Leythe

Leythe (/leɪð/ LAYDH) is the capital of the Union of Free Kingdoms (now a part of Bardonia) founded by StubbornDucky, Mandiba, and Georgeopolis. Leythe was previously a member of Serafini and was the capital of the United Kingdoms.

Introduction
Just as it has always been, when our memories of the ancient world fade into twilight, a new era dawns to fill the void. A tempo not dictated by the labor of men, but accelerated by the pulse of magic, launching the world into an age of bold reformation. From this tower of steel and ivory, a vision of prosperity emerged. Harnessing the untold power of the elements, turning night into day, and providing an experience that many had never imagined. The advent of expansionism brought devastation like none Rathnir had ever seen, providing a window of opportunity for some to dictate conformity as regimes spread their ideologies with a heavy hand, inciting the world to the brink of war.

And yet, some chose a different path, and through their vision brought unique perspectives to this world. Striving for peace in their endeavors to unlock the secrets of Rathnir. Some of which, would fill our hearts with fear and regret.

And as this progress unfolds, the finite nature of our world becomes clear. Our survival, the survival of all the world's peoples, depends on our ability to coexist in peace.

The Four Mystics
Long ago, four mystics, Eldoth, Kalamos, Sivan, and Fyrose, roamed the lands of Rathnir seeking to strengthen their connection to the spirit realm. A realm which contained secrets of magic that many would consider unnatural. Upon reaching the peak of a coastal mountain, Kalamos felt a familiar pull guiding him to the valley bellow. There, lay the glowing hilt of a sword, one far two large for any man to wield.

The four mystics began investigating the hilt. Eldoth excavated the land around the hilt, Kalamos studied the markings and craftsmanship, Fyrose cultivated the land for food, and Sivan protected the group from the creatures of night. Upon uncovering the blade, the four mystics found what Kalamos refered to as spiritual flux, a form of raw ethereal matter, which was binding the steel blade together. When touching the spiritual flux, for a brief moment, Fyrose had visions of a plane not dissimilar to ours, except that her companions had been replaced by her fallen mother, father, and sister.

It had become clear that the sword acted as a ley line between the spirit realm and Rathnir. For the remainder of their days, they sought to uncover the mysteries of the blade.

The Pilgrims of Leythe
Word had spread to the surrounding villages of an ethereal sword imbued with powerful magic, existing between both Rathnir and the spirit realm. Pilgrims flocked to the sword for a whole array of reasons, some in pursuit of knowledge and greater understanding, other seeking an enlightened society, devoid of the limitations imposed by other Rathnirian empires. These were first settlers of the town Leythe, and were the ones to form the government of the four houses of Eldoth, Kalamos, Sivan, and Fyrose.

The Research Breakthrough
The following excerpt comes from a Leythe-ian couriers account of news that spread throughout Leythe on 14 March.

Research Breakthrough! The House of Kalamos (knowledge) at Leythe has finally ascertained the origins of the great Sword of Leythe. Hundreds of years ago the sword fell to our planet, and ever since the pilgrims of Leythe arrived, the mystics researched the magical totem. The timing of this discovery is of extreme coincidence but seems to be of utmost importance. The sword descended from the moon all those hundred of years ago, and landed in what is now Leythe. The sword provides an aura of life around it, while also containing the power of death and the spirits within. The sword rejuvenated the barren lands of Leythe all those years ago our wisest mystics now believe that we can use the ley-line connection between the swords lunar lodestone and the moon, to rejuvenate the moon itself! This however will take several days, our mystics estimate ~3 days to prepare the incantation. The rejuvenation power of the sword may even be able to make the moon a habitable place to live! Leythe welcomes any interested mages, sorcerers, wizards, witches, and mystics to come and help in the effort to restore the moon to a state of brilliance! The ceremony is, by our predictions, going to occur on Wednesday March 17th at the time where the moon shall be directly overhead of Leythe. Join us in greatness, join us for prosperity.

Days later it was discovered that although the lodestone had come from the moon, the remaining energy was not enough to connect back to the moon. The incantation was unsuccessful.

House of Eldoth

 * Traditionally representative of all masons, carpenters, and other construction workers
 * Is responsible for most, if not all, of the buildings and public works of Leythe

House of Fyrose

 * Protects all farmers, and supplies the town with bountiful yields
 * Most members of this house reside in surrounding houses and tenements in the fields

House of Kalamos

 * Represents the "enlightened", those primarily studying the mysteries of the sword
 * Part of the elite class of the town, enjoying privileges unavailable to the lower class

House of Sivan

 * The military force, the might of Leythe's fist
 * Acts as a defense force, only acting aggressively if absolutely required, this action must be unanimously voted upon by all four houses
 * In times of peace, they act as a police force

The Leythe-Akratian War
The United Empire of Akratia claimed that Leythe belonged to them, Leythe disagreed. It resulted in Leythe-ian victory