Axiphos (Country)

The Republic of Axiphos is the longest existing human country in Eingrad, made up of the lands of Korrugat west of the Sea of Iskandar, extending down between the Ozymand River and Lake Athana to the Rigel Strait. Axiphos is a transcontinental country, wherein eighty percent of its landmass consists of mountains or hills. This makes it one of the most mountainous regions on the Aion continent. The long, sapphire coasts of Axiphos are mediterranean in climate, featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The inland parts of northern Axiphos feature a temperate climate with cold, damp winters and hot, dry summers with frequent thunderstorms. The transcontinental Heraklos Mountains give an alpine region, where winter snowfalls are commonplace. The Republic's capital city is Ithaca, located at the foot of the Heraklos Mountains and on the coast of the Endless Ocean. In ancient times, the Republic's power was unrivaled and its borders stretched across nearly the entire continent. In modern times, Axiphos is a shadow of its former self in both size and power; however, most human nations owe the foundation of their cultures and traditions to early Axiphosi influence. They were also the progenitors of the concept of a republic in Eingrad, wherein they elect regional representatives, or magistrates, to represent themselves in the Senate. The Senate is then overseen by the two highest legislative officials in Axiphos, the High Consuls.

While their republican government is relatively progressive relative to the monarchies and empires of Eingrad, the Republic of Axiphos is notorious for their acceptance of slavery. It is still legal for individuals to be sold into slavery in Axiphos, a fact which allowed many criminally convicted tieflings from all over Eingrad to be sent to the Republic. Uprisings are frequent but rarely successful, as are attempts by Axiphosi politicians to abolish the practice. Slaves can technically only be freed legally before a judge, but their owner must be present to make the decree. Otherwise, slaves may also be freed by their owner's will upon their death. Regardless of their freedom, slaves can not be considered citizens of Republic and are either extradited or exiled from the country afterwards.

Axiphosi society is notoriously proud in their history and culture, rivaling Aldurend in their nationalism. The Republic treasures their past and preserves it, so much that everything they've built is usually carefully preserved and renovated. Axiphos is also home to the seat of the Church of Diluvia, the Blue Cathedral, the most prevalent and powerful religious organization in Eingrad.

Game Master's Notes
The Republic of Axiphos is inspired by the Athenian democratic city-state and the Roman Republic.