Post by Oniryukain on Oct 20, 2006 5:28:54 GMT -5
Geographical Information (and a little extra):[/size]
Kyrstinaw ('kris-t-y'no)[/size] is the nation that sits in the northeastern region of Fenmyr. The territory, the land portion, extends eastwards from the Vorrin Mountains to the Krystin Swamp in the west and southwards from the Old Coast (the common name for the coast next to the Sweet Sea) to the region of Hakk Unro Ghahho, Myrawood, and the Spear Lake. Having deep political reaches into the Sweet and Eastern Seas, Kyrstinaw is not without its sea resources in addition to the resources gathered and produced from the two famed rivers, Tyas and Phoei. While not home to many woodlands, save those found densely near Sharpwood, Kyrstinaw is home to one of Fenmyr's largest swamps, the Kyrstin Swamp which is said to be home to many valuable plants including Maon, supposedly imported by the Namish during the great war. The great Jaian Grasslands cover most of Kyrstinaw, this region is known to be very war in the day and cool in the night, though nothing in comparison to the Deadlands, however, it is also home to many beasts, such as the great Moontouched Sickleclaw Bear. The Fang Hollow exists in this region due to the great number of grassland/tundra creatures found in these lands, the great rivers, specifically the River Tyas is their main lifeline – it is a well known site to many, especially those who seek ivory and other bones, though it is a dangerous area of naturally harsh badlands. The mountainous haven of the Wiylan is also found within the region of Kyrstinaw, Mount Seth, it is known to be the unclimbable peak, for no mortal is said to have ever made it up into the kingdom of the Wiylans – a sacred temple is found at the foot of this lone mountain. Also shared by Pherin, Kyrstinaw lays partial claim to the Vorrin Mountains and often the Fists of Dauthi journey to down the River Phoei to spread their teachings within the heart of the Queendom.
The region of Kyrstinaw in terms of temperature is far warmer during the day than its western neighbor of Pherin due to the fact there are less trees to keep the lands cooler with their shade. At night, it is noticeably more chilled as the warmth only has the land to catch it and while not as bad as the Deadlands, this is the primarily reason why the fur business is as large as it is in Kyrstinaw as during the winter everything is ten times worse. While the coastal lands of the Old Coast is quite windy and known to have harsh storms, most of Kyrstinaw is mildly affected as the primarily location of the nation is located along the River Phoei. When it rains, it seems more harsh due to the fact of fewer trees to slow the waters, causing flooding to be a major concern – this may be the reason cities near the River Phoei is built on stands above flood levels.
OOC: Kyrstinaw's weather, environment, and flora/fauna is similar to that of the mid-south/southwest US or southeast Europe .
Historical Information:[/size]
The region of Kyrstinaw was known originally as the Northern Realm of the Tokium, a feudal kingdom of lizardmen that were united by King Triste of Zaulm, a city in this kingdom, in the times before the Ark. Prior to this, most of the region were collection of lizardmen tribes that sought military and political control over one another until the kingdom was formed. These lizardmen were later enslaved by the Empire of Sol and the region was renamed Kyrst Plains, after a famous knight, Alicia Kyrst, who died heroically during a horrific against the lizardmen forces near the ruined city of Zaulm. Following the Ark of Quain incident, the region was fairly devastated and little remained, during the aftermath Human, Orcish, and lizardmen tribes began to move in and settle in semi-permanent establishments, including the fledgling stronghold of Tela. Arbonia was known to do trade with Tela until the bloody split in 927 DR, where both Arbon and Jaia would do trade for various reasons with various members of the region, though mostly Tela due to the resources the small, though growing, nation was managed to gather and develop.
Through many wars Tela emerged as the victor, forming a republic under the same name. Throughout the years, they established themselves as a major trade power, especially benefiting between the ill fated relationship between Arbon and Jaia. Their leaders were known to be push the nation on the road to being the leading edge of history recovery, working closely with the Order of Librarians, and technology, having a well developed relationship with the Azurites. Though this would not go without a cautious eye cast upon them by Arbon, who watched their power develop with a dangerous jealously. Eventually war brought out between Arbon and Tela, Tela was easily conquered having a much inferior military and no military alliances, the Azurites offered assistance but their offer was rejected in fear Arbon would turn its sights on the Crystal City. While conquered, Arbon offered Tela an interesting deal – the nation would be considered a protectoral state, basically free of Arbon's grip though considered a property and would be defended, by Arbon for exchange of historical information and technology discovered or recovered by Tela. Having little to bargain with and wishing their freedom, or as much as they could obtain, the Republic of Tela accepted this deal. The two nations' relationship would be strained though productive over the years until Jaian's interference.
Jaian, who had just lost a very useful trade partner, grew jealous of what Arbon did, as all three nations did business with one another since their infancy. Over the years, Jaian developed secret trade relationships with Tela and spies within the nation in order to obtain as much from Tela before Arbon could solely claim it – in addition, Jaian also managed to secure political holdings in the Republic so their influence would be felt to a greater degree. While not unaware of the dealings of Jaia, Arbon left it go in order to further its weapon development projects, including but not limited to the development of the Doogs and their various offspring. Though Arbon had lost its chance to prevent Jaia from finally pulling Tela to revolt against Arbon, leading to a major battle where Jaia managed to absorb Tela before Arbon could issue enough forces to defend its claim. Tela, however, vanished from existence as it was now fully a part of Jaia, since Jaia had to issue massive amounts of men to defend this land from Arbon's attacks.
In the next fifteen years, internal tensions began to arise in Jaia between the aristocracy and their claims to the throne. The original bloodline in line for the throne had died off save a single queen, Lady Kristina Jaian, who was forced to marry a man by the name of Soran Le'Joa of Orith Tower, a city in Jaia, in order to continue the line of kings. The tension was over the fact, a king had to be chosen in order to rule the kingdom, though over time these tensions grew to open resentment, by the queen, to the government of Jaia. Seeing this chance, Arbon had its spies worsen the issue by giving secret messages to Lady Kristina about how she could potentially break away from Jaia due to the support she has and develop her own nation. Be it due to the words of the spies or her own heart, Lady Kristina with a large portion of the Jaia treasury and her loyal supporters, which was over a third of Jaia, broke from Jaia in a bloodless separation of state and settled near the River Phoei. From the River Phoei to the Sweet Sea, they claimed as the new nation of “Kyrstinaw” which was named in part after lady Kristina and Kyrst Plains from the ancient lores. While extremely not happy and considering war with them, King Soran calmed the Jaians and suggested that this was necessary in order to purify the line of Kings, the new line of Kings and even pledged to offer assistance to the former Queen, in order to assure peace as no one wanted to fight their own brethren. The Kyrstinaw capital of Lasburia was first built, though quickly followed by Ciga and Isilude to form the basic heart of the nation. Later, once the ruined fortress of Prontera was discovered, it was recommissioned to serve as a coastal fortress to discourage piracy and other settlers.
An uneasy relationship with Jaia continued over the years while Kyrstinaw developed its customs, laws, and cities. The relationship with Arbon only worsened over the years, even erupting in a few political standoffs including a short-term trade boycott, which likely only echoed in the minds of the Kyrstinaw people in 1376 when the major multi-nation boycott against Arbon occurred. Over the coming years, especially once the Jaia-Arbon war was raging, Kyrstinaw remained neutral and developed its own forces and lands as they knew, once Arbon or Jaia fell, they could be the next target. It was not until 1390 they would join officially as an ally of Jaia in the war against Arbon. They pledged a great deal of military and relief support to Jaia, in exchange for additional land if the war was won in addition to military support by the remaining Jaians if the war was lost. When the God Emperor was slain, and the second eruption of the Ark occurred, it was taken as an ill fated sign and the Kyrstinawic forces were withdrawn from Arbon and repositioned along the Kyrstinawic border. Though in a repel of orders, many Kyrstinawic forces were reissued to help take down the Arbonian forces in Verzhul. In 1395 when Jaian was destroyed, the Lasburia guard were sent to investigate and deal with the weapon that was used, though only half of the guard force would return alive with no confirmation on the weapon's destruction.
Queen Kristina dies in 1406, leaving her daughter Lady Lidia as the next queen of Kyrstinaw. She, unlike her mother, had different ideas of how men were to be treated and during the minor border battles with the newly formed Pherin, many male prisoners would be taken and enslaved. Throughout the years, Krystniaw's borders would grow to their present-day size though this would also force them to encounter the Orcs that dwell near the River Tyas and those of Rosca's Ring – while it is well known Rosca's Ring Orcs are far more intelligent than their river cousins, Kyrstinaw is openly hostile to both groups and is only know, as of 1490, beginning to open up more toward the Roscans. Though Queen Lidia was slain by an Tyas Orcish archers while crossing the River Tyas during a journey to the sacred temple at the foot of Mount Seth in 1450, forcing her daughter Lady Sera to become the next queen of Kyrstinaw. This lead to a violent routing of the river Orcs by the Kyrstinawic cavalry in effort to extract a painful vengeance for the slaying of a well-loved queen.
Queen Sera's rule would be noted with a long period of peace, after the bloody routing. During this time, many Namish folks who did not settle in Pherin settled here and began to influence the culture greatly even to the point that magic users were once more welcomed more readily into the nation. While not taking a great role in the war, Queen Sera sent some military assistance to the Sillilnyme during the Witch King War, in which the Pheric hero Lucied Kiyson slays the Witch King Sirurarg. Though the peace would be shattered by the river Orcs when they siege the Hamlet, the Queendom once more sent its cavalry to teach the barbaric Orcs a lesson, though unlike the first time, the Roscans offered assistance even if it fell on the deaf ear. Then some years after this, they would take part in the extremely lengthy and costly Ilmfemlian Conflict though Kyrstinaw was reserved to send too many due to the risk of exposing Kyrstinaw to a dangerous situation of weakened defenses.
Unlike the previous two queens, Queen Sera stepped down from being queen in order to allow her daughter Lady Lydia, named after her grandmother Lidia, in order to become a Lady of Faith at the sacred temple of Mount Seth in 1488. Queen Lydia has taken a strong stance against slavery in Kyrstinaw and has been working to dissolve its presence in her nation since the Faerunian Gate went one way in 1490.
Generalized Cultural Information:[/size]
The bloodline of the Kyrstinawic people stems forth from the Telans, Jaian, and Namish, it is an ancient lineage of Fenmyr, some claiming even some of the survivors of the Empire of Sol bloodlines are traceable to the present day Kyrstinawic people. The Kyrstinawic people are known to be of a matriarchal society which promotes knowledge, family, beauty, and diplomacy over open war and such. Though while not for open warfare, the Kyrstinawic people are trained to be skilled in battle and are often training to be masters in a specific weapon style most noticeably the dagger, rapier, bow, spear, and halberd – Queen Lydia is said to be an extremely skilled in usage of the rapier. Many schools for the arts can be found, especially in Lasburia, such as the Arque’s Heart school for Bards.
The Kyrstinawic people are adapted to the expansive grasslands known, this tundra is home to many creatures which the Kyrstinawic people have learned to hunt, herd, and avoid. Their ability to hunt upon horseback has lead to the development of the greatest cavalry in Fenmyr. Their farmers grow winter wheat, corn, soybeans, and rice for meals and livestock raising in addition to being known to raise cattle, sheep, and river fish for meat and milk (where applicable), in addition they raise some of the best horses in Fenmyr for riding and work. While not extremely experienced at open sea sailing, the Kyrstinawic are quite capable at river sailing and were the first nation to develop River Runners that were capable of traveling on land to a limited extent. The township of Loria gathers a large percentage of the salt used by Kyrstinaw in addition to being the location of the mining community and the glassware makers, some of their glassware is sought as far as the Sillilnyme empire. Many Kyrstinawic people are faithfuls of Helica, and are skilled in herbal healing and magical healing, and they often travel to the Krystin Swamp to find many special herbs. The rangers and druids of this region are well known to be capable guides into these sometimes dangerous swamps and across the long grasslands.
The nobles of the aristocracy is known to take pleasure with the unusual church of Luserina, and sometimes are known to get quite wild at their parties. The upper class is known to experience many benefits compared to the lower classes, this is quite apparent due to the rigid class system. The lower class is very poor in Kyrstinaw, and is found near the rivers additionally they are often males and outcast females. This might also be reflected by the fact Kyrstinaw is one of the few well established nations that still practices slavery, even though the Queen is actively attempting to remove its presence within the nation.
Thusly in summary, the Kyrstinawic people are: skilled in battle, learned, capable farmers and ranchers, excellent riders, and great glass makers while on their downsides are inexperience of sailing in the open seas, slavery, and wide gaps in level of benefits in the class system.
Governmental Information:[/size]
Kyrstinaw was founded as a monarchy, a Queendom to be exact, by Queen Kristina in the year 1366 following years of tension building up in the Jaian Kingdom due to conflicts over the crown. The Queendom is an absolute monarchy, the Queen's word is law and no one can overturn it and it has been this way since the Queendom was founded, and even before that in the Kingdom of Jaia when the Queen was the sole ruler there before being forced to marry a King by the nobles. In Kyrstinaw, the nobles have noticeable power in the government and are often an acting force on decisions but they do not have power over the Queen's decisions, and while rare, nobles will be executed for treason if they dare to cross her decisions once made. There is a limited parliament who act as advisors to the Queen, and were formed during the rule of Queen Sera who believed the people needed more voice in the decisions of the nation, though they act only as advisors to what the people wish, it is still up to the Queen whether or not to act upon it.
Following the civil war in Pherin, the Steins came to Kyrstinaw and there they became a part of the government over the following years, and while not a noble house, they do have a considerable amount of influence within the parliament, and this is not an overwhelming influence on the Queen, it does present a certain call of attention – especially when backed by the public. They are likely the most powerful non-noble group to have any serious hold on the Queen's rulings.
Another group that seems to have a heavy influence is that of the church of Helica, as a patron deity of Kyrstinaw the church emits a heavy presence of influence that is felt daily by the Queen. As she does not wish to anger the church but she cannot allow them to everything they wish, as often it conflicts with the public interests. While the relationship is normally a positive one, there has been times where the leaders of the Helica church were tempted to excommunicate one of the Queens, mainly Queen Lidia, especially due to her choosing to take slaves.
Even the Queen-Mother has an influence on the queen, this is only apparent in Kyrstinawic history with the current Queen as none of the previous Queen-Mothers lived during their daughter's rule. It is seen as a problematic relationship by many, as the Queen-Mother often seems to be influencing to such a degree it appears she is still ruling through her daughter. The Queen's advisors, often suggest not to allow her mother to have such influence, but it is hard to tell a queen what to do.
In addition to the above, there are several powerful ladies that reside in various cities of Kyrstinaw and their influence is greatly felt in their home cities and are faithful servants of the Queen's will. They are the following:
Duchess Achlys Jaian of Isilude, she is the younger sister of Queen Lydia Jaian, twin of Duchess Tahlia. The Duchess who grew bored of the busy life of Lasburia moved to the rural setting of the township of Isilude. While her home there is quite lavish and comfortable, she has grown accustom to the setting and is often seen doing business in the village. She is also a faithful of Jylia and often is seen studying in the vast library present in the township.
Duchess Tahlia Jaian of Prontera, she is the younger sister of Queen Lydia Jaian, twin of Duchess Achlys. While an identical twin, she is easily identified due to her larger muscles, scar across her neck, and the fact she often prefers steel to silk. Tahlia is the grand general of the Kyrstinawic military forces and is at home at the fortress Prontera, where she rules unchallenged. She is a hard-nosed woman and is often capable of making others do what she wishes, even if her position as a Duchess does nothing. While possessing great beauty as do all those of the Queen's bloodline, Tahlia is known to be the most skilled warrior of the nation, rivaling the swordmasters of Pherin, and has won several battles due to her skills alone. Though she bears a single scar across her neck, a reminder of a fierce duel she lost against a wanderer while crossing the Deadlands.
Baroness Philippa Silvercross of Ciga, who was placed her by the Queen Lydia herself. Lady Lydia and Baroness Silvercross were childhood friends that often played together outside the court when their mothers were busy later in life, they both attended court together and were seen as the bells of the court and had many potential suiters after them. Baroness Silvercross rules Ciga, a city extremely close to Lasburia, though it is said to have an Azan mob issue.
Baroness Kallima Valerie of Loria, is considered a vain woman by many of the court, as her personal home, a palace, rivals even the Queen's. It is located in the township of Loria, a place known for its very gritty lifestyle and home to many blue collared workers, ranging from the salt dragger to miners. She is known to be a grand supporter of the Luserina church and is an active practicer of the faith – this sexuality is said to have her admired by many of her citizens in Loria and even those abroad. Also due to its remote location, a decent number of Kyrstinawic troops are stationed there, which only increases the vain attitude of Baroness Valerie. She is seen as a potential threat by the Queen's advisor due to her influence in Loria.
Sharpwood has no ruling Lady, it is a neutral ground to the rangers of the region. Recently many Kyrstinawic troops were stationed there due to issues in nearby Hamlet.
The Lady of Hamlet, Baroness Cadence Silvercross, was slain by the raids of the river Orcs. The location has not been fully secured to issue a new Lady.
In the event of the Queen's death, the order of succession is:
Princess, Duchess, Grand General, Baroness based on city (most important is Ciga to least important Hamlet), Lesser Ladies, and eventually non-nobles. It has never went beyond the stage of Princess in the history of Kyrstinaw and there are many precautions to ensure this. However, one of those precautions have yet to be activated, as the Queen has yet to take a suitor in order to mother an heiress.
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Kyrstinaw ('kris-t-y'no)[/size] is the nation that sits in the northeastern region of Fenmyr. The territory, the land portion, extends eastwards from the Vorrin Mountains to the Krystin Swamp in the west and southwards from the Old Coast (the common name for the coast next to the Sweet Sea) to the region of Hakk Unro Ghahho, Myrawood, and the Spear Lake. Having deep political reaches into the Sweet and Eastern Seas, Kyrstinaw is not without its sea resources in addition to the resources gathered and produced from the two famed rivers, Tyas and Phoei. While not home to many woodlands, save those found densely near Sharpwood, Kyrstinaw is home to one of Fenmyr's largest swamps, the Kyrstin Swamp which is said to be home to many valuable plants including Maon, supposedly imported by the Namish during the great war. The great Jaian Grasslands cover most of Kyrstinaw, this region is known to be very war in the day and cool in the night, though nothing in comparison to the Deadlands, however, it is also home to many beasts, such as the great Moontouched Sickleclaw Bear. The Fang Hollow exists in this region due to the great number of grassland/tundra creatures found in these lands, the great rivers, specifically the River Tyas is their main lifeline – it is a well known site to many, especially those who seek ivory and other bones, though it is a dangerous area of naturally harsh badlands. The mountainous haven of the Wiylan is also found within the region of Kyrstinaw, Mount Seth, it is known to be the unclimbable peak, for no mortal is said to have ever made it up into the kingdom of the Wiylans – a sacred temple is found at the foot of this lone mountain. Also shared by Pherin, Kyrstinaw lays partial claim to the Vorrin Mountains and often the Fists of Dauthi journey to down the River Phoei to spread their teachings within the heart of the Queendom.
The region of Kyrstinaw in terms of temperature is far warmer during the day than its western neighbor of Pherin due to the fact there are less trees to keep the lands cooler with their shade. At night, it is noticeably more chilled as the warmth only has the land to catch it and while not as bad as the Deadlands, this is the primarily reason why the fur business is as large as it is in Kyrstinaw as during the winter everything is ten times worse. While the coastal lands of the Old Coast is quite windy and known to have harsh storms, most of Kyrstinaw is mildly affected as the primarily location of the nation is located along the River Phoei. When it rains, it seems more harsh due to the fact of fewer trees to slow the waters, causing flooding to be a major concern – this may be the reason cities near the River Phoei is built on stands above flood levels.
OOC: Kyrstinaw's weather, environment, and flora/fauna is similar to that of the mid-south/southwest US or southeast Europe .
Historical Information:[/size]
The region of Kyrstinaw was known originally as the Northern Realm of the Tokium, a feudal kingdom of lizardmen that were united by King Triste of Zaulm, a city in this kingdom, in the times before the Ark. Prior to this, most of the region were collection of lizardmen tribes that sought military and political control over one another until the kingdom was formed. These lizardmen were later enslaved by the Empire of Sol and the region was renamed Kyrst Plains, after a famous knight, Alicia Kyrst, who died heroically during a horrific against the lizardmen forces near the ruined city of Zaulm. Following the Ark of Quain incident, the region was fairly devastated and little remained, during the aftermath Human, Orcish, and lizardmen tribes began to move in and settle in semi-permanent establishments, including the fledgling stronghold of Tela. Arbonia was known to do trade with Tela until the bloody split in 927 DR, where both Arbon and Jaia would do trade for various reasons with various members of the region, though mostly Tela due to the resources the small, though growing, nation was managed to gather and develop.
Through many wars Tela emerged as the victor, forming a republic under the same name. Throughout the years, they established themselves as a major trade power, especially benefiting between the ill fated relationship between Arbon and Jaia. Their leaders were known to be push the nation on the road to being the leading edge of history recovery, working closely with the Order of Librarians, and technology, having a well developed relationship with the Azurites. Though this would not go without a cautious eye cast upon them by Arbon, who watched their power develop with a dangerous jealously. Eventually war brought out between Arbon and Tela, Tela was easily conquered having a much inferior military and no military alliances, the Azurites offered assistance but their offer was rejected in fear Arbon would turn its sights on the Crystal City. While conquered, Arbon offered Tela an interesting deal – the nation would be considered a protectoral state, basically free of Arbon's grip though considered a property and would be defended, by Arbon for exchange of historical information and technology discovered or recovered by Tela. Having little to bargain with and wishing their freedom, or as much as they could obtain, the Republic of Tela accepted this deal. The two nations' relationship would be strained though productive over the years until Jaian's interference.
Jaian, who had just lost a very useful trade partner, grew jealous of what Arbon did, as all three nations did business with one another since their infancy. Over the years, Jaian developed secret trade relationships with Tela and spies within the nation in order to obtain as much from Tela before Arbon could solely claim it – in addition, Jaian also managed to secure political holdings in the Republic so their influence would be felt to a greater degree. While not unaware of the dealings of Jaia, Arbon left it go in order to further its weapon development projects, including but not limited to the development of the Doogs and their various offspring. Though Arbon had lost its chance to prevent Jaia from finally pulling Tela to revolt against Arbon, leading to a major battle where Jaia managed to absorb Tela before Arbon could issue enough forces to defend its claim. Tela, however, vanished from existence as it was now fully a part of Jaia, since Jaia had to issue massive amounts of men to defend this land from Arbon's attacks.
In the next fifteen years, internal tensions began to arise in Jaia between the aristocracy and their claims to the throne. The original bloodline in line for the throne had died off save a single queen, Lady Kristina Jaian, who was forced to marry a man by the name of Soran Le'Joa of Orith Tower, a city in Jaia, in order to continue the line of kings. The tension was over the fact, a king had to be chosen in order to rule the kingdom, though over time these tensions grew to open resentment, by the queen, to the government of Jaia. Seeing this chance, Arbon had its spies worsen the issue by giving secret messages to Lady Kristina about how she could potentially break away from Jaia due to the support she has and develop her own nation. Be it due to the words of the spies or her own heart, Lady Kristina with a large portion of the Jaia treasury and her loyal supporters, which was over a third of Jaia, broke from Jaia in a bloodless separation of state and settled near the River Phoei. From the River Phoei to the Sweet Sea, they claimed as the new nation of “Kyrstinaw” which was named in part after lady Kristina and Kyrst Plains from the ancient lores. While extremely not happy and considering war with them, King Soran calmed the Jaians and suggested that this was necessary in order to purify the line of Kings, the new line of Kings and even pledged to offer assistance to the former Queen, in order to assure peace as no one wanted to fight their own brethren. The Kyrstinaw capital of Lasburia was first built, though quickly followed by Ciga and Isilude to form the basic heart of the nation. Later, once the ruined fortress of Prontera was discovered, it was recommissioned to serve as a coastal fortress to discourage piracy and other settlers.
An uneasy relationship with Jaia continued over the years while Kyrstinaw developed its customs, laws, and cities. The relationship with Arbon only worsened over the years, even erupting in a few political standoffs including a short-term trade boycott, which likely only echoed in the minds of the Kyrstinaw people in 1376 when the major multi-nation boycott against Arbon occurred. Over the coming years, especially once the Jaia-Arbon war was raging, Kyrstinaw remained neutral and developed its own forces and lands as they knew, once Arbon or Jaia fell, they could be the next target. It was not until 1390 they would join officially as an ally of Jaia in the war against Arbon. They pledged a great deal of military and relief support to Jaia, in exchange for additional land if the war was won in addition to military support by the remaining Jaians if the war was lost. When the God Emperor was slain, and the second eruption of the Ark occurred, it was taken as an ill fated sign and the Kyrstinawic forces were withdrawn from Arbon and repositioned along the Kyrstinawic border. Though in a repel of orders, many Kyrstinawic forces were reissued to help take down the Arbonian forces in Verzhul. In 1395 when Jaian was destroyed, the Lasburia guard were sent to investigate and deal with the weapon that was used, though only half of the guard force would return alive with no confirmation on the weapon's destruction.
Queen Kristina dies in 1406, leaving her daughter Lady Lidia as the next queen of Kyrstinaw. She, unlike her mother, had different ideas of how men were to be treated and during the minor border battles with the newly formed Pherin, many male prisoners would be taken and enslaved. Throughout the years, Krystniaw's borders would grow to their present-day size though this would also force them to encounter the Orcs that dwell near the River Tyas and those of Rosca's Ring – while it is well known Rosca's Ring Orcs are far more intelligent than their river cousins, Kyrstinaw is openly hostile to both groups and is only know, as of 1490, beginning to open up more toward the Roscans. Though Queen Lidia was slain by an Tyas Orcish archers while crossing the River Tyas during a journey to the sacred temple at the foot of Mount Seth in 1450, forcing her daughter Lady Sera to become the next queen of Kyrstinaw. This lead to a violent routing of the river Orcs by the Kyrstinawic cavalry in effort to extract a painful vengeance for the slaying of a well-loved queen.
Queen Sera's rule would be noted with a long period of peace, after the bloody routing. During this time, many Namish folks who did not settle in Pherin settled here and began to influence the culture greatly even to the point that magic users were once more welcomed more readily into the nation. While not taking a great role in the war, Queen Sera sent some military assistance to the Sillilnyme during the Witch King War, in which the Pheric hero Lucied Kiyson slays the Witch King Sirurarg. Though the peace would be shattered by the river Orcs when they siege the Hamlet, the Queendom once more sent its cavalry to teach the barbaric Orcs a lesson, though unlike the first time, the Roscans offered assistance even if it fell on the deaf ear. Then some years after this, they would take part in the extremely lengthy and costly Ilmfemlian Conflict though Kyrstinaw was reserved to send too many due to the risk of exposing Kyrstinaw to a dangerous situation of weakened defenses.
Unlike the previous two queens, Queen Sera stepped down from being queen in order to allow her daughter Lady Lydia, named after her grandmother Lidia, in order to become a Lady of Faith at the sacred temple of Mount Seth in 1488. Queen Lydia has taken a strong stance against slavery in Kyrstinaw and has been working to dissolve its presence in her nation since the Faerunian Gate went one way in 1490.
Generalized Cultural Information:[/size]
The bloodline of the Kyrstinawic people stems forth from the Telans, Jaian, and Namish, it is an ancient lineage of Fenmyr, some claiming even some of the survivors of the Empire of Sol bloodlines are traceable to the present day Kyrstinawic people. The Kyrstinawic people are known to be of a matriarchal society which promotes knowledge, family, beauty, and diplomacy over open war and such. Though while not for open warfare, the Kyrstinawic people are trained to be skilled in battle and are often training to be masters in a specific weapon style most noticeably the dagger, rapier, bow, spear, and halberd – Queen Lydia is said to be an extremely skilled in usage of the rapier. Many schools for the arts can be found, especially in Lasburia, such as the Arque’s Heart school for Bards.
The Kyrstinawic people are adapted to the expansive grasslands known, this tundra is home to many creatures which the Kyrstinawic people have learned to hunt, herd, and avoid. Their ability to hunt upon horseback has lead to the development of the greatest cavalry in Fenmyr. Their farmers grow winter wheat, corn, soybeans, and rice for meals and livestock raising in addition to being known to raise cattle, sheep, and river fish for meat and milk (where applicable), in addition they raise some of the best horses in Fenmyr for riding and work. While not extremely experienced at open sea sailing, the Kyrstinawic are quite capable at river sailing and were the first nation to develop River Runners that were capable of traveling on land to a limited extent. The township of Loria gathers a large percentage of the salt used by Kyrstinaw in addition to being the location of the mining community and the glassware makers, some of their glassware is sought as far as the Sillilnyme empire. Many Kyrstinawic people are faithfuls of Helica, and are skilled in herbal healing and magical healing, and they often travel to the Krystin Swamp to find many special herbs. The rangers and druids of this region are well known to be capable guides into these sometimes dangerous swamps and across the long grasslands.
The nobles of the aristocracy is known to take pleasure with the unusual church of Luserina, and sometimes are known to get quite wild at their parties. The upper class is known to experience many benefits compared to the lower classes, this is quite apparent due to the rigid class system. The lower class is very poor in Kyrstinaw, and is found near the rivers additionally they are often males and outcast females. This might also be reflected by the fact Kyrstinaw is one of the few well established nations that still practices slavery, even though the Queen is actively attempting to remove its presence within the nation.
Thusly in summary, the Kyrstinawic people are: skilled in battle, learned, capable farmers and ranchers, excellent riders, and great glass makers while on their downsides are inexperience of sailing in the open seas, slavery, and wide gaps in level of benefits in the class system.
Governmental Information:[/size]
Kyrstinaw was founded as a monarchy, a Queendom to be exact, by Queen Kristina in the year 1366 following years of tension building up in the Jaian Kingdom due to conflicts over the crown. The Queendom is an absolute monarchy, the Queen's word is law and no one can overturn it and it has been this way since the Queendom was founded, and even before that in the Kingdom of Jaia when the Queen was the sole ruler there before being forced to marry a King by the nobles. In Kyrstinaw, the nobles have noticeable power in the government and are often an acting force on decisions but they do not have power over the Queen's decisions, and while rare, nobles will be executed for treason if they dare to cross her decisions once made. There is a limited parliament who act as advisors to the Queen, and were formed during the rule of Queen Sera who believed the people needed more voice in the decisions of the nation, though they act only as advisors to what the people wish, it is still up to the Queen whether or not to act upon it.
Following the civil war in Pherin, the Steins came to Kyrstinaw and there they became a part of the government over the following years, and while not a noble house, they do have a considerable amount of influence within the parliament, and this is not an overwhelming influence on the Queen, it does present a certain call of attention – especially when backed by the public. They are likely the most powerful non-noble group to have any serious hold on the Queen's rulings.
Another group that seems to have a heavy influence is that of the church of Helica, as a patron deity of Kyrstinaw the church emits a heavy presence of influence that is felt daily by the Queen. As she does not wish to anger the church but she cannot allow them to everything they wish, as often it conflicts with the public interests. While the relationship is normally a positive one, there has been times where the leaders of the Helica church were tempted to excommunicate one of the Queens, mainly Queen Lidia, especially due to her choosing to take slaves.
Even the Queen-Mother has an influence on the queen, this is only apparent in Kyrstinawic history with the current Queen as none of the previous Queen-Mothers lived during their daughter's rule. It is seen as a problematic relationship by many, as the Queen-Mother often seems to be influencing to such a degree it appears she is still ruling through her daughter. The Queen's advisors, often suggest not to allow her mother to have such influence, but it is hard to tell a queen what to do.
In addition to the above, there are several powerful ladies that reside in various cities of Kyrstinaw and their influence is greatly felt in their home cities and are faithful servants of the Queen's will. They are the following:
Duchess Achlys Jaian of Isilude, she is the younger sister of Queen Lydia Jaian, twin of Duchess Tahlia. The Duchess who grew bored of the busy life of Lasburia moved to the rural setting of the township of Isilude. While her home there is quite lavish and comfortable, she has grown accustom to the setting and is often seen doing business in the village. She is also a faithful of Jylia and often is seen studying in the vast library present in the township.
Duchess Tahlia Jaian of Prontera, she is the younger sister of Queen Lydia Jaian, twin of Duchess Achlys. While an identical twin, she is easily identified due to her larger muscles, scar across her neck, and the fact she often prefers steel to silk. Tahlia is the grand general of the Kyrstinawic military forces and is at home at the fortress Prontera, where she rules unchallenged. She is a hard-nosed woman and is often capable of making others do what she wishes, even if her position as a Duchess does nothing. While possessing great beauty as do all those of the Queen's bloodline, Tahlia is known to be the most skilled warrior of the nation, rivaling the swordmasters of Pherin, and has won several battles due to her skills alone. Though she bears a single scar across her neck, a reminder of a fierce duel she lost against a wanderer while crossing the Deadlands.
Baroness Philippa Silvercross of Ciga, who was placed her by the Queen Lydia herself. Lady Lydia and Baroness Silvercross were childhood friends that often played together outside the court when their mothers were busy later in life, they both attended court together and were seen as the bells of the court and had many potential suiters after them. Baroness Silvercross rules Ciga, a city extremely close to Lasburia, though it is said to have an Azan mob issue.
Baroness Kallima Valerie of Loria, is considered a vain woman by many of the court, as her personal home, a palace, rivals even the Queen's. It is located in the township of Loria, a place known for its very gritty lifestyle and home to many blue collared workers, ranging from the salt dragger to miners. She is known to be a grand supporter of the Luserina church and is an active practicer of the faith – this sexuality is said to have her admired by many of her citizens in Loria and even those abroad. Also due to its remote location, a decent number of Kyrstinawic troops are stationed there, which only increases the vain attitude of Baroness Valerie. She is seen as a potential threat by the Queen's advisor due to her influence in Loria.
Sharpwood has no ruling Lady, it is a neutral ground to the rangers of the region. Recently many Kyrstinawic troops were stationed there due to issues in nearby Hamlet.
The Lady of Hamlet, Baroness Cadence Silvercross, was slain by the raids of the river Orcs. The location has not been fully secured to issue a new Lady.
In the event of the Queen's death, the order of succession is:
Princess, Duchess, Grand General, Baroness based on city (most important is Ciga to least important Hamlet), Lesser Ladies, and eventually non-nobles. It has never went beyond the stage of Princess in the history of Kyrstinaw and there are many precautions to ensure this. However, one of those precautions have yet to be activated, as the Queen has yet to take a suitor in order to mother an heiress.
Queen Lydia: Lydia Dahlia Sabrina Lee Jaian born to Queen Sera Kristina Gail Jaian and Lord Daniel Strauss in the year 1468 in the city of Lasburia at the royal palace. For the first four years of her life she was given the best of everything, she was the heiress to the throne and her formal education started at the age of three, by year four her world would change when her mother gave birth to the twins, Achlys and Tahlia in 1470. The three girls got along quite well and learned much about the world, history, war, and such over the years from their tutors and parents, who often would take them to court with them and abroad to other nations, including Pherin when relations were better. During this time, Lady Lydia would become good friends with Philippa Silvercross and her much older sister Cadence Silvercross as their mother was an influential Lady in the court. At the age of nine, she would be witness to the funeral pyre of the great swordmaster and Witch King slayer Lucied Kiyson, when he was put to rest in New Pherin, this influenced her sister Tahlia to be a swordmaster and Lydia learned the power of a person's presence and actions as she viewed the great number of people at his pyre. Later she would learn the power of loss when Cadence died during the Orcish siege of Hamlet and the same year, her father to trolls in Myrawood during a black stag hunt. She would learn a great deal from these losses and draw strength from the experiences in the years to come. By 1487, her mother, Queen Sera, decided to give up the throne and Lady Lydia would be crowned Queen of Kyrstinaw in 1388 – after doing so Lydia began working to stop the slavery in Kyrstinaw and is still working to this day on the cause due to the strong pressure she feels from the nobles to reconsider. She is seen as a young and inexperienced ruler by most nations and many are unsure what fate has in store for her. She is beloved by the public for both her kindness and beauty, but she has many among the aristocracy against her – which promoted her sister Tahlia to assign a special personal guard, the Petalgard, to her. The greatest concern the nation has with their Queen is the lack of her taking a suitor, Lydia sees no need to take a husband yet, she is only twenty-two, and she wishes to wait for her true love, having issues about the whole forced marriage system. Though it is rumored she has a love interest in her one Petalgard knight, Sir Sebastian Latimer one of the few males in the unit.
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