Shienar lies in the northeast flanked by the Mountains of Dhoom and the Spine of the World. Forming a wedge that leads into Tarwin's Gap, it is the last bastion of civilization bordering the corruption of the Blight and the dangers of the Aiel Waste. The only neighboring country of Arafel lies to the west while a wilderness interspersed with ruins and a few independent townsteads occupy the south.
Formed early in the War of the Hundred Years, Shienar is one of the northern nations resulting from a conference of Hawkwing's governors of the five northern provinces. To preserve the peace and defend against the Blight, they agreed to form stable nations. The first Queen of Shienar was Merean Tihomar.
Shienar is a monarchy under King Easar of House Togita. The capital city of Fal Moran lies at near the center of the country. The banner is of a black swooping hawk on a field of three blue and two white horizontal stripes. By convention, the sigil of the reigning ruler is the sigil of Shienar.
Shienaran warriors are easily identifiable, as they wear their hair in a topknot, with their head shaved around it. Each one is a walking arsenal wearing one or two long-swords strapped to their backs with a broadsword, axe, or mace at their belt. Armor is a combination of leather, mail and plate covered with a surcoat bearing the nation's sigil of a black hawk. Considered the finest heavy cavalry throughout the world, these warriors wield fighting lances from atop powerful warhorses armored with steel barding to protect the vulnerable head, neck and chest.
The cities closer to the Blightborder, such as Fal Dara, represent the fighting spirit of Shienar. Built for strength and beauty, the city-fortress is centered upon hills to gain a broad view of the countryside. The ground is cleared for a mile around the city where nothing taller than short grass is allowed to grow. This reduces the possibility of an undetected approach by hostile forces. With the exception of the surrounding farms, everything is enclosed within the heavy iron gates and stone walls that comprise the city. Buildings have sharply-peaked roofs with slanted chimneys and eaves sloping almost to the ground to prevent ice build-up during the fierce winters. Farmers are sheltered in the towns during Trolloc raids, which are frequent and brutal, or when war is declared. Like all cities along the Blightborder, no man may be permitted to wear a hood or cover their face within the city walls. This is to prevent Myrddraal, known as Eyeless, from gaining admittance to the cities. Also, the city streets are well lighted to eliminate any shadows Myrddraal might utilize to appear and disappear.
Known for winters cold enough to cause trees to burst as their sap freezes, Shienar is within sight of the Blight and its unnatural heat oppressive enough to gnaw away at the spirit of the hardiest man. The duality of this environment is a harsh training ground fashioning an extremely rugged people.
Divided into regions, the nation is governed and protected by the Noble Houses. The primary duty of these noble houses is to provide military forces for combating the denizens of the Blight. Many men train as warriors, pledging to one of the Noble Houses. They are fierce and tenacious in battle holding honor, strength and skill above all else. The day a soldier receives his sword is considered his nameday. The encroachment of the Blight and sporadic Trolloc raids on farms and villages is a major influence upon the Shienaran warrior's view of life: the quality of life is all that that matters, not material wealth that can be gained. They also trace their origins to the Earth to which they wish to return after their final breath. Soldiers are buried without shroud, coffin, or clothes under the epitaph: "Last embrace of the Mother welcome you home."
The Shienarans recognition of life's brevity is reflected in their art and architecture. Taking a minimalist view, both untilize simple lines and a distinct lack of excessive ornamentation. These two qualities combine to create a severe beauty that represents their cultural belief. The people have a love of ceremony, including ritual greetings and partings for honored guests. Members of all classes are extremely polite, even to their enemies. Men are particularly chivalrous and respectful of women. Detailed customs dictate the behavior of each gender towards the other. Shienaran women never duel and do not train with weapons. The apartments for men and women are separated. The shatayan (head housekeeper) and the shambayan (head butler) are positions of great power in the Borderlands. Aes Sedai are honored and respected. Known as Builders, Ogiers are held in great esteem even though their work in Shienar has long since been destroyed by past wars and time. While there is a class system, all Shienarans are treated fairly and with respect. One place where rank is not observed is the common baths.
Fighting men shave most of their heads, leaving only a topknot they tie back with a leather thong. Servants to Nobles wear livery in the Noble House colors. Those of a menial position wear bowl haircuts and leather jackets. Men wear shirts, tight trousers and jackets adorned with embroidery on the collar and arms. Women wear modest long dresses embroidered on the bodice. Class distinctions are indicated in the quality of cut and cloth.
Noble Houses
House Togita
House Jagad
House Shinowa
House Yokata
House Chulin
Other sigils: |
Cities & Towns
Fal Moran
Fal Dara
Ankor Dail
Mos Shirare
Fal Sion
Fal Eisen
Camron Caan
Medo |
Significant Shienarans
Agelmar Jagad
Amalisa Jagad
Easar Togita
Ingtar Shinowa
Kayen Yokata
Alesune Chulin
Elansu
Nisura
Ronan
Changu
Hurin
Masema Dagar
Nidao
Ragan
Uno Nomeshta |
