Errands of Mandor: Out of Character [RP OPEN!]

[Kalon Ordona II]

Country

Mandor is by far the largest nation in all the known world. Not even the vast elven forests rival its numbers in population. Not even the wide table-lands to the far south can match its size. The Kingdom of Mandor stretches far and wide. Ruled by humans, it is a land of nobility, wealth, and honor.


Culture

Much of the common lifestyle in Mandor is centered around travel. Each person possesses at least one mount, usually a horse, reliable and loyal. Every child over eight years old is able to ride--many learn even younger. In addition, with so many tall mountains and steep cliffs, flying mounts are also commonplace. Folk travel from village to city to town and back, or take long adventures or miniature errands, often emulating the royal knights. Trade is an ever present part of life.

Mandorians are ambitious and noble. The troubadours' songs of chivalry and heroism inspire the masses to uphold honor and live with dignity. Each person over twelve years old carries a knife; most boys can wield a weapon by fourteen, to help fend off the myriad wild beasts that will always roam the land.


Government

Mandor is ruled by the King, and the center of government is the Royal Palace at Mandor Castle. From there, Mandor is divided into duchies, baronies and earldoms, whose masters are managed by overlords residing at the Palace. Messages are sent and received constantly via 'script riders,' light young women on speeding pegasi.

Dukes must be selected by the King, and must have studied at the Palace for at least two years. Barons are selected by Dukes from among candidates appointed by the local people. Earls are men of note who are awarded lands and titles by the local Baron. They become spokesmen and benefactors for the farms, villages and homesteads on and around their land. Cities and towns are usually run by a mayor and his sheriffs.  

[Kalon Ordona II]

The Hierarchy of Än
Located southwest of the borders of Mandor, the small land of Än was forged single-handed by Lord Roger and the fabled Blade of Än. Surrounded on all sides by tall mountains, Än used to be a jungle full of the most frightful creatures. That is, until Lord Roger appeared. Some say Lord Roger was an outcast noble; others say he was the b*****d prince of a faraway land; still others claim he was not even human, that he must have been some sort of god. Whatever the rest of the truth may be, Lord Roger did, alone, slay every beastly fiend within those encircling cliffs. All of them died upon what became known as the Blade of Än. Today, Än is a select society of elite warriors. Many have wondered, but few can tell, what goes on within the dark recesses of the wall-like circle of cliff-faced mountains. Warriors of Än--especially Knights, thanks to the fame of Mandor--are among the most respected in all the world.

The Kingdom of Edria
Edria is a relatively large land that stands between Mandor and one of the many vast elven forests along Mandor's northern borders. The culture of Edria is similar to that of Mandor, but they are more rough, and yet more relaxed. Feminism is common, especially since oftentimes the women are just as able in combat as the men. Edrians tend to be stocky and not quite as tall as the noble Mandorians. In the past, Edria was able to resist Mandorian conquest and maintain its independence. Today, all hostilities between them are long forgotten, and the two nations are all but allies.

The Land of Cor
A land of grassy hills and scattered woods, Cor is one of the larger countries adjacent to Mandor. Cor surrounds Än on the west, south and east, connecting to Mandor on either side of Än, so that Än is completely surrounded by both countries. Nomadic folk, Cor get along well with one another. Though they dislike outsiders, their thirst for new sights and experiences has driven many to explore other lands. Most Cor are proficient with a spear. Though they travel almost constantly, they have no mounts. Their culture has evolved from walking, rather than riding. Names are always a single syllable, usually only three letters, reminiscent of a single step along the Never-ending Path.

The Empire of Gihon
Nearly half the size of Mandor, the Emprie of Gihon lies far beyond Mandor's northeastern border. Ruled by an emperor said to possess mysterious power, Gihon is a lush, peaceful land whose seasons are extremely diverse. Gihon is so far distant, however, that it has little effect on the people of Mandor other than to inspire the odd fairy tale or mythical legend.

The Forest of Ordona
A small elven forest on the western border of Edria, Ordona was originally famous for its diversity of herbs. During the last century, however, its popularity has increased beyond measure because of one simple coincidence: the widely renowned Scryer of Mandor bears the same name as the elven forest. The name Ordona has brought unimaginable and unlooked-for fame and wealth to the elves there.

The Forest of Aveforth
A middle-sized elven forest, Aveforth lies directly on the southeast border of Mandor, immediately adjacent to the Duchy of Azurea. The elves there have recently been saved from a civil war. The exact circumstances are currently a mystery.

The Duchy of Azurea, Mandor
Azurea began as a colony during the expansion of Mandor. From the start, the humans there made and kept close friendship with the local elves of Aveforth. Eventually, as Mandor grew, Azurea became a full-fledged duchy. Up until recently, the spirit of friendship between peoples has endured, and even elf/human couples were becoming an increasingly common occurrence. The recent duke, however, turned out to be corrupt, and for a long time he skillfully evaded notice and punishment. Many have speculated that the man had been plotting to rebel and make Azurea its own country, with himself as its king. Fortunately he was overthrown before his designs came any further toward fruition.

The Duchy of Faywater Isle, Mandor
Faywater Isle is a large island bordered by two forking and reconnecting branches of the extremely wide Faywater River. The river draws its name from its springs high in the mountains, said to be inhabited by mischievous spirits. Odd occurrences at those springs or anywhere along the river are attributed to these spirits, called Fay. Faywater Isle is also near toward the Duchy of Azurea, which adds to the overall congenial sentiments. The people of Faywater Isle are expert fishers. Thanks to the mighty Faywater River, the people of Faywater Isle pride themselves on their ability to adapt against any obstacle. The Faywater gives them new challenges every day, and they take great pleasure in the quick and creative thinking required to overcome them.

The Duchy of Ourania, Mandor
Ourania is a large, central duchy of Mandor. One of the main centers of trade, its people enjoy the higher end of Mandorian wealth and are excellent barterers and negotiators. A shrewd lot, Ouranians, but most are well contented and generally amiable.

The Table-lands
A wide, sun-scorched maze of wide plateaus and deep canyons, uninhabitable humans or elves, lying far and away beyond the southern borders of Mandor. The plateaus are arranged sporadically on differing levels, and the canyons are full of twists and turns. The Table-lands are the natural habitat of pegasi.

 

[Kalon Ordona II]

Errands of Mandor
MAP OF THE ERRAND OF DRAGONS RISING

_______________________







_______________________
Updated: 8-8-2011