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 Inner Gate is Opened
A cold wind rose over the Northern Tundras and swept around the Spires of the Citadel of Spinesreach. Raising more than snow and hail, desperate moans and cries were heard from inside the Citadel. Many gathered to the Inner Gate of the Citadel to find its source, only to hear whispers of blasphemes long past and pestilence that would ruin cities.
Once a large crowd was assembled, a translucent form began to take shape at the Inner Gate. Not able to be heard at first, the crowd patiently waited until the faint whispers of the figure were audible. It spoke of the failure of the Ankyrean Order to foresee their demise, and the collapse of the Army of Spinesreach. He also spoke of the need to release the spirits trapped still within the Citadel, and that only a seal reformed would open the Inner Gate to do so.
Quickly groups began to scour the lands for clues, and soon some found pieces of a broken mosaic, guided by their naturally clairvoyant abilities. When the pieces were placed properly into the broken seal on the Inner Gate of the Citadel, they affixed themselves magically and reformed the seal slowly.
Eventually, enough pieces were found, the most being found by the group who held alliance to the Village of Spinesreach. When the last few pieces were placed in, the mosaic began to repair itself, slowly filling in the seal of the Spinesreach Army: A white mountain lion with a crown upon its head and ivy wrapped around it.
Once repaired, the shadowy figure reappeared, a bit more substantial, and revealed that he was the last of the Ard-Dhasani, the leader of Spinesreach. He vaguely spoke of the last days of the Ankyrean Order, and beseeched the gathered group not to repeat the mistakes of the past. Only Qeddwyn now could guide them away from the transgressions.
The Ard-Dhasani also passed on his mantle to Prince Zahmekoses Nebre'seir, who was admonished to carry on the noble traditions of Spinesreach. Exodus Qunmai was also named to the Council of Seers as a Dhasan to aid in the rebuilding of the city.
Finally, the Ard-Dhasani spoke of the rage and anger of the Order in the last few days, and how it had physically appeared in the form of the Idol of Pestilence. He gave the Idol to the group who aided most in the release of the spirits, led by Zahmekoses. Apparently the Idol has the power to destroy crop production and disrupt trade in a city temporarily, a powerful boon if ever Spinesreach had its eyes set on conquest.
With his last words, the Ard-Dhasani whose name was Habbak, passed on, released from his prison. And with that, the Inner Gate of the Citadel opened, and the City of Spires, the Lion of the Mountain, the City of Spinesreach opened.
The Ironmaw Prison Complex
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The Ironmaw Prison Complex is a large facility in the eastern section of Spinesreach's outer ward. It is home to much of the city's official military administration and serves as a source of conscripted militiamen and as the city arena.
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. | |