Witchblade
02-06-07, 06:51 PM
This is in progress; make sure to check back for updates. Also, there is a lot of information in here so it’s broken up to make it easier for you to find what you need. Know that you need not read all of this in order to role-play in the region. This is here for your reference if you need more than the basic information.
I) The Region as a whole
II) Climate
III) Fiorair and it’s capitol Suthainn
IV) The Port City of Talmhaidh
V) Luthmor and it’s capitol Donnalaich
VI) The Draconians
VII) The Ceann Cath
VIII) Fuileadan – The Draconians Religion
IX) The Fae
X) The Comataidh nan Roinnean
XI) A Fae’s Spiritual Beliefs
XII) The Synthesis Shop and Crystal Manipulation
XIII) The Ancients
XIV) The Language
I) The Region as a whole
The region of Dheathain lies on the Eastern continent, away from any of the other regions on Althanas. A relatively large area of land that is mostly uninhabited and plagued by rain almost all year round. Storms roll in off the ocean, dumping their loads as they break upon the land. Floods are a common occurrence, lightning strikes happen quite often and monsoons are a regular part of life. Part of the region is harsh, barren grassland with large rocky hills that allow the water to freely flow through them, which are both a blessing and a curse. The grasslands flood easier since the water is not absorbed into the ground.
The grasslands begin right after Talmhaidh, a quickly growing port city. They span for a large portion of the region until they broken by sudden fertile soil and a thick rainforest the marks the beginning of Luthmor. The trees are thick here, growing close together and keeping the humidity of the land locked in between their branches. With the rain pounding down from above, and the humidity seeping in through your clothes it can be a very uncomfortable place for those unused to it.
Eventually, the rich soil is washed away by a current of water that slowly begins to seeps into the land. The tightly grown trees of Luthmor are replaced by towering monstrosities in Fiorair, trees that speak of age and ancient times. The swampland is an eerier place that barely sees the light of the sun due to the thick canopy towering above. It is also the home of a superstitious tribe that practices ancient blood magic and sacrificial rituals. The swamplands end only when the mountains begin, as the water from the mountains itself is what creates the swamp. The mountains are a harsh landscape that no inhabitant of Dheathain would gladly, climb, instead they fly to the caves both natural and made within her stone. Here, Dragons are raised and bred by tamers, as well as bonded to their chosen Dragoon.
II) Climate
Dheathain is neither an extremely hot nor an extremely cold climate. However, due to its position, Dheathain is an extremely wet and humid region. Rain is common, as are cloudy, hazy, and misty days. The sun is not a rarity but it definitely hides behind the clouds for a fair share of its time. Dheathain does boast four seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter, but they tend to blur together. Leaves change colours and fall from the trees and in the spring floods and monsoons are common due to more rain. It barely snows and if it ever does it’s wet snow and never stays for very long because the temperatures never get cold enough to keep snow. Warm winds blow off the ocean, which bring in a number of problems but also keeps out the harsh cold. The warm air mixing with the colder air that blows in across from Alerar and Raiaera, especially during the winter, creates thick pockets of fog that cover most of Dheathain. It also creates most of the extreme storms that ravish the region.
III) Fiorair and it’s Capitol Suthainn
As the water from the Neahm Mountains run down from the rains it’s pools here and can become as much as thirty feet deep in some areas. Massive trees grow up from the murky depths of the water, their trunks easily reaching spans of twenty feet wide as their tops tower towards the heaven. Fog is extremely common, making it hard for the inexperienced to guide their boat through the water. Below the surface of the water lay not only a myriad of aquatic life but also ruins from The Ancients. These structures are mostly unexplored to the difficulty of underwater exploration. It’s not hard to spot them though, as the ancient stonework protrudes from it’s watery grave, a silent reminder of how easily civilizations can fall. Many a traveller has gotten lost in Fiorair. Deep within the swamp is the Draconian Capitol Suthainn, which was built high in the tops of the trees to keep it safe from the constantly rising waters.
Suthainn is a myriad of different levels and twisting paths created between the cluster of trees it’s built in. Almost everything is built from wood to keep the weight down and some of the houses have even been carved into the side of the trees. Rope bridges connect many of the different levels and homes, as they are the simplest, however they need to be rebuilt constantly after a heavy storm season. The city rises high above the fog, close to the canopy of the forest where the sun just barely trickles through. Suthainn lacks the beauty that Donnalaich has, showing off the Draconians baser needs with the simple architecture and rough exterior but it suites them just fine.
Rough Population: 200,000
IV)Talmhaidh:
Talmhaide is the port city of Dheathain. It is the main entry and exit point for most travellers to the eastern continent. Many unique and interesting goods can be found within Talmhaidh that the other regions do not have. Any merchant vessel daring enough to go here is rewarded when their goods are bought back in the ports of Fallien, Corone and even Raiaera. Trade between the other nations has only just begun over the last few decades turning the quaint city into a bustling port. As Talmhaidh is neutral territory between the Draconians and the Fae, both the Ceann Cath and the nan Roin control the city. Meetings are regularly held between the leaders of the two races on how best to proceed with matters in the city.
The city itself is built right along the edge of the ocean. Structures are mostly made of stone so they can withstands the intense barrage of weather that boils in from over the ocean. The population of Fae to Draconian is roughly split in half with a very small amount of humans having started settling in as well.
Rough Population: 50,000
V) Luthmor and it’s Capitol Donnalaich
Luthmor is a rain forest heavy with humidity and life. The trees hold many creatures within their branches, not all of them friendly either and some carrying deadly doses of poison within their innocent demeanour. The water from the swamp tapers off here, absorbed into the earth is becomes nothing more than rivers and streams that break the landscape. The twisting branches and the fog that sometimes settles in from the swamp makes it easy to get lost in Luthmor but the Fae are always on the lookout for travellers and adventurers within their realm.
Not too far within Luthmor one may be luck enough to come upon Donnalaich, the Fae Capitol. This enormous city is the largest in Dheathain and is being built up from the ruins of a long abandoned city that The Ancients used to inhabit. The Fae are meticulously rebuilding the city from the state of dilapidation it has fallen into, taking care to preserve the architecture and beauty the city originally held. Large stone structures with amazing arches and elaborate carvings are what most Fae call home decorated nearly all of the city. Not to mention of the crystal sculptures that cast reflecting light everywhere. The newest addition to Donnalaich is Marach Mor, The Great Hall of Enchanting. This building is the only way in the entire city the Fae built from scratch and resembles the architecture of The Ancients beautifully, it’s structures looking like an enchanted palace in all it’s glory shimmering with the light of thousands of crystal pieces. The Marach Mor is home to The Comataidh nan Roinnean and all the knowledge the Fae possess. Political meetings between the council and the Ceann Cath from Suthainn also take place here.
Despite having the largest population, certain areas of the city amounting to roughly half of it are guarded and mostly off limits. These areas are places that still lay in ruin and the guards posted around are there more to keep the monsters that nest within away from the inhabitants of the city as opposed to keeping the inhabitants out. In fact, one may seek permission to enter these ruins but they do so at their own peril. Some believe the treasures and knowledge the ruins hide are well worth the risk to their lives though.
Rough Population: 350,000
VI) The Draconians
A race that appears to be half human and half dragon. The Fae have dubbed them Dubh Druidh—Black Druids—for their choice in magic and religion. The true origin of the Draconians is somewhat of a mystery. Some legends say that they are the very children of Draconus The Ancient, but there is no proof to back this up. Others legends say they are a cursed race and even another one says they were an experiment gone wrong. A mage looking to cure an illness in his son combined a dragon and a human together. No one really knows for sure which one of these legends are true or if any of them even are, but the Draconians don’t mind.
Physical Appearance: A Draconians body tends to be built like the body of a human with dragon qualities; these qualities include scales, claws, wings, horns and elongated canine teeth. Most are born with scales covering at least some small proportion of their body and roughly half of them, are born with wings. All have elongated canine teeth, which are also rather sharp and the Draconians do make use of them. Some are born with hands completely covered in scales and long, claw-like finger. Usually their other hand is normal, though sometimes they can be born with two claws. The average height of a male Draconian is 6’11 and a female’s average height is 5’10.
Their skin is usually a light tan colour and their scales come in a variety of colours, from black to white and all the colours of the rainbow. Their most frightening or uncomfortable quality is their eyes. Instead of the normal pupil, iris and eyeball, the Draconian eye is pitch black all around. Their hair can come in the natural colours of human hair, but also come in the more odd colours they share with their scales.
Mannerism: Physical appearance is not the only thing the Draconians inherited from dragons, they also took in some of their personalities, including some negative ones. Draconians can be extremely aggressive at times and when angered its better to stay clear as they are slow to calm. They do have a higher intelligence than humans and the ability to hold more information. They are extremely protective of what is theirs, including friends and loved ones and will fight to the death to keep them safe. They are loyal and trust worthy allies and never betray. A Draconian that betrays his friends or comrades is better off dead for he or she could never be trusted again. They are also an extremely sexual race and often fight over their females, however females are on the same social status as males and have the right to decide whether she wants any of the fighting males at all.
VII) The Ceann Cath
The leader of the Draconians is called the Ceann Cath, which means War Leader. He—only once has it ever been a female—is usually the strongest warrior in the tribe at the time. In order to become the Ceann Cath, one must challenge the current leader to a battle, best him and then as an offering to the Gods, the new Ceann Cath sacrifices the old one. If the challenger loses in battle against the Ceann Cath, he or she is not always killed, depending on the mercy of the leader. Not only is the Ceann Cath in charge of every day life issues among his or her people, but is also expected to not only formulate plans for war should one ever arise but to lead the charge into battle.
Beneath the Ceann Cath are his or her five Generals hand selected by the current leader to help lead and fight in battle. These Generals give advice, look over matters of law and justice and help in any other manner the Ceann Cath needs them to. If the five Generals make a ruling the Ceann Cath does not like in any matter, he or she may overturn the ruling, but the Generals cannot overturn any ruling by the Ceann Cath, they can argue and persuade, but not overturn.
Name: Darroch dar Gaevrin
Age: 247
Sex: Male
Race: Draconian
Marital Status: Single
Height: 7’
Weight: 270 lbs
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Scale Colour: Blood Red
General Description: Just by looking at Darroch, one knows that he is a man not to be trifled with. His face is broad, angular and usually holds an expression of constant calculation and coldness. He looks as if he’s always ready to charge into battle and kill whoever gets in his way. He appears to have less muscle mass than most Draconians, but that is only because his muscles are more compact. He is much stronger than he looks. His hair is long and usually tied with a thong at the nape of his neck. His scales are blood red and so are to the top of his wings, the underside of which are black.
Personality: He is not a kind leader nor is he cruel. Darroch takes into consideration the benefit of the whole as opposed to the benefit of the individual and will readily sacrifice any individual if it means the survival of a group. He never lets any of his worries show in his face and believes that the true strength of an individual comes from within them and not always the weapon they carry, thus he can be harsh to young trainees as he tries to bring this out in them. Like all Draconians he holds loyalty amongst the highest and prominent of traits anyone can have and will discard any Draconian as unworthy should they prove disloyal in any way.
I) The Region as a whole
II) Climate
III) Fiorair and it’s capitol Suthainn
IV) The Port City of Talmhaidh
V) Luthmor and it’s capitol Donnalaich
VI) The Draconians
VII) The Ceann Cath
VIII) Fuileadan – The Draconians Religion
IX) The Fae
X) The Comataidh nan Roinnean
XI) A Fae’s Spiritual Beliefs
XII) The Synthesis Shop and Crystal Manipulation
XIII) The Ancients
XIV) The Language
I) The Region as a whole
The region of Dheathain lies on the Eastern continent, away from any of the other regions on Althanas. A relatively large area of land that is mostly uninhabited and plagued by rain almost all year round. Storms roll in off the ocean, dumping their loads as they break upon the land. Floods are a common occurrence, lightning strikes happen quite often and monsoons are a regular part of life. Part of the region is harsh, barren grassland with large rocky hills that allow the water to freely flow through them, which are both a blessing and a curse. The grasslands flood easier since the water is not absorbed into the ground.
The grasslands begin right after Talmhaidh, a quickly growing port city. They span for a large portion of the region until they broken by sudden fertile soil and a thick rainforest the marks the beginning of Luthmor. The trees are thick here, growing close together and keeping the humidity of the land locked in between their branches. With the rain pounding down from above, and the humidity seeping in through your clothes it can be a very uncomfortable place for those unused to it.
Eventually, the rich soil is washed away by a current of water that slowly begins to seeps into the land. The tightly grown trees of Luthmor are replaced by towering monstrosities in Fiorair, trees that speak of age and ancient times. The swampland is an eerier place that barely sees the light of the sun due to the thick canopy towering above. It is also the home of a superstitious tribe that practices ancient blood magic and sacrificial rituals. The swamplands end only when the mountains begin, as the water from the mountains itself is what creates the swamp. The mountains are a harsh landscape that no inhabitant of Dheathain would gladly, climb, instead they fly to the caves both natural and made within her stone. Here, Dragons are raised and bred by tamers, as well as bonded to their chosen Dragoon.
II) Climate
Dheathain is neither an extremely hot nor an extremely cold climate. However, due to its position, Dheathain is an extremely wet and humid region. Rain is common, as are cloudy, hazy, and misty days. The sun is not a rarity but it definitely hides behind the clouds for a fair share of its time. Dheathain does boast four seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter, but they tend to blur together. Leaves change colours and fall from the trees and in the spring floods and monsoons are common due to more rain. It barely snows and if it ever does it’s wet snow and never stays for very long because the temperatures never get cold enough to keep snow. Warm winds blow off the ocean, which bring in a number of problems but also keeps out the harsh cold. The warm air mixing with the colder air that blows in across from Alerar and Raiaera, especially during the winter, creates thick pockets of fog that cover most of Dheathain. It also creates most of the extreme storms that ravish the region.
III) Fiorair and it’s Capitol Suthainn
As the water from the Neahm Mountains run down from the rains it’s pools here and can become as much as thirty feet deep in some areas. Massive trees grow up from the murky depths of the water, their trunks easily reaching spans of twenty feet wide as their tops tower towards the heaven. Fog is extremely common, making it hard for the inexperienced to guide their boat through the water. Below the surface of the water lay not only a myriad of aquatic life but also ruins from The Ancients. These structures are mostly unexplored to the difficulty of underwater exploration. It’s not hard to spot them though, as the ancient stonework protrudes from it’s watery grave, a silent reminder of how easily civilizations can fall. Many a traveller has gotten lost in Fiorair. Deep within the swamp is the Draconian Capitol Suthainn, which was built high in the tops of the trees to keep it safe from the constantly rising waters.
Suthainn is a myriad of different levels and twisting paths created between the cluster of trees it’s built in. Almost everything is built from wood to keep the weight down and some of the houses have even been carved into the side of the trees. Rope bridges connect many of the different levels and homes, as they are the simplest, however they need to be rebuilt constantly after a heavy storm season. The city rises high above the fog, close to the canopy of the forest where the sun just barely trickles through. Suthainn lacks the beauty that Donnalaich has, showing off the Draconians baser needs with the simple architecture and rough exterior but it suites them just fine.
Rough Population: 200,000
IV)Talmhaidh:
Talmhaide is the port city of Dheathain. It is the main entry and exit point for most travellers to the eastern continent. Many unique and interesting goods can be found within Talmhaidh that the other regions do not have. Any merchant vessel daring enough to go here is rewarded when their goods are bought back in the ports of Fallien, Corone and even Raiaera. Trade between the other nations has only just begun over the last few decades turning the quaint city into a bustling port. As Talmhaidh is neutral territory between the Draconians and the Fae, both the Ceann Cath and the nan Roin control the city. Meetings are regularly held between the leaders of the two races on how best to proceed with matters in the city.
The city itself is built right along the edge of the ocean. Structures are mostly made of stone so they can withstands the intense barrage of weather that boils in from over the ocean. The population of Fae to Draconian is roughly split in half with a very small amount of humans having started settling in as well.
Rough Population: 50,000
V) Luthmor and it’s Capitol Donnalaich
Luthmor is a rain forest heavy with humidity and life. The trees hold many creatures within their branches, not all of them friendly either and some carrying deadly doses of poison within their innocent demeanour. The water from the swamp tapers off here, absorbed into the earth is becomes nothing more than rivers and streams that break the landscape. The twisting branches and the fog that sometimes settles in from the swamp makes it easy to get lost in Luthmor but the Fae are always on the lookout for travellers and adventurers within their realm.
Not too far within Luthmor one may be luck enough to come upon Donnalaich, the Fae Capitol. This enormous city is the largest in Dheathain and is being built up from the ruins of a long abandoned city that The Ancients used to inhabit. The Fae are meticulously rebuilding the city from the state of dilapidation it has fallen into, taking care to preserve the architecture and beauty the city originally held. Large stone structures with amazing arches and elaborate carvings are what most Fae call home decorated nearly all of the city. Not to mention of the crystal sculptures that cast reflecting light everywhere. The newest addition to Donnalaich is Marach Mor, The Great Hall of Enchanting. This building is the only way in the entire city the Fae built from scratch and resembles the architecture of The Ancients beautifully, it’s structures looking like an enchanted palace in all it’s glory shimmering with the light of thousands of crystal pieces. The Marach Mor is home to The Comataidh nan Roinnean and all the knowledge the Fae possess. Political meetings between the council and the Ceann Cath from Suthainn also take place here.
Despite having the largest population, certain areas of the city amounting to roughly half of it are guarded and mostly off limits. These areas are places that still lay in ruin and the guards posted around are there more to keep the monsters that nest within away from the inhabitants of the city as opposed to keeping the inhabitants out. In fact, one may seek permission to enter these ruins but they do so at their own peril. Some believe the treasures and knowledge the ruins hide are well worth the risk to their lives though.
Rough Population: 350,000
VI) The Draconians
A race that appears to be half human and half dragon. The Fae have dubbed them Dubh Druidh—Black Druids—for their choice in magic and religion. The true origin of the Draconians is somewhat of a mystery. Some legends say that they are the very children of Draconus The Ancient, but there is no proof to back this up. Others legends say they are a cursed race and even another one says they were an experiment gone wrong. A mage looking to cure an illness in his son combined a dragon and a human together. No one really knows for sure which one of these legends are true or if any of them even are, but the Draconians don’t mind.
Physical Appearance: A Draconians body tends to be built like the body of a human with dragon qualities; these qualities include scales, claws, wings, horns and elongated canine teeth. Most are born with scales covering at least some small proportion of their body and roughly half of them, are born with wings. All have elongated canine teeth, which are also rather sharp and the Draconians do make use of them. Some are born with hands completely covered in scales and long, claw-like finger. Usually their other hand is normal, though sometimes they can be born with two claws. The average height of a male Draconian is 6’11 and a female’s average height is 5’10.
Their skin is usually a light tan colour and their scales come in a variety of colours, from black to white and all the colours of the rainbow. Their most frightening or uncomfortable quality is their eyes. Instead of the normal pupil, iris and eyeball, the Draconian eye is pitch black all around. Their hair can come in the natural colours of human hair, but also come in the more odd colours they share with their scales.
Mannerism: Physical appearance is not the only thing the Draconians inherited from dragons, they also took in some of their personalities, including some negative ones. Draconians can be extremely aggressive at times and when angered its better to stay clear as they are slow to calm. They do have a higher intelligence than humans and the ability to hold more information. They are extremely protective of what is theirs, including friends and loved ones and will fight to the death to keep them safe. They are loyal and trust worthy allies and never betray. A Draconian that betrays his friends or comrades is better off dead for he or she could never be trusted again. They are also an extremely sexual race and often fight over their females, however females are on the same social status as males and have the right to decide whether she wants any of the fighting males at all.
VII) The Ceann Cath
The leader of the Draconians is called the Ceann Cath, which means War Leader. He—only once has it ever been a female—is usually the strongest warrior in the tribe at the time. In order to become the Ceann Cath, one must challenge the current leader to a battle, best him and then as an offering to the Gods, the new Ceann Cath sacrifices the old one. If the challenger loses in battle against the Ceann Cath, he or she is not always killed, depending on the mercy of the leader. Not only is the Ceann Cath in charge of every day life issues among his or her people, but is also expected to not only formulate plans for war should one ever arise but to lead the charge into battle.
Beneath the Ceann Cath are his or her five Generals hand selected by the current leader to help lead and fight in battle. These Generals give advice, look over matters of law and justice and help in any other manner the Ceann Cath needs them to. If the five Generals make a ruling the Ceann Cath does not like in any matter, he or she may overturn the ruling, but the Generals cannot overturn any ruling by the Ceann Cath, they can argue and persuade, but not overturn.
Name: Darroch dar Gaevrin
Age: 247
Sex: Male
Race: Draconian
Marital Status: Single
Height: 7’
Weight: 270 lbs
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Scale Colour: Blood Red
General Description: Just by looking at Darroch, one knows that he is a man not to be trifled with. His face is broad, angular and usually holds an expression of constant calculation and coldness. He looks as if he’s always ready to charge into battle and kill whoever gets in his way. He appears to have less muscle mass than most Draconians, but that is only because his muscles are more compact. He is much stronger than he looks. His hair is long and usually tied with a thong at the nape of his neck. His scales are blood red and so are to the top of his wings, the underside of which are black.
Personality: He is not a kind leader nor is he cruel. Darroch takes into consideration the benefit of the whole as opposed to the benefit of the individual and will readily sacrifice any individual if it means the survival of a group. He never lets any of his worries show in his face and believes that the true strength of an individual comes from within them and not always the weapon they carry, thus he can be harsh to young trainees as he tries to bring this out in them. Like all Draconians he holds loyalty amongst the highest and prominent of traits anyone can have and will discard any Draconian as unworthy should they prove disloyal in any way.