Argentum

Argent Trade Ships flying over the Cassafrelya Old Town.

**Other:**
Tales of Kaltewal
Stein

> We will make sure that under this house, Argentum shall never fade into night.
>
> Saun Alstrife

The **Alstrife-Argentum Empire** (or **Argentum**) is one of the major lands of the SplinterFall world. Historically, it consists of four countries - Kaltewal, Lune, Seremari, and West Tenemwal.

Following on from the Four Way War, House Alstrife established a new era for the Argent Confederation resulting in what we now know to be the Alstrife-Argentum Empire.

Argentum is composed of various sub-regions ranging from its cold valleys in the north, its tropical jungles in the east, its vast deserts towards the west, and beautiful exotic shores in the south. Located on its northern coast is the Sea of En’Riale which the nation shares with (Land 4). Towards the sea’s southernmost side is the grand imperial city and ex-capital, Cassafrelya. Due to the influence of House Alstrife, Kaltewallen-styled architecture can be seen in various locations around Argentum - most notably, Cassafrelya.

## History

### Overview

Prior to the events of the Splinter Fall, Argentum was a large, militaristic nation located roughly in the center of the continent. It is currently led by the dictator, Saun of House Alstrife.

Following on from the end of the Four Way War and establishment of the empire, House Alstrife was able to solidify its reach across the nation allowing for the empire to truly become one and the same and create a reputation for itself as a powerhouse nation of the world. This level of interconnectivity allowed Argentum to rapidly progress in terms of civilisation and military strength. Along with their expansion and commitment to their goals of bringing the world under one unified rule, they have made impressive advancements in a variety of technologies through utilization of a device known as the Argent Core. The Argent Core is the common name for power sources (such as batteries, etc.) which derive power from Argentium - an artificially-made element created (around 70 years before the events of the Splinter Fall) by a scientist called Erin Lynn.

It is the Argent Core which powers the entire nation.

### Alstrife Regime (1059 - 1271)

Under the rule of House Alstrife, Argentum thrived but with the addition that it had effectively become a dictatorial empire. Saun, the current superior of House Alstrife, is the house’s latest ruler and it is with his ruthless reign that Argentum has been able to maintain their territory and effectively expand their knowledge of technology to its greatest extent to date. Through carefully prepared military strategy, careful consideration and planning, and knowledge of the land he desires to conquer, Argentum has built themselves into an unstoppable force and many have feared that another great war is about to ignite. Unfortunately for Saun, the unforeseen Splinter Fall has brought his plans to a halt... for now.

#### Argentium and the Argent Core (1198)

Towards the end of the 1100's, Argentum saw a decline in natural resources which led to a halt in the progression of technologies. It was this decline which prompted a group of Argentum's top scientists to focus on creating a brand new alternative power source for the nation. A team led by Erin Lynn eventually created an artificial element called Argentium. Argentium is in incredibly useful element which allows for the storage and manipulation of energy. From this, the nation quickly utilised this powerful new element to create the Argent Core - a synonymous term used in relation to anything that is powered by Argentium. As a result, Argentum quickly entered a new age of industrialisation and rapidly advanced on all fronts of science.

## Locations

### Notable Locations

#### Cassafrelya

Cassafrelya is the grand, historical capital of Argentum. Known colloquially as ‘The City of All’, Cassafrelya serves as a central hub for Argentum and other outside nations for both trade and opportunity. In addition to its location on the Sea of En’Riale, its geographical position (being in the heart of the nation) allows the city to act as the focal point for all of the country’s business needs. Cassafrelya is composed of grand buildings and factory-like structures all throughout - on every street one would find a mixture of different shops all with a different purpose, each with its very own brand new invention to suit your everyday needs. The Argent Core has allowed the city’s residents to explore the creation and purpose of new devices and technology that the world has never seen; however, this does not come without its disadvantages. One caveat to this false freedom is that no new invention goes unnoticed, for if one was to create something without the government’s acknowledgement, the creator themselves (as well as their family) would be subject to instant arrest and likely death. Whilst this city, on its surface, appears to be what many would consider a city of dreams, it is this façade which hides the truth about the corruption which runs deep within the nation's heart.

##### Points of Interest

* **Cassafrelya Citadel** — The Cassafrelya Citadel has held great importance in being the central hub for the Argent government. It stands relatively tall and is located in the city centre. It is known for its architecture, its history, and the crystal throne (expertly forged from crystals by the people of Lune, given as a gift to Seremari) located within the great hall.
* **Argent Hyper Bolt** — See below.

#### Cassafrelya Old Town

Famous for its classical theatre, its beautiful views across En'Riale, and of course, its famous delicacy - Sporg Soup, the Cassafrelya Old Town is a richly historic town located north of (New) Cassafrelya. It is often visited by many travellers from all over the world.

Unfortunately, due to the advancement of technology and neglect from the government, the old town has continually suffered from the expansion of factories and the like, which has begun to ruin the serene area that many know and love. Since the aforementioned expansion, pollution has begun to kill off both animals and plants, and pollute the neighbouring sea. Time and time again, the people of this region have complained to the Argent government about the troubling issues that many residents and wildlife have had to face yet absolutely nothing has been done. Coincidentally, some of the towns residents and protestors (to the government's schemes) have mysteriously disappeared which, as some have theorised, could be the work of the Argent government itself.

##### Geography

The town is located on the southernmost point of the Sea of En'Riale. To the north west of the town are the Felphoros Mountains. Directly to the south is Cassafrelya. The land itself is relatively flat and lays on sea level.

##### Points of Interest

* **Theatre Dumasc** — A world famous theatre that is known for its live plays and orchestras that are frequently performed there. Residents of the town are able to enjoy the various performances from the theatre itself, the local port, or even from the comfort of their own homes - thanks to its one-of-a-kind rooftop stage.
* **En'Riale Watchpoint** — The En'Riale Watchpoint is one of the nation's oldest standing towers, having existed long before the formation of the Four Houses. The watchpoint tower, which stands at around 100 metres in overall height, provides a great view over a large portion of the sea and has held great significance in providing the land with useful, strategic insight.
* **Garden of Trove** — Much like the watchpoint, the Garden of Trove was built long before the formation of the Four Houses. It is a large rooftop garden that many would say owes its fame to the plethora of authors and writers who have either used the garden itself, or as clear inspiration, for their stories, songs, plays, and so on - references to the garden in Argent literature is what many would describe as endless. Considering the age of the garden, it is highly impressive how well intact the garden is. In its centre, you'll find the Statue of Lyre. The garden was also famously known for hosting weddings of grandeur but due to the spread of the country's industrialisation and pollution, weddings have since been banned as workers and caretakers of the garden have had to shift their full focus towards making sure the garden is well maintained and kept in good condition.
* **Argent Production Factory** — The Argent Production Factory is an factory and experimental facility located in the Cassafrelya Old Town.

#### Ky'Aisa

Ky'Aisa is the second largest city in Argentum and capital to what used to be the nation of Seremari. It is located in the south east of the country. It is known for its highly tropical weather and deep blue ocean views. The region is typically very hot and home to all sorts of exotic fauna. Following the events of the Splinter Fall and destruction of Cassafrelya, Ky'Aisa was appointed the role of Argentum's capital by the Pharos Alliance following the aftermath of House Alstrife's escape to Empress Island. It is Ky'Aisa where the remants of House Pharos live.

#### Altava

Altava (Alta Silva) is the third largest city in the Seremari region. It is situated within the deep forests of Seremari and is famed for its rich history.

##### Points of Interest

* **Altava Academy of History and Arts (AAHA)** — Unlike many of Argentum's other famed institutes for education, the Altava Academy is well-known for its education in both History and Arts. Alumni include: Isaac Cortazar.
* **Altava Archives** — To be written.

#### Strand

Strand is a town in West Tenemwal and is located on the coast of the Sea of En'Riale.

##### Points of Interest

* **Technical Institute of Strand (TIS)** — Regarded as one of the most prestigious academic institutes in the whole of Argentum in relation to science and engineering, the Technical Institute of Strand has a large number of alumni who have contributed greatly to the advances of technology within Argentum. Some notable alumni include: Claudia Forst, Erin Lynn, and Lucian Stein. Additionally, Edward Drake was given an honorary qualification for his work on Diffusion Couplings.

### Other Locations

#### Kingdom of Kaltewal

* Fischerdorf
* Frieren
* Heimren (*Capital*)
* Hunt Manor

#### Seremari

* Ora Valley
* Viridia

#### West Tenemwal

* Andelzen (*Capital*)
* Endsal
* Freiraum
* Freiraum Airfield

## Technology

* **Argent Hyper Bolt** — The Argent Hyper Bolt is essentially a grand-scale railgun capable of shooting out insanely powerful, arrow-like bolts of energy at a chosen destination. It is positioned nearby Cassafrelya and serves as the ultimate defence against any form of invasion or danger. Whilst it is famed simply for its construction and power, it is also the device which was used to split the comet during the Splinter Fall.
* **Diffusion Coupling** — A Diffusion Coupling is a device that is commonly found in large (Argent Core) engines. It is a device that is mostly exclusive to Argentum and can be found in a variety of technologies such as Argent Mechs and the Hyper Bolt. It largely increases the efficiency of engines.

## Characters

### Notable Characters

Notable characters by the story they were introduced in.

#### A Death of Two Houses (Part I & II)

* Feng
* Ko-Lang
* Victoria Alamark
* Nero Alstrife
* Saun Alstrife
* Naya Celeri
* Katalina Cirillo
* Camille de Pharos
* Ofelia de Pharos
* Claudia Forst
* Calder Helvig
* Iliana Viviere
* Rielle Viviere

#### Light's Harbinger (Part IV)

* Firecatcher
* Foci (Andreas Terminari)
* Siren (Emilia Lu)
* Cynthia Fiore

### Other Characters

* Skarsgard
* Sporg Chef
* Amelia Drake
* Edward Drake
* Wilfred Hunt
* Erin Lynn †
* Lucian Stein
* Elizabeth Walker

## Organizations

* Argent Government †
* Cult of Sporg
* The Crow's Nest
* House Alstrife
* House Elwynt †
* House Kinfall †
* House Pharos
* Goliath Clan
* The Jagged Owl
* Kaltewallen Guard
* Pharos Alliance

## Trivia

* Sporg is very tasty.
* Each of the swords on the Alstrife-Argentum Empire Flag are representative of the four houses that existed prior to the end of the Four Way War. The largest sword represents House Alstrife's victory over the other three houses.
* Older demonyms include: Argent, Argentic, Argentian. These terms originate from the southern regions of Argentum (used mostly in the times of the Argent Confederation) but due to House Alstrife's control and influence, the term Silverian came into popular use. It is important to note that a lot of people within Argentum will still refer to people based on the region (Kaltewal, Lune, Seremari, or Tenemwal) they're from.

## Gallery

Cassafrelya Old Town (Colour)Cassafrelya Old Town (Sketch)Alstrife-Argentum Flag (1060 - 1272)
## Etymology

* Argentum means "silver" in Latin.
* Kaltewal comes from "kalte wald" in German, meaning "cold forest".
* Tenemwal comes from "tenebris wald" which is a mixture of Latin and German. In Latin, "tenebris" means "dark". In German, "wald" means "forest".
* Although Lune and Seremari do not come from any words in particular, Lune was named in slight relation to the title of the 1965 novel Dune by Frank Herbert.