Theice

'

Expert
Flag
Capital
Largest city
Government Title
Settlement
Official Language(s)
Official Religion
Currency

Original creator is Lord McBastard, currently maintained by Kelne.

History

Theice was founded by five vampires and their followers after they had fled across the ocean from oppressors in their own lands. Upon arriving on Igala the Vampires discovered ancient underground vaults that were overflowing with scrolls and tomes of all manner of topics, this would eventually become the Library of Ancients. A fortress was built around the entrances to the caves and defended from various wilderness tribes. A city began to form and Theice was founded. The city expanded rapidly and absorbed several smaller villages in the area as well as some of the wild tribes.

A massive treasure horde was discovered several dozen kilometres from the Library; it had been so long underground most of the treasure had become part of the rock itself. Mining operations were set up and eventually the city expanded to encompass those mining operations. Within the mines was discovered a massive skeleton, it took nearly a decade to excavate and assemble the skeleton. The skeleton was of a creature no one had every seen and not even the founders recognized. The skeleton was placed in a museum for study and the mining continued.

In order to protect the mine the Legion was formed and they set out on a vicious scorched earth campaign. Everything within three days march of the city was burned to the ground and salted so that nothing would ever grow. After these precautions were taken Theice was considered safe and the Legion disbanded.

Without warning Theice was attacked. A group of vampires, capable of wielding necromancy like none of the Thecian's could, had crossed the newly formed desert with a horde of undead so vast it covered the earth from horizon to horizon. The gates of Theice were breached in a matter of weeks and the death toll rose steadily by the day. With the rising death toll the enemy’s numbers grew. Even though the Founders were great generals and strategists the population of Theice had grown lazy and complacent. A war that lasted nearly two years raged through the streets of the once grand city.

Finally when half the city had burned to the ground and the other half was well on its way, the Founders themselves fought a fighting retreat up the stairs of the temple of Lucio to protect the bulk of the population which had taken refuge there. The undead from across the city converged on the giant pyramid in a final push to take the city. Before the attack could come a massive creature erupted from the rubble that was once the museum. The monster that had been excavated from the mines had come alive.

With both magic and sheer physical power the giant fossilized skeleton decimated the undead hordes. The Founders counter attacked with their remaining troops and drove the undead across the wastelands. Unfortunately, during assault time four of five the Founders were slain, never to rise again. This conflict is now referred to as the Dead War.

The creature was the fossilized skeleton of Igunza, one of Dragons from Lucio's original flight. With his help Theice was rebuilt, however this time the city became militant to an extreme. The Legion was formed again; however this time it was three smaller armies, each controlled by the Founder heirs and named them the District Lords. The last surviving Founder became the Patriarch, whose first official order was to give Igunza an estate and his choice of land within Theice. This act sparked a civil war, as the heir of the Founder Inith felt that vampires were the chosen of Lucio and only they should rule, he gained the heir of Ramesh to his side and the Legions went to war against each other.

After six months of fighting, Inith and Ramesh's forces were defeated and Igunza became the first non-vampire to be on the Small Council.

For nearly a thousand years peace reigned across Theice, though their vigil has not diminished for fear that they will again be unprepared for attack. Civil war again marred the city when the heirless Patriarch Verando IV was assassinated. The conflict broke out across the city as the six District Lords clamoured to take the throne. Eventually Igunza took the patriarchy to the chagrin of some and the approval of others. After the Dragon Liche's ascension, a second civil war broke out for control of his district, a conflict which has not been resolved to date. In both cases though, the warfare occurred within the city itself and the Legions have yet to battle each other a second time.

Once over their initial reaction, there has been little concern from the Small Council about Igunza's reign, as he takes very little interest in events in the city and surrounding lands, letting the District Lords rule as they see fit.

Politics

The government of Theice is divided into three groups. The Patriarch is ruler of the nation, his power is absolute. Under him is the Small Council which is composed of the five District Lords whom advice the Patriarch and handle matters of state such as justice, zoning, construction and so on. Then finally there is the Elected Senate, which is comprised of twenty-five elected officials, five from each district, The Elected Senate is an advisory board and has no real power, though they do posses a great deal of clout amongst the average citizen.

All of the current District Lords are vampires descended from the original five Founders. They are Duke Byron of the Tavarius line, ruler of the Palace District. Baron Virikos of the Ramesh line, ruler of the Industrial District. Duchess Amaya of the Riwentro line, ruler of the Islands District. Marquis Devlin of the Orethelle line ruler of the Docks District. Count Kelek'vor of the Inith Line, ruler of the Warehouse District. The Slums (formerly the Garden District) is a contested area.

All but the Inith line has intermarried with each other. This has galvanized the relationships of the four families and has provided harmony in most decisions. However the Inith line has attempted to keep their line "pure" over the centuries, which has caused a great deal of inbreeding. The Inith's are the only of vampires that cannot pass as human; they are twisted figures with sharps claws, iron hard skin, and vestigial wings. Many have cited this as evidence that Vampires are actually the decedents of Lucio's dragon pack; however the general populace and nearly all learned circles discard this as a flight of fancy.

Laws within Theice are similar to that of other countries with a few differences. While the standard laws applying to thievery, assault, and murder remain constant, certain laws in magic must be observed. 'Holy' magic (snidely referred to as Poison or Death magic by Theicians) is strictly controlled. Anyone knowing so much as simple 'healing' spell is recorded in the archives and a person with the powers of a standard White Mage would be exiled or possibly locked away. A few white mages have been able to take up residence in Theice and are allowed to practice their art for the benefit of interested mortals.

The sentences for crimes, of course, varies depending on the crime committed, they can be anything from a fine, to seizing of property, to exile, to life in prison. Any prison sentence can be excommunicated if the condemned agrees to serve in Legions for double their prison sentence. Upon completion of this time the condemned may enter the military as a full fledged legionnaire with all rights and privileges therein conferred, or become a citizen once more, with a full pardon and no criminal record or stigma. The condemned may also fight in the Great Arena for a time equal to a third of their sentence, while accepting an Arena term is nearly always a death sentence it remains popular, for even if the condemned perishes in the Arena they are fully pardoned.

The Legion

Dedicated absolutely to the defense of Theice, the Legion is, at least in theory, above the petty political squabbles of the various clans. Comprised of the living, vampires, and mindless undead, The Legion guards against incursions through the waste or by sea.

During Theice's early years, all citizens were expected to serve at least a year in the Legion. With time, however, that requirement has lapsed. While its strength remains sufficient to patrol the borders and deal with any interlopers who brave the waste, it is debatable whether the Legion could see off a true invasion.

Recruitment, at least, remains constant among the living. A career in the military is seen as a suitable occupation for a younger son, and the steady meal ticket makes it an appealing option for those among the poor who might otherwise have difficulty making ends meet.

In contrast to the decadence of Theician society as a whole, the Legion maintains strict discipline, and sets high standards for its soldiers. Whether vampire or human, a soldier's first loyalty is to the Legion, ahead of clan or family.

While mindless undead make up the bulk of the Legion, they require direction to be effective. And, to be frank, they are terrible combatants, lacking the coordination and initiative of the living. Living units provide a core of skilled soldiers who can take advantage of any weaknesses exposed by the relentless undead assault, and pack a serious punch.

During the hours of darkness, the living units will be led by vampires with the experience of centuries to draw upon, and perhaps even joined by full units of vampiric warriors. Few foes are a match for such a ferocious assault, and to fight the Legion in darkness is to face almost certain defeat.

Of course, the Legion has its weaknesses. For all that its soldiers are well trained and highly disciplined, it has been a long time since they fought a war. Additionally, their dead troops are highly vulnerable to holy magics. Nor do they possess cavalry. Theice is unsuited to supporting large numbers of horses, and the less said about skeletal steeds, the better.

Isolation, and not the Legion, is Theice's best defense against the outside world.

Foreign Relations

Any Theician would tell you that they are completely self-sufficient, and have no need for the outside world. Nor do the barbarians beyond the borders have anything to teach this enlightened culture whose history stretches back further than any other nation in Igala. As a nation, Theice ignores the outside world, secure in the knowledge that it will not impinge upon them. In fact, their language has diverged to the point that they no longer speak common (although the Theicians would maintain that theirs is the uncorrupted ancestral tongue).

Of course some individuals, particularly among the Elders, are well aware that ignoring the outside world does not make it go away. It may not impinge upon them often, but when it does, the results are catastrophic. As a result, they have established a network of spies across Igala, most of whom are completely unaware of who they truly work for.

Any untoward interest in the Theicians' little corner of the continent is subtly (or not so subtly, on occasion) discouraged. In the event that somebody doesn't take the hint, the Legion will be expecting them.

Historically, Theice's greatest concerns have been their nearest neighbours - Baron and Gwa'Aag. History has taught Theice just how dangerous the orcs are when they're riled up, and they make very sure that any orcs who enter the wasteland never leave.

Baron, while no longer a warlike nation, has airships, which are a matter of some concern to the vampires. They would not be discouraged by the waste or by the rugged coastline if they decided to come calling. Additionally, the royal family are aware of Theice's existence, and have made it known through unofficial channels that they will brook no meddling by the vampires. Since neither side wants a war, and no airship trade routes pass close to the country, a mutual hands-off approach has held stable for quite some time.

Avon's recent emergence quite literally on their very doorstep is another source of worry. Demons are foes that the Theicians would have difficulty dealing with if it came to war, and they by no means believe this talk of having turned over a new leaf. Theice would like nothing more than for Avon to conveniently vanish from the face of Igala. Of course, any meddling would have to be carefully done, lest it touch off a war.

Currently, the vampires are playing a waiting game, in the hopes that Avon will somehow misstep in its diplomacy, though there is talk in some quarters of influencing the orcs to deal with the problem for them. Not that the idea of an orcish horde at their doorstep is particularly appealing...

Other Undead

Aside from the dracolich Igunza, Theice has no other sentient undead. Such beings might come to threaten the vampires' control over the nation, and the secrets of their creation are either long-lost, or carefully guarded.

Mindless undead such as skeletons and zombies are another matter. Necromancy is a respectable enough profession, though few of its practitioners display much art with their creations. If necromancers are respected, those making use of their creations are not. The undead require constant supervision and direction for all but the most straightforward and repetitive of tasks. Nor are they aesthetically pleasing. Living servants are the mark of true affluence.

Undead are used for hauling materials, mining, streetcleaning and the like, as well as making up the bulk of the Legion. Certainly they cannot be trusted with anything so delicate as farming. When their duties bring them out into the view of the public, the undead will generally work in daylight, a time when the vast bulk of Theice's inhabitants are asleep and unlikely to be inconvenienced by them.

The Mortals

Far from being mere cattle who exist only for the benefit of the vampiric aristocracy, the mortals of Theice represent a vibrant, important part of the nation's culture. While it is true that mortals do all the drudge work necessary to maintaining civilisation, it is also mortals who create the best artwork, poetry and other such luxuries so beloved to their rulers. Likewise, a good part of the army is made up of mortals, even if the higher ranks are held by vampires.

Down through the ages, many of the most talented artists Theice has ever known have joined the ranks of the undead. Unfortunately, something is always lost during the transition. While vampires can produce endless variations or refinements of their previous works, the spark of true creativity is missing. This is a source of intense frustration to them, as they can remember what they have lost, and they are often intensely jealous of mortals. In all, it is perhaps best that such creative minds be allowed to live out their mortal spans. Not that such lessons are ever truly learnt.

In many ways, Theician society boils down to mortals imitating vampires imitating mortals. While the mortals are the source of creativity and change, they look up to the vampires, seeing them as the ideal to which they should all aspire. To attract the attention of a vampire is considered a great honour, whatever the means used to do so.

If the vampiric culture can be considered decadent, the same can be said of the mortal culture. Despite the paranoia with which Theice views the outside world, only the Elders remember those occasions when it has impinged upon their civilisation. The rest blithely assume that the border patrols will handle any incursions, if they give the matter any thought at all.

Theician Families

In a nation where vampires rule, matters are arranged for their personal convenience, and for the good of the society as a whole. Of key importance is the matter of food. While the living citizens of Theice are willing, even eager, to shed their blood for their masters, they are only so many. Hence, limits on the vampiric population are maintained in a variety of ways.

Of course, no creature as egotistical as a vampire is going to put up with being told what they can or can't do, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. So, while an indiviual vampire may of course gift whoever they like with undeath, they are expected to adhere to certain standards. Those chosen to become vampires should be superior to the herd in all respects, and a credit to their sire's taste. If a new addition to the ranks doesn't measure up, there is a distinct loss of face. The sire's reputation is damaged, and they may find themselves snubbed. What reflects badly on the individual also tarnishes the clan's reputation, and they may take... "steps" to rectify this.

Of course, while this cuts down on the rate of new recruits, there is still a gradual rise in the number of vampires. This is where internecine conflict comes in. By accident or design, there is a degree of enmity between the different clans of Theice. Most of the time, this expresses itself in sniping and one-upmanship, with perhaps the occasional duel between those who have seriously offended one another. On occasion, however, outright fighting in the streets will erupt. Such affairs are vicious, if brief. Although your average vampire would vehemently reject any suggestion that they cull their own, this is in effect what happens.

Their kinship is bilateral, meaning that if two vampires of different families marry and one (or both, through more complex processes of blood exchange) sires offspring among mortals, this offspring can belong to either the family of his mother or his father. Not both.

Religion

Nearly all of Thecian religion centers on Lucio, he is the bringer of life, the cause of death, and everything in between. He is worshipped across Theice from the mightiest District Lord to the lowest slave. The ruling vampires are considered to be his children and are treated as such, however it is a known and proven fact that they are fallible, and are not so much worshipped as they are respected.

A second, lesser goddess is worshipped within Theice, however her support is limited and she has yet to manifest herself in any circumstances that can be substantiated. She is Lavinun the Zombie Goddess; she is believed to reside on Zombie Island. Every legitimate undead servant has her sigil inscribed on the back of their owner’s plate. While her worship is limited, Lavinun does have enough to receive a formal temple within the Palace District.

Theice has developed it's on creation myth, mostly based around direct accounts from the dragon liche Igunza. Unfortunately Igunza's recollections of events have been heavily influenced by both the time he spent dead and his aversion to starting a religious war.

In the beginning there were only two great powers, Life and Death. Existence resided within one or the other, and they ruled mercilessly over all creation. They constantly warred with each other, using mortals as their pieces in an inconceivable game of chess. Lucio was a man of both great intelligence and great power. He defied Life and Death by becoming both and neither at the same time. This infuriated the two powers and they combined their might to destroy him. Lucio however had outsmarted them, he had drawn their most powerful servants to his side and with the aid of the mighty dragons he smashed Life and Death and nearly drove them from existence.

Dragons, however, are greedy above all else. Even on the verge of victory many turned against Lucio for promises of untold wealth by Life and Death. The dragons were scattered and many killed as they fought amongst themselves. Without their help Lucio was unable to destroy Life and Death, but he was able to force them into subservience. With his power he created children, which he named Vampires. They were his voice as well as eyes across the world, to protect and guide both creations of Life and Death. He, of course, understands the necessity of Life and Death and has no further wish to destroy them, though he may need to if necessary.

Wonders

There are several Wonders in Theice, the Duelling Grounds where matters of honour are settled, said to be consecrated by Lucio himself. The Great Arena where trials by combat are held, as well as tournaments and other contests of battle. The Five, a group of silver colossuses commemorating the landing of Theice's founders. The Garden's was at one time a wonder, but since Igunza abandoned his District it has fallen into squalor with constant skirmishes from various District Lord and crime boss forces.

Situated in the hills above the city, the necropolis holds all of the dead of Theice who aren't presently walking around. While the living of Theice number only a few thousand, the necropolis contains a hundred times that number. Little of it is above ground, the dead being stored in endless niches in the catacombs below ground.

There is no reverence for this place. The greats of the Theicians are gifted with vampirism and remain among their society. The rest are simply forgotten, stored in this vast mausoleum against the day when their bones might be animated at need.

Each corpse, when placed within, is imbued with a measure of necromantic energy, to make raising it easier when the time comes. The presence of all this latent energy lends itself to the manifestation of ghosts, pitiful creatures who have themselves forgotten their names, but are made dangerous by their hatred and envy of the living. Only those schooled in the necromantic arts and those already dead can walk the catacombs in safety.

But truly the greatest in all of Theice is the Library of Ancients, possibly the largest collection of historic knowledge in Gaera. It contains such a vast store of information on every topic imaginable. So vast is the library that scholars have been lost within its shelves, only to have their remains discovered years later. A group of scholars has dedicated itself to sorting the library's scrolls and books since the founding of Theice and estimates so far is they've sorted about a 50th of the library. Discoveries from the library have been leaps and bounds ahead of anything Theician mages, scholars, and craftsmen have invented.

Timeline

Included on a tentative basis until I know how much we're keeping. -Archmage 22:32, 10 January 2007 (PST)

• (Aprox.) 220,000 BT - Igunza is slain defending his horde in the War of the Gods. By Thecian reconing this was during Lucio's battle against Life and Death.
• 57,200 BT - A prophecy of armageddon causes a doomsday cult to rove across Igala, collecting all written knowledge they can find. In many cases they have to take the knowledge by force and several more advanced civilizations are destroyed.
• 57,000 BT - The doomsday cult succeeds in gathering the combined knowledge of Igala. They store it in a series of caves on the western coast and sail off to the south to find more lands to harvest.
• 1,000 BT - Five vampires: Tavarius, Ramesh, Riwentro, Orethelle, and Inish, flee their homeland and cross the ocean to reach Igala, where the cults stored knowledge is discovered, they are eventaully called the Founders. The construction of a fortress begins in order to protect the wealth of knowledge.
• 999 BT - The fortress is completed and Theice is officially founded. The construction of the Temple of Lucio begins.
• 990 BT - Most tribes and villages are absorbed by Theice and the city begins to expand to encompass the growing populations.
• 955 BT - Igunza's skeleton and treasure are discovered and mining begins.
• 952 BT - The Legion is formed and a scorched earth campaign begins across the lands.
• 950 BT - The campaign is completed and everything within approximatly 500 km of the city is burned to the ground. The Legion is disbanded.
• 700 BT - Theice expands to encompass its mining opperations.
• 694 BT - The temple of Lucio is completed, marking the largest structure in the city.
• 620 BT - Theice is attacked by an undead horde, lead by Vampires of a different kind than the Thecians, this will come to be known as the Dead Wars.
• 618 BT - On the eve of Theice's defeat, Igunza rises from the dead, for reasons unknown, and lays waste to the invaders. At this time four of the five Founders are killed.
• 615 BT - The Legions and fleets are founded, each being controled by one of the Founders heirs.
• 613 BT - The rebuilding of Theice is completed and the final surviving Founder is given the title of Patriarch and the heirs of the Founders are given territory within the city, becoming the five District Lords.
• 612 BT - By the Patriarch's orders Igunza is given territory within the city. The Inith family formally protests to this decision but are denied. With support of the Ramesh family Inith and Ramesh's Legions clash against the Tavarius and Temple Gaurd forces.
• 611 BT - Inith and Ramesh's forces are defeated with Igunza's help and he formally becomes the sixth District Lord.
• 600 BT - Through Igunza's guidance Lucian priests are taught the art of animating corpses. Though they are only allowed to serve in menial capacities within the temples.
• 550 BT - Undead are allowed outside of the temples and the District Lord's retainers are taught necromancy.
• 300 BT - The Cult of Blood is founded, though only practiced in secrecy.
• 150 BT - Necromancy has become a lucrative bussiness and undead are commercially sold, though their life spans and cost makes them unaffordable by most, not to mention problems with the smell.
• 110 BT - The process of mummification is discovered within the Library of Ancients, and bandaged undead servants become common throughout the city.
• 75 BT - The first non-humanoid undead is created in the form of a mummified gargoyle from Gargoyle Island.
• 200 EP - A process of teleportation or "summoning" is developed in the form of gold wrapped gems. An uninhabited island to the north is renamed Zombie Isle and all Undead servants are stored their when not in use.
• 280 EP - The worship of Lavinun begins from sources unknown.
• 320 EP - Lavinun recieves a temple and becomes officially recognized by the Lucian Church.
• 385 EP - Patriarch Verando IV is assasinated before he could name a successor and a civil war within the city the District Lords' retainers battle across the city for control of the Patriarchy.
• 387 EP - Igunza takes the Patriarchy with the secret help of the Tavarius family.
• 390 EP - Igunza refuses to name a successor or keep control of his District and civil war rages across the city once more.
• 420 EP - With no end to the conflict for Igunza's District (now called the Slums) in sight, mortals begin to take intrest in the area and several crime syndicates are established when local gangs form together.
• 600 EP - Firearms are developed within Theice though they are strictly controlled and limited to the District Lords and their retainers.
• 780 EP - The Cult of Blood comes into the light of day and begin to offer their services within the Slums, though they refuse to act directly against any Vampire.
• 1200 EP - Spies are sent across Igala to determine any possible direct threats to Theice.
• 1310 EP - With the formation of Avon, the Legions step up their vigil.
• 1312 EP - The District Lord, Duke Byron Tavarius, leaves Theice, putting his seventh son in control of his district. He opens ties with Doma and signs treaty with the nation.

-- Lord McBastard