[ah-me-nuh]
1. Overview
Welcome to Amyna, a region renowned for housing the Paleomyna Wall, an architectural marvel and the largest single structure in the world. Stretching across the landscape, this immense wall forms a formidable defense line against the ancient and formidable Trogs from the Anteanus Peninsula. The presence of the Paleomyna Wall has catalyzed the development of numerous cities and settlements along its length, evolving into bustling urban centers that cater to the needs of the soldiers who perpetually man the wall.
2. Geography
Amyna’s geography is dramatically split by the Paleomyna Wall, creating distinct environments on either side. To the east lies the Anteanus Peninsula, a rugged and scarcely populated area characterized by steep cliffs that plummet into the surrounding ocean. The peninsula’s landscape is predominantly limestone, marked by an intricate network of caves that have rarely been explored beyond cursory scouting missions from the wall.
On the safer western side of the Paleomyna Wall, the geography varies significantly along its extensive length. In the southern regions, extensive forests once stood, but much of this woodland has been cleared to maintain an unobstructed passage along the wall’s length and to create open fields that enhance visibility and defensibility. Moving northward, the landscape transitions into open plains, which further give way to marshlands and fluvial plains. This area is dominated by the expansive delta of the River Serinara, where it meets the Sea of Calanthe. The delta region is a mix of fertile land and challenging marshes, providing both agricultural opportunities and natural defenses against movements from the north.
3. History
The history of the Paleomyna Wall dates back millennia, constructed as a monumental defense against the trogs from the Anteanus Peninsula. This massive structure was engineered not just as a physical barrier but as a symbol of enduring protection against the darkness lurking beyond. Initially manned by iron golems, these guardians were created through ancient means now lost to time, symbolizing the pinnacle of past defensive strategies.
During the Age of Darkness (AoD), the Paleomyna Wall faced its most significant threat when invading demons targeted it as a strategic point for conquest. Their major ploy was to tear down the wall and unleash the trogs onto the broader region, aiming to sow chaos and destruction. The valiant defense mounted by the inhabitants of Amyna, supported by the remnants of the golem guardians, prevented this catastrophic fate. However, the conflict took a tremendous toll on the wall’s defenders and its infrastructure. Now with it’s ancient guardians much diminished its reliance on mortal soldiers has increased significantly.
4. Political Structure
Historically part of the larger realm of Birania, Amyna and its major cities—Troianos, Solway, Corbridge, Carlisle, and Tyne—declared independence to preserve ancient customs and improve administrative efficiency. This independence allows each city to govern itself with distinct laws and customs, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the region. However, the cities unite under a common military command lead by Troianos, during times of war, demonstrating their cooperative spirit and strategic unity.
5. Economy
The economy of the Amyna region thrives significantly due to the presence of the Paleomyna Wall. The continuous need to man this massive fortification with a substantial number of soldiers has naturally led to the development of various settlements along its length. These settlements evolved in times past. from basic encampments to bustling urban centers, as the local populace capitalizes on the economic opportunities presented by the stationed military forces.
These cities and towns flourish by providing goods and services required by the military, ranging from food and lodging to weaponry and armor. The constant flow of wealth brought by the soldiers and the logistical needs of maintaining such a large defensive structure contribute heavily to the local economy. Over time, these settlements have diversified their economic activities. Markets have sprung up to cater not only to the needs of the soldiers but also to the growing number of civilians drawn to the region by its economic opportunities.
6. Culture and Society
In Amyna, the culture is deeply influenced by its longstanding military focus, with societal values centered around martial prowess and the demonstration of strength and skill. This warrior ethos is not only a matter of survival but has also given rise to unique traditions that underscore the region’s combative nature. One such tradition is the trog hunt, a daring and often perilous expedition where warriors, either solo or in groups, venture east of the Paleomyna Wall into the Anteanus Peninsula. The objective is to hunt and slay as many trogs as possible before returning. These hunts serve as both a rite of passage and a means to maintain combat readiness, while also acting as a population control measure against the trogs.
Religion plays a significant role in reinforcing these cultural values, with the population predominantly venerating two deities: Kakurcia, the god of the hunt, and Riero, the god of war. These gods reflect the dual aspects of Amyna’s society—respectively symbolizing strategic prowess and the raw courage needed in battle. Troianos, the capital, houses the largest temple dedicated to Riero, where significant religious ceremonies are conducted to seek his blessings for victory and protection. A macabre yet revered feature of this temple is the Temple of Skulls—a towering pyramid made entirely of trog skulls collected from the defense of the wall. This chilling monument not only serves as a testament to the martial victories of Amyna but also as a stark reminder of the continuous threat lurking just beyond the wall.
Conversely, cities like Carlisle and Tyne have a stronger cultural affinity to Kakurcia, emphasizing skills and strategies associated with hunting. Celebrations and festivals in these cities typically involve competitions and displays of hunting prowess, serving to both honor Kakurcia and to foster a sense of community and shared heritage.
7. Military
The military organization in Amyna is robust, particularly focused on the defense of the Paleomyna Wall. During peacetime, the cities maintain their own local forces, but when threats arise, a unified command under the General of Troianos coordinates the region’s defenses. This system ensures that Amyna can rapidly respond to any incursion by the trogs, with the General overseeing strategies that leverage the wall’s defensive capabilities to the fullest. Beyond the trog threat, there is little threat to Amyna, as non are foolish enough to attack its well defended boundaries.
8. Notable Locations
- Paleomyna Wall: Dominating the landscape of Amyna, the Paleomyna Wall is an architectural and engineering marvel stretching for hundreds of miles across the region. Constructed eons ago, to protect the civilizations of Siar’Morrin from the trog threat from the Anteanus Peninsula.
- Troianos: As the capital city of Amyna and the seat of the region’s military command, Troianos is the political and strategic heart of the region. It is positioned near the central section of the Paleomyna Wall, optimized for rapid deployment of troops along the wall.
- Solway: Situated along the northernmost edge of the Paleomyna Wall, Solway is recognized as the economic powerhouse of Amyna. Its strategic location has historically afforded it unique access to trade routes coming from the northern territories and extensive maritime trade via the Sea of Calanthe.
- Anteanus Peninsula: The Anteanus Peninsula is a stark, rugged stretch of land that serves as the ancient homeland of the trogs. It is characterized by its steep cliffs, rocky terrain, and a labyrinth of limestone caves that have been the trogs’ lairs for millennia.
- Serinara Delta: At the northern end of Amyna, where the River Serinara meets the Sea of Calanthe, lies the Serinara Delta. This area is a blend of fertile agricultural land and challenging marshes, providing both a natural resource base and a defensive barrier against northern threats.
9. Significant Characters
- General Caelus Varikon: The supreme military leader of Amyna, General Varikon commands from Troianos and oversees the defense of the Paleomyna Wall. A stern and pragmatic strategist, he is as much a politician as a soldier, managing the delicate balance between the independent city-states while keeping their militias unified in times of crisis.
- Alexis Solmyre: A celebrated devotee of Kakurcia, High Huntress Alexis has lead many great hunts into the Anteanus Peninsula. Fearless and cunning, she is admired for her ability to track and kill even the most elusive of foes.
- Damarion Skrall: The spiritual heart of Amyna’s devotion to Riero, Arch-Priest Skall presides over the Temple of Skulls in Troianos. Tall and gaunt, with a voice that resonates like a war drum, he leads ceremonies that sanctify the spilling of trog blood as holy war
10. Current Issues and Future Prospects
While now independent, Amyna maintains strong cooperative ties with New Birania, sharing mutual interests in stability and security. The ongoing threat of the trogs and the necessity to adapt old defenses to new challenges are central to Amyna’s current issues. Moving forward, Amyna aims to further strengthen its cities, cultivate its cultural heritage, and ensure that the Paleomyna Wall continues to stand as a bastion of human resilience and ingenuity in a world where ancient dangers still loom large.