Arpeggia Dominion

Arpeggia, an archipelago and client kingdom of the Imperium Arcanum, is a unique and mystical land characterized by a deep connection to magic, music, and spirituality. It is currently in a state of war with the Empire as it strives to regain its full independence.

The Arpeggia Dominion takes its name from a deeply rooted cultural tradition and belief in the importance of music and spellsongs in Arpeggia's way of life. The term "Arpeggia" is a reference to the musical concept of arpeggios, which are sequences of individual musical notes played in a specific order to create harmonious and melodious compositions. In this context, "Arpeggia" symbolizes the harmony and unity that music and magic bring to the lives of the Arpeggian people.

The word "Dominion" suggests that Arpeggia is a region or territory with a strong, independent cultural identity that revolves around the art of spellsinging and the use of magic. It emphasizes the sovereignty and self-governance that the people of Arpeggia seek to maintain despite their status as a client kingdom of the Imperium Arcanum. The term "Dominion" is a reflection of their determination to preserve their unique culture, which revolves around the enchanting melodies of spellsongs.

Overall, the name "Arpeggia Dominion" encapsulates the essence of Arpeggia's culture, which is deeply intertwined with music, magic, and the desire for self-determination and cultural preservation.

Here are the key aspects of Arpeggian culture, practices, people, and the reasons behind their conflict with the Empire:

Culture and Folk Religion:

• Bard Warriors and Battle Mage Poets: Arpeggia's inhabitants are renowned for their unique blend of martial prowess and magical artistry. They are skilled both in combat and the magic of spellsongs.
• Wild Ones and Lemurians: Arpeggians share similarities with the Arcanum in their reverence for Wild Ones and fear of Lemurians. However, their relationship with Lemurians is closer, involving music and spellsongs.

Festivals and Rituals:

• Festivals of Summons and Sending: Arpeggians hold special festivals that revolve around summoning and sending rituals. These rituals are performed through enchanting spellsongs, drawing Lemurians to participate in nights of mystical revelry and sending. The Lemurians are attracted to their magesongs in the same way they are to gemstones in Arcanum. They dance together Lemurian and Song Shaman in nights of mystical revelry, before sending them to a peaceful rest. The Lemurians leaving behind a blessing of thanks. The Song Shaman disguise themselves as Lemurians so that the Lemurians feel free to walk among them for the night, without being given away. This anonymity is key to trust bond between them, as it respects their indpedence and also creates an heir of mystery for those attending - not knowing who is walking in their midst.

Lemurian Behavior:

• Fear of Lemurians: Outside the enchantment of spellsongs, Lemurians in Arpeggia are feared. This fear is tied to their potential for unpredictability and wild behavior. Uncontrolled Lemurians may be destructive and chaotic. Arpeggia has a large host of ancient lemurians. They are powerful and varied - having resisted many attempts to summon and the send them. Arpeggia is a favorite location for monster hunters for this reason.

Conflict with the Empire:

• Worldview and Values: Arpeggia's worldview and values are at odds with the Empire due to their unique cultural practices and the strong influence of spellsongs. Arpeggians focus on personal freedom, artistic expression, and the protection of their independence.
• Imperial Court Beliefs and Conflict:
  • The Imperial Court's dominant belief system is centered around the veneration of the Spirit Realm and the concept of achieving power and immortality through the mastery of arcane magic. Their religious practices and beliefs revolve around establishing soul bridges with the Spirit Realm using the profane arts. They view this connection as a means to attain immortality and ultimate power.
  • The Imperium considers Lemurians to be dangerous, uncontrollable entities, as they do not follow the structured practices of the Citadel. They see them as a threat to their magical order and a potential source of chaos.
  • The conflict between the Imperium and Arpeggia arises from the opposing views on the use of magic. Arpeggia values magic as a harmonious part of nature and culture, while the Imperium sees it as a means to power and control. The Imperium's ambition for domination and control clashes with Arpeggia's desire for independence and the preservation of their unique culture. Witch Beliefs and Conflict:
  • The Silverthorne Coven and other witches of the countryside practice a nature-based faith that draws from the Wild Ones and the natural world. They revere the Wild Ones as spirit guides and view Lemurians with caution, respecting their spiritual power.
  • While witches and Arpeggians share an appreciation for nature and the Wild Ones, they have different cultural expressions and ways of interacting with these entities. Arpeggian magic revolves around the art of spellsongs, whereas witches rely on a diverse range of spells, herbalism, and connections to rural communities. Witches also value natural balance and harmony, while Arpeggians value natural change and independence.
  • The main source of conflict between the witches and Arpeggia arises from their differing magical traditions. Arpeggians hold strong pride in their spellsinging, which is distinct from witchcraft. The witches fear being perceived as rivals, as they also value their independence and are cautious about drawing too much attention from the Empire and the Citadel. The Arpeggians also do not form pacts with Wild Ones, but rather form friendships with them and charm them with their spellsong. Arpeggian Beliefs:
  • Arpeggians place a strong emphasis on music, especially spellsongs, which they believe are a medium to communicate with nature, Wild Ones, and Lemurians. Their faith is deeply rooted in the idea that harmonious music and magic can maintain balance in the world.
  • They see Lemurians as protectors of the spirit world, valuing their role in the cosmic order. Arpeggians believe that spellsongs can guide Lemurians in maintaining this balance.
  • Conflicts with both the Imperial and Witch belief systems arise from their emphasis on preserving their unique culture. Arpeggia resists outside influence that may threaten their art of spellsinging and their way of life. They value their independence and the right to practice their culture free from interference. Overall, the conflict among these belief systems is a reflection of the differing worldviews and priorities of each group. While they share some common elements in their reverence for Wild Ones and Lemurians, their distinct practices and beliefs create tensions that drive the conflicts within the world of Arcanum.

Arpeggian Culture:

• Independence and Uniqueness: Arpeggia is a unique, independent culture with a deep connection to magic, music, and spirituality. They value their traditions and beliefs, seeking to preserve their identity in the face of imperial control. They are closely associated with nature, but unlike the Witches of Arcanum who value balance and restoration, the Arpeggians value natural change, freedom and independence.
• Magic Users: Arpeggia boasts a diverse group of magic users, including spellsingers, spellcasters, and bard warriors. These individuals play essential roles in the spellsong rituals and battles against the Empire.

Organization:

• Spellsinger Guilds: Arpeggian magic users are often organized into Spellsinger Guilds, where they train, share knowledge, and develop their skills in spellsinging.
• Government: Arpeggia's government is structured around a council of elders or bards who provide leadership and guidance. They make decisions in accordance with the cultural values of the land.
• Military: The Arpeggian military consists of Bard Warriors, Battle Mage Poets, and other spellcasters who protect their independence and actively resist the imperial forces.

Arpeggia's rich culture, distinct practices, and the strong sense of identity and independence set them apart from the Empire. Their focus on magic and music through spellsongs forms the foundation of their unique way of life, making them resilient in their fight for freedom and self-determination against imperial control.

Arpeggian Magic Users

Warrior Bards:

• Warrior Bards are the elite protectors and champions of Arpeggia. They are skilled in both martial combat and spellsinging, creating a unique blend of physical prowess and magical abilities.
• These mages specialize in channeling their spellsongs through weapons, infusing their attacks with magic. They are known for their remarkable swordplay and archery while enhancing their combat with spells to manipulate the battlefield.
• Warrior Bards often don splendid attire and are deeply connected to Arpeggian culture. They perform songs that narrate the heroic deeds and history of their land, embodying the spirit of their people.

Tune Tinkers:

• Tune Tinker are are magic users who focus on enhancing everyday life with their spellsongs. They ensure harmony and balance in Arpeggian society by providing blessings, charms, and protections.
• These enchanters are often found in every corner of Arpeggian cities, where they create magical amulets, inscribe wards, and perform rituals to purify and bless their surroundings.
• Their primary role is to maintain the magical integrity of their communities, ensuring safety, luck, and prosperity for the people.

Skaldkeepers:

• Skaldkeepers are scholars and historians responsible for preserving the ancient spellsongs of Arpeggia. They are dedicated to documenting and cataloging the magical traditions passed down through generations.
• With their extensive knowledge of ancient spells, Skaldkeepers play a vital role in education and training for new generations of Arpeggian mages.
• They often reside in grand libraries and archives, where they meticulously transcribe the spellsongs and songs of the past, guarding their cultural heritage.

Rhythmcrafters:

• Rhythm Weavers are artisans and crafters with a deep understanding of spellsinging's connection to art and craftsmanship. They incorporate magic into the creation of various items, from clothing to jewelry and even architecture.
• Using spellsongs, they enhance the beauty and functionality of their creations. For example, Rhythm Weavers may create fabrics that are resistant to wear and tear or buildings that are magically reinforced.
• Their work is highly sought after, and it can be found in the most important and sacred places in Arpeggian

Mystic Troubadours:

• Mystic Troubadours are the wandering minstrels of Arpeggia, gifted with an innate ability to connect with the Wild Ones and Lemurians. They are skilled in soothing, commanding, and negotiating with these powerful spirits.
• These mages travel from village to village, bringing news, spreading wisdom, and playing music to harmonize with the Wild Ones.
• Mystic Troubadours are known for their captivating performances and their ability to harness the blessings of Wild Ones, which they share with the communities they visit. They specialize in attracting and charming Wild Ones and channeling their powers. Their counterpoint are the Song Shaman who appease and send Lemurians, harnessing their wrath.

These various magic users in Arpeggia play pivotal roles in preserving the unique culture and magical traditions of the land, each contributing to the balance and harmony of their society.