New Apollia

Nestled on the southwestern shores of the ancient Elf Lands, bathed in the azure embrace of Apollic Bay and stretching across the rugged Apollic Peninsula, lies the nation of New Apollia. A beacon of Hellenic culture and the worship of the ancient gods, this relatively young kingdom stands as a testament to the ambition and resilience of its founders. Within the last millennium, settlers hailing from the distant kingdom of Helles, driven by dreams of new lands and the echoes of heroic ages, braved treacherous seas to carve a new life from the wilderness.
The genesis of New Apollia began nearly a thousand years ago when the first boats from Ankomst, bearing the proud banners of Helles, crested the horizon of what would become Apollic Bay. Led by visionary leaders and pious priests dedicated to the Olympian pantheon, these early colonists sought fertile lands and opportunities beyond the confines of their ancestral home. The sheltered bay, with its twin river mouths offering access to the interior, proved an ideal location for their first major settlement, which they christened Metaxy – "Between the Rivers."
The initial years were marked by hardship and the challenges of establishing a foothold in a new land. They cleared forests, cultivated fields, and built sturdy settlements of white stone that echoed the architecture of their homeland. Encountering no mannish inhabitants, they remained wary, as the seemingly untamed land appeared frought with unknown dangers.
Despite the dangers of carving a new civilization out of the wilderness, the real danger to people of New Apollia came from the west. Across the arid plains and shifting dunes lay the newly established nation of Tashibar, a powerful and expansionist realm built upon the grim foundations of slavery and the worship of dark, desert deities. The Tashibari, with their swift cavalry and ruthless efficiency, viewed the burgeoning Hellenic settlements as an encroachment upon their sphere of influence. Skirmishes along the western borders became commonplace, marked by raids and counter-raids. While large-scale wars have been avoided, a deep-seated animosity and mistrust continue to simmer between the two nations. Limited trade does exist, driven by necessity and the allure of exotic Tashibari goods, but it is always conducted with caution and a palpable sense of unease.
To the east, across rolling hills and nascent forests, lies the ancient realm of Darthorian, home to the enigmatic elves. New Apollia's interaction with the elves has been minimal. The Apollonians, with their pragmatic and human-centric worldview, find the long-lived, ethereal elves somewhat aloof and inscrutable. Trade is infrequent, and cultural exchange is virtually non-existent. The vast forests and the inherent differences in their societies have kept these two nations largely separate.
Over the centuries, New Apollia has steadily expanded, establishing new settlements along its coastline and into the fertile interior. Aegus, strategically located on the Forbud Straits and the Bay of Aegus, became a vital port for trade and naval power. Eleftheria, meaning "Freedom," blossomed on the Apollic Peninsula, its rugged terrain providing a natural defense and fostering a spirit of independence among its inhabitants.
The Apollonian economy is diverse, drawing strength from its geographical location and the industrious nature of its people.
Agriculture: The fertile lands surrounding the Craxus and Kalonelo Rivers support a thriving agricultural sector. Grains, olives, grapes, and various fruits are cultivated, forming the staple diet of the Apollonian people and providing goods for trade. Maritime Trade: With its extensive coastline and strategic ports, maritime trade is crucial to New Apollia's prosperity. Ships bearing Apollonian wine, olive oil, crafted goods, and even small amounts of electrum acquired through trade with mountain dwarves further inland, sail to distant lands. The contentious, yet persistent, trade with Tashibar provides access to desert spices, finely woven textiles (often acquired through unsavory means by the Tashibari), and hardy desert steeds. Craftsmanship: Apollonian artisans are renowned for their skill in stoneworking, shipbuilding, pottery, and metalworking. Their cities are adorned with beautiful temples, sturdy fortifications, and well-crafted homes. The forges of Metaxy and Aegus produce sturdy tools, reliable weaponry, and aesthetically pleasing goods sought after by traders. Fishing: The rich waters of Apollic Bay and the Forbud Straits provide a plentiful source of fish, a vital component of the Apollonian diet and a valuable trade commodity. While the fabled electrum mines of the Silver Peaks lie beyond their direct control, occasional trade with dwarven caravans brings small amounts of this precious alloy into New Apollia, further bolstering its wealth and prestige.
Politics: A Republic of City-States:
New Apollia is not a unified empire but rather a collection of independent city-states, bound together by a shared Hellenic heritage, religious beliefs, and a mutual defense pact. Each city, such as Metaxy, Aegus, and Eleftheria, governs itself through a council of prominent citizens, often wealthy merchants, skilled artisans, and respected elders.
While each city-state maintains its autonomy, a loose confederacy exists, primarily for matters of defense and foreign policy. In times of crisis, such as a potential Tashibari invasion, representatives from each city-state convene in Metaxy to forge a unified strategy and pool their military resources. However, internal rivalries and differing economic interests often lead to political maneuvering and occasional friction between the city-states.
The worship of the Olympian pantheon plays a significant role in Apollonian society and, to a lesser extent, its politics. Temples dedicated to gods like Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and Apollo are prominent features in every city, and priests wield considerable influence. Divine omens and the pronouncements of oracles are often consulted on important matters of state.
Military strength is highly valued in New Apollia. Each city-state maintains its own citizen militia, composed of well-trained hoplites equipped with bronze armor, spears, and shields. Aegus, with its strategic coastal location, boasts the strongest navy, its triremes patrolling the waters and safeguarding Apollonian trade routes. The constant threat from Tashibar ensures that military preparedness remains a top priority for all the city-states.
New Apollia stands as a vibrant, if somewhat isolated, bastion of Hellenic culture in the world of Nyverden. Its people are proud, resourceful, and deeply connected to their ancestral traditions and the worship of their gods. While the shadow of Tashibar looms to the west, and the enigmatic elves remain distant to the east, the Apollonians continue to build their cities, ply the seas, and cultivate their land.