Illithien

Sawtooth Keep, Emperor Mordai's castle and capital of Illithien.

A nation of fire and sand, Illithien was built on the ashes of devastation, and forged into a vessel of hope. Torn from Ax Maboloth itself, Illithien is now one of the powerhouses of Forestsedge. Ruled by Emperor Amon Mordai, Illithien became one of the founding nations that Signed the Guardian Pact and its ruler sits on The Guardian Council, sharing a bond of brotherhood with many of the other members.

## History and Culture

Originally a small trading village, Illithien was home to many humble and kind villagers. They survived on the very edge of the southern border, living off the Saigain border wall itself. The village endured this way for hundreds of years, until the time of The Godfall Pact.

Led by Edward The Eighth, The Godfall Pact slaughtered the people of Illithien and burned it to the ground. Not a single living thing was spared. All trace of the village was burned away, the remnants a black scar scorched into the very ground. And so Illithien stayed, a bleak reminder of the power that Edward had under his command. That is, until Amon Mordai made a bargain with Ax Mystia.

An unwitting pawn in Ax Mystia's many schemes, Amon Mordai was a powerful wizard and companion to Twisted Fate, a group that had been battling Edward for the Nine Keys of Anvilguardius. After suffering a disastrous betrayal, Mordai used his Amulet of Wish to beseech Ax Mystia for the power to combat Edward and save Veiltouria. Ax Mystia obliged, in his way.

From the ash and suffering of Illithien rose a new city, torn directly from Ax Maboloth itself, realm of Ax Mystia. Tall spires rose from the craters cracking open in the earth. Lava flowed, rising to border the infernal city. Devils walked the streets freely, given to the command of Mordai himself. Looking around at his new fortress, teaming with Devil warriors, Mordai smiled. Here was the power to fight Edward. Declaring himself Emperor of Illithien, Mordai marshalled his forces for war.

### The Infernal City

The new Illithien stands in stark contrast to its predecessor. Surrounded by a moat of lava, the city burns bright against the green backdrop of Saigan forest. Two huge Infernal Giants roam the lava moat, crying tears of fire and blood. These are the guardians of Illithien, defending its borders against all who are unwelcome. Within the city itself, the many castles and buildings are designed to the whims of their Infernal owners. For many of the Devils that reside in Illithien, this is their first foray into the Veiltouria. Making the most of it, a society formed around these infernal immigrants. Fiendish smiths pedal their wares to traders brave enough to approach the city's borders. While unable to get drunk, the Devils have found a unique alternative: Poison. Various herbalists and apothecaries are commonplace in Illithien, serving as infernal versions of taverns and bars. The main currency of Illithien, souls, is a hard to come by resource in Veiltouria. Many Devils crossed over with their own supply, but to acquire more souls is difficult, as Emperor Mordai has forbidden the predation of mortals. As a result, a new profession has formed: soul hunting.

Similar to mercenary work, soul hunters (or Satanics, as they have come to be known), hire themselves out to the highest mortal bidders. Aiding them on quests or in battle, the Satanics capture whatever souls are available when their enemies are slain. They then return and trade them to the Soul Brokers, the banking and governing body under Emperor Mordai.

### Citizens of Illithien

#### Devils and Fiends

Largely populated by those citizens of Ax Maboloth who were unaffiliated with an Archduke or Fiend, the devil citizens of Illithien have banded together under Emperor Mordai. When the nation was, following his rules initially seemed like a difficult proposition, however the freedom and pleasures of Terra Aletheia soon made that hesitation a distant memory. Now, new generations of fiend have arisen that know only their Emperor's rule.

Primarily populated by Barbed and Bearded Devils, Illithien also plays host to many of the higher echelon of the Infernal Court. Illithien also plays host to a large number of Tiefling refugees, all fleeing to its safe walls. The caste system of typical Tiefling society is abolished in Illithien. All are equal to another.

#### Tiefling Freedom

When news first broke that Amon Mordai, one of the most famous Tieflings in Forestsedge, had formed an Empire free for all Tieflings to join, a wave of lost Tieflings felt as if they had been called home. Travelling to Illithien in waves, they watched in awe as the Infernal Giants formed living bridges for them to cross. They stood in wonder as their Infernal kin bid them welcome and ushered them into fully built homes. Looking to the newly crowned Emperor, the Tiefling refugees look as if they saw a Demigod in front of them, many dropping to their knees in thankful prayer.

With the addition of thousands of mortals, Illithien truly flourished. The Infernal citizens watched in awe as bards, play troupes and performers flocked to the city. Entertainment became a key industry, as the Devils had never seen such wonders. In turn, the mortals innovated ever further, wowing their kin from another plane. News soon spread of the wonders that could be seen in Illithien. Mortals began to brave the fiery walls to watch the newly named Devils Circus, a collection of the bravest and most insane feats of entertainment Veiltouria had ever seen.

Now, Illithien is a titan of industry. Their decades of advancement have seen Fiendish weaponry and armor become sought after far and wide, while the potions of The Infernal City are known across Veiltouria to be the best available.

## The Secret Daggers

Formed during his travels with Twisted Fate, The Secret Daggers are Mordai's personal hit squad and protectors. Accumulated over his many journeys, The Secret Daggers would freely give their lives for Mordai's cause. Initially comprised of the Dwarven brothers Garr, Skamos, Vigori and Mako, as well as the Umber Hulk Charybyda and Illithid Cthillax.

The Secret Daggers saw much combat over the course of The War of The Keys. After the conclusion of the war, Cthillax was given a legion of Fiends and sent back to his home plane, secretly charged by Mordai with taking one of The Nine Keys of Anvilguardius with him.

Now, the Secret Daggers form Mordai's inner council and most trusted advisors, helping to rules the city and protect the people. The Secret Daggers are made up of the following individuals:

### Ahmose Mordai

Son of the Emperor, Ahmose is being groomed to eventually rule Devilsarm and protect its lands.

### Velypsis, The Fire Queen

Mordai's concubine and chief magical advisor, Velypsis earned her place at Mordai's side with fire and vengeance.

### Garr

One of Mordai's oldest friends, Garr is one of the few who are always honest with the emperor. He now serves as Mordai's right hand man.

### Skamos

Brother to Garr, Skamos is Mordai's head of intelligence and master of shadows.

### Charybyda

Mordai's beloved pet and bodyguard, Charybyda was the first being to crack Mordai's icy exterior and find a place in his heart.

### Marduk, the Emperor's Counsel

Mordai's first Infernal ally, Marduk brokered the connection between Ax Mystia and Mordai, leading to the formation Illithien in its current form.

### The Emperor's Fist

A trio of Pit Fiends who serve as Mordai's protectors, guardians and warriors. Mordai rarely leaves Illithien without them.

### The Soul Brokers

A group of five ancient and intelligent Devils, The Soul Brokers serve as the central banking heads of Illithien's soul trade industry.

## Forces of Illithien

The standing army of Illithien is one of the most powerful in Veiltouria. Fiendish engines such as Gorgons serve as the armies cavalry, while Devils and Tiefling warriors charge the field with ferocity and cunning.

The standing army often the nation is often patrolling the borders of the city and engaging in skirmishes with the beasts of the forest. Paid with a steady supply of souls, a job in the Illithien army is highly sought after, only the mightiest warriors being allowed to enlist.

#### Skinner Devils

Forming the bulk of Illithien's army, Barbed Devils are mischievous and relatively good natured. Typically lower ranked Devils, the Barbed Devils of Illithien came to be known as Furies.

Fighting with ferocity and speed, the Furies are a devastating force in open combat. Many mortal forces have been caught off guard and overwhelmed by the sheer chaos a unit of charging furies unleashes.

#### Pit Fiends

The upper echelon of the Infernal realms, Pit Fiends are reflective of their lords. In this way, the Pit Fiends of Illithien pride themselves on martial greatness and defending their city.

Wielding great weapons of flame and death, Pit Fiends fly into battle seeking the greatest challenge they can find. Arrogant beyond measure, a Pit Fiend always believes it can provide the turning point in a battle. No foe is too large for their challenge.

#### Gorgons

Hellish mechanical monsters, Gorgon's make up a large portion of Illithien's forces. Forged by fiendish smiths and equipped with the souls of fallen monsters, Gorgon's are incredibly ferocious and do not stop unless calmed by their riders with the use of souls.