World WORLD OF OTRARIA [WIP]

[Fenn]

[to be updated]​

 

[Fenn]

THE SUMMARY ​

Across two continents lies the empire of Otraria, a great nation that has lasted for many generations. For all it's greatness Otraria does not work alone, for beneath lies it's vassal kingdoms of Esqon, Echar, Echen, and Uthus. While these smaller kingdoms are each unique in their cultures, economies, and ways of life, they all share one similarity, they are all loyal and controlled by Otraria and, ultimately, the woman that rules it all: the Prime Empress…

At least publicly.

In this kingdom united, the belief of history and tradition run deep in the soil and the blood of those that live upon it. They are ruled by it even as their Prime Empress has always and ever shall be, a woman. A woman who is chosen at a young age shortly after the appearance of a gift, a strange sort of magic that is rumored to have once belonged to the gods. In this tradition also lies the belief that those who hold this power are ultimately the only ones worthy of standing at the head of the great nation of Otraria.

Through the Prime Empresses of the past, the land has seen decades of peace and prosperity. Few things have troubled this empire for the power that determines who holds the title of Prime Empress also seems to expel diseases and evil around them, resulting in a land of constant bliss.

As with all thing,s however, something so grand will be followed by darkness.

There is a curse that comes with this gift, a curse that has affected each Prime Empress of the past. It is a curse that drains the sanity from them and, as the years dwindle on, it is found that each Prime Empress has succumbed to it. It is inevitable, it seems, that each and every one of these women have lost themselves to their eventual madness… and perish as a result.

 

[Fenn]

THE PEOPLE



EMPRESS
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The embodiment of life magic and the religious figurehead of all Otraria. The Empress is an individual born with the special old magic that keeps the world from falling into darkness. Those who are born with this power are always a woman and upon one's death, it is passed onto the next person in line with the cycle.

The first Empress had a typical lifespan but since her passing, each successor has slowly lost years to life expectancy. No matter the physical and mental health that they take the throne at, they all are eventually consumed by madness of the mind. It destroys their body or drives them to suicide. It is an inevitable fate that people believe is brought on by a mortal body containing such holy and powerful magic. In recent years, the average lifespan for them is 30.

As far as the public is concerned, there is only one Empress at any given time and one is not considered to be until she takes her seat in the Capital. The Swami will investigate and once confirmed the birth of the next monarch, the girl will be allowed to remain at home in relative peace until the current Empress passes on. The family is forbidden to tell anyone of the girls status, although the effects of her magic can be noticed by locals of the birthplace.

This can be a varying time for each girl, however most Empress' tend to ascend to the throne within 14-16 years of age.

The day of a proceeding Empress' death, her successor will be taken from her home and immediately begin learning of her new role. She is stripped of any personal property or association with her family line, whether it be one of riches or poverty. A coronation is held within two days of the funeral.

An Empress is rarely seen by the public. She is cared for by the Swami within the main temple; all her meals, social needs, education, and entertainment. Very little is known about her personal life once she enters the walls and contact with her birth family is extremely limited in early years until entirely severed. Letters and presents are monitored, many not making it to her hands.

After all, the Swami must keep her safe.

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SWAMI
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The Swami are an order of priests that maintain the Empress and the order of affairs that include her and the needs of the people that fall under her reign.

There is only a small number of them who are tasked with caring for the woman personally, simply known as the Head Swami, who are seen just as sparsely as the Empress herself. While priests in the same vein as the others, the group that interact with the Empress are known to be strange, mysterious, and unnerving in their way.

Head Swami are the face of the Capital. They are always who address the people and are always at the Empress' side on the rare occasion she greets the public.

Lower ranks are sent through the Kingdoms to live and preach at the temples scattered about. They serve as religious guides and teachers to those in need. They are also the ones to school anyone in need of magical training. Those in these positions are the most common of the order and who people might immediately think of.

Mages with considerable magical talent are eligible to become Swami, while those with exceptional gifts are granted the opportunity to become Head Swami. They can only enter the position after extension training and are deemed worthy of serving in the position.

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SEEKERS
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This mysterious and largely unknown group of mages are those who were rejected for the position of Head Swami. The reasons for not being deemed worthy are large and many; ranging from magic being too sporadic and dangerous, to not being considered loyal enough to the Empress.

Those who become Seekers do not have a choice. They were brought up by the Swami and once unable to become one, they are instead placed into a role of servitude to ensure their knowledge and talents will not go to waste for the sake of the Empress. They are shed of their past life and given the uniform of black robes and a mask to cover their faces, never to reveal them to the public.

These people are branded by the Head Swami with special magic that forces them to their will through painful engravings. This same bond allows a chosen Head Swami to siphon magic from or to the respected Seeker.

Most Seekers are tasked to travel the countryside with special jobs and tasks for the Swami. People seem to die when one comes near and whispers of them being a bad omen or assassins spread through small villages.

Due to the limited number of eligible mages that can attempt to become Head Swami, the number of Seekers are even less. It is not uncommon for most people to not have seen one in person and many may have never even heard of them at all.

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CONSUL​

The man or woman appointed as leader to one of the territories of Otraria. They are considered Kings or Queens in their own right as they manage, oversee, and represent their respective land. While considered independent and squabble with each other over politics, they all serve under the empress.

There are only 4 consuls at any given time, with one residing in one of the main cities; Uthus, Esqon, Escus, or Echar.

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PALADIN​

Knights that are personally selected by the consul of their respective city and acknowledged by the Empress. They are considered to be the best of the best and it is a great honor and privilege to be appointed. Anyone of exceptional talent can be considered, whether it be in combat, intelligence, or other skill set that benefits the people - although the majority of paladins are known to be warriors.

There are generally only one paladin per territory chosen however it has been recorded two at a few points in history.

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[Fenn]

THE PLACES
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Otraria Capital

The Otraria Capital is the oldest known city. It has survived centuries worth of history and reflects that through the old architecture of the few buildings that have survived.

Esqon

Mountainous city of gold. Melting pot. Lively. City of entertainment.

Echar

Escen -

Religious culture. Heavy shipping trade.

Uthus -

The only elven city that remains standing and true to it's heritage. The population of the dense forest within Uthus territory are elves, with only a few exceptions. They are a reclusive people that do not venture from their homeland.

The people of Uthus do not follow the Empress as a religious figure.

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[Fenn]

MAGIC​