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{{NationInfobox
{{NationInfobox
|name = Metrya
|name = Machaian League
|image = Flag_Metrya.webp
|image = Flag_Metrya.webp
|capital = [[Metrya (city)|Metrya]]
|capital = None
|ruler = -
|ruler = League Council
|government = Direct democracy
|government = Confederation (league-level); democracy (city-level)
|demonym = Metryan
|demonym = Machaian (infrequently used; city-level demonyms preferred)
|adjective = Metryan
|adjective = Machaian
|languages = [[Hellean]], [[Common]]
|languages = [[Hellean]], [[Common]]
|religions = [[hero-god|Hero-gods]]; [[Hellean pantheon]]
|religions = [[hero-god|Hero-gods]]; [[Hellean pantheon]]
}}
}}
'''Metrya''' {{Pronunciation|MEH-tree-ah}} has revived the ancient [[Hellea|Hellean]] traditions of democracy, though the lingering inequality of this system has led to undercurrents that threaten this prosperous state. A nascent industrial revolution is underway in Metrya, as traditional cottage industries have begun to be replaced by [[wikipedia:Industrial_Revolution|centralized workhouses]].
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 ==
Metrya is located on the northern side of central Hellea, wedged between its neighbors of [[Ephardia]], [[Halakros]], [[Iaramnae]], and [[Magnia]]. The climate of the region is generally cooler than Hellea as a whole, with weather patterns off the Sentinel Peaks a strong influence on precipitation and temperature.  
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 [[Twin Lakes]] lie in the center of Metrya. Though technically one lake that narrows in the middle, they are generally considered separate bodies of water. The lakes do not have official names and are usually referred to by their cardinal directions (the Western Lake and the Eastern Lake). The lakes are fed by innumerable rivers - most are small, though the [[Tyria River]], originating in the [[Greenwall]], and the [[Evros River]], beginning in the [[Sentinel Peaks]], carry great amounts of water during seasonal melts. The [[Peiros River]] is the sole outlet from the Twin Lakes, connecting the interior bodies of water to the [[Sea of Ersas]] to the east via a winding route.
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.


Lycanthropes and vampires reportedly have negative reactions to the water of the Evros River. 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.


The Metryan landscape primarily consists of hilly plains and forests. Around the Twin Lakes in particular the natural landscape has been replaced with extensive farms, with less development the further one travels away from the center of Metrya.  
Though less common in the Machaian League than in the neighboring Halakran League, griffons live in the wilds of the region. Some even train these creatures, though as they are intelligent and value loyalty highly, some find it better to gain their friendship instead.  


Metryan forests are primarily comprised of oaks, spruces, beeches, and black pines. Plains 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.
== 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. The League initially contained Metrya, [[Taretus]], and [[Sirra]], with [[Axus]] joining in {{Year|6702}} after breaking away from the Halakran alliance.
A wide range of animals live in Metrya, including badgers, lions, lynx, wolves, otters, weasels, deer, and chamois. Birds such as falcons, eagles, and vultures are common as well. Wildlife is less common in the heavily urbanized areas around the Twin Lakes.
 
Though less common in Metrya than in neighboring Halakros, griffons live in the wilds of the region. Some even train these creatures, though as they are intelligent and value loyalty highly, some find it better to gain their friendship instead.
 
Catoblepas are occasionally reported in the forests around the southwestern cities of Araplos and Arkesine. These creatures do not commonly cross the border from the less-developed western side of Halakros, but when they do it is cause for concern.
 
Similarly, chimeras sometimes venture farther from their dens in the Greenwall into Metrya. These terrifying and evil creatures are not as intelligent as commonly believed, but regardless are highly dangerous.
 
Highly reclusive, hippalektryons are known to live in the northern hilly landscape, including across the border with Magnia. Little is known about these half-horse, half-rooster creatures, but they are generally thought of with reverence and treated respectfully by Metryan culture.


== 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 [[centaur|centaurs]] live in Metrya, 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 ==
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=== Religion ===
=== Religion ===
Like elsewhere in Hellea, the [[hero-god|hero-gods]] play a prominent role in Metryan religion. The region’s high population and development means that when hero-gods seek servants to further their goals, they frequently turn to the cities of Metrya. One hero-god, [[Kynos]], resides within the Metryan capital, and many of his itinerant clerics can be found across the region’s cities.
Like elsewhere in Hellea, the [[hero-god|hero-gods]] play a prominent role in Machaian religion. The region's long stability and relatively high populations means that when hero-gods seek servants to further their goals, they frequently turn to the cities of the League. One hero-god, [[Kynos]], resides within the the city-state of Metrya, and many of his itinerant clerics can be found across the region's cities.


Aside from the hero-gods, the people of Metrya also follow the gods of the [[Hellean pantheon]]. [[Khalkeus]], [[Triteia]], and [[Hemera]] are particularly popular, as are [[Psais]] and [[Lycia]] to lesser degrees. Major cities usually have large religious districts, home to monumental temples and those that serve within them.
Aside from the hero-gods, the people of the Machaian League also follow the gods of the [[Hellean pantheon]]. [[Khalkeus]], [[Triteia]], and [[Hemera]] are particularly popular, as are [[Psais]] and [[Lycia]] to lesser degrees. Major cities usually have large religious districts, home to monumental temples and those who serve within them.  
 
=== Society ===
The technological innovations developed in [[Kyamita]] and [[Peremoun]] have not gone unnoticed in Metrya. Some Metryan plutocrats, mindful of the incredible advantages such clockworks and steam-driven devices could bring, have commissioned the development of various contraptions by these technological pioneers. Amongst the less scrupulous of the plutocrats, some have instead opted to hire thieves to infiltrate and steal existing designs.
 
Unlike the artist-inventors of Kyamita, these Metryans are far more interested in practical applications than in aesthetics. Devices such as automated looms, forges, printing presses, and pottery wheels have begun to fill workhouses across Metrya, operated by untrained laborers. The traditional cottage industries of Hellea have begun to rapidly decline in importance in Metrya, as they have been left unable to compete with the scale of industrialized factories. The owners of many workhouses have also built lodgings for their workers attached to or nearby the work areas, so that they might further increase efficiency.


=== Traditions ===
=== Traditions ===
The people of Metrya have a strong culture of festivals, celebrating anything from historical events, holy days, or just to have fun. Many festivals are state-sponsored and funded, as long as they can gain approval (which generally means the organizers refrain from public criticism of prominent philosopher politicians). Those that are not state-sponsored are still legal and tolerated, but generally smaller and less lavish as they must rely on private support instead.
The people of the Machaian League have a strong culture of festivals, held to commemorate historical events, holy days, or simply to have fun. Many festivals are sponsored and funded directly by the city-states, as long as they can gain approval. Those that are not state-sponsored are still legal and tolerated, but generally smaller and less lavish as they must rely on private support instead.


=== 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 the Machaian League, followed by [[Common]]. Ancestral languages, especially [[Elven]] and [[Dwarven]], are also widespread. Regional languages of elsewhere, especially [[Thadrian]] and to a lesser degree [[Roeda]], can be heard widely in the major cities of the League.


=== Arts ===
=== Arts ===
[[wikipedia:Black-figure_pottery|Black-figure pottery]] is an art form with a long history in Metrya. 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 Metrya, 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 Metrya, as it is in much of Hellea. In addition to the common forms of oratory, satire is a popular art form in Metrya. Satire is used both for entertainment, as a way of humorously mocking public figures, and also as a political tool. Metryan politicians 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 major Metryan cities 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 Metrya, 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 political efforts is strictly prohibited - this ban was instituted after politicians 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 ===
Quite 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, at least for those who can afford them, 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.
 
Metrya contains some of the oldest still-standing examples of ancient Hellean architecture, many of which remain in use. Metryan temples in particular tend to be quite old, as even when damaged or destroyed they are rebuilt using as much of the original material and design as possible.
 
The core Metryan lands around the Twin Lakes are densely populated and heavily urbanized. Cities that dot the shore are quite large and slowly but continually growing outwards, subsuming smaller towns that had grown up near the former outskirts. The Metryan population becomes more diffuse away from the lakes - though there are certainly large cities away from these bodies of water, they are less common and most people there live in small towns.
 
=== Food and cuisine ===
Metyran cuisine tends to make heavy use of fish, as most major population centers are on the Twin Lakes or the surrounding rivers. The region is somewhat colder than Hellea as a whole, so the crops grown in Metrya are generally those better suited to more seasonality.


=== Occupations ===
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.
While many in Metrya continue to farm and work in cottage industries as has been the norm for centuries, some wealthy and enterprising types have begun to pioneer new methods of producing goods. Rather than seek out the skills of trained and skilled craftspeople, these individuals instead hire large numbers of laborers and employ them in a wage labor relationship in workhouses, setting them to task mass producing various goods. Though their finished goods are rarely on the level of what a skilled individual could produce, this arrangement results in a vastly increased level of production. The side effects of this new shift have only exacerbated the social issues and latent discontent in Metrya, and some [[wikipedia:Luddite|disgruntled citizens]] have begun to take action...


=== Travel ===
=== Travel ===
Travel in Metrya is primarily undertaken by way of the many rivers that feed into the Twin Lakes. Nearly all the major population centers are along these rivers, so most travel in Metrya is quite convenient. Roads around the shores of the Twin Lakes are usually well-maintained and safe to travel, but this becomes less the case if traveling around the border regions of Metrya.
Most travel throughout the League is by way of the Gulf of Teneucia or the Aralo River, at least as much as is possible. Those wishing to travel the [[Asterian Trail]] often journey to the start of the route by first passing through the Machaian League, as it provides the fastest and easiest way through the Greenwall.
 
Metrya is a major destination for immigrants arriving both from elsewhere in Hellea and from farther afield. Though it arguably does not fulfill its lofty promises of democracy, many are drawn to the region by the lure of an equal and fair society, and by the plentiful (though frequently poorly paying) jobs in the industrious workhouses. Alongside the influx of population, those wishing to travel the [[Asterian Trail]] sometimes arrive at its southern terminus after first crossing Hellea through Metrya.
 
=== Education ===
Metryan cities are home to a number of notable and prestigious universities, where one can obtain a higher education in many advanced fields. Despite this, basic educational institutions in Metrya are rather lacking. Schools are usually run by temples and are overwhelmingly focused on religious education. Literacy rates are very high among the Metryan upper classes, but less so among the common people.


== 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 of 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}}

Latest revision as of 00:18, 12 June 2024

The Machaian League (pronounced mah-KAI-an) is a confederation of 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

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.

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.

Though less common in the Machaian League than in the neighboring Halakran League, griffons live in the wilds of the region. Some even train these creatures, though as they are intelligent and value loyalty highly, some find it better to gain their friendship instead.

History

While the city-states of the region had long had close ties, it was only in Y9698* 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 Y9702* after breaking away from the Halakran alliance.

Demographics

The Machaian League is quite cosmopolitan, with individuals of many ancestries calling the region home. Humans, half-elves, elves, dwarves, and sylphs account for most but not all of the League's population. Though few in number, a handful of 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

See Hellea for more information on culture, geography, and history that is common to the nations of the peninsula.

Religion

Like elsewhere in Hellea, the hero-gods play a prominent role in Machaian religion. The region's long stability and relatively high populations means that when hero-gods seek servants to further their goals, they frequently turn to the cities of the League. One hero-god, Kynos, resides within the the city-state of Metrya, and many of his itinerant clerics can be found across the region's cities.

Aside from the hero-gods, the people of the Machaian League also follow the gods of the Hellean pantheon. Khalkeus, Triteia, and Hemera are particularly popular, as are Psais and Lycia to lesser degrees. Major cities usually have large religious districts, home to monumental temples and those who serve within them.

Traditions

The people of the Machaian League have a strong culture of festivals, held to commemorate historical events, holy days, or simply to have fun. Many festivals are sponsored and funded directly by the city-states, as long as they can gain approval. Those that are not state-sponsored are still legal and tolerated, but generally smaller and less lavish as they must rely on private support instead.

Languages

Hellean is by far the most frequently spoken language in the Machaian League, followed by Common. Ancestral languages, especially Elven and Dwarven, are also widespread. Regional languages of elsewhere, especially Thadrian and to a lesser degree Roeda, can be heard widely in the major cities of the League.

Arts

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. 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 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

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.

Travel

Most travel throughout the League is by way of the Gulf of Teneucia or the Aralo River, at least as much as is possible. Those wishing to travel the Asterian Trail often journey to the start of the route by first passing through the Machaian League, as it provides the fastest and easiest way through the Greenwall.

Government

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-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 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.

Economy

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.

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