Akarros

Akarros is an Azurite kingdom and one of the dominant power of the Midrealms. It is a rich and technologically advanced nation and has historically been the center of power in the Midrealms. It is a strong land power with a large standing army as well as a powerful naval power, possessing the largest fleet in the Azure Sea region. The rising power of Damaria has recently come to challenge the dominance of Akarros.

Akarros is ruled by king Makelian III Koronoi.

## History

### Formation of Akarros (1100's)

Akarros is the successor state of the Azurite Empire, a once powerful state which controlled the entire southern coast of the Midrealms stretching from the Gulf of Kumanzk to present day Kordobia. The empire crumbled from internal instability in 1135, splitting the empire into many states. Multiple attempts would be made to reestablish the empire, but they would fail and the Azurites would remain split into multiple regional entities.

In 1142, the ambitious young duke of Tarnassus, Paliagis I Koronoi, conquered the duchy of Isuraea, making him the most powerful Azurite of his time. The eastern Azurite states was at this time embroiled in warfare. Paliagis exploited the division and marched eastwards with his army, easily destroying any opposition and subjugating the eastern cities, stopping at present day Messilia. He then turned his attention westwards, wanting to capture the wealthy city of Cirinia. A bloody war was fought for the western territories which lasted many years. Palaigis would prevail. After this victory, Palaigis crowned himself King of Akarros in 1167 and was given the title "the Great". Paliagis had plans to conquer Messilia, but before fulfilling his ambition he died suddenly of a sickness, having only been king for a year. This led to a succession crisis where his 3 sons would fight for the throne, turning the attention of the kingdom inwards. Dagos Koronoi won the civil war after 12 years of strife and was crowned the second King of Akarros. Messilia would be spared from Paliagis' plans for conquest, as Dagos and his successors focused inwards and build the institutions which kept the new kingdom stable and secure.

### Izhmat-Akarros Trade Wars (1372-1380)

In the late 1300's, trade flowing through the Azure Sea and the Sea of Sethos was tightly contested between **Akarros** and Izhmat. This led to the initiation of the Izhmat-Akarros Trade Wars in 1372. The war consisted of many sea skirmishes and raids on coastal communities. In 1378, Akarros conquered the important port city of Nias, allowing Akarrosian soldiers to march into the heartland of Izhmat and do significant damage to the countryside. A peace treaty would be signed, declaring Akarros as the winner of the dispute and giving them Nias, giving Akarros absolute control of trade flowing into and out of the Sea of Sethos.

### Orcish migration wars (1422-1439)

In 1422, the Weznian March in the Principality of Vloblin was overrun by orcish tribes. These would spillover into Peria in Akarros. Many battles would be fought against the orcs until they were exterminated or driven away from the lands. The duchy of Peria would be scarred from the many raids that took place.

## Culture

### Gladiator Fights

Gladiator fights are common in Azurite culture, but the Akarrosian fights are known for their extreme levels of spectacle and brutality. It is not uncommon for gladiators to fight to the death, and belief is that the fallen will continue fighting gladiatorial fights in the afterlife within the realm of the war god Strafas. Foreigners, including azurites from other countries, are often taken aback and are shocked by the brutality of these games. With Akarros viewing itself as the successor state to the Azurite Empire, it is generally believed that the brutality of the games are inherited from the gladiatorial traditions of the once great empire.

### Food

Akarrosian Rum is a popular type of golden rum, favored by sailors of of the Midrealms, with its popularity spreading as far as from Aeboria to Eolainn. It has its origins in the city of Nisus.

## Locations

### Geography

The tallest peak in the Midrealms, Mount Oroimos, is located on the border between Akarros and Damaria.

#### Islands

Akarros administers many small islands located in the Azure Sea and the Sea of Sethos. The most notable islands include:

* Epros, Petos, Mirios, Roxos, Yrsos,

#### Tree of Time

The Tree of Time is located in the barren highlands of Manakos. It is a gigantic tree towering at 500 meters and is associated with the god Vestica.

### Regions

Regions

## Known Akarrosians

* Paliagis I Koronoi the Great
* Malakai Denaris
* Makelian III Koronoi
* Emorius Eprosion
* Victarius