Stihl Cities of Repute

**Akylum Province**

Craenilus - Birthplace of the legendary hero Moran Stihler Craenus, the man responsible for building the foundations of the Stihl Empire.  Located on the southern banks of the Madens Boreus river on the northwestern edges of Stihl, Craenilus is a city of hearty character.  Such proximity to Myndynagaer and the Gnomerran Commonwealth allows quick import of quality stones and ores.  The city walls of stone stand high above the ground and a stroll on the ramparts reveals a beautiful view of the tundra that surrounds the city.  Craenilus has a healthy economic market of lumber, fish, ore.  Arbistrate Veltus Pim, known most well for his peculiar friendliness to gnomes, and dwarves, governs the city and resides in the historic Craenus Keep.

Adinasum - This city looms over the bridge that crosses the Madens Boreus into the lands of the non-humans.  A large trading port engulfs the southern side of the bridge and watch towers dot along the road leading to the northern gates of Adinasum’s city walls. Within the walls are homes of civilians made of stone and wood, a large barracks for a garrison of solators, and the daunting Stoneheft Keep, where the Praefech Kenton Gemis governs Adinasum and the locum Akylum.  It is here any traveling past the Madens Boreus bridge south into Stihl Empire are recorded and given papers of identification that must be carried at all times by non-citizens.

Aceron - The city that watches over the eastern shores of the Madens Boreus, Aceron is a motte and bailey settlement.  Atop the natural mound of earth sits Tundrus Hold, a sturdy structure of stone with wood awnings.  The city is surrounded by thick walls of carved wooden logs with pointed tops.  Cozy cottages and cabins lay nestled in the courtyard.  Large mill, and ferry system with Stihl military checking papers always. Headed by Arbistrate Kern Exus, renowned for his ability to keep high morale, but sticks his nose up in the air to non-humans by reflex.

Castrum Sumpen - The fort city that watches over the northern shores of the Malimal ocean.  Like Shif, Sumpen has the same work-to-live policy on enlisted men’s families.  Unlike Shif, who must always be wary of orckind pirates crossing the Hinra, this fort has very little to be concerned of, other than redirecting the odd lost elven fishing vessel back north.  Less skilled or unreliable solators typically find themselves stationed at Sumpen.  It is rumored that some men who never wished for a military life will try their hardest to be stationed at this boring fort if successful defection is not an option.

**Nortractus**

Whisper’s Harvest - The birthplace of the legendary first Imperatus of the Stihl Empire, Arutus Daraten, Whisper’s Harvest is one of the most important historic cities of Stihl culture.  It is here that the Mandate of Stihl was created and signed, bringing unity to lands under one banner. Whisper’s Harvest is the capital city of the locum Nortractus where the Praefech Rylus Ultigorn governs both city and locum from the Daraten Citadel. Tourists can find the Chamber of Heroes, a massive building that houses larger than life statues of legendary men of Stihl’s past, including every imperatus that has ruled Stihl, in the center of the city.  Any disrespect or vandalism done to the Chamber of Heroes results in a three month minimum stay in the dungeons of the Daraten Citadel.

Verstalus - This city boasts the largest lumber output of all Stihl, and the best carpenters of the Empire come from Verstalus, as the region has professed in woodworking for over a thousand years.  Verstalus’ key to success is the tree farmers, the ones who maintain a balance between growth and harvest.  It is rumored that centuries ago a band of Galithian elves of Ov Ladarethen taught the humans of Verstalus how to cultivate and use the forests without abusing them, but no Stihlite would admit such a generous act from an elf would have happened.  Arbistrate Trevard Orc-Cleaver governs the city from Goldsap Keep.

Hasty Rot Shore - Despite the name Hasty Rot Shore happens to be a lovely and exotic location within the Empire.  The namesake was inspired by the variety of fungus that spawn in the region, from the winter-resistant coldcap mushrooms to the luminescent nightstalks.  A popular alchemic college,  resides within the walls of Hasty Rot Shore and produces some of the best alchemists in the region.  The city proper sits on the sheer cliffs above the shoreline overlooking the Malimal ocean.  Arbistrate Kenrik Ex Nortractus governs the city from Witherstrand Keep.

**Shores of Hinra Province**

Castrum Shif - On the northern Shores of Hinra the coastal fort city of Castrum Shif casts a watchful gaze into the Sea of Hinra.  Shif, like the other castrums, is a military base that maintains a garrison utilized for upholding the law and defense from any potential enemies in the northwestern regions of Stihl.  Solators of the Empire may choose to have their family live in the castrum, and it is not uncommon for boys growing up in the fort to become active solators themselves. Unenlisted family members, in exchange for absolute safety under the care of the Empire’s army, are charged with the upkeep of the fort and solators.  They are expected to farm, cook, clean, and even treat the sick or wounded.

Tobalum - A thriving port city and a strategic stronghold, Tobalum is the main stop for repairs to military ships that patrol the dangerous Sea of Hinra.  Tobalum also has an impressive collection of wharfs as there is a bountiful supply of fish in the Hinra.  Along the coast of the sea a lot of the working class live in stilt houses because the Hinra's tides become very aggressive during the change of seasons.  The city proper is settled on a cliff that overlooks the sea, and within it’s walls on the western side of the city stands Bitterfrost Keep where the Arbistrate Wilthrup Noxam governs the city.  Wilthrup is known for his love deep sea fishing and the sucker scars on the right side of his face, from the time a devil-hook octopus latched to his face (the octopus lost that battle and became supper for Wilthrup and his crew).

Old Regalum -  Once the capital of the Empire Old Regalum (or simply Regalum when it was in its prime) is a massive city only second in size to its successor Regalum Arx Craenus.  Regalum's history is covered in violence as it came to importance when the Stihl Empire decided to assert control over the Sea of Hinra and needed a station of influence and might. There was a bustling fishing city that existed and with the Empire's direct attention and involvement the city became Regalum, with bolstered defenses and an increased amount of shipyards and dockyards.  The city was used as a naval command center to secure the Sea of Hinra and keep pirates of any race from getting anywhere near the Shores of Hinra.  This aggressive play caused the opposite of what was hoped, as orckind became enraged by Stihl coming so close to their waters and fishing vessels, and they retaliated.  For 63 years the Shores of Hinra were wrought with pirate raids and Regalum itself was besieged numerous times.  After much deliberation it was decided by the Imperatus of the time to cease the aggression and take a more defensive stand and patrol Stihl's coasts.  The Imperatus also decided a safer, more secure location would be a better idea for the capital of Stihl, and Regalum lost it's status as the beacon of the Empire, but was instated as the capital for the Shores of Hinra locum.  Though it's walls still show the cost of a decades long war, Regalum continues to stand as an impregnable city staring out at the open seas, waiting for foreign invaders.  The Praefech Klamus Ostek governs both city and locum and resides in Beastward Stronghold.

Castrum Kelon - If war isn't available then Kelon is the place most eager and patriotic solators who wish to be blooded go to.  The fort city's proximity to Ry Fel Gar and its shores almost guarantees an encounter with orckind at some point in a soldier's career.  Unlike the other castrums, most families opt out of living in this fort and instead live in hamlets further inland well out of cannon range but still within a safe distance to the fort.

**Savarus Province**

Abysulus - The mountain range of Galvus ex Gidros became a popular region for men to settle after The Hiss of Ravorus, finding peace and safety along the foothills.  Abysulus is a unique city for Stihl and is believed to once be an area where dwarves resided.  The city is nestled up against a mountain side and is comprised of several natural rock spires with plateaus.  Stone and clay homes sit upon the spires and the spires are all interconnected with sturdy rope bridges.  Another curious aspect of the city is that the spires have a tunnel system within, probably carved out by the dwarves in the past as the systems were very deliberate, with large carved cave rooms and channels that collect rain water into wells (there is also a safety mechanism that still functions within the spires that drains overflow out of the spires). Carved in the cliff face of the mountain is an old dwarven fortress.  Though the deeper parts of the fortress are collapsed and inaccessible the fortress is functional enough for Arbistrate Todark Wisilen to govern Abysulus from the Stone's Throw Keep.

Nordus Point - This city boasts the largest quantity of watchtowers north of the Galvus ex Gidros mountains.  Thanks to it's elevation in the northern foothills of the Gidros allowing for exceptional long range views of the surrounding countryside, Nordus Point is charged with keeping a watchful eye northward.  If an invading force conquers or bypasses Regalum then Nordus Point would be the first to know and is required to oversee proper warnings throughout the empire.  Other than its watchdog duties Nordus Point, like most of the cities in Savarus, has a booming mining operation.  Within the city walls Castle Vigilant stands tall and proud while Praefech Persus ex Savarus governs both city and locum.

Caengidros - This city is set upon the historic location where the monstrous Gren the Rancor was slain by the pre-Stihl men, as well as where the great hero Derral Markuven was felled. Caengidros is primarily a farming city that helps supply the more mountainous cities of Savarus with crops their rocky terrain can't support.  It also has a large library with all sorts of publications, but the tomes of Pre-Stihl history tend to be the most popular.  In the courtyard of the city is a fountain and within the center of it is a statue of Derral Markuven, standing heroically over a pile of slain orckind and water fonts flow from the open wounds of the orc statues.  Arbistrate Alfren Mogirus governs the city from Ancestors Keep.

Dynusolis - There once was a popular phrase "A wizard isn't much of a wizard without his tower."  This saying died out quickly when low income wizards called lightning from the sky and threw fire at the heels of loud-mouthed fools.  However, the phrase did give a trio of wizards an idea and that was to have a city any wizard, regardless of social status\*, could have access to arcane knowledge and practices.  Nestled in the southwestern ranges of the Galvus ex Gidros mountains Dynusolis is a jaw dropping city of magical wonders and sky scraping towers.  Though there are magical colleges throughout Primae, Dynusolis is one of the largest gatherings of arcane-inclined. Dynusolis is also the only city where other races of Arcazin can reside and not feel the passive aggressive scorn of typical Stihl citizens.  The Arch-wizard and ex-Venaeger of the Wand Rymlat maintains order from his tower; the Observer’s Observatory of Observation, when not overburdened with his studies.

\* Slaves do not hold any social status/rank

Fircrux -  In the southern hills of the Galvus ex Gidros ranges is a large valley where Fircrux quietly exists.  Peaceful, beautiful, and full of trees and rich fertile soil, Fircrux casts a grand illusion of pure isolation from the rest of the hustle and bustle of the Empire.  It is quite common for members of the military who are lucky enough to reach the age of retirement to live out the rest of their years in the serenity that is Fircrux. Shrines devoted to Utri, Ulrich, and Clefeb can be found here.  Arbistrate Canton Berelex governs Fircrux from Hearthglen Manor.

**Markuven Acreage Province**

Markuven - Many centuries ago a small nameless hamlet celebrated the birth of one of Stihl’s most famous and ancient heroes: Derral Markuven.  After his death at the hands of the orcish warlord Gren the Rancor, his loyal companions entombed his body in the cellar of his birth home.  His fame and sacrifice brought many families to settle in the hamlet, and over years it became a large town.  Derral’s great nephew, Villad the Prideful, decided it was time to give the prospering town a name, and Markuven was created.  In the early years of the Stihl empire, Markuven was the original capitol of the fledgling nation.  After time, when the threat of orckind was no longer a thing of the past, the capitol designation was moved to the more strategic location of Regalum.  In the present era Markuven is now the capital of the Markuven Acreage locum and contains the Castle Heartstrong where Praefech Edaris Calahix governs over both city and locum.  As a city rich in history there are many museums and architecture of old throughout and are righteously preserved and guarded, including the tomb of Derral Markuven.  Lodging for all classes of wealth can be found in Markuven, as any loyal citizen should be able to pay respects to the one of the greatest men of Stihl history.

Verfluxus - A circuit of rivers encircle the island city of Verfluxus.  The city and the region are major exporters of fresh fish and produce.   Most of the fertile land around the city and Io’s Bounty are devoted to farming and livestock and the rivers make the shipping and delivery of trade goods timely.  The four main rivers, Norflux, Sorflux, Werflux, and Arflux all converge at Verfluxus making a ferryman’s life quite lucrative.  Each river mouth has a drawbridge aligned to it, making the sorting of goods easier within the city.  Arbistrate Matler Neberos governs from Iron Otter Hold.

Gravalus - Once a city instrumental to the development of the Empire, the mines of Gravalus were the sole provider of metal and precious stones for Markuven, but the resources in the mines have ran out long ago.  Though the mines are dry, they have not gone obsolete, as the deep underground chasms have been repurposed as a prison for defectors and major criminal offenders of the Empire.  With dank, dark, and cramped conditions and tortured screams echoing throughout the tunnels, some prisoners have been known to request transfer to Axiom.  Over centuries the original name of the prison had been forgotten and the name dubbed by inmates ‘Nethe’s Vestibule’ is presently the accepted title for the prison.  Despite the dark nature below Verfluxus, the city proper maintains a happy populace who busy themselves by providing for the Empire with lumber and fish from the river Soflux.  Arbistrate Olus Potaren governs the city from Foreman Keep.

**Grimfen Province**

Throstium Brace - A pinnacle of Stihl military design, Throstium Brace is an expansive fortress strategically positioned in the Rancor Pass (it is the best place to march a large force, as the jungled hills of The Maw of the Rancor and the swamplands of Gystus Bogs would hinder any attempts of a speedy advance.).  The fortress is set in between two hills of overgrown and thorny foliage, where the pass is the most broad.  It stands six stories tall and walls and ramparts are built into the two surrounding hills, allowing solators of Stihl to patrol with long views of the surrounding region and strategic placements of siege weapons.  The Empire has also created booby traps with the natural terrain north of Throstium Brace, from pit falls to log traps to poisoned food.  General Arun Morellus commands this military station.

Arbaum - The city is designed to weather sieges and war.  Crops are farmed and harvested within the walls of the city.  Above each gate are flow channels for boiling oil to be poured upon would-be attackers with utmost efficiency.  Extended ramparts hold ballistae and catapults and arrow slits for archers are lined all around the walls.  Lumberjacking is the popular profession, however lumberjacks are accompanied by a squad of solators for protection as rogue agaren elves have been known to contest ownership of the forests men harvest and stray arrows have felled some workers.  Arbaum is also the second closest major city to the borderlands of Ry Fel Gar.  Arbistrate Arrus Rigidux governs from Iron Wrath Stronghold.

Serpent’s March - Serpent's March is a fort city set in the Gystus Bogs where the rivers Sorrow and Despair meet. Ruins of ancient elves are found within the walls of the fort and incorporated into lodgings and fortifications.  Stihl citizens volunteer to assist with maintaining the fort, weapons, gear, and crops for the armies that keep orckind at bay.  A temple of Io, one that must have been built by the elves that lived here ages ago, stands as a shining beacon of hope and light for the soldiers and civilians who live here.  Those that live in Serpent's March depend upon the temple for protection, not from orckind, but from the undead that are rumored to have been sighted roaming around deep in the Bogs.  Arbistrate Meflus Trupen governs from Mongoose Hold.

Solator’s Ridge - Set atop the cliffs of its namesake, Solator Ridge holds a large garrison of troops on active duty who campaign northward into orckind territory.  The city's purpose is providing a station of leave for solators who need medical treatment or recovery time from war weariness.  Taverns, game halls, and brothels are numerous and plenty in Solator Ridge and commerce thrives within .  Though the city is intended for rest and relaxation it is still prepared for assault with high walls and ballistae for warding off potential invasion from Ry Fel Gar.  Praefech Normus Kel governs city and locum from Blue Golem Stronghold.

Blumestum - Nestled in the Rechus Fortwoods, Blumestum is a prosperous city of lumber mills and carpentry. The region Blumestum inhabits is also much more welcoming than the dank mires of the Gystus Bogs.  Though the city does not share the same proximity to Ry Fel Gar that the other Grimfen cities do Blumestum maintains tall walls surrounding the city and watchtowers set throughout the fortwoods.  Blumestum is also not much for tourism and focuses mostly on production of wooden goods.  Some of the highest quality furnitures are created here and the city is a great boost to Stihl economy.  Arbistrate Trebelus Vots governs from Barkshire Keep.

**Craenus Prime Province**

Arx Regalum - Massive, Epic, Monolithic; these are some words used to describe the largest above ground city in Primae.  The shining beacon of the Empire, Arx Regalum, is an architectural wonder.  The citizens enjoy aqueducts, bathhouses, a temple devoted to each god of Good and/or Neutral alignment, two coliseums, brothels, a performance center of the arts, and many more public services.  Housing districts are littered across the city, in the central region of the city the colossal tower Foresight Spire houses the Imperatus’ personal circle of magi.  The mighty stronghold known simply as The Father sits in the eastern half of the city sporting amazing views of city and ocean and is the home of every Imperatus past and present.  A few roads away from the stronghold lies the primary government building Free Men Hall where the Aes Duciam and the four Consilates discuss the needs of the people.  The city also hosts a  massive garrison of solators who maintain order among the populace.

Volunteer’s Knoll - Nestled to the east of the foothills of Patriot’s Rise lies a city with a tradition of loyalty and pride.  Volunteer’s Knoll earned its namesake as being the city where the most men willingly joined the first Imperatus Arutus Daraten before the Empire was created.  The bloodlines in the city continued to provide able bodied men who joined the military for generations. In present day Stihl, many of the original bloodlines that fought for Arutus have descendants who give the same sacrifice to the Empire.  Families train their sons from a very early age in horsemanship, weapon mastery, and tactics so that when they are of age to join the military they can ascend in ranks quicker than others and bring great honor to their family.  The military elite, the Venaeger, boasts a large number of ‘Men of the Knoll’, children born from Volunteer’s Knoll.  Honorbound Keep shelters Praefech Remin Grefex who governs both city and locum.

Castrum Ablassen - The eastern shores of Stihl are relatively uneventful for the forts dotted along it, but Ablassen does not take the peace for granted.  With its proximity to Regalum Arx Craenus, Ablassen is an extremely strict and disciplined outfit that is expected to remain vigilant regardless of peacetime.  Drills and physical training are at a constant and evaluations of soldier performance are reviewed every three months.  Ablassen stands watch over the Malimal diligently waiting for any foreign threat to sail from the east.

Stodolum - Swampy and humid, Stodolum sits right before the wetlands that make up the Macerated Fen.  This city provides animal goods and products, exotic herbs and produce, and clay.  Stodolum isn’t the most beautiful or comfortable of major Stihl cities, nor does it hold more importance than the resources it provides, but living here is cheap and easy.  Stilt houses are the best abodes for this region.  Past errors on civic planning are still visible to this day; stone watchtowers that once stood 100 feet high are now sunk into mud, angled and broken, or have collapsed altogether.  Stodelum is inhabited primarily by low income common folk and former slaves who have earned their freedom, but freelance privateers are known to make this backwater their home.  There is an exclusive specie of tree known as lung-gasp, found only in the Macerated Fen, that is tough and durable.  It has an extensive root system that reaches deep into the ground past the sinking muck.  The branches of lung-gasp trees are broad and angle gently outward and clusters of these trees are often used as foundations for housing.  Highwader Fort is among the buildings that use the trees to stay safely above the mirk.  Arbistrate Silus Festino governs (rarely) the peasant city from the fort.

Derral Loch - Just outside the jungle of Jagenus ex Utri on the shores of the Malimal ocean lies the Derral Loch.  Being more of a naval base than a city, Derall Loch’s garrison patrols the bay of Rechus Orum and the Prosagen Strait from smuggling, pirating, and any potential threat to the empire.  Routine inspections of any ship coming from the south, where the elves of Ma Zilezta will sometimes send ambassadors or trade goods (as a sign of good will) to the Empire, are common and often.  It is typical that if a Coruthalen ship is not on political business then trade goods will be offloaded and inspected at Derral Loch and sent to the mainland via Stihl ships.  Admiral Pones Drokaren governs the Loch from Tideclutch Keep.

Venaeger Academy - Deep in the ranges of the Patriot’s Rise mountains an abandoned and ancient dwarven fortress in good repair was carved into a mountain cliff facing southward.  It is here that the Stihl Empire has repurposed the fortress to house and train its most elite military members.  The Academy was put into practice some centuries after the creation of the Empire, as Stihl lost battles in the past where their superior numbers made little difference against superior tactics.  The Empire learned from their failures and created the Venaeger Academy, which is comprised of seven branches of focus:

The Shield (Security) - Domestic protection, anti-siege, personal guard of the Imperatus

The Shadow (Espionage) - Spying, sabotage/subterfuge, assassinations

The Torch (Counter Espionage) - Espionage element prevention

The Spear (Special Operations) - When situations require more finesse than a full legion of solators, send a handful of men worth an army.

The Wheel (Research and Development) - From tactics to sharper swords to quadruple barreled ballistae, technology is a fundamental instrument of war.

The Wand (Magical Studies) - Can we make the fireballs the same color as our banners?

The Tome (Archival) - Studies, record keeping, and storing of relics/items deemed ‘unsafe’ by the Empire.

The Academy allows any Stihlite (including women, which is the only military outfit that accepts both genders)  to attempt the Initiation Screening process, where individuals are tested mentally and physically by various means.  Depending on the results candidates are accepted or denied (85% of candidates are usually unfit for the Venaeger and are denied). From here the accepted initiates, based on their screening results, are assigned a branch to train in.  Training, especially for the more physical branches, is excruciatingly difficult and a large percentage of initiates will wash out. The few who succeed with their training become proud members of the Venaeger and are instrumental to the prosperity and security of the Empire.

**Korplenax**

Artifex Mills - In the heart of the Evimptum Reaplands is the domestic commerce hub of the region Artifex Mills.  This city’s walls offer protection and trade to the plethora of farm towns that reside within the Reaplands.  Outside of the walls large windmills stand tall throughout the hilly terrain for the purpose of milling grain or pumping water while lumber mills are set up on the fringes of the forests north of the city.  Though Korplenax is home to mostly laborers, Artifex Mills has a taste of luxury with its several inns, taverns, and brothels.  Monthly horse racers are held in the city track where farmers can bet their few meager glints for hopes of a big payoff.  The acres around the city are also a great place to set up a cottage for those that wish to live away from the hustle and bustle of the Empire, but are on a budget.  Praefech Klado Burkrex governs city and locum from Castle Gustrife.

Sagalux - Mostly a lumber city, Sagalux is in a great geographic position from Regalum Arx Craenus, where those traveling to and from the Capitol, east or west, will be on the road to Sagalux. The city has several inns suited for all classes of life, from the poorish to rich.  A small temple with shrines to the Good and Neutral gods is available for those who wish to pray and worship.  There are also many shops for provisioning and outfitting thanks to daring adventurers who wish to traverse into the Jagenus ex Utri.  Arbistrate Sogard Lenus governs from Boar Charge Keep.

Sikerum - The city sits in an area with vital forests to the north and harsh drylands to the east, west, and south.  Tall walls surround the city with many lookout stations atop the ramparts as the borders of Daran and Lae Aladelri are not far.  An outfit of solators are stationed in Sikerum, as Stihl takes the security of their Empire to a level close to obsessive paranoia. The city does not produce much in goods for the nation but it is an affordable place to live and has around the clock security protecting the citizens.  Abristrate Ilius Denn governs from Sand Fox Keep.

Coinmonger’s Fluss - The city once went by the name of Ritanus, after its founder Orbex Ritan.  Orbex Ritan was one of the three scheming Senate members responsible for costing the Empire a quarter of their army and the loss of the western frontier, now known as the Daran Republic.  After his execution by the hands of the Daranen people the city was renamed to Coinmonger's Fluss by the acting Imperatus Gratus Daraten, as a show of good will towards Daran. Due to its proximity to Daran and being the main recipient of the Republic's trade goods Coinmonger's Fluss is more open to foreigners and doesn't have assigned taverns or inns for foreigners to use like the majority of other cities. There is a currency exchange office located in the central markets of the city and not far from it is the Manse du Patron, the fancy lodgings for any visiting diplomat.  Arbistrate Unelis Tasek governs the city from Rubethyst Keep.

Dimiandrus - Humble and pious, Dimiandrus sits in the wastes of Foreigner's Folly.  There is an abbey, Alhart, within the walls of the city where clerics of Pity's Friary worship Ulrik.  In comparison to the other major cities of Stihl, Dimiandrus is considerably smaller, as the surrounding region is harsh and the proximity to Vaath's crater is an uncomfortable thought to many.  Dimiandrus is on the map due to being the last city on the road to the Citadel of the Sancternion. The city provides for itself with what seldom farming can be accomplished, but the friars in Alhart are the true reason the city survives.  Pity's Friary is known for brewing the best mead in all of Stihl, and thanks to the cool cellars of Alhart they have perfected their recipes over generations.  Their beverages are sought after by many and the friars charge up to 25 craens for a barrel.  The earnings of their beverages go straight to the city for supplies and food in anticipation of a bad harvest.  Abbot Dorbis Matogen governs the city with the good graces of the imperatus.

Citadel of the Sancternion - South of the populace of the Stihl Empire lies an accursed place full of mystery and danger where the name alone can cause the hairs on the backs of necks to rise stiffly. Vaath's Crater, a giant region of desert and an omen of certain doom, looms silently. It's marred sands make their presence known ten miles from the borders of Stihl and only a few of the bravest and most god-touched of Arcazin would consider venturing into the desert.  These mortals are paladins of different orders from all around the continent (some order examples, but not limited to: Light's Fury, Radiant Soul, The Silver Knights, Blessed Blades, etc) who unite together to in the Citadel of the Sancternion to protect the mortal realm from evil. (Sancternion is the name of the collective Good Gods; Io, Ulric, and Aurelia.).  Though the Citadel is technically within the borders of Stihl, the citadel is not apart of the Empire, as their will and direction goes beyond the decrees and laws of mortals.  The Citadel is a beacon of light shining into the shadows of the unknown, and the Stihl Empire maintains healthy relations with the numerous paladin orders.  The paladins make expeditions into Vaath's Crater to have a better understanding of the dangers within, but these adventures can come at the great cost of paladin lives. The Citadel, silver in color, is of a conical shape with tiered levels that reach to the sky.  Affixed at the top of the citadel is a steeple bearing the symbol of the Sancternion.

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