From EncyclopAtys
| Matis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Lords of the Bark | |
| Faction: | Karavan |
| Locale: | The Forest |
| Capital City: | Yrkanis |
| Form of Government: | Monarchy |
| Trait: | Proud |
The Matis are proud heirs of an old Monarchy from the haunted woods who seek to restore their lost Kingdom. Highly cultivated aesthetes well versed in forest botany, the Matis are both a romantic and a conquering race. They staunchly believe that, just as every particle of the universe has a function, every homin must strive for his or her true place in society.
Contents
History
Early Matis tribes, settling around the wooded region of Matia, came together to form a community headed by tribe leaders. But decision making was slow and quarrelsome leading to discontent among the people. Soon the physically imposing and charismatic leader, Zachini, emerged rallying enough support from prominent community members to step forward as sole leader. The monarchy was born.
It was under Zachini rule that the momos, primitive tribes, were hunted to extermination under the pretext that the inferior creatures menaced the living space of the Matis peoples. The Matis quickly extended their dominions to the extremities of the forest lands where they were kept in check by the Fyros whose audacious emperor, Dyros the Great, secured a water route from the lake lands to the desert through Matis territory. This 'intrusion' on Matis territory triggered the start of the war of civilizations.
The intermittent skirmishes went on for over one hundred forty years coming to a head with the Fire of Coriolis. The great inferno spread across Fyros wastelands preventing Fyros reinforcements from rallying to the defence of outposts positioned along the water route. The Matis king, Aniro III, took advantage of the diversion created by the fire to send in his armies to isolate and capture the Fyros military outposts. They were then able to overrun the lake lands of the Tryker who consequently fell into Matis slavery. But Matis domination was short lived as Fyros reprisals and Tryker rebellion soon made the aristocratic warriors resort back to a defensive strategy to retain their former dominions of before the conflagration.
Another incident some two generations later led the Matis to enact a similar scenario. The great swarming of kitins that first hit Fyros lands allowed the Matis to again take possession of the water route and rout Fyros garrisons. Again their demise was as quick as their ascension as kitin armies piled through Matis dominions in waves eradicating all traces of hominkind in their path.
Region
The Matis have made their home in the Forest regions of the Verdant Heights, building their capital city of Yrkanis as well as their towns of Davae, Natae and Avalae among the tall trees of Majestic Garden. The majestic trees reach colossal proportions, and each one of them can shelter hundreds of people. No surprise that the Matis buildings are build into the very trees themselves. The forests of Atys form a magnificent lofty backdrop, a constant reminder of plant life domination.
Signs of Matis presence can be found all over the Verdant Heights, most notably in the giant Arena in Majestic Garden, the abandoned barrier works in Fleeting Garden, and the network of bollards that sprout from the ground and mark the way between towns and villages for wayward travellers.
Unique Abilities
Matis are the masters of plant manipulation and the great arena in Majestic Garden stands as a testament to this.
They are the only race to make Living Weapons and teach the Poison elemental spell.
Also excellent botanists and crafters, they are the only race to teach the Florist and Scrollmaker occupations.
Government
Matis society is governed by the council of Nobles and Grand Nobles and by the King. The current ruler is Stevano.
- Main article: Governments
Line of Succession
- Zachini (around 2200)
- unknown / gap
- unknown / gap; maybe Aniro II ?
- Danido the Decrepit
- Aniro III
- Domini
- Yasson (before 2483 - 2504)
- Jinovitch (2504 - 2514)
- Yrkanis (2514 - ?)
- Stevano (? - now)
Language
The language of the Matis is called Mateis.
- Main article: Language of the Matis
Principles & Traditions
- Main article: Matis Civilization
- The King and Goddess
- Aesthetic achievement
- Class structure
- Competition
- Magnificence and refinement
Customs
- Matis Burial: The nobility enjoys a privileged form of burial called "homecoming". The commoners are burying their dead at the cemeteries.
- Main article: Matis Burial
Being a Matis
You are a young homin refugee. You have taken the long and perilous journey from the old lands to these new lands where we have established our new realm. After a period of training, as a loyal subject to the king you will be able to put your skills to good use and help rebuild our Kingdom.
- Main article: Being a Matis
