#fe elusia

[for3stsage]

I still try to figure out how tumblr works! Before, I only used Instagram to show my art🙏

The Elusian trio my beloved>>

[emblematicemblazer]

World building and theories of Engage

Religion of Elusia

Elusia allows worship of the Fell Dragon. The length of time that worship of the Fell Dragon has been engaged in is unclear but Elusia was worshipping the Fell Dragon before Brodia started to attack them and long enough to feature in historic chronicles. 

The statues seen at Destinea Cathedral suggest that Elusia used to worship Divine Dragons. I doubt that the worship of the Divine Dragon ever completely disappeared, Ivy worshipoed the Divine Dragon in secret. What could have caused people to worship Sombron?

Power - Sombron is a big, powerful Dragon who can change the world. It is natural for people to be drawn to power. 

Misinformation - People are often suspicious of official accounts of history and time has a habit of distorting facts and creating alternate accounts of history. Influential figures can also spread misinformation.

Disillusionment - Mauvier's parents started to worship the Fell Dragon after a plague devastated Firene. People could become disillusioned because of the unforgiving climate.

The growth and continuation of the religion would be due to cultural and parental influences. People tend to worship the majority religion in order to feel like they belong and people tend to follow the religion they were raised into. 

In Mauvier's conversation with Zelestia, he implied that Zephia was powerful enough to be considered the Fell Dragon. She is clearly a confident, charismatic and powerful dragon. I do not think it unreasonable to assume that she was influential in helping to spread the Fell Dragon religion as a way to awaken Sombron.

Mauvier mentions that he was subjected to brainwashing techniques when he was taken by the Church of the Fell Dragon after his parents died. Brainwashing is about control and is effective in people who are emotionally or intellectually fragile, that fragility is then exploited and manipulated. Marni's need for acceptance, belonging and approval, Griss's abandonment and lack of education and Zephia's desire for a family; they are vulnerabilities exploited by the Church of the Fell Dragon. It is also not unreasonable to assume that mind control magic could be a brainwashing technique. Zephia exploits King Hyacinth's, Veyle and Hortensia's emotional vulnerability and In Veyle‘s case her naivety caused by her isolation and persecution. 

Another method employed is worm theology; the follower is nothing but a worm in the eyes of Sombron. 

Veyle feels she is a ‘worm’ because she is called a defect for not having the nature and abilities of a Fell Dragon.

Griss feels he is a worm because he never believes that his pain is enough in the eyes of Sombron.

Marni feels that she is a worm because she constantly seeks the validation of her superiors.

The Church of the Fell Dragon also uses environment control as a brainwashing method. This is demonstrated by the increasing difficulty Hortensia and Ivy have when they try to talk to their father. Hortensia mentions that he is always around Veyle and the ‘four weirdos that follow her around‘. 

The final brainwashing technique I can see evidence of is the ‘Us v Them'. Brodia's attacks are used as an excuse to raise Sombron, a kingdom whose founding involved the protection of the Divine Dragon. Elusian's see themselves as victims, persecuted and attacked by followers of the Divine Dragon In a scenario where four countries officially worship the Divine Dragon compared to 1 country that worships the Fell Dragon. Elusia becomes defined by ‘otherness'. 

We do not know much about what happens at religious rituals. It is mentioned that Griss inflicts pain on himself and others as a way of worshipping Sombron. Sacrifice is another feature of rituals. AU Ivy is willing to sacrifice herself to raise Sombron and King Morion is sacrificed to empower Sombron. 

[for3stsage]

It’s Zelkov day 🫶😔 happy *birthday*

Couldn’t help myself but to include Zelgetsu. <3

[for3stsage]

Definitely not a good sketch but for Ivys birthday I wanted to share my hc for their style in a modern AU😼 (I’m sorry this is all I could do atm😭)

[for3stsage]

I drew that some time ago and I’m not really happy with Diamant but I think Ivy turned out good <3

[emblematicemblazer]

World building and theories of Engage

The environment of Elusia

Elusia is known for its wintry climate where it often snows. Snow is important because when it melts, the water helps fill rivers and reservoirs.  Snow helps insulate the ground below, holding in heat and preventing moisture from evaporating into the atmosphere. Places that are constantly snowy tend to receive less sunlight, which makes it difficult for humans and wildlife to stay warm.

Animals that live in snowy climates tend to have features that help with the challenges It poses. The adoptable animal, the vervain deer is a good example. The hoofs and the length of the legs enable the deer to move through the snow without taking up too much time and energy. To cope with the temperature they have thick fur. Animals not built for the climate can migrate, escape or hibernate. 

Plants cannot feed from ice, escaping their climate nor hibernation are options available to them, they have to adapt or die. In Elusia there are towering oak trees, they are deciduous plants that cope with the lack of water by shedding their leaves and going dormant. The spruce is another tree native to Elusia and deals with snow in a different way. They are evergreen trees that keep their foliage but their leaves and needles have a waxy coating to reduce water loss. 

The Shadowy Moor is an area on a peat or mineral soil created slope that is well drained but kept moist by rain and mist. It is possible to farm and hunt on moorland, this may include the need for human management by burning to promote the growth of fresh heather shoots. 

[emblematicemblazer]

World building and theories of Engage

Elusia's architecture

Elusia’s architecture is a mixture of Gothic, Romanesque and Perpendicular Gothic and has the following features:

Large, grandiose stained glass windows

Pointed arches

Intricate decoration

Pinnacles and spires

Rib vaults

Flying buttresses

Destinea Cathedral is inspired by York Minster, England. The grandeur of the building makes it a magnificent setting for the first time Alear meets Sombron. It also demonstrates the ingenuity and skill of Elusia's artisans. Masons would have been responsible for the ornate stone carving and creating the blocks for the walks.The roof is wooden and supported by wooden frames which the carpenters would be responsible for. Both the lancet arch windows and The rose window would have been the work of glaziers, finally painters would apply the finishing touches.

All the features such as the stained glass windows, the screens, the organ and the altars are all designed to add to the splendour of the building. 

The shape of the building has great significance, it is in the cruciform or cross shaped design to symbolise religion. Statues of dragons seem to reference the Divine Dragon design. It makes me wonder if Elusia used to worship Divine Dragons or if earlier Fell Dragons were more skin to their Divine counterparts.

Elusia Palace is inspired by Westminster, in particular the central lobby. This is important because it serves as the political centre of Westminster in the same way, it serves as a centre for political intrigue, lobbying and backstabbing in Elusia. It has a vaulted ceiling, the panels between the vaults runs are decorated in glass mosaic floral emblems and heraldic symbols. The style is Perpendicular Gothic as can be seen by the large windows, arched top panelling, straight lines in tracery and four central arches. 

Givre Port is inspired by Dover. Just like Dover Port, Gives serves as the major port and the ‘lock and key of Elusia'. It is where most military ships sail from and most trade takes place. It is where Ivy suggests gathering intelligence on the enemy's activities. There are several forts for defence. The houses are known as Wealden houses. They feature timber frames and a married upper floor. Inside each would have a central hall and a variety of other rooms. 

[emblematicemblazer]

World building and theories of Engage

The dishes of Elusia tend to have the following features:

A way to preserve food in a climate that is not ideal for agriculture.

Apples and potatoes can easily be grown in Elusia's environment.

A snack for breaktime.

Cheap and quick to make for peasants

A way to use up ingredients before they spoil

Showpiece food / beautiful food

Blood Sausage - The recipe refers to the version made outside of the UK. The UK version of blood sausage is known as black pudding and is often filled out with oats and herbs. Blood Sausage is used to describe foreign variations. Blood Sausage is an example of a farmer not letting any part of an animal go to waste. In the Old Testament eating blood is prohibited, many people in Europe refrained from eating blood sausage for that reason. 

Meat Filled  Potato Rolls - This recipe can also be called ‘scalloped potatoes’. This recipe is made from pantry essentials and is quick and easy to cook. Pork is used more than beef because pigs are less labour intensive to raise. Onions were valued in the Middle Ages and could be used as currency to pay for things like rent. The onion and the potato are quick and easy to grow as well as tolerate to wet and wintry climates.

Potted Casserole - This recipe is based on ‘pottage’ which comes from the Old French meaning ‘food cooked in a pot'. It would be a staple food in Elusia and could be made using any ingredients available. The pot is kept over the fish for a few days, during this time some could be eaten and ingredients added. The pottage of the Somniel features fish, this means it is a dish associated with wealthier people. Poor peasants would rarely have the luxury of meat. 

Mushy Peas - This recipe would normally be an accompaniment for meat, fish or a potato based dish.  The advantage of peas is that they can be dried and stored all year, essential for a kingdom whose climate would only have short openings for farming certain crops. 

Sandwich Cake - The fish flower on top is likely to be a chrysanthemum since it was a common way to cut filleted fish in England in the Middle Ages. The sandwich cake is inspired by the Victorian Sponge Cake which started life as jam sandwiches coated in icing sugar. The sandwich can be filled with anything that can be put between slices of bread or bread variations. Why make a sandwich look like a cake? The reasons could be to celebrate an occasion, to show off or just for fun. 

Roasted Salmon - Salmon is both a freshwater and saltwater fish. Sea salmon is bigger than the inland equivalent. Salmon is a fish that could survive the cold environment of Elusia.

Mashed Potato Stew - This is another example of a pottage recipe which uses whatever ingredients are available. The mashed potato stew could be made into a ‘perpetual stew'. Whatever ingredients are available are cooked in a pot, the pot is never emptied and is replenished as necessary.

Salmon Potato Gratin - With French origins, this recipe comprises layered vegetables with lashings of cream and cheese. This recipe can be made as extravagant as an Elusian may desire but can also be a simple and inexpensive way to elevate the humble veg. It can be adapted to include ingredients available in each season. The salmon version of the gratin would be made during salmon season or a salmon run in a local stream.

Clover Salad - Red clover has been used as an animal feed throughout Europe since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, the English considered the red clover to be a symbol of wealth and good health. The stalks and leaves would make up the made body of the salad. The petals of the red clover are difficult to digest so would serve as a garnish. The seasoning could be vinegar, oils and juices. For the wealthy, salads could be presented as works of art. 

Fish and Bacon Pocket bun - This is a reference to a pasty. Any ingredients found around can be used to create a variant, there are even sweet and vegetarian versions. The uncooked fishing is placed upon a pastry circle then the pastry is folded to create a half circle shape and sealed shut at the edges by crimping. It could be sold as street food with sellers carrying baskets of the fast food to hungry travellers and workers, or it could be a way to use up ingredients. The crimped edges enable people whose jobs create dirty hands (miners, option creates, some magic experimentation), to eat the main body of the pasty without contaminating it. It is like a pasty handle made of pastry.

Jam Thumbprint Cookies - This recipe comes from the Swedish ‘Hallongrotta’, which translates to ‘raspberry caves'. They are quick and easy to bake treats. They were designed as a snack to have during a break, or ‘fika’ in Sweden, where a person can relax and form bonds.

Cinnamon Roll - All the Scandinavian countries will claim to have invented this sweet treat. In Elyso, cinnamon would be grown in Solm, perhaps Lythos, because of the suitable climates. This snack was designed to have during a break. 

Cabbage and Nut Salad - This recipe is a ‘coleslaw’ variation. Cabbage would be a substantial peasant food in Elusia because it is easy to grow in their climate and to store. In Medieval Europe the cabbage gained the reputation of smelling bad and having unpleasant side effects. The nut involved would most likely be the almond since it would grow in Elusia's environment, pine nuts and chestnuts could also be available. Wealthy people may use exported nuts such as pistachios or walnuts.

Open Faced Sandwich - In this recipe, the bread is the plate with ingredients laid on top. This recipe originated in Medieval Europe where The toppings would often be discarded because the bread would absorb the topping’s juices and become the yummiest part.The poor could make versions with stale bread and any ingredients they had available while the wealthy could afford extravagant and decorative variations. 

Apple Pudding Pie - This recipe is based on a cold ‘Apple Charlotte ‘. The name comes from Queen Charlotte who was a patron of Apple growers. It is believed that her chef baked her a version of the recipe made with a cream filling. This would have been a useful dish as it is a way to use up stale bread. The wealthy could add ingredients to create a lavish version. 

Puffy Pancakes - This recipe is a way to use up pantry ingredients before they rot. The fish could be sweet or savoury, depending on what accompanies the pancake. Wealthy Elusian's could add a little theatre to this dish by flambeing.

Sauteed Apples with Bacon - This is a recipe introduced to the rest of Europe by the Vikings. ‘Æbleflæsk’ is usually eaten on rye bread and is a good compliment to beer and snaps. 

Berry Jelly - In medieval English, the elite would enjoy a wide variety of jelly flavours shaped in elaborate moulds. I imagine a berry jelly in the shape of a rose or a wyvern gracing the table of the Elusian Royal Family.

Soda Bread - The origins of this recipe is from Native Americans but soda bread has become associated with the Irish. It is a simple, affordable and quick bake with only four ingredients. Soft wheat is better for quick breads and grow better in climates similar to Southern and Eastern Elusia. 

Candied Fruit - This recipe is the early version of a lollipop. It was a dish eaten by nobles as an expensive treat. 

Fruit Smoothie - Most fruit would be dried, pickled, candied or fermented in another way to perverse the fruit. A fruit smoothie would be quite an unusual drink in medieval times. It would be a way to use over ripened fruit.

 Apple Compote - This recipe could also be known as ‘Apple muse', the ‘muse’ means ‘mousse’ in this context, or ‘Applemoyse’. The recipe states that this dish is a beverage. The compote/mousse could be drunk and the texture would be thick and full of pulp. 

Orange Marmalade - This recipe would have been quite luxurious in Elusia. It is unlikely that oranges could grow in the climate (without magical assistance), so would be imported from elsewhere. Marmalade is one way of preserving the life of the fruit so the orange can be enjoyed for longer. 

Veggie Sticks - Without meal this could be considered a peasant's meal. This could also fall into the category of ‘snack to have during a break'. Ivy does seem the type of person to enjoy the Elusian version of ‘cafe culture', some veggie sticks and bean paste (humus) with a cup of black tea. 

 There are a few Pale Sand's dishes which are a reference to Kagetsu and his heritage but they do not originate from Elusia.