Melandre

Melandre's capital, known as The Citadel, is home to the high council of the Atheran Alliance who governs the alliance. Melandre is the richest and most populated of the three nations. The early incarnation of Melandre was the first nation in Athera to unify from the various city-states and nomadic peoples. The people of Melandre are religious by nature, and Melanese cities host some of the largest and most lavish temples and cathedrals in Athera. The various religious groups, notably those who worship Pelor, have significant influence over the rulers of Melandre. Melandre is ruled by House Levayne and the title of Lord is passed down within the family. Over the last few years, much of the decision making has been done by various councils, either the Republic council or a smaller council which governs Melandre specifically, making House Levayne more and more a figurehead.

Culture

The people of Melandre have a strong sense of family and faith. Family names and reputations are extremely important to the people of Melandre, and so children tend to follow the career paths of their parents. Most households worship regularly. The primary deity worshiped is Pelor, although Moradin, Corellon, Avandra and Kord are also commonly worshiped. Melanese cities commonly have many temples and cathedrals dedicated to these gods. Holy days and celebrations are common, some of which will cause entire cities to shut down during their duration. The various religious organizations also benefit from the wealth pouring into the city. Temples are often very lavish and artist patronage is very common.
Social class is also important in Melandre. Highborn families tend to socialize only with other nobles. The wealthy and powerful tend to stay that way, while the middle and lower classes do not have much of a chance to rise up above their class. Most people believe class is decided by the gods, and those who are highborn have done something to deserve it. There is a large separation between the rich and poor, especially in Havensport. There are also large cultural differences between those that live in the cities and those who make their living in the farmlands.

Government

Monarchy

Industry & Trade

Melandre is a rich nation, due to it's link to Volun'Thos via the Gold Road, which provides a cheaper, albeit slower, route for merchants transporting goods from one end of the Eastern Continents to the other. Melandre is also rich in various luxury goods, including cotton, wine, citrus, marble and copper. The city of Havensport host the largest and most profitable markets in the Eastern Continents. Because of the economic success of the nation, Melandre's higher tax rate on goods and trade has not diminished the use of its ports and marks, making Melandre even more rich.

Guilds and Factions

Order of the Solari

An organization of knights with strong religious convictions. Charge themselves with protection of Melandre and its churches. Volunteers protection services to high profile clergymen or during large events. Many of Melandre's Paladins and Clerics belong to this order.

Legion of the Red Banner

The Red Banner is the primary order for Melandre's high ranking military officials. Mostly a social order, membership in the Legion is practically mandatory for anyone seeking to climb the ranks. The Red Banner guildhall is one of the most exclusive in Melandre, hosting many regal events and banquets for the wealthy and powerful people of The Citadel. Although not officially part of the military, the Red Banner has long been engrained, so much so that members are permitted to wear their Red Banner ranks and medals on their military uniforms.

Melandre's Cross

The least militaristic of the major Melanese Orders, Melandre's Cross is a philanthropic organization. It seeks to defend and aid the everyday citizens of Havensport in any way they are able. Its members come from all sectors in Havensport: soldiers from the military, mages from the college, clergymen, merchants, craftsmen. Their duties can range from securing the roads from bandits to helping a family rebuild their house after a fire. The Cross also runs one of the largest orphanages in Havensport, which provides homeless children not only with shelter and food, but with apprenticeships to various professions so that the children can learn to provide for themselves and their future family.

Order of the Dragon's Claw

As close as an order can get to a mercenary organization without actually hiring themselves out. The Dragon's Claw, like The Red Banner, is mostly a social order who accepts the best warriors and knights. Unlike the Banner, membership is based on merit and not military rank. A member does not have to be in the military, and in fact, most aren't. The Dragon's Claw has many members who are currently part of mercenary organizations, but since the Claw is mostly a social order, this does not interfere with membership. The Claw prides itself on being home to the toughest and strongest fighters in all Arthena, and as such they commonly participate in tournaments of strength. The Dragon's Claw has sent many competitors to Thosa to compete against the Thosian warrior clans, and with some success. Duels and challenges among members is quite common as well, with many fights breaking out in the guildhall at any given time. But members of The Claw respect one another, and after the fight, the challengers shake hands and share a drink.

Lunas Magus

A small and secluded order limited mainly to the heads of the various colleges of magic in The Citadel. Magus is organized primarily for information and knowledge sharing and rarely takes action as a group. When there is a need, Magus can advise the Melanese and Atheran leaderships on all things related to arcana.

The Windborne Cavalry

Named after the ancient order of lancers, the Windborne Cavalry is an independent military order who task themselves with rebuilding the famous division. The lancers of Windborne were feared across Athera for their speed and skill, and swayed many battles in Melandre's favor during the wars with the Temuri warlords. After the Atheran Alliance was started, the Cavalry drifted into disarray. Although the current Melanese military has a large cavalry division, they are not as well trained and do not employ the tactics and discipline as the ancient order. The new Windborne Cavalry was started by ex-military lancers seeking to recreate the division. They run an “academy” with a small amount of devoted trainees. Acceptance into the academy is limited to youth who show exceptional horseback skills. The Cavalry also recruits lancer veterans from all over Athera. They train vigorously every day, running maneuvers in the fields west of Havensport. The Cavalry no longer answers to the military leadership and can go where it pleases. In recent years they have ventured north into the Northern Wastes in order to train in battle against the aggressive northern tribes.

Geography

Most of Melandre is covered in fertile grasslands and lightly forested areas. Because of the abundance of food from farming and hunting, Melandre's population has grown incredibly fast. Melandre is separated from the rest of Athera by The Spine, a large mountain range that divides the continent. The Brass Bay on the eastern shores of Melandre provides a safe entrance to the oceans, as well as access to plentiful fishing.

Sigil of the Royal Family, House Levayne

Capital
The Citadel
Demonym
Melanese
Ruler
Lord Vel LeVayne

Type

National Territory

Location under

Athera

Included Locations

• Glavus
• Hallan's Pass
• The Citadel
• Thromstead Fork

Related Historical Events

• 1483 AC
  Leaving The Citadel

Real World Similarities

Melandre is very similiar to medieval Europe and classical fantasy settings. Melanese architecture is very angular and symmetric in design, and stone and marble are used extensively in buildings. Soldiers of Melandre use very traditional medieval armors and weapons, and there is a strong sense of chivalry among the military orders.