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Journeying to the Eastern Darklands is never an easy feat, but all travelers seeking out Nocturnus must pass through the Kelra Labyrinths. Leagues upon leagues of twisting stone pathways spell certain doom for most who enter, and are heavily guarded by the Minotaur race. Stoic, proud, ruthless, and tireless, the Minotaurs reside in tribal fortresses while not prowling the dizzying curves of the maze. Shown above is the Great Ram Valx and two members of his tribe outside their fortress along the acid river Zalkzys.
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A long held tradition during the Summer Festival is the telling of tales. A favorite among Darwynians is the legend of Fortune's Spring. Hidden deep within the forest, shielded from normal sight by magic, is the final resting place of the Druid Maric. His life's goal was to master Alchemy. This he did, but sadly, at the cost of his own life. Though nothing remains of Mari but bones, the power of his final enchantments continue to produce pure gold. As is customary for Alchemists, he was entombed in lead, thus amply feeding the powerful magic. The legend says the fountain gives forth a King's fortune in coins, ingots, and bars. However, none have ever claimed to find it, and many Darwynian youths have been lost in the great forests attempting to locate its vast riches. -From the Book - "Darwynia: A History" by Jarr Darwyn -
Darwynia Summer Festival Day 1 - The Soothsayer
Jason Cicchini posted a topic in Guilds of Historica
Farming and Agriculture provide much for the province of Darwynia, and so each Summer a grand celebration sweeps through the land. One of the oldest traditions is widely acknowledged, but rarely spoken of: A visit with the Soothsayer. On the border of the forest Darwynia shares with Benoic, just out of sight from the casual traveler, sits an ancient and dilapidated wagon. It has been converted over what looks like centuries into a ramshackle dwelling, where the Soothsayer herself resides. Women of all the villages in Darwynia gather their boys and girls at least once before their tenth birthday, and travel to see her. For the first three days of Summer they wait for her to choose only ten children. She then reads their fortunes, and commands the children never to speak of what they hear to anyone. Her motivation behind the chosen are unclear, but all have gone on to become notable members of society, royalty, even legend; both beloved and notorious. It is a widely accepted rumor that the Soothsayer once read the fortune of the Mage Talonmere, and his reaction was...less than pleased. The forest area around her shack is rumored to be rich with magical objects and plants. Notable warriors have journeyed to request gifts and blessings from her, but she is known to refuse often. Despite her youthful appearance, the tradition of seeking the Soothsayer has a long legacy. She is never seen in public, and only emerges from her dwelling for the three mornings she ritualistically chooses. Her only companion is a toad named Lorr. It is said he speaks on her behalf in the Human tongue, negotiating the Choosing and other private audiences with her. -From the Book "Darwynia: A History" by Jarr Darwyn -
Darwynia: The Emerald Province A. Places: (By Population) Darwyn City (Capitol) Chamber's Pass Armetria Hartshearth Colm B. Society & Culture 1. Society: Uses Cedrica standard Daric as legal tender Balanced Class system: Royalty/Soldiers, Merchants/Artisans, and Farmers Mostly forest and farmland Close relationships with neighboring countries 2. Culture: Strong bond to the Elf tribes of the Mystic Isles Seasonal Feasts celebrating Harvest, Moon Goddess, Sun God, and a few other Eleven Deities Magic is common, but most concentrated around Darwyn City and Armetria where Schools of Magic are located Due to the presence of many Magical Artisans and Craftsmen, Darwynia is a veritable treasure trove for Traders and Merchants in need of Magical Artifacts. For example, it is the only known place in Avalonia where Elven Staves or other weapons can be purchased. (However authenticity can often be suspect.) 3. Ruling Class: (pictured above: Kelperth Darwyn and Kollin Shyre) Though barely more than 3 generations old, the Darwynian royal family has accrued much acclaim in its time. The House of Darwyn officially began with Kerrel Darwyn and Solande Darwyn (nee Calla) and their three sons: Jarr (Deceased) - Married to Meldre Sora (Deceased), Father of Kelperth Celene - Wife to Kiellan Shyre (Deceased), Mother of Kollin and Morian Taniel - Youngest son, in care of Celene, shows signs of extreme Magical Ability Unfortunately, both Lord Jarr and Lady Meldre were assassinated in Kelperth's twenty second year, despite the attempts of their Captain of the Guard, Kiellan Shyre. The same assassins took his life; Princess Celene refused Ladyship and took her seven year old brother Taniel into her care, fleeing with him and her young daughter Morian to the family stronghold in Hartshearth. Kelperth assumed leadership of the province despite the expected attempts of murder, and with the help of his best friend Kollin Shyre, rooted out the corruption in the nobility. He named Kollin the Captain of the Royal Guard soon after, and quickly became a very popular Lord. In their early youth, they both insisted on being sent for the rigorous training under Symilla Tenbris at the Soldier Academy in Armetria. It honed Kel's already advanced strategizing skills, forged bonds with the soldiers he would later lead, and gave him a deep appreciation for Democracy. As part of the Soldier Academy's service tour, Kel and Koll traveled to the Darwynian Embassy in the Mystic Isles. While there, they saved the life of then Princess, later Queen, of the Elves. In gratitude she gifted the two friends with magic rings, allowing them to know exactly where the other was at all times, and protection from harm when they were far apart. As of the beginning of Book Two, Kel has served as Lord of Darwynia for 8 years, and is 30 years old. Kollin is 29. 4. The Council of Green: (Pictured left to right) Gwynn Kobold (Mistress of Sorcery) Sir Korj Delbrin (Huntmaster and weapons supplier) Quill Portleaf (Head of Merchant's Guild) Frisk Thurber (Master of Spies) Kage Slytehand (Commissioner of Banking) The Council of Green are the elected officials of each major contribution to the prosperity of Darwynia, and use their considerable influence and constant proximity to Lord Darwyn to aid their duties. 5. Army of Darwynia: Aside from Farming and Artisanry, the Army is a popular occupation among its residents. Led by Sir Kollin Shyre, soldiers of Darwynia are heavily trained in the art of war and educated by learned scholars. Areas of study include battle tactics and fighting skills, Math, Science, Trade Philosophy, and Magic for those who show the talent. Battalions are split up according to highest proficiency. Axemen Archers, led by Capt. Illym Felnyrr Swordsmen Mounted Knights, led by Sir Kollin Shyre 6. Heroes of Darwynia: With many of the countries in Avalonia, legends are easy to come across, and Darwynia is no exception. Tales of several Darwynians have traveled all over Historica, the most well known are listed below. Sharra Foxpaw and Dornir Threeleaves While claiming to be hunters of Fortune and Bounty, this duo has been involved in almost every major adventure in recent Darwynian history, including the Quest for the Crystal of Earth, the Battle of the Drow, and many others. Legend states they met in the Mystic Isles, but beyond that not much is known about them, or why they are always seen together. The story of their quest for the Earth Crystal can be found here: Chapter 1 - Greetings on the Road Chapter 2 - At the Blind Monk Chapters 3 & 4 - Busted! and The Mage Talonmere Chapter 5 - the Council of Leaders Chapter 6 - the Earth Crystal Chapter 7 - Elisa's Story The Mage Talonmere Perhaps the most well known person in Darwynia is the ageless mage Talonmere. His massive observatory home lies in the hilly forests along the Darwynia/Benoic border, and has been visited by very few people. One of the original students of the Druid Order's magical academy in the Mystic Isles, and highly trained as a potential Guardian of the Earth Crystal, Talonmere is by far the most adept and learned mystic scholar in Darwynia. He has aided both Sharra and Dornir in the Quest for the Earth Crystal, and the Royal Army in the Battle of Viktor Revelword and the Battle of the Drow. However, his connection to Elisa Vanden, one of the "decoy" Earth Crystal Guardians, has called his motives and true loyalties into question. Still, his long standing friendship to the royal family has so far proven enough of a credential, and he continues to reside in the province of Darwynia as of Book Two. He has been recently rumored to be traveling with Sharra and Dornir again, though what they seek this time is unknown. Hock Bradley Notorious for insatiable appetites for food, drink, and women, Hock spent much of his young adulthood as a muscle-for-hire mercenary. His amazing strength and endurance are said to be blessings bestowed upon him in childhood by an unknown mage. His golden hair was its first sign, and at age six he could already lift over 400 lbs. While never directly involved in any illegal activity, he has been known to associate with "unsavory" individuals, and was once employed as a bodyguard by Vikdar Brommel, the Log Baron. Hock has been sighted traveling with Sharra and Dornir's small party through the countryside of Darwynia as of the beginning of Book Two. The Gentleman Originally from Nocturnus, the Gentleman traveled to Antyria during the events of Book One. There, he set up a lucrative network of espionage, dealing in valuable secrets and information. It is rumored nobility all across Historica have sought out his services, though none would ever admit to it. He has wheedled his way into Sharra and Dornir's group despite much protest. Although he only recently made himself known, he revealed that he had been following since they acquired the Earth Crystal decoy in Anytria weeks before. He shows a particular interest in Talonmere, and has hinted he is the real reason the Gentleman wishes to "tag along for the journey." When asked about his physiology, the Gentleman vehemently declares he is an "undead person." This is magically possible, and his complete lack of need for food or sleep seems to support this claim. A penchant for ferreting out people's secrets, an inhuman lack of fatigue, and boosted speed are his only noticeable magical abilities; however more may lay in wait. Kliss Undergrath In even the brightest places, there are shadows. Such is with the Avalonia Assassin's Guild. Kliss grew up as an orphan on the streets of Armetria, and quickly learned to pickpocket to survive. She shied away from other thieves, preferring to work alone. Her pyromantic abilities were noticed by a merchant she was attempting to rob, who was unknowingly a member of the AAG. He took her in, became her tutor, and trained her to be a ruthless and deadly weapon. She was conscripted by Sir Kollin Shyre during the brief invasion of the Drow, and charged with removing their leaders to cause chaos among the forces. She was successful, and returned to hiding once her payment was received. Her current whereabouts are unknown. 7. The Minor Heroes of Darwynia: There are heroes perceived as Gods with superhuman abilities, and then there are some not so larger than life. These people of import have all accomplished great tasks, and while their feats have also been sung about by the bards, they remain humble and reside closely to those they protect. (pictured left to right) Jaysin Kole - Royal Cartographer, Scribe, and Bard Derrick Torg - Royal Army Butcher and Cook Joel Hendricksson - Royal Pageboy Britten Tallow - Royal Mage Lieutenant Nox - Soldier, Scouting Master 8. Current Events: At the beginning of Book Two, Darwynia had been largely spared much of the devastation inflicted by the Revelword Conflict. This soon changed when the Black Spire emerged. Nocturnus was thrown into Civil War, and the other three Guilds' efforts were thusly divided between rebuilding their homelands and assisting their comrades. Lord Kelperth sent Kollin Shyre and a small detachment of the Royal Army to the Kelra Labyrinths, hoping to enlist the aide of several Minotaur tribes. (pictured above: Felm Linder and Kollin Shyre with the Minotaur Tribe's highest ranking members) Soon after the Civil War had quieted, Drow forces suddenly attacked and occupied a significant portion of Avalonia, and Darwynia was among the many countries to effected. Kollin, having won the respect and loyalty of the tribes by wrestling each of their leaders (or Bucks,) convinced them to return with him to Darwynia. Together with the Royal Army they decimated the Drow forces. Lord Kelperth and the Council of Green honored the Minotaur Tribes, and they in turn promised safe passage for Darwynians through the endless mazes of their homeland.