Lore

GEOGRAPHICAL POINTS OF INTEREST
•The Northlands
•Wyntir Sea •Red Mountains
•Northern Seas •Helkos Bay
•The Warm Waters •Small Sea •Karthrakian Desert •Sumir Cove
•The Open Waters

R E A L M

M A P

General Population
12 million

POPULATION
BREAK-DOWN

Bhalta

Population: 1 million
Ruling Figure: Naga Kyros
Lordship Seat: Yloren (Pop: 375,000)
Other Major Cities: Alannan (Pop: 325,000)
Rural Population: 300,000

Davasch Isles

Population: 1 million
Ruling Figure: Sol Zeke
Lordship Seat: Eleniz (Pop: 200,000)
Other Major Cities: Meave (Pop: 150,000)
Rural Population: 650,000

Ingledye

Population: 1 million
Ruling Figure: Selim Yousey (OPEN TO CLAIM)
Seat of Power: Aphora (Pop: 365,000)
Other Major Cities: Bytha (Pop: 400,000)
Rural Population: 235,000[/i]

Karthrak

Population: 1.5 Million
Ruling Figure: Mehmed Quam (OPEN TO CLAIM)
Lordship Seat: Vroka (Population 400,000)
Other Major Cities: Ul'Tair (Pop: 400,000); Rhesus (Pop: 500,000)
Rural Population: 200,000

Mythage

Population: 3 million
Ruling Figure: Loukas Tsotigh (OPEN TO CLAIM)
Lordship Seat: Chale (Pop: 650,000)
Other Major Cities: Quox (Pop: 625,000); Oldport (Pop: 325,000); Gaddis (Pop: 250,000); Crowley (Pop: 750,000)
Rural Population: 375,000

Orenskia

Population: 3 million
Ruling Figure: Vivek Kovisto (OPEN TO CLAIM)
Lordship Seat: Alvar (Pop: 500,000)
Other Major Cities: Fife (Pop: 250,000); Ealthy (Pop: 250,000); Jyn (Pop: 500,000); Newport (Pop: 500,000)
Rural Population: 1,000,000

Unaffiliated Regions

Population: 1 million
Imperial City: 600,000
Nameless Guild: 100,000
Outlands: 225,000
Northlands: 75,000
In this RP universe, there are various different cultural influences that create our interesting melting pot of diversity, including the Ottoman Empire (1453-1566), Sengdoku period of Japan (1467-1603), and the Hellenistic Period of ancient Greece (323 BC-31 BC.)

Yes! That's quite a bit, but bear with us and we'll reveal in the following section the important key concepts of Sgili culture.
ON SOCIETY HIERARCHY AND CLASS DIVISION

The realm's society has three recognized tiers for social hierarchy: royalty, nobility, and commoner.

Both royalty and nobility are categorized as higher class (or highborn), while commoners are known as lower class (or lowborn). Generally, higher class also implies 'wealthier class' but there are some instances when a commoner family may gain wealth or reputation as merchants or recognition of military rank. These commoner families have since created an uneasy 'middle-class', yet are essentially labeled as influential lowborn families.

In all social classes, the concept of being named the heir-apparent to a father's title is of highest priority. In Sgili culture, the eldest son is not guaranteed the heir-apparent title. Instead, fathers have the right to choose their heir-apparent from any of his legitimate sons. A father's title is not passed onto his heir-apparent until the Patriarch's death. The following links describe each hierarchy tier in greater depth:

ROYALTY

(Also called the Royal Family) are the primary descendants of the first Emperor Tsi Sgili with its direct line of members living at the Imperial Palace and other lines seated in nearby cities. Currently, the only secondary Sgili line is seated in Rhesus. Male members carry the Sgili surname their entire lives and will pass it onto their legitimate male and female children. Female members born of Sgili fathers also carry the surname their entire lives, but do not pass it onto their children unless their husband has the Sgili name. Therefore, when a royal daughter marries a highborn (or lowborn), her children will not have the Sgili surname. One exception is the status of the current Empress-Consort Kasula of Orenskia. She has a high-Lord father and Sgili mother, but married back into the Royal Family. Thus, she publicly carries the Sgili surname because it adds prestige to her title at court. Therefore, unless the wife has Sgili parentage, women married into the Royal Family do not take the Sgili surname. This notion proves that mothers of the Royal Family only hold influence in court by bearing children and maintaining good relationship with their husband.

HIGHBORN

(Also called Lordship families) is a title limited solely to the descendants of the original six feudal High-Lords, generals whom were appointed to their station by Emperor Tsi following the establishment of the Empire. There are six regions of the Empire, and each is governed by its own feudal High-Lord. The family unit of the feudal High-Lord is considered highborn. Like royalty, male members pass on their surname to their legitimate male and female children. But unlike the royal family, women married to a High-Lord can take their husband's surname. Secondary lines of Lordship families (brothers of the high-Lord) usually become generals or consultants to the feudal high-Lord, but do not hold any power by title beyond what the high-Lord grants them. Like the other classes, competition between sons to be named heir-apparent by the High-Lord father is highly sought-after.

LOWBORN

(Also called common-folk) are individuals born outside of the highborn tier. Common-folk do not carry surnames (that is a tradition reserved for highborn families.) Instead they are known by the city or region they live or work in: for example, the mother of Prince Alexandros Sgili of Rhesus was a merchant's daughter named Imogene of Quox. If further distinction is needed by a character, a more elaborate title for a commoner might be 'Imogene of Quox, daughter of Lazarus.' As mentioned previously, the most influential groups of common-folk are merchant families and those with military reputation. Most others are manual labor professions. It is an ambition of most commoner fathers to have their daughters chosen to live in the harems of highborn men as dragilor (basic servants)-- if his daughter can manage to rise through the harem hierarchy by gaining influence with a High-Lord, Prince, or even Emperor, it could raise the status of her family with wealth. One success story of this was Ileana of Karthrak whom was a dragi of Emperor Saang. He eventually married her and titled her Princess-Consort of the Empire.... of course, Ileana did not maneuver court politics well thereafter but THAT can be read in the canon time-line!

GENDER ROLES, DAILY LIFE AND MARRIAGE

In this world, men and women have traditional roles with boundaries rarely overstepped. Men are the dominant figures; and while women are secondary in this dynamic, they do have some freedoms depending on their social station. People of both classes tend to live with their entire family group-- parents, married couple, children, and possibly other dependents like foster-children or even servants all stay in the same house. And in this culture, the wife rules the household (or the harem in highborn families) unless the husband's mother is present.

Lowborn husbands and sons are expected to provide for their family group. A variety of professions are available to them, some boosting their family's wealth and reputation better than others. All female family members in the common-folk class are expected to provide food and other homely necessities of daily life. However, with the family patriarch's approval, some commoner females may be allowed to travel without male presence (likely because payment for a guard cannot afforded) and can even participate in family business ventures to aid in added family income (like running the family market-stall or providing stitch-work for commission pay.)

Highborn men are respected by the general public because of their military conquests, leadership abilities, and reputation to keep their region/city successfully thriving through trial. Polygamy exists in the higher-class, but only for highborn men that can afford multiple wives and lovers. Most men will take no more than two wives, but can have an array of lovers. Women of highborn families dwell together in their family's harem. Its dynamics and hierarchy will be reviewed in another section.

Finally, the intricacies of marriage proposals will also be provided in its own separate section. Just know that the process is very ceremonial in nature and is strict in its required steps. (PM TheGreatMouse if you have any questions about marriage proposals after reading its section.) In this universe, inter-familial marriage is allowed between cousins and half-siblings but tradition deems marriage (or sexual relations) with all other family pairings taboo. Note that inter-familial marriage is most often done with the Royal Family, is extremely rare for highborn, and practically unheard of among lowborn.
COURT OFFICIALS AND MILITARY OFFICERS
In this universe, males have a strong presence in highborn courts as officials and military officers. Both groups are vital components to the success and security of a Patriarch's daily life and structure of his city/region.

Auxiliary: Are foot-soldiers raised during war-time by command of their feudal high-Lord or royal Patriarch; are of common-folk and typically lack the finesse training of a Legionnaire.

Legionnaire: Are foot-soldiers that stand in their rank as a professional career; may be of common-folk or sons of highborn families and are generally better-trained than an Auxiliary. If affordable during a time of peace, an inactive Legionnaire may be charged/employed as a bodyguard to a selected individual.

Centurion: Leads a military unit of 100 Legionnaires (or Auxiliary) during wartime, otherwise works in an unit of basic-level guards for highborns.

Marshall: Akin to a captain, a Marshall leads a group of three Centurions.

Legate: Akin to a lieutenant, a Legate leads a group of seven Marshalls.

Vizier: Akin to an advisor, a vizier is an official figure appointed by a highborn to offer valued advice or provide oversight over a particular field of professionalism. (I.E. A character could be a Vizier of Counsel whom is simply a figure with a second-opinion, a Vizier of Law whom serves as a judicial voice of a city, or a Vizier of Ports whom is the supervisor of the financial security of a region port. The specification of role for any vizier is chosen by the highborn male that character serves.)

Pasha: Akin to a general, a Pasha leads all military ranks of a city beneath the command of their region high-Lord or royal Patriarch.

Chief Vizier: Is the right-hand advisor of a high-Lord or royal Patriarch whom accompanies the highborn during his daily routine. He carries the seal of his highborn employer, and is given much power in that fact. None-- not the Sursa, Pashas, other viziers or an Amant-- are given personal audience to the high-Lord or royal Patriarch unless his Chief Vizier first allows it. It is assumed that the Chief Vizier is a trusted confidant of the highborn he serves; because of this relationship, the Chief Vizier is given flexibility to select dragilor to spend an evening with his employer (if none are specifically summoned by the high-Lord or royal Patriarch.) The Chief Vizier may be highborn or lowborn, as the title is bestowed by the high-Lord or royal Patriarch to an individual of his liking.

Women in Military
New imperial law prohibits women under ADULTHOOD (an unmarried daughter by this age is an embarrassment) from joining the military ranks... but this does not stop younger girls to make some bold attempts. Just note that if a young woman is discovered serving under a guise (pulling a Mulan), they are subjected to grueling tasks that scar their faces and bodies by fire and whip before they are sent back home to their families disgraced. (However, plenty of rogue groups thrive on this type of rejection.) And regardless of the specifications on older age requirements, warrior-women may find some measure of gender-equality by serving in the military (but their military experience does not grant them full-freedom from their father or brother.) Women cannot be titled military officers in a high-Lord's army regimes. Despite this knowledge, it is known that Gifted females are especially valued in key military roles, as they tend to have better self-discipline on the battlefield.
HAREM AND IT'S SIGNIFICANCE
In Sgili culture, the harem is defined as the female wing in a highborn palace.

(Moderator's Note: The word 'harem' and its purpose in this RP does not allude that all females are slaves! Failure to use this term appropriately according to the lore is the reflection of a writer's ignorance. If a writer cannot distinguish that our harem is the female wing and not a harem of some erotic assumption, then this may not be the right role-play for them.)

The harem houses the personal chambers of the Sursa (mother of the royal or noble male), Amant (wife of a royal or noble male), any dragi (his favorite courtesans) and all dragilor (female common-born servants.) It is said the harem belongs to the patriarch of a royal/noble family and no man's eyes should look upon his cherished belongings out of courtesy. But all Patriarchs tend to grant special permission for his male relatives, viziers and officers, and honored guests to host a dragilor for a night or two. In some cases, these male individuals may even be able to petition and offer compensation to the Patriarch to be able to take a special dragilor they've been eyeballing and spending time with as their own dragi or wife.

HAREM HIERARCHY

Dragilor: The bottom of the harem hierarchy are the dragilor. They are not slaves, but certainly are in the profession of a household servant. They are typically common-born girls encouraged by their families to enter the harem for a chance of life of luxury and comfort. All dragilor are expected to clean, serve food, and perform other menial tasks besides cooking (as palaces have an employed cook.) All dragilor sleep in the same hall and share communal baths. There is no individuality to their clothing or possessions. All dragilor are given a monthly birth-control wine to reduce the chance of pregnancy. (If they happen to become pregnant and are not promoted to dragi or married into Amant, unfortunately these girls and their child are sent back home to their families.) Aside from daily chores, dragilor girls viewed with beauty and talent are recognized as potential courtesans and trained accordingly by the harem tutors. They learn to dance, recite poetry, play musical instruments, and are given lessons in etiquette and erotic arts. Only the most gifted dragilor are then presented to Patriarch if his Chief Vizier summons a nighttime companion for him. Dragilor are usually showered with gifts and currency if she pleases the Patriarch in her night spent with him. If she is highly-pleasing, the dragilor may even be specifically-summoned by the Patriarch in future nights. At the discretion of the Sursa or Patriarch, a dragilor can be released from her service to the harem and sent back to her family but must leave any gifts, money or belongings. Luckily for her though, most common-folk men ecstatically enjoy the chance to marry a woman that had been trained in a harem.

Dragi: If a dragilor maintains favorable attention of the Patriarch over an extended period of time, she has the opportunity to be named one of his dragi. Tradition allows for only three dragi in a harem but an unlimited number of dragilor courtesans. They are the most favorite courtesans and their position rivals the affection typically reserved for wives. The Patriarch gifts his dragi their own harem-apartment and assigns a court-attendant as their own servant (dragi tend to pick a dragilor that had been a friend.) The amount of clothing, jewelry, and allowances given to a dragi is a direct correlation to the admiration their Patriarch has for them. Dragi can lose their Patriarch's favor, but its unheard of them being reduced back into dragilor. Instead, they are instructed to leave the harem for a determined measure of time (either a few weeks at a holiday estate so an event calms itself over or exiled indefinitely if offense is too great.) If a dragi's royal/noble patron dies, the woman is allowed to take her welath and belongings, and return to her family. If a dragi gives birth to a Patriarch's child, these offspring may live with her in her harem-apartment but remain illegitimate children unless the dragi becomes Amant. The only exception is with nobility: if a dragi dies in childbirth, the Patriarch can decree the Sursa the child's foster-parent and the child is then legitimized into the family group.

Supervision Roles: Above the dragi and dragilor are eunuch guards and harem tutors, then several supervising figures appointed by the Sursa or the Vizier. Besides the Patriarch and eunuch guards, the Efor is the only "male" allowed to freely enter the harem chambers of the dragi and dragilor. The Efor is a castrated man who acts as a private messenger between the Susra and Patriarch's Vizier, an important link in keeping harem affairs known to (or kept hidden from) the Patriarch. He is charged to select and escort dragilor to be presented to the Patriarch, to act as a witness for the Patriarch's marriages and his children's birth ceremonies, and arranges all ceremonial events in the palace. Lastly, the Efor delivers sentence to harem women accused of crimes-- those judged guilty by the Sursa and the Patriarch are taken by the Efor to the executioner. The Kadin of the harem is the main supervisor of the dragilor and dragi whose duties are to maintain daily scheduling for chores, lessons, and feast arrangements. She works closely with the Efor to remark on the talents and progress of potential dragilor to be presented to the Patriarch. When any dragilor or dragi is summoned to the Patriach or his guests, the Kadin is charged to supervise the courtesan's preparation of dress, jewelry, and makeup.

(Moderator's Note: Ambitious dragilor will do all they can to gain favor and advice of the Kadin and Efor to boost her chances of being presented to the Patriarch multiple times.)

The Sursa's right-hand attendant, called the Uisal, is typically a LATE ADULTHOOD woman whose responsibilities are to relay and accomplish the will of the Sursa among the harem. She is at the same tier of power as the Efor, but usually stays out of the nitpicking and gossips of dragilor and dragi. If anything, the Uisal is the secret eyes and ears in the harem for the Sursa (since the Sursa is generally occupied with the dealings of her family and grandchildren.)

Amant: The revered position for any dragilor, dragi, or marriageable young woman is to become a wife of a royal/noble male. As a formalized wife, she is titled Amant. As one can imagine, her greatest concern is to bear legitimate children and keep favor of the Patriarch. In this way, she can hope to always guarantee her security in his family. Most wives must compete against other wives and dragi to gain the most favor (thus, influence) with her husband-- all of this is done to give her son(s) good position to be named heir-apparent. This kind of competition can be off-putting to some, while others seem to thrive on the power found in its successes. Like dragi, an Amant has her own harem-chambers (large enough to include rooms for her children) and multiple personal servants to attend her needs and to help supervise her children. And while an Amant may seem superior to a dragi, there is a thin line that must be danced upon carefully to not stoke the anger and disapproval of her husband. Her relationship to the Sursa (her mother-in-law) should strive to be of good standing-- as the Sursa may continuously remind her son's wife (or wives) to be of exemplary self-control (and learn to tolerate her Patriarch's lovers) for the sake of their children's future, and to safeguard her own dignity and reputation as a member of a highborn family.

Sursa: The most powerful woman in the harem is the Sursa. She is the mother of the highborn Patriarch. The Sursa is responsible for the maintenance of order and peace inside the harem. Disputes in the harem that require her attention are presented to her presence with an ounce of fear in the messenger's eyes. Being a female elder of a highborn family, she is expected to serve as a guide and teacher to her son by educating him about the intricacies of realm politics. And beside her husband, her sons, and sons of her husband and another Amant; everyone is expected to stand at-attention and bow their heads respectfully to the Sursa whenever she enters or exits a room. Her commands are only overruled by the decrees of her superior male family members and a Chief Vizier. In the event that the Patriarch's mother dies, an Amant (wife) is temporarily chosen for the position by the Patriarch. Upon his death, the title of Sursa is then correctly passed to the mother of next family patriarch.
CURRENT GOVERNMENT

The frailty and sporadic dementia of Emperor Taeron had been the driving force behind the formation of the Imperial Council. Thus, after its establishment into law, the realm has since been governed by the Imperial Council with the Emperor and Royal Family's power reduced to a ceremonial capacity. (Think 'Queen of England' kind of duties.)

It was then resolved and written that, with Emperor Taeron's inability to make coherent decisions by himself, the Imperial Council would be charged with the responsibility of choosing his heir-apparent among eligible Princes when all young men came of age. And supposedly, the future purpose of the Imperial Council would shift from overruling the Royal Family to aiding this next Emperor as his advisors. Many now believe that the time for this crucial vote is nearing quickly.
Seats of the Imperial Council
High-Lord of Bhalta: Naga Kyros

High-Lord of Davasch Isles: Sol Zeke, distant cousin of the Royal Family

High-Lord of Ingledye: Selim Yousey (OPEN TO CLAIM)

High-Lord of Karthrak: Mehmed Quam (OPEN TO CLAIM)

High-Lord of Mythage: Dorieus Tsotigh, paternal first-cousin of current Princess-Consort Marisya of Mythage

High-Lord of Orenskia: Vivek Kovisto (OPEN TO CLAIM), maternal ties to Sgili bloodline, older sister is Empress-Consort Kasula Sgili of Orenskia

Grand Minister of the Nameless Guild: Maharet of Aphora
Eligible Princes that could be Emperor
Prince Yuan Sgili, second-born son of Emperor Taeron Sgili mothered by Empress-Consort Kasula Sgili of Orenskia

UNCLAIMED MALE SPOT OPEN, first-born son of Emperor Taeron Sgili mothered by Princess-Consort Marisya of Mythage

Prince Alexandros Sgili of Rhesus, nephew/cousin of Emperor Taeron Sgili, son of Tsaako Sgili of Rhesus and Imogene of Quox
CANON-HISTORY (TIMELINE)

Prior to the conquering and establishment of the Sgili Empire, the histories of the known world were only maintained as oral histories passed through generations. These ancestral years (later written as A.Y. in the Sgili calendar) marked an historical era where 15-20 familial clans all across the continent and islands ruled small regions as warlords. The beginning of the Emperor's rule is written as imperial ascendancy (otherwise I.A.) by scholars and starts with year one (or 1 I.A.) The Sgili Calendar is still the current tool used to detailing the passing of time in the realm.
RECORDED HISTORY

? A.Y.

Foundation of the Nameless Guild:
Five institutions for Gifted humans seeking tutelage in specialty magic-training are built in Oldport (shape-shifting), Bytha (elemental affinity), Yloren (healing), Meave (higher sight), and Ul'Tair (image magic).

Reign of Emperor Tsi: 1 I.A. - 37 I.A.

Reign of Emperor Tsang: 37 I.A. - 66 I.A.

Reign of Emperor Saang: 66 I.A. - 69 I.A.

Reign of Emperor Tsi II: 69 I.A. - 102 I.A.

Reign of Emperor Phyros: 102 I.A. - 108 I.A.

Reign of Emperor Taeron (Rise of the Imperial Council): 108 I.A. - Present
REGIONS
BHALTA
Ruling Figure: Naga Kyros

Lordship Seat: Yloren

Other Major Cities: Alannan

Presence of the Nameless Guild: Institution of Yloren (Healing)

Region Trade Resources: Mining. Craftsmanship items.

Region Technology: Smithing. Crafting techniques. Engineers.

Region Reputation: "May Idiyanale bless your metal." These are words that have been passed through generations of Bhaltans that have come and go from this earth. To anyone, whether religious or not, it seemed as if the goddess Idiyanale had blessed Bhalta's mines to never run out of metal and, in gratitude for her gracious kindness, the Bhaltans utilized the blessing and are now famed for their great metal workers, smiths and stone-workers. It is a known fact in every corner of the Empire that Bhaltan armor and weaponry are the best there is and there are few to none that would complain of high prices due to the quality of the products. One of the richest because of their mines, armor and weaponry, the Bhaltans have focused solely on their known craft and do not grow their own food supplies, if they can help it. And they could, for this dilemma was solved by maintaining friendly trading relations with neighboring regions that are their main source for food.

Typical Character Appearance: Bhaltans are usually of normal height and stockier builds that can withstand the heat and the cold. Most have copper-toned to fair skin tones that are complimented with almond shaped eyes ranging from different colors of brown and black, some may even have light to dark green hues. Hair color is often dark brown or black but, for some unexplained reason, there are some Bhaltan children that have ginger to almost fiery red tresses.
DAVASCH ISLES
Ruling Figure: Sol Zeke

Lordship Seat: Eleniz

Other Major Cities: Meave

Presence of the Namless Guild: Institution of Meave (Higher Sight)

Region Trade Resources: Fishery. Whaling. Island Crops. Saffron. Wine.

Region Technology: Shipbuilding Mastery, Wine Connoisseur-ship (Making and tasting)

Region Reputation: Historically, Davasch Isles has been a neutral territory in realm politics. Lordship over this region has favored an isolationist approach for several generations; and for this reason, an air of mystery surrounds the inhabitants of its numerous islands to most mainland common-folk. Davasch Isles is known best through their profitable exports of fish, fruits, and whaling products (as their eastern coasts have consistently been the seasonal breeding grounds for the Sgili whale species.) They are also a large supplier of salt to the mainland. It is said its feudal high-Lords have always been swift to enact judgement to foreign offenders that interfere with the peacefulness of their islands; so much so, that rogues do not have a prominent presence on Davasch Isles.

Typical Character Appearance: Due to the isolationist approach of the ruling Lordship of the Davasch Isles, the current generation of Davaschi are quite 'pure' mainly to the inhabitants of the region. Similar to Orenskians when it comes to less facial and body hair, as well as delicate almost doll-like features, differences are also very apparent. Davaschi are taller with lithe, athletic builds and lighter skin tones. They tend to have high,wide, pronounced cheekbones, longer faces, longer noses (sometimes with pronounced nose bridges) and almond shaped eyes with different hues. The Zeke clan are famed for their grey eyes while most lowborns either have brown, black or blue eye colors.
INGLEDYE
Ruling Figure: Selim Yousey (OPEN TO CLAIM)

Lordship Seat: Aphora

Other Major Cities: Bytha

Presence of the Nameless Guild: Institution of Bytha (Elemental Magic)

Region Trade Resources: Port Markets. (Taxation on goods) Fishing. Volcanic glass production.

Region Technology: Shipbuilding Mastery. Crafting of volcanic glass.

Region Reputation:

Typical Character Appearance: Ingledye islanders are reputed to be recognized by a single glance-- their tall statures have a leaner physique. Most men have a trained athleticism for endurance if they had a traditional upbringing. They resembled the features of Eastern-Europeans and northern Mediterranean people with rounder faces, colorful eyes (dark green, blue, or brown), sun-lightened hair (medium-dark brown or black), and varying skin complexions (most are sun-tanned through occupation).
KARTHRAK
Ruling Figure: Mehmed Quam (OPEN TO CLAIM)

Lordship Seat: Vroka

Other Major Cities: Ul'Tair. Rhesus.

Presence of the Nameless Guild: Institution of Ul'Tair (Image Magic)

Region Trade Resources: Exotic Spices (e.g. Spicy Peppers), Citrus Fruits (Lemons, olives, and pomegranates), Wines (A rival of Davaschi wines), Horses

Region Technology: TBA.

Region Reputation: The Karthraki, the people of the region of Karthrak, are considered a passionate and fiery community, and have more relaxed views on sexual morality than other parts of the Empire. They are mostly viewed as exotic nomads as the trade industry in this region is often through movement of caravans that have thrived in knowledge of the deserts secrets. They say that the ruling family of this region thrive on the kind of diversity that the people bring and due to different ethnic, legal and political factors, the Karthraki are very independently minded.

Typical Character Appearance: The Karthraki are often identified in two major groups of people. The Salt Karthraki live along the coasts, mainly along the port towns of Vroka and Ul'tair that eventually became major cities of note. These Karthraki are lithe and dark, with smooth olive skin and hair that ranges from dark brown to black. Their eye colors are often hazel, brown or black. The Sand Karthraki live in the deserts and are the ones that usually travel in caravans to and fro locations for business. With faces burned by the hot sun, they are even darker than the salt Karthraki but basically retain the same hair and eye color range.
MYTHAGE
Ruling Figure: Dorieus Tsotigh

Lordship Seat: Chale

Other Major Cities: Quox. Oldport. Gaddis. Crowley.

Presence of the Nameless Guild: Institution of Gaddis (Shape-Shifting)

Region Trade Resources: TBA.

Region Technology: TBA.

Region Reputation: It's said that Mythage folk are hardier by livelihood than their counterparts past the Red Mountains and Small Sea. The rainy season is longer in Mythage-- in effect, the region is prone to overcast skies that outsiders have called gloomy. Humorously, Mythage-born lowborn take pride in that gloom, believing themselves mentally-adept to adversity with approving sense for simple practicality over aesthetic beauty adored by southerners.

Typical Character Appearance: Generally, most men are of above-average height and stocky build devoid of the lankiness usually seen in the south and islander regions. They are also known to have more defined facial features than their females. Women have a neoteny (youthful) kind of beauty carried into adulthood with wide eyes and rounder faces. Men and women resemble the features of Eastern-Europeans with bright eyes (green, blue, light brown), fair hair-color (blonde, light-dark brown, ginger), and fair skin complexion.
ORENSKIA
Ruling Figure: Vivek Kovisto (OPEN TO CLAIM)

Lordship Seat: Alvar

Other Major Cities: Fife. Ealthy. Jyn. Newport.

Presence of the Nameless Guild: None.

Region Trade Resources: Produce (Melons, fireplums, peaches, apples, grapes etc.), Livestock

Region Technology: Farming.

Region Reputation: Orenskia is the most fertile part of the Empire, blessed with vast blooming fields of crops and flowers, and numerous well-populated villages and towns. It traditionally helps supply other less fertile parts of Sgili, most notably the Imperial City by royal decree, with grain, fruit, wine and livestock. Due to its southern location, it has a temperate climate and is one of the most heavily populated parts of the Empire, due to the fact that it is one of the richest regions, second only to Bhalta whom makes its profit through its mining resources. Although wine is plenty from Orenskia, its quality pales in comparison to reds and golds that are made from the Davasch Isles but are at par with wines made from Karthrak, nonetheless, none can question the fertility of the land that is sowed in this region.

Typical Character Appearance: Orenskians, due to generations of farming the lands, are known to have males that aren't very tall in the height spectrum and stockier in build. Women are more delicate in body frame but are shorter, if not the shortest females in the Empire (something that probably strikes the fancy of men who like small ladies). Skin tone is varied when it comes to this region, farmers tend to have darker tones but depending on where the individual is living, this can also range from yellow-ish to fair. Orenskians are said to share some traits with those that live in the Davasch Isles, for people that live in either region tend to have less body and facial hair with delicate features that are almost doll-like in appearance.
FAMILY TREE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

Key:
Yellow Shading-- "have held the title of Emperor"
Purple Shading-- "carriers of the Royal Bloodline"
Blue Shading-- "forfeited their ties and birthright to the Royal Bloodline"
Red Outline-- Deceased
Green Outline-- Living

CURRENT HIGHBORN (ROYALTY) CHARACTERS

Emperor Taeron Sgili (NPC), frail as result of surviving Auralis plague
Empress-Consort Kasula Sgili of Orenskia, his first Amant and first-cousin
Prince Yuan Sgili, titled 'Royal Prince of Sgili', considered 'twice-royal' by his parentage, second-born son of Emperor Taeron (mothered by Kasula Amant)
Princess-Consort Marisya of Mythage (NPC), his second Amant and titled 'Sursa Sgili' of the imperial harem
Princess Valladia Sgili, titled 'Royal Princess of Sgili', only daughter of Emperor Taeron (mothered by Marisya Amant)
Prince (OPEN TO CLAIM), titled 'Royal Prince of Sgili', first-born son of Emperor Taeron (mothered by Marisya Amant)
Prince Alexandros Sgili of Rhesus, son of deceased Prince Tsaako Sgili of Rhesus and Imogene of Quox, nephew/cousin of Emperor Taeron, titled 'Royal Prince of Rhesus', considered 'twice-royal' by his father's parentage

CURRENT HIGHBORN (LORDSHIP) CHARACTERS

House of Kyros

High-Lord Naga Kyros

House of Zeke

High-Lord Sol Zeke

House of Yousey

High-Lord Selim Yousey (OPEN TO CLAIM): son of deceased Sehzade Yousey and Astarte Amant; brother of Merek and Amunet
Sursa Yousey, Astarte Yousey (NPC): Amant of Sehzade Yousey; mother of Selim, Merek, and Amunet (and Maharet)
Lord Merek Yousey (OPEN TO CLAIM): Also Chief Vizier of High-Lord Selim; son of Sehzade and Astarte; brother to Selim and Amunet
Lady Amunet Yousey (OPEN TO CLAIM): daughter of Sehzade and Astarte; sister of Selim and Merek

House of Quam

High-Lord Mehmed Quam (OPEN TO CLAIM)

House of Tsotigh

High-Lord Dorieus Tsotigh: son of deceased Adamos Tsotigh and Gwynnen Amant; brother of Loukas, Geralt, and Rosealine; paternal first-cousin of Princess-Consort Marisya of Mythage
Sursa Tsotigh, Gwynnen Tsotigh (NPC): Amant of Adamos Tsotigh; mother of Loukas, Dorieus, Geralt, and Rosealine
Lord Loukas Tsotigh (NPC): son of Adamos and Gwynnen; brother of Geralt, Dorieus, and Rosealine
Lord Geralt Tsotigh(OPEN TO CLAIM): Also Chief Vizier of High-Lord Dorieus; son of Adamos and Gwynnen; brother of Loukas, Dorieus, and Rosealine
Lady Rosealine Tsotigh: daughter of Adamos and Gwynnen; sister of Loukas, Geralt and Dorieus

House of Kovisto

High-Lord Vivek Kovisto(OPEN TO CLAIM): son of deceased Velkan Kovisto and deceased Seraphina Amant (also known as Princess Seraphina Sgili); brother of Kasula Sgili

CURRENT LOWBORN (BY HOME REGION) CHARACTERS

Bhalta

Davasch Isles

Ingledye

Maharet of Aphora: Grand Minister of the Nameless Guild, has a seat on the Imperial Council

Karthrak

Sarraiyu of Vroka: dragilor at the Imperial Palace

Mythage

Kjera of Oldport: Guild Acolyte, Mentor at the Institution of Gaddis
Ylvadane of Crowley (NPC): Nicknamed 'Old Dhal', owner of Dhal Tavern and Inn, aunt of Ayse and great-aunt of Sigurd
Ayse of Crowley (NPC): Worker at Dhal Tavern and Inn, niece of Ylvadane and mother of Sigurd
Sigurd of Crowley (NPC): Worker at Dhal Tavern and Inn, great-nephew of Ylvadane and son of Ayse

Orenskia

Shen of Ealthy: Guild Acolyte
Aiko of Alvar: dragilor at the Imperial Palace