Lazuli

"*Remember all. You do not fight for yourselves. You do not fight for your families, your homes, and you do not fight for me. You are but cogs in the machine that is Lazuli Kingdom. That is what you fight for. Fight for your country, and I, your king, will fight for you.*"

— Xerius upon his coronation. Later becoming the Country's motto.

Lazuli is a Kingdome in New World located on the main continent, made up of a collection of smaller domains and city states. It is a country with almost 800 years worth of history, most of which has been ruled by the same king Xerius Arbias. Many suspect this to be a rumor, suspecting the king of using body doubles, some sort of arcane magic, or a shadowy council behind the scenes that simply uses the figure of a king as a stand-in. None can deny that the kingdom of Lazuli has not been prosperous however. It is a custom for the king to send his offspring to the various settlements, extending the royal family's reach all throughout his kingdom.

## Topography

Lazuli contains a number of varied landscapes. Most of it's centralized landmass is taken up by vast grasslands, farm fields, and large lakes. A majority of the country's agriculture is done here, and traded throughout the lands along the various rivers snaking through the country. It is also where the Capital Olympia is located, sitting alongside a long river that is used as a highway for trade. Directly south, and stretching around the lower third of the country's boarder is a steep cliff, making a natural barrier to any invaders. A large forest located to the south-east, and it is common knowledge that a large tribe of lizardmen occupy the area. In the north-west is the mountainous region of Norn, a large mountainous region of snow that is home to various tribes and bandit groups. It is from here that a majority of the rivers in lazuli can be traced to, the constant melting snow pooling together and flowing down the mountains. The north and North-east regions are a mix of more grasslands and thick forests, making another, if less effective natural barrier to invasion to other countries.

## Capital

* Cronus - The capital city of Lazuli, where the king rules from his throne. An enormous walled city siting on the edge of a river. The whole city has been build in a sort of tier system, with the wealthier districts walled off from the less fortunate, and it is all structured around a single spire like palace. Outside of the upscale district closest to the palace, the city is essentially one big market. Everything from fishing, to crops, to ore and metalworking, Cronus has a hand in it all. Additionally, the city is guarded by four garrisons, located at the north, south, east, and west of the city. Each of which is led by one of the king's many heirs, having distinguished themselves in combat. Should war break out, one or two of said garrisons will be dispatched to quell the fighting.

## Notable Locations

* Hashigin - A trading hub located in the Southwestern part of Lazuli. The city itself is built atop a massive bridge that stretches over an enormous river. It is also a stopover for numerous merchants, traders, and delegates making their way to and from Lazuli, making it a very profitable, if somewhat hectic location where any are welcome. The town I somewhat notorious for it's lackluster guards and affluent Viscount, but the promise of easy profits and it's convenient location make it far to tempting a local to pass up. So long as one keeps a close eye on their products to ensure nothing goes missing.

* Uradori - A rundown, somewhat slummy town located to the country's north. It's most notable for the large adventurer's guild located near the center of the city, from which jobs come from all over Lazuli. Otherwise, the city is largely run on the back if it's fishing industry. Located next to a large river that leads to the open ocean, almost 40% of the city's occupants work either the ships, or the docks. Local legend says that the city was founded after a disaster befell the previous city shortly after it's induction into the Lazuli kingdom by the survivors. Such a legend is often shaired over drinks, or to scare children into behaving, lest the same disaster befall their city. However, the tale does hold up against scrutiny, as the ruins of a lost city overtaken by nature rest in the mountains only a few days ride from the city gates.

* Edenite - Mining city. Formor home of Veirs Arbias

* Galena - Mountanus city. Former home of Toria Arbias

* Ekanite - A somewhat large farming homestead located in a more centralized area of Lazuli. One home to a number of mining operations that extracted the land's namesake, the homestead was later adapted for agriculture, and has become one of Lazuli's largest producers of grain and livestock. Besides this, located nearby is a large mountain range that is home to many different bread of demi-human monsters. There is an old legend that the mountains used to house a Kingdom that fell to Lazuli centuries ago, but few venture deep enough to coneferm, or loot the ruins, for themselves.

* Norn - While still considered part of the Lazuli Kingdome, the lands of Norn are considered to be largely inhospitable. The mountains rise high enough that snow falls for nine months out of the Year, and the ground is either too hard or to frozen to attempt to grow any crops. Not to mention the various monsters that call the mountains their home. As such, the few hospitable areas are constantly fought over by the various tribes that call the lands of Norn their home. To many outsiders, the lands of Norn are considered a badland who's octants are nothing more than savage raiders and opportunistic bandits.

* Circe Forest - A vast, swampy forest in Lazuli's Southeast. It is home to many monsters and viscous insects, but also home to a large tribe of Lizardmen. While not officially pledging allegiances to the Kingdome and it's monarch, the two factions do have an agreement to stay out of one another's way. Furthermore, the Lizardmen have been allowed to act with impunity within their forest, setting their own laws and such, must answer a call to arms should the Kingdome be threatened. Around the Kingdome's outer settlement's, it is not uncommon to come across Lizardmen acting as mercenaries or adventurers looking for honor or prizes for their tribe.