The Protectorate of Panton

Panton, which lies under the protection of Thelora, is the country with the least number of inhabitants and is known for its poison market and famous assassins. Its associated deity is the God of the Moon.
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==Description==
Panton, a land shrouded in the dusky veil of its own making, thrives in the shadows of the world's political stage, its whispers carrying the weight of life and death. Following the War of Righteousness, where it stood against the zealous forces of Mord, Panton now lies under the protective mantle of Thelora, a guardianship born of necessity, yet chafing against the proud spirit of its people.
==Geography==
File:Panton Terrain 1.jpg|linktext=A lot of interesting merchandise can be both bought and sold in the streets of Panton.|Pantionian Market
File:Panton Terrain 2.jpg|linktext=The bridge city contains more than just its surface.|Riz'arion, the capital
File:Panton Terrain 3.png|Panton at night|linktext=The moon provides both light and shade through Panton's looming clouds.
The landscape of Panton bears the scars of its primary trade; factories belching venom into the skies and waters have tainted the once-pure rivers and blighted the earth, casting a perpetual pall of grey over the country. The capital, Riz'Arion, stands as a testament to resilience and defiance, sprawling across a grand bridge that was once the battleground for Magnar the Blasphemous, a site of salvation where heroes turned the tide of doom.
==Society==
A network of whispers and shadows, Panton's society is a haven for those who move unseen and unheard. The country boasts the highest concentration of rogues, assassins, and masters of subterfuge, its very air thick with secrets and silent pacts. Among these veiled figures, some voices call for independence, yearning for the day when Panton can once again stand sovereign, unshackled from Thelora's well-meaning grasp.
==Governance==
The reins of Panton rest in the hands of the Thieves' Guild, with the enigmatic Il Padre at its helm. Known as the ears and eyes of the nation, Il Padre's benevolence is as legendary as his omniscience, guiding the guild and, by extension, the country with a gentle yet firm hand, ensuring that even in darkness, there is a guiding light.
==Economy==
Panton's economy is built on the grim pillars of assassination and poison, its exports sought after in hushed tones across the continents. The factories that produce these deadly wares are the lifeblood of the nation, yet they choke its lands and waters with their toxic effluence, a paradox that defines the essence of Panton's prosperity and curse.
==Military==
Panton's military prowess is as clandestine as its reputation, comprised primarily of the shadowy figures within the Thieves' Guild and a network of mercenaries and assassins. Known for their stealth and agility rather than brute force, Panton's forces excel in espionage, sabotage, and targeted strikes. Their tactics are the embodiment of the phrase 'to win without fighting,' leveraging their expertise in poisons and traps to protect their sovereign interests.
==Culture==
In Panton, culture is woven from the threads of survival and secrecy. The capital's history is steeped in tales of heroic deeds and dark treacheries, with the battle against Magnar the Blasphemous etched into the very stones of Riz'Arion. Festivals and public gatherings, though rare, are rich with coded messages and clandestine meetings, where alliances are forged, and fates are sealed.
==Religion==
While the Protectorate may not publicly venerate the deities of old, there is a tacit reverence for the unseen forces that govern fate and fortune. Shrines hidden in the shadows pay homage to the God of the Moon, offering solace and blessings to those who live by the knife's edge.
==Relations with Neighboring Powers==
Panton's relationships with neighboring states are as complex and layered as its internal politics. While under the aegis of Thelora, Panton navigates its alliances and enmities with a subtlety befitting its secretive nature. It leverages its unique position and services to maintain a level of respect and necessary distance from other powers, ensuring its survival and relative autonomy within the framework of its protectorate status. Its discreet yet crucial role in regional matters makes it an invaluable ally or a formidable foe, always playing its cards close to the vest.
==Aspirations and Challenges==
Panton stands at a crossroads, its people torn between the safety of Thelora's protection and the deep-seated desire for autonomy. The struggle to cleanse its lands of the poisons that feed its economy, to breathe life into the ashen skies, and to carve a path toward a future where Panton can reclaim its place as a free and sovereign state, are the trials that define this enigmatic land.
In the murk of Panton's perpetual twilight, the spark of independence flickers, a beacon for those who navigate the intricate dance of shadows and light, holding the promise of a dawn yet to come.
==Other==
===Gallery===
File:Panton Terrain 4.jpg|Panton shrouded in persistent fog
File:Panton Terrain 1.jpg|Pantionian Market
File:Panton Terrain 2.jpg|Riz'arion, the capital
File:Panton Terrain 3.png|Panton at night
File:Panton Silhouettes - Daniel Kovacs.jpg|The Thieves' Guild has eyes everywhere
File:Panton Thief - Thief.jpg