Post by (The) Herald on May 22, 2012 12:48:59 GMT -5
~ s e t t i n g
Isle Himaryn: Act of Faith takes place in a once-great Empire known as Himaryn. The people of Himaryn believe themselves to be descended from the demigod, Icarus. However, the lands of Himaryn have existed for so long, that few can recount the full story of the region from the Isle Himaryn's Fall to Present.
Most understand that the Empire of Himaryn was once a great, influential empire that stretched over a thousand leagues from border to border. It was ruled by an Emperor (or Empress), and overseen by a great leader known as the Lord Premier. In the ancient days, Himaryn's overwhelming military might crushed the barbarian nomads on its borders, and the Empire prospered in unity as a global center of trade, commerce, and culture.
Now, many seasons later, Himaryn is in decline. Corruption, crime, and mass immigrations of foreigners have destabilized its structure, and the rumblings of revolution are boiling to the surface.
The Emperor is now only a figurehead, and absolute control over Empire Himaryn rests solely in the hands of the Lord Premier—a figure who is re-elected (forcibly or not) every three moons. As the Clans battle each other for control over the Empire, which side will you join?
Isle Himaryn: Act of Faith takes place in a once-great Empire known as Himaryn. The people of Himaryn believe themselves to be descended from the demigod, Icarus. However, the lands of Himaryn have existed for so long, that few can recount the full story of the region from the Isle Himaryn's Fall to Present.
Most understand that the Empire of Himaryn was once a great, influential empire that stretched over a thousand leagues from border to border. It was ruled by an Emperor (or Empress), and overseen by a great leader known as the Lord Premier. In the ancient days, Himaryn's overwhelming military might crushed the barbarian nomads on its borders, and the Empire prospered in unity as a global center of trade, commerce, and culture.
Now, many seasons later, Himaryn is in decline. Corruption, crime, and mass immigrations of foreigners have destabilized its structure, and the rumblings of revolution are boiling to the surface.
The Emperor is now only a figurehead, and absolute control over Empire Himaryn rests solely in the hands of the Lord Premier—a figure who is re-elected (forcibly or not) every three moons. As the Clans battle each other for control over the Empire, which side will you join?
~ c l a n s
The Vikare - ( vee - car - ay ) - the High Caste
The noble-blooded of Himaryn, the Vikare Clan are descended from the Sons of Icarus who built the kingdom of Himaryn from scratch, foundation up, brick by brick. The Vikare consider themselves to be the original inhabitants of Himaryn. They are proud and haughty, and many believe their deep family blood-lines to be superior to that of the other clans. Culturally, it is considered "regrettable" for one to procreate with the less noble clans, as the educated and etiquette-concerned Vikare clan has traditionally acted as the ruling caste of nobles, politicians, philosophers, and sages.
The Vikare are heavily nationalistic, and they detest the recent influx of "unpatriotic" foreigners who have crowded Himaryn and stolen jobs and livelihoods. The Vikare believe that every individual has a duty to the Empire, and should place the well-being of the empire before themselves or their family.
The Vikare blame the deteriorating condition of Empire Himaryn on the presence of the Salommites, and if elected into power, would probably implant policies restricting the freedoms and social status of "foreigners" and those of "foreigner-descent".
Most individuals of Vikare descent are of the canine and equine ethnic groups, but by no means is this is a rule. They are symbolized by garnet and the lotus flower.
The Salom - ( suh - lum ) - the Middle Caste
Around 400 seasons ago, mass migrations of nomadic seir have pooled into the Kingdom Himaryn. These peoples are known as Salommites, and they are descended from the Sons of Icarus who originally left Himaryn to populate the world. Any character with "foreigner-descent" is considered a Salommite, regardless of how long he/she may have lived in Himaryn..
Culturally, the nomad Salommites were traders and merchants, and many individuals were especially skilled in a certain trade or occupation. In Himaryn, they are generally the middle-class independent merchants and artisans who populate the urban centers, and the owners of large orchards, farms, and mines.
The Salom Clan is generally believed to be selfish and unpatriotic. As merchants, Salommites have a stereotype that they are willing to do anything to make a profit. This can include bribery, lying, or exploitation of the poor. Of course this is merely a stereotype and isn't universally true, but the Vikare hold the perspective that all Salommites are dishonest.
Salommites generally dislike physical conflict, but they are willing to go through great lengths to protect their belongings and land holdings. Some even set magical traps on their belongings to deter thieves. Salommites believe in the principles of personal property above all else.
Most individuals of Salommite descent are of the feline and all other species and ethnic groups (excluding canines and equine), but by no means is this is a rule. They are symbolized by amethyst and the thistle.
The Cruori - ( crew - or - ee ) - the Lower Caste
Ignored by both the Salommites and the Vikare, the Cruori are the tax-paying lower-class peasants, farmers, soldiers, and laborers. They are an ethnic mixture of the two upper classes (or are unable to trace their familial descent), and generally experience no social fluidity. As they are exploited by the economic domination of the Salommites, and the social restriction by the Vikare, the Cruori detest both clans.
Because of their awful life prospects, many Cruori band together and take part in illicit activities like thieving and black market incomes. The Cruori are violently displeased with their lot in life.
If the Cruori had the opportunity to rebel and take control, they would probably implement some kind of social revolution similar to the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution or the Cultural Revolution of Maoist China. However, as the Cruori Clan has little formal organization or political influence, so the entire caste is not taken seriously by the government or the other Clans.
Most individuals of Cruori descent are of mixed and various ethnic groups. They can be unsuccessful and penniless Salommites, or illegitimate children of noble Vikare. In either case, they have significantly little power in society. They are symbolized by citrine and the blood orange blossom.
The Vikare - ( vee - car - ay ) - the High Caste
The noble-blooded of Himaryn, the Vikare Clan are descended from the Sons of Icarus who built the kingdom of Himaryn from scratch, foundation up, brick by brick. The Vikare consider themselves to be the original inhabitants of Himaryn. They are proud and haughty, and many believe their deep family blood-lines to be superior to that of the other clans. Culturally, it is considered "regrettable" for one to procreate with the less noble clans, as the educated and etiquette-concerned Vikare clan has traditionally acted as the ruling caste of nobles, politicians, philosophers, and sages.
The Vikare are heavily nationalistic, and they detest the recent influx of "unpatriotic" foreigners who have crowded Himaryn and stolen jobs and livelihoods. The Vikare believe that every individual has a duty to the Empire, and should place the well-being of the empire before themselves or their family.
The Vikare blame the deteriorating condition of Empire Himaryn on the presence of the Salommites, and if elected into power, would probably implant policies restricting the freedoms and social status of "foreigners" and those of "foreigner-descent".
Most individuals of Vikare descent are of the canine and equine ethnic groups, but by no means is this is a rule. They are symbolized by garnet and the lotus flower.
The Salom - ( suh - lum ) - the Middle Caste
Around 400 seasons ago, mass migrations of nomadic seir have pooled into the Kingdom Himaryn. These peoples are known as Salommites, and they are descended from the Sons of Icarus who originally left Himaryn to populate the world. Any character with "foreigner-descent" is considered a Salommite, regardless of how long he/she may have lived in Himaryn..
Culturally, the nomad Salommites were traders and merchants, and many individuals were especially skilled in a certain trade or occupation. In Himaryn, they are generally the middle-class independent merchants and artisans who populate the urban centers, and the owners of large orchards, farms, and mines.
The Salom Clan is generally believed to be selfish and unpatriotic. As merchants, Salommites have a stereotype that they are willing to do anything to make a profit. This can include bribery, lying, or exploitation of the poor. Of course this is merely a stereotype and isn't universally true, but the Vikare hold the perspective that all Salommites are dishonest.
Salommites generally dislike physical conflict, but they are willing to go through great lengths to protect their belongings and land holdings. Some even set magical traps on their belongings to deter thieves. Salommites believe in the principles of personal property above all else.
Most individuals of Salommite descent are of the feline and all other species and ethnic groups (excluding canines and equine), but by no means is this is a rule. They are symbolized by amethyst and the thistle.
The Cruori - ( crew - or - ee ) - the Lower Caste
Ignored by both the Salommites and the Vikare, the Cruori are the tax-paying lower-class peasants, farmers, soldiers, and laborers. They are an ethnic mixture of the two upper classes (or are unable to trace their familial descent), and generally experience no social fluidity. As they are exploited by the economic domination of the Salommites, and the social restriction by the Vikare, the Cruori detest both clans.
Because of their awful life prospects, many Cruori band together and take part in illicit activities like thieving and black market incomes. The Cruori are violently displeased with their lot in life.
If the Cruori had the opportunity to rebel and take control, they would probably implement some kind of social revolution similar to the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution or the Cultural Revolution of Maoist China. However, as the Cruori Clan has little formal organization or political influence, so the entire caste is not taken seriously by the government or the other Clans.
Most individuals of Cruori descent are of mixed and various ethnic groups. They can be unsuccessful and penniless Salommites, or illegitimate children of noble Vikare. In either case, they have significantly little power in society. They are symbolized by citrine and the blood orange blossom.
~ h i e r a r c h y
The Emperor or Empress
The Lord Premier or Lady Premiere
The Praetor(s) (x2)
The Constable(s) (x4)
The Emperor or Empress
Is the official sovereign ruler of the Empire of Himaryn. The Imperial Family is hereditary through first borns along the bloodline, and they trace their descent directly to the demi-god Icarus himself. In the past, the Emperor wielded significant influence over the functions and laws of the kingdom, but lately, the Emperor is a powerless figurehead, completely dependent on the support of the Clans.
The Lord Premier or Lady Premiere
Is the commanding official and the de facto head of the Empire of Himaryn. All other imperial officials report to the Lord Premier, and he/she determines the policy of the kingdom in all affairs, including laws, taxes, bureaucracy, economics, and war on the northern front. A strange clause in the LAWS of Himaryn allow a Vote of No Confidence to impeach and remove the Lord Premier at each seasonal Chanting (council), so leadership in Himaryn is frequently changing. The Clan which has control over the Lord Premier's seat is usually the dominating Clan during any period of time.
The Praetor(s) (x2)
There are 2 (two) Praetors who are appointed by and report directly to the Lord Premier. In the hierarchy of Himaryn, they fall just under the rank of the Lord Premier and demand the respect of all. As Lords of the kingdom, the Praetors are the highest representatives of the government, have access to the Imperial Treasury, and work to enforce the laws of the empire. They sometimes have the reputation of being corrupt, as the Lord Premier is allowed to appoint virtually anyone as a Praetor.
The Constable(s) (x4)
There are 4 (four) Constables in the hierarchy of Himaryn, one for each district of the Empire excluding Kosov. They are sheriffs of the region (Hashira, Sehali, Nairsov, or Altarspire), and are the Empire officials whose duties are to resolve and mediate local conflicts and issues, enforce the law, and serve as tax collectors for the kingdom. The Constable of the Sehali also serves as the commanding general of the Barbarian War on the northern front. They typically are not re-elected (or re-appointed by the Lord Premier every season), as these positions of merit requiring talent and responsibility.