Thousand Cities:Kingdoms

Kingdoms in the Thousand Cities

Most of the Thousand Cities are nation-states; fiercely independent localities that maintain their own laws and governments. Wars of conquest are not uncommon, but the Thousand Cities era is filled with epic heroes and the manipulations of the Gods. With such an array of generals, rulers and warriors, no single city has yet managed to impose its might upon any large area of Creation.

Ildur and Ildrin

The twin cities of Ildur and Ildrin share the island of Nerethain, in the central Southeast. Separated by a steep mountain range, both cultures are entwined closely throughout their long history. Their relationship is defined by their intense competition in all aspects of life. Outsiders often have difficulty distinguishing between the two groups when outside their cities, as they appear to dress and speak in a similar fashion. While the cities share a common root language, attempts to speak the local dialects are fraught with danger, as slight differences in meaning can twist a casual comment into a killing insult.

Unsurprisingly, the God Cypher has played a role in the development of the twin cities. Both cultures are warlike and volatile, quick to avenge a perceived insult. The two royal families are deeply intermarried, as tradition dictates that a victorious army should seize a royal son or daughter from the defeated city for a forced marriage with the victor. Despite their intermingled blood, the inhabitants of both cities would sooner die than give their rivals any advantage.

Constant conflict has driven great advances in engineering, especially in the field of warfare. The Sea Wall of Ildur is considered a marvel of Creation, rendering the city's central port almost impregnable by naval assault.

At present, Ildur has seized the upper hand in the most recent conflict after acquiring a large number of essence gems from Cinnador. However, the great general Ariach Dawn-Treader, born to Ildrin in 977AF, is gathering the greatest army seen in their history of conflict. Ariach is considered the greatest strategist of his era, and bears the favour of Roane herself.

Regolus

Regolus is the heart of the Regolean Empire, spreading rapidly outwards from the Central island of Caraille. Less than a century after its founding, the Empire is growing faster than any other Kingdom. This is primarily due to the presence and vision of its first Emperor, Sartrin.

Emperor Sartrin is a devout follower of the Gods Klesthes and Yedan, rulers of the Cerulean Host. His impassioned speeches stir the hearts of thousands, and his troops carve a path through all that oppose them. In 1230AF, the Emperor commissioned the largest temple ever built for his capital city of Regolus. Here, priestesses of Klesthes proselytise while priests of Yedan train the warriors of the Empire's armies. With the favour of two powerful Gods, he fears no opposition.

The armies of Regolus are famed (and feared) for their heavily armoured infantry, supplied by the many Rakandran armourers who live in the capital. Regolean divisions fight with regimented precision, executing intricate tactical maneuvers that have defeated much larger forces. The troops are renowned for their discipline, and are considered the finest infantry of the current age.