Catania

Catania is a Constitutional Monarchy and a Vassal of the Uraki Imperium.

In a fractured land of shattered fields and fallen dragons, Catania rose to stake its claim in the world. Surrounded by its allies of Amarillo and Valreach, Catania can be found deep within the heartlands of Eldham next to the Drakaen Sea.

Few kingdoms have a greater claim to adventure. Travellers and citizens alike are known to delve deep into the ruins beneath Barak-Varr or the tortured mines of Kalminur. There is treasure to be found in Catania – more treasure than just gold. When not adventuring, Catanians rest in their halls and noble houses, planning how they too can gain power within this land of opportunity.

With a democratic government and freedom of religion, those looking to break new ground have the chance to do so in Catania. New ideas are always rising to the surface as each new generation seeks to make its mark on the word.

However, all are united by love of a good hearth, home and travel! There’s nothing like capping off a good adventure with some warm mead in a warm hall. Still, that is not the only thing that brings Catanians together. This kingdom has a scarred and troubled history.

Fallen Dragons
Long before Catania’s time, the Regnum Drakaes held claim to the land. This stalwart people were known for their affinity for dragons back when the great wyrms were still thriving. Their dominion of the Drakaen Sea was almost unmatched – almost, save for a few small nations, one of which being Saror Haven.

Saror Haven was a small coastal province to the west of modern-day Catania. It watched on as rebellion and insurgencies ravaged the Regnum Drakaes. This was a chaotic time, one from which the Drakaes would never fully recover. Amongst the carnage a new city state was established named Jorvick, next to the territory of Nidaros. Being young and ambitious, Jorvick sought to expand into Nidaros but was repelled deep into the middle of what would be Catania; its future kingdom. Unsatiated, Jorvick turned its attention to expanding its influence and preparing for war.

The Concordat
To restore order, the Regnum Drakaes reformed into the Drakaen Concordat. Jorvick, Saror Haven, Armarillo, Smegsvillage, Konigsburg, Nidaros, New Yoake (who were, apparently “walkin’ here”) and the mysterious Mugen all agreed to this concord, stemming the conflict for the time being.

A time of relative peace and prosperity followed. Jorvick, too, spread out its borders and developed into a cultural centre for the region, at one point even being named the capital of the Concordat.

The peace was precarious, and soon shattered. With Jorvick’s territorial ambitions seething, they sought the power needed to expand. When Saror Haven joined the Drakaen Concordate that seemed to be the match to the powder keg that was the Concordat. This thriving, growing community was desired by Jorvick, but when peaceful attempts at gaining land failed, they resorted to conquest.

War of Drakaen Succession
What followed was the deadliest conflict, not only in Catania’s History, but all of Eldham at the time: the war of Drakaen Succession. The concordat could not provide any stability or peace anymore and thus, was abolished, splitting the region into many smaller states. Even to this day, visitors to Jorvick or Port Haven may find the graves of those that fell in this conflict.

With its strength and confidence, Jorvick mobilised to attack Saror Haven. In response, a coalition of nearly all the breakaway states mustered their forces to stem Jorvick’s conquest. Greatly outnumbered it seemed that the war was already decided, but Mugen promised Jorvick the power to win. This growing interest group could provide bandits and resources to bolster the forces of Jorvick. In desperate times desperate measures must be taken, and thus the leader of Jorvick, Bedaer, decided to have Jorvick become a vassal state under Mugen. With the assurance of Mugen and a hint of Catania’s fighting spirit, Jorvick pushed forward.

At the Battle Of Jorvick, the city-state saw itself on the defence, even though they had started the war. The coalition was narrowly defeated, resulting in the shattering of their army. Jorvickan troops now filled with morale again rushed into Saror Haven in the following days and devastated its cities. New Haven was left in ruins, Goldhaven was burnt to the ground and its citizens slaughtered. Saror Haven was fully annexed by Mugen, leaving only ruins in its wake.

Catania Rising
With the war over, Mugen dominated much of modern-day Catania. This was a time of oppression and rebellion. Bandits employed by Mugen roamed the streets of Jorvick, killing citizens and ruthlessly putting down any hint of dissent.

Despite this, with peace came some prosperity. Goldhaven was rebuilt, Saror Haven became the town of Port Haven, the floating citadel of Atarashi Sora was established. Still, Catania – if it could even be said to have existed at this point – was stunted by Mugen’s influence. Many left the region never to return while those that held fast established secret rebel groups in Jorvick.

It may well have continued that way if not for the arrival of Uraka. This new empire from the east, seeing the chaos that had befallen the land, worked with the rebels of Jorvick to overthrow the Mugen once and for all. Faced with the might of Uraka, even the Mugen were no match and crumpled beneath their might.

As the ancient sages of Jorvick wisely pronounced, “Catania is basically Skyrim now.”

In the Mugen-conquered lands, the Uraki Emperor Neo established the republic of Catania as a vassal state and appointed a governor to lead it. At last Catania was born. This twisted, colourful republic still had a long way to go, but with Uraka watching over it, the future seemed bright. Over time, noble houses arose to help restore order to Catania, one of which being House Reach. From this estate rose Angel Glendark-Reach who integrated into Jorvick and quickly became popular amongst its people. Angel served as advisor to the then-governor of the nation Kazat Zarmir appointed by Uraka. However, when Kazat attempted to abolish the republic and declare himself king, the nation began falling into decline with unrest and inactivity plaguing the region.

Angel could not stand to see Catania in this state for long. He sought audience with Emperor Neo, and it was agreed that Uraka would facilitate elections for a new king. It seems that the people of Catania sought to return Angel’s good-will for they chose to elect Angel by a landslide. Now in power and appointed as the Augustus of Catania, Angel decided to create a new constitutional monarchy and relinquish many of the king’s more autocratic powers.

And was acknowledged by Uraka. After coming to power, he decided to share it throughout Catania. Angel established a new constitutional monarchy so that anyone could rise to power in this kingdom, relinquishing the powers of Augustus and allowing the people to elect a Prime minister.

Under Angel’s reign, Catania has seen an unprecedented period of growth and good governance. But its story is far from over. As new arrivals create fresh towns, religions and houses in Catania, its true golden age is yet to be written.

The People of Catania
As of the time of writing, there are 14 towns within Catania, ranging from tiny halls to grand cities.

Near the centre of the kingdom can be found Jorvick. It’s towering walls and bustling market draws in travellers from around the world, as well as being the seat of Catania’s government.

Just south of Jorvick, the bustling market of Kal-Katan is located, rebuilt from old ruins, a mystical rift runs through this industrious town.

Just west of Goldhaven, stretch the sprawling mines of Kalminur, that provide metals and stone for the kingdom. Many an industrious adventurer has sought their fortune in this mining town.

As far as cities go, Treelords is the second contestant for the spot of Catania’s biggest metropolis. Lying at Catania’s eastern border, with vital river-routes to Jorvick, Treelords is the engine to Catania’s bustling economy.

Further south a cluster of townships can be found, among which Ulridge is one of the youngest. This ambitious settlement draws in some of Catania’s newest recruits, and has a tactical central position within the kingdom, serving as defence and fort. In the south, all roads pass through Ulridge.

At Catania’s south western border, Anglia stakes its claim with burning forges and clashing steel. This mining town never sleeps and is known for zealous industry and gorgeous architecture.

Turning back to the north, there floats Atarashi Sora being rebuilt out of the ruins of Sora, a town under former Saror Haven, is a marvel to behold. This network of floating islands and towers serves as Catania’s magical vanguard; a home of those looking to push the boundaries of knowledge.

From the towering heights of Atarashi Sora the turreted lowlands upon which Ragnarvick lies can be seen in all their glory. The dual citadels of Ragnarvick dominate the skyline and the golden fields of wheat that stretch onto the horizon provide food for many of the surrounding towns.

One such settlement is the small community of Keshra. Known for it's black walls, Keshra is a fortified village nestled within the Raindancer’s Valley. When passing through, make sure to visit the dripping caves, where the old city lies.

At the western fringes of Catania can be found the reborn Port Haven. This town is one of the oldest in the kingdom, and one of the most scarred, but with its clock tower standing proudly at the border it holds plenty of promise for the future.

In the shadow of Mugen’s ruins to the northeast, the towers Valendor reach into the sky. A medium sized town with many gifted individuals in it, ranging from fierce warriors to ingenious brewers.

Dissolved cities:

For those looking for a more peaceful life, Codtown to the south east offers a gentle time of fishing and farming. Its close-knit community is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests far away from the politics of the capital.

Finally, as far west as one may go, Barak-Varr welcomes ships to Catania. Known as the Gates to the Sea, Barak-Varr is largely a subterranean town built within one of Catania’s most prosperous natural bays. Those passing into Catania often see Barakk-Varr as their first port of call.

One such settlement is the small community of Keshra. Known for the spiritual devotion of its people, Keshra is a religious village nestled within the Raindancer’s Valley. When passing through, make sure to bless the rains down in Catania and visit their shrine, where wanderers are always welcome.

And lastly the furthest south you can go, there lies Pustnic fields, a small settlement harvesting crops on the fertile land along the riverbanks.

Faiths of Catania
Catania offers religious freedom to its citizens, and so numerous faiths have sprung up across the kingdom.

These religions include: The Blood God, Raindancing, the Elvish Pantheon and Ratism

By far the most influential religion in Catania is that of the Blood God. This faith has its roots deeply set in Catania, particularly in Jorvick where the religion is based. Curiously, the worship of the Blood God developed completely separately from The Red Cult that rose to popularity on the other continent in Rathnir. Some of the Blood God’s most loyal supporters take this as proof of their righteousness. Relations between the Red Cult and Catania’s Blood God religion are good, as the basic principles are the same, even though Catania’s religious leaders claim to be superior. After more and more questionable decisions by the Red Cult, the Catanian followers had enough and a schism occured. The Church of the Blood God split off of the Red Cult, following their own beliefs.

Meanwhile, in the mountains of the northwest, the Raindancers make their home. This sect of mystics and scholars worship in Keshra, their holy city, built deep into a soaring canyon. Raindancers worship the rain which they believe to contain the voice of their Ascended ancestors. By attuning themselves to the rain, they seek to glean enlightenment and ascend to a higher plane.

Amongst the Treelords in Catania’s heartland, the Elvish Pantheons hold some sway. Rather than being an official religion of the town, this faith is an imported one. Nevertheless, travellers to Treelords may come across shrines to life, light and the moon.

Another imported religion is Ratism, one of the most widespread and influential religions of Eldham. Worship of the Rat King is sporadic in Catania but nonetheless present. What this means for Catania – and whether the Holy Rat Wars will emerge on its soil – remains to be seen.

Government and Empire
The current High King of Catania is Angel Glendark-Reach. After a reform, the council changed to an assembly of ministers. The current government contains:

PM - Therandus Lachforst                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Vice PM - Kendal Reach                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Minister of Internal-Affairs - Alwyn Almirion                                                                                                                                                                                                     Minister of Defence - Carthago Reach                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Minister of Agriculture - Choko McCaulk                                                                                                                                                                                                           Minister of Culture - hobbit                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Minister of Foreign-Affairs - Rodnim Reach                                                                                                                                                                                                   Minister of Finance - Frospi                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Minister of Infrastructure - Therandus Lachforst                                                                                                                                                                                     Minister of Immigration - AYJee McCaulk

The Uraki Imperium has made it very clear that it wants as little to do with Catanian government as possible, providing Catania remains politically stable. Nevertheless, informal Uraki influence should not be discounted in the formation of Catanian governments, as Uraka serves as both a source of distant control and, for some, a role model for successful management.

That being said, there are some fundamental differences between Uraki and Catanian government which set the two apart. Most notably, Catania is a Constitutional Monarchy. It’s three branches of state – the Crown, the Prime Minister with his council, and the Council– are all elected at one point or another with power being balanced between the three of them.

Starting with the Crown, this position is one wrapped up in ceremony. Whenever a new government is formed it is the crown’s job to officially announce it. However, the crown is far from a purely ceremonial role. The crown’s assent is required for any bill to pass, and they also have the ability to veto either the Prime Minister or the Council. Of all the positions in government the Crown’s is the longest, having no effective term limit, however when a new Crown is required a referendum is held by the Council.

The Prime Minister’s influence is more administrative. Alongside the Council the Prime Minister works to draft legislation and can themselves appoint two Council members of their choice. Like the Crown, the Prime Minister can veto the Crown of the Council. However, the Prime Minister faces election every month and is asked to lead a government after rising to power. This usually means finding a consensus amongst the Council and drafting legislation that is amenable to the Crown. Sometimes the Prime Minister may also appoint a group of advisors known as the Cabinet.

Finally, there is the Council. This contains one individual appointed by each Provincial Warden, as well as two members appointed by the Prime Minister. The Council’s main purpose is to create legislation, and its vote is required for any bills to pass. It also serves as a vital check and balance; a unanimous vote of the Council is enough to override the veto of either the Crown or the Prime Minister. It can even force the Prime Minister – but not the Crown – out of office, initiating an election.

On the local scale, Provincial Wardens serve as managers for the four provinces of the Kingdom: Haven, Jorvia, Einar and Vionir. The current Provincial Wardens respectively are Pot Man Nob, Dwymir Lachforst, Therandus Lachforst and LogicalAri.

Each of these provinces contains several towns, each of which has a leader known as a Lord or Lady. These nobles each get one vote that is used to appoint the Provincial Warden of their area. If there is a tie, the King steps in to resolve the issue. The towns of Haven include Port Haven, Atarashi Sora, Ragnarvick and Keshra.

The towns of Einar include Anglia, Kalminur and Ulridge.

The town of Vionir is Treelords.

The towns of Jorvia include Jorvick, Kal-Katan and Valendor.

Most provinces often have one or more Noble Houses attached to them. While lacking any formal political power, these Houses tend to have immense informal influence, forming the bedrock of many political alliances in the kingdom. The most powerful of these groups is House Reach from which both the King and the Prime Minister are part of. The other three Noble Houses are Lachforst, Delenda and Mcaulk. The Zarmir family was dissolved, after many members of it had been found guilty of treason against Catania. House Delenda died out after Carthago joined the Reach family and the only remaining member of house Delenda died out before having offspring.

Finally, Catania has an Augustus. This position used to oversee Catania before the Constitution of Catania was signed bringing in the present age of constitutional monarchy, however in the current day the Augustus is a bygone title which has lost almost all of its former significance. Nevertheless, the Augustus serves as the link between Catania and the Uraki Imperium, being appointed by the Emperor Neo acting as Uraka’s trusted source on the inside of Catanian government. The current Augustus is Angel Glendark-Reach.

Catania’s government is protected by the King’s Guard, an elite squadron of soldiers, led by DestXM, built upon an Uraki military model. This contains some of the best fighters in the kingdom with unwavering loyalty to Catania. The King’s Guard requires its members to be the best of the best, ever expanding when a worthy contestant applies. At the time of writing, it has participated in the Uraki war on Auroran Uldarash in 60 PTD.

The Valrean-Catanian Commonwealth
After the dissolution of the League of Vircon and after helping Valreach with the rebels, the two nations grew even closer. Seeing the Drakaen region split hurt them and they wanted to cooperate to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the region. Their peace talks were interrupted by a war that the A.W.E. started wherer they stood on opposite sides. Nonetheless, after the war, they came together and on the 10th of January these two nations entered a real union and formed the Valrean-Catanian Commonwealth, bringing a new great power to the region. Both Catania and Valreach retain sovereignity, but have a shared external policy.