Formerly a part of the Empire of Luctadomum, Demios is an island that, together with Sarin-Carados and Trilla, makes up three of the five
Fire Isles which form an archipelago just east of the mainland of
Carmelyn. A quiet little town that holds little in the way of strife or qualms, the volcanic isle is only accessible via ferry from the city of
Trysvale. From there, the town offers shelter and welcome to the greater majority of Telath’s races, including some of the darker ones, such as
vysticchi and
orcs. Whilst humans are predominant, Demios is also home to its fair share of
dwarves, the reason for this being the presence of the mines located close to the town proper that also act as one of the town’s major sources of trade. The Empress Fire Mystia also hailed from Demios, and her likeness can be seen in stone in the town itself, standing proud within the confines of the Orator’s Square.
The admirable mixture of peoples and races do little to affect Demios as a whole. The town itself remains, for the most part a fishing community, and one that enjoys reaping the bounties of the Great Sea. The inhabited area of Demios only takes up approximately a third of the isle as a whole, the remainder of it being covered in mountains, volcanoes, forests, and wilderness. A commendable trait of the Fire Isle is the beauty of its vistas, the eloquence of the scenery governing the better part of it. Tours are available in abundance to visitors wishing to see more or get up close to these features of the isle, and the locals seem willing enough to take tourists on brief sight-seeing trips, if for a price.
An important factor with regards to the island itself is the presence of somewhat abnormal and erratic weather features. Whilst Demios goes through the same seasons that the rest of Telath does, the climate on the island can vary from intensely dry and arid heat to freezing and icy cold. Snowstorms and blizzards would not be out of place in winter, and raging gales and tempests should always be considered a potential danger. These anomalies in atmospheric conditions have long been rumored to be the work of powerful
dragons, although to this day no one knows whether these notions have been steeped in fiction or fact.
Residential Districts and Population
Although the town of Demios is still considered small, new houses are being erected on its grounds all the time. The majority of the houses on the island are made from what natural resources can be found and used from the land itself. Newer houses are made from lumber taken from the Weaver’s Woods, although stone is also a common building block used for structures throughout the town. The streets are cobbled in the more densely populated areas of Demios, although simple dirt paths still line the town’s outskirts. The further south one goes, the more elaborate and intimidating the houses become. The wealthier peoples have their homes here, with some dwellings backing right out onto the splendor of the Weaver’s Woods themselves.
Despite the fact that it is easy enough to simply purchase the deed for a house from the Aedile of Demios, many newcomers have instead chosen to buy their own wood from vendors in the town, such as Drif’s Hardware Store, and hire workers to build their homes for them. A slower process to take by far, this has also proven to be a cheaper alternative to procuring an abode that is ready made.
Approximate Population of Demios: 7500
Racial Percentages:
Human: 48% (~3600)
Elven, Light: 18% (~1350)
Half Elven: 12% (~900)
Dwarves: 12% (~900)
Saurid: 4% (~300)
Merfolk: 3% (~225)
Lutran: 2% (~150)
Other: 1% (~75)
It should be noted that
jagaras and
merfolk are currently treated with distrust in Demios. A group of jagaras killed a drake and kidnapped a member of a little known organization with Demios’ military, which has led to the guards in Demios being more wary of this race than many others, although normal citizens and visitors remain blissfully unaware of this. Mers, on the other hand, were involved in a drawn out battle that arose after one of their kind was killed by reckless fisherman. After the war between the merfolk and the peoples of Demios had culminated, a truce was made, although suspicions still abound in the hearts of some locals, misgivings directed towards the hapless mers.
Religion
Demios has always been a very religious town. From the very beginning, when the town was built people worshiped
Carmelya as their main god. A Church dedicated to this goddess was built 100 patterns before the Aethergem Fracture and stands proudly till this very brightening. The Church is open all brightening and all darkening so that Demiosians could come and pray whenever they can. A big influence from the city [wiki]Diana (city)|Diana[/thread] and the Church of Faith reaches Demios, therefore people worship the other Aetherian gods as well. However the Church of Carmelya is the only site of worship in the Fire Isle. That became the reason why at least half of the population has figures of
Ioannes and
Diana in some respectful places in their homes, so that they could pray to these three gods when they are in need of help or have things to thank for.
However, the Aetherian pantheon is not the only thing which is in the hearts of Demiosians. From the brightening when the city was built, rumors were spread about the creation of the island, particularly its weather. It may be a myth, but the majority of the population in the Fire Isle believes that dragons are responsible for the weather patterns that surround Demios and that they still inhabit the isle. A festival is held once a pattern in honor of the dragons and Carmelya. It is one of the grandest events in Demios and has held its traditions through many patterns. All Demiosians gather, pray, and worship them till the festival ends.
Demios, being a peaceful and welcoming island to all races, has no trend towards the Aeternian gods, especially since there aren’t a lot of dark races, crime, or other evils.
Cetheron enjoys a fair amount of worship from the island's dwarf population. Being under a high amount of influence from the Church of Faith, Demios had no chance or wish to defy it.
However, rumors do not cease about a cult dedicated to a Planetar and the dragons. The cult, however, was never found out, since it is likely hiding from the watchful eye of the Church, and is only rumored to be located in the Weaver’s Woods.
Culture
History
It is not known when people originally settled on the island of Demios. However, it is believed that the first settlers came somewhere around Era 8400, about 1800 Eras before our day. These pioneers claimed the island, along with the other Fire Isles, as Luctadomum’s territory and had a village established there, claiming the rich fishing sites and the mines. However, during 8795 Doge Patrel Vingelhoff of Luctadonum surrendered to King Constantine, therefore Demios was taken over by the Aelyrians. After that Demios had quite a few eras of peace, during which it had already grown to a town of around 5000 residents.
However peace didn’t last long and during 9507 – 9508 Duke Demios threatened to create a separate kingdom if Emperor Constantine did not recognize him as a Prince in line to the throne and had renamed himself Prince Valorian. Soon after, Valorian deflected from United Kingdom of Aelyria to form Kingdom of Aureolis. He was also the one who named the island and the town – Demios. However, his plans and visions were not meant to last long, because he was killed when he crossed the Xetan borders in 9509 in search of the Lost City – Taalios (founded on the first Era of recorded history). The Xetans, being ever so “kind”, killed the Duke and his personal guards, presenting his head to the Emperor.
Afterwards, Emperor Constantine made plans to move forces to Demios. Fortunately, this time Demios was taken over by the Empire without the use of force. Queen Fire Mystia, who crowned herself as High Queen in 9576, originally came from Demios and, while she had done practically nothing to the island, the town still has her statue in the Orator's Square. Demios is formally in the Sodality of Carmelyn to this day, from Era 9711 when Empress Alyssa Chrysinaria rearranged the Provinces. With all the luck after this Demios had a few hundred Eras of peace, in which the town flourished and prospered from the mines, fish-farms and a large number of people who came to the island to study in the Universitas, invest in the mines or just to take up residences in the relatively peaceful town. The town had even reached a population of 7500 citizens in Era 10234, when the Aetherfracture occured.
A lot of effort has been put in place to establish further peace with the Empire and neighbouring cities, as well as with the Church of Faith. Through the last patterns Demios has become a rather laid back town and prefers doing anything to avoid a conflict. However, in Winter, Era X Post-Fractum a war with the Merfolk shook Demios island one more time, due to careless over-fishing and accidental killing of Merfolks in the process. In this war Demios came out as the victor, peace was established with the Merfolk and the ruling Thane HyRune Raven married Princess Iridia of the Merfolks, consolidating the peace treaty between the inhabitants of the isle and the denizens of the ocean.
The Festival of Dragons
This festival is held on Demios whenever the weather has been good in order to honour the dragons of the isle, who have long been rumoured to have caused the erratic weather conditions there. Every residence in the town is given a bronze brazier (in the shape of either a dragon or the island of Demios itself) to place in front of their home in the street. During darkening, these braziers will come alight, signalling the island of Demios itself; with the dragons, the island has become active with flame and brimstone from the volcanoes. A sufficient offering of food and other materials is then placed before the brazier as the locals kneel to offer the symbolic feast, uttering a prayer of thanks to Carmelya for the agricultural bounties of the island that can be granted when the dragons are benevolent. Then the offering is dumped into the fire; this is a representation of the volcanic reactions or the odd weather patterns, for even if they destroy at first, they leave behind new material for life.
After these offerings are made, the people rejoice! Dancing takes place in the streets; neighbor joins neighbor for at least two hours of festive dancing on the block. At the advent of twilight, everyone heads to the square where a grand banquet has been established. Plays of myths and ideas on how the dragons came to the island (or if there are any at all) and how they work their magic on Demios are performed as these actors dress up in dragon suits of all kinds to spin their tales: ugly, wart-infested dragons, adorable "cute" dragons, violent, ferocious dragons, and calm, wise, and subtle dragons. These festivities last for two days. When each family returns home, they release the ashes that have gathered in the brazier into the air over fields and ocean.
(Credit for the Festival of Dragons goes to Edward Antonus.)
Demios Fashion
Due to the unpredictable weather on the Fire Isle of Demios, attire on the isle itself has had to be developed in a way which was both practical and relevant to the nature of this sudden and erratic shifts in climate. Indeed, the general fashion on the island has been focused more on practicality than it has on looks, regardless of the fact that it maintains its own unique charm nonetheless.
Given the changes in climate that can take place on the isle itself, a combination of clothing taking into account the sudden and unexpected changes in weather has been established. An under-layer of light clothing is generally worn, usually composed of breeches, skirts, pants, and a shirt or blouse depending on the gender of the individual. These are basic in appearance, and made of a light material, suitable for warmer climes. Over the top of these are heavier garments, usually made from the wool of sheep bred on some of Demios’ farmsteads. Easily removed, these are usually also inclusive of a cloak, or at the very least a sewn on hood, for when the island’s weather turns wet.
Demiosian attire is usually dyed in bright colors, vibrant hues to complement the natures of the town’s cheery citizens. Variations of reds and yellows are prominent, perhaps in acknowledgment of their isle’s name and its history, and are usually matched with an assortment of beads and other such baubles. Feathers, shells found on the Shores of Endiness…it seems like anything can find a place or be integrated somehow into the overall look of Demiosian dress. These decorations are the only really ‘fancy’ components of the islander’s clothing; everything is chosen for practicality, and not on the basis of attractive looks. Whilst an abundance of colors are evident in the islander’s garments, however, purple is reserved for those higher ranking in power; those who are recognized priests of the church, for example.
The only people on the island who choose not to follow the general trends in its fashion are the nobles and very wealthy, who by and large consider themselves too high and mighty to stoop to wearing such things. Then again, seeing as they live in luxury anyway, with servants, grand houses and carriages to meet their needs, perhaps traditional Demiosian dress is not truly as essential with them as it is for the commoners.
Arcana
Despite the fact that Demios is a fairly small town, it has a large concentration of mages, numbering about ten times more than in the usual cities, such as Nexus Prime, Daltina or any other cities which do not have an Academy of Mages. The reason for such a large number of mages is The Ivory Wings Universitas dedicated to teaching people in the arts of Elementalism, Mysticism and Druidism. While Demios does not have an Archmage, it fortunately has four Masters (one elementalist, one druid and two mystics), who willingly teach in the University of Arcana, as well as a rumour of one renegade who might live in the forest. However as usual, rumours are just rumours and perhaps the same goes for the Archmage dragons still living somewhere in the island.
While Demios has quite a large number of mages, practically none are put in defence, like for example in Silrosia or Vers. However, the rare few high ranking people, such as the elite Drake Riders usually practice a sphere to some extent. Perhaps the main reason is that Demiosians consider themselves rather safe in the isolated island is due to the perception that the few normal guards that they have is enough, just as well most students leave the isle after their training is complete. In fact the number of people coming and leaving the island just because of training purposes is one of the main reasons that make the number of isle’s mages vary. However if approximate numbers would have to be set, it would look something like this, with at least half of these mages being nonresidents:
80 mages overall:
(0%) Archmage – 0
(5%) Master – 4
(20%) Adept – 15
(30%) Apprentice – 25
(45%) Initiate – 35
The only time when Demios had more mages was during the Merfolk War in Winter, Era X Post-Fractum. In order to stand a chance against the Merfolk and their mages, Demios recruited most resident and nonresident mages that were in the island during those brightening and had requested help from Tirisfal druids, as well as neighbour islands: Trilla and Sarin-Carados. This was practically the only time when Demios had about 100 mages as its forces. About 20 mages died because of this war, which is the reason why the city is reluctant in recruiting arcanists into its already small army. As well as this, it will not call for mage support from other cities, unless given an extremely big reason.
Geography
The Shores of Endiness: The beaches that span the northernmost part of Demios and follow the perimeter of the isle as far as the eye can see. Sparkling white sands that give way to the gentle sweepings of the tide, the dock for the ferry from Tirisfal is also located here, nearer to the town of Demios itself. The shores are speckled with a number of coves and caves; the perfect hideouts for those who have no wish to be harried by the watchful eyes of the island’s folk.
The Weaver’s Woods: Just south of the town of Demios proper lie the Weaver’s Woods, a large source of lumber for the locals themselves. Although there is nothing much different here from any other forest that one might expect, the forests form the natural habitat for another of the isle’s more abundant races; that of the Giant Spiders. Whilst these creatures do not go out of their way to hunt people, as such, they will not put it past them to snack on luckless travellers as a part of their diet. Shimmering silken laces of webs can be seen decorating the darkened depths of the forest proper, deadly white threads that gave rise to the locals’ name for the forest; that of the Weaver’s Woods.
Mountains and Volcanoes: Further south than the Weaver’s Woods lies an expansive mountain range that cuts the island of Demios into two sections; north and south. Towering, peaks and zeniths dominate one’s view from the base of the mountains, jagged pinnacles tapering off as they reach for the lofty heights of the heavens themselves. Within the confines of these mountains lie volcanoes, (although how many of these are dormant or active is yet to be discerned), and hotsprings, as well as a hefty assortment of caves and crevices. Creatures such as drakes keep their homes in these mountains, the colder blooded creatures residing much closer to the bodies of volcanoes for warmth.
Beyond the mountain range that divides the isle of Demios neatly in two lies a wilderness that has yet to be properly searched and explored. Those who have been to the southern half of the island have not found much of interest beyond thick and dense forests as of yet, although more thorough exploration could change that easily enough.
Trade
Imports:
· Weapons
· Parchment
· Fabric
· Spices
· Food
· Wine
· Herbs
Exports:
· Gemstones
· Metal Ores
· Sea food
· Timber
· Pearls
· Shale
· Granite
· Fishing Nets and Equipments
Crime: CIA
The gang, which calls itself CIA (or the Clowns In Action as the guards have named them to mock them) is more or less the only crime source in Demios. While not overly powerful or large, CIA manages to keep all competition out of the Fire Isle by eliminating any thief or murderer, who does not belong to the gang before the guards can even trace the crime. The guards have long tried to track down the leaders or even members of this gang, to capture and interrogate at least one of them. However all of their struggles led to dead ends and seemingly innocent and mostly young children being caught instead of the criminals. While the law is unable to catch the gang members and put them behind bars, it does not put overly much effort in the hunt. The main reason for their apathy is that the the CIA 'takes care' of all thieves and murderers that do not belong to their gang. This lowers the crime rate in the town, but makes the members of the CIA harder to catch.
CIA does not attack people in the open, but are known for stealth and hiding all the evidence. Their specialty is robbing, not mugging or killing. Usually their main targets become large and wealthy buildings such as banks or houses of rich people. They spend a lot of effort keeping their members, deeds, and even their existence hidden. That is why most common citizens don't know about CIA's existence. Just as well CIA is known to be a 'noble' gang because they do not kill those they rob, only those who try to compete with them. Rumor has it that acceptance into the gang can only be gained by family ties and not by deeds alone. However, opinions about the CIA among the Demiosian law-keepers changes more than often. Even the exact number of the gang members and any kind of their location is impossible to tell with any certainty. The guards usually guess that there are 10-15 members in the gang, and that their hideout is somewhere in the mountains.
There are rumors about this whole gang being led by a young girl named Shari. Just like there are rumors that all gang members have tattoos on their crowns, of a dragon entwined around a scepter of sorts, which can be seen only by shaving the part of the head. Or that all members are children not older than 19 patterns. An even scarier rumor is that all of the children are imps and followers of Ainlar, the Planetar of Wrath and Hate. This raises some other alternatives to the acronym 'CIA'. The letter C could mean Crown or Children, the letter A could mean Ainlar, and the letter I could mean Imp. Fortunately so far all of these are just rumors unknown to the average citizen.
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