Mahtava

"Kingdom" refers to a country ruled by either a king or queen. The Mahtavians aren't so petty as to be upset by simple nomenclature. Mahtava is considered a matriarchal theocracy.
The two roads into the kingdom are narrow and well defended. In the east, the overgrowth protects Mahtava, and in the west Cork Mountain blocks all but a two-mile pass near the coast. These defences, along with the incredible organization and efficiency of the Mahtavians has lead to what most people perceive as an impenetrable kingdom. In fact, Mahtava has never been conquered.
Men are second class citizens, who function essentially as slaves. They belong to the head of their household and will transfer to the next head of household when the first one dies. In times of war, every household offers up one of their men as soldiers. They make up most of the ground forces, but are armed only with shields and leather armor. Only women are permitted to wear metal armor and carry swords. 
Men with no families belong to the state, and most often fill the ranks of professional soldiers. 
As the only landmass connecting Eridon to the rest of the continent, and as the fastest way to transport goods from the south to the north, Mahtava has become the central trading hub of Arcadia. Jaka and Lyra are the major trading ports. Foreign ships need a woman in a position of authority on a ship in order to trade with Mahtava, the male crew is left alone as long as they don't head into the city.
Mahtava has been involved in various wars over the years.
The black dragon on the flag represents the Black Dragon slain by the first Queen of Mahtava, according to legend.
The god Astair is not considered important to the Mahtavan Government, instead the theocracy holds up Martha as the most important god.
Population (1509):
* Urban: 29,000
* Rural: 81,000 (includes 162 villages)
==Ancient History==
The Mahtava land used to be part of the Vodan Empire before the Breaking of Arcadia. Following the breaking, and the formation of the Grand Canal, Mahtava was split off from the Vodan plains.
When the Kingdom of Mahtava formed after the breaking was formed is unknown, but the laid was in turmoil directly after the breaking due to not only the new canals but earthquakes, new mountains & hills forming, and other upheaval.
==Recent History==
===War for Arcadia===
At the start of the War for Arcadia, Mahtava was profiting by selling to both sides. Eventually Mistrya and Mahtava entered an exclusive agreement to supply ships and food.
14 June 1513 the McGary Dragonslayer Brothers attacked the defences at the town of Valara that kept the green dragon Xorathis at bay. This resulted in the ancient green dragon being free to spread the Overgrowth forest westward. The towns of Yunta and Valara ended up enveloped and destroyed, Lyra also suffered damage.
Mahtava withdrew from aiding Mistrya in the War for Arcadia.
After the dragon Xorathis was slain (2 October 1513) Mahtava began reconstruction efforts. The total casualties of this incident are unknown to outsiders.
Mahtava had civil unrest in the south of Mahtava after Xorathis was slain, unhappy with the Crown's agreement with Drekis, and allowing a male like Tyrael McGary into the capital. The crown & the government ultimately has more than enough power to maintain control of the kingdom. Now Mahtava is rebuilding from the damage. 
After the death of Scoria The Red Mahtava was asked to become a subjacite to the Drekissian Empire, Mahtava agreed to this with one caveat, the ruler of Drekis must be a Emperess and not a Emperor.
==Cities==
*Jaka
**Major port town in the north. Has tried many times to build a road through the swamp, but there are always problems.
**Elevation: Sea level
*Vistria
*Zelenia	
**Capital city
*Lyra
**Major port town in the south.
** Town damaged by Xorathis in 1513.
*Yunta
**A dozen ballistas sit on the banks of the rivers pointing east to keep Xorathis at bay. 
**The Nuns of Velmontarious, an offshoot of a Caldonia organisation, has an Abby here. They secretly process the Orb of Imprisonment since 1509-10-28. Trellis & Fehana now live at this Abby.
** Town Destroyed by Xorathis in 1513.
*Valara
**Has a magical belltower that sounds whenever Xorathis comes within 1 mile of the town.
**Has a large standing military that escorts wagons along the road.
***A few small ships with ballistas will sail along the coast near the road to provide support in case Xorathis arrives.
***Most ships avoid Valara and prefer to go to Lyra out of fear of the Overgrowth and its inhabitants
** Town Destroyed by Xorathis in 1513.
==Natural Features==
=== The Overgrowth ===
:See Main Article: Overgrowth
A monstrously large forest on the eastern border of Mahtava. Trees are giant sequoias. It is inhabited by a flightless green dragon named Xorathis who has corrupted hearts of the wood giants and who now serve her.
=== Cork Mountain ===
Named for the way it corks the western entrance to Mahtava. A lookout post sits atop the mountain, using alpahorns to signal the arrival of people. Different notes for different types of arrivals
*Small caravan
*Large caravan
*Danger
*Great Danger
*Danger by north sea
*Danger by south sea
Category:Arcadia Nations