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{{NationInfobox | {{NationInfobox | ||
|name = Mesollonia | |name = Mesollonia | ||
|image = | |image = Flag_Mesollonia.svg | ||
|capital = [[Stronghold of the | |capital = [[Stronghold of the Light]] | ||
|ruler = [[Caria Trianus]], [[Keeper of the Light]] | |ruler = [[Caria Trianus]], [[Keeper of the Light]] | ||
|government = Theocracy | |government = Theocracy | ||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
|adjective = Mesollonian | |adjective = Mesollonian | ||
|languages = [[Common]], [[Hellean]], [[Thadrian]] | |languages = [[Common]], [[Hellean]], [[Thadrian]] | ||
|religions = | |religions = [[Harinna]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Mesollonia''', once | '''Mesollonia''' {{Pronunciation|mess-oh-LOW-nee-ah}}, once an important base during the [[Amberikon Crusade]], now serves as a [[Harinna|Harinnan]] holy site and the location of her high clergy. | ||
== Geography, flora, and fauna == | == Geography, flora, and fauna == | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
=== Demonic invasion === | === Demonic invasion === | ||
Following the destruction of the [[ | Following the destruction of the [[Amberikon]] [[anchor site]] in {{Year|4550}}, planar boundaries between the Material Plane and the Abyss intersected in western [[Thadria]]. This provided a means for creatures from either plane to pass into the other, something the demons of the Abyss began to do in significant numbers. The city of Amberikon and surrounding communities were quickly overrun before the demons began to appear elsewhere along the western coast of Thadria. | ||
=== | === Amberikon Crusade === | ||
The | The Amberikon Crusade was called in {{Year|4551}}, an effort by the Harinnan clergy to counteract the demonic invasion. The [[Stronghold of the Light]] was quickly constructed on the formerly sparsely inhabited island of Mesollonia to serve as a base of operations and staging grounds for the crusaders arriving from across the world. | ||
In | In {{Year|4596}} the Amberikon Crusade was declared victorious as the last of the major planar rifts were sealed. Smaller rifts and some demons would exist for longer, though drastically reduced in threat. The Stronghold was maintained as a monument to those that fell in battle and as a holy site to Harinna. | ||
== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
The population of Mesollonia today is quite small, but includes individuals from across the world - many accomplished devotees of | The population of Mesollonia today is quite small, but includes individuals from across the world - many accomplished devotees of Harinna relocate to the island, often later in their lives. As such, the racial demographics of the island is highly diverse, and include individuals of any number of races. The ages of the inhabitants of the island skew older - there are proportionally much fewer children and families than might be found elsewhere. | ||
== Culture == | == Culture == | ||
=== Religion === | |||
As might be expected, effectively all the inhabitants of Mesollonia are followers of Harinna. The Stronghold of the Light is considered an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Indomitable Sun, and especially for her paladins and warpriests. | |||
In addition to private prayers, the inhabitants of the Stronghold attend regular church services and sermons on a weekly basis. Usually given by the [[Keeper of the Light]], these sermons can often last for half a day or more. Religious services are usually held in Celestial. | |||
18th | === Traditions === | ||
18th Phoenix and 3rd Songbird are both special occasions in Mesollonia, as they mark the days the Amberikon Crusade ended and began, respectively. These days are marked with events to honor those that died in battle against the demons. | |||
Fencing and swordsmanship practice are common activities on the island of Mesollonia. These are seen not only as recreational but also as devotional, and as a required activity to maintain one’s faith. | |||
=== Languages === | |||
As a matter of practicality, the most used language on Mesollonia is [[Common]] - with inhabitants hailing from a variety of regions, it would be difficult to effectively communicate otherwise. However, visitors can expect to find people fluent in a number of languages, even if they don’t speak them regularly. [[Hellean]] and [[Thadrian]] are also often used in day to day conversations, though with less regularity than Common. | As a matter of practicality, the most used language on Mesollonia is [[Common]] - with inhabitants hailing from a variety of regions, it would be difficult to effectively communicate otherwise. However, visitors can expect to find people fluent in a number of languages, even if they don’t speak them regularly. [[Hellean]] and [[Thadrian]] are also often used in day to day conversations, though with less regularity than Common. | ||
The population of Mesollonia is quite low. Almost all the inhabitants are clergy of | === Occupations === | ||
The population of Mesollonia is quite low. Almost all the inhabitants are clergy of Harinna, alongside a small number of commoners who work in maintaining the Stronghold and life on the island. Those not associated with the church mostly work on the docks or fields - all tasks within the Stronghold, even the most menial, are performed by members of the church. Besides members of the church with crafting skills, the island is not home to sufficient numbers of skilled craftspeople, and as a result is reliant on goods and services produced off-island. | |||
=== Travel === | |||
Mesollonia sees a regular but slow trickle of immigrants, the vast majority of which are clergy of Harinna. The population of the island is relatively stable, however. | |||
All travel to and from the island is by way of the docks outside the Stronghold. Besides a handful of footpaths, there are no roads on the island besides those in town. | |||
The Stronghold of the | === Architecture and urbanization === | ||
The Stronghold of the Light is the only major settlement on Mesollonia. The Stronghold itself, the castle, sits on a high point by the sea, [https://www.123rf.com/photo_13761223_lindos-with-the-castle-above-on-the-greek-island-of-rhodes.html overlooking the town] where most of the island’s inhabitants live. Despite its age, the Stronghold has been carefully and dutifully maintained and is in excellent condition. Inside the Stronghold is a grand cathedral, living quarters for the Keeper of the Light and a handful of other important clergy members, military fortifications, and the tombs of the first faithful of Harinna to fall in the crusade. Buildings in the town are mostly constructed of plastered and whitewashed stone, of the style common to Hellean island settlements. | |||
The Stronghold is full of religious artwork of varying mediums, including paintings, engravings, decorative windows, and others. | The Stronghold is full of religious artwork of varying mediums, including paintings, engravings, decorative windows, and others. | ||
=== Food and cuisine === | |||
The Stronghold’s inhabitants maintain small farms where they grow olives, wheat, grapes, fruits, and vegetables, as well as keep small herds of livestock. These are frequently insufficient to feed the population of the island, causing imports to be relied upon. The foods and farming practices of those living on Mesollonia are very similar to those of people residing on other Hellean islands. | The Stronghold’s inhabitants maintain small farms where they grow olives, wheat, grapes, fruits, and vegetables, as well as keep small herds of livestock. These are frequently insufficient to feed the population of the island, causing imports to be relied upon. The foods and farming practices of those living on Mesollonia are very similar to those of people residing on other Hellean islands. | ||
Magical practitioners on Mesollonia include the majority of the island’s population. As they are clergy of | === Magic === | ||
Magical practitioners on Mesollonia include the majority of the island’s population. As they are clergy of Harinna, this magic is usually divine in nature, though there are some that are capable of arcane magic as well. | |||
Education on Mesollonia is almost entirely religious in nature, and mostly given through sermons | === Education === | ||
Education on Mesollonia is almost entirely religious in nature, and mostly given through sermons. | |||
== Government == | == Government == | ||
Mesollonia is effectively a sovereign state under the control of the church of | Mesollonia is effectively a sovereign state under the control of the church of Harinna. The island is led by the [[Keeper of the Light]], who is considered by most to be the highest mortal authority among Harinna's faithful. The Keeper of the Light is a position one holds for life, or until voluntary retirement, at which point the regional high clergy of Harinna convene to elect a new Keeper. The Keeper both governs the day to day operations within the Stronghold of the Light as well as serves as a religious advisor to the high clergy of the Indomitable Sun. | ||
The current Keeper of the Light is [[Caria Trianus]]. | The current Keeper of the Light is [[Caria Trianus]]. | ||
Though they generally have quite good relationships with their neighbors, Mesollonia maintains a strict policy of neutrality - while the devotees of | Though they generally have quite good relationships with their neighbors, Mesollonia maintains a strict policy of neutrality - while the devotees of Harinna may choose to involve themselves in conflicts elsewhere, they do so with the understanding that Mesollonia will not intervene. Conversely, the island has an understanding with the regional churches of Harinna that they will come to its assistance if the Stronghold is attacked - something that has not happened as of yet. | ||
Though as devout followers of | Though as devout followers of Harinna this is a rare occurrence, any legal infractions by Harinnans on Mesollonia are handled by the church. Foreigners or members of other faiths who step afoul of the law are returned to their place of origin. | ||
== Economy == | == Economy == | ||
Mesollonia produces very little that is not used directly by the Stronghold. The orchards and farms have little excess, and in fact often do not produce enough to feed the island’s inhabitants. Imports of food, raw materials, and finished goods are relied upon heavily. Funding to pay for these materials are acquired through donations from churches of | Mesollonia produces very little that is not used directly by the Stronghold. The orchards and farms have little excess, and in fact often do not produce enough to feed the island’s inhabitants. Imports of food, raw materials, and finished goods are relied upon heavily. Funding to pay for these materials are acquired through donations from churches of Harinna around the world. | ||
{{CitiesMesollonia}} | {{CitiesMesollonia}} | ||
Latest revision as of 19:51, 7 January 2024
Mesollonia (pronounced mess-oh-LOW-nee-ah), once an important base during the Amberikon Crusade, now serves as a Harinnan holy site and the location of her high clergy.
Geography, flora, and fauna
Mesollonia is one of the larger islands in the northern Sea of Ersas. Like many islands in the Ersas, it is quite pleasant, with sandy beaches and a temperate interior. The island rises to a peak in the middle, like many of the mountainous islands surrounding it.
The island enjoys a pleasant climate. Temperatures are generally mild throughout the year, though it does sometimes snow in the winter. The weather of Mesollonia can be rather variable - while often sunny for long stretches at a time, occasional storms bring heavy rainfalls and lightning.
The remaining forest cover of the island primarily consists of cypress, olive, and pine trees. These get more dense farther inland, alongside ground cover of shrubs, wildflowers, and wild berry bushes.
Animals native to the island include goats, cats, a unique species of pygmy elephants, and a large variety of birds, both migratory and permanent inhabitants. There are few notable magical beasts that reside on Mesollonia, besides those serving as familiars.
The island is hallowed ground and is kept quite safe. As a result, one can freely wander the island away from the Stronghold and not face any threats, barring accidents and the like.
History
Demonic invasion
Following the destruction of the Amberikon anchor site in Y7550*, planar boundaries between the Material Plane and the Abyss intersected in western Thadria. This provided a means for creatures from either plane to pass into the other, something the demons of the Abyss began to do in significant numbers. The city of Amberikon and surrounding communities were quickly overrun before the demons began to appear elsewhere along the western coast of Thadria.
Amberikon Crusade
The Amberikon Crusade was called in Y7551*, an effort by the Harinnan clergy to counteract the demonic invasion. The Stronghold of the Light was quickly constructed on the formerly sparsely inhabited island of Mesollonia to serve as a base of operations and staging grounds for the crusaders arriving from across the world.
In Y7596* the Amberikon Crusade was declared victorious as the last of the major planar rifts were sealed. Smaller rifts and some demons would exist for longer, though drastically reduced in threat. The Stronghold was maintained as a monument to those that fell in battle and as a holy site to Harinna.
Demographics
The population of Mesollonia today is quite small, but includes individuals from across the world - many accomplished devotees of Harinna relocate to the island, often later in their lives. As such, the racial demographics of the island is highly diverse, and include individuals of any number of races. The ages of the inhabitants of the island skew older - there are proportionally much fewer children and families than might be found elsewhere.
Culture
Religion
As might be expected, effectively all the inhabitants of Mesollonia are followers of Harinna. The Stronghold of the Light is considered an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Indomitable Sun, and especially for her paladins and warpriests.
In addition to private prayers, the inhabitants of the Stronghold attend regular church services and sermons on a weekly basis. Usually given by the Keeper of the Light, these sermons can often last for half a day or more. Religious services are usually held in Celestial.
Traditions
18th Phoenix and 3rd Songbird are both special occasions in Mesollonia, as they mark the days the Amberikon Crusade ended and began, respectively. These days are marked with events to honor those that died in battle against the demons.
Fencing and swordsmanship practice are common activities on the island of Mesollonia. These are seen not only as recreational but also as devotional, and as a required activity to maintain one’s faith.
Languages
As a matter of practicality, the most used language on Mesollonia is Common - with inhabitants hailing from a variety of regions, it would be difficult to effectively communicate otherwise. However, visitors can expect to find people fluent in a number of languages, even if they don’t speak them regularly. Hellean and Thadrian are also often used in day to day conversations, though with less regularity than Common.
Occupations
The population of Mesollonia is quite low. Almost all the inhabitants are clergy of Harinna, alongside a small number of commoners who work in maintaining the Stronghold and life on the island. Those not associated with the church mostly work on the docks or fields - all tasks within the Stronghold, even the most menial, are performed by members of the church. Besides members of the church with crafting skills, the island is not home to sufficient numbers of skilled craftspeople, and as a result is reliant on goods and services produced off-island.
Travel
Mesollonia sees a regular but slow trickle of immigrants, the vast majority of which are clergy of Harinna. The population of the island is relatively stable, however.
All travel to and from the island is by way of the docks outside the Stronghold. Besides a handful of footpaths, there are no roads on the island besides those in town.
Architecture and urbanization
The Stronghold of the Light is the only major settlement on Mesollonia. The Stronghold itself, the castle, sits on a high point by the sea, overlooking the town where most of the island’s inhabitants live. Despite its age, the Stronghold has been carefully and dutifully maintained and is in excellent condition. Inside the Stronghold is a grand cathedral, living quarters for the Keeper of the Light and a handful of other important clergy members, military fortifications, and the tombs of the first faithful of Harinna to fall in the crusade. Buildings in the town are mostly constructed of plastered and whitewashed stone, of the style common to Hellean island settlements.
The Stronghold is full of religious artwork of varying mediums, including paintings, engravings, decorative windows, and others.
Food and cuisine
The Stronghold’s inhabitants maintain small farms where they grow olives, wheat, grapes, fruits, and vegetables, as well as keep small herds of livestock. These are frequently insufficient to feed the population of the island, causing imports to be relied upon. The foods and farming practices of those living on Mesollonia are very similar to those of people residing on other Hellean islands.
Magic
Magical practitioners on Mesollonia include the majority of the island’s population. As they are clergy of Harinna, this magic is usually divine in nature, though there are some that are capable of arcane magic as well.
Education
Education on Mesollonia is almost entirely religious in nature, and mostly given through sermons.
Government
Mesollonia is effectively a sovereign state under the control of the church of Harinna. The island is led by the Keeper of the Light, who is considered by most to be the highest mortal authority among Harinna's faithful. The Keeper of the Light is a position one holds for life, or until voluntary retirement, at which point the regional high clergy of Harinna convene to elect a new Keeper. The Keeper both governs the day to day operations within the Stronghold of the Light as well as serves as a religious advisor to the high clergy of the Indomitable Sun.
The current Keeper of the Light is Caria Trianus.
Though they generally have quite good relationships with their neighbors, Mesollonia maintains a strict policy of neutrality - while the devotees of Harinna may choose to involve themselves in conflicts elsewhere, they do so with the understanding that Mesollonia will not intervene. Conversely, the island has an understanding with the regional churches of Harinna that they will come to its assistance if the Stronghold is attacked - something that has not happened as of yet.
Though as devout followers of Harinna this is a rare occurrence, any legal infractions by Harinnans on Mesollonia are handled by the church. Foreigners or members of other faiths who step afoul of the law are returned to their place of origin.
Economy
Mesollonia produces very little that is not used directly by the Stronghold. The orchards and farms have little excess, and in fact often do not produce enough to feed the island’s inhabitants. Imports of food, raw materials, and finished goods are relied upon heavily. Funding to pay for these materials are acquired through donations from churches of Harinna around the world.