Main Imports: Military/Protection, Metal, Ice, Livestock Main Exports: Peppers/Fruits, Fruit Products, Wine Attractions: Neutral ground for conflict mediation, negotations, and treaty signings. Also a provided a good retreat from cities, pollution, etc.
Inspiration:The Shire from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
Architecture One of the most striking features on Pomona were the giant biodomes that cover much of its surface. Although life could be found across Pomona, Pomonians restricted themselves to the biodomes.
Most of the buildings on Pomona were built into hills, with only their round windows and arched doorways visible. Building into hills saved room and helped to keep the houses cool. Multi-storied buildings did exist, but in most cases stories were added going down, not up.
Pomonalis was a more traditional city, though still not a shining, modern metropolis. Its buildings were a combination of wood and adobe, and all sported tiled roofs. Different types of ivy and vines climbed the walls and the streets were nothing but hard-packed dirt. Still, it at least had multi-storied buildings where the stories were built above ground, even if the buildings were mostly tourist places (taverns, inns, etc.).
Climate Inside the biodomes it was always hot. The biodomes were essentially giant hothouses, so it was always hot and humid. Outside the biodomes, the weather was more alien, proof of how Pomona had to be tamed via technology. The wilds of Pomona sport little more then weeds and were subject to electrically-charged dust storms.
Culture Although Pomonians jokingly blamed it on the heat, life on Pomona had a slow, easy pace. People were rarely in a hurry. They liked eating and drinking and loved parties, finding any excuse to engage in these activities. A small planet with a small population, people were close, and aside from outworlders, usually everyone knew everyone. Family was important and the worst crimes on Pomona were usually committed by feuding families.
Politics/Government Pomona was a largely neutral, pacifistic goverment with three main parts: the Royal Family, the Pomona Council, and Sailor Pomona.
The Royal Family = The Royal Family of Pomona lived in Capsaicin Castle. Most issues went first to the Pomona Council, so few issue ever came before the Royal Family. They had the capacity to act as mediators and judges, but rarely did. The only notable thing that the Royal Family ever did do was to act as hosts. They planned many of the planet's celebrations and greeted inter-planetary travelers.
The Pomona Council = Citizens elected a person from their area to represent them on the Pomona Council. Town Hall meetings were held several times throughout the year, but the only reason so many non-Council members attended was for the party thrown afterwards. The Cuncil only dealt with those issuse that people couldn't solve themselves.
Sailor Pomona = Planet Pomona rarely drew the attention of would-be space enemies, so Sailor Pomona didn't have much in the way of typical Senshi duties. In fact, Planet Pomona accepted offers of protection from more battle-ready planets in exchange for their goods, so the role of Sailor Pomona would have become obselete were it not for one thing: the Pomonians were proud of their Senshi. Pomonians were close to the space equivalent of country bumpkins, but were quick to point out point out the existance of their fancy Senshi when outsiders took to insulting their little planet.
Not wanting Sailor Pomona to become an unimportant figure, they gave her additional non-Senshi duties. Sailor Pomona the Senshi became a largerly ceremonial position, but Sailor Pomona the Pomonian acted as the main judge and law enforcer on Planet Pomona. When requested, Sailor Pomona also acted as a mediator for parties that came to Pomona for a neutral ground to handle conflict mediation, negotiations, and treaty signings. Also, as few Pomonians cared to leave Pomona - royal family included - Sailor Pomona acted as Planet Pomona's ambassador when necessary.
Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2011 5:49 pm
NEMESIS
Exports: None, Nemesis prefers to be self-sufficient
Imports: Outcasts and Criminals
Overview: An unseen city, obscured from view by a wall from three sides, and by a mountain on the remaining side. The wall is man-made, towering higher than the eye can see. Inside of the city, it is illuminated by a natural soft blue light. The planet otherwise would never see light, as it is constantly shrouded in darkness. The light is caused by fungus in the rock, that grow like veins through the grooves of stone. It is only found in one particular kind of stone, which the mountain mostly contains. On the outskirts of the city, the fungus is more scare, and as a person moves closer towards the mountain, the light grows and grows. The fungus is mostly found inside the depths of the mountain, and because of this commoners live around the base of the mountain. People higher in ranking live inside and towards the top of the mountain. The royalty's castle is formed right out of the mountain face, with dark, spiraling towers protruding from the stone.
Culture: Ruled by a classical monarchy, the people of Nemesis are proud. Whether criminals themselves or the descendants of criminals, over time the people learned to make a good situation out of a bad one. They do what they can to survive, and despite being free to roam on the dark planet, rules are strictly enforced. Rules and laws were passed directly down from the royal family to the common people of Nemesis, and it was generally agreed that it was better not to mess with the royal family. If people do not change quickly, they are not given the opportunity. It was to be accepted that they would never leave Nemesis, that there was no escape, but perhaps redemption in living out the rest of their lives in a somewhat goodly manner.
Those in power are the few native inhabitants of Planet Nemesis, or those people that the Moon Kingdom thought good to oversee the going-ons in Nemesis. Those with a large amount of native blood are rumored to have extremely pale eyes, though pure natives are far and few.
Views of the Moon Court: Most Nemesians are at odds with the Moon Court, and just as the Moon Court ignores them, they tend to ignore things that deal with the Moon Court. They have excluded themselves from the outside world.
(to be cont.???)
Krysin
Tipsy Senshi
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Lucifer Force
Sparkling Senshi
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Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:58 pm
Kallichore Plural/Possessive: Kallichoran (sometimes shortened to 'Choran) Main Export: Services, wheat, medicinal herbs, knowledge Main Imports: Stone, glass, metal, weaponry Industries: Tourism, health and wellness services, education Castle: Oracle Surface:[X]
World: Kallichore, by and large, is the equivalent to Rhode Island in the United Moons of Jupiter. The moon is quite small when compared to the rest of the sixty-some-odd moons orbiting the gas giant. While the surface area was limited, the lands were lush and could support life. There was one major beach with a small body of saltwater, home to various kinds of fish, shellfish and crustaceans. The forests of Kallichore were small, but very dense. The largest ecosystem was the sprawling grasslands where harvesting of the infamous Kallichoran wheat took place. Many settlements were built in the grasslands, which included basic roads, schools and temples.
A mountain range extended from one end of the habitable land to the other, providing protection, some building materials and vantage points. Several important buildings, including The Archive and the Oracle Castle were built exclusively on mountains. Everything else was relegated to the flat lands. Several different types of goatlike creatures inhabited the mountain range and were domesticated for use as farming equipment and livestock that provided milk, furs, bone and meat. Other animals living on Kallichore included a variety of birds (including carrion), small predators such as wild dogs and cats and a plethora of small game animals. Generally speaking, nothing larger than a cougar was found to be living on the moon.
The most sacred animal on the moon was the Korenam, a type of bird unique to Kallichore. It resembled the Earth's owl, but it had three prominent feathers on the crown of the head that extended skyward. It was said that these birds know when the next senshi is going to be born, and one is always present at the awakening ceremony. These birds were forbidden to be exported or hunted, and were deeply ingrained into the culture of Kallichore.
Architecture: Houses and other buildings were primarily made of wood and clay, the most sacred of buildings using mostly stone. They erected great columns for temples, schools and libraries to make grand entrances, while houses were kept fairly simple. As a culture, Kallichorans did not spend much time at home, and were instead busy elsewhere. Roofing material consisted of thatch or logging, and houses were generally built custom by a community. They usually ranged no more than two or three bedrooms, a kitchen and eating area and a study. It was believed that since the moon was so small, no resource was to be wasted, and the architecture reflected that sentiment.
Temples were very grandiose and ornate (as much as the supply could allow). Emphasis was taken to create sprawling works of art on the ceilings and walls of temples and schools with jewels and other intricacies built directly into the structure. Rare materials like shells, gemstones or particularly pure stone were used liberally throughout. Many important buildings resembled the ancient Grecian society on Earth in their structure, but the innards of buildings typically extended both upward and beneath the surface of the moon when needed.
Several hot springs were discovered and converted into community areas with appropriate buildings throughout. Bath houses were not at all uncommon, and many a Kallichoran would spend a relaxing afternoon in the warm waters of the bath house. Tile was imported to maintain heat in the structure, with walls and ceilings made of stone. The ceilings would have ventilation holes cut into them to allow the proper release of steam and heat. Oftentimes, steam would be used to help power some of the minor technology not relegated to archiving and education.
At a glance, the society aesthetically resembles an older society on Earth, with simplistic supplies and architecture reserved for basic housing, while more expensive materials were reserved for community-wide structures.
Economy: Initially a self-sufficient society, Kallichore opened its doors to the other moons of Jupiter and beyond as a tourist destination for a relaxing getaway. The steam baths of Kallichore were a draw from across the galaxy, and the economy molded and shaped itself to be that of a service-oriented moon. Many people of Kallichore were trained in how to serve visitors and they benefited from the trade lines they created through their services. Others may visit the moon to access The Archive - a massive library filled to the brim with knowledge spanning all subjects from medicine to folklore to war, peace and technology. Much trading in knowledge took place on the moon, with the general outlook that the entire galaxy could benefit from it.
Culture: Generally a laid-back society, Kallichorans had one focus - the betterment of self, specifically the mind. Their religion was centered around the mind as both a gate and a key. From the earliest times, Kallichorans looked inward for answers to problems they themselves or their society were facing. Many partook in ceremonies that involved ingesting an herb native to Kallichore that is known as a hallucinogen. These rituals were thought to increase the capacity of the mind and break bonds the mind placed upon itself. It is said that once the mind is released from its self-imposed chains, all answers become clear. The herbs were restricted to religious purposes only, and only in the pursuit of knowledge. These herbs were hardly ever used recreationally.
The mind, the eye and the mouth are all prominent symbols in the religion. The mind contemplates, the eye sees and relays, and the mouth speaks thought. Therefore, these symbols are incorporated in dress, tattooing, architecture, clothing and other portions of the culture. The mouth and eyes are typically decorated in some way during festivals or other ceremonies, and the disfiguring of one's eyes or mouth on purpose is generally frowned upon. Those born blind are thought to have adapted without the need for sight and are considered to be more "wise" than those who have sight.
A very community-conscious people, if one Kallichoran was in trouble, the community would band together to assist. If a house fire took someone's home, then someone else would house them while construction went on to replace the home that was lost. It was an expected part of the culture, and those that were selfish were generally cast out in some fashion. Selfishness was thought to be the bane of progress, and was thus not tolerated on a community level.
Education started at an early age, with children attending school around five or six years old. Classes were held by elders in the community for many years, until the children were fifteen or sixteen. At that time, groups of children were sent to The Archive to continue and complete their education in mathematics, science, politics and religion. A well-rounded individual was best for the community and contributed in a positive way. Once the children complete their education, they are encouraged to find their place in the community and start a formal job through the apprentice system in all trades. Elders teach the younger generation, so on and so forth. Especially adept children grow to become Archive Attendants, community leaders or other important figures.
Government: Lead by a sort of council system, communities elect a small group of leaders to convene at The Archive on important decisions such as treaties, wars, etc. By and large, the council does not meet often, and instead, communities band together and reach a decision independently. Therefore, some rules may apply in one community while others may not, though the culture mitigates much tendency towards violence by necessity. Sailor Kallichore plays a minor role in the governing of the moon, and instead acts as more of a community leader and ambassador.
Senshi: The Korenam birds of Kallichore are said to perch on the house where the next Senshi is about to be born. Boy or girl, the symbol of Kallichore (the stylized mouth) appears somewhere on the body. The child is then brought to The Archive for intensive training on the moon's religion, etiquette, foreign relations and history. The senshi is a representative of the moon as a whole and is separated from the other children to prevent any favoritism (whether or not this was successful depended on circumstances). Once the senshi reaches the age of sixteen, he or she finishes training in the religion of Kallichore and is installed in a semi-permanent position at the temple. There, the senshi acts as a religious figure, their sphere of madness being though to naturally liberate the senshi from the constrains of the mind. This supposedly allows the senshi to 'see that which others cannot' and can relay this information about the future, answers to questions and other inquiries.
The senshi's birth name is then changed to Sibyl if female and Prophet if male, both a name and a title. While they can maintain ties to their original community, their importance is shifted to encompass the moon as a whole. The senshi lives to serve the moon, as the moon loves and shelters the senshi.
When called as a diplomat or representative to the Court of Jupiter, Kallichore does not pull much weight because of the size of their moon. His or her vote may not carry as much sway as other moons, and Kallichore by and large is not interested in the political sphere outside of itself.
Kallichore and House Jupiter: Kallichore is a humble servant of House Jupiter, and enjoys the protection of the prodigious court therein. Sailor Kallichore acts as a representative while at Court, and is constantly reminded of whose rule they are under when those of the moon look into the sky. The tiny moon does what it can when called upon, but it cannot lend much in the way of military prowess. Being a peaceful state, House Jupiter understood and recognized Kallichore's position in the system as more of a service moon than anything else and was not frequently called upon.
Kallichore and the Moon Kingdom: As small as the moon is, Kallichore was not widely known in the moon kingdom as anything more than a scenic destination for a vacation. Its spas, wildlife and welcoming natives drew tourism, but it was not viewed as anything beyond that. Kallichore recognized the Moon Kingdom as the ruler of the system, though Jupiter was much closer to home and therefore viewed as a more direct ruler than Serenity.
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 3:37 pm
Ixion
Plural/Possessive: Ixionian Main Exports: Ixionian Coal, other fuel, steam-based technology, precious stones and metals Main Imports: Cattle, laborers, wood, grain, plant life
Main Industries: Mining and manufacturing
Inspiration: Steampunk, mining town, labyrinth. Basic (Factual) Information: (2897cool Ixion is a Kuiper belt object. It is a plutino, the fifth largest with a diameter of 650 km. It is a moderately red color, and the surface is a mixture of tholin, dark carbon and water ice. Ixion and Pluto follow similar but differently oriented orbits: Ixion’s perihelion is below the ecliptic whereas Pluto's is above it. Uncharacteristically for bodies locked in resonance with Neptune (such as Orcus), Ixion approaches Pluto with less than 20 degrees of angular separation. Ixion does demonstrate some regular changes in brightness, which are thought to be caused by its rotation.
Landscape: At first glance, Ixion seems to be a barren planet. The surface is made up of a range of small mountains and very small water reservoirs. Planet life is minimal, mostly hearty grasses and dry bushes that grow out of the dark red soil.
There were very few buildings on the surface. These buildings were mostly manufacturing plants, used to process the goods mined from the planet’s core. Some were estate houses of Ixion’s wealthy and elite. A very small portion of these surface buildings were farms. The farms were essentially bio-domes, man-made greenhouses to grow and harvest plants that would not naturally thrive on Ixion.
On the surface of Ixion there is one large main town. It is essentially Ixion’s port. All goods are shipped and received from that point. It is the main access point for getting in and out of Ixion. As such, it was a bustling busy town.
Beneath the Surface: The rest of Ixion is concealed beneath its surface. The lower, underground region of Ixion is where everything really happened. Most Ixionians lived and worked underground in an elaborate series of tunnels. The tunnels connected to everything. There were entire cities underground as a well many mines. The tunnels are illuminated with bright colored lanterns, which are lit and fueled by Ixionian coal. To those who call Ixion home, the tunnels can be easily navigated. To outsiders who do not know the system well, it would be easy to get lost in the underground labyrinth.
Architecture and Technology: The architecture of Ixion is fairly simple construction with Gothic details. Most building are made of stone and metal, with fancy pointed arches, gothic/venetian type fenestration and light carving. Ixion is an industrialized planet with simple and complex machines like elevators, mill wheels and steam engines. Most their technology is based on steam power and fueled by Ixionian coal. Ixionian Coal: The main export on Ixion. Ixionian coal is a natural resource of the planet, found deep within its core. No one is quite sure how it has come to be there, but there seems to be a never-ending supply of it, as if the planet just natural regenerated its supply. Ixionian coal is a clean-burning fuel source, simply because very little of it is burned up over time. One lump of Ixionian coal can continue to burn for years. Once lit, the coals burn brightly and emit a strong heat. One small coal is enough to run a simple steam machine; large coals can heat an entire house. Over time they will burn out, slowly shrinking in size until they do.
Some Ixionian coal, when contained under high heat and pressure, become Ixionian gems. These gems can vary in color, but are similar to Earth’s diamonds. These gems occur naturally, but Ixionian coals can also be enchanted to become gems. The enchanted gems are highly praised, as they are created using already burning coal. The result is a gem that has a light soft glow in its center, and is slightly warm to the touch. Small gems are used in jewelry and luxury items, while larger ones are often used in the place of plain Ixionian coal as an ambient light source. It is customary in Ixion, that if someone wants to propose marriage, they should present their lover with an glowing Ixionian gem; its light representing the flames of their love.
Culture: TBA
Festivals: TBA
Politics and Government: Currently Unknown. (TBA)
The Role of Sailor Ixion: Currently Unknown. (TBA)
Connection to other Planets: Ixion maintained an amicable relationship with the planet Pluto, their orbital opposite, and by extension the White Moon Kingdom. Other planets, including neighboring Kuiper Belt Objects, are currently unknown.
Further Information to be discovered as Ixion is explored. ((Because I don’t OOCly know yet))
zippedsiren
Dapper Spirit
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LadyNozomi
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 12:11 am
Perseus Plural/Possessive: Persean Main Export: Everything, Ever Silver, Persean Water Main Imports: Everything, food Castle: The Great Seat of Mycenae (often called 'The Seat' for short, or Mycenae to outsiders)
Foreign Policy/Perseus's place in the stars: Perseus was a giant market world that thrived on the buying and selling of goods from places throughout the universe (including, if you knew the right people, very rare and possibly illegal black market purchases). If you wanted a large variety of items from all kinds of different places, Perseus was a good place to start! The language of the day was money, with both barter and nearly all forms of solid money accepted (in other words, rarely were IOU's or paper money taken, but coins, gold, precious metals, etc were common forms of payment). Perseus was a bit of a Switzerland, whose borders were open to practically anyone who wanted to do friendly trade. As such, foreign dignitaries and visiting parties were not allowed to carry weapons on them, and the use of magic by non-Perseans was frowned upon.
[The Crown and Senshi:] Being a Matriarchal society, the ruler of Perseus was always a Queen. Most of the time, this role was passed from Mother to Daughter in the royal bloodline, however if a Queen could not bear a suitable heir (if her daughters act shamefully or if she can only bear men/no children at all) it was acceptable for the priests and the Queen to scour the city for an adoption. Those adopted into the royal families are completely cut off from their previous lives and not allowed contact with any blood relatives until ascension to the throne. The Queen was always a strong channeler of magic, using Persean water to amplify her own inherited powers.
The senshi of Perseus was considered the Regent and General of the Queen, standing in for her in absences. Perseus the senshi was also in charge of the military and police force of the city. She is generally revered by society as a whole, and any born with her starseed is automatically granted royal status. It is rare for the Queen to also be the senshi of the planet, but is not unheard of in history. A man has never taken on the mantle of being Perseus, the starseed has always passed to a woman.
World: The world of Perseus is a medium size planet thats been broken from its orbit and turned into a space station that resides somewhere near Mirak in the Perseus constellation (the planet is about a fourth of the size of earth, maybe a little larger). The planet is encased in a copper colored atmosphere (which tinges the sky a coppery brown color, leading to very interesting red, green, and blue colored skies). The bottom of Perseus is comprised of cavernous aquifers and an underground ocean, almost completely hollow of actual rock, and underneath the water lay huge deposits of Ever Silver that seem to have no end. Above the great well lies a sprawling circular city, separated into rings by pristine water canals.
The middle most rings is The Great Seat of Mycenae, the palace constructed over the deepest part of the well. At the very center lies a great stone chair which is the throne room of the Queen of Perseus, the floor laid out beneath her was an exact replica of the water ways of Perseus.
Outside of the city lay a somewhat small farming community, wrapping around the city. From that point to the rest of the planet lay The Forest, mostly uninhabitable but occasionally visited by others. The Forest is mostly comprised of large trees with deep roots that suck up water from the underground deposits, as well as thick dense underbrush. Because all of the plants on the planet grow from Persean water any flowers are incredibly vibrant and leaves/greenery is an almost neon green.
The largest ring encompasses the shopping and market districts of Perseus, and the most likely to be frequented by traders and visitors from other worlds. Every kind of ware and shop imaginable was present somewhere on Perseus, from the lowliest of black market secret shops to posh department like stores selling clothes and goods to whomever would buy them. Also located in this district were the poorer housing units, though everything was kept maintained by the monarchy, so Perseus has no real 'slum' areas.
The second ring of Perseus encompasses the 'services' quarter, which included a rather famous red light district as well as a plethora of more reputable spas and retreats. This is also where many of the upper class inns were located, as well as many of the cities restaurants and more affluent housing.
The inner ring of Perseus houses The Great Seat, as well as the rest of the palace and living quarters for nobles and their staff. Also included in this ring was housing for visiting dignitaries and receiving platforms for visitors.
Underneath the rings lies a labyrinth of tunnels, some secret only to the Crown and her Regent, but others used for the mining of Ever Silver, the drawing of Persean water, and general access tunnels to the entire city which were open for use by the general public. Areas that you needed special permission to access where always heavily controlled.
Climate: Perseus has a very tolerable, if not a little hot, tropical climate. Because of all of the water, humidity can be a very real problem on days, however, its not always an issue. The weather is predominantly sunny from the main sun, and Perseus has two small orbital moons in rotation around it that are nearly always present in the sky.
Architecture: Most of the cities buildings were constructed out of a blue-green slate like stone, most taking on a rough 'cut' exterior, however others chose to polish the stone to an almost marble like shine. Much of this stone is also carved with intricate patterns. In stark contrast to this dark stone were the abundance of waterways, fountains, and waterfalls that were nearly everywhere in the city. The entirety of Perseus is connected by sparkling clear blue water, and you can hear the soothing sound of it where ever you are. As such, water was incorporated into the design of everything, some of the houses even having their own private waterfalls or fountains in the back courtyards.
Open meeting spaces where very important to the Perseans, as the preferred place to eat meals and business transactions. Houses of all sizes often at the very least had a small courtyard, and some had sprawling gardens with water features. Nearly every restaurant and spa also had roofless portions of their buildings. The use of stone/pebble mosaics in these outdoor spaces was also incredibly common.
Culture: Much of Persean culture revolved around the ideas of deals and trade, as well as a culture of instant gratification. People often dressed in very bright colors, and it was not uncommon for quite a bit of skin to be showing on the locals. Most Perseans were unabashed at having giant parties or multiple lovers, and where very tolerant to those who could be tolerant to them. Marriage existed, but it was often arranged and not considered to be your soul mate, and it was not particularly common for married couples to be completely monogamous. Because of their openness to alternative living styles and worship styles (there are several different competing factions of religion in Perseus, each with its own viewpoints and gods), it can make more traditional or modest visitors uncomfortable.
Perseus was a Matriarchal society, tracking birth lines and affluence through their mothers first, and occasionally through their fathers as well. The sexes played a fairly equal role in society and opportunity, though it was often women who inherited and men traditionally were the ones to give up their surnames in marriage.
Ever Silver: One of the main things produced by Perseus is Ever Silver, coveted for its superior shine, ability to never tarnish, and magical conductivity. Ever Silver is made into many different things, often including jewelry and in a diluted form as filling for carvings in stone. Ever Silver can range in colors from the rarest (a glowing green colored, almost like jade- what is on Perseus's uniform) to the most common (a white gold like color)
Persean Water: The water of Perseus is famed for its 'healing and restorative properties'. Even though much of this is based on speculation, the water stays crystal clear constantly, and people flock to spas and bathhouses to bath in it regularly. For much of Perseus, everything revolves around water and it is highly revered and children are taught not to use it frivolously. Water is viewed as the life force of all things!
tl;dr Perseus is cool and you should come visit!
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 12:09 am
Draconis
Plural/Possessive: Draconians Main Exports: Inks, Calligraphies, Precious Gems, Stone (both for building and decorative purposes) Main Imports: Cattle, Lots of Food Related Things, Inks, Papyrus Paper, Workers Industries: Tourism, Knowledge (In terms of writing and books), Jewelry/Jewels Palaces: Shun, Qin, Run, Guang (Sailor Draconis resides in Run)
In general, Draconis is a feudal Japan/China dreamland. There are gigantic mountains and flowing romantic fountains everywhere. The kingdom is split into two parts: the upper and lower terrace; they are divided by a layer of clouds that cover the entire area.
Upper Terrace: From above the clouds, all you can see is a fog covered ground and towering mountains. Above the clouds are the palaces, which are beautifully ornate. Everything is made from years of mined opal, and decorated immensely; they are the pride and joy of Draconis. There are four major palaces: Shun, Qin, Run and Guang. Shun is the main palace which houses the emperor. Guang is where the Dragon Binding ceremony takes place. Run is entirely owned and run by Sailor Draconis. Qin has been all but abandoned- half is burned down. The palaces are all connected by walkways that are something akin to snake way. The walkways are held up by magical levitation. Yeah. Aside from the palaces, there are towering mountains, which are for the most part, unclimable by human feet. Hence, they are the homes for the various dragons.
Lower Terrace: Below the clouds is a very different story. The houses are still ornate and beautiful, but on a much lower, smaller scale. This would be one of the poorer houses, really. Think Mulan. The "Lower" Terrace isn't low in any sense. The name simply refers to the fact that it's below the clouds. While the Upper Terrace contains the four palaces, the Lower Terrace is literally everything else. Farming fields, business plazas, town squares, marketplaces, schools- it's all in the Lower Terrace. In a sense, Draconis would really exist beneath the clouds, if it weren't for the dragons.
Dragon Business: It should be obvious that there are dragons on Draconis. The dragons are not kept to either Western or Eastern design, but have a plethora of both. They can be ridden, and it is often used for tourism. There are two classifications of dragons though.
Domestic: When both a human and dragon come of age, they are bonded together through an annual ceremony (very VERY rarely during other times of the year as well, in case of emergencies). If you've ever seen Avatar, Dinotopia, read Gregor the Overlander, etc. then you have a vague idea of how it works. Dragons select humans, not the other way around. The process of Sailor Draconis is considered the head of this ceremony, and leads the bonding process. Once linked, you and your dragon are inseperable. There is no "switching" dragons. If your dragon were to die, you don't get connected to another one. It is an incredibly delicate relationship. Dragons are capable of telepathy with their bonded human. To everyone else, the words simply sound like some sort of fuddled English. It feels like the words are on the tip of your tongue, but they never come. Humans don't consider their dragons as a pet, either- they are seen as equals. Of course, there are always corrupt humans who use them for the wrong reasons and what not, but Draconian society deems that dragons and humans are equal. Also, just because you're bonded doesn't mean everything is hunky dorey and that you're the best of friends. There are quite a few dragon-human pairings that don't get along. Regardless of how well you get along though, one still feels hopelessly bonded to their dragon. Dragons also can't be removed from Draconis- the longer they stay away from Ying and Yang's pearl, the sicker they get until they eventually die. There's really no point in taking a dragon off the planet- it'll just die and wither away instantly.
Yin and Yang: Aside from the domestic dragons, there have always been two gigantic dragons since the beginning of Draconis. They actually have incredibly elaborate names like "Golgothayielnaspar," but only Sailor Draconis knows their names, so most just refer to the dragons as Yin and Yang, due to their white and black appearance (neither is "good" or "evil" so that mentality is out). One of the dragons is Eastern styled while the other is Western. They both share one thing in common though: their pearls. Each dragon has a gigantic pearl attached to their throat. Many religious sects on Draconis consider it to be the life source of Draconis, but this is all just theory and speculation- no one truly knows what they are. Yin and Yang are considered all wise and all powerful on Draconis- though certainly other planets don't have to think so. Yin and Yang fly around the planet on a daily basis, so they are no secret to the public. The process works something like this: Yin and Yang select the new Sailor Draconis. They can kick the current Sailor Draconis out for any reason; most of the time it is simply because the current Sailor Draconis is too old to carry out her duties, but things like bad conduct, disrespect, etc. can also get a girl kicked out. The dragons don't do it with any sort of special warning either, one day they basically go "okay, this girl's the new Draconis" and that's that. The old Sailor Draconis is expected to teach the new one her methods, though most of the powers comes from the dragons' transferral of power. Yin and Yang usually have an incredible bond with Sailor Draconis. They are not loving pets or protectors by any means, but Sailor Draconis is probably the only human they will respect at any given time.
The Role of Sailor Draconis: Sailor Draconis refers to a long line of chosen women that are taught the secrets of the dragon language. She is the only human on the planet that can talk to Yin and Yang. The chosen girl has an incredibly crucial role- she is expected to interpret Yin and Yang's messages, advise the emperor and lead the dragon bonding process each year. The position is incredibly sought after and there is a ******** of courtier drama over it. Of course, that doesn't mean the position comes without strife either though. It is an incredibly burdensome role, and while it is considered a very honorable position formally, it really isn't a very enviable job. Once chosen by Yin and Yang though, there's no point in running. When the dragons choose someone, everyone in Draconis knows who you are.
Politics and Government: Draconis is ruled by an emperor- stereotypical Chinese style emperor. The emperor's have endless amounts of material posessions, it works through a bloodline system; I'm sure you can imagine the rest for yourself. The emperor is considered the figurehead of the kingdom, but Sailor Draconis plays the role of a super advisor. However, Sailor Draconis has no power to implement laws or rule the country- she is simply considered an advisor to the emperor nothing more or less. Still, you can imagine what a heavy role it is to play- especially when giving advice the emperor may not want to hear. Her word has very heavy meaning in the kingdom though. She is not more powerful than the emperor, but she is the only one who gets to directly oppose him without causing offense. Overall, the twosome is basically forced to work together, though their roles are technically "ruler" and "advisor."
There is also an entire council that have set positions (Military Leader, Agriculture leader, etc.) that advise the twosome, but do not lead the country.
The long story short is that the emperor is the ruler, Sailor Draconis is the ultimate advisor, and the council advises when necessary. Regardless of how erratic it sounds, it actually works very well for the kingdom.
Festivals: FESTIVAL STUFF.
Stance on the Moon Kingdom:YEAH I'LL GET BACK TO THIS.
The constellation was originally named Krane Grus, both words meaning "the crane," in Dutch and Latin respectively. Grus was created from stars lying south of the constellation Piscis Austrinus, the Southern Fish, which were once considered to be part of that constellation. Grus was also known as Phoenicopteros, the flamingo, in 17th century England. There are no specific myths associated with the constellation.
The constellation Grus occupies an area of 366 square degrees and contains four stars with known planets. It can be seen at latitudes between +34° and -34° and is best visible at 9 p.m. during the month of October.
Constellations directly bordering Grus are Piscis Austrinus, Microscopium, Indus, Tucana, Phoenix and Sculptor.
Plural/Possessive: Grucian Capital: ?? Castle: ??
Main Imports: Grucians try to be mostly independent. More advanced technology would be the main import though. Main Exports: Fabric, clothing, cocoa and other exotic fruits and nuts Known For: “over the top” fashion and home design.
Inspiration: Neverland; specifically the home of The Lost Boys. Also referencing different type of birds, like magpies for the culture aspect.
Architecture: The people of Grus live in treehouses. Each family has their home tree and build their house to fit their needs. Some trees may have a single level of living space, while others have three or four to accommodate larger families or workshops and observatories. There is no “standard” for building your treehouse; if you want a rope ladder leading up to the next level, or simply a hole in the ground to jump down from, it’s your choice. So no treehouse is exactly the same, though they all have an outer ring of boards that act as a patio, and a walkway. Treehouses are connected by rope bridges. All have at least one way to reach the earth where their farms are located among the trees. Some treehouses also have garden plots built into them, so they can take advantage of the increase in sun higher up.
Climate: The climate of Grus is very much that of a rainforest. It is humid, and sunny for around 9 months of the year, with an insanely wet monsoon season the last 3 months. There are many large trees and a vast amount of undergrowth in a myriad of colors.
Flora: Grus is covered in plants, large and small. There is always some sort of lower in bloom year round, and in every color imaginable. Tiny blue flowers ring trees, equally small yellow ones weave out of stout green shrubs that produce their own red roses-like blooms. But all of these pale in comparison to the "Red Feather Fern"
The Red Feather Fern is in fact, green most of the year. But at the end of the summer season, the large fern leaves turn different shades of red, though they tend to err on the darker side. A cluster of flowers rises a foot or so out of the base of the plant, and white flowers about the size of a hand bloom. Their petals are soft and paper thin, though they are difficult to tear. They also shimmer, as if the petals are covered in glitter. The edges are serrated and the whole petal looks similar to a feather.
Fauna: Bloom Lizards: Creatures with frilled necks. Their size and color depends on which plant the Bloom Lizard inhabits. All of their scales take on a jewel like sparkle when they find a plant to live in. Once thy pick a certain plant, they will not live in any other kind.
Lyre Bird: Colorful birds with long tail feathers. They like to mimic sounds that they hear.
Culture: Grucians are fun-loving people. They’re houses are interconnected, so visitors are a daily occurrence. They love color; the brighter the better. They are also very sentimental, so gifts are more than likely handmade or unique in some way. Treehouses are decorated with many things, also usually in bright colors and some treehouses have a room of every color within them. Music is a very important part of Grucian life. When darkness falls, multiple people playing instruments can usually be heard among the laughter of others partying.
Speaking of parties....
Festivals:
Candle Festival : The Candle Festival lasts for three days and happens after the rainy season, when everything is still damp and won't catch fire. Usually around Earth Christmas. The weather is always pretty warm. All of the walkways are lit with candles suspended in lanterns, or sometimes stuck to poles. All of the tree houses put a candle lantern outside of their house. If it's lit, visitors are welcome to come in. Grucians make food and travel from tree house to tree house, popping in on neighbors, sharing food and exchanging news that had cropped up while the rain poured down and visitors couldn't be found. This is also a time for lovers to give small gifts, usually made from the wax from melted candles from the festival.
Politics: Grus is a monarchy; the Queen has the ultimate say, but the last Queen was known to rely heavily on her husband for council. In the final years before the destruction, The Queen was ill, giving up her beloved public appearances to her daughter, a caring but ambitious individual...
Role of Sailor Grus : Sailor Grus was chosen from a group of candidates when the current Sailor Grus began to feel their power waning. All children went through the basic training, though only the top of the classes would continue on to be a true candidate for senshi-dom. The final choice was made at random; most kids when chosen are between the ages of 7-10, though one that is younger or older is not unheard of. This chosen child is then sent with a group of emissaries to various planets for 2-3 years in order to learn and create friendships. After they return from their travels, they are taught about the planet itself, and how to draw the power and use it correctly. Hand to hand fighting is also taught.
Once grown and fully fledged, Sailor Grus was a protector and adviser. They had total freedom to attend whatever festivals they liked, and come and go as they pleased to other planets. When duty called, they were expected to travel wherever, whenever. They were also special guests at parties and were expected to help the community.
Feelings for Other Planets: The Grucian court believed that only with good international ties could Chaos be contained. So it wasn't uncommon for a newly appointed Sailor Grus to spend time ranging from a week to a couple months on other planets. The purpose of this was of course to make friends, spread goodwill and learn about other cultures. It was also not unheard of for other senshi candidates, or even established senshi to come and spend some time on Grus. Children or young adults were especially welcome because the Grucian court believed that children are more open to new things, and have yet to close their eyes to the ways of other people.
PAST GRUS
Physical Description: Svelte was a little shorter than current Grus, and had darker, easily tanning skin with bright green eyes. Her hair was closer to brown, worn in the same manner as current Grus, and had wine red chunky streaks in her hair. She dressed in the typical fashion of Grucians, pants similar in texture to yoga pants, bright tops adorned with sequins and beads and feathers. LOTS of jewelry! Shoes were similar to moccasins, made with thick hide and easy to run in. The fuku of Svelte was slimmer than current Grus', and had red feathers along the collar as well as the base of her skirt. The black stripe present in Grus' super form was also there for Svelte, and the large ribbon tied around her waist had more black beads strung around it. When her hair wasn't in it's twin bun style, she wore it loosely bound behind her head with ribbon and feathers in a small ponytail.
Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 5:36 pm
Acubens
Plural / Posessive Acuben
Imports Acubens prides itself on being fairly independent. Exports Dired meat, dried herbs, timber, raw minerals, animal pelts, exotic animals
Geography A Pangaea-like continent situated in the middle of a dark sea. Due to the planet being relatively small, it would be possible for a person to travel around the world in a little under a month in the sailed boats on the Acuben people. The center of the continent is position roughly on the equator, and only a few miles east of the prime meridian. The central section of the land is largely covered with dense rainforest. The only clear areas the cities, and even those are hard to distinguish from the flora around them. The coast line, however, is very different. The trees stop about a mile away and there are grass plains until about ten feet from the water, where sand lies. In the north western section of the continent is a ten mile portion of barren land. Very few life forms can survive in these desert climes, though some particularly resilient creatures have been known to call it home. Rivers snake around the badlands, but never cross the boarders. Irrigation much be used if water is needed. Otherwise, no city state is farther than four or five miles from a major river, and never two or three from a minor river, tributary, or stream. Climate Due to its position geographically, the continent experiences fairly tropical climates year round. Fauna Acubens was stuck in earth’s “Cretaceous Period”. This means dinosaurs were a common sight on the face of the planet. Just like on earth, however, some of these animals were wild, while some were domesticated. The senshi, for instance, all had a Velociraptor as a mount which they raised from an egg. This assured that the raptor bonded closely with the senshi, and vice versa. Households often had a small dinosaur as pets. Larger, more cattle size dinosaurs were used as live stock and as help around the farm. Triceratops could often, for instance, be seen pulling a plow throw a field with its farmer and master guiding it by it’s horn. Larger, more intimidating dinosaurs like a tyrannosaurs were strictly war machines, used to carry troops, intimidate enemies, and even acted as battering rams.
Architecture In order to avoid some of the more land-bound dinosaurs, most homes and buildings are erected in the trees. They are almost impossible to distinguish from the foliage because the trunk of the tree the building is built in is actually the main support system. Buildings on Acubens are built must like pole houses, and have only one room, circular in structure, and partitioned by screens or curtains, depending on the wealth of the owners. Even the palace of each city state is really an elaborate tree house in a very big tree.
Economy The Acubens practice a barter-system of economics. They have no system of currency, and thusly when other planets seeks to employ the Acuben people they must have something that will be viewed as valuable Culture The Acuben culture is very primal, base largely on violence. While not quite Spartan, authority is very much based on strength. Strength of body, mind, and spirit. Children are only coddled until they can walk, at which point both genders are sent off to learn to fight and defend. This schooling, while not intellectually based, was not all blood and bruises. There was a great deal of mental, emotional, and even spiritual strengthening. A leader must possess all forms of strength in order to be allowed to rule. After all, what good is a bear of a leader who can’t think, or a genius who won’t battle? A leader ready for battle in all ways was necessary, due to the city states not always being peaceful. War often broke out over matters such as boarders, need for supplies, and even political matters. Barbaric, yes, but still advanced in their own ways. The Acuben people understood the sanctity of sovereignty, and often fought for just such things. Social Ranking Yes, Acubens operated on a caste system. This was often seen as archaic and sometimes even a little cruel to other, more “civilized” planets, but there were very few, if any, outcries from the Acuben people on the subject.
Top Tier: Royalty, of course. The king, queen, and their progeny. Second Tier: City-state Leaders and their families. Third Tiers: Senshi Fourth Tier: Soldiers Fifth Tier: Common folk, such as merchants, shop owners, and farmers. Sixth Tier: Servants, and the homeless. Bottom Tier: Those in exile.
Government Each city is almost autonomous, despite the existence of a royal family. Indeed, the monarchy is very much a figure head. Each city works more as a city-state, almost autonomous, save for a few trading needs based on geographical location and population. For instance, the capital city needs to import food and raw materials from rural city-states, due to its lack of ability to farm. Conversely, the rural city states must trade with the urban populations for services, processed goods, and aide. Other than simple trading, the Acuben people are so fiercely independent, that they reject one central, federal government, opting for a more direct leadership, who rules over a small portion of the land. This gives the leaders a more realistic vision of what their people need as well as makes action much quicker.
Alignments N / A
Regarding the Moon Kingdom Due to the “savage” treatment of prisoners from other planets and of their own people, those in the Moon Kingdom prefer not to communicate with the Acubens. However, they are contacted in times of need when mercenaries are required, or someone is in dire need of contraband elixirs of nefarious purposes.
Technology Virtually non-existent. They use moon kingdom technology when off world on mercenary operations, but while on their home world there is none. Some Acuben people actually fear technology, simply because they do not understand it.
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Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 12:56 am
Egeria The Asteroid
The Basics: 13 Egeria is a large main-belt G-type asteroid.
It was discovered by A. de Gasparis on November 2, 1850, and was named by Urbain J. J. Le Verrier, whose computations led to the discovery of Neptune. Egeria was a goddess (other sources say a nymph) of Aricia, in Italy, and the wife of Numa Pompilius, second king of Rome.
Egeria occulted a star on January 8, 1992. The former's disc was determined to be quite circular (217×196 km). OCCULT4 visualization of 13 Egeria occultation event of January 22, 2008
On January 22, 2008, Egeria occulted another star and this occultation was timed by several observers in New Mexico and Arizona, coordinated by the IOTA Asteroid Occultation Program. The data was entered into the OCCULT4 estimation and visualization program written by Dave Herald of Canberra, Australia. The result showed that Egeria presented an approximately circular profile to Earth of 214.8x192 km, well in agreement with the 1992 occultation.
Spectral analysis of Egeria shows it to be unusually high in water content, between 10.5-11.5% water by mass. This makes Egeria a prominent candidate for future water-mining ventures.
Main Export: Water, Wood, Fruit, Fur, Fish Main Imports: Oil, Vegetables, Some meat, ?
Egeria is like a large rainforest, the huge amount of water on the asteroid has allowed a forest to grow up. Homes are generally tree houses and it is rare to find someone living on the forest floor. Homes are generally high up so to get the sun light as the forest floor is rather dark.
There aren't much in the way of large creatures on the asteroid as forest floor isn't to be hacked at - there are few large spaces such as fields. Everything is done within the trees or the rivers.
Fishing and Hunting are the most common jobs The towns are all in tree's and roads are carved into the tree's to get heavy loads up and down - there are also lifts The only large space on the forest floor is for gatherings - such as carnivals and events There is a cave where all must go when they are a certain age The most common animals are the Swingers. They are monkey like creatures that are known for their mischievousness. They are incredibly fluffy and their fur is what most of the beds are lined with. To tame a Swinger is seen as a huge achievement as generally they are seen as a pest always stealing food.
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2012 6:30 pm
Ganymede Plural/Possessive: Ganymedean Main Exports: Wool, silk, lace, velvet, perfumes, gold, silver, and precious gems. Main Imports: People, salt, and spices. Industries: Textile/fashion, jewelry, tourism, agriculture. Religion: Monotheistic (mostly Deistic in nature, though there once was an organized church, and small chapels and grand Gothic-styled cathedrals still dotted the countryside and the cities and held services for people who wished to attend). Inspirations: A tense blend of pre-Revolutionary and turn-of-the-century France. Government: Monarchy Capital City: Lutetia Castle: Luxuria
World: The seventh of Jupiter’s 64 confirmed moons, Ganymede is the third of the four Galilean moons. It is the largest moon in the solar system, with a diameter 2% larger than that of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, and 8% larger than that of the planet Mercury.
Ganymede was once a picturesque world of extravagant gardens, dense forests, glittering streams, rolling hills and sweeping valleys. Vegetation was lush and comprised of a broad range of wild flora and domesticated fruits and vegetables, and the wide, green fields of the Ganymedean countryside provided ample feeding ground for the moon’s various breeds of livestock. The weather was pleasant and the skies generally clear, except for in the spring, when storms pounded the land with heavy rains. Otherwise, summers were mild, winters were crisp (but far from overwhelmingly cold) and the harvests were generally plentiful.
True to the grandiose size of their moon, the Ganymedean people were a prideful and competitive bunch. They encouraged trade relations not for any severe need of goods and supplies, but because they were quite fond of anything extravagant and/or exotic. Everything on Ganymede, especially within the major cities, had to be flashy and grand. The commoners were typically a more modest sort and went about their days in moderate peace, but the moon was home to an ambitious bourgeoisie, and Ganymedean high society prided itself on its elegance and splendor.
Government: The world of Ganymede was under the rule of a very traditional, very old-fashioned monarchy stubbornly striving to exist (and sometimes failing) in a steadily modernizing world. The monarchy was headed by either a King or Queen and, for the last few hundred years, backed by a constitution. In Sailor Ganymede’s immediate past, the post was held by a King. Beneath the King, the government comprised of many layers, including (but not limited to) the Lord Chancellor, the Private Council, the Public Assembly, and the post of Senshi. As detailed in the Ganymedean Constitution, the line of Kings and Queens was hereditary, the Private Council members were appointed by the King or Queen (thus, it could generally be expected for members of the Private Council to be of the noble class and/or friends with the ruling monarch), and members of the Public Assembly were voted in by the populace. Other than the King or Queen, the Senshi was the only government post predetermined by birth.
The Lord Chancellor was commonly the second most powerful man in the realm after the King (or Queen). He was appointed by and received all of his power and authority from the King. The Lord Chancellor advised and counseled the King daily, keeping him apprised of the goings on in the realm and serving in a diplomatic capacity to those visiting the world. Visiting Senshi (or other foreign diplomats) from off-world could expect their first official audience to be with the Lord Chancellor before they would be taken to greet the King and/or Sailor Ganymede. The Lord Chancellor was also the leading member of the Private Council.
The Private Council itself was a small assembly of the most powerful and influential nobles in the land. Generally, the Council was made up of twelve members, though this number could be expanded or reduced if the King saw fit to do so; however, the Ganymedean Constitution set the max limit to twenty in an attempt to curb the King’s immediate influence over the Public Assembly. The Private Council advised the King on affairs of state, as well as more personal affairs (marital, extra-marital, and the like), and usually had the run of other high offices of government. Members of the Private Council were also members of the Public Assembly, and were the only members to be appointed into the Public Assembly instead of being voted in.
The Public Assembly was made up of two chambers: the Chamber of Nobles (made up of 100 men from the noble class), and the Chamber of Commons (made up of 100 representatives of the middle class and peasantry). Members of the Chamber of Commons were elected officials, voted on by the lower class, but as being a part of the governmental system usually required one to have some knowledge in politics or law, it was typical for most of this chamber to be made up of doctors, lawyers, scholars, wealthy merchants and tradesmen, industrialists, successful shop-keeps, and other such educated, middle-class men. The remaining seats in the Chamber of Nobles (those eighty or more not appointed by the King) were filled via election by a combination of votes from the Chamber of Commons and votes from the general populace (but as members of the lower class were not always familiar with local noble families, the number of votes from the poorest of this group were generally low).
The Public Assembly saw to most (if not all) matters of government, except for those related directly to the King. They voted on many government measures, including taxation and budgetary concerns, measures of trade, declarations of war, peace agreements, etc. The Public Assembly also heard high profile criminal cases, the most common of which being those cases pertaining to high treason. Lesser charges were dealt with by local juries. A majority vote was needed to pass all measures brought before the Assembly. The Public Assembly was intended to be a strong governing body, but did not always function for the good of the common people. Corruption was quite common, as those with money and influence could and would bribe Assembly members and buy votes to suit their interests. Prior to Ganymede's destruction, there was grave public unrest and many calls for government reforms for this very reason.
The post of Senshi will be further discussed below.
Economy: Ganymede was a largely self-sufficient world, but due in part to their opulent and boastful nature, they opened their doors for trade and foreign relations with other worlds. Wealthy tourists enjoyed their trips to Ganymede for the lively night clubs and casinos, extravagant parties at court, and pleasant weather; less affluent people immigrated for Ganymede’s fertile soil and large swathes of land. Ganymede was home to booming textile and fashion industries, and possessed a lucrative mining industry as well, due to the abundance of precious gems deep within the mountain regions. The middle class thrived through trade, advancements and industrialization, and the commoners sustained themselves and those of the higher class agriculturally, tending farms and vineyards and producing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains to complement their abundant livestock.
In general, Ganymede was a world of riches and splendor, though it wasn’t without its fair share of thieves, vagabonds, and beggars. Beneath the sparkling, pristine image Ganymede presented to the rest of the universe was a world full of corruption and greed.
Culture: Ganymede was home to a predominantly male-dominated society, one that (like its government) was notably outdated as the world itself continued to steadily advance.
Class often had a major impact on one's life and was the defining characteristic after gender by which society was split. There were two distinct groups: the nobility (headed by either a King or Queen) and the commons (the peasantry as well as the rising middle-class). Inequality between the two groups was stark, with the nobility making up but a small portion of the population but generally having the run of the kingdom in addition to being born to special rights and privileges (it should be noted that Ganymede was on the brink of revolution directly before the fall of the Silver Millennium). However, one's position in society did not necessarily denote one’s wealth, as merchants and industrialists were considered second class citizens but were often known to amass more wealth than who were considered “old money” or were noblemen by blood. Day-to-day life varied among the classes.
The King or Queen was always succeeded by their eldest living son. If they did not have a son, the crown was passed to their eldest daughter. If, for some reason, the oldest child was unfit to assume the throne, concessions could be made for the crown to pass to the next child in line. If the King or Queen was without children, the crown would pass to their closest living relative (usually a sibling, niece or nephew). Similar practices were conducted throughout society, with the oldest son becoming head of the family and inheriting after the parents, though in some cases families were known to bequeath their land and possessions to multiple heirs.
Ganymede was not an equal culture by any means, neither between the social classes nor between sexes. Occasionally, specific noblewomen would rise to some level of influence, especially wealthy heiresses, but it was considered highly inappropriate for women of high society to perform labor intensive duties (common women, of course, were not always held to the same standards). Ganymedean women did not generally serve as ambassadors to foreign courts, nor were they allowed in the military. The only governmental or combat position that could be held by a female was that of the Senshi, but this was an unnecessary concession, as Sailor Ganymede has always been male. Common women lived similarly restrictive lives under harsher circumstances, seeing to a variety of household duties while also assisting their husbands in the fields or local shops, or even working within local factories. Women were also not allowed to vote.
This did not mean that women were left uneducated. All levels of Ganymedean society valued education. Noblewomen were instructed in many of the same subjects as men , from history and politics, to art, literature, music, and social graces; common women had the option of being home-schooled or attending local schools, where they were instructed in how to read and write, as well as in basic concepts of math and science. Men had more of an opportunity to attend Ganymede's prestigious academies, colleges, and universities, but certain bright or talented women who showed potential were not barred from attending, and often found their way paid for them by wealthy patrons of a more liberal persuasion.
The age of majority or adulthood on Ganymede was 16. Some marriages (most of them arranged) occurred around this age, though a majority of Ganymedean citizens wed between the ages of 18 and 24. Within noble families it remained common practice for betrothals to be established quite early, and an especially lucrative match could end in a wedding at as early as 12 to 14 years of age. However, these were typically little more than business arrangements, and the young spouses did not usually live within the same household until both had reached the age of majority.
Popular activities at all levels of society included fairs, dances, and parades in celebration of national holidays. Music, literature, art, card games, hunting, hawking, parlor games (such as Charades), fencing, and lawn games (similar to croquet, horseshoes, and bowls) were also common pastimes. The people of Ganymede also had their version of afternoon tea, which many attended with an almost religious dedication.
Fashion: As Ganymede was home to a booming fashion industry, clothing tended to serve a social significance. Common men and women could be expected to have a smaller, plainer wardrobe (with the exception of wealthy middle-class families, who were known to dress as sumptuously as the nobility). Noble men and women could, of course, usually afford clothing of a better and more extravagant quality. Male fashion was notably diverse. Jackets, waistcoats and vests were quite common, often decorated with cords, chains, medals, brooches, and lace, and paired with long pants (Sailor Ganymede, however, was often encouraged to dress in a more traditional manner, and was sometimes seen sporting knee-pants and stockings). Young boys could be seen sporting shorts and stockings, though these were typically discarded at the onset of puberty. Women and young girls were restricted to dresses and skirts. Wealthy women especially wore corsets to slim their figures and promote good posture (not the dramatically thin-waisted corsets of our Victorian Era, but more in line with Edwardian fashion); however, corsets were also designed for men who wished to enhance their posture as well (with a rather large minority within the nobility choosing to do so).
Heeled shoes and boots (no taller than two inches) were popular among both men and women, though just before Ganymede's destruction, this practice was falling out of fashion among men. Hats of all shapes and sizes, often feathered and bejeweled, were also quite popular among both sexes, and well-to-do men would frequently be seen strutting around town with decorative canes or walking sticks. Long hair was considered an attractive trait, though it was thought to be improper for anyone but small children and brides to be seen in public with their hair unbound. Facial hair was not quite as fashionable. Men who wore it kept it neatly trimmed, with simple mustaches and dapper goatees winning out over full beards.
Architecture and Transportation: I admit I know very little about architecture, nowhere near enough to be able to paint an accurate picture. For the most part, Ganymede was made up of a mix of farms and country homes in the countryside, with townhouses and cobbled-streets in the cities. The castle would have had more of a baroque feel to it, with lots of fancy molding and golden fixtures. Cities had plumbing and electricity, as did some large towns, but it didn't extend far into the country. Most people got around via horse and carriage, though wealthy individuals could choose to travel via steam engine train, which was relatively new on Ganymede at this time. Space travel was expensive and reserved for government officials and only those few private citizens that could afford it.
Think of turn-of-the-century Paris (La Belle Époque/Fin de siècle). Castle Luxuria I modeled a bit (a lot) after the Palace of Versailles. v__v;;
Sailor Ganymede: The senshi of Ganymede tended to awaken quite young (some as early as 8 or 9), though this was not always the case (the oldest on record was in his late teens). Historically, Sailor Ganymede would be thrust into his duties almost immediately following his awakening, but as these obligations were sometimes too much for a mere child to handle, it became common to shelter the Senshi during a period of rigorous education, in which Sailor Ganymede would be instructed in all the subjects necessary to be a fully-functioning member of the government, and (under the influence of certain power-hungry individuals) molded to suit the government's purposes. For the most part, the Senshi was little more than a diplomatic figure, often sent on various off-world adventures and peacekeeping missions, though if any threat ever arose against Ganymede or the Jovian system the Senshi would be expected to engage in full military service.
The common people of the moon, on the other hand, grew to revere the Senshi as something of an idol or hero of the common man, to the point where the monarchy became quite wary of the Senshi's power and strived to always keep him (or her) under its thumb. Sailor Ganymede was forbidden from forming personal relationships that did not benefit the Ganymedean monarchy and was required by law to live a life of celibacy. Because of this, the Senshi usually led an extremely private life and was not even permitted to explore much of his own society. He knew and saw only what his government wanted him to know and see. Though he was also very privileged (he never wanted for anything, except perhaps the company of friends and family), Sailor Ganymede was only encouraged (or allowed) to interact with people when it was necessary for him to do so. Otherwise, he remained quite sheltered and carefully controlled/monitored by those in power.
Once Sailor Ganymede awakened, he was required to give up all ties to his past and to his family, which included giving up his own name. From that moment on, he would only be known by the government, the public, his allies (or enemies), and visitors to the moon as "Ganymede." Perfection was expected, and loyalty to the government was ingrained into the Senshi when he was very young. Transgressions or any sign of rebellion tended to be punished and stamped out swiftly. It was the government's intention for Sailor Ganymede to be seen as a virtuous symbol of a stable world (though stable and virtuous the world was not).
In the immediate past, Sailor Ganymede was a young man named Liesel Rosenfeld. He came from a prominent noble family, as his father was of old blood and his mother was the only child of a wealthy industrialist. He was the first of the Galilean Jovians to awaken, coming into his power at the age of ten, at which point he was immediately taken from his home and separated from his family, and placed in a secure wing of the palace where he was sheltered away and more or less isolated while he received his education. He made his formal debut six years later.
Liesel was terribly kind and supportive of his allies and what friends he managed to make, but also very impressionable. He was accused by some of being brain-washed, and occasionally viewed as nothing more than a well-behaved puppet of the Ganymedean government, as he was heavily influenced and controlled by the Lord Chancellor (who more or less ruled the moon in the place of its lazy king). As such, Liesel generally did as he was told and let the people in charge walk all over him, escaping only long enough to find some measure of peace and solitude outdoors. He grew quite adept at making excuses for his government and his people, and never complained about his circumstances unless it was to comment on the loneliness of a life with no family and friends who (due to their own duties) were not always present. In fact, Liesel was so firmly under the Lord Chancellor's thumb and so devoted to meeting the expectations that were placed before him that he truly believed he deserved what punishment he got for disobeying or, in some cases, just not doing a good enough job. In the end, he lived under very pitiful circumstances despite all the riches and splendor that made up his life, though he revealed the true extent of his troubles to very, very few people.
Ganymede and House Jupiter: The people of Ganymede prided themselves on their stringent loyalty to House Jupiter. Sailor Ganymede was frequently sent to Jupiter on diplomatic missions and was expected to take his duties within the Jovian Court very seriously, meeting with fellow senshi and knights and furthering peaceful, mutually beneficial relations with the surrounding moons. Should danger to the Jovian system ever arise, it was the intention of the Ganymedean government to have a strong, cohesive unit of opposition. House Jupiter could always depend on Ganymede's quick rise to action should aid ever be necessary.
Ganymede and the Moon Kingdom: Despite their loyalty toward Jupiter (and Jupiter's loyalty to the Moon Kingdom), the Ganymedean government generally looked upon the moon of Earth somewhat coolly. Ganymedeans were a vain, prideful people on the biggest moon in the system, orbiting the biggest planet, and saw the Moon Kingdom rather unfavorably, but showed a modicum of loyalty when necessary. They placed more importance in currying favor with House Jupiter, whom they viewed in a much more favorable light, than in doing the same with Serenity.
The previous Sailor Ganymede's opinion of the Moon Kingdom was somewhat less cold, but he was obligated to see to his government's interests first and foremost.
Sunshine Alouette
Eternal Senshi
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Ivynian
Cat
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Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 2:11 am
Thraen Main Belt Asteroid
"The man who has planted a garden feels that he has done something for the good of the world." ~ Vita Sackville-West
ABSTRACT Plural/Possessive: Thraenean A small world, Thraen was home to a population that rarely exceeded five thousand. The Senshi of Thraen never visited the Moon, and never recognized the sovereignty of the Moon Court in any business. Being small and self sufficient as it was, Thraen's independence (or existence at all) didn't impact the White Moon Court, anyway. The total area of the surface of Thraen is a bit under 1000 square miles, though with extensive natural caverns and some man-made underground ways, mostly comprised of wild nature and many large, highly manicured gardens of different biome sorts. Theirs was a culture very based on recycling and renewal, where pollution and waste were minimal. The governing was handled by a noble elect that tended towards hereditary, based in a system of 30 shires ruled over by the central House of Root and Stone (that of the Senshi in the capital). Law arbitration, international affairs, records, and higher education were handled at the capital. Thraeneans were a quiet, creative people with slow tempers and a great love of nature and thought.
Technologically/culturally, Thraenean society was a retroimagined pseudo-steam community with heavy fantasy elements, drawing influence from the Victorian period in England, the Regency, and Muromachi Japan, though lacking in any level of 'industrialization' by way of mass production. The only sort of large scale production much used was the printing press, and at that often like early printing history on terra, made to look like the hand bound and illuminated pieces that were more valued.
Landmarks:
Gedgrave, the Conservatory - Massive, sophisticated glass and metalwork in the style and feel of Victorian greenhouse architecture. It is the keeping place of study, development and research into formal gardens (Roman, English, etc.) and various species of exotic plants. The facilities house elaborate gardens within twenty-six rooms of the Conservatory itself and on the adjoining grounds.
Wenadestuna, The Selfless Walks - What Earth would understand as ‘Asian’ style gardens, Managed by the Wynhaeth Bloodline. There are tea houses where visitors and natives may visit or stay, dry landscapes, ponds, moss studies, strolling gardens and others that studied, celebrated and explored the aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. ‘Wabi-Sabi Shibui’ aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete". Impermanence, suffering and emptiness or absence of self-nature are all contemplated through the design, maintenance and enjoyment of these walks. Characteristics of the design and aesthetic include asymmetry, asperity (roughness or irregularity), simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy and appreciation of the ingenuous integrity of natural objects and processes.
Loar's Wander - Description
Medve Tumulus - Description
Fellsigh Fountain - Description
The People:
The natives were an ambisexual race, usually presenting as colourful asexuals with metallic flecks in skin pigmentation at the cheeks, shoulders across the clavicals, and hips. Their ears were pointed, and their legs were longer than Terran proportion. Gender was reflexively assumed when a mate was desired, or found, but as a involuntary act (that reflected on the projected wants and pheromones of the potential mates available) without a great deal of training and practice. Thraeneans found strict gender binaries both fascinating and worrisome- such societies limit their genetic recombination. A Thraenean that mates with an offworlder still produces a Thraenean in most cases. The average lifespan of a Thraenean was roughly 200 years.
Visitors were always welcome, especially visitors willing to 'share their pollen.' Expats and naturalizations were welcomed only if the individuals could prove a dedication away from destructive habits of other societies (like war, racism, religious fanaticism, etc). As a culture, they were highly focused on study, meditation, debate and aesthetics. Nothing made was done so hastily. While technology had its place, they were not fascinated by it, preferring to use what was helpful and necessary without becoming slave to impositions on perception. (Think of life before watches and clocks- people would meet at 'noon' which could be anywhere in a space of a few hours)
Social Hierarchy:
Senshi - The Senshi and the family House of the senshi are the pinnacle nobles, not elect but truly hereditary. Their house handles much of the international and high level law for the society. Additionally, the senshi themselves was directly responsible for the well being of the world- the collar chain worn by every senshi was a direct symbol and tie to the inner sanctums of the world, They were at once its master and sacrifice, who's living in the deeps and relationship with the world would provide the flow of water, weather, the production of minerals through the soils and rocks, and the general renewal of the world necessary to sustain life. As such, it was very rare for the Senshi of Thraen to leave the world for more than a year unless the need was great. The line of the Senshi was always known and indicated by the presence of expressive, flame-coloured eyes among the children of the house. This eye colour was only found in the House of Root and Stone, and only in the Senshi and possibly a chibi senshi to inherit the post. The senshi of Thraen had a tendency to present as female to ambassadors and foreigners, as it seemed to be more calming to them to be a single, definable gender and also the less 'aggressive' of the genders.
Nobles - Elected to each of the shires for life terms, though able to be voted from confidence, the nobles directed the choices of design, research, and production of needs in the gardens and biomes within their keeping. They were also responsible for reporting to the House of Root & Stone.
Tradesmen - Trades, rather than industry, were the method of production of finished goods. Training tended to be on an apprentice system, and goods created of artisan quality- Thraeneans were culturally very patient.
The Economy:
Garden Parties: To have a soiree at the conservatories of Thraen was a selective, sublime and expensive honor managed by few, but sought after and remembered by many. The decoration and settings, the custom garden walks and designs as well as the absolutely fresh and handcrafted delicacies of fruit, vegetable and fungal gourmet surpassed the most fanciful stories of fiction.
Exports:
Plants - Scientific engineering and genetic modifications were frowned on, but traditional selective breeding still used in Thraenean horticulture. Plants, the celebration and study of their many forms and functions, were a major part of society. As such, the variety available was a commodity that could be shared with the rest of the cosmos.
Garden Architects / Designers - The arranging of many parts to one whole, or many wholes, the vision of design of plant, stone, water and space, were all highly practiced and integral to Thraenean society. They could make a breathing, 'garden' space of any biome and any materials, worth enjoying.
Produce - With so many plants and so much recycling, vegetables and fruits were in abundant supply. Famine, unless the ruling senshi was ailing, missing, or dead, was virtually unknown.
Linen - Created from flax, this cloth was a major component of Thraenean culture.
Silk - Not from the Terran worms and mulberries (though they did import some from Terra), but from trees like weeping willows whose petals were like streamers of colourful silken stuff that could be woven into a lustrous cloth.
Imports:
Metals and Minerals - With such a small world, and one where renewal and balance were important, strip mining or heavy mining in general were unknown. Raw materials like metal and minerals for the Conservatory, or for the little machinery available were not often available in quantity from domestic market.
Sand - For glass or for desert gardens. Again, without large scale quarrying, there was no great production of sand or gravel domestically.
Precious stones - For jewelry, for architectural embellishment, for paint pigments- they were valued for their aesthetics but not lusted for. Thraeneans would offer fair prices for beautification and design.
Interesting fauna - Some gardens and designs are meant to have specific wild life (such as peacocks in a fountain walk, or Koi in a pond). Varieties of these that were new and beneficial, or appropriate for a new type of garden, were welcomed and imported from other worlds.
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:56 pm
Mintaka
Orion Belt Star
Plural/Possessive: Mintakians Main Exports: Clothing, Parchment, Bamboo, Rice, Fish, Paper arts, Vegetables. Main Imports: Dairy, Meats, Metals, Oil. Industries: Agriculture, Clothing, Knowledge Inspirations: A serene combination of traditional asian temples and gardens, with edo period like structures.
Capital City: 종이 크레인 도시 jong-i keulein dosi (Rough translation: Paper Crane City)
Castle: 제국 종이 접기 성 jegug jong-i jeobgi seong (Rough translation: Imperial Origami Castle)
World: Mintaka is a star some 916 light years distant[4] in theconstellation Orion. It has a Bayer designation of Delta Orionis (δ Ori) and a Flamsteed designation of 34 Orionis. The name Mintaka comes from منطقةmanṭaqa, which means "the belt" in Arabic.[5] Together with Alnitak (Zeta Orionis) and Alnilam (Epsilon Orionis), the three stars make up the belt of Orion, known by many names among ancient cultures. When Orion is close to the meridian, Mintaka is the right-most of the belt's stars as seen by an observer in the Northern Hemisphere facing south.
Mintaka is actually double star anamoly, where one star is brighter then the other, while the other is smaller and dimmer. They orbit each other. In between them is a small asteroid that was caught between their graviontional pull where the city and castle of Mintaka is formed. Because of the anamoly, Mintaka's weather shifts from warm rain, to dry heat. The tempature is usually constant from 60 to 80, never going higher then that. Because it's lined between two stars, It has a constant support of light (think Alaska during the summer) and only goes dark during rain storms.
The world before: Before the wars, Mintaka was a singular planet only big enough for one large city and smaller outlining farms. Heavy Bamboo forest thickened the rest of the planet (with a lot of lakes), making it unhabitable beyond the Paper Crane city and it's outlining farms. The community was just as small, specilizing in farming, and artistic endevors with paper folding and writing. Because of the rain, Mintaka specilizes in grain like farming goods, especially rice. Animals are very rare, but the most common and probably the only one that the people see are animals similar to Earth's Cranes. They are called Senarcs, and can be found wild or as house pets.
(Other animals are: Sregit, which look like white tigers and are the largest predators of the planet, they are usually left alone by mintakians. However the royal family keeps at least one for a pet, usually a small cub plucked from the wild to raise with the emperor/empress. Iok, small but gorgeous fish that inhabit most of the lakes, some are kept in royal ponds, for looks and others are kept for food. Fish farms are not rare in the backyards of most Mintakians. Grofs, small water inhabiting creatures like frogs, but with tongues and fangs of a snake. They are another predator, and their poison is lethal. If caught though, and the poison extracted, it makes for a smooth colored (based off the grof's skin color which can vary from blue, red, black and even white) ink and lastly the Silkcoons, which are not really a animal but a living organism. When harvested, they can be spun into thread which makes the clothing that most Mintakians wear.)
Government: Mintaka relies on a system of Empire where the power is held in one being, usually a Empress but in rules past there has been Emperors. A Empress/Emperor is chosen by a side group of royal family, usually by the symbol on the head of their planet itself, though if not found, it would go to the oldest of the Royal families children. Once an Emperor or Emperess is chosen, their duties are but not limited too, intergalatic negoations (For trade or Allies in war), Fair equalization of goods among it's people. Public apperances to any social event of importance (marriages, Birth of children). It maybe seem a lot, but the planet only houses at most 1500 mintakians. A empress/emperor is also well skilled in combat, and proper etiquette of a royal. Both must be an achieved balance. Once the status achieved, An Emperor/Empress gains a small specilized group of ninja-esque (knights) as guards and friends.
Senshi's are rare, and limited to the royal family only, more on that down below.
Economy: Mintakians are a humble race of people, who prefer to live modestly. Rice and bamboo is abundant in their planet, and most were content to stay that way. It wasn't till the fourth reign of the Emperor's, were they approached for open trading as well as tourism. The emperor agreed to trade, as to further enrich his people's well beings, but declined tourism. The planet would only be open to house other royal familues or embassiers for discussions or political ally ties. As such, their trade ties are very strong with other planets but at most, they were very neutral in politics.
Culture: Mintakians, as simple people, preferred to find beauty in things they could make themselves from the lands themselves. The palace is always open to it's people, and the Empress/Emperor is never exclusive to just the royal family. Often you could come visit, take walks around the gardens and small ponds.
Because they are a farming community as well, They have a very good neighbor to neighbor relations, making for a very tight knit community. Marriage and Child bearing are just as celebrated as the royal families birthdays or festivals dedicated to their culture.
A large reoccuring theme among Mintakians is the ability to form art from paper. As such, it's become a huge way of communication among Mintakians for the smallest things. Crane shaped origami was often seen as a sign of friendship, or a way to call from help for friends. Hearts and stars were a sign of love, and to give someone a jar of a 1000 paper stars was a way to propose marriage to a loved one. Paper shurikans were a method of communication between the royal family and their guardians, usually small notes tucked in the paper to warn of danger, should there be any.
Fashion: Because of their climate, Mintakians like loose and breathable clothing. If it was to compare to anything, think of Yukata's and Kimono's of the asian culture. Often made of silk of their own harvest, but not limited to cotton and animal fur (from trading), the clothing is died with the ink of the Grofs for color. Most clothing though tends to stick to white, blues, reds and blacks. There is usually some intricate design, but it is really up to the silkweilders.
Royal family usually has more intricate layered clothing of all colors, and at least one outfit that matches their guards. Guards always wear dark blue or black form fitting body suits with a short kunoichi top. (Think ninja's)
Architecture and Transportation: Because the homes are built of cobble and bamboo, they often take a look of edo period houses. Stone fences, Bamboo walls and stone shingled roofs. Most of the houses rely on mainly bamboo and stone to be built. Very rare, if the trade product was brought in, some of the homes have wood.
Sailor Mintaka: Sailor Mintaka has usually always been born a female of the royal family, as it tended to keep in their bloodlines. Very rare instances in the history of Mintaka, was a male born as the sailor, and if they were, they didn't last long as their bodies were not able to handle the power of a Sailor.
Sailor Mintaka's are the ones who usually are crowned as Emperorers/Empresses of the kingdom, but more often then not, the Sailor symbol wouldn't appear and the role would go to the oldest child of the former emperor or empress. In a very rare, ultra rare case, A sailor Mintaka refused to be the royal figure head and left the planet. Usually it's frowned upon, as the duties as a sailor are not taken lightly.
World - Above the Surface: When viewing images of Alcor one would assume that given that the Alpha star gives off a blue color and Beta (Alcorb/Elenora) gives off a redish hue that the Alpha is hotter. Unfortunately you couldn't be any more wrong. It is from an internal glow that resonates under the surface of Alcor (Alpha) and penetrates through layers upon layers of ice and snow. Additional light resonates from the reflective properties of the outer crust as Alpha and Beta are locked in an eternal waltz in the evening sky.
The surface is a barren tundra, large bodies of frozen water encircled by mountains of ice. Stalagmites and columns jut out at varying crude angles like lances beckoning intruders near.
Where there is danger if one is not prepared for the frigged temperatures or lacking proper foot-ware to keep from falling, there is also beauty. Peaceful silence as snow falls all around like a snow-globe as a light breeze dances with stray strands of hair that have fallen free of a headscarf or hood. It is here clarity can be found among these foothills and cliff edges where citizens and guests alike may find freedom from chaos and distractions and just simply be.
As wanderers continue to follow what seem to be frozen trails, scars in the ice that had over time been filled mending the fractured ground, it soon becomes apparent that no matter how far they go or high they climb there are no cities to be seen. Carefully hidden in a place not seen by the light of day for many centuries it is in the least likely of places the door will be opened.
World - Below the Surface: Where some caves lead to dead ends, others continue on into elaborate tunnel systems till they open up into large dome shape air pockets big enough to house a city of anywhere between 20,000 to 50,000 people.
As it is very hard to grow anything on ice as such there are very few herbivores; to be frank there are none. Animals and creatures on the alpha star, aside from some fish found in melted pools as you get closer to the actual surface of Alcor are predators and live by the eat or be eaten mentality; all but two tunnel systems have been destroyed and it will take 3 weeks to make it down that far and back which is why nobody goes down that far anymore. Homes: xx // xx // xx
People: Citizens: Often referred to as Alcorian's, the people of the Alpha star are generally quite humble and enjoy partaking in cold-weather activities such as ice skating up on the surface or tunnel/ cave sledding. However there are those among the youth who can be quite the terrors and enjoy egging visitors on in an attempt to get them to shed their outer ware and see who has the higher stamina when left to the frigid chill.
Physically wise, Alcorian's tend to have darker skin as well as be more well built as most are either hunters or carpenters. However, don't let the fact that they seem to live as recluses under the surface of their home-world fool you. They have just as much pride and spirit as those who reside on their sister star. Senshi: The senshi of Alcor are twins born through the union of both stars. One is to remain on their birth star while the other goes to the sister star to be raised by grandparents upon awakening. They are considered guardians and advisers of their respective home-worlds and ambassadors when sent to visit allied stars and asteroids. Government: Split into three parts when voting or decisions must be made; two of the three parties must agree for anything to be passed. The hier; who generally has the whole of Alcor to think about while their husband/wife, born citizen of Alcor, speaks for the individual and voiceless; then the council. King/ Queen - There is a ruling family that resides in the primary structure located in the center of the capital in the northern most dome. The first born, no matter the gender, is always the successor and their chosen is picked among the citizens. Council - On the Alpha star each dome has what would be considered a clan leader or lord of the city. Their position is succeeded by their children unless their line ends before a child is born; then and only then is a new leader elected. These lords in turn create an overarching council that convene once every six months at the capital; the only structure that protrudes past the upper surface and can be seen if you know what's you're looking for. Citizens - If citizens do not agree with their lord they are welcome to travel to the capital to voice concerns with proposed laws or events to take place in an attempt to sway a decision.
Trading: Most trading goes through their sister star who in turn supplies them with necessities and luxuries. Export: Pure ice free of any minerals, pelts, meat Import: Seasoning and spices, metals and tools, Economy: Silver is the metal of choice and what coins are fashioned out of; however, if you have the ability to help someone you do it; not out of obligation but out of necessity to survive. Trading happens between individuals; skills for food. Family above all else then community.
Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2015 9:30 pm
Nassovia
World: Nassovia is a much more barren planet than in the past. Once a thriving, green world, now it is enveloped in dust and ruin. One thing particularly of note is the metallic vines clinging to almost everything. They manage to maintain the structural integrity of many buildings, but sometimes they too fell to the entropy that had seized this world and settled into a gnarled heap. The remaining architecture is a fusion of retro futuristic and classical Greek styles and evidence of a planet-wide peace cult can be found all over. Broken and shattered power crystals litter some of more important buildings, suggesting a heavy dependence on Mauvian technology.
Architecture Concept Board:
Note: None of these are representative of what to expect of Nassovi technology.
Leadership: While Nassovia had a royal family, they were religious and symbolic leaders; not government leaders. In fact, the Nassovi people had no single planetary government. City-states governed themselves and the agricultural zones surrounding them. Everything else was wild.
Notable Sites:
Sunrise Castle - The sprawling home of the Nassovi royal family. It's central structure is shaped like a massive disk standing on its side, flanked by a tall, needle-like tower. Spreading from there are various wings, buttresses, annexes and other structures which were built on as the family decided to add on. Surrounding the castle is village where the families who served the royalty lived. Nearby is the Sunrise Grand Shrine, where the deceased members of the royal family are enshrined with the hopes that they would help guide the future of Nassovia from the afterlife. While much of the village surrounding the castle has fallen apart, the shrine and the castle itself are mostly intact. Bridge of Happiness - This structure was cooperatively built by two city-states so that they could trade with each other. It is a fairly wide bridge and large enough to house an annual festival where the bridge would be lined with vendors' booths and the citizens of both city-states would crowd around to watch the parades of dancers who represented the exports of each city. The center of the bridge collapsed some time ago, making it impassible today. Osaga - This lakeside city is one of the most well-preserved cities on Nassovia today. The textile looms are still standing in some of the weaving houses along the shore, though the threads which had been stretched across them have long since crumbled to dust. The spire just off-center of town marks the site of a large open-air pavilion which acted as the city's central place of worship. Ylrogga - Probably the second most well-preserved city on Nassovia....though by what definition? Much of the city structure has been transformed into a black stone much like obsidian. At the epicenter of the phenomenon is the Hill of First Light a small hill, once a place of peaceful morning meditation popular with the citizens of the city.
Verithe
Hygienic Explorer
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LizzyMoo
Rainbow Senshi
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Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2015 8:52 pm
Asteroid ~ Antiope
The world of Antiope was a deceptively beautiful land. It was a tropic land with many species of plants, ranging from flowers to bamboo to fields of rice. The land was a largely self sufficient asteroid with its own well known secrets.
Antiopian Landmarks:
Bamboo Forest - A good quarter of the world was covered by this large forest. Several villages were located within the shelter of the Bamboo and utilized the natural resource for building sturdy homes and effective weaponry. The Farm Lands - Though there were several across the asteroid, approximately another quarter of the world was effectively used for farming purposes. Several were dedicated to the staple food, Rice, but other smaller farms were utilized for various spices, fruits, and vegetables. Crops rarely had to worry about insect pests, since each farm had their own native population of predatory mantises which allowed crops to prosper. The Praying Falls - Located West of the Antiopian Palace were three waterfalls surrounded by a natural garden of sorts. It was rumored that those who confess their love at the Falls would have a bond that could never be broken. The Antiopian Palace - The most recent sovereign of the world resided in this grand palace located in the Capital of the world. It was built in the classic style of the Imperial Chinese Palaces (from Earth). It could serve as residence for up to 500 guests. Though most times the guests were dignitaries from other worlds, it was occasionally used to house the soldiers that were traveling through the capital. Royal Bath House - A large addition to the Antiopian Palace that was built over natural hot springs. It served as a tourist attraction and brought in vast amounts of revenue for the Antiopian populace. It was able to house 100 guests at a time. The women who work the bath house tend to be the most hospitable and charismatic, making any guest feel at home. No task was beneath a Bath House employee when it came to the customer's satisfaction. It was not uncommon for an interested foreigner to receive intimate attentions from the Bath House staff. NOTE: Every region of this world had some species of Mantis native to it.
The Native Antiopians: The native population of the asteroid of Antiope was rather similar to the populations found on Earth that are designated as Asian in decent. Typically their skin tone had a sort of faint yellowish hue, though the skin tones could be light or dark, depending on the region they lived in. Usually the native population had dark hair colors, though very rarely a native could be born with lighter hair colors.
Upon first glance, it would seem odd that an astounding 95% of the population was female, with a dwindling 5% of the natives being male. However, these numbers were artificially influenced due to the spiritual beliefs of the natives, which actually led to the females reducing the number of males in their region to minimal numbers.
As a note, many of the natives would have also considered the various species of Mantis native to their world to also have counted as part of their village. The Mantis was highly respected to the point of being considered a part of the population.
The Antiopian Culture: It was a well known fact during the Silver Millennium that the Antiopian World was essentially a Cult society that worshiped the Mantis. The natives took many lessons from the insect, including the martial arts and interaction between the different sexes. Their beliefs made the world a very dangerous place for any male to visit and was typically treated with much caution. They were commonly labeled as Amazons based upon their beliefs (not so much based upon physical stature).
Antiopians were considered rather harsh in their treatment of males. Foreign males were typically slaughtered as unwanted invaders, with their remains being put on display in warning. The native Antiopian males were treated as a slave class all their life from the moment they were born, subservient to the superior female. Male children were raised as slave labor, and upon puberty there were three options for how to tend to their fates:
Slave Labor - The kindest of the fates which allowed them to flee the land they were raised/abused with their lives in tact. Most of the slaves were sold to other worlds as exports, since the Asteroid Antiope had the male children to serve their slave needs. Breeding Studs - The fate which was best for the survival of the Antiopian populace, though not kind to the male. Upon puberty, if the male showed physical promise, they would ritualistically have their eyes gouged out and forced to serve as seed donators for procreation. They were typically put into a dungeon style living quarters and were given the bare minimum to survive for several years. Sacrifice - The cruelest fate for a male was in fact the most common practice. Frequently a male would be slaughtered upon puberty, and their blood would be used to "bless" the various crops.
Sending a male dignitary would have been considered an act of war, and frequently the male dignitary would end up forfeiting their life as a warning to the outside universe.
The Antiopian women were very self sufficient, taking on many jobs that men would take on in other societies. They could work the farms, build homes, create weaponry, and even serve as soldiers. Due to how well they were able to take care of themselves, the women felt no desire to leave their world. It was theorized many refused to leave the asteroid because of the fear that exposing themselves to male dominated societies would ruin their world-view.
The way courting tended to work typically relied on women to relocate to other villages after they found the woman they wanted to settle down with. This was largely due to the fact each village had maybe 1-2 breeding studs at most, and relocating to another village would reduce the chances of "sharing a father" with their child.
Social Hierarchy:
Sovereign - The Royal blood of the world. The leader of the cult society who was treated as sacred. Senshi - Served directly under the Sovereign as the Captain of the Guard. Though fate was responsible for the position more than actual capability, the Senshi of Antiope was given rigorous training the moment they were discovered, creating the most capable warrior on the world. She was constantly traveling, scouting the land and assisting in the lesser advantaged villages as needed. Mantis - The Mantis was considered a sacred insect and was the physical embodiment of the Antiopian principles. They were highly valued in the society, frequently kept as free roaming pets. Soldiers - Trained in combat, they served under the Captain of the Guard. Much like the Senshi of Antiope, they traveled constantly, scouting the land and assisting the lesser advantaged villages as needed. Villagers - Much of the world lived their lives in their villages, simply maintaining a basic lifestyle. The women could be farmers, builders, artisans, metal smiths, or whatever else they were capable of doing. They lived the simple life, and they could not ask for anything more. Children - This was comprised of both the female and male children. There was a sort of hierarchy amongst children, with the females being superior and the males being treated as slave laborers, but both were still considered the same class until puberty. Upon puberty, the females went up in social class, and the males, if permitted to live, would go down in social class. Men - The only surviving men in the society were the Breeding Studs. They were not even treated as Human or Mantis, given the bare minimum to survive and kept in dungeon like environments. Many of the Breeding Studs typically wished for death due to the quality of their life being so miserable.
Antiopian Intergalactic Policies: Antiopians were quite content staying to themselves and living their lives with their ideals. However, this did not mean they were unfriendly to other worlds. It was true that men were not welcomed and in fact typically murdered if they set foot on the world. However, the foreign women were welcomed with open arms. As long as the dignitaries were women, foreign exchange and alliances could be formed. The Antiopian Women were typically hospitable to the foreign women, and most times the foreigners were encouraged to go to the Royal Bath House for the most supreme pampering.
Antiopian Economy: Antiopians used a currency that could be likened to gold coins (though the metal was not actually gold, despite being similar). The currency was called Odea, usually formed into coins with a hole in the center for easier storage upon a belt or sash. Foreign currencies could be used on Asteroid Antiope, though a native typically would have to calculate the value of the foreign currency to the native currency.
Exports:
Male Slaves- The male children who were not used for breeding studs and were not sacrificed were trained early to become servants. They were rather obedient and typically shipped off before puberty. It was a blessing for the male slaves to be used as an export, for it ensured a better quality of life. Teas - Tea was a common crop in the Farm Lands and a staple in Antiopian society. In turn, it was easy to use for trade with other willing worlds. Rice - Rice was another common crop in the Farm Lands and a staple in Antiopian society. In turn, it was easy to use for trade with other willing worlds. Spices - More specialized Farm Lands were utilized for growing different sorts of spices. It was more difficult to grow, but the results were usually more valuable than the more basic crops. Odea - A precious metal only found on Antiope. It was typically mined using the young male slave population as the labor. It could be exported as the raw material, or it could be exported as a polished product (such as jewelry). Odea was a soft metal, so using it for weaponry was not ideal unless mixed with a more solid metal.
Imports:
Silk - Even though it was a foreign style of cloth, it was highly coveted by the Antiopians due to how soft the cloth was. Various Metals - Though Antiopians had a small number of mining areas upon their world, they preferred to import the metal they used for weaponry and jewelry. Various Gemstones - Similar to the Metal that was imported, the Antiopians also imported gemstones to be used for jewelry and decorative weaponry. Livestock - Though there were other creatures beside the Mantis on Antiope, the Antiopians were quite open minded when it came to trying new meats and produce. The farmers were willing to tend to the new beasts. Some would survive and thrive, and some were not able to cope with the climate. Keeping as much livestock as they could handle made for a good selection of food for the Royal Bath House.
Note: Heavy inspiration came from the island of Nyosei from the Fushigi Yuugi series by Yuu Watase.
Plural/Possessive: Mintakians
