Holy Dominion of Fen'Ur
Overview
The Fen'Ur, a race of pale-skinned humans with unique abilities, are the founders of the ancient Kingdom of Ur, a deeply theocratic and mystically imbued nation located in the northern reaches of the Southern Continent of Malius. Known for their pale skin that remains untouched by even the strongest sun, and their distinctive grey or white eyes that shine in the dark, the Fen'Ur have long held a mysterious and powerful presence in Lendil. The story of the Fen’Ur is one of exodus, divine favor, and bloodshed, shaping a nation that once sought to conquer and now struggles to retain its former glory.
The Fen’Ur are a people whose origins are shrouded in mystery. According to their oral histories, the Fen—who would later become the Fen’Ur—were the first humans to set foot on the known continents of the world. Their journey to Malius began long ago, when they fled their ancestral homeland due to political unrest and growing persecution for their religious beliefs. The Fen worshipped a god whom they called Boreas, a figure later known to the world as Zagan, the God of Blood. Their belief in Zagan was deemed heretical by the powers of their homeland, forcing them to leave and seek refuge on unknown shores. Eventually, they made landfall on the northern coast of Malius, establishing the Kingdom of Ur, named after the great city that would serve as their capital. It is here, amid the windswept northern lands, that the Fen’Ur built their temples, palaces, and monumental pyramids in reverence to Zagan.
The Fen'Ur are best known for their iconic Pyramids of Ur, three massive stone structures arranged in the shape of a constellation that they consider sacred. These pyramids, carved from the very bedrock of the land, stand as a testament to the Fen'Ur’s devotion to Zagan and their advanced understanding of architecture and magic. The Fen'Ur also practice a form of Blood Magic, a power unique to their people, which they believe is a divine blessing from Zagan himself. This powerful and often dangerous magic, which involves manipulating one's own blood or the blood of others, became deeply intertwined with Fen'Ur society and governance.
Culture and Capital
At the heart of the Kingdom of Ur is its capital, the city of Ur, where the Fen'Ur's most sacred structures and their ruling elite reside. The city is home to the Pyramids of Ur and serves as the political and religious center of the nation. The city’s grandiose architecture and temples dedicated to Zagan stand as symbols of the Fen'Ur's pride and spiritual power.
While Ur is the seat of power, the Kingdom of Ur also boasts several smaller cities and towns, each contributing to the kingdom’s deep-rooted theocratic structure. Many of these settlements are built near sacred sites, where the practice of Blood Magic is most potent and revered. In these cities, high-ranking priests and priestesses enforce the laws of Zagan, and magic is often used to solidify both religious and political power.
The Fen'Ur are a deeply theocratic people, governed by a Triumvirate known as the Three Hierophants, who rule with absolute authority over both spiritual and political matters. These three leaders are considered the living representatives of Zagan on Earth and hold immense power over the lives of all Fen'Ur. The Triumvirate's influence is still felt throughout the kingdom, even though their rule has greatly diminished over time.
In its earlier days, the Fen'Ur were ruled by their Archon of Blood, the foremost authority on Blood Magic and the spiritual leader of their people. The Archon’s power was almost unparalleled, for it was said that their blood could channel the power of Zagan directly, making them the most feared and revered individual in Fen'Ur society. However, the Archon has not been seen for many years, and the once-mighty institution of the Archon has faded into legend. Some believe that the Archon is dead or has disappeared into the void, while others whisper that a hidden group of powerful Blood Mages—who once served the Archon—continue to practice their dark craft, though the exact truth is uncertain.
With the loss of their Archon, the Triumvirate has assumed the role of ruling power, but the kingdom is no longer as united or as strong as it once was. The Three Hierophants are now more symbolic figures, each controlling one of the major facets of Fen'Ur society—religion, governance, and military power—but their hold on the kingdom is weakened. Even so, the Fen'Ur people continue to revere their spiritual leaders, who uphold the ancient traditions and worship of Zagan, although many question the Triumvirate’s ability to maintain the kingdom’s former glory.
The economy of Ur, once dependent on conquest and plunder, now relies heavily on the cultivation of sacred rituals, the maintenance of their religious sites, and the crafting of magical artifacts infused with Blood Magic. The Fen'Ur still engage in trade, though they are now more insular and focused on preserving their own practices and traditions. The Pyramids of Ur remain a primary attraction, drawing pilgrims and scholars alike to witness the sacred site where the Fen'Ur first connected with Zagan.
Culturally, the Fen'Ur hold steadfast to their traditions of religious worship, especially in the form of grand ceremonies and rituals conducted in the Pyramids of Ur. They continue to practice Blood Magic, although its use is more controlled and less widespread than in the past. Their society remains hierarchical, with the Three Hierophants at the top, followed by powerful families of priests and blood mages, and then the common people, who are mostly concerned with maintaining their connection to the divine through ritual and sacrifice.
