Corsanite Empire

Enclosed by the tallest mountains in the world, Corsannis has been kept apart from the other realms. A single pass through the heights along the southern range lead into the Black Mountains of Aenuleria. The pass, known as Lionsgate, is guarded by deadly statues and prophecy. Any attempting to enter the gate from the south is to be judged by the two lion sentinels sitting on either side of the gate. Until one judged worthy approaches the gates only permit emigration. Those judged unworthy meet a swift and painful death. To the people of realm, it is known that those who leave have never returned. As such, the outside world is seen as a cursed land. When the gates finally open, it will be up to those within to bring the light of the realm to the outside world.

With the revelation to the people of the realm that they would be needed to bring the light to the outside world, conflicts soon arose about who would lead. Corsannis was divided into several small kingdoms, and each king believed their kingdom should lead the crusade. During this time, known as ‘the Consolidation’, a minor noble house would rise to power. Lucius Arconis served as a commander in the Knights of Corsannis in the kingdom of Leogardis. He believed that because prophecy dictated the rise of the realm, prophecy needed consultation on the matter. Lucius journeyed to the Oracle on the highest peak of the Roof of the World. She had given the prophecy of the Lionsgate long ago, and it was she that put him on a quest for the salvation of his people.

The quest for his people led Lucius to leave through the Lionsgate with a small group to aid the journey. They ventured to the mythical Isle of the Immortals, somewhere hidden in the Veiled Sea. The details of what transpired there have never been shared, save that Lucius was imbued with great power, granted immortality, and passed unharmed back through Lionsgate. With the return of Lucius, the Consolidation was ended. The kings declared allegiance to the man prophecy had spoken of, forming an empire under his rule. His first act was to prepare the realm for what prophecy said was to come.

The city of Corsannis was created, a namesake for the realm, based at the foot of the Great Falls along the northern mountains. The ‘Black Mountains’ of Aenuleria are the range that actually surround all of Corsannis. The western, eastern, and northern sides border ocean, with sheer cliffs. Named for the coloration of the stone, they are also rich in marble. Black marble is used in construction of roof tiles. The periodically found white marble tends to be used in construction of important buildings, leading to a stark black-and-white motif. Veins of gold are common to find in the quarries, and also lead to the implementation of gold designs in decoration. With temperate weather much of the year, architecture has tended toward being more open. Colonnades frequently line balconies and entrances, marble for prominent structures or painted stone when more common. With the close proximity to the water source of the entire realm, water is readily available. Fountains are frequent, as well as decorative pools. Decadence is apparent, as is strict martial order of the troops trained there.

Bringing light to the dark.

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute