Avaria

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Avaria

Resplendent in its grandeur, the kingdom of Avaria gleams like a jewel amidst the world of Faeloria. Encased within the arms of the majestic Elysian Mountains, its breathtaking landscapes dance between the serene Azure Coastline and the verdant Great Sylvan expanse. Home to the illustrious Hartwright dynasty, Avaria's strength lies in the harmonious blend of its powerful military, symbolized by the awe-inspiring Avarian Guard in their shining white armor, and its thriving culture, nurtured by arts, literature, and ancient lore. A beacon of order and righteousness, Avaria is a testament to unity, prosperity, and benevolent rule, holding a steadfast stand against the dark kingdom of Dalr and its deplorable practice of slavery. From the echoing halls of the Royal Hartwright Palace to the bustling marketplaces alive with color and song, Avaria is a realm where dreams intertwine with destiny, and heroes are forged in the fires of courage and truth.

Geography of Avaria

Nestled in the heart of Faeloria, Avaria is a kingdom blessed with diverse and enchanting geographical features. At its center, a sprawling metropolis, crowned with a grand white-stone castle, sits atop a lush hill overlooking the kingdom. Here, cobblestone streets wind through the city, lined with quaint homes, bustling markets, and establishments that cater to every walk of life.

Stretching out from the city are expanses of verdant farmlands and orchards, dotted with charming villages and hamlets. They form a patchwork quilt of greens and golds, interspersed with sparkling brooks and calm ponds. In the distance, the Avarian Forest stretches out, a vast woodland brimming with ancient trees, home to various wildlife and mythical creatures. Beneath the tree canopies, bioluminescent flora bloom, lighting up the forest floor with a mesmerizing glow.

A network of sapphire rivers weaves through Avaria, originating from the grand Silverfall Cascade nestled in the heart of the Avarian Forest. The rivers nourish the kingdom, supporting a rich variety of aquatic life and providing resources for the people.

To the east of Avaria, the land rises gradually, giving way to the majestic Elysian Mountains. These towering peaks, some crowned with perpetual snow, form a formidable natural barrier, protecting Avaria from potential threats. Their lower slopes are home to mineral-rich mines, providing the kingdom with valuable resources.

The kingdom's southern region gives way to a tranquil coastline, with beautiful white sand beaches kissed by azure waves of the vast Lumina Sea. A number of quaint coastal towns thrive on fishing and sea trade, providing the kingdom with seafood and exotic goods.

In the skies above, one can occasionally spot floating islands, an enchanting sight, adorned with lustrous crystals and draped with cascading vines. The Fae influence permeates Avaria's geography, ensuring a blend of natural beauty and ethereal wonder that sets it apart from the mundane.

Fae Influence in Avaria

The Fae, children of the goddess Ariana, have a profound influence on the kingdom of Avaria, shaping its culture, magic, and everyday life. This influence is deeply rooted in the kingdom's history, traditions, and the mutual respect that exists between the human populace and the Fae.

Fae Emissary

A Fae emissary, currently the beautiful and enigmatic Lady Aurelia Moonwhisper, serves in the royal court. This role signifies the strong bond between Avaria and the Fae, with the emissary acting as an intermediary between the two.

Arcane Practices

Avaria's magic is largely Fae in nature, deeply tied to the arcane energies of the Fae Wilds. The Palace Alchemist Miss Elara Sideris and Cleric Sister Marianne Thorne are both experts in their fields partly because of their deep understanding of Fae magic.

Fae Festivals

The kingdom celebrates several Fae festivals, such as the Glow of Ariana and The Veil Dance.

Nature Worship

The worship of Eriana, Ariana’s daughter and goddess of nature, is widespread in Avaria. Shrines and temples can be found throughout the kingdom.

Fae Creatures

Pixies, brownies, and more elusive entities are common sights in rural Avaria and the Royal Woods.

Fae Architecture

The distinctive architectural style of the Fae influences Avaria’s capital, blending human and fae aesthetics.

Organizations

• The Avarian Guard: The kingdom's primary military force, commanded by Captain Aiden Trevelyan.
• The Arcanum Lyceum: A prestigious institution of magical learning located in Lumenara.
• The Order of Starfall: Chivalric order defending Starfall Citadel.
• The Luminary Circle: Religious order dedicated to Ariana.
• Order of the Purple Rose: Elite force combating demonic threats.
• The Guild of Artisans: Oversees Avaria's celebrated artists and craftspeople.
• The Harbormaster's Association: Governs maritime trade from Crystalport.
• HighGrad Trading Company: Renowned elven-founded trading faction across Faeloria.
• The Conservators of Nature: Druids and rangers devoted to Avaria’s natural balance.

Culture

Avaria is a land of diversity and harmony, valuing unity, hospitality, reverence for nature, and the fae. Storytelling, music, and art are central to its culture.

Art and Entertainment

• Visual Arts: Realism blended with fae motifs.
• Music and Dance: Traditional instruments alongside magical ones such as crystal harmoniums.
• Theatre and Storytelling: Illusion-enhanced plays and oral traditions.
• Festivals and Fae Celebrations: Seasonal events with lanterns, dances, and feasts.
• Sports and Games: Horse racing, archery, and fae-inspired games like Spellweave.
• Artisan Crafts: Exquisite jewelry, tapestries, and enchanted items.

Local Legends and Myths

Avaria, steeped in magic and history, is a land rich with tales of heroism, divine intervention, and mythical creatures. These stories, passed down through generations, are woven into the kingdom's culture and identity. They inspire its people, provide cautionary tales, and often serve as the basis for local customs and festivals.

• The First Light of Lumenara: Legend tells of the founding of the capital, Lumenara, when the first King of Avaria, Eldric the Lightbringer, held aloft a crystal of pure magic that illuminated the entire city. This light, said to be a gift from Ariana herself, banished the shadow creatures plaguing the kingdom and brought about a new era of prosperity and peace.

• The Starfall Event: Many years ago, a meteor shower of unprecedented scale graced the skies above what is now known as Starfall Citadel. It is said that these meteors were actually celestial beings, sent by Chronos himself, to protect Avaria from a great, unseen threat. The remnants of these meteors, now imbued in the Citadel's walls, are believed to grant it an unparalleled defense.

• The Guardian of Twilight Grove: The Grove is said to be home to a guardian spirit, an ancient Fae of immense power that serves Ariana. This guardian is said to appear as a massive, luminescent stag, watching over the sacred forest and ensuring the peace between the mortal and Fae realms.

• The Sea Serpent of Crystalport: Sailors from Crystalport tell tales of a massive sea serpent, a creature so large it can coil around entire ships. While many dismiss it as a mariners' tale, those who have ventured deep into the sea maintain that the beast is very real.

• The Moonlit Muse: Artists in Moonveil often speak of a muse, a beautiful Fae who visits them under the moonlight and inspires their best work. She is said to disappear with the dawn, leaving only a trail of shimmering dew in her wake.

• The Everdawn Prophecy: It is said that when Avaria faces its darkest hour, a hero will rise from the Everdawn Fields. This hero, touched by Ariana's magic, will bring a new dawn to the kingdom, dispelling darkness and ensuring Avaria's survival.

• The Phantom Knight of Starfall Citadel: Starfall Citadel, the ancient fortress at the outskirts of Avaria, is said to be haunted by a phantom knight. Legend has it that he was a knight of unparalleled bravery who fell defending the Citadel from a monstrous invasion. It's said that on the darkest nights, his ghost can be seen wandering the Citadel Ramparts, standing guard over Avaria even in death.

• The Dance of the Veil: The moonlit lake at the heart of Avaria is a place of calm and beauty, but according to legend, it's also a meeting place for the Fae. Once a year, during the night of the full moon, it is said the veil between realms grows thin and the Fae come to the lake to dance. Those lucky enough to witness this event are said to be blessed with a year of good luck.

• The Lady in the Lighthouse: On the rocky coastline of Avaria, there's an old lighthouse that still guides ships to safety. It's said to be maintained by a mysterious lady who, according to legend, waits for her lost love to return from the sea. Some sailors claim to have seen her - a figure bathed in moonlight, scanning the horizon from the top of the lighthouse.

• The Song of the Sea Serpent: Folklore speaks of a legendary sea serpent that dwells in the ocean surrounding Avaria. Its scales are said to sparkle like sapphires, and its song can be heard for miles around. According to the legend, hearing the song brings either great fortune or terrible doom, but no one knows how to tell which outcome awaits them.

• The Last Song of the Lorelei: The legend speaks of a mysterious woman with a voice of unparalleled beauty who resides in the depths of the Moonlit Lake. It's said that her captivating song has the power to entrance anyone who hears it. The twist, however, is that once her voice touches your soul, you are bound to her forever and will be compelled to walk into the lake, disappearing from the mortal realm forever.

• The Stone of Serendipity: Nestled in the town square of Lumenara, there stands a monolith, veined with gold and glittering gemstones. Legends say it is a remnant of a fallen star, and it brings fortune to anyone who can touch it at the exact stroke of midnight. However, the exact second is not governed by any mortal clock, but by the celestial timing of the cosmos.

• The Wandering Alchemist: There is an old tale that speaks of an alchemist, who in his quest for eternal life, concocted a potion that made him invisible. Now, he wanders the streets of Lumenara, a ghost amongst the living, helping those in need and righting wrongs. It's said that if you are in desperate need, and if your cause is just, the Wandering Alchemist will come to your aid.

• The Sleeping Giant: In the mountain ranges bordering Avaria, there is a particular peak known as the Slumbering Titan. As the legend goes, the mountain is not a mountain at all, but a sleeping giant from the age of myths. The people of Avaria tell tales that, when Avaria is in its direst need, the giant shall awaken to defend the kingdom.

• The Weeping Willow: In the royal gardens, there stands an ancient willow tree that blooms with silver leaves. The legend tells of a heartbroken fae maiden who was transformed into the tree. It's said that the rustling of the willow's leaves is her lament, and the silver leaves are her unshed tears. The fae maiden is said to have deep wisdom about love and loss, and those who approach her with respect may receive her guidance.

Festivals

• The Day of First Light: Celebrated at the dawn of the new year, this festival commemorates the first sunrise of the year. People gather in public spaces, usually on high ground to watch the first rays of the sun. It's a time for renewal, forgiveness, and setting goals for the new year. The festival includes the lighting of candles, the sharing of communal meals, and the singing of songs that welcome the dawn.

• The Fae Blossom Festival: This springtime festival coincides with the blooming of the Fae Blossoms, bioluminescent flowers said to be a gift from the Goddess Ariana. The city is decorated with these flowers, creating an ethereal and enchanting atmosphere. It's a time of joy, merriment, and dance. The festival includes a grand parade of flower-adorned floats and costumes, as well as contests for the best flower arrangements.

• Chronos' Hourglass: A mid-year festival that honors Chronos, the God of Time. The festival is marked by the turning of a grand hourglass in the royal palace. It's a time for reflection on the past and future, and for making the most of the present. Activities include storytelling sessions where tales of the past are told, fortune-telling sessions that predict the future, and parties that celebrate the present.

• The Festival of Falling Leaves: Celebrated in autumn, it's a festival that honors the cycle of life and change, often associated with the Goddess Eriana. People gather fallen leaves and create art, which they then set adrift on the rivers of Avaria. The festival also includes bonfires, harvest feasts, and dances that mimic the falling of leaves.

• The Night of Whispering Shadows: This festival takes place during the longest night of the year and pays homage to the shadowy realms of the Fae. It's a time when the barrier between the mortal realm and the Fae Wilds is said to be thinnest. People light lanterns to ward off malevolent spirits and share stories of the Fae. It is a night filled with quiet respect and muted celebration, a balance to the normally festive and loud Avarian culture. Festival Masks: For the Night of Whispering Shadows and other fae-influenced festivals, it's traditional to wear masks that represent different aspects of the Fae Wilds. These intricate and imaginative masks are often passed down through generations and are considered family heirlooms.

• The Feast of Alcor: A yearly event held in the dead of winter to honor Alcor, the God of Protection and Sacrifice. Families in Avaria gather around fires, sharing stories of brave deeds and making pledges for the year to come. Soldiers, knights, and any who have shown exceptional bravery in the face of danger are celebrated, their tales told around the fire. A symbolic bonfire in the town square is kept burning all night to represent Alcor's eternal vigilance. Alcor's Vigil: During the Feast of Alcor, it is traditional to light a candle at the strike of midnight and place it in a window. The candles are left to burn until morning, as a symbol of Alcor's vigilance and protection.

• Ariana's Embrace: A festival celebrating motherhood, inspired by Ariana, the Goddess of Arcane and Motherhood. Mothers are treated with special respect and given tokens of appreciation. People also bring gifts to the temples of Ariana, which are distributed to the needy. The festival includes feasts, dances, and a procession of mothers through the streets of Althea.

• The Dance of the Stars: This celestial festival takes place when the cosmos align in a unique pattern, which occurs every 5 years. It is a night of stargazing, with people camping out under the night sky, watching the stars. Scholars and astronomers give public lectures, and children send lanterns into the sky, making wishes on them as they go. Star Lanterns: During the Dance of the Stars festival, it is traditional for individuals to write their dreams and aspirations on lanterns and release them into the night sky. This symbolizes the individual's hopes reaching out to the cosmos, guided by the light of the stars.

• Eriana's Bounty: Celebrated during the harvest season, this festival is dedicated to Eriana, the Goddess of Nature. The people of Avaria offer thanks for the year's harvest and pray for a prosperous growing season in the year to come. The festival includes a grand feast, where the tables are laden with the season's bounty. There are also competitions for the best-grown vegetables, the most sizable fruits, and the most beautiful flowers. Harvest's First Share: At the start of the Eriana's Bounty festival, the first share of the harvest is always offered to the local temple in thanks to Eriana. This share is then distributed amongst the less fortunate, reinforcing a sense of community and shared prosperity.

• Lucien's Revel: This festival is a grand party thrown in honor of Lucien, the God of Luck. The streets are filled with games of chance, and the citizens take part in friendly gambling, testing their luck for the coming year. It's also a time when risks are taken, and big decisions are made, all in the spirit of the unpredictable Lucien. Lucien's Lots: During the festival of Lucien's Revel, it's a tradition for people to exchange 'Lucien's Lots' - small, personalized tokens or charms meant to bring luck in the coming year. This tradition helps to foster strong community ties and is often a highlight of the festival.

Traditions

• Naming Day
• Knighting Ceremony
• Fae Touch
• Telling Stones

History

• Early History
• Founding of the Kingdom
• The Age of Expansion
• The Great War
• The Renaissance
• Modern Era

Demography and Population

• Humans – majority
• Fae – significant presence
• Elves – High and Wood Elves
• Dwarves – centered in Lunaridge
• Halflings – Sunfield communities
• Others – Gnomes, Half-Orcs, Tieflings, etc.

Military

• Avarian Guard
• Royal Guard (Captain Ser Rowan Meryndor, Lt. Ser Thoren Valhart)
• Militia
• Navy
• Mage Corps
• Fortifications
• Alliances and Diplomacy

Religion

Major deities include:

• Chronos – Father and Creator of Time
• Ariana – Goddess of the Arcane and Motherhood
• Lucien – God of Luck
• Eriana – Goddess of Nature
• Alcor – God of Protection and Sacrifice
• Lesser: Cryos, Aros, Inuera

Foreign Relations

Dalr

Trade and occasional alliances, but cultural/political differences and weaker Fae ties.

Kokoro

Strong diplomacy and trade, though underlying tensions exist.

Laws

• Law of Divine Respect
• Equality Edict
• Royal Decree of Education
• Magical Conduct Act
• Trade Regulation Statutes
• Law of Sanctuary
• Heritage Protection Act
• Environmental Conservation Law
• Piracy and Banditry Decree

Agriculture & Industry

• Agriculture
• Mining and Metalwork
• Forestry and Herbalism
• Trade and Commerce
• Magic and Arcane Services
• Crafts and Artisanship
• Tourism

Trade & Transport

Avaria maintains roads, sea trade via Crystalport, caravans, and magical couriers. The HighGrad Trading Company plays a pivotal role.

Education

• Institutions of Learning: Arcanum Lyceum, University of Luminara, Royal Military Academy.
• Elementary Education
• Magical Education
• Access to Education
• Lifelong Learning