The Maston Protectorate

Geography & Location:
Nestled in the cold, rugged highlands of the northeastern quadrant of the major continent Virelia, the Maston Protectorate is defined by steep hills, ancient pine forests, and high stone plateaus. Its natural borders—mountain ridges and deep river valleys—create a natural fortress that reinforces the Protectorate’s inward-looking, defensive mindset.

Historical Background:

The Maston Protectorate was founded nearly 600 years ago, during the collapse of the old Harkonn Dominion. The humans of the northeastern highlands, led by a prophet-warrior named Veradin Maston, unified under a religious banner after receiving what they believed were divine visions from the god Vireth, the Light of Order.

Veradin established the Divine Compact, a theocratic code that would govern every aspect of life. His successors became known as the Lightwardens, combining spiritual and political authority. Under this system, the Maston Protectorate expanded, driving out or subjugating non-human races and “heretics” within their borders.

Culture & Beliefs:

Religion: The cornerstone of the Maston Protectorate is the Church of Vireth, a rigid, hierarchical institution that teaches that humans are the chosen stewards of the world, charged with maintaining divine order. Worship is compulsory, and daily life revolves around rituals of purification, prayer, and discipline.

Divine Hierarchy: Humans are seen as vessels of divine will. Other races are considered "misaligned" or “fallen,” and are often forbidden from entering Protectorate cities unless enslaved, “cleansed,” or on special diplomatic missions.

Purity Doctrine: Mastonians strive for spiritual and physical purity. Tattoos, body modifications, certain colors (such as red or violet), and even eating certain animals (like carrion birds or amphibians) are taboo. Marriage is strictly regulated, with unions arranged by clergy to ensure “spiritual compatibility.”

Education: All children are educated in state-run monasteries known as Sanctum Schools, where theology, history (often revisionist), and strict moral training take precedence over sciences or worldly philosophy.

Political System:

The Lightwardens’ Synod: The ruling body of the Protectorate is composed of nine Lightwardens, each overseeing a key region or “Holy Domain.” They are both governors and high priests. The First Lightwarden is the supreme authority, akin to a pope-king figure.

Inquisition of the Flame: A feared secret police and intelligence organization that enforces religious law, investigates heresy, and controls information. They are authorized to arrest, interrogate, and “cleanse” anyone, including nobles.

Citizen Structure:

Sanctioned (Full citizens): Pure-blooded human families with generations of service to the church.

Pilgrims: Lower-class humans hoping to rise to sanctioned status. Often conscripted into military or labor service.

Bondsmen: Non-citizens who are either prisoners, laborers, or indentured servants.

Anathema: Heretics, dissenters, or non-humans. If not executed, they are exiled or used for state experiments.

Major Cities and Political Dynamics:

Sanctum Veritas (Capital):

A towering city built into a mountainside, with spires of white stone and stained-glass temples. Seat of the Synod and the First Lightwarden. Strict surveillance and religious law enforcement.

The Inquisition is headquartered here in the Citadel of the Flame.

Internal rivalries exist between different Lightwardens over interpretation of prophecy and succession.

Arkhaven:

A fortress-city overseeing the northern border. Militarized, spartan, and home to the Protectorate’s elite Purifier Legions.

Known for internal dissent among commanders who resent the growing power of the Inquisition.

Thal’s Reach:

Coastal city used for limited trade with distant human nations. It is the most “liberal” city by Protectorate standards, though still heavily watched.

Tensions are high here, as smugglers and secret heretical groups attempt to infiltrate from abroad.

Myrrhold:

A scholarly city focused on theological debate, ancient scripture study, and artifact containment. Home to the Vault of Echoes, a secret library of forbidden knowledge under constant guard.

Military Forces:

Purifier Legions: Highly trained, zealously loyal troops who believe they are divine instruments. Use flame-based weapons and holy sigils.

Clerical Knights: Elite warriors imbued with holy blessings, often leading crusades or purges.

Divine Automata: Rare, ancient war machines powered by divine relics—seen as miracles of craftsmanship.

Relationship with Lymeria:

The Lyrians are viewed as "tainted by nature" and “heretical shapeshifters” by most Mastonians.

Though open war has not broken out, border skirmishes, ideological sabotage, and assassination attempts are not uncommon.

The Synod preaches that one day, Lymeria must be “cleansed and reclaimed,” but strategic restraint is currently favored to consolidate power internally.