The Sacred City of Adoulin (02/20/2013)

Adoulin is a storied land, with a history intriguing enough to rival those of the Middle Lands and Aht Urhgan.



Under what circumstances did the Sacred City of Adoulin come to be? What is life like in this mysterious nation?

History

Adoulin is the name given not just to the city on the main island, but to the outlying island chain as well.



About 200 years ago, the age of pioneering that dominated the political scene?an age referred to by historians as "the great expedition"?drew to a close.



The plans for colonizing Ulbuka were postponed indefinitely, and a large wall known as Jorius Yett was constructed between Eastern Ulbuka and Adoulin proper?a task which took many years and thousands of workers to accomplish. This massive structure enclosed what little was left of habitable land in Adoulin and its dwindled population.



The great expedition came to an end after hundreds of years. Yet the wounds left by this retreat were severe, as merchants, nobility, and even common folk sunk nearly all their resources into expanding Adoulin's domain within Ulbuka. The resulting economic collapse closed the curtain on what would have been a shining future for the budding nation.



The ruling house of Adoulin and the eleven noble orders, sensing the need for change if Adoulin was to survive, elected to dissolve the long-standing imperial system, rearranging the government into what was to become known as the Sacred City of Adoulin.



The first goals the empire set its sights on were not to simply recover from its martial decay, but also to contain the surrounding island nations. These considerations bore fruit, as Adoulin developed into a city-state with well-funded mercantile trade.



In recent years, Ygnas S. Adoulin, leader of the Order of Adoulin, declared that the colonization project was to be restarted after countless centuries. This move was not without political consequences, however, and the alliance between the twelve orders has started to fracture into factions supporting and opposing the project.

Illustration: Mitsuhiro Arita

Adoulin's Establishment

In ancient times, the Isle of Adoulin and other surrounding islands were ruled by a fierce crocodile-like demihuman race known as the Velkk. The great hero August, a man called "the founder king" and whose legacy is felt in Adoulin to this day, drove them out from Adoulin, with what little forces they had remaining seeking refuge in the far western part of Eastern Ulbuka. August constructed a castle on the land the Velkk once held, and a city sprung up in the surrounding area. This was the origin of the Adoulinian Empire. In recognition of their great service to the first king, eleven of August's most trusted soldiers were granted land and status, and formed the other eleven orders of Adoulin that exist to this day.



Politics and Government

Adoulin is governed by a ruling council that makes decisions via consensus. The grand chancellor is Ygnas S. Adoulin, but as the council has the final say over all matters both domestic and international, the position is merely an honorary title.



Grand Chancellor

Ygnas S. Adoulin Alliance leader/foreign affairs Order of Adoulin In favor Minister of Finance

Melvien de Malecroix Treasury and revenue Order of Woltaris In favor Minister of Justice

Hildebert Legal and judiciary Order of Weatherspoon Opposed Minister of Public Affairs

Svenja Public health and well being Order of Janniston Opposed Minister of Education

Ikhi Askamot History and Academia Order of Renaye Opposed Minister of Commerce

Chero-Machero Commerce and Economy Order of Gorney In favor Scouts' Coalition Maester

Margret Survey and Research Order of Haverton In favor Pioneers' Coalition Maester

Lhe Lhangavo Pioneering and agriculture Order of Karieyh In favor Peacekeepers' Coalition Maester

Gratzigg Security and defense Order of Vocane Opposed Mummers' Coalition Maester

Flaviria Entertainment and intelligence Order of Thurandaut In favor Couriers' Coalition Maester

Reginald Transport and inspection Order of Shneddick In favor Inventors' Coalition Maester

Amchuchu Industry and technology Order of Orvail In favor

Population

Humes: 35%

Mithra: 25%

Elvaan: 15%

San d'Orian Elvaans: 10%

Ouschrahd Galka: 10%

Other: 5%



Language

Common



Major Religions

Eimert Church (believers in Altana)

Church of San d'Oria (believers in Altana)

Island Animitism

Talekeeperism

Tavnazian (believers in Altana)



Major Landmarks

Castle Adoulin

Exorcists' Priory

The Silver Spoon (members-only auction house)

Celennia Wexworth Memorial Library

Fontis Xanira

Jorius Yett

Platea Triumphus

Statue of the Goddess

Mog Gardens