Troyce

#### **Location and Climate**

Troyce is the smallest territory on Ceacleth. Because of this, it has no real documentable import or export of trade. The entire province is mostly taken up by a thick forest that displays autumn hued foliage year-round. The foliage is said to be the most vibrant on the entire continent.

#### **History and Culture**

Troyce, though once a great and majestic nation with flourishing magical houses, is somewhat past its heyday. Even after years of annexes from the north and south, Troyse has yet to fight back against its neighbors, but is too preoccupied with infighting.

Troyce is famed for its elaborate culture of robes, and the almost convoluted system of meanings behind the decoration. The finest robes, especially for use by magic users, are made and designed in Troyce.

Architecturally speaking, many of the buildings in Troyce are one-of-a-kind. In Tarrin, most, if not all of the buildings use the same malachite-green warded shingles. Towers are as common as houses in other provinces, and the dwarvish influence is clear in the masterful quality of the stonework. Elvish lodges stand next to sprawling human lecture halls, and where in any other culture, the difference would be stark, they seem to blend together in a perfect sort of chaos.

#### **Ruling Houses**

Historically, Troyce was effectively ruled by the houses Falvoth, Lenlu, Hastir, and Winterburst, the most powerful house of wizards calling the shots and keeping the others in check. This inspired a healthy degree of competition and desire to improve. However, the Troycish houses have more or less fallen from grace, no longer seeking greatness and rather taking stabs at each other instead of securing heirs to further the legacy of their noble houses.

The Falvoth House was once the most well known order with skill in divination. Jhedreela Falvoth was a famous Cazduxan court mystic who attended the Adrosonia Institute of the Arcane. Since the founding, a long line of human successors have followed her example, with Falvoth being the only of the big four founded by a human. The current Magister is a very old oracle named Mohi Glorybrand. She often goes by the title of Grandmother Mohi.

The Lenlu House was founded by the legendary Drow spellsword Arymon Lenlu. Thus, the main school of learning is evocation. Many of the members of House Lenlu are Drow. The current Magister is Naloth Serathyn.

The Hastir House is known for its past legacy of conjuration mastery. It was founded by Dalvod Hassa, but was renamed to Hastir once it came out that Dalvod was summoning demons in the errant corridors of the Academy. The current Magister is Sem Twohide, a hobgoblin.

The Winterburst House, founded by Len Winterburst, was known for its skill in abjuration. Len, a Sheedori Elf, was one of the foremost abjurers of her time. Lionel Havensteel, the leader of the Bulwark, which is debatably the most prestigious abjuration guild, was a member of House Winterburst. Sadly, Len’s predecessors have failed to uphold her legacy in recent years. The current Magister, a high elf named Zodo Morninghand, is past his prime and out of touch with the current culture.

Read more about the legal system behind the houses and their everyday applications here.

#### **Holidays**

Therendor, or the Festival Restorative is a yearly Troycish celebration. Focus is on healing, health, love and renewal. It is held by House Winterburst. When the War of Alabaster raged nearby and people from all sides wandered in, hurting, House Winterburst responded by creating a safe haven for anyone injured, while nearby clerics or apothecaries would come in and provide rejuvenation to those hurt.

#### **The Adrosonia Institute of the Arcane**

The small province of Troyce is most notable for its magical academy, the Adrosonia Institute of the Arcane. This magic school has taught some of the most successful and skilled magic users the world has ever seen. It only accepts the most skilled of mages.

#### **Government**

The current High Royal Grandmaster Archmage is an elvish man named Ancanlilianranrir of House Quan Ma. Having risen from an almost nameless house, Ancanlilianranrir rose through the ranks at Adrosonia through sheer determination and will. He is quite possibly the greatest sorcerer alive today.

#### **Guilds**

While the houses in Troyce act as formative ‘guilds’, the only other order of interest is the Marbleshields. They are the protectors of Troyce.  Large marble statues of guards and protectors are placed around the towns and cities, and if those settlements come under attack, the statues come to life and ward off the attackers. These are creations of Ancanlilianranrir.

#### **Religion**

Not many come to Troyce to study faith, though many undertaking studies at Adrosonia find themselves praying to Azuth, the god of wizards, and Mystra, goddess of magic, when their studies find them out of their depths. Paladins and Clerics have been known to attend Adrosonia, too, so shrines and temples honoring various deities can be found in most cities.

#### **Guards**

No guards other than the Marbleshields exist. However, Moderators, oftentimes graduates or students looking to pay off their tuition, roam the streets of the cities to make sure the law is being upheld. Moderators wear shock white robes.