The Continent of Ylisse

The Continent of Ylisse
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Home to the Halidom of Ylisse, the Theocracy of Plegia, and the Kingdom of Regna Ferox, Ylisse is a continent rife with conflict. Not only in the distant past, where man and dragon clashed repeatedly for dominion over the continent, but more recently, where particularly Ylisse and Plegia have challenged and fought each other on multiple occasions, in part for religious reasons.

For the most recent conflict between these two countries, you may want to refer to the plot. This thread is dedicated to the continent itself, and will give you all the information you need to create a character and RP. All roleplaying takes part on the continent of Ylisse. This includes the islands around it, but not the continent of Valm. However, Valm IS available as a place of origin for characters and thus has an entry in this thread as well for character creation purposes.

The Halidom of Ylisse
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General
The Halidom of Ylisse occupies the entire southeastern part of the continent named after it, bordering on Plegia in the West and Regna Ferox in the North. Governed by the Exalted Bloodline, Ylisse worships the Divine Dragon Naga as its goddess. Its Royal Family claims direct heritage with the legendary Hero-King Marth, making it the only bloodline in the world capable of producing swordsmen found worthy of wielding the Falchion handed down ever since the days of the Hero-King. In addition, all members of the Royal Family are born with the Brand of the Exalt somewhere on their body.

While all final judgment on a nation-wide scale is in hands of the Royal Family, much of the Halidom’s land is split between lesser, but still powerful nobles. These nobles each have their own militia although they can petition for that of the halidom, and while they are expected to respect the national law and the Exalt’s orders, they are given near-complete freedom in how they govern their lands.

Three general groups are tasked with the protection of the realm. They are the Pegasus Knights that make up the majority of Ylisse's national army; the Shepherds, a small elite force led by Prince Chrom; and the lesser nobles of Ylisse, whose militia are expected to protect the lands they govern.


Recent history
Twenty years ago, the last Exalt started a crusade against Ylisse's neighbour Plegia. The ensuing war took its toll not only on the soldiers, but also on the common folk, and made the Exalt very unpopular with Plegians and Ylisseans alike. The fighting didn't end until fifteen years ago, when he died suddenly and his eldest daughter Emmeryn took his throne. She immediately put an end to the war, and under her undying patience, kindness, and generosity, the Halidom has crawled out of its desperate state and started to regain its trust in the Royal Family.

A little over three months ago, on a routine patrol of the borders near Southtown, Prince Chrom and the Shepherds happened upon a young woman by the name of Robin. She has no memory of who she is or where she has been, but has been taken in by the Shepherds and currently serves as their chief tactician.


Notable places
Yllistol
The capital of Ylisse, home to the Royal Family. It's a bustling city, well-fortified and crawling with Pegasus Knights. Few horrors have ever reached this city, and its inhabitants are confident in their safety. Yllistol is also home base to the Shepherds.

Mount Prism
A tall mountain in the far east of Ylisse, Mount Prism is more than a landmark. It is on this mountain that the power of the Divine Dragon Naga is said to be the strongest, and that the First Exalt performed the Awakening here to gain the Divine Dragon's power.


Noble Houses of Ylisse
With the exception of Houses Ylisse, Themis, and Erante, all Noble Houses of Ylisse are RPer-controlled by whomever writes the Lord class character that stands at its head or is its current first heir. You will be contacted about your House's details upon creating such a character.

House Ylisse
Under control of the mod team.
Currently headed by Exalt Emmeryn, House Ylisse is the Royal Family of the Halidom. It currently consists of the Exalt and her two siblings, Prince Chrom and Princess Lissa. Prince Chrom, current wielder of Falchion, leads the Shepherds, a small elite force of warriors, joined by Princess Lissa as their designated Cleric. Exalt Emmeryn governs with a gentle and patient hand, although some may see this as weakness. In general, however, the people and nobles of Ylisse hold great respect and regard for their Royal Family.

House Themis
Under control of the mod team.
Themis is a small province on the border of Plegia. Its geographical location makes it a key strategical point in the war between the two kingdoms, both in the past and in the present. As a result of this, Themis is surprisingly militaristic in nature. Aside from this, its nobles are particularly active in the juridical system. This combination of fields makes Themis a powerful territory, despite its small size.

House Erante
Under control of the mod team.
While Erante was once one of Ylisse's largest provinces, recent developments have caused neighbouring nobles to slowly chip away at House Erante's lands. The noble house has fallen on hard times financially, leading their youngest to join Prince Chrom's shepherds to restore the family name. Worse is that House Erante is rumored to have been involved in the former Exalt's unexpected death, which makes their presence near the crown prince uncomfortable for many.

House Everett
Under control of Blonde Panther
Everett is a cavalry-heavy province to the southeast of Ylisstol, currently governed by Lord Lawrence. Its militia, which is for all intents and purposes all mounted, bears the red and gold livery with the leathery-winged dragon that its noble house adopts as their own. Despite Lord Lawrence's less than pleasant nature, House Everett is well-regarded and well-respected.

House Temple
Under control of Ultra5
A militant province to the south of the capital, currently governed by Lord Jacob. Its militia is based very heavily on armored units like their current lord himself. Because of its military power, House Temple is regarded with some extent of fear by some, but with respect by all. Lord Jacob himself is on good terms with most if not all Lords of Ylisse.

House Karina
Under control of Unnamed Dude
Located in the northeast of Ylisse is the province of Karina. While once powerful, House Karina has lost much of its power after the death of its lord. Lady Beatrix is preparing for her future task of governing this land, but remains unwed. Its military consists mostly of all manner of foot soldiers, although it has a small but powerful divison of Pegasus Knights at its core.

House Calderon
Under control of Lightascetic
Calderon is a province to the southeast of the capital, bordering on and sharing a close friendship with Everett. Its militia is two-faced; while the men are trained in the art of the sword, the women wield various schools of magic and staves. All are recognized in Calderon’s green and silver heraldry, however. It is currently governed by Lord Ulrich and Lady Adelaide Calderon. Their eldest daughter, Lady Serena, remains unengaged.

House Raleigh
Under control of Squishy
A noble house with it's lands located on the north-eastern coast of Ylisse. Known for their death-defying bravery, Raleigh's militia specialises in wyvern and gryphon riders, though those with no affinity for the beasts take up the bow. All of it's members, however, dress in the same white and blue livery. The recent loss of their house's head has thrown the territory into chaos, though his young son, Lord Gilbert tries his hardest to fill his father's footsteps. House Raleigh, and especially it's former Lord, are generally liked by all.

The Theocracy of Plegia
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General
Located in the southwest of the continent of Ylisse lies Plegia. In stark contrast to neighbour Ylisse, the vast majority of Plegia worships the Fell Dragon Grima, forming a cult known as the Grimleal. It is the only place in the world where Dark Magic is freely practiced and taught, and the magical branch of its army is almost entirely made up of Dark Mages. Another major military branch is that of the Wyvern Brigade, members of which serve both as messengers and as fierce warriors.

Plegia is ruled by the Mad King Gangrel, who surrounds himself with both militarily and politically talented retainers. Relations with the Halidom of Ylisse are tense, in part because of their bad history together and in part because of their radically different religions.

A significant part of Plegia is covered in desert, making agriculture scarce, but other parts are fertile. As such, the theocracy is largely self-sufficient.


Recent history
When Ylisse's former Exalt declared war on Plegia twenty years ago, he caught the former Fell King by surprise. Plegia fought back with what it had, but suffered crushing losses, many of them innocents slaughtered for no reason other than their chosen deity. With the fall of the Fell King at the hands of the Exalt himself, Plegia's fate appeared sealed, but the Exalt passed away unexpectedly and his successor put an end to the crusades fifteen years ago.

The Fell King's son Gangrel, as well as many Plegians, distrust the current Exalt and the king has been provoking her, hoping to start a new war. He has momentarily lessened his activity though, his attention occupied by an amnesiac, white-haired youth that his knights found by the road and the appetizing Grimleal addition to his court.


Notable places
Plegia Castle
Home to the Mad King and his court, Plegia castle is a well-fortified bastion located in the central south of the country. While the castle itself is considered off-limits to the populace, its courtyard is well-frequented by Grimleal worshipping the enormous skull of Grima that lays there.

The Dragon's Table
The Dragon's Table is the primary place of worship for the cult of the Grimleal, and is located not far east of the castle. It is said that this is where the power of the Fell Dragon is the strongest. It is alternatively known as the Dragon's Altar.


Government
King Gangrel
Gangrel is king of Plegia, bearing the title of 'Mad King' due to his eccentric and sometimes ebullient mannerisms. He is actually not Grimleal at all, merely paying lip service to the cult to keep it from revolting against him. His real passion lies in destroying the Halidom of Ylisse, in revenge for the massacre it caused amongst Plegians under their last Exalt.

Sir Rufure
Found by retainers of King Gangrel and taken to the castle, this white-haired youth currently serves as King Gangrel's right-hand man and chief tactician. His demeanour is calm and he is silent and pensive by nature, but radiates authority and has the sharpest mind in court. Despite this, Rufure has complete amnesia and recalls only his name.

Lady Aversa
Another recent addition to the Mad King's court. Lady Aversa is a breathtaking woman with frightening skill in dark magic, serving as King Gangrel's advisor in religious matters. She is the most powerful Grimleal in the court, but since she was appointed shortly after Sir Rufure's arrival and without much ceremony, certain people (including Rufure himself) are wary of her.

The Kingdom of Regna Ferox
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General
Regna Ferox covers the entire North of the continent of Ylisse. It is a kingdom of warriors, valuing power over eloquency and often said to use battle as its diplomacy. They don't bother much with religion, as no prayer will grant a warrior strength- training does. Despite this heavily militant mindset, Ferox is actually rather peaceful towards the rest of the continent, remaining neutral in most conflicts.

Part of this may be because Ferox is a cold wasteland year-round, and relies on trade with Ylisse and, to a lesser extent, Plegia, to sustain itself. On the flipside, because of how experienced and valuable the blacksmiths are, Feroxi weapons are the finest on the continent.

Ferox differs from its neighbours in governmental structure, too. Rather than a king or Exalt, Regna Ferox is governed by a team of two Khans- one in the East, and one in the West. Every year, a tournament is held in the center of the country. The Khan represented by that tournament's winning warrior then becomes Khan Regnant for that year, giving them final judgment in all matters of the state.


Recent history
During the crusades from Ylisse against Plegia, Regna Ferox was approached by both parties and petitioned for reinforcements. Khan Basilio, Khan Regnant at the time, refused, knowing that he would earn the anger and distrust of whomever he chose not to aid, as well as not seeing the glory in sending perfectly good men to die for a cause neither he nor they believed in.

While for many years on end, the West-Khan has won the tournament for regency, this year East-Khan Flavia requested and was given the aid of a very unusual swordsman to represent her, namely Prince Chrom of Ylisse. His proved to be the better blade, and in return, Khan Flavia has allied Ferox with Ylisse in the current conflict.


Notable places
Arena Ferox
An arena located square in the middle of Ferox. Other than most of its kind, it fits an enormous crowd and is actually rather lavish, being the venue of the yearly tournament to decide the Khan Regnant.

The Longfort
The walls of the Longfort stretch across the entire southern border of Ferox, making it an impenetrable country from both Ylisse and Plegia. The gates are well-guarded and well-fortified, and only with permission of the Khan Regnant will one pass them.

Port Ferox
The largest harbour in Ferox, located on the Western coast. While Ferox is by no means a naval country, the harbour is used to facilitate trading and easily defended. Every last man working here is trained for both battle on land and sea.


Government
East-Khan Flavia
Ferox' current Khan Regnant is Khan Flavia of the East. She is a reliable ruler and a near-fearless warrior, who rises above lesser fighters thanks to her minute attention to her surroundings and great adaptability. It is Khan Flavia who decided to ally Ferox with Ylisse in the current conflict.

West-Khan Basilio
Although he is no longer Khan Regnant, Khan Basilio of the West is a powerful force in Ferox. He serves as Khan Flavia's advisor as well as her link with Ferox' spies. As he has been Khan Regnant for many years until now, he is more experienced than Flavia but respects her decisions.

The continent of Valm
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General
The continent of Valm lies west across the sea from the continent of Ylisse. The country sharing its name is divided by dynasts much like how Ylisse is shared across noble houses, and forms the primary force on the continent, renowned for its fine cavalry and navy.

A second country of note is Chon'sin, ruled by King Yen'fay and Princess Say'ri. It is home to not cavalry, but swift and deadly swordsmen.

On the continent, the Divine Dragon Naga is worshipped as a goddess. It is home to an oracle said to relay messages of the Divine Dragon herself to the people, although it's difficult to prove the validity of this claim as she primarily does so in her sleep...


Recent history
Valm has never meddled in Ylisse's affairs and Ylisse has never meddled in Valm's. However, recently, battered messengers have been coming from the continent, bearing the news that one of its warlords has started to unite them- by force. Chon'sin has apparently already fallen under his boot, with King Yen'fay allying himself with the warmonger.


Notable places
The Mila Tree
This enormous tree stands square in the middle of the continent and is home to Lady Tiki, the Voice of the Divine Dragon. The Oracle resides in the shrine that is upheld by the branches of the tree, which is testament to its immense power.

Wyvern Valley
Also known as 'a hellhole,' Wyvern Valley is home to Valm's Wyvern population. Because the beasts are untamed and hostile, venturing into the mountain range is considered an act of either great courage or great foolishness.


Influential figures
Walhart
A power-hungry force to be reckoned with, Walhart is a warlord of Valm that has begun to conquer the rest. His exact reasons for doing so are unknown, although he has said that he will bow to no god. Walhart is said to be capable of decimating entire armies by himself.

King Yen'fay
Yen'fay is the king of the oriental land of Chon'sin, home to some of the finest swordsmen on the continent. As can be expected, he himself is a force to be reckoned with, wielding Chon'sin's national treasure, the Amatsu. He is a silent and serious man who cares deeply for his sister, Princess Say'ri.

Lady Tiki
Also known as the Voice of the Divine Dragon, Lady Tiki is a Manakete who spends the vast majority of her time sleeping in the branches of the Mila tree. In her sleep, she appears to be fully conscious of what goes on around her and can even communicate. She's said to have some relation to the Divine Dragon Naga and speaks in her name.