Erin | Romina | Rozalia
THE KINGDOM OF FLORE
Location: One of the three most power unified nations in Otria, Flore is perhaps the most ideally situated of all of them. Sharing borders with Romina, Valentia and Gilbertine she also has access to the Heilio Sea to the SE and Arvet Channel to the north.
Introduction: In order that he might better keep an eye on his subjects, the King has summoned at least one member of every aristocratic family within Flore to attend court. Here he hopes that by encouraging their games of intrigues and scandals within their ranks they will be suitably distracted from plotting against him. The theory has worked surprisingly well in practice so far.
People: There is a strong social divide in Florese society, with each of the three strata (peasants, merchants/bureaucrats, and the nobility knowing their place in the natural order of things. The nobility know that Deusa picked them to live in esteem, and for the others to serve upon them.
Government: Monarchy: Roi Renier (F) and Reine Therese (V)
Seat of Government: Cherveaux, Palace of Light
Capital: Cheverny
National Symbol: Traditionally a Fleur de Lys, although more commonly this has been replaced by a radiant Sun.
Religion: The One Church
Language: Florese
Principle Locations:
1. Emiennes (Principle Northern port)
2. Saint-Pellier
3. Cheverny
4. Geaune
5. Breterie (On Gilbertine border)
6. Maix (Principle Southern port)
7. Turle
8. Pouvoir
Berince - Off the western coast of Aylett.
Evigny - Off the south-easterly tip of Romina
Political Relations:
Erin Neutral
Aylett Allied First cousins, Renier of Flore and Ossian II of Aylett, of similar age and appearance, were boyhood companions. It was perhaps for this reason that the two have maintained a friendly alliance between their countries so far. On an official stance Flore politically distances itself from Aylett on religious matters.
Valentia Allied. Ever since Roi Renier took a Valentian princess for his bride relations with Valentain have been excellent.
Romina Neutral.
Gilbertine Neutral. The complex internal workings of the Gilbertine State ensure that when an ally in made of one island it automatically makes an enemy of the next.
Rozalia Flore has limited dealings with Rozlia due to the remote nature of the land.
Customs/Etiquette: Decadent culture.
Wit rules - inference, quips, quotes are preferred over forthrightness and directness (which is considered uncouth). Those that excel at natural wit quickly rise to become favourites of the court, and are held in high esteem.
Appearances are deemed to be everything. It is commonly accepted that no one is to be completely trusted. Friends are considered more dangerous than enemies, for they have not openly declared their intentions.
Further Notes:
Flore believes itself a leader in arts, fashion and culture.
The Palace of Light was built as a monument to the glory of Flore by Reneir’s father, Roi Alaire II. It is an architectural masterpiece that has yet to be surpassed by other countries. But it is the huge mirrors, whose manufacture remains a secret to this day, in La Galerie de Lumière, that reflect the light tenfold that leant the palace its name as the Palace of Light.
Intrigue and scandal are the lifeblood of the court, if their absence scandals are invented. This is often referred to as "The Game", which at its height is almost malicious in its severity making court a very dangerous place.
Roi Renier, has self styled himself as the Sun King. An outward message against a symbol of the Brace Faith, that he is the true Father of his people.
THE KINGDOM OF AYLETT
Location: One of the three most power unified nations in Otria, the island of Aylett lies to the north of Flore.
Introduction: Having entered a period of stability after a series of civil wars Aylett is enjoying a new era of prosperity and decadence, greatly influenced by Flore.
The Civil wars centred on religion after King Aldan III was converted to the Brace Church by his Gilbertite wife. His brother, Ossian took up the cause of the Universal Church of Deusa. Decades of unrest, pitting brother against brother, son against father, saw families torn apart which saw the death of both Aldan III and Ossian I. There have now been eight years of peace under Ossian II (a worshipper of the Brace faith himself), as a matter of consolidation Aylett allows complete Freedom of worship.
People: The Aylettish people are famed for their hospitality, this has led to them having the reputation for the finest coaching inns in all of Otria.
Government: Monarchy: Ossian II (A) Beatrice III (G)
Seat of Government:Tourwicke Court, Tourwicke
Principle Locations
1. Carforde
2. Tourwicke
3. Chancery
4. Lymleigh (Principle port)
5. Leaton
Capital: Chancery
National Symbol: An Oak Tree, with 3 diamonds vertically place on the trunk
Religion:Freedom of worship for all.
Language: Aylettish
Political Relations
Erin Uneasy alliance. Erin was once a vassal state but has won its independence back from Aylett.
Flore Good. As first cousins and boyhood companions the two kings remain on good terms although Flore politically distances itself from Aylett on religious matters.
Valentia Strained. During the civil wars the Valentians aided the prince in his battle's to see the Universal Church returned to Aylett as the sole aim. Having achieved their aim, Valentia occupied Aylett for a short period. A second civil war saw Valentia driven out. They do however retain a fortified island (Temblahorro) just of the western shore of Aylett.
Romina Neutral
Gilbertine Allied. Aylett is o ne of the few countries to maintain strong links with Gilbertine, it has particularly strong links with the island solely embracing the Brace faith.
Rozalia Allied. Due to its position, and having one of the smoothest sailing routes to Rozalia good trading links are maintained.
Customs/Etiquette:
A great competition has arisen in Aylett whereby the king travels from the house of one noble to another during what has come to be known as the summer procession. Winters are spent in Tourwicke. To gain the favour of the king, Aylettish aristocrats have taken to building greater and more outlandish country estates in the hopes of impressing the king (often to the point of bankruptcy), and gaining the honour of a visit. The king in turn finds this a valuable method by keeping his powerful subjects under a watchful eye.
Ossian visits Flore at least once a year much to the chargrin of those left behind (his Queen usually included).
THE CONFEDERACY OF GILBERTINE
Location: Situated between Rozalia and Flore the region known as Gilbertine is in fact made up of eleven independent states, eight of which are islands.
Introduction: Centuries of warfare, a result of continual internal conflicts, has left its mark on Gilbertine. Whereas most other countries in Otria have become unified nation states, Gilbertine has languished on the sidelines unable to display the political power or wealth of the other nations. Nor has it seen the great courts of the other nations, although several of the princes are now beginning to put that to rights in the most ostentatious manner. Others focus their attentions on the intrigues of foreign courts, searching for ever more intriguing ways in which they might strike at their enemies at home.
In recent years these struggles have manifested themselves in ever more insidious ways rather than direct conflict. The sea's around Gilbertine are constantly patrolled by pirates, effectively closing down the quickest sea routes from Rozalia through Gilberite waters.
People: There people of Gilbertine are often perceived as being cold, and unemotional, making it almost impossible to effectively take any measure of their true feelings.
Typical Appearance: A typical Gilberite is taller than most Otrians. Often with pale colouring they tend to have blonde hair and blue eyes.
Government: Each island ruled differently and independently, the elected representative is known as the Prince of the island. In theory the rulership of each island tends to stay in one family. Matters regarding the external politics of Gilbertine are governed by the Council of Eleven. Any Prince can summon the council to be called, at which time each island must send a representative.
National Symbol: A sailing ship, the colour of the ship and design on the sails varies from one prince to the next. Each Prince designs his own uniquen ship when he is elected.
Seat of Government: The Council of Eleven when called always meets on a different island than the one that summoned it. It never sits on the same island twice in a row.
Principle Locations
1. Eburren [Island] - Brace
2. Schaagen [Island] - Brace
3. Halbe [Island] Universal
4. Giese - Freedom of worship
5. Fuhle - Brace
6. Wisafen - Universal
7. Uelheim [Island] - Brace
8. Stutzen [Island] Universal
9. Haarle [Island] - Brace
10. Steinmaar [Island] - Brace
11. Weizgart [Island] - Universal
Capital: There is no single unified capital for Gilbertine
Religion: Varies constantly from one state to the next.
Language: Gilberite
Political Relations:
The political relations of Gilbertine are complicated in the extreme, and fluctuate constantly. A general rule of thumb is that the Brace islands strongly ally themselves with Aylett, on religious grounds. Similarly those adhering to the Universal Church of Deus ally themselves with like-minded nations, inparticular Valentia.
Folklore: The unity of the populace will see the will see the land repaired, and the isles merge into one unit of land once more.
Location: Laying to the south-west of Flore, Valentia is in possession of one of the hotter climates of the Otrian mainland.
Introduction: Housing the holy seat of the Primus of the Universal Church valentia has always prided itself on being the staunchest and most steadfast supporter of the Univeral Church. It is little wonder, therefore, that more miracles have been accredited to Valentia than any other country in Otria. People: The people of Valentia tend to have dark colouring than the rest of Otria. Their skin is famed for its olive complexion, eyes tend to be green or brown whilst hair tends to be black or brown. It is said that Valentians have fiery tempers, and once provoked, will hold a nuture a wrong against them (or thier family) through generations until revenge has been achieved.
Government: Monarchy.
Rey Araoz (V) Reina Anja-Karolin (G)
Seat of Government: The Quelleza, Sorleque
National Symbol A black stallion rearing on its hind legs.
Principle Locations:
1.Vatuzan
2. Calboa
3. Hunquera
4. Cuevmena (Port)
5. Sorleque (Capital)
6. Panarosa
Temblahorro Off the western coast of Aylett.
Capital: Sorleque
Religion: Universal Church of Deusa
Language: Valentian
Political Relations with rest of Otria:
Erin Hostile After a brief interlude in which Valentia allied itself to Erin in the hopes of converting the masses relations remain hostile. Murmurs of war against the 'most heretic race of all', as Valentians dub the populace of Erin, abound constantly.
Flore Good. After a political match via the marriage bed relations with Flore remain good.
Aylett Strained. Whilst the Universal Church is openly accepted as an official, and given its strong ties with Flore, Valentia is loathe to move against Aylett on the religious problem. Emissaries are sent constantly in a bid to see the Brace Church relagted from being national accepted religion.
Romina Neutral
Gilbertine Mixed Valentia allies itself freely to any Prince embrassing the Universal Church and will happily offer financial support to those that will wage war on those that favour the Brace Faith.
Rozalia Allied. Valentia has limited dealings with Rozlia due to the remote nature of the land.
Folklore:
Customs/Etiquette "Ill done against my family, is ill done against me."
Notes Valentia is famed for its horses, a proud trait that is reflected in the national symbol of the family. Those of Valentia have no tolerance for anyone taking solace from any other faith other than that of the Universal Church. Whilst strictly devout and honouring the word of the scripture the priests have been suprisingly creative in not using 'weapons' to dish out justice to heretics.
Location. Situated to the North of Aylett, Erin is the most northerly situated country.
Introduction: Swarthy and strong the people of Erin are rumoured to be the oldest civilisation of Otria. Of course there are those that would mock such a claim on the basis that without a court based on lies on intrigue there can be no civilisation.
People: The people of Erin tend to be blue eyed with pale skin. The quiet vowel sounds of the Erinese language results in a softly spoken race. There is no dominant hair colour anyone on the isle.
Government: Monarchy. High King Paidriag
Seat of Government: Ennistarra
Principle Locations:
1. Baiglenar (Port)
2. Bennoagh
3. Ennistarra (Capital)
4. Ceadon
Capital: Ennistar
National Symbol A Red Rose in full bloom
Religion: The Mother Church
Language: Erinese
Political Relations with rest of Otria:
Valentia Hostile
Aylett Neutral
Flore Neutral
Rozalia Neutral has limited dealings with Rozlia
Romina Neutral Has no dealings with Romina
THE STATE OF ROMINA (The Forbidden Land)
Location. Situated to the south of Flore.
Introduction: Tall walls surround both Romina’s coastal and land borders. Those entering and leaving are strictly monitored. Little news of occurences within those walls reaches the world beyond.
Seat of Government: Venicea
National Symbol A golden anchor.
Principle Locations:
1. Enza
2. Cerezzo
3. Peliano
4. Milmeno
5. Torisa (Port)
6. Venecia (Capital)
Capital: Venecia
Religion: Thought to be the Universal Church
Language: Rominese
Political Relations with rest of Otria
Limited with all nations
Notes Romina remains a great mystery, occasionally strange stories escape from behind the great walls. The great enigma is left alone, curiosity does not seem enough to warrant an invasion to see whats been hidden away.
Location. Situated to the east of Gilbetine the nation of Rozalia is geographically remote from other nations due to hazardous mountain ranges and rough seas.
Introduction. Although the largest of the Otrian countries, Rozalia is also the most remote being encircled by mountains on almost three sides. Only the north-easterly coast is open and accessible. Gilberite pirates have effectively closed down the southerly shipping routes.
National Symbol A brazier with blue flames
Relations with the rest of Otria Limited due to geographical constraints.
FolkloreRozalian's care for the land and in turn the land cares for Rozalian's. back to top