Kaliné

Kaliné, officially the Celestial City-State of Kaliné, is a nation in Abexilas.
While technically a multicultural nation, the Seraan population is culturally dominant; multiple communities of foreign cultures exist, but the Seraan population and language are considered indigenous to the city.
Located in northwestern Talasi, Kaliné is renowned for its diplomatic ability; Kalinyn statesmen and diplomats are highly sought after across much of Talasi to oversee large trade deals, political settlements, or even peace treaties between warring nations. As a result of its near constant politicking, it has garnered a reputation as an incredibly wealthy and influential city-keeping constant tabs on all geopolitical developments across the world.
==Prehistory and the Nomad Caravans ==
The origins of Kaliné lie in the destruction of another land, known as Rathnir, and the consequences which followed.While few exact details survived about the fall of the city of Lirgal, its known that scores of refugees fled the city in Nomad Caravans; travelling across the continents, they sought refuge as much of Rathnir was plunged into chaos by an approaching Comet. The caravans contained almost all survivors of the Asitir faith, however the transition from life in Lirgal to life in the caravans fundamentally altered the religion and the way in which it was practiced.
Eventually, descendants of the original caravans-supposedly guided by divine revelations from their Goddess, Asi-came together to found the city of Kaliné.
== History ==
=== The Uncrowned Queen and the First Celestial Court ===
The exact details of the transition from Nomad Settlement to Urban Centre is a topic of ongoing historical debate; relying mostly on oral or anecdotal history, the transitionary pariod is divided into two broad sections - the Queen's Era, and the Clans Era. The Queen's Era refers to the mostly anecdotal (and at times near mythological) rule of Queen Dana, a prominent leader of the initial Seraan Clans which settled the area.
The oldest stories in Kaliné suggest that Dana was immensely popular among her people, so much so that when the Nomad Caravans finally settled, the Seraan Clans attempted to crown her as Queen. Dana, however, refused the offer; she gave a lengthy speech warning her people of the folly of autocratic rule, and instead taught them the importance of community. 
The ultimate fate of Dana is unknown, but most historians agree that some time after her legendary refusal of the crown, several prominent Clan leaders arrived to the site of Kaliné and set about transforming it into the Celestial City.
Clan Altor were the first to call for the establishment of a permanent urban settlement, and began the process of converting the unruly mountainside into farmland and laying the foundations for initial structures. Using their experience in statecraft and diplomacy, they sent scouts into the surrounding area to establish the presence of a Kalinyn State in the area. As time passed, several more prominent Clans arrived to the site of Kaliné and contributed in their own way. Clan Ava'Kor arrived by sea, they brought with them an expertise in commerce and trade - causing wealth to flow into the city. Clan Eira arrived with a vast collection of scrolls and tomes containing knowledge on all manner of matters, which were quickly used to boost the flourishing academic community within Kaliné. The Twin Houses of Damaloriane, consisting of Clan Damalor and Loriã, brought with them expertise in warfare/strategy and Magick/Medicine/Theological Expertise respectively.
Each of these prominent Clans recalled the mythos of Queen Dana, and resolved to form a communal government. The Clan leaders came together to found the Celestial Court, marking their Clans as Celestial Dynasties, ruling over Kaliné with the experiences of their ancestors guiding their hand.
=== The Celestial City Blooms ===
Kalinyn historians generally regard the post-nomadic era of Kaliné's history to have ended with the ascension of the Celestial Court headed by the Gael Altor, Nerrisa Altor, Cadell Eira, Firí Eia, Mirata Loriã and Ishra Ava'Kor. These Celestial Dynasts ushered in a new era for Kaliné, one of centralised governance and local institutions that marked a permanent end to the last vestiges of nomadism within the government. While some nomad settlements still existed on the outskirts of the city, a Kalinyn urban class by this stage had become dominant in Kalinyn society; noble aristocratic houses had formed from the larger nomad clans, putting down roots and establishing themselves in the city. A new body of Government, the Caravanners Court, was created with the ascension of the new Celestial Court. The Caravanners Court was to be the lower body of government, supported in turn by another new body known as the Kalinyn Commons-a loose citizens assembly designed for the minor Houses of the city to voice their concerns.
As the central continent of Talasi saw several major nations begin to consolidate control over various regions, the Celestial Court was keen to secure Kaliné's role in Talasi as a major diplomatic player. Kalinyn diplomats were sent in droves across the continent; mingling with citizens, chatting with dignitaries, and being hosted by various rulers and governments. They returned with information, reports on culture and geography, and helped put together a loose geopolitical layout of the major powers in the region. Kaliné's rapidly growing diplomatic influence across the continent was a prime factor in their eventual takeover of the Talasi Accords, a loose diplomatic council aimed at easing communication between wayward Talassian nations.
As some within the Talasi Accords began to call for some sort of continental summit, Kaliné was chosen as the host; as a naturally diplomatic and well connected nation (as well as one lacking any enemies or potential rivals) the Celestial City was a clear choice as a neutral ground for the first summit of Talassian history. The summit was attended by dozens of nations and was regarded as a success, despite poor weather and questionable conduct from some attendees.
=== Sting War ===
The first war on Abexilas, the Sting War, was anticipated by Kalinyn diplomats who had engaged with Brukel and Beepeck on numerous occasions. The collapse of the High Honey Imperium, an attempt at Empire building by Beepeck, was closely monitored by Kaliné and the rise of an anti-Beepeck coalition was no surprise to anyone who had been watching.
With ties to belligerents on both sides, Kaliné was chosen as a mediator for peace negotiations between the two following the Battle of Instour-overseeing the exchange of land and money between Beepeck and Brukel respectively.
=== Saravalyn Movement ===
A period of relative quiet in Kaliné was broken by the arrival of a movement that came to be known as "Saravalyn", a loosely democratic ideology calling for further involvement of the citizenry in matters of the state. Kalinyn governance did have a historic precedence for the rejection of autocracy-with each Celestial Court refusing the Crown of Kaliné in favour of communal rule-but the concept of any rule by popular vote was alien to Kaliné. As ill-defined and unorganised as the movement was, it caused a stir in Kalinyn politics as debates began to arise across the Celestial City as its supporters called for two broad causes; the establishment of the 'Kalinyn Commons', an elective body for the Natarum, and a more loosely aimed democratisation of Kaliné.
The first book on Saravalyn was published by Heltalyraa Stellarovaa, titled "The Ship and the Threshold." The book suggested that continued centralisation of governance around the Celestial Court was correct, but that there was room for some reform. Another prominent text on Saravalyn came from Smiggles Lastwadle, which called for the establishment of some sort of elective advisory body to the government-with the direct aim of voicing concerns of the Natarum in the city. The first response from the Celestial Court was leaked from House Altor, which was divided on the movement; conservatives were wholeheartedly opposed to any delegation of power, citing the recent establishment of the advisorty Caravanners Court, but the head of House Altor-Gael-believed that if properly managed, Saravalyn could be manipulated into something which empowered the government-and by extension, his House.
The movement eventually petered out, retreating to the fringe of Kalinyn politics-but the mark it left on the nation was undeniable, with a precedent for reform having been set.
=== Integration of Palõka and Aldius ===
There are two bodies of water of political or cultural significance to Kaliné; the Watchless Strait, and Traveller's Bay. The former refers to a narrow strait in northern Talasi, on the southern side of which Kaliné was founded. It is the largest and most popular sea lane into Traveller's Bay, the large inland sea through which many of Kalinyns founders are thought to have sailed before making landfall. On the northern side of the strait were two polities; Palõka and Aldius, both of them being mercantile in nature.
Both Palõka and Aldius had excellent relations with Kaliné, with the 3 nations agreeing to keep the Watchless Strait free of conflict by allowing free passage for all. As time passed, Aldius joined various agreements and collectives between small city-states whilst Palõka became a Protectorate of Yimmu-Audal. Palõka notified the Celestial Court and Yimmu-Audal of its intention to later join Kaliné, and after some protracted negotiations it was placed under the control of House Astris, a Cadet branch of House Altor. November 2024. This was followed shortly afterwards by the political leadership of Aldius approaching a prominent family within Kaliné seeking someone to act as steward over the land; House Asunóra accepted the challenge, and became owners of Aldius.
Both Palõka and Aldius were fully integrated into Kaliné, with Havavra Asunóra sponsored to the Caravanners Court by House Altor. As a result, Kaliné now controlled the Watchless strait in its entireity.
== Government ==
Kaliné is famous for its web of political and dynastic intrigue, woven through a complex blend of societal and institutional practices that encourages the formation of political or economic "Houses" that vie for control. However, there are certain institutions that are unshakeable in their authority.
==== Celestial Court ====
The Celestial Court is the executive of Kaliné. A council of several members, all equal in authority, it has absolute authority over Kaliné. Any dynasty with a member on the Celestial Court is known as a 'Celestial Dynasty.' One gains a seat on the Celestial Court by appointment only, and the exact deliberations of the Court are a closely guarded secret. Any House which is sponsored by a Celestial Dynasty to join the Caravanners Court becomes a "Cadet House" of the Celestial Dynasty, with its head having the right to bear the Dynastic name of whichever Dynasty sponsored them.
Below is a list of the current Celestial Dynasties, their Heads, and any Cadet Houses they may have - the format is Dynasty - Head, (Cadet Houses)
House Altor - Gael Altor (Asunóra, Astris)
House Ava'Kor - Ishra Ava'Kor
House Eira - Cadell Eira
House Loriã - Mirata Loriã
==== Celestial Blades ====
The Celestial Blades are perhaps the only government body within Kaliné with its inner workings more tightly guarded than the Celestial Court itself; the Celestial Blades are the elite bodyguards of the Celestial Court, acting as a secretive strike force for the most delicate or pressing Kalinyn military affairs. The history of the Celestial Blades blends old Seraan folklore and established military history together; regarded both as an ancient creed of warrior and elite modern military asset, the Celestial Blades attract a great deal of debate, adding to the general mystique of the group.
==== Caravanners Court ====
The Caravanners Court is an advisory body to the Celestial Court. Often comprised of extremely influential or popular nobles, the Caravanners Court is generally regarded as the highest authority that any citizen of Kaliné can typically hope to achieve within their lifetime. In order to be appointed to the Caravanners Court, you must be sponsored by at least one of the Celestial Dynasties; obtaining this privilege grants you the right to use the Celestial Dynasty's name as your own, but does not guarantee a place on the Celestial Court.
==== Caravan Guard ====
The Caravan Guard are the armed forces of Kaliné. Comprised of both professional and irregular troops, their primary purpose is the defence of the Celestial City in its time of need. From master swordsmen to skilled hunters, the skillset of the Caravan Guard is as diverse as its makeup; with both aristocrats and commoners alike making careers for themselves in defence of the city.
=== Citizenry ===
The citizenry are divided into 3 classes. Foreigners or those without citizenship are known as Tirado (Travaller). Those who succeed in gaining citizenship are granted the rank of Kalerum at first, which grants them most rights as citizen but restricts them from holding any political or military office. Kalerum who remain in Kaliné permanently become Natarum, who enjoy full citizenship rights.
== Architecture & Culture ==
Kaliné takes heavy inspiration both from the Kalinyn peoples’ Lirgalyn origins, and from the colorful ruins whenceforth the city was founded. Lirgal’s iconic white quartz and vibrant fauna was combined with every color of the rainbow, thus creating the build style of Kaliné. Kalinyn buildings typically incorporate brightly hued walls with a white trim, topped with a spruce or dark oak roof. Through every corner grows trees and bushes; nary a street is flat or empty.One unique feature in Kaliné is the heavy presence of graphics. These pieces range wildly in size and age, from a simple graffiti of prancing deer to the ancient Fresco of Amur. The Celestial Court upholds noticeably loose laws against “artistic vandalism”; many an unknown artist has given a lonely wall their own personal makeover, under the innocuously & unusually blinded eyes of the Court. These personal makeovers are then typically protected under the guise of cultural preservation; in this way, the city grows an ever-expanding collection of public art.
Another enormous influence on Kalinyn culture is the tradition of storytelling and record keeping; it is the belief of most Kalinyn archivists that all stories-however falsified or embellished they be-should be preserved for historical purposes. One of the most popular celebrations in Kaliné is the Pumpkin Harvest Festival, held every year around the end of summer. During the festival, Kalinyns will typically swap stories, reflect on the past, and take part in various festivities around the city before watching the sun rise.
== Ecosystem ==
==== Geography ====
The Liramador Mountains, upon Kaliné rests on, is home to three distinct climates: meeting the beached sea at its base, covered in dense spruce taiga on its western exposures, and rising to heavily glaciated peaks. Kaliné itself is nested between the beach and taiga; the city thus takes advantage of both convenient sea trade routes, and natural forest resources. Also unique to the Liramador Mountains is the formation of larimar, a sky-blue volcanic mineral. Notably, the Liramador Mountains are not observed to be volcanic. Veins of larimar can mainly be found exposed on cliff faces, or inside caves; their origins remain a mystery. 
==== Fauna ====
The most common types of wildlife in the Liramador Mountains include caribou, seagulls, ducks, and pigeons, along with many other, minor species. Two species, in particular, have been able to integrate themselves into Kalinyn society. Caribou have become a popular cultural icon, owing to their prevalence in the city; many pigeons have also been domesticated to run the national post office. 
There exist four native species of trees: spruce in the taiga, palm along the beach, red pine dotting the mountain, and kwenea inside the city itself. 
Category:Talasi
Category:Towns