Meridia - Kingdom of Humanity
The human homeland, carved from hardship and tempered by Erion's teachings.
"We have no cosmic heritage, no divine blood, no ancient magic in our veins. We have only each other-and that has always been enough."
King Aldric III of Meridia
Meridia is the human homeland, a kingdom built from the ashes of the Duskfall. Where other races retreated to ancestral lands rich with ancient power, humans had nothing but determination. They carved civilization from hostile wilderness, built walls against the darkness, and created a society where mortal will triumphs over cosmic fate.
| Attribute | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Kingdom | Feudal society with elected monarchy |
| Race | Humans | The Unbound Children |
| Capital | Meridia City | Built around the original refugee camp |
| Philosophy | Steel Covenant | Trust in mortal strength, not magic |
History of Meridia
The Scattering
When Anias died and war erupted, humans had no homeland to retreat to. They were scattered across Arcania, vulnerable and alone. Many perished in the first century-prey to Alassa's creatures and the chaos of a world in flames.
The Gathering
A warrior named Marcus the Steadfast began gathering human survivors. He led them to a defensible valley in central Arcania, where mountains shielded three sides and a river provided water. This became the first settlement.
The Building
Over generations, the settlement grew into a kingdom. Stone walls replaced wooden palisades. Farms spread across the valley. Forges produced weapons. Academies trained warriors. Meridia became more than a refuge-it became a nation.
Note
Meridia is the youngest civilization in Arcania. While other races draw on millennia of tradition, humans built everything in just two centuries. This speed speaks to their greatest strength: adaptability.
Geography
The King's Valley
The heartland of Meridia, protected by the Aegis Mountains on three sides. The Lifeblood River runs through its center, providing water for farms and cities alike.
Meridia City
The capital, built in concentric rings around the original settlement. Each ring represents a generation of growth:
- First Ring - The Old Town, preserved as a monument to the founders
- Second Ring - Residential districts and markets
- Third Ring - Training academies and craftsman quarters
- Fourth Ring - Farmlands and defensive walls
The King's Road
The highway connecting Meridia to Valoryn. Heavily patrolled and well-maintained, it allows safe passage for warriors journeying to join the war effort.
Culture
The Steel Covenant
The dominant philosophy of Meridia, founded by General Kira Ironhand. It teaches that humans should rely on mortal strength rather than magic-that true power comes from discipline, training, and unity.
| Attribute | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Reliance | Core Tenet | Never depend on power that can be taken away |
| Unity | Core Tenet | Together, mortals can achieve what gods cannot |
| Adaptation | Core Tenet | Change is strength; stagnation is death |
| Legacy | Core Tenet | Build for those who come after |
The Hall of Names
Every human settlement maintains a Hall of Names where the dead are remembered. Unlike other races who trace lineage to cosmic beings, humans honor their mortal ancestors-the ordinary people whose sacrifices built the world they inherited.
The Elected Crown
Meridia's monarchy is not inherited but elected. When a king dies, the Great Council-representatives from every major settlement-chooses the next ruler. This system prevents dynasties but ensures capable leadership.
Military Tradition
Meridia produces the most versatile warriors in Arcania:
| Class | Meridian Specialty |
|---|---|
| Warrior | Steel Covenant masters, disciplined and adaptable |
| Paladin | Following Aldric's example-mortals carrying divine light |
| Ranger | Expert scouts who know every path to Valoryn |
| Cleric | Veyla's tradition-mortal compassion channeling the Eternal Light |
| Mage | Rare but respected-humans who master the Anguish through will alone |
Tip
Human warriors gain a +5% experience bonus, making Meridia an excellent homeland for new adventurers learning the arts of war.
Notable Locations
The Academy of Steel
The premier warrior training facility in Arcania. Its graduates are respected across all homelands for their discipline and skill.
The Cathedral of Morning
Where the Eternal Light burns in Meridia. Built to honor Anias's memory and Veyla's discovery that mortals could channel divine light.
The Monument of Names
A massive wall inscribed with the names of every human who died fighting Alassa's forces. New names are added each year in a ceremony of remembrance.
The Ironhand Garrison
Named for General Kira, this fortress guards the King's Road and trains soldiers specifically for the journey to Valoryn.
The Nimue Question
Humans struggle with their most infamous figure: Nimue the Godslayer, the mortal who murdered Anias. Her act proved human potential could challenge the divine-but it also triggered the war that has lasted two centuries.
A Divided Legacy
Most Meridians condemn Nimue as a traitor. Some secretly wonder if she was right to strike against immortals who ruled mortal lives. A few heretics even worship her as a liberator. The debate continues, whispered in taverns and debated in academies.
Quotes
"They call us the weakest race. No divine blood, no cosmic essence, no ancient magic. And yet we endure. We adapt. We build. Perhaps weakness is just strength they don't understand."
"Meridia taught me that heritage doesn't matter. Only what you do with your time matters. And we have so little time-that makes every moment precious."
- Commander Sara, Human Paladin