Archia
Archia is a town within the Holy Illuminated Exeter Empire. It is most famous for is proximity to several well-preserved ruins that predate The Devastation. It is also the home to the Enteres Lyceum.
Demographics
Racial demographics in Archia are similar to those in the Holy Illuminated Exeter Empire at large. There are proportionally greater populations of elves, many of whom hold tenured positions at the Enteres Lyceum, and dwarves, who are drawn to both the mountainous terrain and the city's reputation for producing renowned archaeologists. Archia's population tends to be more wealthy and educated than the general population of the Empire. This is in part due to the presence of the Lyceum and in part due to the town's high volume of trade in magical and mundane artifacts.
Government
Local ruling power is vested in Exarch Eumelia Deimos. The Exarch, in coordination with the clergy of the Sun Faith, provides food, shelter, and other basic necessities to the population of Archia and the surrounding villages. These services are primarily supported by administrative reallocation of goods and services. Archia is somewhat unusual in the Empire in that it also imposes a small tax on exchanges of goods valued at more than 100 gold pieces.
archaeologicalThe Exarch herself presides over all criminal matters, subject to review by the judicial panel. The laws are similar to those in the rest of the Empire, with one notable exception: stealing cultural artifacts from a claimed archaeological site is subject to punishment by up to a year of hard labor.
Defences
Archia's defense is provided for by two dozen guards, at least one of whom is trained in dealing with magical threats. A trained militia of 150 can be raised in times of need. In addition to the militia, there are often several experienced combatants to be found that the Praxis Union Hall.
The only walled structure in Archia is the Lyceum, which has enough space to host about half of the population. In a crises, children, the elderly, and those unable to defend the town are instructed to take shelter there. The Lyceum grounds are warded with a permanent enchantment similar to the sancturary spell.
Industry & Trade
Like most towns in Exeter, Archia is largely self-sufficient, although trade with other settlements is not unheard of. Many of the goods produced in the town go to support either the Lyceum or the population of visiting fortune hunters who seek to explore the surrounding ruins. A significant number of residents are employed by the Lyceum directly, with positions ranging from scullery boys to research assistants.
Infrastructure
Archia is organized around a central common space. Immediately accessible from this common space are the Dawn Cathedral, Exarch Deimos' residence, and several public offices. To the north of the central plaza is a large residential neighborhood with plenty of open space for vegetable gardens and the occasional goat or chicken coop. The western edge of town is dominated by the Enteres Lyceum, while the boasts Archia's lone inn, the Scholar's Rest. The southeast part of town is mostly apartments for students at the Lyceum, and also home to Gravemaker's Tap, a bar popular with traveling adventurers and locals alike. The southwestern area contains many local businesses, organized around a paved plaza known as the Crafter's Corner.
Guilds and Factions
The two most powerful factions in Archia are the administration, led by Exarch Deimos, and the Lyceum, led by Director Nikandros. While the two factions are not openly opposed to each other, what is good for one is not always good for the other. This is complicated by the fact that Deimos and Nikandros were at one time married - a marriage that ended in a particularly bitter divorce.
Other important factions within the town include the Praxis Union and a small but highly professional underworld of artifact smugglers.
History
Archia and the surrounding regions were only lightly settled until about 120 years ago, when local farmers discovered extensive pre-Devastation ruins buried under one of their fields. Further exploration revealed the presence of additional ruins, suggesting that a previously unknown civilization occupied this area sometime in the past. This revelation led to the founding of the Enteres Lyceum and the development of Archia from a small cluster of farms into a proper town.
Geography
Archia is located in the foothills of the Trikos Mountains. To the south, the mountains quickly rise into impassable peaks. To the west lies the Prismatic River, while to the the north and east are farmlands dotted with smaller villages and hamlets.
Type
Town
Population
~3,800
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Related Reports (Primary)
- Session 1: At the Crossroads
- Session 10: The Facility
- Session 11: Rumble in the Ruins
- Session 12: The Orrery
- Session 13: The Underdark
- Session 14: Into the Light
- Session 15: Unwanted Gifts
- Session 16: The Emissary
- Session 18: Prepare the Defenses!
- Session 2: Tense Negotiations
- Session 3: Stone River
- Session 4: The New Chief
- Session 5: All In Your Head
- Session 9: The Dig
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