All paths in Rumithia lead to Rithagow. It’s at the heart of the land and centre of power
Rithagow sits at the heart of Rumithia, and is literally and metaphorically at the centre of power. Rumithia can be said to have been built around Rithagow in several respects. The tower sits in a small area known as the Central Lands, a piece of land that belongs to none of the bordering regions. Rithagow was intended to be a central gathering place, where all regions, governers and overlords could gather and discuss pressing issues in the land. Think of the Central Lands as the capital city of Rumithia, and Rithagow as a parliament or governing centre of the land.
Geography and Architecture
It’s the tallest building in all of Rumithia. It was built from white marble rock, and it shimmers in the light of the sun and the moon. Its beauty alone attracts suitors who want to conquer the tower and call it their own. Added to that its centrality, it is not only an architectural beauty, but a strategic stronghold. Around the tower is a courtyard where there are several houses, both living quarters and for storing things, as there is a lot of movement, trade and otherwise from across the land that goes via Rithagow. The tower is surrounded by flat grassy plains that stretch on for several miles, there is a small mountain range called the Silver Mountains that is close by, but only just in line-of-sight. Generally, it stands out in the middle as an incredible edifice, striking in nature.
History
Over the years. Rithagow has been the seat of rulers, warlords and conquerers. It was actually rebuilt after being destroyed in the first age in the second war of the dragons. It was rebuilt under the auspices of Mother Gyi and the giants played a huge role in the rebuild, with their hands and labour being crucial to it being rebuilt. It was designed to be the centre of power and governance in the age of the Guardians. Then, when the Guardians fell, it fell into the hands of the giant dynasty, with each ruler governing from Rumithia, despite their historical homeland being the eastern province of Kasban. When the giant dynasty collapsed, it began to change hands regularly as the Faction Wars took hold and the land tore itself apart. When powerful warlords grew in stature and dominated their regions, when they were strong enough, they turned to Rithagow and tried to take the tower. There is no major power in Rumithia that established themselves that didn’t look towards Rithagow. It was the ultimate symbol of power and prestige, a figurative jewel in their crown.
Kelorne as custodian of Rithagow
To tie Rithagow into the story of Traitor’s Eye, Kelorne is an example of one of the warlords who comes to power and successfully taking the tower. He becomes the first human to do so since the Guardian Andros departed from Rumithia. He was at the height of his powers when Gongore came to Rumithia. The story begins in Rithagow as Kelorne prepares to face the foreigner who has arrived on Rumithia’s southern shores, working his way to Rithagow. It is there, riding a wave of support under the banner of the Guardians, Gongore sweeps to power, removing Kelorne from Rithagow without a shot being fired. It was almost by popular will of the people as his own followers abandoned him en masse. Kelorne harboured deep resentment for Gongore, and the loss of Rithagow is important to that, as it gave him so much stature and prowess, to see it all taken away without losing it in battle was crushing to his ego. Reclaiming Rithagow is constantly on his mind in the ten years of Gongore’s reign, and when he hears rumours of a power in the north that toppled a tyrant, it is reclaiming the White Tower from Gongore that is the pinnacle of his ambition.
In my next blog post, I will be looking at religion in Rumithia, and what theological elements are at play in the world. Stay tuned for the next post!
