Ebraria
The Province of Ebraria
The Province of Ebraria is one of the Great Provinces found in the South of the continent of Archos. The Ebrarian people enjoy warm sunny weather throughout most of the year, but the climate has changed much since the Wildgrowth. Where once the year was differentiate between dry-wet seasons, since the catastrophe, the Ebrarian continent has been plagued with humid-flooding seasons.
The Ebrarian Province is also well known for its mountain ranges which offers many of the cities exceedingly strategic positions for defending or fortification. As a matter of fact the Ebrarian capital of Sysnia has been often called the Mountain Crown Capital, as it sits atop a long winding path through various mountain ranges.
The Ebrarian people have been described as people of dark hair, dark eyes, long diamond shaped faces, and often with aquiline noses. A famous Uspyan poet has spoken of them as having, "features well defined and elegantly formed, dark and striking features, their black hair often turning early grey; handsome. Their mental powers are quick, active and energetic, rather than profound. They are fiery people of passion and strong affections. They are deeply fond of society, but not forgetful of injuries.
Like they are themselves, they prefer to strong leadership and forms of politics. They lean towards Monarchial governments, but can be as fickle with their rulers as they are with their relationships. Kings and princes can be executed by displeasing the masses, therefore Ebrarian politics can often be a delicate cat and mouse game of authority and subordination. This is one of the primary reasons why most cities in Ebraria are independent city-states. Though they mostly govern themselves, the cities contribute together a small tax which is redistributed as the province needs in terms of defense, development, or federal matters. The amounts agreed for redistribution are decided by the Council of Princes.
Catalania
City of Catalania
The walled city of Catania currently under the lordship of Eliza, the Cinder of Catania. Catania's ruler is not chosen through hereditary rights but in fact chosen by the Twelve Precepts for honor, loyalty, bravery and dedication to the city. The citizens of Catania hold the Ashes of Sylbum as their city's prized possession, the more patriotic citizens claim that the ashes represent their inquisitive and prudent nature. The citizens of Catania are also known for their strong hold on tradition and ceremonies
The Cinder of Catania. A man native of Catania chosen to lead and be the figure and spokesperson of Catania. The position of Cinder is one for life. If someone who is a Cinder is found to be unfit, by the city or the Twelve Precepts, they are execute for failure to represent Catania with their lives.
Eliza. Became an outlaw and exile after falling from the Knighthood of Ember of Catania. He was to be publicly executed as ordered by the former Cinder Falcrus for insubordination after being ordered something he did not believe aligned with the values of Catania. On the day of his execution he was rescued by three-thirds of the knights of Ember who escaped in exile with him. Half a decade later, Eliza returned to Catania as the leader of an underground uprising in which he allied himself with eight of the Precepts during that time and a great deal of citizens who started the call for a Casting of Thought.
Knighthood of Ember. A group of 48 knights who are closest to the Cinder of Catania. Half of them are chosen by the Precepts, and the other half is chosen by the Cinder himself. The Knights of Ember are tasked with the most important request of the Cinder and are called to fulfill them to the best of their abilities and many times to the cost of their lives. These knights are often tasked to protect the Cinder during public events despite the existence of a royal guard.
Twelve Precepts. Twelve delegates male or female for the city chosen as battle heroes who have attained a certain renown and have amply shown their skills as worthy leaders. Once someone is chosen to represent a seat as a Precept, they can hold the seat for 20 years, or until they are deemed to be unfit for the title. Decisions are taken from members who are not in conflict of interest and are concluded by a lengthy discussion, and finally an event known as the Casting of Thought. Once a person has held a seat of Precept, they may never apply for it again, although they may try and become the Cinder of Catania.
Casting of Thought. The members of the Twelve Precepts that have been found to have nothing to gain from the decision at hand must participate in the entire process of the decision making. The vote must always end with a majority sitting on a single decision. Before the Casting of Thought, there must always be a thorough discussion and at any time someone may end the discussion to begin the potential final process. During the Casting of Thought, all participants must submit themselves to have their thoughts read by the Ashes of Sylbum. If they have come to a conclusion where majority share the same thoughts on the matter discussed, the ashes suddenly become engulfed in a bright blue flames and the decision has been made, if they do not have a majority vote the ashes fire with many flames of varying colours. If during the Casting of Thoughts they do not come to a conclusion, they must return to discussing and the person who previously called for the casting may not call for another one until everyone else has called for their own.
Falcrus. The former Cinder of Catania before Eliza's revolt. Falcrus was a visionary who sought to revolutionize Catania by letting go of their fetters; linked by conventions and anchored by tradition. Falcrus during his reign feared the power of the Twelve Precepts and believed corruption in the inner workings of the present Casting of Thought system. He doubted that the investigations insuring no foul-play nor conflicts of interest were fool proof and ordered one of his most trusted Knights of Ember, Eliza, to investigate. Eliza instead informed the Precepts of the Cinder's investigation. This betrayal led Falcrus to order the execution of Eliza but found many of his own from the Knights of Ember to have denounced their Cinder to side with Eliza and be exiled in their escape. Falcrus ruled five more years with many internal alliances crumbling around him and ultimately died by the hand of Eliza during his uprising.
Ashes of Sylbum. The ashes of Sylbum, an ancient oracle of Catania. He was blessed with foresight and was a great aid to the ruling lord of Catania before Cinders and Precepts. He died of an assassination from a rival lord, which made many both citizens and outsiders question the powers of divination and its reliability. Although it could be true that Sylbum may not have foreseen his own death, it is also possible that he simply had no cause to stop the prediction. After his death, the city of Catania cremated his remains and while mourning him, saw his ashes engulfed in a radiant blue light. After some careful investigation by trusted city sages, they found that the ashes had magic properties which they consecrated as a noble city treasure. With this, they initially used it in court but eventually with the founding of the Twelve Precepts they decided to make better use of it with them.
Mavidva-Sophia
City of Mavidva-Sophia
The City Carved in the Wall, more recently renamed to Mavidva-Sophia (meaning, Sophia lives) is best known for its Witch-mother Autocrat. The witch who goes by Sophia is the founding matriarch of the city ever since the subversion of its previous governance. This witch claims immortality by passing her soul from vessel to vessel before dying.
A depraved culture. Nobody remembers the history and way of life of the city before Sophia's reign. All books were burnt and banned on the pain of death and desecration.
A Mother's Embrace. The ritual of vessel transfer.
"All's well that ends well." -Famous last words of unknown Ardor Priest