Nomadic City of Eremita

The Nomadic City of Eremita is more than a city; it is a living symbiosis between its human inhabitants and the Deastrata, an ancient, gargantuan octopedal construct of unknown origin.

This towering colossus serves as both the foundation of the City and its protector, carrying Eremita across continents and through eras. Together, they form a singular entity: part city, part god-machine, and wholly extraordinary.

The Deastrata

The Deastrata, often referred to as the God-Walker, is an artifact whose construction predates recorded history. Archaeological evidence found within its depths suggests its origins may date back over 20,000 years, though no definitive conclusions have been reached. The remains of earlier civilizations dot the Undercity, the labyrinthine lower levels of Eremita, with ruins ranging from 11,000 to 2,000 years old. These remnants testify to the God-Walker’s long and enigmatic journey through time, as civilizations have risen, thrived, and fallen atop its immense frame.

Every 200 years, the Deastrata grows "restless," initiating a great migration event known as the Exodus. During these moments, the God-Walker departs its current location and journeys to an unknown destination, guided by an inscrutable will. The Exodus is a cataclysmic and transformative event for the Eremitans, requiring them to dismantle and adapt their lives to the Deastrata’s unpredictable path. Since the founding of the current city, Eremita has experienced twelve such migrations. Its latest, in 401 ASC, brought it to the Kingdom of Welkavia, within the Isornian Empire, where it has remained ever since, much to the chagrin of the Isornians, who view the massive, uncontrollable presence as a constant challenge to their sovereignty.

Though its movements are beyond human control, the Deastrata protects its inhabitants with formidable weaponry, including Groundshaker Cannons capable of annihilating fortifications and Nightmare Engines that sap the will of foes, inducing paralyzing fear. Its defensive capabilities make Eremita nearly invincible against external threats, which has ensured the City’s survival through countless conflicts. The Deastrata also exudes a rare and valuable material known as Eremitan Resin, a luminous amber-like substance used as a potent fuel and industrial reagent. This resin has fueled an industrial revolution within Eremita, enabling technological advancements that rival or surpass those of surrounding nations.

Despite its gifts, the Deastrata operates on its own enigmatic logic. The Eremitans cannot influence its direction or decisions, forcing them to adapt to the shifting landscapes and climates that come with each new Exodus. The relationship between the God-Walker and its people is as much a challenge as it is a blessing, requiring adaptability, resilience and ingenuity to thrive atop a platform that moves according to its own will.

The Eremitans maintain the Deastrata with a mix of reverence and practicality. The powerful and enigmatic Circle of Engine-Sages is charged with the upkeep of the God-Walker’s mechanisms. These sages are engineers, oracles and priests, viewing their work as a sacred duty. Their influence over the City is immense, as the functioning of the Deastrata takes precedence over all other concerns. Policies and resources are often directed by their needs, and their decisions can override even the most urgent civic matters.

The Eremitans worship the Deastrata as a servant of the Ethereal Lady, the divine shepherd of humanity, tasked with guiding and protecting her mortal servants. Central to this belief is the macabre practice of feeding the Deastrata the corpses of the deceased, a process the Eremitans view as a holy rite. To be consumed by the God-Walker is considered a sacred honor and a form of divine ascension. As such, the waiting list for this posthumous offering can span decades, with only the wealthiest and most influential citizens guaranteed the privilege. Far from finding the practice morbid, Eremitans celebrate it, holding elaborate funerary rites to mark the transition of the deceased into the eternal care of the Deastrata.

Government

The City is ruled by a Hegemon, a figure who serves as both executive leader and counterbalance to the Council of Sages, a legislative body of five hundred scholars, philosophers, and academics. The Council convenes weekly to deliberate on laws and policies, which the Hegemon can veto or reject outright. However, the Hegemon’s power is not absolute; a vote by sixty-five percent of the Council can remove him from office.

Balancing this is the Popular Tribunal, a body of 1,000 citizens selected by lot to serve as representatives of the broader populace. The Tribunal functions as a check on both the Hegemon and the Council, ensuring that ordinary citizens retain a voice in governance. Every six years, elections are held for the Council of Sages and the Hegemon, transforming Eremita’s streets into arenas of political debate and campaigning. Remarkably, political violence is rare; Eremitans hold the belief that one's argument, and one's argument alone, should carry them to victory. A candidate who is seen to be resorting to violence is seen as unworthy of trust or respect, and is often dismissed and exiled outright from the city.

Economy

Eremita is the birthplace of the industrial revolution which sweeps across the Known Expanse, boasting a level of technological and industrial sophistication unparalleled in much of the Expanse. The City's factories produce a vast array of goods that fuel its economy and extend its influence far beyond its mobile borders. These include textiles, precision instruments, advanced machinery, chemicals, and countless other industrial products, all crafted with expertise and efficiency honed through centuries of innovation.

Central to this economic engine is Eremitan Resin. Its unique properties make it one of the most sought-after resources in the Known Expanse. Resin exports fetch exorbitant prices, enabling Eremita to maintain a sizable trade surplus to fund its relentless industrial expansion and secure essential imports, including raw materials, building supplies, and luxury goods.

The City's position as a trade hub is further strengthened by its extensive trade network, which spans many nations. While its nomadic nature presents logistical challenges, the wealth and prestige of Eremita ensure the maintenance of lucrative trade routes, often bolstered by Eremitan ingenuity in adapting to new environments and markets.

Eremita is not only an industrial powerhouse but also a cultural and intellectual hub. Its universities and academies rank among the most esteemed in the Known Expanse, attracting scholars and students from distant lands. The Academy of Mechanics, famed for its cutting-edge research in engineering and technology, and the College of Applied Philosophy, known for its groundbreaking work in the humanities, ethics and linguistics, are at the forefront of scientific, philosophical, and technological advancements.

These institutions fuel innovation, producing ideas and inventions that shape both Eremita and the wider world. The interplay of science, industry, and philosophy has created a society that prizes curiosity and invention, blending the practical with the intellectual to forge solutions for a rapidly changing world.

Culture

Eremitan culture is irrevocably bound by the City’s unique existence atop the Deastrata and its cyclical migrations. Constant upheaval has fostered a collective identity built on adaptability, ingenuity, and pragmatism. Egalitarianism is a cornerstone of Eremitan values, born from the shared hardships of Exodus and the necessity of utilizing every citizen's talents.

Their nomadic history has also brought the Eremitans into contact with diverse cultures and traditions, fostering a cosmopolitan outlook that embraces diversity and innovation. Eremitans pride themselves on their cultural openness, readily adopting and refining new ideas, whether they come from distant lands or neighboring societies.

Women hold a unique position in Eremitan society. While not yet entirely equal to men, they enjoy greater rights and opportunities than in many parts of the Known Expanse. Women can own property, run businesses, and attend the City's prestigious universities. This progress owes much to the Circle of Engine-Sages, one of the few organizations in the Known Expanse to welcome both men and women into its ranks. The practical demands of the City, particularly during the upheaval of an Exodus, have also necessitated the full utilization of all citizens’ skills, further encouraging a gradual but undeniable societal shift toward inclusivity.

Though some thaumaturgical applications, namely in the fields of ferromancy, golemancy, alchemy and runic magic, remain critical in industrial processes, in a city powered by steam, resin, and machinery, thaumaturgy has largely fallen from prominence. Once seen as a cornerstone of progress, magic is now regarded as antiquated, unfashionable, and even unreliable. The industrial revolution has rendered many traditional thaumaturgical practices obsolete, with machines and chemical processes surpassing their utility.

Thaumaturges in Eremita often struggle to find their place in a society that prizes innovation over tradition. Those unable to carve a niche for themselves in practical fields often find themselves relegated to the roles of curiosities or relics, their skills appreciated in theory but largely dismissed in practice. The only institution where thaumaturgy still holds significant sway is the Circle of Engine-Sages, whose practices remain shrouded in secrecy. While the Engine-Sages integrate thaumaturgy into their work with the Deastrata, the nature and extent of this integration remain unknown, even to the Hegemon and the Council of Sages.

Military

The Eremitans have long relied on the Deastrata’s formidable defenses and destructive weaponry to maintain their safety and sovereignty. The God-Walker’s impregnable armor, devastating Groundshaker cannons, and terrifying Nightmare Engines have rendered traditional siege engines and field armies almost irrelevant when facing Eremita. Consequently, Eremitans historically embraced pacifism, prioritizing debate, rhetoric, and diplomacy as their tools for resolving conflicts. Warfare, when necessary, was seen as a last resort, undertaken with precision and restraint.

Despite their pacifistic tendencies, Eremita maintains a highly capable expeditionary force, tasked with defending its vast overseas trade interests, outposts and colonies, intervening in conflicts that might destabilize its economy, and exploring uncharted territories. The foundation of Eremitan military doctrine lies in a profound respect for life, with the belief that equipment and supplies are expendable, but people are not. This principle has shaped a military culture that prioritizes the use of clockwork automata, mechanized systems, and ranged combat, minimizing risks to soldiers while maximizing the effectiveness of their engagements.

Over centuries, Eremita has refined its approach to warfare, culminating in the creation of the largest and most powerful artillery corps in the Known Expanse. With devastating firepower and unmatched precision, Eremita’s long-range capabilities can annihilate enemy formations and fortifications from incredible distances. Eremitan soldiers, known for their marksmanship, are each equipped with advanced rifles, custom-crafted for accuracy and reliability, earning them a reputation as fearsome sharpshooters.

The advent of the telegraph, radio and wireless communication has further revolutionized Eremitan military operations, enabling commanders to coordinate their forces with unmatched efficiency. This technological edge has allowed Eremita to maintain an extraordinary level of cohesion and adaptability on the battlefield, often outmaneuvering opponents before a single shot is fired.

The Corps of Engineers is the crown jewel of Eremitan military structure. This branch combines technical expertise with battlefield acumen, excelling in rapid construction and deconstruction of fortifications, repair and maintenance of advanced weapons, and pioneering new military technologies. Their efforts have ensured that Eremitan forces are never without the infrastructure and tools they need to dominate any engagement.

Eremita’s emphasis on survival and mechanization has driven advancements in armored warfare. While the concept of the treadguns, massive tracked vehicles mounting heavy artillery, is not native to Eremita, the City has adopted and enhanced these machines, incorporating them into its doctrine with devastating results. These lumbering behemoths are capable of obliterating even the sturdiest defenses while offering mobile protection for infantry, reshaping battlefields to their advantage.

Yet it is Eremita’s automata that have garnered the most attention, embodying the City’s technological ingenuity. Recent advancements in clockwork design have transformed automata from simple constructs into sophisticated and versatile machines of war. Among these innovations, the Bladedancers and the Arbalesti stand out.

Bladedancers are towering humanoid automata sculpted in elegant, feminine forms. Terrifying as they are mesmerizing, bladedancers are armed with four razor-edged blades and equipped with advanced targeting systems; they are swift, precise, and deadly in close combat. Their movements, powered by Kernel Hearts fueled by Eremitan Resin, are fluid and organic, making them seem almost alive. Adorned with ornate filigree and intricate designs, each Bladedancer is as much a masterpiece of artistry as it is a weapon of war. These automata have found fame even beyond the battlefield, becoming sought-after status symbols for the elites of foreign nations and exotic attractions in gladiatorial arenas.

Arbalesti are humanoid in form but encased in flexible, chitinous plating. They are the Republic’s elite marksman automata. Equipped with anti-materiel rifles, they can deliver precise, armor-piercing shots from miles away. Their 360-degree vision, enabled by an array of lenses encircling their heads, allows them to survey battlefields with unparalleled awareness, in addition to giving them an insectoid appearance. 

As automata technology advances, many Eremitan engineers believe that within decades, machines will replace human soldiers entirely, heralding a new era of warfare.

Despite their technological prowess, Eremita’s technological dominance is no longer unchallenged. The recent Battle of the Glass Sea against the United Domains exposed alarming vulnerabilities in Eremita’s arsenal. The United Domains fielded technology that surpassed even Eremita’s most advanced designs, and it was only the intervention of the Isornians that prevented a catastrophic defeat for the Eremitan expeditionary force.

This humbling encounter has ignited a sense of urgency within the City’s upper echelons. Research initiatives have intensified, with the goal of closing the technological gap and developing countermeasures to the United Domains’ weaponry. The Circle of Engine-Sages, long secretive and insular, is rumored to be working on radical new advancements, potentially drawing deeper upon the mysterious powers of the Deastrata.

Colonization

The Eremitans were among the earliest and most enthusiastic exploiters of the newly discovered Western Reaches, recognizing its vast resources and untapped potential as a cornerstone for their strategic and economic ambitions. Driven by their forward-looking ethos, they have invested heavily in exploration, settlement, and trade networks, establishing themselves as a major colonial power in the region. Eremitan pioneers have systematically mapped the region’s geography, chartered trade routes, and secured lucrative alliances with native populations where diplomacy allows.

The allure of the Western Reaches has sparked a colonization fever in Eremita, with waves of pioneers, adventurers, and settlers leaving the City to carve out a place for themselves in the frontier. The State has actively encouraged this migration, supporting the colonists with resources, logistical aid, and military escorts. 

Eremitan pioneers are renowned for their ingenuity, pragmatism and resilience, traits honed through centuries of life atop the unpredictable Deastrata. These settlers leverage their technological advantage to overcome the region’s formidable challenges, from harsh climates to treacherous terrain and hostile wildlife. Steam-driven drills bore into mountains for precious ores, mechanized plows transform arid soil into fertile farmland, and clockwork sentinels guard settlements against threats both natural and human.

However, this relentless pursuit of progress has come at a cost. Eremitan colonization efforts are often characterized by a ruthless efficiency, prioritizing resource acquisition and strategic dominance above all else. While some pioneers seek peaceful coexistence with the native peoples of the Western Reaches, others view such groups as obstacles to be removed. Forced displacement, coerced treaties, and the destruction of traditional ways of life have become grim hallmarks of Eremita’s expansion. Even rival pioneers from other colonial powers have found themselves caught in the wake of Eremita’s unyielding drive. Boetians, Isornians, Dashengese, and other pioneers from competing nations often encounter Eremitan pioneers as competitors, not just for resources but for influence over the native peoples and control of key territories. The clash of interests has led to tense standoffs, border skirmishes, and, in some cases, outright violence. In some areas, this resentment has given rise to organized resistance movements, with native warriors employing guerilla tactics to harry Eremitan outposts and sabotage their infrastructure.

The aggressive approach has not gone unnoticed by other nations vying for influence in the Western Reaches. Boetian pioneers, already antagonized by incidents like the Murselli affair, have been accused of forming clandestine coalitions with native groups to resist Eremitan expansion. Similarly, the Isornian Empire, with its own colonial ambitions, has dispatched heavily armed contingents to secure its claims, leading to growing unease and the looming specter of civil war over the contested frontier.

Eremita’s government is often accused of turning a blind eye to the excesses of its pioneers. Some factions within the Council of Sages argue for stricter oversight, warning that unchecked colonial aggression could isolate Eremita politically and invite retaliation. Others, particularly those aligned with the magnates of the City and other industrial interests, see the Western Reaches as a proving ground for Eremitan ingenuity and dominance, urging the City to press forward regardless of the consequences.

For the citizens of Eremita, the colonization of the Western Reaches is both a source of pride and an ethical quandary. On one hand, the promise of boundless resources, new markets and strategic advantages excites the imagination of a people accustomed to seizing opportunities in the face of adversity. On the other, the stories of displaced natives, ruined ecosystems, and rising tensions weigh heavily on the conscience of those who fear Eremita is betraying its own ideals.

The debate is particularly fierce among the younger generation, who have grown up in the shadow of Eremita’s industrial might but question whether unrestrained expansion is worth the cost to their City’s soul. In universities and public forums, intense arguments rage between those who champion the civilizing mission of colonization and those who denounce it as a descent into imperialistic hubris.

Amidst all of this, there is a growing fascination towards the natives of these lands, with exhibitions featuring their art, tools, and cultural practices becoming increasingly popular within Eremita. These exhibitions, often organized by wealthy patrons, academic institutions, and even the Council of Sages, are designed to showcase the diverse cultures of the Western Reaches, portraying them as exotic, fascinating, and often romanticized.

Artifacts such as intricately carved totems, ceremonial masks, and vibrant textiles are displayed alongside detailed dioramas depicting native rituals and daily life. Public lectures and scholarly symposia accompany these exhibitions, drawing large crowds eager to learn about the "mysteries" of the ‘noble and beautiful barbarians’. The College of Natural Philosophy and the College of Applied Philosophy have both begun funding research expeditions into the Western Reaches to study not only the resources of the land but also the wisdom and traditions of its inhabitants.

While many view these exhibitions as a celebration of cultural diversity and a sign of Eremita’s intellectual curiosity, others see them as deeply problematic. Critics argue that these displays often strip native cultures of their context, reducing them to mere curiosities for entertainment or profit. Worse still, the acquisition of these artifacts is frequently linked to the very processes of displacement and exploitation that plague Eremitan colonization.

In some cases, entire villages have been coerced into surrendering sacred relics; village shamans are often kidnapped by unscrupulous pioneers and brought back to Eremita and compelled to perform their rituals for curious scholars under the guise of "cultural exchange." This practice has become so notorious that the term "Shaman's Bargain" has entered the Eremitan lexicon, referring to any situation where someone is pressured or tricked into surrendering something precious under false pretenses. The Circle of Engine-Sages has reportedly shown interest in studying native thaumaturgical practices, further muddying the ethical waters as some fear their motives may be far from altruistic.