Drowned Dominion of Azurlith
Overview
The Drowned Dominion of Azurlith is a vast, radiant underwater empire ruled by the divine sovereign Queen Thal'vanna. Located beneath The Azure Expanse, the largest ocean of Zalthera, it stretches across deep trenches, sprawling reefs, sunken ruins, and elemental convergence zones. Born from the unity of fractured undersea city-states, the Dominion is now a fluid empire—half-spiritual order, half-political alliance—held together by Thal’vanna’s elemental presence and divine rule.
It is a realm of bioluminescent beauty, ancient magic, and ever-shifting power currents, where deep history, divine mandate, and oceanic cultures swirl in harmony—and occasionally, in conflict.
Like most Sea-dwelling civilizations, the Doctrine of the Drowned Throne, is the most widely followed religous practice.
Structure & Governance
The Drowned Dominion is governed by a centralized divine monarchy, with Queen Thal’vanna holding absolute authority as both ruler and goddess. However, much of the day-to-day governance is handled by a tiered network of tide-stewards, vassal rulers, and cloistered coral clergy who interpret and enforce the Queen’s will.
The Dominion includes a number of protectorates—autonomous city-states and cultural regions that have sworn loyalty to Thal’vanna in exchange for protection, magic, and cultural sovereignty.
Protectorates of the Dominion
Each protectorate is unique in structure and culture, but all are bound by elemental oaths and tidebound fealty to the Queen.
Caer-Thalor
A once-forgotten ruin, now a hub for historical research and arcane salvaging. Home to merfolk scholars and spiritual custodians of drowned lore.
The Spiral Reef
A great living coral spiral that drifts above the Velthren Trench. Functions as a neutral trading post and diplomatic hub between sea and surface nations.
Protected by Thal’vanna’s Blessing, a magical shield that repels surface vessels with hostile intent.
Nimbrassa
An undersea fortress built within a trench laced with volcanic vents. Ruled by a warlord-vassal loyal to Thal’vanna, charged with monitoring tectonic and elemental instability.
Other protectorates are rumored, including pearl sanctuaries, ghost-fog ruins, and abyssal fortresses housing exiled deepkin.
Religion & Doctrine
The official religion of the Dominion is the Doctrine of the Drowned Throne , a flowing belief system that intertwines elemental worship, ancestral reverence, and the divine personhood of Thal’vanna.
There are many different sects and forms of this Doctrine within the ocean empire, but all have Queen Thal'vanna, as their central figure with some sects incorporating Mythis, the moon goddess or Zythra, god of the dead into their mythos.
Military & Defense
The Dominion’s military is known as the Tideguard, a force of elite warriors, spellcasters, and elemental-bound sentinels. Its ranks include:
- Leviathan Commanders – Mounted on sea serpents or sharks.
- Tidebinders – Mages who manipulate pressure, currents, and sea storms.
- Shellbreakers – Heavy infantry clad in enchanted barnacle plate, specialized in fighting surface invaders.
The Queen’s Wrath, a secretive elite division, is responsible for purging deep heresies, hunting voidglass smugglers, and enacting divine justice.
Culture & Society
The Dominion’s cultures are as diverse as the seas themselves. While merfolk dominate, each protectorate contributes its traditions:
- Coral dance rituals in Azurlith.
- Flame-channeling rites in Nimbrassa.
- Memory-shell storytelling in Caer-Thalor.
Music, magic, and bioluminescent art play a central role in everyday life. Communication is a blend of Aquan, gesture, light signals, and telepathy via enchanted pearls.
Foreign Relations
The Drowned Dominion is cautiously diplomatic. While it engages in trade and magic exchange with coastal nations, it is ruthless in defense of the sea. Coastal empires that pollute the ocean, disturb sacred ruins, or hoard elemental relics face divine retribution—from tidal storms to kraken attacks.
Allies include:
- The Twin Moon Temples of Mythis.
- Certain coastal druidic orders that protect natural balance.
Enemies include:
- Voidglass smugglers.
- Abyssal cults.
- Pirate empires who raid the Spiral Reef.
Legends & Lore
- The Dominion’s founding was said to be foretold in the dreams of sea titans.
- Thal’vanna’s coronation caused a whirlpool that still spins in the Western Deep.
- It is whispered that Azurlith itself is built upon the bones of an ancient leviathan—the first guardian of Aquavanthe.
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