Post by Misti on May 14, 2015 23:07:23 GMT
The five nations originate from a common slice of history. Over five hundred years ago (0 P.C.), the entire chain of islands known as "Signum" was once the property of an enormous empire known as 'Cael'. Cael was a dominion that spread across numerous oceanic nations, and the small islands were all but condemned to fall under its grasp. Despite this quick loss, Signum had indeed been inhabited- by a mysterious race known as the Youko. Proficient users of magic, Youko would fight until the bitter end to protect their freedom, land, and families- their zeal inspired many to defect to the side of the foxes, creating Argent- a nation where both the Youko and normal humans could live in protecting one another. After many a bloody uprising, Mt. Nix had been freed and a fort-turned manor had been taken away from the Caelians. Further than that, human uprisings began in Sable and Gules after settlers in the lands ended up losing their life's savings over barren lands that would not grow food. The three joined with one another, arm in arm to rise up and fight the ruling empire's army. Before long, Azure and Vert wanted their independence for religious purposes. Signum had become a popular place for worshippers of Naga, due to their shared faith with the Youko and Manakete inhabitants. Taking pilgrimages there despite the Caelian empire wishing to outlaw such acts, the final uprising was created as all five nations joined together to shake free and govern themselves.
Then began isolation. Distrustful of countries across the sea and fearing takeover, the countries closed their gates to all but one another, each of the five living off what others had to offer. Argent had the fertile soil necessary to plant orchards across the land and the open space to raise animals. Gules had mineral deposits below its ground and could mine them out to use for building. Sable's talented artisans could construct weapons, armor, and metalworks from the resources given to them. Azure's warm climate had been perfect for sowing staple grains. Finally, Vert's vast forest supplied all of the wood that all of the countries would need- for every tree cut, two grew in its place.
Though, despite the warm attitude that the nations grew for one another, disparity began not long after. In 112 P.C., there was a rather bloody territorial dispute between Argent and Sable-Gules, who had temporarily fused into one nation due to their similar needs and geography. Argent won the war, which split the two nations again and left all with a feeling of bitterness. Argent would later, in the year 238 P.C., attempt a hostile takeover of Vert, which was blocked by Azure who had come to the forest nation's aid.
Today, in 509 P.C., tensions are at an all-time low. There has not been a border dispute, let alone a war, in over one hundred years... and without a stimulus, that does not seem set to change. Despite this, conflict can come through natural means- an enormous tremor fittingly called "The Quake" ripples across the islands every few years, often tearing apart the land in its wake. So far, the Quake has avoided any major cities, but it has decimated a number of small farming towns.
Each country is controlled by a respective noble family and an extensive duchy, the members of which meet four times annually.
Argent, the Snow Country
A nation founded on principles, Argent was the first nation to break itself from empirical rule. Beginning as a tiny principality around Argent Manor, it eventually gained a vast number of supporters and militants who helped to expand the free land miles upon miles in each direction. It possesses a rather snowy climate, and is somewhat difficult to traverse in winter. Filled with both tall mountains and large swaths of field, Argent houses a combination of Seers, Youko and humans that is unmatched in diversity by all other nations. Interestingly, the royal family of Argent is of Seer blood, making them quite popular with all residents. The house's family treasure is the legendary sword Falchion, said to be forged from Naga's fang.
Sable, the Night Country
The marsh nation southwest of Argent, it has long been the former's rival in terms of status. The second nation to declare independence from empirical rule, it became an artisan country that obtained the resources of others to create its own treasures. Sable's population is nearly entirely human, and the capital city was the birthplace of Dark Magic. While once seen as a foe, Sable is now widely seen as a country of scholars and as a center for learning and artistry. Despite its militant history, it seems to have developed in the way of peace and is nowadays a relatively normal country that is mostly covered in pine forest and marshlands
Gules, the Flare Country
A nation founded on mining, its land has been rendered barren by a drought that took place hundreds of years ago, rending its soils into a stone-like state of hardness and infertility. Despite this, under the dead earth lies kilos upon kilos of untapped natural resources, the most notable of which being precious metals and gems. These resources can be sold for a very high price, and some of the base elements found here can be used to forge Youko Talismans as well as Dragonstones. Gules, though, is almost entirely populated by humans and is rather set in its olden ways- the people who reside there are not quite fond of other races, including Seers and magic users.
Vert, the Forest Country
The smallest country among them, Vert is a little isle off the eastern coast of Azure. It is the primary home of the nation's Manaketes, and is considered something of a pilgrimage site for clerics and others who possess faith in the goddess Naga. While they possess no real military defenses (and thus no way to prevent capture), its draconic denizens are a threat enough in their own right. Vert has in its past never been an aggressor in any conflict among the nations, and is considered to be the peace-dove of all five. Its people have a stereotype of being simple-minded and naive due to this mindset, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Azure, the Whirl Country
The last of the five to be founded, Azure is a southern archipelago consisting of a number of small islands positioned at almost exactly sea level. Comprised mostly of fields, plains and wetlands, it is rather perfect for farming all sorts of various crops. Despite its reputation for having a strong navy, Azure is actually a very peaceful country where the majority of the Seer population lives in harmony with both humans and Youko. They have a heavy emphasis upon the learning of magic, and a large amount of the continent's universities and schools are situated here.
Then began isolation. Distrustful of countries across the sea and fearing takeover, the countries closed their gates to all but one another, each of the five living off what others had to offer. Argent had the fertile soil necessary to plant orchards across the land and the open space to raise animals. Gules had mineral deposits below its ground and could mine them out to use for building. Sable's talented artisans could construct weapons, armor, and metalworks from the resources given to them. Azure's warm climate had been perfect for sowing staple grains. Finally, Vert's vast forest supplied all of the wood that all of the countries would need- for every tree cut, two grew in its place.
Though, despite the warm attitude that the nations grew for one another, disparity began not long after. In 112 P.C., there was a rather bloody territorial dispute between Argent and Sable-Gules, who had temporarily fused into one nation due to their similar needs and geography. Argent won the war, which split the two nations again and left all with a feeling of bitterness. Argent would later, in the year 238 P.C., attempt a hostile takeover of Vert, which was blocked by Azure who had come to the forest nation's aid.
Today, in 509 P.C., tensions are at an all-time low. There has not been a border dispute, let alone a war, in over one hundred years... and without a stimulus, that does not seem set to change. Despite this, conflict can come through natural means- an enormous tremor fittingly called "The Quake" ripples across the islands every few years, often tearing apart the land in its wake. So far, the Quake has avoided any major cities, but it has decimated a number of small farming towns.
Each country is controlled by a respective noble family and an extensive duchy, the members of which meet four times annually.
Argent, the Snow Country
A nation founded on principles, Argent was the first nation to break itself from empirical rule. Beginning as a tiny principality around Argent Manor, it eventually gained a vast number of supporters and militants who helped to expand the free land miles upon miles in each direction. It possesses a rather snowy climate, and is somewhat difficult to traverse in winter. Filled with both tall mountains and large swaths of field, Argent houses a combination of Seers, Youko and humans that is unmatched in diversity by all other nations. Interestingly, the royal family of Argent is of Seer blood, making them quite popular with all residents. The house's family treasure is the legendary sword Falchion, said to be forged from Naga's fang.
Sable, the Night Country
The marsh nation southwest of Argent, it has long been the former's rival in terms of status. The second nation to declare independence from empirical rule, it became an artisan country that obtained the resources of others to create its own treasures. Sable's population is nearly entirely human, and the capital city was the birthplace of Dark Magic. While once seen as a foe, Sable is now widely seen as a country of scholars and as a center for learning and artistry. Despite its militant history, it seems to have developed in the way of peace and is nowadays a relatively normal country that is mostly covered in pine forest and marshlands
Gules, the Flare Country
A nation founded on mining, its land has been rendered barren by a drought that took place hundreds of years ago, rending its soils into a stone-like state of hardness and infertility. Despite this, under the dead earth lies kilos upon kilos of untapped natural resources, the most notable of which being precious metals and gems. These resources can be sold for a very high price, and some of the base elements found here can be used to forge Youko Talismans as well as Dragonstones. Gules, though, is almost entirely populated by humans and is rather set in its olden ways- the people who reside there are not quite fond of other races, including Seers and magic users.
Vert, the Forest Country
The smallest country among them, Vert is a little isle off the eastern coast of Azure. It is the primary home of the nation's Manaketes, and is considered something of a pilgrimage site for clerics and others who possess faith in the goddess Naga. While they possess no real military defenses (and thus no way to prevent capture), its draconic denizens are a threat enough in their own right. Vert has in its past never been an aggressor in any conflict among the nations, and is considered to be the peace-dove of all five. Its people have a stereotype of being simple-minded and naive due to this mindset, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Azure, the Whirl Country
The last of the five to be founded, Azure is a southern archipelago consisting of a number of small islands positioned at almost exactly sea level. Comprised mostly of fields, plains and wetlands, it is rather perfect for farming all sorts of various crops. Despite its reputation for having a strong navy, Azure is actually a very peaceful country where the majority of the Seer population lives in harmony with both humans and Youko. They have a heavy emphasis upon the learning of magic, and a large amount of the continent's universities and schools are situated here.