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|capital = None | |capital = None | ||
|ruler = League Council | |ruler = League Council | ||
|government = Confederation (league-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 '''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 == | ||
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 == | ||
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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. | 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 | 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, | 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 | 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 == | ||
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 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 | |||
Assemblies are organized and led by directly elected representatives of each city | |||
== Economy == | == 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. | |||
{{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.