Meridian

The Ocean Kingdom of Meridian, otherwise known as The Bountiful Pride of the Sea, is a monarchical sea kingdom on the ocean floor. To its north, the coasts of Yonia. Around it, the open sea flourishes, untouched.

It's astonishing beauty and rich sea culture are a topic of hot debate and exploration, especially now as Land Dwellers are allowed residence in the city for the first time in over 400 years. An extremely magic-heavy city, it boasts the most advanced forms of water-related magic known to the world.

Known For...

• The beautiful cultural festivals that show off melodic movements in water as well as their close connection to the creatures of the sea.
• Having a populace of sea creatures that live in tandem with the civilians of the city, even acquiring jobs and working as they wish.
• Having the most profitable market around natural resources collected from the ocean, exporting up to Yonia and then all across the world.
• "The Wave Series", a series of 38 different strokes of the brush that can only be done underwater. This art style was popularized by a triton named Merasmus who officially changed his name to the symbol "♑︎" after his fame boomed. He currently resides in Meridian.

Government

A simple monarchy, the title of 'King' or 'Queen' is passed down to the eldest child of the previous ruler, or whoever that ruler chooses within the family. The current ruler has overwhelming power within its borders, though they are meant to work in tandem with the Royal Court, a concession of high-ranking nobility and military personnel.

In times of war, the current Ruler presides over the army as well, backed by a military counsel they put in place. Second to the Ruler is the Heir, the eldest child, and first-in-line to the throne, who has no seat on the military council unless the Ruler chooses.

Members of the royal family can challenge the current ruler for the throne in a battle known as ‘Nalu Tautoga’, or Duel of the Waves. It’s a one-on-one battle fought with the nations’ national weapon, the Trident, or bare-handed. During a nalu tautoga for the throne, both contenders generally fight unarmored and armed with only fists or their own tridents’ each.  

Enhancing magic and natural magic is allowed, but overwhelming magic, such as anything that could destroy the arena, is forbidden. Nalu Tautoga only ends once one member of the fight surrenders or is unable to fight. Grievous injury is possible and is common in these duels, as is death. Most would rather die than willingly give the throne, so these fights have the capacity to last quite a while.

Nalu Tautoga are hosted on a cliffside a short journey from Meridian called ‘The Edge of the Deep’. This cliff overlooks an immensely deep ravine and it’s commonplace for dead losers of Nalu Tautoga to be thrown into this abyss, never to be seen or heard from again.

Religion and Rule are two separate matters, though they tend to mesh when it comes to cultural ceremonies that have evolved into Kingdom-wide celebrations and holidays.

Laws are strict, but fair, as freedom of choice is an integral part of the kingdom's structure.

Population

As of the 3131 AD national census, the total residents of Meridian total around 354,869 citizens. Alongside that is the sheer number of animal wildlife that also populates the kingdom, totaling around  26,754 citizens total. All sea creatures are considered citizens in the eyes of Meridian Law.

Since populations are rounded down, races below 1% on the chart are not shown. This also does not include sea creatures/wildlife.

Meridian’s style is centered around freedom of movement. Sleeveless tunics are generally worn by most, though some prefer wide-open sleeves. Medium-length coattails are common, as well as skirts, pants, tight sashes around the waist, and open-toed footwear. Jewelry consists of brightly-colored ocean gems and beautiful shells. 

They favor shades of sea green, light blue, and a vibrant purple for the royal family.

Economy

The majority of Meridian's economy comes from its sale of Oceanic resources and ocean-inspired artwork. It takes cues on its art from Yonia, its only neighbor, and adds their own spin on it with "The Wave Series". 

The use of "The Wave Series" in recent years has made 'The Artist Formerly Known as Merasmus', ♑︎, rather famous and his art is sold to museums and exhibits worldwide, while the money is donated back to Meridian as a token of good faith.

Meridian is rather self-sufficient when it comes to food and such, though it also manages to have an excess of seafood, which is a secondary export to natural resources.

History

Meridian is not a social powerhouse. Quite the opposite, in fact; Before King Damocles III, not many Land dwellers were aware that Meridian existed. However, the former king and the current have taken measures to make themselves known to the world as well as respectfully submit themselves as a world power.

Before King Damocles III, however, the kingdom was much different. Run by Nitrotalos, Damocles III’s uncle, the kingdom was oppressively authoritarian and was run by religion as much as it was by rule.

Damocles III took the throne from Nitrotalos after he called for Nau Tautoga. This fight lasted an entire night, with neither man willing to give up. It ended with Damocles III spearing Nitrotalos with his own trident before kicking him off the Edge of the Deep during the early hours of the morning.

Once he took the throne, Damocles immediately declared war against what was left of Nitrotalos’ support group, a small militaristic group that had plans to overthrow their brand new king. Over the course of the next five months, Damocles wiped them out and, officially, declared himself King of Meridian and Protector of the Seas.

This ascension to the throne is known to the people of Meridian as ‘The Climb’. It’s a popular story to tell, as well as one to re-enact in the theater.

Military

Meridian's military is known for its use of sea creature personnel to overwhelm their foes. Their national weapon, the Trident, is carried by each solider for its superior reach and three-pronged attack.

They also boast a surprising amount of skilled mages in their ranks, ranging from those skilled in enhancement magic to those who command control in overwhelming forces. The Kings and Queens themselves are known to command the forces of water, wind, and storms to terrifying degrees, as are their children.

The army as a whole is commanded by the King, split into 12 degrees made up of 6 paths of 120 soldiers each. Each degree comes with Warsharks, and cavalier soldiers ride Giant Seahorses into battle.

There exists a unit, commanded by the King directly, that is a national secret known only to the King, the Heir, and the unit themselves, called “The 39th Wave.” Named after ♑︎'s 'Wave Series', they are an elite group of assassins and information gatherer's that report to the King and Heir only. In the past, this unit was led by Merasmus himself.