~Arturius, Keeper of Lore
Sorry if the maps stretch the page.
Lionia: Conists of House Orion, and House Lyrea. They favor liberty, honor, and justice over all else. They stand firm by the old Escaran ways. While each has a monarch, they listen closely to their advisers. The Lionian social ladder is organized by guilds. There is one guild for each occupation. The guild leaders then report to the monarchs, who make decisions based on the reports. House Orion is lead by Emperor Aust Orion. Orion's military is known for its powerful dragonriders, and advanced airships. Lyrea is lead by the twins Emperor Apollo and Empress Artemis. Apollo is quiet, and tends more to martial matters, or to healing and song. Artemis has a fiery personality, and tends to matters as given to her by her brother. Lyrea's combative forces rely heavily on their archers, both mounted and on foot.
Ryuujima: Ryuujima often works with Lionia. The people are noted by their reletively darker hair. Their hair is often dirty blond, or even light brown. They care of only one thing; honor. Though the Emperor has voice in the High Council, his rule is limited. Instead, regional lords hold most of the political authority. However, they almost always respect the Emperor's decisions. Ryuujima have strong light cavalry that never surrender, and favor overwhelming mounted charges.
Arcana: Often keepers of lore, the Arcana people are often distant from other houses. They have close ties, however, with Orion. Ultimare Orion was the grandfather of Lord Raven Orion. He often traveled to Arcana for extended periods of time. They are almost always mages of some sort, and devote themselves to learning the secrets of magic, which they feel can be found in the ancient ice of Arcana. Arcana is lead by the Archmage Ciromir. In combat, they focus on strategy; expertly manipulating the battleground, so that their white-garbed footsoldiers can fight with devastating ferocity and psycological might.
Enkaru: Home of the Escaran Order of Templars, Enkaru is a dry, desert-like island. The people there are only concerned with preserving the duty of the Order. The land's military focuses on heavy, defensive lines, using spear and magic to keep the foes at bay.
Aurelia: The oldest surviving nation, House Aurelia is the embodiment of honor. They are neutral, but have a tradition of training all of their members in martial arts. When they speak up in the Council, all listen. They are rarely seen outside their lands, however. The leader of House Aurelia is Emperor Aurin Aurelia. They have a highly diverse mixture of forces, including a powerful heavy cavalry, swift light cavalry, and brave footsoldiers.
Nuteras: The Nuteran society is based heavily on knowledge. The most common occupation in this nation that of the mage. The society is mostly lead by archmages. They are taciturn, but they will not abandon their friends. Nuteras is lead by Archmage Cronelas. Like the rest of their society, the Nuteras military relies upon their magecraft.
Stenrar: This icy, mountainous land is home to few. However, they are strong, powerful warriors and shadowy scouts. Little is known about them. They are a tough people, who live and die by the sword. They also have a complex system of rule. They are very tribal by Escaran standards. Stenrar's military consists almost exclusively of sudden, stealthy attacks, and unmatched ferocity.
Sultenaine: A large group of democratic nations, the Sultenaine has to walk carefully. With a border with Lionia, and close proximity to the Delenian Alliance, this land has developed a strong sense of manners. They are very careful of their wording, and focus greatly on grace. They will avoid offending anyone. They favor freedom and order. Most Sultenaine Escarans carry a long knife at the least, and a sword at most. Sultenaine is led by King Mosanel. Their military is known for their unrivaled heavy cavalry.
Memara: A largely monarchical Alliance, the Memara beliefs are hard to put a finger on. They are known for their merchants, as well as the forwardness of the women. Both genders are highly concerned with fashions, though the women's clothes are not as modest as most of the Escaran styles. Memara is currently lead by Queen Liselas. Their combative forces rely on naval interception, and small patrol units to protect the land.
Delenian Alliance: Often shifty and underhanded, the Delenian Alliance concerns itself with prosperity over all else, but also values order and equality. They have become more open with their opposition of the High Council of late. The leader of the Delenian Alliance is Emperor Telverai. The military relies on ambushes, and swift, heavy advances.
Sarenia: These Escarans are closest to the elves of Sentry'et. They dwell in the wooded lands of this island nation. Sarenian Escarans favor freedom, and are organized into tribal bands. These bands each select a leader. These leaders hold council, and tell their represenative in the High Council what their decision is. Sarenia's current representative is Lord Silvasel. Their forces use ambushes and a complex web of patrols to keep their island safe.
Rabelasaire and Menkaru: Though controlling limited territory, the city of Rabelasaire is a metropolis known for its unique wares, discoveries in magic and alchemy, and its prosperity. The city is lead by a Judgelord, who is sworn to do nothing but uphold the law. Lionia has sworn to protect the city if it is ever attacked, so the only martial power in the city lies in its guards, and in the Judgelord. Menkaru is often thought of as a sub-area of Rabelasaire's control. The barren desert island is uninhabited. It is often visited by people seeking isolation in which to think. These people often travel through Rabelasaire to get to the island. The current leader of the city is Judgelord Alurik. The military is small, though sufficient to hold back any force until aid can come, usually from Lionia.
Tevaria: The Tevarian alliance has created the most advanced airships short of those designed by Lina Orion or Lord Raven Orion. They are eager to learn new things, and consider conversation most enjoyable. They have a fine sense of manners, and even the common people speak as though they were nobles. The finest pilots come from Tevaria. They are lead by an elected individual, currently Lord Ilasamir. The alliance fights using their massive superiority in technology.
Morcaria: The Morcaria people are noted for their dark skin, hair, and eyes. They favor family loyalty. They are usually very friendly and easy going. Inhabitants of the Morcaria Alliance welcome travelers eagerly for the most part. Morcaria is lead by an individual chosen from amongst the nation's nobles. Currently, the leader is Lord Ecvarias. They favor quick ambushes, and hit-and-run tactics, as well as a powerful naval force.
Aquaria Alliance: The Aquarian Alliance is often quiet and neutral. They retain their name from the times when the Realms were combined. They are known for the numerous lakes in their territory, as well as their skill in raising horses, and even pegasi. They are lead by Queen Arias, and use their calvalry masterfuly by blending it with skilled archery.
Map Notes:
Light Grey Font = Alliance
Italicised Light Blue Font = Geographic Region
Dark Blue Font = City
Red Lines = Border
