Sylvaris

A city-state of jungle mystics (from the notes on The Twelve), revering a different subset of The Twelve.

Overview

• Identity: Sylvaris is a structured, environmentally conscious republic in Roh-ber’s southern central, governed by an elected High Chancellor who serves as lead diplomat and military leader. It’s a biodiverse haven shaped by the Aether of Verdis, Myrath, Luneth, and Zephyris, dedicated to preserving its meticulously balanced ecosystem against Ravus’ industrial exploitation and Eclipsa’s chaotic cults. Sylvaris blends ecological stewardship with disciplined governance, using sustainable Aetheric practices to protect Roh-ber’s natural harmony.
• Geography: Lush jungles with Myrath’s Aetheric rivers, Verdis’ grove-fonts (e.g., Verdant Hollow), Luneth’s moonlit glades (Lunar Hollow), and Zephyris’ Verdantspire. Eclipsa’s entropic Aether seeps into hidden rifts, spawning necrotic vines and void pools that threaten the ecosystem’s balance.
• Population: Humans, elves, halflings, gnomes, and fey-kin live in organized grove-cities and riverside strongholds, skilled in herbalism, archery, and Aetheric magic tied to nature. The High Chancellor is chosen by the Verdant Assembly, which prioritizes leaders who uphold ecological wisdom and strategic defense.
• Key Features: Eco-friendly airships, druidic councils, and Verdant Hollow font. Focuses on sustainable technology and nature preservation.

Governance

• Structure: The Verdant Republic is led by a High Chancellor, elected by the Verdant Assembly, a governing body of grove representatives, shamans, and guild leaders (representing the Verdant Sentinels, Riverwardens, Starlit Guides, and Windweavers). The High Chancellor oversees diplomacy with the Triad and commands the republic’s airship-based military, ensuring policies align with environmental sustainability.
• Current High Chancellor: Archweaver Elowen Thornsinger, who leads the Verdant Assembly (see Verdantspire).
• High Chancellor’s Role: The High Chancellor negotiates alliances, directs airship fleets, and mediates faction disputes, wielding a ceremonial Riverstone staff symbolizing Myrath’s nurturing flow. They enforce laws mandating sustainable Aether use and ecosystem preservation.
• Environmental Focus: Legislation prioritizes minimal ecological disruption, with strict regulations on resource harvesting and mandatory river purification to counter Eclipsa’s corruption. Violators face reparative labor, such as replanting groves or cleansing rivers.

Major Cities

• Verdantspire, capital, home to an Aether Hall of the Aetherkin Guilds
• Moonpetal Grove
• Starbloom Hollow

Religious Culture and Customs

Sylvaris reveres The Twelve as cosmic forces, interpreting their Aether through natural phenomena and structured rituals tied to the six Astral and Umbral Moons: - Verdis (First Astral Moon): Verdant Sentinels, organized into grove guilds, conduct state-sponsored planting ceremonies in the Verdant Hollow, embedding Aether-infused seeds to bolster jungles (+2 Nature, plant growth 1/day). These rituals reinforce ecological stability. - Myrath (Sixth Astral Moon): Riverwardens, a formal order of healers, purify rivers with riverstone amulets during the Sixth Astral Moon, countering Eclipsa’s necrotic corruption (+2 Medicine, cure wounds 1/day). Purification is a national duty, overseen by the High Chancellor to maintain the ecosystem. - Luneth (Fourth Umbral Moon): Starlit Guides, trained navigators, perform starlit ceremonies in the Lunar Hollow, mapping airship routes with Aetheric light (+2 Perception, locate object 1/day). These rituals guide Sylvaris’ fleets and explorers. - Zephyris (Fifth Astral Moon): Windweavers, an elite scouting corps, conduct wind ceremonies at the Skyspire, a building in Verdantspire, channeling Zephyris’ Aether to power airship balloons (+2 Acrobatics, feather fall 1/day). These rituals enhance aerial mobility. - Lyssera (local faith): Lyssera is not a patron of Sylvaris, but she is revered locally in Starbloom Hollow. - Eclipsa’s Influence: Not worshipped, but Eclipsa’s entropic Aether corrupts fonts, spawning decay that threatens Sylvaris’ ecosystem. Riverwardens and Sentinels lead state-mandated purification efforts to restore balance, targeting Eclipsa’s necrotic influence.

Transportation

• Primary Mode: Sylvaris relies on traditional airships crafted from sustainably harvested jungle wood, reinforced with Verdis’ Aether to ensure durability without harming the ecosystem. Large balloons, woven from plant fibers and infused with Zephyris’ wind magic, provide lift, allowing airships to glide silently above the jungle canopy.
• Mechanics: Windweavers channel Zephyris’ Aether to summon gentle breezes, granting airships speed (60 ft/round, +2 Acrobatics for navigation) and maneuverability. Balloons are lightweight, requiring minimal Aether to maintain lift, reducing environmental impact.
• Infrastructure: Grove-cities feature elevated landing platforms woven from vines, and the Skyspire, a building in Verdantspire, serves as the central airship dock. Riverwardens maintain river routes for small Aether-powered boats, complementing air travel.
• Cultural Significance: Airships are adorned with Verdis’ floral motifs and Luneth’s starlit runes, symbolizing harmony with nature. Their use reflects Sylvaris’ commitment to eco-friendly mobility, avoiding land-based disruption.

Military Might

• Structure: Sylvaris’ military, the Verdant Armada, consists of airship fleets crewed by Windweavers (aerial scouts), Starlit Guides (navigators), and Verdant Sentinels (archers and Aether mages). The High Chancellor commands the Armada, using defensive tactics to protect fonts and borders.
• Airships: Crafted from jungle wood and powered by Zephyris’ wind magic, airships are equipped with Aetheric ballistae (dealing 2d8 piercing + 1d6 radiant, imbued with Luneth’s Aether) and vine-woven nets for boarding. Balloons are enchanted with feather fall (1/day) to prevent crashes, preserving the jungle below.
• Tactics: The Armada employs hit-and-run aerial strikes, using jungle cover and Luneth’s moonlight for stealth. Riverwardens support by purifying corrupted fonts, ensuring Aether supplies for military operations. The focus is on defense and disruption, not conquest.
• Strengths and Weaknesses: The Armada’s agility and eco-conscious design make it ideal for guerrilla warfare against Ravus’ heavier airships, but limited numbers and pacifist leanings restrict large-scale offensives.

Role in Roh-ber

• Triad Alliance: Sylvaris is the Triad’s ecological and spiritual backbone, deploying the Verdant Armada to scout and defend fonts, while Riverwardens purify Myrath’s rivers to sustain the alliance. The High Chancellor’s diplomacy fosters Triad unity, but Sylvaris’ environmental focus clashes with Tidegate’s martial aggression and Aurumhold’s industrial ambitions.
• Conflicts: Sylvaris opposes Ravus’ font raids, which pollute Myrath’s rivers, and Eclipsa’s Veilborn, who corrupt jungles with necrotic Aether. Internal tensions arise between Sentinels’ strict conservation policies and Windweavers’ push for aerial exploration, requiring the High Chancellor’s mediation.
• Culture: Disciplined yet communal, Sylvaris prioritizes sustainability. Grove-cities are hubs of ecological education, teaching herbalism and Aetheric lore. Citizens contribute to purification and planting projects, trading herbs and purified Aether with Tidegate while limiting Aurumhold’s font access.
• Aesthetic: Bioluminescent jungles with tree-cities connected by vine bridges, glowing rivers lit by Myrath’s Aether, and floating airship docks under Zephyris’ winds. Civic buildings feature riverstone and floral architecture, with airships adorned with Verdis’ vines and Luneth’s stars.

In the timeline

• After the First Shattering: Before the Shattering, Roh-ber was all one continental country. After it, the remnants grew into their own cultures and then into nations; Sylvaris, one of the Triad nations, grew out of the ashes of the Shattering.
• Circa 5700: Sylvaris emerges in Roh-ber's jungles, a mystic nation. (The timeline ties it to Verdis, Myrath, and Zephyris; the newer notes above add Luneth.) Trade and magical academies flourish.
• Circa 6300: Sylvaris faces new threats.
• 6342: Unites with Aurumhold and Tidegate as the Triad against the Ravus Empire.
• 6352: A campaign hub.