# The Tohon Empire > [!info] Quick Facts > | | | > |---|---| > | **Continent** | [[Continent - Q'Shar\|Q'Shar]] | > | **Type** | Expansionist Empire | > | **Age** | 3,000+ years (unified 300 years ago) | > | **Ruler** | Emperor Twi'Kur | > | **Religion** | The Irashen (elemental gods) | > | **Philosophy** | "Wind, stone, and tree" | > | **Military** | Fire Lords, Water Shapers, Rainbow Dragons | > | **Status** | Aggressively expanding, anti-Evereach | > [!map] View on Map > [Open Interactive Map →](https://hawksrepos.github.io/elvensong-map/?location=The%20Tohon%20Empire) > [!quote] > *"Wind, stone, and tree—and the fire to burn all who stand against us."* ## Overview The Tohon Empire is a relatively new imperial power built upon the foundations of an ancient and secluded civilisation. Humans have inhabited the island of Tohon for at least 3,000 years, maintaining a quiet existence separate from the northern and western worlds for most of their history. Roughly **300 years ago**, Tohon shifted from a collection of isolated tribes into a unified, expansionist state. In the last century, they have transitioned from a single island into the heart of a burgeoning empire that seeks to dominate the rest of Q'Shar and the lands beyond. ## Culture & Religion ### The Irashen The Tohonese worship elemental gods known as the **Irashen**—complex amalgamations of pagan nature spirits and traditional pantheonic deities. This spiritual life is guided by the philosophy of **"wind, stone, and tree,"** leading them to build ancient temples in perfect synergy with mountains, forests, and coastlines. ### Sorcerer Bloodlines The empire is a formidable magical powerhouse: - **Strong sorcerer bloodlines** meticulously cultivated through arranged marriages and magical experimentation - **Fire Lords** - elite fire magic practitioners - **Water Shapers** - masters of water manipulation - Elemental magic is the most highly valued ability in society ## The Rainbow Dragons Tohon is the exclusive home of a unique breed of dragons: - Known as **rainbow dragons**, **wish dragons**, or **cloud dragons** - Smaller than northern dragon counterparts - Do not conform to standard scale-colour hierarchies - Display a vibrant multitude of hues - Serve as the **national symbol of the Emperor** ## Emperor Twi'Kur The current ruler is a figure of immense controversy: **To his people:** - A renowned warrior elevated to near-godhood - Believed to be blessed by all the Irashen - Famously keeps **two rainbow dragons as both pets and wife-consorts** > [!danger] Imperial Menace > **To his enemies**, Emperor Twi'Kur is regarded as a "great evil" in Fangrum and Lenasia—intent on total decimation and control. The beast races of Fangrum harbour deep-seated hatred for the Emperor. ## History with Evereach > [!warning] Broken Alliance > Tohon's expanding navy once formed a **strategic alliance with Evereach** to bolster their power, fighting frequent bloody conflicts with the **pirates of the [[Region - The Bleeding Isles|Bleeding Isles]]**. But **in the last decade**, the empire turned against Evereach, banning all trading companies from their shores. They now seek to expand their own influence without outside assistance. ## Geography & Species The island supports rare species found nowhere else: - **Loxodons** found only in specific valleys - A great society of **Aarakocra** inhabiting mountain peaks - Ancient temples built into the natural landscape ## Foreign Policy > "Prepared to quickly crush any nation it deems unworthy of its friendship beneath its imperial boot." The empire operates with ruthless foreign policy, focused entirely on expansion and domination of Q'Shar and beyond. ## Connections - [[Continents/Continent - Q'Shar|Q'Shar]] - Parent continent - [[Faction - Evereach Trading Company]] - Former ally, now enemy - The Bleeding Isles - Pirate enemies - Fangrum & Lenasia - Hostile neighbouring regions