#boucassan

[hargrovehall]

Lessons From the Grand Sage VIII: Cultural Studies (Hydris)

Celdos reveal, your grace.

Today we continue our studies of lands beyond our own. Last time, we examined one of the peoples of the far south – the Citalen Republic, young among the great powers yet no less mighty. Now our eyes turn to the north, to a land even more ancient than our own.

(art by Ilija on twitter)

I speak of the realm of Hydris. The northern most of any society that might well be called ‘civilized’ – though some are loathe to apply such a term to the wild and anarchic Hydrisians. Despite this apparent lawlessness, there are two important points to remember:

First, Hydris was at one point ruled by Boudicca herself while she was still a mortal woman. To date, she remains the only monarch to have ever ruled all of Hydris. Even to this day, her cult holds considerable political sway, enough to keep the myriad of jarls in line.

Second, Hydris is ancient beyond reckoning. It predates the fallen empire, assuredly. Some accounts hold that it was born when first mankind stepped onto this world in the dark mists of our distant past. Some may scoff, but Hydris outlasts all others.

If no king sits upon a throne, then who reigns?

In truth, the realm of Hydris naturally owes much to the city of Hydris. All across the land, jarls – chieftains elected by acclaim in rituals overseen by the Sisters of Boudicca – manage the day to day affairs of its people and the use of its warriors. The city itself is ruled by four such jarls, to whom all others pledge fealty.

The jarls are kept in check by three powers. The Sisters of Boudicca, before whom all are equal and all are held accountable to the laws of Hydris. The Mystics, a secretive order of Spirit mages who keep lore and enforce the Sisters’ edicts. And the Sages of Kwaycha, advisers and leaders to Hydris.

For no conversation of Hydris can be complete without mention of the Pact. As old as the city itself, it binds the humans of Hydris and the elves of Kwaycha in everlasting alliance. Over long centuries, their cultures have become intertwined. Elven Mind mages speak to human chieftains and their words are heard with rapt attention.

Two centuries ago, a third joined the Pact – the Dwarves of Maldrun Hall, who joined after Hydris aided them in reclaiming their lost homelands under the mountains. Their skill in craft has only strengthened the Pactlands, most notably in the city’s famous defenses, the Painted Walls.

It is likely that all you will see of Hydris are its warriors and traders, who are often one and the same. Hydrisian longships are a ubiquitous sight at any port across the continent, ours included. In the chaos of the fall, their boisterous and laughing sailors were the only lifeline between distant lands.

There is much more to say of the Hydrisians, but I will leave that to your own studies.

Celdos guide you.

- The Grand Sage

[hargrovehall]

Lessons From the Grand Sage II: On the Gods (Boucassan)

Celdos reveal, your grace.

Welcome back. Now, a noble must know more than mortal affairs. Statecraft is the core of your duties, but not the total of them. Today we turn our attentions higher, to the gods themselves.

Many are the deities and spirits worshiped across the continent. But we shall limit ourselves simply to the Five Who Are Ten. These are the closest to our hearts, and our staunchest of allies. As a leader of your people, you will be expected to lead rituals to beseech and appease them.

Each of these gods are a bonded pair, with each tied to an element of the Cycle. One is linked to the positive, and the other the negative. Hence, five gods turn to ten.

First to discuss shall be the ones most closely intertwined with your role as noble. The gods of law and justice, Boucassan.

(art by @botherkupo)

Boucassan are tied to elemental Spirit. They are unbreaking and unyielding – all the better to stand firm against the evils of the world. They are Boudicca and Cassan.

Cassan, the Fair, the Inevitable, the Lord of the Even Scales - God of Justice From Above. He is bonded to the negative Spirit – protective and cold.

Cassan is said to be a judge beyond corruption. Only words and deeds sway his verdicts. Though stern, he is merciful and wise. He is the will behind honor and the force behind justice.

He is the one that guarantees oaths, especially those of fealty. His laws govern the rules of war and the conduct of the great lords. Rule with honor and mercy, and you may count him among your friends. He loathes those that abuse the power of their station – be judicious, be safe. Cassan-blessed are gifted with long and prosperous rule.

Boudicca, the Chainbreaker, the Heroic Spirit, the Lady of Valor - Goddess of Justice From Below. She is bonded to the positive Spirit – aggressive and burning.

Boudicca is the fury of the mistreated. Where cruelty and malice waxes strong, she appears. In hearts, in minds… at times, even physically. More than any other deity, she is fond of manifesting her power in the world. It is said that no one who fights evil ever fights alone, for even if no one else stands with them, Boudicca shall.

More so than Cassan, Boudicca is a goddess that must be actively appeased through diligent ritual and sacrifice. She is eager to aid the lesser against the greater. The surest tonic against her fury is the love of your people.

It is wise not to speak at length upon the gods; too much in one setting may draw their eyes upon you. And it is unworthy to waste their time with idle musing upon their nature. We will return to these lessons at a later date.

Celdos guide you.

- The Grand Sage