Maudet

The **Maudesian Empire,** or simply **Maudet**, is currently the largest and the most powerful nation in Morgaea. It was founded in **-3D**, by Caecilius Volantus I, after the conquest of several neighboring city-states.

Its capital, Ducailles, serves as the Maudesian Ministry's seat of power.

## History

### Ancient history

Two of the human tribes that arrived in Morgaea, the Lyriane and Gheish, settled in the region that became known as Maudet and were the ancestors of modern Maudesians. The Lyriane settled in central Maudet and were loosely defined and culturally rich. The Gheish, who settled in southern Maudet and northern Adamantium, were easily defeated in their conflict against the Oremeni, as they were a decentralized and nomadic people. Survivors of the conflict were absorbed into the Lyriane or Anamene, a tribe settled in present-day Anderlay. The Lyriane people, who were largely isolated, remained a strong and distinct group until the founding of Maudet. In modern times, Lyriane culture has all but disappeared.

At the outbreak of the First Scourge, the Lyriane fought beside the Adamatines and the Grey Order in order to defeat the Archfiend Vemon. Later on, during the Crusade against the Adamantium, Sibylla expelled the Adamantines from a large portion of Maudet. In **-165D**, after the end of the war, Thetsoll divided the lands of northern Morgaea between himself and his sons. His eldest, Maeriand, was put in charge of the lands east of the Nordish Valley and tasked with unifying the disparate Lyriane tribes. He married a local Lyriane woman, Jesavi.

When Archon Janerius revealed Thetsoll's betrayal of Sibylla in **-160D**, Maeriand initially managed to retain control of Maudet. However, his brother Ranmeld lost control of Khecaster and fled to Maudet, engaging in a lengthy power struggle to take it from his older brother. In **-155D**, the Lyriane united into a kingdom in a moment known as the Grand Unification, a forced campaign of sweeping changes meant to favor centralized trade and power in an attempt to create more efficient barriers against the likelihood of an Admantine return to conquest. He leveled several existing cities to create Ducailles, the capital of his new nation, which he named Maudet. Jesavi, angered by the forced unification of her people and unwilling to be ruled by the Drahanim, manipulated Ranmeld into murdering his brother and all his direct children. After he married her to bring legitimacy to his claim, Jesavi had him killed as well and became the first female chieftain of the Lyriane, or *gothi*. She went on to rule for forty-two years. She is known as the "Mother of Maudet" and sometimes credited for creating the Game.

### Emperor Caecilius Volantus

For almost two ages after Jesavi, a *gothi*, or queen, chosen by the tribes of the Lyriane and Drahanum would rule the nation of Maudet. The process of choosing a new queen became deadlier each time, as old hatreds between clans grew stronger. In **-36D**, Castiana, the daughter of a prominent chieftain and wife of Lord Septimus Volantus of the Adamantium, was named queen. At the time, the nation she ruled over was not even half the size of modern-day Maudet. Their son, Caecilius Volantus, was born soon after.

Prince Caecilius, who believed Sibylla had appeared to him in a dream and charged him with redeeming the world in the eyes of the Watcher, took to the battlefield to unite the disparate cults of the Watcher at the age of sixteen. Thanks to his marriage to Darea Montlaurent, an unequaled archer, shrewd tactician, and the daughter of a lord of Montelleu, Volantus conquered well into modern-day Nordain and Anderlay, stamping out lingering worship of the Deceivers and of local deities. When their campaign of expansion stalled in the south, Volantus decided to refocus his efforts on glorifying the Watcher.

In **-15D**, he destroyed the ancient Lyriane fortress once inhabited by Jesavi, and used its foundation to begin construction of a great temple dedicated to the Watcher. When construction was completed in **-3D**, Caecilius Volantus was crowned ruler of the Empire of Maudet. His first act was to declare the Ministry as the official religion of the empire. After four years, Olyssa of Montelleu, the only female general in Volantus's armies, was chosen as the first Matron. She was crowned Matron Vethania I in **1A01**. The free use of magic was declared illegal in Maudet except by those mages operating under the direct auspices of the Ministry.

In **1A05**, the Second Scourge broke out in Netheren. Emperor Volantus led the fight against the fiendish hordes, in part by recruiting mages to his cause and letting them unleash their full power. Under his command, humanity achieved several victories, which served to spread the influence of the Ministry even further. At the time of his death in **1A45**, the Maudesian empire had expanded into Netheren and most of the eastern Freemarks. However, his son, Caecilius II, did not possess the same political savvy, and Netheren declared their independence in **1A65**.

### Crusades and Scourges

In **2A05**, the border skirmishes between the Sylvandale and Maudet increased in number. When the elves attacked the Maudesian town of Rhett's Crossing and quickly took it over in **2A09**, Maudet and the Sylvandale went to open war. By **2A10**, the elves had captured Montelleu and marched on Ducailles. At this point, Matron Rayne I called for a Crusade against the elves. Although the elves eventually sacked Ducailles, and pushed well into human lands, Alesara was conquered and the elves were completely crushed by **2A20**. The Sylvandale was annexed as part of the Maudesian Empire. Matron Rayne I decreed that elves who converted to the worship of the Watcher should be welcomed into human cities, leading to the creation of enclaves.

In the last years of the Second Age, another Crusade was called, this time to oust the Adamantium from Alepool. In **2A99**, the Grand Temple in Ducailles was finally completed.

In **3A10**, the Third Scourge began; the fiendish hordes attacked the Maudesian cities of Armesans and Montelleu. The Maudesians were able to push them out of their borders. By **3A18**, due to constant pressure from the Grey Order, they sent aid to the beleaguered city-states of the Freemarks. In **3A25**, the Maudesian armies participated in the final battle of the Third Scourge in Alepool. However, they then took advantage of the weakened state of the Freemarks and occupied the city-state of Ander until their ousting in **3A65**.

Between **4A40** and **5A10**, Maudet took part in four Crusades against the Adamantium's newly appointed Patron, none of which succeeded. In **4A80**, the Maudesian Empire took advantage of the Drahanim's fractured state and crossed the White Spine to invade the land for the first time. The campaign lasted for three years until the Nordish jarls once again united to push the Maudesians back. The Empire had hoped to take the port of Seaworth and therefore switch to supplying their forces by sea rather than by Olmrod's Pass, but the fortress of Erencliffe held out for longer than expected, and winter in the Spine left many Maudesian forces unsupplied. By the spring of **4A84**, most Maudesian troops had pulled out or been captured.

In **5A12**, the Fourth Scourge began and Maudet sent only a token force to help its neighbors. The first king of the Anderan Arkham family, Tylun Arkham, was crowned after having claimed to be a descendant of Volantus's. He proved his military might by winning several major battles against the Maudesians, establishing Anderlay as a new, growing power.

In the Seventh Age, during the Orcimar Wars, three Crusades were called against the Orcimar in **7A25**, **7A52**, and **7A84**. In **7A44**, the newly crowned emperor of the Maudesian Empire, Lukas, allowed women to become knights, after witnessing of the death of Ser Flavia, the Knight of Maudet. In **7A60**, the Orcimar occupation of Blackwall was lifted by an Maudesian chevalier named Ser Arnaud Verimillien, who became its first Viscount on behalf of the Emperor of Maudet. In **7A99**, the end of war with the Orcimar, and the birth of twin boys to Emperor Eligius I, ushered in the Eighth Age.

### Conflicts with Nordain

*Main article: Second Maudesian Invasion of Nordain*

In **8A05**, Blackwall rebelled against Maudet and re-gained the status of a free city. In **8A24**, "Mad Emperor" Guillaunt ordered the invasion of the kingdom of Nordain. Due to the clandestine support of a number of powerful thanes undermining the kingdom's defence, the Maudesian military quickly established a strong foothold and fully occupied the country by **8A44**.

However, the war with Nordain gave the Pardasians the perfect opportunity to take their revenge on Maudet. They had been biding their time since **7A97**, when Emperor Eligius set aside his wife of fifteen years, Princess Solara Pardasian, to marry his mistress. While most of the Maudesian army was still committed to the war in Nordain, Anderlay declared war, promptly taking a number of cities. Though the Maudesians eventually rallied a defense, the city of Perendale was lost to the Nevarrans and never recovered. This defeat lost Emperor Guillaunt the favor of the court, who turned to his twin brother Grand Duke Euccenio, who had no desire to take the throne. In **8A47**, Emperor Guillaunt had Euccenio, his wife, three grown children, and all eight grandchildren murdered. The youngest, Camille, was only eight months old. Guillaunt died after spending more than a year locked in his room, fearing retribution for his assassination of Euccenio's family.

*Main article: Nordish Rebellion*

In **8A96** , the young Nordish prince Baylor Kaulden took over the leadership of the Nordish Rebellion after his mother's assassination, and Emperor Maxence was forced to send more chevalier legions to support the rule of the king of Nordain, his first cousin, Alain.

In **9A02**, Nordain was freed from Maudesian occupation. The relations between the two countries remained tense until Maxence's death, after which Nordain and Maudet officially made peace. After **9A14**, the new viscount of Blackwall, Aldan Perrin, enforced exorbitant fees on Maudesian ships docking in his city, prompting Emperor Maxence, through Matron Florence III, to pressure the Templar Order stationed in Blackwall to overthrow him.

In **9A20**, Aurianne Pelleneur, Maxence's niece, rumored to have played a part in his death, outmaneuvered her cousin Grand Duke Gaspard Veradant to become Empress of Maudet.

## Geography

### Settlements

* **Aerasala**
* **Armesans**
* **Bordeau**
* **Ducailles** – capital of Maudet
* **Ghislaine**
* **Lille**
* **Lyonedes**
* **Montelleu**
* **Montfort**
* **Sarenne**
* **Strasbourne**
* **Verault**
* **Verceau**
* **Ville Montevale**

### Regions

* **The Arboran Wilds**
* **The Blasted Hills**
* **Lake Celestis**
* **The Sylvandale**
	+ **Emerald Graves**
	+ **Emerald Plains**
* **Fields of Ghislaine** – on the border of Anderlay
* **The Heartlands**
* **Hunteron Mountains**
* **Verault**
* **The Eastern Approach**
* **White Spine**

## Culture and society

Maudet is famed for its culture and extravagance, and Volantus's legacy continues to heavily influence Maudesian laws and social customs.

The capital city is Ducailles, which boasts the University of Maudet: a major center of learning that attracts young nobles from all over Morgaea with the best education one can buy. The University is a relatively modern institution, whose liberal-minded professors have already clashed with religious conservatives over the content of their classes. This is likely to become a much larger issue in the future.

The holiday Summersol is particularly holy in Maudet. This holiday celebrates the beginning of summer and on this day children who come of age wear white tunics and gowns and join a procession to the local Ministry. When they reach it, they are taught the responsibilities of being an adult. It is celebrated at the beginning of Meyar.

In their personal lives, many Maudesians favor habits such as indulging in alcohol or smoking khen pipes (khen is considered particularly illicit within the Institute of Magic). They also tend to prefer small "toy dogs" as companions, as opposed to the hearty Warg wolfdogs favored in Nordain.

### Art

Art is particularly prized in Maudet, and has been a focus of Aurianne's reign, who has inspired something of a cultural renaissance.

Famous artists include the legendary Henri de Lyonedes, whose mural of Sibylla and her Disciples was the only piece of Ministry art not destroyed for featuring elves following the Second Crusade (Febrion is depicted in the mural, though his ears were cropped), and the painter Calia Stries. Nobleman and sculptor Ernesto de Glace also created a controversial nude sculpture of Sibylla that was censored in an unusual manner. In more recent times, Ambrose Derasmont, who mainly works with woodcuts, and Onorio d'Auberive, a cosmetician and painter, have proven very popular at the Maudesian court.

Under Aurianne's rule, the restrictions on artistic expression imposed by the Ministry on theater were lifted, leading to a resurgence in popularity. The sphere of theater is a close reflection of the political climate of the country. Many a social scandal will even find itself immortalized as a play. Though theatrical works reflect central themes of Maudesian culture, such as disdain towards Nordishfolk and reverence for Caecilius Volantus, a few striking contrasts can also be found. In a country where The Great Game can be a matter of life and death, a character's importance to the play and their gender is clearly defined by the appearance of their mask, an article which once donned, is understood to be absolutely them. Elves have also done well in the theaters of Maudet, and are not only allowed to hold main parts and play humans but can also socially progress upon becoming famous.

Maudet also has traditions of puppetry, many of which were taken from Lysadore. The most famous puppet shows are baroquely ornate creations created for high opera or religious festivals. In the Ninth Age, shadow puppetry has risen in popularity.

The Theatre Grande in Ducailles is an important representation of Maudesian cultural heritage.

### Architecture

Maudesian architecture is heavily influenced by secular Gothic style. Just the same for clothing, no expense is spared for rich materials for prominent buildings, and architects do not shy away from color. Blue, gold and white in particular are distinct colors for nobility. White marble with gold detail is a signature style for interiors. Impression is the biggest goal; it does not matter if a building is weak, so long as it does not *look* weak. Even the smallest objects are built with flair. Aesthetics trump practicality every time.

It is not uncommon to see religious iconography in secular buildings. Sibylla and other Ministry figures are frequently incorporated into ornamentation.

Expensive renovations to keep up with trends occur as ages pass, but under it all is the same, rotting wood. The further away from the heart of the rich you go, the less extravagant things get, and the more flaws become visible.

### The class divide

Maudet is a nation where class and social politics frequently rule the day. As such, the concerns and lives of the various classes can differ greatly. Among the nobility a penchant for high fashion is common, often copied in other lands such as Anderlay, and the Freemarks, but always at its most extreme within Maudet. Both men and women wear cosmetics of various kinds, with subtle differences that indicate social standing. In public, they are also prone to wearing very elaborate masks. These are hereditary and identify one's family almost as uniquely as the heraldry on a crest. Servants also wear masks in public that are simpler and not so elaborate as their masters' which indicate the noble household they serve.

Aristocratic society is vicious and marked by fawning envy to the powerful. Bards often entertain nobles in their courts despite their roles as spies, assassins and saboteurs for their employers who are usually other nobles. Nobles welcome such entertainers with full knowledge that any could be a bard; the thrill of outwitting a spy is a notion the Maudesian aristocracy can hardly resist.

The lives of Maudesian nobility may give the impression that life is easy and prosperous for all. However, the lives of commoners are often much more difficult, while all aspire to the lives of the noble class. Many Maudesians are hardly well-to-do and work as freeholders, or else laborers on another's property, often leading to general discontent and simmering resentment. For a class of people with little besides belief in the Holy Tome to uplift their lives, this discontent may cause friction with those seen as having unfair privileges or else upsetting their routine or religious beliefs, such as mages.

Furthermore, Maudesian commoners are at the mercy of the nation's needs in a way that the nobility, and even the Ministry (including the Institute of Magic and Templar Order), are not. During war times, press gangs led by the nobility commonly force Maudesian peasants into military service willingly or no. Those who are not conscripted may be left starving by the demands of the army, or else taken as slaves by opportunistic bandits.

Additionally, the chevaliers are allowed great liberties with commoners, up to and including murder and sexual assault.

The lot of elves in Maudet is unique as well, even from the common classes. Servitude, (often bearing little difference from outlawed slavery), is the existence of many. However, despite the aesthetic appreciation Maudesians have for elves, and the fact that some can potentially live more richly than most commoners, there does not seem to be the hope of social ascendance for them that is a possibility, however small, for humans.

### Fashion

A bare face in Maudet is considered gauche, especially in the presence of a foreigner or a commoner.

The Maudesian nobility, and those who serve publicly, are prone to wearing very intricate, as opposed to simply gaudy, masks in public. These masks, often half-masks specifically, are hereditary and identify one's family and social class almost as uniquely as the heraldry on a crest: a family might be associated with a lion crest, and matching lion masks will identify them in public. Retainers and servants wear a simpler form of a family's mask. Family symbols are well known among the Maudesian public, and anyone attempting to wear a mask that doesn't belong to their house runs the risk of a quick death if discovered.

Wearing makeup is another popular tradition for both men and women in Maudet. Even chevaliers may wear cosmetics. There is both masculine and feminine makeup, although outsiders may have trouble telling the difference. Makeup can be a strong indicator of social standing. The quality and rarity of one's makeup, uncommon hues and consistencies are prized, speak volumes of one's status.

Maudesian nobility has clothing which is made of rich dyes, complex patterns and fine fabrics. Rare colors and materials are used to imply wealth and status. They often lean towards flowing, layered garb.

## Politics

Under the rule of the legendary Caecilius Volantus, the fledgling nation of Maudet rose to prominence. He used the Second Scourge to expand its borders and the influence of the Ministry. While Maudet in the Ninth Age is nowhere near as large as it was under Volantus, it remains the most powerful nation in Morgaea, and Volantus's legacy continues to heavily influence Maudesian laws and social customs.

In Maudet, land is owned exclusively by the aristocracy and titles are granted by the Council of Heralds. Power rests solely in the Emperor or Empress as in many monarchies in Morgaea where power descends from the throne, unlike Nordain whose power derives from the support of freeholders. The Maudesian aristocracy's right to rule stems directly from the Watcher. There exists neither the concept of rule by merit nor the slightest notion of rebellion. If one is not noble, one aspires to be, or at the least aspires to be in the good graces of a noble, and is ever watching for a way to enter the patronage of those better placed in the Great Game.

Many Maudesian nobles belong to its renowned knightly order, the chevaliers. The martial training of the chevaliers is legendarily harsh, instilling in the knights a fierce discipline and code of honor that takes precedence over the value of their own lives. The penalty for dishonor is death, something that a chevalier would welcome if he or she has failed their lord. They are honored by many and are considered amongst the best of all soldiers but they also have unlimited rights when it comes to handling the peasantry; a cause of many conflicts.

### The Great Game

*Main article: The Great Game*

"The game" refers to the perpetual competition for influence and esteem between the Maudesian nobles. Every Maudesian of noble birth is subject to their peers' manipulation, if not as a player, then as a pawn. While the Ministry, and its affiliate organizations of the Templar Order or Institute of Magic, may seemingly be a way 'out' of the game, they too are still susceptible to manipulation.

The goals of the game are personal prestige, reputation, and patronage, and its "rules" are as simple as "anything goes". Nobles often employ assassins or, more often, bards to accomplish these goals. Social engineering is also important in this aspect of Maudesian culture, and masks, elaborate dress and social engagements are important tools to further the Game.

The lower classes of Maudesian society also attempt to participate in the Game, even though it would be assumed they would view it with contempt. However, despite the Game offering a veneer of genuine social mobility through accumulated wealth and patronage, with the ultimate aim of a title, the chances of this happening are, in reality, very slim. Though it appears meritocratic, the Great Game offers most commoners only a faint hope that "is enough to keep the poor preoccupied and the rich in power".

### Royalty and nobility

*Main article: Maudesian Nobility*

There is an established list of aristocratic titles along with appropriate forms of address. Titles are granted by the Maudesian **Council of Heralds**.

### Foreign relations

Centuries of expansionist behavior has contributed to Maudet having sour relations with its neighbors. The empire has invaded Nordain twice, battled with Anderlay, organized four Crusades against the Adamantium, squandered favor with the Freemarks and crushed the Sylvandale. They especially look down upon Nordishfolk, thinking them brutish and uncivilized. They are sneered down upon as 'Nordish turnips'.

However, they maintain a good relationship with the dwarves of Ondrathum with which they share borders in the western side of the White Spine. The dwarves provide the empire with lucenium and minerals, as well as smithing. Lucenium is especially important as it is consumed by the Ministry's templars.