Postby Lil_Ninja » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:53 pm
~~~MATIERNA~~~
Name: Molwir
Gender: Male
Eyes: Golden brown
Hair: Silvery tan
Build of body: Muscular
Species: Ibex/Mountain Ram
Weapon(s): Large black horns and hooves, hard and sharp as ebony.
Homeland: Matierna
Rank: Guardian of Matierna
The kingdom of the mountains is a rugged and foreboding landscape. The rocky hillsides are thick with brush and conifer forest. Glaciers adorn the higher peaks. The elves there largely inhabit the narrow highland valleys where streams often flow, providing for small farming plots and some fishing. Herbs and berries are also plentiful on the steep hillsides, however the typical diet consists largely of game. Bears, wolves, elk, deer, goats, foxes and squirrels are common in the area.
The majority of clothing is woolen and dyed with earthen tones; greys, browns, rust reds, with some rarer more colorful pigments (like indigo) obtained through trade with Dissetore. Leather and fur pelts are common apparel too, especially in winter.
The geographically spread out nature of the population has given rise to familial divisions within the kingdom. They are not so much one people or one town, but many clans spread throughout the mountains, united under a common banner. The current clan chief heralded as the region's ruler is Baliankor. Broad and stout, he is a powerful foe to be reckoned with. His dark features and bold, booming voice have earned him the nickname "Thunder Cloud of Mt. Hoenald". (Hoenald, high and deep within the realm, is the home of his particular clan and seat of his throne. The other clan chiefs also journey there for councils on various matters.) The guardian of their lofty lands is a great mountain ram, and in a gesture of deference most chieftains wear horned helmets during ceremonies or battles.
Matierna's relations with Dissatore are good; one of Baliankor's childhood friends (Girk) serving as trade ambassador from the desert region. Life can be hard in both the mountains and desert; so the two regions respect each other's resilience.
Relations with Gaiah, however, couldn't be poorer. Baliankor blames the kingdom for his son's tragic death in a hunting accident. Denied of his (perhaps unreasonable) demands in the aftermath, his anger and grief still smolder within. He refuses to forget Gaiah's sins, be they real or imagined.
The people of Matierna live fairly secluded lives, especially in the winter months. When the ground is covered with snow and no farming can be done, they turn to mining various ores in mountain shafts. They have mastered the manufacture of both the tools and weapons they require for their self-reliant existence--everything from fishing poles and leather punches to shovels and battle axes. They use these as a trading commodity with Dissetore, and on rarer occasion with the other kingdoms.
Trading- I'd say 75% of their trade is with Dissetore. The other 25% with Wiorene and Aurinas. So yes, they'd have some trade with the village. The only kingdom they currently aren't trading with would probably be Gaiah for obvious reasons....
Defenses- Well, because of the steep terrain, entering the mountains is difficult. There are only five passes through which any sort of caravan or invading army could enter. These passes are guarded by troops. There are a few steep back country hiking trails used by the occasional hunter or smuggler, which scouts monitor loosely.
At an altitude of 7,000 feet, the top of Mt. Hoenald is rocky and steep. The fortress there has a high wooden post wall and a clear view of the surround area for archers to shoot down upon. A small garrison is kept there under the command of Fiona but most of Matierna's army is a militia. When trouble brews, the clan members swarm out of their villages and gather for war. Storming the fortress isn't impossible, but the attackers could expect heavy casualties. Within the walls is a collection of tin-roofed wooden houses and a central stone tower which is visible from all around.
Precaution for someone entering Kingdom- If a peasant walked up to the guards in a pass and wanted to enter, they would be questioned about their reasons for entering and searched. If they are unarmed and their business seems legit, they are allowed to enter.
If warriors or officials try to enter on business (with body guards), they will be allowed in but accompanied by a small escort of soldiers. Persons known to be from Gaiah would be treated with more suspicion and probably wouldn't be allowed in without first obtaining Baliankor's permission.
If someone seems criminally suspicious like a smuggler or mercenary, they won't be allowed in at all. Of course, those types would probably try to sneak in by one of the treacherous backcountry trails.
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