Difference between revisions of "Ak'varylystha"

Revision as of 05:30, 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:

Structure

Religion

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.

Important Figures

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.

King Aetius Illikoni & Queen Carlisa Illikoni

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.

The Draconius Family

The 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, Cristina "Cristy," and Cassandra - along with his wife, 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 dragon thanks to their ancestry of dragon blood, their colors are red, white, and gold.

The Marks Family

Another noble family of Illikon, the 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 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.

The Kallistos Family

The 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.

Other Important Figures

Captain Victor Magnus

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.

Lieutenant Corben McShane

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.

Marshal Lucius Fletcher

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.