Sectinia

**Sectinia** (Ahremian: *Sectinisi*, Lohnian: *Sectine*), also known as the **Sectinian Estates** during times of independency, is a province of Ahremia and a large historical region covering the central farmlands of Ahremia. Sectinia has been inhabited for thousands of years by many different groups of people, leading to a very unique culture and dialect of Ahremian practiced especially in its cultural center, the estates of Sectinia.

Sectinia was first inhabited by tribes of horsemen who were some of the most prolific early Ahremians. Much later, the four principal cities of Sectinia would band together into a single kingdom during the early pre-Exelon period. Sectinia would only continue to grow in influence and population throughout the next few centuries. By modern times, it is the largest, most populated, and one of the wealthiest provinces of Ahremia.

## Etymology

Sectinia is known in Common Ahremian as *Sectinisi*, in Lohnian as *Sectine*, and in Sectinian-Ahremian as *Sectina.* The name comes from the earliest recorded people group to live in the region, the Sectini. The name "Sectini" is a Mercianization of the native word *Swetini'ila* or Swetinila.

## Sectinian Estates

Although Sectinia is home to many cities and towns, the four oldest and largest cities of Sectinia are called the "Sectinian Estates" and are the cities of Cornoa, Hamhall, Nareen, and Antilogne. Occupying the area around the great fork of the Mara River, these cities are some of the most cosmopolitan and culturally advanced cities in Ahremia excluding Euritas and Nazka.

**Cornoa -** Cornoa is the capital of the province of Sectinia. The city is located on a rocky butte called Cobbler's Topping which has made it a highly defensible city which rarely has seen attackers. Cobbler's Topping is the obstacle that causes the split in the Mara River, creating the Slorend - the longest and most important river in Ahremia. Although much of the historic districts are located on the butte, the city does have a river port located on the banks of the river below.

**Hamhall -** Hamhall is the largest of the estates. It is located on the Slorend River, south of Cornoa. The city is located on both sides of the Slorend River, with three bridges spanning the river. A small island located in the river is home to the city's central cathedral. On the west side lies Castle Hamhall, a 10th-century SY castle which overlooks the main market of the city. The city is known for its thin houses that line the river and the cobblestone streets of the city. The entire city is walled and has a moat, making it very defensible.

**Nareen -** Nareen is the smallest of the estates, and is located on the Mara River, west of Cornoa. The city is built on a large island in the river, with two bridges on either side connecting it to the mainland. The city originally found prominence through its many markets at which people traded the local crops and resources of the region. Recently, however, the modest city has become home to many artisans dealing in such fields as woodworking, cobbling, tailoring, blacksmithing, the making of luxury goods, singing and dancing, and actors among others.

**Antilogne -** Antilogne is the westernmost of the estates, and is on the Mara River. The city is known for its "six spires", as in the six main churches of the city. The city fans out on the north bank of Mara from its castle's central plaza. The city holds a very mixed population of people from various parts of Ivlon, including Lohn; the language of which is from where the city derives its name, *Antilogne.*