Athitica

Athitica is a sprawling and culturally significant subregion located in far eastern Oldeshire. Defined by its natural grandeur and architectural splendor, Athitica serves as the seat of the Athitican Empire. The region is divided from the rest of Oldeshire by two slender rivers and is largely bordered on its south and southeastern edges by dramatic snowcapped mountains. These mountains, blanketed in dense pine and spruce forests, give way to rolling farmland in the north and lush valleys in the center. Athitica is home to numerous towns and wonders, including the walled city of Athitica itself, and has played an important role in recent geopolitical developments across the Shire.

Geography and Landmarks

The Athitican subregion features a diverse terrain:

• Northern Athitica: Flat and fertile, characterized by expansive farmland and undeveloped green fields. A lone black chapel sits quietly in these fields.

• Central Athitica: Home to the city of Athitica, the capital of the Athitican Empire. The city is surrounded by a thick, ornate stone wall 22 meters high, with three main gates. A towering castle complex dominates the cityscape, flanked by spired bridges, homes, a large watermill, cobbled roads, and ore processing facilities. The city adheres to a dark oak and stone timber architectural style, with steep spruce-shingled roofs. Athitica is a major transit hub for both the Skira Line and Nysa Line.

• Southern Highlands: Includes a grand cathedral with white stone walls, black spires, and vibrant purple stained glass. Nearby, a natural stone bridge arches over a cascading waterfall leading into the interior valley.

• Southeast Corner: Contains a picturesque port city carved into the mountainside. Towering bridges interconnect this settlement with neighboring peaks. Just inland lies the lowest point in the region: a massive tree, 200 meters tall and equally wide, flourishing at the base of the valley.

• Southwest Forests: Hosts a collection of secluded woodland manors nestled at the base of the mountains.

• Floating Landmass: Located at the region's northernmost point, a strange circular island hovers 80 meters above the land below, with eight small homes situated on its surface.

Nearby Landmarks:

Fraser: A small town just beyond the southwestern mountains.

Ivory Beach: A now-abandoned historic village.

Rose Byrne Meteorite Lake: A scenic crater lake bordered by Athitica to the north. Formed from a meteorite impact, this dramatic quartz-walled lake features waterfalls, lava flows, and educational features. It is bisected by the Nysa Line.

Cognac: A quaint village east of Athitica city, within the subregion.

Architecture and Design

Athitica's city and rural settlements maintain a consistent visual language: steep gabled roofs, dark oak woodwork, and strong stone framing give the entire region a cohesive medieval charm. The region balances organic landscape integration with monumental civic structures, blending rural and urban aesthetics.

Civic Importance

Athitica functions not only as a geographic subregion but also as the administrative and symbolic heart of the Athitican Empire. Its capital city is a hub of political, cultural, and economic activity. With its presence on both the Nysa and Skira rail lines, it is a major connective node in Oldeshire’s infrastructure.

Historical Context

Athitica was founded by Jommers and has since become one of the most iconic and enduring subregions in Oldeshire. Its inclusion in global discussions has grown significantly due to its involvement in regional alliances and opposition to imperial expansion by other powers. Athitica was notably a signatory of the Libertatum Accords, formed in response to the aggression of the Kingdom of Fulfwotz in the prelude to the Great War.

Political Role

Athitica has historically aligned with anti-imperialist movements, acting as a counterweight to larger global powers such as the New Sammichian Empire. It has been an outspoken member of the Shire United Nations and an advocate for smaller sovereign nations threatened by annexation or coercive diplomacy.

In Popular Culture

The name "Athitican" is often used to connote elegance, stoicism, and traditionalism. The region's aesthetic and cultural identity are frequently referenced in art, literature, and architecture throughout the Shire.

Transportation

Two major railway lines serve the region:

• The Nysa Line: Cuts through Athitica from east to west, passing through Cognac and the Rose Byrne Meteorite Lake.

• The Skira Line: Connects Athitica to other political and cultural centers within Oldeshire and beyond.

Legacy and Identity

Athitica continues to stand as a beacon of regional pride and identity. Though smaller than many empires or coalitions, it commands influence through diplomacy, cultural strength, and cohesive civic planning. The Athitican Empire remains a model of resilience, autonomy, and aesthetic harmony in a rapidly changing world.