Ardeur

The Empire of Ardeur can be found within the desert stretching through the middle of Alemdas. They make up one of the three playable factions within Alemdas.

The people here are said to be incredibly independent, learning how to work with what the desert chooses to give them. While family is an important aspects, Ardeurians are all expected to pull their own weight. Only the toughest can survive here. The lang is harsh and unforgiving, bringing the very best out of its inhabitants.

## History of Ardeur

There had been a time were it was nothing more than a vacant desert.

In the beginning, there weren't many people who would dare to venture too far into the desert sand. Truth be told, there was nothing out there except for a whole lot of sand. Lots and lots of sand. Who in their right mind would dare to live somewhere with such a harsh environment? It would be hard to sow roots anywhere within the shifty soil. Many had the mindset that the desert was better off left to the animals born there and to the flora that found a way to thrive.

To most, there was no real need for any mortal kind out there.

Though, as it has shown throughout history, mortals tend to get bored. They want to claim land and take it for their own. As the desert's neighboring countries began to expand, there were those who started to crave a place of their own. Suddenly, the vast, empty desert stretching across Alemdas looked quite promising. Untouched land? Just for the taking? Now, that did have some appeal to it- it was just a matter of learning how to survive.

With the occasional pock of livable land here and there, small cities and towns suddenly began to pop up.

As more and more people began to flock to Ardeur, there was the sudden need for a ruler. While the desert was this ever changing place, where only the strong could survive, it didn't mean that had to live like savages. There had to be some type of leadership- having some type of structure would do them good.

Empress Akane Okano had been the first ruler of Ardeur. Hailing for the first family to settle within the desert, her lineage had a strong foothold on what little government they had in the beginning. Even since her succession to the throne, her family has done just as she had, a long held dynasty emerging from her lineage. Many believe that her rule had been a fair and just one; something her children, grand children, and great-grand children struggled to live up to at times.

When the Holy War first began, and people begun to pick sides, it was Empress Akane's decisions that kept the Empire safe from harm. It was her commands that resulted in the Empire not venturing too far out from their borders, instead they would beckon the war their way. While the desert was harsh and unforgiving, when weighing the pros and cons, it was the best place to lie and wait. Those who weren't native to the desert weren't foolish enough to brave the wastes. And those that did? Well, they didn't last long.

The desert had a way of offering shelter to all those who knew her secrets. Those who were adjusted to the wasteland lifestyle found it quite easy to go about their day with little to no interference from the Holy War. Soleil had been the only nation to dare stick their nose where it didn't quite belong. Many of the Alliance's soldiers had gone missing within the wastes; some by the hands of the Empire's own military, others consumed by the harsh environment, the less fortunate met the ends in the gaping maws of the desert dragons.

The Empire soon became this land no one dared to cross- to venture into the desert wastes was a death sentence. If it hadn't been for the desert diving the land right down the middle, there was not telling when- or if -the Holy War would have ever came to an end.

The people of the Empire had to least to worry about when the Holy War finally came to a halt. After everyone finally came to terms and agreed to retreat back to their respective lands, Empire citizens found themselves to be virtually unscathed from it all.

## Culture

Ardeur is, to put it bluntly, a dog eat dog type of society.

The majority of the population does tend to look after one another, but if you can't take care of yourself in the first place, it will cause some problems. Most do tend to look after themselves long before looking after their neighbor. Coming from a land that, in itself, is quite harsh and brutal, it takes a certain type of person to be able to survive and thrive her. If you don't have a strong backbone, or the ability to roll with the punches as they come, you might not last long here. There are many who have tried, and ultimately had to leave because of it.

As much of a dog eat dog world as it is, family is something that is highly revered within Ardeur. In such a harsh environment, the self-preservation of the family unit is something considered to be incredibly important. To be proud of your family name is ingrained into each and every Ardeurian citizen. After all, if it weren't for one's parents then where would you be? You certainly wouldn't be alive and breathing, that's for sure. Households within Ardeur often hold several generations within one home, and if not within the same walls, the neighboring houses are often filled to the brim with members of the same family.

Those who turn their back to their family are often looked down up, but other than that, there doesn't seem to be much, if any, backlash because of it.

While family is indeed an extremely important aspect, it's equally as important to prove your own worth within the community. Depending on one's family for too long is not looked down upon kindly. As the elders of the family are often the ones that need to be cared to the most, it's highly encouraged for the children to begin helping tend to the older members of their family. It's a common practice for children to find their niche at a relatively young age, to find their chosen line of work within the later years of their pre-teens up until the late end of their teenaged years.

Because of this life experience is much more valued over eduation. One could have all the knowledge in the world, have read every single book at their disposal, but if you can't pull your own weight than what was the point for all of that?

The elder are considered to be more revered in the sense that they have lived longer, and therefore have experienced far much more than anyone else could have. The more experience one has, the more knowledge of the world you carry. Those who have been given a band hand in life are often those who are said to be the "smartest" by Ardeurian standards. On the other hand, those who have been living in the lap of luxury their entire life are regarded as having little to no common sense. Intelligence in Ardeur is often decided by how hard you have worked to get where you are, how often you have taken the punches life has thrown your way and gotten up as if nothing was the matter.

## Other Cultural Notes

#### Government

* While there are lands out there that view women to be of lesser value than men, that is not to be said about Ardeur. They have always known the rule of an Empress, and that will never change.
* The Empress has been known to hold public hearings whenever she can in order to get feedback for her people. While not everything can be put into place, she does her overall best to make adjustments to more pressing maters.
* When the Empress decides to marry, she will continue to hold all the power. The Emperor is merely just a figurehead.
* That being said, when in times of great grief and chaos, **both the Empress and the Emperor will hold equal power.** This is pure done to make sure all decisions are carefully made and are in the best interest of the Empire. During this time, they have the power to veto any decision made by the other if they can't come to a compromise.

#### Law

Compared to their neighbors, Ardeur doesn't enforce law in the same way. Citizens are expected to maintain a certain peace among them, and disturbing it will catch the attention of the knights. Laws have changed over the centuries, as the Empress is allowed to change them as they see fit. Listed below are the main laws and regulations that had remained in place.

* i. The Empress' word is law and is to be treated as such.
	+ If the Empress declares a new law or pulls an old one, it is to be acknowledged and respected.
* ii. Participating in the slave trade is outlawed. Owning or selling is strictly prohibited.
	+ Slaves brought onto Empire soil can be confiscated if found out. The Empress will turn a blind eye to any slaves reported missing.
	+ if found out to be participating within the trade, it can result in one being sentenced to life in prison. It is a crime akin to murder.
* iii. Do not take the law into your own hands.
	+ The Empire prides itself on listening to the needs of its people. Report any ill intent to a knight immediately. They will see that it is swiftly handled.
* iv. Do not steal from your neighbor.
* v. Do what you can to give back to the Empire. Resources are limited at time, take no more than what is needed.
* vi. Be sparing of what you do take. Give back to the earth where you can.
* vii. Oasis are not to be harmed or tampered with. They are to be left as found.
	+ They are considered blessed land. They are spots of refuge for mortal and animal kind alike. To hinder it in any way would hinder the ecosystem as a whole.
* viii. Respect the knights. To act out agains them is akin to acting out against the Empire.
* ix. Assault, both sexual and physical, murder and attempted murder, will all be met with appropriate punishment. This includes death.

#### Military

* The Empire operates a very specific style of training their soldiers. Modeled after the hunting behaviors of desert dragons, soldiers here are trained to lie and wait, so to speak. Most sport armor made up of deep browns, tans and sand shades, clearly with the intent of blending in with their surroundings. Soldiers are put through rigorous scenarios in order to insure they can handle such strenuous situations. If a mission requires you not move for days, then that is expected of you.
* Just about anyone can join the militant force of the Empire. Being a nation that many flock to in order to receive a fresh start, they aren't known to turn many away. Criminals are allowed to join their ranks. Though someone who has committed murder might not have such a strong chance.
* Read more about Ardeur's military here!

#### Family and Marriage

* First time parents can always find help just about anywhere! The new generation excites just about everyone. Many will do just about anything to make sure it goes as smooth as it possibly can.
* Orphanages, while a thing, are often found to be empty--if not close to it--because of this.
* While family is indeed important, if it is found out that one is suffering from any type of abuse, and anything else of the sort, from their family unit, they have all the rights to cut ties. In fact, people who do go as far to make this type to separate themselves are viewed to be quite brave!
* If someone does end up being pushed to this point, they can find shelter just about anywhere within the community. There are many who are more than ready to open their doors to those who need it. People who have cut ties can easily find themselves a new "family" in little to no time.
* Weddings are quite an important ceremony within Ardeur. Since it is the joining of two families, it's considered to be one of the most important milestones in someone's life. The week leading up to the wedding date is filled with parting and well wishes for the couple. The ceremony can be as big or as small as the couple so desires. Either way, it's an exciting time.
* In the same breath, a marriage can be ended by both the man or the woman. Filling for divorces is rather simple is rather simply, and quite the easy process considering how highly marriage is held in the first place. The court does their overall best to make the process as painless as possible, doing their best to make sure all possessions are split as fairly as possible among the parties.
* Marriages can consist of two or more, having no limit on how many people can be married. Though three seems to be the common number.

#### Education

* Most education within Ardeur is self-taught. Going to school is nothing something that ranks high on the list of the bare necessities, but it is encouraged if the child desires to go.
* Poor or lower class families might not have the resources to send their child to school. Even though this does occasionally happen, the child isn't thought to be any less when compared to their peers.
* There is also a high illiteracy rate among the lower classes. Though those who do know how to read and write are more than willing to help wherever it is needed.
* For the upper classes and nobility, most will often receive a type of homeschooling. The parents are known to bring in tutors in order to help teach their children. This is mainly for the fact that the upper class has more of hand within government and other things of the sort, that it is almost a requirement to know more than just the basics.

#### Commerce and Trade

* Raising livestock is the most common type of farming done. Everything from cattle to llamas to camels can be found roaming around on Arduerian farms.
* When it comes to livestock farming, every part of the animal is used if it is a meat animal. Nothing goes to waste as there is something every part could be used for. To waste something so precious would be considered a poor decision considering where they live.
* On the other hand, farming fruit and vegetables is the hardest trade of them all to learn, but it can be done if given enough care and time. Proper soul for it will often be important from the neighboring nations.
* Textile work is another common practice. Ardeur is known for their flashy patterns, easily able to draw in the attention for others. There are some families who have their own patterns and designs that have been passed down for generations.

## Religious Beliefs

Arduerian citizens aren't the most religious of folks from the get go.

There are those who might not pray to any of the "chosen" gods of Ardeur, or any god for that matter; preferring to do the majority of things all on their own. Some people don't quite care for having any type of divine intervention in their lives. In some cultures, it might be strange to say, but in Ardeur it's perfectly acceptable.

Those who do pick a god to to pray to the patron gods of Ardeur. Though, those outside of that list can be prayed to as well; it's just not as common.

Adara is perhaps the most favored among them all. Controlling the cycling of the moon and the sun, she's deemed to be quite an important aspect of Ardeur culture and lifestyle; as well as their ecosystem. Mainly for the fact that if it wasn't for her regulating the change, you would most likely scorch to death in the sun and be coated in ice during the night. The cycle is something highly revered within Ardeur, and even the least religious of types hold some type of admiration and respect for her.

Koulla and Judal are worshiped together as a pair within Ardeur, shrines dedicated to the both of them scattered around the city. Living out in the middle of nowhere, in such a harsh environment, it might be best to befriend gods like these. The dunes are an unforgiving place, no matter what one does, so people will often choose to pray to these two in attempts to bring some type of good will upon them. Or maybe in hopes that they can learn a thing or two in order to stay a step ahead of it all.

## Noteable Figures

**Empress Akane (NPC, Deceased.)** **-** The first Empress of the Adeurian Empire. She is known for shaping the Empire as it stands today, leaving quite the standard for all the Empresses proceeding her reign. She was known for her willingness to hear from her people, making it relatively easy for even the most common of folk to have their voices be heard. As kind and caring as she was, she was said to be quite the military leader as well. As Arduer had no standing military within its first few years, Empress Akane was the one responsible for helping build one from the ground up. Her reign is the longest recorded one within Ardeurian history.

**Advisor Layaali Soltani (Admin NPC) -** Advisor to the Empress, Layaali has lived a life far, far longer than most. She has seen many Empresses raise and reign, as well as the hardships the Empire has gone through. Said to be "blessed" by Koesis himself, Layaali has lost the ability to pass on. To meet death. No one is quite sure how old she is, though physically she looks to be in her 40s. When asked, she simply doesn't seem to know either, hinting at the fact she has been alive for far too long. Layaali doesn't seem to regard the "blessing" in the same way as others. She claims it to be a curse, doomer to forever watch the people she loves die.

**War General Mazaog (Group NPC)** - The current general of the Ardeurian Empire. Coming from an Orc lineage, she certainly looks the part for the role she has been given to fill. She's also the first Orc to be given such a position, having been picked by Empress Seijun herself. While there are those who have some apprehension towards her, the fact she has the Empress' undying support and trust seems to be enough for most. Mazaog is responsible for choosing all current Knight Commanders.

#### Royalty (Admin Only)

* Examples: Empress. Emperor. Imperial Prince.

#### Nobility (Requires purchase of Noble Blood.)

* Examples: Royal Advisors. Emissaries. Duke/Duchesses/ Count/Countess.

#### Upper Class

* Examples: High Priest. Military Leaders. Royal Guard. Magisters. Arcanists.

#### Middle Class

* Examples: Clerics. Commoners. Herders. Farmers. Merchants. Ranger. Paladin. etc.

#### Lower Class

* Examples: Smugglers. Bandits. Thieves. Beggers. Peasant. etc.

## Cities and Towns

#### Alensir

* The capital city of Ardeur, Alensir houses the Empress as well as many of Ardeur's nobles and higher ranking officials. Though that's not to say only the wealthy live here. Built in the central part of the Ardeurian desert, growing from the most livable plot of land, Alensir is a safe haven from the desert and the many trails it puts forth. It's a booming place of commerce and art as the capital is always evolving and ever changing. Though, there are many who believe there are some dark secrets lurking beneath the surface.

#### Kijadera

* A town located just a few miles away from the Ardeur Adrastea border. Those who don't quite want to brave the desert pick this as their chosen home. It's an odd mix of both desert and forest, both fauna and flora from both sides finding some way to thrive her. It's unbearable humid at times, with the wind being even more unbearable at others. But it seems to be a fair trade when compared to the rest of Ardeur.
* A small population, despite how closer to cooler air it is. Many who call this town their home live a simple lifestyle; mostly ranging from farmers to herders. Most of Ardeur gets its produce from this small town, as the soil here is the best to plant in.

#### Adara's Rest

* A small haven south of Alensir, going into the more inhabitable areas of Arduer. When you look in the direction of the Rest, it is where the sun disappears behind the horizon, thus giving it its name. Priest and other religious figures tend to flock here in attempts to get closer to the goddess. The trek is long and hard, most traveling in larger groups so they can keep an eye on each other.

#### Magola

* A town located closest towards Soleil's borders. It's known to be a military town, housing a few knights and other soldiers here. This was a strong standing point against the other nation during the first war, offering the first line of resistance towards the neighboring kingdom. Because of the good foothold Magola offers, it has morphed into a town meant training new knights.
* **Magola also serves as a key point in dealing with Soleil's slave trade.** As a main passing point from the Alliance into the Empire, many slaves go "missing" while traveling through the border. The military stationed here will often say its just due to the high sand dragon population. After all, travelers go missing all the time because of it.

Bisoro

* A small lake town, Bisoro sits right along the shore of Lake Lokvere. Bisoro is a religious town, many holy figures call this their home. Due to this, Bisoro is said to be a beacon of light amongst the desert. Many will folk to this town if one can not make it all the way to Adara's Rest, seeking enlightenment from the various priest that occupy the church.
* Bisoro is also a fishing town, due to its spot on the lake. After the destruction of Port Bobaro, Bisoro became the next boom town for fishing. The lake has no shortage of fish, enough for both the Empire and the Kingdom to profit off of.

Moslela

Sobiti

Abuca

Port Bobaro

* Nothing more than a ghost town by now. Port Bobaro had been a once thriving port, bringing in boats full of fish on a daily basis. Those are the Holy War came around, this port was the first Ardeurian town to fall. Soleil had wiped it to the ground. Those that survived fled to the northern towns and villages in search of safety from the Alliance's navy.
* There have been those who have attempted to rebuild the port, only resulting in empty hands. The fish seem to have abandoned their once favored spots. The water seems rougher than normal as well, often crashing much farther on shore than it realistically should.