Editing Ourworld:Laideann (section)

== Principal States ==

'''Talic Theocracy'''

The Talic Theocracy is a small nation state that includes the city of '''Talus''', '''Port Ceseric''' and '''Tripontium'''. It is the largest and most powerful political entity in the city states. Led by the High Priest Lucius, the Theocracy dominates the Law and culture. There is significant prejudice against people who are not of the church and priests are given fair leeway in their activities, e.g., they don’t pay taxes. The Knights of the Gallows are the military arm of the church and where their influence is strong, you can find their outposts. 

'''Talus, the City of Ten Thousand Domes'''

The City of Ten Thousand Domes is the nickname given to Talus due to the shape of their temples and while it doesn't exactly possess that many, there are entire districts devoted to their beloved deity. The layout of these temples is on an odd concentric circular pattern and when viewed from above, one can see a surprisingly complex network of circles within circles made entirely of the roofs of domed temples.
It is a conservative and sombre city, but there are still plenty of places to enjoy yourself, though the entertainments tend to be more refined and upscale.

'''Port Ceseric'''

A stinking pit of cutthroats, villains and thieves, Port Ceseric is famous for its slavery, wine and drinking holes. The Steep Streets District is an infamous dive for people who wish to peruse illegal and unwholesome fare. The town is officially in the control of the Talic Theocracy, however the law is so loose here, it might as well be controlled by the various pirates and thieves groups. The Gallows knights do have a presence here, but even they seem to be somewhat looser and more relaxed than usual.

'''Tripontium'''

Tripontium is the breadbasket of the Theocracy. Disparagingly referred to by the more urban cities in the region as Tripontium Village, it is nonetheless a peaceful and rather laidback rural city. It is a place of farmers and laborers with little of the decadent delights Talus or Ceseric offers.

'''Key Figures in the Theocracy'''

'''Lucius''' is the High Theocrat is a relatively conservative, academic, reasonable man with no head for politics and intrigue, preferring to delve into complex issues of doctrine, which is precisely why the Council of Pontifices elected him. He does not rock the boat and generally agrees on whatever the Priests put forth. 

'''Father Talis''' is the head of the investigation into church corruption and is a dour, soft-spoken and introverted fellow. He is quietly ruthlessly efficient and has enough ‘information’ on various priests and lay officials to keep them in line, whether it’s true or not. He of course justifies this for the ‘continued stability of the church’. He is capable of quite monstrous acts in the name of his faith and continues his crusade against corruption and evil with a kind of calm and calculating fanaticism. Even when directly ordered not to do something, he will twist the intent and do it anyway, completely convinced that he knows better. He never loses sleep over his deeds because of his utter conviction of his beliefs. He has never been implicated in his deeds because of his scrupulous and almost anally retentive planning, though many people have a vaguely uneasy feeling about him.


'''Kingdom of Menoa'''

Although ostensibly the largest of the States, in practice it functions as many smaller states who disregard their ineffective royal family. While comprised almost entirely of the descendants of Urbanus Nobles and proud of their heritage, rank within the class is as often directly tied to a Noble's personal martial or magical prowess, as it is to control over military forces, wealth, or genealogy. Due to this a great deal of effort is invested in raising capable Noble children.

'''The Royal City of Mene'''

The Capital of '''Menoa''' and a pit of degeneracy and bacchanalian excess, Mene contains none of Talus's elegance, nor Colus's vibrancy, Mene is half dead city, much of it dilapidated and empty with little left but the extensive Royal Palace and surrounds which somehow manage to keep themselves in continual revelry.

'''City of Colus'''

One of many '''Menoan''' Cities and a natural fortress, Colus is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the open water of Sagum Bay on the fourth. Home to a famous gladiatorial arena, where many a dueling Noble has met his end in front of the Crowds, and many an unfortunate traveler has met their's on the end of a blade or spell so that some young hotshot can prove a point. More cosmopolitan than much of Menoa, it is also home to many a Noble's second house, a large Guilder enclave and the headquarters of a major Talus sect.

'''Rosarius City'''

Originally a mining town in the western city states, the City of Roses has turned into a haven for those still touched by the Doomsday weapons used in the original war with the Keltoi. Shunned as often as not by their countrymen and used to the need to band together with fellow humans and monsters to eke out a living in their harsh land, the citizens of Rosarius are an egalitarian, if violent lot, and will give most people a chance to prove themselves, if not a second.