The Demesne of Carmilline

## **Overview**

The family crest of the Carmilline noble house, the all-seeing eye represents the never-ending gaze of Evelyn over her people.

### Inhabitants

The Carmilline Noble House, humans, gnomes.

### Languages

Common, Elven, Infernal

Found within the Aegis Isles, The Demesne of Carmilline is a small lordship located in the southern half of the archipelago, ruled by the Carmilline noble house. A solitary and distinctly isolationist land, The Lady Evelyn Carmilline rules the mysterious region using a strict meritocratic system to encourage that only the capable and bright occupy her realm.
A domain of skilled artisans, stonemasons and chefs, the people of the Demesne of Carmilline are deeply enthralled by their Lady and her court of advisors, with the weekly 'Wheel of Indulgence' offering the people a chance to dine with their benevolent leaders. The fact that the winners are always 'sent on official business' and never seen again, however, has always been a matter of considerable gossip among the residents.

## **Society and Culture**

The people of the Demesne of Carmilline are characterized by an obsession with physical and mental excellence, from the simplest farmer wishing to perfect his crop rotation right up to the most powerful knight wanting nothing more than to perfect his skills with the lance, the favored weapon of Evelyn's 'Black Guard'. This lust for exemplary performance is caused by one event; The Wheel of Indulgence.

Lady Evelyn Carmilline and her court deign to leave their manor just as the sun sets at the last nightfall of every week, taking the names of 10 people who have drawn their collective eyes in their field. This is not exclusive to the wealthier knights or merchants, as all are weighed not by their role but how well they do it. None know how they achieve this flawless observation, but none question it as the possibility of winning the lottery dominates the thoughts of every inhabitant of the island. To win the lottery is to be invited into the Carmilline Manor, and to dine with the woman who many owe their life to. Those who enter the manor are never seen again, with the official line being that they are sent to other islands in the archipelago for diplomatic missions or to serve in battle as Evelyn's champions. The screams rumored to be heard late in the night, as well as the strong stench of blood having been noticed by the rare intruder, have caused some to question the truth of this.

Regardless, the majority are simply happy to continue to thrive in their own lane, in hopes of eventually one day learning for themselves what lies behind the great red doors of Manor Carmilline.

## **Notable Individuals**

*Lady Evelyn Carmilline*

   The lady whom many of the denizens of the demesne owe their life and livelihood to, Lady Evelyn Carmilline has always been the ruler within living memory, from the youngest child to the eldest scholar. Despite the years, her natural beauty and fervor towards her people has not waned as if she was nourished by the mere presence of her loving gentry.

*Sir Albert Carmilline*

The elder brother of Evelyn, Albert dismissed his claim to the seat due to his sheer love of the martial form. Leader of Evelyn's 'Black Guard', Albert leads the reknowned mounted cavalry into combat against uprisings and invaders, using his unnatural strength and enchanted spear to run down any who would challenge his sister's rule. The matter of his bloodthirsty behaviour in combat and rumours of drinking the blood of enemy leaders is up for debate, but his zeal for protecting the people of The Demesne of Carmilline is never put into doubt

   *Erika Carmilline*
The youngest of the Carmilline siblings, Erika acts as the dignitary for the demesne of Carmilline while her sister manages the region and her brother operates security and military training. While not as powerful mentally or physically, Erika has a distinct way with words that ensure that her family's interest are protected among the other islands and that, most importantly, the Wheel of Indulgence operates as intended. Some accuse Erika of directly controlling those she speaks with, but after a quick meal the conspirators are brought back into line.