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History & Foundation

Caltheron was forged from the ashes of scattered coastal kingdoms, united by Aurelian Caltheron, the self-proclaimed Unifier of the Seas. He claimed a divine vision from Elyonel, who commanded him to unite humanity and spread the god’s glory.

With overwhelming naval power and religious zeal, Aurelian built a centralized empire grounded in supremacy, faith, and conquest. The empire expanded aggressively through the southern coast and established itself as the most disciplined military force in Astravara.

The imperial line continues under Emperor Thalric IV, who seeks to expand northward — a move opposed by Eldoria and feared by Sylvaran.

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Society & Economy

Structure of Society:

• Imperial Nobility: Control land, fleets, and legions
• Clergy of the Inquisition: Theocratic authority enforcing divine law
• Merchants & Artisans: Heavily taxed, but vital to shipbuilding & economy
• Commoners: Farmers, laborers, port workers
• Slaves: Magi prisoners, criminals, debt-bound laborers

Key Industries:

• Naval construction
• Spice and mineral trade
• Religious art, weaponry, and sacred scrolls

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Capital: Caltheron

An imposing port city built on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Astravara, protected by massive sea walls and watchtowers.

Key Landmarks:

• Citadel of Aurelian: Seat of the Emperor, crowned with golden spires
• Great Imperial Port: Capable of docking hundreds of warships
• Cathedral of Eternal Light: Headquarters of the Inquisition
• Forum of Justice: Public trials, executions, magical purges
• Outer Barracks & Naval Foundries: Around the city walls

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Key Figures

• Emperor Thalric IV — Ruthless, strategic, obsessed with divine destiny
• High Inquisitor Seraphina Caldros — Fanatical enforcer of Elyonel’s will
• Admiral Eryk Vallos — Supreme commander of the imperial navy
• Lord Tyran Velkir — Governor of Drakenscar Fortress, southern sentinel

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Diplomatic Relations

• Eldoria: Tense, ideological rivals; uneasy peace
• Norvhar: Minimal interaction; hires Norvharian mercenaries
• Sylvaran: Borderline hostile; considers their tolerance of mages heretical
• Tribes of Rakkesh: Engaged in trade but distrustful
• Dwarves: Valued allies in naval metalwork

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Religious Control

Caltheron enforces the faith of Elyonel through the Inquisition, which holds almost equal power to the imperial court.

Practices include:

• Magical Registration and Taxation
• Public Burnings of “corrupted” mages
• Forced conversions in newly conquered areas
• Religious festivals with state-mandated participation

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Military Culture

Caltheron glorifies war as divine duty. Military service is a rite of passage for nobility, and ship captains are regarded as priests in their own right.

Key Forces:

• Imperial Navy (largest in Astravara)
• Holy Legions (inquisitorial troops)
• Pyromancers sanctioned by the clergy
• Sacred Blades (elite templars)

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Notable Locations

• Drakenscar Fortress — Southern outpost guarding desert incursions
• Bastille of Vynar — Underground prison for mages and heretics
• Golden Amphitheater — Religious parades, imperial games
• Isle of Ashes — Site of high-profile magical purges

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Cultural Notes

• Values: Order, purity, discipline, divine right
• Art: Iconography, stained glass, imperial murals
• Education: Reserved for clergy and elite officers
• Slogan: “Through faith and fire, the empire endures.”

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Chronicles of Astravara

Where gods whisper and empires rot.