Basic Information for Writers
(Note: This contains SPOILERS for fics)
2. Description and History of Aquilae
3. Description and History of Ardae
4. Description and History of Ventae
5. Description and History of Glacae
6. Description and History of Silvae
7. Important information on the Aidan Family
8. How the Ardaen Army works and the Knights of Aidan
| Fior | Sakanu | Senlai | Ysaulrich | Ahran |
A protectorate is an animal dedicated to protecting and keeping the natural flow of their land. It is not known where they came from or why they do this. What is known is that each protectorate possess complete control over their particular element. If there was ever conflict between them it was settled long before the humans of the continent developed writing or extensive story telling.
The term "animal" is deceptive for each of the protectorates has the ability to assume a human form. The completeness of the human form varies from protectorate to protectorate. For example Fior (the Ardaen protectorate) was able to assume a completely human form while Sakanu (the Aquilaen protectorate) was unable to banish certain leviathan features when he assumed a humanoid form. Most protectorates prefer their normal form and only bother with a human form when forced to deal with humans.
Some protectorates have helped the humans of their land but it must be remembered that a protectorate's duty is to his land first and all else second.
Fior is the protectorate of Ardae. He has complete control over fire. His original appearance was that of a large dragon with reddish gold scales.
(human form)
Fior is a bit shorter than Sakanu but broader in the chest and arms. He has red hair with orange highlights and gold eyes. His skin is a golden tan color. He appears as a normal human except for the following features (but he CAN appear completely human if he so desires, it just takes a bit more effort and usually Fior it just too lazy to do it)
1. Fior has wings. They're very broad and he has to keep them tilted far above his head to keep the ends from dragging on the ground. They are "bat wings" not feathered.
2. Fior has a tail. It is very long (if he lets it hang it drags on the ground behind him) and scaled in red scales. These scales travel up his back along the spine to his wings. They also extend above the wings up the back of his neck where they disappear in the hair line. The tail is very muscled and the end has a series of very sharp scales going up the side for slashing as well as coming to a very sharp point
3. Fior has golden horns the are almost identical to Sakanu's but without the iridescent sheen
Fior offered to give Aidan a measure of his power but he was betrayed by Aidan and bled to death, allowing the Ardaen to take all of his power. There are some that believe his spirit lives on, trapped in the mortal realm by Aidan's betrayal. In life Fior could control fire. He could call it to spring forth and he could cause it to grow or shrink. Fire did not harm him though he could be harmed by the smoke it produced. These powers now belong to the Aidan family.
While still alive Fior considered Sakanu, the Aquilaen protectorate, his mate even though he and Sakanu could only meet where Ardae met the sea.
Sakanu is the protectorate of Aquilae
(Leviathan form)
Very long and snake-like. He has arms and legs with long fingers and toes that are webbed in between. There are fins on his elbows and the back of his calves. He usually has his arms and legs pressed against his sides when he's swimming. They are not strong enough to carry him on land, he's too heavy and too long to support himself that way (think "beached whale" if he ends up getting stuck on land" All down the back of his neck, back, and tail are long "ridges" (scales that come up to a point). There is a long vertical fin that runs down the back of his tail. His tail is like a normal dragon's tail (ie sort of round) and at the end it is pointed. His head is oval and wedge-shaped and he has two horns that curve up from the back. He does not have slitted eyes like a reptile, he has "mammal" eyes (ie like ours).
Coloring - Sakanu's body is a greyish blue color with his fins fading from blue to bright green towards the edges. His talons are black. Sakanu's eyes are light blue and his horns are white with an iridescent sheen to them (kind of like abalone)
(Human form)
As a human Sakanu is very tall and thin. He has long black hair and his eyes remain blue. He has a bit of muscle definition on his chest, arms, and has a very flat "swimmer's" stomach. He looks like a normal human except for the following things.
1. He has horns. They are about a foot long and are miniature versions of what he has as a leviathan.
2. He has finned ears. Towards the side of his face near the ears are greenish blue scales that climb to where the ear is. Extending slightly beyond the ear are very thin bones that are connected by a thin layer of scaled skin creating the fin. These "fins" create sort of a fan like structure against the side of his head (which holds his hair back behind his "ears") and fade from primarily blue to green at the tips like his normal fins do.
3. His hands have a small bit of blue webbing between the fingers. The fingers themselves are long and his nails are blue and long
4. Sakanu has very pointy canines both on the top and bottom, though they are not much longer than the rest of his teeth
Sakanu gave his power to Milya Llyr in 21 to allow Milya to cool the dragon's blood in Saraes d'Aidan thus dying in the process. There are some that believe that Sakanu's spirit lives on through the current Leviathan as does Fior's spirit live on. In life Sakanu had control over water. He could make it move as he wished. He could also make rain fall (but there must be moisture in the air for him to call). Sakanu could also breath water like it was air. These powers are now in control of the Llyr it passes to.
While alive Sakanu and Fior were lovers, though Sakanu could not stand traveling far into Ardae and had to be near a source of water. He gave up his power for he believed it to be the only way to have his soul reunited with his lover.
Senlai is the protectorate of Silvae
(Unicorn Form)
As a unicorn Senlai resembles a cross between the body types of a work type horse (such as a Clydesdale) and a more speed build (such as an Arabian). He is large and powerfully built. His coat is a silverish white and his hooves are grey. His mane and tail are silver as is the horn on his forehead. The horn is about a foot long and twisted, ending in a very sharp point. His eyes are violet and intelligent. There is long hair on his legs above the hooves (like in Clydesdales) and there is also a fringe of hair under his chin (you can see this in some classical drawings of unicorns). Unlike the normal portraits of unicorns he is not delicate looking. To the contrary Senlai looks like a powerful stallion.
(Human Form)
Senlai rarely appears in his human form since he also rarely interacts with humans. As a human he is a little under six feet. He has a thick "mane" of silver hair that hangs to just below his shoulders. His eyes are violet and his face has high cheekbones, giving him a "regal" look. His chest, arms, and legs are muscular. Like Fior he can appear as completely human, except for a small diamond shaped silver jewel in the center of his forehead. However he can also take a half-and-half form in which he has horse ears, the diamond shaped jewel, and the hind end of his equine self (like a centaur).
Senlai has not given his power to any of the humans that live in his lands and therefore still roams Silvae's extensive forests. He has control over all plant life. He can cause plants to move as he wills them (though they can not uproot themselves and move about the land). He can make plants grow at an extraordinary rate or cause them to shrivel and die. He can also, to a lesser extent, control the ground. By striking his hooves on the ground he can cause it rise up (though only about three feet) or he can cause unsteady ground to give way and open up underneath whatever has made him angry but there must a place for the displaced ground to go.
Ysaulrich (pronounced Sall (like in Stall) - rick) is the protectorate of Glacae.
(Wolf Form)
Ysaulrich appears as a very large white wolf. His eyes are a very light ice blue. He is blind in his left eye, leaving it a milky white. Otherwise he appears as any other wolf.
(Human Form)
Ysaulrich appears as completely human. His skin is a coffee color, tanned from long hours in the sun. His hair is long and white, like his fur in wolf form. His chest is broad and muscled. When he is forced to move about among humans he wears half a mask or a patch over his blind eye for it disgusts him to see the milky remains of the eye.
Ysaulrich cares for the humans of his land but he limits his help of them. Only the strongest can survive in Glacae's harsh climate and he sees the humans as little more than another herd of animals that should be left to evolve as they need or die off. He does, however, occasionally help them by driving the herds of reindeer or bear towards their hunting grounds.
Because of his eye Ysaulrich can not hunt as he once did. He can still hunt but it is difficult for he can no longer judge distance properly, often causing him to lose his prey. As such he began demanding offerings from the humans in exchange for help. He feeds mostly from these offerings. Human sacrifices are also made though he does not feed off of human remains.
In 385 (by the Ardaen calender) Ysaulrich came across a human man in young adulthood that offered himself in return for Ysaulrich's help in bringing new herds to his tribe. The man, Tokala, admitted that the tribe was going to sacrifice a newborn child but he couldn't allow that to happen and had come instead. Tokala noticed the blind eye and offered to help the protectorate if he would spare his life and help his tribe. Ysaulrich agreed and Tokala served him as a fellow hunter (for he could use a bow, something Ysaulrich had lost the ability to do with the loss of his eye) and as a companion. Ysaulrich has since given Tokala a measure of his blood to extend his life. In addition to giving Tokala immortality from time it has also given Tokala a measure of power as well as a fox's animalistic qualities, leading the remaining protectorates to wonder if Tokala will one day become a new protectorate. Its rather a moot point, however, since Tokala will not leave Ysaulrich.
Other than giving some of his blood to Tokala, Ysaulrich has not given his power to any other human. He can control ice, causing water to freeze or ice to melt. He make the rain turn to ice and he can cause the air to become bitterly cold.
Ahran is the protectorate of Ventae
(Human Form)
Unlike the other protectorates Ahran never assumed a human form. It is believed he must have had one but none have ever seen it or if they have they are keeping Ahran's secret.
(Bird Form)
Ahran is a large peacock-like bird. His feathers are blue though they reflect green in the sunlight. He has a long a tail and broad powerful wings. His bill is very sharp as are the talons on his feet. His eyes are violet. Each wing bears a stripe of scarlet and there is a stripe of golden feathers running from under his chin down over his stomach.
Ahran became intricately involved in Ventae's building when Silvae's army claimed the northern part of Ventae. He chose the deLunnen family as Ventae's rulers and helped them to build a monarchy. With his help Ventae was able to drive Silvae out of their country and reclaim their northern border. Ahran was often carried by the current King or Queen of Ventae and when the current ruler died it was he who chose which of the deLunnen's became the new monarch. He had no fear of using his powers over the wind to keep Ventae a country free of outside invaders as well as free of any type of civil war.
When the deLunnen monarchy was toppled by Mercaida Aidan Ahran fled. He was later sought out by Kaze deLunnen, one of the dead king's sons who begged to be given the power to destroy the Ardaen Empire and rebuild Ventae's monarchy. After much thought Ahran made the sacrifice, giving his powers to Kaze, who was later killed for treason by Mercaida's son, Ardel. Ahran's powers now move through the deLunnen family the same as the Leviathan's power moves through the Llyr family.
2. Description and History of Aquilae
Aquilae is a land ruled by water. The mainland is a web of rivers, lakes, ponds, and swamps. With a tropical climate and daily rain storms the people of Aquilae learned quickly to treasure the solid bits of land. With so few expanses of solid ground that wasn't in danger of flooding the Aquilaen people began to develop ways to get over the water. Such developments allowed them to expand their villages and cities.
The extensive waterways allowed for quick exploration and travel, therefore Aquilae's period of fragmented tribes was much shorter than that of the other lands. While most of the tribes of the continent were still unaware of other tribes the Aquilaen tribes were trading extensively with each other and beginning to form alliances.
Two thousand years before the Aidan calendar started (the calendar used extensively after Aidan became the first Emperor of Ardae) Aquilae coalesced into one nation under the flag of the Llyr family of Aquilae's most influential city, Wyrllyr. Under the Llyr monarchy Aquilae turned to ship building and were able to take their trade all over the continent and as far away as Silvae. Shortly after the unification of Aquilae the island keys joined the nation.
Aquilae flourished and extensive roadways and bridges were built culminating in the city of Eileen which was built on the water of Lake Eileen. Universities were established and the mountain border between Aquilae and Ardae were tapped for metals and gems.
Civilzation in Aquilae expanded at an unchecked rate and there were no wars though Aquilae did keep an army. However two hundred years before the Aidan calendar began Ardaen tribes started raiding the border towns of Aquilae, forcing Aquilae to build a series of fortresses along the border.
The Llyr monarchy was toppled by Ardae in 39 after a four year war. It came under Ardaen control and for 21 years its people were taken to Ardae as slaves (particularly anyone bearing the Llyr name) and its universities and government buildings torn down and burned. Many of its harbors were burned as well to keep the Aquilaen people from traveling to other lands to build up a resistance.
A stop was put to this by Emperor Cassan Aidin in 60. Cassan had the universities rebuilt and the books that survived collected. Though many books were heavily altered to erase any mention of the Llyr monarchy learning was returned to the Aquilaen people. Since then they have lived under the Ardaen flag. There have been a few resistances but after discovering that such resistances resulted in burned cities and even stricter control by the Ardae army such resistances have died down.
Aquilaen men may be part of the Ardaen army but they may never hold commanding positions. They may also not become a Knight of Aidan unless they are at least half Ardaen.
Most Aquilaens stay in Aquilae for there is very little opportunity for them in Ardae. The Ardaen people see them as barbarians and they often encounter great hatred in Ardae. There have also been problems with the Lords of the City, Ardaen men (who have either a military or noble background) placed in each Aquilaen city to run it. Most judicial and government positions are also held by Ardaens.
For the most part, however, Aquilaen lifestyle has changed little. Most of their livelihood depends on the sea. Superb traders and fisherman all Aquilaens know how to swim and most know how to handle small boats and skiffs. They also have extensive orchards though the ground is too wet for most types of crops other than rice.
Due to the climate and abundance of water Aquilae has a number of insects. The only thing that keeps them from becoming a problem is the plethora of birds that make Aquilae their homes. In recognition of that Aquilaens do not kill and eat birds, nor do they seek to cage them or alter their life in any way. This respect has taken an almost holy quality and the very thought of killing a bird is repulsive to all Aquilaens. To eat fowl is even more disgusting and no Aquilaen would put fowl meat in their mouth. This disgust has caused problems between Aquilae and Ardae in the past. Ardae used to export Aquilaen birds which caused a large amount of resistance from the Aquilaen people, forcing Ardae to look for other sources of fowl. Such a source was Ventae and after Ventae's defeat at Emperor Mercaida's hands in 2021 they have ceased exporting fowl from Aquilae all together.
Quick Facts:
Capital: Wyrllyr
Flag: Leviathan and blue rose before the moon (Before 39); Ardae dragon flag (After 39)
Protectorate: Leviathan Sakanu (deceased)
Main income sources: Trade, fishing, salt
Weather: Spring and summer are very wet times. Daily thunderstorms are common with a monsoon season in early summer that may cause upwards of a month's worth of straight rain. Fall is warm and Winter can get a bit chilly. Snow is very rare. Spring is cold and chill from the rain while Summer is hot and the air heavy.
Notable: Universities are the highest rated on the continent
3. Description and History of Ardae
Ardae is a vast country of desert, lava plains, and mountains. What little plant life there is reflects the harsh landscape and can be quite dangerous. Cacti and sage compete with small trees while leaving most of the land barren. Ardae is mostly flat with mountains and lava plains rising sharply from the ground. The entire land is sprinkled with active volcanoes. There are no forests and no natural lakes. There are a few oasis's that have (in recent years) been worked on to keep them from drying up if possible. The western coast of Ardae is rocky with numerous cliffs and little beach, which makes the building of true harbors impossible. Frequently storms and cold water coming down from Glacae make living on the coast a hard life.
With unforgiving land and sparse food most of Ardae's history has been one of war and bloodshed. Before unification Ardae was made up of numerous nomadic tribes that traveled from oasis to oasis, killing what they could to survive. It was not unknown for one tribe to come across a second and demolish it, taking what food they could find from the other tribe and continuing on. Tribal politics consisted of a chieftain who chose his successor. He retained his position by keeping the tribe fed, failure to do could cause a coup at which point the tribe would elect a new leader. In such tribal units there was no "families" and the people of the tribe did not carry a last name.
The tribes were united by Aidan of the Predentha tribe who traveled to Fior's (Ardae's dragon protectorate) lair (later known as Aidan's Peak) and through deception took all of Fior's power. Using his newfound power Aidan forcefully united all the tribes of Ardae and declared himself Emperor. Though he distained Aquilae he based the burgeoning Ardaen civilization on the Llyr monarchy. However his rule was one of bloodshed and war rather than peace and trade.
Suffering from Fior's rage which caused his blood to burn and drove him insane, Aidan ordered his entire guard killed after his only son was abducted and taken to Wyrllyr where he was held as a royal hostage. Killed by his own ministers Aidan's powers transferred to his son who was later retrieved and returned to the throne. In 35 Emperor Saraes d'Aidan (son of Aidan) declared war on Aquilae. Aquilae fell in 39 and Saraes ordered all of its culture destroyed, leaving Aquilae's trade in shambles.
With the new influx of food the people of Ardae began to settle in permanent cities. Roads were built and maintained throughout Ardae. Slavery became a prominent trade for Ardae and they sold Aquilaen slaves to Glacae and Ventae. In 60 Emperor Cassan, realizing how much was being lost, ordered the rebuilding of Aquilae. Harbors were rebuilt and opened allowing Ardae access to goods from Silvae. Cassan also stopped the trade of Aquilaen bodies and ordered that no more be taken, though he did concede that those who already owned slaves could keep them after falling under extensive pressure from his own nobles.
Cassan also heralded a new age for Ardae as he brought Aquilaen engineers and tradesmen to Aidus and set them to work on what would become the most important waterways of Ardae. A series of rivers and oasis's were built and fed by melting snow from lands taken from Glacae in a few minor scuffles between the two kingdoms. Cassan also discovered and documented the use of Leviathans, thus allowing future Emperors to understand the source of their madness and how to cure it.
In 103 after a series of assassinations among members of the Aidan family the Knights of Aidan was officially formed by Pator Aidan (not an Emperor) and a decree was passed that only an Aidan that has the fire powers may become the Emperor, regardless of whether or not he is first born.
In 2020 Ardae goes to war with Ventae after Ventae demands more money for food. A year later the deLunnen monarchy of Ventae will fall and Ardae will claim the western part of Ventae. In 2059 Sora deLunnen, with backing from the Ardae military, takes the Ventae throne. For the next two hundred years Ardae will have exclusive trading rights with Ventae and will also build forts and place soldiers in Ventae (effectively turning it into a captured state). This time heralds a new "golden age" for Ardae and allows the building of new cities as well as develop new learning.
In 2280 tensions rise between Ventae and Ardae as Ventae begins to make alliances with Silvae. War breaks out between Ventae and Ardae as Ventae declares its independence. Faced with war Ardae withdraws its soldiers and diplomats leading to an uneasy peace between the kingdoms though their borders remain open and travel is permitted freely between the two.
On another note Ardae has a powerful navy due to Aquilae though it is rarely utilized.
Quick Facts:
Capital: Aidus
Ruling Family: Aidan
Flag: Golden dragon on a red background
Protectorate: Dragon Fior (deceased)
Main income sources: Gems, metals, and obsidian
Weather: Very hot and dry summer leading to a "wet season" in late summer which is the extension of the Aquilae monsoon. Fall is pleasant and the winter is bitingly cold as the wind turns and blows cold air from Glacae across Ardae. Snow is not uncommon in mid winter though it is never truly a large amount. The snow is collected and melted for water storage. Spring is pleasant until the beginning of summer as the temperature rises and the air turns very dry. Before the wet season in late summer Ardae suffers from harsh sandstorms as wind blows in from Ventae.
Notable: Ardae is notable for the gems and rare metals that can be mined from its mountains.
4. Description and History of Ventae
Ventae consists of rolling hills and large plains. Grasses are long and trees are pale barked and willow like. There are some forests along Ventae's eastern boarder. Ventae's plains are home to all sorts of animal life. Horses, large ostrich-like birds called palgeese, and members of the deer and antelope family roam freely. Their cities consist of widely spaced buildings so that the strong winds that criss-cross the lands can flow through unchecked. Ventaens like luxury and they breed horses for speed so that they too can ride with the wind.
The Ventae people are thin and fae like with silver and golden hair colors. They have very long hair that they never cut because it is a symbol of their life. They leave it loose so that it can flow in the wind and they can feel close to their protectorate. To have their hair bound in anything but a simple tail or cut is humiliating to them. It is only cut if something affects them so adversely they feel as though their old life has ended. They are not, however, above dying their hair and it is not uncommon to see the nobility sporting a variety of bright colors. Due to mixing with both Ardae and Silvae blood they can have any eye color, though violet (which is purely Ventaen) it is thought that people with this color have "royal" blood in them.
Ventaens of noble blood, or in noble professions (such as powerful merchants) carry birds with them to represent the ruler of Ventae carrying Ahran, their protectorate.
The Ventaen monarchy built as trade between Silvae and Aquilae began to flourish. Placed in the center of the continent they became expert traders and Ventae quickly became a very rich country. The King, or in some cases Queen, of Ventae had to have been accepted by Ahran and carried the protectorate until it was time to turn the throne over to a new ruler. After 2024 when Ahran turned his power over to Kaze deLunnen the requirements of becoming the new ruler change so that the new King must exhibit power over wind. In 2063, after reclaiming the throne of Ventae, Sora deLunnen carried a long tailed falcon in memory of their protectorate leading to the restoration of the old tradition.
Ventae has never participated in aggressive combat against another country but it has been plagued with nearly constant raids from Silvae, which longs to expand its boarders westward, as well as occasionally attacked by Ardae. In 2020 the deLunnen monarchy was toppled by Mercaida Aidan though most of the country remained unconquered. In 2061, with the backing of Ardel Aidan, Sora deLunnen returned to Ventae to reclaim his throne from a distant cousin. At the time it was considered a country under rule of Ardae but throughout his rule Sora deLunnen worked to lessen Ardae's control over Ventae. By 2260 Ventae was once again its own country with exclusive trade rights for food and fowl belonging to Ardae.
Quick Facts:
Capital: Lunaesa
Ruling Family: deLunnen
Flag: Silver bird carrying an arrow and spear on a green background
Protectorate: Peacock Ahran (deceased)
Main income sources: Feathers, horses, trade
Weather: Very dry and always windy. Hot summers with cool winters. Heavy snows blow in from Glacae and blanket northern Ventae while southern Ventae is subjected to hurricanes in the summer as well a part of Aquilae's monsoon season.
Notable: Of all the countries Ventae is the most open country to foreigners. They welcome them into their culture and Ventae has never closed its boarders to those of another race.
5. Description and History of Glacae
Glacae is a land of ice and pine forests. Crops are small and hard to grow, forcing the large majority of the people of Glacae to hunt for food. The people of Glacae have pale hair (usually blondes, white, tannish, or other light varieties of color). They also have pale eye colors (grey, very light blue) and lack the height of other races. Their build is small but strong. The majority of Glacaens are still tribesman, living in mobile communities that follow the herds they hunt. Such tribes are ruled by a council which elects a tribe leader. There are also a few permanent cities but these cities are not very large and for trade purposes only. These permanent communities are also located near hot springs which provide warmth for the people when the harsh winter storms cover the city in snow.
Glacae was forced to establish a monarchy in 45 after Ardae claimed lands from its southern border, making it the last country to become unified. Despite this Glacae is still a land of tribes and personal independence. Laws and punishments are still made by the seperate tribes. The Glacaen monarchy is little more than a body responsible for dealing with trade and requests from the other countries.
Once a year all the tribes of Glacae meet in the Lasundra plain, where the city of Lasundra is located. There the tribes exchange news, knowledge, and trade among the other tribes. Each tribe leader must report to the King and tribes with conflicts or in need of advice may bring their grievances to the king for a final decision. These gatherings are also a time of sorting as the young adults mingle with others from other tribes. During this time new marriages will occur and tribes will gain and lose members. After the gathering the tribes will once again return to their solitary existences.
Life in Glacae is hard and depends largely on chance. As such the Glacaen people are strongly religious. They worship the elements and the animals that provide food for their tribe. Above all they worship their protectorate, Ysaulrich the white wolf. The chieftain of the tribe collects a portion of every hunt and leaves it in the snow to attract Ysaulrich's attention and favor. If the tribe falls on very harsh times and is desperate for help they will leave human sacrifices, usually young children for the tribe cannot often spare a healthy strong person.
Quick Facts
Capital: Lasundra
Ruling Family: Kotani
Flag: Grey with a black spear
Protectorate: Wolf Ysaulrich (alive)
Main income sources: Furs and meat (to Ardae)
Weather: Summers are comfortable with winter spanning over two seasons. They have no fall season.
6. Description and History of Silvae
Silvae is a land of rolling hills and dense forests. The Silvaen people have come to build their homes among the giant trees that cover their land, hidden from enemies by the forests only those born within them can make sense of. This practice shows itself in the present through Silvae's strict isolation policy. They dislike foreigners and only those accompanied by a Silvaen citizen are allowed entrance. These foreigners must register with the army and must stay with a Silvaen escort at all times or risk being arrested and imprisoned or executed as a spy.
Silvaen politics are dominated by women. Since women are "care takers" in nature they have taken over the roles of government. Men can only excel in the military or whatever lesser job they chose. Silvae is also a place of strict social status. Family comes above the individual and each family is ruled by a matriarch. When one marries into another family the person of the lesser family takes the name of the person from the greater family. Women usually marry above their family while males are usually forced to marry lesser women since they are considered the lesser sex in the constant power struggle.
Families can not go up in social status unless the Queen specifically raises that family but they can go down in the social structure based on the actions of family members. People of different social status do not mix and if it does happen both families can suffer, though usually it is only the higher family that is dropped. The only way to purge such disgrace is to punish those involved. Such punishments can range from beatings to imprisonment to exile to even execution.
According to Silvaen legend Roweena Silleni, the daughter of a tribe chieftain of the then male dominated society, was captured and carried off into the forest. She escaped but found herself completely lost. Finally she gave up all hope of finding her way home and lied down to die. While she lied there a figure approached her. She looked up to see a large silverish white unicorn approaching her. Senlai, the Silvaen protectorate, spoke to her as he led her through the forest. They rode for many days until they came to a large settlement deep in the forest. Senlai carried her to the chieftain of that tribe and the people claimed that she was chosen as the unicorn's Queen. She wed the chieftain and together they made a matriarchal society in which there would be no war.
Today Silvae is a unified kingdom. Its Silleni monarchy is nearly as old as Aquilae's was and with the fall of the Llyr family it is the oldest on the continent. Unfortunately its isolation policy has hampered its growth. The Silvaen people despise other cultures and refuse to implement advances from other countries unless it is absolutely necessary. They also trade with other countries but only specific merchants are allowed to do so.
Silvae also has a flourishing slave market. However slaves also have a structure status. At the bottom are "public" or "household" slaves. These slaves can be ordered by anyone as well as punished by any citizen or servant. Above them are the "worker" slaves. These slaves has specific tasks designated by the owners. If these slaves are in charge of social jobs, such as cleaning rooms, they must follow orders by those around them. If they have private jobs, such as pleasure slave or are in charge of keeping records, they can only be ordered or punished by their masters. Anyone interfering with them without permission can be brought to trial for damages.
There is a king and queen in the Silleni rule but only the Queen has true power. If there is a princess she will become Queen, regardless as to whether or not she has older brothers, but should a Queen not have a female heir the prince will become King but his wife will actually have the power. Usually the prince is forced to marry a cousin or other female with Silleni blood. They are also discouraged from having sex with women until they are married. For a man to "dally" before marriage or outside of his marriage is considered a great crime. His seed belongs to his future or current wife and only her. Children born outside of marriage can not be punished for their parents' crime but they also cannot obtain a high level status. They are considered peasants or low level merchants if their parents are of noble blood. Usually such children are forced into the army (if male) or fostered onto another as a tradesman's apprentice.
Also, a member of the Silleni family can only be executed for the crime of treason, even by the Queen. Interbreeding among the family has caused sickly children and impotent members of late and the family is trying to maintain as large a size as possible, hence the edict.
Silvae has remained relatively peaceful due to its distance from Ardae. Ardae has never invaded it though the hatred of the Silleni monarchy over being shadowed by the male dominated Aidan dynasty burns very brightly. Silvae, however, is notorious for picking away at Ventae's eastern boarder, gradually pushing Ventaes border father and further west.
Silvae also has a history of tattooing. When a person reaches their majority (adulthood) they are given a tattoo to represent their inner selves. Throughout their life the Silvaen will add tattoos to represent major turning points in their life.
Quick Facts:
Capital: Silva (though the royal family relocates to Aubormere for the winter and spring)
Ruling Family: Silleni
Flag: Green with the rearing unicorn
Protectorate: Unicorn Senlai (alive)
Main income sources: Lumber and vegetable crops
Weather: Silvaen weather is dependant on how far north or south one goes. In the north summer is warm but moderate. The fall is crisp and winter is cruel. Winds from Glacae bring snow and the north is often inaccessible until the spring brings the thaw. The south has a climate much like Aquilae though they do not experience a monsoon or torrential downpours. Summers are warm and winters are wet in the south.
7. Important Information on the Aidan Family
A) The Aidan family never has daughters. Aidans usually only have one son and stop (since the Leviathan's take up so much of their time) but twins happen and since only one can be Emperor the other one goes and marries off somewhere else. Also, if the Aidan DOESN't have the dragon's blood and someone in his generation has it (ie his brother) they can have female children. Those with dragon's blood just don't have them.
B) And the dragon's blood only goes down through the same line (unlike the Leviathan blood which can go to ANYONE with Llyr blood). This means it only goes from father to son or (in some cases) from grandfather to son while the Leviathan blood goes to anyone within two generations of having Llyr blood (note: They must be at least HALF Aquilaen, if they are only a third Aquilaen but their father was half Aquilaen and half Llyr they will NOT get the blood, regardless of the fact that they are only a generation away from Llyr blood).
C) Saraes was among the first generation of Ardaens to carry a last name. Since he was the son of Aidan he was called Saraes d'Aidan (the d informing people that he was Saraes "the son of" Aidan)
D) The insanity causes different Aidans to act differently. It tends to play on their greatest fears, making them obsessive/compulsive or paranoid about certain things. It also tends to make them very aggressive (hence the urge to take over neighboring countries).
8. How the Ardaen Army works and the Knights of Aidan
There are 4 parts to Ardae's army. Each part is a completely separate entity with its own hierarchy and each reports separately to the Emperor. The only official connecting officer for all four parts is the Emperor himself, however the four heads often meet together to discuss problems or to keep each other aware of potential problems.
Homeland Army
The homeland army is the branch of the military in charge of overseeing the safety of Ardae (and Aquilae) from within. They are considered the "defensive" part of the army for they do not engage in war in other countries, unless the other country invades Ardae. The homeland army has a presence in every town and are the local peacekeepers. Women are allowed to join. The homeland army takes any citizen of Ardae though people who were born in another country other than Aquilae or Ardae may not join.
The head of the Homeland Army has the title of Commander.
Boarder Patrol
The boarder patrol is Ardae's aggressive army in charge of attacking should Ardae declare war on another country. They occupy the new land until the homeland army can come and take control at which time they move to build fortresses along the new boarder and man them. People of any nationality may join the boarder patrol, assuming they are an Ardae citizen. Women may not join the boarder patrol. The boarder patrol is also careful to shuffle the squads to keep the members from forming bonds that may distract them should be forced to war. This also keeps people who may attempt to sabotage an attack or fortress from being in one place long enough to carry such a mission out.
Only people of Ardaen or Aquilaen decent may become high ranking officers in this branch of the army.
The head of the Boarder Patrol has the title of Field Commander.
The boarder patrol and homeland army tend to work together closely.
Emperor's Guard
The Emperor's Guard is a very small portion of the army and is in charge of protecting the Emperor and the palace. They are also in charge of (to a smaller extent) guarding the Temple of Aidan in Aidus. The Emperor's Guard is usually made up of private individuals who have had extensive training in arms at a university or academy. They have also been known to take promising officers from the Homeland Army. The Emperor's Guard takes anyone with enough skill regardless of race since all members are viewed with suspicion from the Knights of Aidan and their own fellow guards.
The head of the Emperor's Guard has the title of Captain. The Captain will chose which guards actually guard the Emperor and which are in charge of keeping peace in the palace. He will also chose a second in command, though whether or not that second actually succeeds him depends solely on the Emperor for the final decision of Captain of the Guard belongs solely to him. The Captain of the Guard may not even be a member of the Emperor's Guard if the Emperor is unfamiliar with the members of his own guard. It is not uncommon for a Knight of Aidan to be removed by the Emperor from the Knights ranks and made Captain of the Emperor's Guards. In such a case the Knight is expected to give up his loyalty to the Lord General but in reality this rarely occurs. Most commonly the Captain of the Emperor's Guard and the Lord General of the Knights of Aidan become partners in the protection of the Emperor.
Although the Emperor's Guard is supposed to be its own entity all too often the Captain finds himself under pressure from the Knights of Aidan making the Guard something of a lesser extension of the Lord General's power.
The Captain of the Emperor's Guard is not supposed to know about the Leviathan, however, it is obviously difficult to keep such a thing from them. This is why the Captain of the Emperor's guard is usually a former Knight (and even more usually the former second to the Lord General himself). If this is not the case the Captain of the Guard is informed that the Leviathan is merely a pleasure slave who is to be kept safe and locked away.
Knight of Aidan
The Knights of Aidan were established formally in 103 by Pator Aidan who gathered the few guards who knew about the Leviathan and the Aidan curse. The Knights are the branch of the military in charge of finding the Leviathan and keeping the populace unaware of the problem of the dragon's blood. However only the Lord General and his second in command actually know about the Leviathan and are allowed to read the journals from previous Lord Generals. Despite this rumors are whispered among the other knights though they are never spoken allowed.
The Knights of Aidan take care of any problems that the Emperor needs dealt with swiftly and quietly. They accept only Ardaen citizens. Occasionally those with Aquilaen blood are accepted but only if their families have a history of serving with the Knighthood (for example Dante comes from the Kaemon family who has provided quite a few former Lord Generals).
The head of the Knights of Aidan has the title of Lord General. Upon becoming Lord General he must choose a second in command. The ascension of a Lord General must be approved by the Emperor as well as their choice of second. A Lord General can only be removed from post by the Emperor himself (thus he must get permission to retire).
Of all the army branches the Knights of Aidan overstep the most. Usually such overstepping is ignored or considered essential to the safety of the Empire though on occasion Emperors have objected to the Knights meddling in the affairs of their personal guard.
9. Miscellaneous Information
1) There are two moons in the sky. However only one moon has a regular orbit and can be seen clearly therefore most people ignore the smaller second moon. Only astronomers and Aquilaen navigators take the second moon into account.
2) Magic does not officially exist in the world. If it did it would take the form of elemental magic and therefore would be seen as a threat by those kings or the Emperor who can control the elements. Because of this if anyone has even a small bit of magic they'd be smart to keep it to themselves. On the other hand people have been born that can see visions of a possible future. Such people are snatched up by the Kings or Emperors and used as seers.
© Delilah deSora, 2002-2003