Post by Head Moderator on Jan 28, 2012 4:21:15 GMT -5
ABOUT THE KINGDOM
Climate: Cold, long winters and warm, short summers.
Language:Doxenian
Capital City: Westby
Winters are long and bring snow to the upper 2/3 of this kingdom, but the cityfolk have adapted well to the seasons. The forests of Doxenia are home to numerous felines such as tigers, bobcats and lynx - as well as wolves, bears and foxes and plenty of other creatures that enjoy the mountains, valleys and forests of this area. It is said to be inundated with lycanthropes of the cat, wolf and bear variety but this is mere mythos of the land (isn't it?).
The Kingdom of Doxenia is second only in power to Sarkotos. They regularly attempt to drive their kingdom's boundaries into the Barrens of Rumeria, and into Bryony edging themselves further into the Strongback Brake Forest. They are always ready to war other kingdoms for power and greater land areas. Doxenia as it exists today is made of three kingdoms that were conquered: Prynesse (northwest from Harpy Headlands northward, conquered 300 years ago), Peil Nabil (Darken Rime and southward to the mountains), and Glendenvell (Teeming area, very small kingdom).
They regularly hold championship games and gauntlets for all warriors who wish to test their mettle. It is nearly a weekly sport for the royals of Doxenia to watch (or participate) in these games within the city of Westby.
They are quick to anger, but are beloved by their people and most even the peasants and farmers would give their lives for the honor of the royal family or the Kingdom itself.
Proper etiquette when visiting is important in the Doxenian culture. One is not readily invited to a Doxenian home, and offhanded remarks such as "Stop by someday" are not considered invitations. Except when calling on close friends, Doxenians always plan visits in advance; they never arrive unannounced.
Because of the weather and the dark winters, Doxenians take great pride in keeping a nice and cozy home. They enjoy having visitors in their homes and do their best to make guests feel welcome; however, one should not follow a host into other rooms unless invited. Guests should arrive on time and follow the host's suggestions of where to sit. The hostess appreciates gifts such as flowers, wine, chocolates, or inexpensive items for the children. When giving flowers, guests should be aware that red roses have romantic connotations. Leaving directly after a meal is impolite; one should stay after to talk. However, conversing about one's personal life is avoided. One does not leave the table until the hostess rises.
Doxenian families are generally small, close-knit, and stable. Unlike most other kingdoms, the Doxenians do not take a poor view of those who do not marry, and indeed, nearly a third of all children are illegitimate. Those who do marry tend to marry late in life, at an average of around age 30 for men and 25 for women. Marriages are almost never arranged. Women are awarded a fair amount of equality in Doxenia, even being allowed to own businesses.
"Don't put gold buttons on a torn jacket." - Doxenian Saying
IMPORTANT FAMILIES & TITLES
Royalty
King Connor Sabien Kynaston (51 yrs old)
Queen Ruelle Maheegan Kynaston (43 yrs old)
Crown Princess Accalia Margaret Kynaston (21 yrs old)
Princess Janica Maude Kynaston (19 yrs old)
Prince Arnou Henry Kynaston (18 yrs old)
Prince Kaleb William Kynaston (10 yrs old)
Important Nobility
Duke and Duchess de Clare (Drowsing)
Duke and Duchess Gerald Hastings VI (Westby)
Duke and Duchess Callum (Swarming)
Duchess Wilhelmina Valentine (Westby)
Duke Roth Laurenz, III (Teeming)
Duke and Duchess (Mything)
Duke and Duchess (Gloaming)
Duke and Duchess (Shivering)
Duke (Felling)
Duchess (Addling)
Duke and Duchess (Seething)
Marquis Luther Wedgewood (Drowsing)
Marquis and Marquess Allaryce (Eeriebottom)
Earl of Mything Rex, Gerald Hastings VI
Earl of Gloaming Rex, Leopold
Earl of Teeming Rex, Ernest Laurenz
Earl of Shivering Rex
Earl of Avilon Rex
Earl of Felling Rex
Earl of Drowsing Rex
Earl of Addling Rex
Count and Countess Spencer (Swarming)
Countess Geneva Cavendish (Teeming)
Baron and Baroness Kissekatt (Duncaster)
Baron and Baroness Jolanka (Darken Rime)
Baron Ansel Bitten (Westby)
Baroness Ilsa Callum (Kirkberg)
Lord and Lady Loyce(Westby)
Lord and Lady Roderick (Mything)
Lord Rainor Penrod (Darken Rime)
Lord and Lady Berkhart (Drowsing)
Grand Knight Terrell
Grand Dame Trudee von Rosenvinge
Sir Rowland, Leader of the Guard (Westby)
Sir Otto Mahigan
Dame Acton
Dame Lennox
Other Rank Titles
0 - Commoners.
1 - Citizen.
2 - The Gentry. Lords and ladies, merchant families, and wealthy members of society are known as the Gentry.
3 - Knight or Dame. Those who have served Doxenia and gained the support of a noble to join the Order of the Howling Wolf, the official knighthood of Doxenia. Many begin as squires of Knights and prove themselves after many years of service to their knight.
4 - Grand Knight or Grand Dame. This title is given to those who have served Doxenia's' interests, and is usually awarded to war heroes of significance, higher-ranking officers in the Order of the Howling wolf after at least a full decade of dedicated service, and to those who provide significant monetary or political advantages to Doxenia.
5 - Baron or Baroness - Commonly called "country nobility," barons are significant land- and property owners in Doxenia. This title is generally purchased initially, but it is hereditary afterwards. To retain the title, however, requires a person to retain actual property within the boundaries of Doxenia, though this property can be rather small in nature.
6 - Earl (country nobility) or Count or Countess (urban nobility) - To be an Earl or Count requires retention of a noble title for at least four generations, as well as holdings of some significance.
7 - Marquis or Marquess - At least five generations of nobility are required for this title, with still greater wealth from a family's holdings. It is possible to have one's rank reduced at the level of marquis and below back down to knight should one's family fortunes be depleted and this is brought to the attention of those of the rank of Duke or higher.
8 - Duke or Duchess - After six generations and demonstrations of consistent loyalty in the protection of Doxenia through most, if not all, of those generations, plus the accumulation of sufficient holdings to be considered at least a marquis, a family may gain the title of duke. Once this title has been gained, a family will not lose it, even if their fortunes later wane. The only way that the title can be removed is through conviction for acts of treason against Doxenia.
9 - Prince or Princess - These are the direct sons and daughters of the King and Queen.
10 - King and Queen
"Invite a wolf for breakfast and you won't be around for supper. - Doxenian saying
IMPORTANT CITIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES
HARPY HEADLANDS
This small range of mountains is quite a nuisance from the number of evil humanoids and giants that live here. The peaks are home to an ancient red dragon that goes by the name Karatakkus. She awakens once or twice a decade to wreak havoc on the surrounding lands.
MYTHING
Mything is a northwestern town in the hills a little over a day's journey by horse north of Westby.
Mything Inn [Good]
Westminster's General Store
What isn't in stock, can be ordered through a massive catalog that comes out once every 5 years. One can even order pure-bred Rumerian Steeds from "The Catalog" though it could take a month or more for it to arrive.
Lake Azura
This dark blue lake outside Mything plummets to unknown depths in the central southern, and eastern portions. Hot mineral springs flow in the western shallows, making it a popular vacation spot and health resort for the wealthy.
Forest of Iron Ghosts
The forest was the site of a terrible battle ages ago, and it ended when powerful death magics slaughtered the bulk of both sides of the conflict. The war is over, but the ghosts remain. When the sun sets, they reanimate their old suits of armor and stalk about the woods. The iron ghosts are eeriely silent and are both aggressive and dangerous. They inflict both melee damage from rusted old weapons as well as cold based damage by touch. The locals refuse to enter the forest at night, and no one will buy used armor in the area, just in case it might be stolen from the forest.
Warden's Wood
Warden's Wood is home to the largest trees in all of Arith. A variety of trees grow in Warden's Wood, but the mammoth redwoods, firs and oaks are unique to these woods. Soaring to heights over six hundred feet, these giant trees soar over the canopy of the other trees. The elves regard this area as sacred and there is an elven city hidden deep within the Warden's Wood.
"Some men go through a forest and see no firewood." - Doxenian Saying
DROWSING
Drowsing is a sleepy little town built to withstand cold winters, populated with hardy folk. It is on the edge of the Barrens.
Shadowvale Inn [Common]
Westminster's General Store
What isn't in stock, can be ordered through a massive catalog that comes out once every 5 years.
EERIEBOTTOM
Eeriebottom is a small village situated on the banks of Lake Shivering.
The Black Lute (Good)
Main inn in Eeriebottom. There are a few smaller mom&pop boarding houses and inns but the Lute is the main one for the town.
Lake Shivering
Strongback Brake Forest
The massive forest known as the Strongback Brake have always been dangerous, thanks to a seemingly indestructible population of bugbears, orcs, goblins, and other obnoxious creatures coming down from the north to a softer climate. It's great spot for rangers and other skillful hunters, but less of an attraction to normal folk.
"The gods give the nuts, but they do not crack them." - Doxenian Saying
WESTBY
This is the capital city of Doxenia and the largest city in the kingdom as well. It is an idyllic setting on the coast.
The people of Westby consider themselves a merry people, prone to singing and dancing. They appreciate openness and wit, as well as humor. Individualism is also valued. Friendships play an important role for most, and neighbors are generally supportive of each other. The elderly are treated with love and respect. Weddings traditionally last three days, during which is is the common practice for relatives and friends of the couples to shout encouragement and suggestions in the direction of the new couple's bedroom. It is considered extremely good luck for red flowers to grow in the yard of a newlywed couple, and generally the female relatives of the wife take great pains to ensure such are found. It is however, considered unlucky to get caught doing the planting. At some point the bride must be �stolen.� The successful thieves �demand� a ransom for her return, usually in the form of vodka.
When someone dies, the family covers the mirrors in the home with linen. Relatives and friends follow the coffin, along with a minstrel or band. After the funeral procession and ceremony, mourners return to the family home for a wake, where refreshments are served. A small glass of vodka with a piece of bread on top is traditionally put out for the deceased. The glass remains in place until the liquid has evaporated. Small wakes are also held nine days and forty days after a death.
There are a few notable neighborhoods in Westby, listed here:
THE WEIR
Though there are various entries into Westby, if you come in by ship you will first arrive in the neighborhood called The Weir, named for the levees that hold back the waters.
The Brass Fang Inn [Good]
The Fang as it is called around town, is a sizable and good ranked inn with decent prices and good food. The innkeeper and his wife are named John and Sarah Shanta and they have a teenage daughter Lorna that works in the inn serving and housekeeping, and a cantankerous old war-torn half-orc bartender simply called Fee.
Ye Olde Candy Shoppe
Chocolate, cakes, sweets of all kinds and even candy can be found here. It is also rumored that the candy shop is the front for one of the most dangerous gangs in the lands, called the Runix. This shop has a few tables and chairs outside it's shop where people can enjoy their sweets with a glass of cold lemonade, or coffee.
Journeyman Emporium
This is THE shop for adventurers, fancy imports and treasure. You can buy and sell your relics and treasures here for a decent price. It also sells maps of various places around Doxenia, and depending on stock, other areas of the world.
Crooked Goblin Tavern [Common]
This is a popular tavern in the area, you can't get everything you can find at the Fang but your common ales and meads are found here!
The Bazaar
Where every farmer, or small-time crafter sells his wares in an open-air situation. Merchants from around the realms come here to sell their items.
COLLEGE SQUARE
Westby Academy
The Westby Academy is a prestigious center of learning for the entire realm. Permits for students from every kingdom except Alzorc can be issued by the college for folks to pass the borders to attend classes, which creates a melting pot of races and individuals in the large city of Westby. The college's buildings take up several blocks on the edge of town on the northeastern section, with winding alleys between the buildings. The main square has a large fountain surrounded by benches and small gardens. It's actually a pleasant place to take a Sunday walk. Scribes, Tutors, Researchers, Interpreters & Translators all find thier place in the winding alleys of this section of town.
Library of Westby
Books and Scrolls
Bookbinding
Wolf's Den
Wolf's Den, as it is "lovingly" known, is really the only rough section of town, but it is rather sprawling. And, it truly is not as bad as one would think as the Knights do a very good job of keeping the riff raff out. Though, it would be considered one of the larger poor sections of town. It is in eastern Westby. It is a section of town with numerous small farms and lower-class establishments. It runs into College Square, and many students rent in the area as it is cheaper than any other.
The Wolf's Den [Common]
This local inn and tavern is the namesake for the area of town, and it stays busy from morning till late-night. The knights are called quite often to break up fights here usually between the college students who come from around the realm, and don't always see eye to eye. On any given night you can hear just about every language in the realms here.
The Red Hood
The Red Hood is located right next door to the Wolf's Den, and is the local brothel. There is an arrangement with the Wolf's Den so that one can request a prostitute with their inn room for the night, from a small "menu" of specialized choices they can choose from, beside the "normal" cheaper brothel worker that costs 1 gold an hour.
"Steel Princess" - Looking like a woman from a Boris Vallejo painting, she wears a chainmail bikini and sports a longsword (blunted). Long blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a warrior's toned body. 5gp an hour.
"Wild Child" - This young woman, with unkempt brown hair and feral hazel eyes, was raised half wild, and a romp in the sack with her leaves the male satisfied, with quite a few bites and scratches. 3gp an hour.
"Elfess" - For the man who dreams of touching elvish flesh, this is as close as most get. Long golden hair, pointed ears, and eyes the color of the forest canopy, this half-elf speaks a mongrel version of the elven tongue just enough to convince her clients she is exotic enough. 10gp an hour.
"Half for the Night" - This halfling can be hired for the entire night. She can provide, a bath, massage, meal and all the sensual delights one could desire in between. 3gp per hour, or 10gp for a night.
"The Exotic" - This exotic looking woman none are quite sure of where she hails from, with long silvery hair, almond shaped eyes and full plush lips, she is a student of the kama sutra. 20gp an hour.
"Silent Weeper" - This trembling girl weeps at the slightest touch, fear in her eyes the entire time she is with her client, never speaking a word. 2gp an hour.{Spoiler}{Spoiler}{Spoiler}**The silent weeper is a cursed warrior who thought nothing of raping and pillaging the same sort of females he has now become. The curse will be lifted once "she" is vandalized for each woman he preyed upon. He cannot communicate through any means except weeping.
IRON ROW
One block owned by the Steel Guild in Artisan's Alley.
Alden's Steel
Alden Baron is a master dwarven weaponsmith, one of the primary reasons that Doxenian Steel blades are renowned through the lands. He is very choosy on who he apprentices, and failure means you may not practice weaponsmithing in Doxenia as Alden is also the guild master of the Steel Guild, a guild of master weaponsmiths in Doxenia. Alden has three trusted master smithies he has trained fully in his ways, who do most of the apprenticeships these days but if Alden is not pleased with your work, you have failed. A blade made by Alden Baron himself goes by the name of a "Baron Blade" and they are always highly sought after creations.
Steel Guild Arena
Baron makes and oversees the creation of weapons, it is therefore fitting that he oversees the arena of Westby as leader of the Steel Guild.
ARTISAN ALLEE
This is a rather small, but very important area of town as crafters and artisans have gathered here. It's also the home of the large Westminster's store, which receives business from poor and noble alike. It encompasses several streets, even if the name seems to conjure an alleyway.
Crown Taxidermy
Like to hunt? Want to immortalize your kill? Here's the place to do that. Gerold Jinoff's the man to do it.
Greenbottle Furrier
Or maybe you want your kill skinned and a fine fur coat or rug for your home made. Then see the furrier! Pimpernel Greenbottle, a halfling, is quite skilled in his craft.
The Bootery & Leather
Boots and shoes, and fine Doxenian leather goods. Saddles, pouches, packs, whips, and anything and everything you might need of leather.
Pip's Gemcutter's
A halfling gemcutter's store.
Buster's Blacksmithy
Blacksmithing's in the blood of the Buster family. Old Man Buster, and two Buster sons work in this blacksmith.
The Crystal Vial
This alchemist shop has two faces, it's regular store which caters to the normal customer with healing potions, love potions, and alchemical items and it's "secret" store in the basement which sells much darker alchemical items. The only way to reach the "underground" store is through a secret door in the Sewers.
Silver Leaves
Though this shop's name is elven, it is known in town by the translation of it's elven name. It is a shop for elves, run by elves.
Westminster's General Store
The flagship of Westminster's General Store, this has spread into nearly every city, town, village and hamlet in Doxenia. If they don't have an actual storefront, someone rides through on a monthly basis to take orders from the massive catalog. Westminster's has just about anything and everything you need! From sewing thread, to hard tack, saddles and herbs, tin cups to glue, priest and druidic items, even alchemy items. You can even order Rumerian Steeds from the catalog. Honestly, with a Westminster's in town, you don't need much else! Westminster has put many a small mom and pop shop out of business. This Westminster's is a very large two story building that takes up half a block with it's various buildings and areas. Dana and Dara Westminster, twin 16 year old son and daughter of the owner, work in this store.
DOMINION BOULEVARD
Dominion Blvd is the upscale section of town, and not only has a few very nice inns and restaurants, and high-class shops, but large homes and gardens as well. Many nobles and the royals who choose to live inside the city walls, reside in the Regency area.
Dominion Hotel [Noble]
The Dominion, as it is known in town, is a high-end hotel and restaurant situated at the edge of a small garden and picturesque pond.
Bijoux
A jewelry shop that has imports of all the latest styles, and also a master artisan that designs his own jewelry.
Rare and Exotic Goods
Find the rare bottle of wine, the special herbs and spices, and other exotic fare here...including women! This shop also caters to the wealthy who desire a higher class prostitute than offered at the Wolf's Gem. This is not readily advertised and the business is by word of mouth.
Florist and Garden Shop
Only the wealthy would have coin to spare for a corsage or bunch of roses.
THE AVIARY
This huge aviary which takes up at least 10 acres of land took nearly two decades to construct, is now home to all manner of exotic birds. Even in the snows of winter, it is warm within the aviary due to weather magic being used. Because many of these birds are quite dangerous, visitors must submit to a protection from avians spell before entering. Certain nobles, and the royals are secretly permitted to hunt within the aviary when the facility is closed.
"Do not choose your wife at a dance, but in the field with the harvesters." - Doxenian Saying
DARKEN RIME
The city of Darken Rime has grown extensively in the last few decades, with much of the old city demolished to be replaced with new and more modern buildings. It is a maze of streets and close-knit buildings, with arches and fountains forming the dominant architectural features. The buildings are a mixture of wood and stone, with tiled roofing, and two and three story buildings are common. The heart of Darken Rime is around the port area, which gives access to a large, natural, deepwater bay called Strongback Bay that can accommodate the large ships stationed here and which maintain, as best they can, a blockade against the pirates that are common in these waters.
Strongback Inn & Tavern [Common]
The most popular inn within Darken Rime, it is moderately priced with rooms to cater to not only the traveler but the nobility that come here to hunt the Strongbacks.
The Huntsman
The Huntsman is a one stop shop for all your needs of the hunt. Not only can you purchase already made weapons or repair your weapons and armor, find traps and snares, you can have the head of the beast you've killed saved for posterity by the local taxidermist, the skin made into leather or furs by a tanner, and the meat carved by the butcher.
THE WALTZING STONES
The Waltzing Stones are located near Darken Rime. This 'circle' of stones carved with nature-runes is a holy site for druids of the lands. The stones sometimes have different arrangements and move as a whole a short distance from year to year. The stones can act as a portal to certain other forests in the lands. A druid can study the nature-runes on any given stone for 24 hours, to figure out the portal-key to whatever forest that particular stone leads to.
GLOAMING
Gloaming is a hamlet situated within a lush forest, upon the coast.
The Dirty Goat (Poor)
Local tavern, favored by sailors.
Westminster's General Store
What isn't in stock, can be ordered through a massive catalog that comes out once every 5 years. Some poor folks "recycle" old catalogs into toilet paper! In Doxenia for printed matter to be called as important as "An Old Westminster" pretty much means it's as worthwhile as something you wipe your ass with.
Sea Towers
High towers made of hard stone jut out of several of the small islands off the coast of Gloaming and occasionally straight out of the sea. These towers are leftovers of a previous civilization. Most are magically locked and warded against intrusion by simple bandits, needing a bit more skill and arcane ability to circumvent. Others have become the homes of monsters such as ogre magi or evil gargoyles. In either case, the Sea Towers have a bad name among the pirates, who avoid them with superstitious dread.
Witchwood
The Witchwood is a vast, sprawling forest. Nearby villagers have many superstitions about it; one particularly strong one is that it is very unlucky to enter the forest on the full or the new moon. Villagers lock their doors on such nights, rarely even venturing from their homes. Odd creatures are often sighted on the fringes of the forest; the deeper one ventures, the more powerful and more dangerous the inhabitants
become. Some creatures within the forest are friendly, but most are indifferent or hostile. Even to those unafraid of a fight, the forest is a spooky place, glimmering with a perpetual twilight, and filled with the song of strange birds. Even at midnight, the birdsong does not cease - however, no birds are visible in the forest,
nor are any other typical woodland creatures. Many stories abound about the source of the eerie songs - who knows if any are true?
"Where there is sunshine there is also shade." - Doxenian Saying
TEEMING
Teeming is located on Lake Shivering. Summers are short and mild, and many have vacation homes on Lake Shivering.
Surrey Manor Inn [Good]
A resort type inn on Lake Shivering.
Westminster's General Store
What isn't in stock, can be ordered through a massive catalog that comes out once every 5 years.
SWARMING
Swarming is in midlands Doxenia, and is home to an apiary of giant bees. The honey produced from the Apiary is used to make Swarming Mead, the finest mead in all the lands.
Beehive Tavern (Common)
Local tavern, that also sells Swarming Mead by the bottle and case.
Swarming Apiary
This apiary of giant bees makes the famous Swarming Mead.
"The earth is a beehive; we all enter by the same door but live in different cells." - Doxenian Saying
{Spoiler}