Eidos is the former domain of the Archon Marquilla. One of the surviving 12 Archons, Marquilla is now a goddess. Though she has positive associations and is considered good, Marquilla was one of the more martial archons and is linked to many of the greatest wars of the Age of Archons. Her primary domain as a goddess is that of glory.

Eidos consists of one very large island, Serynilea, and four smaller islands, Segestos, Attalene, Farmonix and Thalren plus many smaller islands. Unlike most of the Ophir floating islands, these islands have intricate shorelines because Marquilla carved these islands from real sea-islands and faithfully followed their old beach-line. Most Ophir islands have much less convoluted edges.

The islands float in the the third, not in the permanent clouds but frequently cloudy. It therefore receives a great deal of percipitation. Situated in the mid-latitudes, the climate is mil din the low lands but snow is common in the winter and some mountains are snowcapped year around.

Characteristics

As befits a warrior-Archon's homeland, Eidos has many fortifications. All cities contain the blockhouse fortifications pionered by Marquilla and called the Eidos-style. These fortifications are geared against aerial attack and concept of flot-topped pyramids, often in multiple layers in the larger structures, that offer no inner courtyards for aerial foes to invade. A typical city has several strong block houses arranged around a light wall with one of the block houses very elaborate and serving as the citadel.

Eidos architecture in general is considered somewhat plodding and dull. In addition to the blockhouse fortifications, which while effective are not very striking, most Eidos public buildings are low and squat and private buildings tend to be one story with few outside windows or adornments.

Portals and Barge Ports

Eidos is well provided with portals that connect the various islands, large and tiny. Portals beyond to points outside of Eidos exist only in Lyko. About half the Eidos portals are still active.

Barge traffic only visits Nisos in the outer island of Armand.

Government

Eidos is a Kingdom ruled by descendants of Marquilla. She is the patron of the land and particularly the royal house. As a solar, her off-spring are all planetouched. These offspring are organized ito three senior and five junior lines (see here for more on the Royal Lines). Temples to Marquilla are common but since they simply look to the casual observer as yet an other Eidos blockhouse they tend to be over looked by travellers.

One hundred years ago, many royal lines suffered heavy losses in a war with Mottul the Kingdom of Eidos first lost the battle of Alix and King Yanel, son of Marquilla then suffered further catastrophe the palace of Lyko was sacked and the royal family nearly exterminated except for a grandson of Yanel not in the main line. This grandson, Feresh, restored Eidos' fortunes and now rulers the island. He is a harsh, stern king, little loved but respected for his defense of the land. Common stories say that some of the true royal blood survived the sacking of Lykos and that a good king will emerge some day but there is little evidence of that.

The land is weakly feudal: there is a series of nobility but most land and wealth is in the hands of the King.

Notable People and Points

The capital and palace is in Lyko.

Fina is an ancient bronze dragon who holds the Duchy of Pelion. Her primary residence is within a stoney hill on Laris Lake.

Gurdy is Duke of Larissa.

Flying Castles

Marquilla created a number of flying castles before the Ascenion. Four remain within the Eidos domains (others were destroyed, captured or given away.)

Castelleon. Marquilla's first flying castle and arguably, the first ever flying castle (there is some dispute). This fortress is still one of the larger ones at over 800 feet across. Castelleon is held by Princep Yor. At present it is located near Canae and is linked by an active portal to Lyko.

Mithguard. Located off of Attalene Island, this fortress is small, consisting of only a squat blockhouse on a 200 foot across rock. It is linked by an in-operative portal to Lyko. Once used to protect the fey brought to Attalene from Suchet's home forest, the outer surface is infested by tiny fey creatures.

Jorguard. Located near Lyko, this fortress is about the size of Castelleon which makes it a major fortress. It is linked by an active protal to Lyko and traditionally serves as a retreat for the King.

Abilyx. Located off of Abilyx, this fortress is a medium sized fortress in possession of the Counts of Psyllos (this County is independent of any of the royal lines).

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