Amthal
The first grand city of the west
History & geography
First users of magic
Before the landing of the Vesaja in the year 0 it was deemed impossible for humans to control magic. While there were people born with magical capabilities, the use of it was mostly limited to accidents. So news travelled, as fast as it could during that time, when a small tribe in the westland dunes started to use magic to control the waters around them. The region grew in popularity as people from all over the continent came to witness the miracle, with many staying because of the good living conditions. The community grew to be the second largest in West-Theria, only being surpassed by the Vidas-river community in the north.
The year zero
When the Vesaja arrived in the stargaze-valley just north of Amthal, it only felt natural for Ark-aal the mage to visit the famous magical tribe first. For years he remained there, teaching the humans all there is to know about magic. While all forms of elemental magic were trained there, water remained the most dominant one. As a by product of all the events happening in the region, the first grand city of West-Theria was formed out of the original tribe. It was named Amthal by members of the tribe, which means "near water" in old-therian. The tribe leader, a water mage, remained in control of the evergrowing city. After some time Ark-aal felt like his task in the south was completed, and decided to go north.
Departure of the water mages
For centuries descendants of the original water tribe remained in power. With the fast evolution of the westlands due to the vesajan influence, the job was becoming more difficult each year, and they started to feel like they were losing their way of life. Ark-aal, now lord of Arkalon, demanded alligiance from Amthal. Weird rumours about war and disappearances were spreading, which was enough for the mages to realise that the vesajan god did not hold their best interests. When The god-wars began in the year 362, the mages had enough of the toxic politics in the westlands, and stepped down. Most of them left the continent, crossing the sea to make a new home on the sandbanks of Mevol-Kaan island. A new Vesajism minded regime took over command of Amthal, and they accepted Ark-aal as their lord. A vast increase in taxation by Arkalon was what followed, as well as conscription on a massive scale. Time went on, and after the Amthal-burning in the year 528, the last descendants of the original water tribe left the city.
During The rebellion of Arnethius
166 years later Amthal would see another great transfer of power; the steward which was ruling in Ark-aal's name, tried to ambush Arnethius in the capital, costing him his life and most of the goverment with it. This event, called the Amthal-burning, led to the destruction of a great part of the capital and the defeat of the amthali army. Amthal was now under control by the Arnethians, who engaged in an all out war againt Arkalon. The new arnethian goverment started rebuilding the capital while the heavy taxation that was in place remained. Opinions about their occupants were divided as many already denounced the former goverment for years. For 12 years Amthal would feed the war, until Arnethius's downfall in 540.
Strive for stability
During the remaining time of the godwars, which would rage for another 11 years, Amthal faced it's darkest years. The rebels who led the capital during the rebellion were now on the run, and Kart-aal was once again lord of the entire westlands. A new regime was once again installed, and the taxation, both material as human, was now bigger than ever. The prosecution of all those who helped the rebels shook the city, with many people losing someone they love. Approval was at an all time low when the godwars was ended by Aethos . The vesajan puppet regime had to step down, as the voice of the people could no longer be silenced. Amthal's first king, Bolren the first of Amthal, was elected by the amthali people by popularity, and his descendants would rule Amthal to this day in 824. Almost half a millennia after the water mages left, Amthal was once again independant and under amthali rule. The importance of this fact was emphasized by the royal family taking the "of Amthal" as their family name.
Leadership
Amthal is a kingdom, and the king is chosen by blood. While the king holds most of the power, there is also a council. The Council contains mostly advisors, chosen by the king, each with his own reponsibility.
"King Orvyn l of Amthal" currently sits on the throne which had been in the family since "King Bolren l of Amthal", elected by popular vote in the year 551 by the amthali people.
Founding Date
3 A.V.
Population
160.000 (country) 39.000 (capital)
Inhabitant Demonym
Amthali
conflicts
Rei-do-Kaan clan
Amthal has been in conflict with the Rei-do-kaan clan since it was formed in the year 542 and consisted mostly out of nightly raids on small military settlements and acts of piracy. Unable to find the base on Rei-do-Kaan, the clan was able to grow to the size it is today.
The financial damage done by the clan was so enormous that a pact had to be made with the neighbouring kingdom Durval , who was also often attacked. Amthal would focus on defending the sea of trades from the west, while Durval would in turn focus it's naval forces to defend the trading route from Liox, in the north. While a permanent solution is impossible until the pirate base is found, and them being heavily dependant on the sea, the amthali naval forces continue to be tested to their limits.
War of the West
When Liox attacked Arkalon , it quickly became clear that Liox would be winning the war fairly easy. Out of fear that they would want to take the entire westlands, and attack the south next, Amthal and Durval combined their forces to attack Liox from the south. The combined forces of Amthal, Durval and Arkalon could withstand the superior forces of the lioxian army, creating a stalemate. There would be times of war, as well as times of peace, but no side would be able to advance.
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