Welcome to the immersive lore of the Splinterlands. In this series of articles, we present a comprehensive exploration of the major splinters of Praetoria. Each week, you’ll learn about a new splinter: its governance, economy, races, religions, culture, and more. Gain a deeper understanding of the Splinterlands and the splinters that shape it so the next time you see Eternan Brune or an Imperial Knight on the battlefield, you’ll know exactly what you’re up against.
Visit SplinterLore for a complete list of the major splinters, both published and yet to be released!
Alcantari
“By the seas.”
Overview
Situated on an archipelago off the Wild Northeast’s eastern coast, Alcantari is an aristocratic city-state steeped in tradition and power play. Five noble families—Faedinen, Mallos, Caeldiar, Rimorfen, and Alagosdil—rule the region with an elegant, iron fist. Faedinen, whose matriarch and patriarch sit as the High Lord and High Lady, holds the reins of the city-state’s political power.
Governance
Governance in Alcantari is a fine dance of diplomacy and strategy. Each noble family has its say, yet it is the Faedinen, with their High Lord and High Lady, that wields the most influence. The Council of Houses, the city-state's ruling body, deliberates on and enacts policies that shape Alcantari's future.
Economy
Alcantari’s economy is largely maritime-based—a reflection of its geographic position and the expertise of its predominantly sea-elf citizenry. Fishing, seafaring, and trade form its economic backbone. Shipwrights are renowned across Praetoria for their swift and elegant ships, and artisans and craftsmen skilled in other trades further enriching Alcantari’s economic landscape.
Trade routes, charted and maintained by seasoned mariners, connect the city-state to distant shores, ferrying exotic goods and forging alliances. Alcantari’s port bustles with traders hawking spices, silks, and gemstones; meanwhile, skilled artisans forge precious metals, pearls, and gemstones from the ocean's depths into trinkets, tokens, jewelry and other adornments.
Demographics
Races
Alcantari is predominantly populated by sea elves originally hailing from Azmare’s Great Archipelago, although it is also home to a smattering of other Azmarean immigrants who serve mostly as tradesfolk and sailors.
Religions
Alcantari’s citizenry primarily worship Xelia, Goddess of Water, Seas, and Storms, although many also pay tribute to Serathara, Goddess of Nature and the Fey
Culture
Alcantarian architecture is known for its slender, spiraling towers; graceful, multi-tiered homes and shops with expansive patios and balconies; and temples, palaces, basilicas, and amphitheaters, all constructed of coral and stone, which shimmer with the hues of the sky and the sea.
Philosophy centers on the relationship with nature and the balance between respecting and exploiting the ocean’s bounty, while literature is dominated by tales of brave mariners, legendary sea beasts, and the mysteries of the deep.
Theaters offer performances that reenact these tales. Alcantarian music is light, mystical and enchanting, and dances are lithe and graceful, mimicking the ebb and flow of the tides.
Seafood, unsurprisingly, is the staple of Alcantarian meals. Delicate dishes of seared fish and herbs are a favorite. Seaweed soups, oysters, and kelp-wrapped delicacies cater to both the humble and the highborn. A popular dessert is the brine pearl, a gelatinous sphere filled with seawater and syrup.
Popular sports include regatta (or boat racing), nautical navigation, and simulated naval battles.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Splinterlands!
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