Serene Duchy of Martoria

Da'Lae Martovae

**1 A.C. - Present**

The Duchy of Martoria (Martorian Elder Speech: Da'Lae Martovae) is an Elven nation on continental Cerulea that controls the eponymous Horn of Cerulea.

## History

In the early days, long before the Great Dread, Martoria was one of the three major islands that comprised the Isles of Esseriel, the ancestral home of the Elevae. Martoria stood as a shining example of Esseriel's culture and harmony. Martorian society emphasized the values of compassion, wisdom, and equality, allowing the Ga'elevae to flourish in harmonious existence with nature.

### The Great Dread

This idyllic era came to an abrupt end when the Isles of Esseriel were struck by the Great Dread, a cataclysmic event that brought powerful earthquakes, devastating tidal waves and volcanic eruptions to the Isles of Esseriel. The Elves were forced to flee their beloved homeland as Esseriel became uninhabitable.

The displaced Ga'elevae embarked on an arduous journey Eastbound, finally arriving on the distant shores of the continent of Cerulea. There, they established a settlement known as New Martoria, vowing to preserve their traditions and rebuild their shattered society.

### The Black Scorch

The Elves' arrival in Cerulea brought them into contact with the neighboring human Reachmen. Initially, the two races attempted to coexist, sharing knowledge and resources. However, the Reachmen, driven by greed and a desire for power, saw the Elves as easy targets for exploitation. They launched a ruthless campaign of plunder, rape, and murder of the unprepared Martorians. Driven to the brink of extinction, the remnants of the Ga'elevae united at Faeth'anne, New Martoria's provisional capital, where they prepared to face inevitable doom. It was at that moment, facing their doom, that Aelewyn, the first Duchess of Martoria, unleashed divine powers so devastating that it blackened the land nearly all the way up to King's Reach. The Reach's forces disintegrated where they stood and the surviving onlookers fled in absolute horror.

### Rising from ruin

In the aftermath of the brutal conflict, the Martorians adapted their society to become more defensive and self-reliant. They fortified their settlements, developed defensive tactics, and honed their combat skills. The memory of their encounter with the Reachmen remained etched in their collective consciousness.

Deeply scarred by this traumatic encounter, the Martorians experienced an irreversible transformation in their attitude towards Man. The atrocities committed by the Reachmen created a hatred within their society, serving as a reminder of the cruelty that humankind was capable of. Despite their newfound resilience, the Martorians continued to mourn the loss of their enlightened and peaceful past. They yearned for the return of a society where compassion and wisdom guided their actions, but the scars of the past weighed heavily upon them.

## Military

The military of Martoria, despite its small standing army, is renowned for its formidable naval fleet and its exceptional elite units.

### Naval forces

Martoria boasts a massive naval fleet that serves as a cornerstone of their defensive capabilities. Having migrated from the Isles of Esseriel, Martorians have a deep affinity for the sea and a profound understanding of naval warfare. Their ships are known for their elegant craftsmanship, combining Elevae aesthetics with superior functionality. Their vessels are swift, agile, and well-armed, ensuring the Ga'elevae maintain control over the seas surrounding their territories. The Martorian navy specializes in hit-and-run tactics, utilizing their speed and maneuverability to outmaneuver and outwit larger enemy fleets.

### Knights of Aelewyn

The Knights of Aelewyn are the shock troops of Martoria's military. This revered knighthood takes its name from Aelewyn, the first Duchess, whose intervention saved them from annihilation at the hands of the Reachmen. The Knights of Aelewyn are instantly recognizable by their distinctive black plate armor, intricately adorned with golden accents and a prominent and ornate golden sun emblazoned at the center of the cuirass. The appearance of the armor is purposeful; the gold represents the light radiated by Aelewyn while the black represents the wrath Aelewyn invoked when she scorched the Reach.

### Manaeses

One of the renowned elite units within the Martorian military is their corps of elite archers, colloquially known as the Manaeses. These highly skilled marksmen undergo rigorous training from an early age, honing their archery and magic skills to perfection. They possess exceptional accuracy and magical ability, allowing them to strike down enemies from a distance with deadly precision. The Manaeses are equipped with advanced bows made from enchanted wood native to the Isles of Esseriel, which enhances the power and accuracy of their shots.

### Handmaidens of the Ducal Guard

In addition to their archers and mages, Martoria's military also includes a select group of elite handmaidens. These warriors are exclusively comprised of highly trained women who have demonstrated exceptional combat skills and unwavering loyalty to Martoria, its Duchess and its people. The elite handmaidens of Martoria are known for their proficiency in close-quarters combat. They are experts in martial arts, wielding weapons such as dual blades, spears, or elegant scimitars. Their lightning-fast reflexes, strategic acumen, and relentless determination make them a fearsome force on the battlefield.

## Modern Day Politics

The conflict with the Reachmen resulted in the loss of countless lives and the near-extinction of the Ga'elevae's male population. This naturally had far-reaching consequences and left Martoria in a precarious position. With the majority of their male population decimated, the responsibility of rebuilding their society and ensuring its survival fell upon the largely female group of survivors. The fledgling society would have to be reshaped into a new order almost immediately after its inception. Under this new order, the surviving women of the Ga'elevae assumed positions of authority and leadership in all aspects of Martorian society, becoming the protectors, the decision-makers and the driving force behind the nation's revival. Though this shift towards a matriarchy was born out of necessity it still persists today, long after the recovery of the male population.