War Within Neutral Ground
Akathia is the primarily human Realm that occupies the center of the Virosian continent. Akathia has its namesake in the spirit Akatha which resides south of Aleryn and offers guidance to the people that would seek her out. Akathia has historically been a neutral ground for the Realms to interact in, so much as the sitting monarch of Akathia is concerned. For its survival it remains neutral ground, as war has never meant well for their lands. Drostollor considers itself an independent province, though Akathia's legal body extends as far north as to consume the Drostollor Isles.
"The Adarizhan has its turmoil, no doubt, though compared to the conflicts of the dwarves and elves, I think I'll take my chances within the walls of Aleryn." - Rizhan Ketheran Ulmenvos III
History has spelled a tumultuous tale within the borders of Akathia. Founded as the Alerean Adarizhan in Aleryn, the settlement found itself deeply spiritual. They worshipped the spirit Akathia, their namesake, and presided just north of the borders of her woods. At this time, however, Akathia itself was found as a sovereign nation, broken off from the Vallian Empire. In 10779 A.A.R., Aleryn official deemed itself their own realm, though in relative secret from Vallia. As a religious body, Aleryn was simply seen as a holy ground and temple-city that was not a political threat in and of itself.
And indeed, it really wasn't, but it was separate enough from the Vallian Empire, that it would not see the backlash of attacks from the Vallians upon the Shaelarin. Piece by piece, the Shaelarin picked the Vallian Empire clean as it saw an extremely slow decline. The Shaelarin created a mythral curse of their own design that worked itself like a plague through Vallian lands, but Aleryn was so isolated at the time that it did not see their lands before news arrived, and they could refuse carriers of the curse.
Thus, Aleryn thrived for many years, growing and expanding as a neutral ground of faith. In 11309 A.A.R., about 172 years before the Cohesion of the Realms, and indeed one of the contributing factors to its occurrence, the completion of construction on the Aleryn Bridge proved to allow ease of access directly across the continents. Suddenly, both the Shaelarin and Fjorlosian realms had direct, safe access across the Virosian Channel. Both seeking this tool for war, saw fit to make allies with Aleryn, which was then essentially serving both realm's war efforts. The economic benefit of this, however, was undeniable. Aleryn quickly became a neutral ground for its own safety and prosperity.
A History of Infighting
Aleryn is not the only nation that presides the realm. After the landing of the Drostol Comet, the followers of a sect of the Unspoken - The Path - found themselves without purpose. This was doubly so for those that lost their faith, but were still displaced far north of Aleryn. Thus, they settled where they found themselves, and grew into their own nation around the crater. The Drostol Comet deposited a unique material named Etraline, a black-bronze that proved itself extremely effective against Scrisalin. In addition, an alloy of Mythral and Etraline was discovered, and though an impure and difficult substance to manufacture for a long time, it was still instrumental in the creation of Adzir by the dwarves.
The Drostollorian nation grew into its own right and distinct culture of humans, though it was not seen as independent by the eyes of Aleryn. Drostollor was seen to be a satellite by Aleryn, as much of its wealth and trade needed to pass through Aleryn to meet the rest of the world. With greater access to wealth and its resources, Aleryn has maintained a sturdy hold on Drostollor for many centuries, much to their dismay, though many assimilated. In the heart of Drostollor, resent still grows. Their yearning for independence is at the center of most politics regarding Aleryn, and their amnesty is always on the public mind.
Rebellion is nothing new to the residents of Aleryn. Historically, many dozens of small rebellions have been fended off from the Drostollorian north. Aleryn views the Drostollorians as impetuous for their constant uprisings, not realizing the breadth of safety and resources that Aleryn provides - not by duty but because Drostollor needs them, and is part of their nation.
Sites for the Soul
Historically deeply spiritual, Aleryn is still the heart of worship for Akathia. She encompasses the ideals of natural order, fate, and growth. The interpretation of this, however, has never been against urban development, and her traditions were worked into Aleryn's culture as it developed. Though few would say they are deeply devout to Akathia in modern times, their culture is intrinsically tied to the old ways. Patience, self improvement, and level-headedness are built into their culture. To "live the day" is a common sentiment in Aleryn, to simply take a day to oneself in simplicity and meditation.
Many temples litter the streets, though the main Akathian site of worship in Aleryn has always been the Belfry of Akathia. This spiraling tower is entirely open, with archways lining the sides, decorated in intricate masonwork of Akathia's guidance and important myths regarding her. Within the Belfry, however, are eighteen bells, all of different tones, timbres and volumes. All of them are unique sounds, as they were made of different materials as well. Each bell a different metal, representing the beauty of difference in life path - all working together in harmony.
