Tarquinia

Capital Cities: Agir and Aviz
Population: Approx. 18,000,000
Religion: The Fayth (Western border counties), Confluence
Ruler: Coalition of Dukes
Demonyms:  Tarquinian
Emblem: A hoopoe standing in a woven ring of reeds on a turquoise field

Pronounced: Tar-kin-ee-ah

Tarquinia's geography is characterised by its vast river deltas, that during the dry season reveals a wealth of its famous blue clay; Terzure. Industry around this clay is significant, as its exports go even beyond Aynca for construction and creative works. Tarquinian Terzure is famous for its rich colour without the requirement for extra pigmentation, and can be found in some of the most famous architectural works across the nations. 

The people of Tarquinia subscribe to the beliefs of Confluence, a secular religion that is unlike any other in Aynca and can only be found in this nation. It focuses on self improvement and community, which drives a much more relaxed and emotive culture compared to the more stringent structures of Fayth led nations. 

The Tarquinian Flag

On a field of Tarquinian Terzure blue, the nation's national bird the hoopoe stands in a circle of dried river reeds, representing the never ending nature of Confluence. 

Recent History

Verdan Independence (1746)

Tarquinia was finally released from The Verda Empire following a long negotiation period lobbying for their independence. Functionally, Tarquinia has operated as an independent nation for over twenty years, but the full handover of power only occurred in very recent history. Much of the delay surrounded discussions of governance, and eventually agreeing on the Coalition of Dukes that rule Tarquinia today. Ursal's queen has been instrumental in supporting Tarquinia's new Coalition, further enforcing a centuries long friendship between the two nations.

Places of Note

Avir

Avir is the northern counterpart to the twin cities of Tarquinia, Avir and Agiz. It is the religious centre of the Confluence and represents the beginning of The Flow, nestled among the mountains at the source of the Idan river. 

It is an ancient city, with buildings that are believed to have stood for over a millennia. Many temples and dwellings follow a similar structure of quincunx, four towers with a larger tower in the center, in perfect symmetry. The buildings are made primarily of sandstone, with stunning decoration of ancient Terzure mosaics and intricately carved figures in doorways and upon rooftops. 

Births are highly celebrated here, and naming ceremonies commonly take place at the temple which sits over the source of the Idan. It is here where babies are dipped into its cleansing waters, welcoming them to The Flow. 

Agiz

The southern counterpart to the twin cities and a bustling port. It is the physical embodiment of the end of The Flow, when lives come to an end and drift out to the eternal sea from the Idan. Agiz is vibrant and beautiful, with many similar structures to what is seen in Avir. However, architectural influence from Verda is more present here. However, over the last decade there has been a distinct revival in the old style of building. 

Many funerals take place in Agiz, but they are not dark and mournful affairs. In line with Confluence, funerals are held with great joy and are large in number - almost every day is a festival in celebration of someone's life, passing through the streets from the temples down to the beach. All are encouraged to participate, even if it is only for a few moments of dance as a procession with its loud music and cheers passes you by. 

What is intriguing about both Avir and Agiz is that the original cities, prior to newer expansion, are identical in both layout and architecture - with particular care to the major temples. 

Keramis

The home of Maköl University, one of the leading institutions of research in all of Aynca. It was here that famed scholar and Jaeger Emine Nazari lived and worked, with her famous novel "The Reflection in the Looking Glass" cementing the city's name in the continent's history. 

It houses the second largest population of Tarquinia, following Agiz. However, where Agiz attracts many from afar, Keramis is more insular to Tarquinian culture. It could be said that Keramis is the true beating heart of Tarquinia. 

Vadali

Vadali lies on the edge of the wild forests between Tarquinia and Verda. To the North is the estuary of the Black Strait, where the trees are the thickest in The Deep Wood. However, the trees thin out and give way to shrubland to the West near the Calceran border. 

As it is the most central to Calcera, Verda and Tarquinia, it has become a melting pot of these three cultures. It is the central hub of trade throughout the continent, which makes it the ideal home to the Tarquinia Jaegerhaus. 

Towns and Villages

A selection of known towns and villages throughout Tarquinia:

• Alaç Arazi

• Altinkaya

• Erythia

• Goravuk - At home in the mountains, 

• Naladun

• Tuzhamar

• Vastur