Overview
Rich in wealth and the masters of trade across all of Driax, the Lotese, and the large merchant Guilds who built it, control most of the main trade routes. They are a rich empire, which taxes both trading by its merchants, and on those that make use of the magnificent roads they have built across most of Driax. They maintain authority over most of the roads in Driax, including those within the boundaries of most of their neighbours. While they also claim to patrol these trade routes, it is widely accepted that the space is too big and it is often said their Legions only ever seem to appear when Lotese wagons or equipment is under attack. Regardless, the Legions are a massive force and a common sight up and down the massive road network the Lotese have built. It has also been said anything is possible in Lotan… for a price.
History
Formed by powerful Merchant Houses, the Lotese empire has undergone much change in the last 10 years. First a Dark Elf force tried to seize control and place the empire into eternal darkness. They were stopped and defeated by Madras Riviera at the head of the White Horseman Mercenary Company. He then seized control and became Emperor, slowly stealing power from the Council and punishing dissent.
But then he launched an attack on the Isles of Avalon, claiming by blood to the rightful ruler of the Isles. And then while on campaign he was recently killed. And now there is a power vacuum and many forces competing to take control of the Empire, and its wealth.
Common Races
Humans
The Lotese are a fair-skinned race of humans with generally darker coloured hair. They are renowned for their negotiation and diplomatic skills, although their legions are growing in prestige because of their discipline and well-schooled commanders.
Trade Cities
Because so much trade makes its way to Lotan, there are a myriad of races living within its borders, as mercenaries, merchants, slaves or vagabonds.
Slaves
While slaves are legal, they must be well treated. Most nobles will have house slaves, and others may be used as gladiators, but otherwise, most middle class people or lower do not have them.
Cities
Note
The Lotese cities are marvels of engineering, with roads, aqueducts, large coliseums and other infrastructure the equal of anything in Driax.
Galedo
A magnificent Port city, with a massive coliseum in the middle, and large stone structures all over the city displaying the wealth and opulence of the Empire. The massive statue of the Caesar standing over a fallen Dark Elf has been erected next to the Coliseum, but how long it remains is unknown.
Prosina
A massive Port city, Prosina is built within the massive Kellett Forest, and is surrounded by high walls and several cannon-equipped forts to keep pirates well away from its famous deep harbours.
The Three Keeps
Copied extensively from those of the Klydorians and the Merlos, the Three Keeps are a symbol of the might of the Lotese, and are intended to protect the empire from the Barbarians (Eridani and the Vikings). Each has a large garrison of legions, war machines, and wizards
Rasallin
Initially the capital of the empire, the Rasallin were the least happy with the rise of the Emperor. Its nobles had been vocal with their disapproval and many died for their it. Many of the Merchant Council still live here.
Organisations and Suggested Characters
Merchants
The Lotese are most famous for trading, and their merchants, and the Merchant Guilds are the symbol of this. Whether it be by land or sea, the Lotese are the most numerous and most powerful of any organisation dedicated purely to commerce. They employ a great many people, including sailors, wagon drivers, guards, scouts, mages, priests and cooks.
The Guilds
There are at least 125 guilds in existence in the empire, with varying degrees of monopoly over particular crafts or trades. These range from carpenters and potters to poets and pimps, and also include physicians, ironsmiths, tanners, coppersmiths, cabinet-makers, scholars, tailors, barbers and traders in spices, textiles and pearls.
The Lotese Legions
The largest military force in Driax, the Legions patrol the far-flung road system of their empire. They draw members from all over Driax, although the core legions will only consist of Lotese. They are strictly trained and regimented, and are famous for their tight formations and discipline on the battlefield, particularly against the Eridani barbarians, whom they often fight in both skirmishes and open battles while protecting the roads and wagons. The loyalty of each legion is currently split and how many legions you may control will be one of the factors in who ends up in control.
Ranks
- RecruitLevel 0 guideline
- LegionaryLevel 2 guideline
- CenturionLevel 7 guideline
- LegateNo fixed level listed
Nobles
Nobles from wealthy families will often begin as Tribunes (above Centurion) or even Legates.
The White Horsemen
Originally just mercenaries used to supplement the Legions, they rose to be the personal guard of the Emperor. With his fall, it is unclear what will happen with them, but they are on the payroll for now, and the Council has kept paying.
Ranks
- RecruitLevel 0 guideline
- SoldierLevel 2 guideline
- HorsemanLevel 4 guideline
- CaptainLevel 8 guideline
- MajorNo fixed level listed
- ColonelNo fixed level listed
- CommanderNo fixed level listed
Regional Life
Relations
The Lotese remain on good terms with nearly all other nations, as it encourages trade. They are in conflict with the Eridani barbarians and Vikings however, as these nations care little for their trade other than to plunder it. They are trying to repair relations with the Avalonians after the recent war, and some factions are trying to gain stronger alliances with the Klydorians.
Clothing
Fashion varies with whatever the merchants bring in from far flung lands, but standard Lotese clothing consists of togas and robes for both men and women. Jewellery is common, as this displays one’s wealth. Beards for men, and ornate hairstyles for women are common, except amongst the Legions.
Women
Although males are the undoubted heads of their households, women have acquired considerable rights, including control of their own property, and they are also able to divorce their husbands. There are many examples of females wielding exceptional power, authority and influence. Divorce and re-marriage is common, starting at Age 14.
Cities
Key settlements: Galedo, Prosina, The Three Keeps, Rasallin.
Trade
The Lotese are the most powerful trading economy in Driax. This makes them rich and they can apply a lot of pressure on trade and often the prices of trade goods.
Exports: Wine and Olive Oil, pottery and ceramics, textiles and clothing, glassware, marble and stonework, steel, artwork and sculptures.
Imports: Metals (critical dependency) and gemstones, exotic food, spices, exotic fabrics, medicinal plants.
Arms
The Lotese legions are famous for their gladius, banded mail chestpieces, shield walls and formations of spears, javelins and archers. While the weapons of many races are available within their markets, even the mercenaries within Lotan tend towards the weapons of the legions.
Language
The Lotese have no language of their own. Common, as the trade language, is theirs. Most Lotese can read and write, and can also speak the languages of their neighbours, as this is one of the focal points of their education.
Religion and Magick
The Lotese worship most of the Gods, although Cronar is more prominent than other empires. Interestingly, most Priests are female (over 80%) and all must remain virgins. To violate this is punishable by death. The Lotese have no magick orders of their own, but openly support the Colleges, and all the Ashar orders have academies within Lotese borders. The Blue College in particular has found its services quite popular with the Merchants, and it is prospering in both wealth and enrolments.
Prominent Merchant Houses / Guilds of Lotan / Factions
Lotan Lore Points
The Caesar
While he implemented a lot of change in his 10 year rule, the Caesar is now dead. Whether there even be a new Caesar is unknown.
The Social Hierarchy
This was all reformed by the new Caesar. The Lotese people now fall into three principal categories: citizens, provincials and slaves. Only people within Galedo and Prosina are generally citizens. Full citizenship is often granted to provincials en masse as a way of securing their loyalty to the Caesar. Soldiers from far-flung corners of the empire are guaranteed full citizen rights (and land on which to settle) after 25 years' service. Sometimes they earn it sooner. People can move from one position on the social scale to another but no one can ignore the basic divisions.
Lotese Roads
The Lotese maintain and patrol the main trade roads all over Driax. Only Klydor will not allow the Lotese troops into their borders so on these sections of the roads the Klydorians maintain patrols.
The Merchant Council
With representatives of each of the major Merchant Houses, the council is determined by how much trade each of the Houses makes in the previous year. They used to rule Lotan, before the Caesar came to power. The Council now performs the role of a Senate, and they are probably the most powerful force at present in Lotan, although others are pushing to be the next Caesar. Many Councillors are also secretly or publically supporting one or more of the factions vying to rule.
The Games
The Lotese love entertainment, and this is served by theatre, gladiatorial combat, circuses and an bi-annual Olympics, in which all Lotese are invited to compete against athletes from other nations.
Public Baths
Large public baths are a way of life in Lotan, and while some baths separate males and females, most do not.
Household Statues
It is common tradition for people to have small replica statues of their family within their home. It is considered a very bad omen if something happens to these statues.
The Blue College/Ashar
One of the influences on the late Emperor, the Blue College has begun to influence on its own now, although often from the background, pulling the strings of others.
Lead by the enigmatic ‘Flowbinder’, the Blue College are the spear-tip of Ashar influence hoping to heavily influence or even control the new Lotese regime. Many Ashar are hoping Lotan becomes the empire of their own they can control, free of Merlo influence.
But even the Ashar are not united. The Blue College has multiple people hoping to lead what results here, and there are other colleges hoping for either more unified approaches (White) some are just hoping to rule instead (Red and Black).
The Dark Elves
In theory defeated by the Caesar and forced to work for him, the Dark Elves now find themselves in an interesting position. Can they take control of Lotan, even though their numbers are still small.
But first, can they even work together to achieve this goal. Drath’Devar, the supposed chosen of Drezzim (and perhaps other Dark powers too) wants to lead the efforts to make Lotan theirs. But the priestesses are not pleased with an upstart male trying to lead, and many of them will either not assist, resist with apathy, or even openly try to stop him.
But the streets are full of intrigue, and many forces are working in the shadows to achieve their goals. None do this better than the Dark Elves.
Religious Powers
Some of the great faiths see Lotan as a rudderless hub of greed and tyranny, and they see this as an opportunity to convert the immense wealth and military might of this empire into something more dedicated to the Gods, and their god in particular.
Many religions are trying to grow their influence here, including Zankeine, Faylen, Ballotre, Xarron, Arione and Tyrrell. It is said that the Faylen faction is trying to recruit Faylenia to help directly, And that Arione is hoping to turn Lotan into a newer, stronger version of Lestok.
Prominent Merchant Houses / Guilds of Lotan / FactionsThe Golden Eagle
The oldest and most powerful of the Lotese Merchant Guilds, the Golden Eagle emblems in some places are considered the Lotese symbols, and most of the legions have a Golden Eagle somewhere in their banners or symbolism. (It was the Eagles who first founded them).Their current patriarch, and sitting Councillor, Majere Anoldin, was arrested by Madras, but survived. Majere Anoldin is said to be considering whether to push to be the next Caesar, or to support the reinstatement of the Merchant Council as the sole ruling body.They represent the old power, and their influence is considerable. They also can likely count on more support from the Legions than any other faction or Guild.Red Flag: Named for the flag of Lotan, which flies proudly in all ports. The Red Flag have the largest merchant fleet of all Guilds. They endeared themselves to the new Caesar when they transported the White Horse Company in secret for the final battle with the Dark Elves, who in return gave them an unheard of 2nd seat on the Council (replacing a family the Caesar had arrested and bankrupted).They are ruled by three “Barons”, who rotate who sits on the Council. The Barons are two non-identical twins, the male, Kremer, and his sister, Remerk, who are ex-ship captains (and some say Freelancers or even Pirates) and the Diplomat, Julius Cantarra, a politician of some skill who looks out for himself and the guild. He aligned with the Caesar very early when he saw a chance to increase the prestige of his guild.Most of the Merchant Council has not forgotten their actions under the Caesar.Guild of the Golden Hand: They are the largest trader in precious metals and gemstones, and they both trade and manufacture jewellery.The guild has a tradition of crafting intricate golden hand medallions for each member, symbolizing their craftsmanship and loyalty. They celebrate the annual "Festival of the Goldsmiths," where members display their finest works and compete in crafting contests.Their representative is Marconis Cornelius, an elder grey-haired man who is perhaps the best master goldsmith in Lotan. His family has been in the Guild for generations, and he is known for disliking the machinations of politics. He will often sketch new designs during council meetings, but his mind is astute and he is both aware, and active when the situation requires it. He will back anyone or anything which lowers taxes, or increases profits for the Guild.Guild of Spicers: They monopolized the trade of rare and exotic spices, herbs, and medicinal plants, with spices in particular making them very wealthy. Their knowledge of alchemy and herbalism gave them significant power over health and culinary practices, and they will often use their ability to heal or assist with medical conditions to further their own ambitions.They maintain secret herbal gardens, accessible only to high-ranking members, and it has been rumoured they occasionally allow non-aligned healers to release bad medicines into the wild, to reinforce the idea that all healers should be regulated and Guild members.Their representative, Gaius Balthus, is a master herbalist and chef. He can equally make astonishing meals, or healing potions. He carries many pouches of rare herbs on him at all times, which he uses to enhance the flavours in a meal for those nearby, or on more than one occasion, save someone’s life with a herbalist remedy. He cares for the health of his guild, and is unlikely to take dangerous political stands.
Prominent Merchant Houses / Guilds of Lotan / Factions
The Golden Eagle
The oldest and most powerful of the Lotese Merchant Guilds, the Golden Eagle emblems in some places are considered the Lotese symbols, and most of the legions have a Golden Eagle somewhere in their banners or symbolism. (It was the Eagles who first founded them).
Their current patriarch, and sitting Councillor, Majere Anoldin, was arrested by Madras, but survived. Majere Anoldin is said to be considering whether to push to be the next Caesar, or to support the reinstatement of the Merchant Council as the sole ruling body.
They represent the old power, and their influence is considerable. They also can likely count on more support from the Legions than any other faction or Guild.
Red Flag
Named for the flag of Lotan, which flies proudly in all ports. The Red Flag have the largest merchant fleet of all Guilds. They endeared themselves to the new Caesar when they transported the White Horse Company in secret for the final battle with the Dark Elves, who in return gave them an unheard of 2nd seat on the Council (replacing a family the Caesar had arrested and bankrupted).
They are ruled by three “Barons”, who rotate who sits on the Council. The Barons are two non-identical twins, the male, Kremer, and his sister, Remerk, who are ex-ship captains (and some say Freelancers or even Pirates) and the Diplomat, Julius Cantarra, a politician of some skill who looks out for himself and the guild. He aligned with the Caesar very early when he saw a chance to increase the prestige of his guild.
Most of the Merchant Council has not forgotten their actions under the Caesar.
Guild of the Golden Hand
They are the largest trader in precious metals and gemstones, and they both trade and manufacture jewellery.
The guild has a tradition of crafting intricate golden hand medallions for each member, symbolizing their craftsmanship and loyalty. They celebrate the annual "Festival of the Goldsmiths," where members display their finest works and compete in crafting contests.
Their representative is Marconis Cornelius, an elder grey-haired man who is perhaps the best master goldsmith in Lotan. His family has been in the Guild for generations, and he is known for disliking the machinations of politics. He will often sketch new designs during council meetings, but his mind is astute and he is both aware, and active when the situation requires it. He will back anyone or anything which lowers taxes, or increases profits for the Guild.
Guild of Spicers
They monopolized the trade of rare and exotic spices, herbs, and medicinal plants, with spices in particular making them very wealthy. Their knowledge of alchemy and herbalism gave them significant power over health and culinary practices, and they will often use their ability to heal or assist with medical conditions to further their own ambitions.
They maintain secret herbal gardens, accessible only to high-ranking members, and it has been rumoured they occasionally allow non-aligned healers to release bad medicines into the wild, to reinforce the idea that all healers should be regulated and Guild members.
Their representative, Gaius Balthus, is a master herbalist and chef. He can equally make astonishing meals, or healing potions. He carries many pouches of rare herbs on him at all times, which he uses to enhance the flavours in a meal for those nearby, or on more than one occasion, save someone’s life with a herbalist remedy. He cares for the health of his guild, and is unlikely to take dangerous political stands.
Prominent Merchant Houses / Guilds of LotanGuild of Steel
Ruling over what is considered the single most important trade, they take the vast amounts of metal the Lotese must import, to manufacturer steel, and items from that steel, such as weapons and armour.This guild is militant, incredibly aggressive to any other group moving into their territory, and incredibly powerful politically as it controls the production of steel, which is critical to many industries, most notably weapons and armour for the Legions and White Horse.Their representative, Erso Octavius, is a grizzled veteran from the legions, where he served as a soldier, then a smith, and finally a quartermaster. He is also a shrewd politician and uses both subtle and brazen threats to get people to do what he wants. He has been known to issue challenges in the Merchant Council to any who impune his honour, but none have yet taken him up on his offer. Some believe Erso may push to be Caesar.The Ivory Consortium: They rose to prominence by monopolizing the trade of ivory, spices, and exotic animals from distant lands. They built vast networks of trade routes, ensuring a steady supply of rare goods to the empire. Some (but not all) of their members are also experienced hunters of these exotic animals.Members of the Consortium are known for their elaborate initiation rites, where new members are presented with a carved ivory tusk as a symbol of their entry into the guild. They hold grand feasts featuring exotic delicacies, showcasing their wealth and often trophies from their hunts.Livia Cassius, is widely travelled, an accomplished hunter, and dresses with the exotic clothes and trappings from her travels. She carries a pair of large ivory tusks everywhere, which were taken from a large dinosaur she hunted herself.Mercantile Mutual: Experts of naval trade, but particularly to far flung destinations, the Mutual export goods from many other guilds to the rest of the world. They played a crucial role in the empire's expansion and increased wealth for many Guilds, and as such they were a popular and well-liked Guild.Unfortunately for them, their representative, Octavia Valens, was outspoken on how the Caesar proposal violated the rights and liberties that were at the heart of the Lotese society. The Caesar did not take their opposition lightly, and he fined them a year’s revenue, removing them from the Council. They have regained their place, but many of their relationships and businesses were damaged.Octavia is beautiful, smart and influential. She wears a ring gifted to her by Lucius, a legend of the Merchant Council when he retired. But now she must tread carefully as her Guild tries to recover. The Obsidian Trading Company: A quite young Merchant cartel, the Obsidian Trading Company has seen its size and profits grow much more quickly than nearly any Company before it. This is through shrewd and ruthless negotiations, but also through a barely kept secret willingness to trade and/or smuggle many of the more illicit goods from around the world.Trusted customers will usually be provided special coins or handshakes or some other mechanism to identify themselves, and they are then allowed access to buy or sell the more “special” items the Company is involved in.The current representative is the sister of the actual Company patriarch. Between them Trebecca and Maximum Obsidian now wield a significant amount of influence. It is said Trebecca now has blackmail material on many other influential parties, and between her manipulation and Maximus brutal military approach (he was an ex-Legionnaire Officer), that many of the other guilds and companies are terrified of them.
Prominent Merchant Houses / Guilds of Lotan
Guild of Steel
Ruling over what is considered the single most important trade, they take the vast amounts of metal the Lotese must import, to manufacturer steel, and items from that steel, such as weapons and armour.
This guild is militant, incredibly aggressive to any other group moving into their territory, and incredibly powerful politically as it controls the production of steel, which is critical to many industries, most notably weapons and armour for the Legions and White Horse.
Their representative, Erso Octavius, is a grizzled veteran from the legions, where he served as a soldier, then a smith, and finally a quartermaster. He is also a shrewd politician and uses both subtle and brazen threats to get people to do what he wants. He has been known to issue challenges in the Merchant Council to any who impune his honour, but none have yet taken him up on his offer. Some believe Erso may push to be Caesar.
The Ivory Consortium
They rose to prominence by monopolizing the trade of ivory, spices, and exotic animals from distant lands. They built vast networks of trade routes, ensuring a steady supply of rare goods to the empire. Some (but not all) of their members are also experienced hunters of these exotic animals.
Members of the Consortium are known for their elaborate initiation rites, where new members are presented with a carved ivory tusk as a symbol of their entry into the guild. They hold grand feasts featuring exotic delicacies, showcasing their wealth and often trophies from their hunts.
Livia Cassius, is widely travelled, an accomplished hunter, and dresses with the exotic clothes and trappings from her travels. She carries a pair of large ivory tusks everywhere, which were taken from a large dinosaur she hunted herself.
Mercantile Mutual
Experts of naval trade, but particularly to far flung destinations, the Mutual export goods from many other guilds to the rest of the world. They played a crucial role in the empire's expansion and increased wealth for many Guilds, and as such they were a popular and well-liked Guild.
Unfortunately for them, their representative, Octavia Valens, was outspoken on how the Caesar proposal violated the rights and liberties that were at the heart of the Lotese society. The Caesar did not take their opposition lightly, and he fined them a year’s revenue, removing them from the Council. They have regained their place, but many of their relationships and businesses were damaged.
Octavia is beautiful, smart and influential. She wears a ring gifted to her by Lucius, a legend of the Merchant Council when he retired. But now she must tread carefully as her Guild tries to recover.
The Obsidian Trading Company
A quite young Merchant cartel, the Obsidian Trading Company has seen its size and profits grow much more quickly than nearly any Company before it. This is through shrewd and ruthless negotiations, but also through a barely kept secret willingness to trade and/or smuggle many of the more illicit goods from around the world.
Trusted customers will usually be provided special coins or handshakes or some other mechanism to identify themselves, and they are then allowed access to buy or sell the more “special” items the Company is involved in.
The current representative is the sister of the actual Company patriarch. Between them Trebecca and Maximum Obsidian now wield a significant amount of influence. It is said Trebecca now has blackmail material on many other influential parties, and between her manipulation and Maximus brutal military approach (he was an ex-Legionnaire Officer), that many of the other guilds and companies are terrified of them.