Not all of those that helped defeat the Sorian Armies were warriors. Some stood outside the war lines and instructed the resistance on strategy and tactics. Among those that did so were the people known as the Icantheans.

Since before the rise of Isstia, the people of the Salamander have been known for their deep love of academia. Since the establishment of the new Empire, many of Isstia's greatest teachers, scholars and healers have come from the kingdom of the Salamander, Icantha. The Icantheans hold education so highly that while most people of the Isstiarian kingdoms receive an education until the age of 12, the children of the Salamander often continue to pursue their education well into adulthood. Perhaps this is why it is unheard of for an Icanthean to be illiterate, while it is not outside the realm of possibilities in the other clans. There are very few Icantheans that go on to pursue physical labor as a means of life, but it has happened. Naturally not all members of this clan go on to be scholars or educators as some go on to pursue more hands-on trades such as perfume making or the priesthood.

Physically the people of Icantha do not prize flamboyant lifestyles. Men wear their hair and beards meticulously groomed, while women often wear their hair neatly pulled from their faces into high buns and twists. The Icantheans typically prefer to avoid overly colorful (and distracting) clothing and instead favor simple cuts in grays, deep purples and other calming tones. They wear very simple but nicely tailored pieces, normally sewn from linen, as it is commonly said in Icantha that presentation is a vital part to being taken serious.

Always So Serious: While some kingdoms are known for their love of fun, the Icantheans are known for being poised, controlled and clear thinking. They resist shows of great emotion and instead prefer more a more subtle show when in public. The Icantheans believe that it is impossible to act justly and intellectually if one is overcome with emotion.

Smaller Families: Icanthean families tend to be limited to one or two children. This is not necessarily a rule, and one can occasionally spy a family who select to bring many more children into their fold. Icanthean parents are no less loving and supportive than any other family, however, they tend to focus on a child's mental, emotional and political development, rather than their physical.

Ceremony of Roots: Due to their deep passion for knowledge and education, the Icantheans are known for keeping the best records above all other clans. Several Icantheans have served the imperial throne loyally as the Imperial Lorekeepers for all of Isstia. The importance of one's heritage and roots is so prevalent among those of the Salamander that they have even dedicated a Ceremony to honor one's place within their culture upon their age of becoming, which takes place when one turns 17. Upon their 17th year, a ceremony is held for the newly adult Icantheans which entails them inscribing their name officially into the annals of their family tree. For those members of the Clan that sadly perish prior to their ceremony of roots, their existence is eclipsed from the family records - rendering the only evidence of their lives as the memories retained by those who once held them dear.

Kingdom Demographics

Territory: Einevar Mountains (Northwest Isstia)

Ruler: King Corinthius Petras & Queen Amatheia Petras

Royal Line: Petras

Tribune: Pending

Deity: Vestar, God of Knowledge

Ceremonial Color: Purple

Main Trades: Pending

Main Export: Pending

High Families of Icantha

High Family Maheras

High Family Loris

High Family Petralia