The Akati Empire

Founded by the Akati refugees fleeing the catastrophic fall of their original homeland and the Old Agartha, the empire rose from the ashes of despair to reclaim its people's legacy. It is a land of resilience, innovation, and determination, located in the west of Oliria.  

Old Agartha and the New

Once a soaring citadel of technological and arcane might, Agartha was a marvel of the ancient world. Suspended in the skies above the Faerie Realm, it served as a hub of culture and advancement. However, internal and external strife and catastrophic overuse of arcane power caused Agartha to be ripped from its place in the skies of the Faerie Realm into Ghor Minthra in the material plane, leaving devastation in its wake as Japhaia of the Shade Realm came crashing back to the same point.   Back in Farhaven, Oliria there was another story unfolding. What was once a small, thriving akati community in the nook of a river, became a beacon of hope for the displaced brethren. It quickly swelled with refugees, becoming the heart of the akati's resurgence. Naming their new town Agartha Nova, the Council declared their intent not only to survive but to rebuild their empire. Drawing from their roots in Faerie, the akati blended tradition with new innovations suited to the challenges of Oliria.  

Overview

The Akati Empire isn't just Agartha, though those in Agartha Nova would certainly argue otherwise. It is a widespread nation, which is also why so many more akati survived the Second Sundering than illevans.   The akati were already colonizing the Material Plane with settlements and colonies in Varu and in the wilds of Oliria. Farhaven, Kael-Vora, and A'triyes were just a few prominent free cities ruled by akati delegates. When their brethren and most of the ruling class perished and burned in the catastrophic events of the Second Sundering, the akati weren't left entirely vulnerable like the illevans.   Now much diminished, the Akati Empire thrives once more in the west of Oliria. With closed borders, surrounded by impenetrable arcane wards that guard against ill intent, the akati has spent a millenia rebuilding most of what they lost. Though many akati grumble about their loss of might and station, the empire is still only rivaled in size by Couralis and Dashia in Oliria and Lossorach in Khorun.   Most citizens who carry the imperial runes and sigils are fey blood elves, many thrice removed. They are of elven mix, if not full high elf, with all mortal races represented in those mixes, as well as some fey creatures. Tieflings, aasimar, and dragonborn also occur, their heritage showing up in their appearance.   The citires, towns and villages are populated by all known races who have settled in the promised lands. Settlements have in modern times reached a number closer to 300. That is excluding the colonies in Varu and Ala.  

Culture

  Though grounded, the Akati still revere the skies. Their architecture incorporates spires, skybridges, and open spaces that evoke the grandeur of their airborne past. Efforts are underway to create floating structures once again, though scaled-down compared to the golden age of their civilization.   Having endured immense hardship, the Akati value resilience and ingenuity. Their culture blends the meticulous craftsmanship of their past with a pragmatic outlook shaped by survival.   Akati art often incorporates themes of ascension, light, and renewal. Their music features soaring melodies and intricate harmonies, echoing the grandeur of their former skybound home.  

Major cities

  Farhaven, now named Agartha Nova, serves as the seat of power for the empire. Its transformation from a refugee haven to a bustling metropolis is a testament to the Akati’s resilience. The city is a marvel of integration, with elevated platforms, intricate canals powered by arcane engines, and an iconic central tower that is a prototype for their return to the skies.   A’triyes is a village deep in the Haweyne mountain range.   Kael-Vora serves as the western gate to the Empire.    

Relations with Other Nations

  Kingdom of Couralis Relations are mixed; while both nations value innovation, their competition for resources and influence often leads to tension.   Dashia The Akati admire the elemental mastery of the Dashians, but the nomadic clans are wary of Agartha Nova’s growing power.   Barthen Islands The Akati frequently trade with the Barthen Islanders, who supply rare coral and deep-sea artifacts in exchange for Akati technology.   Varu (To be added, used to be colonizers and owners of the islands until a five-year battle created an independent Varu)    

Society

  The Empire is ruled by the Council, and the day-to-day business are taken care of by merchant guilds.  

The Tribes of Akati

  According to the imperial history there were many types of elves roaming Avaleen. Eight of these tribes were called by Ayursha to an empty plain of lush, fertile ground and blooming groves as far as the eye could see. Upon this plain would stand Ghor Minthra, the grandest city of the old world.   While two of the tribes went their separate ways, five tribes united with the blessing of Ignis and Ayursha. They were Mora (warriors), Roya (druidic), Aadam (seers), Triyes (mountain) and Alenuari moon elves which in time became the Ignis tribe as he took a unique fondness to them.   Naturally, the tribes have mingled and evolved over the tens of thousands of years since the founding of Ghor Minthra. But at their core they remain the same. The Mora are fierce warriors, the Roya are nomads and often traders or cultivators, the Aadam focus on the threads of time and history while Triyes are academically inclined. The Ignis hold the highest status in their society, and are often rulers, leaders and clergy.   When Ayursha deemed the akati ready and worthy, she called together four individuals in Old Agartha, when it had spent but a month in the air in the Faerie Realm, and created the first Guardians. Protectors of the Weave and the wards that shield the cities and empire from outside dangers. These guardians forsake their own tribe when they ascend and join the exclusive ranks of Ayursha’s chosen.   There is also the possibility of becoming tribeless, usually through a criminal act or by being a traitor to the akati civilization. These outcasts are grudgingly accepted but mocked and shunned by most.   All tribes have their own symbols and colors that represent their heritage and ancestry. Some wear them openly, others more covert as it is a personal choice.  

The Aegis Council

  The Council consists of the Archmages of Imporium, the Voice of Ayursha and the General of the Imperial Forces. Their chamber on the top of the Aegis Citadel is veiled with a wall of silence that also carries traces of other schools of magic. No one can enter here that is not their honest self.   It serves as the central ruling body of the Akati Empire, a collective of influential representatives of the five akati tribes who guide its policies, resolve disputes, and oversee its sprawling territories. The Council is meant to ensure a balance of power and provide a forum where competing interests are addressed collaboratively.   Council members are appointed to represent their tribes or institutions, each wielding substantial authority and autonomy within their domains. Decisions are made through a voting system, with each member casting one vote on matters brought before the Council.   However, the structure of the Council often leads to stalemates, especially since the inclusion of Arik Ondana in 1130 CE, the young artificer who joined as the second representative of Triyes, creating an even number of members. To mitigate deadlocks, Regent Misha Eldter, as the nominal head of the Council, holds the right to sway votes in the event of a tie. This power is both a practical solution and a contentious point, as it places significant authority in the hands of the Regent. While the Regent’s role is intended to act as a neutral arbiter, critics argue that it can be wielded to favor specific agendas.   The rest of the Council consists of Vista of the Aadam, Cultivator Wanda of the Roya, Jira Seora Atal of Triyes, Elder Elmira Delid, and General Maesia Mijinn of Mora. The Council meets regularly in the Citadel, high in the tower in a circular chamber designed to encourage equal discourse. Here, debates are often heated. Matters of imperial importance, from military campaigns to trade agreements, are dissected and deliberated upon, often over weeks of negotiations. Despite its collaborative ethos, the Council is far from unified. Personal rivalries and ideological divides often complicate proceedings. Yet, this dynamic system of checks and balances remains the backbone of the Empire’s governance, ensuring that no single faction wields unchecked power within Agartha.  

Current members of the Council

  Archmage Misha Eldter serves as the Regent and Head of Domestic Affairs.   Elder Elmira Delid is the Voice of Ayursha and leader of the Guardians.   Archmage Jira Seora Atal is the Master of Education and Arcana, Headmistress of A’triyes Academy and Jira of the Caelestis College.   Arik Ondana is the Master of Development, Head of the Artificer’s Guild and Architect Arcane.   General Maesia Mijinn is the Master of Defense, First Warden of Agartha Nova, Commandant of the Mora Monks and Supreme General of the Imperial Forces.   Archmage Wanda Heiwynn is the Head of Foreign Affairs and Cultivator of the Sacred Gardens.   Archseer Vista is the Master of Theology, Keeper of Scrolls and Voice of the Souls.   There are other persons who are closely affiliated with the Council, such as the Head of Intelligence (currently Ulric) and the Master of Commerce Noxi who is the Guildmaster of the Starfire Consortium, Dragon of Agartha.