Ionace (a.k.a. the Isle of the NACE)
Location: Sea of Dawn, where western Alphatia used to be.
Area: 128,199 sq. mi. (332,035 sq. km.).
Population: 3,000, and many monsters (2,200 in Ionace City).
Language: Alphatian.
Coinage: Crown (gp), mirror (sp), judge (cp).
Taxes: 15% income tax on everyone of servant status or higher and an import tax of 1% (NACE kingdoms and Karameikos excluded).
Government Type: Centre of the New Alphatian Confederate Empire.
Industries: Bureaucratic hub of the NACE, mining.
Important Figures: Broderick (Commander in Chief, human, male, F19).
Flora and Fauna: Though most of these are content to remain outside of the city, large numbers of wandering monsters besets Ionace.
Further Reading: Dawn of the Emperors boxed set, previous almanacs.
Description by Allstrick.
I was most interested in seeing Ionace for myself. Truthfully I had prejudiced myself against the new capital before I even saw it. I knew too well the old capital of Sundsvall and felt that nothing could live up to it. Upon leaving, I had changed my opinion. Though Ionace cannot live up to Sundsvall it did leave a lasting impression upon me.
The Land
The island of Ionace is actually the visible remnants of the submerged Kerothar Mountain Range. Since Ionace is essentially the tops of mountains, one can imagine what the terrain is like. Thick patches of woods break its rocky landscape. I was rather surprised at just how large Ionace is; but then again the Kerothar Range was rather expansive.
Central to Ionace is its being the seat of power of the NACE. Ionace is a growing town based upon the ruins of the former city of Denwarf-Hurgon. The old stout dwarven constructs contrast greatly with the newer buildings erected under the NACE standard. Still, the symbolism between the old and new is readily apparent. The buildings in Ionace are either newly built or have been remodelled. Ionace definitely lacks the almost mystical flash and theatrics of Sundsvall. In general, Ionace tends to be on the more practical side.
The People
Those living in Ionace are administrators, military, or merchants supporting the two. Examples of the peoples from all across the NACE can be seen there. Also, there is a contingent of foreigners, mostly ambassadors from other lands. The military personnel are as equally diverse. Previously, defence of the island fell to the 6th Army of Aquas. However, now units from other Alphatian lands can be seen.
Ionace is a fast-paced place. The populace seems to be forever heading for some appointment or just returning from one. The council hall is the focal point for this pedestrian traffic. Sitting out front, I witnessed a veritable "who's who" of Alphatian elite passing through its portals. I knew many of these faces. Others had to be identified. The sinking has altered the structure of the ruling elite class and opened the door for a new generation of nobles. A good example of this change is Commander Broderick. When I knew him, he was but a minor officer in Aquas' military machine. However, now he is one of the NACE's most powerful entities. Truthfully, I am not a fan of Broderick and it's not his being a non-spellcaster. It is his conduct under Zandor's rule that I find atrocious.
Recent History
When Alphatia sank beneath the waves, the tops of the Kerothar Mountains stayed above the waterline forming Monster Island. Until AY 2013 [AC 1013. Ed.] this island was not given much attention. It was only with the discovery of the mineral known as mnemonic mineral that Monster Island began to draw much interest.
With Zandor's removal as emperor, Monster Island was chosen as the new seat of government for what was to become the NACE. On Amphimir 15, AY 2014 [Vatermont 15, AC 1014. Ed.], the island was officially renamed Ionace. Ionace is under the direct jurisdiction of the ruling council. It is here where the NACE Council meets to administer the new empire.
The NACE is beginning to stabilise. As a testament to this Ionace had the honour of sponsoring the first Super-Hard-Ball in Sulamir of AY 2014 [Flaurmont of 1014. Ed.]. The month-long tournament was an obvious success, with the Aquas Dolphins prevailing. I observed the tourney from Mirros and all said I came out about even in my bets. I am unsure where the coming year's tourney is to be held but I do plan on trying to attend the one for AY 2016 [AC 1016. Ed.].
Don't Miss
One really should see the city of Ionace. The new architecture and the remodelled dwarven constructs are something to behold. Likewise, all of the notables within the city will draw much attention. Being the ruling class, chances are good that a party or social ball is soon planned. Any hard-ball aficionado will have to see the city's playing field. Matches are pretty frequent, so chances are good that you will be able to see a game played albeit most are of amateur status. We were fortunate enough to watch an exhibition match between the Mirros Knights and the top ranked amateur team from Ionace.
Do Miss
One really should avoid the rural parts of the
island of Ionace. Many an unwary person has perished within sight
of the city. Monsters abound out in the wilds and unless you are
adept at such things, you need to stay in the safe confines of the
city.