The Discovery of Spinesreach
The plains to the north of the Ithmian forest were long considered boring, and not worthy of even the occasional visitor. Little did anyone have a clue what lie past the Dry Plains.
Where the Dry Plains abut against the Tarea Mountains, a large fortress was built in the distant past, the Fortress now known as Spinesreach. In the center of the walled community, a large, locked Citadel rises up, nestled between a gap in the Tarea mountains, and preventing any travel into the tundras known to be north of the mountains.
In the walled area outside of the Citadel, a small group of farmers and their families have gathered within the safe confines of the Citadel, and started a community. Their presence has gone on for many years independent of the comings and goings of the cities to their South.
The people are self-reliant, and pride themselves on their skills at survival. They guard their community from groups of bandits that are known to roam the Dry Plains and they are almost warlike in their nationalism for their walled village.
The discovery of this small, loyal community would not cause concern on most of Aetolia's mind, were it not for four lingering questions: Firstly, what is this massive Citadel rising up from the center of these walls, sealed from outsiders? Secondly, why do all the Gods seem surprised to discover its existence? Is it simply so mundane a place that their gazes passed right over it? For that matter, what were the strange visions seen in the sky before its discovery? And why did Qeddwyn, the last of the Ankyrean Order, suffer seemingly horrible torment at about the same time?
Indeed, many questions have yet to be answered about this mysterious place.
The Republic of Spinesreach
| Spinesreach, the Lion of the North | |
| Ard-Dhasani | TLuna |
| Patron | Niuri, the Ultraist |
| Divine Advisory | Severn, Niuri, and Maghak |
| Dhasani | Infin, Xemnas, Luna, Elanth, and Amara |
| Purveyor of Mystery | Aarbrok |
| Ambassador | Lin |
| Minister of War | Xemnas |
| Minister of Security | Zaene |
| Treasurer | Rho |
| Steward | Taela |
| Chancellor | Aoi |
| Minister of Trade | Infin |
| Minister of Culture | Eleanor |
| Minister of Development | Kallah |
| Minister of Research | Tina |
| The city of Spinesreach is an ancient fortress that sits in a pass of the Tarea Mountains between the Dry Plains and the Southern Tundra. Once home to the Ankyrean Order, Spinesreach was sealed first behind the Grand Artifice, before having its Citadel sealed again by the magics of the Ankyri. Little is known about the secrets that have been left behind by the Order, but with the reopening of the Citadel, Spinesreach has once again become a full city, known as the Lion of the North.
Like the Ankyrean Order, Spireans bear a well-deserved pride as their city is home to unequaled intellects as much as warriors. The Syssin, sworn defenders of Spinesreach, call the city home alongside the Cabalists, Atabahi Rout, and the Sciomancers. All of which having histories as intertwined in the city's history as the Ankyrean Legacy. The city itself is split into sections. The Outer City is mostly farmlands, whilst the Inner Gate serves as a gathering place and landmark for all within the city walls. The inner Citadel, standing in the middle of the Outer City, houses the shops and governmental offices of Spinesreach. Five spires rise up from the Citadel, including the Spire of Artifice. | |