Athrada
Summary
Athrada is a monarchy in Western Laivra currently ruled by an Elvish queen. It has close relations with its southern neighbor Masyros, with which it shares many cultural similarities. Athrada is a bit more diverse and egalitarian than its neighbors and is known for its military and economic prowess.Geography
Athrada is a mountanous land, particularly in the west. There, the mostly Human and Gnome population lives among the Evruxe Mountains, old peaks long worn down by high winds. A smaller mountain range extends through the center of the queendom as well. The oldest histories of the region claim that much of Athrada was once a desert. The tales say that powerful Druids brought heavy rain for a generation, allowing crops and even some forests to grow in the region. To this day, Athrada remains quite arid.Society
Though most residents of Athrada are High Elves or Satyrs, there are many Humans, Gnomes, Dragonborn, Halflings, Half-Orcs, and others as well. Though Elves predominate, the Satyr conquest of this area after The Cataclysm left a mark on the culture. Pleasure-seeking among people at all rungs of society is the most obivous result of this. The Athradan commitment to egalitarianism comes from traditional Satyr society, which was much freer and wilder before they set up their great kingdoms. That philosophy aside, Elves and Satyrs are by far the most politically and culturally powerful ancestries in Athrada. Athradans also have traditions unique to them, including a fasination with body modification. Tattoos, piercings, and dyed hair are key aspects of traditional Athradan fashion.Politics
Though Satyrs and Humans have ruled Athrada in the past, it is currently ruled by Rietta Argysin, an Elf whose father overthrew the previous Human dynasty in 2859. She is advised by the Veil of Ignorance, a group of 51 Athradans chosen at random from all levels of society and regions of the realm. This senate meets in the Styxmar, a building specially built to house them four centuries ago when they were introduced. Members of the Veil cannot remember what their lives were like before entering service, preventing them from making biased decisions. Short-lived lineages like Humans serve for 5 years while others serve for 10. This council is led by a Consul, currently a Red Dragonborn named Kurthir. The senate has few powers over the monarch. In theory, they can depose her with a unanimous vote, but this has never been attempted successfully.Economy
Athrada is an economic powerhouse. Its rulers claim the country's eponymous capital has the largest port in the world, though a few other cities make the same claim. Either way, Athrada is deeply involved in both the overland and overseas trade. It primarily exports wool, salt, limestone, and dyes. Due to the region's lack of arable farmland, the hereditary nobility has relatively little power, particularly in the mountains. There, Human and Gnome merchants and mine operators are the major economic power. In the lower regions, the traditional aristocracy still holds the reins of political power. Though Athradan nobles point to the Veil of Ignorance as evidence that they are more egalitarian than their counterparts in other kingdoms, Athradan peasants are no less brutalized and impoverished than those anywhere else.Religion
Ahradans of all lineages are most likely to honor some of the Sylvan gods. However, it is not unusual for an Athradan to honor gods from multiple pantheons. A Halfling farmer might implore Wuísgema to bring rains for her crops, honor Athena to give her sons wisdom in battle, and participate when travelling Mithras worshippers conduct services in her village. These syncretic tendencies are not only present among the peasantry; they are exhibited by native Athradans across all levels of society. Athrada's government and monarch traditionally play little role in mandating religion. Hera, the patron goddess of the queen, is the only goddess Athradans are currently required to worship.Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
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