sensuality to get things done when needed.
By all standards, she is a crusader, determined to work against the numerous organizations that seek to overthrow or gain control of the Grand Duchy.
Cities
The following are major cities of Myanothia.
Carigan
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Carigan |
| Population | 187,650 |
| Government | Grand Duke Myra Listura |
| Major Religions | Elal, Mala, Anthia |
| Imports / Exports | Alchemical components, books, coal, coffee, glass, linens, organic chemicals, precious stones, silver, slag |
| Duchy | Raasten |
| Known For | Capital, City of Flags, high walls, connected towers, Grand Council politics |
Carigan, the current capital of the Grand Duchy, sits near the center of Raasten. It has been the capital for the past 250 years, and this long tenure shows.
Carigan has become a large city with high walls, tightly packed buildings, and high towers connected by bridges wherever reasonable. Nearly every building two or more stories high bears multiple flags, ranging from the flag of Myanothia to house flags and guild flags. Because of this, many now call Carigan the City of Flags.
Khalak
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Khalak |
| Population | 200,650 |
| Government | Duke Larick Klutla |
| Major Religions | Elal, Mala, Anthia |
| Imports / Exports | Amber, ash, cattle, dyes, fabrics, leather, limestone, resins, vegetables, waxes, spellcraft componentry |
| Duchy | Lyrabion |
| Known For | Largest city in Myanothia, former Grand Capital, Outer Wall, Core Wall, Temple of the Khaldun |
Khalak is the largest city in Myanothia and the capital of Lyrabion. It was the Grand Capital of Myanothia before Carigan.
The city feels like a miniature version of Dardura Sheva, with two massive walls: the Outer Wall and the Core Wall. Like Dardura, these walls separate government buildings from the other buildings and homes of the city.
Khalak sits perched on a gigantic hill mesa, and its Outer Wall extends to the sheer cliffs of the mesa.
The most notable structure in Khalak is the ancient Temple of the Khaldun, a great temple that sits high above the city wall and is sacred to those who follow the teachings of the Speghiz’iech.
