[center] [b][u]Other Cultures[/u][/b] [hider=Elven Imperium] [b][u]Of the Elven Imperium and of Elves[/u][/b] To the north east of Formaroth is the continent of Beilokias which is controlled by the Elven Imperium. Beilokias has a warm, arid climate, similar to the Middle East of today, and is roughly, half the size of Formaroth. The citizens of the Elven Imperium are almost entirely made up of an Elven populace. However, the populace of slaves in Beilokias is much more diverse, and consists of various races from across the known world. There is much speculation among the common people of the appearance of Elves, and many folk-tales tell very different, and conflicting views. Elves are actually dark, blue skinned, with pointed ears, and long-stretched, angular faces. Their hands have three fingers, and are more like claws than fingers. Most elves are shorter than humans by around 30cm. The Elven Imperium is the only other continent that interacts with Formaroth on a notable level. This is on a minimum level, compared to how much the Imperium interacts with other continents. The level of trade has greatly decreased ever since slavery was made illegal in Formaroth, as the Elven culture relies heavily on slavery. Other than slaves, there is very little in the terms of valuable goods within Formaroth that are worth crossing the vast sea that separates Formaroth from Beilokias. Even so, most owners of the few good’s that may interest an Elven trader (such as dwarven metal) are reluctant to part with them, due to the high demand, and the pretty coin the item would turn in any of Formaroth’s cities. [i][b]Elven Imperium[/b][/i] [u][b]Location[/b][/u] The Elven Imperium is located on the continent of Beilokias. Beilokias is located to the north-east of Formaroth. [u][b]Crest[/b][/u] A Blue flag with the emblem of the Elven hierarchy on top (Emperor, Patricians, Priesthood, Equestrians, Commoners, Slaves) [u][b]Relations with other Kingdoms[/b][/u] The Elven Imperium’s status with near all other civilizations is either one of hostility, or animosity. This is due to the Elven Imperium’s constant invasions against different continents, or their harsh treatment of civilizations they have already conquered. Formaroth is the only nation which is an exception to this rule. After the Imperium’s decision to invade, and conquer Formaroth ended in a colossal failure, the senate of the Imperium believed that future invasions of Formaroth would be far too costly. After all the original invasion resulted in a war that lasted forty-eight years, and cost the lives of over 500,000 elven soldiers (five times more than the number of Human soldiers killed). Not to mention the invasion almost bankrupted the Imperium. As a result, the animosity between Formaroth, and the Imperium slowly died down over the years, and the two nations now share neutral relations. [u][b]Political Structure[/b][/u] Beilokias is under complete control of the Imperium, and unlike Formaroth, it is not made up of separate kingdoms. The Emperor/Empress, and the senate have complete control over the empire, and no one dares to question, or disobey their commands. The senate is made up of Patricians who elect an emperor, or empress, once the previous one dies. Social class is extremely important in the Elven Imperium, and people are always judged by their social class before all else, depending on what class, also decides what job, and lifestyle one can lead. The only way in which people can improve their standing in society is by marrying into a class above them, a task which is extremely difficult to do. Slaves are often treated extremely poorly, though slaves owned by members of the Equestrian class are usually treated with some level of decency; most slaves are owned by members of the Patricians class, who treat their slaves cruelly, and sadistically. Slaves are mostly made up of other species but they are also made up of Elven criminals. The priesthood is very different from the rest of Elven society; they are made up entirely of Elven Mages, and lead humble, peaceful lives, devoting it entirely to learning more about the world, and developing their magical skill. [u][b]Kingdom's Main Export of Goods[/b][/u] The Elven Imperium has a vast empire spanning continents, and as a result, they possess a massive trading network. The Elves import mass amounts of food, materials, tools, ornaments, etc from the nations it has control over. [b][u]Description of Beilokias[/u][/b] Beilokias is a continent with a climate similar to South America, jungle-like, hot and humid; it has a similar climate regardless of where you are. Beilokias has very varied terrain, as a vast amount of the land is either comprised of jungle or farmland. The continent is also home to several mountain ranges, swamps, and inland lakes and lagoons. The flora and wildlife of Beilokias is extremely different to Formaroth with much of the vegetation being Giant Fungi and moss rather than trees and grass. [b][u]Description of Elves[/u][/b] Elves are dark blue skinned with pointed ears and long stretched faces. Their hands have three fingers, and are more like claws than fingers. Most elves are shorter than humans by around 30cm. Elves live much longer than humans; the average lifespan of an elf is 210 years. However they also mature slower and do not reach adulthood until 30. Elves are known for their intelligence and wisdom as well as their skill in magic. They are also known to be very prideful and boastful, often looking down of other species and cultures. Those of the upper classes will go to great lengths to show off their social class. Elven architecture is difficult to describe as it is different to any other human civilization that exists in Formaroth to date. The best way to describe it would be a cross between Aztec and medieval Persian architecture. Despite only being half the size of Formaroth, the Elven Imperium is densely populated and has up to seven cities within its land (while Formaroth only has five). [hider=Important Characters] [hider=Empress Sarya Xilxina] [b]Name[/b]: Empress Sarya Xilxina [b]Age[/b]: 167 [b]Gender[/b]: Female [b]Position[/b]: Empressof the Imperium [/hider] [hider=Prince Cillotah Xilzina] Name: Prince Cillotah Xilzina Age: 66 Gender: Male Position: 3rd prince of the Imperium [/hider] [hider=High General Neldor Valur] Name: High General Neldor Valur Age: 176 Gender: Male Sexual Orientation: Hetrosexual Position: High general of the imperium Personality: Calm, respectable, calculating, inquizitive, extremely intelligent, charismatic, respectful Weaknesses: - Arrogant; while not as arrogant as most high ranking elves, Neldor is somewhat overconfident in his abilities - Xenophopic; Like most elves Neldor believes in the purity of his race and believes all other species to be lesser. At the very least he does have the capacity to admire certain traits of species and even individuals of other races. Appearance: Dark blue aging skin (darker than most elves), golden amber eyes, long shoulder length white hair tied back, taller than most elves, Background: The eldest child of the Valur family, Neldor was trained in the art of war since he was only ten years old. Since he was 20 he spent his time perfecting his ‘art’ acting as a general in conflicts against the Vogani tribes and skirmishes against the sovereignty. Eventually the senate took note of his skill and with permission from the empresses made him one of the three high generals of the imperium. From there he successfully defended Shingseng from a sovereignty invasion despite being outnumbered. After observing how vital the Mao military was in helping repel the Sa Yuta invasion force Neldor gained a respect for the Mao uncommon in other high ranking elves. After his heroic victory over the sovereignty’s forces (who were delivered a crushing defeat) it was decided that he would lead the imperium’s forces against the people of Seikatsu Neldor is noted for not only being a master strategist and tactician but also an extremely charming and charismatic man within the court. Despite his families relatively low status he was able to marry a woman of a far higher social status even before gaining the title of High General. Skills: Grandmaster Strategist, Master Tactician, Multi language (Elven; fluent, Seikatsu; Fluent; Sa Yuta; Fluent, Mao; Fluent, Formaroth; adept), expert artist, expert politician, expert leader, adept swordsman [/hider] [hider=Revalor Elian] Name: Revalor Elian Age: 74 Gender: Male Sexual Orientation: Hetrosexual Position: General Personality: Charming, formal, arrogant, sly, ambitious Weaknesses: - Overconfident: Revalor is believes his military skills to be far greater than they really are and deludes himself into thinking he can prove himself a worthy rival of Neldor. - Xenophobic: Like most elves Revalor has a strong sense of elven superioity over other species and as such continually underestimates them. Appearance: Blue skin, Long braided well groomed black hair, fine clothes conforming to the current fashion sense in the imperium Background: A member of the well respected Elian family Revalor has long represented their interests within the elven courts. He is an extremely savvy and skilled politician whose name is common place within the senate. However his true dream has always been to become a famous general of the imperiums army. To this end, he has spent much of his time reading about the tactics and strategies of previous great generals and comanders (though he has little talent or experience of it himself). Once the invasion into Seikatsu was announced to the court, Revalor pulled every string he could to get himself a position within the military’s command chain. So that he may live out his dream and commanded the armies of the imperium against its enemies. Skills: Master politician, Adept economist, Multi-language (Elven; Fluent, Sa Yuta; Fluent, Mao; Expert, Seikatsu; Adept), Apprentice strategist, Apprentice Tactician [/hider] [hider=Kolvar Moorlas] Name: Kolvar Moorlas Age: 120 Gender: Male Sexual Orientation: Hetrosexual Position: Arch Sorcerer Personality: Dramatic, ‘larger than life’, charming, adventurous, egalitarian regarding other species Weaknesses: A weakness for flair: Kolvar often enjoys showing off his talents more than he does being practical, leading him to often toy with his enemies rather than finish them off straight away. Normally this isn’t a problem due to his immense power, however it would only take one slip up for a well placed dagger or arrow to find its way into his heart. Hedonistic lifestyle: Unlike most of the other arch sorcerers, Kolvar lives a life full of material pleasures and enjoyment. He has a great love of alcohol, pipe smoke and woman (of numerous different species). Such vices could be exploited as a weakness. Background: One of the ten arch sorcerers in the imperium and considered the fourth most powerful magic user in Beliokias. During his childhood Kolvar, despite having little interest in his studies, learnt magic with little to no effort. At the imperium academy he focused primarily on destruction magic of which he soon outclassed even his own teachers. He was granted the rank of Sorcerer at the age of 35, the youngest sorcerer in the imperiums history. Many of his teachers claimed that if he focused on his studies Kolvar could potentially have been the most powerful magic user in the imperium. After he was granted the title of sorcerer Kolvar left the academy to explore the world. Through his interactions with the numerous natives he met Kolvar gained a respect for other species not common in most elves. During one of his many adventures Kolvar encountered a young poor orphaned elven girl called Keya who Kolvar decided to take care of. In was soon discovered that she had a particular talent for magic leading Kolvar to believe their meeting was fate, taking her under his wing as a mentor and training her in the ways of destruction magic. Kolvar partook in defending Shingseng from the Sa Yuta’s invasion and became acquainted with High General Neldor. Kolvar’s sheer destructive power did significant damage against the Sa Yuta armies and Neldor being impressed with the mages power requested he be made an Arch sorcerer and later asked him to join the Seikatsu invasion. Skills: Grand Master destruction, Master alteration, Expert summoning, Adept illusion, Adept leader, Multi language (can speak all of the most common world languages fluently) [/hider] [hider=Keya Mirel] Name: Keya Mirel Age: 60 Gender: Female Sexual Orientation: Hetrosexual Position: Sorcerer Personality: Headstrong, driven, Idealistic, Loyal to Kolvar, kind, egalitarian regarding other species Weaknesses: Romantically interested in Kolvar: while she has never admitted it Keya has an attraction to her mentor and oldest friend Kolvar. Despite accepting that Kolvar does not, and will not reciprocate these feelings he is still one of her weaknesses nevertheless. Stubborn: Once she has her sights set on a goal it is unlikely she will ever be deterred from it. While this can be seen as a strength it can also act against better reasoning. Background: Native to eastern Beilokias Keya was orphaned at a young age, leaving her to fend for herself in the harsh poverty stricken region she lives. Much of her early life was spent surviving and keeping herself out of the hands of slavers. She was eventually found by Kolvar Moorlas who took her in and cared for her. Shortly afterwards she discovered that she had an innate ability to use magic. Kolvar trained her in the art of destruction magic and eventually took her to the imperial academy where she flourished, even gaining the title of Sorcerer. Keya decided to join Kolvar in the invasion of Seikatsu serving as his second in command. Skills: Master destruction magic, expert alteration magic, apprentice blood magic, master pickpocket, expert free running, adept leader. [/hider] [/hider] [/hider] [/center] [center] [hider=Avem] [b][u]Background[/u][/b] The Avem are a Avian humanoid species that occupies the beautiful mountainous country of Caelum. Before the Elven invasion the Avem civilization was well known for it's art, music and culture. The Avem are a peaceful people and rarely fight; most wars that the Avem have been involved in have been started by a opposing faction with the Avem merely fighting in self defense. The Avem inhabit large stone cities that have been carved into the side of mountain ranges. Unlike most other civilizations where the population is spread across the continent via towns and villages, almost the entire Avem population lives in one of the 7 massive cities that are dotted across the continent. However this changed over two hundred years ago when the Elven Imperium invaded. The country of Caelum was the first location that the Elven Imperium successfully conquered. The Elves arrive in full force completely overwhelming the unprepared Avem and crushing their forces in all three open field battles. The Avem then retreated to their cities hoping to wait out the Elven invaders with little success. Though the capital of Montem Roma was able to repel three attempted sieges, all of the six other cities fell shortly after there sieges began. Once the rest of Caelum had been occupied the Elven forces surrounded Montem Roma for a massive assault. King Teberius of Caelum decided that it would be impossible to win against such numbers and surrendered the capital to the Imperium. Now that Imperium has complete control of Caelum the Avem civilization is a shadow of what it used to be. The Avem monarchy was executed and the continent was put under direct control of the Elven Imperium, dictating very harsh laws over the Avem people. Every first born child is taken from their family and forced to work in the Imperium as a slave for the entirety of his or her's life. Avem's who break the law are treated harshly and are often punished with either execution or forced into slavery. Near all of the profit made in Caelum is given directly to the Elven Imperium resulting in most 'free' Avem's living in poverty. In response to this ruthless dictatorship various of freedom fighters have emerged over the Caelum countryside, hoping one day to free it's people from the Imperium. [b][u]Appearance[/u] [/b] The Avem are completely covered covered in feathers with high density of them located on their back and arms. Instead of hands and feet they have taloned claws; three large talons on their feet and four small talons on their hands. They have a large curved peak and males have crest of feathers on the top of their head. They are smaller than humans and a average Avem is shoulder height to a average human female. The colour of Avem's feather depends highly on their genetics and the colour of their parents is the determining factor. If two parents of different colours were to breed then the child would end up with a mixture. [/hider] [hider=Máoróngrōng (Mao)] [u]Background[/u] The Máoróngrōng (or more commonly known as Mao) are a feline humanoid species that inhabit the country of Shingseng. Mao culture and architecture are very similar to that of feudal china as is the climate and geography of Shingseng. Before the Elven invasion the Mao were a rich in both culture and economy and were well known for their intelligence. They were pioneers in technology and such inventions as fireworks, porcelain and even basic cannons all originate from the original Mao society. The Mao were ruled over either by a king or queen that was elected in by their countries council (made up of numerous high-ranking nobles). Shingseng was conquered by the imperium two hundred years ago and was invaded simultaneously alongside Caelum. While the Avem of Caelum were crushed by the overwhelming Elven forces, the Mao resisted the imperium for near two decades, being able to match the Elven army on both land and by sea. However, they were eventually unable to hold back the increasing onslaught of elven soldiers and had few ways to counter the imperium’s magic. As a result, the Mao were conquered by the Imperium. While the imperium has complete control Shingseng, the Mao still retain a lot of their culture and have more freedom than the Avem. While their royal line was executed the Imperium still lets the Mao keep their council and even allow them to maintain a small militia force (though both are heavily restricted by the Imperium). While the Mao nobility enjoys greater freedom than most, the peasantry still suffers greatly under imperium rule, with most of their wealth going to the Imperium. Mao who are caught breaking the law are either sentenced to slavery or executed harshly. While the ‘freed’ Mao have a few luxuries to cherish, the Mao slaves are just as unfortunate as any other imperium slave often treated inhumanely and brutally. As a result, many of the rebel cells spread across the imperium are led by Mao leaders. Furthermore, many Mao refugees evacuated to the continent of Alang Sa where the Sa Yuta took them in willingly. There the Mao help the Sa Yuta by building them weapons made from gunpowder in the hope that they may one day take back their home from the Elven invaders. The mao share the country along with giants, a peaceful semi-intelligent species identified by their long hair (which covers their bodies), horned heads and huge size (14 feet). Many of these peaceful giants have been turned into ruthless, mindless warbeasts by the Elves. [u]Appearance[/u] [hider=example of Mao] [img]https://i.imgur.com/CZCdWZh.jpg?1[/img] [/hider] Even before the Elven Imperium conquest over their lands, Máoróngrōng, or Mao as they are called, have practiced status breeding for generations. This has created a distinct division of their people into one of two stations: the nobles and peasantry. All have characteristics of Asian region cats, either wild or domesticated, but their appearance depends heavily on which station the individual resides in. Those once apart of the nobility class has more domesticate or small wild cat features since they rarely worked the fields, toiled in hunting, or other harsh tasks. Meanwhile, the peasantry were larger wild cats like leopards and tigers whose features lacked the delicate ability of the nobility since as writing, appearing not intimidating, etc. Since being conquered by the Elven Imperium, the differences between the two lineages has grown larger. The Mao have been bred based purely on their master’s whims from living decoration to manual labor in the cleared jungles. [/hider] [hider=Ոգի/Vogani] The Ոգի (more commonly known as Vogani) are a reptilian humanoid species that inhabit the country of Ihathi. The Vogani are a tribal based society and inhabit the rainforests or marshes that cover Ihathi. The Vogani are viewed as primitive by other cultures as they still use stone tools and live in small wooden huts. Despite this they have a very complex written language that they often carve into the side of mountains or trees. [u]Relations with other Kingdoms[/u] The Vogani have very few interactions with other species as they rarely travel outside of their clan’s land, let alone outside of Ihathi. This changed in the year 456 AR when the Elven Imperium invaded Ihathi. Initially the elves’ invasion was very successful, with the only resistance coming from a handful of tribes that inhabited the mountainous terrain of western Ihathi. However, the Vogani clans put aside their differences to fight against their common enemy. Now that the Vogani are a unified force the Elves have been unable to gain any more land. The harsh terrain and constant guerrilla attacks by the Vogani warriors have been major hinderances in the Imperium’s invasion. Currently the western mountain range is under the Imperium control, with neither side seeming to be able to gain any more ground. [u]Description of Vogani[/u] The Vogani have rough thick scales and have numerous spikes over their backs and heads. Vogani appearances vary greatly depending on their gender. Alpha females are around 2 meters tall and are considerably stronger and bigger than all other Vogani. Only around 1% of Vogani are alpha females. Males make up around 30% of a tribe’s population and can be identified their horned heads, spiked tails, and large build in comparison to the normal females. The rest of the Vogani population are the females who can very easily be identified by their head crest. [hider=Example of Vogani Male] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/736x/bb/48/0f/bb480fea199389cedccd9cb8ddf7b655--fantasy-creatures-mythological-creatures.jpg[/img] [/hider] [u]Tribal Structure[/u] Each Vogani tribe is led by an Alpha female who the rest of the tribe will follow with unquestioning loyalty. The Alpha female is not only stronger than other Vogani, but also are responsible for giving birth to all the clan’s offspring, often giving birth to twenty children at a time. Alpha females fight each other to determine who should led the clan with the victor being deemed the strongest. These fights are usually to the death. The next person in the Clan’s hierarchy is the ‘Clan champion’. The champion is the strongest warrior in the tribe and is responsible with keeping the clan and the Alpha female safe. After the champion is the village shaman who is responsible for healing the clan’s sickness and wounds. She is also the leader member of the clan’s spirituality and is responsible for the clan’s mages. Shamans are often mages. After the shaman comes the warriors. All male Vogani become warriors and are responsible for hunting, scouting and keeping the clan safe. Finally, are the females who fill out all other roles in the tribe. Though these females can breed their offspring are weaker than offspring born of an alpha female. As a result, females will only give birth if the tribe loses their alpha female. [/hider] [hider=The Fu] [u]Background[/u] The Fu are a short humanoid race that inhabits the Emerald Isles. They are renowned for being extremely gifted at magic and unlike other species every Fu can use magic. They also live extremely long lifetimes with some Fu surviving for more than a thousand years. However, the Fu also by far have the smallest population of all species with theirs only being just over a couple hundred. The Fu all live in the grand and tall palace of Qasr that is located at the centre of the Emerald Isles. Due to its strange architecture and humongous towers many people deem the palace to be ‘strange’ and ‘bewildering’. If not for the Fu’s magic it likely wouldn’t even exist and collapse under its own weight. The Fu are currently slaves of the Elven Imperium after the Fu chose to submit to them before the Imperium even invaded. However, unlike most slaves living in the Imperium the Fu are treated with care and respect. Many Fu still live in the Emerald Isles and have no direct master. Despite this the Fu still have no freedom of their own and must obey the Imperium’s demands. The Fu have been a key factor in developing the Imperium’s magic and many of the advancements made in Elven magic are owed to the Fu (not that the Imperium would ever admit it). The Fu are ruled over by a council of twelve ‘Guardians’. These Guardians are the oldest, wisest and most powerful of all the Fu. No Elven or Human mage has even come close to matching the power of a single Fu Guardian and even the Imperium is wary of their power. These Guardians are held in the highest regard by their people and they hold all knowledge of the Fu’s history. Much of which is kept a secret from all, including their own people. [u]Appearance[/u] The Fu are a short and stout people (only being half the size of a human) with sharp small faces. They have completely black skin and three pairs of dark eyes. The Fu also have extremely long, narrow thin ears and are considered by many to be a bizarre looking race. [/hider] [hider=Sa Yuta] The Sa Yuta are a humanoid species that inhabits the far eastern continent of Alang Sa. The Riogail sovereignty are currently the second most powerful civilization in the known world. Crest A blue and green shield with the Symbol of the Sa Yuta on it: ች Relations with other Kingdoms Before the Imperium’s invasion of Shingseng, the Sa Yuta had very close relations with the Máoróngrōng. After the Imperium conquered Shingseng, the Sa Yuta took in many of the Mao refugees, although many of the Mao are bitter that the Sa Yuta didn’t help them during the war. As expected the Riogail Sovereignty are on very bitter terms with the Elven Imperium and many believe that a war between the two nations may soon occur. As a result, the Sa Yuta have been secretly delivering weapons and armour to the Vogani to assist them in their war against the Imperium. The Sovereignty also used to have close relations with them Avem but due to numerous disagreements and falling outs between the two nations royalty, all diplomatic ties were cut. The Imperium took advantage of this and decided to invade the Avem shortly after the Sovereignty pulled their defensive pact with the Avem. The Sovereignty have next to no interactions with either Formaroth or Seikastsu. Political Structure The entire political structure of the Riogail Sovereignty is ruled by its royal family. From birth it’s royalty are taught how to rule effectively and efficiently. The older the member of the royal family the more power they control with the ruling monarch either being a king or a queen. Alang Sa is divided up into numerous different regions, each one being overseen by a different member of the royalty. Depending on the regions importance depends on which royal family member governs it. The more important regions are governed by the members that are closest to inherit the throne while the least important regions are governed by members that have little claim to the throne. The Sovereignty has a unified state army that is under complete control of the royal family. Description of Alang Sa Alang Sa is the largest continent in the known world and it’s the geography and terrain varies greatly depending on the region. In many ways it is like Formaroth, however there a number of biomes located in Aland Sa that are alien to Formaroth and visa versa. Description of Sa Yuta The Sa Yuta are a humanoid species that shares a similar facial structure with that of Humans. Their skin is a light purple and they have a unique head crest. Their hair is often long and braided and depending on how a Sa Yuta braids their hair will signify which region of Alang Sa they come from. [hider=Example of Sa Yuta] [img]http://orig05.deviantart.net/a9c9/f/2012/075/9/9/my_wife__s_tali_zorah_redesign_in_3d_by_nebezial-d4szlc0.jpg[/img] [/hider] The Sa Yuta are kind and noble people that are quick to make allies. However, they are also a proud and stubborn race and believe that their way of life is ‘the correct way’ to live, often trying to force their culture on others. Due to Alang Sa being such a large and diverse continent the culture of the Sa Yuta can vary greatly depending on what region they are living in. [/hider] [/center]