Empire of Awyyn Factbook

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Introduction

Name: The Empire of Awyyn
Other Names: Awyyn, The Awyyn Imperium
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Emperor: His Most Serene Imperial Majesty, Emperor Sebastian Taliesin Aidan Vi' Royeaux, By The Grace Of The Gods, Emperor Of Awyyn, Archduke Of The Kieran Archipelago, Defender Of The Faith, Keeper of the Roriani Shard
Motto: Compassion, Justice, Rule
Capital: Iris
Currency: Gold Sovereign
National Animal: Ethereal Tiger
National Bird: Kestrel
National Flower: Cherry Blossom

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History & The Royals

Ancient History

As legend says the Empire of Awyyn came into existence in the ancient times when the world was covered in shadow. Vampires had become a significant threat to humanity and quickly claimed much of the world. The Awn were gifted with prolonged life, and a greater power given to them by the Roriani Shard. This power was closely guarded by the strongest family of Awyyn, and using it they created a great barrier of mist, stone, and treacherous waters to hide their land. Hidden safely away behind the veil the Awn were able to prosper. House Royeaux, chosen by the Gods themselves to rule over Awyyn with the power of the Roriani Shard began to establish an Empire, with all of the lands beyond the veil being conquered. As time went on the Magisters of the Noble Houses emerged. The Magisters had become attuned with the Shard and were able to use its power on a far lesser scale then the Royeaux household. They quickly garnered power with the Emperor and became a council to his Majesty. For a time peace reigned supreme in Awyyn and its people were content, but in the hearts of some conquest still fueled their ambition. The Emperor ordered his Magisters to construct mighty airships to cross the veil and raid the lands of the Vampires. After nearly a year of labor five hundred airships were complete, and with small crews launched to raid their unsuspecting foes. As luck would have it they caught the Vampires completely unaware, and for months were able to raid their kingdom unchallenged.

After nearly one thousand years of constant raiding the Awn grew greedy, wanting to expand their Empire they foolishly declared war on the Vampires. Raids continued in order to provide supplies and slaves for the war effort, while a grand fleet of airships was constructed to assault the Vampires in their many fortresses across the world. For nearly five years the war went well, but then setback after setback cost the Empire nearly a quarter of its gains. The gains in the war quickly ground to a halt, and it became nothing more then a war of attrition with the Empire fighting the Vampires with everything they had in a desperate attempt to hold the land they had acquired. Generations passed and a life of normalcy had returned when Vampires raids began on the territories outside the veil began. Many Awn and Human slaves were killed by the Vampires seeking new blood and slaves of their own. Outraged the twenty second ruler of Awyyn, Emperor Vindictus ordered nothing less then the complete extermination of the Vampiric Menace. Taking to the forefront of battle himself the Emperor led the entire Veil Garrison to war. In the fifth month of his campaign his Airship was brought down. Fighting toe to toe on the ground with the Vampires the Emperor held them off with nothing more then a broken sword, before the Magisters arrived to save him. He succumbed to his wounds and died shortly after his rescue arrived. The Vampires were never stopped in his time, but the war continued fueled by a new found hate for the lose of their Emperor.

After nearly six hundred years most of the vampires had been slaughtered, or so the Empire believed. A surprise attack which wiped out a majority of the airships and soldiers the Awn had left their outlying territories nearly defenseless. In a desperate attempt to rescue her people Empress Aurora sent all remaining airships to evacuate and defend the Awn now retreating behind the veil. With such a decisive blow to their power it was decided to leave the world to the lesser humans and hope they could do what Awyyn could not. In her fear Empress Aurora had a massive fleet of airships constructed and placed within the dangerous weather of the veil lest the treachery of the Vampires reach them in the motherland.

Recent History

The Empire of Awyyn has continued to prosper unknown to the rest of the world. Only recently has it learned of the rise of humanity and the annihilation of the vampires when one of its Airships wandered outside of the veil and was forced to land for repairs. The descendants of human slaves captured during raids now live as free citizens with equals rights to their long lived brethren. Awyyn had changed much with time and clockworks have become central to many cities architecture. Time oddly enough is a very delicate thing to the Awn and nearly every member of society can be seen with a pocket watch, and each city no matter the size is known for having a clock tower. It is widely considered that all members of Awyyn society are bi-sexual with many sometimes having both a male and female partner. Awyyn is a paradise for her people, safely hidden away from the disease and war consumed world beyond. Upon the birth of Prince Sebastian a mysterious Ethereal Tiger appeared. It rarely interacts with anyone saves the prince, and has become such a national symbol that it was made the National Animal of Awyyn. The creature has made such an impact on society that White Tigers are now a common pet amongst the populace, and made can be seen across the nation. Emperor Igustian and Empress Sophia were killed while touring the country when their airship collided with another helmed by a drunk trader. Their son, and heir to the throne Sebastian has been crowned Emperor of Awyyn at the young age of twenty one.

Royeaux Household

Emperor Sebastian
Full Name: Sebastian Taliesin Aidan Vi' Royeaux
Age: 21
Picture:

Young, Idealistic, Naive, Strong Willed, Stubborn, Tactician, Loving, Compassionate have all been used to describe the Emperor upon his rise to power. Sebastian has been prepared for throne his entire life, and is eager to show he can surpass his fathers standing with the people. He is somewhat of a reformist and a bit naive in his young rule, and looks to the Heads of House of the Royeaux Coven for both support and advise. Sebastian has begun to open relations with the outside world in hopes that not only will he bring a new era of prosperity to his people, but get the chance to explore far off and new lands. Sebastian is known for having a strong bond with the natural order of the world, and adores animals of all kinds. A large menagerie of animals from across Awyyn, and even the world is maintained on the Imperial Palace grounds.

Empress Isabella
Full Name: Empress Consort Isabella Oria La' Royeaux, High Priestess of Awyyn
Age: 20
Pricture:

Isabella was born to the Wynfall House. A powerful High House, and a house of the Royeaux Coven. As one of the most religious of the high houses Isabella was inevitably given to the Grand Temple in Glenfinnan to train as a Priestess. After years of private tutelage in the temple and rarely enjoying the life of the outside world she was made High Priestess, inheriting the title from her Aunt. At the age of 19 she met Sebastian during a ceremony at the Temple, and the two began a private relationship shortly after. In a move that shocked the entire country she was wed to the now Emperor one week after his coronation.

"Alros"
Age: Unknown (Assumed 21 as he appeared beside the Emperors crib the day he was born)
Race: Ethereal Tiger
Picture:

Little is known about the Ethereal Tiger, other then the fact that it is the loyal companion of Sebastian. It appeared next to his crib the day he was born, and no matter what his father or the guards attempted they could not touch the beast. Three common theories have emerged. 1- That it was created by Taliesin the day he was born due to his natural affinity to the Shard. 2- It was a gift to the future Emperor from the Gods. 3- It is one of the Gods in a lesser form watching over him. Whatever, or Whomever Alros may be his constant companionship has not only earned him consideration as a family member, but made him a national symbol of Awyyn. While nothing save Sebastian can touch him, it has been discovered that threatening the Emperor can result in dangerous consequences from a attack.

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Government, Laws, High Houses, and Covens

Government and Administrative Divisions:

Empire: The absolute rule of the Empire falls to the Imperial House. Minor administrative and civil powers are granted to the High Houses, and lower Nobles in order to aid in administration. These abilities of power are easily granted, and easily taken away, as all citizens of the Empire owe fealty to the Emperor.

Shires: Shires are the largest administrative divisions in the Empire. Each shire is appointed to a High House who is responsible for managing it for the Emperor. The Matriarch/Patriarch of each High House is regarded as the Duke/Duchess of the Shire. They oversee the Counties within their Shire and ensure taxes, justice, and civil services are carried out accordingly.

Counties: The counties are ruled by the lesser nobles. A county contains on average anywhere from three to six villages, towns, or cities in which these nobles are responsible. Most of these ruling nobles are mainly responsible for the management farm land, and leave the rule of smaller villages and towns to local Elders. The ruler of a county is referred to as a Comte/Comtess.

Boroughs: Each city, town, or village is typically the center of a borough. A borough extends ten miles outside of a city, any any smaller settlements that are within this sphere of influence are considered part of the larger borough. Boroughs are managed by local elders. The local elders are the only ones with the ability to carry out justice. While it is the duty of the local Duke/Duchess, and Comte/Comtess to enforce the laws it is the duty of the Borough Elders to extend justice in court. A Borough Elder can only dispense justice for minor crimes.

Laws:

Kin-Slaying: Murder is considered the worst crime amongst the Awn. The philosophy of an eye for an eye is not used in Awyyn, and prison would be a gentle punishment for such a heinous crime. The punishment for murder is banishment from the Veil. A fate worse then death.

Public Duels: Public Duels between Nobles and Warriors Caste members are forbidden. Disagreements and matters of dishonor are to be settled by the Emperor, or a duel held in the colosseum between the parties involved. Holding a public duel can potentially result in a lose of ones caste.

Breast Feeding: Considered legal in the Empire. It is a natural thing, and has been done for thousands of years.

Solicitation: Solicitations is illegal in Awyyn, however numerous Brothels are operated legally across the Empire. The penalty for soliciation is a 400 sovereign fine.

Impersonations: Impersonation of a cleric or priestess of the Order suffers a penalty of 100 sovereigns. This includes the impersonation of the Upper Castes. Penalty for impersonation of Lower Castes is a 20 sovereign fee.

Divorce: Illegal

Arranged Marriage: While once quite common amongst the castes arranged marriage is rarely practiced these days.

Drugs: Drugs of all kind are illegal. A 50 sovereign fine is given for each pound of illegal substance found. Rehab programs are optional and free.

Slavery: Slavery was once a source of cheap labor, entertainment, and service. It has since been outlawed and all slaves given equal rights and citizenship in Awyyn. The penalty for owning or selling of slaves includes a massive fine and/or ten years imprisonment per slave found.

Smuggling: Illegal

Piracy: Piracy is illegal and will result in up five years imprisonment. This law is only enforced upon pirates attacking ships flying under the banner of the Empire.

Raiding: Returning to part of their heritage not practiced since before the Vampire Wars raiding has been made legal under the new Emperor. Raids only occur on ships, and settlements belonging to nations that are either 1. At war with the Empire or 2. The Empire is planning to go to war with.

High Justice: The right of High Justice falls to the Emperor. Any case involving a member of the Noble Caste must go before the Emperor. Additionally any cases deemed by the Elders above their calling will be sent before the Emperor. The Noble Caste is responsible for enforcing the laws in their shires. Each Borough is home to a court which is managed by the local Elders. They have the right to rule on Low Justice Matters.

High Houses, and Covens

The High Noble Houses have existed since the formation of the Empire. The High Houses are powerful and ancient families that serve the Emperor both as officials, advisors, and in the ancient days as rivals. Service as officials on behalf of the Emperor aiding in the management of Imperial Holdings. Many hold great authority in their own right.

The Magisters are powerful nobles who have formed a connection with the Rorian Shard, which has granted the similar powers to the Imperial Family. These Magisters are carefully watched by the Royeaux's and the Royal Guard, and are widely considered a threat. While many Magisters serve the Emperor faithfully, and act as great advisors and servants there are some who wish to start great worlds and once again conquer the known world.

The Covens are alliances of a sort. The first was formed during the Unification Wars when three Noble Houses swore their absolute loyalty and devotion to the Royeaux House. Thus was formed the Imperial or Royeaux Coven. As the Unification Wars ended, and the Empire of Awyyn grew the Noble Houses began forming Covens of their own in order to help enforce their will against the Emperor, and ensure their voices are heard. These Covens bond the families together through a strength as great as family itself. Each Coven holds an army, formed from the families that make up the Warrior Caste. Many families who have gained great riches and land have become members of Covens, however their standings will never match that of the nobles.

The Heads of House for each Noble Family meet regularly amongst themselves in their Covens for their own purposes. The Conclave Chamber in Iris is a meeting place for the Covens, and serves as a great hall for the Nobles when they meet with their Emperor. While most Covens are loyal to the Emperor, their is one who is considered a rival, and potential threat to the security of Awyyn. During the Great War with the Vampires one Coven and its Noble Houses was placed in command of the territories outside of the veil, and was supreme in commanding the war effort. It was utterly destroyed when the territories fell, as it remained behind to hold off the Vampires. If not for them the last of the airships fleeing behind the Veil would surely have fallen.

Royeaux Coven: Considered the superior coven. Contains the Imperial Family, House Wynfall, House Finroth, and House Orisno. They contain most of the remaining Warrior Caste families, and administer the largest and most fertile regions. Royal Guards are recruited from the Noble Houses and warriors of Royeaux Coven. Any survivors from Villano Coven have been welcomed into Royeaux Coven. There are a total of 585 Warrior, Smith, and Merchant caste families who have been made minor members of Royeaux Coven.

Villano Coven:The greatest ally of Royeaux Coven. The 5 high houses of Villano are never spoken, as part of an honor laid down in their memory. Villano Coven contained the bulk of the warrior caste of Awyyn, and was responsible for the territories outside of the Veil, as well as leading the war against the Vampires. What was left of the Coven, and high houses it contained where utterly destroyed at the end of the war in a desperate attempt to hold back the Vampires assaulting the evacuating airships. The few surviving warrior caste families of this Coven are now part of Royeaux Coven. The lose of Villano Coven was a serious blow to the warrior caste. The warrior caste has never truly recovered or made up the losses.

Air-rider Coven: The greatest air shipwrights and sailors of Awyyn are known to come from Air-rider Coven. House Eri, House Vorns, and House Atrea all of which are known for having master ship builders make up this Coven. Under Imperial Decree all shipyards, and shipbuilding falls to the Air-rider Coven. From small privately owned airships, to massive military vessels Air-rider has built them all. They only admit Shipwright Caste families to their coven as minor members. Over 200 shipwright caste families are known to make up Air-rider.

Inti Coven: Inti Coven is a minor coven, and considered very loyal to the Imperial Family. It is made up of House Inti, and House Horist and has 120 Merchant and Smith caste families as minor members.

Vorshi Coven: The greatest rivals of the Imperial Family, widely considered a threat to Awyyn. Its leading house was the last to fall to the Royeaux's during the Unification Wars. Comprised of House Vorshi, House Caro, and House Tria. They have 100 Warrior caste families serving them.

Bentus Coven: Bentus Coven is responsible for the Merchant caste. House Bentus, House Oochi, House Waterford, House Anthil, House Lepthor, Snowfront and House Illia comprise this coven. 400 Merchant Caste families are minor members.

While the Covens do represent the entirety of the High Houses, and thousands of families throughout the Castes they do not represent the entirety of the Emperor. There are untold numbers of families from the Nobles to the lowest of the Castes whom are not part of Covens. A coven is essentially a means for High Houses to ensure they are properly catered to, as well as compete with one other for power. The High Houses are always seeking favor with the Imperial House, and thus a spot in the Royeaux Coven. While absolute loyalty to the Emperor and the Royeaux House is guaranteed, loyalty to the Royeaux Coven is not, and as such undermining the High Houses and seeking their removal is always a task the other covens are attempting.

Notable Nobles and Individuals

Matriarch Imladria Von' Finroth
Titles: Matriarch of High House Finroth, Lady High Steward of the Empire, Magister

Imladria was born to High House Finroth during the reign of Empress Shiea. At an early age she was sent to the Academy to train as a soldier, and study in military command and tactics. During a routine training exercise her identity as a Magister was revealed to both herself and the family when she accidently injured three classmates. After extensive training she was able to master her gifts. She graduated top of her class and was given her first command over a squad of house hold warriors. She remained a strong and loyal commander and rose through the ranks eventually achieving the post of Lady High Steward shortly before Empress Shiea passed on. Due to the constant exposure with the Roriani Shard she was granted in her new post her powers grew, and she is currently believed to be the most powerful Magister in the Empire. With the ascension of Emperor Sebastian she has served through three reigns in her post having been in her position since Empress Shiea, Sebastian's grandmother, had given it to her. As head of the army, and the Emperors first the duty of Awyyn's defense, and assistance with day to day running of the Empire falls to her. She is quite old now, though she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Elder Hafwen Snowbrook

Elder Hafwen Snowbrook is one of the Elders responsible for the Gwaren Borough. With the opening of the Empire to the outside world, and a desire to open relations with neighboring countries Hafwen was asked by the Emperor himself to create and manage a foreign affairs program. Chosen for her diplomacy, speaking, and linguistic skills she is clearly the best candidate for the post. She moved to Iris and oversaw the construction of the Skyview Towers which would serve as the headquarters for her task. After nearly four months of labor she was able to launch the first of Awyyn's affairs on an international level. With her aid the future looks to be a bright one.

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