(Predominantly Lawful Neutral, 89% human, 5% oceanborn, 3% kysari, 2% halfling, 1% other)
Government: The island nation of New Arcanus is ruled by a system of feudal representation that all swear fealty to the Arcane Emperor. Full executive power and legislative power in regards to diplomacy and the military rests with the emperor, but all domestic and defense based legislation as well as the courts are settled in the House of Stars. About 150 families sit in the House of Stars, divided into a variety of parties based on political bent. The most notable forces in the House are the Naturalists, led by House Keskin, and the Supremacists, led by House Baynar. The rivalry between these parties has grown more intense since the rise of the Queen of the Night, with the Supremacists demanding war and the Naturalists favoring alliances and diplomacy. The emperor has power to grant nobility to individuals of particular loyalty and skill, thus allowing them to have a voice in the House of Stars.
Economy: New Arcanus is a thriving island that can largely support itself without the need for trade. However, there is an extensive market for luxury items from all corners of the isles and beyond. To supplement their economy, New Arcanus exports a great deal of magical devices as well as scholars and experts in arcane magic. Their economy is perhaps the most robust of the islands, and the wealth that flows through their country is easy to see. Most citizens of New Arcanus can expect a basic standard of living that is largely unseen elsewhere.
Religion/Spirituality: According to ancient records, Old Arcanus once existed on Astros, the Crumbling Moon. When the denizens realized that their planet was succumbing to an ancient, ineffable evil, the Arcane Emperor Jaed I conducted a powerful ceremony to transport the island city of Old Arcanus to Zenith. Most modern scholars disbelieve this story, but the ruins of the ancient city are still present buried in the island, though no explorers that have searched them have returned alive. Most citizens revere their Emperor as a deity and also pay homage to the spirits of their family’s ancestors, though they are aware of the presence of an elemental evil in the world.
Lifestyle: The residents of New Arcanus live in relative luxury. Even the lowest of farmers can expect to have access to basic magical amenities that keep their homes clean and their food flavorful. Most families inherit their jobs from their parents. As such, most families only have one or two children. Those without jobs can typically find work on the many ships that come through the harbor, or enlist in the Arcanus Navy. There is a large organized crime problem in the city, and a particularly troubling rise in kidnappings and human trafficking that the House has been spending years battling.
Diplomacy: New Arcanus has been at war with the Crystal Isle Republic since their Prince Rhae was abducted by Aurelia decades ago. Though Aurelia would later become the Queen of the Night, her separation from the Republic has done little to soothe the hostilities between these two nations. They trade frequently with Celsia and Whiteserpent Keep, and are actively allied currently with the Far Isles Trading Coalition. Some in the House of Stars would like to see more activity with the halflings of Whitefang Isle, but no progress has been made on that front in years except for a few trade agreements with the Westwind borough.
Military/Defense: New Arcanus has an impressive, if small navy. It takes longer for them to outfit their ships due to the extensive runic magic that reinforces the hull and enhances their cannons. Naval officers come from all walks of life, and military service is commonly the easiest way for a family to rise in prestige in the country. All ships have a contingent of arcane spellcasters which work to shift the winds and deter their enemies with powerful magic. At home, their island is defended by a sophisticated array of runic magic that spontaneously creates walls of elemental fire in their harbors and cities. Their marines are well-known for their admixture of wizardry and swordplay.
Variants: No variants are available for New Arcanus at this time.
Prominent Figures:
- Arcane Emperor Jaed XVII (LG Human, Sorcerer [Gold Dragon Bloodline]): The current Arcane Emperor is kind and just. He has a powerful, commanding presence and remains cautious about the rise of the Queen of the Night. He is aware that the war with Crystal Isle cannot continue, but has no way to end it without angering the Supremacists.
- High Justicar Alvarin Keskin (LN Human, Inquisitor/Monk): Leader of House Keskin, Speaker of the Naturalists, and High Justicar of New Arcanus. Alvarin is the second most powerful man on the island, and is a fanatical devotee to justice and the eradication of crime on the island. He does not play politics well though, and has a very dry sense of humor (if it exists at all).
- Madam Speaker Katrial Baynar (LE Human, Spy [Rogue]/Diviner/Arcane Trickster): Matriarch of House Baynar, Speaker of the House, and formerly Emperor Jaed’s lover. She is crafty and arrogant, fully believing that her path for the country is the only way that they will survive the war and crush the Queen of the Night. She believes that all the islands would benefit from her rule.
- Captain Elana Schauss (NG Kysari, Fighter/Ranger): A privateer currently serving as an operative in the New Arcanus navy. Fearsome and cunning in combat, she is known for her compassion and mercy to those she defeats.
- Sir Vicker Whiteshield (CG Oceanborn, Bard): The current scion of the Whiteshield family commands a liberal group in the House of Stars known as the Forwardists. One of the larger swing vote parties, Vicker is unafraid to challenge the larger families in the House and is well known for his cut-to-the-point, almost derisive attitude when it comes to politics.