Zilyagi, a Nation Reformed
Arcana, Guns and ancient empires all call Zilyagi home.
Zilyagi is a land of high magic which is intertwined directly with nature. High magic and the home of the Dragon-marked houses, Zilyagi is renowned for its incredible and advanced technology, perhaps the most advanced Bavelion has to offer, Firearms, Airships and the war-forged are all common place within Zilyagi. However this technological advancement is kept in check as to not harm Zyilyagi's ties to the Fey wild and nature, and most of its seemingly dangerous technology is used to maintain its state of peace and happiness. Zilyagi is unique in that it is ruled by a democratically elected council of a variety of different races. However this council is looked over by a sect of very powerful druids known as the Elder Eyes, who make sure that the complicated history of Zilyagi does not repeat itself. These Elders are a highly mysterious group, only one is known by name that being Elder Ta-bias Xorandra, an ancient high elf believed to be from the B.B era who wields unfathomable power. It is unknown if this group accepts new members and it is extremely rare for them to communicate with any outsiders, instead choosing to operate as occasional advisers to the council, as well as to many other druid sects around Bavelion, such as the Gatekeepers, Children of winter, and the Moon-speakers.
A boring life to a Zilyagian would seem a life full of adventure and awe to a citizen of any other nation, as zilyagi posesses perhaps the largest amount of people born with magical abilities than any other nation. It is not uncommon for a Zilyagian farmer to sell his farm one day in exchange for a suit of armor or spell book and go off to explore ancient dungeons or abandoned military fortresses by joining one of the guilds of Zilyagi. Such guilds may include the Sivilus conclave, a group of warlocks who are granted ancient and powerful knowledge in exchange for uncovering the secrets that lie within Zilyagi, The wardens, a sort of military and adventurers guild hybrid comprised of mainly fighters, paladins and rogues who are officially sanctioned by the Council of Zilyagi to simultaneously enforce the laws and delve deep within colossal ancient ruins and are allowed to keep a majority of their findings, and the Colleges of arcane advancement one of which is in most if not all of the major metropolitan areas of Zilyagi, the Largest of which being the Androsphinx University within the platinum city of Fenzaria which is a colossal flying metropolis with its own artificial biosphere and ecosystem within the city itself. Most often these are wizards or sorcerers who wish to understand their abilities more or develop them using the teachings of the elder mages before them, and often do not begin their adventuring lives until they are well developed mages themselves. And perhaps the most important to the adventuring economy is a group of non religious clerics and paladins known as the Lake of life, who draw their powers from a sentient lake named Orlomir and is said to possess the ancient spirit of a seelie fey.
Before the battle of Meridia, Zilyagi was the founding member of the oppressive empire known as the Pact of Superiority along with the Armies of the blackened wastes. A cruel and oppressive regime lead by High elves and Drow and perpetuating an economy based on slavery and conflict which brought its people under its banner based on a system of propaganda and lies. This empire fractured the council of nations after its formation in the year 873 A.B. This group also created the first of the Warforged with unknown assistance and used them as their front-line enforcers. In addition this nation had a deep connection with the Devilish Entity known as Mammon and served his goals in hopes of being rewarded for their service. The empire was led by marriage of two individuals known as Timerus Wastrilon, a high elf and Kyriss Seferoun the Drow empress and alleged daughter of the matron of spiders. this marriage was believed to be devoid of any actual love and was simply a tool for the two to gain more power.
This Empires leadership was wiped out following a magical attack on the entire war council of The pact below Meridia in the year 1346. Following this the Empire was briefly ruled over by an abyssal Tiefling known only as Damos who was quickly dethroned and executed, leaving to the pact being easily defeated during the battle which would follow under Mammons leadership. Following the battle of Meridia, the majority of the drow quickly retreated to their home in the blackened wastes leaving only the high elves to face the consequences of their actions. For the next 5 years a grisly civil war would follow between various factions believing they each had a claim to Zilyagis throne. It would not be until the year 1351 when the secretive Council of Elder Eyes would become involved and using their ancient magics would cease the conflict. Following the conclusion of the conflict the elders would assist further, only from the sidelines, in creating the new republic of Zilyagi which would be potentially the first of its kind in Bavelion. Once a new government had been established, the people who begin a mass disarming of the country, freeing war-forged and its other constructs of their rigid programming allowing them to be a free willed people, as well as ceasing the production of these legions of them.
And even before this point in the pre-council of nations times, Zilyagi was ruled by an inorganic species of Constructs of unknown origin. This ancient empires influence can still be seen based on the colossal obsidian pyramids and expansive underground cities which lie ripe full of ancient treasures for the taking by an ambitious Zilyagian adventurer. But woe be on the traveler who would awake these ancient and powerful machines who still lurk within these structures, patrolling as if their masters had never left, for they who would confront such creatures rarely live to tell the tale.
While Albion possesses some of the largest and most beautiful cities on the continent, they are archaic in advancement compared to a Zilyagian city, many of which float far above the ground or posses colossal Sky scrapers, the likes of which are only seen in the nationwide city of Meridia. These skyscrapers are host to any number of different arcane or scholarly facilities, the tops of many being host to a conservatory from which the stars can be seen. Often these buildings are much wider on the inside than the outside, most likely an arcane enchantment put in place by the arch wizards. Its capital is not its largest city, that would go to the platinum city of fenzaria, but perhaps its most impressive being the city of Werin-Sushina or heart of the Knowledge in elvish, which is a city constructed within a colossal golden marble, and truly is a sight you must see for yourself rather than me give it away.
In addition the 12 Dragonmarked houses of Bavelion have their mysterious origins intertwined with the history of Zilyagi. It is said that when this Empire of constructs ruled long ago began enslaving and refining the mortal populations within its territory, transforming and twisting them into half construct abominations. These people cried out for help, but during the day the soldiers of this Empire would root out and stamp out these religious sects, leaving only the night for worship. Only one would answer, the moon dragon Lunasehar blessed 13 families with special magical abilities, creating the Dragonmarked houses who would eventually grow so powerful as to overthrow this empires rule, leaving the nation free until it would later join the council of nations. It is unknown what this inorganic race actually looked like, what their purpose was in the world and where they have gone. All that remains known for certain is these constructs created by this empire wander their ancient halls and ruined cities, seemingly awaiting their masters return and seek out and destroy any intruders to these places without remorse.
Typically a Zilyagi minister serves a term of 6 years, with a second term being allowed if voted in the next election. Those who wish to vote must possess a certificate of Arcanum from a recognized college, which assures the government that this individual is knowledgeable enough to vote on the rulers of his or her nation. As a sort of apology all war-forged were granted one of these upon their freeing after the pact of Superiority was split, but typically one must spend ten years in college to acquire one of these though some are handed out to exceptional individuals, for example any person who is made a saint is automatically granted one.
Demography and Population
The majority of the people of Zilyagi grow up within its colossal flying cities, and are constructed as to not damage the natural world below it. These cities possess a large amount of the middle classes population Condensed within its colossal skyscrapers, and as such its streets are more often than not filled with its people, or its many modes of transport, being the lightning rail which is connected to all of Zilyagis major cities, one of its many airships, House Orion teleportation circles or Griffin carriage. It is very rare that people will walk a great distance within these cities as walking across some of them could take several days. Bizarrely, the majority of the nations poor and wealthy peoples live on the country sides. The wealthy often being members of one of the 12 (formerly 13) great Dragonmarked houses, and live in grand manors outside the cities which are in tune with the nature surrounding it as to not pose any harm to the circle of life which is important for the peoples of Zilyagi. The children of these Wealthy folk are often sent into the large cities in order to learn to use arcane powers and become a powerful mage, which is seen as being the highest achievable social status within the Zilyagian Civilisation.
In contrast the poorer folk are more rare than the nobles, as most people who lose their wealth or came to Zilyagi with none quickly join a guild leading them to being made rich, or horrifically killed. However there are those who wish to not be involved with this perpetual circle of Adventure and death, and they often live in small villages or taverns dotted around the country. These villages have little or no defense from outside threats, which may include bandits, wandering constructs or other strange creatures
Territories
Zilyagi owns a fairly small area compared to other nations of the continent as far as width goes, however most space in Zilyagi is vertical, with high heights and low valleys, with cities most often floating well above the ground, with some exceptions. Weather in Zilyagi is typically sunny and pleasant given its strong connection to nature.
Zilyagi has individual rulers for each of its cities who look over most of the surrounding area as more a secondary purpose to looking after its cities.
Military
Zilyagis military is unmatched by its neighbors. This peaceful nation for the most part possesses an incredibly powerful military presence with its combination of magics and advanced technology. The Sky-borne Silver Eagles are high elven Eldritch knights trained by Albions generals for flying combat mounted atop griffins and giant eagles, from where they use their mixture of Silvered weaponry and spell-casting to dispatch foes. They wear special Silver heart amulets which allow any spell they would cast to buff themselves to also affect their mounts.
The primary composition of their armies are their incredibly fast airships mounted with magical mitral cannons and ballistas operated by Kobold powder monkeys. In addition they have adapted many constructs from the ruins scattered around Zilyagi to serve in their expansive military forces, such as maruts, steel predators and shield guardians.
Whenever zilyagi is forced into war its well trained wizards, guilds and available saints chime in to assist in the conflict, and often when mixed together prove an unstoppable. And finally the somewhat secret weapon of Zilyagi its the Platinum Giant, a colossal construct named atlas who was said to be created by arno of the nine as a failsafe for the people of Zilyagi should they ever be faced with unstoppable invasion, and only the Head councilor is given this knowledge upon his election, to the dismay of the elder eyes.
Technological Level
It is no doubt to any sane person, that Zilyagi lies alone at the head of scientific development, the vetarin covenant being the only one who even comes close to this level. Whether it be the reliance of its use of magics and technology, the co-creation of the war forged with Arno of the nine or its use of firearms fairly commonly, Zilyagi is a technological powerhouse compared to any other nation on the continent.
But even then the technology seems to pale in comparison to the ancient empires of the before betrayal times, which many of Zilyagis technology is adapted from. As such many, myself included, keep a weary watchful eye that these ancient creatures may return, seeking retribution for their banishment at the hands of the gods.
Religion
A land of pulp adventures and prosperity, the gods have little meaning within Zilyagi, more weight is placed on your individual talent. However worship is not completely absent, instead worship is placed on certain exceptional individuals, each one named a Saint and are chosen by the Elder Eyes themselves or the Council. It is not a requirement to be a native of Zilyagi, although one must be of exceptional power or ability that would warrant worship. Such worship and Beliefs are said to be adapted from the worship system that exists within the feywild.
The process of becoming a saint is a long series of trails and tests to prove the aptitude of the chosen one and at this stage many who would wish to become one would fall and give up their Ascension. The exact trials of each saint vary from person to person, however most often they require a difficult task related to the persons specific talents and always end with the person meeting the Elder eyes and drinking a magical brew known as an awakening potion. Following this the person has reached near demi-god like ability that would warrant their worship, and are made immortal, but not invulnerable. It is said that becoming a saint is one of the greatest blessings a mortal can achieve in their life and less than 20 saints Roam Zilyagi to this day.
However beneath this surface, Zilyagi has a deep history of fiendish cults, many of which continue to this day, and continue to root themselves within Zilyagi society, attaining as much power and killing and replacing those who would challenge their ideals. Notoriously hard to pin down and wipe out, these cults often manage to avoid or deal with their pursers before the same can happen to them and their influence can be felt all over the continent.
Foreign Relations
Zilyagi with its newfound state of peace finds itself acting most often as an intermediary between most of the nations of the council with its half Elven negotiators. Many of these nations also receive their advanced technolgy from Zilyagis artificers and wizards who offer such wonders in exchange for foods and protection, a questionable request seeing the military prowess Zilyagi can muster however it is most likely this request is to act as simply giving the other nations something to do.
Because of this the majority of the nations of Bavelion have a large amount of respect for Zilyagi and as such it has very few adversaries. However Zilyagi was once the only nation of the council to share a non violent diplomatic relation to the nation of the blackened wastes, and since the death of their former drow queen is now ruled by a male Duergar king who has returned to the primal raiding and constant conflict which once consumed the nation and now swears vengeance on the newly reformed Zilyagi, often sending his legions of the Iron hammer to as close to zilyagi as is possible.
Agriculture & Industry
Zilyagi is unmatched in its industrial prowess, with colossal factories in the heart of each city overseen by an archmage of transmutation or an Artificer. These grand factories create the nations armies of constructs, the firearms, and armor and weapons most often made from mithral or adamantium. These grand factories have many workers, who tirelessly refine and work the metal mills turning it into processed material, which is then adapted for use by an elder craftsman, who shapes the metal. Given the ancient empire which lies far below the surface of zilyagi, there are a multitude of fossil fuels awaiting refinement by the hard working laborers.
Trade & Transport
Zilyagi mages under the house of Orion were the original creators of the lightning rail which goes between each of the council nations. This incredibly fast mode of transport can be rather pricey for extended journeys and is defended by a unique force given the specific nation it is located within. Powered by air elementals which are contained within the rail itself.
While certainly quick, both teleportation circles and airships are the fastest and most efficient modes of transport. However with their effectiveness comes an increase in their expense and such options are rarely chosen by common folk. Similar to the lighting rail the airships are powered by a ring of fire elementals which permeates around the outside of the ship. These hold it aloof in the air and allow it to accelerate or decelerate at an alarming rate.
Education
Typically those who would seek education travel to the cities colleges, which teach a combination of arcana, sciences, and history. This Education is free for any inhabitant of the nation or any aspiring immigrants for anyone who wishes to receive an education. However while free this education may prove a difficult undertaking for the faint of heart, a intentional design as to weed out the less able.
Those who succeed in their educational studies go onto work in the magical field which they have chosen. Each of these fields prove a useful field in the Zilyagian market and work is easily found. Those who fail in their educational Journey often go on to work in the factories and industrial fields of Zilyagi and recieve an average wage.
Those with the Highest intellect are often those who climb the social ladder in Zilyagi to the higest rungs of the social hierarchy, with the top generally being very accomplished arch-wizards who have studied for decades and written entire manuscripts on their topics.
Infrastructure
Generally it is rare for a Zilyagian city to touch the ground below it, instead choosing to float above the earth at a slow pace propelled by magics. as such these cities are well suited to avoiding natural disasters entirely. Typically the cities are "piloted" by an inorganic construct known as a docent which is well suited to the monotonous work.
Most of the food and water requirements of the city are filled out by the colleges wizards who can use magics to create all the resources necessary to sustain the cities, as to not harm the natural world below them.
While these cities have many safeguards to prevent people from falling off, the threat of the city actually plummeting to the ground below it is a thing many of the denizens worry about on a constant basis. While it has yet happen, and the wizards assure it never will there is always the possibility of an anti magic device which could cause these cities to collapse on to the ground below them.
Some of these cities even posses their own gravitational field, an experience that can be very disorientating at first. Typically these cities are accessed by the teleportation circles which lie on the ground near them, allowing quick access to the cities. Alternatively the lightning rail and griffin carriages act as other options.
Capital
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Democracy, Parliamentary
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
Standard coins
Major Exports
Zilyagi exports the majority of magic items and scrolls it creates, keeping the best of its product for its grandest wizards, these items are sold at high prices to all nations of the council. As well as this a small amount of the airships and firearms it creates are se3nt to the nobility and armies of the world which are also sold for most often a high price.
Major Imports
Zilyagi has a fairly small population and as such a main import of theirs are the soldiers of the red legion. In addition many of the expensive and complicated materials it must use are often transported from Relachia and Xoravia, as they have no use for the majority of these materials. Food is not so much of an issue as most folk get their food and supplies from the magic users within their colleges, however some food is imported from Albions farms as well as the forests of relachia.
Legislative Body
The Council along with occasional assistance from the Elder Eyes
Judicial Body
The Wardens carry out the enforcement of law in Zilyagi. Generally speaking the rank of Judge is given only to the higher members of the Wardens, however exceptions can be made given certain circumstances. Death is a very uncommon judgement in zilyagi, instead officers will choose to subdue and imprison or fine most offences. Most officers are armed with a Shortsword, Club, A.S 40cal Firearm pistol as well as some minor enchantment magics which allow them to stop Suspects from afar or subdue potential runaways.
Official State Religion
Neighboring Nations
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