| The Civen Republic |
Civen sees itself as the best society it can be. In many ways this is a fair assessment. They reward merit, allow all citizens to participate in government and offer free education among other public services. Their confidence in doing the right thing is earned, but it also leads them to turn a blind eye to things they should not.
Stop the Press! This Isn't Right! |
History
The Empire of Civen was founded in the year 6 NL by the great hero Garan Draisson, a general during the War of the Gods. Draisson was fortunate enough to have arrived on Novitas with most of his legion present and together they soon discovered what they at first thought was a large city. It turned out to be a great stone fortress stocked by the Soldier himself with magical arms and armor. It was both a staging area for supplies the Soldier had been bringing to the front lines of the battles and a back-up plan in case things did not go well on Vargainen. With this base of operations which was dubbed Civenopolis, General Draisson used these weapons to force his neighbors to join his empire and declared himself the first Emperor of Civen. Emperor Draisson tried to be as benevolent as a conquering Emperor can be, and while few were accepting of being absorbed into this new nation, the resulting Civen Empire had stable roots needed for longevity. Over the next 900 years Civen expanded repeatedly until it occupied much of Southern Novitas. In 995 NL the Reptilian hordes freed from the yoke of the Draconic Empire made it as far as Civenopolis, with their invasion laying siege for the better part of a decade. Civen was never in any serious danger but the siege did bruise their egos and prevented any immediate conquest of vanquished Quaradar lands or the Mountains previously occupied by the Draconic empire. By the time Civen had recovered, Terra had laid claim to the surface that had previously been held by the Dragons, and Quaradar’s lands had been absorbed by Terra, Gersh and Nalbendel. Civen was an aggressive state unable to demonstrate their might, and this was a first for them. To the East, the largely human nation of Adecia had always managed to maintain good relations with Civen through centuries long, careful diplomacy. Civen had never seen a need to conquer them prior to this point. That changed in 1151 NL when Maon, secretly an Avatar of Darkness, positioned himself to become an advisor to Emperor Gnaeus Magnus, ultimately taking control of his mind through a powerful ritual. Maon stoked the flames of empire once more and encouraged a full scale invasion of Adecia. In 1182 NL Civen sent an army to invade Adecia. They conquered the lowlands rapidly but General Paolo Vlean of Adecia organized a strong resistance in the mountains that took Civen years to fully suppress. In 1184 NL an Avatar of the Stranger with a band of heroes snuck into Civen, assassinated Maon, and freed the mind of Emperor Gnaeus. Gnaeus Magnus was once more himself again and he was terrified of what he had experienced. A great convention was called with representatives from all over Civen. Together they discussed what had happened and how best to proceed. It was decided that having one single individual to rule all of Civen left them vulnerable to manipulation, as they had just witnessed. Instead, they would form a new system of governance that would decentralize authority. Civen would be divided into legislative districts and each of those districts would elect 2 Senators to represent them. These Senators would, in-turn, elect Consuls from their number to guide the senate body, but the Consuls would have no power without the senate’s backing. The Civen Empire changed from a Monarchy to a Republic. Officially, they became the Civen Republic, though not everyone accepted this change and many to this day still refer to it as the Civen Empire. For their first major debate, the Civen Senate had to decide what to do with Adecia, who they had conquered under the influence of Maon’s guidance. Adecia had always been an ally to Vlean but the fighting had been bitter and the Senate didn’t think it could sell letting go of the land to the people while also changing the government. It was decided that Adecia would be kept as part of Civen with the hope that in time Adecia would come to accept the new situation. Protests happened, the capital of Adecia was renamed Vleanoa by the residents there, which Civen refused to acknowledge but could do little to stop without proving themselves the oppressors they were labeled as. Some inside of Civen felt that they should return to the ways of the Civen Empire, and the citizens of the occupation never stopped calling them that name as a form of insult. In 1480NL a protest by a group of Septons turned violent, and they successfully ejected the Civen-loyal military stationed there. The protest spread, and soon all of Adecia was in open revolt. Forces were gathered, but the Civen military had gone soft in 300 years with no major foe to fight. The rebels proved surprisingly well armed and supported. Civen was unable to put down the revolt quickly, and the people of Adecia settled in for a long conflict. The rebels first act was to rename their territory Vlean, in further opposition to Civen. Civen proceeded to churn out weapons and recruit legionnaires to end this conflict. Once more, Civen was at war and they intended to demonstrate their skill in such matters. Vlean was ready for them though and the conflict would not be a quick one. The battle proved bloody and difficult. Vlean seemed to have spies everywhere, and their information on Civen movements were incredibly accurate. Despite all the best efforts of Civen, this continued throughout the war, and later in the conflict there were battles where whole companies were slaughtered with no survivors thanks to the accuracy of Vlean’s knowledge. For 105 years Civen and Vlean fought. Each side had major victories and major losses. In the end it was Evenandran diplomats who got the two sides to meet with each other in the Freelands town of Pinedale. There, an armistice was signed formally ending the war and acknowledging Vlean’s independence. Skirmishes still happen between border patrols but no major fighting has happened since. Some in Civen were upset by this resolution and spent years trying to reignite the war. Others, worn down from generations of fighting, were ready for peace. Conflict between the two nations remains, but it is a cold war with each side sending spies to understand exactly what is happening in the other nation. The Senate has turned back to how best to lead the people of Civen and is less focused on Vlean. In one hundred years of war things have changed considerably and not always for the best. Commerce between Vlean and Civen has started, and with it there is newfound prosperity and problems. Memory of the war is still strong with the citizens of Civen. Everyone has grown accustomed to having a well defined purpose, and without this common enemy to focus on, no one is quite sure what comes next.
Culture
In essence, Civen society is divided into two classes: the plebians and the patricians. Most citizens belong to the plebian class. In theory, elevation to patrician class is purely merit based. In practice this is generally the case, but it is not unheard of for the less-than-honorable to periodically find a way to purchase status as a patrician. The child of a patrician is treated as a member of the patrician class until their 25th birthday at which point they are expected to have earned the title for themselves or they are expected to relinquish it. Plebians are what make Civen society function. They are the tradespeople, workers, artisans, Septons, merchants, farmers, actors, accountants, soldiers, teachers, sailors and builders. In many ways they are the heart of the nation. Each directly or indirectly helps keep the Republic functioning through civil service and payment of taxes, but each one is an individual with a great deal of freedom. Most have some amount of savings and the ability to travel or take limited time away from work. Numerous parts of Civen are built around giving the common folk time away from their labor to enjoy themselves to the fullest, it's a very profitable industry that sees visitors from all over Novitas. Patricians are those noteworthy individuals who have been empowered by the Senate to lead and manage the plebians. In theory each and every one of them has proven themselves competent in some way. Patricians are each responsible for specific plebians who are referred to as their clients. For example a patrician who establishes a University would have the Professors and potentially the students as their clients. The patrician would give counsel and ensure that resources and living space was used in the best way possible. Ideally this leads to a mutually successful situation for both the patrician and the clients. While this patrician is also in charge of any other plebians in the area it is their clients that they devote the greater portion of their time and resources. The clients provide political and financial support as necessary creating a symbiotic relationship. Plebians who are not clients of some patrician or another are generally in a disadvantageous position, and most will find one to pledge themselves too to similarly benefit from such a relationship. It is these plebians who Civen society fails most often. Individuals who for whatever reason can’t find a patrician to pledge themselves to can find themselves poor, unprotected and otherwise destitute. When it works correctly, patricians have a great deal to offer their clients and society functions smoothly. However, some patricians do take advantage of their clients and plebians in general. When this happens Senatorial envoys will be dispatched, Septons might mediate, or grand banquets will be sponsored by local merchant organizations. These problems threaten the whole fabric of Civen society and everyone works to fix them. Once the matter is settled it is expected to stay that way, individuals who get into such conflicts repeatedly are noticed by everyone.
Education
The Republic supports free primary schooling for plebians though not all are in a position to take advantage of it. Patricians can generally afford to educate their children at the best schools and don’t need public schooling. By the age of ten the average student has a basic understanding of mathematics, morality, etiquette and their role in society. From this age students may apprentice to a master tradesperson, begin service in the military, join a Septly cluster or start studying for entrance into an Academy. Education is seen as a tool that improves society. It isn’t compulsory though there is relatively little bigotry between the educated and the uneducated. Citizens understand that each has strengths and weaknesses and by using those strengths to aid one another everyone benefits. Education also serves to improve a cornerstone of Civen culture: Debate. Public debates at local forums are common and frequently well attended. Within a Forum all may speak freely regardless of status, wealth or title. Outcomes are judged on the merit of arguments made and nothing more. Being open to new ideas is a trait that is valued and respected. Holding steadfast and failing to hear other positions is seen as foolhardy.
Lifestyles
Life in Civen is not perfect, but for many it's as good as it gets. Entertainment is readily available, education is surprisingly accessible and there is a good deal of social mobility. Bars, restaurants, brothels and other recreational facilities are common sights, with the city of Sol Centura being renowned as the best.
Art
Art in Civen is popular and pursuit of art is considered time well spent. Stone sculpture, painting, weapon and armor-smithing are among the most popular forms of art. Theater is incredibly popular in Civen. Troupes vary between stationary ones that have their patrons come to them and traveling ones that journey from town to town performing. Most actors are also trained musicians and will be skilled at both trades. Some do specialize in one or the other. Literature primarily comes from the universities and patricians but there are those among the plebians who may dabble in it from time to time.
Inhabitants
Humans are far and away the dominant species of Civen. However they do accept immigrants, particularly those who prove themselves in the military. As a result there are a small number of Elves and Terrans who for a variety of reasons have resettled there. Snow Goblins living in Civen are almost unheard of, culturally they don’t fit in and few Snow Goblins like the temperate weather Civen enjoys. Drakes can sometimes be found living in the wilds of Civen, but almost never in the cities. Faekin are generally safe from persecution there and live normal lives. Few Verdurans have reason to travel there but they would be welcome if they did. Hostile species plague Civen as much as anywhere else, but the Civen Legion is vigilant and does good work keeping them largely at bay. Fae can never really be permanently dispatched and they are probably the most regular issue of any of the hostile species. They are especially annoying here because they are fascinated by Civen society and often seek to emulate it… poorly. Sidebar: Real world influences Civen is styled after Rome in both its Republic and Empire periods. Clothing, art, military and government all see extensive influence from that source. <end sidebar>
Naming Conventions
Civen names traditionally have 2 or 3 parts depending on the individual. The first name is a familiar name used by close friends and family members. It can also be used as part of a full name for formal situations. The second name is an individual’s common name used informally with the public. Patricians and their families will have a third family name at the end to indicate their status. Plebians who have pledged themselves to a patrician will also use this third name with a signifier (such as “de” “e” or “ec”) before it to indicate they are not directly part of the patricians family but have pledged themselves to them. So a name might be: <Familiar Name> <Common Name> for most plebians. If they have sworn themselves to a patrician their name would be: <Familiar Name> <Common Name> e <Family Name> A patrician would be: <Familiar Name> <Common Name> <Familiy Name>. Those close to a Civenite would call them by “<Familiar Name>”, in public they would be called “<Common Name>” or “<Common Name> <Family Name>”. A full name would only be used in formal situations.
Religion
The Sept is venerated inside of the Republic and the Dark Three are cursed. However, worship is a private affair reserved for homes and locations dedicated to the purpose. Most homes contain small altars of modest scale. Religious centers are generally dedicated to specific purposes, birth, death, marriage and specific hardships. Temples of the Sept exist in Civen, but they are usually humble affairs. The greatest cloister in Civen is found in Epidaurus. It takes up an entire city block and most of the faithful will make a pilgrimage there at least once in their lifetime. Attendance at services and sermons is small compared to other countries in Novitas. As such, Septons have a certain humility about their station which, ironically, makes them all the more endowed with the grace of the Sept. Septons of the Republic are patient, understanding and listen more than they preach. They are well-trained counselors, peacemakers, and academics. They find themselves in the role of healer, negotiator, and advisors more than anything else. Septons may never become patricians due to perception of a conflict of influence. As Septons cannot become patricians, they can never hold major offices in Civen. In a country rife with debate, it is their place to never challenge authority. Leadership of Civen is seen as a purely mortal affair. The gods provide personal comfort and understanding they do not rule.
Economy
The economy of Civen is driven by its access to natural resources, skilled crafters, trained tradespeople, artistry and for much of the last century military support. It helps that the nation has managed to maintain a significant financial reserve that dates back to their Imperial era. Lumber in particular is a major export from Civen. In theory, citizens are free to pursue any profession they wish, and those who demonstrate skill rarely have difficulty finding further tutelage. Many citizens seek to perfect their craft in hopes of seeing recognition from the Senate. Most trades are mediated by appropriate guilds. Leatherworking, lumber, even theater guilds all exist inside of Civen. All of these fall under the umbrella of the Merchant’s Guild which directly advises the Senate on tariffs, and helps to keep any given profession from becoming overloaded with apprentices. The Merchant’s Guild holds tremendous sway and is capable of influencing member guilds to turn away applicants generally on the grounds that a profession has become too popular for everyone working it to support themselves. This power some rightfully point out is ripe for abuse and it is not unheard of for that to be the case. The Guild holds great sway with financial resources that rival the whole of Civen. It has been responsible for both blacklisting and whitelisting patrician as well as military promotions. Rumors even credit them with impacting Senatorial elections. During the war it was responsible for keeping the farms of more than one General functioning while they were away. The guild supports the construction of temples to the Sept as well, often in exchange for later favors. It is an unspoken rule among the Senate that there is a strict but informal no-lending/ loaning policy with the Merchant’s Guild to keep any senator from falling into their influence. While the Guild has no official power, this should not be confused with them being powerless.
Slavery In Civen
Slavery exists in Civen, though there are many who argue against the institution. It exists as a last resort for two primary situations: debt and crime. A plebian in dire circumstances is allowed to sell themselves into slavery to repay debts or sustain their family. No one may sell another individual into slavery, by Senatorial decree. Slavery is also used as an institution to allow criminals to repay their societal debts. Slave treatment is a direct reflection on the slave owner. Abuse of slaves detracts from an individual’s perceived merit and is considered a source of great shame. For this reason there are communities that outright refuse the practice of slavery, owning none. Slaves perform hard labor, agricultural work, and any number of other roles based on the skills of the individual. It is a popular practice for slaves to be given rewards for demonstrating merit. Individuals who become slaves do so on a permanent basis, while those who become indentured servants have a finite duration after which they are set free. Neither are considered citizens of Civen while they are slaves, even if they were citizens before. This means slaves may not vote, participate in Forums, use the Imperial Banks, petition a patrician, serve in the military, own land or retain a third name. They must also seek their owner’s blessing to marry. Children born of such unions are always born free. Indentured servitude can also be used as a path to citizenship, with plebian status being granted after the contract expires.
Merchant opportunities
The reach of the Merchant’s Guild of Civen is long and characters could easily be involved with it in the Freelands making sure their power is felt. Transportation of Civen products is as lucrative as it is from other places. In particular Civen has been producing weapons and armor for much of the last century only to have demand suddenly and spontaneously drop. Export of weapons is particularly profitable as smiths seek to clear out old wares they can’t move in Civen itself. Civen also has a great demand for perfumes, cosmetics and other luxury items from Evenandra and the Great Forest. There is also money to be made exporting lumber to Terra.
Government
Patricians are expected to sponsor forum debates for serious matters, serve as judges and improve the republic in any way that they can. They run elections according to their city’s guidelines and only patricians can be elected to the Senate and in turn be elected as Consuls. To become a Senator a patrician must have been born in Civen, be over the age of twenty years and be in “good moral standing”. Usually patricians hoping for election display their concern for Civen by funding public works, servicing in the military, championing a local popular cause or by finding some other way to inspire voter turnout. Each district is allowed to elect two senators who serve for life. Upon death or retirement a new senator is elected from that district to replace the previous Senator. Senators gather in the capital city of Civenopolis to litigate matters of taxation, economics, criminal law, military doctrine, public works, and construction. They also hear claims of grand criminality as well as anything else that affects all of Civen. The Senate elects one Consul for each party within the senate, typically 2 but not always. Consuls guide the Senate and make minor executive decisions as needed. Any Consuls are elected yearly, serving for one year before being potentially re-elected to serve again. The Senate is generally divided into two parties and each elects a Consul to speak for it. Parties form based on whatever is considered the most important matter at any given time. The whole system was intended to keep any one single individual from having too much influence after what happened during the War of the Avatars. Senators can be censored or even impeached by the senate for improper behavior. Constituents are also able to recall a Senator if they are sufficiently upset with them. These things happen rarely but they do happen.
Authority Figures
There are currently 2 consuls serving in Civen. Julianus Septimius Natalis represents the portion of the Senate that wishes to dedicate significant resources to learning more about Vargainen. Flavia Liburnius Belletor represents the party that believes such expenditures should be focused on Civen itself; they feel that exploration of Vargainen should be left to the Academies. Laws The Empire is a place of laws. The Eleven Tables are the basis for all law and society within the Empire. Draisson’s First Legion itself crafted the first ten tables in the earliest days of Civenopolis, these granite carvings are replicated in all chambers of law or punishment within the Empire. It is the duty of the Senate, their Consuls, the Legionnaires, and all citizens of the Empire to uphold and support these laws. Many of them are extensions of common law practice elsewhere in Novitas, and unless one plans to take up residency in Civen itself, are not particularly interesting to study. In 1185 an 11th table was crafted creating the Civen Senate. Sidebar: The Eleven Tables The text of the Eleven Tables are available online for players to read or transcribe onto props of their own. They have not been included in this book for brevity and because they truly aren’t required reading unless you want to know about Civen in great detail. <end sidebar>
Military
The military of Civen is traditionally the largest in all of Novitas, but after over a century of war, it finds itself exhausted. In the final years of the war recruitment had become increasingly challenging, so those that remained had fought ever harder for imperial glory. While the populace did not lose faith, many citizens of the Empire were relieved by the onset of peace. Some however still see Vlean as rightfully a part of Civen and are upset by the peace. To this day there are those who would attempt to push the two nations back into war. Anyone may enter the military, including foreigners. Promotion is strictly a matter of merit. While the son or daughter of an imperial hero may earn some natural respect, the ethos of Civen demands that they must prove merit through deed. When immigrants join the Legions they are typically given the worst assignments and are regarded with a bit of natural suspicion. Military service is one way (and likely the best way) for these newcomers to be awarded citizenship. The imperial military might is divided into Legions. Vast tomes have been written about the structure and function of the famous Civenite Legions, they are too complex to list here. Only Evenandra has a navy that can rival Civen’s. Though it is only useful for coastal raiding, this was a boon during the long fight with Vlean. Civen has maintained that navy and they keep their knowledge of ship building under tight guard to ensure Vlean has difficulty building their own.
Status Opportunities
There are any number of ways to work for the Civen government. A senator would be unlikely to live in the Freelands and would make a poor option for Status, but the Senators need agents to know what is happening in the Freelands. They also need diplomats to speak to the other nations on their behalf and the Freelands are a good place to make back channel conversations happen. The Civen Legion primarily recruits from Civen citizens but they do accept foreigners and it is a great way to become a Civen citizen, so a legion recruiter would make a great deal of sense in the Freelands. Another way to play a member of the Merchant’s guild could be to use the Status skill instead of the Merchant skill, not trading at all but acting as a diplomat on their behalf to make contacts others can take advantage of. Finally there are those who still see Vlean as a threat, getting spies into Vlean can be challenging, but getting them into the Freelands to make contact with members of the Vleanoan rebellion is quite easy and well worth the effort.
Views
Evenandra
The High Elves are snooty, set in their ways and insular. Most people from Civen have never met one. Those that have, get along well enough with them though after they get over the feeling of being patronized. Trade between the two nations is great however. Civen supplies raw materials and Evenandra turns those into an array of exquisite goods that are in high demand among the patrician class.
Fionn A’ilean
Civen trade benefits greatly from the alchemical supplies, exotic fruits and spices that can be obtained from the Great Forest but the elves rarely accept coins which makes that trade somewhat difficult. The wood elves also do not accept Civen’s practice of slavery at all, no matter how many times Civenites point out that it is only ever voluntary or as punishment for crimes committed, leading to much cultural conflict.
Gersh
For as foreign and dangerous as Gersh can be, it too is a nation focused on laws and that leads to fairly smooth relations between Civen and Gersh when they interact. Trade between the two is welcome and generally mutually beneficial, though Gersh tends to need more from Civen than it has to offer. In return Gersh supplies alchemicals, alcohol, various drugs, and exotic art that all see some demand in Civen. Some Civenites are particularly uncomfortable seeing just how Gersh practices slavery.
Terra
The only neighbor of Civen that they have never once invaded. In their mountain strongholds the Terrans could withstand a siege indefinitely, and so Civen has never looked to expand in that direction. There are generally decent relationships between the two nations, though most in Civen think the Terrans are strange folk with some of their habits. Trade is good, Civen is a major supplier of lumber to Terra and in return they get a great deal of raw or smelted ore.
The Dellin Tribelands
The average Civenite sees those from the Tribelands as aggressive, brutish and uneducated. Those who have had more experience with them also find Dellins tiresome. Officially, the Civen senate has little to do with the Tribelands, they can’t negotiate any treaties with them so why bother making contact. Merchants do sometimes make trades on a case by case basis, but it’s hard to create ongoing trade routes with nomadic people. If it weren’t for the buffer of the Freelands there are many in Civen who think the Dellin Tribelands would be an ideal place to practice empire building.
The Freelands
A wild and untrustworthy land. They have no law what-so-ever and that is a foreign concept to a Civenite. In Civenopolis a parent is said to be able to walk safely with a young child anywhere in the city. No such security exists anywhere in the Freelands, for anyone at any time. Were it not for the trade routes that pass through the Freelands most Civenites would rather not go there at all.
Vlean
Over a decade after making peace, there are still many in Civen who think of Vlean as “rebel scum” and “traitors.” Vlean didn’t know how good they had it. Patriotic Civenites see their society as great and they can’t fathom the idea of a populace wanting to break free from it. A century of conflict caused many losses, and healing those wounds will take more time. There are some, particularly among the Merchants Guild, who have accepted the situation for what it is and, with much caution, have started trying to make trade relations with them. These have proven restrictive but quite lucrative.
Vargainen
These people have suffered for a long time, so much so they are crazy enough to worship the Dark Three in their “Decade”. Some take pity on them, but many merchants and a few of the warmongers see this as a potential opportunity ripe to be exploited to the fullest. For the moment they are allowed entry into Civen as long as they keep any Dark Three worship to the privacy of where they are staying, but there is a great deal of disagreement on the subject. The Senate may be forced to take an official stance soon.
Notable Locations
Arguntium
It is here that the Civen naval forces dock and the secrets of Civen shipbuilding are practiced. Vlean would desperately like to advance their own ships to Civen standards and so this information is kept to a privileged few who reap great benefits from that knowledge.
Civenopolis
The heart of Civen, Civenopolis is considered by many to be the greatest city in Novitas. It is definitely the largest city by population. Urbane, wealthy, learned, cosmopolitan, it is the center and model of all imperial life. Home of the Civen Senate it is rife with politics as well.
Corinium
A military city in all respects near the Terran border. Corinium is home to the Corinium Military Academy, a greatly distinguished private school for crafting the young into loyal soldiers of Civen. They maintain a private military force that does work for Civen that is best handled by forces outside of the Legion, but also can be hired by any willing to pay the right price.
Magehall
Home to the Imperial Academy of Magic and located not far from Civenopolis. The red towers of this school can be seen for miles sitting atop a mountain on the edge of the Teres Peaks. Travel there is not for the faint of heart. Mages of the Academy answer to the Senate, this is the official magic college of Civen. Entry to the school is based on merit and upon graduation students generally enter the service of the government helping around Civen as needed. Access is granted to any member of the college, designee of the government or their guests.
Meridius Keep
For nearly a century this was the base of operations for Civen legionnaires deploying into Vlean. Since the end of the war it has changed into a defensive point to ensure Vlean never attempts retaliation. Here more than anywhere else you can find those who think the war has not ended. This leads to the occasional border skirmish from overzealous troops on one side or the other.
Sol Centura
This island resort city is where the pleasures of the flesh are celebrated in outdoor salons and spas. Hedonists from all over Novitas find their way here. Tourism is not a common practice on Novitas, but when it happens this is the destination of choice.
Room for Growth
These locations are deliberately minimally defined. Players and Gamemasters alike are encouraged to develop these locations further in ways that other players can add on more details later.
Epidaurus
The so-called “Mother’s Heart”. A city devoted to the sorcery, learning, and sciences surrounding the healing of the body and the mind. Home to the largest Sept temple within Civen. It sits close to Sol Centura and is sometimes used by visitors of that city to decompress after too much excess.
Haphis Ridges
A white marble city, Haphis builds upwards along a cliff face worn away by the ocean.
Milliad
Home to the public School of War. A place where the finest gladiators are trained. Driven warriors will attend this academy before joining a Legion or mercenary company. It is also home to the Prostitution Guild.
Mount Heratodus
This is an inactive volcano located within the Teres Peaks. Many people believe that the Craftsman has a forge hidden within but it has never been found. It is a difficult location to travel to but that hasn’t stopped periodic expeditions hoping to be the first to discover the legend.
Narrow’s Gate
The last stop for trade routes into Terra. Terran merchants will sometimes travel here to deliver goods themselves.
Paragon
A popular stop for trade routes into the Freelands, nearly every merchant caravan heading to Fionn A’ilean, Gersh, the Dellin Tribelands or Evenandra passes through here.
The Eleven Tables of Civen
The laws of Civen. Probably only Titus actually has these memorized, you really don't need to know them. Just go find him and ask if what you are doing as a Civen citizen is legal. If you have to ask, it probably isn't. Actually, a pop quiz on the tables would be hilarious to watch Titus struggle through. Someone screenshot this ramble and send it to a GM before I actually get around to editing this page.
Table I: On Procedure for Court and Trials
If anyone summons a person before the magistrate, they must go. If the person summoned does not go, let the one summoning them call bystanders to witness and then take them by force. If they shirk or run away, let the summoner lay hands on them. If illness or old age is the hindrance, let the summoner provide a team. They need not provide a covered carriage with a pallet unless they choose to. Let the advocate of a noble be themself a noble; for one of the plebians, let anyone that cares, be protector. When the litigants settle their case by compromise, let the magistrate announce it. If they do not compromise, let them state each their own side of the case, in the comitium of the forum before noon. Afterwards let the forum talk it out together, while both are present. After noon, in case either party has failed to appear, let the magistrate pronounce judgment in favor of the one who is present. If both are present the trial may last until sunset but no later.
Table II: On the Gathering of Evidence for Trial
In the event that the crime has been committed in the presence of witnesses, their testimony will be deemed as evidence. Witnesses to a crime will be summoned by either litigant, or by order of the magistrate. Those whose witness has failed to appear may summon them by loud calls before their house every third day. If one is summoned as a witness and if they do not give their testimony, let them be noted as dishonest and incapable of acting again as witness. Any evidence or testimony obtained by magical or alchemical compulsion is inadmissible.
Table III: On Indebtedness
One who has confessed a debt, or against whom judgment has been pronounced, shall have thirty days to pay it in. Against a foreigner, the right in property shall be valid indefinitely. After that forcible seizure of their person is allowed. The creditor shall bring them before the magistrate. Unless the indebted pays the amount of the judgment or someone in the presence of the magistrate interferes in their behalf as protector, the creditor shall be given a term of indentured servitude as seen fit by the judge to pay off the debt.
Table IV: The Rights of Parents Over the Family
The parents shall have sovereign authority over their children, provided that in doing so they do not conflict with the laws of Civen. A deliberate act against one’s parents will be considered as severely as treachery against the state. The punishment for the murder of one’s spouse shall be decided upon by the family of the deceased. In the event that no family remains, the punishment will be death. Both patricide and matricide shall be considered a sacrilege, and punishable by death.
Table V: On Legal Guardianship and Inheritance
Children should remain under the guardianship of their parents. If neither parent is living, they shall be the responsibility of the closest adult relative. In the event no relative exists, it shall be the responsibility of the local state to provide for them a suitable guardianship. As a person has provided in their will in regard to their money and the care of their property, so let it be binding. If one has no heir and dies intestate, let the nearest relative have the inheritance. If one is mad but has no guardian, the power over them and their money shall belong to the other members of his family.
Table VI: On Acquisition and Possession
When one makes a bond and a conveyance of property, as they have made formal declaration so let it be binding. A beam that is built into a house or a vineyard trellis may not be taken from its place. Ownership of movable things requires three months possession for its completion; but ownership of an estate and buildings is six months.
Table VII: On Land Rights
Let the roads be kept in order. If they have not paved it, a person may drive their team where they like. Should a tree on a person’s property be bent, crooked by the wind and lean over their neighbor’s property, the neighbor may take legal action for removal of that tree. A person might gather up fruit that was falling down onto another person's property. All land within the borders shall be considered the property of Civen, unless otherwise specified.
Table VIII: On Torts and Edicts
If one has maimed a limb with unjust cause and does not compromise with the injured person, let there be retaliation. If one has broken a bone of a free person with their hand or with a cudgel, let them pay a penalty of forty coins. If they have broken the bone of a slave, let them have twenty coins. If one is guilty of insult, the penalty shall be ten coins. If a patron shall have devised any deceit against their client, let them be accursed. Any person who destroys by burning any building or heap of corn deposited alongside a house shall be bound, scourged, and put to death by burning at the stake provided that they has committed said misdeed with malice aforethought; but if they shall have committed it by accident, that is, by negligence, it is ordained that they repair the damage or, if they be too poor to be competent for such punishment, they shall receive a lighter punishment. If one is slain while committing theft by night, they are rightly slain. It is unlawful for a thief to be killed by day, unless they defend themself with a weapon. Even though they have come with a weapon, unless they shall use the weapon and fight back, they shall not be killed. And even if they resist, first call out so that someone may hear and come up. Cutting the right hand from a thief is permissible during the day. If this occurs and the stolen property has been returned, the punishment of the thief will be deemed fulfilled. A person who has been found guilty of giving false witness shall be hurled down from the Hydrian Rock. No person shall hold meetings by night in the city.
Table IX: On Public Law
Anyone convicted of treason against the Empire of Civen will rightfully be cursed by the Sept and exiled or given capital punishment, depending upon the severity of their betrayal. The penalty shall be capital for a judge or arbiter legally appointed who has been found guilty of receiving a bribe for giving a decision. They who shall have roused up a public enemy or handed over a citizen to a public enemy will be deemed a traitor and must suffer capital punishment. Putting to death of anyone unconvicted, whosoever they might be, is forbidden. Slavery will be permitted within the boundaries of the Civen Empire.
Table X: On Sacred Law
None is to bury or burn a corpse in the city. If one obtains a crown themselfs, or if their chattel does so because of their honor and valor, if it is placed on their head, or the head of their parents, it shall be no crime. The Empire of Civen shall prohibit the practice of any form of magic craft deemed potentially dangerous to society. Similarly, the Empire of Civen shall prohibit the worship of any deities deemed potentially dangerous to society. The worship of Grak, Nox, and Darkness is hereby prohibited and deemed a capital offense.
Supplement Table XI: On the Senate and Republic (1185 NL)
The Empire of Civen shall justly possess a republican system of law and government, founded in order to best represent its people. Two senators shall be chosen from each legislative district. A senator shall be elected by a plurality vote in their district. A senator must be of Civenite birth, more than twenty years of age and in good moral standing with the people and the Gods. The capital of Civenopolis, in keeping with tradition and the sacred number of the Sept, shall always possess seven districts within the city limits. At the first of each year, the two parties of the Senate will call forth their party leaders. These two individuals will act as Consuls for the following year. In times of national strife, the Senate may deem it necessary to call forth a dictator to serve for a term of six months, unless the term is increased by legal means. If a dictator refuses to give up their power after said term, they may rightfully be forcibly removed, exiled, or killed. Anyone who acts against Civen by supporting monarchy or tyranny within Civen shall be exiled indefinitely. Anyone who attempts to instill these forms of government will be justly executed. Supplements and Amendments Marriages should not take place between plebeians and patricians. If a slave shall have committed theft or done damage without their master's knowledge, the action for damages is in the slave's name. The region now known as “Vlean” will no longer be considered part of the Empire of Civen. The Region of Vlean may be reconsidered as part of the Empire upon re-conquest at some future date. Whatever the people had last ordained should be held as binding by law.
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