kingdoms & places
of Particular Interest
While it is impossible to view every country in the world in appropriate depth and breadth, much less give an accurate representation of the lives of its people, I have attempted here to give a satisfactory overview of the basic politics and general “feeling” of a select few.
Whether it is the sun and moon of Ouranien that invite a closer look or the divine flowers of Teien that draw your interest, I hope to provide you with a perspective...outside your own, perhaps.
Ouranien
The northernmost continent of the world, Ouranien is home to many kingdoms and royal families who have made a habit of intermarrying between one another in order to keep their command over the continent strong and their bloodlines unquestioned.
As a large continent, the wealth and wellbeing of the citizens of each country varies greatly. At the front of both are Taura and Cancea, allied countries that account for nearly 75% of the continent’s landmass and only slightly less of its population.
Cancea
- Ruled by: House Fenicea
- Capital: Lucentia
- Seat of Power: The Palace of the Moon
Once a small island country, Cancea has greatly expanded over the past 300 years through industry and its alliance with Taura. The last few decades especially have seen considerable progress in trade and social advancements alike under Queen Acipita Fenicea, the country’s widely beloved “queen phoenix.”
Where their crimson ally makes ostentatiousness a prerequisite, Cancea is a far subtler country, with its Moonlit Court a model for understated refinement even across the sea. Yet one may find fault even in gods, and outside of the Palace of the Moon, many criticize Her Majesty’s apparent complacency to be at Taura’s beck and call.
One wonders, is it true that the moon requires the sun’s light to shine? Or is its true luminescence its own?
Taura
- Ruled by: House Dracus
- Capital: Éclipsis
- Seat of Power: Le Château de Celedis
Frontmost of the decadent royal families of Ouranien is House Dracus, the ruling family of Taura, whose seat of power is “the Magnificent Castle of Celedis, the Radiant Palace of the Sun.” This title alone is perhaps enough to give one an idea of their mindset.
Ruling for nearly 500 years, House Dracus is a golden family whose every move is watched and celebrated: the commoners drink to them, and the courtiers devote their lives to winning favor in their coveted Crimson Court.
Perhaps it shall last. Or, perhaps, House Dracus will at last run out of gilt to fill the cracks.
Léodaen Drakiya’s Character Page
The crown prince of Taura is equal parts genteel and aloof as befitting the cold crown upon his head. While his studies and training consume his days, at night he drowns in dreams.
Cies’ Character Page
Cies dreams of a palace of roses, so high up she can touch the stars. Wrapped in redolence, surrounded by those she loves most, what could be a better life?
“Take my hand. We’ll save each other.”
The faenriin Attel flees her perfection-obsessed society in search of a familiar. Across the miasma-soaked sea, she makes friends and foes of dragons, discovers a centuries-old tragedy, and forms an unbreakable bond that could unravel two worlds and her heart alike.