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Background information:

Cylantria: Altryria’s neighbor to the north. The country’s main exports are granite, precious metals, and furs. The land is rocky and mountainous. In all parts of the country, except for the southern most tip, there is snow and ice on the ground all year round. Given the harsh conditions, few people would willingly work in the mines or the quarries. Even jobs as servants are avoided like the plague, given that the nobility and the monarchy are hardly known for their kindness and benevolence. Thus, slave labor is the backbone of the economy. Without it, the entire country would simply fall to pieces. These slaves are generally viewed as livestock and are treated as such. Each noble family has its own, distinctive brand that allows people to easily determine which slaves belong to which family. The typical dress in Cylantria consists of many layers of wool and furs to keep out the bitter cold. Boots are traditionally worn in favor of shoes, as they are much more practical in the snow. White and red furs are very much in demand and have become as much a symbol of wealth and power as slaves. In fact, they are much more in demand than slaves, given that the creatures have become so commonplace in the country. Every noble in the country has at least one slave, most of them have several, but not all of them have the fashionable and expensive furs. The monarchy is extremely concerned with appearances and decorum. In any family of importance, manners are taught to children before they are even old enough to walk. For a noble to be caught keeping company with a peasant is a disgrace to the family. Arranged marriages are extremely popular. Cylantrian women generally do not expect to marry for love. However, it is not uncommon for a woman to throw a very nasty tantrum if she feels that the man she is slated to marry is not high enough in society for her. After all, the daughter of a wealthy duke would never willingly wed the son of a lowly baron. Social interactions are usually very formal, even among friends. Unfortunately, Cylantria is not known for having good relations with bordering nations. People in nations where slavery is outlawed do not understand why it is so essential to the northerners and label them as barbarians for taking part in such a dreadfully inhumane practice. Other countries, where interactions between the people are warmer and not quite so stiff, label the Cylantians as too cold. The size of their army does not help others’ opinions of the country, either.

Altyria: Cylantria’s neighbor to the south. The county’s main exports are a variety of vegetables, dairy products, and cotton. The land is extremely fertile and the only mountain range in the country is on the border shared with Cylantria. Through the spring, summer, and first half of autumn the weather is fairly warm, the exceptions to the rule being the southern and northern extremities of the country. In the south, it is warm all year round, but the quality of the soil is not quite as high as it is further north. The northernmost regions of the country tend to get cooler, due to the cold air from the mountains. However, very few people live there, as, while it is not terribly unpleasant, it is one of the least hospitable places in the entire country. By nature, farming is not easy. However, for the Altyrians, it is not unpleasant or inordinately difficult. Therefore, those who rely on it for a living do not mind it. Since it is not necessary to society, the slave trade has been condemned as cruel and inhumane. Accordingly, it has long since been outlawed. The economy in Altyria depends upon the labor of willing citizens who reap the rewards of their hard work. For women, the typical style of dress in Altyria is a dress with wide skirts, a modest neckline, and short sleeves. Heeled shoes are very much in vogue, as are pearls. For men, the standard form of dress consists of breeches, a shirt, and a tunic. Silks, cotton, and satin are the preferred fabrics. Pale, pastel colors are generally favored over darker ones, but hardly anyone buys white clothes. White and black are the two least popular colors. Altyrians generally favor intricate designs and a lot of elaborate embroidery. Since the climate is extremely easy to live in, they do not need to worry much about the practicality of clothes in regards to dealing with the weather. The monarchy tends not to favor the nobility over the lower class as much as would be expected. Known for being fair and generous, the monarchy tries to do what they think will benefit the entire country rather than just a small portion. While this practice is generally well received, there are a few nobles who believe that the monarchy should spend more time catering to the needs of the more important members of society. Social interactions are largely warm and informal. For the most part, the county has good relations with bordering nations. The Altyrians do their best not to step on any toes.

Both countries have similar religious views, though there are certain gods and goddesses that are more prominent, or worshiped exclusively, in one region.

The Role Play

Plot: Cylantria is suffering. Temperatures have reached record highs in the summer, but, given the usually frigid temperatures, it is still seen as quite cold to those who have not spent an extended period of time in the country. The snow is melting, leaving the ground beneath it muddy and treacherous for Cylantrian horses who are used to hard, frozen earth beneath their hooves. In particular, the mines are being hit hard. Lords who own the mines are having trouble sending supplies, given the conditions of the passes. The slaves are suffering. Those who have finally gotten used to the bitter cold are struggling to cope with the unbearable heat and are beginning to suffer from heat exhaustion. Newer slaves who have not yet adjusted are still unable to handle the cold weather. Those who oversee the mines cannot seem to find a way to make conditions safe for everyone, as slaves are having trouble coping with the weather for entirely different reasons. Presently, all that can be done is to try and keep some warm and have cold water available for others. Furthermore, supplies are running low, particularly food and many shoes are nearly destroyed from over-use, making the harsh conditions of the mines even more perilous.

As Cylantria's economy is dependent upon the metals and stones produced by the mines and quarries, when the mines suffer the entire country suffers, too. As the troubles in the mines worsen, the economy begins to collapse. This does not, however, cause immediate worry for nobles, as they are wealthy enough to survive for some time even if their income is severely lowered. But, their wealth will only last for so long.

In an attempt to try to save the country from ruins, the monarchs have reached out to the southern country of Altyria, seeking aide. The Altyrian monarchs have graciously agreed to see what help they can offer and a group of well-respected Altyrians have been sent to Cylantria to tour the country and see what needs to be done. However, the two cultures are entirely different. The two countries understand that they are not the same, but they do not completely understand the true extent of the differences, as neither has made an attempt to truly understand the other country's culture.

Setting: The Altyrians have just arrived at the mines in fief Fox Wood. This is their first stop in Cylantria and they are unsure of what to expect. Fox Wood is one of the largest mines in Cylantria. The task master, Augustine, however, is one of the kinder ones in the country and genuinely wants to keep the slaves alive, rather than treating them as commodities that can be easily replaced. He has written to the lord of Fox Wood on several occasions seeking supplies, but either the letters have not yet been received or His Lordship has not yet been able to send them due to the horse's trouble dealing with the climate.

Fun facts about fief Fox Wood: Fox Wood is a ducal house, meaning the only people above the lord and lady of Fox Wood in station are the monarchs themselves. The Fox Wood line is one of the oldest in the country and traces back to when the country was still a group of warring tribes. During the day, eight slaves had become so badly affected by the weather that they could not work. Five have just passed away, the other three are in extremely bad shape, but are alive and with the healer.

If you have any questions or need further information, please ask me.

Notice: If you like, you may play a god or goddess, but please keep them limited to the ones I have listed below. These are the ones I have created based on the two countries involved.

Gods and Goddesses

Sengot: Sengot is worshiped exclusively in Cylantria. He is the slaves' god and takes a special interest in the ones working in the mines. It is difficult for a human to anger Sengot and he is quick to forgive and show mercy and grant the prayers of his followers. However, he does not get along so well with other gods and goddesses. Given that his followers have little, Sengot is not particular when it comes to offerings. However, it is known that he has a penchant for shiny objects, so metal from broken tools and glittery, but worthless, rocks are commonly used as offerings. If someone who has a bit more money is making an offering on behalf of a slave, it is customary to burn cinnamon and rosemary just prior to prayers. He is also the god of the afterlife for slaves, as Amett will not allow them to share the same afterlife as other mortals. I will be playing Sengot. I have been doing a bit of character development work on the deities and he is one of my favorite to write.

Mariehetta: Marierhetta is worshiped universally. She is the goddess of women and fertility. It is customary to offer a lock of a child's hair as a gift in her temple in hopes that she will take the child into her care and watch over him or her as the child grows. Soothing herbs, particularly lavender and chamomile, are often used in religious services at her temples and when making offerings. She does not usually interfere in the lives of mortals. If she gives any guidance, it is always subtle. Mariehetta is widely acclaimed as the kindest of the gods and goddesses.

Amett: God of war, justice, and the afterlife. He is known for his bad temper and harsh judgments. Upon death, he is said to weigh a person's crimes against their virtues and determine whether they may have peace in the afterlife. He is one of the most feared and revered gods, as he holds the power to determine how a soul will spend eternity. Offerings made to Amett are usually very generous. Dried, hot peppers are usually used in offerings to Amett and burned just before prayer. However, Amett refuses to lead slaves to the afterlife, as he views them as livestock

Hori: (Played by LivingLife) Goddess of the harvest, she is worshiped predominantly in Altyria, as Cylantria is not a farming country. She also shares the title of goddess of justice with Amett. She is, however, a kindhearted deity and truly wants to live her followers. Her kind judgments are a stark contrast to Amett's harsh punishments. On occasion, she has been known to sway the cold god and convince him to grant the sinner reprieve, depending on the severity of the crimes committed. It is customary to offer a portion of one's crops to Hori during the "Turning of the Leaves Festival", which is celebrated in Altyria to mark the coming of autumn.

Demonire: The ill-tempered god of the hunt. He, like Amett, does not take kindly to slaves and is known to purposefully deter prey so a slave will return empty handed. Like Amett, he rarely grants his favor unless a person's offering is extravagant and large. However, his desire to interfere and sabotage a hunting trip can be swayed by other gods or goddesses if they insist that their follower is in dire need of the meat. However, he will relent grudgingly and become very irritated rather quickly

Annie stepped out of her house. There was something in the air around her, some form of trouble encased the country.

Considered a noble woman, Annie felt there was nothing noble about her family. A lot of selfish bastards, they were. All the women thought so, but what could they do? Nothing.

She sighed as she looked at the dirt. Sheltered from the lower class, she wondered what would happen if she lived life like they did for a day.

Annie noticed the other noblewoman walking into town. She wondered about her, thinking about what clan she may belong to. She had never seen this woman before. She watched her pass with a keen eye; how long would it take for her to disappear too?