The Ven Regality
Once known as the Veshen, this decadent and wealthy nation has seen a step decline in the past centuries... however it still remains something of a world power. The nobility of the nation, from which it gains it's name, continue to flaunt their wealth and oppulence, even at the expense of the common folk.
While the common people toil to produce food and staple goods, the nobles wear fine silks, masks of gold and ceramic, and eat the finest foods. The oppressed masses work hard to support their 'betters' who look down on them from atop their hilltop villas, and while the people are overworked, exhausted and sad, they believe that working this way keeps them in the good graces of the nobles, and therefor keeps them safe.
Structure
Ruled by 4 Royal families, the Regality upholds one of their own as a King. This king is a figurehead, with little actual power, but does issue rulings and laws on behalf of the 4 families.
Each of the Royal Families holds a fortress in one of the major cities, and the King's (or Queen's) court is held at that families fortress during that monarchs years of ruler-ship.
The families in power are;
- The Sersira, holding court at La Herbes (the City of Grasses) in the north.
- The Retalina, holding court at Lu Doulle (The Wine-dark City) in the Winedark Bay.
- The Eshtallian, holding court at La Vellim (The City of Gates and Walls) on the east border.
- The Venterani, holding court at Lu Soules (The Seaward City) in the south, on the coast of the Estway Ocean.
Each of the Royal Families holds a fortress in one of the major cities, and the King's (or Queen's) court is held at that families fortress during that monarchs years of ruler-ship.
The families in power are;
- The Sersira, holding court at La Herbes (the City of Grasses) in the north.
- The Retalina, holding court at Lu Doulle (The Wine-dark City) in the Winedark Bay.
- The Eshtallian, holding court at La Vellim (The City of Gates and Walls) on the east border.
- The Venterani, holding court at Lu Soules (The Seaward City) in the south, on the coast of the Estway Ocean.
Culture
Noble families, those just below the royal families in standing, live comfortable lives (at least financially speaking). They have bountiful food, ample lands and vineyards, serfs and employees aplenty, a well as art and poise to keep themselves raised above the common people.
Common households, that is to say the 90% of the nation that is not of a current noble family, live poorly. Most barely earn enough working the lands owned by the local Marquei/Marquess to sustain themselves, let alone save up to pay their way out of poverty and servitude.
The Ven Regality, despite it's wealth disparity between the upper and lower class is a place of color and pride. Those who serve are (at least openly and publicly) happy to do so, and believe it is for the best of their civilization to toil endlessly in service of their betters.
Parties and festivals are common, helping people relax and celebrate, unwinding after hard toils and before the toils begin again the following day.
Common households, that is to say the 90% of the nation that is not of a current noble family, live poorly. Most barely earn enough working the lands owned by the local Marquei/Marquess to sustain themselves, let alone save up to pay their way out of poverty and servitude.
The Ven Regality, despite it's wealth disparity between the upper and lower class is a place of color and pride. Those who serve are (at least openly and publicly) happy to do so, and believe it is for the best of their civilization to toil endlessly in service of their betters.
Parties and festivals are common, helping people relax and celebrate, unwinding after hard toils and before the toils begin again the following day.
Demography and Population
- 40% Human
- 20% Halflings
- 10% Elf and Half-Elf
- 10% Dwarf
- 10% Lizardfolk
- 5% Kobolds
- 5% Other
Mythology & Lore
The Ven Regality officially practices many of the same organized religions as other parts of the world.
Chapels the The Golden Grains, Tide and Tempest, as well as the Temple of the Dawn and Temple of the Dusk are common.
However, in addition to the more traditional faiths, there is a strangely high number of small, secret cults. These groups tend to keep out of the spotlight, and avoid attention as much as possible.
One or two of the members of each noble family are also inducted into the State Religion, known as the Coil. While the tenets and activities of this faith are secret, their membership in it is still a point of pride and high standing.
Chapels the The Golden Grains, Tide and Tempest, as well as the Temple of the Dawn and Temple of the Dusk are common.
However, in addition to the more traditional faiths, there is a strangely high number of small, secret cults. These groups tend to keep out of the spotlight, and avoid attention as much as possible.
One or two of the members of each noble family are also inducted into the State Religion, known as the Coil. While the tenets and activities of this faith are secret, their membership in it is still a point of pride and high standing.
Priesthood
Members of the Coil are taken from high ranking families, and preform secret rites and ceremonies at chapels within the fortresses of the Royal Families.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Members of the Coil are afforded high standing in society, along with additional rights and protections from the law.
"Like grand serpents, we shall constrict the world and rule it. It is our right, our just reward!"
Founding Date
-339 CE
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Alternative Names
Kings of Ven, The Wine-Dark Masters
Demonym
Vennish
Leader
Power Structure
Feudal state
Currency
Vennish Coin;
Vennish Coins are shaped when molten and punched with both a pattern and a small hole.
It is traditional to keep 'loops' of coins strung together with small lengths of string or twine.
This is similar to how other cultures may keep pre-counted amounts of coin in separate pouches or bags.
- Scale - 1 Copper Coin (Base currency)
- Tenscale - 1 Silver Coin (equals 10 Scales)
- Snake-Eye - 1 Electrum Coin (Equals 50 Scales or 5 Tenscales)
- Fang - 1 Gold Coin (Equals 100 Scales, 10 Tenscales, 2 Snake-Eyes)
- Truefang - 1 Platinum Coin (Equals 1000 Scales, 100 Tenscales, 20 Snake-Eyes, or 10 Fangs)
Vennish Coins are shaped when molten and punched with both a pattern and a small hole.
It is traditional to keep 'loops' of coins strung together with small lengths of string or twine.
This is similar to how other cultures may keep pre-counted amounts of coin in separate pouches or bags.
Legislative Body
Each town or hamlet is watched over by a Marquei/Marquess (pronounced Mar-KEY or Mar-KESS).
This noble lives in a vila or keep nearby, and is in charge of maintaining law and order in their lands.
It is common however for a noble to hire a judge to upkeep the law in their stead, as they are often too busy to deal with minor village matters personally.
This noble lives in a vila or keep nearby, and is in charge of maintaining law and order in their lands.
It is common however for a noble to hire a judge to upkeep the law in their stead, as they are often too busy to deal with minor village matters personally.
Location
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
Related Myths
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