[knee-oh-doo-luhs]
1. Overview
Neodoulas, the youngest of the Shattered Kingdoms, broke away from Doulas under the leadership of its ambitious ruling class, who seized the majority of the region’s resources and military power. Situated in the far west, Neodoulas has established strong ties with Thapsos and Fort Logos, serving as a critical gateway for trade between these regions and the rest of the Shattered Kingdoms. Additionally, Neodoulas has carved a lucrative niche by capturing ‘recruits’ from neighboring territories and selling them into service at Fort Logos, a practice that has made the region exceedingly wealthy
2. Geography
Situated on the highlands between the Ridgeback Mountains and the Protoramus Range, Neodoulas boasts the highest average elevation of any region in Siar’Morrin. Its lofty position exposes it to harsh winters, fierce winds, and rugged terrain, creating an environment of steep slopes and dramatic vistas. To the west, the land narrows between the mountain ranges before plunging sharply into the Pilliga Plains, overlooking Thapsos, far below. The path descending into Thapsos is treacherously steep and winding, making it both a natural barrier and a critical route for trade and movement. In contrast, the eastern lands of Neodoulas gradually slope downward, merging into the broader terrain that gently transitions toward the Serenith Basin.
These eastern edges are dominated by farmland worked by ‘recruits’ deemed unsuitable for Fort Logos. These farms are critical to supporting the upper classes of the region, ensuring a steady supply of resources and luxuries despite the harshness of the land. To the south, the kingdom’s border is defined by the sprawling Dusk Forest, a wild and untamed expanse riddled with creatures and races that most Neodoulasians view as nuisances or threats. Many in Neodoulas see the Dusk Forest as a waste of valuable land, longing for it to be cleared and brought under control, but its dense terrain and dangerous inhabitants make such ambitions a daunting challenge.
3. History
Neodoulas’ history is brief yet marked by its rapid ascent to prominence. Breaking away from the stagnation and inefficiency of Doulas, Neodoulas quickly established itself as a thriving and resourceful region, leveraging the wealth and military might it claimed during the separation. While some neighbouring regions harbor resentment towards Neodoulas for its aggressive tactics and perceived opportunism, many within the kingdom view their success as a testament to their ingenuity, resilience, and ability to adapt in a world fraught with challenges.
Relations with Mesoyi have been complex since the separation. In its early years, Neodoulas frequently ventured into Mesoyi’s lands, justifying their actions as necessary ‘explorations’ to secure supplies and ‘recruit’ its people to serve the vital needs of Fort Logos. Over time, however, Neodoulas recognized the strategic value of a stable neighbour. Negotiations led to a mutual arrangement: Mesoyi would provide surplus food supplies, while Neodoulas would seek recruits elsewhere.
As for its former rulers in Doulas, the relationship remains deeply fractured. Neodoulas still carries the wounds of what it perceives as years of oppression and mismanagement under Doulas’ failing rule. ‘Explorations’ into Doulas remain common, officially justified as efforts to enforce dominance and secure the recruits needed to meet Neodoulas’ obligations to Fort Logos. While these incursions are viewed as a necessity within Neodoulas, Doulas has branded them as unprovoked raids, using propaganda to paint Neodoulas as a ruthless aggressor. This narrative has stoked tensions, not just between the two regions but across the Shattered Kingdoms.
4. Political Structure
Neodoulas operates under an Oligarchic Meritocracy, where power is concentrated in the hands of a small ruling council known as the Dominion Assembly. This assembly is comprised of the most influential landowners, military leaders, and merchants within the region. Membership is earned through demonstrated contributions to the kingdom’s prosperity and security, ensuring that only those who have proven themselves as capable and resourceful are given a voice in governance.
At the head of the Dominion Assembly is the Dominarch, a position of supreme authority granted to the most prominent and influential member of the council. The Dominarch is chosen through a mix of internal politicking and public displays of strength or cunning, such as orchestrating successful military campaigns or securing critical trade deals. The role is not hereditary, and new Dominarchs can rise through either merit or, in some cases, outright manipulation and coercion.
5. Economy
The backbone of Neodoulas’ economy lies in its ‘forced recruits,’ with these recruits forming the foundation of nearly every industry. These individuals, recruited during expeditions into neighbouring lands, work the farms, serve the upper class, and maintain the region’s infrastructure. While most recruits live under harsh conditions, those who demonstrate exceptional skill or loyalty can, in rare cases, rise to more favorable positions, such as operating businesses or providing specialized services.
Neodoulas’ trade in recruits is also a significant economic driver. With Fort Logos perpetually in need of soldiers, the kingdom profits immensely by supplying a steady flow of forced conscripts. The demand is so high that the military leaders of Fort Logos are willing to turn a blind eye to their origins, and pay an incentive for their continued supply.
Beyond its trade in recruits, Neodoulas faces challenges in engaging with the broader economy of the Shattered Kingdoms. The lingering animosity from its split with Doulas has led to widespread propaganda and mistrust, limiting trade opportunities with many neighboring regions. However, the ever pragmatic Mesokini has emerged as a consistent trade partner, willing to overlook Neodoulas’ practices in exchange for favorable deals and reliable goods.
6. Culture and Society
The culture and society of Neodoulas are deeply stratified, reflecting the rigid hierarchy established by its political and economic systems. At its core, status is everything, with the ruling elite enjoying unparalleled wealth and privilege while the lower classes, particularly the forced recruits, endure harsh conditions and minimal freedoms.
The aristocracy of Neodoulas lives in opulence, often isolated from the struggles of the broader population. They view themselves as the rightful rulers of the region, their wealth and power justified by their supposed ingenuity and resourcefulness in carving out Neodoulas’ independence. Art, architecture, and literature are all highly regarded among this class, often used as tools to celebrate Neodoulas’ dominance and its unique place in Siar’Morrin. The elite are also deeply pragmatic, placing value on alliances, resource management, and practical governance over idealistic pursuits.
For the forced recruits and lower classes, life is a constant struggle for survival. While most recruits work under harsh conditions with little hope of freedom, some cling to the faint possibility of rising through the ranks by demonstrating loyalty or exceptional skill. This faint glimmer of social mobility ensures compliance from the majority while fostering a culture of internal competition. In an effort to maintain order, the upper class occasionally enacts superficial reforms or grants minor privileges to the lower classes, claiming such actions demonstrate their “benevolence.” These gestures are carefully calculated to prevent rebellion while maintaining the stark power imbalance that defines Neodoulas.
While the upper classes are free to practice whatever faith they please, the religious few are largely dedicated to Mercio. Outside of this the ruling class often views religion as a tool for control or manipulation rather than spiritual fulfillment. Temples and shrines exist, but they are largely symbolic, catering more to visitors or specific economic interests than to the populace’s spiritual needs.
7. Military
The military of Neodoulas is a cornerstone of its governance, serving not only as a means of external defence but also as a tool for maintaining internal control. Due to its reliance on ‘expeditions’ to neighbouring regions and the constant need to oversee and manage the large population of forced recruits, Neodoulas invests heavily in its military forces.
The military is structured around two primary functions: external operations and internal enforcement. The external forces are tasked with conducting expeditions and securing trade routes to ensure a steady flow of resources and recruits. These units are well-trained and equipped, often operating with brutal efficiency to achieve their objectives. The internal enforcement units, meanwhile, serve as overseers within Neodoulas itself, ensuring compliance among the recruits and suppressing any dissent or rebellion.
8. Notable Locations
- Akrotit: The capital city of Neodoulas, Akrotit stands as the epitome of the region’s opulence and decadence. Built with the wealth generated from its unique economy, the city boasts grand palaces, intricate stonework, and lavish marketplaces that cater to its elite. It serves as a hub of governance and luxury, a stark contrast to the hardships faced by those who labour to sustain its splendor.
- Malex: A city of stark contrasts, Malex is perched between the mountain ranges, offering breathtaking views of Thapsos and the vast plains below. For its residents, it is a haven of comfort and wealth, with grand estates and cultural centers dotting its expanse. However, for the recruits passing through, Malex is a harbinger of doom, a gateway to the perilous descent into Thapsos and, ultimately, servitude at Fort Logos. Added to this, recuits not offered the comforts of Malex’s residents are exposed to the full force of the weather at these dizzying heights.
- Fort Pliroforia: The Fort of Tribute, as it has come to be known, serves as the primary collection point for the tribute of food and supplies agreed upon in the treaty with Mesoyi. The fort is both a symbol of Neodoulas’ dominance and storehouse for the supplies gathered. Its defences are modest, designed to deter rebellion rather than repel external threats, as Mesoyi’s submissive nature has rendered such precautions largely unnecessary.
- Fort Aetius: Situated on the border with Doulas, Fort Aetius is a strategic stronghold that serves as the launching point for ‘expeditions’ into neighboring territories. Heavily fortified and brimming with soldiers, the fort is a hive of activity, with recruits being processed and military campaigns meticulously planned. Its presence is a constant thorn in Doulas’ side, serving as a reminder of Neodoulas’ military strength and unyielding ambition.
9. Significant Characters
- Damian Tyarch Kordis: The current Dominarch, Damian is a pragmatic and calculating leader, exemplifying the harsh yet efficient governance of Neodoulas. Although criticized by neighbouring kingdoms for his ruthless policies, his supporters admire him for his cunning and his unwavering dedication to ensuring Neodoulas thrives.
- Alexion Drakar: Known for his tactical brilliance and unforgiving discipline, Alexion is the mastermind behind Neodoulas’ many expeditions. Fiercely loyal to Neodoulas, he believes the regions survival hinges on asserting dominance over its weaker neighbours.
- Lady Thalena Vrexos: Thalena oversees Malex with an iron grip, ensuring that the city remains a symbol of Neodoulas’ wealth and power. While outwardly indulgent and aloof, she is secretly one of the region’s most shrewd politicians, managing to maintain Malex’s duality as both a haven for the elite and a waypoint for recruits.
- Captain Iason Phrakos: Iason oversees the tribute collection from Mesoyi, a role he views as thankless yet vital. Torn between a sense of duty and the disdain he feels for the task, Iason’s moral conflict is well-known among his subordinates. Unlike most of Neodoulas’ leaders, he occasionally shows compassion to those he oversees, creating tension with the harsher elements of his kingdom.
- Nikael Zorakos: Once a recruit sold to Fort Logos, Nikael served with such valour and efficiency he was eventually granted his freedom. Unlike most, he did not retire to Thapsos, instead he returned to Neodoulas and put his new skills to work earning a name for himself on numerous expeditions. Now a wealthy and respected name within the region, Nikael has earned himself a position on the Dominion Assembly.
10. Current Issues and Future Prospects
Neodoulas faces several challenges as it navigates its controversial rise to power. Internally, the region grapples with growing discontent among its lower classes and the “recruits,” who see their treatment as a grave injustice. Rumours of rebellion ever pervade the region, threating to materialize should an opportunity ever present itself. Additionally, reliance on ‘expeditions’ into Doulas as a means of securing recruits and resources has become a delicate balancing act. There is a growing awareness among Neodoulas’ leadership that overexploitation could render Doulas an unviable target. Depleting the population or resources of their former overlord would eliminate a critical source of income and weaken Neodoulas’ ability to maintain its current system.
To address this, some within the Dominion Assembly have begun advocating for a diversification of targets. Discussions have turned to expanding expeditions beyond Doulas, with Vasae emerging as a potential target. Vasae’s relative wealth and central position make it an appealing option for resource acquisition, though its stronger military poses risks. Additionally, daring voices have even suggested incursions into Hybla Gratis, aiming to capture centaurs as recruits.
While such considerations highlight Neodoulas’ ambition and pragmatism, they also reveal the precariousness of its reliance on forced labor. Expanding expeditions into new territories could bring immediate gains but risks spreading resources too thin or provoking broader conflicts that could destabilise the region.