Dythos

Taken from the colloquial name for northeast coast of Centras given by agothonian explorers early in the second age, Dythos also refers to the confederated government of colonies and estates in the region. While each entity is separately chartered and swears allegiance to a 'parent' polis in mainland Agothos, local self-government is the practical reality, with most colonies showing more loyalty to regional allies than their homeland.

As the number and prosperity of the colonies grew, calls to annex the region as one or more formal Themes of the republic began, but were resisted by the senate in Agolos. Within the colonies themselves, integration into the republic is a controversial topic; many cherish their autonomy, and the vast distances involved would present logistical issues for providing senators to the mainland.

Dythonians enjoy full citizenship within the republic. While Dythonian culture inherits much from the motherland, it emphasizes a frontier spirit over cultural sophistication. Dythonians value self-sufficiency and express a staunch form of individualism. Many on both sides of the ocean see Dythos as an important piece of a larger Arthenian destiny to spread liberty and civilization - Agothos in Polus and Dythos in Centras.

Geography

Argurkuma Prarie

The golden waves of the Argurkuma plains dominate much of middle Dythos. Rolling hills of grassland and savanna make the area ideal for herding and cereal farming, but the moderate rainfall is not optimal for major orchards or cash crop estates. Scattered ruins and wounds from the Great War also litter the land, and most colonies in the region must be relatively self-sufficient.

Skiros Cliffs

The middle coast of Dythos is dominated by sheer cliffs of limestone and chalk. The cliffs make ship mooring difficult outside a few shallow bays that can only support minor settlements. The major exception is crane-works of Irenpolis.

Saku Heights

A wooded mountain range in middle Dythos north of Irenpolis. A trio of high peaks that breach the treeline are known as the 'three goddesses' by Saniori oral tradition. By legend the area was a sanctuary for the Saniori during the Rupture, but the large tribes that grew out of them were destroyed by internal strife and wars with the arthenians. The area is relatively undeveloped and is still considered a refuge for Saniori tribesmen, Dythonian outlaws, or others that seek isolation.

Eklesian Badlands

A region of foothills, windswept sandstone canyons, and a small cluster of mountains east of New Agolos. The area features rock formations that resemble archways and steeples. Whether they are petrified ruins of lost cathedrals or natural coincidences remains unknown.

Rhamnos Tideland

The marshy coastland of southern Dythos is filled with mangroves, floodland, and silty beaches that lacks deep harbors.

History

Government

Organized into the United Colonial government in 833 AV, the newly United Colonies of Dythos were confederated into a single commonwealth. Colonies still owed primary allegiance to their parent polis through existing charters, but interactions would be managed through a new colonial assembly instead of a maze of individual embassies. The authority of the colonial assembly was strictly limited to a narrowly defined set of powers, primarily for the common defense and adjudicating conflicts in colonial charters.

The colonial government was presided over by a Sovereign chosen by the Agothian Basileus, and confirmed by the Agothian senate. While appointed by the mainland, Sovereign candidates were nominated by the colonial assembly and were required to have resided in Dythos for the last 10 years. The Sovereign acted as chief executive and the hand of the Basileus in all Centrian lands, though due to constitutional limitations their main role was Strategos of the combined colonial militia. The Sovereign served at the pleasure of the Basileus. With the vast distances and large amount of travel and communication involved in selecting a new Sovereign, however, many Sovereign's served for life barring an overwhelming controversy.

Parties, Ideology, and Politics

With broader participation in local politics than the mainland, Dythos is known for an extremely open, active, and passionate political system. Throughout political shifts and turmoil, a near-constant fixture were the sectarian divisions between the Blues and Whites. Beginning as typical colors used for teams in regional horse jousting, the Blue and White factions soon become vehicles for organizing political interests across regional boundaries. Faction affiliation is often a marker of social status, and brinkmanship is a common tool in political processes, to the point of civil violence on occasions.

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