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  Aurcalia

  Aurcalia is a moderately sized island settlement in south-western Myralis. The island of Aurclaia sits just north of the Deepstone Mountains and its southern border is the River of Aur. The settlement was founded around 106 FC when migrating Myralian merchants discovered a placer deposit of gold in the River of Aur. The settlement quickly grew to become one of the wealthiest in all of Myralis, and became known for its boisterous market festivals and the enigmatic Merchant Guild of Myralis. Due to its close proximity to the city-state of Anemos, it also grew to become an invaluable port city during the Yellow Wars as the Myralians could quickly import supplies from abroad.

  Politics
  Aurcalia is home to the Merchant Guild of Myralis, an association that holds exclusive rights to all business in south-western Myralis. The Guild is somewhat of a cross between a joint-stock company, a cartel, and a secret society. Becoming a member of the guild is a long, arduous, and ridiculously expensive process, but all members of the guild are highly respected and wealthy.
  The City Council of Aurcalia is almost completely controlled by the Merchant Guild of Myralis. Since the guild was founded, every guild Consul (the head of the guild) has been appointed Apheliate, or City Lord, by Darius. In order to ensure that the guild continues to have control over the City Council, the Consul is not allowed to have children and nobody with children is eligible to become Consul.

  Economy
  The Merchant Guild of Myralis has an imposing presence in Aurcalia, but most merchants in the city are not members. The city has a street market on the eastern end of the island. The market itself is owned by the Merchant Guild and those who wish to sell goods in the market must pay a fee to the guild (market contracts are written up on a case-by-case basis, but the guild typically takes 5-10% of the gross). Most days there are usually a few shops open in the market, but the Aurcalia market is most well known for its market festivals.
  Every 7 months, a rougly week-long market festival is held. During the festival, the market is open all day and all night, and merchants and buyers travel from all across Myralis to attend. Aurcalians are also known to play live music, wear intricate costumes with vibrant colors, and dance in the street. The market festival is a quasi-religious celebration in which the people give thanks to Darius for their good fortune. The festival begins immediately after Dankasha mass on Wednesday evening, and the festival ends when mass begins again the following Monday.
  Aurcalia's major exports include: wheat, fruit, gold, and textiles.

  Religion
  Most citizens of Aurcalia are devout followers of Dankasha. Mass is held every Monday and Wednesday evening, and Hedam is practiced in the morning, evening, and when entering the Gilded Cathedral. There also exists a small cult of Aurcalians who worship the pagan gods of the Kingdom of Caesony. They worship in secret at night, and perform rituals that on very rare occasion involve human or animal sacrifice.
  Cultural Significance
  Aurcalia is a commercial hub for Myralis, both in terms of its market and its importance in inter-realm trade. The River of Aur also contains a placer deposit of gold which is a major source of revenue for the Merchant Guild of Myralis (which owns exclusive rights to collecting the gold in the river) and the city as a whole.

  Timeline
  Pre-Founding (105FC): A small group of merchants flee from the Myralian village of Carteia in order to escape the Ascyian Occupancy.

  Founding (106FC): Some of those who fled Carteia discover a placer deposit of gold in the River of Aur. They settle there and make make a fortune panning for gold.

  Recognition (202FC): Not long after the successful Myralian Conquest of Ascya, Aurcalia is officially recognized as a Myralian city, and Darius establishes a City Council and appoints a City Lord, Morlin Virro I.

  The Guild (277FC): The Merchant Guild of Myralis is founded.

  Guild Take-Over (311FC): The City Lord, Morlin Virro VII dies and has no heir. The Consul of the Merchant Guild, Jezos Gaticus, is named the new City Lord by Darius.

  Yellow Wars (400-480FC): As the Yellow Wars raged, Aurclia became an invaluable port city as its fas western location meant that it could import supplies from other realms via Anemos safely and quickly. It was during this time that the Merchant Guild of Myralis started to become one of the most powerful organization in the nation.

  Gilded Cathedral (484FC): Following Myralis's victory in the Yellow Wars, Darius orders a cathedral to be built in Aurcalia. The people call it the Gilded Cathedral due to its opulence.

  The Merchant Guild of Myralis

  The Merchant Guild of Myralis is an association that has exclusive rights to all business in south-western Myralis. The guild is based in Aurcalia, and controls all trade west of New Haven in Myralis.
  The guild convenes before sunrise on the first day of each week in their guildhall. The guildhall has no windows, and a single entrance that is locked for the duration of each meeting, the meetings are not discussed publicly, so only guild members know anything about the nature of their meetings. During the meetings, all present guild members have the power to vote on guild measures, but not every vote counts the same. There are four distinct ranks within the Merchant Guild of Myralis, in ascending order they are:

  Questor Argali
  The Questor Argali are the lowest-ranking members in the merchant guild, they are typically shopkeepers and occasionally traveling merchants. These members get one standard vote when voting on guild measures and only attend the first guild meeting of each month.

  Questor Aurcali
  The Questor Aurcali are middle-ranking members in the guild. The Questor Aurcali are those who own extremely profitable shops, or run a large business in a minor industry. Their votes count for double the vote of the Questor Argali, and they only attend every other guild meeting.

  Praetor
  The Praetors are high ranking members of the guild and typically own companies that oversee major industries or engage in inter-realm trade. Their vote counts as eight times the vote of a Questor Argali and they attend all guild meetings.

  Consul
  The Consul is the head of the Merchant Guild. The Consul is elected during guild meetings of only Praetors and the appointment lasts for life. Merchant Guild of Myralis rose to prominence, the Consul has always been appointed Apheliate, or City Lord, by Darius due to the guild's intense political sway. To ensure that the Consul of the guild is always also the City Lord, the guild Consul is forbidden from having children, and nobody with children is eligible to become Consul.

• Myralis
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  Wiki Page Updated

• Ascya
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  New Ascya
  New Ascya, officially the People's Republic of Askiilordia, is a small island nation located to the northwest of Myralis and within the Gulf of Claudius. The capital is Eliasin Skylandka, though the majority of the nation serves as a city state, with all settlements standing within close proximity.

  As of the fourth decade of the second comet, the population of New Ascya had stagnated after a drawn out recession for decades, though is projected to climb to a steady point over the next few decades. With a current population of nearly 130,000, New Ascya peeked before the second comet with a population of 160,000. The majority of Ascyians claim residence within the capital of Eliasin Skylandka, with a projected 90,000 residents. Most Ascians speak Askiitch, the modern development of the ancient Ascyian language. Although, many residents of coastal settlements speak altered dialects, though all dialects are mutually intelligible. Nearly two-thirds of the population within Eliasin Skylandka work in the prestigious jewelry industry of New Ascya, which provides the island nation with approximately 85% of it's worth. While a large amount of jewelry is exported to other nations of the Ostarian lands, much of it remains in New Ascya's booming markets, serving as artifacts for holy matrimony under the eyes of the gods. Most New Ascyian residents are members of the Church of Aphellias, the most famed elder god who resided over the island in ancient times. Other churches are prominent within new Ascya, which stay true to more conservative and ancient Ascyian traditions.

  New Ascya became inhabited by the masses after the Myralian forces, led by Darius Flavius, conquered the old Ascyian lands. Many Ascyians remained in their homeland, assimilating into Myralian culture, while others fled northward to the island within the Gulf of Claudius. The island had initially been known as The Hunting Grounds of the Gods, where the ancient Ascyians exiled their prisoners to. Upon arrival by boat after the end of the conquest, the Ascyians built camps, harvesting the nearby exotic crops. According to the Ascyians, they had been blessed by the rare appearance of Aphellias, who guided the people to great jewel deposits in the mainland, where Eliasin Skylandka would come to be.

  Today, New Ascya exists as a holy ground to the people, the last refuge of their ancient culture. While much of their history still stands within Myralian lands, the Ascyians created a new land for themselves, independent of all other forces. New Ascya is notable for its jewelry trade, as well as its exports of exotic spices known only to grow within the island.

  Religion
  The Church of Aphellias, also referenced as the New church of Ascya, is the most prominent religion found within New Ascya with a devout following of nearly 155,000 members as of the 5th decade of the second comet. The Church of Aphellias is derived from the old traditions of Ascyian Faith, of which is the oldest non-dyndi religion known to the lands of Ostaria, and has greatly influenced the development of both Ascyian and Myralian civilization. As the church is relatively small, due to the small, in comparison to Myralis, population of Ascyia, only a few temples exist within New Ascya, though many small shrines can be found throughout the island. The Theos, the elected commander of New Ascya, also serves as the shepherd of the Church of Aphellias, who is said to speak the words of Aphellias himself. The Theos is based on Eliasin Skylandka, and so, is where all political and religious centers are sourced.

  The Church of Aphellias sees itself as a part of the greater whole of the Ascyian Pantheon, with the elder god Aphellias as the representative of their faith. The Church of Aphellias demands that the elected Theos serves the people, and through the will of the people, forms a direct connection with their god. The Decree of Aphellias is the origin of the New Ascyian faith, although most traditions have been carried down by oral communication, and many beliefs may vary.

  Instead of being transmitted through written text, Ascyian tradition is passed down through oral culture and heavily relies on ritualistic practices, with the elected Theos held responsible for bearing the role of executing the crucial act of public sacrifices to Aphellias. Certain locations such as shrines, public monuments, areas of woodlands, and the coast are all used as sacred outdoor locations for ritual activities, though indoor buildings for such activities were constructed near the dawning of the second comet, though they are not as widely accepted for important traditions. Those sacrificed would often either be burned alive, or burned after death, with their ashes placed in an urn. The practicioners then, create a ritual circle around the urn, placed upon the shrine, and release their energy into the urn, chanting their verses. After the ritual, the urn is then smashed, within, a crystalline gem from within appears. It is then placed within a lockbox, and buried under the shrine, joining many previous sacrifices.

  The people of Ascya worship twice, daily, once upon waking, and once before public dinner or personal family meals. Once an Ascyian wakes, each morning, they walk to the nearest shrine to worship. Higher class individuals often have their own shrine within their residence, though these shrines are often shunned as disingenuous. At the shrine, Ascyians kneel, press their hands palm to palm, and bow, their head tucked down. They lower themselves to Aphellias, and beg for his forgiveness in any and all unholy activities they may have performed in their sleep, and they plead for a bountiful day of pleasures and good fortune. In the evening, before partaking in the public dinner, Ascyians again visit their nearby shrine, and repeat, then plead for a good night's rest.

  Culture
  In Ascyian daily life, Ascyians wake at the dawning of the sun to the call of a Myrmeis, a giant bird, that flies in small flocks over the skies of Ascya each morning. Ascyians immediately jump from their bedding, slip on their shoes, and walk to their nearest shrine for worship. This early lifestyle leads to a productive day, as after worship, each Ascyian has time to eat with their family, then hurry to work. Common professions include mining, fishing, jewel cutting, clothes sewing, leatherworking, and mead brewing.

  Many workdays end during the time between high noon and the evening, leaving a bounty of time for an Ascyian to enjoy the rest of their day. This time is often enjoyed outside, whether hot or cold, dry, rainy, cloudy, or snowy. Ascyians enjoy walking the streets, bird watching on the beaches, shopping throughout the markets, and socializing with friends and family. Once, in some cases twice annually, Ascyians have the uncommon pleasure of witnessing a public sacrifice, taking place in the evening, just after public dinner. An even rarer occurrence, some Ascyians are blessed by Aphellias to participate in the ritual, or even perhaps be sacrificed themselves. It is considered an honor and a privilege to be sacrificed, as the individual chosen knows their life will bring great prosperity to their island nation of Ascya.

  Once the workday has ended for all, there is a public dinner held at moonrise, for the wealthy and the poor alike, as everyone is welcome in Ascyian culture. There are many buildings hosting dinner throughout the night, sponsored by the elite of Ascya, giving back to the hard efforts of the citizens. Public dinner is optional, though attendance is urged, as it brings the community together. It is seen as a great outlet of socialization, and a way to meet new friends.

  New Ascya Wiki

• Caesony
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  The Spectacle of His Adolescence, the Diary of Darius Flavius, rewritten by Albringio Luandral, 715FC. In Darius may we find peace. For the people of Myralis, and for our prophet, our king, Darius Flavius.

  Pt. 1 The Blade of Caeseus, 14 BFC.

  As was common for that of the common child, in the once great kingdom, home of the Caesons, though rather remarkably unremarkable for that of nobility, he awoke, a young boy in linen rags, in the corner of his chamber, deep below his father’s grand castle. To his daily pleasure, despite the lack of warm coverings, he enjoyed the fluff of his soft bed, aloft its wooden frame. Young and sincere, Darius Flavius of Caesony, sat in the darkness upon his bed, parting his long, curled hair, uncovering his eyes.

  “Boy!” A demanding, stern, quite hostile voice pierced through the hall and his chamber from atop the stairs outside his door. A usual occurrence, a bored, understanding juvenile Darius sighed, lightly bounced from his bed, taking his first steps toward the door.

  “Boy do you hear my call? We have guests.” The voice, with its unnecessary anger, a stench one could almost smell, ventured again down the stairs. “Do not leave them waiting.” Footsteps atop the stairs stomped, slowly diminishing into a tap, to nothing. Darius paused, only momentarily, curious, guests in his fathers castle? How strange. He continued, at a pace, only slightly, faster than a stroll. It would be best to not leave the guests waiting, after all.

  Atop the stairs, a whole new world. Lovely paintings, intricate ornamentation and detailed walls. A carpet, black, soft to the touch, stretching down a long, hardly narrow, hall of beauty. Upon the end of the hall, a sight beholding much less beauty, arguably, a sort of beauty that diminishes the beauty of it all. A smile, rather unsettlingly large, with the most golden of teeth, perhaps, some silver blemishes, belonging to a rather unpleasant character, his arms wide open, fingers curled.

  “Oh, my boy, oh Darius, young man. Come here, yes. Come here.” His smile persisted, quite the ventriloquist he was. His hands, vigorously shaking, a lovely gesture. Darius stepped forward, his head held proud, the greatest smile upon his joyous face.

  “Papa!” Darius exclaimed, as he ran into the embrace of the smiling man, holding him tight. Beside him, an assortment of palely light skinned, taller than what would be considered normal, cloaked men in a greater assortment of animal pelts wrapped around their appendages, stood staring down upon Darius. Darius, removing himself from the embrace, met the gaze of the men.

  “Hello! Nice to meet you all! I am Darius Flavius, pleased to make your acquaintance.” Darius grinned, extending his arm and hand to newfound friends.

  Silence, their voices, their movement as well. The only audic sensation, strangely, was that of their unwavering stare, it was almost screaming. Not to mention, the terrible frown upon the face of each gentleman in his presence.

  “Ah yes, my good men, thank you for coming today.” The voice from earlier, the wonderful father of Darius, spoke much happier than before. “Today is a momentous day, for myself, for you four, and especially my young boy, Darius. Young man, do you know what day it is today?”

  “No papa, simply another day in the wonderful land of Caesony, under the blessed presence of his majesty, King Faustus.” Darius cheered, his lively, innocent brown eyes meeting his father’s.

  “You humour me, Darius. You really do, how lovely you are.”

  “Papa, what day is it?”

  “Today, child, my beloved child, is your birthday. In fact, today, you are 10 years in age.” His father patted Darius’ shoulder. “Today, we celebrate.”

  In unison, the four men began to clap, slowly, steadily.

  “Unto us you come, young boy.” The palest of the four whispered, soft, yet urging. Darius received a nod of reassurance from his father, glanced upon the man who spoke, and took three footsteps, small, and gentle. Somehow, a natural urge, decided by the heavens and enacted by Darius, he cupped his hands, extending them toward the man.

  “For you. May Caeseus be with you child, for eternity, good and bad. Life and death. In peace and in pain. May he guide you. For Caesony.” He said in prayer, his eyes sealed. From his cloak, he removed an object. A blade, long, serrated, silver and shiny. Socketed with a jewel, red, shining bright. A ruby, an artifact of power, representing independence, wealth, strength and wonder. Upon Darius’ hands, the man placed the sacred blade. A holy object, a blade of Caeseus. “Young boy. Wrap those fingers you have been blessed with by the gods, upon their holy gem within the blade you have received. Hold tight, feel their power, receive it upon your being.

  Darius examined the blade, running a finger down the dull end, before pointing it downward, toward his toes.

  “Go on, Darius.” His father nodded.

  Then, without hesitation, or perhaps a little to no success, Darius wrapped his hands, left palm against the ruby, fingers wrapping the handle, maintaining a firm grip, upon the blade of Caeseus.

  The air went still.
  The room fell silent, darkness encroached. Limp, Darius felt no force nor pressure, no hot nor cold. Only an embrace, sweeter, yet more menacing than any he had ever felt, though, with not much to compare to.

  “Hello, my child.” A strange, perhaps, gurgled, voice spoke.

  Although the normal response, startled, no. Darius remained calm, faint of mind, though rather curious, perhaps nervous, yet at peace. He spoke. “I see. I know who you are.” Darius opened his never sealed eyes, a fragment of the darkness removed. From behind, a glow. A sort of dark, menacing glow, though a glow nonetheless.

  “Clever I know you are, you have my wit. So tell me, my child. Who am I?” The gurgling continued, a maniacal, oddly soothing, somewhat caring, voice. It echoed throughout the darkness, strangely reminiscent of Darius’ sleeping chambers, devoid of the sunlight.

  “Caeseus, it is with great pleasure that I extend my greetings, pleased to meet you. May I ask, why do we meet?” Darius greeted his company, the great demon, or rather, lord of Caesony.

  “I knew you to be a smart one, I created you to be so, only naturally as you and I share the same essence. Today we meet, as you hold my sacred blade. I am here to guide you, through a lifetime of great peril and pain. My boy, it will not be easy, but I assure you, the life you shall lead, will be monumentous, as fate has in store for you. May you ever need guidance, seek thy blade. Until then, I bid you farewell, my child.” With his last message, the gurgle faded.

  Darius awoke, his back sprawled upon the black carpeted floor.

  “With me now, you come. Darius, it is time.” King Faustus announced, a malicious grin upon his face, greatly proud of his boy, his creation.

• The Dwytir
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  It is believed that the elven races of Tir were once unified as one society of Dyndi. Though many years have passed and time has taken its toll on the people of the Dwytir. Now, the Dyndi take on many forms, each unique in form and culture. However, it is still believed by all the Dyndi of Tir, that in the beginning… there was only The Dwytir. The Dwytir is the mass of divine woodlands that encompass the entirety of Tir. Each tree, or Prental, of the Dwytir stood as an extension, a vessel, of the Dwytir. The Prental communicated with each other, keeping balance and harmony throughout all of Tir. Eventually, though, came terrible men of unknown origin, who sought horrendous deeds, such as to claim the soil of the Dwytir for themselves, and to chop the holy bark of the Prental. In agonizing response, the Dwytir cried out to the skies, a message of desperacy, as the land of Tir had failed. Soon, the call for help was answered in the form of a comet of tremendous size, radiating a tail of gorgeous color, as it soared across the ashy night sky. The comet sent a catalyst down to Tir, in the form of a crystalline wonder. It radiated valiantly, a sort of divine energy that compelled the settling men, bringing them forth. The catalyst had become known by the Dwytir as the Dali o’Sedd, or the Bringer of Balance. The Dali o’Sedd captured the willpower of all the men, bringing them into an unbreakable trance. It then proceeded to drain the life force of the invaders. As the men fell to their deaths, the Dali o’Sedd glew brilliantly. After many days or months, maybe years, the Dali o’Sedd continued to build tension within, until it eventually burst, sending a spectacular blast of energy throughout Tir, then fell dormant. As the Dwytir then continued to live peacefully, the comet overhead finally passed. Suddenly, after the passing of the comet, roots began to form over the eternally resting bodies of the men who once invaded. From those roots grew the Dyndi.