Sea-Kingdom of Aerlion
Jan 20, 2017 1:06:00 GMT
Post by Prince Ineirin on Jan 20, 2017 1:06:00 GMT
NAME: Sea-Kingdom of Aerlion
KINGDOM AT A GLANCE: A wealthy, noble, highly religious kingdom that views itself as a god's dwelling place, Aerlion is primarily a maritime state, with farming on the island and along the river opposite them, making a wealthy kingdom with beautiful architecture and courtly manner.
SIZE AND LOCATION: Island West of Ardell, South of Haven, and a some ways up the river itself.
WEALTH: High- They are a trading city- sending ships all along the coast to buy and sell goods, along with farming and fishing around the island and river itself. The Temple of the Sea-King is a place of pilgrimage for sailors and religious pilgrims, while it has declined since the collapse of the Empire, it does bring a moderate amount of visitors, while others come to study the ways of their poets and musicians.
STABILITY: High
DANGER TO TRAVELERS: Low
FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Technically, it would be considered a monarchy, but perhaps a theocratic monarchy might be the better term. They have a High-Prince, who rules in all the ways as king, but the title King is reserved for the Sea-King, who is believed to the father of the first High-Prince. Below the High-Prince is his sons, and then a series of Barons, Dukes, and Lords as land-owners.
The High-Prince rules from his citadel Leyonesse, which is built atop a cliff that abuts the sea and above the capital city, which has also become known as Leyonesse. It is a small, but bustling city with a fair bit of trade and the Sea-King's temple located on the shoreline.
The High-Prince rules from his citadel Leyonesse, which is built atop a cliff that abuts the sea and above the capital city, which has also become known as Leyonesse. It is a small, but bustling city with a fair bit of trade and the Sea-King's temple located on the shoreline.
FREEDOM AND OPPRESSION: Moderate- the High-Prince rules with full authority over the entire kingdom, with those below exercising complete power over their specific territories. However, the rulers are generally benevolent and loose with their authority, seeing that as most befitting a kingdom truly ruled by a god. Necromancy, undead, dark magic, and slavery are forbidden, as is blaspheming the Sea-King.
COMMON SPECIES: Human- 60%, Elves- 20%, 10% selkies & nymphs, 10% misc.
MILITARY FOCUS: Aerlion is primarily a naval power, with a fleet of elegant ships and soldiers trained in fighting aboard ships and as infantry. They have access to horses, but not enough for a large cavalry force. Instead, they use their ships as mobile forts and garrisons. Infantry is primarily medium infantry, utilizing partial plate armor and chain-mail of elegant make. They're trained on pikes, swords, and shields, with their armor using crossbows. Their armor is emblazoned with the emblem of a sea-gull in flight, the symbol of the Sea-King.
TECHNOLOGY: Early Renaissance
PLAYER CONTROLLED: Yes
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GODS AND RELIGION: Monotheism, they worship and revere the Sea-King. He is viewed as the real ruler of the kingdom and the one upon which their survival depends on. He has a temple on the coast that is the viewed as his palace, although they say he dwells in the grotto beneath the surface. They have ritual sacrifices yearly to ask for his blessing- mostly crafts from the artisans. No human or living sacrifices though. The Sea-King is said to be a defender of the pure waters and life. The nymphs and selkies are revered as his direct children, but not worshipped.
FOOD: Food is often fish of various kind and plants, but primarily sea-weed. They have some agricultural produce, but it's more expensive, since land is limited and they have to ship some in from the mainland, hence the establishment of a presence along the river.
NOTABLE ARTS: Their greatest arts are poetry and music, with sculpture being a close second, often carved from sea-stone or driftwood, or a combination of both.
RELATIONSHIPS: Courtly monogamy- relationships are complicated, bound by a rigid set of rules and guidelines on proper behavior, while often being utilized for political purposes. That leaves sometimes for unhappy relationships, so subtle courtly romances are permitted between members of the nobility, especially among the young, as long as any children are not acknowledged as heirs.
EDUCATION: All people are educated in their religion and the crafts of the sea, but more advanced education of arts and trades are limited to nobility and those wealthy enough to afford it.
DAILY WEAPONS: Sticks and knives are common, but true weapons are uncommon, normally restricted to soldiers while on-land. Aboard ship and off the island, then yes, they are normally armed with small weapons.
