Endal
From Storing Don
Insert blurb on Illyria here.
Contents |
Illyrian National Information
First Highlord of Illyria:
Current Ruler of Illyria: Repae R. Mirgeht
National Weapon:
Heraldic Color: Black
Estimate Population:
Major Imports:
Major Exports:
Illyrian Chain of Command
As all nations of DoN, Illyria holds 1 commander/leader position (Highlord), 2 sub-commander positions (Generals), approximately 4 officers (lieutenants), and 5 second tiers (sergeants). Although they are labeled as "Sergeants," second-tier characters generally do not have power amongst the officers, etc. and rather just are in command of troops.
Salutes The Realm's Army is articulate and straight to the point when addressing each other, so there are no fancy salutes or greetings amongst ranks, aside from the following, simple gestures:
To the Highlord:
(when not on the battle field/casual) Kneeling on one knee, preferably right knee. One may rise when the Highlord addresses.
(on the field) Right fist over the heart, and can be released once orders have been given.
To an officer of higher rank:
(casual) A slight, approx. 30 degree angled bow, then a salute with the right hand at the forehead; relieved when addressed or told to do so.
(on the field) Straight to the salute and at-attention until relived or addressed.
To an officer of a lower rank:
(casual) Any sort of acknowledgment, usually a nod or lax salute.
(on the field) A "quick" salute.
The Ranks
Highlord/Highlady (Commander)
General of Combat - General of Magical Combat (Sub-commanders)
Lieutenants (Officers)
Sergeant (Some Second Tiers)
Private (All Common Soldiers)
Illyrian Politics & Heirarchy
The government system in Illyria is a border-line dictatorship. At the head is a Highlord or Highlady. The reigning Highlady - for at least a few centuries - has been the Dark Sorceress, Lady Adramelech. Having gained the power to conjure millions of morphs over the years, she has had - more or less - complete control over Illyria. She rules with power and fear, using the morphs and loyal subordinates to subdue anyone who thinks otherwise.
Though she has had a lot of control, there are people she does turn to, though her decision is the final one. Since Illyria is a military-based country, her two head generals (RP sub-commanders) are her direct minors. The Highlady relies on these two mainly for battle strategies and research developments, not to mention minor foreign issues. When one must see the Highlady, they usually must be sent to either general, depending on the matter of importance. Other country leaders would go to the Highlady herself directly.
The Highlady, in times of war, is like the Commander in Chief. Her generals may come to her with proposals of strategies or motions to seek confirmation for battle plans, but -as most things - she has the final word. She may also control the generals' lower-officers, though she relies on the generals to pass the word down the chain of command.
The Political Parties actually have little to no power in the Illyrian government, and most are just radical groups either seeking change from Adramelech or wanting to remove her from power.
Political Parties
The Loyalists
Not to be confused with the American party, these party members are obedient to her majesty Adramelech no matter what circumstance. They practically worship the ground she steps upon. They are the higher class in society and scoff at anyone who doesn't have a shine to their shoes. A majority are corrupted, money easily speaking for them to get around any Illyrian law that they break or rule the political scene. The few "innocent", genuine Loyalists tend to be put behind the scenes by the corrupted majority. However, all are radical to a fault, taking any comments - jest or serious - against the Sorceress a sort of treason. Their current goal is to give Lady Adramelech as much power as possible (as if she doesn't have it already) and, hopefully, reap the rewards for the aid.
The Elite
Another upper-class party, these people are indeed loyal to Lady Adramelech, but not to the extreme dedication (or obsession, even) as the Loyalists. Content with the current government system, they look to make the entire nation a bit more democratic than the current situation holds. They hail Adramelech as their queen, but would like to see cabinets and other branches within the system. Their only real opponent is the lack of human population and how much it is dispersed throughout their country. Morphs, because of their lack of self-governing, cannot truely vote. They are also more considerate than the Loyalist, hoping to gradually close the gap of the poorer classes. Of course, they're a bit selfish with their goal, hoping to make the Elite the majority party in whatever branches emerge from their work.
Moderates
Between the Loyalists and the Elite stands a party that holds her queen in almost as much light as the Loyalists, but looks for some distributed power like The Elite. Many say that the Moderates aren't really a party because the group doesn't seem to take much organized action on any matter that arises. If someone tends to be apathetic about politics, they tell others they're Moderate.
The Border Rebels
This party is composed of those who were annexed into Illyria from Highlady Adramelech's wars on Ainor and the remains of Ostia. They have no desire for the bettering of the current Illyrian regime, nor for the expansion of her power. They desire for Illyria to be blotted out and taken over by the more worldly powers of Lequall and Ainor. They openly scoff Adramelech and will attack and murder those who stand loyal to her. A war exists within Illyria's borders between the law keeping morphs and these citizens.
Stone Party
Like many of the cobblestone streets of Illyrian cities, these party members are lower and stubborn. These are those who do not have opprotunities for work because any job opprotunities have been filled by the numerous morphs that populate Illyria. They look to eradicate morphs from many work areas that make good money. Lower jobs, like clean up or lower servants they could care less. In order to reach their goal, the Stone Party looks two ways: radical or conservative. The radical Stone members tend to be violent and kill morphs (secretly or in public riot) and take their jobs. To their chagrin, though, these jobs tend to be quickly filled up again. The conservative members, though sometimes still violent, target the upper-middle or upper class, hoping to convince managers of jobs to keep morphs out of the workplace.
Hammersons
A middle to upper-middle class party that looks to subdue The Stone Party. Many of these people own stores or other facilities that involve making money siply by managing workers. Most use morphs to their advantage - they usually get little or no pay and make a good profit. The only thing that keeps them from advancing is the lack of property they own since the upper classes keep a lot of land - the middle class pays the rent and the like and anything else they need. They're called the Hammersons because they tend to be harsh on the Stone Party, hoping to crush them when they give them difficulty.
The Adamant Ancients
Put simply, these are the more elderly people of Illyria who continue to pass down the religions of old. They believe in a rather large assortment of Gods that the High Lady herself does not endorse, but she does not deny them either. This religion is said to be the source of Dark Magic itself, with one spell in particular that is said to represent Anubis, the God of Death. These citizens pass down their religions and are trying to start uprisings to re-attain status as the dominant religion of Illyria.
Working Morphs
This isn't a political party, but I believe I should explain their situation so that they can be put in context with each suggested party. Many morphs are owned by people and/or families. As is the trend, the richer classes own many morphs and use them for their own leisure. They only send a few to actually go out and work and earn money, but the upper class makes their money of their property.
The middle class does own morphs and their own business. They either manage their own morphs amidst their work, or make money other places.
Morphs that are sent to work are paid by the boss of their work and the morph diligently brings the paycheck back to the family or owner. Lower class families tend to only own one or two morphs of they're lucky. Middle classes tend to own a few. Upper classes... Their numbers are quite obvious.
There are a few working morphs that are government owned, a majority for the Illryian army. Many work law-enforcement or sanitary jobs in the city, overseen by a civil Overseer to do their work for no pay. The Overseers, however, are payed by having, at most, 5 morphs to their person so they can send them to work else where.
The Illyrian Army
The Illyrian Soldier's Creed
"The Kamf-Aht lui Jouyls" is the Illyrian Realm's military's creed, in a sense. It speaks of two options, as is inferred from the Lioar-Oayllys' words: the "go big" or the "go home." The majority of Illyria's forces are morphs, so they know anything that they are commanded but have this programmed into their minds. The human forces of Illyria abide by The Kamf-Aht lui Jouyls in order to gain strength and fight for their nation that allows them to pursuit of the Singil Vorbaa.
It is almost a pseudo-requirement for all soldiers to know this creed, and one who doesn't even know the jist of The Kamf-Aht lui Jouyls is deemed disloyal to Illyria and worthy of becoming a morph.
The Kamf-Aht lui Jouyls
the "fighting way of devils"
To fight for Illyria is to fight for freedom - a freedom that exists to allow all to prosper fully and gain what they desire. If one does not fight for the freedom, then he fights for himself, and for the glory that one can bring to himself.
To run is cowardice and foolish, for one cannot make steps closer to his goal while running backwards. If one does not run, then he ensures victory for, at the least, himself, if not all of the Realm.
To fight for Illyria is to be merciless and ruthless, for the enemy is the obstacle that stands between himself and his desires, Illyria and her glory. If one does not fight with dark verdure and aggression, then he is better off running.
To run is inviting shame, for a weapon to one's ventral side denies shame's entry and welcomes courage. If one flees in the face of the enemy, in the face of danger, then a weapon in one's back is a sign of faintheartedness and fear, and one will forever be marked an omadawn.
To fight for Illyria is to be a devil, for by giving the enemy hell is how victory is achieved.
The Army
Second Tier Morphs
- 7500 Dragoons
- 7500 Berserkers
- 7500 Wyvern Lords
- 5000 Swordmasters
- 5000 Snipers
- 5000 Wyvern Knights
- 5000 Great Knights
- 2500 Juggernaughts
- 2500 Generals
- 2500 Enforcers
- 20,000 Druids
- 13,000 Sages
- Total: 83000
First Tier Morphs
- 24600 Wyvern Riders
- 22000 Lancers
- 21600 Wyvern Riders
- 20000 Pirates
- 20000 Archers
- 20000 Cavaliers
- 17000 Brigands
- 16400 Myrmidons
- 10000 Knights
- 8000 Fighters
- 1400 Soldiers
- 52000 Shamans
- 35000 Mages
- Total: 267000
- Morph Total: 350000
Second Tier Humans
- 1000 Overseers
- 700 Wyvern Lords
- 700 Rogues
- 2500 Morphomancers
- 1000 Druids
- 600 Summoners
- 500 Virtuosos
- Total: 7000
First Tier Humans
- 3000 Wyvern Riders
- 500 Thieves
- 3500 Shamans
- 1000 Bards
- Total: 8000
- Human Total: 15000
The Navy
UC
The Illyrian People
General Background
There are a moderate number of legit marriages in Illyria, most children being born out of wedlock, adulterous marriage, or other casual-sex mishaps. Couples that are either married or in some other permanent relationship tend to have many children, the average being about 5 kids per family. Families that have one or two children usually had some sort of mishap where one of the partners died or left for another. It is not uncommon for a man to have more the one wife, and it is generally accepted by society (though accepted by the women involved is another story).
Many go to the Illyrian army to seek a (slightly) better life than those on the scarce fields of Illyria; if they're not in the army or navy, then they're either a farmer, merchant, or other craftsman. A majority are merchants and traders due to to slow work in other areas.
Those in the military train in various areas, depending on their weapon specifics. There is a final evaluation at the end in the Ebony Stadium, placing the enrolled soldier in a certain group or area. Lady Adramelech herself decides the officers and generals, etc., as she oversees the training process from time to time. There is no real special ceremony due to the fact a majority of troops are Morphs, whom of which need no special recognition.
The Illyrian 'Guidebook'
Although Illyria is infamous for being wild, uncivil, and generally crude and vulgar, there are some "rules" placed upon the country and its citizens to ensure stability and control. Many are up for personal interpretation, not to mention flexibility.
The sole rule, or rather guideline (called the Singil Vorbaa - "single saying"), that Illyrians follow is such:
"Pursue that of which one desires, and do all one can to gain such desires lest it tests one's own persona."
Somewhat established by Adramelech and her own pursuit of a dominion, many have followed the example. However, this means the rule can be different for all, which is the evident reason why there is such lewd, sometimes heathenish behavior amongst the citizens of the Realm. One might think that Illyria is a lawless country, but Adamelech has installed national laws all must follow, and by obeying these laws, one's pursuit for their desire will not be jeopardized.
The Lioar-Oayllys
To obey the Capital and the Highlady or lord is to ensure one's growth, for if one contradicts the Capital, then one's pursuit has ended.
Murder of a fellow Illyrian is an injury to the country, and by injuring the country, one's pursuit of the Singil Vorbaa is jeopardized, for Illyria is the only of the Singil Vorbaa. A death of another puts a stain on one's persona, thus murder tests one's persona. However, the murder of those in opposition to the Realm, whether foreign or Illyrian, is for the glory of the nation, unless denounced by the Highlady or lord.
Theft, scandal, and unruly lust are only crimes if a party is in opposition against the alleged victimizer. The affected party must seek to regain the path of its pursuit by articulating said crime, and the accused party has tested its persona.
It seems as if, by the installation of the Lioar-Oayllys, that the Singil Vorbaa is contradicted; however, Adramelech has interpreted that "one's own persona" includes loyalty and adherence to her word and the Illyrian Realm. Thus, the Singil Vorbaa is a guide that is supported by the Lioar-Oayllys.
The Highlady or lord does not advocate greed, lust, theft, or any other sort of lechery, but rather sees such alternatives as darker methods for obtaining that of which one desires. It is expected of most Illyrians to, for lack of better words: "go big, or go home."
Typical Human Physicality
Skin: A native Illyrian will generally have paler skin, only slightly darker tones being more common near the "shores" or border nations (exceptions are the Low and High Wastes, where residents tend to be thin). Sometimes tend to look slightly gray due to the atmosphere of the Illyrian Realm.
Hair Color & Style: One of two extremes: really dark (most common: black) to really light (white). Other colors can be inherited from captured nations. Style varies depending on the person; however, men tend to have their hair a bit longer and shaggy, and women keep their hair long (the working class women tend to keep their hair tied back). Men and women in the ranks of the Illyrian army do the opposite, keeping their hair shorter (unless women keep their hair tied back).
Eyes: Red and Silver-y colors most common; Green and steel-blue are also, though not as much.
Height/Weight: Medium to Tall, though mostly medium due to the constricted diets of residential areas (5'5" - 6'5"). Weight is usually thinner amongst common people; military men and women tend to keep their bodies in lean shape.
Dress/Armor: As most men and women are of the lower-middle, middle class, their clothes are not extravagant and borderline peasant. Contarily, due to a pretty large gap between the rich and poor, the higher class citizens have more elegant dress (though colorful is not a general term to describe such; yes, there is some color, but - as most of the country is - fashion palettes are on the darker side of the spectrum).
Illyrian armor is generally black, with some dark/blood red or maroon accents. Spikes and eccentric gauntlets are other accessories are also adorned. For magic-wielders, robes are identical in color. Underneath are thick leather-armor-like dress. Men and women generally wear the same armor, though - for obvious reasons - women's armor is built differently and slightly lighter.
Typical Morph Physicality
Skin: Very pale, almost to the point of being a ghostly white; sometimes looks as if decay has left some sort of yellow-ish tinge to it.
Hair: Varies depending on the quintessence of the person(s) the morph was derived from, but is duller in color.
Eyes: Golden, Dark red, or silver.
Height/Weight: Same as the person they were derived from.
Amor/Dress: Bland robes or common dress for common-morphs. Military morphs follow same regulation armor, etc. as humans.
Illyrian Religion
Religion is, at the least, a minor factor of the typical Illyrian's life, depending on their lifestyle. However, due to their way of lifestyle, the Illyrian people believe that their gods and goddesses never advocated "good" behavior; rather, the people of Illyria believe in the betterment of their lives, good fortune, and enjoyment - whatever form of enjoyment that may be - through almost any way necessarily. This doesn't mean Illyria is full of thief-like, violent people. There are quite a number who attempt to lead "honest" lives by going along their tools-of-the-trade; they just have more parties than usual... Heh.
Nonetheless, there are various gods and goddesses that the people worship or, at least, pray to when the going gets tough. The Adamant Ancients take the gods power most seriously. Some are disgusted by the lax worship of the higher beings that, they believe, aided in the founding of their great nation, Illyria. They seek to put them in their rightful place and have more temples and the like erected as it used to be, and maybe even take some seats close to, or even equal to that of the Highlady.
Gods & Goddesses
Kradelt, God of War
Kradelt is the god of war. He is prayed to by any Illyrian soldier who marches into battle. The temple that worships him is organized much like a military camp. The order that worships him is comprised mainly of monks whom are skilled in the martial arts. They have, however, gone past previous sexist bigotry, as they train any orphans in the ways of the order. If the child is a boy, then he is taught to read, write and defend himself before being given the choice of continuing in the order or leaving the brotherhood and starting a life, most commonly as a soldier. When the child is female, they are taught by the nuns everything necessary for a lady to know. The dances they teach are the most basic of all ritual war dances. For those who are seen to excel in the dances, already accomplished dancers take them on as apprentices. An example of such a case would be Melina.
Morseht, God of Death
Morseht is Death, He who comes at the End. His is the Eternal realm, where all souls go to rest. His order understands his teachings, primarily that of equality. For in the End, all men are humbled by Him, are they not? Those who pay homage to him most often are the elderly, the fatally ill and scholars. The last may be a surprise, for there already is a deity of Learning and Wisdom. However, the knowledge which humanity holds so close, is that of research done by mortals, lifeforms that will die, taking with them their experiences and knowledge. Thus, when it is desired by a scholar to find a lost work or some such, prayers are given to Him.
Fydelia The Lady, Goddess of Women
Fydelia is The Lady, the Goddess that all Illyrian women pray to. All aspects of womenhood are under the Lady's jurisdiction. She may be benevolent one moment, but filled with wrath and the need for vengeance within the next. All marriages are performed in her temples or at least by one of her priestesses. It is ironic that Kradelt's order has let go of prior conceptions of female fraility, while Fydelia's maintains a firm stance against allowing men into the Sisterhood.
Arstoc, The Scholar, God of Knowledge
Arstoc presides over the men and women of learning. He is a favourite amongst the teachers, scientists and theoretical enchanters. In every place of learning and knowledge, a statue of him has been erected, to bless that haven with good fortune. When new theorums and the like are being developed, sacrifices are made at his temple so as the knowledge they seek shall reveal itself.
Agriva, the Field Maiden, Goddess of Agriculture
Agriva is the Field Maiden. She tends to the fields of Illyria and is worshipped by farmers. The lands that have recieved her Blessings grow abundantly and are never touched by drought, frost or anything else that may damage crops. But beware, for if She is angered, then She will call her blight down upon the offender's land, and everything shall wither, until nothing is left alive and by nothing, I mean nothing.
Opivar, the Miser, God of Wealth
Opivar is the Miser, god of Wealth. He covets gold and other rare and expensive items of large value. Diamonds, rubies, lapis, you name and Opivar has it. He hoards his treasure and woe betide the fool who seeks to part him from it. For the very few people whom he gives a Blessing, they recieve tremendous wealth, equaled only by Emperors. He is prayed to by all who seek good fortune.
Madeia, the Empath, Goddess of Feelings and Emotion
Madeia is the Empath, the one who is most in tune with humanity. She feels all the emotions that we humans do. Joy, sadness, anger, lust, love and so on, all are felt by her. Those who seek to understand, those philosophers, whom wish to understand the most numerous vices of humanity, they are the ones who pray to her. The general populace tend to avoid her shrines, as the idea that a Goddess who is able to do more than see into their minds, but to their very souls, scares them. For She is the only to be able to fully understand humanity, who can both sympathise and persecute.
Zyneth, the Mystic One, God of Magic
Zyneth is the Mystic One, He of Esoteric truthes. All practitioners of magic pay heed to his teachings, for he is the Embodiment of all Magical knowledge. The Archsage Athos was one of Zyneth's Avatars. Athos didn't get to his level of power just by studying, after all. There are few priests of Zyneth's order, for it is said that all magic-users are His followers. The ones that are in the priesthood, however, are capable of creating tomes with ease and it is easy for them to work with blacksmiths to imbue weapons with magic or recharge such weapons by themselves.
Feaillere- The Illyrian Calendar
As nature on the continent of Maris prevails, there are still four seasons. The Illyrian Calendar was written by Adramelech herself after taking control of Dacia. Since then, her subjects have followed the Illyrian Calendar, known to Illyrians as the Feaillere. Figuring it was the most logical, Adramelech split each season into three months, as many other nations of Maris did.
Arragh (Spring)
Acelassi-(March) Averil-(April) Boalidyn-(May)
Souree (Summer)
Veanagh-(June) Vuigh-(July) Luanistyn-(August)
Fouyr (Fall/Autumn)
Meanfouyr-(September) Brumarel-(October) Sauin-(November)
Geurey (Winter)
Nollick-(December) Jerrigar-(January) Toshiaghtare-(February)
