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Atherom: Overview « Thread Started on Jun 25, 2007, 12:40am »
Atherom
Overview A small, scenic island, Atherom features green landscapes, unregulated government, and an impressive Navy.
People: The people of Atherom are called Thromesians. The adjective is Thromese. Atherom’s population is about 50% human, and the remaining is mostly minor races [not Elves or Dwarves]. It is very accepting towards other kinds of people and has minimal slaves. This, in combined with its relatively non-interfering government, has given it the unofficial title "The Free Island."
Terrain: Atherom is a damp, green land. Mists and rains are as or more common than sunshine in most areas. As a result, plants thrive, including mosses, ferns, ivy, deciduous trees, and daffodils (among others.) Atherom is mostly lowlands, close to sea level. It boasts only one mountain, Röykkiö Vuorenseinämä, but features several foothills areas, flat lands, forests, rivers, and the occasional swamp. Although much of the northern coast is rocky or consists of cliffs, the majority of the rest of the island features ideal, light-sanded beaches with natural harbors. Many small islands are scattered throughout the sea near Atherom. While these islands are technically subject to the Thromese government, many behave more independently, neither paying homage to Atherom nor concerning themselves with any business other than their own.
Government: The Thromesians follow an adaptation of the feudalistic society, wherein those in greatest power have underlings sworn in honor to them. These underlings, the vassals, possess land. However, only the upper crust of the population follows this system. The middle and lower classes follow a more laissez-faire kind of government in that they are free citizens who are not forced to become vassals to the nobility, but can if they so choose or if circumstances force them to swear loyalty in return for protection, lands, or clearing from debts. Everyone is bound to obey the king, regardless of vassaltry to another lord. The lords vassal to the King are called Valtiasi (singular: Valtias) while vassals to these lords are called Vasalli (singular: Vasalla). The lords (either Valtiasi or Vasalli with their own vassals) are addressed as Herra (the equivalent of “Sir), while their ladies are addressed as Isäntä (the equivalent of Madam or Miss).
The King has several vassal lords called Orja who are dedicated to building and sustaining the Thromese navy. Each lord is based in one of the three major cities on the island: Erinomainen City (the capital), Merenranniko, and Lontoo Valtameri. Initiated to protect Atherom’s private merchant ships, the Royal Navy over time has strengthened and evolved to become the island’s greatest defense against external threats, especially Talambar, and intermittent problems with coastal piracy.
In case of national emergency, the King may call on his vassal lords to assemble their “militia” armies to supplement the Navy or participate in the land fighting. In the event that there are not enough fighting men, the King may also demand militias from the unsworn lower classes, a process rather akin to a draft.
The King holds ultimate power, but may be influenced by his richer and more powerful lords. Leaders of major religious parties are also considerations for the King since they hold sway over the people. As a result of this system, Atherom has suffered many chaotic overthrows and rapid changes of power until a particular dynasty can settle in to the throne. The political game is one fired by finances, favor, popularity, and military strength.
The current king is King Haltija Kuningas. The Kuningas dynasty has been in power for just over a century.
Economy: Atherom is a trade island. While it has the capabilities to be self-sufficient through its farming industry, growing population and luxury inspire much trade with Srada and Talamber, the latter of which makes no secret of its desire to annex Atherom. Due to this conflict of interests, the Thromese and Talambrians nurse a strong dislike for each other, despite their effective and profitable trade partnerships. Atherom has a stable enough economy to support a middle class, mostly comprised of merchants, but also including some artisans. There are a few rich farm owners, but most farming communities are worked by a lower class comprised of independent small owners or tenants on a lord’s estate. Atherom participates sparingly in the slave trade. Many activists oppose the trade, causing problems for those who heartily support it, but not enough to dissuade them. Atherom’s main exports are wool and dye.
Style of life: Most buildings are thatch, half-timber, or stone. Lords tend to live in castles or similar stone buildings. Luxury is often defined by having meat to eat, wearing fine clothes, owning good horses and dogs, and having a house with multiple rooms (and, of course, a fireplace in each of them). Most poorer classes are accustomed to rising before dawn, remaining in the home after twilight, and sharing beds for warmth. Due to the wet climate, winters are very bitter, and one of the greatest causes of death among the lower classes is pneumonia.
(Note:Atherom's names are based on Finnish. This is a decent site; we are looking for a better one. <link>)
Aselaji Forest branch Shaped like a crescent, Aselaji Forest is an open, green forest in the north with tall deciduous trees and limited undergrowth.
Erinomainen City capital
Heinäkasvi Hill grassy The only high ground in its area, Heinäkasvi Hill has traditionally been the site of watchtowers and regional fortresses, changing hands as often as the leading power does.
Joki Virta River river
Kasvi Vihannes Open Land vegetable
Kypsymätön Forest green One of Atherom’s largest forests, Kypsymätön’s towering, ancient trees have stood for time beyond memory. Often filled with salty mists and mysterious misleading trails, Kypsymätön has inspired all manner of legends and rumors regarding strange creatures and unusual powers. While most of the time unfounded, these legends still are common knowledge amongst the Thromese, who avoid entering it at night.
Lehtevä Forest leafy
Lontoo Valtameri City London, Oceanside
Märkyys Lake wet One of Atherom’s two lakes, Märkyys is ideal for freshwater fishing. Small streams from the Nurmikasvi Foothills feed it. Several small villages dot its sandy shores. Märkyys is remarkable for its unusually pale blue colored water.
Merenrannikko City seaside
Metsä Forest woods, forest Approaching Märkyys Lake from the south, Metsä Forest is home to many kinds of wildlife, including red deer. A younger forest, Metsä is very open and allows for plenty of sunlight.
Nihkeä Lake
Nihkeä River damp
Nurmettua Hasis Foothills grassy The Nurmettua Hasis Foothills form the northern half of the eastern spine of hills. Farther south, the hills become the Vesiperäinen Foothills. With a limited amount of trees, the Nurmettua Hasis Foothills provide little cover, but the lowlands between them are well-watered and ideal for small farms.
Nurmikasvi Foothills grassy Atherom’s western line of foothills, the Nurmikasvi are extremely steep, especially farther north where they near Röykkiö Vuorenseinämä Mountain. Only a few short trees crest these dramatic hills.
Röykkiö Vuorenseinämä Mountain mountain Atherom’s only mountain, Röykkiö Vuorenseinämä is visible from many parts of the island. Traditionally held as a place of great mystery and magic, Röykkiö Vuorenseinämä has been the site of many religious pilgrimages. Although it has never been mined, many caves riddle its stony interior. As a result, legends of dragons and other strange creatures are often associated with it. It remains a great source of pride to the Thromese, in a way representing their strength despite their small size.
Ruohokenttä Forest green
Sietää River brook
Tasoryhmä River stream
Täyttää Vedellä Forest swamp Atherom’s largest and most ancient forest, Täyttää Vedellä has been scarcely explored. Its dense interior allows for little light and restricted passage. Closer to the Sietää River where the trees are thinner, it transitions to a treacherous swampland, dripping with moist mist and trailing moss. Its historic wildness has bred an army of dangerous creatures that populate it. Most Thromese avoid it, traveling by sea around it if necessary. Some expeditions traveling upriver along the Sietää from the coast have discovered perfectly preserved Shenndei artifacts in the swamp areas.
Vesiperäinen Foothills wet
Viheriöivä Forest green
Virtaus River stream
(Note:Atherom's names are based on Finnish. This is a decent site; we are looking for a better one. <link>)
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