Athe

The Heart of Hillenēq Hūril

Why couldn't have Hillen obliterated the Eternal Enemy somewhere nice and warm? As much as I've enjoyed this pilgrimage and the reflections on our faith that we've discussed on the road, staying in this frozen hovel is by far the greatest test of our devotion.
— Disgruntled Pilgrim
  Athe is the capital of the Alstiseriaic of Athe, the religious heart of the Hillenēq Hūril religion, built on the frigid heights of the Plateau of Athe. Home to the Alstiseria, the leader of the faithful, as well as other faithful members of the clergy, Athe attracts people from all across the continent, whether they're there as pilgrims or as foreign merchants, representatives or dignitaries. The regular influx of travellers contributes a significant amount to the state's economy as businesses catering to the needs of the masses thrive in such lucrative conditions, despite the cold and unpleasant weather and wind.  

History

Founded before the beginning of written history, Athe was once a small village hidden away in a secluded mountain valley that served as a vital passage. The original inhabitants of the settlement and their culture and language were likely all wiped from existence during the the Invasion and the Explosion at Athe that ended it, but the name Athe, itself, is believed to originate from that precursor civilisation that proceeded the establishment of the clerical state that now controls the plateau.  

Explosion at Athe

Considered the most pivotal event in Lethean history, the Explosion at Athe marked the end of an era and the rise of the Aprēan faiths, such as Hillenēq Hūril—the faith of Hillen. Gilei Hillen was a Brelish man from Setaik, devout in his faith and service to Aprēa, the sole deity of his people. Under his leadership, the young man and his zealous followers were able to resist the aberati onslaught that threatened all of humanity, although at a great cost. These defenders of mankind marched far north into the snowy heights around Athe, finding the settlement and the mysterious obelisk that stood just beyond it.   What exactly followed has been up for debate for over a millennium, but according to the legend surrounding the Ascension of Hillen, Hillen had somehow activated the strange dark stone, using it to annihilate the enemy swarm that had followed his forces into the valley. An explosion more powerful than the world had ever experienced ripped through stone and flesh, transforming the landscape into the plateau that it is today. Few survived the devastating destruction, but with the main host of their foe obliterated, the free peoples of the world were able to wipe the rest of the aberati threat from their lands.  

Consecrated Capital

Having performed a miraculous feat that seemed incomprehensible to the world, Gilei Hillen was deemed a Blessed of the Faith—one chosen by God to serve by Her side for eternity. Much of Lethea felt as if they owed an unpayable debt to Hillen and his fallen followers, and so when news of a new faith dedicated to him and his militant form of Aprēaq Hūril began to spread, thousands flocked to convert to the new denomination. Athe was quickly declared a sacred site, and a new settlement rose from the ashes and rubble of the old one. In less than a year, the Alstiseriaic of Athe was established, and the town has served as the theological heart of the continent ever since.
Founding Date
Unknown
Type
Capital
Inhabitant Demonym
Ather
Location under
Owning Organization
Plateau Cattle
Species | Dec 18, 2024

The plateau cattle is a bovine species with long white fur and flexible tongues native to the desolate and frigid heights of the Plateau of Athe.



Cover image: Athe Cover by Midjourney

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