Ruler's Name = Grand Bishop Suheyl Raydir. He is a shrewd, conniving man who does not understand the concept of mercy. His miraculous vision came to him in his late teens, when he dreamed of a bright light in humanoid shape standing before a bowing crowd. He became an candidate for Grand Bishop in his early twenties, and ascended that year by assassinating all those more qualified than he. He believes that the most important thing for a Strandistant is strength, and assembled an army of fanatics to conquer and raid territories belonging to those of the other faiths. He repurposed a grand castle for his capital church.
Capital & Major Settlements = Church of the Head: The capital of the Bishopric State, formerly Castle Ilkate Church of the Arm: A large city built on a range of hills with a church atop the largest one. It also houses the Holy Army Church of the Foot: A seaport nearest to the mainland with a church on the beach. It also houses the Holy Navy.
Population = 1400000
Religion = Strandistant
History = Before Suheyl, the Strandistant Order had no lands to speak of. Certainly, they had a few churches courtesy of faithful kings, but this was the first time that the Church had any real land to govern. Before the church invasion, the large island belonged to the Kingdom of Ilkate, an Abandonitte kingdom. With the church invasion, the royal family was butchered, with each piece sent to a different Abandonitte nation as a warning. Once established, Bishop Raydir called a holy war on the Usurprians.
Cultural traits = The Bishopric State under Suheyl has become something of a military nation. Men, once reaching adulthood, are required by law to serve in the military for a minimum of two years. They also have a responsibility to follow the Grand Bishop's word and to teach their faith to their children and those they've captured. Such things as consummation before marriage are strictly forbidden, but torture is acceptable for members of the other faiths. In most aspects, the culture is somewhat reflective of Suuban ways.
Military = Most of the Holy Army consists of young men conscripted upon adulthood. Officers are required to be part of the clergy or be well versed in theology. The military also imitates the Suuban Empire's, with a heavy emphasis on phalanxing and heavy cavalry. Ranged combat and artillery are almost nonexistent.
The reserved, stoic leader of the Boros Kingdom. Previously the Chief-Commander of the Infantry Legions, Tajic took up the mantle of Lord-Commander and the name of Boros a mere four years ago after the death of the previous Lord-Commander. Known as a unyielding patron of justice and protector of his people, he has been fighting for the Boros Kingdom for nearly twenty-six years, having joined the military at fourteen, two years before the legal age in the Kingdom. In his brief time ruling Tajic has enacted even greater military defenses, walling many of the cities in his domain, and even a few outside.
Territory
Capital & Major Settlements
Capitol City-Fortress of Sunhome
Ancestral home of the Boros, even before the fortress Sunhome stood there it had been a place of power. When the barbaric tribes of the area were united by the man Boros the new nation needed a capitol and Sunhome itself was established. Over the six hundred years the site became home to a truly impressive fortress of stone and wood. The fortress houses the offices of three of the five Chief-Commanders, along with store houses holding enough food to feed the fortress for six months, dungeons containing several of the Kingdoms greatest criminals, and a grand chapel housing the sacred remains of the spear of Aurelia.
Ravna
A major city and the greatest population center in the Boros Kingdom. Sat on a lake connecting to the sea, nestled between two rivers and sitting on three hills the city towers over the nearby areas. Due to it's sea connection and central location in the kingdom Ravna has become the center of trade and commerce in the kingdom. Within the great city also lies the offices and stables of the Chief-Commander of Calvary.
Joffrey Cove
A large city in the north of the kingdom, once the capitol of the Annaster Kingdom, among the cities highlights are its sitting on the sea, the grand walls it boasts, and it housing of the Chief-Commander of the Naval forces of the Kingdom. The people of Joffrey Cove are fiercely Strandistants, and in the center of the city is a grand Church, which once also was a mighty fortress though now it is but only a place of worship.
Population
Approximately Nine Million
Religion
Usurprian
The Boros Kingdom has been following Usurprianism for generations, save for Joffrey Cove. The religious beliefs of the Boros don't differ much from other Usurprians aside from their near worship of past heroes, a trait retained from when they were warring clans of nomads. The Boros have several hero saints whom they honor which include... Boros the Father: The founder of the Boros nation, whom all Lord-Commanders take the name of in order to preserve his great legacy. Often depicted as a wise old man holding a large tome and a heavy mace he is invoked whenever one needs wisdom. Aurelia the Warrior: A women who, pretending to be a man, joined the military and gained some small amount of rank. In a massive battle her lie was revealed by a enemy commander who had learned himself through spies. The battle was near lost, until in a fit of rage at the prospect of failing the Boros Aurelia created a great wall of fire over the enemy line. However, as she burned away the enemy so did she burn, becoming naught but ash while the Boros soldiers pressed the attack against the routing enemy. Made the patron saint of women and soldiers, her demise marked the beginning of the Boros army allowing female soldiers. The charred remains of Aurelia's spear is kept in the chapel of Sunhome for any to see. Often depicted as an angelic being she is invoked in times of great need, be it childbirth or a battlefield.
History of the Boros
Many Shields Era:
The people who would in time be known as the Boros were little more than warring tribes united by nothing but a shared culture of conflict and ancestral worship. the various small tribes were mostly nomadic, fighting one another with bronze swords and axes wearing nothing of armor. No one tribe could at any point overpower the others, until the Suuban arrived in 417 AE.
Suuban Imperial Era:
Though the local people fought with ferocity and fury they were no match for the Suuban armies. This time born several mighty heroes who fought in the name of independence, ranging from Hemdel the mighty, who with an ancient witch's magic removed one of his arms, and in the other gained the strength of ten men, and Gall the Hawk, who it is said could fell a man riding on horseback from two hills away. However even with men like those the ironclad legions of Suu rolled over the natives. Building the city that would become Ravna the Suuban enslaved many of the local people, however when Suu sunk into the sea it would not take long for the remnants of the local tribes to take up arms against their masters again.
Chainmail Era:
The city that would become Ravna was sacked and ruined, the before long the locals were returning to their semi-nomadic lifestyles from before. However one Suuban general decided that he would not be lost in time like his home. Boros was not a physically imposing man, but he was of noble birth and with that claim he took hold of the remaining Suuban in the land and forged his own tribe. Declaring war on some tribes while bargaining with others Boros' cunning and stubborn will to unite the areas allowed him to, after three decades of fighting, unite the people he would call his. Before his death 941 AE he founded Sunhome, organized the military and, when his death was approaching and he without children, set up a system of succession so that the Boros would always have a leader. When he did die, the next leader took up the family name of Boros so that the founder would always live on, as has every Lord-Commander since.
Plate and Fire Era:
The age of Plate and Fire was a time of expansion and refinement for the Boros Kingdom. Early into the age the borders of the Boros Kingdom met the Annaster Kingdom, ruled by a vain and decadent king named Joffrey the Great. Adam Boros, the Lord-Commander of the time was, after a meeting with the Annasterian King was reputed to say, "Never have I met a man more devoid of righteousness, of honor, I will have his lands and give his people justice." Thus began four decades of war. It was during this time that Aurelia lived and died. After the war, now known as the Just War, the number of Chief-Commanders extended from three to five, the addition of a Navy with the taking of the port cities of Annaster and the creation of a formal Siege branch to the military. Since then the Boros Kingdom has been slowly expanding, annexing smaller kingdoms nearby in an attempt to ensure justice for everyone.
Salt and Powder Era:
In recent years the Boros have been preforming little in aggressive actions, instead focusing on internal affairs, researching the uses of gunpowder and ensuring the common men are fed and happy.
Cultural Traits
Justice for Everyone If one is able to preform the work, then clearly they are just as worthy to do the work as anyone else. In the Boros Kingdom everyone is equal, so long as they are ready to prove as such. As a result the people of Boros are particularly tolerant both to their own and to strangers, however if one proves lazy and unwilling to preform what they can to aid the Kingdom then they are clearly undeserving and unfit to be of Boros Military Tradition Since the days of the founding of the Boros the military has been the among the most important aspect of the nation. People look up to the military, relying on the armed forces for everything from protection from other kingdoms to acting as law enforcement in the cities to even helping till the fields during peace-times. The military in ordered so that when one joins they are given a basic training before being placed in one of five distinct branches, and the longer they remain in service the greater their pay, with funds being provided once they leave as a retirement fund should they remain in the army for thirty years, however even afterwords they can sign on as after the retirement age of fifty as military advisers. Power of the Councils While the Chief-Commanders and Lord-Commander above them stand supreme, they do not alone govern the people. Below them, and unattached to the military structure, is several councils of common non-military officials who govern the common people, set the laws and punishments with the consent of the Chief-Commanders, and debate the role of the commoners outside of the military. The greatest of these Councils is the United Councils of Ravna, a body made up of the greatest minds of the great city, numbering three hundred in total.
Military
The Boros military is broken up into five branches led by the five Chief-Commanders, those five branches being- The Infantry Legions: The front line of the Kingdom's armies, the Infantry Legions are the largest branch of the Boros army. Every soldier of the Legion, from the lowliest recruit to the Chief-Commander is trained for discipline. The typical soldier of the Infantry Legions marches onto the field with a hauberk of chain mail covered by a metal breastplate then covered by a tabard of white with red edging, armed with a large round shield of wood lined with steel and a mace or sword. Infantry can also be found fighting with heavier armor and pikes, so as to fight off cavalry. Among the Infantry Legions is also the Boros military's battlefield medics. The Forces of Cavalry: The mounted warriors of the Boros Kingdom, the Forces of Cavalry are the backbone of Boros offensives. Often seen in the center of the action adorned in gleaming armor of steel and gold the soldiers of the cavalry are among the Boros army's most prideful and reckless. With horses armored almost as heavily as they are in chain and plate cavalry soldiers ride onto the field with heavy wooden lances tipped in steel, wielding long curved blades once the lances are discarded. Among the Forces of Cavalry are also the Boros messengers and scouts, less armored and less gleaming than their counterparts but no less filled with noble pride. The Skirmisher and Archery Collective: The ranged forces of the Boros legion, with the advent of gunpowder the Collective has had a surge in relevance in recent years, with rifles being easy to train with and punching holes in armor, with shorter less accurate firearms being used on horseback en-mass in hails of hit and run volleys. The Skirmisher and Archery Collective soldiers wear the least amount of armor among the front line branches, however they face a lower mortality rate due to their ranged fighting and mobility. The Siege Offices: The builders of siege engines and fortifications both, the Siege Offices face open conflict the least among the branches, often being behind the other soldiers away from battles, and as a result are sometimes ridiculed by the soldiers of more front-line branches, however without the Siege Offices the armies of the Boros could not function. Responsible for the construction of camps while on march, and proper forts and walls when not, and the weapons to fell both when meeting the enemy. The advent of gunpowder has also changed the Siege Offices, which are testing the destructive power of the cannon, with both the Siege Offices and the Skirmisher and Archer Collective conflicting with one another for the exclusive rights to gunpowder. The Boros Navy: The newest and weakest of the Boros military branches the Navy is based out of Joffrey Cove and has been slowly scouting out the coastlines near the Kingdoms borders, patrolling for enemies and seeking potential allies for the future. Boros ships often tend to be large ungainly affairs, however what they lack in speed and grace they make up for in pure power, being loaded to the brim with marines armed with axes and bows. With two other Branches fighting for the sole rights to gunpowder few Boros ships have cannons however a few have been obtained and grace the largest Boros vessals.
Characters
Tajic Boros: Lord-Commander of the Boros
Description: Tajic is a tall fit man with olive skin and black hair. Physically powerful he is none the less nearing the end of his prime, with specks of grey appearing in his short black hair and hearty goatee. Fond of simple clothing of whites and reds. Tajic is never found without his curved bastard sword. (He also happens to be my avatar) Personality: A reserved man Tajic, while confident on the battlefield, has great fear of his ability to lead the country, and so often relies on his advisers and counselors. Stoic and thoughtful Tajic always attempts to act in a just and kind manner, even should it bring harm to him. History: Born into a family of farmers Tajic always aspired to join the military. When he was fourteen Tajic decided to run away from home and join the military despite the fact that the army required those joining to be sixteen of age. Serving for half a year before his true age was discovered Tajic was placed in the Sunhome dungeons for a year and a half, while his family was paid as if he was still in the army. Once Tajic was of age he was released and allowed into the army again, where he excelled until he reached the rank of Chief-Commander. When the Lord-Commander died the Chief-Commanders debated it and decided that Tajic was to rule. It has been four years since that day and Tajic is still getting the hang of ruling a country.
Gharti Vict: Chief-Commander of the Infantry Legions
Description: A large man with a larger presence, Gharti dominates any room he stands in. He wears heavy metal armor nearly everywhere he goes. Possessing a long blond beard and, while not quite as much so, long hair nearly white. Nearly too old to be in acting military service Gharti maintains his physicality with intense training every day, though even so his body is failing him and his stamina has decreased a great deal over the years. Personality: A stern man Gharti was once known as the terror of the Legion, but with age he has mellowed somewhat. While no longer able to keep up on a battlefield for long Vict makes up for it in the war room with his knowledge of battlefields and his aggressive manner of thinking and speaking. History: Born a smith Gharti joined the military and was known as a unstoppable force on the battlefield. Garnering a reputation for ruthlessness and aggression. Despite his prowess in battle, and because of it, he did not quickly climb into the higher ranks of the hierarchy, only attaining the rank of Chief-Commander after he slowed down on the battlefield. He has become one of Tajic's most trusted aides.
Razia Veri: Chief-Commander of the Forces of Cavalry
Description: Known as the beauty of the army and the fire of justice Razia is a tall, thin women with long white hair and stunning blue eyes. Trained from childhood in the ways of battle and horse riding Razia's body is lean and muscular. Never seen out of her armor she none the less always looks stunning, be it the long white robes with gold weave, the red jewels adorning her breastplate, or the fine leather of her boots. Personality: Razia has great pride, both in herself and her nation, and dreams of bringing the justice of Boros to all corners of Aporue. Often seen as the bigger sister of everyone in the cavalry branch Razia would fight tooth and nail for her soldiers, though perhaps less so for soldiers of other branches. History: Born into a family of soldiers Razia was trained from an early age to fight and lead. When she was of age she joined the military and ascended through the ranks with great speed. Before long she was the Chief-Commander of the Forces of Cavalry, and the youngest Chief-Commander to date. Since her attaining of rank she has lead the soldiers under her command with great skill and is known as one of the finest commander in the Kingdom.
Agrus Kosi: Chief-Commander of the Skirmisher and Archer Collective
Description: An old man, Argus has sun tanned skin and grey hair with only a speck of grey in it, cut short. His body is showing wrinkles from age and bears many scars from combat. Personality: Argus is a gruff and unapproachable man, beaten down by years of fighting. However despite this he genuinely cares for every soldier under him, though he is remarkably rough on fresh recruits. Possessing a drinking problem Argus' mood can sometimes also vary quite a bit. History: An orphan on the streets of Ravna Agrus had nothing save his name. He grew up among street roughs and criminals, Idolizing the army until he was old enough to join them. Ending up in the Collective Kosi and his unit were frequently on guard duty acting as law enforcement in Ravna. After many years he was promoted into the command hierarchy, even though he hated being off the streets he took up the job nonetheless. In the years since he has aided in protecting the common people of the Kingdom, and continues doing so in his blunt way.
Migellic Kell: Chief-Commander of the Siege Offices
Description: A short scrawny women with short brown hair and green eyes Migellic is of the Chief-Commanders the smallest and meekest physically. Kell typically wearing red clothes and a heavy leather coat, along with glasses to aid in her eyesight. Personality: A natural born genius Kell has always found what other's consider complex simplicity itself. However she has a hard time communicating with others, oftentimes being talked over and unable and unwilling to assert herself. Despite this she has found herself in charge of the Siege Offices. She still has trouble understanding how she got to such a position, but she is intent to fulfill her duties best she can. History: Born in Joffrey's Cove Migellic grew up surrounded by merchants and sailors. Finding herself unable to talk with people she grew up practically alone, spending all her time in the Grand Church reading anything she could find. In time she was convinced to join the military by a friend, with the hope it would help her at making more friends. With her intellect and distaste for combat she was put into the Siege Offices and has been dutifully working her way up the ranks, barely noticing her ascending position until she was a Chief-Commander.
Wenslauv Soko: Chief-Commander of the Boros Navy
Description: A sailor in the middle of her prime, Wenslauv is a thick set muscular women with windswept grey hair and brown eyes. A practical women Wenslauv wears simple clothes of wool, often grey or blue and only placing on a leather jerkin when entering battle. Can almost always found with a hatchet on her belt. Personality: A mother bear of a women, Wenslauv cares deeply about everyone around her, be they friend foe or complete stranger. Always giving advice and help, Soko is deadly serious regarding the sea-trade and it's rigors. History: Born on the open sea's Soko's parent's taught her everything they knew of the seas. Growing up in the Navy, it was only logical that Wenslauv join the Navy formally when she was of age. Since then she has explored the coasts and shores all the way to the Republic of the Autumnlands. Her experiance and skill on the sea has granted Wenslauv the rank of Chief-Commander, though it grounds her in the Kingdom more than she would like.
Gideon Jura: Army Recruit
Description: A young man, Gideon is tall and has skin tanned by the sun. Brown hair worn long and sculpted muttonchops Jura wears the simple clothes allowed to a fresh recruit, a white uniform expected to be kept clean and leather pads worn on the chest and shoulders. Personality: Eager and battle hungry Gideon is much akin to a chunk of red iron awaiting the smith's hammer. Confident in his abilities he is nonetheless inexperienced and cocky. A fierce sense of justice burns in Gideon's heart, and he seeks to both deliver justice to the foul, and attain glory for himself. History: Gideon grew up on the streets of Joffrey's Cove. Joining in a gang of street toughs he was a trouble maker from an early age. However after a particularly rough bar fight he was placed in the dungeons nestled in the bowels of the Great Church. It was there he met the warden, a wise man who whipped Gideon back into shape, molding the youth into a just law defending warrior before Gideon was released and he entered the military.
Bilbos Eric: Pastor of Sunhome
Description: A portly man reaching the end of his days he is despite that quite springy for his years, having surges of energy one would hardly expect from his age. However these spurts are quite rare in recent days. Possessing long grey hair and a longer yet beard. Often wearing simple clothes of brown with his only piece of jewelry being a pendant with an image of Aurelia, a badge of office passed down from one pastor of Sunhome to the next. Personality: A genuinely kind and humble man possessing of humor and wit he can feel his mind beginning to slip from him. While he puts up a front of calm peace and laughs he none the less is terrified of his leaving, and what it may mean for the Chapel of Aurelia. History: Bilbos grew up in Sunhome, a child of a pair of guards. Of all the places in the fortress, Bilbos found the most joy in the Chapel, reading tomes and listening to the stories of the Pastor. Before long he ended up apprenticed to the Pastor, learning even more of theology and even taking a long trip around the continent to learn more of other's beliefs. When the previous Pastor finally died Bilbos took his place. He has since dedicated his free time to further reading and research, learning what he can of magic and while he believes he could theoretically preform a spell skin to one like Aurelia's miracle, however self-doubt tells him otherwise and he keeps hope that due to his position and advanced age he would not ever be required to preform such an act in fact he has kept his knowledge a secret to all save his journal.
Kellie Fell: Lowland Farmer
Description: A middle-aged women with tan skin and hazel eyes, Kellie wears her black hair in a bun on her head and wears clothes of a functional make, though she does keep some fancier fare in her wardrobe should such an occasion come up. She does however wear golden bands in her ears. Personality: A gentle mother and caring wife Kellie is known by her neighbors as the sweetest women many of them know. However within Kellie hides a raging fire, unleashed whenever her simple life is disrupted. History: Born a noble women in the city of Ravna she lived an easy life of parties and relaxation until one day she met the love of her life, a simple farmer called Gaff. Her family opposed the idea, and so Kellie ran away taking only some colorful clothes and jewels. Adjusting to a farmers life was hard, but like all Boros Kellie put into it a great fervor. Now growing older she has three children and a loving husband, and while she may not be waited upon hand and foot or dancing with captains and generals she still considers herself the luckiest women in the world.
Ardaic June: Councilor of Ravna
Description: A tall powerful man with a stern complexion and a powerful mustache Ardaic's presence in a room is one of gentle yet firm protection. Often wearing the reds and whites of the nation he keeps his brown hair clean and parted down the middle. Personality: Ardaic has committed his life to the people, and lives every moment in an effort to improve their lives. To this end he has lived as humbly as he could, an effort to allow more for others. He is kind, but if the choice was the right thing and the legal thing he would choose without hesitation the legal thing. History: Born in Ravna Ardaic lived a regular childhood, he made friends and loss them, made mistakes and learned. He joined the military when he was off age, and there he found the love of his life. Serving alongside her he stood guard in the fortress of Sunhome, until the day of a great prison break. In the confusion his fiancee died as did many of his friends. Feeling lost Ardaic left the military and returned to Ravna. Seeking meaning he vowed to serve the people, and has in an effort to do that has joined the United Councils of Ravna, becoming a valued member of the council and an avid speaker in the name of the Boros Kingdom.
Of course, more characters may come in time with the need of additional viewpoints.
Ruler’s Name: King Tyrgen III Population: 7,000,000
Syros: The capital of the country, as well as the largest settlement in the Kingdom. It is noted for its large, sturdy, and recently built stone walls. This was to keep the city safe from the new technologies that were discovered by the outsiders. It lies inland, behind a thick forest, so generally it is safe from invasion. Its population prospers from trade and goods from the provinces, and it is noted for its many temples that are filled with many riches.
Calipa: A very old city, known for its tall wooden walls and structures, as well as it religious and historical significance. It was the home of both Pithias and Kaergyn. It has a number of military bases situated here, and the venerable Society of Gariniys, a sort of military academy, is situated her.
Synerze: The most westward major city, as well as the main port-town of Attis. Though it is known as a port town and center of trade in Attis, to outsiders it is better known as the center of Attian piracy.
Caesis: A major city of Attis. Though having plenty of power in manufacturing, trade, and manpower, they are best known for their ready supply of talent. Many individuals in Attis who are responsible for innovation in the country come from Caesis.
Valias: The most populated city behind Syros. It is known for being a center of manufacturing and trade.
Zaera: The largest manufacturing center in the country.
Chaos – The most primordial deity. Only the most esoteric of the religious traditions have shrines dedicated to him.
Haia – The first of the gods birthed by chaos. She is Mother Earth, and revered highly by some aspects of the religion.
Calimnaes – Son and Husband of Haia, he is the god of time, and his symbol is the scythe. Fearful of his children, he devoured them, and was torn apart from within. He was not destroyed, however, and was rejuvenated, but was sent hurling down into hell.
Hypgenaes – The primordial god of the air.
Ocea – The primordial goddess of the ocean.
Hestos – The primordial god of fire.
Veryea – the primordial goddess of the heart.
Lyeana – The goddess of love.
Targrys – the goddess of the heavens.
Ivirunys – The god of thunder and counsel, and ruler of the gods. He overthrew his father Calimnaes.
Adrea – Consort of Ivirunys, and goddess of empires and marriage. Her symbol is the peacock. Worship of her is widespread.
Disquirgos – the god of the sea and the ocean, as well as the god of earthquakes.
Fantus – The god of the underworld and hell, and the god of death. He is the ruler of the lower world where all souls go when they are separated from the body.
Kalea – The goddess of the hunt and archery.
Agea – The goddess of the seasons and the weather.
Atargatis – A goddess associated with both the sexual fertility and the fertility of crops. Despite her mysterious origins and the curious rites of her Mysteries she is the most widely worshipped goddess.
Hespaunte – The god of the forge and fire.
Bacchis – The god of wine and celebratory madness, as well as theater. Widely worship in the Mysteries across the country.
Appulia – The goddess of wisdom.
Bavric – The god of warfare, bloodshed, and violence.
Raelin – The god of the arts.
Soris – The god of the sun.
Mourialia – The goddess of the moon.
Syx, Twyx, and Klyix – the three fate sisters.
Lorana – The goddess of the hearth.
The religion of Attis is simply called Attianism. Attians themselves simply call in “religion.” They deny all the doctrines and precepts of the Abandonittes, Strandistants, and Usurpians, and accuse these religions of blasphemy and atheism. Attianism is at its core polytheistic, and they assert that, contrary to the claims of the doctrines of the outsiders, the divine has never left. If pressed to prove this, they would merely point to a tree or a river, and would see that as sufficient proof of the continued providence of the gods. Moreover, there is always the three sister pulling the strings behind everything, making sure everything is going according to (their) plan. Only Ivirunys is powerful enough to defy fate.
The creator deity is none other Chaos. All other beings sprung from the primordial chaos. The mother of the gods was Haia, but the chief deity of the pantheon is Ivirunys. However, among the populace another goddess is highly worshipped, and her number of shrines surely outnumbers that of Iviruna. Her name is Atargatis, and she is a goddess of fertility, as well as the goddess of piety and protection. The famous great temple at Syros is dedicated to Atargatis.
There are aspects of Attianism considered incredible to outsiders. The priestly duties are in general considered to have a womanly aspect to this. This has the result of a creating many female priests, but it also has other results as well. The priestess’ of Atargatis are men who castrated themselves and cross-dress. The priestess’ of the love goddess Lyeana meanwhile engage in sacred prostitution. Attians know outsiders abhore these practices, and this is one of the reasons Attians believe that they and outsiders can never peacefully co-exist. There are many other Mysteries as well. At the Mysteries of Bacchis, people get drunk and engage in sensuous revelries, and women and slaves participate as well, so this Mystery is popular in cities across the country. In the Mysteries of the fate sisters people thoughtfully ponder on the orderliness of the universe and fatalism while they engage in their wine-based ritual. In the Mysteries of Adrea, the ritual is orderly and austere, but pomp and with much feasting.
Meanwhile, worship in the countryside is very different. The worship is simpler there, with there simply being small shrines. The priests are exclusively male in the countryside, for there is no need for the complex Mysteries of the city folk. Worship of Adrea, Agea, Lorana, Kalea, and Soris is strong there, for they are the most relevant to the farmers and hunters of the countryside.
Leaving God Era
According to the Attians, the history of their country extends beyond that which the Outsiders call as the Leaving God Era, and continued passed it without interruption. This is according to their account as told by the rhapsodes and poets. This they offer up as their ultimate refutation to the outsiders of their doctrines, but on the contrary the outsiders consider the “heathenish whispers,” as but silly legends. We shall pass over these legends for the most part, but we ought to note that the Attians claim that the most ancient of the myths, such as the tales of Taergynis and his exploits.
Many Shields Era
Whatever the case of these tales, it is agreed that when the Many Shields era began, the Attians were suffering. The rhapsodes and poets are in agreement when they say that from the far north they migrated to the continent which thereafter they made their home. Drought had struck all the Attians’ lands and brought hunger to many. The people would have perished, but the man named Attis named with deft words persuaded the chieftains to leave all possessions excepting their boats and their sails and take their people on a voyage across the sea. Yet many were not convinced by the words of Attis, and the ninty-nine tribes originally, only thirty-three heeded his words. Of the remaining forty-four, their fate remains unknown. According to the outsiders, there is no land to the far north, but the Attians take no heed of this.
The fleet of Attis arrived stricken with hunger and poverty. Of the thirty-three tribes who had set off with Attis, only eleven survived to see land. Once arriving, they foraged for food, but found little. Many spoke loudly of their disapproval to Attis, so Attis promised that he would soon lift hunger from them. So he took a man out of every eight men from all eleven-tribes, and ventured deep into the mountain, where he found the Cremins (“kindly ones”). They went into their villages and became mad, and slew the men, took away all their food, and took away their women by means of violence, and the most notable of these women was Kaergysa, who was consort of the King of the Cremins.
Then the Cremins moved in retaliation, and moved against the Attians, and slew three tribes and Attis. Attis was succeeded by Daervys, beloved to him above all women, bearing these events in mind, went forth with a hundred men from each tribe and prepared a second violence unto the Cremins. Daervys next met with the King of the Cremins on the battlefield. There it was agreed that Daervys would marry Kaergysa and they would in addition keep all the women which they had carried off, and in return the Attians would give up a fair amount of their own women. This was agreed to, and both parties left satisfied. This was the first period when the sons of Attis were unified. Others say that this is a myth, and a residue of the history of the intermixing of Attians and the island natives.
During the reign of Corgis the descendants of Attis and their Cremin allies were assailed by Daeles, who marched with his great army, and would in time form a great empire. Yet the Attians and the Cremins did not wait to serve within it, and sent a force against it, and when it was vanquished and Daeles destroyed two tribes of the Attians and killed their King Corgis the Atians and Cremin fled south beyond the Mountains of Decaelo and the river of Haliyes.
Thus the Attians settled into the parts which they now inhabit. When the Attians crossed the Mountains of Decaelo and the river of Haliyes they were kingless and disorganized, and scattered into seven. In their division, there was a quarrelling amongst them. Amongst these seven greatest were Fyrganis, Cremin, and Lanis. The Daraenae were content to rule in peace their own lands, and dwell in continuance in their own country without molestation from their southern friends. Yet for the others it was not so in their minds. Petty quarreling and raiding began amongst the southern tribes, yet all tribes continued in existence until 106, when Myr was conquered by Zaganis and its people forthwith enslaved. Fyrganis, under rule of Corgis, was through marriage allied with the Chieftain of Myr, for his son Dordano was married the daughter of the Chieftain of Myr, and so in retaliation retaliated. Yet when his force of arms was brought to Myr, Raersyn II, Chief of Zaganis annihilated his army and demanded a great ransom before Corgis would be allowed again his freedom.
Arathor, Chieftain of Lanis, saw now the opportunity to extend his dominion beyond its current borders, for it seemed that Fyrganis was weak and Cremin was passive. Thus began the rivalry of Fyrganis and Lanis. Arathor came to the tribes of Dalr and Raernys were enslaved, and took the daughter of the Chieftain of Zaganis in marriage. When Arathor came to Fyrganis the two armies met, and Arathor’s was the victor, and he demanded from Corgis and his tribe a fixed tribute taken annually. So Fyrganis suffered while Lanis prospered.
It was in 118 that Corgis died and his son Dordano ascended to the throne of Fyrganis. Skilled in the art of finance, Dordano secured for his people the resources necessary so that they could flourish. Yet only briefly were they content, for with eyes of hate they looked towards Fyrganis, and in this Dordano was sympathetic. On advice of his wife Dordano sent warriors into Myr and liberated the slaves and made them one with Fyrganis. Zaganis took offense and asked for aid from Lanis, but Arathor, concerned mainly with keeping under control his empire of slaves, offered promises, but little which was concrete. So Fyrganis went to war with Zaganis, and Dordano, far the superior in resources and ability, defeated them and demanded from them a tribute.
Arathor, Chieftain of Lanis, was not keen on this turn of events and so took his army to meet Dordano, and both met in a plain among the lands of the tribe of Raernys, and both fought valiantly, but it was Dordano who routed his foe. Arathor then retreated and settled for a reduced empire. Under Dordano were the lands of Fyrganis, Myr, and Zaganis, while under Dordano were the lands of Lanis, Dalr, and Raernys. So under Dordano, Fyrganis prospered, but in 150 Dordano died, and it seemed that the task of rulership was a burden too great for Daevrys, son of Dordano. As he stepped on to his father’s throne, the prestige and luster of Fyrganis began to fade under his weak reign.
So quarreling once again began among the tribes. In both Fyrganis and Lanis the lesser tribes had become one with the greater, and so now there remained only Fyrganis and Lanis, as well as Cremens to the north, who remained passive. There now remained but three tribes. It is recorded that Fyrganis and Lanis once again began to raid one another. According to the words of the poets and rhapsodes, the Lanisians kidnapped Dyrenea, a great beauty among Fyrganis, which began a great war. Yet the historian Kaervyns writes that on the contrary, Dyrenea was but a legend, and the true cause was merely the heightening of the hostilities that already were existent.
Fyrganis and Lanis began to war for years without end, with much death being the result. According to the legends, they built a truce with each other through the mediation of Cremens, with the three of them forming a single nation. Kaervyns instead says that Cremens attacked the other two tribes when they were weak and conquered them. Whatever the case, Cremens subsequently ruled the Attians, first under Daelysn, starting in 167. Cremens rule continued without complication until 234, when outsiders to the east called Xerantes invaded, whose bronze had the advantage over the Attians’ stone and wood. Lead by High Chieftain Daevrys, a descendant of Fyrganis, the Attians retreated south-west to escape from the Xerantes. Daervys established a kingship there, and halted the Xerantes advance when they tried to chase them. The new land that his people established themselves in he dubbed Attis, after their founder, and the people began to call themselves Attians. It was during this period that Hesias lived. In the meantime, Attis focused on recovering and expanding. After Daervys’ death in 250 Attis began to divide once again, separating into independent tribes, though they still all said that they were part of Attis. They were to be united by the next great leader of Attis, Nyvaernys. In 300 the Xerantes attempted to invade Attis. They would have succeeded, but Nyvaernys, Chieftain of the largest and most powerful tribe, served as a unifier, and made the tribes into a united front that he led, and now having bronze weapons as well, Xerentes no longer had the advantage. Together Attis defeated Xerantes, and Xerantes would never truly recover. The tribes, however, were not keen to keep unity, and defied Nyvaernys when he tried to make himself Overking. Nyvaernys fought back, waging a war to make to control the tribes. He succeeded, but the war was long and hard, waged from 304 to 311. Nyvaernys then died in 321, and he was succeeded by his son Dordano. Dordano was assassinated in 323 by those who did not approve of unified rule, and was succeeded by his son Avlys, who was very young (24). Civil war soon began, and Avylys provided ineffective leadership, and was killed by the tribes in battle in 326. The war did not stop, however, and continued amidst factions among the tribes, each faction hoping their contender could become Overking. In 329, Chieftain Leavrys became Overking among Attis. It was during this tumultuous period that Pithis lived, and his teachings offered an escape from it all.
Leavrys did not want his legacy to end up like Nyvaernys and Daervys had. He centralized the state by reducing the power of the tribes, fighting a war between 332 and 337 against tribesmen who resented this, in order to create a stable dynasty. In 340 Leavrys died, but his son Dordano II was able to a have a stable reign. He relaxed tribal restrictions, creating a golden age of art and culture.
Suuban Imperial Era
The Laveryaed reigned over a free, decentralized, and prosperous golden age in Attis. This all came to an end when Suuban Empire came around. In 531, the Suuban Empire sent a fleet to subjugate Attis. Attis of course resisted, but the iron weapons of the Suuban Empire overpowered them. Attis was subjugated by the Suuban legionaries. Some Attians migrated north, away from Suuban, taking their culture and religion with them, and consequently safeguarded much of the original culture and religion of Attis. Attis (Bythia according to the outsider Suubans) was considered a backwards province that was not deserving of much attention.
The Chainmail Era
When Suu sank in 900, the enslaved Attians revolted immediately, and they were aided by the Attians to the north. About three-fourths of the Suuban garrison left immediately in order to meet up with the mainland, and the remaining garrison would receive no reinforcements and were soon overwhelmed by the Attians.
The Attians were led by Qaevrys, whose family had long led the Attians who had lived in exile in the north. As usual, the Attians possessed a fierce independent spirit. When Qaevrys was crowned as overking, there was a fierce controversy over it. A civil broke out between the “Monarchists” and “Tribalists.” The war was waged between 901 and 908. In 908 Qaevrys was betrayed by his close aids and given up to the Tribalists, and was ambushed and killed. By then, however, the war was already over. Qaevrys son-in-law, Daevrys, defeated the remaining of the Tribalists and created a dynasty. The Qaervryiads had to begin a long and arduous rebuilding of their nation. Many things had been lost due to the oppression of the Suubans, and their country was in a desperate state. However, peace allowed the process to be carried out. Daervys was deeply disturbed by any sign of Suubanism among the Attians, so he banned the Suuban language, as well as their culture, literature, arts, and religion. He, however, did favor Suuban technological achievements. Attis traditionally was an oral society, but for the moment simply oral communication would not be sufficient in order to restore Attian culture. Encyclopedias of medicine, religion, history, myth, and even mathematics and science (these were fields almost exclusively known through Suuban knowledge) were written. Poems, hymns, and theogonies were written down. Iron was adopted in favor of bronze, and stone walls were adopted in favor of wooden ones.
While the outsiders to the west were engaged in fierce and bloody struggles, Attis was at peace while they revived and rejuvenated their culture. Nonetheless, a great many of important cultural and religious artifacts were lost during the occupation, to the lament of Attis. Additionally, despite defeating the Tribalists to become King, Daevrys did not infringe too greatly on the rights of the tribes. As a result, Attis remained highly tribalized, with Attians having greater true ties to the tribes of their ancestors than to their king.
Peace continued until 1078. Discontent had been rising with King Arathor III, who had mostly withdrawn from politics, his strings being pulled by his advisors, especially by his top advisor Brysiays of Cremins. It was Arathor’s wife, Caela, who led the rebellion against Brysiays in Arathor’s name. In 1082 Brysiays fled after a bloody civil war, and Caela declared royal power restored, though it was Caela herself who actually was in control.
The Plate and Fire Era
The Plate and Fire Era in Attis began with Caela’s death in 1101. Her crisis began what is called the Crisis of the 11th Century. Caela’s son Arathor IV ascended to the throne, but the tribes unanimously announced that they would not be accepting his reign. Instead, factions among the tribes put forward their own candidate to the throne. Bloody civil war occurred for many years. From 1101 to 1127, there were 16 men who held the throne and 30 men who claimed it. During this period, there was a burgeoning of religious activity and participation in the mysteries, for these activities allowed people to withdraw from the world. This period produced the finest Attian philosopher, Aegyris. There had been previous Attian philosophers, but none had engaged in this practice as deeply and as seriously as Aegyris. Philosophy was mostly a western discipline practiced by outsiders, so Attian philosophy was still in its infancy when Aegyris came along.
In metaphysics, Aegyris was an idealist who believed that there was a higher, immaterial realm. He thought that it could never be fully reached by mortals, but could be approached through religious ecstasy. In cosmology, Aegyris says that existence, both the lower material and the higher immaterial realm, were created by the eternal, transcendent One. The One is not a normal god, and is not knowable because though the One is conscious and sentient, it is only so by a definition incomparable to the definition used to describe humans. In epistemology, Aegyris is a rationalist. In science, Aegyris’ main contributions is in astronomy, where he divides the heavenly bodies into stars and suns. The smaller heavenly bodies are stars, while the larger and brighter ones are suns. He says, additionally, that the heavenly bodies are made up mostly of fire, but also of air. In ethics, he stresses virtue, altruism, and stoicism. In political philosophy, he supports withdrawing from the world and says communal villages are the ideal state. In logic, Aegyris worked with formal or term logic, and though knowledgeable and eager to improve on his western predecessors, is not a revolutionary. In aesthetics, Aegyris was keenly interested, and wrote several works on poetry and literary theory and criticism.
In 1127, Daevrys VI became King, defeating the remainder of his rivals. Peace did not come, however. In the north, the region of Vaels seceded and tried to become its own country, and the rest of the tribes united in their enmity against Vaels. Vaels was defeated by 1130, and Daervys began the process to recovery. However, divisions among the tribes were deep, and it seemed conflict would eventually resume. Daevrys convened a council, and redressed the wrongs of the tribes and addressed their desires. This, however, seemed that it could only provide a temporary solution, because there was no real loyalty. With Daervys’ death in 1136, chaos and civil war once again reigned. Daervys’ own heir was promptly assassinated by his own guards, and war emerged between three factions, the Vaeiliad, the Caeliad, and the Hauliad, each with its own claim to the throne. They warred for a number of years, breaking apart the Kingdom by the seams and stirring deep divisions. However, the army also began to modernize. A truce was signed in 1144, and Valdos, who was of a neutral party, became King. This did not help things. Rather, it allowed divisions to deepen. It looked that the final days of a unite Attis had reached its final days, and the days of divided tribes like the years before the Second Xerantes Invasion would once again return. The situation changed completely in 1152, the year the First Bythian Crusade began. All Attians put aside their differences and united against a common goal, fight against the invading blasphemers. At the Battle of Phielesian Fields, the Attians suffered a great defeat at the hand of the crusaders in 1153. Things seemed to be going well for the Crusaders and bad for the Attians until 1156, when a more organized Attian army crushed the crusaders at the Battle of Syros. After this decisive defeat the crusaders were on the defensive, and held on until 1158 when a full retreat was sounded. Victory was considered to have been ordained by heaven. Attians later called Valdos by the epithet of the Great. In 1160, Valdos officially ended the truce between the tribes and declared a unity in the country. This was the real beginning of a new dynasty.
In 1168, Valdos died at the age of 65. He was succeeded by his son, Dardano V, aged 43. Dardano was ambitious, and aimed to create a great country. One of the first ways he did this was reform. He patronized science, medicine, and the Aegyrian philosophers. He ensured that the army was armed with good steel and had plenty of plate armor and catapults. When the Second Bythian Crusade began in 1192, the Westerners invaded. The war was hard-fought, but many of the crusaders were too disorganized, and the Attians knew the terrain while the outsiders didn’t. In 1199 the Crusaders were completely crushed. Valdos died not long after in 1200.
The Third Bythian Crusade began in 1285. Most of the Crusaders ran into problems on the way, and only one of the Crusading armies actually landed on Attis. Though the Crusaders fought fiercely, they did not have the numbers or knowledge of the land in order to gain victory. In 1289 the crusaders withdrew and the Third Bythian Crusade ended. Meanwhile, Attian seamen were beginning to raid the countryside of the outsiders, gaining loot and resources.
There was a small Fourth Bythian Crusade that was fairly insignificant as far as the Western Lands are concerned. To Attis, however, it is very important because it showed the vulnerability of Attian armies. The Fourth Crusade consisted of a brief Outsider invasion and battle in 1338, and though the Attians were successful they suffered disproportionately large casualties, showcasing certain errors within the Attian army. This would eventually lead to the overthrow of the Valdan Dynasty. The Valdan Dynasty was no as fresh and talented as it once was, and a combination of a refusal to properly modernize and an obstinate clutching to power led them to be ousted by the power of the tribes. Instead, the general and religious leader Faevrys was made King in 1399. He put a focus on reforming the military in general, and ensuring that Attis did not fall behind in technology.
In the Fifth Bythian Crusade, circa 1494, was like fourth one and was crushed quickly. The Westerners were surprised to learn that the Attians had modern weapons alongside them. Today Attis remains on guard for invasions from the westerners. The Westerners are nearly always the original innovators in technology, so Attis is always careful that it does not stagnant too much in military technology. Even so, Attis has remained true to its cultural roots, and many things go on as they have for the last thousand years.
Pagan Culture – Unlike other countries, Attis still holds strong to its roots of paganism. This, of course, has the consequences of attracting a lot of unwanted attention from unsympathetic neighbors, who have declared holy wars on them in the past. This goes hand in hand with their generally more rustic culture. Permeation of Religion – Religion permeates most areas of society. All art, poetry, and the like is of course religious in nature. The Pithian Societies, which all men of political prominence join in order to engage in politics, are religious in nature. Ostensibly devoted to the teachings of the legendary sage Pithis, they are actually quite syncretic in nature, and are more of political councils. Even in mathematics and in the sciences (or what is known of them) things are cast in the veil of religion. All art, poetry, and the like are intensely religious in subject.
A More Magical Society – Magic tends to survive better in places that are relatively isolated from the metropolises of civilizations. Attis has plenty of places like this, so it is little wonder then that there are more witches here than in other lands, and its strange beasts run wild.
Curious Culture – To the few westerners who have seen it, Attian cultural norms are a shocking sight. The Attians still practice paganism, they disbelieve in the “Leaving God” concept, and they scoff at the notion that divinity is not still with humanity. This, however, only scratches the surface of what would shock a westerner. More shocking to westerners is the castrated and cross-dressing Priests of the goddess Atargatis, and the existence of sacred prostitution. Sometimes these two things overlap, though in general they do not, for they apply to different deities. In general there are many women and transgender of the priestly class, for it is considered a womanish task, but there are many men who take up the task as well. An Attian would point out that the two societies are so different only because they went in different directions, but in reality a real Attian would never bother to tell a foreigner so. A real Attian does not believe that a foreigner has any place among them, for the Westerners and the Attians are so incompatible that they may as well be different sorts of animals, though they are both men.
Knowledge of Medicine – Attis has advanced (for the time) medicine. This occurred through a combination of coincidence, necessity, and the veneration of the medical profession. Pithis was a physician as well as a mystic and theologian. Nowadays, the Western countries have (presumably) about equaled Attis in medical technology. Xenophobia – There may have been friendly encounters in the past with outsiders, but that is far in the past now. Now Attians can only recall hostilities when they think of foreigners. In the past Westerners have tried to conquer Attis and convert them to their peculiar and blasphemous religion, though they have so far failed. Currently it is only their shared xenophobia that is keeping the kingdom together as one coherent whole. Laconic – One of the great sages of the distant past, Pithis, valued silence and a quiet demeanor. Many others have fallen suit, and as a result a quiet and reserved demeanor and attitude is noted in many Attians. This does not mean they are shy, however, for they regard directness as a virtue and shyness as a vice. As a result of this, they are not known to be the most talkative of fellows. However, they have turned sarcasm into an art form, and it is the Kingdom’s most popular pastime.
Sea Expertise – Attians know how to build great longboats, and use their expertise at shipbuilding, navigation, and piracy to raid for more guns.
In general, the Attian military prepares mainly for defensive warfare.
Janissaries: The elite of the Attian military. They are recruited generally from the far northern regions of the country and beyond. Many of them are not Attian, but are outsiders who come from the harsher, more northern sections of the continent. The Janissaries are from these harsher regions because it is thought the harsh climate has allowed them greater skill and mobility. Their ranged weapons are muskets, while their close-ranged weapons are swords and axes, forged in the modern style.
Musketeers: Attian soldiers trained in the use of the musket. Though trained in the traditional tactics of muskeets, their speciality is “Attian tactics.” They know how to hide, ambush, and aim within the thick forests of Attis. Even when found, the enemy always has a hard time fighting back.
Pikemen: Infantrymen equipped with a pike, especially useful when defending against cavalry. They are often paired with musketeers and guard them from cavalry attacks. They form the bulk of the infantry alongside the musketeers.
Bowmen: Attian soldiers who do not have the luxury to have a musket. They fight with longbows and can in general aim more accurately than musketeers, but their destructive power is below that of musketeers. Like musketeers, they feel most comfortable when hiding within the forests. They are mostly a reserve force.
Demi-Lancer: Heavily-armored cavalry, who fight with lances. They lead charges.
Light Cavalry Lancers: Lightly-armored cavalry who have quick mobility, allowing them to harass and ambush the enemy.
Falconet: A light cannon commonly used by Attis. Far more mobile than heavier cavalry, it is used far more often by the Attian army.
Saker: A “medium” cannon, it must be dragged and carried to be taken anywhere. As a result, they are mainly used for defense.
Modified Longship: The traditional Attian longship, modified so that they can fit cannons on to their
Name: Galenvys III
Description: The King of Attis. He is ambitious, and aims to create a stronger empire, better capable of resisting against the threat of the western Outsider countries. He does not intend to do this through war, however, for he wishes to continue the policy of relative isolation from the westerners.
Personality: Galenvys is physically strong and of a sound mind, as well as intelligent and decisive as a military commander. However, he is also a drunk, and wrathful, quick-tempered and prone to unnecessary violence.
History: Galenvys is thirty years old. Being royalty and the heir to the throne, he was born into great wealth. In general he enjoyed leisure, especially liking hunting and horse-riding. He was always a faithful follower of the rituals and rites of the temples and Mysteries, but he was never particularly profound in his religious belief. He was always mostly concerned with his future reign, and always harbored a strong ambition for power. He always adored his mother, who lavished him with gifts and praised, but always abhorred his father, King Arathor VII, who was endlessly strict and disciplined with him. In fact, he would later end up marrying a woman who resembled his mother. Galenvys ascended to the throne when his father died. It has always been rumored that his father, who died suddenly, was assassinated by Galenvys. Whatever the case, Galenvys is now King, as has a firm grasp on the throne. He does not yet have any children, but his wife is heavily pregnant.
Dordano, Prince of the Realm
Description: Dordano is physically strong and athletic, but he is also much leaner compared to his brother, King Galenvys. He dresses simply and often wears a solemn expression. In battle he always wear a full suit of plate armor, and has at his side a saber and rifle.
Personality: Dordano is quiet and solemn, and not the most approachable type of man. He is athletic and skilled in combat, and also kind-hearted. However, he has the tendency to be easily-manipulated and weak-willed, and has the tendency to let things spiral out of control.
History: The King’s younger brother, twenty-seven years of age. Like his older brother he was born into royalty. The two of them were always opposites and never got along, despite their shared interests in athleticism. As he grew older he demonstrated his skill in military strategy and tactics, and was named a general at a young age, as is customary for royalty and high nobility who display skill in warfare. Today he is the highest-ranking army commander below Gaelenvys.
Nevearys
Description: Dordano’s wife, twenty-three years of age. She enjoys luxury and often is dressed in expensive clothing. She is seen by others as beautiful.
Personality: Nevearys is intelligent, but she is also prideful and incredibly ambitious. In public she is friendly but distant. Being prideful, she does not react well to slights, and even worse to insults. Nonetheless, she knows how to keep her calm always, and can play her part well.
History: Nevearys was by birth of former royalty, of the Valdan Dynasty, but that dynasty is not what it once was. She was born very poor, and had to work in order to make a living. However, due to the prestige of her family she was taken notice of by the ruling dynasty. She was betrothed to 2nd Prince Dordano, and convinced the authorities to allow her to move in early (that is, before the marriage ceremony). She did this so she could escape poverty. While at the palace of the King, she quickly adopted to her new environment. However, she was not satisfied. Her pride had already been too wounded in her youth, and she wanted greater power.
Marliyna, the King’s Consort
Description: The King’s wife. She is fair to look at, with a gentle appearance. She dislikes her marriage to Galenvys, because he tends to beat her he becomes angry. She is sickly and physically frail. Right now she is heavy with child, and due to deliver very soon.
Personality: Marilyna is very quiet and even at public events tends to not talk very much, though she will give a gentle smile. She resents her powerlessness, something which comes from her frailness. Normally she is genuinely kind-hearted, but if pushed far enough she will react.
History: Marliyna is the daughter of the High Priest of Ivirunys, a very prestigious and important position, and therefore prince, later King, Galevnys took her hand in marriage. Marilyna was at first fine with this, for arranged marriage was the usual, but soon she began to resent it. Galevnys was rough and abusive, and she did not enjoy his company. Right now she is heavily pregnant, and hopes that her life will improve if her child comes into her life.
Prince Landeragon
Description: The King’s youngest brother, twenty-two years of age. He is smaller, both shorter and frailer than his brothers. Despite this, he has been made a general in the army.
Personality: Landeragon has all the obstinacy, naivety, and foolishness of youth. He wants to see the world, and also takes pride in the fact that he is being trusted to be a general in the army. The fact that he knows it is because of his royal birth does not matter. He is friendly, and is not afraid to be bold, having as well a tendency to try and commit heroics.
History: Landeragon was never especially close to his brothers. The two of them always had a connection to the two of them, and although it was a very strange and hostile connection, Landeragon never fit in to it. He did not have many friends growing up, except for a young woman dressed in black whose name he never discovered. Like his brothers his education consisted of a lot of physical activities and military training, but he never fit into it as naturally as his brothers did. He found it grueling and boring, and would have preferred to go on an adventure that was more exciting. Landeragon tried to avoid it as much as he could, and as a result his parents and brothers thought of him as wayward and troublesome. Despite this, he was skilled enough in his duties, and he was recently made a general, for which Landeragon was joyful.
General Vaerys Description: A high-ranking, common-born general, aged fifty-five. He is old and gruff, with a large and long grayed beard. Physically, he is no longer in his prime, but he is still very fit and muscular. He serves as the guide to the still naïve Landeragon.
Personality: Vaerys is naturally boisterous. Vaerys in the past was second-to-none in combat, and to this remains a great fighter and fencer. Additionally, he is the greatest of the commanders among the generals of the Attian army. However, he has a tendency to be tactless and prideful. He has a strong hatred of foreigners.
History: Vaerys was not always an army general. In fact, he originally had been in the navy before that. Not a lot is not known about his childhood, only that he was definitely the son of farmers who lived in the countryside far away from any cities. When he was sixteen he left home after a drought in his village brought about poverty and starvation, and, after a hard journey, went to the city of Zaers. There he became a privateer, engaging in a piracy against the westerners. He was very skilled at it. He eventually became a commander, and infamous among the Westerners for his sinking of ships and looting of towns and villages. He eventually retired from sailing, but the Monarchy afford him a position in the army. He accepted, and in time became a highly respected, high-ranking general.
