Osrona

Osrona The City of Osrona, 1800 AC. Government: Dynastic Monarchy Ruler: Queen Octavia rei Pelleaux Ruling Dynasty: House Pelleaux Founded: 314 AC Population: Roughly 700'000 Majority Religion: Celestialism Military: Order of The First Light

Osrona was once the capital of the Kingdom of Esshar and to this day is considered one of the prized jewels of the country, with its favored central location and the numerous rich minerals and resources surrounding the fortress city. From the western capital, and under the Petrakis dynasty, a sprawling dynasty was once established, and in recent years has been restored.

Following a century long instability and a series of unfortunate events with the kingdom having become bloated in its expansion outwards, the monarchy ultimately collapsed and much of the city was was razed. It was ruled by mobsters after its coffers were emptied by the victors, and became a center piece in the invasion of the Empire of Barsburg that followed with a plague during the war of the Empire and Myllenoris ultimately recapturing the city again. It was given to the descendants of the refugees that survived the war and remained loyal, leading to a number of drastic reformations.

In recent years, however, the Petrakis monarchy has been restored in full force, the current Queen of Osrona being Eisele rei Petrakis.

Founding

The beginning of Osrona is shrouded in legend, dating back to the Mythical Era.

The City of Osrona and the Kingdom of Esshar was founded by refugees towards the third century, and its people have an eventful history that traces all the way back to the beginnings of the world. The empire of Astya was where it started, the first civilization during the earliest days of man, roughly five millennia ago to date. This was a time when magic was in full bloom, and many of the more proficient magi were demigods in their own right, able to perform what by today’s standards would be considered miracles.

There were two in particular that, despite the heightened flow of magic of the time, still stood out among the rest. Amalia Elaide and Mikhail Petrakis. They both held the rank of Archmagi, the highest honor the empire would award someone with… And while held in similar esteem by the people of Astya, they walked very different paths; Amalia’s interests were in the natural world, the animals in the forest and the spirits. Mikhail’s was the past and future, but never the present, a disciple of the timestream.

Amalia’s interests would eventually turn from wildlife and towards creation. She used the fear of men as fuel for power, pulling their nightmares out of sleep like the clouds pull water from the ocean and turn it into rain. She called them demons, her own special kind of creature, a new breed of beast - far more predatory, deadly, and intelligent than any other. The council of lords that ran the empire saw this as a great advancement, and at the command of Amalia, the demons conquered many countries, helping to expand the reaches of Astya. Eventually, however, the witch set her sights on complete dominion, wanting total control of the empire rather than sharing it with the council, but her ambitions were directly thwarted by Mikhail Petrakis, exposing her hidden agenda.

This led to the Civil War of the Astyan Empire. The first great war. Many provinces sided with Amalia over the empire, admiring her ruthlessness and power, or just considering her the safer bet. While a valiant fight was put up, the armies of the witch were eventually destroyed. She was said to perish in battle, though some sources claim she survived in some form or another. Her sister, Miya, also continued to live in secrecy among the Astyans. Peace returned to Eternia, for a time.

It wasn’t until many centuries later did the witch have her revenge, in the form of a demon. One of her own creations, one of the first to rise. Over the years, Mordred had ascended to the highest form possible within the demon evolutionary chain and moved to wreak havoc on Astya, decimating its cities, devouring its people. The demon was a mountain of moving flesh, and it destroyed the country completely, land and all. Just twenty thousand Astyans were rescued by the High Angel Malztiel after the elder Archmagi, Mihail, called out in distress, his voice reaching across the spirit realm and toward the heavens. What was left of the peoples of Astya were taken to a new land, the Continent of Aegis: To the far east of the world, across the Restless Ocean. It’s there they start over, led by the Petrakis bloodline, after being welcomed by the natives of the land - the people of Magnolia in particular - and given self-governorship of a small province on the western coast.

Structure

Government

Osrona and its respective territories are a constitutional monarchy, ruled by the Petrakis family since its founding. The Stellus, the Head of the Church, and the Lightbringer, the General of the Military, also act in leadership. In addition to this, several ministers may be appointed to the roundtable at the monarch's leisure.

The head of the Petrakis family cannot be removed unless they willingly retire. To be crowned, the heir must be of age (eighteen years old).

A new Lightbringer is introduced if the Radiant Knights call for it. A new Stellus is introduced if the Priests call for it. In the event that there is not a Lightbringer or Stellus, the First Light and Faith act as independent councils, and the monarch may name a replacement should it be required.

Nobles enjoy increased status and privilege, with nobility only being granted to a family if the three leading figures are all in agreement.

The Order of The First Light works alongside The Faith to ensure the city and its respective territories are prospering. Requests for nobility are purposely ignored; a person does not ask for the title, they are granted it.

Order of The First Light

A gathering Knights in the 1600s during the Golden Age. The First Light stands as Osrona's elite armed forces.

This knightly order is charged with safeguarding the kingdom, as well as protecting the Petrakis dynasty. Heralded by the glint of gold against a contrast of dark blue along their armor, they act as the elite forces of the city with only magi permitted among their upper ranks. While magical potency is a necessity, the intense training and discipline required of a squire in the First Light may turn many away. Several regiments of non-magi forces bolster their ranks, in addition.

Depending on the rank of the individual and their branch, their day to day will vary. A Squire, for example, will wake up five days of the week at four in the morning and immediately begin training in the castle, overseen by an instructor. Group drills, magical theory, basic combat (such as striking, blocking, footwork), alongside a formal education (writing, reading, philosophy and history) consume much of an initiate's time. A Knight's week will depend on their missions. Banditry that might need to be dealt with, a rogue monster, or simply patrolling the inner city.

Ranks

• Lightbringer: There is exactly one Lightbringer, and they are the general of the military, either elected by a council of Radiant Knights or chosen by the monarch. Many Lightbringers in history are known to be unparalleled in battle skill and accomplishments. In addition, a Lightbringer is also capable of passing judgement on criminals, though execution requires approval by the reigning monarch.
• Radiant Knight: The Radiant Knights are the captains of the Order - they oversee large-scale operations, often commanding multiple legions. They may also take on squires if they so desire, and are responsible for authorizing knighting ceremonies.
• Knight: Completing their training as a Squire, the Knight has been inducted into the Order and is an official member, having sworn to uphold the knight's oath. They are responsible for taking on squires and training them so that they may become knights of their own. Should a knight wish to advance further in the Order, they must take on squires to prove leadership ability. A knight can have up to three squires at one time maximum. Furthermore, a knight is authorized to perform arrests should it be required.
• Squire: A knight-in-training, a magi. A squire must serve under a chosen knight until proving themselves worthy enough to be knighted. Hard work and due diligence is required to ascend to being a full-fledged knight of the First Light. A knight might have up to three squires, but a squire may only have one knight acting as their mentor. For a squire to be knighted it must be authorized by a Radiant Knight.

Sworn Knight

A knight may make an oath to a person to serve them. This is permitted so long as the Order considers the person loyal to Osrona, and they are given some leeway in their duties, but are expected to uphold the standards. It is not uncommon for particularly wealthy or influential Osronans to have several sworn knights, as well as small armies of their own.

Keeper

A priest of the church may also act as a sworn sword to the First Light, in which case they're a unique class of knight, a Keeper.

Crown's Guard

Established in 1864 by then Princess Eisele ras Petrakis, the Crown's Guard was created after the assassination attempt on Queen Arista rei Petrakis. Any interested guard must be at least the age of eighteen. They can come from any organization, be they a member of the clergy or knight, as the vows to the crown do not contradict the purpose of either organization, and they will not be forced to quit being a knight or being a member of the clergy either. The guard will be expected to escort the monarch on the battlefield, as well as protect the royal family as well.

There will be no more than five guards at one time, and the leader of the five guards will be referred to as the Crown's Champion. The Crown's Champion will be afforded a seat on the roundtable, having a direct say, as well as the ear of the monarch. In addition, it is also the duty of the Champion to fight in the monarch's stead should it be required. If a duel is issued, and the Champion is capable, they will stand for their King or Queen without wavering.

After giving their oath, a guard will be in service to the crown and royal family until they are either released from said service, or die in the line of battle whilst serving their kingdom. After which the vacancy will be promptly filled. If a guard desires to be released from service, they may make a request to the reigning monarch, though keep in mind that it would be a dishonor to swear the oath and wish to depart a few years into it.

Each guard will be granted limited royal authority, capable of performing arrests, as well as enforcing the laws of Osrona to the utmost. They are to be considered equal in authority to a Radiant, or a High Priest of the Faith, roughly, though do not work in either organization, nor will they infringe upon their business either.

Oath

'Charity, wisdom, valor, truth, temperance, justice, and faith- I swear myself to the crown and to the royal family by these tenets, as well as acknowledge that treachery will result in death. To uphold the laws and beliefs of both Osrona and the Celestial Faith, to put my life on the line for crown and kingdom should it be required.

I will protect those who cannot protect themselves. I will protect even those I hate so long as it is righteous. I will uplift the downtrodden, the broken, protect the weak and the innocent equally, without bias.

I will offer wise counsel to the sovereign and royal family where their judgement is clouded, prop them up when they stumble, and work to strengthen the crown, as well as protect them with my life. I swear it upon Malziel, upon the stars, and upon my honor, from this day until the last of my service.

Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination, and death before dishonor.'

Armies

Several powerful Osronans with the means to do so have been known to raise their own armies and guilds. This can range from just a hundred men to a few thousand depending on the number, and these bannermen are expected to serve should the Archmagi call upon them.

Religion

Not attending Sunday service is naturally seen as uncouth within the city, and those that are particularly devoted will include a fasting period and a cleansing bath prior to worship. While The Faith no longer has any direct political power, it is a respected organization within the City and its more capable members tend to act as Keepers within the The First Light.

Society

Nobility

While they hold a lesser importance compared to at the height of the Kingdom of Esshar, the city of Osrona is home to several noble Houses. Osronan nobility constitutes the three Great Houses of the Kingdom of Osrona - House Pelleaux, House Grimmore and House Astor - and the ruling dynasty of House Petrakis, along with other minor noble families. While the minor noble families of old Esshar have yet to return to the kingdom, Houses Gardios and Gelmont are the newest of the minor noble houses. Since the collapse of the Kingdom of Esshar, nobility is largely a status symbol, though the benefits enjoyed by the Houses in the old days of the Essharan Empire ensure they have largely remained some of the most wealthy and well educated families in the kingdom.

Marriage

Marriages mostly begin late into the evening, on a cloudless night where the couple can swear their eternal vow 'under the stars', ordained by a priest or priestess of The Faith. The constellation of Leonaus is the brightest and the closest in the region, and it's customary for a couple to give their first child a middle name selected from one of the eighteen stars. The festivities continue until dawn, with the bride and groom present. After the sun rises, they are expected to leave to commemorate their partnership.

Marital bonds between the same sexes is commonplace and does not carry the social stigma that it might in other countries. It is rarer among nobles as there is more pressure to maintain their bloodlines, but does occur occasionally.

If it is a noble couple, children produced out of wedlock are considered bastards and do not inherit the name of nobility.

Events

Throwing multi-colored confetti up into the air and towards other people is customary during celebrations.

Festival of The Eclipse

A commemoration that's held for the dead during a solar eclipse, where fragments and wisps of the spirits can be seen dancing down from the sky. On average, it happens once every thirty years in Esshar, and while this varies, astronomers have developed the means to predict the day with certainty. Citizens will wear elaborate masks or paint themselves with skull imagery.

Priests and priestesses of the church will join hands in prayer, performing the 'Song of the Soul', a ritual where their spirits reach out and sooth the passing dead. Not forgetting the fallen and acknowledging them on a personal basis is an important tradition within Esshar.

Easter Festival

This celebrates the founders of Astya after they migrated from their destroyed homeland to begin life anew in Esshar. Eggs are painted and hidden to be hunted and found, with some given special markings that are rewarded with prizes. Theatre plays of these historical events are acted out on stage for all to watch - known Magi are also encouraged to join in, practice, and take a role.

The Grand Bout

A week long event of feasting and games. Great beasts will be captured from the shadow lands for participants to face off against, though the true highlight is the tournament of magi, where riches await the fortunate. Those who show promise in their showings may even be offered tutelage under a renowned figure.