A little tidbit of information to help understand the culture and lifestyle of each nation. This thread will include:
1. Percentage of de facto speakers (languages),
2. Percentage of bloodlines (globally and nationally) -- only the top five globally and nationally,
3. Essential numbers (globally and nationally, including population, etc),
4. Religious demographics
5. Descriptions of all nations
6. Anything else that comes to mind, like flags and pictures.
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 5:19 am
GLOBAL DEMOGRAPHICS
The essential, global demographics will reside here. This will generally not be updated, as the numbers are mostly stagnate, and not effected by RP. Only massive events within RP could change the numbers enough for them to be altered in-thread.
Global population (not including monsters or animals or Los Anthos): 486,948,340
Global religions and their influence:
Vangelism: 42%
Vaet Nocturnum: 20%
Mazdakism: 18%
Justoastrianism: 8%
Other/Non-Religious: 12%
Languages and their de facto speakers:
Common: 58%
Meritia: (unknown %, but expected to be around 17%)
Demonica: 12%
Elvish: 10%
Angelica: 2%
Other: 1%
Top five bloodlines:
Human: 51%
Mermaid: (unknown %, but expected to be around 13%)
The largest, most populous nation in the world. It is, however, the least diverse in pretty much all categories. It is to be noted that Fronta is commonly called Fraxon, due to its history as the Fraxon Empire.
Frontan population: 221,520,142
Frontan religions and their influence:
Vangelism: 84%
Mazdakism: 13%
Other: 3%
Languages and their de facto speakers:
Common: 97%
Other: 3%
Top five bloodlines:
Human: 85%
Valkyrie and Nephilim: 4%
Warden: 3%
Succubus: 3%
Incubus: 2%
Primary sources of income: Manufacturing, agriculture, entertainment, seafood, general trade
COMMON SOCIAL NORMS
Regarding religion: For a long time, Fronta's Church of Vangelism held a near-hegemonic control over virtually all of the people within the Kingdom. The population of Vangelists within Fraxon - even including races such as Succubi and Incubi - was nearly 98% for most of the Kingdom's history, ever since the arrival of Michael's original angelic envoys (Antony, Zachariah, Elessia and Solaris) during the reign of King Lensley, first monarch of Fronta.
However, due to the civil war within the Crown of Heaven, Vangelism has reduced in prominence dramatically in Fraxonian life; partially due to their beloved former Emperor - Raphael Giletti - ascending to one of the founding Gods of Mazdakism. Now, Mazdakism grows rapidly, whilst Vangelism becomes less centralized and already new fragments of that old and massive religion begin to form.
Regarding gender: With the collapse of the Fraxonian Empire and the threat to the stability and safety of Fronta, traditional gender roles have resumed in the Kingdom and it is now dominated - once again - by a patriarchal "nuclear" family structure. However, Fraxon is fairly benevolent when it comes to gender relations, and there is little issue save for conspiracy theories regarding Succubi attempting to rise once again into power (though some of these theories turn out to be true).
Regarding race: Fronta is, quite honestly, confusing in its racial disputes. Most humans don't care for the supernaturals, instead it is fear that drives them to discriminate against them. They do not wish for Fronta, the last bastion of humanity, to be overrun by people unlike them. They keep their borders shut, and hope and pray that the supernaturals stay out.
The biggest reason for this is that when a supernatural breeds with a human, the child will be supernatural. With this in mind, it only takes one supernatural entering Fronta to create generations of more supernaturals. This threatens their way of life, their culture, their future.
Regarding nationality: It's hard to say how they feel about outsiders, but considering they keep their borders shut with an iron gate, you can say that they do not like them.
Nocturne - "Eternal Enemies" (They have been at war for hundreds of years, mostly over religious issues) Yuran - "Allies" (Religious reasons, and they have Nocturne as a common enemy) Kranila - "Enemies" (The elves hate Fronta.) Aramil - "Rival" (Aramil threatens Fronta's interests in the East. They are also nearly matched with Fronta in power.)
THE HOLY CITY OF FRAXEN
Fraxen is, certainly, the greatest city in the world. It has moved from a medieval city over atop an island to a massive expanse, that continues to grow throughout Fronta. The technological advancements of Fraxen are beyond compare. They are so astonishing that some believe them to be lies. Flying mecha acting as public transportation, skyscrapers floating throughout the sky, a man made mountain to hold it all together. The center of the city is the home of the cultural elite, the King, the nobles and religious figures. Off the island, bridges lead you to the rest of the city. There are, in total, over twenty million people in Fraxen.
It is a whole new world in itself. And yet, the brunt of the city consists of beautiful domes, that remind the people of its origins.
Within the city, there is a great cathedral the size of a whole lesser city, known as the Grand Cathedral of St. Raleigh. Within it, thousands of people live and work beneath the all-seeing eye of the church. The official leader of this cathedral is the King, but it is overseen mostly by Nephilim who teach people how to heal and guide young men and women into the order of the Templar.
Duchy Populations: #1. Lordshire, 55 million (hosts capital) (South Fraxon) #2. Lincoln, 43 million (South Fraxon) #3. San Luna, 32 million (North Fraxon) #4. Solarissa, 28 million (North Fraxon) #5. Des Anjel, 24 million (North Fraxon) #6. San Sousi, 21 million (North Fraxon) #7. Bon Sant, 19 million (North Fraxon)
Current Ruler(s): Gaston II Gilletti, King of Fronta Amalie Saintivelle, Archduchess of North Fraxon
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 5:32 am
THE KINGDOMS OF ARAMIL AND KEVAI
GREAT POWER STATUS: #2
absolute monarchy
The fastest growing nation in the world, Aramil commonly focuses on the tenets of nationalism, industrialism, order, individualism and enlightenment. There is very much an Aramilian renaissance going on as we speak, and the Eastern world is shifting to match the beliefs forged in Lukhan's Landing.
Aramilian population: 129,458,912
Aramilian religions and their influence:
Mazdakism: 41%
Vangelism: 26%
Vaet Nocturnum: 12%
Other/non-religious: 21%
Languages and their de facto speakers:
Common: 74%
Meritia: 13%
Demonica: 2%
Other: 11%
Top five bloodlines:
Human: 25%
Incubus: 24%
Warden: 18%
Mermaid: 11%
Djinn: 7%
Primary sources of income: Seafood, spices and other luxury resources (sugar, salt, etc), manufacturing, trade, stock and general abuse of the market
COMMON SOCIAL NORMS
Regarding religion: Aramil has recently faced a tremendous shift in its religious properties. Until West's reign, the nation fought head-to-head between Vangelism, Vaet Nocturnum and Komonism. Now, Komonism is nearly eradicated, Vaet Nocturnum has decreased dramatically in popularity, Vangelism swells and the new religion Mazdakism is growing extremely quickly due to the adoration many Aramilians held for the Emperor who has now become a God, as well as their agreement that mortals should rule the world of Axiom, not Gods from other realms.
Regarding gender: With a large amount of Djinn and Incubi in Aramil, the nation is about 65% male. With this in mind, it is fairly male dominated, but women are not actually restricted from any form of office. The previous Grand Counselors -- who ruled in West's stead -- were both women, Isis and Maria. The people of the nation also don't really have any particular beliefs regarding gender, though typical Djinn beliefs apply to their own respective sector.
Regarding race: Similarly to their religious ideologies, the people of Aramil are fairly tolerant to other races. Until recently, there was great tension between the Mer and the other races, especially due to Kaminae's blockading and harassment of Aramilian naval forces and trade. However, with the death of Kaminae and a change to the Mer regime, all is becoming well between the races of Aramil, though there are some pressing issues. Wardens and Incubus get along famously, but humans and Mer tend to fear those two races. Incubus often target Mer for their sexual excursions, as Mer are known to smell exquisitely and . . . to be frank, feel 'better' than other races. Similarly, humans are often easy targets, and there are many human women harboring the seed of an Incubus child within them. There is a great movement about enforcing that Incubus do not ever use their seduction ability, one that the council of Aramil has either laid silent on or called racism. This tension worsens as the population of Incubi rises, and considering they're the fastest growing race in Aramil . . .
Regarding nationality: Outsiders are treated respectfully, though that varies from person to person.
Nocturne - "Rivals" - They are ideological enemies as well as competitors for trade with Kranila and Yuran. However, the King of Aramil greatly adores Nocturne and its culture. Yuran - "Enemies" - Aramil seized the capital city of Yuran, Pronta, not long ago. After withdrawing its military presence through harsh negotiation, Aramil and Yuran are still very on edge with each other. Kranila - "Trade Partners" - Simple enough reasoning here. Fronta - "Rival" - Aramil is the greatest threat to Fronta. As they continue to expand into the eastern continent, and continue to encroach on Fronta's status as the technological leader of the world, the tension between the two nations grows greatly. It should also be noted that the King of Fronta is of the same dynasty as the King of Aramil, Giletti. This means that they both respectively have claims to sit on the throne of both nations.
THE METROPOLIS OF LUKHAN'S LANDING
Lukhan's landing, for hundreds of years, has been endlessly named as the greatest piece of technological innovation in history. While the architects behind Luimira are too stubborn to admit it, no one can contest this claim. Lukhan's Landing was once known as Uuma, and it was simply a project by the mastermind scientists of Fraxen. They wanted to see if they could get a city to survive underwater, while capable of sustaining itself and producing adequate resources from its surroundings. This was an extremely ambitious project that would go on to cost the government an incredibly large sum of money. In fact, by today's standards, just the city of Lukhan's Landing required as much money to build as it would to build over five dozen land-faring cities. However, the end result was the greatest scientific masterpiece of all time. It was a city surrounded by an impenetrable barrier powered simply by the seismic activity of the planet. It even had a back-up supply of energy if that wasn't adequate; sunlight. Furthermore, the actual city itself had an artificial intelligence implemented into it that allowed for it to pick and choose from the surrounding sea resources, plundering enough material to supply for the city while ensuring that the supply depot does not run dry. It's so incredibly smart that people wonder how it was actually built. Even modern scientists have no idea how they managed to implement this sort of technology, and many have written it off as a divine intervention.
Eventually, the crown prince of Fronta, Raphael, pressed his birthright and declared war for the city of Uuma, which he later renamed to Lukhan's Landing. Seizing the city was fairly easy, as Aramil had been thrown into anarchy when Fenrir infiltrated the dome and destroyed large parts of the capital, including the government office.
The city of Lukhan's Landing possesses a population of seventeen million people, largely incubus or human. With the destruction of the Mer regime that embargo'd the capital, it has begun to grow in population and infrastructure yet again. There are even plans to greatly expand the dome outward, allowing for a much larger city than there already is.
Duchy Populations: #1. Weston, 48 million (hosts capital) (Aramil) #2. Heartland, 21 million (Aramil) #3. Dathan, 16 million (Kevai) #4. Maria du Sol, 14 million (Aramil) #5. Ishese, 13 million (Kevai)
Current Ruler(s): Akeem Malek, Emperor of Aramil Salian Antinous, Viceroyal of Kevai
Nocturne has the lowest population amongst all civilized nations. However, it is important to note that this is for good reason; the majority of their population is self-glorifying, but also immortal. The quality of each person in Nocturne is dramatically higher than your average person in other nations. They are all very smart, well-learned, and most are capable of handling themselves in battle.
Nocturnal population: 64,209,700
Nocturnal religions and their influence:
Vaet Nocturnum: 86%
Other/non-religious: 14%
Languages and their de facto speakers:
Demonica: 65%
Common: 16%
Other: 19%
Top five bloodlines:
"Demon": 33% (in Nocturne, Dreadnoughts, Diabolus, Incubus and Succubus are classified as a sub-species) Of these demons, around 8% are pure-blood demons from hell.
Vampire: 20%
Lycan: 17%
Ghosts and Undead: 15%
Mer: 5%
Primary sources of income: Mercenary work, precious gems, oil, raiding
COMMON SOCIAL NORMS
Regarding religion: The men and women of Nocturne tolerate people of conflicting religions, those outside of Vaet Nocturnum. However, that does not mean that they won't stab a b***h if it comes down to an isolated religious clash. Most Vangelists know that, while Nocturne officially remains secular, Vangelists and other religious people are treated like dirt within the city's walls, and can never hope to obtain high political status. Any who do not follow Kala are seem as prudish, boring, idealistic, and naive. The nation itself is extremely unified in religion, and so you won't even find a spot where one outside of Kala's eyes can be treated naturally.
Regarding gender: The people in Nocturne really don't care about gender, particularly. Due to the way most of the races of Nocturne tend to expand their brood (usually by atypical reproduction and with scattered family structures) there are no real "gender roles". The strongest gender roles exist within Lycan society, where men are expected to be warriors of the outlands and women are expected to defend the homefront (Uppsala).
Regarding race: While a large number of people within the nation tend to ignore race, you could say that Nocturne is one of the most racially differentiated societies. The Lycans and Vampires, the two most common within the nation, both hate one another. Some of them try to be friends, but for the most part they are enemies. The Vampires believe they should be enslaved, and the Lycans believe the vampires are weak, evil, and conniving. The separation between these two dominant races is what drives many of the events within Nocturne today, and it will continue to do so for hundreds of years, most likely.
Regarding nationality: People from Nocturne don't care for outsiders. Kranilans are too weak and lovey dovey, the Yuranites are hated enemies. The people from Fronta, while rarely ever seen, are as likely to be waved to as they are to have their heads chopped off. However, they will often disregard former nationality if one is loyal to Kala, and to the military, or any other strong political body. Well, they'll disregard it for the most part, at least.
Fronta - "Eternal Enemies" (They have been at war for hundreds of years, mostly over religious issues) Yuran - "Eternal Enemies" (Border disputes, religious issues, wars and recent events) Kranila - "Trade Partners" (Nocturne has many gems and other valuable resources, but almost no food, as they never have sunlight. Kranila provides them with the bulk of their food. This also means that Nocturne would never dare attack Kranila, as they are their lifeline.) Aramil - "Rival" (Aramil, a rising power, has quickly eclipsed Nocturne in military strength)
LUIMIRA, THE CITY OF SIN
A place unlike any in the world. Here you will find sex, blood, death, screams of both anguish and pleasure. There is nothing normal about Luimira, and the people of Luimira reflect that. Those who were born and raised here can't even understand the outside world. They find it too boring or too bizarre, and they can never truly belong. Those who come here find it overwhelming and can be led to suicide or breakdowns in their psyche. Few from the outside belong here, but the ones who do, will find themselves brought into a whole new place. Luimira is much like Hell, in that it is divided into several factions and races that seem to plot against each other, while also mutually enjoying one another. There are districts of the city owned by Vampires, Werewolves, Incubus and Succubus, Ferals, and others. There is a great order of Necromancers to the north of the city, Shadowknights to the west, and other evil and bizarre orders that you won't find outside of Nocturne . . .
Everything that doesn't exist in the outside world, exists here. Some consider that a symbol of its greatness, or its delusions. Whatever the case, Luimira stands as one of the greatest cities in the world. It has a population of seventeen million people, many of them members of the military. It also has a massive church of Vaet Nocturnum in the center of the city, that rises into the skies, and presides over all things.
Duchy Populations: #1. Miras, 28 million (hosts capital) (Nocturne) #2. Gloria en Valle, 24 million (Valle) #3. Jorsul, 7 million (Uppsala) #4. Fairsvjod, 5 million (Nocturne)
Current Ruler(s): Johanna Miras, Queen of Nocturne (Reigning Monarch) Adriel Helios, King of Valle Luden Fairskin, King of Uppsala
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 5:46 am
THE KINGDOM OF YURAN
GREAT POWER STATUS: #IRRELEVANT
DIVIDED AND CONQUERED
federal monarchy
Like Aramil, they are diverse. Their entire culture, Volana, was made to represent their cultural diversity. They are in the center of all the three warring religions; Justoastrianism, Vangelism and Vaet Nocturnum, and are the road which all nations must pass when wishing to war with another. They are also closest to Val'Ghast (if you don't count Aramil), and are therefore frequently targeted by monsters.
Yuranite population:63,209,700
Yuranite religions and their influence:
Vangelism: 42%
Justoastrianism: 12%
Vaet Nocturnum: 9%
Komonism: 7%
Various folk religions: 30%
Languages and their de facto speakers:
Common: 83%
Elvish: 9%
Other: 8%
Top five bloodlines:
Human: 19%
Draconian: 14%
Djinn: 11%
Kiranu: 8%
Siren: 6%
Primary sources of income: Largely varies based on each sector. Mercenary work, agriculture, contracts of many kinds; monster-hunting, physical labor since a majority of Yuranians are very strong), etc. They tend to be generally well-rounded in their sources of income.
COMMON SOCIAL NORMS
Regarding religion: The people of Yuran are quite flippant with their religious views. Some are very zealous, especially when it comes to Vangelism, but for the most part they have a private spiritual relationship, and that is all. There is some level of discrimination against religious peoples within Yuran. As atheism and non-mainstream religion rises within the nation, Vangelists and followers of Vaet Nocturnum grow increasingly hated and isolated from society. They are often regarded as extremists and are decorated with 'intolerance', regardless of the truth.
Regarding gender: In different parts of Pronta, views towards gender differ. However, centrally, the nation has a mainstream egalitarian view. Only a few communities are oppressive towards either gender, the most oppressive community being the Djinn, who do not allow women to live there unless they are married to a male resident.
Regarding race: Honestly, Yuran is possibly the center of racial disputes in the world. The only nation that might rival it in that area would be Aramil. The people of Yuran are very divided because of their cultural, racial and religious beliefs. Humans and supernaturals are certainly not unified within Yuran. There is also some open discrimination within the nation; for example, Kiranu are denied most public office, as people treat them with little respect. Djinn are segregated, especially in the more matriarchal parts of Yuran's society, and many demonic races are treated with little respect in the capital.
Regarding nationality: The people of Yuran, you could say, regard other nations with a generalized view.
Their hatred for Nocturne is deep-rooted, due to hundreds of years of strife. It immolated when Fenrir destroyed Pronta, and continues to immolate as they grow weaker and Nocturne grows stronger. While they used to be allies against Nocturne with Aramil, they now despise them, because Aramil's forces currently occupy parts of Yuran.
THE GREAT CLIFFS OF PRONTA
A city of unfathomable ingenuity. The whole city is quite a dangerous place, as it clings to the mountainsides, but it is extremely defensible and properly splits apart the warring races and religions. Pronta is a place where you can be whoever and whatever you want, and there will be some mountain somewhere that hosts a community of like-minded people. However, there is also one massive, towering mountain that hosts the mass of the people, as well as the palace. It is known as Jaegvon, and it is consequently the largest mountain in the world. Millions of people live against this mountain, and it is here that all are united under the banner of Yuran, as well as its military.
Pronta is a very cultured place. The structure of the buildings is different than in the rest of the world, first inspired by the original Pagan overlords of the city, and then refined by humans and beast-folk alike. There are some structures in Jaegvon, and other mountains, that are unrivaled by nearly all structures in the world. For example, the sea of flowers is a garden against a temple, that sits atop Jaegvon. It hosts hundreds of monks and scholars, who come there to find peace, and knowledge through that peace. They come to commune with the Gods, and in rare cases, the Gods answer back. It is a highly spiritual place, and many in the world have come to see it, forever changing them.
Duchy Populations: #1. Dijounne, 36 million (Southern Yuran) #2. The Iron Cliffs, 28 million (hosts capital) (Northern Yuran)
A land confused; they are mixed between peace and strife, harmony and division. The Elves, who once presided wholly over this great nation, have been reduced to tribes while the other beastfolk squabble over the throne. However, Kranila is inherently a kind nation with a gentle culture, which sets it apart from the rest of the world.
Kranilan population: 86,130,500
Kranilan religions and their influence:
Justoastrianism: 52%
Vangelism: 32%
Mazdakism: 8%
Other/non-religious: 8%
Languages and their de facto speakers:
Common: 56%
Elvish: 32%
Other: 12%
Top five bloodlines:
Human: 22%
Dawn Elf: 20%
Dark Elf: 16%
Kiranu: 10%
Mer: 7%
Primary sources of income: Almost entirely agriculture, with an added mix of spices and medicinal resources making them great profit. Essentially anything that nature has to offer is abundant in Kranila, making it a naturally rich nation, though it is spared from the military resources; iron, oil, aluminum, etc.
COMMON SOCIAL NORMS
Regarding religion: Religion is a passive thing within Kranila, though it has potential to erupt into violence and savagery. There is a great amount of tension between the Justoastrians and the other religious groups, especially the Vangelists. Hundreds of years of history has separated the groups of people, and religion keeps them far away from compromise and union.
Regarding gender: The people of Kranila, at least the beast races, believe that when it comes to political roles, both man and woman are of equal ground. However, they believe that the natural order has set up different genders to be more proficient at certain jobs, and so a woman would have a harder time becoming a mason or a construction worker, just as a man would have a difficult time being a nanny or a seamstress. The men and women of Kranila have been content with this for over a thousand years, and so this sort of ideology is not questioned within the country.
Regarding race: The Elves, the semi majority of Kranila, believe that race means little. However, the standpoint of one within a certain race, and towards others of the same race, means a lot. They will easily tolerate a human, but not a human who supports Fronta's colonization of Kranila. It is the same for any other race. The elves themselves do actually feel they are somewhat superior, though, given their magical talent and their long lifespans. They would not speak this to outsiders however, it ruins their worldly appeal.
Regarding nationality: Kranila . . . basically has no friends from other nations. Somewhere in history, all nations have wronged them.
Nocturne - "Trade Partners" "Warmongerers" (Kusana obtains its wealth from Nocturne. They obtain gems, gold, silver, other things. However, they do not trust them at all. There is a shaky relationship between the two nations, especially since recent Kings within Nocturne have essentially victimized their Queen.) Yuran - "Rivals" (Border disputes, history) Fronta - "Enemies" (The elves hate Fronta.) Aramil - "Warmongerers" (They fear them, especially due to their expansion into Yuran. Kranila would be the easiest nation for Aramil to invade.)
THE ANCIENT PARADISE OF KUSANA
A timeless city, formed of roots and leaves, and eternally glorified by its caretakers. Kusana is a massive city that spans whole stretches of forestry, a safe city where people can feel loved and at peace. The culture of this place is majestic, and it is truly a utopia among men.
However, there is also great tension here. Kranila, being a federation, essentially allows "states" (like the Elvish tribes) to command their own futures. Within Kusana however, the central government rules everything. Elves are made to feel unwelcome here, while humans control the vast majority of the city. Also, a desire for industrialization has split the city apart, and many who were once friends find themselves as enemies when it comes to this dispute: whether Kusana's efficiency is the most valuable, or its symbolic beauty.
Duchy Populations: #1. Kuladhan, 46 million (hosts capital) (Eastern Kuladhan) #2. Gel Adal, 38 million (Western Kuladhan)
Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 6:01 pm
TITLES AND THEIR INFLUENCE
The Great Houses of Axiom:
House Gilletti: Reigns over South and North Fronta. One of the most prestigious families in history, they are the dynasty once ruled by Emperor West of Fraxon, who ruled the second largest Empire in Axiom's history (and by far the most populous), now the God of Order. Ruler: Gaston II, Age 8, Human Heir: Bastion, Age 16, Warden
House Saintivelle: Historically, the greatest house in Axiom's history. They preceded House Gilletti and ruled the Fraxon Empire during its greatest extent. Now, they are the rulers of the Archduchy of San Luna and hold high positions throughout the globe. Ruler: Amalie, Age 46, Human Heir: Nikolas, Age 24, Human
House Malek: Reigns over Aramil and Kevai. A house chaperoned and guided by House Gilletti, House Malek was left with control over the East Fraxon Empire, the largest holding possessed by Emperor West, and his original base of power. Their founder and ruler, Emperor Akeem, is beloved greatly by the people of Aramil and Kevai. Ruler: Akeem, Age 41, Djinn Heir: Bastion, Age 16, Warden
House Maric: Reigns over Valle and partially over Val'Ghast. House Maric was founded and guided to power by Alistair, now the God of Ambition and Flames. Becoming the leading house of Nocturne at its extent as an Empire, it has since faced challenges. After the deification of Alistair Maric, Adriel Helios has claimed inheritance to the family and now its base of power lies in Gloria en Valle, one of the great cities of Axiom. Ruler: Adriel, Age 36, Vaet Diabolos Heir: None
House Ghast: Reigns over the majority of Val'Ghast. The oldest and longest lasting house in Axiom's history, Kamilla's dynasty is one that many believe will never die, though recently she has faced encroachment by House Gilletti, Malek, Nicht and Maric. Ruler: Kamilla, Age 826, Cordonus Heir: None
House Nicht: Reigns over a significant portion of Val'Ghast. A relatively small dynasty as of now, though a rising power in Val'Ghast and a political ally of House Maric. Ruler: Amias, Age 827, Pagan Heir: None
House Miras: Reigns over Nocturne. One of the most prestigious dynasties in history, House Miras has ruled a significant portion of Nocturne for much of the past 700 years, only pausing in rulership with the arrival of House Maric under Alistair. Their founder, Azazel Miras, is now known to all as Asteroth, the God of Blood. House Miras is a house of vampires and their progenies, whether birthed to them or converted by the ritual of blood. Now, they wish to reclaim ownership of Nocturne, and have established a base of power within Luimira that has not yet been compromised. Ruler: Johanna, Age 349, Vampire Heir: Vladimir, Age 269, Vampire
House Amell: Reigns over Eastern Amaranthine. This is the elusive family of Makassar, the self-proclaimed God of Magic. Not much is known about them, though they were a powerful colonial family within Luray and were set to inherit the duchy of Geshan before the fall of the Kingdom. Ruler: Makassar, Age 48, Human...ish Heir: Sorana, Age 31, Makassari
House Loraxis: Reigns over Kuladhan. A powerful family that has inherited its place from the remnants of Empress Maghlya's dynasty. Loraxis served as a secondary branch of the House of Aelothar, and now they seek to reclaim total control of Kuladhan. Rumors circulating proclaim that they desire to return the Kingdom to its Elven roots, removing non-Elven inhabitants. Ruler: Lysanthir, Age 244, Dusk Elf Heir: Naonna, Age 168, Dusk Elf
Moving On:
This post will be quite brief, so that it does not confuse any. Only duke titles and above are included.
Also of great importance: By Name < Regnant, Queen Regent < Queen, King Regent < King
Duke/Duchess
A duke presides over multiple provinces or counties (counties being led by counts). They are of very high position, and compared to your regular man or woman possess a dramatically high level of influence. In Axiom, one duchy might contain hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of people. Dukes and Duchesses are very rich, and hold a lot of sway. However, their influence grows weaker as time continues, as the crown authority of the Kings and Queens grows more supreme.
⤷Grand Duke/Grand Duchess The grand dukes/duchesses are only a step beneath Kings. Often times, they are the direct rivals of Kings and Queens, as they possess millions of people beneath their banner, and preside over a massive amount of territory within a Kingdom. Grand Dukes are Dukes who possess at least two duchies. Usually, a King or Queen will do whatever is in their power to keep Dukes from becoming Grand Dukes, as it only creates enemies. They tend to be highly ambitious, and for good reason; they're only a step away from taking the crown.
Kings/Queens The supreme power of a Kingdom. They usually hold at least one duchy, and claim leadership over all dukes, counts, and grand dukes. They possess less influence in each duchy than their respective duke, however, making their hold over the manpower of a nation highly insecure. People tend to favor their respective duke over their King or Queen, as they feel more familiar. The Duke is more attached to their own people. As time, however, the King and Queens of Axiom have become more influential. This trend, and whether it will continue to grow, is something unforeseen.
Kings and Queens own the "Kingdom", as a whole thing. You may not be a King or Queen if you do not possess at least 80% of the borders of a specific Kingdom, otherwise your claim is illegitimate. Even small Kingdoms warrant the title of King or Queen.
⤷King Regnant/Queen Regnant The one with true power is the King or Queen regnant. Monarchies are never, ever split into two equally powerful people. A King and Queen will not be equal, one of them will possess supreme executive power over the affairs of the nation. It is simply unwise to consistently go against the desires of your co-ruler. However, it is important to know that there is a distinction between these two. I would list the regnant rulers within each nation, but it is always quite obvious so I will abstain.
Emperors/Empresses Emperors and Empresses are the most powerful men and women in the world. Considering Axiom only possesses a few Kingdoms, any "Empire" would essentially eclipse a large portion of the world. Empires are much trickier subjects than Kingdoms, however, and they are often more difficult to manage. They possess many different cultures and races, making them more divided and therefore less nationalistic. Empires often crumble, and have always done so in Axiom's history. However, sometimes, they do arise.
An Empire, by Axiom's standards, is something that has come to rule over two or more Kingdoms. In order to understand this fully, you would have to know all of the Kingdoms, and I will get into that:
There is the Kingdom of Nocturne, which essentially eclipses the nation of Nocturne. There is little distinction.
The Iron Dynasty, Yuran, possesses the Kingdom of Yuran and a small part of the Kingdom of Kranila. The Kingdom of Yuran covers the eastern half of the central-primary, south of Nocturne.
The Kingdom of Kranila is a large Kingdom that covers almost all of the central area to the western continent. It presides over some of northern Fronta, as well as eastern Pronta.
The Kingdom of Fronta is the largest Kingdom in the world, and some would consider it an Empire in itself. Everything past the Great Gate of Fronta is considered a de jure part of this Kingdom's territory. However, there are disputes with Kranila over this.
The Kingdom of Aramil consists of the massive island to the east of the primary continent, as well as some of the nearby island chains.
The Kingdom of Val'Ghast covers the north tip of the eastern continent.
The Kingdom of Amaranthine is also quite large, and it covers the eastern side of the eastern continent.
The Kingdom of Kevai covers the western coastline of the eastern continent.
There are several Kingdoms beneath the sea, all united by Kaminae's aegis, and formed into the Empire of Los Anthos.
The Emperor and Empress reigns over the Kings, Dukes, Counts, and all lesser people. They are supreme, and unquestionable within their respective Empires.
It should be known that while it is generally implied that Empires are stronger than Kingdoms simply by merit, some Kingdoms are more fertile, populous and economically more stable than even whole Empires. An Empire "arising" does not make it the supreme power of the world. However, if an Empire were to remain stable, they could surely oust any competition.
