On Archin
An excerpt from a report to Tarkus from explorers Quinn Haley and Lumuz:
To say Archin wasn't what we expected would be something of an understatement. The continent is large, and what is mapped out isn't even the whole continent.
We arrived in Voreios, a "guardian city" (I think that's what they called it) of the Atkorian Empire. While my old college studies (Lumuz thinks it's prudent to remind your grace that I'm a drop out at this time) point to the fact that Atkoria as an Empire may have been grand, now it is a shadow. It controls one admittedly large island, supposedly formed and shaped by magic at the empires apex, while most of the continent is a diverse array of other states now.
We spent most of our time in Atkoria, which despite its diminished state is still a gorgeous nation. It's island winds are warm, it's coasts verdant, and it's architecture astounding. Olark are common here, more so than even Tysos, but they're still out numbered by Humans. From what was explained to us Olark are the only ones allowed to rule the nation or hold office, with other races being "patronized" citizens. It's a complex culture.
The Atkorians "helpfully" informed us about the other nations of Archin. From what was told to us the other nations were as follows:
- Renwu Shuwei is a rival Empire to the Atkorians, and seem to have taken most of Atkoria's former Archin holdings from them. They're a strict and tradition bound society mostly ruled by humans, and have a hatred of magic (according to the Atkorian's, more on that later). They regularly war with Atkoria, attempting to take the last of the Empire from the Olark. Their empire is vast and varied, and it's strict bureaucracy keeps that variety under control.
- Alumenna are called the "Boomerang Country" by the Atkorians. Apparently, they predate the Empire and were once subjects to it. They were conquered by the Atkorians, but broke free at the Atkorian's reduction, only to become clients of the growing Goblinoid Empire for a time, then the Renwui, even Schwerheim for a time. Everytime they bounce back, retaking their lands and preserving their ancient culture. Their culture is one of deep faith in both old gods and their ancestors. The Atkorian's I talked to describe large desert cities with impressive pyramids in them, serving as "mausoleum and barracks both" though I'm unsure what that means.
- Schwerheim is filled with "hearty and simple people" as it is told by the Atkorians. They speak a gruff language and seem to have a close relationship with their eastern neighbors in Teirheim. They also seem to have "more adventurers per square kilometer than is reasonable" There isn't much more information beyond that the Atkorians seem to concern themselves with.
- Teirheim is something of a curiosity to the Atkorians, and from what we could gather there is more to the story than they are willing to divulge. But what they were telling us is that the nation is made of animal people like the Harengon and others. They have a very close relationship with Schwerheim it seems. I'm extremely curious to visit this place. I think Lumuz has a...culinary interest.
- Egronrek lies to the north of the continent, and seems to be the remains of the Goblinoid Empire ran by Hobgoblins that at one point threatened to overrun the continent. The Atkorians seem to greatly hate them, but respect them at the same time for resisting Renwei Shuwei's constant efforts to annihilate them.
- Katachora is...well it's unclear. It used to be Atkorian territory, but it was the extent of Atkorian territory. It's always contained some unspoken threat, a threat I think may be related to The Forgotten based on context clues. But it's already dangerous nature was changed during The Return (which they call "The Darkest of Days" here) though I am unsure as to what the change was. It's most dangerous crossing point is guarded by the Shao clan, who even the Atkorian military members I talked to respect, calling them "hard as nails for Ren scum"
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