Difference between revisions of "Ak'varylystha"

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(Created page with "thumb|300px|The western walls of Ak'Varylystha, City of Agony. Ak'Varylystha - also sometimes called Agonia, after the Underworld realm of the...")
 
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[[File:Akvarylystha03.jpg|thumb|300px|The western walls of Ak'Varylystha, City of Agony.]]
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[[File:Akvarylystha03.jpg|thumb|400px|The western walls of Ak'Varylystha, City of Agony.]]
  
 
Ak'Varylystha - also sometimes called Agonia, after the [[Underworld]] realm of the city's patron [[Demon]] Lord, [[Akhoman]] - is a [[Svartalfar]] (Dark Elf) city that lies deep within [[Nidavellir]]. It is ruled by King [[Ghauralas Akem Varylys III]] and his House.
 
Ak'Varylystha - also sometimes called Agonia, after the [[Underworld]] realm of the city's patron [[Demon]] Lord, [[Akhoman]] - is a [[Svartalfar]] (Dark Elf) city that lies deep within [[Nidavellir]]. It is ruled by King [[Ghauralas Akem Varylys III]] and his House.
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The Dark Elves have always been fractured by families of ruling nobles, each worshiping a different patron demon and bickering over power. In Ak'Varylystha, the following Houses are the mightiest:
 
The Dark Elves have always been fractured by families of ruling nobles, each worshiping a different patron demon and bickering over power. In Ak'Varylystha, the following Houses are the mightiest:
  
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==Structure==
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===House Varylys===
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Ruling house of the city, led by King Ghauralas Akem Varylys III. Their patron demon is Akhoman, Lord of Pain. Their symbol is a nine-tailed whip, sometimes stylized as a squid-like creature with nine tentacles, since great cave [[kraken]]s dwell in a subterranean lake beneath their palace, often fed the bodies of the family's prisoners, slaves, and enemies. Masters of magic, their power and wealth comes from the dark temple and necropolis near their citadel. Other important members of House Varylys include Ghauralas's daughter [[Lady Varylys]] and his brother, Vizier [[Melkavar Varylys]].
  
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===House Mauglir===
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The most militaristic family, providing many hardy soldiers to the army. Closely aligned with House Varylys, their patron is [[Eligos]], Demon Lord of War. Their source of wealth is mining, and beneath their home fortress are many tunnels from which they dig the minerals necessary for dark elf society, including the magic gems they use for light. Mauglir own a several great mines in which thousands of slaves dredge up metals and precious gems. They are also great craftsmen, forging weapons and armor of top quality. The Captain of the Guard of Ak'Varylystha is [[Razael Magulir]].
  
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==Religion==
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===House Elegrim===
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Although Illikon does not restrict religion and even tolerates the worship of some Nordling gods, the most revered deity of the city is [[Poseidon]], Lord of the Horses and the Sea, for Illikon is a city of ships and knights. Some sailors there instead worship [[Njord]], the Northern god of the sea, but most of these do so quietly. A large number of [[Knights Templar]] dwell in Illikon's Monument District, keeping peace between the many temples there, the most prominent of which are Poseidon, [[Athena]], [[Zeus]], and [[Aphrodite]]; there are other temples, such as those to [[Apollo]] and [[Hades]], but these four deities boast the largest and most beautiful temples in the city.
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Librarians, scribes, and artisans, Elegrim are the keepers of lore, tracing their lineage back to the days of Tor Orda, when Svartalfar lived on the surface world. They are the master architects and engineers of Agonia, constructing its buildings, siege engines, and far more nefarious devices - most of them built in factories by slaves. Their patron is [[Arashk]], Demon Lord of Pride. Rumor has it that he has blessed some elves of the house with vampirism. House Varylys's dreaded torture-master and gaoler is [[Gildoryn Elegrim]].
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===House Vael===
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Once a lesser house known only for their great farms of mushrooms, Vael rose through the ranks of Agonia using subterfuge - bribery, blackmail, and assassination. In addition to providing most of the food for the city, their mushrooms also make great poisons and potions, and they are masters of alchemy. Many come to their dens of pleasure to partake of their chemical concoctions, smoking or drinking them while making love to the House's many pleasure slaves. Their matron is [[Lilit]], Demon Lady of Lust. One of Lady Varylys's handmaidens is [[Raevia Vael]].
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===House Bel'ord===
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Considered disturbing even among the dark elves, House Ixafar are the beastmasters of Agonia, taming many of the monsters of Nidavellir and making use of them, both alive in their great slave-fighting pits, and dead as crafting materials and food. The gladiatory games they hold in their fighting pits draw in massive crowds from throughout the city, including Dark Elves, slaves, and visitors from beyond. Their patrons are [[Xeshm]], Lord of Fury, and [[Bushasp]], Lord of Gluttony. One of Lady Varylys's favored handmaidens is [[Aeluria Bel'ord]].
  
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==Important Figures==
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===House Ixafar===
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While not a very old Achaean city compared to those in the Heartland and the Empire's southern reaches, Illikon has had great influence over the Empire since its creation, and many important figures currently dwell there... some of which, though they do not realize it, have dark destinies awaiting them.
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The most mysterious house in Agonia, very few know what goes on in their dark compound. Even their patron demon is unknown, though it is suspected to be Agruzgakbalat, Lord of Madness. They go about in masks, speak in riddles, and trade in ancient and evil artifacts, which their archaeologists dredge from deep beneath the earth. Their house also raises silkworms and crafts most of the strange fashions worn by residents of Ak'Varylystha.
  
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===King Aetius Illikoni & Queen Carlisa Illikoni===
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==Landmarks==
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Illikon has always been ruled by the same family, which still bears the city's name. Its current rulers, [[King Aetius Illikoni]] and [[Queen Carlisa Illikoni]] rule side by side of surprisingly equal power, although it is whispered that Queen Carlisa is more loved by her subjects, for she is more generous and kind. King Aetius does not seem to mind his reputation as somewhat ruthless and intolerant of disobedience. The two work in harmony, as they have since the beginning of their reign, and Illikon prospers under their rule. In short, King Aetius is feared while Queen Carlisa is loved.
 
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===The Draconius Family===
 
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The [[House of Draconius|Draconius family]], usually called by their simplified name of Drake, is one of the many respected noble families in Illikon. Like certain other families that have been there for generations, several Drakes were crucial to the founding of the city and the conquering of the Northwest. However, [[Warren Drake]], the current patron of the family, has only one heir: the infamous Sir [[Tom Drake]], his adopted son and youngest child. Although he is said to be Queen Carlisa's favorite knight and has even performed personal favors for her, putting his own life at risk while doing so, Tom Drake's bravery and fierce loyalty to Illikon is not respected by most of his peers. Regardless of the once-orphan nature of his only "son," Warren does his best to maintain the Drake family's good reputation, and his three daughters - [[Anne Drake|Anne]], [[Cristina Drake|Cristina]] "Cristy," and [[Cassandra Drake|Cassandra]] - along with his wife, [[Corianna Drake|Corianna]], are known among their fellow nobles as respectable and true to the oldest traditions of their family name. Their family heraldry is a rampant red [[Dragons|dragon]] thanks to their ancestry of dragon blood, their colors are red, white, and gold.
 
  
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===The Marks Family===
 
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Another noble family of Illikon, the [[House of Marks|Marks family]] is similar to the Drake family in many ways in regard to their history: they have dwelt in Illikon since its establishment, alongside the Kallistos family, and some of their ancestors were important to Illikon's history. The Marks family's current patron, Cassius, has two sons, Sir [[Cassian Marks|Cassian]] and Sir Gaius, the latter of which is pompous and snide. Cassian, however, is a respected knight and is married to Anne Drake, the eldest daughter of the Draconius family. This has caused some friction between Cassian and Tom Drake, but the families themselves to not suffer from any sense of rivalry; rumors claim, however, that Cassian feels Tom Drake is unworthy of bearing such great respect from Queen Carlisa. The Marks family are some of the most respected knights in all the city, and their status as such only seems to be growing stronger. Their family heraldry is a blue fish, and their colors are yellow, blue, and silver.
 
  
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===The Kallistos Family===
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==Religion==
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The [[House of Kallistos|Kallistos family]], like the Drake and Marks families, have lived in Illikon since its founding. It is said that Sir Caelius Kallistos, one of the ancestors of the family, led an army that drove back a group of invading Northmen when Illikon was young. Some say that the Kallistos family mixed with Northerners around the time of Illikon's foundation and that this can be seen in the heights of its current family members, though they all claim to be pure Achaean. One of the few female knights in all the city, Lady [[Severina Kallistos]], is a member of this family. Their heraldry is a blue castle upon a green field, with golden borders.
 
  
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===Other Important Figures===
 
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====Captain Victor Magnus====
 
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[[Victor Magnus]], Captain of the Illikon longbowmen, is a steadfast Achaean soldier. He has led a simple enough life, at least until he became best friends with the knight Sir Tom Drake. Since then the two have shared a deep friendship... which frequently involves Victor either trying to keep Tom out of trouble or helping him pull through it.
 
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====Lieutenant Corben McShane====
 
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[[Corben McShane]] is a lieutenant of the Illikon city guards, specifically the night watch. Often finding controversy and even fights due to being of half Northerner blood, Corben is hardened, with a sarcastic and often grim sense of humor and few real friends. His two closest companions are Tom Drake and Victor Magnus, although he is merely a city guard and they are a knight and a military captain. Corben is perhaps best known for his dedication to his career but his tendency to drink heavily, even when he is short of coin.
 
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====Marshal Lucius Fletcher====
 
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Marshal of Illikon's army, [[Lucius Fletcher]] commands all of Illikon's military forces, save the noble knights. Of common birth but indominable spirit, Fletcher is an excellent commander, a veteran soldier, and a close friend of most anyone with authority in Illikon, save certain nobles who dislike a commoner having such a high station in the city. He is friendly and laid-back, and he knows most all of his fellow commanders and even his soldiers personally, but he knows where to draw the line between his personal life and his job - or at least he tries to.
 
  
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[[Category:Locations]][[Category:Achaean Empire]]
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[[Category:Locations]]

Revision as of 06:03, 4 January 2024

The western walls of Ak'Varylystha, City of Agony.

Ak'Varylystha - also sometimes called Agonia, after the Underworld realm of the city's patron Demon Lord, Akhoman - is a Svartalfar (Dark Elf) city that lies deep within Nidavellir. It is ruled by King Ghauralas Akem Varylys III and his House.

History

Ak'Varylystha is one of the oldest Svartalfar cities, said to have been founded not long after the Dark Elves fled underground following the fall of Tor Orda, their ancient tower on the surface. Here in Nidavellir, the Dark Elves could finally worship their demon-gods, safe from "persecution" by the other races of Elves. Many civil wars between the various noble Houses followed, with House Varylys eventually rising to the top, aided by the power of their patron Demon Lord, Akhoman. They constructed a great necropolis in his honor, with a statue of him over a sacrificial altar in front of it.

In recent times, the city has come under siege on two fronts, by two different enemies: the Dwarves of Clan Firebeard to the west, and the Goblins of the Venomweb Tribe to the east. Yet, aided by their powerful dark magic, the dark elves have stood their ground. Their walls remain unbroken, their armies undefeated.

Ruling Houses

The Dark Elves have always been fractured by families of ruling nobles, each worshiping a different patron demon and bickering over power. In Ak'Varylystha, the following Houses are the mightiest:

House Varylys

Ruling house of the city, led by King Ghauralas Akem Varylys III. Their patron demon is Akhoman, Lord of Pain. Their symbol is a nine-tailed whip, sometimes stylized as a squid-like creature with nine tentacles, since great cave krakens dwell in a subterranean lake beneath their palace, often fed the bodies of the family's prisoners, slaves, and enemies. Masters of magic, their power and wealth comes from the dark temple and necropolis near their citadel. Other important members of House Varylys include Ghauralas's daughter Lady Varylys and his brother, Vizier Melkavar Varylys.

House Mauglir

The most militaristic family, providing many hardy soldiers to the army. Closely aligned with House Varylys, their patron is Eligos, Demon Lord of War. Their source of wealth is mining, and beneath their home fortress are many tunnels from which they dig the minerals necessary for dark elf society, including the magic gems they use for light. Mauglir own a several great mines in which thousands of slaves dredge up metals and precious gems. They are also great craftsmen, forging weapons and armor of top quality. The Captain of the Guard of Ak'Varylystha is Razael Magulir.

House Elegrim

Librarians, scribes, and artisans, Elegrim are the keepers of lore, tracing their lineage back to the days of Tor Orda, when Svartalfar lived on the surface world. They are the master architects and engineers of Agonia, constructing its buildings, siege engines, and far more nefarious devices - most of them built in factories by slaves. Their patron is Arashk, Demon Lord of Pride. Rumor has it that he has blessed some elves of the house with vampirism. House Varylys's dreaded torture-master and gaoler is Gildoryn Elegrim.

House Vael

Once a lesser house known only for their great farms of mushrooms, Vael rose through the ranks of Agonia using subterfuge - bribery, blackmail, and assassination. In addition to providing most of the food for the city, their mushrooms also make great poisons and potions, and they are masters of alchemy. Many come to their dens of pleasure to partake of their chemical concoctions, smoking or drinking them while making love to the House's many pleasure slaves. Their matron is Lilit, Demon Lady of Lust. One of Lady Varylys's handmaidens is Raevia Vael.

House Bel'ord

Considered disturbing even among the dark elves, House Ixafar are the beastmasters of Agonia, taming many of the monsters of Nidavellir and making use of them, both alive in their great slave-fighting pits, and dead as crafting materials and food. The gladiatory games they hold in their fighting pits draw in massive crowds from throughout the city, including Dark Elves, slaves, and visitors from beyond. Their patrons are Xeshm, Lord of Fury, and Bushasp, Lord of Gluttony. One of Lady Varylys's favored handmaidens is Aeluria Bel'ord.

House Ixafar

The most mysterious house in Agonia, very few know what goes on in their dark compound. Even their patron demon is unknown, though it is suspected to be Agruzgakbalat, Lord of Madness. They go about in masks, speak in riddles, and trade in ancient and evil artifacts, which their archaeologists dredge from deep beneath the earth. Their house also raises silkworms and crafts most of the strange fashions worn by residents of Ak'Varylystha.

Landmarks

Religion

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