Difference between revisions of "Dheathain"
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== The Region as a whole ==
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Dheathain is one of the vastly unexplored [[regions]] that lies on the Eastern continent. Its Inhabitants are unique races that are powerful in both magic and sword. One must tread carefully upon her ground and give respect to receive it.
  
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{|align="right" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"
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!colspan="6"|Dheathain
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|-
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|'''Capital'''
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|[[Donnalaich]]
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|-
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|'''Form of Government'''
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|Martial Law/Meritocracy
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|-
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|'''Ruler(s)'''
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|[[Ceann Cath]], [[Comataidh nan Roinnean]]
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|-
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|'''Legal System'''
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|Martial Law/Civil Law
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|-
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|'''Official Language(s)'''
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|Dheath
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|-
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|'''Population'''
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|Approximately 5,000,000
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|-
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|'''Religious Type'''
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|Fuileadan
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|-
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|'''Literacy'''
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|48%
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|-
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|'''Technology level'''
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|Early Medieval
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|-
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|'''Major Imports'''
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|Glass. Horses. Sugar.
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|-
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|'''Major Exports'''
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|Crystals. Lumber
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|-
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|'''Natural Resources'''
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|Lumber. Crystals. Grain. Granite/Marble
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|}
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==Geography==
 
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 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.
 
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.
  
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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.
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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.
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== Climate ==
 
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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.
 
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== Fiorair and its Capitol Suthainn ==
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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* '''Rough Population''': 200,000
 
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== Talmhaidh ==
 
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Talmhaidh 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.
 
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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.
 
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* '''Rough Population''': 50,000
 
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== Luthmor and its Capitol Donnalaich ==
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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* '''Rough Population''': 350,000
 
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== The Draconians ==
 
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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.
 
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* '''Physical Appearance'''
 
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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 and the Draconians do make use of them. Some are born with hands completely covered in scales and long, claw-like fingernails. 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.
 
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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.  
 
  
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* '''Mannerism'''  
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==Places of Interest==
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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.  
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'''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.
  
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== The Ceann Cath ==
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''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.
  
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====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.  
 
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.  
 
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.  
  
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* '''Name''': Darroch dar Gaevrin  
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*Name: Darroch dar Gaevrin  
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* '''Age''': 247
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*Age: 247
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* '''Sex''': Male
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*Sex: Male
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* '''Race''': Draconian
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*Race: Draconian
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* '''Marital Status''': Single
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*Marital Status: Single
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* '''Height''': 7’
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*Height: 7’
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* '''Weight''': 270 lbs
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*Weight: 270 lbs
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* '''Hair Colour''': Black
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*Hair Colour: Black
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* '''Eye Colour''': Black
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*Eye Colour: Black
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* '''Scale Colour''': Blood Red  
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*Scale Colour: Blood Red  
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* '''General Description'''
 
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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.
 
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* '''Personality'''
 
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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.
 
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== Fuileadan – The Draconians' Religion ==
 
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The Draconians are ruled by their religion. They live by its rules and through their devotion hope to enter their eternal resting ground when they die. Their religion is a ritualistic, highly superstitious at times, and sacrificial. Though the Fae have worked hard to change their religious beliefs little has come from their effort, the Draconians are quite set in their ways and do not want to change them anytime soon.
 
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====Temples==== Each God and Goddess has their own Temple dedicated for them, their Priests/Priestesses and their Acolytes. Prayers and sacrifices to specific Gods are done in their prospective temples or at home if the Draconian has their own private altar as many serious warriors—especially Berserkers—have their own altar to Cosain and Alistair. Smaller towns and villages usually only have one Temple that is associated with no God in particular and thus anyone may pray or sacrifice to whomever they please.
 
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The Temples are considered sacred and one can very easily anger a God by doing something disrespectful in their temple. One may inquire to each God’s chosen Priest or Priestess about what needs to be done in order to appease an angry God and come back into their good graces. One may also train to become a Priest or Priestess here.
 
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====Realms====
 
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The different realms of existence in Draconian mythology.
 
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* '''Maireachtail''': A middle realm where all living creatures dwell until they die and pass on to the realms beyond. All the Gods and Goddesses look over and command this realm.
 
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* '''Seacht Riocht Sainmhiniu: Seven Realms of Passing. This is the first place a soul or person travelling into the land beyond Maireachtail is brought. Folaireis guards this land and one must get by her in order to even begin their journey through here. Should one be allowed to pass by here it is said that each of the seven realms has a trial that one must pass in order to move onto the next and once you begin the journey there is no turning back. Souls as well as the living passing through must complete this.
 
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* '''Talamh Iomlan: An eighth realm just after the Seven Realms of Passing. This is the land of the dead where all of those save Alistair and Cosain’s chosen warriors go to rest for eternity. The realm is separated into two different sections. Upon entry into this realm, ones deeds throughout life are measured and weighed and if found undeserving or of having done too much evil during their life they are sent to Eadhochas, a dead land without colour where one feels no warmth or comfort. The only things they feel in this realm are pain, anguish and despair. Thirst and hunger are constant but they can never be slaked.
 
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If they are found deserving, they are sent to Fasaigh, a paradise, and resting ground for those who were not warriors but did enough in their lives to merit a beautiful afterlife. Pain and despair can be forgotten here and one may have any pleasure they wish. It is the ideal Draconian city where one may live out the afterlife in peace with family and friends who were also fortunate enough to find themselves here.
 
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* '''Parthas: A paradise for all warriors, overlooked by Cosain and Alistair. In Parthas is a large Hall that Cosain and Alistair rule over and watch their select warriors as they enjoy the spoils of a life lived in battle. Is it a realm where the warriors can continue to train to improve themselves or for enjoyment as they can no longer die. It is also where they can enjoy a life of luxury, where the food and the drink never stop. Parthas also has many areas for the warriors to enjoy themselves in besides the Hall, including enchanting forests and swamps with many animals that one may hunt only with the permission of Cosain and Alistair though.
 
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* '''Neahm: The Realms of Gods, where all of the Gods except for Cosain and Alistair live in their halls. The Twin Gods of War inhabit Parthas with their fallen warriors. Neahm is a paradise for the Gods where they can look down upon the realms below them and watch the inhabitants of Althanas. Their council is also held here if they ever need to discuss grave matters where their intervention may needed in Maireachtail.
 
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====Gods and Goddesses====
 
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* '''Draconus: One of the Thayne, Draconus represents intelligence. Those Draconians who are more interested in knowledge than battle worship him, though all Draconians know of him and do pay their respects at certain times of the year. Due to the lack of wisdom seeking Draconians he is not a highly worshipped Deity.
 
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* '''Cupla (The Twins): The Twin Gods of War, one male one female. The male—Cosain—is indestructible and protects his sister—Alistair—whose battle prowess is unmatched, together on the battlefield they are unstoppable yet separated they are vulnerable.
 
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Worshipped by almost all Draconians except for those few Draconus followers. Carving the symbol of the male twin into armour is supposed to imbue followers with his indestructibility and carving the symbol of the female twin into weapons makes the warrior faster and stronger on the battlefield.
 
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Prisoners of War are often sacrificed to the Twin Gods of War and both sacrifices and offerings—mostly of blood—are usually made prior to entering a battle. Animal sacrifices are the common practice—especially since Draconians haven’t been to war in a while—but human and other intellectual race sacrifices have been known to happen. In the old days if one lost in battle, those surviving would sacrifice their General to the Twin Gods hoping to come into their favour again.
 
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'''Manifestations''': They will always appear together and will form themselves to have similar features. If one ever comes across one of The Twins by themselves it is better not to approach, especially the female. In battle, the male will manifest himself as a large and well-built Draconian covered in black scale armour. He usually carries a war hammer, a large axe or an extremely large sword. The female will also manifest in black scale armour but with her brothers protection her armour can at times be revealing and distracting. She will also carry twin swords, a spear or claws.
 
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Out of battle they usually appear as travelling adventurers or warriors and will be human, Draconian or otherwise. When human their skin tends to have a natural tan and glow to it and when Draconian their scales are usually black or red. They’ve also been known to appear as small dragons.
 
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'''Personalities''': The female twin is easily angered and slow to calm if her brother is not around. She can be extremely giving to those she likes but holds grudges and has been known to punish later generations of someone who has spited her. She is not very vain, but like any female she enjoys compliments about her beauty yet will grow tired of them if they are lavished too heavily upon her. She takes on many lovers and it is never a good idea to deny her should she ever take a fancy in you. Her lovers are often discarded without care rather easily but she has been known to heavily dote upon those she grows to like.
 
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The male twin is extremely patient and calm and very hard to anger. He is polite and respectful to those he meets but only If they show respect to him as well. His distant behaviour often leaves people with the impression that he is little cold, but he prefers to keep things to himself. It is extremely rare for him to open up to another person and anyone he does open up to should consider it a great blessing because he protects those he cares about. Like his sister, he also enjoys partaking in the pleasures of the flesh. He is not as doting with his lovers like Alistair unless he finds himself taken with them. His sister can easily grow jealous of his attention to another female so it can be a precarious position to be in his favour.
 
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* '''Siolmhar''': A Goddess of the harvest and of fertility. She is prayed to for a bountiful harvest in the coming fall. A huge celebration is also held in her honour a few days after the harvest concludes to both thank her and stay within her favour. If it was a bad harvest a ritual hunt is usually held and one of three specific creatures is usually capture alive and then sacrificed in her name. These are her favourite animals and will travel to her and keep her happy and content for the next harvest.
 
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In fertility she is prayed to by both male and female Draconians, though it is the males who pray to her the most, asking for children to carry on their name. It is said that she can give an impotent male a hundred children and grant the most barren of females as many children as they wish. It is also said that anyone lucky enough to share a bed with her will be granted and long and healthy life.
 
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'''Manifestations''': Siolmhar will usually manifest in the form of a beautiful female Draconian with a deep tan that makes her pure white scales stand out. Her hair is also white and is usually left to freely float down her back. There is never a single blemish or scar upon her form and the clothes she wears are usually extremely revealing. She tends to favour sheer fabrics that allow the briefest of glimpses at what lay beneath. Silver jewellery usually adorns her arms and neck but not in an abundance, only a few pieces that resemble a vine crawling across her skin. Also, going against the normal, she often does not have the typical Draconian wings gracing her back.
 
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'''Personality''': Not much is known about Siolmhar’s personality, as she tends to keep to herself a lot. From the few encounters Draconians have had with her, she seems to be very kind and compassionate, as well as understanding towards the individual. Most remark on how soft her voice is and how mild tempered and patient she appears. No one has ever seen her angry or frustrated before but many Draconians assume it would not be pretty were anyone to anger her.
 
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She takes on very few lovers and the ones she does she tends to keep them until they die. She is not gender specific and has been known to take female lovers as well, but the one thing that is constant is many of her chosen lovers talk very little about what goes on between them. Apparently, this is one Goddess that likes her privacy.
 
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* '''Folaireis''': She is the Guardian of the Realms, but mainly she protects the realm the Gods and Goddesses live in. In order for any unwanted person to enter the God’s realm they must get through Folaireis either by sword or carefully spoken word. All Draconians know of Folaireis, but she is only prayed to on certain occasions. Mainly when someone dies friends and family may pray to her to protect his soul and ensure it makes it to the proper resting ground and safely through Seacht Riocht Sainmhiniu. Anyone wishing to travel into the different realms is told to pray to her and come into her favour. If she deems someone worthy of travelling through her realms they are often given a protective amulet.
 
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'''Manifestations''': Folaireis usually manifests herself as tall, female Draconian warrior. Her body is toned and athletic looking. Her face is beautiful but appears to be cold and emotionless at times, her hair is shoulder length, usually blonde and in war braids at the temples, as she is constantly ready for battle. In one hand she carries a spear and in the other a shield. Her left hand—where she carries her shield—is completely covered in scales and is more like a dragon’s claw than hand. The scales that cover a lot of her skin are dark blue and not only does she rely on their natural protection but she also wears scale armour that looks very similar to her real scales. This armour covers her torso, left arm, right shoulder, legs and the back of her wings.
 
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She also has been known to appear as a wandering warrior. She’ll still carry her shield and spear but her armour will not be so grand. Instead, it’s usually plain steel chain mail and a chest plate with arm and leg guards.
 
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'''Personality''': To anyone that trespasses into the other realms, she is known to be cruel and tough. Folaireis is not known to be very forgiving and not always understanding to the plight of others. She seems cold and emotionless, but as her job requires her to sometimes kill those who trespass, it is only her way of steeling herself. She respects battle prowess and even if one loses to her in a fight, she may return that person to the realm of the living if she thinks they fought well.
 
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In Maireachtail, she can be found usually in two places, either a tavern or in Luthmor. Folaireis is a lot more fun loving in this realm and is often looking to forget her burdens and enjoy herself, or have some peace and quiet. She does not need to be approached with caution, however one should avoid a confrontation with her as a fight will result in her returning to her cold self and that person’s life will most likely be sacrificed.
 
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Rarely does Folaireis ever take on a lover, but if she does she only stays with them for one night, discarding and forgetting about them afterwards. She has to be careful not to become attached to anyone lest they try to use her.
 
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* '''Cion and Aisling''': A couple that represents love, life mates, home and family. For a race of Draconians always ready for war and concerning themselves with fighting and training, one would suspect these two are not often prayed to. However, that is far from the truth. A Draconian’s greatest achievement in life could be considered finding his or her life male, which sadly not all Draconians find. As an extremely sexual race they are constantly searching for the one person that will make them feel whole.
 
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They are often prayed to when a Draconian starts looking for their mate. Matters of love and any concern of home and family are brought to them as well. Cion and Aisling are of the few Draconian Gods and Goddesses that do not ask for ritual sacrifices. Instead raw minerals and crystals are often given to them as presents. Wise are those who stay on Cion and Aisling’s good side, as they have been known to mess with someone’s love life and give them the worst possible life mate if somehow offended or angered.
 
  
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'''Manifestations''': Manifesting in the living realms is usually only done when they’re meddling in the lives of Draconians, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad. Because of this they will manifest as Draconian, human or Fae, depending on whom they’re meddling with. The one thing that always stays the same are their eyes. Aisling will always have burnt gold and Cion an ice blue, which really stands out as Draconians only have black eyes. Since their appearances vary and are never truly the same, one is always warned to be wary and cautious around a couple with blue and burnt gold eyes.  
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''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.  
  
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'''Personalities''': Cion can be classified as extremely cold and emotionless. The only thing or being he cares about in life is Aisling and this comes across rather clearly in the way he interacts with people. Aisling is the only other being on this planet that understands him and sees the softer side of him, plus helps keep him centred and balanced so that he may act rationally when dealing with the Draconians who pray and ask for his help. It is very rare almost unheard of for Cion to ever become attached to a mortal but should that ever happen he would take very good care of them in his backwards way while trying not to show what emotions and feelings he may have for them.
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''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.
  
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Aisling is not extremely caring to mortals either, but she is a lot more understanding than Cion. She is a lot more calm and rational than her lover. Her feelings are genuine and she has plenty of them but she is good at hiding them and only truly shows them to Cion. Because Cion can sometimes be harsh to even Aisling, she at times has been known to take refuge in the mortal realm and seek out understanding company.
 
  
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Neither Aisling nor Cion ever takes on other lovers. They are the embodiment of a Draconian’s Life Mate and as such stay true and faithful to one another.  
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'''Talmhaidh:'''  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.  
  
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* '''Dileas''': The God of Talamh Iomlan. Dileas is often prayed to when one knows they are dying, or by the family members of the Draconian who is either dying or has already passed away. It is said that he can tip the scales in Talamh and grant passage to those that are unworthy, or that if he is somehow angered, he will throw a Draconian’s soul into Eadhochas for all eternity, or trap them within The Seven Realms of Passing. All Draconians, even followers of Alistair and Cosain who would normally end up in Parthas pray to him on his chosen days of the year, though he is mostly prayed to by the sick, the dying and the elderly.  
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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.
  
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'''Manifestations''': Dileas will almost always only take on the form of a Draconian; rare will be the time when he takes on a true draconic shape, especially around others. When he does take on the form of a Draconian, one can often find his body type changing depending on the situation, though he appears to prefer one of average height with sinewy and thinner compact muscles, rather than the bulkier forms that Cosain will take on. He never wears armour, usually preferring clothes that are comfortable, particularly vests and pants that are slightly on the baggy side.
 
  
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His skin is usually a slightly lighter colour than the natural tan that most Draconians have and an easy way to tell he is not truly Draconian is because he prefers having crystal, blue eyes rather than the pure blackness that the race naturally has. His scales vary, but are usually just a plain black, but on occasion one can find him in the rare, pure white. They cover his spine in particular and wrap around from there, peeking out along his waist, shoulders and neck. And his black hair is usually cut short and left in a spiky mess.  
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'''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.
  
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'''Personality''': Despite being the God of Talamh Iomlan, Dileas is a very fun loving God. He enjoys the chances he gets to slip away from a world of the dead and interact with the living. He frequents taverns as often as he can, enjoying the drink and the blissful feeling that runs through his system when he has had enough of it. He does not need to be approached with any kind of caution; in fact he is known to be amongst the easiest of the Gods to approach. His anger is slow to form but deadly if ever stirred and Draconians who have angered him have been known to find themselves trapped in the Seven Realms of Passing for all eternity.  
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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.  
  
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Dileas often takes on lovers and has been known to take on more than one at a time and is extremely adept at keeping them all straight. He is very giving to his lovers and attentive to their needs. But he is also known to have quite a few one-time lovers, especially if he’s had quite a few glasses of mead.  
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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.
  
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When Dileas isn’t merrily drinking the night away in the mortal realm, he can usually be found in Fiorair contemplating many a mystery that he rarely shares with whatever company passes him by. It is not hard to get into the pants of this Draconian God, what is hard is to get him to share and open his mind and thoughts to another.  
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====The Comataidh nan Roinnean====
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The Fae operate on a council system, the Comataidh nan Roinnean or Nan Roin in short. This council oversees the daily lives of the Fae as well as matters of justice, laws and magic. The council fluctuates between 9-13 members, though it is supposed to stay at 12, with 11 chomhairles (council members) and one fi-chomhairle who is the head of the council. The fi-chomhairle is usually the oldest of the members and has more authority and wisdom against the regular members of the council. On his own he cannot overrule the other members, but the collective members of the council can overrule the head councillor if enough of them vote against him.
  
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* '''D''': One of the oldest Draconian Gods. His true name has been forgotten and erased from scripture and thus he is only referred to as the letter D. He is associated with despair, pain and agony and most negative aspects of the psyche. He was an extremely cruel God that desired the most painful of sacrifices to be completed in his name. He drew his strength from the despair and agony that the sacrifices felt as they died. Not much is truly known about this God as almost all Draconians have forsaken worshipping him though it is believed that a very select few have started a small sect in his name. The rumours appear to be unfounded and no such evidence has been found.
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== The Drakelings ==
  
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'''Manifestations''': It is rare to see this God and even rarer are those who live to tell about it. From what information is left about him, he usually manifests as a dark, wispy shadow with the vague shape of a man. If he ever takes a physical form it is that of a dark Draconian usually hooded and cloaked. Most believe that he hides himself for whenever put into physical form he looks like a rotting, walking corpse and the smell of death and decay that follows him seems to confirm this fact.
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'''Overview'''
  
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'''Personality''': Even less is known about his mannerisms. As he feeds on despair and agony, most Draconians assume that he is a cold individual that cares not for the individual in any way. Whether or not he even cares about Draconians as a whole is even unknown.
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This draconic, humanoid race traces its origins back four thousand years to the four Progenitors, ancient dragons close to death who mated humans. No one knows what exactly made this possible, as dragons cannot breed with other species under normal circumstances. Some theories speak of crazed arcane experiments and Dheathain religious lore credits divine intervention. Regardless, the blood of dragons has always flowed through the veins of the Drakeling race. Unfortunately, over the centuries the race's blood has thinned, due both to their rather bloody history and widespread cross-breeding with humans.  
  
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== The Fae ==
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Physically, Drakelings vary depending on their caste (see below), but all possess some scales (of the color linked to their Progenitor ancestor) and sharp elongated canine teeth. Their average life spans range from 90 to 300 years, depending on caste. Aside from physical features, the Drakelings also inherited some of a dragon's temperament. They are abnormally territorial, especially among the higher castes, and protective of their possessions and loved ones. They anger more quickly and generally show more aggressive tendencies than humans. They are suspicious of those they don't know, but on the plus side, once they decide to trust someone, they make extremely loyal friends and allies.
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The Fae resemble humans and can easily be mistaken as slight humans, however they do have characteristic that stand out and mark them as another race completely. Some say they are a higher evolution of humans due to experimentation and the constant use of magic, however the Fae do not believe this themselves. They prefer to think their race is much more developed than the human race in many different ways, magically, physically as well as spiritually. They do not consider themselves humans in anyway but that does not mean they look down upon humans. They do know they are so far evolved from humans that they cannot breed with them. In fact, Fae seem to be unable to breed with any race, other than their own.  
 
  
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Physical Appearance: Fae tend to be smaller than the average human and shorter as well. Their physical appearance is slim with very little muscle mass leaving them looking rather fragile. They tend to be very beautiful as well with fair skin that can have a slight blue, red or green tint to it. Those with bluish skin tend to have a natural luminescence under the light of the moon. Their hair comes in a variety of colours, both natural and unnatural and their eyes can change colour under extreme emotions, be they happy or sad. The average height of a female Fae is 5’1 and of a male is 5’11.
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'''Castes'''
  
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The quality that stands out the most on them is their wings. All Fae are born with wings and for the most part they tend to look the same. Their wings are made from a hardened membrane of skin that is so thin it is translucent yet as tough as a normal person’s skin. These wings are made of two different parts that spread out to look similar to the wings of a butterfly and are filled with hundreds of tiny veins that pump silver blood through the extremity like any other part of the body. Fae blood is silver due to the extremely high amount of magic energy that lies in it.  
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As a consequence of their thinning blood, the Drakeling race has divided into four distinct castes based on the draconic features manifested upon an individual at birth. The more dragon features one possesses, the "purer" their blood and the higher their social status. The vast majority are born into the same caste as their parents (and grandparents and so forth), but exceptions do occur. Breeding is held paramount amongst the higher castes, with almost all marriage now arranged by the elders and interbreeding with other races or lower castes often forbidden.
  
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Mannerisms: The Fae are a very calm race that has little to no violent tendencies. They believe that words can more often than not solve any issue though they do agree there are at times when fighting is necessary they will explore every other avenue first. They are extremely friendly and will go out of their way to help others, even in a dangerous situation. Unlike the Draconians though, the Fae are not religious at all, they believe in the higher evolution of the soul and not in beings of great power that mediate their lives. They have a much higher intelligence than humans and are able to store large amounts of information and access it almost like a library.
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Scale Caste: The lowest caste is named for the only draconic feature displayed on its members. They appear as humans (many even possessing hair), only with between a third and three fourths of their skin covered with tough scales. Making up about sixty percent of the race's population, the Scale Caste forms the menial class in Drakeling society. Most are essentially serfs working the land, though those with skills might serve as tradesmen, servants, scribes, or even merchants. Members of the higher castes typically look down on the Scale Caste, treating them as second-class citizens.  
  
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== The Comataidh nan Roinnean ==
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Claw Caste: Named for the deadly claws on their hands, this caste forms the Drakeling warrior elite. Scales cover their skin like the Scale Caste, but also stand an average of six inches taller. The males often have broad shoulders and intimidating bulk, whereas females are typically lithe and lean. Some possess wings, especially those born of higher caste parents, but they are never functional and often freakishly small and atrophied. Claw Caste Drakelings receive a fair amount of respect and enjoy considerable social mobility, with some going on to command actual armies for the ruling class. They make up about twenty-five percent of the population.
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The Fae operate on a council system, the Comataidh nan Roinnean or Nan Roin in short. This council oversees the daily lives of the Fae as well as matters of justice, laws and magic. The council fluctuates between 9-13 members, though it is supposed to stay at 12, with 11 chomhairles (council members) and one fi-chomhairle who is the head of the council. The fi-chomhairle is usually the oldest of the members and has more authority and wisdom against the regular members of the council. On his own he cannot overrule the other members, but the collective members of the council can overrule the head councillor if enough of them vote against him.  
 
  
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A list of the current council members soon to follow!
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Wing Caste: One of the two High Castes, this caste still possesses large, functional wings and the ability to fly with proper training. They are the physically largest of the Drakelings, standing an average of seven feet tall with broad shoulders. They possess massive chests with what appears as a second set of pectoral muscles that wrap all the way around the middle of their torso -- these all their massive and powerful wings to function. Beyond that, their appearance varies based on their lineage and the purity of their blood. All possess at least scales and claws like the Claw Caste; others are completely covered in even thicker, rougher scales. Those of the purest bloodlines sport reptilian snouts filled with large, sharp teeth, and perhaps spiked tails. Making up only eight percent of the Drakelings, the Wing Caste serves as the military commanders and political leaders.
  
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== The Fae’s Spiritual Beliefs ==
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Flame Caste: The second High Caste is both the physically smallest and the longest living. Named for their ability to breathe fire, members of the Flame Caste appear as lanky, scaly individuals with unusually thick necks. This is due to the extra tubes running down both sides of their neck to special glands in their chests that allow them to breathe fire. These often mysterious figures serve as the priests, druids, sorcerers of Drakeling society. It is said that they see divine visions in their fiery breath. The Flame Caste constantly squabbles with the Wing Caste for political power.
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Unlike the Draconians, the Fae do not believe in beings of higher power that govern their lives. They believe that they must make strength for themselves instead of praying to someone else to give it to them. They do believe in the higher evolution of the spirit though. That is how many believe their race came to be, through the deeper understanding of how the soul learns and evolves. In every life the soul is forced to learn one or more lessons, that is its purpose. Even the lowest person upon the face of Althanas has a lesson that must be learned and a purpose to their life. When the soul has learned this lesson it returns to its resting place for a short amount of time before once again reincarnating to learn something else.  
 
  
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The Fae believe there are twelve different houses of learning for the soul to go through. These can be as simple as learning to put others above oneself, or even the other way around for one who gives too much but never to themselves. They do not yet know everything or completely understand all of this, but they continue to explore their own spirituality and debate it constantly in open forums.  
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Blood Caste*: Once, long ago, there was no Blood Caste because all Drakelings were like this. Now, the Blood Caste has died out entirely. This lost caste represents the height of the Drakeling race, known to have possessed both functional wings and fiery breath, as well as strongly manifested draconic features and life spans exceeding 400 years. As the race's blood thinned over the generations due to the prevalence of interbreeding with humans and other races, fewer and fewer Drakelings were born in this pure state. For a long stretch of Drakeling history, the Blood Caste ruled supreme over their kin. Ever since the last Blood Caste member died two hundred years ago, the weight of leadership has fallen to the Flame and Wing Castes. They have greatly enjoyed their ascension, and many secretly fear the reemergence of the lost Blood Caste.
  
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Twin Lore:  
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==Religion==
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====Fuileadan (Draconians)====
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*'''Religion''' : The Draconians are ruled by their religion. They live by its rules and through their devotion hope to enter their eternal resting ground when they die. Their religion is ritualistic, highly superstitious at times, and sacrificial. Though the Fae have worked hard to change their religious beliefs little has come from their effort, the Draconians are resistant to change. The worship a very large pantheon of gods, who rule over every aspect of Draconian life and death. Their primary gods and goddesses oversee War, Love, Fertility and the Harvest, Death, Wisdom, Luck, and the Skies and Sea.
  
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Twins are an extremely celebrated occurrence in Fae Lore, for many different reasons. Some Fae theorize that twins are of a higher spiritual standing and were brought into the world to teach those around them lessons. Others believe it is the soul within the twin Fae themselves that is there to learn a specific lesson, and usually more than one. One thing that does remain constant is that all Fae believe when twins are born, it is in fact one soul that has separated into two bodies and twins are born more often to the Fae than any other race on Althanas. Though identical in looks their personalities are usually quite the opposite. You will not necessarily get something along the lines of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ but more in subtle ways. One twin may be extremely energetic and carefree, the other more reserved, quiet and cautious.  
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*'''Temples''' : Each God and Goddess has his or her own Temple, Priests (or Priestesses), and Acolytes dedicated for them. Prayers and sacrifices to specific Gods are done in their respective temples or at home if the Draconian has their own private altar to their chosen god. Smaller towns and villages usually only have one Temple that is associated with no God in particular and thus anyone may pray or sacrifice to whomever they please.  
  
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But there is also a downside to twins. Rare are the cases of it, but some twins have been born with a terrible disease. It is something they have from birth that can affect them at any point in their lives. Be it only days after they are born or hundreds of years later. They call it the Mall Anbhas. It’s a disease that slowly attacks one of the Fae from within, eating away at internal organs and causing an extremely slow and painful death.
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The Temples are considered sacred and one can very easily anger a God by doing something disrespectful in their temple. One may inquire to each God’s chosen Priest or Priestess about what needs to be done in order to appease an angry God and come back into their good graces. One may also train to become a Priest or Priestess here.
  
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It can start off as nothing more than a headache or a cold that never truly goes away and always seems to get worse. There is no cure for it. And the true sign that a Fae does have the Mall Anbhas is that their blood turns from silver to black.
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*'''Realms'''
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: ''Maireachtail'' - A middle realm where all living creatures dwell until they die and pass on to the realms beyond. All the Gods and Goddesses look over and command this realm.
  
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Shortly after the diseased Fae dies, the other twin soon follows. Even though most Fae believe that when one twin dies the soul becomes whole, the deep connection that twin Fae feel and the deep loss without it eventually destroys them. Many have fruitlessly searched for some kind of cure and found nothing, nor are they any closer to understanding where it comes from. Most believe it is something left over from when the soul unnaturally splits itself in half; others believe it is some kind of genetic mutation.  
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: ''Seacht Riocht Sainmhiniu'' - Seven Realms of Passing. This is the first place a soul or person travelling into the land beyond Maireachtail is brought. Should one be allowed to pass through, it is said that each of the seven realms has a trial that one must pass in order to move onto the next . Once you begin the journey there is no turning back. Living and dead alike are subjected to the same trials and held to the same rules.
  
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== The Synthesis Shop and Crystal Manipulation ==
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: ''Talamh Iomlan'' - An eighth realm just after the Seven Realms of Passing. This is the land of the dead where all of those save the War Gods' chosen warriors go to rest for eternity. The realm is separated into two different sections. Upon entry into this realm, one's deeds throughout life are measured and weighed.
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Crystal Manipulation is something that all Fae learn from a young age. It entails taking either minerals or crystals and changing their current form into something else, works of art or even weapons and armour. Donnalaich is decorated with many a piece of manipulated crystal and it is even starting to branch out into Suthainn.  
 
  
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Synthesizing is combining two or more materials together to create something new. The mass of the items cannot be changed, like in manipulation, but the outcome will vary greatly depending upon the materials used. Almost anything can be created; the imagination is the only limit.  
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If found undeserving or of having done too much evil during their life they are sent to Eadhochas, a dead land without color, where one feels no warmth or comfort. The only things felt in this realm are pain, anguish and despair. Thirst and hunger are constant but they can never be slaked.  
  
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== The Ancients ==
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If they are found deserving, they are sent to Fasaigh, a paradise, and resting ground for those who were not warriors but did enough in their lives to merit a beautiful afterlife. Pain and despair can be forgotten here and one may have any pleasure they wish. It is the ideal Draconian city where one may live out the afterlife in peace with family and friends who were also fortunate enough to find themselves here.
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The Fae have been slowing picking through the ruins of once fantastic cities build by The Ancients for many years now. It has been a slow process as many of the ruins are overrun with monsters and the wet season makes it hard to explore and travel. They have been able to acquire some small pieces of information, mainly scripts carved into stone and protected from the elements. Unfortunately, they have been unable to translate the scripts that they have found so far. They do know that The Ancients were far advanced than any race on Althanas now but at some point during their history, a sudden and catastrophic event occurred and wiped them from the face of the planet.  
 
  
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Many of the cities and monuments that The Ancients built have been destroyed by time and the ones that still remain are in ruins. The cities were built in stone though, some of which were built in fantastical ways that the Fae can only wonder at how they were created without falling apart. These stone structures can be found scattered throughout the entirety of Dheathain, emerging from the waters of the swamp and rising from the earth of the grasslands, as well as deep within the rainforest.  
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: ''Parthas'' - A paradise for all warriors, under the watchful eyes of the twin Gods of War. At the center of Parthas is a large Hall from which the Gods rule, watching their select warriors as they enjoy the spoils of a life lived in battle. Parthas beyond the Hall is an endless land of enchanting forests and swamps with many animals that one may hunt only with the Gods' permission.
  
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The ruins in the grasslands consisted of three smaller cities that are in the worst condition of all other ruins. Their stone exposed to more of the elements than the others has left many an important piece of scripture worn away and never to be recovered. What is left of the grand cities in the swampland go mostly unexplored as the deep water and the creatures that lie within pose many a problem. At the moment, the Fae are experimenting with a type of magic that will allow them to breath under water so they may reach the ruins. Most of the ruins within the rainforest have been explored, though many of them carry their secrets intact.  
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: ''Neahm'' - The Realms of Gods, where all of the Gods except for the twin War Gods reside. The Twin Gods of War inhabit Parthas with their fallen warriors. Neahm is a paradise for the Gods where they can look down upon the realms below them and watch the inhabitants of Dheathain.
  
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== The Language ==
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====The Fae’s Spiritual Beliefs====
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Unlike the Draconians, the Fae do not believe in beings of higher power that govern their lives. Instead they believe they must make strength for themselves instead of praying to someone else to give it to them. They do believe in the higher evolution of the spirit though. That is how many believe their race came to be, through the deeper understanding of how the soul learns and evolves. In every life, the soul's singular purpose is to learn one or more lessons. Even the lowest person upon the face of Althanas has a lesson that must be learned and a purpose to their life. When the soul has learned this lesson it returns to its resting place for a short amount of time before once again reincarnating to learn something else.  
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The Dheath language evolved into what it is today by a combination of both the original Draconian and Fae languages over many centuries. Due to the age of some Draconians and Fae you will occasionally find that they speak in a different or older dialect of Dheath and they are too stubborn to change to the newer.  
 
  
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Names are a little different for each race though. Fae have their own first and even sometimes second name, but their last name is associated with their family or house. Everyone born into that house will have the same last name, usually taken from a long passed member of the family who was important to them in any way. Families may change their last name if they wish but this is rather rare. When marrying, the last name chosen is usually taken from the more prominent house whether it is the male or female side it doesn’t matter.  
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The Fae believe there are twelve different houses of learning for the soul to go through. These can be as simple as learning to put others above oneself, or even the other way around for one who gives too much but never to themselves. They do not yet know everything or completely understand all of this, but they continue to explore their own spirituality and debate it constantly in open forums.
  
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Draconian names are a little different. Their last names are the first name of their father. The names are separated by dar, which means of. As an example, the Ceann Cath’s name Darroch dar Gaevrin, he is Darroch of Gaevrin and that recognizes Gaevrin as his father. If the father of any Draconian were to do something disloyal and be exiled from the region or even killed for his deeds, his children may take on the last name of their mother but they will be followed by the stigma of their father’s deeds.  
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'''Twin Lore''' -Twins are an extremely celebrated occurrence in Fae Lore, for many different reasons. Some Fae theorize that twins are of a higher spiritual standing and were brought into the world to teach those around them lessons. Others believe it is the soul within the twin Fae themselves that is there to learn a specific lesson, and usually more than one. One thing that does remain constant is that all Fae believe when twins are born, it is in fact one soul that has separated into two bodies. Twins are born more often to the Fae than any other race on Althanas. Though identical in looks, their personalities are usually quite the opposite. You will not necessarily get something along the lines of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ but more in subtle ways. One twin may be extremely energetic and carefree, the other more reserved, quiet and cautious.  
  
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Dheath is actually Gaelic and if you ever need to use the language during your quests I have several references that I have been using in the construction of the region.
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There is a downside for twins. Rare are the cases of it, but some twins have been born with a terrible disease. It is something they have from birth that can affect them at any point in their lives. Be it only days after they are born or hundreds of years later. They call it the Mall Anbhas. It is a disease that slowly attacks one of the Fae from within, eating away at internal organs and causing an extremely slow and painful death. It can start off as nothing more than a headache or a cold that never truly goes away and always seems to get worse. There is no cure for it, and the most recognizable symptom of Mall Anbhas is the transformation of the blood from silver to black. Shortly after the diseased Fae dies, the other twin soon follows. Even though most Fae believe that when one twin dies the soul becomes whole, the deep connection felt by twin Fae and the deep loss without it eventually destroys them. Many have fruitlessly searched for some kind of cure and found nothing, nor are they any closer to understanding where it comes from. Most believe it is something left over from when the soul unnaturally splits itself in half; others believe it is some kind of genetic mutation.

Latest revision as of 04:09, 22 December 2011

Dheathain is one of the vastly unexplored regions that lies on the Eastern continent. Its Inhabitants are unique races that are powerful in both magic and sword. One must tread carefully upon her ground and give respect to receive it.

Dheathain
Capital Donnalaich
Form of Government Martial Law/Meritocracy
Ruler(s) Ceann Cath, Comataidh nan Roinnean
Legal System Martial Law/Civil Law
Official Language(s) Dheath
Population Approximately 5,000,000
Religious Type Fuileadan
Literacy 48%
Technology level Early Medieval
Major Imports Glass. Horses. Sugar.
Major Exports Crystals. Lumber
Natural Resources Lumber. Crystals. Grain. Granite/Marble


Geography

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.

Places of Interest

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.

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.


Talmhaidh: 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.


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.

The Comataidh nan Roinnean

The Fae operate on a council system, the Comataidh nan Roinnean or Nan Roin in short. This council oversees the daily lives of the Fae as well as matters of justice, laws and magic. The council fluctuates between 9-13 members, though it is supposed to stay at 12, with 11 chomhairles (council members) and one fi-chomhairle who is the head of the council. The fi-chomhairle is usually the oldest of the members and has more authority and wisdom against the regular members of the council. On his own he cannot overrule the other members, but the collective members of the council can overrule the head councillor if enough of them vote against him.

The Drakelings

Overview

This draconic, humanoid race traces its origins back four thousand years to the four Progenitors, ancient dragons close to death who mated humans. No one knows what exactly made this possible, as dragons cannot breed with other species under normal circumstances. Some theories speak of crazed arcane experiments and Dheathain religious lore credits divine intervention. Regardless, the blood of dragons has always flowed through the veins of the Drakeling race. Unfortunately, over the centuries the race's blood has thinned, due both to their rather bloody history and widespread cross-breeding with humans.

Physically, Drakelings vary depending on their caste (see below), but all possess some scales (of the color linked to their Progenitor ancestor) and sharp elongated canine teeth. Their average life spans range from 90 to 300 years, depending on caste. Aside from physical features, the Drakelings also inherited some of a dragon's temperament. They are abnormally territorial, especially among the higher castes, and protective of their possessions and loved ones. They anger more quickly and generally show more aggressive tendencies than humans. They are suspicious of those they don't know, but on the plus side, once they decide to trust someone, they make extremely loyal friends and allies.

Castes

As a consequence of their thinning blood, the Drakeling race has divided into four distinct castes based on the draconic features manifested upon an individual at birth. The more dragon features one possesses, the "purer" their blood and the higher their social status. The vast majority are born into the same caste as their parents (and grandparents and so forth), but exceptions do occur. Breeding is held paramount amongst the higher castes, with almost all marriage now arranged by the elders and interbreeding with other races or lower castes often forbidden.

Scale Caste: The lowest caste is named for the only draconic feature displayed on its members. They appear as humans (many even possessing hair), only with between a third and three fourths of their skin covered with tough scales. Making up about sixty percent of the race's population, the Scale Caste forms the menial class in Drakeling society. Most are essentially serfs working the land, though those with skills might serve as tradesmen, servants, scribes, or even merchants. Members of the higher castes typically look down on the Scale Caste, treating them as second-class citizens.

Claw Caste: Named for the deadly claws on their hands, this caste forms the Drakeling warrior elite. Scales cover their skin like the Scale Caste, but also stand an average of six inches taller. The males often have broad shoulders and intimidating bulk, whereas females are typically lithe and lean. Some possess wings, especially those born of higher caste parents, but they are never functional and often freakishly small and atrophied. Claw Caste Drakelings receive a fair amount of respect and enjoy considerable social mobility, with some going on to command actual armies for the ruling class. They make up about twenty-five percent of the population.

Wing Caste: One of the two High Castes, this caste still possesses large, functional wings and the ability to fly with proper training. They are the physically largest of the Drakelings, standing an average of seven feet tall with broad shoulders. They possess massive chests with what appears as a second set of pectoral muscles that wrap all the way around the middle of their torso -- these all their massive and powerful wings to function. Beyond that, their appearance varies based on their lineage and the purity of their blood. All possess at least scales and claws like the Claw Caste; others are completely covered in even thicker, rougher scales. Those of the purest bloodlines sport reptilian snouts filled with large, sharp teeth, and perhaps spiked tails. Making up only eight percent of the Drakelings, the Wing Caste serves as the military commanders and political leaders.

Flame Caste: The second High Caste is both the physically smallest and the longest living. Named for their ability to breathe fire, members of the Flame Caste appear as lanky, scaly individuals with unusually thick necks. This is due to the extra tubes running down both sides of their neck to special glands in their chests that allow them to breathe fire. These often mysterious figures serve as the priests, druids, sorcerers of Drakeling society. It is said that they see divine visions in their fiery breath. The Flame Caste constantly squabbles with the Wing Caste for political power.

Blood Caste*: Once, long ago, there was no Blood Caste because all Drakelings were like this. Now, the Blood Caste has died out entirely. This lost caste represents the height of the Drakeling race, known to have possessed both functional wings and fiery breath, as well as strongly manifested draconic features and life spans exceeding 400 years. As the race's blood thinned over the generations due to the prevalence of interbreeding with humans and other races, fewer and fewer Drakelings were born in this pure state. For a long stretch of Drakeling history, the Blood Caste ruled supreme over their kin. Ever since the last Blood Caste member died two hundred years ago, the weight of leadership has fallen to the Flame and Wing Castes. They have greatly enjoyed their ascension, and many secretly fear the reemergence of the lost Blood Caste.

Religion

Fuileadan (Draconians)

  • Religion : The Draconians are ruled by their religion. They live by its rules and through their devotion hope to enter their eternal resting ground when they die. Their religion is ritualistic, highly superstitious at times, and sacrificial. Though the Fae have worked hard to change their religious beliefs little has come from their effort, the Draconians are resistant to change. The worship a very large pantheon of gods, who rule over every aspect of Draconian life and death. Their primary gods and goddesses oversee War, Love, Fertility and the Harvest, Death, Wisdom, Luck, and the Skies and Sea.
  • Temples : Each God and Goddess has his or her own Temple, Priests (or Priestesses), and Acolytes dedicated for them. Prayers and sacrifices to specific Gods are done in their respective temples or at home if the Draconian has their own private altar to their chosen god. Smaller towns and villages usually only have one Temple that is associated with no God in particular and thus anyone may pray or sacrifice to whomever they please.

The Temples are considered sacred and one can very easily anger a God by doing something disrespectful in their temple. One may inquire to each God’s chosen Priest or Priestess about what needs to be done in order to appease an angry God and come back into their good graces. One may also train to become a Priest or Priestess here.

  • Realms
Maireachtail - A middle realm where all living creatures dwell until they die and pass on to the realms beyond. All the Gods and Goddesses look over and command this realm.
Seacht Riocht Sainmhiniu - Seven Realms of Passing. This is the first place a soul or person travelling into the land beyond Maireachtail is brought. Should one be allowed to pass through, it is said that each of the seven realms has a trial that one must pass in order to move onto the next . Once you begin the journey there is no turning back. Living and dead alike are subjected to the same trials and held to the same rules.
Talamh Iomlan - An eighth realm just after the Seven Realms of Passing. This is the land of the dead where all of those save the War Gods' chosen warriors go to rest for eternity. The realm is separated into two different sections. Upon entry into this realm, one's deeds throughout life are measured and weighed.

If found undeserving or of having done too much evil during their life they are sent to Eadhochas, a dead land without color, where one feels no warmth or comfort. The only things felt in this realm are pain, anguish and despair. Thirst and hunger are constant but they can never be slaked.

If they are found deserving, they are sent to Fasaigh, a paradise, and resting ground for those who were not warriors but did enough in their lives to merit a beautiful afterlife. Pain and despair can be forgotten here and one may have any pleasure they wish. It is the ideal Draconian city where one may live out the afterlife in peace with family and friends who were also fortunate enough to find themselves here.

Parthas - A paradise for all warriors, under the watchful eyes of the twin Gods of War. At the center of Parthas is a large Hall from which the Gods rule, watching their select warriors as they enjoy the spoils of a life lived in battle. Parthas beyond the Hall is an endless land of enchanting forests and swamps with many animals that one may hunt only with the Gods' permission.
Neahm - The Realms of Gods, where all of the Gods except for the twin War Gods reside. The Twin Gods of War inhabit Parthas with their fallen warriors. Neahm is a paradise for the Gods where they can look down upon the realms below them and watch the inhabitants of Dheathain.

The Fae’s Spiritual Beliefs

Unlike the Draconians, the Fae do not believe in beings of higher power that govern their lives. Instead they believe they must make strength for themselves instead of praying to someone else to give it to them. They do believe in the higher evolution of the spirit though. That is how many believe their race came to be, through the deeper understanding of how the soul learns and evolves. In every life, the soul's singular purpose is to learn one or more lessons. Even the lowest person upon the face of Althanas has a lesson that must be learned and a purpose to their life. When the soul has learned this lesson it returns to its resting place for a short amount of time before once again reincarnating to learn something else.

The Fae believe there are twelve different houses of learning for the soul to go through. These can be as simple as learning to put others above oneself, or even the other way around for one who gives too much but never to themselves. They do not yet know everything or completely understand all of this, but they continue to explore their own spirituality and debate it constantly in open forums.

Twin Lore -Twins are an extremely celebrated occurrence in Fae Lore, for many different reasons. Some Fae theorize that twins are of a higher spiritual standing and were brought into the world to teach those around them lessons. Others believe it is the soul within the twin Fae themselves that is there to learn a specific lesson, and usually more than one. One thing that does remain constant is that all Fae believe when twins are born, it is in fact one soul that has separated into two bodies. Twins are born more often to the Fae than any other race on Althanas. Though identical in looks, their personalities are usually quite the opposite. You will not necessarily get something along the lines of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ but more in subtle ways. One twin may be extremely energetic and carefree, the other more reserved, quiet and cautious.

There is a downside for twins. Rare are the cases of it, but some twins have been born with a terrible disease. It is something they have from birth that can affect them at any point in their lives. Be it only days after they are born or hundreds of years later. They call it the Mall Anbhas. It is a disease that slowly attacks one of the Fae from within, eating away at internal organs and causing an extremely slow and painful death. It can start off as nothing more than a headache or a cold that never truly goes away and always seems to get worse. There is no cure for it, and the most recognizable symptom of Mall Anbhas is the transformation of the blood from silver to black. Shortly after the diseased Fae dies, the other twin soon follows. Even though most Fae believe that when one twin dies the soul becomes whole, the deep connection felt by twin Fae and the deep loss without it eventually destroys them. Many have fruitlessly searched for some kind of cure and found nothing, nor are they any closer to understanding where it comes from. Most believe it is something left over from when the soul unnaturally splits itself in half; others believe it is some kind of genetic mutation.

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