It is Nicodas, 3rd of the Month of Rain, in the year 96
His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Cendric
The Imperium
The Empire of Dumanon and Lothian
H.G.P Mildred
H.R.P Fenna
H.R.P Gytha
H.R.P Reinald
Most commonly known as The Imperium, but officially known as The Empire of Dumanon and Lothian. It is currently the world’s foremost Great Power following the outcome of the Aulerci Royal War some years ago. During this war, Dumanon solidified its global power at the expense of its local continental power, a move that drew anger from many of its nobility.
Dumanon is known for its powerful aetheric nobility, and how in most respects your noble rank is determined by your strength. So strong is their power that it is not uncommon for the nobility to act independently of the Empire, setting out to expand on their influence and in turn the Imperium - This individual strength and independence has also led to a myriad of infighting amongst the aetheric class, where violence and intrigue among powerbases is not uncommon and a mere Lord can rise to the rank of Duke as swiftly as they could slice a throat - Luckily, they are all kept in line by the Emperor, his family, and their struggle against a world that would snuff them out; so all-out civil war is only a far-distant possibility.
"My exalted nobles - Discard the Old Continent from your minds. Our future lies across the wider sea, where the legacy of our empire will be forged..."
- Emperor Cendric, Addressing The House of Lords
Play As...
Dumanon
General Characteristic
Race
Human
Language
Common, Imperial, Gaerfyrddin
Height
162cm - 195cm (5'3 - 6'4)
Hair Colours
Brown, Black, Blonde, Ginger
Eye Colours
Predominantly Blues, Greens, Greys, Hazel, Browns.
Skin Tone
Pale skinned
Ethos
Bellicose (Dumanon, Lothian), Communal (Gaerfyrddin)
Naming Convention
Anglo-Saxon, Medieval English; Old Scottish, Irish and Welsh; Norman, Rohirrim
Imperial Rundown
Themes
British Empire, Colonial, Noble RP, Top-Dog fighting to maintain position.
Aesthetics
Dumanon/Lothian - Anglo-Saxon, English, Scots, Norman, Colonial, Imperial.
Gaerfyrddin - Welsh Chiefdoms, Pagan, Druidic
Unique Aspects
The Nobility is mostly aetheric (magic) users and has a reputation for competing against each other and infighting.
General Attitudes Towards
Attitude Scale:
Allied
Friendly
Cordial
Neutral
Unfavourable
Antagonistic
War
Gallia:
Antagonistic
Great Houses:
Unfavourable
Custodes:
Neutral
Azuchi:
Neutral
Daurans:
Unfavourable
Asturias:
Antagonistic
Komanali:
Friendly
Banen’Rhûn:
Neutral
Dynasty:
Cordial
Sasanshahr:
Allied
Ancient Dwarves:
Neutral
Amu-Tep:
Neutral
Turak:
Neutral
Dumanon and Aether Users:
Uniquely among the world's countries Dumanon's nobility is almost entirely gifted with Aetheric powers; any noble worth their weight in salt is first and foremost a powerful wielder of these abilities - These powers are not shunned nor hidden in Dumanon society, rather they're celebrated and encouraged. Though Aether Corruption is accepted to some extent, there is a distinct hostility towards those who lose their loyalty to the Imperium in favour of their own power.
Dumanon and Demons:
Demons, those that were not killed at a young age out of fear of early on-set Aether Corruption, tend to be able to hide better within the Imperium. Still, this ability to hide and enjoy greater freedom to use their abilities betrays the consensus among the Blue-Blooded (Nobles) that such creatures exist as a challenge to the Nobility and their horns, heads or other appendages make fine trophies to showcase one's own prowess to lord over their peers.
Despite Dumanon's experimentation with the Aether to proliferate their kind, they have no awareness of Demons having a 'normal' and 'true' form. This can be accounted for by their tendency to 'dispose' of those they think are lost to Aether Corruption or trophy hunt those in their true form.
When Playing...
When making a character from Dumanon, firstly consider what culture they are from.
Are they from Dumanon proper, Lothian or Gaerfyrddin? Each of these general areas will define how the character has entered into the world.
Those from Dumanon proper have more social restrictions and expectations, they pay greater attention and detail to social engagements and diplomacy. They seek mutually beneficial relationships with almost anyone first. Will you seek to maintain the course and expand your power and influence through diplomacy and trade, or will you come to represent a new breed of Dumanon and compete with Lothians?
Lothian on the other hand, are late to the diplomatic game of Dumanon and instead have taken it upon themselves to be the firebrands of the Empire. Leading the charge in conquest and showcasing the Empire’s raw strength. More often than not, Lothian individuals are the greatest vessels of change socially and technologically, they seize the opportunities laid bare for them after entering the Union with their southern neighbour. Will you seize greatness like your kin, or fall into obscurity?
Gaerfyrddin are more reluctant participants in the Empire. Conquered and subdued, they have fought against their overlords and lost more than once. Will you be resentful of the Empire and try to undermine it? Or will you seize the opportunities it provided Lothian and carve out a destiny worthy of legend?
The opportunities of the New World are endless. Here there is land to settle and build a future, all it needs is for you to seize it.
Dumanon along with Sasanshahr form 'The Covenant' power bloc.
"Why does that man have pointed ears?"
- From the book 'Across the Blue', the Ship Captain's first time seeing an Elf.
The History of Dumanon
Old Era, around 200 years before the New Era...
Until three centuries ago, Dumanon was mostly a backwater island occupied by various petty kingdoms and duchies all vying for control over their neighbours. This situation changed when a Gallic Duke married the Heiress of Dumanon, and through this union the rise of Dumanon as it appears today starts.
Dumanon with the aid of Gallic troops swiftly subdued many of its neighbours, and those nobles who were too unruly were promptly replaced by those who were more trustworthy. In this case, it was often Gallic nobility.
Old Era, around 100 years before the New Era...
It was not until a century later that Dumanon finally managed to incorporate the last major state yet still not under control, Lothian. Through marriage, of then Queen Cwenhild and King Lachlann of Lothian, the two were united into what they proclaimed to be an Empire, and later known as the Imperium.
Cwenhild and Lachlann laid the foundations of the Aetheric society that would come to be, instituting the Aetheric class more formally, despite the apprehension of the nobility.
New Era, Year 86 - 90
These lands were not truly threatened until the Aulerc Royal War, in the Year 86 of the New Era. A conflict bubbled out over the rightful succession of the Aulerc Duchy. While a vassal of Dumanon, the first in line to succeed to the throne was a Duke loyal to Gallia - Before Dumanon could muster an army in preparation for a potential war with Gallia, they had already invaded and began cutting down the forces that Empress Moire had left there.
With superior preparation and speed, the Gallic Kingdom shattered the Dumanon army. It swiftly recaptured much of its lost land save a few stubborn coastal castles that held out due to supplies being delivered by The Royal Navy of Dumanon.
Emperor Cendric, realising attempting to land an army back onto the continental mainland when faced with a much larger revenge-fueled Gallic army would sacrifice too much and be too great a risk to attempt. The consequences of such could cripple his Imperium for years to come. Instead, he focused on the seas and across it, dominating all of the overseas territories of Gallia and severing their trade to the homeland.
Emperor Cenric made the controversial choice to hand over the Gallic lands gained by his mother in favour of all its overseas possessions. This treaty angered many powerful groups within the Empire with interests in Gallia.
The next few decades oversaw Dumanon expand its trade network across the oceans and swell with wealth siphoned from its rivals. The Imperium gave great allowance for the activates of privateers and coastal raiding of the Empire's enemies. The Empire though, under his direction grew fat and complacent with itself. The merchant class inadvertently swelled in their importance to the prosperity of Dumanon during his reign.
Empress Moire succeeded to the throne in Year 56 of the New Era, after the death of Empress Cwenhild and disappearance of Emperor Lachlann.
New Era, Year 68 - 86
Ever holding grand designs of pushing Imperial influence across the seas, Empress Moire attention looked upon Gallia with intent to reclaim her 'ancestral' homeland. A formal request was made to the King of Gallia to cede control of the territory, which was promptly rejected. Using this as justification, she assembled an army and launched a brazen military campaign that broke the Gallic Kingdom's strength for years - It was during this campaign that Cendric himself became widely recognised for his aetheric prowess, and favoured by his nobles and men alike for his ingenuity and certainty of victory.
Almost a third of Gallia came under Dumanon’s control, either directly, as a vassal or as a mere puppet like Aulerc. This swelling of territorial control was seen as short-sighted and harmful by a not-too-insignificant but disgruntled group of the aristocracy and merchants. They cited that Dumanon was ill-prepared to administrate unruly land and further protect it from those who would want it back. The Empress stationed a permanent standing army in the newly annexed territory to dissuade such fears further.
This did not prevent frequent border conflicts from happening and skirmishes between Knights of both countires.
Emperor Cendric ascended to the throne in Year 72 of the New Era, he was already greatly renowned for his feats in combat and his aetheric mastery was completely unparalleled.
New Era, Year 91 - 91
Not three years later the Emperor would suffer a rebellion against his rule. The catalyst was the loss of the continental Gallic land, given back to the Kingdom through treat but it was not the whole reason. Since Cendric ascended to the throne, he made efforts to strengthen the Aetheric class, granting them greater privileges and disfavouring those without the power.
The uprising came from many prominent noble families across the land, and they raised large levies to oppose the Emperor and his Aetheric cabal.
Although not all nobles joined against him, many stayed loyal to the Emperor having fought against Gallia with him; having first hand experience of his abilities.
To the surprise of his enemies, Emperor Cendric did not waste time with amassing a large army to counter the swelling threat from his rebelling nobles. Instead, he took his household guard and a handful of powerful individuals on a rapid campaign to outmanoeuvred his more cumbersome foe by shattering their forces before they could fully muster and join the main army.
Instead of engaging the rebel army in a unfavorable pitched battles, he solidified his status as a god among men when he consistently drove through the entire front ranks of men-at-arms at the head of his guard cavalry and lashed out at the treacherous swines fighting against him. In one such dramatic battle, he hunted down Duke Lambert Barnes on the field and scorched the flesh from his bones. His agony rang out across the battlefield, and his men were swift to surrender.
The defeat of this rebellion was just the justification he needed to supplant the old nobility with those empowered Aetherically. In the following years, this new noble caste quickly replaced the old nobility as the foremost holders of land and title. They made fortuitous alliances with the guildsmen, even fighting over partnerships for certain rights to chartered companies, and showing ‘mercy’ to the old noble lineages by incorporating them into their new order. The most ambitious of them even sought Warrants of Conquest issued by the Emperor to specific families.
He has since entered into the realms of myth, his exploits have garnered him a legendary reputation with rumours suggesting he has limitless power and potential. Some believe he orchestrated the rebellion to reimagine society to his preference, others consider him a god made manifest here to reshape the world. His own Aetherics are often beguiled by his possibilities and their imaginations run wild with -what- he could be.
In truth, few really know the true extent of the man.
New Era, Year 92 - 95
Concerned with the possible combination of the Asturian Navy, with the Gallic Navy and then further their combined armies pushed The Empire to strengthen its trading ties with Sasanshahr, investing more deeply into its economic recovery and even lend aid to the Enlightened Emperor where it could to root out its corruption. This is all to have Sasnshahr recover and be presented as a worthy challenge to The Union between Gallia and Asturias.
The Covenant between Dumanon and Sasanshahr however, came before the formal union of Gallia and Asturias. Leading some among the Imperial Lords to speculate if they had not caused the problem themselves. Some wonder if it was an intentional or accidental part of the Emperor's plan.
Colonial Endeavor, New Era 30 - 95
Dumanon first set out ships to discover the New World years after the Asturians had already done so. And they were even behind the first Gallic colony before a mission was charted of their own. - The first colony, Merstone, was named after a mythical folk hero who was said to have tamed the seas around the Dumanon home island to allow the first people to arrive. This colony would have collapsed without the trading between the settlers and local Komanali which would begin a series of trades and agreements that strengthened the relations.
The Dominion of the Great Houses' first contact with Dumanon was during a routine expulsion of Komanali nomads from territory near House Galasaar. The Rangers contended with the Dumanon traders and the Komanali but failed in their mission. This began a downward trend of relations between Dumanon and Galasaar in which they had clashed various times with the most recent happening 8 years ago. Despite proving to be a greater challenge than originally thought, the war turned against Galasaar with the involvement of an over-zealous Marchioness, Elena The Terrible, who sacked a Galasaar town that had surrendered without a fight only to begin delivering pieces of these townsfolk to Galasaar leaders in efforts to intimidate them into submission. - The accompanying letters were otherwise very politely written.
Disagreements within Dumanon's Colonial nobility halted further expansion as infighting made further incursions more precarious than fruitful. A peace was then signed in which Galasaar ceded territory to Dumanon along with reparations in coin.
"These savages are extraordinary. Just watching them struggle with everyday life is fascinating."
- Royal Princess Fenna, sharing her thoughts on the Komenali with her brother Reinald.
Dumanon:
Civilization & Politics
Dumanon is considered a peer amongst its Old World neighbours in terms of prestige and technological development. It excels in two primary categories: economy and the Imperial Navy. - The Aetheric Nobility are far more mercantile than the Old Nobility, allowing for a flourishing of trade and economic benefit. This has then been coupled with tying its economic future to its navy, or rather its supremacy over every other threat it can perceive.
The Imperial Navy is often recognised as the mightiest navy in existence, rumoured to be two or three times as large as their nearest competitor, The Kingdom of Asturias, and further bolstered by the rumoured immense size of the armed Merchant Navy.
The Nobility
Blue-Blooded is a term that is used to refer to the Dumanon Aetheric nobility, although it can be more generally applied to anyone who is Aether Attuned. - Emperor Cendric's Imperium grew around the empowerment of the Aetheric class, the evolution of the ruling caste and the expansion of his empire.
Most Dumanon noble families will fill their ranks with adopted individuals who are found to have potent aetheric potential at a young age. Usually, their first step would be to become an apprentice to one of the Lords of the household and then if they show their strength they may be formally adopted.
It is not uncommon that many opt for the traditional method of creating a family. There is a common belief that the strongest of children are born from the strongest of unions rather than selected at random. This has led to several unsavoury practices and incestuous relationships based on an understanding of ‘strong’.
While some of these practices can prove successful they are not without their problems. Prospective parents are known to perform risky rituals in an attempt to boost their child's power in the womb or to even ensure they are Attuned. This undertaking is a crude and not well-understood method of alchemy by the Dumanon nobility with results that can differ greatly, while many either die in the womb or are born deformed - Or worse, lacking Aether Attunement only to be killed. - Many come out with an adequate level of potential while very few become prodigies of power. These few develop at such a frightening pace and accrue such strength that they flat-out frighten most of their peers with the disturbance they manifest when they draw near. Although exceedingly rare, the prodigies will almost always end up bestowed the title of Prince or Princess by the Emperor.
Realm Knights
Realm Knight, officially Imperial Knight, is a designation given to an individual who serves one of the Aetheric Nobility as a member of the household and primarily is used for their martial ability. - In the majority of cases, they have advanced from an Esquire.
Often these people can double as advisors, businessmen and landlords in place of the nobles they serve. Or other roles of responsibility. Often one is selected to be the chosen 'second', who is typically responsible for the management of their lord’s estate.
Imperial Knights can usually be distinguished by their adornment of Seals of Authority and Accolades upon their armour. Generally, they will wear the household colours of the one they serve and often act out aggressively against those who’d disparage their liege or their family’s name.
Noble Titles
Unlike the rest of the Old World, the rank of a noble does not necessarily equate to their total land ownership or even ownership of land at all. The reforms brought about in Dumanon have disassociated land from the title, instead Aetheric strength and an individual's influence will see them rise through the ranks.
This unique situation has seen a proliferation of noble titles, but also a strengthening of bonds of underlings to their respective masters - in so far as they remain weaker in order to serve. When an underling believes they are as strong, if not stronger than their master, they are able to challenge them to a duel and take their place. However, the repercussions of losing are often extremely harsh, with many instead seeking an audience with their master's master to see advancement. In this circumstance, it is common for a series of challenges to be issued to determine suitability.
Imperial Family Titles
Emperor (His Imperial Majesty) -
Currently held by Emperor Cendric, and recognised as the most powerful individual in the Empire.
The Grand Prince/Princess (Her Grand Highness) -
This title refers to the Heir apparent. There can only be one, and they are the chosen successor of the Emperor.
Royal Prince/Princess (His/Her Royal Highness) -
The Royal Prince or Princess represents other particularly strong members of the Emperor’s family. Each one is a potential candidate to become The Grand Prince/Princess should the current prove unworthy. - Many noble factions rally around these members hoping for their advancement in time.
Imperial Prince/Princess (His/Her Imperial Highness) -
The Imperial Prince or Princess differs from their Royal counterpart in that they are the highest rank one can achieve without being accepted into the Imperial Family. These are considered the most powerful aetheric individuals of Cendric’s Empire and are a force to be reckoned with in their own right.
Higher Nobility Titles
Duke/Duchess -
Those holding this title often have the ambition to achieve the level above, but lack a significant enough event or feat of strength to be recognised by the Emperor himself. Some would even blur the lines between who is stronger, themselves or their superiors.
Count/Countess -
Considered by the nobility as ‘the end of the line’. The threshold to achieve more is often too great for those who are stuck at this rank, and so they either need to push themselves to even greater lengths or accept their position until they die. But make no mistake, these individuals are far from weak.
Baron/Baroness -
The first noble rank was seen as the Aetheric Nobility. To reach it was often seen as an arduous journey, but it was here that the true fruits of an attuned could be enjoyed as they could now mingle with their noble peers properly and their quest for power truly began.
Lower Nobility Titles
Lord/Lady -
Essentially, a distinguished Knight. The Lord or Lady was an individual, either attuned or not, who was an exemplar of a Knight or a strong aetheric individual. While this was just another stepping stone for the attuned, it was the end of the line for those without. Unless they had some particularly powerful allies and solid justification to justify the infringement on the nobility.
Knight -
The most common rank among the nobility, and one denoting superior martial skill at least when compared to the rank and file. Knights distinguished themselves by adorning the colours of their masters, Seals of Authority or Seals of Achievement. The latter one done as both a matter of intimidation and prestige.
Esquire -
The beginning of the journey within the Dumanon Nobility. This rank could be held by both attuned and non-attuned individuals. Despite holding the same rank, the expectations for both were drastically different, and the attuned were always considered their better when compared to the non-attuned.
Warrant of Conquest
The Warrant of Conquest is a highly sought-after document bestowed upon an Aetheric noble with the explicit aim to explore, expand and exploit resources yet untapped by Dumanon. These warrants lift many of the restrictions typically upon the nobility by granting them extended rights and privileges that allow them to act as they see fit. Granting them a great deal of autonomy to react and engage with the world as they encounter it as they see fit.
Due to the nature of the endeavour, those holding the Warrant are typically left to their own devices and rarely receive military aid from their homeland. They essentially must make do with what they have and have taken with them. This is a worthy trade-off for many as it allows them to shape and mould their lands to their liking, and become immensely wealthy and powerful to boot when done right.
Marquess/Marchioness
A Marquess was a recognised border noble with extended privileges bestowed upon them by the Warrant of Conquest handed to them by The Imperial Residence. These warrants gave these nobles a great deal of freedom and ability in the expansion of the empire. Enabling them to become influential and immensely wealthy nobles with great personal power to boot; their limiting factor was their lack of ambition or skill.
In terms of precedence, most Nobles would be recognised by their established title first. Then by their Marquess title. For example: Count Iskander the Marquess of Karabara. - Those who were instead known by their Marquess title rather than their established title, e.g. Marquess Karabara, were exceptionally influential, or powerful. Rivaling that of Princes and Dukes, but more often being far more wealthy.
"Around and around they go... Waiting for a turn in his favour."
- Grand Princess & Heir Mildred, referring to the nobility
Dumanon:
Faith
The Imperium is unique among the cultures of the world as it is the only one with an almost dead belief in deities and gods by the nobility and a dwindling belief by the other classes. Faith in unseen Divine Court beings has been replaced with the beings seen, the Nobility, the Blue-Blooded. The Lords, Counts and Dukes of Emperor Cendric’s Imperium exercise incredible aetheric powers that have become revered in their own right. Though not worshipped to the same extent as their old gods.
Cendric himself has entered a near-mythical status among the population and through neighbouring Kingdoms. His ability to manoeuvre on the battlefield and practically disintegrate his opponents has become a legendary story retold in various ways across his Empire and beyond. - So strong is his reputation, that a visitation from the Emperor in almost any circumstance can be understood as a threat. Because of this, he is rarely seen outside tending to his official duties.
The Imperium cares little for the local faith of the Gaerfyrddin, and this has become a reoccurring grievance between the cultures as their faith is not respected. Though Dumanon's nobility seems to hardly care for these grievances.
Gaerfyrddin Giant-Gods
The Gaerfyrddin worship the Giant-Gods, sometimes known as Giantkin or simply as Giants. For each of the individual deities, they are depicted as anywhere between twenty feet and fifty feet tall, and usually have stocky figures to go with it. However, their worship does not begin and end with these enormous humanoids, as they also worship a general animism that includes the spirits of nature and animals. The faith is dwindling, in no small part to it being an oral tradition, and lots of the old Gods are lost entirely.
"Long may he reign!"
- A common phrase to hail the Emperor.
Dumanon:
Norms & Culture
The Homeland
In Dumanon’s heartland and its major ports, the true splendour and veneration for the Imperium are fully on display. Where wealth collided with sophistication and produced grand works of architecture, art, and monuments, further from these centres would be the manors and palaces of the nobility that scatter the countryside as they look over the vast lands owned by the lords and ladies of the Imperium. - Between these two points of interest is the overwhelming providence of agriculture and cottage industries. Villages and towns populate the in-between and show a stark difference in the general level of development as their lords commonly enact a policy of benign neglect. Only interfering by means of taxation, conscription and searching for apprentices or looking to adopt children with great Aetheric potential.
Dumanon towns and villages often have their militias, bailiffs and magistrates for protection and administration of justice. Magistrates are perhaps the most well-travelled peasantry as each town needs to select three members of their community to be trained in the laws of the land to administer justice in their homes and the surrounding areas. Militias are often used to protect against bandits, outlaws and the occasional rebel. They also serve magistrates to hunt down criminals. In rare cases, pleas are made to their lord for assistance, and if the situation is felt important enough then Realm Knights are dispatched.
The Noble Theatre
The uppermost echelons of Imperial Politics tend to be dominated by the Royal Family, those with blood relation to the Emperor or adopted by him. Each being prominently attuned to the Aether and holding high noble titles. However, it has become a tradition for them to never really see eye to eye or get along. They often work to undermine each other's plans to promote their interests while making themselves seem more useful and important to the Emperor and the Imperium. If not for the fear of Cenric's retribution, they likely would tear the Empire apart in attempts to outdo each other. Instead, they attempt to do so in secret.
The Aetheric nobility is divided and rallied around different members of the Royal Family based on specific policies or personal preferences. It is in this class that most of the intrigue is played out among the elite. Not only that but violence, intimidation and blackmail is not too uncommon an occurrence. - This state of affairs seems to be tolerated by the Emperor for the sole fact that he believes this nature of things breeds the best possible nobility to tackle any problem.
Despite the importance the merchant class has had on Dumanon society's development, they remain politically dependent on the nobility. The current House of Lords is composed of the Aetheric nobility and some stragglers left behind of the old nobility, those whose families were loyal and earned it. - This has led to the common practice of Merchants becoming close friends with many Lords in an attempt to purchase their voice as though it were their own. A lucrative arrangement for the Aetheric nobility since the operations of trade, finance and lowly business are often seen as too ignoble for such excellence as themselves.
People of Dumanon
Despite the Empire often being referred to as Dumanon, the Empire itself is composed of a few major cultures that share many similarities but can be broadly categorised as different. Dumanon proper is the largest of these cultures and houses most of the empire's population in its homeland.
The Dumanon people, excluding their Aetheric lords, are typically seen as shrewd merchants, astute diplomats and generally resourceful. Besides the wars waged in the past, they enjoy a relatively idyllic life where there are few troubles beyond the basic survival requirements and their Lords are generally happy to leave them be so long as their taxes are paid.
Dumanon merchants have a reputation for brokering some of the largest trade deals in the Old World. They are even trusted to be taken on as advisors in foreign courts in trade and economic policy matters.
People of Lothian
Lothians are the second largest group within the Empire, and when they entered into the Union with Dumanon many of their people found themselves without a place at the table of their great merchant and diplomat peers from the south. Instead, the people of Lothian leveraged the new access to the South to push for their glory and prestige. Aetheric nobles from Lothian are considered the most war-like of the lot, and it is among their ranks where most Marquess are found.
Not only have the attuned found benefits in conquest, but many men and women of Lothian joined these expeditionary forces or Dumanon’s military proper seeking social advancement and a better life. Such is the vigour of Lothians to prove themselves that Dumanon nobles will often seek out Lothian natives or descendants to incorporate into their retinues or regiments.
People of Gaerfyrddin
Officially, these people are just part of Dumanon proper. The petty chiefdom was one of the first to fall during the ascent of the empire but before the union with Lothian. Occupying rough terrain composed of hills, forests and mountains they proved themselves difficult to manage and contain for years until they were properly subdued by an array of castles. Their own religious beliefs are still widely practised despite subjugation.
They have found a niche role within the military of the Empire as its finest archers and outright reject the use of crossbows as diminishing the professionalism of the army. Though their advancement socially has been stifled greatly by the former nobility due to their ‘unruly nature’ with only a few now managing to break through the ‘glass ceiling’ under Emperor Cendric. Grievances still exist in Gaerfyrddin society aimed towards their Dumanon overlords, despite their local rulers not being from Dumanon, but due to the policy of benign neglect, they rarely find a catalyst to create any major upheaval or unrest.
Marriage, Social Status & Sexuality
For the average layman, the merchants and the class of individuals that do not make up the nobility, the tradition of marriage and relationships is between a man and a woman. Deviations from this arrangement are considered harbingers of poor character, but something that can be surmounted with great effort. - There is also no stigma towards women and their occupations.
The nobility differs slightly where lovers and relationships are concerned. Although it is still the most common form of union, especially to establish noble alliances, Imperial Princes and Dukes will typically only take more than one wife or lover when they feel safe. Same as their female counterparts. Fearing the potential weaknesses and exploits more spouses or lovers bring, many choose only one powerful partner instead. - As with many aspects of noble life in Dumanon, weakness will find you many enemies and many knives at one's throat.
Homosexuality and bisexuality are frowned upon by the lower classes, but for the nobility, it has some acceptance. Most nobles sneer at this aspect seeing it as a seedling of disloyalty for the future of the Imperium. However, owing to a famous demand by the Emperor as he said "Prove your worth" to the childless Duke Sherwyn, an accused homosexual. When the Duke did indeed prove himself, and the Emperor elevated him to Imperial Prince, this became a clear sign that so long as their worth was proven, then the individual was acceptable.
Navigating these circumstances has led to those who prefer putting on a public facade to avoid dangers while 'over-achieving' to prove their worth. Consequently, many have achieved great status as a notable result.
"Lothian was the best thing to happen to Dumanon."
- Imperial Prince Colban, first Lothian to achieve the title of Imperial Prince
Dumanon:
Reputation & Interactions
Generally, the reputation of Dumanon is split into two. First, it is born from its merchants who have a much more positive reputation than their noble counterparts. The second is its nobility who are generally noted to be imperialist in their agenda and interactions with others. The Marquess of the empire could be primarily blamed for the latter.
Thankfully for Dumanon, there are far more merchants than there are nobles, and the chances of encountering a noble in the first place are rather slim. More often than not, people are most likely to encounter Imperial Knights who are far more diplomatic than their superiors
With Humans
Dumanon is considered to be one of the ‘Great Powers’ of the Old World, along with its rivals Gallia and Asturias. Unmatched on the seas, it holds great sway over maritime trading along the coasts of the Old World. The Empire enjoys mostly cordial relations with everyone it trades with and has formed a defensive alliance with Sasanshahr to counter The Union of Asturias and Gallia.
Dumanon’s reputation sours when speaking to those either from Asturias or Gallia, even more so when talking to their respective nobilities. - Gallia often sees Dumanon as a land that is one small step from being conquered, while Asturias views them as the Empire they must overcome.
With Dwarves
For most Dwarves, Dumanon is a distant entity and does not need to be considered a threat or a concern. Instead, many Dwarven traders find an amicable relationship with the merchants of Dumanon and have established lucrative trade deals between them.
The Custodes also find Dumanon’s arrival quite beneficial. Especially as they are often hired for their services against Elven resistance.
With Amura
The Amura has had little contact with Dumanon, and so their opinion is only tainted by the words and whispers they have heard from others through tales told or stories unfolded.
With Turak
Many Turak's will have little to no knowledge of The Imperium. Those who wander far from their home might come into contact with the rumours of the Empire and undoubtedly form a negative opinion due to conflicting cultures.
With Elves
Elves are divided over their opinion of Dumanon. The less-civilised folk of the northern continent, the Komenali, favour these humans and have established a constructive trading partnership with the Empire. However, the arrival of multiple Marquesses’ has strained this relationship greatly. - Positive relations between these people would be expected, and inter-mingling, specifically on the Dumanon side, would not be as frowned upon.
The more civilised Elves see Dumanon for what it is, a human conquest project much like that of Asturias.
The difference so far is that The Great Houses have had relatively fewer recent engagements of hostilities with Dumanon than Asturias. Although Dumanon has attacked House Galasaar, conquering swathes of land and adding Elves into its dominion.
With Banen’Rhûn
The Banen’Rhûn see Dumanon as their current worthy rival. Lacking proper exposure to Asturias, the empire is the only other major power beyond the civilised Elves which could pose a genuine threat to the Banen’Rhûn. - They are rather fond of its ability to conquer the Elves, and of its reputation from what little exposure they have had to Old World rumours.
Relations between the two can vary greatly, and it is interaction-dependent. Fighting is expected as these two groups vie for dominance. Diplomacy could play a factor in establishing a status quo or something more beneficial.
Author: Hokan
Contributions by: Oakbug
Page Created by: Hokan