Posts
The Empire of Ralifon
An Overview
Introduction
David looked through the window out over the city. It was a clear night and the lights of the city seemed to compliment the silver light of the moon high overhead. This was David's favorite place to go and see the City of Qidron.
Qidron is, in part, situated at Mount Dene'vir and is the capital of the great empire. David stood quietly and looked out the window wishing he could live down in the city as a citizen. Citizens had the right to own land, and David wanted to own a small farm like the ones he visited on his many errands for Eleazar.
As if the thought of his master was a summons for David, he slowly stepped away from his beloved window. David silently stepped into Eleazar's bed chambers. Moving up to his master's bed David looked down into his sleeping visage. Eleazar's short hair was as white as freshly fallen snow. The bedding was pulled down to his waist. His strong frame barely visible after the long days spent in wasting illness.
David remembered vividly the violent fits and the high fevers that drove Eleazar into demented rambling. He would sit by his bed and keep vigil over Eleazar praying for the pyrexia to break. Many doctors, shamans, and priests had come to help the ailing regent, but none could break the disease's draconian grasp.
One day when Eleazar's fever dropped, he demanded that his will be taken. David tried desperately to persuade him otherwise but Eleazar held firm saying, "I am going to die soon, David."
At that, tears welled up in David's eyes. David chided himself, how could he only think of how much he wanted to be a Citizen. How could he be so selfish, thinking of himself whilst as great a man as Eleazar lie in bed dying.
"But master you cannot die," David pleaded. "What will become of the Empire without your guidance?"
"David," Eleazar stated softly as if speaking to a pupil. "the Empire will exist just fine without me. As long as it is peopled by good men such as you. But I will die David. I want to have my will taken while I still am able."
David left to get the scrivener. Eleazar made David wait outside while the scrivener and a Priest of Erron took his will.
Seeing Eleazar now, in this emaciated state, was heart wrenching for David. He pulled the sheets over his pale frame. Just as David finished, Eleazar grasped David's wrist. His grip was painfully strong and David let out a small whimper. But the biggest shock to David was Eleazar's eyes.
They were glowing with a fierce golden light. Like staring into the sun. David wanted to look away but those eyes had him trapped. Helpless in the light of those eyes Eleazar released his grip from David. David stood stock still as Eleazar rose up from his bed. Gone now was all evidence of Eleazar's former battle with disease. He stood to his full height the light from his eyes focused entirely on David. David thought he should run or try to escape but in the light of those wondrous eyes he could not.
Eleazar spoke to David in a clear resonant voice, "David, my son. You are the one I am charging with the welfare of the Empire. I now must leave this world. Do not fear for me my son, I will be with you always." David was thunderstruck. How could he, a lowly slave, be the Regent of the Empire? He didn't know anything about ruling other people.
"I know your fear. I once felt it myself. But remember that Emperor Ralifon trusts in all of us to rule ourselves wisely." With those last words the light spread over Eleazar and a thin line of golden light burst into David's chest.
The pain was unbelievable. Nothing could compare to it's horrid touch. David chided himself, he knew it was part of some greater good and gritted his teeth. The light coursed through his veins, each heartbeat was agony. David let out a piercing cry. Blood ran from his nose and ears. It's warm touch felt good against the icy coldness of that light. Stinging tears ran down David's cheek. His heart felt the cold touch of death. With one last pulse of light the pain ended.
All was darkness. David felt alone and helpless, he wanted this torture to end. He felt as if he had deserved this emptiness, this darkness. Slowly the darkness even took David's awareness.
David woke suddenly. There was a group of men and women gathered around David. Not knowing who they were he was frightened by their sudden appearance. Just then a voice commanded that they be silent. Their hushed whispers faded into the background as they themselves did, sliding back from him.
A tall man stood before David, his hair was a faded mahogany with sprinkles of grey, cut short. His black robes were simple, the amulet around his neck rested proudly on his chest. It was a six sided star surrounding a sword, a symbol of the clergy of Erron. His eyes were a bright blue, like the sky on a clear day. A warm smile spread across his face.
"Welcome back to us Regent David. You had us all very worried for a while."
David was flabbergasted, "Regent?" He ventured.
"Yes. Regent."
"But how? I am only a--"
"Were only a slave. Now you are Regent of the Empire of Ralifon the Goodhearted"
"But what about Eleazar? He is the Regent, not me."
"Was. He passed on that duty to you, as it was passed unto him, by Shaveh."
"Eleazar is dead?! When?"
"One month ago this night." At this news David found himself weeping uncontrollably.
"How will I be able to do this?" He sobbed to himself.
"David," The priest spoke, "don't do this to yourself. He has gifted to you the Golden Mantle. It is your duty to lead the Empire."
David's mind was reeling. "The Golden Mantle" he thought.
"The Golden Mantle." The priest said with finality as if passing judgment. David looked up. Into his blue eyes, he could see that the priest was serious. David sighed, and stood tall. Surveying his surroundings he saw that he was in Eleazar's, no, his bed chambers now. He saw the balcony doors were open. It was night and the moon's pale light shone in. Across from the bed he was standing next to was an enormous hearth.
He thought back to when he had to tend the fire in that hearth. The hearth was bigger than his chambers were. He looked at all of the furnishings that he knew so well. He looked at the servants that were in the room. He knew many of them now that he had his wits about him.
The priest looked expectantly at David. David spoke with authority, "All of you, out!"
The servants moved with rapidity through the double doors of David's bedchamber. The priest then began to turn to leave when David commanded, "You, stay. I wish to speak with you." The priest cracked a devilish smile. "What is your name priest?"
"Arioch, at your command, sir." Then he bowed low to David.
"Arioch, hmmm." David mused to himself. Arioch looked pensively at David. To Arioch, David had taken to his authority much to quickly. He knew there was something amiss. "Why else would David have gotten Eleazar's illness," he thought. He was abruptly interrupted from his thoughts when David spoke.
"Has there been a vigil for Eleazar?"
"Yes Regent. It ended this night."
"Good."
"Regent, if I may be so bold--"
"You may not. Not yet."
"Yes Regent." Arioch was beginning to get worried. "What else could have passed to David through the link?" He was not sure he wanted to know.
David broke Arioch's reverie. "I want to know. What is the date today?"
"It is the first day of March, Regent."
"March." David trailed off.
"Yes, March." Arioch reiterated.
"Arioch. What position do you hold among the Erronintes?"
"I am a Magistrate, Regent."
"Magistrate? How long did it take you to work to that station?"
"16 years, 3 months, 8 days."
"Could you be more specific?" David jested. Arioch could feel the tension slip away at the small joke. "Arioch you served Eleazar did you not?"
"Yes Regent. I served him as an advisor."
"Then you will be my Minister of State."
"Regent I am flattered that you would consider me for such a position. But I am not a Minister--"
"You are now." David stated flatly.
"But Regent," Arioch pleaded "there are others more suited than I."
David smiled at Arioch, "Did you stay at my bedside?"
"Yes. But that is not--" David put up his hand to silence him.
"You cared for me when others thought me lost, did you not?"
"Yes." Arioch said defeatedly.
David's smile returned, "Then I know you are trustworthy. The Regent has many enemies within the Senate."
"No, Regent!" Arioch blurted.
David glared at Arioch as if he were an unruly child, "Yes! I know this and more. I don't know how I know it. Yet I am sure of it." Arioch could only wonder what else was passed to David by Eleazar.
"Regent. If I may--"
"Call me David, Arioch. We are friends and brothers in this place." He opened his arms in a wide gesture. "Behind closed doors."
Arioch nodded thoughtfully, "David. Why don't you rest? There is still a few hours until day breaks."
"No. We have work to do before Ur brings forth the Chariot of His Light."
"Yes David, that we do," thought Arioch.
The Empire of Ralifon (Rhunic Empire)
Ralifon is the legendary draconic founder and ruler of the Rhunic Empire. The empire reaches from Mount Dene'vir out into the east to the Gangi Desert, and into the west to the Starshome Sea. Into the Icy Reaches of the north and across the Qadar Sea to the Saxara Continent in the south. Ralifon the Golden fought his twin brother Faliron the Red on the slopes of Mount Dene’vir for three weeks. When he finally slew his brother he then wrestled the Giant Atilus at the gates of the Cloud Temple of the 3 Avatars. When he bested Atilus the 3 Avatars granted him domain over Rhun and its inhabitants. He claimed Mount Dene’vir as his throne and built the empire.Mount Dene'vir
Mount Dene'vir is the capitol of the Rhunic Empire. It is comprised of 5 Districts. The most prominent is the Giant's Aerie. It was designed by the brilliant architect and artist Eumaeus. From his design the Giants started carving from the top, down to the base. With the use of solid clouds and slave labor the giants were able to finish the Aerie in record time. The Aerie is the world's largest contiguous carving.All of the materials that were taken from the Aerie were used in the construction of the City and Citadels of Rhun. Qidron or as it is commonly referred to The City is the largest of the 5 Districts. The city is where most of the humans live and dwell. The hobbits dwell in the foothills surrounding the mountain and till the fields and work the vines. They are the ones who provide most of the food to Mt. Dene'vir. The city is designed with the same precision and artistic sense as the rest of the 5 Districts. Though it is unrivaled in it's beauty, many of the citizens complain about the strange street layout. With alleys that lead to nowhere and fountains in the middle of busy traffic areas.
The 3rd District is within the mountain. It is where the Dwarves and Gnomes primarily live and dwell. The most prominent feature of the 3rd District is the Foundry. The Foundry was designed by Eumaeus' protege, Telemachus. The Foundry is actually below the base of the mountain. The Gnomes & Dwarves use the lava vents to heat the 3rd District and the Foundry. The lava is also used as a building material for it has an unusually high metal content. The Gnomes have also devised a way to use the lava that has been stripped of its metals to make an ash that when mixed with powdered limestone creates a hard rock that can be shaped into any number of forms. The Gnomish name is so long and unwieldy that humans simply call it rebus.
The 4th District is several miles underground. It is a city of Duegar, Drow, & Svirvneblin. It is comprised of many small caves that have been excavated to enlarge & decorate them. The entire complex was also designed by Eumaeus. The Stairway was designed for use by Ralifon in his natural form. When he is of great wyrm age he will be able to fit into it and turn around without difficulty. Telemachus' design of the Stairway is ingenious and daring. To the humans, elves, dwarves, gnomes, & hobbits of the 5 Districts the 4th District is believed to be the foothills of Mt. Dene'vir. It would shock them all to find out what the 4th District truly is. Though officially the 4th District's location has never actually been stated. Some rumors exist as to it's location. They range from the truth to it being one of the cloud cities, to it being on another plane of existence.
The 5th District is at the heart of the mountain. It is the Draconic Palace, designed to house Ralifon and his servants. Give him access to the other 4 Districts and protect him from any invaders. Eumaeus and Telemachus worked for 4 entire years trying to design a suitable and defensible lair for Ralifon and his immense hoard. The most notable feature is the Library. It houses Ralifon's personal library, as well as that of many other captured libraries. It is in a word immense, the Library is the largest in the known world & it has yet to be filled. Ralifon has an elite vanguard whom search the world over for more works to be put into it. After the 5th District was completed Ralifon had all of the workers put into service as his personal slaves & guards.
There is a secret 6th District that was designed and built without Ralifon's knowledge. Eumaeus and Telemachus realized that when they finished their work on Mount Dene'vir that their knowledge of it's strengths & weaknesses would make them too dangerous to keep alive. So to protect themselves from Ralifon they hid another District among his own 5 to keep tabs on him. The 6th District is so well hidden that even Ralifon's keen senses will not be able to detect it. It is only known to those who dwell within it and they are the most trustworthy people that Eumaeus and Telemachus could find.
The Gladiatorial Protector
Kenneth Ash is the current Gladiatorial Protector of the Empire. His duty is to protect the Empire from the people who inhabit it. He is the best Gladiator in the Empire and arranges all of the major Gladiator challenges in the Empire. Ralifon realizes that if the people have something to entertain them that they will forget about how miserable their lives really are. The Arena of the Aerie is large enough to hold the Cloud giants and 100,000 man-sized creatures. It is where the major events are held. The matches are rarely fought to the death. When they are the crowds are always happiest. There is gambling allowed by Ralifon, who gets a cut of the profits. A shrewd & well informed Gambler can do quite well at the Arena. The Arena is where all of the convicted criminals will end up. Those whose crimes are great, such as murder or treason, are put to death by combat. It is usually the convict with parma & drusus against some form of wild animals or monsters. The outcome of these events are usually the death of the convict, but those that survive become favorites of the crowd at later festivities.
The Olympics
The Olympics are held at the Arena of the Aerie every 4 years. Anyone who wishes to participate can do so. There are many events and anyone who wins will get a special medallion that, it is said, is made by Ralifon himself. The medallion is a symbol of will, determination, & skill. It is Ralifon's holy symbol, and he makes them with the lava flow and magic. It is said that those who possess them are able to call Ralifon for help when they are in most dire need. The true nature of the medallions has yet to be ascertained. Some of the events are wrestling, discus, charioteering, javelin, shot-put & running. Another popular event, especially for goblins, is jousting from wolf back. Any event is fraught with danger as there are many who would use magic or some other artifice to cheat and win. Winners of the Olympics are treated with awe and respect. Cheaters are often stoned or beaten to death by an angry mob.
The Cloud Cities
Each of the 10 Cloud Giants has a Cloud City that they rule over. Each one is different in design and function, unique to it's ruler. The 10 Cloud Cities are usually moored at the Aerie, but they will come and go of the Giant's accord. Atreus' City is a metropolitan city of trade, and commerce. Cadmus' City is a large College for the Sciences & Arts. Ino's City is a collection of beautiful palaces & gardens. Leucothoe's City is an Animal Sanctuary with a few paths and homes for the animals caretakers. Medon's City is a fortress and training ground for the majority of the army, and navy. Noemon's City is a collection of pavilions and booths that have different types of circus acts. Ortygia's City is a collection of museums and statuary marvels. Phaeacia's City is a collection of water features and serene vistas. Phronius' City is a marvel of steam and mechanical power. Pylos' City is a collection of private mansions and castles.
The Cheesemakers
The only race with complete knowledge of how to make cheese, is goblins. The kobolds have managed to steal enough of the secret of cheese to make their own kinds that are not very good or popular. Berrish the god of the goblinoids gave them the secret because of the Goblin Wars. Humans, elves, and dwarves banded together with the prodding of the gnomes to eradicate the goblins. The wars brought the goblins to near extinction. The last three tribes (Bloodhand, One Eye & Yellowtooth) banded together and prayed mightily for Berrish to save them. That is when he revealed to them the secret of cheese, he gave them a special wheel of cheese (it is hotly debated among goblins as to which kind it was, most outsiders believe it was cheddar) that had a special enchantment on it that would make those not of goblin blood to be enthralled by it. Under auspice of surrender the leaders of the humans, elves, dwarves and gnomes came and dined upon the peace offering of cheese. Once enthralled they agreed very easily to the goblin terms of surrender. The Bloodhand tribe, being the largest, chose to continue their lifestyle as it was. One Eye and Yellowtooth became master cheese makers within the cities of man, as elves, gnomes and dwarves would not have them, and have hence become much more civilized than the descendants of Bloodhand. Because of their special status of being the only ones with the knowledge of cheese they have carved out a niche in society for themselves, and have become somewhat influential and richer.
The Followers of VMQR
The Followers of VMQR (Pronounced vim-shur) are a small but growing sect of Mongrelmen who denounce any other gods. To them VMQR is The True and Only God. This is, of course, heresy within the Rhunic Empire because Ralifon is to be considered the Greatest of Gods and should this small sect begin to grow too big or become too powerful it will be suppressed by any means necessary. The Mongrelmen are generally slaves or beggars, very few have ever been granted Citizenship within the Empire. What make this religion so dangerous, other than its vehement monotheism, is its ability to rally the Mongrelmen together and bring them into a cohesive group. With their uncanny knack for getting the most guarded secrets from other races it would make them so dangerous as to warrant their extermination. Luckily the Leaders of VMQR are intelligent enough to know this and so they proceed carefully and stealthily. As such it is very difficult to know whether a particular Mongrelman is a follower of VMQR or not.
The Gates
The Gates are magical portals that allow instantaneous transportation from one part of the Empire to another part. Each gate or gates within a city are connected to another such gate in another city. As such is the case it makes it virtually impossible for any individual city of the Empire with a gate to be successfully sieged. As soon as an army is able to surround and begin a siege all of the civilians have been evacuated and an army of possibly hundreds of thousands has been assembled and ready to trounce any opposition. Should a siege last for any length of time the city would be able to bring in fresh troops and supply an infinite amount of food and water for those troops. Essentially it is a wasted effort.
With the ability to transport goods and services across a vast distance in a matter of hours most of the citizens or the Empire consider themselves to be part of very large city. So each “city” is denoted by the name of “such and such” province. Every city with a gate is fortified by a thick and strong wall and is serviced by wide well built roads so that the outlying areas can be accessed easily. Just about anywhere in the Empire can be gotten to in a matter of days by using these Gates and roads. Sea and land travel are still very important for the Empire to be able to trade with other great nations, or make war on them.
With the recent loss of the Magi Magni Sophiel of the Societatem Magis the empire is no longer able to make more of these magical gates. Sophiel did not impart the knowledge of making these wondrous devices to any of the other members of the Magi Council of the Societatem Magis. Sophiel's suspicious death has raised concern among the Senate and the Regent as the Magi Council is fractured among three groups vying for the empty position of Magi Magni.
Ralifon
Ralifon of course is the legendary ruler of the Rhunic Empire. The Senate actually runs the empire and votes one of their own as the Senator Tyrannus. He acts as head of the civil government for a term of four years, which coincides with the Olympics. If the Senate chooses to reelect him he could, in theory, rule for his entire life just having to be reelected every four years.
The Regent of Ralifon rules by the divine right of the Golden Mantle. This is passed from one person to another by some unknown means. The Regent is a mainly religious position and they rule for life. The Regent has some power in the civil domain but mainly controls the church and military.
The True Rhunic Emperor is Ralifon His Most August Ruler of Dene'vir as far as the general populace is concerned. The Senate acts as his voice on Xaqi and must follow the precepts set by Ralifon. The former Senator Tyrannus have been of many different races. Elves, dwarves, gnomes, giants and one hobbit have sat on the Stone of Tyranny. But the vast majority have been human. As of yet there has not yet been any goblin, kobold or mongrelman to have been in this position as they very rarely have any representation in the Senate. Goblins have been known to sit in the Senate as has one kobold. But no mongrelman has yet to be in such a high position.
No comments:
Post a Comment