We are the Hydra, We are the teeth in the night

Capital and Major Settlements:
Vaschial, Doarlas, Candolai

Ruler and Royal Family:
Marsh King Harlan Sotorian (47)
Marsh Queen Ceylse Sotorian (43)
Prince Chardalan Sotorian (23)
Princess Lysei Sotorian (21)
Prince Malvos Sotorian(18)
Princess Setri Sotorian (15)
Caldart Sotorian (53)(King’s Bastard Brother)

People/s: Human

Traits
(Kingdom Traits)
A Web of whispers
Beloved by the people
Friends with the Nobles
Breaker of Webs

(Military Traits)
Messengers with Wings
Trained Troops
Good Archers
Masters of Ambush

(Trade Traits)
Agriculture
Black Market

Flaws:
Not a flawless Family 2
Even your horses look weak

Culture: Vastorians are an odd bunch as they live in one of the strangest bits of Seyan. People of the marshes both men and women rule equally here with no gender disqualification like there is in other parts of the realm. The nobles and commoners alike don't have much but what they do have is well hidden. Normal Mostly hunters in the various swamps and rivers. Along with no gender bias laws most women don't wear dresses but in leather. As their living condition would make it a large pain. The people are not often very tall. Often called 'Bog People' since most people tend to not like them for living such a lifestyle. Farmers are often held in high regard for the crops and bountiful foods that grow like wildfire here, from in the swamp or actual food is exceedingly plentinful

Military: The Vastorian army isn't a conventional one. Master of ambush, treachery and secrecy. Even with military training most recruits are often don't need it as the living conditions are a direct result on how the army works, guerrilla warfare is their specialty. According merchants, Vastoria has the best spearsmen and archers but again merchants like to talk. Also utilizing poisons to the fullest extent as the swamps produce the most vile of sorts. Some of which are forbidden because of their cruel use. But to keep them safe anything goes, even if its a knife in the back.

Economy: The various streams, rivers and marshes are the highways which trade is conducted on. Roads like the outside world but to truly emerge oneself into their economy, you'd need a boat and a guide. Since their secrecy is beyond legendary. The swamps and marshes produce large amounts of sugar cane, gattorskin and pitch. Sugar cane which is generally beloved by everyone and is always in demand. Other than this these people tend to be very poor. Or if you need to know someones secret who's better?

Reputation: Vastors are the sneakiest lot that one would ever encounter and their world is even sneakier. While they aren't greedy they don't give away what they have for cheap. The nobles are even sneakier, their permanent homes are said to float threw the bogs, never standing in one place. If its true or not remains to be answered, but they'd let you believe what ever the wine merchant says. While they're secretive, Vastorians honor any agreement in trade or war and can be counted if an alliance is struck. The key word is 'if', since they tend to be compulsive liars. Is it the truth? Who knows but between their own kind only they know the truth. A common game, well mostly a drinking game is the lying game. Since they tend to be exceedingly good at bending the truth to their need.

History: Vastorian's are one of the original people of Seyan but have largely kept out of most affairs of the other kingdoms until recently. Otherwise Vastorian's have had a relatively peaceful existence. Several hundred years ago a major incursion was made into the lands of the swamp kings. However it was met was stiff resistance. Knights drowned in their armor, wounds festered and the animals feasted on the bones of the dead. Killing the prince and his father in its process. Destroying the kings line in the process. But since they keep to themselves Vastorian's have been rather shy. Only recently have they married outside of their own people. The biggest news to come out of these swamps is that the two eldest children of the current swamp king have married one another.

Misc:

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Major Cities:
Torioto - The Imperial Capital, its less of a city than it is a giant castle complex. It has been around since the oldest times, home to the clan which first united the realm. It is home to the famous Amaburi Fortress, told in stories to be invincible to siege. It is where the Imperial family lives and works out of. It is a highly urbanized area with small farms in the wall and alrger farms in the surrounding area.

Shanshui - Major coastal city, its the base of of Ryukyuan mercantile actives like trade and naval construction. The merchant guild has a heavy presence here and if you can't find something here, you won't find it anywhere else. The Shanshui Shipyard is an impressive sight, only dwarfed the the naval school and base.

Daishin Fortress - Once a remote castle, it has become a giant mining and armory complex. With metal dug up daily from the mountain, much of the nation's military equipment is created here. It is often the greatest achievement for a blacksmith to work here as the best smiths in the empire, and arguably Seyan, are located here. Attacking the fortress is a difficult challenge, a daunting task for all but the most ingenious tacticians due to the natural defenses of the cold peaks and the man-made defenses built into the mountains.

Omihara Villige - The largest village in the Empire not because of its size, but the amount of huge farms it has. It is very hard to tell where the village center is as between the farms are grouping of buildings, plus isolate houses and towers spread out.

Ruler and Royal Family:

Emperor-Ni Shitatsu Showa (Deceased)
Empress-Ni Shitatsu-Kanume Tachi (Deceased)

Emperor Shitatsu Sho (21)
Princess Shitatsu Owari (26)
Prince Shitatsu Hari (20)
Prince Shitatsu Harume (20)
Princess Shitatsu Chihan (15)
Princess Shitatsu Hanne (6)

Traits:



Flaws:




Demographics:

Largely human with elves being a common sight. Dwarves and orc minorities are a rare sight.

Culture:

Ryukyuan culture is marked by strict adherence to the ideas of honor, order and respect. Punishment for crimes is especially high, death is the usual punishment for criminals unless one has enough money or power otherwise. Another major that outsiders will note is a lack of... "modesty". Contradicting Ryukyu's strict code of conduct, promiscuity is more lax and free definition on it especially in the lower classes. The conduct comes from the time of infighting which fabric was hard to come (outside of the very expensive silk), thus many got used to wear little to conserve whatever tiny amounts of cloth they had. Outsiders might feel a little more than awkward in the villages.

Resepct is embetted in all social classes, although variation are present. While many Ryukyuans are respectful to outsiders, take care to note the more conservative, zealous kind who want the Empire to isolate itself once more.



Military:

The Ryuyuan army is the pride of the nation, composed of entirely warrior class citizens, they are trade from birth to live, fight and die on the battlefield. With such incredible skills, the fine weapons and strong iron armor they carry only increase their deadliness. A strong history of almost constant internal wars prior to the unification of the realm has created brave yet skilled families of warriors; the old recount their exploits and tactics as the weak learn from them as to surpass their elders. Stories of brave heroes and epic battles are told to children of all ages and every soldier want to be remembered in a national epic or even be graced by the Emperor's personal gratitude.

However, as times are changing, it seems the elite army of the Celestial Empire won't be able to hold out against the hordes of enemies that might crash upon its borders. There as been talk of a controversial move of accepting common folk into the army. Despite heated debates on both sides, the Emperor has remained neutral but the reality is that he will have to choose, and his choice will alter his realm forever.

Navy:

Their is a very unique ideal within Ryukyu about the navy; a warship should not be a boat with soldiers and sailors, it has to be able to accommodate for all of that. And if you're going to build a boat big enough to house all of that, you might as well build a floating castle!

While not an actual castle, the ships of Ryukyu are an impressive sight to see. While they started out smaller, like a giant wooden crate on a boat, they've evolved into an epic feat of military naval construction, sturdy enough to brave any wave or enemy. Even the smallest of ships have at least several dozen sailors and warriors on board.

Castles:

Ryukyuan architecture cannot be spoken about without mention to the unique castle design. Many castles have at least one tier of terraces around the castle, with larger, more important ones boasting larger, more complex Terrance that are the envy of many. It can be said that castles are the true settlers of cities as many cities started out as castle that have had town build on the terraces.

Economy: (describe the industry and trade relations of your kingdom)

While Ryukyu is no bread basket, it provides its people with enough rice and grain, supported by good fishing off the coast, to keep them fed (for the most part). One of the greatest blessing Ryukyu has though is its mountains. Known since the olden times, they've recently been exploited to their greatest potential, the mines pumping out all sorts of useful metals and ores like copper, tin, coal but most importantly: iron.

Although they also produce consumer goods like tea, fabrics and various decorative ornaments, caravans are not often seen coming out of Ryukyu. The old grandmasters of the Ryukyuan Trade Company uses a system of voting to insure that no infighting breaks out. However, their long, drawn out debates on everything from what to send and the prices to what color the damn horse is means that merchants are often stuck in limbo for long periods of time. Noting the rarity of the caravans, the Emperor sends small detachments of troops to make sure the cargo gets to its destiantion safely and he can still earn money from it.

History & Reputation:

For much of its history, Ryukyu was known as a place of constant infighting between local tribes over petty land claims and foolish reasons. When the first Emperor cleverly untied the land under a single banner, through conquest, diplomatic guile and royal marriages, he was seen as a local hero, not that others cared all too much. Little was often heard about the kingdom then as the land isolated itself from the world. Again, Ryukyu was mostly seen as an unremarkable place with the occasional trader or rare diplomat venturing forth into the lands.

However, the then small domain of Ryukyu suddenly burst into relevance when they quickly conqured neighboring lands and marrying into others. Tales of the Ryukyuan warriors from bystanders and enemy soldiers spread news throughout the land and established the army as a legendary figure of Ryukyu. It seems like all of that former infighting and bandit hunting did something to their troops. It almost seemed like they would attack other nations with their legendary army and new vassals but with the sudden death of its Emperor, the nation once more became a hermit kingdom.

Now, with the new Emperor Shiatsu Sho claiming the throne, he has slowly let the celestial flower bloom, encouraging trade and diplomacy. The Ryukyuans are now known for honorable conduct diplomatically and Sho's friendly attitude only assists in their reputation. But, he is left with some of the issues of his late father, Shiatsu Showa, created. Despite Emperor Sho's best efforts, he is wary of his vassal attempting to claim lands of his own while trying to figure out on how to deal with the discovery of several memoirs of his father's "hospitality maids".

Misc:

• The Celestial Mandate is akin the China's Mandate of Heaven.
• The reason the royal family is so young is that Showa and his wife had been killed in an accident at a young age.
• The current Ryukyuan army stands at some 6000 strong.

Capital and Major Settlements




Ruler and Royal Family

Ruling House - House Farrow
King Eadwin Farrow (Recently Deceased)
Queen Abigail Farrow (Recently Deceased)

King Enor Farrow (21)
(Future Queen) Lady Elspeth Fremont (18)
Prince Edywn Farrow (19)
Princess Esmae Farrow (18)
Princess Gwendolyn Farrow (17)
Princess Florence Farrow (15)



Peoples
Primarily Human
Elves a common sight - albeit in fewer number than humans.
Dwarves occupy the areas nearer the mountains.



Culture
Eilean is, for better or worse, somewhat reminiscent of a medieval kingdom found in central Europe. Class division is an accepted and natural part of life, with the six major houses of nobility essentially ruling the nation. The peasantry and middle-classes are expected to look upon the nobility as their betters, and it has been this way as long as any can remember, with no signs of the social ladder changing anytime soon.



Military
Eilean boasts a diverse and moderately-sized military comprised predominantly of elves and humans, though several dwarven regiments do exist. The focus of the Eilean military is certainly on their knights, though by no means has any expense has been spared with the Eilean infantry and archers. In fact, almost every soldier in the Eilean military is well-equipped with light-plate armour and their weapon of choice, depending on which category of soldier they fall into. Likewise, every soldier in the Eilean army is provided the signature yellow cloak and dye that distinguishes them as soldiers of Eilean, a fact they are supposed to hold dear and with pride.


Eilean is very much focused around the ideal of Knighthood, with the dream of one day becoming a Knight to 'protect the weak and uphold the good' being held by many children. The reality, however, is entirely different. Knights are looked upon as minor nobility, therefore meaning the rank is typically achieved by only the educated and reasonably wealthy (though there are, of course, exceptions). Indeed, a Knight is even granted small holdings of his own.
Yet this has not limited the Eilean Cavalry. Years of squiring, and intense training specifically for the role, have led to the development of a very professional cavalry force. Once Knighted, regular tournaments and jousts provide a competitive incentive across the Kingdom during peace-time, to ensure the Knights maintain a high standard in the profession.


The backbone of any military is the infantry, and the case is no different with the forces of Eilean. Undoubtedly the largest contingent of the Eilean military, the infantry is almost as well-equipped as the cavalry. Most infantry wear light-plate armour to offer moderate protection, while not restricting movement too much. It is rare to see a fully-plated infantry soldier, that is not a Knight. As for weaponry, the infantry is divided into regiments with weapon specialisations. Some may use pikes (these regiments are generally found on the front-lines), others a spear/shield combination and others a sword/shield combination.
Generally, the lower classes are the most commonly found footsoldiers, with the more high-brow and educated of society opting to go down the route of becoming a squire, and eventually a knight.


For those in the infantry that have shown particular prowess with a bow, and after having served for a minimum of two years, they can choose to 'specialise' and join the Eilean Rangers.
The Rangers, while primarily ranged, are as skilled in melee combat as they are at ranged. It is the duty of the Rangers to perform scouting detail along the mountains that form Eilean's natural defence, as well as being charged with the defence of the mountain-border and the defence of Frostpeak-Pass (The mountainless gap between the Frostpeaks and the ocean)



Economy
Taxation in the Kingdom of Eilean is overseen by the Royal Treasury. In addition to each region paying a 'seasonal tax' to the crown, the merchants, landlords and other land-owners also find themselves subject to light taxation. The tax has remained relatively low and has become an accepted way of life over the generations.
The Capital City of Crown Hold is the seat of extravagance and opulence within the Kingdom of Eilean. With construction having only recently been completed 30 years ago, the city was built purely with the aim to please the eye in a breath-taking manner. While the move was criticised by some, with the construction undoubtedly being the most costly project Eilean has ever undertaken, it more than achieved its aim of making a statement about the success Eilean has found on Seyan. Even if, for all the grandeur and confidence Crown Hold projects, the inner-workings of Eilean are far more fragile.
Remaining the main source of income to Eilean are the jewels of the Frostpeaks. The discovery of precious gems and jewels (though little in the way of material for industry, such as iron, was discovered) has led to Eilean becoming a large exporter of jewellery and precious golds, trinkets and other such accessories. The profits from such a trade allow for Eilean to import most of the more basic materials needed for armour plates and weapons.

Reputation
The Kingdom of Eilean has never looked to make enemies, and it is likely known across Seyan for being increasingly more and more of an appeaser, looking to avoid any sort of conflict or war no matter the cost. Successively 'weaker', or 'push-over', Kings can be viewed in two lights by outsiders. On the one hand, supporters of House Farrow believe their attempts to build positive relations and avoid war make them appear sensible, rational and good-natured. Yet the critics of such a foreign policy, one of appeasement, believe this has made the Kingdom appear increasingly weaker to outsiders.
Eilean is certainly, at present, a nation of 'summer kings and nobles'. Its tournaments, jousts and social gatherings of the nobility are known across Seyan as grand affairs of luxury and fine entertainment, though some may question how well 'playing knights' and attending parties will prepare the nation for possible hardships and, in particular, wars.


History
A recent addition to the nations of Seyan, Eilean was founded not much more than 300 years ago. Arriving initially as an extension of an Empire on the mainland of Aismir. House Farrow, a house of nobility belonging to this Empire of the mainland, was given the authority over the colony while Houses Val'Claire, Fremont, Blengrove and Veroux were also relocated to the new lands. Eilean flourished for roughly 100 years under the rule of the Empire, and it was during this time that Eilean was able to undergo a rapid expansion to carve out that borders that remain to this day, for they had a regular supply of troops and other vital resources from the mainland. However, the Empire they were sworn too saw a sharp decline not long after 100 years of rule over Eilean, a result of both external and internal conflicts.
Boldy seeing an opportunity to become their own masters, Lord Ascard Farrow negotiated with the Empire for terms of independence. With little means to even prevent the colony from simply declaring themselves independent, the Empire relented and granted Eilean her independence, while also elevating her status to that of a Kingdom. For 200 years, Eilean has remained with unchanged borders in relative peace and has yet to declare war against any other nation on Seyan, a result of the peace-seeking natures of the Royal House Farrow, as well as House Val'Claire and House Fremont.
Only in recent years has conflict brewed within Eilean, with Houses Veroux and Blengrove growing tired of the status quo, believing Eilean has the potential to achieve far greater heights on the island of Seyan. The gradually growing tensions truly began under the reign of King Eadwin Farrow, the previous king. Despite his efforts to placate Houses Veroux and Blengrove by offering them additional titles and positions of somewhat higher authority, he refused to allow his house to marry into either House Veroux and Blengrove, effectively shutting them out of the true power and influence akin to that Houses Val'Claire and Fremont have found through close-ties with House Farrow. For while he wished to keep Houses Veroux and Blengrove reasonably 'happy', he was all too aware of their desire for change and territorial expansion, something he believed would bring ruin to Eilean, subscribing entirely to the philosophy 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it'. This insult and power-block did not go unnoticed to the increasingly affronted households, and amongst themselves they began a plot through which they plan to increase their sway over the Kingdom and 'get it back on track' through the militaristic ideologies they hold dear. Their plan was 'simple'. They aimed to kill the King, and thrive in the inevitable chaos that would follow.
In the year before present, King Eadwin Farrow travelled, along with his wife Queen Abigaile and the then-Seneschal Harold Val'Claire, from Crown Hold to Saltrock by sea in what was to be a typical gathering of the three allied households, Houses Farrow, Fremont and Val'Claire. The trio, along with their assigned guard, would never reach Ruven. With no known survivors of the incident, whatever it was, it is entirely unknown to many what happened and the tragedy has been attributed to an 'accident at sea'. The reality is far from an accident, with Houses Veroux and Blengrove having meticulously planned and brought into fruition a plan to have the three, and all on-board their ship, murdered.
One month after the disappearance of King Eadwin, King Enor was crowned. Enor is, much like his father, a maintainer of the status-quo and is unwilling to accept the idea that anything foul was involved in the disappearance of his parents and Seneschal Val'Claire, for in doing so he would undoubtedly find himself in a civil war. Now being thrust into the role of King at a most troubled time for Eilean, and in an effort to placate Houses Veroux and Blengrove, Enor has appointed Lord Alwyn Veroux as Seneschal of the Realm, the first time anybody outside the Households of Farrow, Fremont or Val'Claire has held the position. Yet this move alone will not sate their growing desire for power indefinitely, and the future of Eilean looks as though the peace that many have fought so hard to maintain, will soon find itself in tatters.

Misc
Lady Elspeth Fremont has recently arrived in Crown Hold for her marriage to the ruling monarch, King Enor Farrow. The two have been close since childhood, and the entire nation has been captivated by their idyllic relationship finally coming to a new chapter, with their marriage.

Amongst the nobility, House Veroux has been quietly grumbling after the rejection of their proposed marriage between Lord Alwyn Veroux, his wife having recently passed, and Princess Esmae Farrow.

Rumours have spread amongst the serfdom and nobility alike that Prince Edwyn is involved in an incestuous relationship with his sister, Princess Esmae.

It is an unspoken truth that there are two factions amongst the major noble houses. Those who prefer peace achieved through appeasement and diplomacy, and those who believe the constant pursuit of peace has only weakened the image of Eilean, instead themselves of the belief that Eilean should return to her more militaristic roots and be more assertive on the international stage.
Those who believe in maintaining the status quo, and keeping the peace, are Houses Farrow, Val'Claire and Fremont. On the other side of the coin, are Houses Veroux and Blengrove.