Kethyros
A paradise surrounded on all sides by danger and devastation, Kethyros would hardly be considered a pleasurable destination were it not for the intervention of the powerful magic users who reside there. Great, magical shields are battered from the southwest by raging storms, and to the east is the looming presence of the Stolasi Imperium. Those who would brave these dangers are rewarded, though, by the verdant tropical isles that make up this nation of sparkling clean cities and idyllic landscapes. Add to that the fabulous cuisine, and Oikíra makes for a fabulous vacation destination for any intrepid traveler.
Structure
Kethyros is a collection of four principalities, each ruled by a Vasila. A Vasila is responsible for the political and military direction of their principality, though they only enact large-scale political interactions or declare war if all four Vasila are in agreement. Every four years, one of the sitting Vasila is chosen to represent Kethyros internationally. This representative is legally allowed to be the same Vasila multiple terms in a row, but this is a rare occurrence. Vasila is not a hereditary title; rather, a successor is chosen by the previous Vasila of the principality and subject to the approval of the people. Should the chosen successor be rejected, a public vote is called to elect a new Vasila from the general populace. Surprisingly, this eventuality is rare.
Each Vasila is supported by a council of their principality's best minds, including a Sýnesi (mage), an elected representative of the people (Protathlitís), and a military adviser (Stratigósi). This council is chosen from amongst the best and brightest of Kethyros, each schooled in the country's mandatory public education system, and usually possessing Masteries in their craft, whatever that might be.
Cities, towns, and villages are administered by a council headed by an Archigós.
History
Kethyros is a relatively new country, having once been four separate nations. Several centuries ago, the rapid spread of the Stolasi Imperium threatened to engulf the island nations that now make up Kethyros. As such, the four monarchs brokered a treaty, agreeing to support each other in any way necessary to resist annexation by the Imperium. With their combined military might, the confederation managed to hold off the Imperium long enough to collectively broker peace with the ever-expanding empire, and it was decided that, rather than remain separate nations, they would unite in a more permanent arrangement, thus forming the nation now known as Kethyros.
The newly formed nation was ruled by a council consisting of the four monarchs, a system that worked well for a century before disaster struck. Seizing the opportunity presented by the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, Spiros Ypsilós led a campaign to overthrow the council and placing himself upon a new, central throne. His draconic rule and isolationist policies left the country in ruins, famine decimating the population while disease spread like wildfire through overpopulated cities. After a decade of suffering, from the depressed masses rose a group of powerful mages known simply as the Rising Tide (Plimmýra). They wiped out Spiros' administration over a year's worth of bloody raids, finally making an example of Spiros via public execution.
From the ashes rose a system not unlike the original council, one ruled by four Vasila and checked by their own counselors. Their new goal was to be always accountable to the well being of the public, organizing new trade deals and various public programs to help the populace get back on their feet. Mandatory public education meant literacy was higher than ever, with many citizens reading and writing in multiple languages. The once robust university system was re-established with at least one campus in each principality. New medical advances were made, with hygiene being publicly promoted.
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