The Empire of Iadith
A fallen empire, seeking redemption through fire
Structure
The Lord of the Heavens is the ruler of the Empire, elected from the Prime Celestines of the provinces who rule the many provinces in place of the Lord of the Heavens. The ceremony of electing a new Lord of the Heavens is a grand display indeed, where he swears to one day return the empire to glory, no matter the cost
Culture
Life on Iadith can only be described as an otherworldly experience. There is no other place in the world that is quite like Iaidth. For starters, magic is indescribably potent on the island. It is believed by the elves that their gods picked out this island for the elven race to be born on specifically for that reason. Others argue that the ancient elves perhaps had technology that played a part in magic being so strong on the island. Whichever one is true, the point is that it is almost unheard of for a spell to go wrong on the island. The waves of magic flow so strongly that it permeates nearly every aspect of Elven life, and has also affected their technology. Sending Stones are readily available, allowing for incredibly quick communication between families and government officials, magic street lamps light the streets, disease is almost wholly nonexistent, arcane automatons and locomotives help people move from place to place, and many more wonders of the world. Despite losing some of the technology from the Age of Tears, it is still leaps and bounds over the rest of the world, something the Iadins are quite fond of holding over everyone's heads.
The land of Iadith is incredible diverse, and the cultures on the island are varied. The 5 great provinces are united, though some animosity still remains for the actions of the Age of Tears. Despite this, the culture is unified in many ways, but one thing helps unite the lands together is their shared arrogance. No other race is as proud, or first sailed the world like they did, no other race built such a grand empire. Due to this, the people are by nature are staunch traditionalists, with ancestor worship being greatly valued. Many of the Iadian elves seek for a return to the old days, when the Empire stretched across the world, and all were subservient to them. They also believe in a harmonious balance of magic and elements, and believe that ever since their empire fractured the balance of the cosmos and the world has been shifted beyond repair. Due to this, they see it as simply not just their birthright, but as their duty to save the world from its self inflicted chaos. The so called "lesser races" are simply children wailing and crying against their true parents, and it is time that the adults took back control, and set the world straight. One way, or the other...
History
The elven empire offically formed right before the Great Exit. However, in truth the empire had been around since the elves first roamed their beautiful island home of Iadith. When the elves had vanquished the demons from their island, and united it, they were an eager empire, ready to expand and make their mark upon the world. Thus they spread, across most of what is now known as Nilush. While they encountered the primitive tribes of the other mortal races, nothing could truly challenge them. The elves scoffed at what passed for other creatures of the land, how the tribes would cower around fireplaces while the elves had beautiful cities and works of art that moved the soul in incomprehensible ways. Such arrogance was until the elves had first contact with the Dwarves.
In truth, early diplomacy with the dwarves was not at all hostile, in fact both found common ground. Being the most advanced of the nations at the time (at least in terms of the continenet of Nilush) both had much to gain from trade. This coupled with the dwarves pentient for not expanding too much oustide their mountainholds meant that territorial disputes were not of huge concern, with the Iadins prefering flat land to mountains anyway. Trade blossomed as the first tribes of the other mortal races were barely becoming small united villages. However, such peace was not to last, as with manyof the internal conflicts raking the empire, the dreaded war between elf and dwarf came to being. The reasons for why the war began are still fiercely debated between not only both sides but the other nations of the world, but in the end, a violent and bloody war drove the two nations to crumble. The elves had already been gradually losing territory before the war, as many didn't see the point in living away from Iadith when the island had everything they could want, but the war was the final nail in the coffin for elven territory outside their island. So the elves were beaten back to their island home, only stopping after some sort of situation on the island diverted their attention. and the dwarves were too bloody to resonably continue hostilities. It should be noted that there is little to no information of what this "situation" on Iadith even was, and attempts to find out have been made...complicated.
Even this setback wasnt the true fall of the elven empire, but it came soon enough. The elves became more and more insular, and in this became more decadent. How could they not be? Even with this setback they were the most magically, technologically, and culturally advanced nation in the world. They were birthed by the love of the greatest gods the world had ever seen, this world was gifted to their kind by these gods. They were perfection incarnate, and these other nations of mortals and humans couldn't possibly hope to ever compare to their granduer, even with their territory being reduced. They became incresingly decadent, and records tell of the unmatched debauchery, sin, and greed that took hold of nearly ever single elf on that accursed island. While they still kept some trade with the outside world, it quickly spiraled as more and more goods led to increased wealth, to the point of being completly unregulated. The economy would just grow, and grow, and grow endlessly, spiraling out of control. The elves however, didn't even worry about it, for they were busy drowning in their own greed. What meger systems they had to keep the economy in check simply shatterted from the sheer weight, as suddenly everything collapsed. The Empire quite literally arned so much money that the economy simply turned to dust, with zero regard for where it pulled its sustenance from. Thus began the Age of Tears, as the Iadith Empire offically fell in the year 2000EC.
The island of Iadith turned into an inacessible nightmare realm, as no one knows what happened during that time. A great fog took hold of the island, and any sailors attmepting to scout the island were never seen again. So great was this disaster that it is said for a time, elves became more myth then reality for many on Nilush, with elves being rarely seen until the empire would be reborn. Some say that a great vampire named only as "The Blood Banshee" was behind the fog, as the island was batterted and scatterted with necromatic energies. The provinces of the island became independent kingdoms, as the central goverment simply lost all control, and so did the provinces do war with not only the monsters now roaming but also each other. Such strife lasted for a "mere" thousand years, as eventually the land recovered, the fog was lifted, and the empire was reformed. Though to this day the provinces maintain a vauge sense of independance, the Empire was reborn in fire and ash.
Despite reforming, for the most part Iadith remained isolated to the world. This age was followed by an almost endless state of mourning amongst Iadith, as they now had time to just sit and realize what happened. The greatest species of the world, was brought low by themselves. The other nations of the world were now more established in their position. This mourning lasted for years upon years, only breifly being lifted during the Elven Wars with Vebastonne, but morale was so low with every new defeat that it seemed Iadith would simply close itself to the world, and just let themselves die. Such is the way of the intense energy of emotions that elves experince, but in this mourning, a new ideal began to blossom. It is said that a new philosophy started to take over the Iadin Elves, that being of the Harmony of the cosmos. It is said this philosophy was granted to the Elves as their god, Teclian came before the Lord of the Heavens and granted it to him, letting it spread throughout all the elves upon the island of Iadith. They could see that their time in The Age of Tears and the world after the failed Crusade of Light had disturbed the cosmic balance of all reality. To let this bleeding keep on as the races of the world simply cause more and more chaos unknowingly cannot be allowed to continue, for is it not Elven hands that saved the world originally? So it has been that the Elves have begun sharpening their blades and steeling their souls, believing that they should spread their empire once more, to save the world from its chaotic spiral into madness and destruction and rule as its protectors. Though they are brash and arrogant, some argue that this dark age only proves their claims, but others still argue: order at what cost? Thus they will bring this world to order and peace, even if it has to drag it kicking and screaming to do so, for how can others stand against the clear protectors of all they hold dear.
Demography and Population
The largest population on the island is Elves, coming in many different varieties but the largest are the High Elves and Moon Elves. The second largest population is Minotaurs, who are also native to Iadith and considered to be made in the image of Teclican. Besides this however, few if any outsides live on Iaidth, for outsiders are only allowed in one port city, and even then restricted wholly to one distract, however exceptions have been made for mercenaries. While many mercenaries can barely tolerate the supreme arrogance of the Iadins, they do however pay incredibly well.
It should be noted that Iadith is one of the few places to find dragons in any large amount, for the dragons are believed to have made their home on the magical island in some of the large mountain ranges.
Territories
The island of Iadith is the territory of the elven Kingdom, with a few minor islands nearby that they also hold provinces over
Military
The Iadins have been building their army back up since the great civil wars of the land. What came out of the Age of Tears is a hardened and veteran army, who makes great use of magic, master crafted weaponry, and even great magical constructs to do battle with. Iadith is also one of the few geopolitical entities to have an entirely professional army, rather then levies, crusader orders, and mercenaries. For this reason, they rarely hire mercenaries, but have been known to on occasion hire some should the need be deemed great enough.
Religion
The Iadins worship their own pantheon, that has suffered just like the empire, but are still revered. It is said that the power has waned and that some feel the same scars that the Iadins have felt over the years. Regardless, the pantheon remains strong, and one day will be the only faith the world will worship.
Teclian - The Creator god, as well as the god of war, justice, knowledge, light, and honor. A bull headed god that is now the most popular god of Iadith, with much of the elves incorporating the bull in their armor and daily life
Yulla - Goddess of the moon and magic, she blessed the moon elves who ventured out into the magical forest of the heavens to be some of the most magically attuned elves in the land
Lindur, God of fertility, pleasure, and companionship. Those wishing to fall in love, give birth, experience friendship, or simply drown in the decant pleasures of the world thank Lindur for allowing them to feel such emotions and desires
Illia, Goddess of Healing and comfort. She is sister to Onrasha, and it is said that she has suffered greatly at the fall of the elven people. So wounded is she that it is said her healing powers have waned. Yet her clerics still call on what remains of her power to heal the sick and the suffering.
Onrasha - The mother of creation, harvest, and civilization. She is the sister of Illia, and it is said she wept so much when the empire fell, her tears swallowed an entire island province, and to this day great rain storms plague Iadith
Vashla - The god of the forge and fire, it is said he blessed the weapons of the Iadins to be able to vanquish their enemies with extreme efficacy and also arms the god Teclian with mighty weapons
Zadotl - Goddess of death, darkness, and the afterlife. She is the eventuality of life, and is said to be a ever cruel goddess who punishes the living if they disappoint her, leading many to say the Age of Tears was a punishment of some kind from Zadotl, also commonly referred to as "The Pale Queen".
Ceòlia - Goddess of the shadows and mists, the protectress of all things hidden or lost. Curiously, it is said she is the only elven god to walk amongst the elves, depicted as a high elven lady with a cloak of shadow and a veil covering her face, many assume she is a goddess of unmatched beauty. She is prayed to by assassins and those who travel or fight in places the light does not touch
Ivlena, Goddess of the Sea. She is prayed to mainly on costal settlements, specifically amongst sailors. They pray to her that the weather may be come and that the storms not be too harsh, for they do not wish to join her cold embrace just yet.
Foreign Relations
The Iadith Empire is but a shadow of its former self. While not in open war with the other nations save for Vebastonne who they war with regularly, tensions are rising due to the ever arrogant and self righteous nature of the Iadins. There are some tales of them sending out agents to prepare weaker nations or cities for confederation or vassalization under the Iadith Empire. If they refuse, they are marked as those who will be "dealt with accordingly" in time of course. Such rumors, while treated with some hesitation, have seem to be somewhat proven by the Iadith Empire bringing war against their longest lasting rival, Vebastonne, hoping to bring them to order and establish a sizeable foothold on the continenet of Nilush.
Agriculture & Industry
While agriculture has suffered greatly from the Age of Tears, the high elves still maintain vast farming land and truthfully one of the few profitable trades they have left. Recently the Empire has been making steps to boost the production of weapons and military appliances
Trade & Transport
Gone are the days of being the trade powerhouse of the world, now Iadith is one of the minor trading ports, with some traders refusing to port there due to the "vague hostility" high elves have for the outside world. That's not to say that trade doesn't happen, but its certainly not as much as it has been in the past.
Education
The Iadins are also some of the most intelligent and gifted amongst the entire world. While the other races were trying to cure poxes with strange hedge magic and rituals, the Elves of Iadith were studying the stars, and had long ago cured any disease they could come across in Iaidth. They rarely share their information with outsiders, for they believed it belonged in more "safe" hands then others. To their credit, they weren't entirely wrong, as the other nations and kingdoms of the world have a tendency to get involved in horrific wars, rebellions, crusades, and other such conflict in where book burnings have occurred. It is for this reason that while much of the world is developing evermore, the elves have remained somewhat stagnant for quite some time, as they feel that their traditional technology they have now is more then enough to dominate the world as its guardian.
The magical academy of Lefiara is also one of the greatest magical academies in the world. So great is its teachings that there is a reason many of the greatest spellcasters in the world are Elves. To attend is considered a great honor, for magic is not feared by the Iadins: it is cherished. To be born with a deeper connection than the standard elf to the inner workings of the world is to truly embrace a life where one can be more in harmony with the world. For this reason, the academy is said to be a magical place, where the land around the academy has been affected completely. Arcane phenomena is ever present within the area, and the studies the students go through are tough but very fulfilling, and push the student to truly master the ways of magic.
"Fight for what will be and once was"
Maps
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Iadith
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Alternative Names
The Elven Empire, The Empire, The Fallen Empire
Demonym
Iadins
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Legislative Body
The Prime Celestiens makes the many laws of the provinces
Judicial Body
The Teclian Court upholds the law and punishes the lawbreakers, sometimes very harshly
Official Languages
Notable Members
Related Species
