[Minerva]

- The Lore of Gaia Reborn -

Since the fateful day of the apocalypse, adventurers and gaians alike inhabit the world of Gaia Reborn: A world, which has been shaped by more than a thousand years of history, was witness to the rise and fall of empires, is populated by brimming cities and cozy villages, has filled countless explorers with sights of natural wonder and has been subject to the interpretation of various beliefs. In the following thread players may explore the most important information about Italia, a small part of Gaia as a whole and main location of this RP. The thread will be structured similar to an encyclopedia, so please use it as such.

Table of Contents

History

States

Geographical Locations

Cities

Religions

Maps

[Minerva]

- History -

Timetable

ca. 2000 bRR	Creation of Mandrasil, the sacred tree of the Zarian people, by a crystalline comet crashing into a mammoth tree near the peak of Mt. Etnio.
ca. 1000 bRR	Forming of the first four empires of ancient: Alven Kingdom of Milaturi, Enochlian Pontificate of Firenz, Antashi Republic, Zarian Empire of Sizilio.
ca. 600 bRR	Year of the Great Catastrophe, cause for the Antashi Diaspora.
4 bRR	Start of the War of Old.
1 bRR	End of the War of Old.
1	The Romalian Republic is declared. Begin of the Pax Romalia.
547	First signs of the Romalian Plague in Venezia.
573	Fall of the Romalian Republic. End of the Pax Romalia.
581	Romalia is abandoned due to the Romalian Plague.
589	Parelmio Incident and emergence of the Shadowlands.
623	The Kingdom of Basili is founded in the former Romalian city Potenzila.
631	In their military struggle against the expansion of the Shadowlands the Zarian Empire seeks protection under the Kingdom of Basili and becomes a mere duchy.
665	After decades of growing influence Venezia forms the Lega Veneziana Adriatica and declares Romalian successorship.
673	Year of the Bolognian Uprising. Bologna joins the Alven Kingdom and becomes Bolon.
701	The Free City Alliance is declared in Neapoli to protect each member from the ever growing influence of Venezia.
705	The Free City Alliance starts the Romalian Project.
750	Year of the Apocalypse.

Illustration of Key Terms

Antashi Republic: The Antashi Republic was one of the four ancient empires and home of the Antashi people. It was a culturally rich but resource poor nation in the midst of Italia. After the Great Catastrophe the Antashi Republic was invaded by the Enochlian Pontificate, which led to the Antashi Diaspora. The Antashi Republic itself was annexed by the Enoch and remains in the Pontificate to the day of the Apocalypse.

Great Catastrophe: A few decades after the Antas of the Antashi Republic began strip-mining the active volcano Lardarello, which was located at their border to the Enochlian Pontificate, a huge phreatic eruption destroyed much of the surrounding lands and left a lava-filled wasteland behind. Most of the destroyed lands were Enochlian farm lands, which crippled their and the Antas’ food production. The Enoch thought the Antas were responsible for the catastrophe and waged war upon them in retaliation resulting in the Antashi Diaspora. The Antashi Republic had previously been demilitarizing to improve their growing relations with the Enoch and were subsequently militarily annihilated. To this day the Enoch despise the Antas with a devout passion and consider them to be a god-forsaken race, which brings doom upon civilisations.

Antashi Diaspora: After the Great Catastrophe and military annihilation of the Antas Republic, the Antas were forced to flee their home lands and dispersed into every possible direction. Because of the alliance between the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi and the Enochlian Pontificate the Antas mostly migrated into human cities in the east and south and later lived as a minority in the Romalian Republic. However, they are still the victims of racism to this day, since the Enoch held and still hold great cultural and religious influence over Italia as its religious and literary center.

War of Old: The War of Old was caused by growing tensions between the humans of Romalia and the ancient empires. Due to the increasing economic and military might of the human cities, Romalia pushed for a united human nation to bring humans at eye level with the older races. Worried about the sudden formation of a new empire stronger than each of the old ones under the rule of a much less experienced and hot-headed race, the Enochlian Pontificate and Alven Kingdom launched a preemptive strike against Romalia to prevent a united human empire from forming, while the Zaria stayed neutral. This only strengthened the human resolve and human city after human city rallied behind Romalia. After great losses on both sides the war ended through a ceasefire and following negotiations between the four big races. A white peace treaty was signed and the Alvs, Enoch and Zaria officially agreed to the formation of a united human empire, albeit under the guidance of the three older races.

Romalian Republic: The Romalian Republic was officially declared after the peace treaty of the War of Old. It was the first human empire and united all human settlements of Italia. Its declaration is also seen as the beginning of the modern age after the ancient times. The Romalian Republic was ruled by an elected senate with representation of all major cities. The Republic found its end due to a plague, which diminished central power to the point of non-existence.

Pax Romalia: The Pax Romalia describes the time period after the formation of the Romalian Republic, in which all races lived together in peace and prospered under the economic and technological lead of Romalia.

Romalian Plague: The Romalian Plague was a deadly sickness, which first appeared in Venezia and then spread throughout the Romalian Republic. Its name stems from the fact that the sickness was mostly deadly for the big Human and Faunri populations of the Romalian Republic. As the capital city with a constant influx of people Romalia was hit the hardest and had to even be completely abandoned. Years before that Romalian central power was diminished to a point where the Republic could not be upheld any longer and each of its former cities resorted to some sort of self-governance to handle the decades-long crisis.

Parelmio Incident: The Parelmio Incident describes an incident, which happened only shortly after the Romalian Plague had devastated the mainland of Italia. For yet unknown reasons a magical anomaly emerged inside the then capital city of the Zarian Empire and began draining mana from land and people alike converting a lot of organisms into mana-draining beasts, thereby leading to the creation of the shadowlands. Parelmio was promptly evacuated and the Zarian population was continuously pushed eastward from that point forward and locked into an eternal state of war with the existence-threatening shadowlands.

Bolognian Uprising: In 673 the population of Bologna overthrew the ruling noble family, after they had found out about a plot to bring Bologna under Venezia’s control. Out of fear to be dominated by the economically stronger port-city and to lose their own Alven-influenced traditions in the process, the people of Bologna then sought protection under the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi, which renamed Bologna to Bolon and made the leader of the uprising its duke.

Romalian Project: The Romalian Project is a project of the three big cities of the Free City Alliance meant to rebuild Romalia and thereby consolidate the nearby area. It is also meant to take control over the former capital city of the Romalian Republic to prevent Venezia from having a legitimate claim to be its successor, claiming successorship themselves. People from all of Italia come to help with the project; some because they seek new opportunities and some because they believe in the revival of the Romalian Republic. Hence the population of Romalia is the most diverse of all cities in Italia. A diversity which only increased after the sudden appearance of the adventurers inside the city.

Apocalypse: The Apocalypse is the adventurers’ name for the event, which caused thousands of Gaia Reborn players to suddenly appear on the streets of Romalia in the body of their player avatars. It also marks the beginning of an entirely new and never before seen age for Italia. It is apparent that the adventurers’ decisions and Italia’s fate are henceforth intertwined.

Map showing multiple periods of history combined to illustrate historical events. Italia was never actually partitioned like this at any point in time.

[Minerva]

- States -

The political landscape of Current Day Italia.

Free City Alliance

The Free City Alliance is one of the two bigger human-led states and is located in the mid-south of Italia. It is also the state Romalia currently belongs to.

History: It was formed by the three major cities L’Aquina, Campasso and Neapoli to protect each other from the growing influence of Venezia and the Lega Veneziana Adriatica.

Government: The Alliance is governed by a council of the leading noble families of the participating areas with the presidency being held by Neapoli and all four major cities L’Aquina, Campasso, Neapoli and Romalia holding veto rights. Since it is technically a federation, most governing power over each region remains with the leading nobles of that region. Only policies regarding every part of the Free City Alliance have to be ratified by the council.

Culture: The Alliance’s culture is mainly shaped by traditions of the Romalian Republic. Freedom of thought, freedom of religion and freedom from oppression serve as important values. Therefore the nobles usually consult representatives of the people for important decisions. Nevertheless,the people are part of a class system, in which everyone is expected to fulfill their role for everybody else. Nobles are expected to govern and defend the people, while plebeians are expected to work the lands and uphold the economy. In contrast to their Enochlian and Alven counterparts the classes aren’t as rigid and the people are generally free to choose their profession as long as it benefits everyone.

Religion: While you can find a diverse range of religions inside the Free City Alliance, the two major and most influential religions are the Romalian Pantheon and the Order of Firenz. The first is widespread under commoners, the latter is especially influential under nobles and citizens of high social rank.

Politics: The main political goal of the Free City Alliance is to limit Venezia’s influence on Italia’s Human and Faunri population. Due to that reason the Romalian Project was launched to rebuild Romalia under the influence of the FCA and thereby reject Venezia’s claim to be Romalia’s successor. Meanwhile, the FCA is engaged in diplomacy with the human city state Genova, which is currently courted by both sides in an attempt to strengthen their respective influence in the north-west and on the open mediterranean sea.

Economics: The alliance is mostly known for the sturdy and reliable craftsmanship of its big traditional crafting guilds located in the four major cities, which date back to the Romalian Republic. Much of the FCA’s land consists of fertile soil used to grow enough grains and other staple foods for self-sufficiency. The mountain range in its center also provides the alliance with an abundance of metals and minerals used to craft tools and weapons. Stone is used as a main component in buildings due to its more robust defensive ability, despite the many surrounding forests.

Military: The FCA’s military is mostly land-based. Neapoli possesses a small fleet to protect its trade routes, but would not stand a chance against the massive fleet of Venezia. Its military force is instead mostly centered around its elite cavalry, whose cavaliers, also called equites, enjoy a higher social prestige than some nobles since the times of the Romalian Republic. Everyone can join the rank of the equites, when they amass enough wealth to buy their own equipment, making it the most accessible way for commoners to advance in the social hierarchy.

Relations: The alliance has good relations with the Kingdom of Basili and the Zarian Duchy to the South, who they occasionally support in their war against the shadowlands by economical means. Relations to the Lega Veneziana Adriatica are strained, since both factions try to fill the power vacuum the fall of the Romalian Republic has left behind. The FCA has signed a nonaggression-pact with the Enochlian Pontificate of Firenz and has good trade relations with them. Otherwise the relations to the Enochlian Pontificate and Alven Kingdom are neutral, while those warily observe the power struggle between the two human factions.

Aligned Cities: Romalia, Tivoli, Ostia, L’Aquina, Campasso, Neapoli and others.

Title Hierarchy: Plebeian > Equites (Knight) > Baron > Count > Marquis > Duke/Senator > Archduke/Consul. Senators and Consuls are respective titles in Romalia; L’Aquina, Campasso and Neapoli are ruled by an archduke.

Coat of Arms: Golden eagle with a forging hammer in its right claw, a book in its left claw and a crown shaped castle on its head on red ground.

Lega Veneziana Adriatica

The Lega Veneziana Adriatica is the other one of the two bigger human-led states located in the north-east of Italia at the Adriatic coast.

History: As the first city hit by the Romalian Plague and the first city to implement quarantine protocols, Venezia recovered faster than all other major cities of the former Romalian Republic. It didn’t take long for it to become the major trading port of Italia. The Lega was founded after Venezia began dominating other Adriatic cities through their sheer economic strength.

Government: The Lega Veneziana Adriatica is governed by the city council of Venezia, which is made up of its richest citizens and the delegates of each aligned city. Since each aligned city only sends one delegate respectively to the council, the Lega is in practice a hegemony of Venezia. The aligned cities themselves are either ruled by nobles of that region, who willingly put themselves under Venezia’s influence, or by magnates, who directly profit from the relations with Venezia. In many cases they are both at the same time.

Culture: The Lega’s culture is primarily influenced by its maritime traditions and the overall focus on trading goods all around the known world. Due to the growing wealth of the middle-class the nobility has lost its former titles and either impoverished or used their wealth and influence to join the forming bourgeoisie. The accumulation of wealth is the most important value among its people. In contrast to the FCA there are no remnants of the former Romalian class system left and all people are equal under the law. No one is forced or expected to work in a certain profession by more than the economical need to earn money. Experimental or progressive ideas are in general more common here than in the more traditional FCA. Social status is directly linked to wealth and it is generally believed that performance leads to success.

Religion: The most common religion in the Lega is the Order of Firenz. However, due to Venezia’s status as Italia’s biggest trading hub, you are able to find all sorts of beliefs ranging from other religions of Italia to even foreign religions seeping in over the trade routes.

Politics: Venezia’s main political goal is to further expand its wealth and influence over the known world by mostly economical means. Part of this strategy is the attempt to become Romalia’s successor in Italia and unite its human and Faunri population under their protection. After the Bolognian Uprising and the formation of the Free City Alliance the Lega Veneziana Adriatica tries to make the city state of Genova join them to gain important access to Italia’s west coast and the open mediterranean sea.

Economics: The Lega is mainly known for its role to supply the rest of Italia with foreign goods and export Italian goods to far away lands. It also sends out the biggest fishing fleet of Italia making fish the predominant food source. The Lega is rather dependent on trade regarding their own need for ressources, but is nevertheless currently the richest state of Italia. Since most economic opportunities of the Lega arise in the port cities, young people often flee the countryside to try their luck as day-laborers at the docks.

Military: Venezia’s military force mostly consists of a huge standing navy that the council of Venezia pays for. Its main purpose is keeping the Adriatic sea safe and guarding Venezia’s trade routes. However, it is also equipped to invade and besiege coastal cities. Its land forces are small in comparison and most cities rely on militias to defend themselves. Venezia itself is able to afford a small but strong mercenary force to guard its borders and country roads.

Relations: Due to the Lega’s high political ambitions their political relations to most other states are strained. The political relations to the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi are especially bad. Nevertheless, economical relations are thriving with many states having to rely on Venezia’s trading relations and trading fleet to export their goods into far away lands. Similar to the FCA, the Lega has signed a nonaggression pact with the Enochlian Pontificate. Busy with increasing wealth and expanding their trade routes the Lega doesn’t show much interest in the Kingdom of Basili and rely on them to solve the problem with the shadowlands for now.

Aligned Cities: Venezia, Ravonna, Rimine, Pesalia, Anconia and others.

Title Hierarchy: Citizen > Mayor (governors of minor cities and villages without representation in the council of Venezia) > Patron (members of the council of Venezia, including governors of the other major cities) > Archpatron (chairman of the council). The former nobility titles are equal to the titles of the FCA.

Coat of Arms: A silver eagle flying above a silver galley on red ground.

Enochlian Pontificate of Firenz

The Enochlian Pontificate of Firenz is one of the ancient empires still around today and is the home state of Italia’s Enochlian population.

History: The Enochlian Pontificate was founded about 2000 years ago by the deeply religious Enochlian people. After the Great Catastrophe it annexed the former lands of the Antashi Republic, doubling its size. Since its foundation the Pontificate held great influence religiously, politically and culturally over all of Italia, especially its human population.

Government: The Pontificate is a theocracy and is therefore governed by a pope. The pope is elected by an assembly made up of all Firenzian bishops, who rule over the different regions. Popes are elected, while bishops are directly installed by the pope. Bishops install the local priests, who govern on the communal level. All governing positions are generally given for life-time and can only be left by voluntary retirement or advancement to a higher rank within the church. While every member of the Order of Firenz can theoretically be appointed to the clergy of the Pontificate only based on their faith, free positions are practically always occupied by members of the Enochlian nobility. Cases of Enoch of the third estate being promoted to the clergy are rare and cases of non-Enoch being promoted to the clergy can be counted by one hand.

Culture: Enochlian society is divided into three estates: Clergy, nobility and church members. People who are not members of the Order of Firenz aren’t treated as citizens. The clergy is seen as the head of the Order and governs, the nobility is its sword and fights for its beliefs and the members are its body, who maintain the Order. Members of the clergy are appointed and are not allowed to have children or to be married. Nobility status is still inherited. Members of the church usually inherit the profession of their parents. Therefore the Pontificate’s class system is very traditional and rigid. Piety is by far the most important value and decides over social status. The most pious members of the church of second and third estate alike are appointed to positions inside the clergy. The Pontificate has a vibrant literary culture with most history books and tales of Italia originating from its writers.

Religion: Inside the Pontificate the Order of Firenz is the state religion. Since all citizens have to be members of the Order, other religions and beliefs are very rare. Most of the differing beliefs found under its citizens are sects of its main religion.

Politics: The main political goal of the Enochlian Pontificate is to spread its religion and culture and thereby stay the most influential state of Italia. It is also trying to keep the balance of power between the major races. After the emergence of the shadowlands and the fall of the former Zarian Empire, the Pontificate declared the shadowlands an enemy of the Order and dispatched a constant battalion of crusaders to aid the now Zarian Duchy in defending their left lands. Because of that reason the Pontificate worked for nonaggression-pacts with the FCA and LVA to focus on the imminent threat. The Pontificate has also offered full military assistance and even a full-fledged crusade to the Kingdom of Basili in the past, which is reluctant to accept an Enochlian invasion force on its soil as long as it isn’t needed.

Economics: The Enochlian Pontificate is mostly known for its excellent wine and tasteful fruits. Pilgrimages are an important part of its economy and a whole economical field has developed to accommodate pilgrims to the major religious sites. The Pontificate also features the most developed culture and literature industry. Although the Pontificate could be self-sufficient in its food production, a more diverse range of foods is imported from the rest of Italia, which would not be possible otherwise due to its soil being most suited for the aforementioned wine and fruits. Both wood and stone are used in Enochlian architecture.

Military: The Enochlian military mostly relies on elite infantry backed up by divine healing magic. Their numbers are less than those of most other states’ military forces and yet they have remained undefeated in open battle for hundreds of years. In the War of Old Romalia and its allies were only able to achieve military victories by outmaneuvering the Enochlian forces. In Antas’ legends it is said that one of the Antashi Republic’s battalions managed to withstand the Enochlian forces long enough in open battle for them to offer a short truce to allow both sides to retreat and regroup. History records instead suggest that this truce was an act of Enochlian mercy, since the Antas’ forces would have otherwise been massacred. The highest ranked knights of the nobility are part of the Knights Firenzar.

Relations: The Pontificate maintains a strong historic alliance with its northern neighbour, the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi, and has strong relations with the Zarian Duchy. Relations to the Free City Alliance and the Lega Veneziana Adriatica are neutral, although the Pontificate has signed a nonaggression-pact with both of them and upholds strong diplomatic connections. Diplomatic connections to the Kingdom of Basili are even stronger, since the Enoch seek to assist Basili’s fight against the shadowlands.

Aligned Cities: Perelgius, Firenzius, Pius and others.

Title Hierarchy: Commoner > Priest/Crusader > Bishop/Firenzar > Pontifex (Pope). The first title refers to the clergy, the second title to the nobility.

Coat of Arms: A silver sword crossed with a silver key framed by two silver wings on blue ground.

Alven Kingdom of Milaturi

The Alven Kingdom of Milaturi in the far north is one of the ancient empires still around and the homestate of Italia’s Hardy Alven population.

History: Milaturi was founded about 2000 years ago by the different Alven tribes living in the great woods of Italia’s north. The two most important tribes called themselves the Mila and Turi naming the kingdom and its two most important cities alike. Since time immemorial the Alven Kingdom has tried to stay out of Italia’s affairs with the only two exceptions being their participation in the War of Old because of the Enochlian Pontificate invoking their historic alliance and the annexation of Bologna after the Bolognian Uprising.

Government: Milaturi is a kingdom ruled by the royal family residing in Milanon. From its founding to the Apocalypse the royal family can look back on an unbroken line of inheritance. Executive powers are enacted by commissionaires, who serve directly under the royal family, are selected by them and originate from the hunter occupation. The second most powerful position in the kingdom is called the Great Hunter or Great Huntress and resides in Turinon. This position has also been inherited in an unbroken line since the dawn of Milaturi. They are in charge of Milaturi’s military forces, are the practical head of the hunter occupation and only bow to the king or queen themself.

Culture: Milaturi’s society is structured by four occupations: Hunters, which includes hunters and soldiers alike, Artisans, which also includes craftsmen, Farmers and Merchants. Social status is generally dependent on the occupation one works in. Since Hardy Alven culture centers around hunting as a main source of providing food, hunters enjoy the highest social status. They are consecutively followed by the artisans, farmers and merchants at the bottom. Members of each occupation are meant to properly fill their role in society. Occupations are chosen in adolescence and adulthood is reached after finishing the apprenticeship in the chosen occupation. Once becoming an adult citizens of Milaturi are unable to change their occupation again as it is believed only life-long experience will ultimately be beneficial to the kingdom. Hence experience and wisdom are seen as the most important values in Milaturi culture. Bolon and its area share cultural similarities with the cities of the FCA, but have already been influenced by the Milaturi way of life for a long time.

Religion: The influence of the Order of Firenz is considerably less in the Alven Kingdom than in all other states of Italia. The most dominant religion is the Pantheon of Milanon, which is itself a merging of the two old pantheons of the Mila and Turi. Each city and village has their own local patron god or goddess, which are incorporated into local pantheons. It is believed that the royal family and the family of the Great Hunter/Huntress are descendants of the patron gods of Milanon and Turinon respectively.

Politics: Milaturi’s policy is usually one of non-interference as long as its own interests aren’t directly affected. Its main political goal is to keep persisting and to defend its citizens and way of life. The city of Bolon and the city state of Genova have become proxies for keeping Milaturi safe from the ambitions of the FCA and LVA, since both cities have become closely intertwined with the Alven Kingdom after the fall of the Romalian Republic. Hence Milaturi is currently subtly advocating for the neutrality of Genova knowing full well that a neutral Genova will never sever their political, military and economic ties to the Alven Kingdom.

Economics: The Kingdom of Milaturi is mostly known for having the best artisans to work wood, gold, silver and other noble metals. Milaturi jewelry and furniture can be found in noble and rich households all around Italia. Due to its location in the great woods of the north, the main building material of Milaturi architecture is wood and their main source of food production is hunting. They are additionally cultivating and gathering mushrooms and root vegetables growing inside or next to the forest.

Military: Milaturi’s military is synonymous with their hunting force making it a sort of militia. Citizens of the hunting occupation all additionally serve as soldiers and guards and receive military training. Because of that Milaturi’s archers, rangers and assassins are feared among the Italian people. While Milaturi’s military force is landlocked and unsuited for offensive and open warfare, they are well suited to properly defend Milaturi’s lands against any invasion force. When entering a forest occupied by Milaturi’s hunters the enemy force will quickly become their prey. In allied warfare the Hunters of Milaturi are especially effective when being protected by the strong infantry of the Pontificate.

Relations: The Alven Kingdom maintains a strong historic alliance with the Enochlian Pontificate of Firenz. Relations to the Zarian Duchy and former Zarian Empire have declined over the years of the Pax Romalia and were already only formality when the Parelmio Incident hit. Relations to the FCA and LVA are mostly neutral, although there are tensions over the fate of Bolon and Genova. Milaturi has strong economic, political and even military relations with the Free City State of Genova. They are additionally the only Italian state with frequent relations to the Free Faunri living in the eternal snowlands of the foothills of the Alps.

Aligned Cities: Milanon, Turinon, Bolon and others.

Title Hierarchy: Commoner > 7th to 4th Hunter/Huntress (local commissionaires of the royal family) > Elder (leaders of minor cities and villages) > 3rd to 1st Hunter/Huntress (regional and national commissionaires of the royal family) > Prince/Princess > Great Hunter/Huntress > King/Queen.

Coat of Arms: A golden laurel wreath on green ground.

City State of Genova

The city state of Genova consists of a small mostly human populated coastal region in the north-west of Italia. Due to its close vicinity to the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi they are under strong Alven influence.

History: Genova was once a big and important port city of the Romalian Republic and a trade-hub for Alven and Enochlian goods. After the Republic’s fall the city managed to stay more or less independent, since it was relatively isolated from other human territories and neither the Enochs nor the Alvs had any interest in annexing them.

Government: Genova’s system of government can be best described as a form of oligarchy. Since the fall of the Romalian Republic, the three most powerful noble families have ruled together in some sort of council. However, all three families are in a constant power struggle with each other and try their best to circumvent any council decisions to the best of their abilities. True governance in Genova therefore consists of rampant corruption and a complex system of changing loyalties among Genova’s important citizens. For their own benefit each of the noble families are now aligned with one of the major powers fighting for influence over Genova: The FCA, the LVA and the Alven Kingdom.

Culture: Alongside the remnants of old Republican values and a strong Milaturian influence, the unstable system of government and the strong interest of other states in Genova has led to a culture centered around egoism and exploitation of the situation. Most wealthy individuals and families are participating in some form of shady business or are at least turning a blind eye, while the less wealthy citizens seek opportunities in every kind of profession. The governing families often indulge in opulence and their fetishes. Nozgor are especially romanticized by Genovan nobility and often serve as female and male mistresses. On the flip side a strong idea of a rough unlimited freedom has developed, which has been mostly fueled by the unchallenged Genovan privateers, the terror of the mediterranean sea.

Religion: Although religion has notably less influence in Genova than in other cities, there are still multiple beliefs to be found. The Pantheon of Milaturi and Order of Firenz count the most members among all practiced religions in Genova.

Politics: Genova’s politics are internally defined by the power struggle of its three ruling noble families and externally defined by the power struggle between the Alven Kingdom, Free City Alliance and Lega Veneziana Adriatica. Mainly concerned with their own well-being, each one of the ruling families has pledged allegiance to one of these external powers, so that both power struggles are now intertwined with each other. These circumstances have led to a situation, in which Genova’s foreign policy has become unchallenged, since none of the three external powers can risk to worsen their relations with the city state. However, the hands of Genova’s council and government are equally tied and unable to make proper political decisions outside of policies that help the ruling families to gather money.

Economics: On one side Genova still possesses traditionally strong economic ties to Milaturi. The Alves to the east are their most important trade partner. De facto acting as Milaturi’s major port city, Genova provides all ship based services for them, from handling import and export over the sea to selling them fish. On the other side Genova developed a second pillar of economy: Organized crime. Trying to get money however possible, the ruling families helped in the creation of a multitude of criminal gangs, which specialized in getting and selling criminal goods like drugs, stolen goods and occasionally even slaves. Pirates or rather Genovan privateers, who steal goods from the Venezian and Neapolitan merchant ships to sell them in Genova, play the biggest role. The criminal underbelly of the city is pretty much an open and tolerated secret.

Military: The Genovan military is weak. It mainly consists of its town guard, an organization full of leaders that got their position through nepotism and corruption instead of skill. Since all three noble families pay them to turn a blind eye on the crimes committed by their criminal gangs, the town guard mainly makes arbitrary decisions for the benefit of the respective guards at duty. Its sole military protection comes from the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi, which would most likely defend Genova from outside aggression.

Relations: The Duchy of Sizilio and Kingdom of Basili practically do not have any relations with Genova but some trade is happening between them. The Enochlian Pontificate’s relations to Genova are strained; it is considered to be a city of sin and unworthy of Enochlian attention. Relations between Genova and the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi are historically strong and Milaturi can ill-afford to lose their main access to the mediterranean sea to one of the human factions. Both the LVA and FCA are trying to court Genova and bring the city state under their own respective influence.

Aligned Cities: Genova.

Title Hierarchy: Identical to those of the FCA, although there are no dukes and archdukes in Genova. The heads of three ruling families are all of the rank of a Marquis.

Coat of Arms: A silver seagull in eagle-like pose on green ground.

Kingdom of Basili

The Kingdom of Basili is a multi-ethnic state, which unites the Faunri of the Jungle of Bari, Alvs of the fungal forest and humans of the city Potenzila.

History: The Kingdom of Basili was founded after the fall of the Romalian Republic, when its former city Potenzila realized that they had far more in common with their neighbours than with the now decentralized human cities.

Government: Basili is ruled by three monarchs, one of each of the three big races of the state, which reside in their respective city. These monarchs work on the collegiality principle, which means that they take turns in ruling over the kingdom. Each monarch rules from sunrise to sunrise, until the next monarch and his personal staff of officials is in charge. This is meant to ensure all three monarchs work together, because otherwise governing itself wouldn’t be possible. The big cities are ruled by the respective monarchs on their off-days, while smaller towns and villages are either ruled by Elders if the city is historically Faunri or Alven or by old noble families if the city is historically from the Romalian Republic. The monarchs themselves are elected regionally by the citizens of their respective domain: The Human monarch is elected by the people living in the grasslands of Potenzila, the Faunri monarch by the people living in the Jungle of Bari and the Alven Monarch by the people living in the Fungal Forest.

Culture: The most important value in the society of Basili is diversity. Hence most of the former social organization into estates or occupations has been dissolved to ensure that all people and races in the kingdom are treated as equal as possible, with the exception of the noble titles of some human families. Culture is equally diverse with humans, Faunri and Alves all still living their own cultures. Consequently these cultures are getting increasingly mixed up and melted together with each other, which can sometimes still lead to misunderstandings. Potenzila’s culture is generally similar to that of the FCA and former Romalian Republic, Bari’s culture centers around physical ability and prowess and the Fungal Alves culture centers around the forest and how all living things are as interconnected as the roots of the fungal trees. The innate plant toxin resistance of the Fungal Alves also lends itself to their unique deity which includes some delicious herbs that unfortunately seem to wreak havoc on the bodies of other races. Rarely, some Fungal Alvs get implanted with bioluminescent spores as a form of body modification, especially trendy amongst the youngest generations, which some of the older generations feel have taken after humans excentrism too much.

Religion: There are four main beliefs practiced inside the kingdom: In Potenzila people either believe in the Pantheon of Romalia or are members of the Order of Firenz. Fungal Alves believe in a deep transcendent connection between all life as evident in the interconnected roots of the Fungal Forest, which they consider to be a divine being. The Faunri of Bari do not believe in the interconnectedness of life, but they also adhere to the Jungle as being the physical form of a divine will. The Fungal Alves and Jungle Faunri beliefs are different to the Italian religions: There is no big organized structure behind practicing them and they generally do not conflict with the Italian religions that have also found their way into the Fungal Forest and Jungle of Bari.

Politics: Basili’s politics center around their fight against the shadowlands. A basic conscription and a frequent rotation of soldiers at the borders to the shadowlands inside the Duchy of Sizilio make sure that the defense is always as strong as possible, while maintaining the ability to quickly mobilize a larger army if needed. Basili furthermore supplies the Zarian magical research to find a way to cleanse the shadowlands with all resources they need. The Duchy of Sizilio, although officially part of the Kingdom of Basili, mostly maintains its autonomy. Plans for integration of the Zarian political and cultural landscape have generally been postponed, until the shadowlands are defeated. Sizilio’s duties to the Kingdom of Basili mainly consist of a steady supply of mana induced materials and magical items as well as a regular tribute to Basili’s crowns. Expansionists inside Basili lobby for a faster integration of Sizilio and making Sizilio’s duke or duchess the fourth monarch of the kingdom, while more conservative voices would prefer a separation of both states after the shadowlands have been dealt with.

Economics: The Kingdom of Basili is most known in exporting rare and exotic natural goods like cocoa, different mushrooms, herbs and reagents found in the Jungle of Bari and Fungal Forest. They lack natural resources besides wood and have to trade for them. The kingdom’s food production is particularly diverse with crops, mushrooms, roots and different kinds of fruits. The main building materials are wood and fungi, although quite a lot of the buildings in Potenzila are still traditionally built with stone from the FCA.

Military: Basili’s military force is unique when being compared to that of most other Italian states. Since it is both a cumulation of different military cultures and mainly meant for fighting the shadowlands, it has a very similar organization to adventurers: Squads are made up of soldiers with diverse abilities, so that each squad can act independently against all kinds of threats. In bigger operations multiple squads fight alongside each other but remain flexible in the execution of orders. While many other states with older military traditions tend to look down upon Basili’s military strength outside of monster combat, they may simply not understand how effective Basili’s military structure really is.

Relations: The Kingdom of Basili maintains good relations with the Enochlian Pontificate, which seeks to assist their fight against the shadowlands, and the FCA, which supplies Basili’s fight against the shadowlands. Relations with the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi and the LVA are mostly neutral, since both show not much interest in Basili’s struggle to contain the shadowlands. The Zarian Duchy is officially a part of the Kingdom of Basili, but has kept a strong amount of political and economical autonomy.

Aligned Cities: Potenzila, Bari and Canzaro.

Title Hierarchy: Officially there are no titles beyond those of the elected monarchs. In Potenzila titles of the FCA are still used by former noble families, although their social and legal standing isn’t different to any other citizen. The only exception are the rulers of the Zarian Duchy, who are formally seen as dukes.

Coat of Arms: Three green crowns arranged in a pyramid on golden ground. The left crown is serrated, the right crown is closed off by a cap resembling a mushroom and the top crown is a simple circlet mimicking braided tendrils.

Zarian Duchy of Sizilio

Once one of the four empires of old, the Zarian Duchy has been driven to Sizilio’s east and is now locked into an eternal state of warfare with the shadowlands to their west.

History: The Zarian Duchy was formerly known as the Zarian Empire, their empire spanning the island of Sizilio. The Zaria are part of the old races and played a role as Enochlian and Alven allies as well as guides for the early Romalian Republic. Their oldest and most developed city was Parelmio, the capital of the former empire. In the Pax Romalia, the Zarians mostly concentrated on themselves and furthering their magic abilities and craftsmanship, outsourcing much of the research to the western tip of Sizilio. This both gave researchers a large area to experiment with magic while also providing a buffer against potentially dangerous experiments gone awry for both Parelmio and the developing cities between it and Mandrasil. All seemed to be working well until the day of the Parelmio Incident. Thrown into an immediate crisis by an ever expanding, mana draining anomaly, Zarian civilisation moved eastward into civilized but less economically developed regions. The shape of their towns and cities still reflect this great migration. Small ancient and beautiful town centers are surrounded by hastily built practical looking buildings on the town’s edges. They managed to find magical ways to contain the shadowlands and slow it down, protecting both Mandrasil and the bountiful plain to its south. However, lacking the manpower to properly fight back, in their time of need the Zaria turned to the newly founded Kingdom of Basili for help.

Government: The Zarian Duchy still has the same government structure of the Zarian Empire, namely a constitutional aristocracy. It is therefore ruled by a senate made of the thirteen brightest minds and most powerful mages of the state, who are known as archmages. Archmages are selected in educational institutions by mage exams under the supervision of retired archmages and highmages at the New University in Messio, formerly at the Great University in Parelmio. The assessment criteria of the exams are determined by the constitution. Students, who surpass current archmages, replace the least powerful one of them after a training period of two years. Students with high exam scores, who do not surpass current archmages, may be considered for a high rank in the military, for magical research or as possible highmages, which rule cities or towns. After the peaceful subordination under the Kingdom of Basili, all thirteen archmages of the Zarian Duchy are considered dukes in Basili.

Culture: Zarian culture combines spiritualism and scientific progress. The most important value is the connection to the world’s mana and the honing of one’s magical abilities. Those who are unable, unwilling or simply not good enough to focus their lives on magic have a lower social status and are meant to do labor, which requires no magical abilities. Zarian society can therefore also be described as a meritocracy focused on magic. Magical education programs try to find every capable mage in the country and try to support all citizens equally, but the ability to hone one’s magic often still comes along with a high social status of one’s family. Since the Parelmio Incident Zarian culture has become increasingly militaristic. Most resources are diverted to their fight against the shadowlands and a vast majority of the population supports the military to the best of their abilities.

Religion: The core belief of the Zarian Duchy revolves around Mandrasil and its qualities as a mana source. While other nations usually refer to it as manaism, Zarian people may insist on its scientific truth. Manaism involves the worship of mana as the source of life and Mandrasil as the main source of mana. As a more spiritual belief manaism can be combined with all sorts of outside religions, mostly to the dismay of the clergy of said religions.

Politics: Zarian politics only revolve around the struggle to contain the shadowlands and protect Mandrasil from its grasp. A corruption of Mandrasil could not only destroy a very important source of mana, but could mean doom for all of Italia, because the shadowlands would get access to a near infinite energy source, most likely hugely accelerating its growth. Although they are formally part of the Kingdom of Basili, they still uphold old diplomatic relations with the rest of Italia to get as much help as possible.

Economics: The Zarian Duchy is mostly known for exporting magical objects of the highest quality, such as magical lights for example, and mana-infused ores and gems, which can be used to craft and power magical objects. Albeit a spiritual place for Zarians in Italia, Mandrasil plays a big part in their economy, since it can be used to create mana-infused ores with much larger capacity than those created by other methods. While their food production is largely self-sufficient, both relying on fishing and farming, they import low-priced but high quality crafted goods from the FCA to supply their military and exotic natural goods from Basili to supply their magical research. The Duchy’s breadbasket are the fertile plains to the south of Mt. Etnio.

Military: As their culture suggests, the Zarian military contains the most powerful sorcerers, enchanters, spellblades and summoners of Italia, who are also the military officers. Other parts of their military force are still traditionally weak, although their strength, competence and importance has been continuously growing, since the war with the shadowlands started. The Zarian military is also currently by far the most battle experienced military force in Italia.

Relations: The Zarian Duchy has strong relations to the Kingdom of Basili, who joined their fight against the shadowlands. Relations to the Enochlian Pontificate and FCA are good, the first supporting the Zarian Duchy militarily, the latter supporting them economically. Relations to the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi are not noteworthy and relations to the LVA are strained, because in the eyes of the Zarian, the LVA ignores the danger of the shadowlands to focus on petty power politics.

Aligned Cities: Parelmio, Messio and others.

Title Hierarchy: Citizen > Highmage > Archmage.

Coat of Arms: A blue tree on a silver circle embedded on black ground. (Former coat of arms of the Zarian Empire was just a blue tree on silver ground.)

Free Faunri

The Free Faunri are a loose collection of Faunri tribes living in the harsh conditions of Italia’s north. There is not much known about them despite their inherent distrust of other states.

History: Records show that the Free Faunri have existed in more or less the same state for centuries. In that time they have seldomly interacted with any race but the Alves of Milaturi, who yearly sent an envoy to the border regions to keep peaceful relations by making a small tribute to the tribes living there. Before this ritual was set in place, Free Faunri tribes irregularly looted border regions and hunted Milaturian game, which is considered a great offense in Milaturi.

Government: The Free Faunri are organized in small tribes, some roaming the eternal snowlands like nomads, others having settled in more moderate places therein. The tribes are ruled by chieftains, who are justified by the willing subordination of their tribe. Important decisions regarding law are made by a thing, an assembly of the most important tribe members led by the chieftain. In matters of external threats tribes may unite and work together on occasion, although they usually fragment into smaller tribes again, after the matter has been resolved. No central power exists. Aost and Trest are the most noteworthy villages of big settled tribes and often serve as meeting places for envoys from different tribes.

Culture: While culture can vary from tribe to tribe, most tribes share a similar outlook on the world. Their harsh living conditions fostered a strong sense of community, although it is unknown what happens to weak links inside a tribe. Some scholars have, in spite of proper evidence, suggested that weak Faunri get abandoned in the wilderness and have to either fight their way back into a tribe alone or perish trying it. What is true, however, is that the Free Faunri retain a more animalistic appearance than their southern brothers and sisters and behave in a manner more similar to the animals they represent.

Religion: There is not much known about the Free Faunri’s religion, but the fact that sacrifices to the snow play an important role. What is sacrificed seems to be an object of exaggeration. Some scholars claim they even sacrifice their own kind. Though most claim the so-called ‘sacrifices’ are more akin to simple offerings.

Politics: Due to their fragmentation into smaller tribes they do not possess any shared political objective other than independence.

Economics: Free Faunri tribes are generally self-sufficient. They mostly live from hunting, gathering and growing anything they can in the eternal snow of their surroundings. For the southern states their standard of living may look barbaric at first glance. That doesn’t mean, however, that the Free Faunri would not enjoy their own luxury items. They craft jewelry and ornaments, produce alcoholic beverages and also wear colorful clothes.

Military: The Free Faunri do not possess a professional military force or even militia. The defense of the tribe is the responsibility of every member able to handle a weapon. Tribes are able to properly defend themselves and united they pose a serious defensive challenge. Their best defense, however, is that there is next to no incentive for any nation to invade the Eternal Snowlands.

Relations: The Free Faunri only have a loose relation to the Alven Kingdom of Milaturi, whose citizens are considered equal friends by the tribes living near them.

Aligned Cities: Aost, Trest and a lot of unknown and unnoteworthy small villages.

Title Hierarchy: Every tribe has a chieftain, whose title may be different from tribe to tribe. Chieftain itself is used by a majority of them including the tribes of Aost and Trest.

Coat of Arms: It is unknown whether the Free Faunri of the north use coats of arms.

[Minerva]

- Geographical Locations -

The geographical landscape of Italia.

Mandrasil

In ancient times, it was said that there was a tree, planted by the gods themselves at the highest peak of Mount Etnio. Others claim that it was instead the child of the volcano and her lover, a nature spirit. Regardless of the true origins of the tree, it was truly one of the greatest life forms of its time, towering over the surrounding world. wider and taller than any known tree to come before or since. It continued to grow for centuries, until a fateful day came when a star fell from the sky, straight into the core of the great tree. Rather than destroy each other, the crystalline star and the ancient tree merged into one, the shattered remnants of the tree enveloping the crystals with the warm embrace of a lover. The tree stopped growing that day, but it never died, and the kilometers of roots fed the surrounding lands with mana from the crystals. It was in this state that the Zaria discovered the tree, and named it Mandrasil, their most sacred site.

Infernal Wastes of Lardarello

Whether it was due to the Antas or not, after the unprecedented phreatic eruption of Lardarello, a massive crater stole much land from both the Enoch and Antas. The climate was transformed almost overnight, with gargantuan lakes of lava flooding onto the land and creating an impassable waste. Over many centuries much of the surface solidified into mountains and valleys of black stone. The wildlife of the area is unlike any other region of Italia, with flames dancing off of their bodies, even the most mundane creatures absorb fire damage. One may be surprised to find only insects, both giant and normal, in the desolate firescape, all other animals seemingly having been erased from the land by fire and stone. Sculpted stone ruins of the two civilizations can occasionally be seen, but they are barely even husks of their former selves. Surrounding the burning wasteland is a mineral rich field of sulfuric springs, fueled by deep channels of hot water gushing to the surface from boiling aquifers deep underground. The variance in mineral composition causes the various pools to come in a rainbow of colors, and some bold travelers have been known to come out to the area to enjoy the unproven healing properties of the springs.

Swamp of Trasimeno

In the midst of Italia to the north-west of Perelgius, the large Swamp of Trasimeno silently awaits wanderers to devour. After the Catastrophe the Plains of Trasimeno became the main battlefield of Enochlian and Antashi forces. Legends say the blood and tears of the slain soaked the earth and fertilized the trees, until the plains became a swamp. It is, however, far more likely, that the ancient Antashi drainage system was forgotten after the war, whose ruins can still be found inside Trasimeno alongside other Antashi ruins. The swamp is inhabited by will-o’-the-wisps and other malicious spirits of panpaidi and animals alike, who lurk in the shadows and try to lure the innocent into their doom with beautiful lights. The Enoch largely avoid this cursed land and tell bedtime stories about it. Only the bravest venture into it with few of them returning.

Eternal Snowlands

Found scattered across Italia, though primarily to the north, the eternal snowlands know nothing of lush green fields, flowers, or crop harvests. For longer than spoken word has existed, these lands have been engulfed in snow and ice. Few plants live there other than the evergreens of unnatural robustness, and the fauna are all of the same resilient sort. Somehow the Faunri have found it within themselves to call this land their home, but few nations have any interest in taking it from them.

Great Woods of Milaturi

While many love the wild places of this land, it is hard to argue that one of the first words that come to mind when describing the Great Woods of Milaturi is ‘oppressive’, at least, for those who have spent any length of time within the dense darkness that resides there. The trees are thick with lichen and moss, and are spaced with little room between each other. The foliage is so thick that even at the peak of the day’s light, the forest is barely as bright as the night of a full moon. Clearing are few and far between, and the fauna lurk in the darkest corners, either ready to pounce, are waiting for the slightest hint that they need to flee. It is almost as though the forest itself is a foe to overcome, and panpadi are lost to its maze more than any other locale in Italia.

Jungle of Bari

Lush and rich with an extremely diverse ecosystem, the jungles of Bari can be called home to many of the most delicious wild edibles of Italia. Unfortunately it is not as easy as wandering into the jungle and grabbing something to eat, at least not usually. The fauna of Bari are certainly threatening creatures, but more abundant are the dangerous flora. Sentient vegetation reminiscent of either animals or creepy plants which blend in perfectly with their home and hunt with brutal efficiency. Varying from birds like trees to thorny rose buds with teeth, the Jungle of Bari is not to be taken lightly.

Fungal Forest

Towering mushrooms of all sorts rise up high into the sky, webbing together into complex weaves of plants, some growing together to such a degree that they form caverns above ground, with only patches of light making it through. With such a biodiverse ecosystem, there are many useful fungi for the Alvs of the forest to use, one of the most commonly utilized amongst them being the many smaller bioluminescent fungi which can be picked and reseeded in homes to provide beautiful lighting of a variety of colors. The terrain is extremely uneven with many short tunnels and bumps to climb through and over, unlike any forest of trees. It is very rare for any carcasses to be discovered, as the forest is quick to reclaim the deceased wildlife. One of the most regular but breathtaking events is the spore rains, which happen just about every day, and seem like large and fluffy snow falling down whimsically from above.

Shadowlands

Whatever caused the Parelmio incident, it’s effect was one that is still contested with much strife to this day. The plague on the land spreads out from the original site of the incident, the former capital of the Zarian empire. It corrupts everything it touches, draining it of mana and corrupting the life of what was into twisted, distorted shadows of its former self. The Zarians have found a way to fight and contain the spread of the Shadowlands, which greatly slowed it down. However, it is still encroaching on Zarian lands and should it reach Mandrasil the whole of Italia may quickly fall into its grasp.

Corsica

Covered with a dense jungle not unlike that of Bari, Corsica is home to very different wildlife than the rest of Italia. The animals on the island are mostly reminiscent of Pleistocene megafauna, though adapted for the warmer climate. With such lush greenery there are abundant herbivores, and where there is prey, predators soon follow. The Lamia have many powerful beasts to contend with for their survival. The megafauna much prefers the northern island for it’s thick forests and abundant water, but they do occasionally cross over to Sardinia as well.

Sardinia

One would be hard pressed to find a land more like paradise than Sardinia. With a gorgeous coast of crystalline water and beaches ranging from white to pink to gold, it is easy to imagine oneself relaxing for days, not a care in the world. The inhabitants of Sardinia seem to enjoy it, though as lovely as it is, and as delicious as the plants and wildlife are, it’s northern cousin is much more practical for living with its denser defense of the jungle and more bountiful basic resources like freshwater and wood. It is to their benefit that the Lamia travel as they please without a need to settle down in a specific village. Much of the Megafauna from Corsica is also present here, though in smaller numbers with the less dense forest and freshwater, though the more open land makes for good mating grounds to several species.

[Minerva]

- Cities -

The political landscape of Italia including all major cities.

Romalia

Romalia: Founding city of the Romalian Republic, shining light in the Pax Romalia, greatest victim of the Romalian Plague and now witness to the Apocalypse. One should rightfully call it the most important city in Italia’s history. Currently under the control of the Free City Alliance and subjected to the Romalian Project, Romalia combines both ancient human tradition and hope for the future. Many outer parts of the city are still vacant and lie in ruin, while its center is brimming with life and other parts are being rebuilt by Gaians and Adventurers alike. Although aged, its giant wall and restored Royal Guard protect all inhabitants from the dangers of the outside world. It’s easily the most racially diverse city in Italia with panpaidi from all over the boot seeking opportunities in its restoration. The city is ruled by a senate, which is elected by its populace but mostly made up of representatives of the FCA’s nobility. Only time may tell how this city will develop now after the emergence of countless immortals in its midst.

L’Aquina

One of the founding cities of the FCA and to Romalia’s north-east, L’Aquina is a city of knowledge, research and progress. It inherited both the university and great library of the Romalian Republic and has never lost its status as a scientific center due to the patronage of L’Aquina’s archdukes. The current archduchess Aurora Celania is no different and possesses a degree in philosophy herself. High amounts of tolerance have led to a comparatively large Antas population in the city, which also plays an important part in its scientific sector. L’Aquina’s name stems from the abundance of water sources in and near the city as well as the overall region. Some claim the clear water sharpened the inhabitants’ minds. True is, however, that in L’Aquina the sciences are perceived as the steady current of the everflowing progress of one’s mind.

Campasso

One of the founding cities of the FCA and to Romalia’s east, Campasso is a city of honest work and craftsmanship. Located in a plain near trade routes to several mining, quarry and lumber towns it’s the heart of the FCA’s economy and has inherited the former guilds of the Romalian Republic. Its archduke Riccardo Molissia is known for his brash but loyal demeanor and habit of routinely visiting the workers and craftsmen under his rule to lend them a working hand. Although all human cities have a high Faunri population, Campasso’s Faunri population is especially large and almost equal to its human one. Many visitors have nicknamed it the “city that never sleeps”, because the sounds of tools can be heard at all times.

Neapoli

One of the founding cities of the FCA and to Romalia’s south-east, Neapoli is a city of trade and military pride. During the Pax Romalia Neapoli repelled small North African invasion forces, meant to test the strength of the Romalian Republic, multiple times. After the Republic fell to the plague, the remnants of its military command relocated to Neapoli and took their headquarters in the ancient fortress Castel Vecchia. Now they have become the military command of the FCA. The city’s ruling family further strengthened Neapoli’s defenses by building a new castle called Castel Nuova slightly to the north of the old one, which functions as fortress and residence for the archdukes at the same time. The current archduke Gabriele Sergia is president of the FCA’s council and known for never leaving his castle. It is said that the old wise man uses all of his time to strategize and prepare the FCA for all events possible. As the FCA’s biggest port city, Neapoli shoulders a lot of the state’s trade and is Venezia’s biggest Italian competitor on the sea, however, still with a considerably weaker navy and merchant fleet.

Venezia

Once having been a part of the Romalian Republic, the big port city to Italia’s north-east is now capital of its own hegemony called the Lega Veneziana Adriatica. As the biggest port city in Italia and located right next to a lagoon, Venezia has slowly crept inside the water. Many houses stand on timber piles and canals often replace proper streets. Whereas Romalia is probably the most racially diverse city, Venezia is the most culturally diverse one with trade partners coming from all over the mediterranean sea and from even further beyond. Life in Venezia means a life of business and opportunity and the sole measure of status is economic success. Hence life in Venezia is much more fast-paced than in any other Italian city. The current archpatron Enrico Orseolo is a very ambitious businessman and politician dreaming of the day when Venezia is able to expand its economic domination to the FCA and claim ownership over Romalia.

Ravonna, Rimine, Pesalia, Anconia

All four of these Adriatic cities were once part of the Romalian Republic and are now under the hegemony of Venezia. Their own distinct cultures have been largely replaced with the proto-capitalism of its protector. Life in these cities is similar to life in Venezia itself, albeit only a shadowy version of it. None of these cities is as wealthy or as beautiful as Venezia is. These cities instead serve the needs of Venezia and provide important economic services, such as building ships, fishing and intermediately storing goods traded on the markets of Venezia. They are also home to the less shining but necessary industries of the LVA, such as tanning and dyeing. These cities in fact often serve as the ground for new economic startups and their historic centers are neglected in favor of new economic facilities. However, part of their former identities is still being upheld by their lower class citizens, who have been freed of nobility to seek success on their own terms: No building is able to store spoiling goods as long as the warehouses of Ravonna, no place builds better ships than the dockyards of Rimine, no city attracts more new business ideas than Pesalia and no one catches better fish than the fishermen of Anconia.

Firenzius

Firenzius is one of the oldest cities in Italia, capital of the Enochlian Pontificate and containing the seat of the Order of Firenz. It’s architecture and buildings look back upon more than thousand years of Enochlian tradition. The city is directly ruled by the current Pontifex Letius III., who has been in office for the past 105 years and is now 391 years old. She favors a more traditional view on the Order. The citizens are predominantly Enoch with some pious Alves and Humans among them. While there are some Faunri to be found, the city is devoid of Nozgor and Antas. The whole city is filled with holy sites, monuments in honor of saints and relics as well as accomodation for poor and rich pilgrims alike. For many, Firenzius can be considered the most beautiful city in all of Italia.

Perelgius

Once the capital of the Antashi Republic, Perelgius is now the literary center of the Enochlian Pontificate and Italia alike. Its three great ancient buildings are still intact and remind any visitor of the old Antashi architecture. Perelgius Theater now shows the best tragedies, the Perelgian Library possesses a copy of almost every written work of Italia and the Perelgian Historical Museum seats the Pontificate-led Consilium Italiana Historica. Whereas Enochlian architecture is pompously encasing every building in religious reliefs and symbols, Antashi architecture once focused on simple geometrical ornaments and making the functional parts of a building look seemingly impossible. In less ancient buildings Antashi architecture has been visibly intertwined with Enochlian architecture and most Enoch will claim that both styles belong to their cultural heritage. To the sorrow of the Antas, Perelgius has become a symbol of Enochlian cultural rule: The Old Antashi Theater had once been a place of comedies and laughter, not even the current Enochlian librarian knows where the Old Antashi Library’s inventory went or whether it still exists, and what’s now known as the Perelgian Historical Museum had once been seat for the Antashi parliament.

Turinon

Turinon is the second biggest city of the Kingdom of Milaturi and located deep inside the Great Woods. Its buildings are interwoven with the forest and mostly consist of intricate but sturdy tree houses connected by bridges. Warm magical lights engulf the city in a homely half-light at all times. The city is ruled by the Turi dynasty and in particular the current Great Huntress Turi’Arthra. It is the center of Milaturi’s hunter occupation, with many of their training facilities being located here. However, other occupations are underrepresented. There are almost no farmers due to a lack of cultivable land, artisans in Turinon mostly focus on crafting weapons and there are only some local merchants overseeing the trade routes between Milanon and Genova. There is no place in Italia, where one can eat tastier game.

Milanon

Milanon is the biggest city and capital of the Kingdom of Milaturi. It’s located in the outskirts of the Great Woods and therefore much brighter than its sister city deep inside. Its wooden buildings feature delicate wooden carvings and are both built on the ground and inside the trees. The city is ruled by the Mila dynasty, currently King Mila’Ovros. Much of Milaturi’s artisan occupation is located here and the city is therefore the place where the most beautiful Milaturian furniture and jewelry is made. It is also the center of Milaturi’s farmer and merchant occupations and can be considered Milaturi’s economical hub. The monarch's palace is located in the north-west: A giant beautiful tree house built around one of the largest trees to be found inside the Great Woods.

Bolon

Bolon was once a city of the Romalian Republic and always possessed strong ties to the Alves in the north-east and Enoch in the south-east. Under pressure from Venezia the citizens chose to join the Kingdom of Milaturi in the Bolognian Uprising. While it has a lot in common with cities of the FCA, Alven influence can be observed everywhere. Trees have been planted throughout the whole city and most stone buildings are decorated with familiar wooden carvings. Its population is made up of Humans and Alves to a similar degree, with probably half as much Enoch as either of the former. Neither the LVA nor the FCA still perceive Bolon as a human city. Most of Milaturi’s trade with the LVA and the Enochlian Pontificate is handled here. Its current duke is married to a Milaturian princess, who is said to be the actual ruler of Bolon.

Potenzila

Pontenzila was the most southern big city of the Romalian Republic and had always served as a trade and diplomacy post for relations with the Fungal Alvs and Faunri of Bari. The city is notably smaller than the three founding cities of the FCA, but has its own strong multi-cultural identity. The abundance of toxins, reagents and herbs in the Jungle of Bari and Fungal Forest were the reason for the Republic’s pharmacist’s guild to take headquarters in Potenzila, which hasn’t changed since then, although most other guild branches are now located inside the FCA. Since the Kingdom of Basili has been founded, Potenzila is seeing a lot of Antashi and Nozgorim immigration, who seek a freer and more socially integrated life. The current Human King Francesco Ruffia is especially concerned with holding the Kingdom together and strengthening it’s multi-cultural identity. It was his intervention, which allowed Nozgor to visit Sizilio as guests and most importantly as soldiers against the shadowlands.

Bari

Located in the surprisingly tropical climate of the Jungle of Bari and at the Adriatic coast, Bari is often considered a tropical paradise. One of Basili’s three capitals and as the largest predominantly Faunri city in Italia, it seats the current Faunri Queen Lalia. Lalia herself is a young peacock Faunri, who got elected one year ago mostly because of her natural charm and beautiful plumage. In the time of constant crisis the Faunri of Bari wanted their new monarch to be lively and fun. The city can be divided into two different parts: One part is located in the jungle and houses the large monarch’s estate, while the other part is located at and inside the Adriatic sea. Its wooden rudimentary houses are built everywhere, where one can build houses. In the jungle they are piled upon each other, held by the big trunks of the trees, and chaotically connected through a number of rope ladders, wooden staircases and rope bridges. At and in the sea they are built upon timber piles without any visible connection or recognizable canals between them other than the water. The buildings themselves are built open towards their surroundings and don’t possess any closed windows. It’s not rare for surrounding plant-life to grow into them.

Canzaro

Canzaro is one of Basili’s three capitals and the largest city inside the Fungal Forest to the south of Italia. It seats the current Alven Queen Keladria, a wise middle-aged woman deeply but silently concerned with the shadowlands and their impact on all connected life. Canzaro’s buildings are carved into the giant and diverse fruit bodies of the region’s underlying fungus and can therefore have a lot of strange shapes and layouts. The monarch’s palace was carved into an especially large and beautiful fruit body consisting of multiple diversely colored upright outgrowths arranged like the petals of a closed rose. Canzaro’s population is mostly made up of Fungal Alvs and Faunri, but also has citizens of all other panpaidi.

Messio

Messio has been the spiritual center for Zarian society for a long time and has become the capital of the Zarian Empire, now Zarian Duchy, after the Parelmio Incident. The duality of its history is apparent in the city’s inner structure. The old harbor and ancient town center is made up of smaller traditional buildings with intricately ornate magical artifacts for the purpose of light or decoration. Messio’s outer regions have been built during the mass migration to the east and therefore feature big, practical buildings without much sense for beauty. These outer regions are the location for the duchy’s relocated magical artifacts industry and the New University, in which Sizilio’s archmages rule over the duchy and new high mages are being educated. A second, more modern harbor handles the military logistics with the Kingdom of Basili.

Parelmio

Before the Parelmio Incident, the city had once been the capital of the Zarian empire and had been a site of truly wondrous magical artifacts and architecture. Here the first Royal Guards have been developed and employed, before they were distributed to all major cities of Italia during the Pax Romalia. Nobody truly knows how much magical research lies lost in the halls of the Great University. As the source of the Shadowlands, Parelmio is now the subject of much curiosity and mystery from all sorts of people groups. At seemingly random intervals of days to weeks, observable lights glow from the city and illuminate the sky above on certain nights in the month, but no expedition set out to explore the city has ever returned, and any clue as to what the source of these lights could be is still beyond understanding.

Aost, Trest

Albeit in completely different regions, Aost and Trest are pretty identical to each other. Both are larger permanent villages of the Free Faunri inside the Eternal Snowlands of the north. While they cannot properly be considered capitals, because there is no centralised government ruling over the different free Faunri tribes, they serve a similar purpose as gathering grounds for inter-tribal meetings. The villages are inhabited by big, more laid-back Faunri tribes and are very rudimentary in nature with buildings being some sort of log or mud hut. They also serve as the only respawn points in the Eternal Snowlands.

[Minerva]

- Religions -

Order of Firenz

The Order of Firenz is a monotheistic religion based upon the teachings received from a transcendental world beyond the mere scopes of Gaia ruled by the one and only god Idios. It is Italia’s largest religion with members, churches and priests spanning across the region.

Mythos: Thousands of years ago a portal opened in front of the Enochlian leader Petrius I. and revealed a world beyond Gaia. The ruler of this world, Idios, revealed themself and taught Petrius I. the truth about both worlds. Everything in Gaia and Gaia itself had been created by them in the image of the pure essence of ideas, which exist in their world. Over the millenials to this day Idios reveals himself again and again to the Enoch’ representative called the Pontifex and tells stories about their own world meant to teach the inhabitants of Gaia. The Pontifex writes these stories down in the holy book called Librum, whose copies always leave the last eight pages blank to symbolize its incompleteness.

Teachings: Idios teaches that the different races of Gaia were created in the image of certain groups of transcendental ideas. The Enoch were created in Idios’ own image of a creator, ruler and truth. The Alves were created in the image of the angels of the first sphere, also called Archangels, which represent the idea of the fundamental building stones of the world. The Zaria were created in the image of the angels of the second sphere, also called High Angels, which represent the idea of the world’s binding forces. The Humans were created in the image of the angels of the third sphere, also called Lesser Angels, which represent the ideas of all that changes, when building stones and forces are combined. The Faunri and Lamia were created in the image of all ideas nature is populated by. The Nozgor were created in the image of the Lesser Demons, which represent the ideas of lack like hunger. And lastly the Antas were created in the image of the High Demons, which represent the ideas of evil itself. The inner essence of the deceased, their souls, re-enter the world of Idios after death and only linger in Gaia as spirits as long as they are tainted and unaccepting of the idea behind them. The idea behind a person is generally considered their fate, that the person has to work for to fulfill. Gods of the polytheistic religions of Italia are not outright denied but interpreted as angels under Idios. The countless stories written down in the Librum focus on different parts of the world, different values and different sins, with the most important values being hope, piety and charity. These stories are interpreted by the clergy and work as a guideline for believers to make decisions.

Rituals: The most important ritual of the Order is the weekly divine service. Members meet in a church and listen to the reading of a particular story, which is subsequently interpreted by the priest leading the service. Services are meant to be as relevant to the current local situation as possible. At the start of every year, there is a big announcement ceremony in Firenzius, during which a scribe of every church travels to Firenzius and the Pontifex themself reads the new additions to the Librum followed by every scribe adding the new parts to their church’s copy of the Librum. When the renewed Librum is brought back to the church local festivities begin, during which the local priest reads the new additions to their members multiple times.

Symbols: The main symbol of the Order of Firenz is a circle with an upright line inside, that doesn’t touch the circle. The circle represents the portal to Idios’ world, while the line represents what is behind the portal. Frescoes are often painted to depict scenes of Idios’ stories with Idios being drawn as a male or female Enoch, while the angels and demons are drawn as members of the races, who were created in their image.

Pantheon of Milanon

The Pantheon of Milanon refers to the traditional polytheistic beliefs of the Hardy Alvs living in the great woods of Milaturi. It consists of the most important gods worshipped in Milanon and Turinon.

Mythos: In Milaturian belief gods reside in and control all parts of the natural world. The oldest of them are Sol’Istos, the god of the sun, Lun’Ada, the goddess of the moon, and Gaia, the mother goddess. Sol’Istos and Lun’Ada had a child named Ma’Caedir, the god of magic and the forces of nature, who fell in love with Gaia and married her. Together they birthed countless younger gods, who each represent a part of nature. The most important of these younger gods are Tem’Esta, the goddess of weather, the seasons and time, Sil’Varla, the goddess of the forest and the trees, Mon’Strobo, the god of monsters and game, Fon’Umen, the god of the rivers and springs, and Pet’Arma, the goddess of rock and ores. Some of the younger gods also bore children. Most notable are Turi’Dana, the goddess of hunting, tutelage deity of Turinon and daughter of Sil’Varla and Mon’Strobo, as well as Mila’Pulcho, god of nature’s beauty, tutelage deity of Milanon and son of Fon’Umen and Pet’Arma. It is believed that the ruling dynasties of Turinon and Milanon are direct descendants of their respective patron. Most Alven stories of the gods include Alven demigods and their struggle in fulfilling their destiny of protecting their godparents realm.

Teachings: Because the gods both reside in and control nature, believers are meant to both honor the gods’ wishes and be subject to their whims. Destroying or inflicting wounds upon the realm of a god needlessly entails their wrath, which needs to be appeased by sacrifices or other means of indemnification based on the heinous action committed. Besides the most important gods introduced above, every settlement with members of this belief has its own tutelage deity, whose realm is in some way linked to the settlement’s location or natural surroundings. The bodily remains of the dead panpaidi go back to Gaia, while their souls are sent to the great grandmother Lun’Ada, who will care for them in a paradisiac realm for all of eternity.

Rituals: While there are no big temples erected for the gods, each Alven settlement has one or multiple dedicated priests or priestesses. It is their job to worship the settlement’s most important gods and maintain their worshipping grounds, which are places of divine natural beauty used for sacrifices to the gods. Depending on the settlement’s size, each god may have its own worshipping ground or share their worshipping ground with other gods. The sacrifices are usually made up of game slain during the hunt. It’s the priests and priestesses job to determine after every hunting party returns how much game needs to be sacrificed and to which gods it needs to be offered.

Symbols: Similar to the Pantheon of Romalia, each god has its own symbol. These symbols are traditionally pendants tagged onto a priest’s staff. A priest’s staff bears the pendants of all gods, of which they organize the worship. Sol’Istos is symbolized by a golden sphere, Lun’Ada by a silver sphere, Gaia by a clay figurine, Ma’Caedir by a mana-infused crystal, Sil’Varla by a tree’s rod, Mon’Strobo by a monster’s tooth, Tem’Esta by a flower in spring, a fruit kernel in summer, a fallen leaf in autumn and a piece of fur in winter, Fon’Umen by a washed pebble from a river’s bed, Pet’Arma by a crude ore, Turi’Dana by a used arrow and Mila’Pulcho by a flower necklace. The belief as a whole is sometimes symbolized by a piece of jewelry resembling an arrow, which hints at Milaturi, the personification of the kingdom and fusion of Turi’Dana and Mila’Pulcho.

Pantheon of Romalia

The Pantheon of Romalia refers to the traditional polytheistic beliefs common in predominantly human cities. The pantheon itself is made up of the most important gods, who were worshipped in Romalia and exported to other human cities during the Pax Romalia.

Mythos: Before Gaia there was nothing but the four titans of existence: Aqualia, Terralia, Ignias and Aerias. After an eternity of living together they decided to end their lives, so that something new would emerge from their remains. Terralia imploded into a ball of rock and created the earth, on which everything stands. Aqualia rained down upon the land and thereby created the oceans, rivers and lakes. Ignias exploded into the sun and the fire raining down on the earth spawned the volcanoes and hot springs. Lastly Aerias embraced their dead siblings and enveloped all of them in a soft breeze of air. And thus Gaia came into being. Life grew out of their dead bodies and populated the world including monsters and panpaidi. Their will, however, prolonged and manifested into new beings: The gods of Gaia. These gods found themselves in their new surroundings and began to cultivate the world. Although they could not control the mechanisms of Gaia directly, they discovered and mastered ways to indirectly influence the world, which are open to all panpaidi as well. Ten of them, the gods in which the titans’ will was strongest, built a home, they called Eleampia, which is believed to be located somewhere in the mountains of the north. Lesser gods and other fragments of the titans’ will like spirits still roam the lands and interact with the panpaidi more often than the ten. It is believed that the few random interactions between the ten and the panpaidi always led to a progression in civilization. Countless stories of encounters with gods and spirits exist.

Teachings: The world is filled with gods and spirits, whose benevolence is crucial or beneficial for the success of panpaidi. The current level of their benevolence can be swayed by prayer and sacrifice and observed by different rituals. The most important gods, also referred to as the great ten, make up the Romalian pantheon and are each linked to a certain field of activity. All of them have mastered their field and know all about it there is to know: Keria is the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Pialla is the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Erkurio is the god of trade and delivery. Iapallo is the god of poetry and music. Asklopias is the god of medicine and health. Bacchis is the god of wine and festivities. Tariana is the goddess of war and defense. Lepton is the god of fishing and the ocean. Venia is the goddess of magic and love. And Volcanis is the god of craftsmanship and fire. Similar to Eleampia, all buildings in Gaia house gods and spirits, often referred to as patrons. Inhabitants should honor these patrons or else bad luck may strike the people inside. Deceased panpaidi become one with Gaia again and their will is reincarnated into a new life after a while.

Rituals: The great ten are worshipped in individual temples by dedicated priests and priestesses, who yearly make offerings in the name of the whole city, usually in autumn in the ten days after the harvest has been brought in. These yearly offerings are the reason for great festivities surrounding the public offerings at the temples. The offerings are made up of produce symbolizing the god’s attribute. During the year individual offerings can be made or individual prayers can be held at the temples to ask the gods for a good fortune in a certain matter. Different forms of divinations are practiced to fathom the benevolence of the gods. This includes most notably the extispicy of monsters, but also other methods. Small family altars inside a personal building serve the purpose of worshipping the house’s patrons.

Symbols: While there are no symbols for the belief as a whole, every worshipped god has its own recognizable symbols attached to them. For the great ten there are: Grain ear and sickle (Keria), book and scroll (Pialla), pouch and wheel (Erkurio), harp and flower (Iapallo), potion and herbs (Asklopias), cup and grapes (Bacchis), helmet and shield (Tariana), trident and net (Lepton), wand or staff and magic circle (Venia), sledge and hearth (Volcanis). The gods’ physical appearance in art may differ from instance to instance but is mostly based on the human physique.

Manaism

Manaism is a Zarian animistic belief based in Sizilio, but an important part of all Zarian lifes. In short it believes the magical fuel called mana flows through every area and lifeform and constitutes their souls.

Mythos: Once upon a time, when Zarian civilization was still in its fledgling stages in Sizilio’s west, a Zarian expedition set out to follow the steady flow of mana through their lands. It was a dangerous journey over Sizilio’s mountain chains, forests and valleys. One day, almost starved and dead from exhaustion, they crested a mountain peak and saw something giant at the peak of what is now known as Mt. Etnio. The plains below were crowded with plentiful wild-growing crops and they were able to satisfy their hunger and regain their strength. Invigorated, they began their ascension to Mt. Etnio’s top both trembling with excitement and fear for what gigantic thing they would find. The closer they got, the more they felt the mana running down the sides of the mountain, originating from whatever was at its peak. When they finally arrived, they were overwhelmed by the sight of an enormous tree in an eternal embrace with an ever-glowing huge crystalline structure at its core. Being this close, they were enveloped in the mana emanating from the tree, they named Mandrasil, heart of the world. From this day onward the Zaria knew that they had to protect this place at all costs. They set out to fully populate the island and started honing their magical abilities and technology as they believed a main source of the mana of the world could only be protected by the forces it fueled.

Teachings: Manaism teaches that mana, as the force fueling magic, is the most important factor of life and the world. While everything’s outer appearance consists only of worldly matter, their inner cores consist of mana in different shapes and forms. All living creatures possess a soul made up of mana, which enables them to make decisions. Panpaidi souls are more complex than those of plants or animals and enable them to reason and use magic. Monster souls are somewhere in between, enabling them to use magic but not properly apply reason. Therefore it is of utmost importance to strengthen your magical abilities and try to control the flow of mana. When something dies, the mana of their soul rejoins the natural mana cycle. Objects do not possess souls, but can still have a mana core, when they have a meaningful shape. Should this shape be injured or destroyed, their mana core is similarly injured. That is why a statue can invoke emotions, but will lose all of its power, when it becomes unrecognizable. The souls of living beings are equally affected, when their body is injured. Some materials can store mana in its natural directly accessible form and are considered holy. Since Manaism doesn’t include the beliefs in a god, it’s practically compatible with other religions and some believers in Manaism follow a second religion.

Rituals: While the modern rituals of Manaism are mainly magical research and education, there are still old rituals from the beginning of Zarian civilization preserved in the near vicinity of Mt. Etnio and the spiritual capital Messio. These include rituals to measure mana veins by esoteric means or free blockages of natural mana flow. Zarian priests and priestesses, also referred to as mana guardians, still regularly monitor the flow of energy of a region and try to keep it healthy. The most well-known mana guardians live in monasteries around Mt. Etnio and protect Mandrasil with their lives.

Symbols: The main symbol of manaism is a pictogram of Mandrasil itself, a torn tree surrounding a shining crystal with the tree’s roots growing out into every direction. Sometimes the tree is left out and the symbol used is a crystal with veins running from it into every possible direction.

[Minerva]

- Maps -

Italia Geopolitical

Italia Political

Italia Historical

Attention: This map doesn't show Italia in a particular time period, but instead compile important historical information from multiple time periods. Italia was never partitioned in exactly this way at any time in history.

Romalia