Caelthir

"A land of stone and spirit, where the wind carries the whispers of forgotten gods, and the rivers remember battles long past."

— A druid of Dunwynd

  Caelthir is a kingdom of shifting allegiances and deep-rooted traditions, a land of vast plains and ancient forests where independent city-states vie for dominance under the looming shadow of a fractured past. Once a province of the old Prasinosian dominion, Caelthir broke free during the chaos of the Turmoil, forging its own path through bitter wars and uneasy alliances. Though sovereignty was hard-won, the scars of that struggle remain, etched into the very fabric of its people.   In the centuries since, Caelthir has risen and fallen in cycles of prosperity and decline. While its cities thrive on trade and craftsmanship, it remains a land divided, where old feuds and rivalries keep unity at bay. Now, as monstrous horrors emerge from unknown places and foreign raiders test its borders, Caelthir teeters once more on the edge of great change.  

History

 

Origins & the Break from Prasinos

Once a vassal of Prasinos, Caelthir’s ancestors lived as farmers, masons, and warriors under the rule of the priestesses of Polema. They took great pride in their cities and fortifications, their connection to the land shaping their way of life. However, when the Turmoil shook the foundations of the world, the rulers of Caelthir saw opportunity in the chaos. The land-bridge that once connected them to Prasinos was swallowed by the sea, severing the old order’s grasp. The people of Caelthir seized their independence through a series of brutal wars, and though Prasinos would not forget their defiance, it was left with little choice but to begrudgingly acknowledge their sovereignty.   In the years that followed, the newly freed Caelthirans turned their focus inward, forging alliances between city-states and reclaiming the lost knowledge of the Liir’ellar, the plains ellar whose ruins still dotted the land. These early decades were a golden age of learning and expansion, but it would not last.  

A Land of City-States

The kingdom of Caelthir was never a true monarchy but a confederation of fiercely independent city-states, each ruled by its own king or council. While these rulers swore oaths of alliance to one another in times of crisis, their rivalries ran deep. Some sought dominance over their neighbors, others longed for a return to the old unity under Prasinos, while others still looked only to their own survival. Wars between these cities were common, as were uneasy truces.   Despite the strife, Caelthir flourished in many ways. The cities became renowned for their architecture, agriculture, and craftsmanship. The horse clans of the eastern steppes became their close trading partners, exchanging war mounts and leather for iron and stone. Builders erected towering citadels and temples, weaving magic into stone and mortar. Farmers tended vast fields of grain, sustaining both city and army alike. The remnants of the Liir’ellar ruins were studied, their ancient knowledge integrated into the arts of construction and warfare.  

Decline & Present Struggles

"Their feasts last until the mead runs dry, their duels until the last man stands, and their grudges until the world crumbles."

— An unnamed Prasinosian noble

  Though Caelthir endured, its power began to wane in recent decades. Some say it was complacency; others believe it was the work of unseen forces. Petty conflicts drained the cities of their strength, and once-thriving trade routes fell into disuse. The once-mighty alliances grew weak, allowing old rivalries to resurface.   Then came the monsters. Beasts unlike any seen before, clawed things that moved in the dark, whispering in tongues unknown. They struck at farms and villages first, then at the walls of the great cities. At the same time, unfamiliar raiders began appearing along the shores, clad in strange armor, wielding weapons of foreign craft. No one knows if these are omens of a greater doom or merely the newest trial for a land forged in hardship.   Now, a single clan seeks to unite the city-states, to stand against the rising tide—but many question whether Caelthir can ever truly be one.  

Culture & Society

 

Architecture & Agriculture

Caelthirans take immense pride in their craftsmanship. Their cities are built from dark stone and pale wood, their streets lined with towering colonnades and intricate relief carvings depicting old victories and lost gods. Bridges of masterful design span rivers, and temples rise toward the sky, their facades inlaid with bronze and silver filigree. Though the knowledge of the Liir’ellar is not fully understood, it is said that the greatest architects and masons of Caelthir can still weave subtle enchantments into their buildings, strengthening stone beyond its natural limits.   The land itself is fertile, blessed with rolling fields that yield wheat, barley, and rye in abundance. Orchards grow apples and pears, while vineyards on the hillsides produce deep, rich wines favored even in distant lands. However, the people do not take their bounty for granted—sacrifices are made before every harvest, offerings of grain and wine given to the spirits of the land to ensure continued prosperity.  

The Warrior Tradition

Every Caelthiran, regardless of birth, is taught the art of war. Spears, shields, and swords are the tools of their people, their militias well-trained and ever ready to defend their homes. While some cities maintain standing armies, most rely on warrior-bands led by noble families, bound by blood and honor.   Mounted combat is especially prized. The horse clans of the east have long been allies of Caelthir, and from them, the cities have learned the art of swift cavalry warfare. A warrior who cannot ride is seen as unfinished, incomplete. To tame a horse and fight from its back is considered a rite of passage, and tournaments between riders are a common spectacle at festivals.  

Spirituality & the Old Ways

Though once under the influence of Prasinos and its goddess, Polema, the people of Caelthir have long since splintered into their own faiths. Some still whisper prayers to Polema, believing her protection lingers even now. Others turn to local spirits, the gods of rivers, forests, and stone. The Árdheinn, the druidic hill-clans who dwell beyond the cities, have introduced many to the worship of Naevíthir, an ellar goddess of the stars and the hunt. The nobility often seek guidance from oracles and seers, while the common folk rely on charms, wards, and offerings to ensure their safety.   However, with the rise of monstrous incursions and the arrival of foreign raiders, some wonder if new gods—or old, forgotten ones—are stirring once more.  

Notable Cities & Settlements

  Thir’vainn – The largest city, once home to tens of thousands, now diminished by a third due to decline and monster attacks. It remains the cultural and trade hub of Caelthir, its ancient walls still standing strong.   Calrith Keep – A fortified city built on the ruins of a Liir’ellar stronghold, known for its war academies and blacksmithing.   Hearthmere – A riverside trade city, famed for its timber, wines, and horse markets, often serving as neutral ground for warring factions.   Dunwynd – A hilltop settlement that serves as the spiritual center of Caelthir, home to druids and oracles who oversee the old ways.