[center][h2]The Thirteen Courts[/h2][/center]

[center][h3]Court of Alecsandri[/h3][/center]
The center of the northern Eye of the continent, nestled in the rolling hills between the mountains of Moldovia in the east, and the flat lowlands of Vlaicir and Mirceya in the west. Their central location and proximity to Kivhei- the mountain on which the capital of the Empire sits- makes them a crossroads, and thus they predominantly deal in trade, politics, and culture. They have relatively few resources of their own, but are often mediators and collectors and thus are able to get what they need. They the most urban of the Courts, often living in sprawling cities rather than sparse estates, with their humans living with them in servants’ quarters and laborer houses. Humans tend to be treated more as a commodity than as creatures by the Alecsandri.

In appearance, Alecsandri are often slight of build, dark-skinned, pale-haired, and pale-eyed. They often dress very ornately, considering they don't often have much movement or manual work to worry about their clothing getting in the way of. They tend to prefer vivid colors, particularly the blue of their banner, but though white and purple are also quite common.

Their banner is light blue and features a rearing white stag with the crescent moon resting on his back.


[center][h3]Court of Drahgess[/h3][/center]
Drahgess dominates the southern eye of the continent, occupying most of the mountains and southwestern coast of the region. Drahgess deals predominantly in metal and metalwork, putting their humans to work in the mines and smithing weapons and tools from the ores within. In the less mountainous areas, humans are put to work farming or logging, or given more domestic tasks. Drahgess has a habit of treating their humans reasonably well comparative to other Courts, having learned long ago that delicate tasks such as mining are easily sabotaged and no degree of fear will quell rebels with nothing to lose. Thus, humans are allowed to be more-or-less self-sufficient and self-governing so long as they obey the rules put forth. In exchange, vampires only take the voluntary as Companions and servants, and allow them to rule themselves.

Drahgess are commonly solid in build, with broad shoulders and sturdy muscles, typically toned by their time at the forge as well as time spent moving through the mountains and wilderness. Their hair is often black or dark red, though dark brown and shades of gray are also common. Their eyes are typically charcoal in color, gray or black. However, there are those born within the Court that have eyes burning red with fire; it is said that these vampires are the last of the bloodlines of dragons, and whether or not this is true, it is doubtless that the Fireborn have the ability to turn their bodies to fire, and a greater resistance to the sun. Only a couple Fireborn yet live in modern times.

The banner of Drahgess is black with a golden dragon forging a sword with its fire.


[center][h3]Court of Mirceya[/h3][/center]
Mirceya occupies the lands along the western coast of the continent, separated by lakes from Leonta and sharing the plains with Vlaicu to the north. Mirceya is considered the bread basket, its open space and warm, humid climate ideal for producing the vast majority of the Empire's grain and fruit. Due, perhaps, to their life of ease and luxury even compared to other Courts, Mirceya dedicate their time in nearly its entirety to vanity; it seems to work, as they are commonly considered the most beautiful. They are also a purely matriarchal Court, each clan ruled by a countess rather than a count, and always ruled by a queen. They tend to treat their humans well, but in the way that one would treat working cattle well; they rely on them for farming, but they are not entirely undependable.

Mirceya vampires are often fairly heavy-set and well-fed, with curves in all the right places. They tend to lack particular muscle definition- they don't need it- giving them perhaps a bit of a softer, rounder appearance than most others. Because of this, they are sometimes thought of as weak; this couldn't be farther from the truth. They are often golden-haired and copper-skinned, sometimes with freckles. Perhaps due to biology, perhaps due to exposure, but it seems that Mirceya are able to withstand a little more sun than other vampires. In clothing style, they often choose outfits that are seductive, strategically hiding or showing skin, and prefer to wear only the softest or most silken fabrics.

Their banner is golden background featuring a peacock with a spread tail made of wheat.


[center][h3]Court of Dimiris[/h3][/center]
The Court Dimiris makes their home predominantly in castles and fortresses in the rolling northern mountains, bordering the rolling tundras of Vlaicir to the west and south, and the lowland forests of Cosovei to the east. Dimiris is first and foremost known as a Court made of warriors; they prefer to consider themselves honorable knights, though at times it has seemed that they are more mercenaries than anything. Their role, after all, is to serve as fighting forces and enforcers for other Courts where necessary, though they can be commended in that they only take contracts which they feel are morally sound. Because they hold themselves to a high standard, the humans under their command are not treated outright cruelly, though Dimiris expect absolute obedience and therefore any dissenters or problem causers are met with swift and definitive punishment.

Large in stature; muscular; blood-red hair.


[center][h3]Court of Arcari[/h3][/center]
live on the southeastern islands; secretive and will do anything in pursuit of knowledge. Particularly skilled and knowledgeable about alchemy and potion-making.

typically small and narrow in figure, without much defined musculature. Usually have curly, wild dark-colored hair.


[center][h3]Court of Vlaicir[/h3][/center]
live on the tundra in the northwest. Arrogant, power-hungry, and greedy. Known for being quite underhanded.

small in build, with very pale hair and light, grayish skin, reflective of the snowy lands they come from.


[center][h3]Court of Valdescu[/h3][/center]
southeastern forests, sharing most of their border with Drahgess. Most of their social structure is based off of wolves, with which they are very close; many live alongside them and consider them family. Thus, marriage and family loyalty are a big deal to the Valdescu.

muscular, typically fit, and fairly large in stature. Often have wild, untamed hair coming in earthy shades of red, auburn, and brown. The ruling families have the ability to take the shape of wolves.


[center][h3]Court of Moldovia[/h3][/center]
live in the forested mountains along the east coast of the continent. Known as the ultimate hunters, and most are trophy and sport hunters. Much of their jewelry and ornamentation consists of trophies of their hunts, and they have a tendency to go after dangerous, rare beasts and raise the orphaned offspring of their prey as pets and trophies.

vary quite a bit in size and stature, but typically have a lean, muscular figure built for durability and stealth. Tend to dress utilitarian, including keeping their hair either short or in tight braids pinned so that don't get in the way.


[center][h3]Court of Cosovei[/h3][/center]
live in the lowland forests and meadows in the northeast. Known to be stubborn and unchanging; a smaller Court in terms of raw numbers, but very powerful. Often wise and clever, and carefully consider all options before making decisions. Considered stubborn and slow-acting by others.

typically quite large in stature, and dark-skinned and dark-haired.


[center][h3]Court of Maromir[/h3][/center]
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[center][h3]Court of Lunari[/h3][/center]
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[center][h3]Court of Leonta[/h3][/center]
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[center][h3]Court of Ioveanu[/h3][/center]
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