Silia de la Notre

Silia De La Notre - the White City, Home of Modern Viothism and head of the Viothistic church.

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## History

Silia De La Notre, commonly shortened to Silia, was one of the first settlements founded on Aether, around the time of the first exodus from what is now called Aramoor. Founded by people exiled from their own group for breaking a belief to save those they loved.

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### Dy’Otho-Siel

This group identified themselves as the Dy’Otho-Siel and they followed what they called the waterway. This philosophy uses a river as a model for life; suggesting everyone is a droplet of water in the river. As such these people would not use force or resist the flow of the world. Under this belief of the waterway, Dy’Otho-Siel could not raise a hand even to defend themselves.

The Dy’Otho-Siel fled Aramoor and travelled across Aether, they were tired of the struggle and hostile actions bought by others. Unable to defend themselves what started as a group of 500 slowly dwindled in size. Being picked off by bandits, hostile creatures, sickness and hunger only 87 survived the year-long search for a new home.

The remaining Dy’Otho-Siel had arrived at a location now called Traitors Plain, but then it was just a plain like any other. The group were at an impasse, a number of their group had been kidnapped during the previous night by slavers, 10 of the Dy’Otho-Siel wanted to go back and free their friends and family, the elders of the group forbade it as it went against the waterway.

These 10 would not heed such an order, under the waterway you could not defend yourself against another, therefore, swords were prohibited even to be touched. However spears and bows were allowed for hunting, so armed with spears and bows these 10, covered their faces with veils to avoid being identified and crept away from the group to free the others.

They were successful, however, it was not a peaceful rescue, they had killed a slaver in self-defence. 16 returned that night, they’d rescued 8 and lost 2. Disgraced by their actions, an affront to the waterway the elders of the Dy’Otho-Siel banished them for breaking the tenants. These 16, forced to abandon the waterway were dubbed the Siel by the Dy’Otho-Siel. The Siel went west and the Dy’Otho-Siel went east never to cross paths again.

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### Siel

The 16 Siel, having abandoned the waterway philosophy, headed west from Traitors Plains. Two months had passed, and of the 16 banished, none had been lost, being able to defend themselves they did not succumb to the same fate of their Dy’Otho-Siel cousins.

In exile the Siel came across a number of Enchanted Tablets, monuments that predate conscious history. Artifacts that once deciphered tell stories of higher beings shaping and creating the Aether. The Siel attempted to understand each one they came across. They found that the women among the Siel had a better time translating them than the males.

Having travelled many a mile the Siel had arrived at what is now known as the Glowing Halls. It was here where the group was attacked by a great creature only to be saved by a white dragon. The group took this intervention as a sign.

From their limited knowledge of the world and from what they could glean from the tablets, they’d concluded that this was a sign from the gods. As such the first Siel began construction of houses and other buildings in the area creating the staging grounds for what will become Silia De La Notre.

Modern Silia De La Notre is sometimes referred to as the white city, this is because of the material all the buildings are constructed from. The area around Silia is strangely devoid of trees, however there is a large deposit of white marble. This deposit turned from a mine to a quarry and is now the source of all raw building materials for Silia.

Despite being cast out of the waterway, some beliefs of this philosophy did follow the Siel, the use of swords is strictly prohibited. Swords are seen as a weapon of the aggressor and should never be used in any circumstance, however, spears and bows can be carried and used as required.

Also, a reminder of their action at Traitors Plain, the veiling of the face is still practised to his day. When a Siel means harm to another person they veil their face as their ancestors did.

Over time the settlement grew and outsiders travelled far and wide to join the Siel. The Siel now settled referred to their settlement as Notre De La Siel (Home of the Siel), this later transformed to Silla De La Notre, but scholars and historians are unsure when this changed.

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## Government

Silia De La Notre is a theocracy and the Grand Oecumen Matriach - primus inter pares (first among equals), commonly referred to as the Grand Matriarch, rules as both the leader of the country and the head of the Viothistic church.

Members of the church are all female. The highest position under Grand Matriarch is a Divine Sect priestess, under these are the ordained priestesses. These ordained priestesses make up the Cardinal College, which houses 60 members, ordained priestesses are members until they reach 80 at which they retire.

Within the College there is an attempt to represent all the creeds, however as Priestess can join whichever creed they wish. So a balance is normally never possible. At the moment, Red followed by Green are the most popular with Blue and White being the least.

Newly Ordained Priestesses are selected by the current Grand Matriarch. However not just anyone can be an Ordained Priestess, the new member must already be a High Priestess of Viothism, I.e. owning or running a place of worship.

In Silia De La Notre owning or running a church of Viothism is different from running one outside of the city. Those in Silia who run a church also govern the small section of the city the church resides in. An Ordained Priestess keeps her church and is expected to govern both her part of the city and take part in the Cardinal College.

In the event of the Grand Matriarch’s death, the Cardinal College will convene and vote on a successor from among themselves.

The Cardinal College also acts as the country's parliament of which the Grand Matriarch is the head. The Grand Matriarch will create what is called the Divine Sect, made up of 5 ordained priestesses out of the 60 members of the Cardinal College.

The Divine Sect will work directly under the Grand Matriarch, helping her run both the country and the church. Although within Silia De La Notre both are the same. The divine Sect will raise notions that are to be made into laws. The other 55 members of the college will vote on these notions and if accepted they will be written into the legislation.

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## Society

Silia De La Notre is a city steeped in tradition and customs, spanning a long history. Viothism is the state religion and its presence both in government and day to day life is ubiquitous.

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### Churches In Silia

Churches are plentiful inside Silia, varying in size from a local altar to giant cathedrals. Each is the centre of its respective area, acting as the both the legal and spiritual epicentre for the borough or street depending on it’s own size.

Viothistic churches are open 7 days a week to worshippers with Priestess and High Priestesses on hand to offer spiritual guidance. The church also acts as the beauractrict centre for the area it governs. High Priestesses are expected to govern as well as tend to their religious duties.

### Tax

Tax is a fact of life in any civilised society, individuals must contribute to fund the city they are living in. In Silia this is no different, however taxation takes the form of mandatory church donations. Because of this everyone has to visit their local church once a week and make a donation to cover their tax due for the week.

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### Siel Beliefs

The Siel were the first people of Silia having found the country, some can even trace their lineage back to the first 16. Presently everyone living in Silia is considered a Siel, even though they may not be descended from the group.

The Siel held some odd beliefs among, as these beliefs have embedded themselves in Silian culture and Othodox Viothism as a whole. First the Siel abhor large bladed weapons like swords. They see these weapons as the weapon of the aggressor, the Siel look down on sword wielders and would refuse to touch one.

Secondly is the tradition of veiling your face before combat. The Siel earned their exile because of the events at Traitors Plain. To honour their ancestors and their choice to fight against their false belief the Siel to this day still hide their face when engaging in combat.

### Gender roles

Within Silia, females are held in a higher regard than their male counterparts. This is evident in the tenets of orthodox Viothism as well as some of the odd cultural aspects witness within Silia.

For example only females can own property inside the city, earning the title Roofmistress. Also when it comes to marriage, men are forbidden from asking a woman’s hand in marriage, the woman must ask, then the man can accept or decline.

A man may give gifts and express his desires to his potential partner but cannot ask. Also Polyandry is quite common in Silia, women can marry any number of men whereas men can only marry one woman. Many women can have and do have multiple husbands, these husbands share a close relationship. All parties must be in agreement for a Polyandrous marriage.

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### Language

People in Silia, speak common like all other civilised people in Aether. However Silia is a place of traditions and as such they maintain a lot of terminology and syntax from when the world first awoke. For example, familial terms are often odd and confusing to outsiders.

* First Sister / Brother - daughters / sons of the same mother
* Second Sister / Brother - used for Siel women / men, your mothers are sisters, cousins
* Father Sister / Brother - used for Siel women / men, your fathers are brother, this is considered not as close as Second Sister / Brother
* Near Sister / Brother - relationship between two women / men, considered best friends, as close as First Sisters / Brothers. Legally in Silia Near Sisters / Brothers can apply to become First Sisters / Brothers.
* Sister Mother / Father - relationship between a Siel and another woman / man. It means the sister / brother of your mother. Aunt / Uncle.
* Second Mother / Father - relationship between a Siel and another woman / man. It means the mother/ father of your spouse. Mother / Father in law.
* Brother Husband - used for Siel men who share a wife.

Some other terms of phrase not present outside of Silia are the following:

* Algae’d’siswai - translated to ‘dancer of the spear’, this is a term used to refer to those trained in combat, often used as a blanket term for the law enforcement / army of Silia.
* Cadin’sor - translated to ‘working clothes’ this is the term used to talk about the uniform you wear. Be it a guards uniform or farmers work trousers.
* Roofmistress - A Roofmistress is the name given to a woman who owns her own house. A Roofmistress can also be used to mean a female the leader of a group as well. So a High Priestess for example is the Roofmistress of her church and of the surrounding area she governs. Roofmistresses must give permission to outsiders before they can enter her building.

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## Law Enforcement

The Law Enforcement of Silia is called locally the Algae’d’siswai (dancers of the spear) their job is to uphold the law and also acts as Silia standing army. As the Viothistic fanaticism is widespread and upheld by the state. Within the city, it is expected that all, excluding travellers, uphold their religious values at all times. Failure to do so is punishable under law.

Law enforcement in Silia De La Notre is different from the other cities of Aether. Their law enforcement is split into three separate offices. The Judicario, Inquivizica and the Puritancite. Still upholding the Siel tradition of old, no member of the law enforcement carries a sword all are armed with short spears and or bows and if they mean to kill they will veil their face.

Silia De La Notre has one of the highest crime rates in Aether, despite having the largest law enforcement. This is because of the number of arrests, in Silia minor crimes that may warrant a warning in other kingdoms are arrested and tried like any other.

This practice among law enforcement has created a very subservient and downtrodden people. The citizens of Silia De La Notre are paranoid and scared of being deemed a heretic, as such, they uphold the virtues of Viothism to its highest standard.

This attitude has caused others to report heretical behaviour of those they have personal feuds with, in the hopes of getting them arrested when no crime may have been committed.

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### Puritancite

The Puritancite are in charge of the day to day running of the law, this involves, settling social disputes and investigating criminal matters. This group has the highest headcount and are the most visible on the streets of Silia De La Notre having the largest street presence as they patrol.

However, when the crime in question is that of religious fervour or heretical beliefs, the Puritancite will not investigate any further instead this matter will be passed to the Inquivizica.

### Inquivizica

The Inquivizica are called in when a religious crime is broken, they are also in charge of expunging any heretic or heretical ideas that may be festering among the people. They are not above the law, however, this group still has to conduct thorough investigations and prove guilt before enacting punishment. However, unlike the Pruitancite they need no cause to mount an investigation.

This group is smaller than the Puritancite, they do not patrol the streets but watch from the shadows, cutting out insurrection before it has a chance to grow. In the event of widespread upheaval, the Inquivizica would call in the Judicario.

A Inquivizica is often a Puritancite that has shown potential either in training or on the job. Very few enter from outside straight into this position.

### Judicario

The Judicario are at the top of Silia’s criminal justice system. This group have been specially selected and ordained by the Grand Matriarch herself, to exact her justice as they deem fit.

As such for them, no trials are required, if they think you are guilty of any crime under Silia’s law,  punishment can be exacted as they deem necessary. Judicario are always Inquizica that have shown tremendous skill in battle and absolute dedication to the faith.

This group is smaller again, only a handful of Judicario are active at any given time. However one Judicario is equal in power to that of Dragon Guard Legitus.

When a large group of heretics is discovered by the Inquivizica, a veiled Judicario will be dispatched to deliver their souls to Vessix. Judicario serve in their role for life and are so devout they would choose death over leaving the order willingly. All eventually die in service to the Grand Matriarch.

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## Climate

Silia is subject to a variety of weather, they tend to avoid the more extreme weather of Aether, however it has been for the odd small earthquake, but tornados and storms are unheard of. Far away from the Sea there is no threat of Tsunamis or anything of that description.

As such Silia experience the four seasons in relative peace, they have warm summers, snowy winters,  damp autumns and springs. But again the weather is never extreme, it’s never so hot you can’t think or so cold the livestock are freezing in their fields. Summer is the longest season lasting 6 months, winter lasts 1 months, autumn and spring last 2.5 month each.

## Economy

Silia has three major parts of its economy. First is the Viothistic Church. These establishments can be found all over Aether. Those that are officially sponsored by Silia are beholden to them. Therefore the church in Aramoor, although in Aramoor does not pay any taxes to Aramoor instead they pay them to Silia.

Secondly agriculture, Silia is blessed with short winters and long summers. As such farming is the main trade of its people. Growing:

* Tomatoes
* Sweet potatoes
* Peppers
* Cucumbers
* Corn
* Watermelon

Silia can simply grow more than most because they have more time. As such when others are struggling in winter, Silia has plenty to export. Within the city farming is subsides, so Silia supplement a farmers pay so during the down months were no crops are being harvested they do not fall on hard times. The subsidy is not substantial and is only enough to cover a family's taxes and basic living requirement, so this scheme loses Silia little money.

Lastly is the marble quarry, the smallest sector of Silia’s economy as it is mostly an internal trade. The marble quarry has been in operation since the founding of Silia and is considered one of the oldest operations on Aether. The marble here is mined for building projects inside Silia and is rarely exported. Despite not generating a lot of revenue the quarry does generate a lot of jobs. For those not working the fields, joining the church or law enforcement the quarry is where they go.

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## Clothing

The majority of Silia’s working class are farmers, because of this most people would be working the fields in cotton shirts, linen trousers and leather boots. For those not working the fields the day to day can vary, but because of the long summers many Silians will have lighter fabrics to hand including cotton, linen and silk. Cotton and linen are the most common and silk is reserved for the rich or special occasions, like going to church.

When going to church Silian’s will wear their most expensive and best clothes. This is often Silk shirts and dresses. The working class will own one or two silk items at most whereas the rich will most often wear silk exclusively.

When the two classes collide at church it is quite easy so see the difference, the clothes of the poorer will be dull in colour and shine. Whereas the clothes of the rich will be dyed bright colours and will shine and appear to change color.

In the colder multiple layers of cotton are mostly worn. And in the wetter autumn and spring months leather coats are usually worn to keep people dry.

Those who are members of the Church will often wear a mixture of materials, depending on the Priestesses rank. You will find the higher up the hierarchy there is less cotton and a lot more silk.

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## Joining The Church

Within Silia, the church is the most powerful institution, being both the government and the law enforcement.  As such they are always looking for new recruits, young women to join the church and any one to join the Puritancite.

## Festivals

Every year as summer starts a festival called the Night of Selection is held. Those with female children under 16, dress their children in their best clothes and stand outside their homes. The High Priestess and Priestesses of the local church will then walk the streets of her jurisdiction.

Any children that catch the Priestesses eye will then be taken to the church to begin their training. A family in Silia sees their child be chosen as a huge honour, their lineage has been chosen by the divine and if their daughter makes it through training has her life set out before her.

At the end of summer a similar festival called the Night of Traitors is held. This festival is exactly the same except on this night both male and female children are dressed up. On this night the Puritancite patrol the streets and conscript whomever they wish. Being chosen still bestows a great honour on the family, but this honour is not as great as being chosen for the church.

Apart from these festivals the only other influx of recruits is orphans. Children without parents in Silia will find themselves in either the church or Puritancite.

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**Created by MrBiscuits**

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