A summary of the nations in Bydar (the world)
Government: Psionic Oligarchy
Population:60% human, 15% Half-giant, ~24% other, >1% Elan
Basic Information: Aggressive expansion over the past few decades has led the Selucid Empire to a dominant position in the world. The Empire has subjugated dozens of races and cultures, human and otherwise. Typically, the Selucid will force 4 years of military service or labor on the adult males of a conquered people, and erect temples to their pantheon, which consists of 6 gods, across the conquered land. The Selucid will also abduct children with psionic talent and execute adults that have developed psionic abilities among their subjects. Taxes are low in conquered lands, and with the above exceptions, relative autonomy is maintained (though Elan governors are assigned to oversee the native governments).
The Selucid's method of selecting candidates for public office is completely based around psionic ability. Any native of Selucia with psionic ability can hold station in Selucia, though they are not required to. Roughly 10% of the population has psionic talent, and this 10% typically represent society's elite. Of these 10%, the most powerful and experienced are selected to be reborn into Elan. An newly created Elan will normally travel the world to regain his abilities and return to Selucia to be given a governorship of a province or a place as an advisor to the High Council. In rare cases, Elan will continue wander even after they would be accepted into the Selucid leadership, though this is frowned upon by the High Council.
The Selucid Empire currently controls Selucia, Cephallenia, Augila, and the northern and eastern portions of Niemen. They are openly hostile towards the remaining free Niemen city states, and are growing hostile towards Corcyra for its defiance. The Selucid only recently became aware of Varil and are wary of it.
Government:Varied (Mostly monarchies with a few notable exceptions)
Population:80% human, 20% other
Basic Information: The Niemen City States are a collection of self-governed cities across the continent of Niemen. They formed an alliance two years ago, but nearly half of the city states have fallen to the advances of the Selucid Empire.
The city states are generally prosperous, and were magic-rich prior to the destruction of Lledrith. Most of the wizards from Niemen have fled to Corcyra in order to retain their magical ability, though Duraxo and Perge obtained Shards of Lledrith large enough to retain their cadre of wizards. Duraxo is under constant siege by the Selucid, as is Perge. Thapsae, while of the front lines of the conflict, has bought a ceasefire with the Empire and entered into negotiations for surrender. Trica, Sebaste,Sufes, and Gerona enjoy relative peace, but would be in danger if Duraxo or Perge fell. [in progress]
Conquered: Nicaea, Bolrad, Stridon, Salona, Melos, Cherson
Free: Duraxo, Trica, Sebaste, Perge, Thapsae, Sufes, Gerona
Government:Republic
Population:95% Human, 5% other
Basic Information: Corcyra is by far the most advanced nation on Bydar. While Niemen and Selucia developed magically and psionically, the Corcyrans developed technologically. Corcyra is home to trains, airships, firearms, explosives, and grand metropolises, though it lacked any magic users until recently. Corcyra was strictly isolationist until the destruction of Lledrith landed the largest shard of the moon in the countryside outside the Corcyran capital. The shard, dubbed "Lledrith's Heart," was moved to the capital city (also named Corcyra) and refugee magic-users began to flock to the city when they heard of the Heart.
Corcyra now enjoys the advantage of not only advanced technology, but also being the largest magic-sensitive area in the world (magic can be used on the entire island in some fashion, though powerful magic can only be accessed close to the capital city). Corcyra has ended its isolation and is now accepting refugees from Niemen and ambassadors from Varil. The island nation is considering providing direct aid to the free cities in opposition to Selucia.
Goverment: Oligarchy
Population:80% Elf, 20% Killoren
Basic Information: Little is known about the home of the elves, and its existence wasn't even known to humans until Lledrith was shattered two years ago. The elves have sent several ambassadors to Corcyra, Duraxo, and Perge, and scouts across the world to search for shards of Lledrith.Statistics: Posted by Flopcorn — Wed Oct 07, 2009 1:30 am
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