Cynthia, the Restored Crown

When Sanctus conquered the realm of Cynthia almost 4 centuries ago the royal bloodline of survived. Since then the royal family was accepted into Bordelais society and rose to power again there. After the Tiamat Crisis came to an end, the family saw this as an opportunity to restore their kingdom of old and return to true power. Only to find their homeland in disarray as various powerful figures were vying for control over the land. The royal family with the help of Bordelais soldiers asserted their right to the throne.

## Overview

Cynthia is an old kingdom of nobles, knights and vassals. Following similar traditions as its neighbours of old, where kings and queens ruled. Not it has evolved into something new and fresh to keep pace with the world. As being stuck in their traditions was their downfall during the War of the Realms with Sanctus. Its society has been segregated into a caste system based on skillsets and experience in a field. Additionally the influence of Minerva is prevalent in Cynthia, with the royal family ordaining rituals and gatherings to her.

***Order of Brilliance:*** Unlike in most societies around the world, the people at the top of various organizations aren't there because of powerful influence, friends in high places, or wealth. They are there because they have the know how and knowledge to be there. This is due to a decree issued by the Cynthian crown almost 50 years ago and has changed the power structure and perspective of the nation. In order to progress in most areas of Cynthian society, either as a craftsmen, soldier, scholar or other such field, you must complete various tests and assessments. These assessments are conducted by some of the most skilled and knowledgeable representatives employed by the crown and state. These assessors are brought in from all corners of the world to provide their experience into fields of knowledge. Some becoming permanent additions to the royal court and institutes affiliated with it.

***Academia:*** Because of this decree made by the crown, Cynthia in recent years has converted and expanded old temples and castle to academic schools and collages. Its very much encouraged to attend these collages. Even if you're unable to afford the fees into the ones of higher esteem, the state has many programs in place to make sure those deserving and show potential have their chance. A great attraction to all is the Oaken Halls University in the City of Cynthia. This campus ground is the largest and most prestigious education institutes not only in Cynthia, but in the world. All the greatest of minds in academia gather here for conventions, lectures and summits.

## Economy and Culture

Cynthia is a rich kingdom being close to the merchant states. Many trade routes that come to the west through the Merchant States pass by the mouth of the Ellander. To which Bordeaux and Cynthia share a border too. And in recent years the two nations have become strong allies. Because of Order of Brilliance decree, Cythina has made many breakthroughs in various fields of study such as engineering, science, maths, architecture and urban planning. With this technology its people live a comfortable lifestyle. Cynthia also hires out its scholars that are experts in these fields to other organizations for a pretty penny which in turn pay back a fee to the crown.

## Politics, Perception and Magic

Cythina has a good relationship with Bordeaux along its southern border. Bordeaux acting as a buffer zone to hostile nations such as Trisdane and Ombrellia. To the north and west however Cynthia is on constant guard. The Khazans could spark another war in the north again, or the Concordant, bitter rivals with Cynthia, doing the same. Cynthia has to be careful to guard many of secrets from spies and espionage.

***Absent Mages:*** Mages in Cynthia are monitored during their studies. Wizards in a way are left to their devices with supervision from the crown, while those with innate magical abilities are closely watched and guarded. Cynthia mostly protects its mages that study magic from the inquisition, but they only have so much power if they wish to keep political stability with the inquisition or Ostasanctum. But most mages tend to flock towards Ombrellia to practice magic.