Athantias Borders

Being surrounded by enemies and raiders on all sides, Athantia finds itself continually beset by external threats: Darkhan to the north and east, Bretawald to the west and Kalites to the south.   While the Xhanthis mountains provide a natural border with Bretawald, this does mean that the occasional raids are concentrated along the border and coastline to the south of the country. Anthantia's capitol Xhantia is well placed in the Xhanthis Pass to secure the vast vineyards and oil plantations near the border with Bretawald and the Maelstrom Sea, though much of the wealth the area provides is then spend protecting the area from raiders.   The southern border with Kalites is similarly fraught. Since Kalites' secession only two centuries ago the magocracy has been a belligerent neighbour and it is only the military power if Xhantia that protects the country from regular border disputes. South of Kalites lies Idria, another enemy of the Athantians, yet they also keep Kalites in check, for to invade either would leave the opposite side of Kalitean lands exposed.   To the north and west, constant raids from Darkhan territory are a blight on the Athantian way of life. Despite the network of rivers and inland seas dividing the two countries it is difficult to predict and hold back the periodic incursions that appear when the Darkhan tribes put aside their differences. When the Darkhans look to the fertile plains and affluent cities across the border. It is only the well educated and robust system of governance, the complex defence network of forts and garrisons, and a well drilled and disciplined, though small military that keeps the raids from devastating the Athantian population.   Known as The Long Walls, the rivers and seas that separate Darkhan and Athantia are an abundant source of fish for both countries, though they each stick to their own shores, and neither maintains a naval force in the area. The Darkhan boats can cross far too quick for any navy to detect, let alone stop, and there is little of interest on the northern side for the Athantians. The border forts along the coast are connected by beacons which are lit at the first sign of movement from the north. Due to the speed of the Darkhan raiders however, it is common for the in-land garrisons to be the first to mount a reasonable defence in time, and they often require reinforcements from the cities further south.