Sultros
From Mizahar Lore
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This article is about a location with its own forum to roleplay in. You can find it here. |
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| Region | Kalea | ||
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| Notability | Racial Home of the Isur | ||
| Leader | King Sultros III | ||
| Population | 15,000 | ||
| Races |
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| Languages | Isurian, Common Mizaharian | ||
| Currency | Miza | ||
| Imports | Various trade goods (mostly self-sufficient) | ||
| Exports | Tools, weapons, armor, gadgets | ||
Contents |
Sultros is the name given to the Isurian Kingdom, the ruling Isurian clan and the kingdom's central city. Sultros is the center of the Isurian race and has been since its founding shortly after the Valterrian. Located atop Mt. Izurith; one of the tallest and most isolated peaks of the Kitrean mountain range of the Kalea region, the actual city of Sultros is located in the mountain itself with the imposing Sultros Citadel serving as the city's primary entrance and first line of defense. Inhabited by the proud, industrious and isolationed Isur, the inner confines of Sultros is one of the most well-guarded secrets in all of Mizahar. While Sultros itself is often thought of as being a single city, it is in fact made up of five cities of varying size. Each city is home to a different clan of Isur with each contributing its own unique sub-culture, specialties and goods and services to the kingdom as a whole.
The Climate
The Kitrean Mountains make up a realm of vast beauty. Towering mountain peaks overlook wooded valleys and serves as home to an exhaustive collection of different plant and animal species. The area comprising the Sultros Kingdom experiences harsh winters and cool summers. Those Isur operating trading posts in the foothills experience more moderate conditions. Spring brings cool rains and an explosion of plant growth; blanketing the hills and valleys in greenery. Autumn is cool with less rain and dryer conditions that eventually give way to bitter cold and snow as it gets closer to Winter. Summer is warm but not overly so and offers some much needed relief from the coolness of the rest of the year. Of course most of the changes in weather throughout the different seasons has little affect on the Isur who spend most of their time in the underground confines of their cities.
Geographic Location
Sultros lies almost dead center of the Kalea region to the west of the Suvan Sea. Built in the years following the Valterrian, the city is considered ancient by some but young by Isur standards. Each of the five Isurian cities are topped by a grand citadel. Sultros Citadel lies in the center while each of the other four are located roughly five miles away; built into smaller mountain peaks. While various above ground passes allow access from one Citadel to another, it is the underground tunnels connecting each city to one another that form the primary transportation routes for the Isur. In the foothills of the Kitrean mountains lie a handful of trading posts each operated by different clans. These trading posts serve as points of trade between Isur and outsiders as well as a central defense point for the small Isurian farming villages that provide crops and livestock to the rest of the kingdom.
Trade
Sultros is a primarily self-sufficient kingdom. It mines and processes its own ore, forges its own tools, weapons and armor, farms its own crops, raises its own livestock and otherwise maintains its own inter-clan trade. Via trading posts in the foothills, the Isur engage in trade with outside races. While not necessarily needing anything from the outside world, the Isur do enjoy foreign oddities from other areas of Mizahar. Some items that outsiders take for granted such as furs, meats, fruits and other goods common to them are coveted by many an Isur. At the same time, many of the Isurian crafted goods, seen by outsiders as immensely valuable and rare, are common to the Isur. This creates the perfect environment for trade and through these rather well, fortified trading posts, the Isur engage in beneficial yet limited contact with the outside world.
Art
The Isur are an industrious race that take their work very seriously. A highly creative race, Isur artists are held in just as high regard as their smiths. Sculptures carved from rare stones and metals are a special delight among many Isur and their cities are filled with such examples of their artistic talent. Such sculptures look as though they may come to life at any moment. Isurian architecture may also be considered a form of art by outsiders if they such individuals were ever allowed inside an Isurian city.
Architecture
The five cities of the kingdom, while maintaining stark differences, all have similar architecture. Each of the cities are housed in vast caverns within their respective mountain peaks. The walls of these caverns are lined with structures connected by ladders, stairways and unique automated lift systems. Bridges allow movement from one side of the great cavern to another as do a series of cables baring cargo containers that move materials throughout the city. Buildings are usually constructed with elaborate pillars and arches adorned by magnificent statues and carvings. Subterranean plants are grown and nurtured in a way that they almost become a part of the structures. Countless tunnels bore deep into the mountains and serve not only as the main transportation line from city to city but also house a unique aqueduct system that transports water from various above and below ground sources to wherever it may be needed within the kingdom. While not as complex and magnificent as their now lost ancestral home of Izurith, the cities of the Kingdom of Sultros are industrial works of art hardly opposed by any other in the land.
Culture
Much of the original culture of the Isur was lost in the destruction of Izurith during the Valterrian. The survivors of the Isurian race marched through the devastation in search of a new home. That home became the Kingdom of Sultros. Since then, what did survive of the Isur culture has since evolved into a different entity. There are only a handful of clans remaining after the Valterrian yet their influence on individual Isur is great. Each of the five remaining clans is led by the Isur with a claim to a bloodline closest to that of Izurdin, Himself and make up the Isurian Kingdom. These noble Isur carry the title of Lord and represent their clan in the Isurian Council of Five. The original council was known as the Isurian Council of Ten although the remaining clans were all but wiped out during the Valterrian. In the city of Sultros stands the Hall of Lords where ten chairs sit in addition to the King’s chair. Although five of these chairs remain empty, there are hopes that one day the Council of Ten may be rebuilt from the ashes of the past.
The King of the Isur is the one who rightfully claims the bloodline closest to Izurdin. With most records of heritage now lost, those of the Sultros family are the ones closest to Izurdin and thus carry the royal blood. The other Lords are also descendants of the known noble families and thus their offspring will carry on their titles.
Each clan maintains its own citadel in the old Kitrean mountains. These citadels are located roughly five miles or so from one another and operate as a self-sufficient, fortified city with Sultros being the largest. Although led by specific clans, members of all clans can be found living in each citadel. This is a change from the past when most clans did not intermingle with each other nearly as much.
Sultros Clan - The Sultros clan is considered the ruling clan of the Isur; the one carrying divine blood. They carry themselves as noble and commanding and are expert engineers and architects. They are responsible for the majority of the construction of the city of Sultros. They lead the remains of the Isur nation from that city. Due to their nature, they are often found in positions of influence and leadership. The color of their arms are almost always some variation of red which they claim is proof of the God’s blood running through their veins. The Lord of the Sultros clan is also the King of the Isur.
Vizerian Clan - The Vizerian clan is a zealous clan baring a strong love for religion. This devotion sometimes creates conflict as some of them feel it should give them more sway in the Council of Five than the other clans. As a whole, the Vizerian do carry a strong respect for law and order and thus they are often found in related positions. It is members of this clan who were able to rescue fragments of ancient knowledge and crafts from their ancestral home before its destruction during the Valterrian. Now afraid of the implications such items could have on the rest of their society, these artifacts are hidden deep within their clan citadel and locked away from even their own members. Their arms are usually some variation of blue.
Coglias Clan - Coglias clan has traditionally been the protectors of the Isurian race. Many of the Coglias clan can be found serving in the Isurian military. It is said that after the Velterrian, it was the legendary, Lord Myrian Coglias himself who single-handedly defeated a powerful minion of the dark gods and then laid claim to the mountain that would come to house the Coglias citadel. Even today, Coglias soldiers are some of the fiercest fighters and most disciplined officers in the Isurian military. Their arms are usually some variation of green.
Terras Clan - The Terras clan is the only clan in existence that has been traditionally led by females. Those born to the founding family and its descendants are almost always female. Thus throughout the ages, the daughters of Terras have led the clan. Members of the Terras clan, male or female, are found performing a variety of tasks throughout the Isurian Kingdom. They also tend to possess a natural skill for smithing and their work can be found in all of the Isur citadels. Though males do of course exist in the Terras clan, they almost always married into the clan as a rare few are born. Their arms are usually some variation of purple.
Pitrius Clan - The Pitrius clan is perhaps the smallest of the remaining Isurian clans. They are however the most skilled in the manipulation and use of Djed which in the Council of Five, more than makes up for their lack of size and overall influence. Their members are often found as advisors or scholars and it is in the Pitrius citadel where the Silver Tower is located. Built through the manipulation of Djed, the tower walls are made of pure silver. It is here where Isur come to learn the secrets of Djed beyond simple enchantments. Few outside the clan are accepted for training at the Tower as they work hard to maintain this symbol of clan power. Their arms are usually black, making the silver veins stand out even more.
Cuisine
The kingdom is a source of a variety of foods. While common crops and livestock make up a good portion of cuisine, more exotic foods found only in the subterranean confines of the cities are the staple. Mushrooms, lichen and a variety of underground animals all form the majority of the food consumed by the Isur. Fish caught in various underground lakes are quite popular and are considered a rare delicacy for outsiders who are lucky enough to trade for some.
Major Holidays
The first day of Spring marks the birth of Isengir Izurus Sultros and is known as the Day of the King. This day is filled with celebration and prayer while many Isur dedicate completed works in the name of King Sultros as well as Izurdin. It is considered the holiest of days where in fact all Isurian kings are honored all the way back to King Izurith, mortal son of Izurdin. Prior to the Valterrian, this holiday did not exist.
The Trazen is the name given to every 30th day of each Season. On this day, individuals from all clans come together in the Plaza of the Crimson Arm, the center of Sultros City. The Plaza, surrounded by grand sculptures baring the likeness of master craftsmen, legendary heroes and isur of greatness from throughout known history, is covered in thousands upon thousands of varying-sized walking stones all colored a rich crimson color and arranged in different geometric patterns. The patterns are made from veins of silver that spiderweb across the surface of the stones. Considered the heart of the Kingom, the Plaza holds a grand gathering of tradesmen from every clan on the Trazen as a celebration of the unity that allowed the isur to survive the Valterrian and led to the prosperity they now enjoy. Beginning on the each 30th day and lasting for five days (one for each clan), the Trazen is when clan differences are temporarily forgotten (or at least toned down a bit) and isur from all clans can meet in trade as well as discuss, compare and enjoy each others work. Each day of the Trazen takes on the name of the clan in which it is dedicated to. The days are known as Sultros Trazen, Vizerian Trazen, Coglias Trazen, Terras Trazen and Pitrius Trazen. The names of the days are symbolic in that they represent all clans as being one known as Trazen. Trazen, in the isurian tongue, means family.
Factions
Izurdin's Hammer
While each city in the kingdom maintains its own city guard for security, the kingdom as a whole is defended by Izurdin's Hammer; the primary military force of the Isur. While the Isur have little to no fear of hostile military action on the part of outsiders, their are threats that warrant the need for an organized military force. Ever since the founding of Sultros, the Isur have encountered a number of threats in and underneath the mountains. As the kingdom continues to grow, the chance of facing greater threats increases as well. Buried in the depths of their realm, the Isur have discovered a number of horrific beings and terrible dangers during their ever-present mining operations. These ever-present threats have led to the current incarnation of the elite Isurian military force known as, Izurdin's Hammer. Made up of around 750 of the greatest Isurian warriors the kingdom has to offer, Izurdin's Hammer is the first and last line of defense when faced with deadly threats. Led by warriors from the Coglias clan, soldiers of "The Hammer" go into battle with the lightest of arms and armor. In fact, while all wear a single breastplate baring The Hammer's sigil, few carry any weapons. Instead, soldiers rely on their metallic arms which are almost always enhanced through unique mage-crafting enchantments. Those few that do carry weapons wield artifacts forged by their pre-Valterrian ancestors; weapons capable of unleashing unrivaled harm upon any who threaten the Isurian people. Members of Izurdin's Hammer train from the early years of childhood to become the perfect warriors. Few if any soldiers ever leave the kingdom but those select few that do often do so for purposes of information gathering; hoping to return with reports of potential threats to the kingdom.
Sentinels of the Silver Tower
The Sentinels are those individuals who dare to study in the Silver Tower of the Pitrius clan. The Silver Tower houses the remnants of magical knowledge salvaged from the destruction of the first city of Izurith. The Silver Tower, forged from pure silver magically shaped into a structure, is where the Pitrius clan stores a variety of mystical artifacts and forbidden knowledge. A rare few Isur from all of the clans are allowed entry into the Tower and granted training as a Sentinel although the Pitrius clan maintains the greatest population of Sentinels. Nearly any magical discipline is taught at the tower as well as other interests such as the use of poison, philtering and other unique and sometimes dangerous material. The Sentinels are a secretive bunch; imparting their knowledge only to the few who prove their worthy of it. Sentinels are identified by the cloaks that they wear; deep shades of their clan's arm color embroidered with the symbol of a silver flame.
Locations of Interest
Izurdin's Forge
While each Isurian city in the kingdom has its own religious center, Izurdin's Forge is primary temple for the worship of Izurdin and is located in the city of Vizerian beneath the Vizerian clan citadel. While forges throughout Sultros produce blessed items empowered with the will of Izurdin, Izurdin's Forge is where the mightiest of divine artifacts are forged in the god's name. Creation is the greatest form of worship in Sultros and thus those who prove themselves the most faithful and most skilled are allowed to work in The Forge. All adult Isur make a pilgrimage to The Forge at least once in their lifetime. It is at that time that the Isur offers their finest creation to Izurdin for judgment. Works favored by the god are uniquely blessed and the creator is graced by Izurdin's direct presence. This is the goal of nearly every Isur as being blessed by Izurdin's presence and having their work acknowledge in such a manner is considered the greatest of achievements. Those whose work is not satisfactory to the god are often granted some form of divine inspiration instead so that they may return to their forge and improve their creation. The Forge itself is structured like any other forge yet the entire structure and everything within it bares the direct touch of Izurdin.
The Silver Tower
Located in beneath the Pitrius clan citadel, the Silver Tower was built by the presiding Lord Pitrius in the years following the Valterrian. Possessing the skill to manipulate djed not seen since his passing, Pitrius raised the tower from a single vein of silver and molded it into the beautiful structure that it is today. Made up of multiple levels, many of which extend deep beneath the rest of the clan city, the Silver Tower is home to the Sentinels; the practitioners of various magical and magically-related disciplines. The inner confines of the Tower are also made of pure silver and through a vast array of enchantments, only those marked as Sentinels or students may roam the metallic halls. Few outside of clan Pitrius are allowed entry into the Tower yet those who do experience wonders and horrors beyond mundane imagination.
The Clan Citadels
The Isurian Kingdom of Sultros is made up of five separate cities topped by five separate citadels. While the cities remain buried in the mountains, the citadels stand open to the outside world. Effectively fortified castles, these citadels are the first line of defense against threats from the outside world while also offering the closest contact any non-Isur may ever hope to have with the heart of Isurian culture. Lacking much of the beauty of the architecture found within the cities, the citadels are a symbol of Isurian might. Accessed only by heavily watched and protected mountain passes, the citadels sport an arsenal of catapults, balistas, trebuchets and even the highly destructive yet rarely seen bombards. Built from stone dozens of feet thick and manned at all times by members of the city guard as well as soldiers of The Hammer, these citadels have yet to be breached in the centuries that they have stood. Each citadel is aligned with one of the five existing Isurian clans and while the occupying forces are mainly clan-specific, there are member of other clans found serving in each of the different citadels. Sultros Citadel is by far the largest of the five followed by Coglias, Vizerian, Terras and Pitrius.
The Tomb of King Sultros
King Sultros also known as Isengir Izurus Sultros, was the leader of the Isurian race during the Valterrian. It was he who led the Isur from the destruction of their home and saved the race from annihilation. Through his leadership, the Isur survived and rebuilt their lives and their kingdom. He brought the five surviving clans together and built the city of Sultros from which were born the other four. He lived longer than any other Isur known to date and his deeds are honored even in his death. In the great central cavern that houses the city of Sultros lies the Isengir's tomb. Upon his death, the lords of each of the other four clans (nearly as old as Isengir had been) pooled their vast talents together of create the tomb. Hovering hundreds of feet above the cavern floor is a large chunk of stone said to be the very stone where Isengir stood and pronounced the founding of the new kingdom. The stone hovers through the power of magic infused into the stone by Lord Pitrius. Built on top of the stone is a sarcophagus cut from a single giant ruby by Lady Terras. Lord Coglias, Isengir's best friend, offered his soul to Izurdin to forever protect his comrade in death; thus the tomb's guardian is said to be the spirit of that era's Lord Coglias. Lord Vizerian blessed the tomb and asked Izurdin to grace it with his divine touch. Izurdin appeared on the final day of the tomb's construction and decreed that the tomb would be the holiest of sites dedicated to Him and that if ever again the Isur faced a threat of the likes of the Valterrian, Isengir himself would return once more to defend that which he had created.
People of Sultros
Lord Sultros - Lord of Clan Sultros and King of the Isur. Since the Valterrian, there have been three individuals to hold this title.
Lord Vizerian = Lord of Clan Vizerian and High Priest of Izurdin. Since the Valterrian, there have been four individuals to hold this title.
Lord Coglias = Lord of Clan Coglias and Commander of Izurdin's Hammer. Since the Valterrian, there have been three individuals to hold this title.
Lady Terras = Lady of Clan Terras and Master of the Forge. Since the Valterrian, there have been three individuals to hold this title.
Lord Pitrius = Lord of Clan Pitrius and Master of the Sentinels. Since the Valterrian, there have been three individuals to hold this title.
More to come later
| Part of the Geography series | |
 | Sylira Syliras · Zeltiva · Nyka · Sahova · Sunberth · Lisnar · Ravok |
 | Cyphrus Endrykas · Riverfall · Kenash · Claridon |
 | Taldera Avanthal · The Spires · Karjin · Novallas |
 | Kalea Sultros · Alvadas · Kalinor · Lhavit · Wind Reach · Denval |
 | Eyktol Hai · Wadrass · Malrion · Ahnatep |
 | Falyndar Taloba · Charbosi · Zinrah · Syka |
 | Major islands Akvatar · Darva · Mura · Black Rock |