Post by Nazerine on May 1, 2012 19:03:18 GMT 10
"What is good and what makes evil is not for man to determine." - Morette Coup, Aristocrat. |
| Name: Elyzian. Pronounced 'El-ee-zh-en. Plural form:- Elyzians. Nicknames: None. Lifespan: 75 - 80 Years. Reputation: Mysterious, thoughtful, egotistic, suspicious. Common Classes: Shadow Hunters, Warlocks, Rogues. Racial Gods: Vishal. Racial Attributes: +5 Knowledge, +3 Wisdom, +2 Agility. * Specialisation against undead and demons. * Weapon Specialisation - Whips & Canes. Capital: Gallowmere |
Origins
During the formation of the Imperial Empire throughout Verenthia, there were those whom did not entirely agree to establish laws and benefits to the high king or to the lord of light. As the imperial way stood clear in its foundation of justice and conquest of the land, many smaller kingdomships were birthed in it's wake.
The Elyzian kingdom was one of the siblings of the imperial mother, whom did not yield to conform with the ways in which the empire imposed itself on others.
Offset by their beliefs in power, the Elyzians loosened their ties with the empire and rose to claim the smaller settlements in their name. This rebellion, so claimed by the imperials, caused them to strike at the heart of the Elyzian faction, hoping to put them back under imperial rule. A long and bloody revolution occurred, spanning over decades of political debate and mass execution. The people suffered and rebelled, seeking to drive a wedge between them and those who wished to overrule them.
Diplomats and aristocrats from the kingdoms of men made plea with the Elyzian kingdomship, that they would remain obliged to help the imperial empire if called upon, but would be declared as an independent from that day forward. The revolution was a success and the high court granted that the Elyzian faction would indeed remain in their debt to pay for their freedom. Since that day, the Elyzians have further deviated from their old rules, coming to uphold and integrate their culture in their ways that many seem cruel and excessive.
Rumours spread about the subtle yet prominent dark changes in the towns and settlements owned by the race, until they were later confirmed. Though it is denied and undeclared, it is known that black magic works it's way under the society of the faction, rooting itself even into the belly of parliament. Rogues and vagabonds flocked to the faction's kingdom to practice their arts and studies without the restrictions placed imposed by imperial law.
Ties with corruption and open slavery has made the race one to be distrusted and despised by many. Their relations with the empire were shaken, though the Elyzians seem humble enough to lend their help and knowledge when required. But would it be welcomed?
Presently, the race owns the second most powerful human kingdom in Verenthia. Despite their dark nature in most things cunning, many famous witch hunters have risen from their ranks to combat the very evil that seems to flow with their questionable society. Mysterious and vague in their responsibilities, the imperial empire regards them as a tumour that must be cut.
Biology
A typical Elyzian is always of pale skin, the severity of it being either slightly pink to being almost transparent enough to see the veins running beneath. The pale complexion is more prominent in females with the visibility of veins more common in men. The hair is unusually dark, with variations between dark brown, black or deep red. The hair itself is straight and must be primed or ironed if one wishes for it to be curled. It tends to be grown very long in both sexes.
The colour of the eyes vary, with ebony, dark blue and dark green being the most common. The general facial features are described as being 'snake-like' by outsiders. The cause of this is said due to a passive genetic that gives all elyzians a vicious undertone.
Height and weight varies with most of the race being tall and lanky in build. Most males tend to be the tallest in all human races, usually standing at least a half a foot taller than the average. Facial hair in men is often short and barely grow longer than a goatee or short beard. Elyzians are the only known humans to be born without hair on the body. Hair growth is strictly kept to the head.
Age and Reproduction
The father or oldest male relative of a family can allocate a single family member to be put into the slave trade to work for the families debts. Usually they choose the child during the early years of their life, but they will not forfeit a single child if they do not have siblings. Males are put to work as labourers and miners while the females are chosen to serve in pleasure houses or as domestic workers. Once in the slave trade, one can only leave by raising enough money to buy themselves their freedom. Those fortunate enough to not be chosen for slave labour are pampered and primed, usually with the families wealth or that generated by the family slave.
The children are mollycoddled until they reach a young promising age that will define which school or craft they hold a taste in. Usually the age to decipher their skills ranges from as young as 8 to as old as 16. Both males and females alike are given choice as to what school they enter, and may change if they find it doesn't acquire to their taste. Only then are they taught the skills of the chosen school, with crafts varying from art, tailoring, potion making and much more.
Only after they have excelled and graduated from their chosen school are they granted the next stage of their life. Many turn to higher education in their given trade, continuing on their previous work to excel. Others turn to a more open lifestyle and use the skills taught to them in their school trade to raise self profit. Once they have graduated, their family ties are still kept close and are expected to visit their parents or guardians at least once every three years.
Usually after entering adulthood, and expecting that they have accumulated enough wealth, the young adult is granted permission to purchase slaves. Most Elyzians will purchase three slaves to work for them, sometimes buying back the family member they previously lost, either out of guilt or self benefit. Any more than three slaves requires a slavemaster permit, but the treatment of the slaves is entirely dependant on the mistress or master. Many keep their slaves in good health, as a weak and malnourished slave doesn't live long. Slaves can be known to live good lives despite their disadvantage, and can only earn their freedom with wealth or mercy.
Social Structure
The kingdomship is one of two extremes with both great poverty and superior wealth. There is no middle class, thus forcing the society to raise a large gap between the two classes. The majority of the population is placed in the lower class, where slavery is the foremost successful way of raising funds. Those found working and serving as slaves are usually young with more women than men found accountable for the population. The upper class, holding only 48% of the people, live out exceptionally good lives at the expense of many. With families investing in slaves, the generated wealth is poured into the family account, where it is spent raising the children of the upper class in expensive schooling programs. Academics are placed in the highest regard, with the children raised to become very successful in their later years from the programs they invest into.
The upper class professions are not seen as work, instead it is an extension of their learning and is promoted as a means of showing their particular skill and talents rather than as a means of income. However, beneath the shows of grandeur, an underground network of corruption lays in the kingdom's womb. Many of the upper class and lower class alike are known to have come into contact with the illegal network of dark magic and events that conspire in the Elyzian society.
Named the 'Inner Circle', the network is a formation of black academies, guilds, markets and trades that sell and teach that which is mostly disturbing. Those whom rule the market are crime lords and corrupt politicians wishing to gain extra profit and favour.
Ultimately, Elyzian society is patriarchal with all 'official' rulers being men. The highest ranked in Elyzian society are those whom can compensate wealth with power and influence, examples being founded in the high order and parliamentary foundation where the politicians and the royal class are also the most efficient magical users. The slavocracy of the kingdomship, seen as a dark shadow by some, is arguably the root of their success.
Psychology
In their culture, presence is power. Those whom command both are guaranteed leadership. Whether it is expressed through magic, through words, or through behaviour, an Elyzian admires someone whom can act and be superior or powerful. Anyone whom seems weak of the mind is usually tormented or taken advantage of.
They are not xenophobic and can come to respect other races if they can adapt to their ways and show that they can be well presented and influencial. Style and fashion is considered a must, and anyone whom dresses poorly is instantly discriminated.
Emotionally speaking, an Elyzian is usually somewhat arrogant and full of pride. Though, underneath their fascade of their vanity, they can be deep and quite attached to those they hold dear. They are known to be romantic, but if lead astray or betrayed, they will express an everlasting vengeance that will not fade quickly.
Racial Traits
The lanky nature of their bodies has allowed them to be quite adept at both speed and wit. However, they are not considered the strongest and are regarded as one of the more weaker or weakest human race in terms of physical strength. Though, they are naturally more strong than an elf and not as frail as a halfling.
With slavery placing itself firmly in their society, many are taught to handle tools necessary in keeping those of inferior position in line. Whips and canes are favoured and renowned as the most popular weapon in Elyzian society, followed by other tools used for discipline.
Their dark underground and shady history has allowed many tales to spread about the creatures of the dark. Common knowledge of fiends, undead and even demons can be found in almost any household. Usually the information is used to educate the public in dealing with creatures most foul, since the location of their kingdom lingers close to the border of the tainted lands. This leads to most of this race having an advantage over creatures of the dark.
Clothing, Art and Industry
Fashion and appearance are held in high regard. Whether it be for work or leisure, clothing and accessories are a state of being and status. Those of high rank have higher quality clothing and more extreme detail compared to those in society who are labelled as commoners or slaves. The style of clothing is described as gothic, composed of black, blood red or darker shades of colouring. Both leather and cloth make up the majority of clothing, with leather being favoured by men and cloth by women. Men are commonly dressed in waistcoats, coats, tight leather undershirts, leather pants and knee high leather boot. Women dress in puffy or slender victorian dresses, corsets or other regalia accompanied with a fan and many accessories such as flowers, piercings and jewellery.
Military clothing differs, with long flowing leather robes tied with leather belts and chains being favoured among the powerful sorcerers and warlocks in Elyzian society. Plate armour is considered not as flamboyant in taste.
Within the kingdom their buildings are considered beautiful and admired by all. Their most famous architectural skill is marked in their dark cathedrals that serve as places of worship to the gods. Their design composes of narrow stain glass windows with rooms filled with magnificent candelabra displays and pillars. The roofs guarded by gargoyle statues are used as a symbol of protection and are placed onto the corner of every government building.
Most of their buildings are crafted from shaded ores, stone or metals with dark colouration, giving the buildings a notable dark complexion. The quality and design carry a forlorn stature, upholding the Elyzian ideology of suffering being the root of success.
Religion
Within the sacred walls of cathedrals and places of worship, the most devoted Elyzians pay respect to the god of the afterlife; Vishal. They envision death as the final judgement where those whom have done the most work and paid their time dearly to their work are granted the best rewards.
However, they are not appointed to worship death. They see it as a gateway to the next life, in the same mannerisms someone may view their final exam. It is a test of fate and will where only the best succeed. Slaves, regarded lowly, are actually said to benefit the most, having their dues paid with blood sweat and tears. Some of the masochistic Elyzians willingly offer themselves into slavery, believing their suffering in the current life will grant them more power and favour in the next.
Suffering, perceived by the deeply religious, is a limited source that can only be given out at certain quantities. The most religious slaves believe that if they are to suffer, that the agony in the live's of others would be undone. Small devoted cults of worshippers will place themselves at the mercy of other's or beg to be harmed in order to practice their extreme beliefs.