Aphygia

Known by Aphygians as the centerpiece of the continent, this country made its place in a series of risky and audacious campaigns, suspended by a famous combination of diplomacy, conquest, and luck. This expansive nation has evolved and reformed several times over the years, and now consists of a variety of peoples and cultures, from the towns along the interminable coastline to the industrious cities further inland.
The rapid growth and prosperity mostly lasted from the 4th to the 6th century. Since then, Aphygia hasn't expanded much, but it's enjoyed relative stability and discovered the benefits of settling down. It became a popular spot for scientific and cultural development, and its capital became the most widely visited city on the continent.
Though Aphygia has taken some heavy blows in the Duumvirate War, it hasn't been shaken as badly as the rest of the Stakes. But resources and people throughout the country are being poured into the front line, and nobody is sure how long they'll last. Aphygia hasn't been tested like this in a long time.

The hero nation

Aphygia has been at war a couple of times, and its territory contains the shriveled remains of a few less fortunate nations. Despite its rapid expansion in the past, Aphygia is considered a kinder nation than Ossifrey, but that's a low bar to clear. Some people worship Aphygia's methods of preserving culture and absorbing new peoples through good diplomacy; others decry them as poisonous and rapacious. For still others, Aphygia is the last "hero nation" they have left. If they turn their back on the country, they'll have no choice but to decide that Agrophon is terrible through and through, owned by nothing but competing villains. They praise Aphygia and ignore its darker past, to avoid sinking completely into pessimism.
Aphygia's growth and conquest was driven in part by nationalistic pride, which has mostly fizzled out in recent years, though it lives on through some legends. Aphygia claims some of the continent's greatest heroes: it was the birthplace of Marcia Aufidia and granted citizenship to Ithel. These heroes are often reimagined in new stories, in hopes of shaking off the imperialist values stuck to their unwitting backs.

Demographics

Aphygia is a hub for artisans of all sorts, and it supports a vibrant network of travelers. However, these highways have slowed down because of the Duumvirate War. Native Aphygians include many kinds of earthly species, and the country still hosts a lot of visitors from its neighbors and beyond.
The Aphygian dialects were brewed from a variety of languages and peoples, and their voices are some of the most distinct in the continent. Aphygians speak in melodic tones with turbulent rhythm, and they hear other dialects as stubborn, fast-paced, matter-of-fact.

Industry & Trade

Ash plains

The burning of the dead is a tradition throughout the continent, but it's especially relevant here, where cremation was used to stopper the diseases that plagued Aphygia in its early days. Some inland villages use the remains of this morbid process to dust their farmland; these pallid, ash-swept fields can be miles across, and their growth is quick and reliable. Known as "ash plains," these farms are as good as gold mines for Aphygia, but they're generally avoided by all except masked farmers, grieving relatives, and amateur necromancers.
Ashes can also be used as ceramic glaze, which is often done to honor the dead: the departed are preserved in statues and other stoneware, sometimes becoming household gods within those effigies.

Population

120,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Aphygian

Included Locations

• Dullar