I have redone this chapter to clean up typos, spelling and pronunciation. I have expanded the lore and rewritten some parts to make it flow better. Sorry this wasn't a full update.
A work of Maester Gerrad Cafferen.
This is the culmination of all the information the citadel holds concerning the great power in the lands of Essos.
In 0 A.C, strange ships coming from far off shores started appearing in the Summerset sea. It is unclear how theses ships managed to arrive as there are no landmasses known west of Westeros. However what we do know is that the passengers of the ship where the refugees of a fallen civilisation. Comprised of several 'tribes', these people would settle in the lands where the old free cities once stood and name this new land Arcadia.
While the arrival of Aegon Targaryen is considered one of if not the single most defining moment in Westeros's history. Another, potentially even more important event to world history came during the exact same time Aegon sent ravens to every king in the realm demanding pledge's of allegiance. From the sea came ships. Ships containing a people fleeing the destruction of their world, a world very different to our own.
It started slowly at first, then in vast numbers, people from a unknown land came and began to settle in the lands of Essos. These people would become known as the Jaesidañe by the local population. High valyarian for 'Demigods'. A name coated in irony as it was the only thing that these new people left of the old Valyrian civilisation. We call them by the land they named, Arcadians. Their story is a bloody one, a story a war, devastation and worst of all, change. The conflict that surrounded the foundations of the Arcadian civilisation is often considered the bloody climax to the century of blood.
Nowadays the civilisation has become known as simply, the League of Arcadia and it is unquestionably the most powerful in the known world. Leaders in learning, art and culture, their technology is sophisticated enough to put to shame any of Old Valyria. Its culture is not like that of any in the Seven Kingdoms. The society is a martial one, though not a all like the barbarian styled society the Ironborn have. From a young age all children of the arcadians, regardless of sex and birth are educated in matters of language, history, science and war. The league is a freehold and the people choose their own leaders on a frequent basis in elections. Though to the Wildlings they would still consider it slavery.
The Old Tribes:
the Arcadian people are divided into four major 'tribes' for lack of a better word. To a outsider the people are almost indistinguishable but in Arcadia tribal origins are one of the most important aspects of life as each tribe has its own gods, language history and culture. A useful way for a outsider to interpret this tribal system is how Andals and the First Men ethnic groups view each other in Westeros. However one must remember that this comparison is only based on simple similarities and does not give a complete picture as to how the 'tribes' play a role in Arcadian life.
The Greeks
Perhaps the most prestigious of the tribes on account of the fact that most of the founding heroes of Arcadia where Greek themselves including none other that Perseus Magnus (Percy the Great). Its is this tribe that holds the most influence in the creation of modern Arcadian culture and politics. Though in reality much of the structure and foundations of the civilisation come from the works of the second major tribe of the Arcadians. At the end of the day the greek way of life is apparent in all of the major cities in the league. The Greeks are leaders in architecture, philosophy, art and learning in the league, with that power they financially dominate the other tribes in Arcadia. It is this power that the Greek hold that causes the divides in Arcadia society as the other tribes feel sidelined by their fellows.
The Romans
Duty. If you could some up a people in one word it is duty. According to the historical documents that the citadel has have had the privilege of reading, the Romans of old where of critical importance to the defence of the Arcadians. Where it not for the military might and sacrifice of the Romans the Arcadians would never of managed to survive. Interestingly enough the old documents and records also indicated a feud between the greeks and romans. If this feud did exist it is long gone now. The two tribes are so close and intermixed with each other that the boundaries between the two tribes have disappeared and the it would seem that the two tribes are now one great Greco-Roman tribe. Today the Roman people uphold their duty to the state and make up a disproportionate portion of the Arcadian leagues armies.
The Egyptians
On the surface the tribe appears to be insignificant in Arcadian society. However this tribe is interweaved through the civilisation to such degree that the Egyptians actually play a integral part in the day to day running in state affairs. It is the Egyptians that run the places of healing known as houses of life. It is the Egyptians who hold a monopoly of the teaching of magic. The Egyptian people along with the romans who form the administration of the government. It is also rumoured that the it was the Egyptians who created the long rumoured spy network of Arcadia. In fact some have theorised that the king own master of whisperers, lord Varys was in fact a former spy of the Egyptians.
The Norsemen
Finally the supposed lost tribe of Arcadia. The norse men within a few generations since the inception of the Arcadian League departed the main land and settled on a new island in the shivering sea as they felt that their way of life was being threaten by the Greco-Roman culture that is prevalent on the mainland. The Island itself is a interesting case in and of itself. Its sudden and unexplained creation resulted in giant tidal waves that nearly levelled Lorath. The Norsemen play little interest in the goings on with the mainland and keep to themselves on the Island of Sannligrvegr. Most of the time the norsemen stay out international politics, though they will aid the league in times of war. In battle, the norsemen are a formidable force. Though they lack the battle tactics of the greek or the tactical organisation of the romans, the norsemen more than make up for that in ferocity and bravery.
Major Cities:
Alexandria
Capital of the Republic, it is the centre of trade and commerce. Holding the Great university and library of the same name, the Serapeum. The city is at the heart of the nation holding the senate, a vast harbour and a lighthouse that would dwarf the high tower in Oldtown. The city is vast, having a entire portion of the city be full of temples dedicated to all the gods yet still be so large as to have this the second largest population in the league. Located at the mouth of the Rhoyne, the city is built using materials taken from the ruins of Volantis. Unlike Volantis which was described in the old texts as a sweltering cesspool of squalor and crime for the most part with only the wealthy city quarters being splendid, though still swelteringly hot. Alexandria is a beautiful city, from the housing of the common people to its great Odeon's. Thanks to superior city planning, the city stays at a comfortable temperature despite the hot climate.
Persepolis
Former capital of the Republic (until Perseus II moved it to new Alexandria) and a important city located in the middle of the Rhoyne river. A large city it is the main junction in the empire. The saying 'all roads lead to Persepolis' comes from the fact that all major highways (What the Arcadians call large roads) run through this city. Founded by Percy Magnus and the first settlers of demigods and magicians. It holds a simple shrine to where the crew of the Argo ii landed. Its location on the Rhoyne river makes the city inexorability wealthy. As the Rhoynar free cities depended on mother Rhoyne, so does Persepolis. The river and its tributaries are pack with the traffic of merchant barges, laden with goods, all of which go through the city of Persepolis
Constantinoplis
Founded by the great grandson of Percy and Annabeth the wise, Constantine. This city was built facing the step-stones towards Dorne. This city is the main point of trade between Westeros and the Republic. It holds direct control of the step-stones and as such regulates a significant amount to trade because of it. Many a war has been fought by the republic and its neighbours for control of this area including Westeros, yet each attempt has failed to break the cities monopoly in that region. This city is in theory the most powerful of all the cities as it boasts a vibrant economy and the largest population in the league. The walls of Constantine defend the city from the east and the sea protects the city from all other directions. Those walls are impenetrable, not only because they are strong and high but because the they layout of the walls makes it difficult for siege weapons to make their way through.
Carthage
Built upon the ruins of the former free city of Pentos. The city is the second biggest point of trade between the Republic and Westeros. Facing Kings landing, the city has the magnificent port called a Cothon. This city holds control of the bulk of the Republic fleet. Kings Landing was once almost completely destroyed by this fleet and all kings since that time are only all too aware of this fact. The Cothon itself is a marvel of engineering and architecture. The port is capable a manufacturing ships and a incredibly fast rate. Only the Armoury of Braavos is able to produce ships faster (though the Arcadians claim it can only due to Arcadian ships being more sophisticated). The vast trade links that the Arcadians have cultivated depend on Carthage for continued existence as Carthaginian merchant and naval fleets are responsible for maintaining them.
Roma Secundus
This City that is rapidly growing in power and influence. The city was once a military outpost for the league. Eventually a small community developed around the fort comprised of the families of the soldiers. Situated on top of where Old Norvos once stood, the city in recent years has made a meteoric rise to prominence. Some believe that if it continues its growth at the rate it is growing now it will quickly over take the cities of Alexandria and Constantinopolis. The city is built on several hills. Each hill dedicated to one of the political institutions of the city council. The river Noyne runs through the city and food brought in on said river to feed the rapidly growing population.
Athenai Nova
Originally just a temple to the goddess Athena. The priest pilgrims and temple minders quickly formed a settlement around the Parthenon (the temples name). To better protect against the essori wildlings that plagued the temple guard at large wall formed around the town. The rest as they say is history. Now Athens is a small but a important city based on the axe. It enjoys a close trade relations with the Ibbenese and the Norsemen of Sannligrvegr. The giant templed dedicated to Athena on a large hill called the Acropolis, supposedly where Malcom Pace wrote his works on science and magic.
Nidaros
The biggest settlement on the island ofSannligrvegr. The city serves as the capital of the semi-independent Norsemen nation. The city of Nidaros is less of a city in a traditional sense and more of a citadel. Settlements interweave around the mountain that the citadel is mounted on. The main hold is partially carved into the rock of the mountain top. In this city the some of the most legendary Rune-blades have been forged. The Island itself is east of Skagos and west of Ibben, the land is harsh but beautiful and is rich in mineral wealth which allows Nidaros to rival the cities found on the mainland. For the most part, the people of Sannligrvegr live in smaller fortified communities rather that large cities. Sannligrvegr is different to the mainland of Arcadia in every sense as they practice a very different set of customs compared to that of their continental cousins.
The Great houses:
The Arcadians have tended to arrogantly look down at most of the customs that are found here in blessed Westeros. However inevitably certain practices done here in the mainland have been taken up by the usually proud people of the Republic. The main practice that was adopted was the noble houses system of words and sigils that our own prestigious nobility used to identify themselves
House Perseid
The Perseid dynasty is the greatest of all the houses of the Republic. Founded by the legendary Percy Jackson and Annabeth chase and their children. The Perseid's are considered the first great family and are a well respected because of it. While the Republic does choose their own leaders, the Perseides family have been frequently the chosen leaders of the proud nation. More radical members of Republic society have, on occasion, to promote this family as the Royal family of the league as a way to ensure stability. This is a motion that has put this family under uncomfortable political pressure and the target of many assassins. Never the less, despite innumerable threats, this family has survived. The blood of great leaders flows in their blood as the Perseides have produced many of Arcadia's greatest leaders in times of Crisis, where the government is dissolved and a temporary dictator is elected.
Words: The first, the last, the eternal
Sigil: A large grey owl in front of a golden trident on a sea blue background
House Aeneas
Founded by the descendants of Jason Grace or Jason Augustus and his wife Piper McLean, the fair. This family is known for the union between two of the major peoples that comprise the republic. The Greeks and the Romans. With their union Greeks and Romans became ever more united and have almost become a completely homogenous group. There ties with House Perseid only moves to increase their power and influence though their historic rivalry has on occasion moved from a friendly contest to more aggressive hostility. Never the less the family has progressed with its power growing steadily throughout the years, never reaching the same heights as the Perseides but never experience the same lows as them either. Their seat of power is focused in the city of Iolcus.
Words: Risen from the ashes
Sigil: A flaming heart in the middle of a lightning storm
House Leonid
According to legend, Leo Valdez or Leonidas the engineer managed to release the goddess calypso from her eternal prison. She gave up her immortality and wed him, their children became the first members of this house. The family is a powerful one. Many of the greatest of the republic's inventions come from this bloodline as well as many a great many magicians who lead nomes of the Egyptians are of this family. Their seat of power is the city of Syracuse. On the step-stones island of Scilly. The city while small is the centre of industry. The inventions produced by this house have propelled the wealth of this house to eye watering heights.
Words: To fight or work, we are ready
Sigil: A bronze dragon
House Tarantine
Comprised of the descendants for Frank Zhang, the changeling and Hazel Levesque, the swift. This family has been responsible for the defence of the republic's borders from the violent dothraki. The Tarantines have produced some of the best archers and cavalrymen in the world. One of the more compassionate families in the republic. The Tarantines always have been stalwart defenders of the common man regardless of their origins. This stance has often costed them politically on numerous occasion, however the Tarantines have time and time again refused to comprise their principles in the game of politics. The popular support from the people due to the compassionate nature of the Tarantines have more that helped the family on multiple occasions. The houses seat of power is in the city of Taras, located south of the Qohori forests.
Words: Ride with the wind
Sigil: A gold Cataphract on a white background
House Attalids
This family ancestors are of Travis Stoll and Katie Gardener. This family while usually outside the political system they are a incredibly wealthy family, rivalling even the Lannisters wealth. As Travis was supposedly a son of the god of traders and messenger and Katie was according to myth the daughter of the goddess of agriculture. The family has naturally have deep roots in farming and trade, making them expectationally wealthy. Unlike most houses, this houses seat of power is not focused on a city but rather a large estate in the lands of Macedon. A well connected family, their influence is felt in lands within the league and without. It is rumoured that both the Tyrells and the Lannisters attempted to into the House via the members of the family located within Westeros's only for the Attalids to reject them, a serious blow to both families prestige and one the are most keen on covering up.
Words: Our land, our history
Sigil: a caduceus with two cornucopias on either side
House Lacedaemonid
The Children of Clarisse La Rue and Chris Rodriguez. This family is perhaps the most warlike of the Great families. While the Republic maintains strong martial traditions, the Lacedaemonians are far more aggressive than the rest. Founding the city of Sparta, the family takes pride that under their rule over the city has managed to produces some of the finest soldiers that fill the ranks of the leagues armies. The Agoge universal education program was the creation of the Lacedaemonians with the oldest centre of the Agoge being in the city of Sparta itself.
Words: Now our enemies rest
Sigil: a corinthian helmet with a electric spear going through the middle on a red background
House Ptolemy
A unusual case as the noble house is made up of two families. The first of Carter Kane and Zia Rashid, the second of Sadie Kane and Walt stone. The families will appearing on the outside weak are actually a house that rivals House Perseid in influence and power due to it being one of the only major house that is Egyptian in origin and so have the backing of the Egyptian people. The family power has occasionally surpassed the Perseides though never for long. The family are formidable magicians, the most powerful magic users in the league have come from this house. The families seat of power is in Alexandria
Words: Of the sea, the land and the sky
Sigil: the Per Ankh
Clan Scylfing
Another unusual case in the Great House that are part of the republic. This family is more concerned in taking part in the rule of the republic semi-independent holding in Sannligrvegr, a island that mysteriously appeared in the shivering sea shortly after the Arcadians appeared. Comprised of the descendants of Daniel Holden, the bloody and Emily Miller (Emily Ironsides). Clan Scylfing is based in their stronghold at the top of Nidaros. The greatest of the Norse clans, they exert considerable influence over the other clans which is why they are considered so important that the other great houses try to cooperate with them.
Words: Live great, die better
Sigil: A black warship on top a grey background
Clan/House Varangoi
A house that consistently works to keep the Norsemen and the rest of the league together. The family has a mix of both norse and roman ancestry. It is a fairly new house. It only was officially recognised as great house only one century ago. However its origins lie in the founding of the city of the city Londinium Nova. It boast a proud and lethal fighting force called the Varangian guard to which they have no equal in battle. Their seat of power in Londinium is the main point of contact between the Norsemen and the rest of Arcadia. They appear to have a mix of both Roman and Norse ancestry which puts the house in a precarious position as they are largely seen as outsiders to the rest of the tribes in the League.
Words: Don't wake the beast
Sigil: A white wolfs head on a blue background with twin peak mountains at the bottom
Government:
The League of Arcadia chooses its leaders in a custom called a 'election'. All citizens are expected to vote for a individual to represent them in a large council called a senate. The senate has overall authority in all matters of state. Here the new polices and laws are written and chosen. The various consuls, praetors, quaestors, censors and the Princeps are chosen by the people and lead senate business.
The individual cities of the league have their own system. Each city has a council headed by Counsellors who is lead by the highest amongst them called the head Counsellor. The council is subservient to the senate but for the most part has complete control over their respective city.
The Parties:
There are Political parties that occupy the senate. Each one is made up of a group of likeminded senators all attempting to win control over the senate to enact the ideals in the League. The idea of political parties of Volanitne origin but the Arcadians assert that the idea came with them form their old world.
The Optimates
The conservative faction within the senate the Optimates represent the need to preserve and maintain the old ways of the league. They have at times pushed for military expansion however recently they have reduced their stance to better fit public opinion.
The Populares
The populist faction within the senate the the populares are concerned with changing the political system. Often with radical ideas such as handing more power over to the cities and reducing the influence of the senate.
The Mithrades
the Radical bloc within the senate the Mithrades are concerned with the complete centralisation of power in the league. Currently attempting to push for the creation of a new body which would hold more power that the senate and the dissolving of the city councils.
The Army and Navy:
As stated before the society of the league is a martial one with children form a young age being sent to the Agoge, a state funded school, to be taught among other things the ways of warfare. As such the league has very little difficulty in assembling large hosts in times of war. On top of that due to the tense political situation the league faces, the league has standing army always ready to on the borders to repel Dothraki raids war bands and pirate raids. As well as potential war against any of their neighbours such as the empire of New Ghis or the free city remnants.
The Legions
Main infantry arm of the Leagues army are made up of the legions. Legions made up of six thousand foot soldiers. Each legion is split into ten cohorts which are to split into six centuries which have a hundred men each. Each legionary is equipped with a large round shield called a Aspis. A longsword called a spatha, a short sword called a gladius, the soldiers main weapon the spear called a spontoon and the legendary Arcadian armour set known as the Lorica thorax (lorikion Thoraxii). Plate armor of superior quality to the ones found in the mainland. The legionaries are well trained and can fight in a tightly packed phalanx or in looser formations where individual skill determines if one lives or one dies.
The Tagmata
Making up most of the league of Arcadia's army. The cavalry wing of the army is spit up into multiple regiments of cavalry called tagmata. Each tagmata is spilt into ten bandon or cavalry squadrons which are further split down into cavalry wings known as kentarchiai. Each cavalryman is called a cataphract, they too wear the heavy armour the legionaries wear and are armed is a similar fashion except for the spear which has been replaced with lance called a Xyston. The League likes to make use of the tagmata as a hammer which obliterates the opposing force in a lighting charge. Followed by the slow and unstoppable march of the infantry legions.
The Auxilia
Legions and Tagmata comprise the core and backbone of any Arcadian host. While the heavy infantry and cavalry are extremely powerful and are usually enough to defeat most opponents, Arcadia commanders make use of Auxiliary cohorts to provide a level of flexibility to their armies. Auxiliary cohorts are made up of specialised troops with specific roles on the battlefield. Auxiliaries are varied in their roles which provides commanders with increased capabilities such as light infantry, archers, crossbowmen, scout cavalry and stealth troops.
The Navy
While most of the wealth of Arcadia is produced with in its own borders. Trade with the rest of the world is of critical importance for the continued wealth and prosperity of the league. Trade with Moraq, Yi ti, Westeros and the Summerset isles allow the Arcadians to sell their goods in exchange for great amounts of treasure and what few rare goods that they themselves are incapable of manufacturing themselves. Control of the seas mean that the Arcadians keep their colonial assets in
Sothoyros where exotic goods such as vanilla, coco and coffee are grown. Arcadia protects their worldly interest with its massive fleet. The great of Arcadia is the mightiest in the world. Powerful enough to challenge both the Iron fleet and the Bravosi armada combined. While the Arcadia fleet is smaller that the Iron fleet, its ships are far more sophisticated. Armed with cannons and wildfire siphons, The arcadian fleet is able to destroy most fleets at a distance from their trireme galleys. If the enemy survives that, then the Arcadians make use of their most unusual tactic. The Trireme rams the enemy ship, on purpose.
Religion and Gods
In the League the Arcadians worship a wide pantheon of individual gods. Each pantheon is typically worshiped by its respective 'tribe' though there is some overlay between the Gods and their worshipers. Likewise it is not uncommon for various individuals make regular offerings to the separate pantheons. While each pantheon is distinct and separate from the other pantheons, it is believed that the gods share the heavens. The conflicting origins of the world is explained as a result of the gods departure from their old world.
The new races
Throughout known history there have been stories of many races that have existed from when man was young. The children of the forrest and the giant. Stories of races other than man are typical throughout the world and its peoples. The Arcadians are no different. What is different about the Arcadians is that their races still exist and co inhabit with them in their lands.
Saytrs and Fauns
The goat men as they are more commonly known as. They are a race of intelligent beings that inhabit the forests of Qohor. With goat legs and occasionally horns on their heads the Stayrs are automatically noticed in a crowd, though they are rarely seen outside of the League. A timid and shy race at first glance, their true might is shown when they, on rare occasion give battle. Due to their anatomy the Stayrs are naturally quick and agile making them superior skirmisher and scouts. Outside of battle the Stayrs often tend to the fields of the countryside and surprisingly efficient farmhands.
Centaurs
The horse folk of the league they are a proud and disciplined people. For the most part that is. Making up the light cavalry section for the army and couriers in peacetime. The Centaurs appear like men until past the waist where their more equestrian nature becomes blindingly apparent. The Dothraki see the centaurs with a mix of hatred, disgust, respect and admiration. A strange mix to be sure but nothing is simple with the Dothraki. Centaurs prefer to live in their own nomadic communities becoming a even rarer sight than the elusive Stayrs despite the two races living in the same communities
Cyclopes
the most monstrous folk that the arcadians brought along with them. Cyclopes are giant, one eyed men with incredible stomaches and even more incredible odour. The more common of the races to be seen in Arcadia. The Cyclopes typically are seen in the mines and quarries that span though the painted mountains and the hills of Norvos. The Arcadians prefer to make use of the Cyclopes superior strength to extract the minerals found in the earth lift incredible weights with more dexterity that what a crane could provide. That strength however is rarely used on the battlefield as the Cyclopes lack of discipline makes them poor soldiers for the Arcadian way of battle.
Nymphs
A most incredible race of almost entirely magical creatures. The Nymphs are made up of many species and represent many different aspects of nature in which the creatures are bound to. The most rare of the creatures to be encountered by outsiders the tales told about them are some of the best known in the world. The Nymphs are beautiful maidens who wander nature and very easily seduce men. Arcadians are often known to partake in 'festivals' and 'celebrations' to the gods of pleasure, young Arcadian men typically. The less said about the matter the better.
Dwarves
A races who's name apply describes their appearance. Dwarves, as their name implies are a short and stout race of man like culture is matrilineal oriented, with the women being held in high esteem compared to them men. Spending almost all of their lives underground in their strongholds in the painted mountains, the velvet hills and the hills of Norvos. Most of the mineral wealth of the Arcadian is produced by the Dwarves making the people invaluable for the continued existence of the League, even if Dwarves are rarely seen above ground.
Elves
Perhaps the rarest the new races to be witness by anyone. The elves are tall man-like creatures with sharp pointed features and pointed ears. Precious little information is know about these strange people other than they keep to themselves and everything about them is beautiful, from their appearance to what they produce. Even within the League of Arcadia, the elves are a enigma. It is believe however that the elves do not live with in the Leagues borders and instead have made their home in the Kingdom of the Ifequevron. What caused the elves to leave the League is a mystery.
The tomes that could be filled about the various races that the Arcadians brought with them could fill a library. What was covered here is only some of the more important creatures who play a major part in Arcadian life. Giant eagles, Pegasus, Griffons, Harpies, Wargs, Hippocampi and so many more make up the Arcadians own unique creatures that where introduced into the lands of Essos.
Authors note.
This is my first ever real fan-fiction. Its not really a story at the moment. I just wanted to flesh out the world that I am going to create. The idea itself isn't mine I got the idea from the author Miko 56 and the house Hellanese series. Unfortunately those stories have been taken down however I just wish to give a shout out. The Next stories that I want to publish are going to be about the seven plus a few extras on their journey to found this great (but flawed) civilisation. Im also thinking about creating a story with the characters of game of thrones and their interactions with a super state of such power that their power plays seem insignificant to it.