Machaian League - Revision history

Gronk at 18:44, 18 January 2026

2026-01-18T18:44:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:44, 18 January 2026
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	The lands of the League lie between the northern [[Greenwall]] and the [[Gulf of Teneucia]], with a generally cooler climate than Hellea as a whole. This hilly and rugged landscape of the west, against the mountains, becomes flatter and less forested as one moves east towards the coast. Machaian forests are primarily comprised of oaks, spruces, beeches, and black pines. The plains near the gulf are not only grasses but also small bushes and a large variety of flowering plants - in the springs, the grasslands bloom into fields of many colors.		The lands of the League lie between the northern [[Greenwall]] and the [[Gulf of Teneucia]], with a generally cooler climate than Hellea as a whole. This hilly and rugged landscape of the west, against the mountains, becomes flatter and less forested as one moves east towards the coast. Machaian forests are primarily comprised of oaks, spruces, beeches, and black pines. The plains near the gulf are not only grasses but also small bushes and a large variety of flowering plants - in the springs, the grasslands bloom into fields of many colors.

	Lycanthropes reportedly have negative reactions to the water of the [[Aralo River]] that begins in the Greenwall before flowing east into the Gulf. Some suspect this to be the result of particulate silver carried south from the ore-rich mountains.		[[Lycanthropy\|Lycanthropes]] reportedly have negative reactions to the water of the [[Aralo River]] that begins in the Greenwall before flowing east into the Gulf. Some suspect this to be the result of particulate silver carried south from the ore-rich mountains.

	A wide range of animals can be found in the Machaian League, including badgers, lions, lynx, wolves, otters, weasels, deer, and chamois. Birds such as falcons, eagles, and vultures are common as well.		A wide range of animals can be found in the Machaian League, including badgers, lions, lynx, wolves, otters, weasels, deer, and chamois. Birds such as falcons, eagles, and vultures are common as well.

Gronk: /* Government */

2024-06-12T00:18:03Z

Government

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:18, 12 June 2024
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	Unified far more by their shared opposition to the Halakran League rather than by shared ideals, each city in the Machaian League governs itself independently. Once despotic city-states, all are now democracies, following in the footsteps of Metrya which revived this ancient, pre-[[Eurykrates\|Eurykratian]] Hellean tradition around two centuries ago.		Unified far more by their shared opposition to the Halakran League rather than by shared ideals, each city in the Machaian League governs itself independently. Once despotic city-states, all are now democracies, following in the footsteps of Metrya which revived this ancient, pre-[[Eurykrates\|Eurykratian]] Hellean tradition around two centuries ago.

	As with the old practices, there remain limits on who can engage in democratic politics of the Machaian League. Only long-term residents are allowed a vote or to share their voice in the agora, and in some communities, most notably Axus, one must own a certain amount land in or around the city as well.		As with the old practices, there remain limits on who can engage in democratic politics of the Machaian League. Only long-term residents are allowed a vote or to share their voice in the agora, and in some communities, most notably Axus, one must own a certain amount of land in or around the city as well.

	Assemblies convene regularly in Machaian cities, where citizens can discuss and vote on issues that have been raised. All assemblies are public affairs - votes are never secret. Voting is usually preceded by speeches where advocates of differing positions attempt to make their case. Local agora and amphitheaters serve as the central location of political life, outdoor structures that also serve as gathering places for festivals, entertainers, and other special occasions. Assemblies are organized and led by directly elected representatives of each city.		Assemblies convene regularly in Machaian cities, where citizens can discuss and vote on issues that have been raised. All assemblies are public affairs - votes are never secret. Voting is usually preceded by speeches where advocates of differing positions attempt to make their case. Local agora and amphitheaters serve as the central location of political life, outdoor structures that also serve as gathering places for festivals, entertainers, and other special occasions. Assemblies are organized and led by directly elected representatives of each city.

Gronk at 13:26, 9 June 2024

2024-06-09T13:26:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:26, 9 June 2024
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	\|capital = None		\|capital = None
	\|ruler = League Council		\|ruler = League Council
	\|government = Confederation (league-level); ~~multiple~~ (city-level)		\|government = Confederation (league-level); democracy (city-level)
	\|demonym = Machaian (infrequently used; city-level demonyms preferred)		\|demonym = Machaian (infrequently used; city-level demonyms preferred)
	\|adjective = Machaian		\|adjective = Machaian
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	\|religions = [[hero-god\|Hero-gods]]; [[Hellean pantheon]]		\|religions = [[hero-god\|Hero-gods]]; [[Hellean pantheon]]
	}}		}}
	The '''Machaian League''' {{Pronunciation\|mah-KAI-an}} is a confederation of [[Hellea\|Hellean]] city-states in the northwest of the peninsula who have allied together for mutual defense against the ambitions of the [[Halakran League]]. ~~The~~ largest of the city-states, [[Metrya]], has revived the ancient Hellean practices of direct democracy~~, while others within the League govern themselves in very different manners~~.		The '''Machaian League''' {{Pronunciation\|mah-KAI-an}} is a confederation of [[Hellea\|Hellean]] city-states in the northwest of the peninsula who have allied together for mutual defense against the ambitions of the [[Halakran League]]. Following the lead of the largest of the city-states, [[Metrya]], the Machaian League has revived the ancient Hellean practices of direct democracy.

	== Geography, flora, and fauna ==		== Geography, flora, and fauna ==
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	== History ==		== History ==
	While the city-states of the region had long had close ties, it was only in {{Year\|6698}} that the Machaian League was formed. Concerned about the growing ambitions of the Halakran League to the south, and fearful they could be the next targets of Halakran aggression as they attempted to unify the peninsula, the cities banded together to form a league of their own.		While the city-states of the region had long had close ties, it was only in {{Year\|6698}} that the Machaian League was formed. Concerned about the growing ambitions of the Halakran League to the south, and fearful they could be the next targets of Halakran aggression as they attempted to unify the peninsula, the cities banded together to form a league of their own. The League initially contained Metrya, [[Taretus]], and [[Sirra]], with [[Axus]] joining in {{Year\|6702}} after breaking away from the Halakran alliance.

	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==
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	[[wikipedia:Black-figure_pottery\|Black-figure pottery]] is an art form with a long history in the city-states of the League. Leaving behind realistic depictions in favor of stylistic elements, this type of decoration is used not just for formal art pieces but also for pottery that sees every-day use. Liquid or loose trade goods from the League, those that are shipped in pithoi, can be easily identified by the decoration on their containers.		[[wikipedia:Black-figure_pottery\|Black-figure pottery]] is an art form with a long history in the city-states of the League. Leaving behind realistic depictions in favor of stylistic elements, this type of decoration is used not just for formal art pieces but also for pottery that sees every-day use. Liquid or loose trade goods from the League, those that are shipped in pithoi, can be easily identified by the decoration on their containers.

	The art of oration is a longstanding tradition in the Machaian League, as it is in much of Hellea. In addition to the common forms of oratory, satire is a popular art form in the cities of the League. Satire is used both for entertainment, as a way of humorously mocking public figures, and also as a political tool. ~~Especially in~~ the ~~democracy of Metrya,~~ figures of state frequently employ satirists to write and perform works critical of their opponents, or even write satirical plays themselves. Many satirists incorporate minor magical tricks into their works to enhance the effect. There are even a handful of oratory schools in Metrya that specialize in teaching this style.		The art of oration is a longstanding tradition in the Machaian League, as it is in much of Hellea. In addition to the common forms of oratory, satire is a popular art form in the cities of the League. Satire is used both for entertainment, as a way of humorously mocking public figures, and also as a political tool. Throughout the city-states figures of state frequently employ satirists to write and perform works critical of their opponents, or even write satirical plays themselves. Many satirists incorporate minor magical tricks into their works to enhance the effect. There are even a handful of oratory schools in Metrya that specialize in teaching this style.

	Bards are disproportionately common in the Machaian League, in particular those that fuse their magic with their oratory skills. These bards use their spells to aid their speaking abilities in convincing others of their views, riling up crowds, or performing in other contexts. In ~~Metryan~~ politics, however, use of any kind of magic that would aid in electoral efforts is strictly prohibited - this ban was instituted after orators began using spells like mass suggestion to "convince" others to vote their way. However, the exact wording of the ban is somewhat vague, and some try to find ways to skirt this prohibition.		Bards are disproportionately common in the Machaian League, in particular those that fuse their magic with their oratory skills. These bards use their spells to aid their speaking abilities in convincing others of their views, riling up crowds, or performing in other contexts. In democratic politics, however, use of any kind of magic that would aid in electoral efforts is strictly prohibited - this ban was instituted after orators began using spells like mass suggestion to "convince" others to vote their way. However, the exact wording of the ban is somewhat vague, and some try to find ways to skirt this prohibition.

	=== Architecture and urbanization ===		=== Architecture and urbanization ===
	Similar to elsewhere in Hellea, ~~Metryan~~ architecture takes a variety of forms, depending on the purpose of the building. Most immediately striking are the palaces and temples, with their tall marble columns, grand arches, gabled roofs, and detailed reliefs carved in the walls. More mundane buildings are usually built of stone, brick, and stucco. Whether buildings are ceremonial or domestic, Hellean architecture emphasizes open space - tall hallways, paths, and courtyards are all common. Floors are usually made of polished stone or mosaics. These mosaics generally depict something related to the purpose of the building. An apothecary's shop, for example, might have a mosaic showing plants sold there or the owner of the shop tending to them.		Similar to elsewhere in Hellea, Machaian architecture takes a variety of forms, depending on the purpose of the building. Most immediately striking are the palaces and temples, with their tall marble columns, grand arches, gabled roofs, and detailed reliefs carved in the walls. More mundane buildings are usually built of stone, brick, and stucco. Whether buildings are ceremonial or domestic, Hellean architecture emphasizes open space - tall hallways, paths, and courtyards are all common. Floors are usually made of polished stone or mosaics. These mosaics generally depict something related to the purpose of the building. An apothecary's shop, for example, might have a mosaic showing plants sold there or the owner of the shop tending to them.

	The city-states of the Machaian League contains some of the oldest still-standing examples of ancient Hellean architecture, many of which remain in use. This is especially the case in the mountains, where a combination of their diligent maintenance and out of the way locations has led to a remarkable level of preservation. The temples of [[Taretus]] and [[Sirra]] in particular are quite old, as even when damaged or destroyed they are rebuilt using as much of the original material and design as possible.		The city-states of the Machaian League contains some of the oldest still-standing examples of ancient Hellean architecture, many of which remain in use. This is especially the case in the mountains, where a combination of their diligent maintenance and out of the way locations has led to a remarkable level of preservation. The temples of Taretus and Sirra in particular are quite old, as even when damaged or destroyed they are rebuilt using as much of the original material and design as possible.

	=== Travel ===		=== Travel ===
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	== Government ==		== Government ==
	~~Though an oligarchy for much of its history~~, ~~within~~ the ~~last two hundred years Metrya has begun to re~~-~~institute~~ the pre-Eurykratian Hellean ~~traditions of direct democracy. While this has had some success, lingering inequalities continue to cause discontent~~.		Unified far more by their shared opposition to the Halakran League rather than by shared ideals, each city in the Machaian League governs itself independently. Once despotic city-states, all are now democracies, following in the footsteps of Metrya which revived this ancient, pre-[[Eurykrates\|Eurykratian]] Hellean tradition around two centuries ago.

	~~Though a direct democracy, Meytra imposes stringent requirements that must be met before one is allowed to vote. Specifically~~, ~~suffrage is only extended to those~~ who ~~own at least five acres of land and~~ can ~~prove their family’s residence~~ in ~~Metrya for at least five generations. This excludes the region’s sizable immigrant population, as well as much~~ of the ~~lower classes who do not have the sort of documentation that must be presented~~. ~~Individuals of longer~~-~~living races~~ are ~~also at~~ a ~~distinct disadvantage. As a result~~, ~~those that vote~~ in ~~Metryan elections are far fewer~~ in ~~number than~~ the ~~population~~ as ~~a whole, and are by and large predominantly wealthy and human~~.		As with the old practices, there remain limits on who can engage in democratic politics of the Machaian League. Only long-term residents are allowed a vote or to share their voice in the agora, and in some communities, most notably Axus, one must own a certain amount land in or around the city as well.

	~~Metryan administrators have continually promised to overhaul and rectify this system, but have failed to do so thus far.~~		Assemblies convene regularly in Machaian cities, where citizens can discuss and vote on issues that have been raised. All assemblies are public affairs - votes are never secret. Voting is usually preceded by speeches where advocates of differing positions attempt to make their case. Local agora and amphitheaters serve as the central location of political life, outdoor structures that also serve as gathering places for festivals, entertainers, and other special occasions. Assemblies are organized and led by directly elected representatives of each city.

	Assemblies convene regularly in ~~Metryan~~ cities, where citizens can vote on issues that have been raised. Local elections are simply resolved in the city they are held, but region-wide elections are somewhat more complicated. After each assembly meets and votes, the votes are then taken to the capital city of Metrya, where they are publicly tallied for decisions to be declared and actions to be implemented. All ~~Metryan~~ assemblies are public affairs - votes are never secret. Voting is usually preceded by speeches where advocates of differing positions attempt to make their case.

	~~Assemblies take place in local~~ amphitheaters, ~~which are usually~~ outdoor structures that also serve as gathering places for festivals, entertainers, and other special occasions.

	Assemblies are organized and led by directly elected representatives of each city.

	~~=== Military ===~~
	Rather unusually, the higher ranks in the Metryan military are elective. Strategoi, the generals of Metrya, are not promoted from the ranks but are rather voted into their positions by the populace. As such, it is not unusual for strategoi to have no military experience, though most are politicians with considerable leadership abilities. This elective nature does not apply to the lower ranks of officers, who are promoted in a more conventional style.

	== Economy ==		== Economy ==
	~~The Metryan economy is relatively well~~-~~developed,~~ primarily ~~centering~~ around ~~the production~~ of ~~goods from imported~~ raw ~~materials~~. In the ~~cities around~~ the ~~Twin Lakes, cottage industries have begun to give way to workhouse-style facilities with wage labor.~~		Within the Machaian League, the city-states of Taretus and Metrya have economies that are primarily oriented around trade, while those of Sirra and Axus are based more around raw resource production. Taretus' position in the largest pass in the Greenwall affords it great control and influence over goods passing east and west from the Gulf of Teneucia and [[Ephardia]], while Metrya's location at the mouth of the Aralo River means most merchants in the League eventually pass through its ports.

	~~Though Metrya produces food, timber,~~ and ~~other raw materials, it by~~ and ~~large does not export these directly. The major exception to this is silver~~ from the ~~mines around the northern city~~ of ~~Koulas~~, ~~which play a significant role in~~ the ~~wealth~~ of the ~~region.~~

	~~Most Metryan imports and exports come and go by way of the Peiros~~ River~~. While geographically a convenient and easily navigable route to~~ the ~~coast, trade ships must~~ pass through three other regions to reach their destinations. Kyamita welcomes Metryan trade, and the Halakran barons and dukes generally pay little attention to the merchants. The Iaramnaen generals, however, are keenly aware of the valuable items passing through their lands, and frequently levy high tolls. As a result, some Metryan merchants seek out other routes - even if longer and more expensive in travel costs, it is sometimes worth it.

	{{CitiesMachaianLeague}}		{{CitiesMachaianLeague}}

Gronk at 21:29, 8 June 2024

2024-06-08T21:29:20Z

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	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==
	The Machaian League is quite cosmopolitan, with individuals of many ancestries calling the region home. [[human\|Humans]], half-elves, [[Elf\|elves]], [[Dwarf\|dwarves]], and sylphs account for most but not all of the League's population. Though few in number, a handful of [[centaur\|centaurs]] live in the Machaian League, where they often important roles as figures of state.		The Machaian League is quite cosmopolitan, with individuals of many ancestries calling the region home. [[human\|Humans]], half-elves, [[Elf\|elves]], [[Dwarf\|dwarves]], and sylphs account for most but not all of the League's population. Though few in number, a handful of [[centaur\|centaurs]] live in the Machaian League, where they often important roles as figures of state. Several giant clans also call the Machaian Greenwell home.

	== Culture ==		== Culture ==

Gronk: /* Demographics */

2024-06-08T21:28:29Z

Demographics

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:28, 8 June 2024
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	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==
	The ~~'''~~Machaian League~~'''~~ is quite cosmopolitan, with individuals of many ancestries calling the region home. [[human\|Humans]], half-elves, [[Elf\|elves]], [[Dwarf\|dwarves]], and sylphs account for most but not all of the League's population. Though few in number, a handful of [[centaur\|centaurs]] live in the Machaian League, where they often important roles as figures of state.		The Machaian League is quite cosmopolitan, with individuals of many ancestries calling the region home. [[human\|Humans]], half-elves, [[Elf\|elves]], [[Dwarf\|dwarves]], and sylphs account for most but not all of the League's population. Though few in number, a handful of [[centaur\|centaurs]] live in the Machaian League, where they often important roles as figures of state.

	== Culture ==		== Culture ==

Gronk at 19:23, 8 June 2024

2024-06-08T19:23:24Z

Show changes

Gronk: Gronk moved page Metrya to Machaian League without leaving a redirect

2024-06-08T18:45:24Z

Gronk moved page Metrya to Machaian League without leaving a redirect

← Older revision	Revision as of 18:45, 8 June 2024
(No difference)

Gronk at 15:18, 8 June 2024

2024-06-08T15:18:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 8 June 2024
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	Most Metryan imports and exports come and go by way of the Peiros River. While geographically a convenient and easily navigable route to the coast, trade ships must pass through three other regions to reach their destinations. Kyamita welcomes Metryan trade, and the Halakran barons and dukes generally pay little attention to the merchants. The Iaramnaen generals, however, are keenly aware of the valuable items passing through their lands, and frequently levy high tolls. As a result, some Metryan merchants seek out other routes - even if longer and more expensive in travel costs, it is sometimes worth it.		Most Metryan imports and exports come and go by way of the Peiros River. While geographically a convenient and easily navigable route to the coast, trade ships must pass through three other regions to reach their destinations. Kyamita welcomes Metryan trade, and the Halakran barons and dukes generally pay little attention to the merchants. The Iaramnaen generals, however, are keenly aware of the valuable items passing through their lands, and frequently levy high tolls. As a result, some Metryan merchants seek out other routes - even if longer and more expensive in travel costs, it is sometimes worth it.

	{{~~CitiesMetrya~~}}		{{CitiesMachaianLeague}}

	[[Category:Nations]]		[[Category:Nations]]
	[[Category:~~Metrya]]~~		[[Category:Machaian League]]
	~~[[Category:Democracies~~]]
	[[Category:Hellea]]		[[Category:Hellea]]

Gronk at 19:42, 1 June 2024

2024-06-01T19:42:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:42, 1 June 2024
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	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==
	Metrya is quite cosmopolitan, with individuals of many ancestries calling the region home. Humans, half-elves, [[Elf\|elves]], [[Dwarf\|dwarves]], aasimar, tieflings, and sylphs account for most but not all of Metrya’s population. Though few in number, a handful of centaurs ~~have integrated into Metryan society and~~ often ~~serve~~ as ~~statesmen~~.		Metrya is quite cosmopolitan, with individuals of many ancestries calling the region home. Humans, half-elves, [[Elf\|elves]], [[Dwarf\|dwarves]], aasimar, tieflings, and sylphs account for most but not all of Metrya’s population. Though few in number, a handful of [[centaur\|centaurs]] live in Metrya, where they often important roles as figures of state.

	== Culture ==		== Culture ==

Gronk at 00:29, 1 April 2024

2024-04-01T00:29:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:29, 1 April 2024
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	=== Languages ===		=== Languages ===
	[[Hellean]] is by far the most frequently spoken language in Metrya, followed by [[Common]]. Ancestral languages, especially Elven and [[Dwarven]], are also widespread. Regional languages of elsewhere can be heard widely in the major cities of Metrya, as they are generally useful considering the high populations of immigrants and heavy economic activity of the region.		[[Hellean]] is by far the most frequently spoken language in Metrya, followed by [[Common]]. Ancestral languages, especially [[Elven]] and [[Dwarven]], are also widespread. Regional languages of elsewhere can be heard widely in the major cities of Metrya, as they are generally useful considering the high populations of immigrants and heavy economic activity of the region.

	=== Arts ===		=== Arts ===