Leithanien

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Leithanien
Alias(es)	莱塔尼亚
Type	Neutral Character (AI)
Affiliation	Terra; formerly a Victorian colony 7
Occupation/Role	Originium-rich mining region and major Originium Arts power 7 37
Status	Independence movement active after Victoria’s withdrawal; governed by the Twin Empresses after the Witch King’s death 43 46 50
First Appearance	Chapter 1, when Theresica applies to the Leithanien Academy of Arts 1

Background / History

Leithanien was once allied with Kazdel during an earlier crisis. After the danger passed, Leithanien betrayed the Sarkaz instead of honoring the alliance, helping drive Kazdel’s migration into the desert 16.

The nation later became a Victorian colony and a major source of Victoria’s Originium. Victoria extracted Leithanien’s Originium at almost no cost while investing little in the local region, contributing to long-standing resentment and an independence movement 7. Leithanien is also described as a vast mineral-rich territory whose resources helped transform Victoria from an agricultural nation into an industrial power 50.

As Victoria weakened through internal conflict, Leithanien began pursuing greater independence. Colonial nobles reduced Originium output and imposed additional taxes on goods sent to Victoria proper 7. An independence movement eventually erupted amid Terra’s wider political crises 18.

Under the Witch King, Leithanien adopted an increasingly aggressive foreign policy. The Witch King used the country’s infected population as military resources, harassed Kazdel’s borders, attacked Siracusa, and sought to reclaim Siracusan territory that had once belonged to Leithanien 38 39.

The Witch King was killed during the Siracusa conflict by the Nearl family and contacts within Leithanien 43. The resulting power vacuum brought the Twin Empresses to power, while the nobles and Electors regained significant influence over national affairs 44 46.

Victoria later withdrew its forces from Leithanien. Kazdel then supported Leithanien’s independent organizations by supplying weapons, medicine, metalworking technology, and equipment in exchange for minerals and technology 50.

Appearance

Leithanien’s cities are characterized by tall, ornate structures known as High Towers. Each High Tower represents a noble house, while the most magnificent tower serves as the seat of the Witch King’s power 37.

Distinguishing features include:

• High Towers symbolizing noble authority 37.
• Victorian-style architecture in areas formerly controlled by Victoria 26.
• Extensive mineral deposits and mining regions 7 50.
• A culture in which Originium Arts education is widespread 37.

Politics and Society

Leithanien’s political structure traditionally centered on powerful nobles and seven Electors. The Electors were responsible for choosing the Witch King, who occupied the highest position in the country 37.

Under the Witch King, Arts ability was treated as a national requirement. People unable to use Originium Arts could be demoted to slave labor, while infected individuals were regarded as valuable sources of spellcasting power 30 39.

After the Witch King’s death, the Twin Empresses inherited power but initially lacked political experience. The Electors sought authority over their daily schedules, while the nobles took greater control of state administration 46. The Empresses also transferred management of concentrated infected communities and their welfare funds to local nobles, strengthening their political support 44.

Military and Originium Arts

Originium Arts

Leithanien possesses one of Terra’s most advanced Originium Arts traditions. Arts education is integrated into national life, and its Arts Users form the core of the country’s military strength 30 37.

Applications include:

• Long-range magical bombardment.
• The use of infected individuals as spellcasting materials.
• The conversion of infected corpses into explosive sources of Originium energy 39.
• Phonographs that reproduce specific syllables to repeatedly activate Arts 44.
• Arts Units capable of converting the construction of spells into repeatable external mechanisms 44 45.

Military Doctrine

Leithanian Arts User corps operated alongside armed infected units. The infected were treated as expendable ammunition, with promises of citizenship or improved status used to induce them to attack enemy formations 39.

This doctrine was effective against conventional forces but had serious weaknesses. In Palermo, the Arts Users required visual targeting for precise attacks, while the Sarkaz used concealed observers to direct mortar fire. Leithanian forces also struggled when their infected units scattered during retreats, depriving the Arts Users of their primary casting resources 43.

Economy and Resources

Leithanien’s economy is heavily associated with mineral extraction and Originium production. Its resources were central to Victoria’s industrial rise, but the colonial system provided little local development in return 7 50.

The country also possesses valuable industrial and military technologies. After the Witch King’s death, Kazdel attempted to acquire Leithanian Arts-unit technology, metalworking knowledge, and mineral resources through trade and diplomatic pressure 45 50.

Relationships

• Kazdel — Former ally and historical betrayer of the Sarkaz. Leithanien later became an adversary of Kazdel, using infected forces to harass its borders. Kazdel responded with refugee aid, a Foreign Legion, and military intervention in Siracusa; after Victoria’s withdrawal, Kazdel supported Leithanien’s independence movement 16 38 45 50.
• Victoria — Former colonial ruler and major consumer of Leithanien’s Originium. Victoria later deployed naval and ground forces against the region before withdrawing 7 18 50.
• Siracusa — Targeted by Leithanian attacks during the Witch King’s expansionist campaign. Leithanien later signed a peace treaty recognizing Siracusa’s independence 38 44.
• Kazimierz — Fought Leithanian forces during the Siracusa conflict. Kazimierz also helped bring down the Witch King through the Nearl family and contacts within Leithanien 43.
• Laterano — Acted as a mediator during the conflict and later became involved in holding Leithanien accountable for diplomatic violations 39 41 45.
• Ursus — A neighboring major power whose position influenced Leithanien’s military calculations and regional diplomacy 40.