Civilization in the Highlands

The Highlands of Toraan are the birthplace of humanity, and considered to be the cradle of human civilization.

## Settlements

### The Great Cities

The Great Cities are city-states located along the Neiyar River (they do not call themselves city-states, however.) They are the five most advanced cities in the Highlands, with mostly tier 3 technology. Each city has adopted one god as their patron. For example, Acadia's patron is Cadien, Ketrefa's is Tekret, Torrana's is Neiya. The fifth city, Solaria, was destroyed by the Iskrill sixty years before the appearance of Antiquity.

The holdings of these city-states also extend to the surrounding lands, with neighbouring villages and towns swearing fealty to them or paying tribute. Their proximity and loyalty to these cities results in them benefiting from the cities' greater technology and resources.

### The Lesser Cities

The Lesser Cities are also situated on or near the Neiyar River. They are close to the Great Cities in technology, but are still somewhat behind, and most barely qualify for the status of "city." Their histories are neither as long nor as celebrated as the Great Cities. They might claim one of the main five Highland Gods, or perhaps even another god, as their patron deity, but it usually isn't considered to be a major part of their identity.

### The Petty Kingdoms

The Petty Kingdoms are kingdoms in name only. Their holdings typically consist of nothing more than a fortified stronghold or town, and a few surrounding villages. Their technology level is between Tier 1 and Tier 2, leaning more toward Tier 2. The leaders of these kingdoms style themselves as Kings and Queens in an attempt to emulate the city-states. Some might even go so far as to claim their kingdom is the equal of one of the Great Cities... a belief which will quickly evaporate if they are ever fortunate enough to actually *see* a real city.

Petty kingdoms are typically found along the minor rivers of the Highlands, or in areas with high mineral deposits.

### The Freeholds

The difference between a petty kingdom and a freehold is that a freehold rarely consists of more than a single settlement, and isn't so arrogant as to call itself a kingdom. Their technology tends to be a mixture of Tier 1 or Tier 2, and never reaches as high as Tier 3. The most common leadership title is 'Chieftain', though some may instead use 'Lord', 'Laird, 'Mayor', 'Thane', 'Baron', 'Count', or some other title. These positions are usually hereditary, though some freeholds have been known to practice elections.

Although freeholds are independent, it is quite common for them to ally themselves with or pay tribute to a larger freehold or perhaps even a petty kingdom, in the hopes of receiving protection. Many freeholds exist on the borders of petty kingdoms, after all, and are often drawn into their conflicts.

### The Tribes

In the deepest region of the Highlands, 'civilization' becomes increasingly hard to come by. The most remote regions are populated by tribes, some of which might be nomadic, while others - the ones who have agriculture - remain stationary. Their technology tends to be mostly Tier 1, but they may have a few Tier 2 technologies depending on their position or how closely they interact with more advanced settlements.

These tribes are fiercely independent, but they have been known to form confederations or temporary alliances against greater threats. Some will often raid the more advanced regions for resources. Others may instead serve as peaceful traders, or offer up their services as mercenaries - fighting for freeholds and petty kingdoms in exchange for food or better equipment.