#faterra

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@line-artsy-draws you are wonderful!!! She drew Fari, which is one of the main characters in our book! Fari is a Phoenix who lost her arm in a terrible accident but she looks badass here!!

Everyone commission her because she does a fantastic job!!

-Cookie

[alterrawrites]

How are disputes handled between two parties? Is there someone who makes decisions on behalf of the involved parties (a sort of court system or conflict resolution specialist)? What happens if someone is upset with how a dispute is resolved? - What is a faux pas in your world that should not be committed under any circumstance? What would the reaction be to someone who made such a misstep in a very public way?

Thank you for the ask!

Well, considering how many countries there are, I’ll have to narrow it down to the one the characters are currently in so let’s go with Oterra!

- Sen

Disputes:

Noble v Noble

- This is probably gonna be under the table or just between the houses since they’d rather not bring this to the public. Usually, they have deals that work for both but the higher prestige Noble will usually win.

Noble v Merchant/Craftsman

- Usually through an official process. If you’re in the East, the latter is gonna win thanks to guilds. Anywhere else, nobles will probably win.

Anyone else vs a non-noble/non-merchant/non-craftsman

- Oh the lower class one is gonna lose hard. There isn’t even gonna be a dispute because the lower class one is always gonna lose. That’s just how it is in Oterra.

Who makes decisions on disputes

If someone was able to get the dispute to be an official matter, a court will look over it and an appointed judge will make the decision. If the judge doesn’t think they will make a proper decision, they can have a jury of educated people come in and listen to the trial to decide for themselves.

What happens if someone is upset with it

If you’re not a craftsman, merchant, or noble, deal with it. It’s not like you can do much unless you want to do something illegal or pay someone to do something illegal.

A noble could make that person’s life a living hell by spreading rumors, paying people to harass them, or even have them killed. The political game is cutthroat and if you don’t play it, don’t be surprised if your fate ends badly.

Merchants and Craftsman will go to their guilds and the guilds will deal with it. This could be done with simple diplomacy or sending thugs to “persuade” the person to make another decision on the matter. There’s a reason why guilds are so powerful in the east.

Faux Pas and reactions

I’m mainly gonna focus on nobility with this one since they’d be hit the hardest by a misstep.

Wintervale - Show any sign of sympathy/empathy or support to the Nedant, people north of Oterra. Since they’ve raided their lands many times, nobles of Northern Oterra are usually spiteful toward them. If anyone finds out you publicly did that, they’d probably look down on your entire house for being “filthy north sympathizers.” In an extreme scenario, the house could be stripped of their nobility by the Lord of Wintervale and cast out of his lands or executed if he believes you are a credible threat to Oterra’s defense.

Tabershire - Speak in favor of the rebellion that devastated Western Oterra a decade ago. Tabershire has yet to recover fully from that since so many of their farms were damaged and they’re dependent on trade with other areas. Yeah, probably not a good idea to feel bad for the rebels who caused all that destruction. A noble can expect to be ridiculed, cast out or even visited by some Kadembre assassins who take offense to the supporters of people who tried to kill their kind.

Abavale - Go against the guilds and your social standing is as good as dead. The nobles may like to tout they have all the power and influence when it comes to the Lord of Abavale but it’s really the merchants. Anyone who forgets that may end up losing a lot of prestige or even their life if the slight against the guild is big enough.

[alterrawrites]

The Kingdoms of Faterra: Overview

Hey everyone! I decided to try something new for this blog (again since I have something similar in the works for characters) and start talking about some aspects of Alterra. And why not start with the realm I focus on the most, Faterra. This post is more of an introduction and subsequent posts will go in detail about the different kingdoms and nations. Though, I’d like to ask if anyone would prefer me writing out details in a template like this post or work on it on a site like Worldanvil and link to it on here? Please let me know and I hope you enjoy. Now to make sure I don’t ramble on, here are the Kingdoms of Faterra.

- Sen

More below.

In the realm of Faterra, kingdoms rose and fell at the drop of a gem throughout the course of history. Through fire and bloodshed, through peace and prosperity, and even a century of warfare, 16 kingdoms have made their home on the shores of these lands in the 13th century of the Dragon Years. 10 of them stand as Major Kingdoms, dominating the politics of the realm as they vie for power and control over one another. The other 6 minor Kingdoms play their own game of thrones and war, either against each other or the major Kingdoms that encroach on their borders.

Major Kingdoms

Froa

Froa is the northern continent of Faterra, home to the majority of the Faterran species. A center of warfare and political upheaval time and time again but home to hardy people who stand strong against the chaos that has threatened their homes many times.

Oterra: A kingdom that rules over the rolling plains and forests of central Froa. It is the center of humanity, the one kingdom where they are “truly” united under one flag. Within recent decades, that unity has been thrown into peril as they attempt to deal with the influx of non-humans, specifically the ones from Aslandail who threatened their sovereignty centuries past.

Kadem: The Theocratic Warden of the West. Kadem is home of the Kadembre, a humanoid lizard species native to the swamps and jungle and Salamanders, their more feral cousins. It serves as the seat of power for the Hissan, the dominant religion in the west. Currently, Kaven Tanasi serves as the Histan, or religious, while Tenno X serves as the monarch.

Estro: Also known as the Republic of Estro. A country of dominions ruled by the Assembly, or Kaeldin in their native tongue. Dominant in the forests of central Nataka, the people reign through their representatives and governors. As the leader of the Natakan Confederacy, the Republic struggles to keep the two other kingdoms united, to protect the east from all enemies, especially in the west.

Nunid: In Southern Nataka, the Nun desert grips the landscape. From rolling dunes to flat savannahs, the kingdom of Nunid calls this their home. The Felvin first came from the green plans and forests but they have long since eroded, leaving behind a harsh landscape they struggle to survive in. With the coming of desert folk such as Nagas from Aslandail, the kingdom has a chance to survive beyond their trade with Estro and Oterra.

Lathen: The Warden of the North. Split between the proud Eshal and the warrior Atril cultures, the Wolven call this land of snow and grass their home. A king may only rise if they have proven themselves worthy of the role, following the meritocratic theme of Nataka. They defend the east from the Nedane kingdoms of the north, offering powerful warriors to protect the Natakan Confederation from any threat, especially the humans in the east.

Kesia

The once mighty continent stretched across the southern seas from what would the Corrupted depths to the Endless Sea. However, the Desolation ripped all that apart. The West was ripped to shreds, leaving being isles that would never again reach the power they had in the past. In the East, the entire landmass was ripped into the sky, suspended in the sky thanks to the mana that served as the catalyst for Desolation.

Corvail:  The Golden Isles have stood despite Faterra’s attempts to wipe it away. Remnants of the Great Cortavin Empire, they attempt to bring the world to true peace after the chaos of the Demon War. Ruled by the Council – a group of Kentori from all the Isles – they do their best to fix the world but as old rivalries flare up, they may find that harder than expected.

Askia: The Remnants of the Askian Empire in the sky. A center of technological advancement, the Avin look to the stars beyond, ignoring the fractured world below even as the embers of conflict begin to burn once more. Even as Faterra falls, Askia will rise to the realms beyond no matter what the cost.

Oceans

Beneath 3 of the 4 seas, old kingdoms lie dormant. The Selachi, a race of sharkfolk from ancient times slumber beneath the waves, rebuilding their strength as they attempt to aid the surface world above. Splintered between 3 kingdoms, they are the Guardians beneath the Waves.

Latia: A kingdom of trade and commerce, Latia helps ferry transports between Kesia and Froa and aids sailors in their journeys. They are by far the friendliest to the other kingdoms and species, wanting to help them prepare for the next conflict against their greater enemy: the Leviathans.

Tianu: The Watchers of the Abyss. When the Demon War ended, many Leviathans ended up in the Corrupted Depths, a series of trenches oozing with corruption magic. There, they plot their return to power but only the Selachi of Tianu can hold them back. They sacrifice everything to give the Faterrans more time to prepare for the war that will come.

Jado: The explorers in the east. They search the frozen sea for relics of their lost heritage. They sometimes trade with the Natakans but their eyes are set east to the endless Sea beyond. Maybe they can find someplace beyond where the Leviathans may not trouble them and a safe haven for them and the rest of Faterra.

Minor Northern Kingdoms

In the north lie the Nedane, people from across Nataka and Oterra who fled the chaos of the fall of the Faterran Empire. When the Aslandailians came, they were the perfect pawns to use in their war against the Faterrans. Centuries later, the Southerners have not forgotten the blood spilled by their kind. Now the northern kingdoms struggle to survive as they are attacked on all sides by foreigners who would see their way of life extinguished.

Vashak: Vashak is the Gateway to the North for Oterra, currently embroiled in a war against the Wintervale forces who try to conquer their lands. They were the main traders with Oterra before an incident where Wintervale Knights and Vashakian mercenaries were butchered by a feral White Loscath. At least that’s what Wintervale claimed before they invaded the north to “keep the peace.” Now Vashak stands as a bastion to keep the invaders back.

Rajen: Furthest from the war for the north, Rajen serves as the seaport for the north, sailing through the cold seas in search of new islands and new trade partners. In recent decades, they have been looking south to Kadem for new trade to aid their brothers in the war. However, Oterra has led recent naval campaigns to stunt their trade, forcing Rajen to look further west. With the kingdom of Tianu locking the area, they may have to smuggle their way through in order to aid their brothers in arms.

Davik: The Gateway to the North for Nataka. With Oterra pushing against their brothers to the south, Dravik faced the same issue with the Natakans to their east. Faced with a superior military foe, it’s only thanks to the rampant monster problem that Lathen hasn’t conquered them yet. But with rumors that monster hunters may come north soon, it seems like time is running out for Dravik.

Minor Southern Kingdoms

Lucitania: The “kingdom” of Lucitania is more like a collection of city-states that provide trade across the peninsula. Shelsera serves as the center of that union, offering land trade to Abavale and protection for any who seek to escape the troubles in Oterra. However, there isn’t a true peace among them. They still squabble and bicker like the major kingdoms around them, capturing what little territory they can without upsetting the power balance. How long that will go on has yet to be seen, however.

Kavira: A kingdom that refused to join the Lucitanian Union. Instead, the Kaviran kingdom went on a small conquering spree, swallowing up the city-states around it. Currently, it is stuck southeast of the river crossing between its lands and Lucitania but looks to own the entire peninsula by the end, even attacking Lucitania trade ships that try to go around the coast. 

Alelas: A kingdom of pirates as the sailors like to call it. Though there is a king who rules there, he more a king of nothing. Alelas is ruled by sailors and pirates who go rouge from their countries, looking to make their own wealth. Some are trade ships that don’t follow the rules of the trading companies they face, others are pirates who raid ships too undefended in the Fallen Sea. Though, they may have to find their trade elsewhere if they want to escape the wrath of the other kingdoms who don’t look too kindly to piracy.    

[alterrawrites]

Whumptober Day #3: “Insomnia”

Summary: Fari has a horrible case of insomnia.

Fanfiction or Original Fiction: Original Fiction

Rating: T

A/N: Here’s our first entry for Whumptober! I hope you all enjoy!

Whenever Fari closed her eyes, all she could see was blood. Her blood, her chewed up arm, and Alex’s stained, horrified face. The memory was there every time she blinked. And she just wanted it to stop.

But she didn’t want to sleep. Ever since that day, Fari had been restless. Tossing and turning, pacing in her room until she couldn’t walk anymore. Fari wanted, no, needed to stay up. She couldn’t afford another nightmare. Another pain-inducing dream.

Her lover was concerned with her well being, promising that he would stay by her side while she slept. All Fari could see was guilt. She was worried that if she closed her eyes, Alex would continue to blame himself. ‘It wasn’t your fault…’, she kept telling him.

He never believed it, which made her feel worse.

And her idiotic arm. Fari couldn’t stand it. How bright and shiny it was, made by the top smithies the High Dragons could afford. Decorated in a golden color, making her eyes hurt every time she glanced at it.

“Fari?” Alex called as he sat up in the bed. Fari’s back faced him as she gazed out of the window. She stayed silent. “How long have you been up?”

“I uh...I don’t actually know…” She let out a small laugh, “I think the night is almost over.” Fari could see the sunrise in the distance, giving off a beautiful orange, purple color in the sky. Large arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her into an ocean of warmth.

“I should have watched over you before I went to sleep. Maybe you could have gotten some sleep this time around…” The regret in her voice made her cringe.

“I told you, Alex...It’s not your fault…” Fari pulled away from his embrace, turning around to look at him. Her eyes and hair were a dull grey instead of her usual brilliant orange. Her brown skin was pale, her essence radiating off a sense of melancholy. This wasn’t Fari, but someone else entirely.

[alterrawrites]

Fictober Day #2 “Can You Feel This?”

Summary: Nier has to deal with a certain mage as he recuperates from a monster hunt.

Fiction or Original Fiction?: Original Fiction

Rating: E

Prompt from @fictober18. Thank you for these wonderful prompts!

If Nier had to pick one thing he hated most about the Hunters, it was the medical bay. Having to sit and wait for someone to come by and check his injuries was always the worst part of returning from a Hunt. He sighed as he rested his head on his hand, legs hanging off the edge of the surprisingly comfortable bed. Patients around him glared and had smug looks as they noticed his blood-soaked bandages.

Bet they’re all hoping I lose an arm or two from this, the Kadembre reflected as he gave a smirk to them. Most of them scoffed and looked away but a few gave a derogatory gesture or term here and there. That was the most they could do unless they wanted to be patients longer.

“I see you’re already antagonizing the patients again.”

Nier looked at his particular caretaker, giving a hideous grin.

“I thought you’d be used to that by now, Ciel,” he snickered.

He watched as she rolled her golden colored eyes from under her colorful mask before she gave him a deadpan look.

“You understand that if any of these people attack you, it’s me who has to deal with the aftermath, correct?”

She took one of his arms roughly when he shrugged and unwrapped the bandages, gloved hands checking his wounds on both arms.

“Flesh wounds as usual on the arm,” she listed off. “You attempted to grapple with a monster again, didn’t you?” His silence was answer enough for her as she continued. “I swear, it’s like you’re trying to get yourself killed.”

“Oh come on, like you don’t get a thrill when you’re facing down a monster!” He retorted as he took his arms back. “That one versus one, winner gets to walk away while the other losers everything? What’s not to enjoy?”

Ciel placed her hand against the temple of her mask as she shook her head.

“Honestly, I see why people wonder if you’re a psychopath or not. Especially when you talk like this.” She took his other arm and went through the same routine before rewrapping both.

“You didn’t answer my question, though. Do you feel that exceleration on hunts?” He noticed her attempt to ignore him as she checked his head next but pressed on. “There’s gotta be some reason you keep going on them instead of shutting yourself in the library with your books.”

She paused and looked down at the reptilian.

“If I said it was because I wanted to help people, what would your response be?”

“Bullshit,” he scoffed.

“Of course,” she sighed.

“Oh come on, you Kentori aren’t that emotionless. You gotta feel something, right?” he emphasized the something by poking her side with his tail. Ciel jumped and glared at him.

“Can you feel this?” She scraped one of the gashes on his head.

“Ow!”

“The answer’s yes.” She declared in smug satisfaction before continuing his check up.