[ah-vah-toh-lee-kah]
1. Overview
Avatolika, nestled along the eastern edge of Lake Serenith, is a modest kingdom heavily reliant on lake-based industries such as fishing and trade. Its eastern borders are less defined, gradually transitioning into the North Road Barrens, a sparsely populated and rugged area.
Recently, Avatolika’s already strained economy has been further tested by escalating tensions with its western neighbor, Vasae. At the heart of the conflict lies a contentious territorial dispute over Star Fall Island, a central island in Lake Serenith, with both sides accusing the other of aggression. This aggression has led to preposterous and excessive tariffs imposed on Avatolika goods.
With tensions at a boiling point, many see conflict as inevitable. For the people of Avatolika, it is viewed not merely as a political struggle but as a fight for survival, a desperate defense of their rights and sovereignty against what they perceive as Vesae’s oppressive tactics.
2. Geography
Avatolika stretches along the eastern edge of Lake Serenith, with its western border closely following the lake’s shoreline. This proximity to the lake serves as a lifeline for the region, as much of Avatolika’s land is surprisingly arid, a stark contrast to the lush conditions seen in neighboring kingdoms. The further east one ventures, the more pronounced this aridity becomes, creating a challenging environment for agriculture and settlement.
The western border of Avatolika is a critical and highly contested area. The fertile lands along the lakes northern edges are essential for the region’s limited agriculture, but this same value has made them a target of dispute. Vesae frequently undermines Avatolika’s claims, with ambiguous borderlines and persistent efforts to assert control over key parcels of this contested land. The result is an ongoing struggle for territorial influence, further straining the already tense relationship between the two kingdoms.
3. History
To many, Avatolika’s history is little more than a footnote, marked by limited influence and a modest role in the grander narratives of the Shattered Kingdoms. This obscurity proved to be a blessing during the Schism Wars, as Avatolika largely escaped the devastation that ravaged its neighbours, overlooked by the more powerful kingdoms.
However, the kingdom’s current conflict with Vesae has brought it into the spotlight. The dispute over Star fall Island, combined with accusations of piracy and oppressive trade practices, has escalated tensions to unprecedented levels. What was once a quiet corner of the Shattered Kingdoms now teeters on the brink of war, as Avatolika fights to protect its sovereignty and way of life.
4. Political Structure
While recognised as a singular region, Avatolika lacks a central ruler or overarching authority. Instead, the kingdom is composed of a network of self-governing villages and towns, each led by a lord, chief or similar position. Despite this independence, Avatolika is bound together by a strong cultural identity, shared history, and common ancestry. These ties foster a deep sense of unity and mutual respect among its people, enabling them to cooperate effectively when faced with external threats or challenges, such as the escalating tension with Vesae.
In response to the escalating conflict, a temporary council composed of the most powerful and influential leaders in Avatolika has been formed. This council coordinates efforts to manage the region’s defenses, mediate disputes, and present a unified stance in external matters. While some question how long this council will remain intact, others view it as a sign that Avatolika is adapting to the pressures of the modern age without compromising its deeply ingrained traditions.
5. Economy
Avatolika’s economy is heavily reliant on trade with neighboring regions, particularly for goods and resources that its modest lands cannot produce. This dependency has left the kingdom vulnerable to external pressures, and the imposition of significant tariffs by Vesae has had a devastating impact. These tariffs are not limited to Avatolika’s exports but also heavily target imports, drastically increasing the cost of essential goods and making it even harder for the kingdom to sustain itself.
To exacerbate the situation, Mesokini, a critical trading partner, has also imposed both import and export tariffs on Avatolika, allegedly under pressure from Vesae. These restrictions severely hinder the flow of goods into the region, leaving Avatolika struggling to acquire vital supplies. The dual burden of import and export tariffs has created a stranglehold on the kingdom’s economy, with its merchants and citizens bearing the brunt of these economic hardships. Currently, Pistos serves as a lifeline, the only local region still willing to conduct fair trade with the struggling people of Avatolika.
Many in Avatolika view these actions as a deliberate and coordinated effort to weaken the kingdom, fostering resentment and fueling the ongoing tensions with Vesae. This economic isolation has left Avatolika in a precarious position, with few viable options to counteract these pressures, compounding the challenges faced by its people and leaders.
6. Culture and Society
Among the Shattered Kingdoms, Avatolika maintains the strongest and healthiest relationship with the centaurs of Hybla Gratis, the region to its north. This bond, however, remains fragile, with the devastating purge led by the Knights of Fireoath, having left deep scars. While the centaurs recognise Avatolika’s more peaceful disposition, they remain wary, forming only limited trade and strictly monitored interactions.
Religiously, Avatolika is deeply tied to Ooscie, the elemental deity of water, and her decendants, the Naiads. These mystical beings, though rare in the current age, are deeply respected and hold an almost deified status among the people of Avatolika. Their association with Lake Serenith has cemented their place in local folklore, festivals, and rituals. Shrines to Ooscie and offerings left at sacred sites are common throughout the region.
Despite the growing external pressures, the people of Avatolika remain hardy and resourceful. As challenges to their existence mount, they respond with an unyielding determination to endure, fostering a stronger sense of identity and unity that binds them together against all odds.
7. Military
Despite its modest means, Avatolika has maintained a surprisingly resilient and capable military force. Its avoidance of the Schism Wars spared it from the financial burdens and population losses that weakened many neighboring kingdoms, allowing it to focus resources on maintaining and strengthening its defenses.
Additionally, Avatolika’s proximity to the North Road Barrens and The Western Scar has long made it a critical line of defence against the corrupted forces seeking to expand west for generations. The constant threat from these forces has forged Avatolika’s people into a hardy and self-reliant population. Virtually all citizens are trained in self-defense, and many possess the skills and fortitude to contribute to the kingdom’s military efforts if needed.
As tensions with Vesae escalate, Avatolika has been actively growing its military capabilities. While it lacks the resources to sustain a standing army solely dedicated to warfare, the kingdom has focused on equipping its populace and fostering a sense of patriotic duty. Every citizen is seen as a potential soldier, ready and willing to defend their homeland at a moment’s notice.
8. Notable Locations
- Avatolika: The largest city in the region and the current seat of the Council of Leaders. Located where the Capilli River flows into Lake Serenith, Avatolika serves as the region’s military and administrative centre.
- Lunor Crossing: A modest village situated near Avatolika’s northern border, Lunor Crossing serves as the primary point of interaction with the centaurs of Hybla Gratis. The centaurs, wary of human intentions, conduct all trade and diplomacy exclusively in this village.
- Star Fall Island: The contested island at the heart of Lake Serenith, Star Fall Island is a strategic location vital to regional trade. Both Avatolika and Vesae claim ownership, and the dispute over the island has fueled tensions between the two kingdoms.
9. Significant Characters
- Fionn Domhail: A charismatic and pragmatic leader, Fionn serves as the de facto head of the Council. Originally, Lord of Avatolika city, Fionn has maintained his position as the most powerful of the leaders of Avatolika.
- Eillis Chathain: Leader of Bournehave, Eilis serves as a voice of opposition on the council. She opposes war, favoring diplomatic resolutions and a focus on fostering self-reliance within the region.
- Ruadhan Airt: The only council member not originally a city leader, Ruadhan was a former member of the Rift Watch, and a well respected military leader. He believes a strong military presence is the only way to ensure Avatolika’s survival against Vesae and other potential threats.
- Laufi Haolan: Chief of Barrenhold, the most eastern of Avatolika’s settlements, Laufi is a rough man, tasked with the protection of the regions edges against the corrupted forces that lie in the lands beyond. Like Raudhan, he is a strong endorser of increasing the regions military might.
- Cliona Laigh: The religious representative on the council, Cliona is the Elder of Lochraine. Although traditionally, a pacifist Cliona believes that to preserve the sanctity of Lake Serenith and the culture of the Avatolika people, war is inevitable. As such she works to foster support from the remaining Naiads and Oosice for the upcoming conflict.
- Brian Cearhail: Brian is the Chief of Lunor Crossing, and largely regarded as the bridge between centaur and humans. His respectful approach and understanding of centaur culture have earned him the rare trust of these elusive beings, making him an indispensable figure in maintaining the fragile relationship between Avatolika and Hybla Gratis.
10. Current Issues and Future Prospects
The ongoing territorial dispute over Star Fall Island has brought Avatolika to the brink of war with Vesae. Building of this tension, Vesae’s trade tariffs and accusations of piracy have further strained Avatolika’s economy. The proximity to the North Road Barrens and the Western Scar compounds these issues, as the constant need for vigilance against demonic forces or corrupted wildlife, diverts resources that could be used to prepare for the looming conflict.
Despite these challenges, a victory over Vesae offers significant potential for Avatolika’s future. Gaining control of Star Fall Island would provide a strategic trade advantage, allowing Avatolika to establish dominance over critical trade routes on Lake Serenith. Such a victory could revitalize its economy, while simultaneously reducing its dependency on external powers.