Theocracy of Telto
A speck on the map from an age long since out of relevancy, Telto remains doggedly attached to it's little plateau, no matter how easily they could be wiped away, should anyone cared enough to take their dirt from them.
Structure
Grand Master: The unchallenged leader of the theocracy, the Grand Master directs the theocracy in everything that it does. When a new Grand Master is needed, the highest ranking priests of the order come together to vote one of their order into the position. Often times it is one of the Temple Knights that is elevated to the position, as they have the best chance to control and apply the military forces of the nation state.
Bishops: The religious sect of the nation state, they are often viewed with great respect and difference within the order, and most civilians will bend to their commands. This could be because the Bishops have the ability to make their life very painful should they wish too.
Temple Knights: Police force, religious order, and armed forces all rolled into one, the Temple Knights are the strong right hand of the city.
Assets
- The Ancient City of Telto
- The Teltonic Plateau
- 85,000 Knights of the Temple of Kanderous the Wise
- 65,000 conscript-able peasant levy (reported but unconfirmed)
- 6,000 Combat certified Priests of Kanderous the Wise
- 460 Divine constructs
History
The Ancient City of Telto has been coveted by every kingdom, empire, and country since the Age of the Deep. Nation after nation assaulted it's walls, hoping to break its defenses and claim the treasure within. Whatever that treasure may have been, no one seemed to have any proof, for every nation thought it was something else. The secret to immortality, an artifact of mass destruction, the ability to create a god without the worshipper base usually required, an Alchemy Engine that could produce any metal your heart desired out of thin air, the innermost secrets to the Arcane Tapestry and ultimate arcane power. If these or any of the other options exist, only the Theocracy of Telto knows.
The Theocracy got its start as a small nation-state on the continent of Olyira, bordering Corlé, and devoted to their god, Kanderous the Wise. An inquisitive god, Kanderous often researched the ancient nations of the world, unlocking advancements in infrastructure such as aqueducts and paved roads. Eventually, another secret grabbed his attention. The aforementioned city of Telto. Capital of the ancient Makeshi people. Rounding up his holy knights, Kanderous sailed across the ocean and marched the Teltonic Plateau.
The Theocracy was the only group able to shatter the autonomous defenses of the city that gave them their name. Why what was a small knightly order at the time was able to do so when nations one-hundred times their size had failed is debated hotly. Many scholars and military historians believe that they simply got lucky, and were the ones that happened to assault the city when it had been weakened by other, much larger and more co-ordinated assaults. The THeocracy argues that their fights was just as difficult as anyone elses, but whatever the case is, they breached the city.
Kanderous's greatest victory came only moments before their greatest defeat. As the Knights of Kanderous the Wise paraded through the empty city, Kanderous started to weep. When his priests asked him why, he told them that their home was gone and fell into silence. A messenger arrived a month later, and confirmed what Kanderous had said.. Ragged and worn, and with tears in his eyes, he said that their home had been destroyed. Razed to the ground by Corlé while their god and their warriors were a world away. Knowing that they couldn't return to their lands, or be crushed by the Corlésians themselves, they set about moving into their newly acquired city.
Many might wonder 'what about the prize that Telto contained?' and the simple answer, is that no one knows. To this day, Telto hasn't said a word. They haven't shocked the world by striking out with some terrible weapon, or Kanderous having become powerful enough to challenge Cadfael and the Serpents of Feathers and Flowers, nor have they exploded in wealth. They have only sat in their dust encrusted city and watched the outside world with distrust. The only sign of life in the city is the excavations that continually go on within the city proper. Digging ever deeper into the ground. Whatever they are looking for remains unknown, perhaps even to them.
It has been more than two Ages since they lost their home, and no one alive today has any desire to return, nor would anyone from their original home welcome their return. They have retained a cultural hatred of Corlé and her people. So much so that Corlésians are in some amount of danger should they enter the borders of the Theocracy.
Demography and Population
99% Telto
1% Assorted Foreign
Military
Knights of the Temple of Kanderous the Wise: These knights are a relic from a bygone age, though they do a great deal to remain true to their old ideals. Often coming from families that have traditionally pursued knighthood, many of the Knights have been trained since childhood in the art of war and the Knightly Virtues. Of course, they were once encased in steel and that was all that was needed. On the modern battlefield, they have eschewed their traditional armor for elite training in tactics and hand to hand.
Foreign Relations
While they are not antagonistic with their neighbors, they are at best cold when it comes to negotiations. Foreign governments and companies have attempted to invest in the nation, or get access to the ancient city, but have always been politely but sternly turned away. This stance has not earned them any allies, however, and should they be well and truly pushed, there's no telling what they might do.
Founding Date
112, Age of Wounds
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Government System
Theocracy
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
Telto Clirera: A white note with red trim. One side bears the image of the stacked tome symbol of Kanderous the Wise, with the other bearing a distant shot of the city of Telto in profile.
Official State Religion
Official Languages
Neighboring Nations
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