Kythus

National Overview

Kythus occupies a length of the western shores of Anexëa. Bordered on the north, east and south by the Darlom mountains. The cliff coast of Kythus is on the Mërlëan Sea. The extent to which the country’s borders extend into the mountains is generally accepted to be the first set of mountain peaks, forming a jagged line.

The prevailing weather comes from the west over the Mërlëan Sea. The climate is generally moist, as the cliffs force the cool sea air up the mountains, causing frequent precipitation.

Geographic Area

Population

The population of Kythus is almost exclusively treahni of Kythan stock, with the occasional Layor, Tabrani, Aralian or Corinthean immigrants, and quite rare Qulani.

Dominant Culture

Kythan

Government

Head of State

Üprewyna: Üprewyna Duncana II; Kythus is ruled by a Üprewyna (Over-chief/King). The title is hereditary, usually going to the first born son. There has only been a single family holding the crown since the amalgamation of the various great clans into a single nation.

Capitol

Möjres

Levels

National

Kythus is ruled by the Üprewyna, who sets the laws and policies for the nation. Administratively the nation is subdivided into four provinces, and in addition to the regional ministers, the Üprewyna has a council whom advise the monarch on key matters of state.

The current councillors are:

Provincial

Provinces are administrative regions of the nation.

Divisions

Kythus is divided into 4 provinces (listed from north to south):

Karelëa - The northern most province of Kythus, Karelëa's southern border is the Celvan river. The provincial seat is in Möjres.
Estëva - Located south of Karelëa, this province's northern border is the Celvan river, and its southern border in the Narn river. The provincial seat is in Zoöcger Pemep.
Tenerëa - Located to the north of Südëa, this province's southern border is the Yges river, and its northern border is the Narn river. The provincial seat is in Osk.
Südëa - The southern most province of Kythus. Südëa’s northern border is the Yges River, which flows from the Darlom Mountains to the Mërlëan Sea. The provincial seat is in Farsë.

Nybwymü

Each Province is under the supervision of an appointed Nybwyna or Nybwyva (provincial chief), who ensures that taxes are collected, and that the crowns laws are enforced. The position usually held by an important noble, who has good standing with the Üprewyna.

The four Nybwynü of Kythus are:

Karelëa - Dëycna Naved
Estëva - Owrëna Pënëla
Tenerëa - Klecüna Pälöfrag
Südëa - Häjena Bagavra

Elätwywymü

A portion of a Province under the control of a singular Twywyna or Twywyva.
Twywymü: Nobles who hold title and are the administrators of a provincial subdivision containing several Eläwymü.

Eläwynü

The lands possessed by a Wyna or Wyva through vassalage to the Üprewyna of Kythus. These are further subdivided into several smaller fiefs owned by the Wyna's or Wyva's own sworn vassals in turn.

Eläëdhëmü

The fief of an ëdhëna or ëdhëva, is usually a single village and associated land holdings granted to a individual noble vassal by their liege.
Ëdhëmü: A landed noble who controls at least one eläëdhë. They may benefit from the wealth of their lands, but owe a vassal fee in taxes to their liege in addition to any military support requirements.

City

Kythus has only a small number of settlements which qualify as cities. Such populous places are usually the holds of the Nybwyna, or other important nobles landholders. The noble landholder is free to appoint others to administer the daily business of city life, and many have a small council similar to that of the Üprewyna on a national level. Such positions may be appointed or elected as fitting with the desires of the landholder.

Town

With the exception of a few freetowns, settlements of this scale are usually the holds of Wyna or other important landholding nobles.

Freetowns

A few settlements have a royal charter allowing them the autonomy of self rule outside of the liege and vassal structure which exists throughout Kythus. These places elect officials to run the town government and pay taxes and tribute to the crown directly. Presently only two such settlements exist; Arketh and Kemp Hyläböm.

Law Making

Laws in Kythus are a matter of social custom, and edicts from the ruling class. Any noble landholder, or otherwise appointed government official, may dictate law for the lands and people under their control, however such laws may not contradict laws of higher authorities, and ultimately the highest legal authority in Kythus, the Üprewyna himself.

Enforcement

Laws are enforced by the military might of the person or persons who set dictate the laws in place. Some cities and towns may have a separate dedicated police force who patrol to keep the peace and investigate crime.

Few laws demand immediate punishment, usually one is permitted a trial, where they, or a advocate, may plead their case before a judge who is often the local lord themselves.

Specific Laws

In Kythus there are a few laws unique to the nation.

Taxation

Kythans at all levels pay some taxes annually to their liege or town council, at each level of the liege and vassal hierarchy. The funds collected are used to maintain and run the holdings, as well as provide the landholder a direct income.

Public Works

Taxes are spent to improve and maintain public infrastructure for the betterment of life within a holding or settlement.

Roads

Roads are maintained to the minimal standard to allow movement of people, livestock and goods. Bridges and fords along the routes are the responsibility of the local landholder.

Irrigation

Local landholders may maintain millponds, ditches and canals as needed for the agricultural and industrial needs within their hold.

Sanitation

Most settlements in Kythus do not have a network of sewers, but rely on dung haulers to collect nightsoil or urine for agricultural or industrial purposes. In rural areas outhouses with latrine pits are common for treahni waste.

Commerce

The Majority of Kythus depends on an Agrarian feudal model of production. Forestry, Mining, Farming and Fishing are the major economic producers.

Agriculture

Crops

Kythans farm a selection of fruits, grains and vegetables suited to the climate and latitudes.
Fruit: Apples, Plums, Cherries, Berries, and some varieties of grapes in the Southern province of Sudea.
Grains: Moisture tolerant mudgrains, and potgrains are grown throughout Kythus, and the drier climate of the southern province allows for some daygrain cultivation.
Legumes: A wide variety of beans, peas, and other legumes are common throughout Kythus.
Root Vegetables: Pot roots, and other tubers are farmed throughout Kythus with local regional preferences to certain varietals.
Leaf Vegetables: Cabbages, and other leaf vegetables are common throughout Kythus.
Squashes: Vine growing squash are grown throughout Kythus, with regional preferences to certain varietals.
Melons: Melons are grown in the southern province primarily, with a few hardier varietals grwon throughout Kythus.
Grapes: Only a few grape varieties are suitable to the climate of Kythus, and are mostly grown in the southern province.
Herbs: Herbs are typically grown in private gardens, and are not a major crop on a national level.

Herds

Kythan livestock is kept for meat, leather or wool, and milk production primarily. Fowl farmed in large numbers for meat, eggs, and feathers as well.
Tëka: Primarily woolly tëka kept in village pastures as a textile fibre producer.
Cebbuc: Some regions of Kythus keep herds of domesticated cebuc for meat, milk, and leather.
Rabbuk: Rabbuc are a source of milk and meat throughout Kythus.
Rabbox: Rabbox are kept as plow transport animals.
Horses: Primarily raised as beasts of burden. A few regions of Kythus are known for producing suitable mounts for the climate and terrain.
Fowl: Geese, ducks, Chickens and the like are usually free range in villages, as mass farming is not yet a thing.

Secondary Agricultural Resources

Wysps: Kythan fruit growers will maintain hives of honey wysps for pollination of fruit trees, and the production of honey and wysp wax.
Tree Sap: Some Kythans tap and extract birch or maple saps for making sweet syrups, although the practice is limited to areas where such trees are prolific.
Flax: Flax is grown where suitable to provide plant based textile fibre.
Lüaj: Cedar bark is a source of Lüaj, a rough textile fibre used in some parts of Northern Kythus.

Hunting

Hunting of seasonal waterfowl, and local wildlife is a common source of meat for Kythans of all social strata. Wild populations of Rabbuk exist throughout the forest, and Cebuk are found in more mountainous areas.

Fishing

The many rivers and Coastal waters of Kythus provide a wide variety of fish, shellfish, and other seafoods. Kelps, and other aquatic plants are even farmed in some locales.

Gathering

Gathering of wild herbs, berries, roots, fungi, and tree nuts is common in regions where such are found in the wilds and woodlands.

Industry

Resource Extraction

Forestry: Kythus has excellent old growth forests for producing timber for building construction and manufacture of wooden goods. Pines, Cedar, and several hardwoods are more commonly harvested for trade and export. Willows and ash are used for thatching, and basketry.
Mining: Kythus has many mines in the mountains which produce tin, copper, silver, gold, and some gemstones. Limestone quarries in the low lands produce quality stone for construction.

Manufacturing

Trade

Imports / Exports

Transportation

Trade Routes

Currency

The most common currency in Kythus is the penë, agaäcaspenë (simply a penë cut into halves) or wroäcaspenë (cut into four equal parts). Each province of Kythus mints its own coins, which bear the provincial crest on the obverse, and the name likeness and year of reign of the Üprewyna on the reverse. Occasionally Qulani Döls will surface, but most foreign coins such as Aralian or Tabrani currency are kept for trade with those nations and do not circulate in general. Usurers notes are common in Kythus for both international and inter-provincial trade. Among commoners, barter is the most common method of trade.

Banks / Money Lenders

Moneylenders can be found in any settlement of town size or larger, while banks proper only exist in the few Kythan cities. In small settlements, loans would be a matter for the local Wynu, or the Church of Ryla to dispense funds.

Role of Guilds

The influence of the guild system is growing in Kythus, but many of the common guilds are still in their infancy, and the rarer guilds may be absent entirely. Drawing on foreign models guilds in Kythus work to establish standards of quality for goods and services under their purview, but also to monopolize trade in certain areas. Individual Wynu will make their own deals with guilds, who do not have enough secular power to force their way into the lcoal economies on a national scale.

Military

Controlling Body

Size

Organization / Ranks

Roles / Equipment

Conflicts

Past

The War That Wasn't: 361 YG; In the autumn of 361 YG, Üprewyna Sköharna III of Kythus declared war for a few hours on Kwakwolna, a Wyna in the southern province of Südëa, over a simple misunderstanding.

Ongoing

Integration with Civil

Religion

Dominant Religion

The majority of the population follow the Twinned Goddess. Peasants and commoners tend to worship Peolüva while the Nobility and wealthier merchants worship Rylava.

Minor Religions

Minority populations who retain much of their cultural roots will usually keep their religion as well, most notably the Layor

Integration with Civil

While the majority of the population are followers of some religion, the church does not directly dictate policy for the government. Many high ranking clergy often come from noble roots, which further blurs the lines between church and state, as most leadership and lawmakers do follow the moral code of their faith when determining right and wrong. As well, important ceremonies will include some role for the church to lend credence to the rightfulness of the proceedings.

Education

Levels

Education is typically in one's family trade, or if one is formally excepted into a trade other than their parents, they may receive specific education in appropriate subjects as the guild requires.

Schools

Few schools exist in Kythus. those that are present typically provide a specialized guild education.

Tutors / Teachers

Some scholars or other experts in certain subjects may teach on a fee per service manner. Typically such instruction is reserved for the wealthy, whether they are merchant class, or of the nobility.

Sages / Scholars

Generally self taught experts in more academic subjects will share their knowledge and expertise with anyone willing to pay for such service. They may be employed by local patrons, amongst the elite, or even sponsored by the local town government as needed.

Literacy

Most Kythans can read and write a little-bit, but true fluency in written language is a matter for those whose professional obligations require it. Nobles may employ house pages and scribes to do their writing tasks on their behalf, even if they are literate themselves.

Languages

Kythusave: The most frequently spoken language in Kythus is Kythusave, a language derived from Krolayoran. The language is similar enough to Layoran that some intralingual understanding is possible between speakers of both languages.

Scripts

Nolidic: The common script that sees regular use in Kythus is Nolidic. It is derived from the older script, Noldar.
Noldar: An earlier script, still employed by some scholars. It is considered archaic by modern standards.

Numeracy

Most Kythans can count to one hundred, and perform simple arithmetic. More complex maths are generally the purview of those who use such professionally. such as engineers, or moneylenders.

Philosophy

Only a few Kythans have contributed to the philosophical arena. Generally Kythans are a more pragmatic and practical people, so long discourses on the nature of the soul, mind, or universe in general are left to the scholarly folk who have time for such matters.

Architecture

Materials

Timber and stone are used primarily for foundations and frames.Ground floors are typically packed dirt, or flagstone, while upper stories have plank floors. Planks or daub and wattle is typical for upper story walls. Roofing materiel may be thatch, cedar shingles or slate tiles.

Designs

Houses

Houses vary in design with the wealth of the occupants. Typical cottages are a three bay style, with two-thirds treahni, and one third livestock. Additional bays may be added to the end of the structure as needed to accommodate a growing family.

Wealthier urban homes tend to be built upwards, adding floors above a ground floor common room or workshop, for bedrooms and storage as required. Row housing is common in larger towns and cities.

Workshops

Small shops tend to occupy the ground floor of a home. Noisy or dirty professions are separate structures with more ceiling space, wide doors that open the shop to air flow, and a small yard area for supplies and outdoor work.

Warehouses / Barns

Large timber framed structures with an open interior. Some have lofts for storage, accessible by ramp, ladder, or stairs. Upper doors opening to a block and tackle or lift are common on larger structures.

Fortifications

Typically built of local stone, town walls and other defensive forts usually have small watch towers and gatehouses. A perimeter walkway along key lengths of the walls, and some crenellations or hoardings may be present as required by the defending forces.

Keeps

Built from local stone, Kythan Keeps are typically a square tower of three to four stories, with a walled court and small gatehouse. Some smaller watch towers may defend the corners of these perimeter walls, which usually have some walkway along the inside behind a crenellated parapet.

Castles

The design and architecture of castles are unique to each structure, although typically they are built from stone with nested walls, and a larger fortified keep. Such grand structures are usually built over a long span of years in several stages.

There are five significant castles in Kythus:

Thaflat Pelabyger HyFarsë / Farsë Castle - Provincial moot and the seat of the Nybwyna of Südëa province in Kythus.
Thaflat Pelabyger HyJäl / Jäl Castle - The walled city of Jäl is the seat of Wyna Ewen.
Thaflat Pelabyger HyKödah / "Ködah Castle - Named for the red moon, this Kythan castle in Tenerëa province has been held by priestesses of Rylava, the Order of Seven Sorrows by royal charter since 728 YG.
Thaflat Pelabyger HyMojres / Mojres Castle - The royal seat, located in the capitol city of Mojres, stands high on a coastal cliff overlooking the two harbours and the split fjord which leads out to sea.
Thaflat Pelabyger HyZoöcger Pemep / East Hold Castle - Provincial moot and the seat of the Nybwyna of Estëva province in Kythus.

Churches

Churches in Kythus vary from small timber and stone chapels in rural villages, to larger open spaced buildings high vaulted ceilings and large floors for congregations. The style and amount of decorations will reflect the relative wealth and age of the parish associated with a church. Most chapels or churches will have a few chambers attached to serve as living space for the parish priest and a few acolytes

Timekeeping

Calendar

Kythus uses the Saynoh Calendar and counts years in the Year of the Goddess reckoning.

Key Dates

Timeline

Founding

299 YG

Dynastic Timelines

Kythus has been ruled by the same dynastic line for the past 203 years.

The nine Üprewynü of Kythus are:

Sköharna (299-307 YG)
Cönokna (307-312 YG)
Cëratna (312-339 YG)
Sköharna II (339-356 YG)
Sköharna III (356-357 YG)
Duncana (357-379 YG)
Adalmërna (379-394 YG)
Adalmërna II (394-399 YG)
Duncana II (399 YG --) Current monarch

Key Events

95 -106 YG - First Pëlöryk Wars

106 YG - Plague of Grey Death

136 - 148 YG - Second Pëlöryk Wars

295 - 299 YG - Third Pëlöryk Wars

299 YG - The great clans of the region united under a single monarch, founding the nation of Kythus.

312 YG - Construction began on Thaflat Pelabyger HyMojres

314 YG - Founding of the Arögoth hyVykrupelabüsnu by Üprewyna Cëratna

320 YG - Construction completed on Thaflat Pelabyger HyMojres

331 YG - Freetown charter granted to Arketh

342 YG - Freetown charter granted to Kemp Hyläböm

364 YG - Order of Seven Sorrows granted Thaflat Pelabyger HyKödah

Geography

Location

Kythus is loacated on the Western coast of Annexea in the Gulf of Kythus, between the Darlom Mountains and the Merelean Sea.

Climate

Kythus is split between a temperate oceanic climate in the north, and a temperate continental climate in the south.

Regions

Kythus has four rough geographic regions. rugged coastal islands and cliffs, temperate rain forest, interior highlands and mountains, and temperate mixed forest lowlands. Rivers are typically rugged and fast flowing until they reach lowlands where they widen and slow. Fjords form in the north of Kythus, where the mountains reach the sea.

Weather

Most of Kythus experiences significant regular precipitation. Summers see frequent brief showers and occasional rainstorms. During winter months deep snows are possible. Mornings are usually foggy and dark, forming heavy frost in winter months. Southern Kythus sees less frequent rain near the coast, but the reverse in the mountains.

Landmarks

Constructed

Thaflat Pelabyger HyMojres / Mojres Castle - The royal seat, located in the capitol city of Mojres, is quite impressive in size and design. Qulani masons were employed in its construction, and no other Kythan stronghold compares in strength, or beauty.

Natural

Celvan - A river which flows out of the Darlom mountains. Two falls of note exist upon the Celvan, Kemp’s Bluff, and the Calshan.

Yväcëskup - East Pass - A pass through the Darlom Mountains, linking Kythus with Tabras.

Kemp Hyläböm - Kemp's Bluff - A long escarpment which runs north south roughly half way between the coast and the foot of the Darlom Mountains proper.

Lake Saf - A large lake on the Saf River.

Narn - A river in Kythus flowing out of the Darlom Mountains. The Narn delimits the border between the provinces of Estëva and Tenerëa.

Saf River - A large river in Karelëa Province which flows west from the Darlom Mountains, South into lake Saf, then further south to meet the Celvan at Calshan Falls.

Ucepëskup - Silver Pass - A pass through the Darlom mountains, linking Kythus with Aralia.

Yges - A river in Kythus, flowing out of the Darloms mountains, then west into the sea. The Yges delimits the border between the provinces of Tenerëa (northern bank) and Südëa (southern bank).

Population Centres

The largest settlements of Kythus listed in order of population are:

Mojres - pop. 45,000
Farsë - pop. 27,000
Zoöcger Pemep - pop. 20,250
Jäl - pop. 15,200
Löcanth - pop. 11,400
Kwyger Pemep - pop. 8,550
Karnum - pop. 6,400
Arketh - pop. 4,800
Osk - pop. 3,600
Kemp Hyläböm - pop. 2,700
Ködah - pop. 2,050
Tuln - pop. 1,500

People

List of Kythan People