Crucible
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For this reason, humanity has a strange relationship with many of these monsters. Seeing no need to bend down before a ruler that can’t personally beat up them and their entire clan, most human settlements are actually ruled by monstrous creatures – most commonly dragons in the south and giants on the foothold on the northern continent and islands. Thus, one of the duties of the royal court is to periodically sweep the land to put the fear of the King into said monsters. That title is not entirely accurate, as Terminus is a theocracy, ruled by the pantheon of humanity’s gods. These gods tolerate the presence of monstrous rulers in their kingdom because they are so short-staffed, but in reality would like nothing more than to wipe out every single non-human creature in Terminus, and often secretly sponsor would-be monster hunters to take on some ruler or another that has annoyed them without officially breaking any laws.<br> | For this reason, humanity has a strange relationship with many of these monsters. Seeing no need to bend down before a ruler that can’t personally beat up them and their entire clan, most human settlements are actually ruled by monstrous creatures – most commonly dragons in the south and giants on the foothold on the northern continent and islands. Thus, one of the duties of the royal court is to periodically sweep the land to put the fear of the King into said monsters. That title is not entirely accurate, as Terminus is a theocracy, ruled by the pantheon of humanity’s gods. These gods tolerate the presence of monstrous rulers in their kingdom because they are so short-staffed, but in reality would like nothing more than to wipe out every single non-human creature in Terminus, and often secretly sponsor would-be monster hunters to take on some ruler or another that has annoyed them without officially breaking any laws.<br> | ||
| - | Terminus maintains terse relations with its former enemies. What trade comes from the islands to the north is usually sent to other settlements in Terminus rather than abroad. Due to the ambassadorial influence of its significant gnomish population, some lines of communication are maintained with kobolds (mostly for teaming up on dragon hunts), elves of Shadowvale (to combat frontier threats), and orcs (to coordinate fleets against pirates). Terminus trades often with the Deeplands, however, and human | + | Terminus maintains terse relations with its former enemies. What trade comes from the islands to the north is usually sent to other settlements in Terminus rather than abroad. Due to the ambassadorial influence of its significant gnomish population, some lines of communication are maintained with kobolds (mostly for teaming up on dragon hunts), elves of Shadowvale (to combat frontier threats), and orcs (to coordinate fleets against pirates). Terminus trades often with the Deeplands, however, and human travelers wishing to head east often wisely choose to brave the mountain passes rather than take the sea route. |
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| + | ====Religion in Terminus==== | ||
| + | As previously mentioned, the pantheon of Terminus doubles as its executive government. The one in charge, the god Cain, is officially referred to as the First Citizen, which is no modest title as he is literally the very first human to have come into being (at least, insofar as anyone has been able to determine). Cain's portfolios are plentiful - he is the god of Humans, Domination, Survival, and Strife. His right-hand man, Memitim, controls the portfolios of Vengeance and Zeal, and is usually the one tasked with eliminating threats to the stability of Terminus. These two rarely participate in the actual day-to-day administration of Terminus, this duty generally delegated to Malkira, goddess of Sacrifice and Hope. While many offer their prayers directly to these gods, they each have their own retinues composed of minor gods and powerful mortals. Cain's honour guard of five hundred elite warriors is known as one of the fiercest fighting forces in the world and usually spend their time training, dispersed among the realm's urban centres. Occasionally, they are called under Cain's personal banner, usually used as a hammer against denizens of the frontier lands to shatter initial resistance and establish a beachhead. The gleaming armours and curved sabres of these warriors are regarded as the symbols of Cain. The representatives of Memitim are black-cloaked inquisitors and assassins, loved by none but feared by all. For one to reveal himself as a member of Memitim's retinue is a significant thing, as they usually work in deep secrecy - and often means that those around to witness the declaration won't be alive for much longer. Malkira's most trusted servants are no warriors, and many of them have no combat training to speak of. They are all, however, fanatically devoted to ensuring that Terminus runs along the course set by Cain (or, as dissident factions often imply, the course chosen by Malkira herself). If a Terminus citizen is in desperate enough straits to directly appeal to a member of the ruling caste, they will turn to Malkira's administrators who, in turn, constantly demand favours of the other retinues. | ||
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| + | Where minor gods are concerned, every single position of importance in Terminus is usually filled by one. Even some especially popular monstrous mayors have been known to find themselves gaining divine powers, though the shadowy men of Memitim are usually quick enough to put a stop to that sort of thing. A show of devotion is expected from everyone who is anyone in society, and humans living outside Terminus are expected to make a pilgrimage to "their" country every few years, tithing goods or knowledge to the gods. Through the tithe, they maintain a sort of social standing - a man gone for years at a time who brings back something of value from each trip is considered of more value to the community - and thus higher in the pecking order - than someone who hangs around at home but doesn't have much to offer. For this reason, just about every wealthy family in Terminus has held on to that wealth through adventuring or trade; those who built up a stack of cash and retire often find themselves on the wrong end of an angry mob seeking to divest that treasure from someone who, in the eyes of society, is no longer worthy of possessing it. | ||
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====Adventuring in Terminus==== | ====Adventuring in Terminus==== | ||
