Campaign guide plight of the tuatha (1) 14

Chapter One: The Lands of Aeliode female average between 5’2”-5’8” Society The lives and values of the citizens of the capital city of Avitius are the models on which most of the empire chooses (or is forced to choose) to conform Society bases itself upon set classes of people all who are said to be best suited to their particular situation Those with wealth tend to have more advantages and opportunities than the lower classes and very few see either a reason or chance to change where they find themselves situated As slavery is commonly practiced throughout the Empire, there are large portions of the population who, by law, are forbidden from even attempting to change the class Those who reside within the capitol city of Avitus and are considered official citizens (mostly due to birth) are considered better people than those from the rest of the empire Citizens have more rights than those who are merely inhabitants of the Empire and, for the most part, these citizens are exempt from imperial taxes as well Indeed, the glory and beauty of the city of Avitus can be thought of as largely financed and constructed by those who not have the same rights and responsibilities as those relatively few considered a “true citizen” The culture as a whole places high importance on an individual’s honor and bravery as well as the individual’s ability to work towards the strengthening of the Avitian Empire (mainly those who reside in the capital city) The society is fairly militaristic in its outlook on life so that the values of the soldier and the general are the measuring stick used to gauge the value of others While there are many subcultures that express society to some degree, most cultures find their traditions have either begun to incorporate Avitian traditions or stand in reaction against it Arts In visual arts, Avitian humans prefer geometric abstract design or realistic depictions of perfect human forms These guide most art from fashion, to storytelling, to music, as well as the visual arts and theater Statuary and stone work are considered more important pieces of art as they tend to resist the ravages of time better than paintings or the written word Acting and theater, though watched by large portions of the population from every class, is considered a base and common art form Common themes include stories about the gods, depictions of great heroes or famous ancestors, and the glory of war History Humans dominate both the land and the history of the area controlled by the Avitian humans Through military might and skillful diplomacy humans have been able to spread their influence and establish control over the lands and kingdoms demi-humans once held sovereign Though humans have been united for far less time than the rest of the races, they have undoubtedly been the most flourishing of the humanoids for the past age Regions Within the Avitian Empire The Issian Peninsula it the most recent addition to the Avitian Empire, officially annexed in the year 12098 AE at the Issian Peninsula conclusion of the War of Three Snows Though technically part of the Avitian Empire, the region is still fairly difficult to reach due to many geological impediments to travel As such, the dominance of the local temples and priests still hold great sway over the roles its citizens have access to Clerics are a fairly common sight around the larger temples and larger cities However, clerics who worship the Gods of Sorrow are very rare as the practice is illegal In more remote villages far removed from learning centers which produce clerics and oracles, witches can be found taking up the mantle of a religious leader or community On very rare occasions when the god Paladrus is able to extend his influence outside of his prison a paladin is chosen to work 13