Fiction:Sovereignty of Dryada

The Drydali Sovereign (Old Tongue: Dryadalii de Dominium - Dominion of Elves), otherwise known simply as the Dryadali or the Sovereign, is a large, ancient collection of nations and civilizations that originate from across the planes of. The Sovereign consists of deiwos species, mostly Elven in nature although there are exceptions, and is considered a benevolent political faction due to their aspirations of alliance and unification between the Koldenwelti factions as well as the ridding of race-dividing aspects such as xenophobia and warmongering culture. The Dryadali Sovereign is accepting of most, if not all, races both deiwos and non-deiwos, an example of their benevolent and unprejudiced nature.

The Dryadali Sovereign was formed many years before in order to combat particular malevolent cultures and societies, althought it had since grown into a capable political entity; a cosmopolitan state which embraces multiculturalism and encourages foreign relations while possessing a somewhat firm, yet not complete, stance against war and hostility. While not entirely renowned for its innovation in the technological sense, the Sovereign possesses a close connection towards the Source and consider connection with the essence to be vital in order to rid of evil and create the utopian province that the Dryadali ultimately seeks, although many have claimed the Sovereign to be deluded and misguided due to their generous and positive efforts to support "good". In truth, the Sovereign recognizes the moral difficulties and cultural differences held by many other races and seek to ensure that such societies, including themselves, will be able to handle and defeat larger, more-imposing forces that constantly threaten the balance of Koldenwelt, which the Sovereign usually engages with diplomatic discussion rather than outright violence unless such is deemed necessary.

The Dryadali Sovereign is governed and politically maintained by the Ouroboros Circle; a small board of ethnic leaders and representatives who preserve and promote the philosophies of the Sovereign and its members alongside discuss and deal with matters concerning both internal and external welfare. The Dryadali possess little hierarchy and boundaries within domestic society as a means to provide fair access to all members and client races, with political positions and military ranks also being open to nearly all races that are recognized under the Sovereign's banner. Through material trade, military support and general compromise many of the races within the Sovereign coexist without strife amongst themselves, allowing cultures to practice their religions and traditions with little to no restriction. It is the lack of cultural barriers that allow the military of the Dryadali, the Crimson Order, to operate without internal struggle while politicians manage to avoid civil hostility.

Ethnicities
Aitheranna Elves= "Everything has a voice; one must take the time to learn the language as we have."

The Aitheranna, or the Northern Wood Elves, are a tall, fair-haired and pale-skinned race of elves that descend from the mountain forests of Aitheran-Loren. Possessing a resistance to all but the harshest of cold and being able to easily tame and control animals and other non-sapient creatures, the Aitheranna are considered a friendly, yet hard-working, race of people who enjoy socializing and interacting with others, although they prefer to stay away from areas of perpetual heat as they are used to the cold, frosty climate of their home, which shows in their magical aspects.

The Aitheranna are considered to be the best archers throughout the Dryadali Sovereign, able to strike foes from considerably large distances with perfect accuracy, making them valuable ranged assets to the Crimson Order. Their armour is designed to not effect their movement and is lightweight, thus easily-damaged, although the Aitheranna are somewhat skilled in self-defense. They are better hunters and assassins than they are soldiers and warriors, making use of animal mounts that range from the standard horses to some smaller kelodhres. Their magic revolves around both botany and cryomancy, making them somewhat unique amongst the rest of the elvish races that use the Source due to the contrasting elements.

Aitheranna are noted for their feminine and graceful appearances, both male and female. This makes identifying males of the Aitheranna difficult at first for those who have not seen them before and men are often mistaken for young women due to their long hair, their curvy bodies and lack of facial hair. Both men and women fulfill career, political and military roles, being a sexually equal culture. The Aitheranna share a belief in several deities, the most prominent being Aithengaur the Forest Father.

Tamaraul Elves= "The Highpeaks sing to us."

The easternmost elven tribe, the Tamaraul (also known as the Sky Elves), are arguably the most militant people of the Sovereign. Descendants of wood elf settlers from the Western Forests, these grey-skinned, golden-eyed highlanders inhabit the Biennsar Ridge, an ancient and magical mountain chain which stands at the border between the Great Desert and the Eastern Plains. The geographical position of their home puts them between the lands of different species, such as the, the and the twin human kingdoms of l'Ammanori and Alhassal; as such, the Tamaraul as a culture have always been among other elf races as both warriors and traders. The keystone of the Tamaraul culture is the magic of the Highpeaks, the oldest mountains in the Biennsar Ridge which have accumulated great amounts of Source energy over time (human scholars and Klaxxa scientists believe that they serve as a nexus for several ley lines, but this theory remains unconfirmed) in their blessed waters. The relationship between the mountains and the elves is reciprocal. The Highpeaks give Tamarauli extended lifespan, strength and magic to tame the many beasts that inhabit Biennsar, the legendary Bagraat giant eagles in particular, while the Tamarauli warriors revere their home, worship it and join its collective consciousness upon death, thus perpetuating the endless cycle that has existed for millenia. The highlanders are willing to share their magics, and will often sell artifacts anointed in Highpeak waters to humans or Merovar in exchange for rare wares, fabrics and metals for their forges, as long as their customers don't abuse the power given to them or use them against Biennsar.

In case they do, however, the Tamaraul respond swiftly and mercilessly. Every highlander, man or woman, studies swordsmanship and Bagraat riding from an early age; if need be, the entire population of Biennsar may be raised to war and sent to protect the Highpeaks. Fierce and vicious in combat, Tamaraul sky riders are among the most feared elven warriors on Koldenwelt, swooping into enemy positions and then ripping their foes apart with their flying steeds' mightly claws. Other people of the Sovereign dismiss their highlander cousins as barbaric and violent, but ultimately admit and respect their prowess in battle; as such, Tamaraul cavalrymen are a common sight in the Crimson Order.

Crimson Order
The Crimson Order is the primary assault and defense force of the Sovereign, responsible for the defense of the Sovereign's territories and the engagement of hostile societies. The Crimson Order consists of most, if not all, of the races that have claimed membership under the Sovereign, with each race employing their own specific and exclusive methods in order to contribute and ultimately compliment towards the Sovereign's continued existence. The Crimson Order fulfills both the role of a land force and the role of a naval force, with seafaring elves often placed with the authority of vessels. The Crimson Order is so named due to the various oaths established which connect all members of the Sovereign that take up military service which are often fulfilled with blood.

Each individual is credited for their merits and specialties and are assigned with roles and functions that reflect their culture and traditions, eg. Aitheranna, renowned archers, make up the bulk of archery-orientated companies. To some members of the Sovereign service to the Crimson Order is compulsory, not dictated by the government but by the hand of specific cultures from which individuals descend, although service to the Crimson Order is somewhat encouraged by the government. Aside from various explicit and exclusive cultural traditions surrounding military service, the Crimson Order does not impose any additional restrictions or boundaries other than ensuring that members must contribute towards society through fighting wars, accepting assignments and enforcing the law when it is required. The Crimson Order is open to both men and women, regardless of marital status, race, and sexuality.

The Crimson Order makes use of various Companies which divide the specialties found within itself, such as Archer Companies, Swordbearer Companies, Sorcerer Companies, and so forth. There is no standard hierarchy that connects these Companies, with each sharing its own structures of rank and file often decided by merit. Companies are usually found supporting one another rather than operating independently, with teams from each Company ranging in size although most are usually small for many outposts and minor territories. Maintaining small teams allows for the Crimson Order to employ efficient stealth tactics although they are capable of mobilizing large ground and naval forces for combat, however most Companies are more suited for ranged and stealth function. Each company is led by an Oathkeeper - an individual who has been diplomatically chosen amongst their Company to lead them.

Companies vary by terms of location, size, equipment, members, role and so on, meaning that it is certain there are at least more than a dozen Archer, Swordbearer and other Companies with squads, teams and operatives scattered within and outside of the Sovereign. There are certain Companies, known as Noble Companies, which are infamous for their efficiency and reputation and are usually considered elite forces in terms of the combat purpose they fulfill, meaning a Noble-Swordbearer Company possesses a much more renowned reputation and level of efficiency higher than that of a standard Swordbearer Company.

While the Crimson Order does not utilize combat-issue guns for the most part, as such are considered disgraceful and an affront to nature, they do make use of cannons and similar projectile weaponry. They take full advantage of armoured mounts and warbeasts, such as tamed kelodhres, horses, avians and felines, and also use their environment more tactically than some particular opponents, with their connection to nature and the Source enhancing their abilities. Strategies of the Crimson Order usually involve distractions, ambushes and skilled flanking, with some Companies designed specifically to inverse an enemy's advantage and make it their own.

The Crimson Order is politically represented and commanded by an individual known as the High-Noble Oathkeeper - the highest military rank one can achieve within the Order although it is not specifically gained through standard meritocratic methods; the individual who fulfills the role is determined through the nomination of Oathkeepers of any Company throughout the Sovereign's territory, with the High-Noble Oathkeeper being selected by individuals within the Ouroboros Circle, the Sovereign's oligarchial governmental body. The High-Noble Oathkeeper is responsible for representing the Crimson Order within and outside of the Circle as well as lead the former into large-scale wars and conflicts.

Government
The government of the Dryadali Sovereign is an oligarchial board of individuals; a small council consisting of racial leaders and representatives of organizations associated under the Sovereign. The methods of election for each racial leader is exclusive to their cultural tradition and society, while organized representatives are often selected by established members of the Ouroboros Circle - the highest political power. The Ouroboros Circle employs diplomatic representatives of the Sovereign to establish alliances and trade routes with outside powers and uses territorial governors, known within the Sovereign as Presiders, to ensure internal stability between races and locations as well as prepare their assigned peoples for situations and events.

The Ouroboros Circle
The Ouroboros Circle is the most powerful political body of the Sovereign and serves as its leadership. Consisting of less than several dozen members, most of which being racial leaders, it is the Ouroboros who direct the path of the Sovereign and ensure its preservation and expansion, as well as its internal political stability by ensuring equal access and complementary coexistence across the Sovereign's society. As an entity, the Ouroboros Circle has existed since the formation of the Sovereign although the number of members has varied, usually increasing, throughout the Sovereign's lifespan.

The Ouroboros Circle congregates to discuss matters revolving around the spreading and division of the Sovereign's peoples and territories and the appropriate courses of action to take regarding communications with foreign powers, both allies and enemies, although the Circle largely discourages declaring war. Matters and affairs are concluded and decided through democratic consensus amongst the members of the Ouroboros, with members of the Ouroboros willing to contribute to one another's respective race and organization if such require assistance due to certain situations; a prime example of how connected and affiliated the races of the Sovereign are between one another.

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