Alex97
Troubadour
I posted something similar a few months ago but my world building has seen a lot more progress since then. General feedback and advice greatly appreciated. Bear in mind this is a work in progress. The cultures below are base mainly on ancient Greece with some Roman influences.
Cultures/Factions
Ellasian Cultures:
Ellasia is divided between numerous city states. The three most powerful control the lesser states as vassals or via their immense influence. Several Ellasian colonies exist in other countries/continents along with remnants of their empire.
Ellasia was once united by the city state of Avorterium and the legendary king (no name yet). The Empire was the vastest in known history stretching both East and West. However the line of kings grew cruel and the other city states rebelled. Due to the internal conflict the Empire collapsed and Avorterium was burned to the ground. The Ellasians are now restrained to their original lands save for a few remnants of the Empire. Despite the collapse, Ellasia maintains huge influence over other cultures.
Tryfan:
The oldest city state in Ellasia. Actually an island, it was from here that the Ellasians came to the mainland from. The city state is predominately a naval power and holds control over the city states on other islands. Their ground troops consist of the typical Ellasian phalanx supported by marines and mercenaries. Most colonies to the east are also of Tryfanite origin. The city itself is famed for its order of librarians which is now established all over Ellasia and is considered one of the greatest places of learning in the world. The city state is ruled by a very old monarchy. Their economy is based on trade and the production of fine goods.
Their emblem: 3 white dolphins on a blue banner
Lysanda:
The warrior city state. Ruled by a monarchy and supported by a council. All citizens may bring problems to the King and council to be solved. Their economy is based primarily on farming and payment from the other city states for keeping the borders secure. All boys undergo military training from a young age and are expected to serve as soldiers until retirement. Therefore most management is left to women and the older men. This means the women have much more power than in other states. Most city states west of the river Midassa fall under Lysandian influence and Lysandians are considred to have the best army. The Lysandian army consists of phalangites armed with long pikes, support by an elite of shield Companions who fight in a more flexible manner. They also use cavalry from the north. Strange customs make diplomacy hard for the Lysandians. For example, they will bow to no kings (theirs included) in the belief that one should only bend the knee to the gods. The Lysandians believe that a king exists only to serve the people. In return courage, honour and loyalty is demanded of them. Those deemed cowards usually commit suicide.
Lysanda’s founding story is steeped in myth (this is a WIP by the way). Before mainland Ellasia was settled the aging and blind king of Tryfan promised his two sons a kingdom each, either side of the river Midassa. However, the land west of the Midassa was uninhabitable due to a dragon. Knowing this the jealous mother (second wife of the king) sent the younger brother (her son) to trick the blind king into giving his blessing to the younger son. Therefore, Lysandros, the older brother and rightful ruler of the east was denied his land. To cut a long story short: he set off and killed the dragon and built Lysanda to the west of the Midassa. However, from the dragon’s blood many serpents were born. This attracted the best warriors from around the world and consequently Lysanda became a military state. It was also the start of many wars that would rage between the east and west.
Their emblem: A golden sun on a red banner
Elektonia:
Probably the richest city state, located east of the Midassa. They are governed by the senate. Their economy is based on trade via both the sea and river. Most city states east of the Midassa fall under their influence and have adopted republics as a form of government. The city itself is famous for its grand buildings, beautiful gardens. The poorer folk inhabit tall flats made from red bricks. The state’s immense wealth has enabled them to invest a considerable amount into engineering and science making them rivals in terms of education to Tryfan. Their military consists mainly of conscripted citizens, although professional elements do exist.
Interesting customs include the gift of laurel leaf crown on a boy’s 16th birthday. This signifies their citizenship and that no man is above another (every man is a king). In practice this belief has limited applications…
Their emblem: A golden laurel crown on a purple banner
Thought this is quite a long post, so I'll post the other cultures if the interest exists.
Cultures/Factions
Ellasian Cultures:
Ellasia is divided between numerous city states. The three most powerful control the lesser states as vassals or via their immense influence. Several Ellasian colonies exist in other countries/continents along with remnants of their empire.
Ellasia was once united by the city state of Avorterium and the legendary king (no name yet). The Empire was the vastest in known history stretching both East and West. However the line of kings grew cruel and the other city states rebelled. Due to the internal conflict the Empire collapsed and Avorterium was burned to the ground. The Ellasians are now restrained to their original lands save for a few remnants of the Empire. Despite the collapse, Ellasia maintains huge influence over other cultures.
Tryfan:
The oldest city state in Ellasia. Actually an island, it was from here that the Ellasians came to the mainland from. The city state is predominately a naval power and holds control over the city states on other islands. Their ground troops consist of the typical Ellasian phalanx supported by marines and mercenaries. Most colonies to the east are also of Tryfanite origin. The city itself is famed for its order of librarians which is now established all over Ellasia and is considered one of the greatest places of learning in the world. The city state is ruled by a very old monarchy. Their economy is based on trade and the production of fine goods.
Their emblem: 3 white dolphins on a blue banner
Lysanda:
The warrior city state. Ruled by a monarchy and supported by a council. All citizens may bring problems to the King and council to be solved. Their economy is based primarily on farming and payment from the other city states for keeping the borders secure. All boys undergo military training from a young age and are expected to serve as soldiers until retirement. Therefore most management is left to women and the older men. This means the women have much more power than in other states. Most city states west of the river Midassa fall under Lysandian influence and Lysandians are considred to have the best army. The Lysandian army consists of phalangites armed with long pikes, support by an elite of shield Companions who fight in a more flexible manner. They also use cavalry from the north. Strange customs make diplomacy hard for the Lysandians. For example, they will bow to no kings (theirs included) in the belief that one should only bend the knee to the gods. The Lysandians believe that a king exists only to serve the people. In return courage, honour and loyalty is demanded of them. Those deemed cowards usually commit suicide.
Lysanda’s founding story is steeped in myth (this is a WIP by the way). Before mainland Ellasia was settled the aging and blind king of Tryfan promised his two sons a kingdom each, either side of the river Midassa. However, the land west of the Midassa was uninhabitable due to a dragon. Knowing this the jealous mother (second wife of the king) sent the younger brother (her son) to trick the blind king into giving his blessing to the younger son. Therefore, Lysandros, the older brother and rightful ruler of the east was denied his land. To cut a long story short: he set off and killed the dragon and built Lysanda to the west of the Midassa. However, from the dragon’s blood many serpents were born. This attracted the best warriors from around the world and consequently Lysanda became a military state. It was also the start of many wars that would rage between the east and west.
Their emblem: A golden sun on a red banner
Elektonia:
Probably the richest city state, located east of the Midassa. They are governed by the senate. Their economy is based on trade via both the sea and river. Most city states east of the Midassa fall under their influence and have adopted republics as a form of government. The city itself is famous for its grand buildings, beautiful gardens. The poorer folk inhabit tall flats made from red bricks. The state’s immense wealth has enabled them to invest a considerable amount into engineering and science making them rivals in terms of education to Tryfan. Their military consists mainly of conscripted citizens, although professional elements do exist.
Interesting customs include the gift of laurel leaf crown on a boy’s 16th birthday. This signifies their citizenship and that no man is above another (every man is a king). In practice this belief has limited applications…
Their emblem: A golden laurel crown on a purple banner
Thought this is quite a long post, so I'll post the other cultures if the interest exists.
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