Nirrion
The word "Nirrion" refers to the people, the nation, and the principal city. Nirrion is a grand city which was at one time the greatest city of Men on Chronikos. It was conceived as a city ruled by a Senate, insuring that in a republican sense all interests and voices would be represented. This continued successfully for a time, but when the Nohr repeatedly threatened the city and surrounding lands, the Senate did not have enough central authority to create a unified army. So the three richest and most influential houses (Basur, Du'Kaluhk, and Akar) were given emergency executive powers to create an army and defeat this menace. They were of course also given access to public funds. But the Nohr were not easily defeated, and the kingdom of Nirrion found themselves constantly battling the giants in skirmishes and ambushes as the years passed. In that time, the three houses gained much political power due to their popularity with the people of Nirrion and the fact that they had saved the kingdom from destruction. So they demanded a say in the political affairs of the kingdom, and after some Senatorial debate were granted limited privileges and powers which, throughout the centuries, grew until the Triumvirate of the Three Houses ruled Nirrion. Nirrion established a slave economy, which started because of Jarad conscripts and flourished under the idea that in these people was a source of free labor. The Senate still existed, having nominal powers, mainly kept because of tradition. It was the big "secret" that everyone knew but no one spoke about: the Senators had no real power. But the Triumvirate rule was benevolent, for each house could ally with another if the third grew too ambitious. It was a natural checks and balances system. That is, until young Judal Akar discovered the power of Dweruth. This Akar prince proclaimed his new god to the people, who of course rejected him and Dweruth. But Judal was granted power over death, and he moved quickly against his enemies. Using destructive magicks (heretofore unknown in Nirrion), he annihilated the Basur and Du'Kaluhk Houses. Those of those houses who had the forethought to leave before the storm struck traveled west and founded the nations of Men there. Retribution against Judal was swift, and he was wounded unto death. But he did not die--he could not die, and he rose in his wrath and smote down all his foes. And he took the crown of Nirrion for himself and for the glory of his dark serpent god Dweruth. He abolished the Senate and put to death all the Senators. He set up the priesthood of Dweruth which rules the city but answers to Judal, who is high priest-king. Nirrion is a city haunted by shadows of its former glory. It can be seen in the magnificent artwork and architecture of old buildings. The Tower of Faltari is the most enigmatic structure in the city. It stands near the center, along the banks of the Clearlow. It was erected in the days of the Senate, and none now remember its significance. But it holds great secrets and power, and the priests of Dweruth fear it and will not enter it. It has stood inviolate throughout the centuries.