 
A map showing Serendipity's provinces. Click to enlarge!
Serendipity is the middle kingdom, located between Adela to the south and Connlaoth to the north. The Terrin Mountains form its western and northern borders. Because of its proximity to Connlaoth, Serendipity gets a number of Connlaothan refugees who are brave enough to scale the mountains in between the two kingdoms. That arm of the Terrins acts as a buffer zone and neither country makes claim to them. Serendipity is also located across the sea from Thanatos, and exports much crop and livestock to the island nation. Serenians value academia, social progressiveness, and philosophy. Their country enjoys natural defenses in the form of the Terrin Mountains to the west and north, which are nearly impassible even for small groups, and the Hivan ocean to the east. Serendipity's only major vulnerability lies to the south where it borders Adela, its long-time ally with whom it has never had a major military dispute after Adela's secession. Any hostile force seeking entry into Serendipity from the south would first have to make it past Adela's forces. Because of its relative safety from invasion, Serendipity has formed little in the way of defenses. Few of its cities have walls and the palace in Arca was built for beauty rather than for ability to withstand a siege. Most defenses are laid near the northern mountain passes and the coast.
Serenians are a race of humans who have a unique fae ancestry far back in their past. Serenians are not fae themselves; their ancestors were humans that mingled with fae-folk which, in turn, produced the Serenian people. Today, Serenians are their own distinct human ethnicity that is separate from the fae-folk. Serenians typically have fair complexions, though darker skin is not uncommon. They tend to have delicate features and to be small boned. A wide variety of hair colors are common among them, even hues such as greens, pinks, and blues, and their eye color can be just as varied. This is due to the magic and fae ancestry that runs strong in Serenian bloodlines, magic which sometimes manifests itself via physical traits. Most Serenians will have at least some minor gift, making magic a part of everyday life in Serendipity. Mages with greater power are more rare, but still occur more frequently than in other human populations. Individual height among Serenians can range from tall to short depending on their family history. Their life span averages at about 90 years, longer than most other human races. While the glamour in their blood has given Serenians a strong predisposition for magic, it has also given them a weakness to iron. For some the aversion is so acute that the touch of iron will burn their skin. If cut or stabbed with iron they will grow weak and the injury could suffer potentially fatal infection, even though it may be a superficial wound. A Serenian's magic can be contained by iron shackles at their wrists and throat. Nets and traps with iron components produce similar results, and even proximity to iron can interfere with Serenian magic and weaken them physically, sapping their energy and making them feel dizzy or ill. Generally the greater their magical gift, the greater weakness they have to iron. Steel, which is alloyed, does not generally hurt Serenians, unless they are unusually sensitive or exceptionally powerful. Likewise, the iron in their blood does not hurt them. It is the raw element that is harmful, not the compound that is part of their chemistry. 2. Social Structure
Commoners who own their own land owe no military service to the lord of the province or fiefdom, but are taxed on the land under their possession. Most commoners, however, do not own land, but rather work the land of their lord, who then takes a cut of whatever they make. Those who own no land live under the rule of their lord, who will in turn live under the rule of a barony, which in turn operates under the rule of one of the Great Houses, which serves the throne. There is a great deal of social disparity in Serendipity, and class separation. Those with money can afford to get training in magecraft while the poor go without--or have to make do with being self taught, family taught, or pay for subpar training. The divide between the rich and the poor in Serendipity is huge, without much middle ground. There is a great deal of resentment from the lower class, who view the aristocracy and nobility as lofty and uninvolved. The upper classes are unaware or uncaring of the struggle of the commoners. Slaves might own property (never land) and have a family at the discretion of their master, but they have no status or power. Very few slaves in Serendipity are Serenian, as any native-born Serenian who can prove their birth is guaranteed freedom within the kingdom's borders. Only Serenians born outside of Serendipity's borders and later brought into the country could be lawfully owned. Most slaves come in from the southern trade routes, especially those originating in the city-states of southern and eastern Le'raana. Slaves freed within the borders of Serendipity may not lawfully be enslaved there again. Serenians free slaves liberally and often, usually as a reward for years of good service or if the slave earns back their own price. 3. Gender
Transgender and non-binary people are openly accepted and acknowledged in Serenian culture. After all, their principle deity, Kia, is genderfluid, viewed to be female in spring and autumn, and male in summer and winter. While not everyone opts to do so, or has the means, it is possible to physically transition with the help of magic, especially those methods used by experienced Thanati flesh sculptors--though many Serenians are leery of such magic. 4. Sexuality
5. Style
When it comes to social events, Serendipity's nobility likes to stand out. With hired mages at their beck and call to create magic-enhanced masterpieces, and with the coin to purchase bright, expensive dyes, they can. The nobility at large has earned a reputation for being showy, and many enjoy one-upping their neighbors, always keeping an eye on what the other lords and ladies are wearing so that they can outdo them. Indeed, social functions can be a sight to see (and competition can get fierce), for there is no length that they won't go to in order to be noticed. It is not unusual for nobles to commission expensive, magical gowns that take days to make--which are only a one-time use sort of deal, vanishing back to their base materials after a few hours, typically at midnight. Many mages can make it a permanent effect, but it takes far more time to craft, and more money. These works of art are typically not daily wear and are generally reserved for special occasions. For everyday wear, Serenians tend to favor loose, flowing designs. Though simple, many Serenians work hard to make sure their clothing is still elegant, for there is elegance even in simplicity and Serenians value aesthetics. Traditionally, women wear floor-length dresses while men wear pants. While that is the current trend, Serendipity also imports other fashions from their neighboring countries, so it is not unusual to see citizens wearing trends from other nations if they can afford it. While the poor classes cannot afford the rich fabrics of the nobility, or the vibrant colors, they do attempt to emulate the current fashion trends. 6. Language
The Ora River flows south and cuts the country in half. It's tributary, the Illusiath, flows out to the east to meet the Hivan Ocean. Long stretches of sandy beach mark the coast up to the sea cliffs of the coastal Terrins. The climate of Serendipity is temperate throughout with wet springs and summers and mild winters. Because the Terrin Mountains block the westerly winds, the western provinces are dryer than the mid and eastern provinces. The climate near the coast is more changeable due to the oceanic winds coming in off the sea.
The rural people honor mostly local gods, while city folk tend to follow a more organized pantheon. Serenian Pantheon
By and large, Serendipity is not the most technologically advanced nation, but what it lacks in technological knowledge, it makes up for with magic. A seamstress may not be able to stitch a delicate pattern by hand, but she may be able to apply that same pattern using her gift, for example. While this may give them an edge in many areas, and make accomplishing tasks quicker, there is the risk that if they were ever without magic, their society could risk collapse. They are used to taking shortcuts. That doesn't mean they lack such knowledge completely. Not everyone has magic, and some must learn the longhand method to make a living in their trade. The city structures in Serendipity tend to be beautiful and ornate, sometimes to the point of gaudiness, but most follow the popular Serenian aesthetic of grace and flow. The core of Serendipity's government lies in the eleven Great Houses who swear fealty to the throne and rule the eleven provinces that divide the kingdom. Kia's Court, the twelfth province, is always under the power of the House who holds the throne. The provinces are further divided into fiefdoms, dukedoms, and baronies. Sworn Houses oversee the fiefdoms in pledge to the the Great House of the province. The collective High Lords and High Ladies of the Great Houses are often simply called the Eleven, and they form a council of sorts that both upholds the law of the throne and checks its power. A unanimous vote from all of them can remove the sovereign from power. Once a year the High Lords and Ladies answer the Calling and travel to Arca to sit in conference with the King and Queen regarding the state of the realm. 1. Succession
Prince/Princess of the Realm is a stylization held by any of the Great Lords or Ladies who have a standing blood claim to the throne through a past relation. The more recent the relation, the stronger their claim in the event of a succession vote. A relation older than five generations is not recognized. Within the sovereign's power is the ability to grant to any person the status of heir, be they of royalty, nobility, or commoner, but if no legal heir exists upon the Sovereign's death, the fate of the Throne goes to a vote of the Eleven, in which they are required to cast their support to one of the Princes or Princesses of the Realm. It takes eight votes to lawfully lay claim to the throne. Should anyone attempt to take Kia's Court without the eight votes, all other provinces will call their banners to put down the offending House and strip the family of its lands and rights. In this way Serendipity ensures nonviolent successions. If, in one year's time, the eight votes cannot be found, then the Oracle of the Daygate shall seclude herself for a fortnight and, upon emergence, hand down a holy proclamation naming the new King or Queen. Most nobles are nobles by birth but the crown can grant this title, as well as land ownership, to commoners should it see fit. Player's Tip: The lords and ladies of these powerful noble houses will undoubtedly have much to talk about with each other. Alliances, grievances...even treasonous plotting! They can exchange letters with each other, and even with the king or queen, through the Letters board. 2. Ranks of Nobility
Women in the military are not unheard of, especially within religious orders, but climbing the ranks as a woman outside of such groups is far more difficult. Among the noble Houses, it is extremely rare for women to serve, as they are expected to marry and ensure the bloodline. As being a knight requires one to be nobility (whether by birth or by appointment through deed), female knights are exceptionally rare.
As most Serenians are born with at least some small gift, magic is a part of everyday life. The most common abilities will be small and limited. For example, the ability to start a small fire, speed the healing of minor wounds, help a garden grow tall and healthy, lay enchantments on bronze tools so they stay sharp longer, or create wards to keep pests out of houses. The greater the ability, the less common it will be. Powerful mages make up a small portion of the population, but are still more prevalent among Serenians than among many other races. In the big cities where many of these more powerful mages are hired by nobility and the wealthy, the effects of magic are visually apparent. Magic is used in architecture and fashion to create expressions of beauty that would be impossible without mages. Most nobility hire mages to place protective enchantments upon their homes, and mages are employed by colleges and libraries to further their research in magic theory. Mages can also find work in any lord's army as a mageknight, or they might choose to open a business in the city selling their magical artifacts or hiring out their craft for anyone who needs a spell. Further away from the cities, the role of magic becomes more subtle. A small, rural village may see a traveling mage once or twice a year who will tend to their more pressing needs, but most of the time they will only have access to hedge wizards and hearth witches and the minor gifts they have. While every kingdom must deal with its share of law-breakers, criminal mages represent a feared and powerful force within Serendipity. Capable of devastating acts, mages who choose to use their power to harm others are hunted ruthlessly and tirelessly until they are caught. Most have learned to operate through covert means. 2. "Black Magic"
3. The Institutionalization of Magic
These schools have been known even to purchase the contracts of gifted slaves--thus making them a slave to the system instead. In general, Serendipity wants mages working for it and will go to great lengths to get them. Serendipity values magic and academia, but it wants it controlled, studied, and working for the nation.
Likewise, Serendipity is wary of races that they perceive as "evil". Demons, vampires, werecreatures, even drow and the like are hunted (regardless of the personal values and morals of said vampire or demon), and there is even an entire organization dedicated to hunting and controlling such beings. That organization is The Order of the Moon, which was born in the province of Moonspear and has endured for centuries. A large nation, Serendipity has a flourishing criminal underbelly and several thieves' guilds. One such organization, known as The Soot Wolves, has been steadily gaining ground. They currently have a stronghold in Arca and Cerenis, where they have not only infiltrated the aristocracy, but also control the criminal underworld. Criminals caught in their territory must either work for them, leave, or risk the consequences. The Soot Wolf problem is known to Queen Qiana, but so far not much has been done about it, as they are a difficult and dangerous organization to track. Serenians share a common ancestor with Connlaothians. They both came from the same people and the same original civilization, a great nation long ago that was located below the Kilanthro mountains in the far west. While the name of this nation has been lost over time, it is known that its people harnessed the power of magic--and ultimately ended up destroying itself. The mages of that nation tampered with forces they shouldn't have, and in doing so unleashed a chaotic magic unto itself. In the end, the surviving mages were able to contain that taint, but the magic left a scar on the land and it is said that, even to this day, that old, dangerous magic still lingers about the ruins of that nation, now known as Fell. It was after this tragedy that the people of that ruined nation split. Those that accepted magic traveled southeast to the Niahi Woods. There, they mingled with the fae of the wood and produced children, and the children of these fae-human unions had children with other humans, and over time this mingling and mixing produced the Serenian people, a race of humans with a predisposition for magic. History has lost what ultimately drove the Serenians out of Niahi, but scholars know that they surged eastward, over the Terrin Mountains. Jagged, artificial rifts in the mountainsides and towering piles of boulders in precise locations suggest that numerous passes once lay between the eastern grasslands and the Niahi Woods, and that these passes were deliberately blocked. Residual energies left by violent magics linger over much of the mountains, the reminders of some truly earth-shaking battles fought upon that land at the time of the migration. Over the centuries their loose collection of settlements developed more and more into an organized state. Their influence spread north to the border mountains and east to the coast but the expansion halted as it moved south and the fertile grasslands turned to dense forest. Basilisks, wyverns, and chimeras ruled these midland forests, and the warlike native tribesmen there pushed ever northward, contending with the settlers for land. Once these early Serenians reached their natural borders and encountered the dangers beyond, the need for more cohesion became apparent. Three of the most powerful clans—Siilan, D'varan, and Talii—came together in Arca, the land's largest town, and there they raised up their first queen, called Shaith the Moonspear. They began keeping written records of their history and called their kingdom Serendipity. 2. Growth and expansion
The northern excursions resulted in tragedy as those explorers who had survived trickled back to Serendipity with tales of a savage people in command of packs of demon dogs (or so it seemed to the Serenian explorers). These people, they said, were as poison to the mageborn and wielded cruel iron weapons and shackles, the likes of which Serenians could not abide to touch. The throne charged its northern fiefdoms to close off the passes and no further expeditions were sent north. Explorers in the south had more success and discovered tribes open to friendship among the native peoples. Further settlers soon followed, interbreeding with the tribespeople and bringing with them knowledge of Serenian agriculture and architecture, but the constant wars between the tribal groups frequently cut off the growing settlements from Serendipity. From the never ending disputes emerged Ysaryk of Adela, who first conquered and unified the warring tribes and then demanded sovereignty from Serendipity. Faced with hostility from both north and south, Serendipity withdrew all claim to the lands under Adela's control. 3. The Threefold War
In desperation, Serendipity turned to it's southern neighbor and called for aid. Incensed by the tales of genocide perpetrated under the Connlaothans, Adela raised its banners and marched. Relying far less on magic and more on strategy, unaffected by Connlaoth iron traps, the Adelan host bolstered Serendipity's armies and halted the Connlaoth march, though being the least populated of the nations their numbers were too few to break the siege on the midland strongholds. With the time bought by the Adelan host, Serendipity marshaled its mageknights one last time. Armed with newly developed long range tactics, the mages took the field once more and rained devastation upon the Connlaoth forces from outside mordecai range. With the Connlaoth line broken, the Adelans then took up as scouts, directing the mages to key targets until they had pushed the invading army up against the mountains. The Adelans attempted to follow the routed Connlaoth forces into their homeland and continue the conflict, but Serendipity sued for a white peace. Relations between Serendipity and Connlaoth remained difficult for some time afterward, but the war resulted in a formal mutual-protection alliance between Adela and Serendipity. Serendipity has a tense relationship with Connlaoth. Neither has recently tried to wage war on the other, because the casualties would be massive, but if anything they wage a cold war with each other. Serendipity also provides relief to Connlaothian refugees, mostly mages fleeing for their lives. Despite this, there is prejudice in Serendipity against Connlaothians, even mages, as Connlaothians are largely viewed as "backwater bumpkins". Serendipity trades with Essyrn for its unique spices, fabrics, and fragrances, and Essyrni themselves are largely viewed as beautiful and "exotic". On the other hand, Thanati are viewed with a great degree of discomfort and distrust, largely due to old prejudices and stereotypes. Long ago when Thanati lived on the mainland, there was a small minority that delved into necromancy, and that was enough to get a witch hunt rolling that ended in the Thanati's exile to Thanatos. Even centuries later, the stereotype has stuck. Today, their relationship is largely neutral and one of necessity; Thanatos needs imports from Serendipity, and Serendipity wants imports from Thanatos, so they are, politically, civil with one another. Yoreiq is a new curiosity to Serenians, as are the Yoreiqi people.
Player's Tip: As an example of what some common things are worth, a really good horse for a noble might cost about 200 suns. An average horse for a common farmer would cost around fifteen glints. An average dagger would cost about fifty shils. An exquisite sword made by a master smith would be 100 suns. These are all approximations and players are welcome to use their discretion when stating prices in threads. |
