Trog'cent

The city-state of Trog'cent is nestled deep in the heart of Tuyin's swamps and is inhabited by the atpians. The city is bult upon platforms and walkways above the swamp water and blends in seamlessly with the landscape. The city is constantly changing, shifting just like the plants and lilies in the water. The constant change is in honor of the atpian god, Berane'eq, the deity of adaptation. The few visitors that are allowed entry into Trog'cent often wander off the platforms and onto branches, mistaking them for a continuance of the walkway they were on.

Trog'cent's cuisine primarily consists of frogs, fish, and plants that are prepared in a way that honors their sacrifice. Clothing is virtually nonexistent in the city, and atpians only dress in thin, flowing robes when meeting with outsiders due to the high humidity of the environment. The children often play in the swamp itself and swim between the trees chasing each other and exploring their surroundings.

Despite its hidden and closed off nature, Trog'cent does maintain formal relations with the rest of Tuyin. There is a general openness to trade with Elori and the Dwarven Holds, and cautious exchanges with Alkland. Beyond basic trading, however, Trog'cent is not known for diplomacy and remains largely isolated from the rest of Tuyin's affairs.

Trog'cent
Capital	Trog'cent
Government	Theocratic Autocracy
Population	~100,000, unknown
Language(s)	Trogian
Currency	Essence Gems, unknown
Founded	Unknown, prior to the Age of Conquest

Trog'cent Legal System

Government Structure

Trog'cent is ruled in absolute by the Arbiter of the Mists. The arbiter is chosen for their deep connection to the swamp proven by omens in the mist and signs in the water so that the right individual is selected to protect the swamp and its people. Once chosen, the new arbiter takes a vow of service to be a bridge between the atpians and their sacred swamp.

The laws of Trog'cent come from an ancient atpian religious poem, the Nu Caltru. The poem is more than just maintaining order and structure, but involves respecting nature and maintaining a balance within the environment. The arbiter interprets the poem and considers the spiritual meaning and implications behind its words and how they impact the very soul of atpian society.

Law Enforcement

When disputes arise, the Arbiter of the Mists conducts a ceremony called the Rite of Justice, where the community gathers among ancient stones and the arbiter listens and judges - not just as a leader, but as a conduit for the will of the swamp.

Technology

Atpian technology is about working with the environment, not against it or in spite of it. Their boats glide through the water silently and their traps are clever and deadly. Atpian armor focuses not on withstanding a blow but on camouflaging them within the swamp. Their arsenal tends to consist of spears for reach, blowguns for silent strikes from a distance, and short blades when things get too close for their comfort. They strike fast within their swamps and retreat before the enemy even knows what hit them, but not before laying traps behind them.