Laverathia

Laverathia is the isolationistic underwater empire of the Laverathian Basin. Its namesake is derived from its royal family, the Laveraths. This empire is largely populated by tritons, who consider themselves the guardians of the depths.

Laverathia is also commonly referred to as the Laverathian Empire.

Aquos
Main article: Aquos

Aquos is the capital of Laverathia and the seat of Emperor Khavas Alatraen Yon-Xanthan Kien-Zinthos Laverath. It houses the Coralpeak Citadel. It is also Reides' hometown and the location of one of the Abyssal Crests.

Crystalline Trench
The Crystalline Trench is the deepest chasm in the Laverathian Basin. It has a great deal of spiritual significance to the tritons of Laverathia, as its depth is percieved as a direct connection to Persana. The deepest structures within this trench are built roughly 300ft below the top of the ravine, but no one knows how deep the trench itself goes. Schools for sorcerers and clerics devoted to Persana are in this trench, though access to them is limited. The Trench is lined with a variety of sea plants, crystals, coral, and pelagic ore. Many sea creatures inhabit it.

The Crystalline Trench is also the site of a lost armory. Emperor Zinthos drafted workers to try to excavate it when he was embroiled in a succession crisis, but none of these workers survived. The location of the armory remained a mystery until the Pog Champions rediscovered it in 598. It had a large stockpile of pelagic armor, which played a key role in outfitting the forces that retook Aquos from Kal’dazzum and Ryl'dhagt of the Abyss.

Coral Graveyards
When deceased tritons are laid to rest, their bodies continue to live on symbolically as they nourish coral and help support life within the sea. These graveyards therefore have the appearance of coral reefs and function as such, though ritualistic magic is occasionally used to give the coral fantastical colors. Coral graveyards are scattered throughout Laverathia; some families maintain private ones.

History
Laverathia has been ruled over by the Laverath family since its inception. The throne is typically assigned to the emperor's firsthatched regardless of their gender. In the event of an emperor remaining childless or passing away before they can produce an offspring, their title is transferred to another member of the Laverath family. In most cases, this is one of the emperor's siblings, but the selection process varies from generation to generation. In very rare cases, an heir may be selected out of the members of triton nobility and integrated into the Laverath family. Khavas' father, Zinthos Laverath, was Laverathia's former emperor, and Khavas' eldest son, Viglis Laverath, is the current heir to the empire. Zinthos notably faced a succession crisis.

Same-sex marriage is common in Laverathia, but nobles are encouraged to limit their romantic relationships among those of similar social standing. Khavas was the subject of a great deal of scrutiny when he married the current empress, Arlyn, as she is of common birth.

The empire's inhabitants worship Persana, the triton creator-god, and a large number of festivals are held in his honor. Very few of them also worship certain gods known to the surface world, such as Eadro. This is frowned upon as it is often viewed as disloyalty to Persana.

While the Laverathian empire is largely self-sufficient, it occasionally engages in trade with sea elves and merfolk. The empire does not engage in trade with the lands of Alethustria, as many tritons believe that surfacers treat the seas in a disrespectful manner. In an effort to minimize damage to the Basin, Laverathia endeavors to keep its existence as secret to the surface world as possible. For this reason, it does not show up on any maps crafted on the surface. Additionally, the Laverath family established an international treaty which barred surfacer ships from entering the seas directly above the Basin. Virtually all aspects of Laverathian culture are unknown on the surface, though misinformative texts (such as the People of the Sea by P. Valencia) exist.

The citizens of Laverathia take protecting the seas very seriously and will take it upon themselves to deal with any threats to the depths' safety. For this reason, Laverathia has a long history of battles with various sea monsters. In particular, they engage in frequent skirmishes with sahuagin. The Laverathian standing army is well-trained; a large number of resources go towards them. Emperors of Laverathia typically play an active role in its wars; many have fought on the front lines.

In addition to its warriors, Laverathia also has many skilled sorcerers and clerics who study their craft in the Crystalline Trench.