Duchy of Raithaeme

Capital: Golotha

"From blackest shadow to silver dawn, Raithaeme rose anew beneath the grace of the Seldarine. Yet shadows always wait for the unwary"

Overview

Raithaeme is a northern duchy of the Elven Kingdom of Arethane, facing the vast Jekith Ocean. Once a blighted realm ruled by changeling collaborators and Agrikan blood cultists, it was redeemed and restored during the Cleansing Wars led by Rhysanus Ariquis, now King of Arethane.

Though Raithaeme is now a duchy of faith, trade, and naval strength under Duchess Galadriel Ariquis, it remains haunted by lingering changeling agents who still sow subtle unrest, seeking to reclaim their lost power.

Population of Raithaeme: 8,500,000

• Snow Elves: 28%: 2,380,000
• Moon Elves: 18%: 1,530,000
• Grey Elves: 15%: 1,275,000
• Shadow Elves: 10%: 850,000
• High Elves: 7%: 595,000
• Drow: 5%: 425,000
• Wood Elves: 5%: 425,000
• Other: 8%: 680,000
• The other Races represent a mosaic of races from various corners of the world. Humans, Dwarves, Halflings, Half Elves and other races have found a welcoming home within the isles, contributing to the kingdom's diversity. This melting pot of cultures results in a vibrant exchange of traditions, culinary delights, and artistic expressions.
  *Note: The population figure mentioned excludes the Fae. The Fae creatures of Arethane are too numerous to be accurately counted so is not precicely known. It is estimated to be at the least, 3 to 5 times that of the Elven population, and consists of fae and magical creatures of all types. These mystical beings, with their whimsical nature and inherent connection to nature's magic, bring an extra layer of enchantment to Arethane. Fae communities are often nestled in the heart of magical glades, adding to the kingdom's natural wonders.

Geography & Strategic Importance

• Northern Arethane, guarding the coast of the Jekith Ocean with vital trade routes and naval defenses.
• Its rugged coastline hides secret coves and sea caves once used by changeling smugglers, many sealed, yet some forgotten.
• Fertile inland plains feed the duchy, but beneath them lie abandoned tunnels and changeling sanctums long hidden from the light.

History

The Changeling Era of Corruption

• Raithaeme was once a puppet Kingdom, its rulers replaced by changeling infiltrators who held power for centuries.
• They allied with Agrik's blood cults and Morgraeth's necromancers, turning the duchy into a land of fear, betrayal, and dark rituals.
• The City of Golotha became the greatest changeling stronghold, where entire noble families were secretly replaced.

The Changeling Conspiracy Against House Ariquis

• House Ariquis, A powerful Noble House loyal to the Raithaeme throne, and heir to the Kingdom was targeted by the Changlings:
• Trystan Ariquis was framed through a perfect changeling double who committed murders and treason in his name.
• His wife Ilestealle was murdered during childbirth on the changelings' orders.
• His eldest son Jharoquen was kidnapped and replaced with a changeling child, corrupting the family line.
• Whispers of incest and betrayal destroyed their reputation, forcing Trystan into exile and faked death.

The Cleansing Wars & Rhysanus' Rise

• Rhysanus Ariquis, raised alongside the changeling imposter of his brother, uncovered the truth after the imposter's death, awakening his latent Psionics.
• Initially guided by Agrik and then Styphon, Rhysanus led a conquest, merging foreign Raithaeme and Khandae together and purging changeling networks.
• The Cleansing of Raithaeme sealed most changeling catacombs beneath Golotha and eradicated collaborator families.
• When Rhysanus was crowned King of Arethane, he appointed his aunt Galadriel Ariquis as Duchess of Raithaeme, and guardian of its redemption.

Government & Security

Raithaeme is governed by Duchess Galadriel Ariquis, a paladin of Larini and leader of the Knights of the Checkered Shield and the Order of the Dragon. It is governed as a duchy of faith, with strong cooperation between secular law and Larini's Church.

Reflection Trials, holy rituals conducted in sacred mirrors, are performed to unmask suspected changelings, revealing their true forms.

Military & Vigilance Against Changelings

• The Raithaeme Naval Fleet, patrols the Jekith Ocean for changeling smugglers.
• The Knights of the Checkered Shield serve as elite investigators and protectors of holy sites.
• The Order of the Dragon hunts down sleeper cells, relying on old intelligence archives recovered from Golotha.

Present Day Conflicts

• Sleeper Agents: Rumors persist that changelings still serve a hidden master, plotting to reclaim the duchy.
• The Hollow Reflections: Adventurers stumble upon ancient changeling sanctums holding cursed relics and mimicry magic.
• Political Intrigue: Coastal towns see mysterious disappearances, fueling paranoia of changeling resurgence.

Cultural Identity

• A People on Guard: Citizens remain wary of strangers, knowing how easily changelings once walked among them.
• Faith as Shield: Larini's church teaches vigilance and holds purification rites during holy festivals.
• Living Memory: Children are taught ballads of the Cleansing Wars, while adults wear silver reflection charms to disrupt minor illusions.

Major Cities & Hidden Dangers

• Capital: Golotha:Once the heart of changeling power, now a holy city with sealed undercity tunnels.
• Darklin Reach: A naval fortress guarding the Jekith Ocean. Nearby sea caves once served as smuggler dens and still radiate faint illusion magic.
• Cordath: Known for moonwine vineyards, yet rumors say sleeper changelings still mingle among its vintners and merchants.
• Pirdalte:
• Lillaidae:
• Overlook Keep: Once a changeling collaborator stronghold, now a heavily warded holy bastion, serving as a sacred watchtower for the duchy.

"Raithaeme may shine beneath the Seldarine's grace, but shadows have long memories, and they wait for those who forget the past."