Kingdom of Avalon (AV-eh-lohn)
Government
Avalon is ruled by a strongly held monarchy, passed from eldest child to eldest child, regardless of gender. The royal family has held Avalon for 10 generations, using a combination of magic, wealth, and politics to keep themselves in power. The Noble Families of Avalon vie for power amongst themselves, and those showing the highest degree of magical aptitude are the most in favor with the crown. Only noble children with magical skill can be considered to marry into the royal family. The nobles hold Duchies and rule over their own lands. If a family falls out of favor, or becomes bereft of magic, their lands can be seized and handed to another.Culture
Heritage: Elven Magic is NobleEveryone is told that magical power is the mark of the nobility only, a blessing from the gods granted only to those who are deemed worthy. In truth, commoners with magic often end up conscripted to the military, wards of the church, or die from wild magic and lack of training. The nobility and royal family grab every chance they can to display their abilities, ostensibly this is to ‘awe and delight the common man and give them joy’ but it is also a not-so-subtle show of who holds the power and what can be done to those who might think to step out of line. Beauty and Grace
Avalon prides itself on its beautiful architecture and pristine cities, often built and maintained with magic. What is illusion and what is real? It’s nearly impossible to tell. Beneath the Surface
Despite their best efforts, the nobles cannot control or contain all magic users. There is a thriving underground of commoner magic practitioners or those that will get you across the Channel to Eisen or Montaigne to learn safely… for a price.
Cultural Norms
Appearance is EverythingAvalonians, especially the nobles, are expected to have their Duchies, homes, and physical appearance perfect at all times. The nobility and royal family always dress in the best materials and the newest fashions. Commoners are expected to do their part to keep their town and Duchy looking great and most take pride in keeping everything beautiful. Pomp and Circumstance
Avalon is all about ceremony and formality, the more lavish and over the top the better, especially during holiday celebrations, weddings, or other formal occasions. They still use many traditional Elvish words for titles and most formal ceremonies are conducted in Elvish, regardless of the person’s race.
Commonly used titles:Polite but not Kind
- Queen: Cor'Etrie
- King: Cor'Quessir
- Princess: Za'etriel
- Prince: Za'quessir
- Lord: to address a Lord directly, the suffix "-ian" is added to the end of the lord’s first name or surname (ie. Laerothian "Lord Laeroth"; Durothilian "Lord Durothil.")
- Lady: to address a Lady directly, the suffixes "-ianna" or "-ia" are added to the end of the lady's first name or surname (ie. Arilynia or Arilynianna "Lady Arilyn"; Durothilianna "Lady Durothil.")
- High Mage: Selu'Taar
Backstabbing politics among the noble families can be fierce, with the sweetest smile often hiding the most poisonous venom. It is important to always be polite, but there are no awards for kindness at the top.
Military
Avalon has two standing armies, which have protected the nation for as long as anyone can remember. Their forces are primarily naval, though griffons are also commonly seen flying above major cities. Despite the fact that Avalon maintains a strong military, it has not been at war in centuries and is mostly for show. Akh'Faer - the magical military, populated by nobles who serve as officers (and some commoners in lower positions, conscripted due to their magical ability, though they are often given ‘false titles’ to hide their commoner heritage) Akh'Velahr - the standard military, populated by commoners and often lead by the non-magical children of noble familiesEconomy
Avalon has a strong, thriving economy for the nobles. Most Duchies are fairly wealthy and this passes on to the commoners; however, not all commoners are so lucky and a noble family that falls out of favor, or a family that is more focused on their own desires than the upkeep of their Duchy, can have squalid conditions. However, because the Avalonians pride themselves on their appearance, it is rare that a Duchy will get to those conditions before it is seized.Religion
Akmon, God of the Sun & Nobility - traditionally worshiped by the nobility, they believe he aids in keeping their power strong Lucetius, God of Oceans & Commerce - as an island nation, the god of oceans is particularly important to Avalon Kelesta, Goddess of Fate - long held as the one who blesses the ruling families with their generations of magical ability Banned ReligionsThe worship of Eosphorus, Morwen, and Tanith are forbidden, any temples found to them are destroyed and followers imprisoned. The worship of Gorath, Sephira, and Steyfano are heavily frowned upon, though their small, hidden temples are generally left alone.
Holidays
Festival of Lights - celebrated during the Vernal Equinox, it is a time to let go of past grievances and worries, embrace the coming spring, and send your wishes to the gods for their blessing . Lanterns are lit and lifted into the sky to take paper wishes into the air, grievances are written and burned to clear the air. Midwinter - celebrated at the Winter Solstice, the people of Avalon give gifts, feast, and spend time with their families Arselu'Tel'Quess - an ancient festival to celebrate the magic gifted to Avalon by the gods. The nobility throw lavish parties, magic is prominently displayed, especially at night with the magical light displays in the sky, and commoners give thanks and praise to Kelesta and Akmon to have been born into this land with such favored rulers to protect them (this holiday is, for the most part, celebrated by the nobility while the commoners continue their daily duties, many with much eye rolling).The Noble Houses of Avalon
The nation of Avalon contains 28 recognized noble families, of which the royal Ellistraeash Family is only one. Unlike Eisen, one is born into a family and remains part of it until death. Only traitors and those so disgraced are forcibly disinherited. Other known houses: House Aelorothi - one of the older elven houses in Avalon, Aelorothi traces ts various lineages back to the mythic days and they have been allied with House Ellistraesh since the dawn of Avalon’s history. Predominantly known as metal smiths and magical metal workers, some of Aeloroth’s magical stylings put dwarven work to shame. They are the creators of the crown jewels of Avalon. Socially, they are known as a bit aloof but dedicated to high aesthetic. While the Aeloroth noble may not be the most flashy in the room, their clothes and jewels are probably the best quality and they aim for an air of understated elegance. Aelorothi is one of the primary movers behind the Avalonian social belief that beauty means everything - and they’ve very little tolerance for anything that doesn’t fit that perception. House Alastrarra House Calauth House Clatharla House Eroth House Evanara House Evendusk House Falanae House Gwaelon House Haladavar House Ilbaereth House Irithyl House Korianthil House Lharithlyn House Maendellyn House Maerdrym House Nierdre House Nightstar House Olyrnn House Ortauré House Paeral House Rewen House Shaelara House Siirist House Tassarion House Vyshaan House Yridnae
Maps
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Avalon
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Avalonian
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Major Exports
Enchanted Items
Magically Crafted Luxury Items
Magically Crafted Luxury Items
Related Traditions
Controlled Territories