The Kingdom of Armavir

Known as "the crown jewel of Armaviran civilization," Cloud Summit is the most populous city in Armavir and boasts a dynamic mixture of mainland culture. Its position in the central Armaviran mountains, on an island in the center of an alpine lake often covered by perennial fog, makes it difficult to access, especially during the winter. But that doesn't stop hardy, opportunistic merchants, who flock to Cloud Summit in droves to sell their wares and crops. Cloud Summit is the central hub of the Paladin Order, and the location of the famous Paladin Training Academy.

Cloud Summit existed as a small mining village as long ago as 1000 BIE. In 200 BIE, because of its defensible location, it was chosen as the new capital of Armadeau after the original capital fell to an emerging Bothnian Empire. Cloud Summit remained safe from invasion until 94 IE, when it was conquered by dragon riders of the Tethysian Empire. Mainland forces retook Cloud Summit in 214 IE, but it did not become the capital of Armadeau again until 2 AIE. Cloud Summit was unanimously declared the capital of Armavir upon the kingdom's foundation, again due to its defensible location. In 1142 AIE, Cloud Summit almost fell into the hands of King Sisera of Sunophsis, but for unknown reasons, the city was spared.

Surrounded by lucrative farmland, the second most populous city in Armavir is the center of the kingdom's agrarian economy. Château Pierre also contains one of the greatest libraries on the mainland, which attracts droves of historians, magicians, and scholars from near and far. While Armavir generally frowns upon the use of magic, Château Pierre is quickly becoming the exception. A popular magic guild has recently taken root in the city and contributes to the developing public interest in magic arts.

During the Imperial Era, Château Pierre made a sudden debut in the annals of history as a stronghold for mainland forces in a desperate effort to resist the Tethysian Empire. The city was fortified to house and defend villagers fleeing the advance of the Empire, particularly the Kalgyrian Offensive of 152 IE. The Battle of Pierre Fields took place just outside the city, and thanks to the Music of Marindel, resulted in a mainland victory. The outcome of the battle was a major turning point for the Tethysian Empire, which began losing ground until its formal surrender to mainland forces in 234 IE. Château Pierre has remained safe from attack since then, and the local Paladin garrison takes great pride in stewarding the unconquerable city.