Major Cities: Ruma, Alba Sylva, Tharamos, Velia Magna
Pantheon: Mars, Jupiter, Diana, Saturn, Janus, local river and forest spirits
Perils: Tribal wars in the north, Greek encroachment, shadow of the Sea Peoples, growing ambition of Ruma
Culture: A blend of Italic tradition and Greek influence, shaped by laurel, wolf, and star
Nature: Largest and most ambitious city of Itala Majoris, Ruma sees itself as destined for greatness.
Government: Ruled by a Senate of Patricians and two annually elected Consuls, though power often bends to generals and wealthy patrons.
Military: Legions trained in discipline and formation; armed with heavy shields, bronze short swords, and javelins.
Culture: Values order, law, and conquest; festivals of triumph are central, honoring gods with parades and sacrifices.
Patron Gods: Mars Gradivus (god of war), Jupiter Optimus Maximus, and Vesta, keeper of the flame.
Points of Interest:
Forum Rumae: Political and commercial heart.
Senate House: Where destiny is debated and decreed.
Capitoline Hill: Temple to Jupiter.
Mars’ Field: A vast training ground for warriors.
Nature: Northern Itala, cloaked in sacred forests of silver-barked trees said to glow under moonlight.
Rulers: The Star Queens, a lineage of matriarchs claiming descent from Diana, goddess of the hunt and moon.
Culture: Mystical and aristocratic, with strong traditions of prophecy, astronomy, and sacred duels under starlight.
Military: Fierce hunters and skirmishers, fighting from woods with bows and curved blades.
Religion: Worship of Diana Lucifera, the Star Huntress, and Silvanus, lord of the wilds.
Points of Interest:
The Silver Groves: Enchanted forest temples.
Astral Spire: Tower of the Queens, aligned with constellations.
Moonlit Amphitheater: Sacred ground for prophecy and public trials.
Nature: A city where Greek settlers mingled with Rumans, producing a culture of artistry, prophecy, and martial dueling.
Culture: The Tharamites believe the gods speak through poetry, and warriors duel as acts of divine fate. Poets are held in equal esteem with generals.
Military: Fighters wield rapiers, spears, and ornate shields, placing emphasis on personal glory through single combat.
Religion: A blend of Apollo (poetry, prophecy) and Janus (transitions, duels of fate).
Points of Interest:
Oracle of Janus: Twin-faced priest speaks riddles of future.
Lyric Court: Where poets compete for crowns of laurel.
Dueling Grounds: Stone amphitheaters where disputes are settled by combat.
Nature: A hybrid Greek-Ruman coastal city, famed for its navy and hoplite discipline.
Rulers: The Line of Salt, a dynasty claiming descent from Poseidon himself, bound to the sea by sacred oaths.
Culture: Sailors, merchants, and hoplites intermingle; Velia thrives on trade and war.
Military: Masters of phalanx warfare and naval battles, their hoplites march in bronze and fight beneath banners of the sea.
Religion: Reverence for Poseidon, Neptune (Ruman aspect), and Venus as the morning star guiding sailors.
Points of Interest:
Harbor of Salt: Massive naval dockyards, lined with bronze-clad rams.
Temple of the Trident: Seat of the Salt-Lords’ power.
Salt Market: A bustling trade hub where goods from across the seas pass.
Hall of the Oath: Where oaths sworn by the sea are unbreakable.
Family and Bloodline: Ancestors are honored with tombs and offerings; lineage defines worth.
Warrior Traditions: Martial valor is a civic duty; to shirk battle is to shame the ancestors.
Augury: Sacred birds and omens guide politics and war.
Festivals: Laurel-crowned games, moonlit hunts, naval regattas, and poetic duels.
Architecture: Stone and bronze, laurel motifs, statues of gods and heroes.
Ruma’s Ambition: Seen as overbearing by neighbors, Ruma eyes dominance over the peninsula.
Alba Sylva’s Mysticism: The Star Queens disdain Ruma’s politics, seeing themselves as destined rulers of Itala’s soul.
Tharamos’ Duality: Torn between Greek philosophy and Ruman pragmatism, Tharamos could swing either way in coming wars.
Velia Magna’s Navy: Its fleets rival Rhodes, making Velia a key maritime power — and a target.