Arcadia
OCCUPIED BY CORINTHIA
Queen Lucinda & King David
Queen Lucinda & King David
Arcadia is a snowy kingdom with a culture rich in festivals, and the art of battle. Arcadian’s are well known for strict regiments and tough natures, as well as their impeccable battle sense and endurance. Despite being a small kingdom, for years Arcadia has been allied with larger kingdoms in return for their battle expertise and held its own against occupation attempts.
Their castle and rulers are situated in the Baos Isles, surrounded by the larger lake Baos with smaller lake Baos neighbouring. The castle is well defended sitting in the mountain pass surrounded by the Ardora, Cherity and Ormis mountain ranges, backing onto the Burren valley onto Hatit Ocean. Sheer cliff drops surround the Baos lakes, accessible only through Burren Docks or the Ardora Mountain pass from Shennan (or Shenne) Valley. However locals are able to navigate the little known Ormis cave systems in order to access the castle and bring supplies quicker.
Main sources of income in Arcadia come from the export of fish, furs and animals to surrounding kingdoms and overseas. Well developed preservation methods from the cold weather including freezing and salt preservation enable them to stock up on supplies during harsh winters.
Populations are clustered in farming communities around lakes, the coastline and low valleys. The majority of Arcadia is uninhabitable due to year round deep snow, impassable mountains and lack of prey above the low valleys.
Their castle and rulers are situated in the Baos Isles, surrounded by the larger lake Baos with smaller lake Baos neighbouring. The castle is well defended sitting in the mountain pass surrounded by the Ardora, Cherity and Ormis mountain ranges, backing onto the Burren valley onto Hatit Ocean. Sheer cliff drops surround the Baos lakes, accessible only through Burren Docks or the Ardora Mountain pass from Shennan (or Shenne) Valley. However locals are able to navigate the little known Ormis cave systems in order to access the castle and bring supplies quicker.
Main sources of income in Arcadia come from the export of fish, furs and animals to surrounding kingdoms and overseas. Well developed preservation methods from the cold weather including freezing and salt preservation enable them to stock up on supplies during harsh winters.
Populations are clustered in farming communities around lakes, the coastline and low valleys. The majority of Arcadia is uninhabitable due to year round deep snow, impassable mountains and lack of prey above the low valleys.
POPULATION ATTRIBUTES
Double coated-
(Pure/Old blood) Arcadian’s have naturally thick coats even in the summer, and are suited for extremely cold weather. An undercoat keeps them warm whilst a long outer coat protects them from the elements. As a result they tend to overheat in warmer/humid climates due to internalising heat. New blood Arcadians, i.e Arcadian crossed with a non Arcadian, have thinner double coats and do not suffer as much from this problem.
Light Colours-
The majority of Arcadian’s are genetically predisposed to turning grey earlier than is usual, some losing their natural colour before reaching maturity. Creams, champagnes and pearls are also common in these herds.
Light – Heavy Builds-
Range from light to medium builds, however tend to be on the taller side (15-20hh), thick skinned and strong boned. High in endurance and extremely durable. Straight horns and large feet.
Double coated-
(Pure/Old blood) Arcadian’s have naturally thick coats even in the summer, and are suited for extremely cold weather. An undercoat keeps them warm whilst a long outer coat protects them from the elements. As a result they tend to overheat in warmer/humid climates due to internalising heat. New blood Arcadians, i.e Arcadian crossed with a non Arcadian, have thinner double coats and do not suffer as much from this problem.
Light Colours-
The majority of Arcadian’s are genetically predisposed to turning grey earlier than is usual, some losing their natural colour before reaching maturity. Creams, champagnes and pearls are also common in these herds.
Light – Heavy Builds-
Range from light to medium builds, however tend to be on the taller side (15-20hh), thick skinned and strong boned. High in endurance and extremely durable. Straight horns and large feet.
TRADITIONS
Kings and Queens traditionally lead all battles against other kingdoms alongside their general and champion while the other continues to rule. In recent times it has shifted towards leading the first attack and the victory march.
It is traditional to bless soldiers before a battle by placing a kiss on the cheek or forehead of the leading general and/or champion. Lower ranking soldiers typically give cheek kisses while higher or equal ranking soldiers will kiss on the forehead or lips.
An Arcadian phrase loosely translated to “Mercy with you”, or “Mercy on me”, dates back to the time of the prosperous Queen Mercil, one of the founding royals of Arcadia. Depending on context, it means to wish luck or to be well. Other kingdoms have adopted this phrase over time.
A night of cloud before battle is generally seen as a bad omen among Arcadians. Legends are rooted in their ancestors and loved ones watching from the stars. When the stars are hidden, it is interpreted as a sign that the ancestors disapprove, or as a warning that something is wrong. This is a mostly outdated superstition.
Kings and Queens traditionally lead all battles against other kingdoms alongside their general and champion while the other continues to rule. In recent times it has shifted towards leading the first attack and the victory march.
It is traditional to bless soldiers before a battle by placing a kiss on the cheek or forehead of the leading general and/or champion. Lower ranking soldiers typically give cheek kisses while higher or equal ranking soldiers will kiss on the forehead or lips.
An Arcadian phrase loosely translated to “Mercy with you”, or “Mercy on me”, dates back to the time of the prosperous Queen Mercil, one of the founding royals of Arcadia. Depending on context, it means to wish luck or to be well. Other kingdoms have adopted this phrase over time.
A night of cloud before battle is generally seen as a bad omen among Arcadians. Legends are rooted in their ancestors and loved ones watching from the stars. When the stars are hidden, it is interpreted as a sign that the ancestors disapprove, or as a warning that something is wrong. This is a mostly outdated superstition.
PERSONS OF NOTE
Ex-King Gullio, current ruler of Arcadia, overthrown by Lucinda.
Ex-Queen Imra, current ruler of Arcadia, overthrown by Lucinda.
Arcadian Heir, a child at the time of occupation, name unknown, status unknown.
Warlord Guy,
General Fariah,
Ex-King Gullio, current ruler of Arcadia, overthrown by Lucinda.
Ex-Queen Imra, current ruler of Arcadia, overthrown by Lucinda.
Arcadian Heir, a child at the time of occupation, name unknown, status unknown.
Warlord Guy,
General Fariah,
HISTORY
Rise of Arcadia
Originally a warrior and vagabond clan banished into the northern lands, the ancestors of Arcadia ranged beside Lake Kelkia. Over the years they grew in numbers, precision and strength being their ultimate goal, engaging in many battles and trials of strength as they expanded across Lake Kelkia and into the mountain ranges. The decision to settle was made by Queen Mercil, the original founding royal of Arcadia.
Mercil strove behind change and the development of strength and battle. A fair and just ruler, Mercil sensed unease growing in the southern clans and an imminent attack on the old Arcadian population. Alongside her trusted advisor and warlord Ridarin, she led the revolutions to free Arcadians from the hold of the south and led all but one crusade in the grounding of Arcadia.
In the last crusade, Mercil gave birth to a son, christened Kasler on the eve of the rise of Arcadia. Kasler was accepted into the royal family, despite lacking in the knowledge of who his father was. Mercil settled into a robust reign, establishing Arcadia as a powerful kingdom, laying the foundations for a warrior race and successfully fending off attacks from neighbouring clans. Ridarin remained as her advisor and warlord until her untimely death and continued on his roles for the newly appointed king Kalser.
Ida’s Rebellion
King Kasler, with Ridarin beside him, consolidated the power of Arcadia and expanded their populations south and east. Like his mother before him Kasler led all but one crusade. During the time of crusades Kasler fell in love with a leader from an outside clan named Ida, and courted her over many years. Eventually Kasler made Ida his queen, and left her to rule in his place whilst he participated in the crusades. When he returned, he found Ida to have given birth to a daughter, who was christened Carmen. Breaking tradition, Kasler stayed to raise his daughter whilst Ida took his place. When Carmen was of age, Ida was asked to return to the castle. On her refusal, Kasler investigated, finding her to have birthed another child, one that wasn’t his own. In his rage, Kasler drowned the newborn and cast Ida away.
The newly conquered lands, known as New Arcadia, began to show signs of unease. Attacks scattered across the border where the two regions met, old Arcadians coming into conflict with the new Arcadians. Ridarin, along with several scouts, discovered Ida to be behind the growing tensions. Ida was rallying the new Arcadians to rebel against the new rule of Kasler. Tensions came to a head at the battle of Eavesdan (known as E’asan), taking place at the new Eavesdan crossing and passage. Kalser and Ida stood head to head and their armies fought around them. Unbeknownst to Kasler, Ida had trained her soldiers in the art of poison alongside their skill in warfare, leading to the death of Ridarin at Kasler’s side. After witnessing Ridarin’s brutal death, Kasler fell into mourning and the chasm between Old and New Arcadia increased. After growing tensions led to the destruction of several towns and farming communities, Kasler made the decision to separate the two populations, agreeing with the estranged Ida to break up the new and old Arcadia. Ida renamed new Arcadia Corinthia, and became the founding Queen. Kasler continued to rule Arcadia alone and raised Carmen to take his place. Illness forced Kasler into an early retirement, where he remained advisor to Carmen who took his place to become Queen.
The reign of Carmen was short-lived compared to her predecessors. Taken ill after the birth of her son, Carmen passed away in the months after. The boy was christened Aplin by Kalser, and the Arcadian parliament contingency was founded. Composed of the advisor, war leader and ambassador of Arcadia, the three ran the kingdom until Prince Aplin was mature enough to take control. Shortly after Aplin’s appointment as King, Kalser passed away, marking the end of an era.
The Fall of Arcadia
Rise of Arcadia
Originally a warrior and vagabond clan banished into the northern lands, the ancestors of Arcadia ranged beside Lake Kelkia. Over the years they grew in numbers, precision and strength being their ultimate goal, engaging in many battles and trials of strength as they expanded across Lake Kelkia and into the mountain ranges. The decision to settle was made by Queen Mercil, the original founding royal of Arcadia.
Mercil strove behind change and the development of strength and battle. A fair and just ruler, Mercil sensed unease growing in the southern clans and an imminent attack on the old Arcadian population. Alongside her trusted advisor and warlord Ridarin, she led the revolutions to free Arcadians from the hold of the south and led all but one crusade in the grounding of Arcadia.
In the last crusade, Mercil gave birth to a son, christened Kasler on the eve of the rise of Arcadia. Kasler was accepted into the royal family, despite lacking in the knowledge of who his father was. Mercil settled into a robust reign, establishing Arcadia as a powerful kingdom, laying the foundations for a warrior race and successfully fending off attacks from neighbouring clans. Ridarin remained as her advisor and warlord until her untimely death and continued on his roles for the newly appointed king Kalser.
Ida’s Rebellion
King Kasler, with Ridarin beside him, consolidated the power of Arcadia and expanded their populations south and east. Like his mother before him Kasler led all but one crusade. During the time of crusades Kasler fell in love with a leader from an outside clan named Ida, and courted her over many years. Eventually Kasler made Ida his queen, and left her to rule in his place whilst he participated in the crusades. When he returned, he found Ida to have given birth to a daughter, who was christened Carmen. Breaking tradition, Kasler stayed to raise his daughter whilst Ida took his place. When Carmen was of age, Ida was asked to return to the castle. On her refusal, Kasler investigated, finding her to have birthed another child, one that wasn’t his own. In his rage, Kasler drowned the newborn and cast Ida away.
The newly conquered lands, known as New Arcadia, began to show signs of unease. Attacks scattered across the border where the two regions met, old Arcadians coming into conflict with the new Arcadians. Ridarin, along with several scouts, discovered Ida to be behind the growing tensions. Ida was rallying the new Arcadians to rebel against the new rule of Kasler. Tensions came to a head at the battle of Eavesdan (known as E’asan), taking place at the new Eavesdan crossing and passage. Kalser and Ida stood head to head and their armies fought around them. Unbeknownst to Kasler, Ida had trained her soldiers in the art of poison alongside their skill in warfare, leading to the death of Ridarin at Kasler’s side. After witnessing Ridarin’s brutal death, Kasler fell into mourning and the chasm between Old and New Arcadia increased. After growing tensions led to the destruction of several towns and farming communities, Kasler made the decision to separate the two populations, agreeing with the estranged Ida to break up the new and old Arcadia. Ida renamed new Arcadia Corinthia, and became the founding Queen. Kasler continued to rule Arcadia alone and raised Carmen to take his place. Illness forced Kasler into an early retirement, where he remained advisor to Carmen who took his place to become Queen.
The reign of Carmen was short-lived compared to her predecessors. Taken ill after the birth of her son, Carmen passed away in the months after. The boy was christened Aplin by Kalser, and the Arcadian parliament contingency was founded. Composed of the advisor, war leader and ambassador of Arcadia, the three ran the kingdom until Prince Aplin was mature enough to take control. Shortly after Aplin’s appointment as King, Kalser passed away, marking the end of an era.
The Fall of Arcadia