Organizations
- Businesses
- The Bonehawk Mercenaries
- Fouquet Family Firearms
- Greysong Traders
- Orion Alabaster's School of Etiquette
- Voyage Trust
- Families
- Geopolitical
- Privately Operated
- The Beacons of Sunlight
- League of the Eye
- Redfeathers
- The Silent Assembly
- Followers of the Beacon
- The Order of the Shield
- Religious
Businesses
The Bonehawk Mercenaries
History
Shortly before the Emergence, nearly the entire standing forces of The Bonehawks were hired by The Shield of Basin to defend Cuswar against a fiendish invasion. Nearly five thousand soldiers took up residence around Fort Basin of Mirefield for several months, doing battle against the Nerra known as Ryscag and his army of devils. When the general was finally defeated his forces scattered, most assumed returned to the Hells.
Word of this victory spread far and wide and in the following years the Bonehawks saw unprecedented profits and recruitment numbers.
Fouquet Family Firearms
Gold and smoke.
Assets
History
Greysong Traders
Assets
History
Since the invention of vehicles such as cars, and the limited use of teleportation magic, the Greysong Traders have managed to stay afloat by jumping on funding these technologies. Now their main focus is using their small fleet of airships to send bulk goods and passengers all over the continent.
Orion Alabaster's School of Etiquette
Since its founding many students have come through the school, and each one has gained prestigious employment under noble houses.
Voyage Trust
Structure
Public Agenda
History
Initially due to the, often large, travel times between hamlets and capital towns this did very little but provide the nobles with a place to store their family heirlooms while the common folk continue to live how they always have. In recent years however, with fast and instantaneous transportation available, Voyage Trust has done very well for itself, ballooning in size and wealth faster than most could have predicted. Now as the only real banking option within Ovenica it continues to grow exponentially as more and more money is poured into it's seemingly limitless coffers every year.
Families
The Pasture Family
Good life, good death.
Structure
Public Agenda
Assets
History
In an unfortunate incident in 1002, Thibaud Pasture was discovered murdered. Though there was an initial investigation no suspects turned up and the case ultimately went cold. Within the family, certain members believed this to be a targeted attack against them, but Esther declared it a non issue; not wanting to risk driving a wedge between them and the populace. Sébastien Pasture was not satisfied with this, but when Esther wouldn't budge he renounced his family name, along with several of his siblings that sided with him, and left. There was initial worry that he and his new family would return to the old ways but when no sign of them turned up in the next year, the incident was mostly forgotten.
Geopolitical
The Shield of Basin
842 - 900
The Tunnel Kings
Structure
Culture
History
As Kurleigh expanded, the citizens living on the second level were forced to integrate, flee, or move even further down. Now, those who decided to remain live wretched lives in the lower levels of the Undercity. Gas from natural reserves creeps its way up from deep within the earth making it difficult to breathe. The Tunnel King, in an attempt to save their people from a wretched fate, officially declared themselves a sovereign state. Too late they realized they were trapped beneath Kurleigh with no other way out than up. The people of Kurleigh did not want to let them through, so now people live their whole lives in the Undercity without ever seeing the light of day. The Undercity quickly fell to ruin. No proper infrastructure exists and anarchy reigns. The Tunnel King still resides there (for reasons unknown) and rules over a small group of people still known as The Tunnel Kings. However the rest of the levels have fallen to chaos as dangerous as Giant Country.
The Anak Free Families
To the east of the Hadstone mountains lies a great steppe, upon which reside the so named Free Families of the Anak. Composed mostly of Hobgoblins, though with a not insignificant amount of goblins, bugbears, orcs, and half orcs, the Free Families are a nomadic people who keep mostly to themselves except during major religious holidays.
Most in Ovenica consider this steppe, and the lands around it, as a country unto itself out of respect for the people living there. However, the Free Families don't share this outlook. They have little interested in organizing borders and drawing lines when all the families are constantly on the move from place to place as they're needs change throughout the year.
There are five main families that are well known to the people of Ovenica: Yertfen, Brotfaie, Tarwid, Abastnes, and Harndae. These families preside over and protect several smaller families who fall under the same larger banner.
As an unwritten rule, the Free Families do not enter into open war with one another ever. If there are conflicts and disagreements, these are always brought to the leaders court of any families involved and the matter is settled in silver, trade, chains, or blood. Punishments can be very severe even for small disagreements so it is rare for things to make it so far as to be brought to the court.
Burn Bright, Unyeilding Might.
The Yertfen family worship fire primarily. They believe in the cleansing power for flame and ember. Most rituals within the Yertfen family involve dancing and pyrotechnics. The Yertfen's art reflects their religious culture and most of them are skilled glassblowers who create intricate sculptures and artpieces. Yertfen maintain a single matriarch or patriach who, along with a chosen council of advisors from the smaller families, works hard to make the best decisions for their family. In addition, they are skilled metalworkers and trade mainly in weapons and armour as well as jewlery. If there is conflict within the Yertfen and the families below them, the conflict is solved with trials of fire, courage, and strength.
Rooted in Nature, United in Spirit.
The Brotfaie family follow the will of the natural world. Some Ovenican scholars claim that this put thems under the same religious views as followers of The Mother. The family has a deep connection to nature and practice druidic magic, and conduct ceremonies to ensure plentiful harvests and protection from natural disasters. Brotfaie are talented bonecarvers, creating detailed animal totems and masks which are often used in their druidic ceremonies. The Brotfaie have no true leader, and instead shuffle decisions around a group of of elders who communally work together to maintain order within the family. All members of the Brotfaie family are expert herbalists and gathererers. They trade in rare herbs, fruits, and even magical ingredients. When conflict does arise within the family, it is usually resolved with meditation by the elders as well as nature-based rituals with a focus on restoring harmony.
Moonlit Paths, Eternal Journeys.
The Tarwid family worship The Three Moons of Ovenica and are known for their nocturnal rituals and lunar calendars. They have a strong affinity for celestial magic and most consider themselves skilled astronomers. The Tarwid family are exceptional painters who create beautiful lunar themed murals and intricate celestial maps. The leaders of the Tarwid family are those who can prove themselves as prodigious astronomers who contribute heavily to their community. Members of the Tarwid family can often be found among other families offering navigational services as astronomers and guides, they are also the most likely to be found outside the steppe. When conflict arises within Tarwid communities they consider no other option but to sit down and talk for sometimes days on end, and consult celestial omens until a solution presents itself.
Ancestors' Embrace, Legacy Unbroken.
The Abastnes family revere ancestral spirits in their worship. They build and maintain elaborate tombs all across the steppe and organize grand commemorative feasts to honour the dead. The Abastnes are master weavers, they produce colourful tapestries featuring the tales of their ancestors. The Abastnes follows the guidance of a high priest and his acolytes who speak to their ancestors to determine what's best for the family. The Abastness offer their skills as masons creating tombs and other similar constructions for the dead of other families as well as other funeral related services. Conflict in the family is usually resolved with seances and communing with the ancestors of those involved to determine a solution.
For Glory, For Victory, For Harndae.
The Harndae family is devoted to Drorkol the Behemoth and venerate him above other objects of worship. As part of this worship they often hold gladiator style competitions and prioritize military training. Harndae are renowned blacksmiths who craft impressive suits of armour and weapons, which are often decorated with engravings of Drorkol fighting or killing dragons. Harndae society is structured as a military and is led by a general who enforces strict training and discipline. Harndae offer their services as Mercenaries and Swords for Hire who offer protection and military advisment in exchange for silver and resources. Conflict in Harndae almost always ends with a duel of some kind or another. If you're not willing to spill blood or break bone, it's not worth arguing about.
Privately Operated
The Beacons of Sunlight
841 - 900
League of the Eye
Structure
History
In the years since then, The League of the Eye has been beside all the great rulers of Ovenica. Though there have been clashes between both them and The Angels of Iron, the two groups managed to maintain relatively good relations.
In the year 603 AGW the League's leadership vanished. Fearing betrayal and a murderous plot, the other members of the League hid their knowledge and fled. They hid themselves among the common folk, in fear for their lives. Only in the year 818, shortly after the appearance of The Seraph was the League of the Eye revived when a young mage named Rolmir Palesteel discovered the secret tomes of the League beneath his family's castle.
Redfeathers
Structure
Keepers live at a Redfeather Keep. They are in charge of taking care of the books, manuscripts, tomes, and other pieces of literature housed there. They have vast lists with incredibly detailed descriptions of each piece, where it came from, who wrote it, it's purpose, and it's location within the Keep. When a Seeker returns from an expedition, they immediately are sat in a room with a Keeper and are debriefed.
Seekers spend most of their time out in the world. While some are given specific tasks following rumors of lost knowledge, most Seekers simply travel from place to place. They listen to stories, purchase obscure literature, and even sometimes are required to...liberate a significantly rare document.
Redfeathers are given similar training because, while some people are more suited to one job or another, it is expected that Redfeathers spend time doing duties as both a Seeker and a Keeper.
Assets
History
Though the order itself is not a kept secret, the inner workings of the order, its goals, and even sometimes its priests, are a closely guarded secret.
Ever since the actions of Gulrig Clanless and the rest of The Angels of Iron, The Redfeathers have since split from their connections to the organization and paired up with Carston Juhl and The League of the Eye in order to continue fulfilling their intended purpose.
The Silent Assembly
Light the Way
Structure
Culture
Assets
History
Followers of the Beacon
Structure
Culture
Public Agenda
History
The Order of the Shield
Deeds not words.
There are still a few however who stick to the old beliefs and follow in the footsteps of those who came before. Shields only take their helmets off in the presence of one they can trust completely, or when they are alone. Though many other traditions have fallen by the wayside, this is one of the few that remain.
Culture
Tenets of the Order of the Shield
We work for a world in balance.
We do not forsake the actions of today for the plans of tomorrow.
Our armour is our life and our sword our drive. Neither shall you allow to be removed from you while in the presence of others.
Charity is our path, not others, and you will accept no favour unless you can return it.
Religious
Angels of Iron
Mythology & Lore
When the work was complete, the gods stepped back to watch their creation flourish. Civilizations rose. Cities were built. Incredible magical and technological marvels were crafted in honour of the gods.
The Betrayer watched all that transpired with disdain, for he wished to rule alone. While The Mother was not watching, The Betrayer went to the Nine Hells and walked among the people that lived there. Over generations his words and his presence tainted the peoples thoughts towards the beings living in other planes. Slowly this bitterness grew until it began to warp the very lands of the Nine Hells until it became a fiery pit of hate and anger. Having grown his strength on the suffering of others, The Betrayer then moved on to other planes. He worked faster, now that he knew he was stronger. The next plane he visited was what is now called The Abyss. He pushed his corruption so violently into the plane that it cracked and drove all who lived there into a deep madness. At this time The Mother took notice of what was happening and rushed to stop him but it was too late. The planes were divided, and wars raged across them.
The gods tried what they could to stem the tide but the corruption of the Betrayer had spread too deep. The gods took one last stand against the Betrayer and managed to finally bring him down, but at great cost. The planes were shattered and the destruction too great. With the last of her power The Mother sealed The Betrayer in a cage at the bottom of the Nine Hells. She then sent the other gods to their own realm, to watch creation from a distance, only helping in small ways. In her final act, she used her body to heal the material plane, the center of the planes and the most damage.
Now the gods watch as The Mother gives life to those that live on her world. And in the deepest pits of the Nine Hells The Betrayer waits patiently for the day when he can escape.
In the year 843 the world and the gods rebelled against the one true god, The Seraph. They stripped her of her divine light and cast her to earth unjustly, for they were jealous of her power. Glo Terberis, the Betrayer, schemed with the Prophet to remove her from power. Though the Seraph is no more and her power dwindled she was able to give the last remnant of that power to the Divine Chosen and their followers who now lead the people of The Angels of Iron in the teachings of the true faith.
Divine Origins
The only person to survive the cavern and make it to the Scroll was a man who is now only known as The Prophet. No one knows where he came from or why he delved into the cavern after the Scroll, but when he reached it he was given divine powers and granted a place among the gods. He spread the word of The Mother and her children to the first Angels of Iron (who then called themselves the Children of the Prophet) before declaring The Silver Islands a sacred place and warning that anyone who wished to follow in his footsteps and go after the Scroll should be allowed to do so. But he warned of the perilous journey that lay within the volcano. He warned that merely stepping foot on the central island was a death sentence to all but those with the gods blessing. The Children of the Prophet heeded his warnings and prohibited travel to the island.
Many years later a being appeared before the leaders of The Children of the Prophet. She claimed to have followed in the footsteps of The Prophet and taken divine power for herself. She called herself The Seraph, and granted The Children of the Prophet new wisdom from the Scroll. They changed their name and the Angels of Iron became the religious leadership of Ovenica.
Tenets of Faith
We are the mouthpiece
We strive for the perfection of the self.
We uphold the law of
We honour the faith.
The Angels of Iron have many rules. Most are not required to be followed by the masses and are only for devotees. The following are basic tenets to be followed and believed:
[The Prophet is no longer recognized as a deity within the Angels of Iron.]It is forbidden to speak in a temple of The Prophet.- Sins can be forgiven, if forgiveness is asked.
- *Rejection of The Seraph's teachings is the fastest way to the grave.*
- Perseverance and devout worship is rewarded with eternal life.
- The
Seraph is the only being to be trusted with your future.gods alone are
Worship
Worship outside of temples is also encouraged. The church can even provide shrines, talismans, and small statuettes in order to better help your connection to the gods.
Priesthood
Priests of the Angels of Iron are either born into the role or start very young. It is considered an honour to have your child chosen to be a Priest, and an even greater honour to offer your child to the Priesthood.
A child who enters the Priesthood learns to read and write from the holy texts. They usually spend their first ten years living in a monastery away from the city (though they are allowed frequent visits to see their family.) Once they are determined to be mature enough (usually between ten and thirteen years old) they are taken back to their home city to live with their family and apprentice a trade while also shadowing a Priest. Some trade skills are required for appointment as a Priest because it is considered a holy order to perfect ones self.
Once a child finishes their apprenticeship (around 18-20 years old) they are anointed with The Words of The Prophet and The Blood of The Seraph and are then granted a year to spend with their family and ply their trade before they are given their appointment in one of the holds. Often they remain in their home town.
High Priests are elected by their peers, though they believe that each elected High Priest is only elected because The Prophet allows it. There is only ever one High Priest per hold.
Priests of the Angels of Iron wear a single article of clothing: a thick dark coloured robe with a hood and light coloured stitching. An eye is stitched on the front of the hood to represent The Prophet and wings are stitched on the cuffs of the robe to represent The Seraph.
High Priests wear a similar article of clothing though it is white with dark stitching and the eye is surrounded by a five pointed star to represent the gods.
When it is time for an Archbishop to be chosen, the High Priests come together (with a selection of lucky Priests) and spend a month within one of their more reclusive monasteries. At the end of the month, one of them is declared Archbishop Successor by the current Archbishop. When the current Archbishop dies, the Archbishop Successor takes over all their responsibilities until their own death.
The Archbishop wears a red and white robe with gold stitching.
In addition to these, the Angels of Iron began to employ (around the year 903) other hands to aid in keeping the faith. These are as follows:
Iron Advocates: Iron Advocates represent the vast majority of the forces of The Angels of Iron. A religious militia, essentially, who spend most of their time throwing their weight around to get things they want, and the rest of the time taking orders from Iron Priests.
Iron Acolytes: With the loss of magical support from The Seraph, the Angels of Iron have had to turn to other means to keep up with the world. While as a whole the Angels abhor magic, they recognize that without it they would be at a serious disadvantage. Their answer: Iron Acolytes. The Acolytes walk a path of 'unholiness' in order to better the Angels cause. They are disallowed from speaking to any but their direct superiors and live lives of solitude. Their studies, however, allow them to wield power to aid in seeking out heretics using magic in their lands and leading the Iron Priests right to them.
Lesser Iron Priests: Iron Advocates who do exceptionally well and perform above and beyond their regular duties can be promoted to Lesser Iron Priests. Though they are not truly granted priesthood, they are given a status above regular adherents. Lesser Iron Priests often take leadership positions within smaller towns in an attempt to keep the Advocates in order.
Iron Judges: The Judges of the Angels of Iron carry as much weight as a High Priest within the clergy, some say more. Judges are given the full writ of the law to carry with them at all times so that they may perform all manner of ceremonies. They also carry with them the orders to smite any who they may deem heretical, and Prathia has seen whole towns burn at the word of a Judge who deemed the souls within unworthy.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Though it used to be the case that the Angels of Iron were only counsel to the various lords and ladies of Prathia, the country has become a true Theocracy and the Divine Chosen leads the people with the direct hand of the Angels guiding their every move.
Children of Divinity
Haven of peace.
Culture
Public Agenda
Mythology & Lore
When the work was complete, the gods stepped back to watch their creation flourish. Civilizations rose. Cities were built. Incredible magical and technological marvels were built in honour of the gods.
During this time of peace two individuals were not satisfied. Lumir and Gomir (now known as the Prophet and The Seraph) wished to have divine power for themselves. So one day they went to Glo Terberis (The Betrayed) when he was alone. They spoke sweet words to him, speaking of his great works and deeds. But they also sowed lies. They told him how the other gods despised him. They told him that the other gods were planning his downfall. Glo Terberis believed their silver tongues and began to plot against the other gods. While The Mother was not watching, The Betrayed went to what is now Misery and walked among the people that lived there. Over generations his words and his presence tainted the peoples thoughts towards the beings living in other planes. Slowly this bitterness grew until it began to warp the very lands of Misery until it became a fiery pit of hate and anger. Having grown his strength on the suffering of others, The Betrayed then moved on to other planes. He worked faster, now that he knew he was stronger. He went to the other side of Misery. He pushed his corruption so violently into the place that it cracked and drove all who lived there into a deep madness. At this time The Mother took notice of what was happening and rushed to stop him but it was too late. The planes were divided, and wars raged across them.
The gods tried what they could to stem the tide, but the corruption of the Betrayed had spread too deep. The gods took one last stand against the Betrayed and managed to finally bring him down, but at great cost. The planes were shattered and the destruction too great. With the help of her Lover, the Mother used the last of her power to take her physical form and tie it to Ovus, to hold it together. She then sent the other gods to their own realm, to watch creation from a distance, only helping in small ways. Before she could finish however, Gomir and Lumir swooped in and trapped her in her own creation. They stole pieces of her essence to ascend to godhood and then shackled the Betrayed to her cage so that none would ever reach her again.
However, there is now hope. The Shield of Basin braved the dangers of The Silver Islands to learn the truth. They released the Betrayed from his prison, and returned the pieces of essence to the mother that were stolen from her. Lumir and Gomir now live among mortals, no more danger to anyone, and the gods once again speak freely.
Mother's Shepherds
One with nature.
A new faction known as Mother’s Shepherds, has been created from this need for druids. The Shepherds make their headquarters within the many Trees of Sanctuary that have grown around Ovenica. They bend and twist the trunks, using the trees' own magic, to create living skyscrapers. The druids use these trees as conduits to travel from place to place in conjunction with the new teleportation technology. Shepherds are fundamental in keeping society running smoothly, yet very often their work can go unnoticed. Most of the druids don’t mind however, and many within Ovenica make great strides to thank them for their service. Every year, on the summer solstice, parades are held in most cities to honour the druids’ work.
Structure
Culture
Public Agenda
Sect of the Black Sign
From two now as one.
The followers of the Black Sign are often seen wielding immense power, but have yet to use it in any largely aggressive way. In the few rare cases where a branch has tragically turned bloodthirsty another branch has always stepped in to put them down.
Structure
The Church of Light
Live long and die free.
The Illuminated adhere to the concept of self perfection. They do not worship any gods but instead provide people fleeing religion a place to maintain a similar lifestyle without the oppression of true leadership.
Divine Origins
For some the organization was nothing more than a reminder to focus on themselves instead of feeling the need to worship a higher power. For others, however, it became a religion of its own. Those who do consider themselves practicing Illuminated spend their time exercising, and eating healthily. Some very devout Illuminated live very ascetically in small monasteries that have been built throughout Ovenica. There are some rumours that members of the now collapsed Order of the Silver Mind began the movement, but they have remained largely unsubstantiated.
Order of the Silver Mind
200 BGW - 904
Structure
Culture
Public Agenda
Assets
With the collapse of the Order the secret to entering the Dome was lost, and nothing remains but an empty shell now used as a city hall.
History
The Calder family lived up to Augrein's legacy and were one of the most personally powerful families in Ovenica at one time, however due to their beliefs they took very little interest in the things that happened outside of their hold.
Disbandment
Seeing his flawed leadership, the other members of the order exiled him and joined the war effort against the Angels of Iron. When the war was finished, few members of the Order remained. Instead of trying to rebuild, those few decided the last several decades were enough of a sign that their way wasn't working, and they dissolved the Order.
Though their order is no more, there are still those who follow the teachings of Augrein Silvermind Calder, but they often keep to themselves and not since the War has more than two or three followers of the Silvermind broke bread together.