Irkalla

Irkalla is a strange mix of tundra and flats and plains. To the north, the land is arboreal forests and mountains, while to the south, it changes from plains to tundra. This mix creates a varied race of people, with the kingdom itself broken into two distinct parts, the Northern Spring Lands and the Southern Winter Vale. Both are ruled by sisters, as tradition demands, and they are as opposite as their lands. The Northern Queen, Ailbhe, is a noted diplomat and caregiver, her lands dedicated to Dagdha, the God of fertility and weather.

The Southern Queen, Saibh, is a warrior of great renown, her lands dedicated to Macha, the Goddess of battle. While they may seem at odds with one another, they keep each other in check, each one representing one half of a perfect leader. As one can expect, the people of the land reflect their upbringing. Those in the south are predominantly part of the various warrior guilds in the culture there, while those in the north are mainly members of the clerical orders that live in the land.

Capital: Camlann - Is two cities. While the Northern city is settled, the Southern city is nomadic and moves from place to place at the whim of the Queen.

### **Society**

Irkallan society maintains a consistent government under the rulership of both queens. Although the laws are the same, both queens enact the laws as reflecting the nature of the kingdoms that they rule. The boundary of the Grey Channel and Mirror Lake forms the divide between the two regions. The great farms of the north ensure a steady supply of food to the southern kingdoms, which in turn provide rare materials only found in the great thrifts and also toughened veteren soldiers that have forged themselves amongst the many creatures and roaming bands of fomori that are in the south.

The society is based around a dual monarchy with the queen holding the position of dominance. Both queens generally act in unison with meetings held regularly in either Camlann Tuasiceart or Deisceart depending on the month. Each sister takes a turn to travel to the city for this meeting with the dual governments that are nominally in charge of each region.

The government has a representative from each major city in the region as well as representation from the nomad clans that wander the land. Each of the representatives is voted for by the townsfolk who have earned citizenship and completed their mandatory service to the region. Mandatory service involves agreeing to serve the regional ruler for a period of no less than two years in one of the three disciplines; armed service, educational service, and healing service. Depending on the skills or abilities of the individual they will be assigned to a role that will best represent their abilities.

Armed service involved membership in the military service of Irkalla. Primarily this is represented by the levies who are the conscripted town militia. There the conscript learns to fight with the noted weapon of Irkalla, the mighty glaives, deadly longshafted blades that can be trained easily and efficiently. The levies learn to work together as teams, using the length of the glaive to give them distance from their enemies as well as protecting against mounted units. After two years of service, members of the levy may choose to complete their service, or may choose to continue service through the garda of local cities and towns or with the Galloglas or the Fianna.

Those who are found to have an affinity to healing will often be apprenticed to the Order of the Light, of the The Children of the Everlasting Goddess. The Children work throughout the land to assist those of the towns and cities in ensuring the health of the citizens. Conscripts to the order of light are taught the core skills in the healing arts, and those that are especially gifted are taught the formative healing magicks as well. When they complete their service to the queens, they may choose to continue in the order and become full initiates although many often leave to become local physicians and doctors for the people of the towns and cities.

The final triumvirate is the educators. Those who are found to be exceptionally gifted at imparting knowledge to others join the an tOllamh where they choose a discipline and are schooled in the finer points of the field. They will often join one of the major hOllscoile and pass on their knowledge to the townsfolk. It is not unusual for many who join an tOllamh to stay on for years or even decades, contributing to the further education of the population. Others will often join local communities as the muinteoir, helping to teach the younger members of the community in the foundations of their chosen field of interest.

### **Queen Ailbhe and Queen Saibhe**

Queen Ailbhe is the older of the two sisters, noted for her skills in both diplomacy and ensuring peace in her lands. She gained fame and status at a young age, when she assisted in concluding the grain accords with Agartha, ensuring financial stability for the region. After fulfilling her obligation for citizenship, she served another five years as a diplomatic representative of Irkalla, in the court of the High Marshall in Caer Wyde where she mastered his skills in diplomacy. In particular she concluded the Galloglas treaty which greatly assisted in building the cooperation between the Galloglas and militia which greatly assisted in increasing their presence in Irkalla. Her last great achievement to date was the development of the Korr airship city in the south, providing access to the lands beyond in a fraction of the time by ship. Upon returning to Irkalla and with the death of the previous queen, Ailbhe was unanimously voted to be queen of the Northern Spring Lands.

At the same time her sister, Saibhe served with distinction in the militia, volunteering on multiple occasions for raids against the Fomori in the south. Upon completing her two years, she swiftly joined the Galloglas and continued to serve with distinction. Her deep understanding of the enemy and her brilliantly unorthodox tactics saw her rise through the ranks to Knight Marshall of the Broken Sword. She won many accolades, and awards during her service, specifically in the siege of Cluain Mong where she broke through the encircling Fomori forces, using an airship to drop her troops onto the enemy as mages from the Knights of the Pyre dropped flames upon their enemies. When her sister was elected, it was only natural that Saibhe be elected Queen of the Southern Winter Vale.

### **Law and Order**

All cities have garda who maintain law and order within their walls. For the regions outside the major cities, the Galloglas and Na Fianna provide patrols on the trade routes .Na Fianna take the many forests and mountains that surround the region and actively scout for Fomori and bandit activity. The Galloglas maintain the roads and plains, their cavalry units making regular stops around each of the smaller towns in Irkalla. Special units of the Galloglas regularly collect prisoners for transport to the prisons that populate the Winter Vale. Both knightly orders have a friendly competition going between the High Marshal of the Broken Sword, Daigh Ó Dufaigh and the Commander of na Fianna Ciar Feilan.

Daigh is a noted tactician in battlefield combat and tactics, having made his name under Queen Saibhe on the battlefields on the cold tundra, rising quickly through the ranks. Daig is a vital and boisterous warrior, with a friendly if intense personality. His ascension to High Marshall was not surprising, given his prowess as a warrior, but there were those that whispered that he cared too much about his men, which resulted in him being very cautious about committing his men to battle. Despite the misgivings of some of the more seasoned soldiers, he has gained a great deal of popularity amongst the citizens of the land, especially for his willingness to commit men to assist the towns in building projects. Daigh believes strongly that warriors should also be builders and instills this in his followers and officers.

Ciar in contrast is more taciturn and introspected, not uncommon amongst the rangers of Na Fianna, but when she speaks, others listen. She has a naturally commanding presence, in conjunction with her almost limitless knowledge of the forests and mountains of Undriel and has forged deep bonds with the many sidhe that occupy the forests, making her one of the most respected warriors and minds in Irkalla. Her hunting skills are unsurpassed and the Fomori refer to her as long eye for her ability to make almost perfect kills. Even word that she is in a region will result in great detours of the enemy to avoid her. Ciar is particularly well known for her dark sense of humor, which is shared by many of her officers. This has, on occasion, brought her into conflict with Daigh, who is often known to be a little naive.

### **Camlann Tuaisceart**

Camlann Tuaisceart is the jewel in the eye of Irkalla. The island city is broken into seven islands that are surrounded by the Reckless Run river, which is a torrential series of rapids that make crossing near impossible. This Order of Uisce, one of the guild's magickal orders, maintains the waterways for ships through their deep connection to tapestry of  the waterways in the region. However, at a moment's notice the river can return to its original torrent, making it an ideal defence for the city. On the coast are the major food districts of the city as well as the original town itself, now considered a national treasure by the locals who live there. Irkalla is a city of hope and dreams, the people a combination of idealists and pragmatists, the nomadic southerners intermingling with their northern cousins to create a metropolitan that is rarely seen in Undriel.

### **Failte Plaza**

Failte Plaza is the main entrance into Camlann Tuaisceart. The district literally translates as welcome square and has a host or markets, inns and amenities available to those who arrive up the Restless Run. The plaza also acts as an access point to all regions in Camlann Tuaisceart. Failte Plaza is the starting point for all major festivals of the North Spring Lands, and the great festival given to Danu and Bres to celebrate the dedication of the city to the gods of the fabric and fertility. In particular the great festival An Fómhar Mór is held on the Bealtain, and is a day of celebration of the great harvests that have been gifted to the North. People celebrate the taking in of the great harvest and the gift that the land had bestowed on the people.

Failte Plaza holds two of the largest Sagart in the city, one dedicated to Danu and the other to Bres. Both temples also serve as healing centers for the sick and hospices for the dying.  They are also the home to the major order that accepts conscripts who are seeking citizenship; The Children of the Everlasting Goddess. The Temples are particularly famous because of the Síog Canónach, Nellas Aisling Gaoithe who helped to form the original creed of citizenship with Gormlaith and Life Bjarki, the original founders and queens of Camlann. Nellas is a very gentle soul, known for her patience and charisma, setting anyone who meets her immediately at ease.

### **Ceantar Margaidh**

Ceantar Margaidh was the central market district for the city. Every Domhnaigh merchants from all over Undriel will often travel to the city for this chance to trade with each other under the watchful gaze of the city guard. Merchant travelers will often avail themselves of the extensive protection offered by Galloglas and Na Fianna on the roads to the city. The Nairy River to Mirror lake provides ample access for merchants by ship and a short trip down Restless Run brings them to the city. The people of the city can access the wide range of goods that come from almost any region, including more exotic spells, potions, weapons and armor. The Ghost Guard, a specialist unit of knights assigned by the Order of the Owl to maintain control over the types of magical items sold and to ensure nothing illicit is brought into the city.

Baoth Ó Cuinn, the Captain of the Ghost Guard is a veteran of many skirmishes with the nomadic tribes of Elatha as well as the  Snow Witch War of 290AU, which was responsible for his rise to the rank of Prior in the order. After a devastating injury that resulted in the loss of his right arm at the elbow, he went into semi-retirement before being called back into duty as captain of the Ghost Guard. Baoth is a fierce and cold man, who is noted for his detached and logical approach to combat and conflict. There are rumors that he has come into conflict with both queens for his at times callous disregard for those that breach the magical laws of the city.

### **An Ceantar Theas**

The southern district is primarily home to the wealthier class that live in the city. The homes here are larger than the others, the detail exquisite, each individual house is a work of art and a testament to the citizens living there. To be considered for housing in the southern district, the citizen must have demonstrated their commitment to the region through extended service in one of the branches of society. Upon completing their service they moved into governing the city, seeing to the larger challenge of maintaining the integrity of Camlann. The governing council meets each day in the government halls that towers over other buildings in the area, and meet with the Captain of the garda regularly to learn about the smooth running of the city and the problems that the garda are facing.

In addition, directly behind the government hall stands the barracks and training grounds of the Ghost Guard. This building contrasts starkly to the beautiful white brickwork of the government, it’s walls are grey and the gates are a deep crimson. It is guarded day and night by the Guard, and only those that have been invited into the building may enter. Special magick is used to derive the intent and identity of those who seek entry making it nigh impossible for intruders to trick their way into the building.

Inside is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors that far exceed the space the building takes up. The great library of the The Spectral Voice is said to contain the magickal guides from all magick users that have ever existed and many a dark grimoire is locked away within the dark tunnels beneath the building. In addition, the weapons and armor of the greatest of the Ghost Guards heroes are stored here. In a beautiful white room guarded by a powerful elemental fey, the weapons are masterworks combining both steel and magick to create works of legend. It is said that only those who go on the most perilous of quests may ask permission to make use of such equipment and heavy oaths bind them to return such artifacts.

The taoiseach of the government is Blinne Árbót, a Cluricaun that has gained a great deal of respect and renown for her political instinct and negotiation skills. Blinne is a close confidant to the Queen and has been known to often be a deciding factor in the decisions that the queen makes. There is talk that Blinne is actively trying to build the relationship between both sisters, that a rift has started to appear between them. Both sisters have rarely appeared together for some time. Blinne has always worked hard at maintaining a positive relationship between both courts and a divide could put it all in jeopardy.

### **Tuaisceart Beag**

Little Tuaisceart is the beginning of the greater city itself. This is the original village that was the source of the city, and still holds many of the original houses and markets that marked the old district. All of the buildings have maintained their integrity thanks to powerful magick that has been placed on them by the Ghost Guard. Of particular significance in the district is the old quarter market district, a collection of narrow streets that hold some of the most esoteric and exotic stores in the whole region. Many magick users can be found travelling to this market district searching for rare ingredients needed for their magick. The market is also home to a wide range of smiths and artisans, allowing for one to purchase almost anything that they are looking for, provided they have the coin to be able to afford the high quality merchandise that exists here.

In particular, The Clean Branch is a famous little store that always contains some of the most bizarre and interesting magickal items. Run by an elderly Korr Coinneach Réalta Scamall, this diminutive man is well known for his eccentric attitude, almost contradictory tone and his unique odor that permeates most of the shop. Coinneach often receives visits from the most mysterious figures and there is talk that many who visit him are not what they appear to be and may have darker origins. The Ghost Guard in particular are known to visit Coinneach to discuss his wares, Captain Ó’Cuinn often suspicious of the types of products and visitors that ten do appear inside this little shop. Despite this, the Clean Branch is a very popular sport for all citizens and Coinneach has been known to sometimes give away small magickal items that offer not end of assistance to those that receive them

### **Great Vineyards**

The great vineyards are a forest of some of the most beautiful and exquisite grapes available in Undriel. Their vines grow almost as tall as the trees that surround the city and in some areas almost blot out the sun entirely. The vineyards are carefully maintained by a clan of Sídhe Draoi who ensure that the fruit of the harvest is some of the sweetest in the region and that the wine that comes from the city remains one of its major exports. Ships regularly dock at the district, exchanging good or collecting cargo and any who wish to take advantage of these ships to travel will often stay in the beautiful inns founds dotted around the district.

The Sídhe Draoi Abbán Háfœta is the treeshaper of the clan. He is a quiet taciturn individual that prefers the company of the vineyard trees to those that exist outside them. He is often found wandering amongst the vines speaking and singing quietly to them. He is polite although often easily distracted by the pollen or songs of the plants around him. For those that wish to hear the story of the vineyard can settle in for hours and enjoy the winding tale of the plants that have lived off this land for generations.

### **Fertile Fields**

The Fertile Fields go on as far as the eye can see and are the breadbasket of the entire region. These fields are a wonder of Irkalla, and the main source of employment for a large number of the farmers in the city. The fields are a wonder to behold, cycling through a variety of crops throughout the year and an almost endless parade of caravans that travel to the south to the cities in the tundra bringing supplies that are needed by those that live in the frigid depths of the eternal winter.

The Fertile Fields are also home to the farmers market, an annual event that takes place once a month, when the bounty of the crop is shared with all those outside the region. Such are the quality of the crops that are harvested that many of the finest chefs come to purchase goods that they can use in their inns. They also set up their own stalls during that day and cook for the people. It is a chance to taste the cuisine from all the other regions.

The most notable chef who has travelled to the Fertile Fields is Moinnine Gígja, a Duine who has mastered the culinary arts to the extent that he has served in many of the courts around Undriel. He is often found in one of the largest tents of the fair serving all who come to sample his latest recipes. But his heart belongs to his restaurant, found in Svargalfaheim, and he spends as much time as he can, but often he is drawn by a wanderlust he cannot explain and so travels the land learning from the people around him and creating even greater culinary wonders.

### **An Sean Duiche**

An Sean-Dúiche is one of the first major districts to be completed beside the great fortress Tuaisceart Keep. The area is filled with quaint houses that hark back to the hope that resided in the people when they began to settle the land. This is one of the few islands that has access from all sides and is often a place where visitors to the Keep, nobles from other regions, visitors with business with the queen and diplomats stay. A range of beautiful houses make up the region closest to the gate to the keep and this area sees a constant stream of people moving in and out of its northern gate. The remaining houses are given to those that work directly in the keep itself. This has made this particular area quite a sight to see as the exotic foreigners mingle with the people of the city proper. The market in particular hosts a wide range of products from around Undriel, many visitors using the small area to offer samples of the lands to the north.

In particular the guilds have taken the time to set up their homes here and anyone wishing to join will find themselves a warm welcome in the hall and hearth of the guild they are interested in joining. The warriors guild has lately found the city to be both a boon and bane as the militia has a wide range of very promising recruits but at the same time the competition with both the Galloglas and Na Fianna is quite intense and sometimes leads to conflict between the orders of knights and the guild. The current Master of Combat, Eirnín Mela has worked hard at keep things as cordial as possible with the knightly orders, very aware of their honored position within the city and equally aware that the guilds often enjoy the patronage of the ruler as long as they benefit the city they are in.

### **Tuaisceart Keep**

Tuaisceart Keep is the largest fortress in Irkalla. The Keep has never been successfully breached, even during the great Winter War of 255 AU, when Fomori forces under the command of Life Feilan managed to breach the city itself and fought a bloody battle street by street to reach the keep. The cost of reaching the keep was such that Life turned her forces away and retreated when she saw the formidable walles and magickally inscribed barriers that surrounded the fortress rather than lose the remains of her army.

The Queens Ailbhe and Saibh both use the Keep as their home and center of governance for the whole region. The taoiseach of both the north and south regularly visit the keep to update the royals on the city and region. The Keep is also home to a garrison of elite bloodhunters of the Order of the Mutant called the Fuil Mhallaithe, who are sent to the most dangerous regions to keep the darkness from encroaching on the people of the lands.

### **Coinnionn Draoi**

Coinionn Draoi is the center of all Magick in Irkalla. Located on one of the many floating islands located in the region, but closest to the city itself. The Magickal Guildhall as well as the legendary Tower of Many Shadows are located here with a commanding view of not only the city but the whole region of Irkalla. Access to the guildhall is only through the great gate located in the guildhall and the Dáil, home of the government of Camlann Tuaisceart. Magick users from all over Undriel have travelled here to take in the wonder that is the guildhall and the Tower of Many Shadows. It is not unusual to have several guild members from all over the land staying and studying and practicing magick in the beautiful vaunted hall of the guild building, or those making pilgrimage to the Tower of Shadows on the chance that they may step through the portal gates and explore the domhan beyond.

Given the uniqueness of the tower as well as the potential for the untrained to potentially lose their lives in their attempts to access the domhan beyond, access to the tower is restricted to only the most dedicated and well trained magick user. To gain access to the Tower of Shadows the applicant must pass a number of tests that see if they are magically competent and have the strength of will to have the chance to explore the planes beyond. At the same time it is accepted that those who travel beyond the plain of Undriel do so at their own risk and the Tower and Guild are not responsible for anything that happens to them. At the same time, the guardians of the tower ensure that anything beyond the portals cannot enter Undriel without permission of the Guild.

The Order of the Portal protects the Tower from enemies within and without. This elite group of Magick users are loyally solely to the Tower Master. They are forbidden from ever leaving the tower and spend their days in contemplation of the great tapestry. The current Tower Master is a Síog named Breacán Brainse an Gheimhridh. She has been part of the Tower for as long as any can remember, a wraith like figure that never seems to sleep and can be found all hours of the day and night wandering the corridors, reading in the massive library or communing with spirits in other domhan. Breacán decides who may enter the Tower, and woe behold any who try to trespass without her permission. Her voice is a mere whisper but her presence is such that everyone listens when she speaks.

### **The Southern Winter Vale**

The Southern Winter Vale is a vast tundra that makes up the southern region of Irkalla. It is a frigid place, with people that are as hard as the ice but with hearts as warm as the hearth everyone huddles around in the great halls that have been erected in the few areas that are slightly more temperate regions. The small towns that have been erected in these areas serve as outposts to the many indigineous nomadic tribes that live in the region, surviving on the crops that are collected from the towns and hunting the mammoth.

The nomadic tribes, known as the Taistealaí, have a long and noble history, having fought alongside Dechtire and alongside the queens in the Winter War that ravaged the land. The tribes are made up of twelve clans that are allied through a complex system of intermarriages and treaties that ensure minimal conflict amongst the clans, although it is not unusual for disputes and minor skirmishes to break out. However, despite this, the Taistealaí have an unwavering loyalty to the twin queens and will heed their call when needed.

The current High chief of the clans, Grand Arbitrator, and Lord of Ice, Donnchadh Inn Eldri, a warrior and diplomat of some renown among the clans. He is responsible for the Ice treaties that cemented the relationship between the Bjarki and Eikikrókr clans who had fought a protected skirmish over shipping in the Abyss of Calau. The peace treaty opened up the shipping lanes to the other clans and stopped the piracy along the coast of Irkalla. Donnchadh is a jovial Duine, a man that has maintained himself despite his advanced age. Although his fighting days are behind him, there is an edge to his that warns against testing him and his voice has the confidence of a natural leader.

### **Calafort an Deiscirt**

Calafort an Deiscirt is a jewel of Irkalla. As a result of masterful negotiation by Queen Ailbhe the Korr agreed to set up the airship city as part of a cultural exchange between the two regions. The airship city is a complex of interconnecting buildings encircling the airship port itself, a raised platform that forms the landing area for the great airships that travel between Irkalla and Dún Ailinne, the Korr city.

Calafort an Deiscirt has become a center for the transport of goods outside of Irkalla to the west, being able to reach the Korr city in days in contrast to weeks by ship and land travel. It also has resulted in a growing community of Korr that now live in and around the city itself, enjoying the frigid temperatures and constantly expanding their air city and maintaining the platform to ensure that the airships can land safely. The Korr community has integrated well into Irkallan culture and have a strong and positive relationship with the clans in the region. In particular, the Liath Sciobtha clan that wander the southern coast from the great icebergs that populate the Abyss of Calau to Cluain Mong.

The current chief of the Korr community is Fechín Ó Cuinn, an elderly Korr who is much more a tinkerer with a passion for airships. He is not very commanding by nature but his knowledge of both the airships and his love of the regions has made him a natural choice for leadership. He has a degree of innocence to him and his naturally good nature and friendly attitude has brought him a great deal of respect from the clans, who admire his passion for his work.