Aetheros

Acting as a buffer between Coronae Maris and the contentious Shattered Kingdoms, the tiny Kingdom of Aetheros serves both as shield and a diplomatic outlet. The realm boasts a remarkable density of temples, monasteries, clinics and orphanages which bring in the devout and destitute from its neighbors. In times of unrest the stability of this peaceful divinely inspired country tucked into the hills provides refuge for the wounded and weary.   Ruled by the Pinnatus dynasty who carry a thinly veiled celestial heritage, Aetheros is among the most well known places on Lorgaire where the influence of the outer realms has been not only accepted but to a degree venerated. Great sponsors of the lands many holy sites and charitable works, the Pinnatus live much more humbly than many of their noble peers, but do not fail to radiate nobility when in the public view. Although none of the greatest families have tied their line too closely with the Pinnatus, numerous branches have sent their sparks here to study among their religious scholars.   While Aetheros possesses a variety of simple agricultural industries, most of its commerce is tied in some way to the divine services it has in abundance. Some of the most precious libraries and reliquaries of the Sovereign Host's are studied and guarded here. Much of the traffic through the tiny nation is related to the needs of poor pilgrims however, and the bulk of the services provided are charitable in nature. Even in times of plague and famine the great swells of pilgrims do not exhaust these beacons, but raise them higher for more to see with floods of pledges and oaths from those saved. This vast network of the grateful and their commitments to their benefactors are the true power of Aetheros.   One contentious service common in Aetheros that is often scrutinized and criticized is the frequent use of its Theaters of Mercy for release of the suffering to Cheteni the Reclaimer. While this ceremony may be performed on limited holy days in other areas, it is a regular feature of daily or weeks services here. Some have speculated the frequent application is part of a plot or subterfuge on the part of the Pinnatus, and they are not who or what they seem. What benefit could there be to prematurely ending the lives of so many ill and injured people, when so few will leave anything of worth in recompense?