JOURNAL OF ATHANASIUS

PART III - REGIONAL IDENTITIES

The continent of Xerath is ruled by the seven Archons, Giants who overthrew the Dragons three thousand years ago and established their dominion over the land. For centuries beyond counting, the Archons maintained peace, cooperating to preserve a balance of power. Yet, despite their harmony, regional differences emerged in their realms as their human subjects developed distinct cultures over time.

All humans speak variations of the Mother Tongue, as it is known, though these variations bear significant linguistic differences. This is evident in the naming of places and people, where toponyms and personal names vary greatly between realms. Due to the vast distances that hinder frequent long-distance contact, each realm has developed its own customs and traditions, even though all remain steadfast in their worship of the Holy Church. These differences in regional and cultural identity have bred distrust among humans of differing realms.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Some heretics, rebellious and without sense, claim that this division was deliberately imposed by the Archons to prevent humans from forming a unified identity and rising against the Giants. Such claims are, in my view, utter nonsense. They contradict history, reason, and my unwavering loyalty to Archon Anthemios. Nevertheless, as a diligent scholar, I record this theory for posterity.

For nearly two years, war has raged between Archon Innokentios and the other Archons. Though their armies now fight as one, regional prejudices have weakened the coalition. Duke Alexandros Karamitsios, the most skilled general of Archon Innokentios, has deftly exploited these divisions, achieving victories on the battlefield despite being outnumbered by his foes.

May the High God see fit to end this war and restore peace to the continent.