The Mistrals
"Trees burn
Swamps drain
Water evaporates
Rocks erode
Fire sputters and dies
But air, air is ever lasting"
Swamps drain
Water evaporates
Rocks erode
Fire sputters and dies
But air, air is ever lasting"
Basic information
The Mistrals are one of the smaller factions in the Valley, but they command a lot of respect as often the most level headed voice at the table of The Coalition . Their kingdom's domain stretches out over most of the mountain ranges north of the Reach. In these mountains the Mistrals and their followers have established numerous small outposts. Besides these smaller villages they have also build bigger cities, the grandest of these cities, and the Capital of the kingdom, is Koryaq. The Mistrals have one main settlement that is significantly more accessible to outsiders, the city of Qinling. It is often the only city outsiders see of the mountain folk. As a result, Qinling functions as a contact point between the Mistrals and the other people of the valley. The city also functions as a trading hub for the Mistrals, here they can sell their goods (mostly hides and trophies from rare game) and buy what they need from the other factions.
The people of the northern mountain range live a peaceful and uneventful life, at least for the most part. The mountains serve as a natural barrier to outsiders and only the bravest and most daring explorers sometimes reach their hearths. But while the life may be peaceful that does not necessarily mean it is an easy one. The people living in the smaller settlements have to contest against harsh weather conditions and deadly predators. Most of these folk make a living mining precious minerals or hunting. In the larger cities life is far easier, especially in Koryaq where the weather is more similar to the weather in the valley below. Most of the citizens in the cities make living by practicing a craft, like bakers, metal smiths and more. But – largely thanks to Auray’s influence – there are also a lot of artist and philosophers in the cities. As a consequence, Koryaq has become known as the artistic center of the bay and people from all other kingdoms often frequent the city to marvel at its many wonders.
In line with this living philosophy most people of the mountain range are peaceful and many prefer to distance themselves from the wars in the valley below. As a rule, they believe themselves above the mundane conflicts and prefer not to interfere when inevitably The Emberborn and The Maplehearts get in a new conflict. This however does not mean that they are not capable to defend themselves. Many outlaws have sought to prey on the peaceful mountain folk, only to find that arrows used to hunt animals are just as deadly when used on a human. Besides the citizens being capable of defending themselves, the Eye is also always watching the borders and they often have to dissuade patrols of the Emberborn and even the Mapplehearts not to thread on Mistral territory. The Mistral Kingdom came to be after people left the Cinder District in 336 to find a better future for themselves elsewhere, an event now known as The Silent renouncement. After leaving the lush fields of the district the company traveled into the mountains. After traveling for several weeks, the refugees came upon the ruins of an ancient city, where they build Koryaq. It was here they decided to stay and build a life for themselves. As more and more people became angered under the harsh rule of the Emberborn the Mistral’s following grew. Eventually they were with too many to stay in one city and they spread out across the mountains.
There are several other key figures besides Vaïnaemon who help him rule the Mistral Kingdom
Cygnerius Mistral great grandson of Vaïnaemon, heir to the throne
Vyronius Mistral, a descendant of Nycheia. Commander of The Mistrals' Eye
Lyrna Mistral, the Red Wind, a descendant of Neromius. Commander of The Eye's Thunder
Sirana Mistral, a descendant of Auray. Lead ambassador of the Mistrals
The people of the northern mountain range live a peaceful and uneventful life, at least for the most part. The mountains serve as a natural barrier to outsiders and only the bravest and most daring explorers sometimes reach their hearths. But while the life may be peaceful that does not necessarily mean it is an easy one. The people living in the smaller settlements have to contest against harsh weather conditions and deadly predators. Most of these folk make a living mining precious minerals or hunting. In the larger cities life is far easier, especially in Koryaq where the weather is more similar to the weather in the valley below. Most of the citizens in the cities make living by practicing a craft, like bakers, metal smiths and more. But – largely thanks to Auray’s influence – there are also a lot of artist and philosophers in the cities. As a consequence, Koryaq has become known as the artistic center of the bay and people from all other kingdoms often frequent the city to marvel at its many wonders.
In line with this living philosophy most people of the mountain range are peaceful and many prefer to distance themselves from the wars in the valley below. As a rule, they believe themselves above the mundane conflicts and prefer not to interfere when inevitably The Emberborn and The Maplehearts get in a new conflict. This however does not mean that they are not capable to defend themselves. Many outlaws have sought to prey on the peaceful mountain folk, only to find that arrows used to hunt animals are just as deadly when used on a human. Besides the citizens being capable of defending themselves, the Eye is also always watching the borders and they often have to dissuade patrols of the Emberborn and even the Mapplehearts not to thread on Mistral territory. The Mistral Kingdom came to be after people left the Cinder District in 336 to find a better future for themselves elsewhere, an event now known as The Silent renouncement. After leaving the lush fields of the district the company traveled into the mountains. After traveling for several weeks, the refugees came upon the ruins of an ancient city, where they build Koryaq. It was here they decided to stay and build a life for themselves. As more and more people became angered under the harsh rule of the Emberborn the Mistral’s following grew. Eventually they were with too many to stay in one city and they spread out across the mountains.
There are several other key figures besides Vaïnaemon who help him rule the Mistral Kingdom
Power Structure
Vaïnaemon Mistral is the undisputed ruler of the northern mountain range and he has been since he and his siblings led the migration there, more than 432 years ago. They left the Cinder district after their father, a renowned artist called Koryaq, was murdered after painting a less than flattering mural painting of their ruler. During the migration Vaïnaemon took his second breath and became a dragonblood exalted with an affinity for Air. Vaïnaemon’s word may be final, but he is no despot. His power is balanced in three ways: the citizen’s council, the military council and a family council
The citizen’s council has influence over most day to day decisions that affect the common man. The council consists of twelve representatives, chosen by the people. These people are not allowed to take money from others so they are harder to manipulate. Instead their every basic need is provided for by the government. If the councillor does accept a bribe or betrays his people in another way they are fined very heftily and they can even be exiled for up to 15 years, they can also never be appointed to the council again.
The military council consists of five people: the commander of the Eye, the main general, the officer responsible for Koryaq, the officer responsible for Qinling and the officer responsible for the safety in the other settlements. They help Vaïnaemon make military decisions. Should Vaïnaemon die while the nation is at war and no heir is apparent, this council would take over his position until such a time as that the family counsel appoints a new leader.
The family council both has most and least power, depending on how one looks at it. In the beginning this council was the only one supporting Vaïnaemon and consisted of him and his three siblings. But as time went on, the nation grew and his sibling had more and more other responsibilities, Vaïnaemon created the other two councils. First, he created the military council, in the year 372, to help him monitor threats and four years later the citizen’s council so the commoners had a say in the nation they were a part off. In present day, the family council is only consulted on major decisions. Seeing as how all his sibling have passed away the council now consists of Vaïnaemon, Cygnerius – as Vaïnaemon’s pupil – and a representative of the other lines. Lyrna for Neromius’ line, Vyronius for Nycheia’s line and lastly Sirana for the line of Auray. The family council meets at least once every two years. But in times of crises, such as the Maladred Calamity, they meet much more frequently. The family council also has the power to appoint a new leader should Vaïnaemon pass away. For the appointment of a new leader the council needs to come to an anonymous decision. If the nation is not at war the family council will rule together until they can appoint a new leader.
The citizen’s council has influence over most day to day decisions that affect the common man. The council consists of twelve representatives, chosen by the people. These people are not allowed to take money from others so they are harder to manipulate. Instead their every basic need is provided for by the government. If the councillor does accept a bribe or betrays his people in another way they are fined very heftily and they can even be exiled for up to 15 years, they can also never be appointed to the council again.
The military council consists of five people: the commander of the Eye, the main general, the officer responsible for Koryaq, the officer responsible for Qinling and the officer responsible for the safety in the other settlements. They help Vaïnaemon make military decisions. Should Vaïnaemon die while the nation is at war and no heir is apparent, this council would take over his position until such a time as that the family counsel appoints a new leader.
The family council both has most and least power, depending on how one looks at it. In the beginning this council was the only one supporting Vaïnaemon and consisted of him and his three siblings. But as time went on, the nation grew and his sibling had more and more other responsibilities, Vaïnaemon created the other two councils. First, he created the military council, in the year 372, to help him monitor threats and four years later the citizen’s council so the commoners had a say in the nation they were a part off. In present day, the family council is only consulted on major decisions. Seeing as how all his sibling have passed away the council now consists of Vaïnaemon, Cygnerius – as Vaïnaemon’s pupil – and a representative of the other lines. Lyrna for Neromius’ line, Vyronius for Nycheia’s line and lastly Sirana for the line of Auray. The family council meets at least once every two years. But in times of crises, such as the Maladred Calamity, they meet much more frequently. The family council also has the power to appoint a new leader should Vaïnaemon pass away. For the appointment of a new leader the council needs to come to an anonymous decision. If the nation is not at war the family council will rule together until they can appoint a new leader.
Family History
Vaïnaemon Mistral and his siblings led the migration into the mountains north of the Valley, more than 432 years ago. They left the Cinder district (which is now the Mapleheart Kingdom) after their father, a renowned artist called Koryaq, was executed for painting a less than flattering mural painting of their current Emberborn ruler. During the migration Vaïnaemon took his second breath and became a Dragonblood exalted with an affinity for Air. Vaïnaemon, his siblings and other disgruntled citizens sought a brighter future high in the mountains. When they discovered ruins from first era settlements they knew it was a sign and decided to established a new town upon these ancient foundations. In honour of their father the siblings named their new home Koryaq. In the years after they started to build Koryaq both of Vaïnaemon’s sisters exalted.
The youngest sister, named Auray, also had an affinity for air and in the years after her second breath she devoted her life to art. Auray rarely left the city of Koryaq, a city that was built largely according to her vision for it, and when she did it was only for a short time in order to find inspiration for her art. The first few decades of her life Auray spend alone, until she met Celeste a dragonblood exalted with and affinity for fire, whom she married and lived with until they both died of old age in 654 and 656 respectively.
The other sister, Nycheia, also exalted, but unlike her two siblings she has an affinity for earth. Nycheia was often seen as the rock of the family and Vaïnaemon often consulted her before making important decisions. Nycheia helped establish Koryaq. But when it became clear the Mistrals would have to set up trading agreements in orde to survive, she left the capital and founded Qinling. The city flourished under her steady and just rule, but after ruling the city for over 150 years she left, never to be seen again.
The last sibling Neromius never exalted . But he was still dedicated to the protection and future of his new home. As such he explored the northern mountain ranges almost completely. His knowledge of the mountains has never been matched by anyone since. He knew all the nooks and crannies of the mountains and he is the only individual who ever successfully survived three consecutive winters mapping the mountains. This was his final expedition after he returned, he started a family and imparted his knowledge of the mountains and how to survive in them to his sons. In current days, Neromius is most known for his role as founder of The Mistrals' Eye . An organisation of elite forces sworn to protect the Kingdom and its people.
After leading and training these troops for over thirty years Neromius and his wife retired to an isolated mansion high in the mountains. After they died the coupled was buried here together. Much like the training facility this location is only known to a few. But all the members of the Mistral Blood Line that have died since that day lie buried there, with the exception of Nycheia of course. The mansion was re purposed as a museum, under Auray’s watchful eye, to honor her brother’s life.
The youngest sister, named Auray, also had an affinity for air and in the years after her second breath she devoted her life to art. Auray rarely left the city of Koryaq, a city that was built largely according to her vision for it, and when she did it was only for a short time in order to find inspiration for her art. The first few decades of her life Auray spend alone, until she met Celeste a dragonblood exalted with and affinity for fire, whom she married and lived with until they both died of old age in 654 and 656 respectively.
The other sister, Nycheia, also exalted, but unlike her two siblings she has an affinity for earth. Nycheia was often seen as the rock of the family and Vaïnaemon often consulted her before making important decisions. Nycheia helped establish Koryaq. But when it became clear the Mistrals would have to set up trading agreements in orde to survive, she left the capital and founded Qinling. The city flourished under her steady and just rule, but after ruling the city for over 150 years she left, never to be seen again.
The last sibling Neromius never exalted . But he was still dedicated to the protection and future of his new home. As such he explored the northern mountain ranges almost completely. His knowledge of the mountains has never been matched by anyone since. He knew all the nooks and crannies of the mountains and he is the only individual who ever successfully survived three consecutive winters mapping the mountains. This was his final expedition after he returned, he started a family and imparted his knowledge of the mountains and how to survive in them to his sons. In current days, Neromius is most known for his role as founder of The Mistrals' Eye . An organisation of elite forces sworn to protect the Kingdom and its people.
After leading and training these troops for over thirty years Neromius and his wife retired to an isolated mansion high in the mountains. After they died the coupled was buried here together. Much like the training facility this location is only known to a few. But all the members of the Mistral Blood Line that have died since that day lie buried there, with the exception of Nycheia of course. The mansion was re purposed as a museum, under Auray’s watchful eye, to honor her brother’s life.
Kingdom: The Mistral Kingdom
King: Vaïnaemon Mistral
Capital: Koryaq
Population: 70.000
Main Export: Feathersteel, art, and hides
Standing Army:
3.000 soldiers at Qinling
1.500 soldiers at Koryaq
1.000 soldiers across multiple outposts
Army in reserve:
3.000 soldiers
Elite soldiers:
1.000 members of The Mistrals' Eye
King: Vaïnaemon Mistral
Capital: Koryaq
Population: 70.000
Main Export: Feathersteel, art, and hides
Standing Army:
3.000 soldiers at Qinling
1.500 soldiers at Koryaq
1.000 soldiers across multiple outposts
Army in reserve:
3.000 soldiers
Elite soldiers:
1.000 members of The Mistrals' Eye
