``the kingdoms

[Peregrine Alexander]

``this thread is dedicated to the twelve kingdoms on swords of speirling and a brief summary of each one. if you have any further questions, please PM me. if you would like me to make an exception for your character, please PM me again, but don't expect me to let him or her in.

KEY FOR MAP

RED: Scoailte borders
YELLOW: Hebridean borders
BLUE: Druid borders
PURPLE: Welsh borders
GREEN: Sceithian borders

I know this looks really amateur, but I'm trying to figure out how to make it look more professional.

___________________________________

each kingdom, unless otherwise noted, is independent, but to simply things, I have divided them into three categories:

CALEDONIA:
"the scottish kingdoms"

• saor
  
• the outer hebrides
  
• skye
  
• shetland islands
  
• celtic pirates
  
• sceith
  

HIBERNA
"the irish kingdoms"

• ireland
  

ENGLAND
"the british kingdoms"

• great britain
  
• wales
  
• isle of avalon
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

[Peregrine Alexander]

Also known as:
“The Highlands”

capitol ~ Inverness
dominant religion ~ Catholic Christianity
ruler ~ King Paladin Alexander (OPEN)
economic status ~ Good. The kingdom is not thriving, but it is staying afloat financially
army ~ Saor has the most powerful cavalry second to Great Britain. Saor’s navy, infantry and air force are weak.
pure-blood family names ~ Alexander, Roderick, Hawk, Owen
dominant race ~ Human
dominant language ~ English, Gaelic and Latin are spoken by the upper classes as second and third languages
coat of arms ~ four gray mares gathered around a Celtic knot (scarlet and sable)

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ Saor has a friendly and stable alliance with the Outer Hebrides. However, both nations are careful to display their power and wealth in front of the other at every opportunity
  
  
• protectorates ~ Saor likes to think of Skye as its protectorate, but Skye denies that any such relationship exists
  
  
• enemies ~ Sceithian and Saor have been bitter enemies locked in war for eighty years. Saor also doesn’t like Ireland very much, but isn’t in direct war with them. As soon as Great Britain and Sceith make their alliance public, Saor will declare open war on Great Britain
  

BRIEF HISTORY

Diana Alexander was the first knight to separate from Skye, back when the druid-kingdom was large, powerful and warlike. This was over a thousand years ago and when Diana created Saor; she claimed druid lands from the Orkney Islands all the way down to Carlisle. Over the next millennium, she and her descendants built a powerful country, preserving their culture, tradition, and most importantly, their pure-blood lines.

Diana Alexander (or, as she is referred to by the Scoailtes, “Diana the Great”) was once Diana Owen, but married a druid named Cormac Alexander. They had two daughters and a son. The daughters married Scottish (human) warriors by the names of Hawk and Roderick. The son carried on the family name of Alexander and his line became the ruling clan, or the clan that took the throne. Diana’s brother (who supported her in the war against their parents) fathered the forth Owen clan. Throughout their history, the pure-blood Scoailtes have been especially proud of the blonde, blue-eyed, pale-skinned, tall and slender-bodied sons and daughters that it has produced.

SCOAILTE LEGENDS

• Loch Ness Nessie ~ This Inverness “monster” is revered by the Scoailtes and she is seen as the protector of the people. A few claim to have seen her, but most have only heard tales of the water horse. It is said that when Saor need is dire, Nessie will show herself to the people and come to their aid, vanquishing their enemies in battle. Loch Ness is guarded, day and night, by knights and their squires.
  
  
• Diana the Great ~ Legend has it that the ghost of Diana the Great wanders Saor; giving help to those favored few of her descendants. She will not speak to them, but she might adjust the flight of their arrow, sweeten the wine at a party or whisper words in the ear of a young man courting a young woman. A few have claimed to have caught a glimpse of shimmering silver and others a soft whisper in their ear, but Diana reveals her true appearance to no one.
  

________________________________________

CULTURE

VALUES

[/li][li]the Scoailte “ideal” pure-bloods
[/li][li]horses and horsemanship
[/li][li]pure-blood marriages
[/li][li]wealth
[/li][li]power
[/li][li]military strength
[/li][li]the passing on of warrior skills
[/li][li]falconry
[/li][li]sport
[/li][li]some art
[/li][/ul]
[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

TRADITIONS

• the proper way to hail someone in Saor is with the word “greetings”. When a person of higher rank is addressing a person of lower rank, the former may skip the courteous greeting
  
  
• pure-blood males are expected to wear their hair (especially if it’s blonde) to at least shoulder-length. Females are expected to wear it even longer. However, their tradition is being rejected by some of the youth
  
  
• unless close friendship or relation is the case, people generally refer to each other by their surnames
  
  
• it is expected that a maiden wear her long hair down in the presence of un-related men
  
  
• when a couple is married, it is customary to congratulate the groom and to the bride fertility
  
  
• when a child is born, it is customary to congratulate the father, bring him a dead game animal and bring honey to the mother. Some also take this opportunity o wish the baby good health and the mother fertility (again)
  
  
• If two men have children of the opposite sex and of similar age, they might discuss a marriage between their children years hence, providing that the two families are of the same class
  
  
• drinking contests and other such rubbish are for drunkards and peasants
  
  
• if a woman is not married by the time she is twenty, something is considered wrong with her
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote]
[/li][/ul]

LAW

PUNISHABLE

• murder
  
• assault on a person of higher class by a person of lower class
  
• rape of a higher class women by a lower class man
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

FINABLE

• adultery
  
• other rape
  
• other assault
  
• permanent injury
  
• stealing
  
• impersonating authority
  
• vandalizing
  
• slave trade
  
• being a dark magic practicing witch
  

[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

• Slavery is NOT tolerated, but indentured servants and secret slave trading and owning is common. Racial, gender, sexual and age discrimination are an accepted part of everyday life
  
  
• Of course the King can order whatever he wants to happen to take place, but these are vague guidelines
  
  
• For being founded by a woman, Saor is a surprisingly patriarchal society. Female knights are scarce. Men regard women as inferior, or even as their personal property. In a marriage, the woman always takes the man’s surname
  

[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]
[/li][/ul]

[Peregrine Alexander]

Also known as:
“Na he-Eileanan siar”
OR
“The Western Isles”

capitol ~ Stornoway
dominant religion ~ Roman Catholic
ruler ~ King Malcolm Hunter (OPEN)
economic status ~ Good. The kingdom is not thriving, but it is staying afloat financially
army ~ The Hebrides has the most powerful dragon air force second only to Sceith
pure-blood family names ~ Hunter, Lennox, Alexander, Roderick, Hawk, Owen
dominant races ~ Human and werewolf
dominant language ~ Gaelic, but English is also spoken, though not as widely
coat of arms ~ two dragons entwined in a knot (ocher and sable)

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ The Outer Hebrides have a friendly and stable alliance with Saor. However, both nations are careful to display their power and wealth in front of the other at every opportunity
  
  
• protectorates ~ none, but they have their eyes on Ireland
  
  
• enemies ~ The Hebrides are only enemies with Sceith on account of their alliance with Saor. They are bitter with Ireland and are soon to become enemies with Great Britain on account of alliances and war declared directly on their kingdom
  

BRIEF HISTORY

A hundred years after the Alexander clan had taken power over all of Scotland, save for the Isle of Skye. A man named William Hunter (his mother had been of the Roderick clan) had a dream about an island chain to the West of Saor that was inhabited by bands of lawless Caledonians. He awoke, and completely convinced by his dreams, he went to the Scoailte king to beg for permission to sail to the West. At first, the king refused, as William was one of his best knights, but as the man persisted, the king relented and let William set sail with seven men and seven women. Four of the men represented the four Scoailte tribes, as did the women, The rest were various half-bloods.

The group landed and conquered the Outer Hebrides little by little, though they gained speed as they went along. Two of the lords were killed, leaving only the four pure-bloods, William, a man b. Soon after victory was achieved, the Scoailte king died and while Saor was scrambling to get the next king onto the throne, William Hunter established a kingdom before Saor could react.

HEBRIDEAN LEGENDS

• Blue Men of Mich (aka storm kelpies) They are ocean shape-shifters who patrol the water between the Hebrides and the mainland. The Hebrideans say that the Blue Men would never harm native-born Hebrideans. It is said that the creatures protect the Hebrides by luring foreign sailors into the water and devouring them
  
  
• Kelpies are feared guardians of various lochs
  
  
• The Will O’ the Wisp may be found on Sandwick
  
  
• Seonaidh a water spirit that ensures good crops on the Hebrides, but only if ale is Thorn into the sea at nighttime
  

________________________________________

CULTURE

VALUES

[/li][li]pure-bloods
[/li][li]dragons and flying dragons
[/li][li]pure-blood/class marriages
[/li][li]wealth
[/li][li]power
[/li][li]military strength
[/li][li]the passing on of warrior skills
[/li][li]reaching great heights
[/li][li]sport
[/li][li]some art
[/li][/ul]
[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

TRADITIONS

• the proper way to hail someone in the Hebrides is with the word “greetings”. When a person of higher rank is addressing a person of lower rank, the former may skip the courteous greeting
  
  
• unless close friendship or relation is the case, people generally refer to each other by their surnames
  
  
• it is expected that a maiden wear her long hair down in the presence of un-related men
  
  
• when a couple is married, it is customary to congratulate the groom and to the bride fertility
  
  
• when a child is born, it is customary to congratulate the father, bring him a dead game animal and bring honey to the mother. Some also take this opportunity o wish the baby good health and the mother fertility (again)
  
  
• If two men have children of the opposite sex and of similar age, they might discuss a marriage between their children years hence, providing that the two families are of the same class
  
  
• drinking contests and other such rubbish are for drunkards and peasants
  
  
• if a woman is not married by the time she is twenty, something is considered wrong with her
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote]
[/li][/ul]

LAW

PUNISHABLE

• murder
  
• assault on a person of higher class by a person of lower class
  
• rape of a higher class women by a lower class man
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

FINABLE

• adultery
  
• other rape
  
• other assault
  
• permanent injury
  
• stealing
  
• impersonating authority
  
• vandalizing
  
• being a dark magic practicing witch/warlock
  

[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

• Slavery IS tolerated and permitted, but indentured servants are also common. Racial, gender, sexual and age discrimination are an accepted part of everyday life.
  
  
• Of course the King can order whatever he wants to happen to take place, but these are vague guidelines.
  
  
• The Outer Hebrides is also a patriarchal society, but slightly less so than Saor. Female knights are scarce. Men regard women as inferior, or even as their personal property. In a marriage, the woman always takes the man’s surname.
  

[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]
[/li][/ul]

[Peregrine Alexander]

capitol ~ Dunegary
dominant religion ~ no static available
ruler ~ Queen Mizukey Kyoto and the High Council (democracy)
economic status ~ very Concerning
army ~ none (Skye does not maintain an army or train fighters. However, there are a few trained “guardians” who guard the borders and monitoror immigration
pure-blood family names ~ Alexander, Driscol and Macbeth
dominant race ~ half-breeds
dominant language ~ Greek, Gaelic and English with a diverse collection f European, Asian and even African languages
coat of arms ~ an owl clutching an olive branch (cyan, sapphire and sable)

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ Saor liketotp believe that Skye is their protectorate, but that’s not very nice of them, is it?
  
  
• protectorates ~ None, they don’t believe in war anymore
  
  
• enemies ~ Sceith, Great Britain and in a sense, Saor
  

BRIEF HISTORY

Many hundreds of years ago, there was a young Athenian noble, Alexander went to war with Rome and he was captured when his horse was killed from under him. He was forced into the Roman army and marched on Britain. While there, he escaped antraveleded North until he met two Scottish cousins: men who had surnames of Driscol and Macbeth. They encountered a dying Druid, whimparteded his staff to Alexander and bade him take care of Caledonia. Then, without another word, he died.

Charged with the care of a country, Alexander, Driscol and Macbeth brought the Celtic people of Scotland together and made their capitol in Skye. The three rose a powerful army and established centers of learning. Driscol and Macbeth were native Celts, buAlexanderer was one of the many grandsons of Alexander the Great. Their families eventually intermarried and then separated back into their three clans. Skye, or Caledonia, as it was called then, was the single ruling force over Scotland until Diana the Great came along. Fifty years after she claimed all of their lands but Skye, the druids declared themselves a non-fighting kingdom.

DRUID LEGENDS

• Are you kidding me? Skye is so diverse that legends are out walking in the streets
  
  
• All pure-blood Scots (Caledonians) are descended from Alexander the Great
  

________________________________________

CULTURE

VALUES

• education
  
• intelligence
  
• magic
  
• peace
  
• beauty
  
• harmony with animals, plants and the elements
  
• divination
  
• children
  
• history
  
• the arts
  
• music
  
• learning to control one’s mind
  
• second chances
  
• love
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

TRADITIONS

• discrimination of any kind is frowned upon. All people of all races and species should be treated equally
  
  
• unless close friendship or relation is the case, people generally refer to each other by their surnames
  
  
• fighting of any kind is forbidden
  
  
• at the age of six, children begin their magical education
  
• when a couple is married, it is customary to congratulate them both
  
  
• when a child is born, it is customary to congratulate both the father and the mother
  
  
• arranged marriages are acceptable, but are a fading tradition. Marrying for love is both popular and applauded upon druids
  
  
• if someone is engaged in their private business, you are to keep your nose out
  
  
• immigration is to be monitored
  
  
• having children out of wedlock is frowned upon
  
  
• in a marriage, the woman takes the man’s surname
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote]
[/li][/ul]

LAW

PUNISHABLE

• murder
  
• assault
  
• rape
  
• stealing
  
• slave trade
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

FINABLE

• adultery
  
• permanent injury
  
• stealing
  
• impersonating authority
  
• vandalizing
  
• lawlessness
  

[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

• Slavery is ABSOLUTELY NOT tolerated. Discrimination is NOT tolerated, but hey, stuff happens.
  
  
• The Queen and her High Council have the right to write new laws, but may only pass them with the majority vote of the people.
  

[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]
[/li][/ul]

[Peregrine Alexander]

Also known as:
“Hell on Earth”

capitol ~ wherever something interesting is going on
dominant religion ~ Atheism
ruler ~ none, but Collin Conan (OPEN) leads The Flames and Brandon Blackwood (OPEN) leads The Irons
economic status ~ poverty-stricken
army ~ peasants with sticks
pure-blood family names ~ who cares?
dominant race ~ werewolf
dominant language ~ English is the most widely spoken language, although Gaelic and various Scandinavian languages are spoken
coat of arms ~ none

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ none
  
  
• protectorates ~ none
  
  
• enemies ~ everyone
  

BRIEF HISTORY

Even in the days when Alexander, Driscol and Macbeth ruled over all of Scotland, the Shetlands were barren islands that none of them waned. So, they came up with a clever solution: they would use the Shetlands as a dumping ground for their unwanted citizens, or those who had committed crimes, but not yet reached the death penalty.

Celtic pirates and Scandinavian sailors had also been shipwrecked there and have integrated with the community, but other than, no one has left or came to the islands since before the 1200’s.

SHETLAND LEGENDS

• Few extraordinary beings (if any) reside in the Shetlands, but stories from all over Europe and Asia are told around the campfires during long, cold nights.
  
  
• There is also an ancient myth that says that a ship will come to rescue the descendants of the original misfits and take them to the mainland and the surrounding islands.
  

________________________________________

CULTURE

VALUES

• food
  
• stories
  
• loyalty to one’s clan
  
• huts
  
• good mud
  
• warmth
  
• a good fire
  
• a pointed stick
  
• hunting
  
• and, oh yeah, food
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

TRADITIONS

• The Irons and The Flames are two self-established clans with two very different philosophies based on the same belief. Both clans believe that the rescue ship is coming very soon, but they both have strong opinions on what the people of the Shetlands should do when that ship arrives. The Flames believe in peaceful re-integrating with the other kingdoms. But The Irons believe in punishing the other kingdoms once they (the outcasts) return to civilization
  
  
• the best hunters of the islands the most respected
  
  
• unless close friendship or relation is the case, people generally refer to each other by their surnames
  
  
• arranged marriages are encouraged, but seldom happen, due to the lack of organization
  
  
• drinking contests are cool!
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote]
[/li][/ul]

LAW

PUNISHABLE

• murder
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

FINABLE

• there is no currency on the islands and everyone steals from everyone else too much to trade
  

[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

[Peregrine Alexander]

Also known as:
“The Lowlands”

capitol ~ Glasgow
dominant religion ~ Atheism
ruler ~ King Connor Alexander (OPEN
economic status ~ excellent
army ~ giant flying creature air force, sizable cavalry, pathetic infantry and navy
pure-blood family names ~ Alexander, Roderick, Hawk, Owen
dominant race ~ vampire
dominant language ~ English, Gaelic and Latin are spoken by the upper classes as second and third languages
coat of arms ~ a snake curled in the shape of an infinity symbol (sideways figure eight) devouring itself

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ Ireland, although they were bullied and blackmailed into aiding Sceith. Sceith is also secretly (for now) allied with Great Britain
  
  
• protectorates ~ none, but oh, the evil plans for some
  
  
• enemies ~ Saor, the Outer Hebrides, Skye
  

BRIEF HISTORY

Once upon a time, there were two royal princes: Connor and Philip Alexander. Connor, the eldest, was the clever, talented and ruthless crown prince and Philip was the childish, happy, lively youth and he was their father’s favorite. Connor resented this and one night, after his servant had whispered false words about what they’re father had down for Philip and not for him, Connor flew into his father’s room, sword drawn ans slaughtered the man in his bed.

Thinking he was now king of Saor, he turned, but it was only to see his younger brother, tears rolling down his face, his own sword drawn. Philip had never been a gifted fighter until then and he defeated Connor and let him be dragged away. The younger ordered the eldest to be executed, but crafty Connor wouldn’t have that and escaped from his jail cell, fled to the Lowlands and gathered an army of the living dead and other dark ones around him. Then, without wasting another moment, he declared war on Saor, took half of his brother’s lands and he is still locked in the bitter war with Saor. Somewhere along the line, he became schizophrenic and obsessed with obtaining immortality for himself.

SCEITHIAN LEGENDS

• The Headless Horseman dons his cloak every night and rides throughout the land. The one who catches him, will take on his persona and clothing, not to mention his coveted reputation. Thus, there are plenty of “Headless Horseman Hunts” and no one really knows how many Headless Horseman there have really been.
  

________________________________________

CULTURE

VALUES

• pure-bloods
  
• immortality
  
• pure-blood marriages
  
• wealth
  
• power
  
• military strength
  
• spies
  
• skills
  
• physical beauty
  
• control
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

TRADITIONS

• everyone must serve the king
  
  
• the proper way to hail someone in Sceith is with the word “greetings”. When a person of higher rank is addressing a person of lower rank, the former may skip the courteous greeting and use “you filthy dog” instead
  
  
• pure-blood males are expected to wear their hair (especially if it’s blonde) to at least shoulder-length. Females are expected to wear it even longer. However, their tradition is being rejected by some of the youth
  
  
• unless close friendship or relation is the case, people generally refer to each other by their surnames
  
  
• it is expected that a maiden wear her long hair down in the presence of un-related men
  
  
• when a couple is married, it is customary to congratulate the groom and to the bride fertility, unless, of course, she turns around and stabs you
  
  
• when a child is born, it is customary to congratulate the father, bring him a dead game animal and bring honey to the mother. Some also take this opportunity to wish the baby good health and the mother fertility. It is usually safe to do so this time, as she might be feeling not quite up to stabbing you
  
  
• If two men have children of the opposite sex and of similar age, they might discuss a marriage between their children years hence, providing that the two families are of the same class
  
  
• immortality is considered the ultimate goal
  
  
• if a woman is not married by the time she is twenty, something is considered wrong with her
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote]
[/li][/ul]

LAW

PUNISHABLE

• whatever and whomever the king feels like punishing that day or night
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

FINABLE

• whatever or whomever the king feels like punishing that day or night
  

[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

• Slavery IS tolerated and permitted. Racial, gender, sexual and age discrimination are encouraged.
  
  
• Of course the King can order whatever he wants to happen to take place.
  
  
• Sceith is a patriarchal society, but most females are femme fatals and either fight or seduce. Men regard women as inferior, or even as their personal property. In a marriage, the woman always takes the man’s surname.
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

[Peregrine Alexander]

Also known as:
“Hibernia”

capitol ~ Dublin
dominant religion ~ Roman Catholic
ruler ~ King Christopher Lynch (OPEN)
economic status ~ poor
army ~ their cavalry and infantry and equally acceptable
pure-blood family names ~ O’Reilly, O’Connor, Lynch
dominant race ~ human
dominant language ~ English and Gaelic are spoken by the upper classes as a second language
coat of arms ~ a winged girl (faerie) dressed in green

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ Sceith, but they were blackmailed into doing it
  
  
• protectorates ~ none, but getting the Outer Hebrides would be nice
  
  
• enemies ~ The Outer Hebrides, Saor, Skye, Sceith
  

BRIEF HISTORY

Ireland has always been the kingdom with the most economic problems, second only to the Shetland Islands. Famine has stricken the land several times, sickness has plagued the people and general bad luck is the norm. Like m,most of the Scottish kingdoms, Ireland has a pure-blood system.

Their story begins with a man named O'Connor, who overthrew the current king, an Englishman named Luke Mann and established the long-awaited Irish rule. His two daughters and one son married (the daughters marrying men by the names of O'Reilly and Lynch) and the pure-blood clan were begun. Unlike their Northeast neighbors, the Irish do not have a ruling clan, but instead let whomever is in control of the throne "work it out". No one is ever too fussed with politics, anyway. At least, not in Ireland.

Currently, they have been blackmailed into aiding Sceith in the war against Saor and the Outer Hebrides.

IRISH LEGENDS

[/b] has been a long-time resident of Ireland and there work as cobbler, shoemaker and drunkard are still called for. Faeries and sprites are also common, as are goblins. To enter a faerie ring, is to stumble upon great luck and to get a leprechaun to lead you to his gold supply is both impossible and eventually disappointing.

Witches and warlocks practicing dark magic seem to take to Ireland more than they do to the other kingdoms. They are best known for tainting cow’s milk, destroying crops and making residents ill.

The King of the Cats is a tail-less, talking Cat who is king of all cats in the Western World. Currently, he is in Ireland “visiting” his subjects, but what he’s really up to is trying to get close to and influence King Lynch.
[/ul]
[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/size]

________________________________________

CULTURE

VALUES

• feeding the population
  
• drinking contests
  
• good crops
  
• wealth
  
• power
  
• their homeland
  
• livestock
  
• folk tales and myths
  
• physical beauty
  
• control
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

TRADITIONS

• music and dance are a big part of Irish culture and so, from a young age, children are taught to dance, sing and play instruments. The lower classes sometimes only learn the former two skills
  
  
• unless close friendship or relation is the case, people generally refer to each other by their surnames
  
  
• when a couple is married, it is customary to congratulate the groom and to the bride fertility
  
  
• when a child is born, it is customary to congratulate the father, bring him a dead game animal and bring honey to the mother. Some also take this opportunity o wish the baby good health and the mother fertility (again)
  
  
• If two men have children of the opposite sex and of similar age, they might discuss a marriage between their children years hence, providing that the two families are of the same class
  
  
• if a woman is not married by the time she is twenty, something is considered wrong with her
  
  
• snakes are the most feared creatures in the land
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote]
[/li][/ul]

LAW

PUNISHABLE

• murder
  
• rape
  
• kidnapping/abduction
  
• doing wrong to a child
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

FINABLE

• stealing
  
• vandalizing
  
• general lawlessness
  
• revolting against the king
  
• impersonating authority
  

[/size] [/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

• Slavery IS tolerated and permitted. Racial, gender, sexual and age discrimination are an accepted part of daily life.
  
  
• Of course the King can order whatever he wants to happen to take place.
  
  
• Ireland is a patriarchal society, but female warriors do exist in the kingdom. Men regard women as inferior, or even as their personal property. In a marriage, the woman always takes the man’s surname.
  

[/blockquote] [/blockquote] [/blockquote]

[Peregrine Alexander]

Also known as:
“Celtic Seas”

capitol ~ what be a “capitol”? Argh…
dominant religion ~ Greek Paganism
ruler ~ Captain Poseiden Carmen (OPEN)
economic status ~ varies from day to day
army ~ navy…duh, only they aren’t united
pure-blood family names ~ who cares about pure-bloods?
dominant race ~ humans and human/kelpie half-breeds
dominant language ~ English, Gaelic and Scandinavian languages
coat of arms ~ varies from pirate to pirate

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ none, no telling when someone’s feeling mutinous
  
  
• protectorates ~ none, who has the patience to stay in one place that long?
  
  
• enemies ~ everything and everyone who stands/sails in their way
  

BRIEF HISTORY

As long as people have been sailing, there have been pirates. These seaman are a diverse collection. While some of them are native Celts, other come from all over Europe, Asia and even parts of Africa.

________________________________________

CULTURE

VALUES

• loot
  
• alcohol
  
• weirdness
  
• parties
  
• wrenches
  
• chaos
  
• control
  

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TRADITIONS

• they make 'em up as they go
  

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LAW

PUNISHABLE

• mutiny (if the culprit is caught
  

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FINABLE

• pirates down have a justice system
  

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• the pirate king is ineffective and pirate culture is loose and very freeing. There are no laws, no rules and no real code of honor.
  

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[Peregrine Alexander]

Also known as:
“England”

capitol ~ London
dominant religion ~ Protestant Christianity
ruler ~ King Uther Pendragon (OPEN)
economic status ~ excellent
army ~ Britain’s navy has always been its strongest military point, but it also has a powerful cavalry and infantry an a respectable air force. Its military sorcerers are few and weak
pure-blood family names ~ there is no pure-blood system in Britain
dominant race ~ human
dominant language ~ English, although Latin is popular and French is not uncommon
coat of arms ~ unicorn and lion (scarlet, gold, sapphire and alabaster)

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ Sceith and by extension, Ireland
  
  
• protectorates ~ Wales and Cornwall
  
  
• enemies ~ Saor, the Outer Hebrides, Skye, (where’s that, again?) all pirates in general and France. There are also not-so-friendly feelings between England and Ingleborough
  

BRIEF HISTORY

Britain was inhabited by native peoples and had a mutual and unofficial policy of invasion with the Celts until Britain was invaded by the Romans. After Britain finally managed to chase most of the Romans out, they started to develop and distinguish themselves as a culture.

Neither the British not the Celtic peoples have invaded each other’s lands since Sceith was created, but it looks like Britain and France are going to go to war with each other. Unknown to Ireland and the Scottish kingdoms, Sceith has made an alliance with Britain. If, with the blackmailed-into-service help from Ireland, Sceith and Britain mange to conquer the other kingdoms, they will divide the conquered lands between them.

BRITISH LEGENDS

• It is rumored among the lower classes that an outlaw named Robin Hood and his band of “Merry Men” are trying to overthrow King Pendragon. And, while they’re at it, they are stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. They are based in Sherwood Forest.
  
  
• It is also rumored that King Pendragon, who is widely known to be mad, will drop dead of his own accord, while on a hunting trip. While he has no known heir, his true heir will be the only one able to pull a sword out of a stone, in a churchyard in London. The Lady of the Lake is said to have put the weapon in there and enchanted the entire thing.
  
  
• There is a creature known as The Questing Beast, for knights with no quest. King Pellenor heads the exhibition. In order to catch the beast, one must track it by its trail of characterized fumets.
  

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CULTURE

VALUES

• military strength
  
• knighthood
  
• code of chivalry
  
• the feudal system
  
• power
  
• slaying dragons
  
• valor
  
• honor
  
• sport
  
• conquering other people
  
• being remembered
  

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TRADITIONS

• to turn down a fight or challenge of any sort, to walk away to turn your back is considered cowardly and cowardice is the lowest any Englishman can sink
  
  
• the British are big on knowing your place. So, if you value you life, find your place and stick to it
  
  
• unless close friendship or relation is the case, people generally refer to each other by their surnames
  
  
• if a man or woman of higher rank than you asks you for something, you’d better give it to them…now
  
  
• when a couple is married, it is customary to congratulate the groom and to the bride fertility
  
  
• when a child is born, it is customary to congratulate the father, bring him a dead game animal and bring honey to the mother. Some also take this opportunity o wish the baby good health and the mother fertility (again)
  
  
• If two men have children of the opposite sex and of similar age, they might discuss a marriage between their children years hence, providing that the two families are of the same class
  
  
• religion is important, so go to mass everyday (non-Christians are often persecuted
  
  
• if a woman is not married by the time she is eighteen, something is considered wrong with her
  

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LAW

PUNISHABLE

• murder
  
• assault on a person of higher class by a person of lower class
  
• rape of a higher class women by a lower class man
  
• adultery
  
• children out of wedlock (unless sired by a noble or king)
  
• impersonating authority
  
• being a witch or being suspected of witchcraft
  
• whatever the king feels like
  

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FINABLE

• other rape
  
• other assault
  
• permanent injury
  
• stealing
  
• vandalizing
  
• general lawlessness
  
• rebellion
  
• whatever the king feels like
  

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• Slavery IS tolerated, indentured servants are common. Racial, gender, sexual and age discrimination are an accepted part of everyday life.
  
  
• Of course the King can order whatever he wants to happen to take place, but these are vague guidelines.
  
  
• Great Britain is strictly patriarchal. Female warriors are most often suspected of being witches. Men regard women as inferior, or even as their personal property. In a marriage, the woman always takes the man’s surname.
  

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[Peregrine Alexander]

Also known as:
“Cymru”

capitol ~ Cardiff (in English), Caerdydd (in Welsh)
dominant religion ~ Welsh Paganism Protestant Christianity
ruler ~ Captain Rowan Kirk (OPEN)
economic status ~ poor
army ~ Wales’ infantry is their strongest military point and they are known for their force of archers
pure-blood family names ~ there is no pure-blood system in Wales
dominant race ~ human, with an unusual amount of Spanish Chupacabras
dominant language ~ Welsh, although English and Latin are being forced upon them
coat of arms ~ a scarlet dragon twisted around an emerald goblet unicorn and lion (scarlet, gold, sapphire and alabaster)

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ none, but they used to be allied to Cornwall, which is now a part of Great Britain
  
  
• protectorates ~ none, they are a protectorate
  
  
• enemies ~ England (they are being occupied by the British) and pirates in general
  

BRIEF HISTORY

Wales was also inhabited by natives until Great Britain was invaded by the Romans. It too, fell to Roman rule without much of a fight. After the Romans either left, were driven out or mingled with the native peoples, Wales began to develop itself as a kingdom. It was always overshadowed by Britain, but Welsh society developed as being more accepting and diverse than Britain’s.

Then, less than fifteen years ago, Welsh was invaded on a surprise attack by its neighbor, Great Britain. Their ally, Cornwall, had already been captured and conquered, but it was claimed as British soil. Wales was put under martial law, but it did not become British, but so far, as has remained Wales occupied and ruled by Great Britain.

WELSH LEGENDS

• The Griffins (called “Adar Llwch Gwin” in Welsh) are said to understand all human languages, but they have taken a liking to the Welsh people and have promised to aid them in their rebellion against Great Britain. They can shape-shift into raptors, hawks, falcons and rarely, into humans.
  
  
• The Gwyllgi, or a black dog that haunts lonely places, especially roads, is said to resemble a mastiff. He is usually (but not always) a symbol of the viewer’s approaching death, but there is a rumor that he possess magical powers.
  
  
• A species of dwarf-like humanoids, called the Coraniaid, are stirring in their mountain lairs, not happy with the occupation of Wales by the British. They dwarves has the power to cast disease on whatever person or group of people they choose, but horseflies mixed in water is deadly to them.
  
  
• Talking animals of human intelligence.
  
  
• The Tylwyth Teg are beautiful faeries of “Otherworld”, who might change a human child for a changeling, make mischief for humans or reward a woman with a tidy house with gifts of silver. They are known to hunt on special nights (Christmas Eve, Hallows’ Eve, Guy Fawks Night, etc…) Otherworld, the land of the dead and of spirits is said to be their home.
  

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CULTURE

VALUES

• a beautiful landscape
  
• knighthood
  
• code of chivalry
  
• economic progress and lack of famine
  
• overthrowing the British
  
• music
  
• peace
  
• honor
  
• sport
  
• beauty
  
• being remembered
  

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TRADITIONS

• remaining loyal to Wales should be the focal point of all Welsh people. To die for Wales is the greatest honor
  
  
• the Welsh are considered cowardly fools by other kingdoms, so it your duty to prove that such things are not true
  
  
• unless close friendship or relation is the case, people generally refer to each other by their surnames
  
  
• dark magic is punishable by death, but white magic, if kept secret from the British, is all right, especially if used for the rebellion
  
• when a couple is married, it is customary to congratulate the groom and to the bride fertility
  
  
• when a child is born, it is customary to congratulate the father, bring him a dead game animal and bring honey to the mother. Some also take this opportunity o wish the baby good health and the mother fertility (again)
  
  
• If two men have children of the opposite sex and of similar age, they might discuss a marriage between their children years hence, providing that the two families are of the same class
  
  
• listen to the animals and to nature: they might be able to tell you something
  
  
• if a woman is not married by the time she is eighteen, something is considered wrong with her
  

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LAW

PUNISHABLE

• murder
  
• assault on a person of higher class by a person of lower class
  
• rape of a higher class women by a lower class man
  
• adultery (British)
  
• children out of wedlock (unless sired by a noble or king)
  
• impersonating authority (British)
  
• being a witch or being suspected of witchcraft (British)
  
• whatever the governor feels like (British)
  

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FINABLE

• other rape
  
• other assault
  
• permanent injury
  
• stealing
  
• vandalizing (British)
  
• general lawlessness (British)
  
• rebellion (British)
  
• whatever the governor feels like (British)
  

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• Slavery IS tolerated, indentured servants are common. Racial, gender, sexual and age discrimination are an accepted part of everyday life. In Welsh culture, slavery is NOT tolerated, but now that the British have taken control, that’s all gone down the toilet.
  
  
• Of course the governor can order whatever he wants to happen to take place, but these are vague guidelines.
  
  
• Wales is patriarchal, but so much as Britain. Female warriors are tolerated…but just barely. Men regard women as inferior, or even as their personal property. In a marriage, the woman always takes the man’s surname.
  

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[Peregrine Alexander]

capitol ~ The Lake
dominant religion ~ Celtic Paganism
ruler ~ The Lady of the Lake (OPEN)
economic status ~ excellent
army ~ A mix of everything, but magic is Avalon’s strongest point
pure-blood family names ~ there is no pure-blood system in Avalon
dominant race ~ fae, but all races are tolerated
dominant language ~ Latin, followed by Greek, English, Gaelic, Welsh and Cornish
coat of arms ~ none

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

• alliances ~ none
  
  
• protectorates ~ none
  
  
• enemies ~ none
  

BRIEF HISTORY

The Isle of Avalon was created at the beginning of time and cannot be found by anyone who does not know where it already is. Furthermore, the isle can only be reached by a boat and this boat must have sitting in it, one of the maidens appointed by the ruler of Avalon. One may also fly to Avalon, but they must know where the isle already is or ride on or be carried by a beast who has the approval of the ruler of the isle.

The Lady of the Lake is an immortal being of banshee and elven heritage (this is why she is not a member of the banshee society) who is over five hundred years old. She rules the isle fairly and keeps most visitors (particularly humans) out. Currently, her power is being challenged by a human witch, Morgana Le Fey.

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CULTURE

VALUES

• magic
  
• nature
  
• divination
  
• beauty
  
• art
  
• bring peace to humanoid civilizations
  
• keeping the history and research of all things
  
• advancing their society
  
• their religion
  
• keeping their location a secret
  
• trust
  

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TRADITIONS

• humans are misguided creatures in need of a helping hand
  
  
• beauty, the arts and education are more important than fighting
  
  
• unless close friendship or relation is the case, people generally refer to each other by their surnames
  
  
• if you ever leave Avalon, be proud of where you came from, but never tell anyone
  
  
• everyone who comes into exclusive, elusive Avalon is charged with the task of helping good triumph over evil and the task of bring peace and harmony to all things
  
  
• marriage is optional
  
  
• young children are the only ones allowed to enter Avalon without the permission and complete approval of the Lady of the Lake
  

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LAW

• murder
  
• rape
  
• betraying the locations or secrets of Avalon
  
• doing wrong to a child
  

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• Slavery is NOT tolerated, indentured servants are common. Racial, gender, sexual and age discrimination are NOT accepted.
  
  
• The Lady of the Lake has total control over all things in Avalon, but she is a fair and rational person.
  
  
• Both males and females may fight, or become whatever they want to be, for that matter.
  

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