Aomekioni

Originating from a mixture of cultures, the Aomekioni were known for their regionally significant empire. They typically posses excellent skills in strategy, governance, and architecture.

Home Region: Coasts along the Zenos Sraits
Origin: Result of cultural melting pot between Poscaean, Ghiskan, Aetian, and Ianananosian c. 160 AR
Presence: Waning
Common Religions: Aetian Pantheon, Poscaean Pantheon, Ghiskan, Ilueism Real World Influence: Greek, Phoenician, Carthaginian, Syracusan 5e Additions:
Magic Proficiency: Fire Evocation
Non-Magic Proficiency: Deception

History

The rise of the Aomekioni stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of a people born from the ashes of chaos. Aomekion, a fledgling state carved out of the fracturing Neo Poscaea in 144 AR, quickly soared to dominance. It devoured its sibling city-states, forging a new national identity bolstered by the military might of the enigmatic Seleutine lost legions. Amidst the region's turmoil, the Aomekioni found unity and purpose in this emergent identity. The Aomekioni, standing at the crossroads of the Aetian and Poscaean cultures, found themselves entangled in an age-old rivalry. Shunned by both Aetians and Poscaeans, the Aomekioni turned inwards, fostering a culture rich and distinct within their ever-expanding borders. Dominating the Zenos Straits, they became a cultural leviathan, straddling the lands of Severon and Barakon. Intricately linked to the demise of the Seleutine Empire, the Aomekioni, with their roots intertwined with the defected Seleutine Legions, proudly saw themselves as the rightful heirs to the Seleutine legacy. However, the winds of change blew fiercely; in 589 AR, Aomekion fell to the Morosian Empire. This cataclysmic event scattered the Aomekioni, many seeking refuge in Nirus, a land untouched by Morosian conquest. Yet, history is a relentless tide. By 790 AR, with the rise of the Alexian Empire, Nirus bowed to Alexia. The emergent Maetian culture, claiming the mantle of succession, cast a long shadow over the Aomekioni heritage. Under the Alexian rule, the vibrant Aomekioni culture began to fade, slowly woven into the Maetian fabric. As the echoes of their once-proud lineage grew dimmer, only a handful clung to the remnants of a culture that once commanded the Zenos Straits, a whisper of glory in the annals of time.

Traditions

The Aomekioni are renowned for their architectural marvels - temples and structures that echo the grandeur of their past. Their distinctive column-making, a harmonious blend of southern Aetian elegance and robust Poscaean styles, birthed a unique architectural language. These temples, more than just structures, were the beating heart of every Aomekioni community, with specific days set aside for communal worship, deeply ingrained in their cultural fabric. This reverence for temple-like aesthetics was so profound that even their governmental and civic buildings mirrored the grandeur of these sacred spaces. Amidst their architectural feats, the Aomekioni culture was also vibrant with festivals - a kaleidoscope of religious ceremonies and jubilant celebrations. These ranged from Aetian-inspired festivals that celebrated the spirit of community to Poscaean fire festivals, imbued with mystique and wonder. Over time, though, the original mythological and sacred essences of these festivals evolved, taking on a uniquely Aomekioni flavor that blended reverence with revelry. The Aomekioni's influence on religious practice was profound and enduring. They pioneered the shift towards smaller, more abundant basilicas for weekly worship, a concept that later became a cornerstone of the Dominion Religion. This architectural and cultural legacy left by the Aomekioni continues to resonate, a testament to their innovative spirit and their profound impact on the spiritual landscape of their successors.

Fantasy Additions

The Aomekioni are largely human-dominated, but also have a mixture of orcs and elves to a small degree. They relied more on physical weaponry than magic - and indeed only found specialization in firebending, but it was rarely supported. Some defectors from Aomekion found their way amongst the Iananosian people and created the first magically infused weapons known to exist. Aomekioni were known to wage war alongside the Srians against the creatures which spilled forth from the mountains. Aomekion supported a Witcher castle against the Tridonan Mountains, but it eventually fell after the Morosian invasions. There are legends that even the gods had disdain for the Aomekioni people