Ingolia

From the southern shore of Telumar, the nation of Ingolia stands as the keeper of mountains of lore and wisdom; kept safe for centuries since Time Immemorial. Most Ingolian children attend school since early ages, and they are encouraged to pursue higher education. Here, scholars hold the highest positions in the social hierarchy, including the top levels of government.

The Sapient Ones

Ingolia is ruled by a small council formed by the deans of the seven colleges—collectively known as the Sapient Ones. The leading position within this council rotates every seven years, but the Prime Sapient only acts as a representative of the nation rather than a king with absolute authority.

Among the Ingolian populace, the authority of the council is frequently questioned. While the Sapient Ones are certainly wise and, therefore, able to make the best decisions for the nation, they could very well favor decisions that will benefit them personally. In recent years, the idea of democracy has started to take root in Ingolian society, and the Sapient Ones have found themselves in the awkward position of having to acknowledge its benefits.

Relations with Liyume

Throughout the centuries, Liyume has slowly been encroaching on Ingolia's territory. In the past, almost the entire southern shore belonged to Ingolia, but after centuries of wars and treaties, the nation is now half its original size. Ingolia knows its army is no threat for Liyume, so they have started to cooperate with them, granting them access to their libraries and scholars on the condition they stop their expansion. So far, this deal has worked.

Knowledge is power

And, in Ingolia, it's also their most prized possession. Libraries and books are treated with an almost religious reverence, and the main libraries, universities, and research centers are guarded by a special division of the army. These libraries contain manuscripts that predate memory, and being granted permission to even see them is one of the highest honors.

While these facilities are guarded by the army, they are managed by a sacred order of monks and nuns. For them, the knowledge stored within these facilities is as sacred as any relic, and all discoveries from their researches are gifts from the Wandering Gods. Regardless of the truth in their beliefs, Ingolia's major libraries are often visited by Faint Divinities associated to knowledge and wisdom.

Contents

Neighboring Nations

• Voronta

Communities

Ingolia is inspired by the Loreborne community, but an Ingolian character could easily be from a variety of different communities too.

Knowledge is full of secrets, and secrets give way to clandestine organizations—perfect for a Slyborne character. Seaborne characters from the Azran people and Wanderborne characters from the Lendari nation are also good options.