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The nation of Castana had been little more than settled tribes lead by warlords when missionaries from Vicena arrived on its eastern shores. There was no understanding of organized religion at this time, each tribe held its own beliefs and worshipped gods which served their own purposes. These missionaries spent decades preaching to the tribes, introducing them to the greatness of the god Orien. Eventually these missionaries brought with them other visionaries who sought to establish Castana into another port of wealth for the Vicenan nation. The local warlords found they were no match against the Vicenan military and eventually their localized power was dissolved. The cities and towns of Castana began to rise under Vicenan control, though Castana was not, at this time, considered a part of the Vicenan Empire.
It was not until after Castanan mercenaries were called east to help defend the Empire against the barbarians from the north and the east that great changes began to happen in Castana. Because the Castanans helped the Empire defeat the barbarians the Empire offered thanks to Castana by making it a part of the Empire and sheltering it under the protection of Vicenan military. The mercenaries returned to Castana with word that Castana was to be named a province in the Vicenan Empire, with some amount of self-government. The also brought back other news that had little to do with the governing of the newest province. Mercenaries had been exposed to the teachings of the Vesperan faith and when they brought that faith home, it quickly took over, dwarfing the Orien church's influence.
The Vesperan faith flourished in Castana, so far from the center of the Vicenan Empire and the control of the Orienite church. Commoners and nobles alike embraced the faith of the god and goddess. As Castana began to grow and prosper, so did the Vesperans. A grand temple was built in the capital city of Oviedo. The crown, for generations, was worn by a Vesperan, thus further ensuring the faith's dominance in Castana. As Castana's strength grew, so did its desire for independence. When the Vicenan Empire was attacked again by barbarians, the mercenaries who left Castana to help fight were soon called home. Castana was prepared to war against Vicena if their bid for independence wasn't accepted. Unable to fight the barbarians and the Castanans, the Vicena Empire released Castana from the Empire in the year 502 and it became a sovereign nation.
While the Vesperan Faith established its home in Castana, it was not to remain in power forever. When King Elmundo de Inez died in 927 without an heir the throne was taken by his brother King Miquel, a convert to the Orienite church. He further cemented his ties to the Orienite Church by marrying the daughter of one of the most faithful Orienite noble houses in Castana. The Orienite Church, who originally saw the potential in Castana and who claimed the new king as a follower, began to clamor for power, slowly taking it from the Castanan Vesperan nobility. Religious influence worked its way into the royal council meetings and in the guise of good intentions the Church was able to direct the course the nation would take. More money was diverted to the Church and its projects, including the grand Cathedral that was built in the capital city of Oviedo. Those nobles who most strongly supported the Church benefited most from the relationship and those of other faiths began to see their prosperous lives falter.
King Miquel passed the crown on to his son Diego whose marriage to a Vicenan noblewoman only furthered the concerns of the Vesperans in Castana. Queen Octavia was an extremely pious woman who sought to bring the true faith back to the heretics in wayward Castana. Rumors began to circulate that King Diego wasn't as ruthless as she and the Church wished him to be and after fourteen years together, she had him killed, or so the rumor goes. This allowed for her son, Benedicto, to take the throne at the tender age of 13.
Under the leadership of Castana's King Benedicto the Black the Great Exile began in 1002. It was no secret that Benedicto claimed he was a most pious man and his connection to the Church was one of the most legendary of this period. It was often whispered that the Church and Octavia ruled and Benedicto was only a puppet, but such treasonous words were never openly uttered. Benedicto, on advice of the Church advisors, began to tighten the laws of the nation so that Orienites benefited and all other undesirables were exterminated. While Vesperans were tolerated because they did worship Orien, their freedom was severely restricted. It was the Hoinari however who suffered the greatest. Those who did not leave were executed in grand public events in front of the newly constructed cathedral. Those that did not venture into the mountainous north to make a life for themselves in Avanne were cast southward, into the great Castana desert.
As the nobility and the Church flourished in the capital of Oviedo and the other great cities of Castana, almost everyone else began to suffer and the rift between rich and poor grew steadily worse with each passing year. Benedicto the Black passed on after 40 years on the throne, only to be replaced by his son, Profino. He continued his father's work with the support of the Church, who only grew more affluent and influential through Profino's arrogant rule. Any freedom left to the Vesperan was stripped away and any influence that women in the nation, especially in the capital, was strictly curbed. Profino produced an abundance of offspring, thanks to both a fertile young Queen and the many concubines he kept. While such relationships were normally frowned on by the Church, an arrangement had been made between the Crown and the Church and the king's fleshy desires were overlooked. As Profino's line continued to grow and claim rights to the throne, others outside of Castana sought to take it from them.
Shortly after the Great Exile, activity began to stir in the southernmost regions of Castana. The Church declared it a barren wasteland and held no interest in establishing cities in the desert. Only the Hoinari lived there now, along with some small tribes that had come south to settle on the arrival of the first missionaries. It was these two groups the Kuredin first met as they landed on the southern shores of Castana. The tolerant beliefs of these strange foreigners appealed to the Hoinari, especially after what the suffered further north. It was with the help of the Hoinari that the Kuredin began their conquest of Castana and claim the land where Lumah had learned from god, Enzu and where he later died, carried into the heavens by the goddess, Hebat.
The Castanans were no match for the well-trained Kuredin fighting force. The kingdom had grown too soft and those who had served in the lower ranks of the military had neither the strength nor the desire to fight for the Castana king, Benedicto III, also know as Little Benedicto because of his short stature. The Church began to encourage public executions again, to force people to fight, but even as the stones of Cathedral Square were bloodied, people refused and fled to the north if they were able. The Kuredin swept through the city, bringing with it their 'heathen' and 'blasphemous' beliefs that formed the basis of the Lumite faith. They spared those who did not wish to fight them, but were unmerciful to those who sought to fight against them. Many of the clergy were killed when they left the city, for the gems and gold they tried to take with them weighted them down and slowed their escape. Eventually the Kuredin not only captured the capital of Oviedo, which they re-named Esharra, but they laid claim to the lower two-thirds of Castana. Only in the northern regions did the Orienites find safety from the desert raiders and it is there they sought to begin rebuilding their eastern empire.
Almost two hundred years have passed since the Kuredin had first set foot on the southern shores of Castana and in those two hundred years a wealth of changes have bettered the nation, making it richer than any could have hoped. Esharra is the greatest example of these changes. Elaborate gardens sprung up all over the city, structures of gleaming marble replaced the older buildings erected by the Orienites and water flowed freely into the city and through the farmlands from the large aqueducts that were built. Institutions of learning drew students from all over the known world and educated discussions and masterful poetry are welcome in noble households and even the royal court. Religious tolerance is expected and delivered, for the most part. Castana has finally come into her own.
When storytellers describe fictional lands of endless bounty and unbelievable beauty they could easily be speaking of cities in Castana. Mizrata, Sahar, and Gal'atur are all spoken of as exquisite jewels in the Castana hills and deserts but all pale next to the grandeur of Castana's capital, the city of Esharra.
When the Kuredin invaded they brought not only their people, but their love of beauty in all its forms, their exotic fabrics and foods, and great knowledge that had never before been seen in Castana. The Kuredin improved Esharra rather than destroying it. Castanan culture can still be found, intermingled with this relatively new element brought from the south, creating a city and a nation that is quite unique. It is a city where education is paramount, where even the poorest can learn to read and write. Scholars are regarded highly, as are those who keep Esharra beautiful, whether it be in the magnificent gardens, lines of poetry, strains of music or in the many forms of artwork. In Esharra one is judged on what one contributes to society, not simply by the weight of one's purse. Nobility and royalty still exist in Esharra, however, and many retain their lofty beliefs, but compared to some other nations, the nobility of Esharra treat their commoner brethren rather well.
But it is not paradise. While her leaders extol the virtues of their seaside city, declaring it a nation where all religions and peoples are tolerated and treated equally this is not always the case. Each religion has its liberal and receptive followers but each also has their hard line traditionalists who are not so easily brought around to change. Such is the same when different cultures are brought together. Some people yield easily to change and others stand firm against it, resisting it with every fiber of their being. While Esharra and the southern portion of Castana may appear to be a land of serenity there is always a current of activity just below the surface. The following topics will offer a little more information on what to expect in the city of Esharra.
Gardens of Esharra
The Rif al-Esharra runs through the city, separating the Sultan's Palace from the rest of the Esharra and it is from this river that comes the nourishment needed to make the city's legendary gardens flourish. The Kuredin, who come from an arid nation, developed forms of irrigation that are now in use in Esharra and other Castanan cities. These man-made waterways provide enough fresh water both to support the gardens of the city, as well as the human population. There is no garden in Esharra that does not have some water source, even if it is just a small pool or fountain. The larger gardens are a blend of canals and flora, creating grid patterns from which blossom fragrant flowers, decorative plants and fruit trees. The greenery in Esharra competes with the granite and marble architecture, creating the illusion that Esharra has grown up out of one single, enormous garden.
Art in All Forms
While the gardens of Esharra are spoken of through the known world, they are not the only source of beauty in the Castana capital. Art of all kinds flourishes in Esharra and those skilled in these crafts are always in demand and can live as well as many nobles. In Kuredin only music used in the temple for worship is allowed so their people needed another outlet for creativity. Poetry arose from this desire and quickly became a popular form of entertainment. Skilled poets are some of the most highly regarded artists in the Kuredin culture and they compete all the time for the patronage of the nobles and the Sultan. Only when the cultures of Kuredin and Castana mingled did music become more acceptable as a form of entertainment in Kuredin homes and at court though poets and their works are more desirable.
In the years following the invasion the Kuredin paid for their southern artists to come north and create in the new courts the beautiful artwork found in the desert nation. Artists of all kinds flooded Esharra, blending their techniques with those of the native Castanans. Not only are sculptors and painters revered, but so too are any artisan who creates something of beauty whether it be a mosaic or an ornate iron gate.
Universities
Esharra has become one of the premiere cities of learning in the known world. Schools are provided for citizens of all walks of life in Esharra from the private tutors that educate the nobles to the public schools where even the poorest can learn the read and write. It is rare to find someone in Esharra who has not had some kind of education at some point in their life. Education is prized in Esharra, as is evident in the numerous libraries housing thousands of books, available to any who wishes to visit and study. Universities are almost as abundant as places of worship and within their halls students and scholars discuss and debate a variety of topics. It is here too that the Lumites provide an education of the basics of Alchemy, opening their knowledge to any with the desire to learn.
Sections of the City
Here is a brief run-down of some of the more well-known places in Esharra.
Street of Light: The central street in Esharra, leading from the city's main gate to the Plaza of Delights. Named for the numerous lanterns that line the wide street, keeping it well-lit all night long, it provides visitors a beautiful first look of the city. From here the Plaza of Gold, the noble neighborhood, can be reached.
Plaza of Delights: The largest plaza in all of Esharra. It provides space enough for sever thousand people to gather for festivals, as well as a day to day location to gather and talk. There are a few distinguished restaurants on the edges of the plaza, but the majority of it is consumed with plants and artwork.
Seven Veils: The Seven Veils is a tavern and inn that caters to the lower classes of society. It is a place where a man can find a girl to warm his bed at night, where less-successful musicians and poets can find an eager audience, and where wine and ale flow all night long. It is generally shunned by the highborn of society, but it is a favorite place everyone else to unwind after a long, hard day.
Square of Faith: This square is the center of faith in Esharra. Churches and temples rise up to watch over the city, but the grandest of them all is the Lumite temple with its gleaming golden dome.
Square of Knowledge: Scholars or all sorts gather here to discuss and debates the latest theories and ideas in this open square. Podiums and stages are built on the fringes for speeches and lectures to anyone willing to linger and listen. Surrounding this square is the city's university and library, as well as a number of smaller schools.
Grand Market: Usually the busiest location in the city, this enormous square provides enough space for merchants to erect their tents and sell their wares. If an item is available in the known world it can usually be found in this market, or a merchant will know how to procure it.
Golden Quill: This highly respectable establishment is not only a restaurant for those who can afford it, but also a place for established poets and musicians to perform their latest works. It provides a tranquil setting and only the finest food and beverage to tempt the discriminating diner.
Public Gardens: An enormous expanse of flora and fauna, the gardens offer a pleasant diversion for people of all walks of life. Ponds and fountains are found amongst the greenery and there is even a small zoo, providing visitors with views of unusual animals from the south.
When the Kuredin took over most of Castana they brought with them their form of government which was instituted when the first Sultan of Castana, Sultan Ibinhez bin Qutuz, claimed the crown and throne in Esharra. Where Castana had been ruled by a puppet king controlled by the Orienite church, the Kuredin established the Sultan's council of advisors. The advisors came from different factions within the city so that one single group did not hold sole influence over the Sultan. The heirarchy and duties of the Castanan government within Esharra is as follows:
Sultan: The ruler of Castana, his decisions on all matters concerning the well-being of Castana are final, though it is rare any decision is made without the advice or support of an advisor or the entire council. He is the 'father' of the nation for he protects, nurtures, and punishes his children as each situation arises. He is also a symbol of Castana. The position is passed from father to son, or brother to brother or cousin to cousin if the current Sultan has no male heir. If there is no legal male heir available, the Sultan may appoint a legal heir to succeed him and usually this adopted heir is married to one of the Sultan's daughters, sisters, or cousins, with a daughter being the first choice. No woman may hold the position of Sultana as it refers to the position of leadership, but only as a title for the ruler's wife.
A Sultan must be of Kuredin blood, no full-blooded Castanan man may sit on the throne. A Sultana, however, may be a Castanan, though all her children are considered Kuredin. A Sultan is expected to marry before he takes the throne from his father, except in instances where the father dies and the son is not yet of age to take a bride. An unmarried Sultan is seen as a bad omen, for without an heir to follow in his footsteps it leaves open the possibility of a war of succession after his death between the noble houses.
The position of Sultan is one for life, though he may abdicate the throne if he wishes. This is usually done in a time of illness or old age, where the Sultan simply feels he can no longer rule adequately. Sultans have been brought down by lone assassins and through military coups if the Sultan was seen as an unfit ruler.
Emirs: The Emirs are generally the sons of the Sultan, though they can also be cousins or nephews as well. While they hold no power within Esharra, they are mentioned because they are the ones who govern the other cities of Castana under their father/cousin/uncle's guidance and instruction. Only the Sultan's heir remains in Esharra with him to learn how to rule all of Castana rather than one single city. Each Emir has his own council similar to the Council of Advisors in Esharra and those members of the city councils take their instruction from those in Esharra. (While they will not be regular PCs on the game, they need mention because their existence would be known by all Castanans.)
The Qadim
This group serves as the Sultan's closest advisors on all aspects of both Castana and the known world. Not only do they advise him on courses of action, but they also keep him updated on the latest news. They are also the administrators within the city. The highest among the Qadim is the Sultan's Vizier. Following the Vizier the other advisors have no official rank within the council, all considered on equal footing. The following is the list of the Qadim which, after the Vizier, come in no particular order.
Vizier: He is the voice of the Sultan in public venues when the Sultan or his family (mainly his sons) are not present. He is the scribe to the Sultan, writing letters to local and foreign dignitaries alike as well as keeping records of all meetings held among the councilors and deciding who gets to meet with the Sultan and when. His power comes from the throne and in most instances, to disobey his orders is to disobey the orders of the Sultan himself. A Vizier is always a Kuredin and is always male. He is chosen by the Sultan when he takes the throne and almost always comes from the noble class. The only other groups from which a Vizier might be selected is the Scholars and the Lumite priesthood, though the latter is very rare. Any personal belongings he procures while in office come from the royal family exclusively and meticulous records are kept of the Vizier's possessions. Any gifts offered to him, even from his family, must first be offered to the Sultan who passes them to his Vizier. While seeming to be an odd practice to some, it is done help prevent bribery of outsiders in hopes of gaining the Vizier's favor. This is not to say that the Vizier is never bribed, but bribes must come in some other fashion than tangible goods. A Vizier serves at the pleasure of the Sultan and can be removed by the Sultan at any time and for any reason. At the same time, the Vizier can remain in power as long as the Sultan sits the throne and sometimes he continues in his post if the new Sultan wishes to keep him on.
Qadi of the Treasury: This councilor is responsible for keeping detailed records of the country's finances, everything from taxes to trade. Any coin that comes from the royal coffers and is spent is known by the Qadi of the Treasury. He oversees the tax collection in the city and throughout the nation as well as advising the Sultan on when taxes should be increased and what projects the Sultan should spend his money on. He also oversees any trade done by Castanan merchants on the global market and he keeps up with the current prices of goods throughout the known world. He also advises merchants on the pricing of their goods, especially those sold to foreign markets. This position may be held by a Kuredin or Castanan of noble, scholar, or merchant rank and has, in the past, been held only by men. This position is also appointed by the Sultan and he may dismiss this councilor at any time he wishes.
Qadi of the Military: This councilor advises the Sultan in all things regarding the military. While it is the Sultan who declares war on another nation, his councilor is generally the one who suggests the idea. He collects detailed records of the Castana military, from the number of fighting forces, their weapons, armor, horses and other supplies. He is also in charge of the military force within the city used for patrolling the streets. This is one of the few positions in which the Sultan has no say as to who is appointed, for this position is appointed by the Commander of the Castana military. This position is almost always held by a Kuredin, but there have been some Castanan men who have held his position in the past. It is an exclusively male position simply because to attain this position one must be a high-ranking member of the military, a group in which women are not involved.
Qadi of Faith: Because the Lumite faith is so intrinsic to the make-up of the Kuredin people, it is not surprising that there is a religious advisor on the council. He advises the Sultan on all things relating to the faith, including dealing with the other faiths that exist in Castana. It is expected of the Sultan to be a faithful Lumite and his Qadi of Faith aids him in those decisions where his actions might go against the Lumite teachings. Like the military position, this one is not chosen by the Sultan and is always male. This position is held by a member of the Lumite church in that nation from the Dikud branch of the Lumites.
Qadi of Foreign Relations: This councilor is well educated in all goings on outside of the nation of Castana. He has contacts in the other known nations and is usually the one others nations will first contact if they wish a correspondence or audience with the Sultan. Unlike the Qadi of Protocol and the Arts, his position is strictly a political and diplomatic one. He is the main voice of the Sultan in other nations and he is the one who goes in when problems arise between Castana and another nation where diplomacy is necessary. Like the Qadi of Protocol he is well versed in the cultures of the other nations and knows almost as much of them as he knows of his own country. In times of war he is as helpful an advisor to the Sultan as the Qadi of the Military. A councilor in this position can be either Kuredin or Castana but is always a male. He is almost exclusively of the noble class, though history has recorded there had once been a scholar who was appointed to this position. He is chosen by the Sultan and can be dismissed at the Sultan's discretion.
Qadi of Protocol and the Arts: This position had once simply been known as the Qadi of the Arts, a councilor who had handled all aspects of art and culture within the city. In Kuredin this original title still remains. However, with the intermingling of cultures and the increased association with people of other faiths and nationalities, the additional title of Qadi of Protocol was added. This councilor not only tends to all things artistic within the city, such as giving royal support for theatrical productions and hiring palace poets and artists, but he or she is also considered the host or hostess of the city. This councilor must be extremely familiar with the other cultures the Castanan people deal with and how to respond to various situations so as to not insult guests to Esharra. He or she is most often the first person a visiting dignitary meets when they arrive in Esharra and it is this councilor that sees to it that all guests are treated well.He or she works closely with the Qadi of Foreign Relations and often travels with him to other cities and nations. This councilor can be either Kuredin or Castanan, though the number of Kuredin in this position have greatly outnumbered the number of Castanan. The Sultan chooses this councilor and can remove him or her at his will. This position can only be held by a noble and has even been held by a daughter of the Sultan.
Qadi of the Capital: This is one of the more demanding positions on the council because it encompasses a large amount of duties. This councilor oversees the day to day duties that are involved with the running and maintenance of the capital city and any surrounding lands owned by the city and not one of the noble houses. From the mundane such as seeing that the streets are kept clean to major construction this councilor makes the decisions as to what is to be done and with the assistance of the Qadi of the Treasury how much money will be spent on each project. The councilor also oversees the civil justice system which deals with any crime committed in the city that is not in the realm of a military or religious crime, such as theft. They deal with the public on a daily basis and are usually the most familiar to the common man out of all of the council positions. This position can be held by either a Kuredin or Castanan and is selected by the Sultan. This position has always been held by a man, but the Sultan may choose a female if he desires. Most often this position is held by a noble, though a member of the merchant or scholar classes are acceptable as well, though only if there is no noble willing to accept the position or none qualified for it. Within the other cities of Castana this councilor is known as the Qadi of the City.
All members of the Qadim has their own staff that works for them in whatever capacity the particular council member requires. Some Qadi may have only three or four subordinates while others might have as many as ten or more. The latter is especially true for the Qadi of the Capital who has many areas of control. Qadi may hire and fire as they see fit, though the Qadi of the Military and the Qadi of Faith must select their assistants from within their respective organizations. Qadi work from within the Palace but may also option to have second offices in the city. This is especially true for the Qadi of the Military, Faith, and the Capital. When a woman holds a position in the Qadim she is known as Qadiya rather than Qadi.
The Castanan natives are a dark haired people. Shades of brown and black are by far the most common though there are some blonds and redheads among them as well. However, even these two rarer shades are only found in their darker hues. There are no platinum or pale blond-haired Castanans, but rather their blonds are more of a deep golden hue. The same is true for redheads. Strawberry blond is not a native Castanan hair color but rather darker shades of auburn are found among these people, though again, brown and black are the most prevalent.
Like their hair color, darker eye colors are the most common, though some lighter hazel shades are not unknown. However, blues and greens are only found in their darker hues. There are no ice-blue or pale-green eyes found in the Castanan people. Skin hues range from pale to dark olive, but the most pale of them do not have a pinkish undertone but rather a golden one.
Castanans are neither noticeably tall nor short. Woman generally average anywhere from 5'2" to 5'7" with men taller, averaging from 5'5" to 6'.
While Kuredin culture has influenced much of the life in Castana, it has not completely taken over every area. there are still Castana fashions, which are listed below. If you are playing a Kuredin in Castana and want Kuredin clothing styles, please visit the Kuredin section of this website.
Castanan Women
Women in Castana do borrow some of the styles of the Kuredin, but they still retain their own designs as well. They generally wear two dresses, an under-dress and an over-dress. The under-dress is narrow, with long sleeves that hug the arms while the over-dress is loose, with wide sleeves and slits up both sides from hem to waist, revealing the under-dress. Leather belts are generally worn at the waist or just below it. The cut of the dresses are generally the same whether the wearer is rich or poor. It is the quality of the fabric and the amount of embroidery that easily denotes the social standing of the wearer. The over-dress of noblewomen tends to have a short train in the back. Color in the dresses for most 'honest' women is subdued and tasteful with the material of the dresses dyed in matching shades. Bright and shocking colors are most commonly found among the women who work in the city's taverns and in other more questionable professions. Only during festivals would noblewomen be seen wearing bright shades.
Many Castanan women have adopted the Kuredin kubar in their own wardrobes, but wearing it in a slightly different fashion. Rather than a closed garment, it is open in the front, like a long coat. They wear it in place of the Castanan over-dress and without a belt. Even some Kuredin women have adopted this new style.
Their footwear is similar to that worn by Kuredin women. Nobles prefer the dainty fabric slippers while commoners wear a heavier slipper or a leather shoe, shorter than the ankle-high boot favored by the Kuredin.
Hairstyles of Castanan women are as varied as the women themselves. Young women generally wear their hair down and loose while older women braid their hair and wear it pinned up in a variety of styles. Small caps with a net on the back are popular among nobles, using the net to contain their elaborate braids and keep them in place. Commoner women usually do not have the time to do their hair in elaborate styles and prefer the single braid that falls down their back.
Castanan women have taken to the Kuredin fashion of wearing fragrant oils and bathing in scented baths. Like Kuredin nobles, Castanan noble women are known for commissioning their own signature fragrance from a perfumer and many have specific scents for different seasons or occasions. Even commoners will wear fragrances from time to time though few have the money to spend on custom-made scents. Only among the nobles is face colors found, though not to the extent worn by Kuredin women. It is subtle in application and color.
Castanan Men
Loose shirts with narrow cuffs and slightly baggy breeches are the most popular clothing among Castana men, whether they are nobles, artisans or dock workers. Like the women, the quality of the fabric is what sets apart the classes. Noble men, however, tend to dress more formally and rarely go out of their homes without a tailored jacket, either a short one that ends at the waist or a longer one that falls to mid-thigh. In an attempt to accept Kuredin styles some Castanan men have had their tailors created longer jackets, similar to those worn by Kuredin men. Tunics are also popular and are usually sleeveless so they can be worn over the aforementioned shirts and tighter hose are becoming more popular among the city's entertainers. The nobles are slowly adopting this style of dress as well.
Cloaks are the norm for outer wear in the chilly evenings and the few winter months southern Esharra endures. Nobles customarily wear heavy wool lined with fur while commoners generally use a lesser quality wool and forgo the fur lining. For footwear knee-high boots are most common, though in their houses men tend to wear slippers similar to those worn by women. Sandals are more popular among the lower classes.
Many Castanan men wear their hair long and while their chins are kept clean-shaven, mustaches are popular. Those that wear their hair short tend to wear it very short, a style that is very common among the military and the clergy. Men wear no adornments in their hair, though those that keep their hair long do occasionally pull it back or braid it. Wide-brimmed hats are popular among the working class while nobles rarely wear any kind of hat.
Perfume is slowly coming into style among Castanan men, but like their Kuredin counterparts they use it sparingly and stick to more 'masculine' scents. Only noblemen wear any kind of jewelry and it is usually a ring or brooch to denote their noble house and lineage.
Castana is an ever-changing society where different beliefs, customs and races of people are mingling together in one nation. While the Kuredin have conquered the nation of Castana and now rule it they have been embraced the culture and customs of their new nation and melded it with their own, creating an entirely new nation born of tolerance.
Religious Tolerance
When the Kuredin invaded Castana and claimed dominance over the lower two-thirds of it they allowed opposing faiths to remain in Esharra if those of those faiths agreed to live by the new laws of Esharra. The Orienites, who had controlled Castana before the Kuredin came, were the largest contingent to leave, retreating to the northern border cities. But while there is tolerance and acceptance there is not equality. While the Lumite religion itself doesn't run the nation, it is the religion of the Sultan and all the Kuredin people and those of the Lumite faith are usually put first. Those of other faiths are welcome to worship as they wish and no one is forced to convert, though most who are looking to get ahead in the military or politics tend to leave their old faith behind and embrace the Lumite faith.
The Arts
As mentioned in the Esharra files, art and beauty in all forms is highly regarded in Castana. This can include, but is not limited to, poetry, music, sculpture, mosaics, painting and weaving. Even the most common houses have some kind of artistic touch to their interior and the houses of the rich are a marvel to look upon.
Festivals which celebrate the arts are held each year in the largest cities, with the greatest of these being in Esharra. Craftsmen and artists come from all over Castana to try and make a name for themselves and hopefully catch the eye of a prominent patron or perhaps even the Sultan himself. There are performances of hew plays and poetry, galleries are filled with new works of art and even the streets are filled wandering performers such as jugglers, contortionists and fire-eaters.
Intellectual Pursuits
Castanans love to debate and discuss everything and anything under the sun, so much so that it has become almost a sport with them. In the Square of Knowledge podiums are erected for scholars to speak from about a myriad of topics, allowing spectators to simply listen or to join in the discussion. People are encouraged to speak their minds in such discussions, though they are more appreciated if their argument is well thought out and factual. These lively discussions tend to stay away from religious topics and remain in the secular realm in public, either out of respect or out of fear.
Like the artists, intellectuals hold their own festival, though without the extravagant pageantry found during the art festival. Contests of a variety of sorts are held, as are ceremonies at the universities, similar to graduation. Students are recognized for their accomplishments as are trained scholars for their contributions to their area of study.
The following are some common sayings and customs in Castana.
Enzu protect us/Hebat protect us: A Lumite prayer against evil or bad luck, Enzu is generally invoked during daylight hours and Hebat at night. It can also be used as a farewell, such as "May Enzu protect you." Veperians substitute with Orien and Occasa
Namadu: A greeting, can we used in casual or formal settings, usually accompanied with a nod of the head or a slight bow, depending on the status of the person giving the greeting and the person receiving it. The Sultan would never add any body movement with the greeting while a slave would bow fully at the waist. Originally a Kuredin greeting, it has been adopted by Castanans as well.
Sila'kar: A farewell, can be shortened to simply Sila. Like Namadu is is customarily given with a bow or nod.
My water is yours: Usually used to welcome a visitor into one's home, it means that a guest is to make themselves at home. This phrase is especially common in desert cities were water isn't abundant. A guest is always met at the door with a goblet of fresh water as well and it is seen as poor manners to refuse it without taking at least one sip. It is even worse form for a homeowner to taint the welcome water in order to poison a guest.
Enzu/Orien burn (you/me/it): A curse, the name of the god is interchangeable depending on the faith of the speaker.
To a visitor the cities of Castana appear unappealing, lacking any beauty, as far as the architecture is concerned. The style found in such cities such as the capital of Esharra has been adapted from the Kuredin style with little of the old Castana style remaining. While indeed the exteriors of city buildings and homes are little more than flat facades of granite and marble, the interiors are works of astounding beauty. Elaborate and intricate patterns are carved into marble and used to frame doorways and windows. Brightly colored tiles creating dazzling patterns on the walls and floor while gilded wooden beams criss cross on the ceiling; the gold offset with rich colors like red and blue. Filigree work is popular as window coverings and other architectural accents, giving the impression that a house's interior is as delicate as lace. Even in the commoners houses there is such beauty, though it might not be found in the abundance that decorates the upper class estates.
Houses in the cities are generally built from tan and gold colored granite, which is found in abundance in Castana, providing a unifying landscape of stone interspersed between the many trees that rise up from the numerous city gardens. Those who can afford it construct their houses partly or entirely out of white or golden marble. Those who use it on part of their home reserve it for the home's interior, where the family and visitors can enjoy it. Most houses within cities have similar designs, even among the lower classes. Iron gates open up to a shaded archway that leads into the house's courtyard. With the pleasant weather in Castana most of the year, the courtyard is a popular room in the house, even with it being exposed to the elements, except for the portico at the far end, which leads to the interior of the house. Usually there is a small garden found here, as well as a pool or fountain.
The interior of the house is centered around a private garden. Smaller houses might only have a small area while the larger estates have elaborate gardens with multiple pathways, fountains and ponds. The lower class houses generally only have one-story houses while those of the middle and upper classes generally have two. Only the richest of nobles have houses that extend to a third story and this story is generally little more than an enclosed balcony at the rear of the house, providing views of the surrounding city. Because of the advanced irrigation systems brought by the Kuredin, Castanan cities take great pride in their gardens, not only the public ones that fill the city's empty spaces, but also the private ones within the home.
Outside of the cities houses are built with whatever materials are readily available. Some people are fortunate enough to have access to stone, though in the more rural regions adobe homes are commonly found.
Food
Thanks to the innovative irrigation techniques brought to Castana by the Kuredin, the nation produces a wealth of goods that it has never even conceived of in the past. Dry fields soon became lush farmland, producing a wide array of foods, both those native to the country and exotic treats brought north from Kuredin. Olives, onions and wheat, which had always been found in Castana, are grown in larger quantities than before, providing staples to any Castanan table. In the southern regions of the nation the Kuredin grow pomegranates, oranges, lemons, artichokes, bananas, almonds, sugar-cane, figs, grapes, garlic, peaches, apricots and rice. New spices and herbs were introduced into the Castanan diet as well, such as cumin, coriander, and saffron with saffron being used in small amounts and only in the kitchens of the very wealthy. While the nation does produce grapes, most are used for food rather than wine and so most Castanans serve Avannais wine with their meals.
With the nation's large coastline, saltwater varieties of fish, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel and sole, are commonly found in all cities and villages along the shore while river and lake varieties, such as trout and bass, are more popular in the nation's interior. Mutton and beef were popular as well in almost all regions, especially on the northern plains were enormous open spaces provided ranchers with perfect grazing lands. Various kinds of fowl were common as well. Castanans also favor dishes made with beans and vegetables, especially for those who have weaker stomachs and cannot handle the spicier foods brought from Kuredin.
Fabric and Dyes
The methods of irrigation have not also helped the food farmers, but those who grow non-edible crops. Flax, for linen, has always been found in Castana, but like many other crops before the Kuredin arrived, its quantity was limited. Now flax is one of the largest crops found in Castana, producing some the finest quality of linen found in the known world. Only cotton, a crop brought from the south, exceeds flax in the amount produced, offering the people of Castana a lightweight material that costs less than linen. Even commoners can afford cotton garments, which is a necessity in the warmer southern regions of the nation. The wool produced by Castanan sheep is an inferior quality, especially compared to the soft wool that comes from Avanne and only the poor of the nation use it for clothing.
Not surprisingly, the Kuredin brought with them new plants from which to extract dyes. The most coveted is the brilliant yellow-orange that comes from saffron. Never has such a hue been seen but even though the plant has been brought to Castana, it is still quite rare, so rare in fact that only those of the royal house in Esharra might wear saffron-dyed garments, though they do export some saffron to other nations. Other colors came from more commonly-grown plants such as safflower, wild madder and sumach. Safflower can produce pink or yellow, depending on how it is processed. A range of reds comes from madder and sumach can produce yellows and browns and when combined with iron can produce grey and black. Woad is grown to produce a pale blue dye, while darker blues and greens that come from indigo are imported from the southeastern region of Kuredin. Qirmiz, an insect rather than a plant, also produces a brilliant red.
Other Goods
The Castanans are known for their large copper and iron ore deposits in their western holdings from which they sell both the raw ore as well as weapons and decorative items produced from these metals. Small amounts of gold and silver have been found in Castana as well, but not enough to handle internal needs, much less for export. Any precious metals and gems are imported from the south, either from Kuredin, or other distant lands.
Marble is also found in abundance in Castana, though only in white and yellow-gold shades. Additional colors, such as green, blue, and black must all be imported. Granite and wood are both found in abundance and are heavily traded. Castanan leather is known far and wide as some of the best in the world and those skilled in the decorating of the leather have made it an art form unto itself. Castanans, under Kuredin instruction, have begun producing beautiful tiles for home decoration, though the busy patterns and bright colors are more favored in the southern nations. Decorative glass, another skill brought from Kuredin, is quickly becoming a popular export from Castana.
Currency and Taxes
The Kuredin have brought their form of currency with them to Castana, replacing the Castana dinero with the Kuredin Sig. Sigs are small, round coins stamped with Lumah's star on top of a half sun and half moon on one side and the image of the Sultan on the other. Coins can only be minted at the Sultan's palace with strict punishment for counterfeiters. They are found in five amounts.
Guskin: Gold coin worth roughly forty dollars.
Babar: Silver coin worth roughly ten dollars.
Zibar: Bronze coin worth roughly a dollar
Urid: Copper coin worth roughly fifty cents.
Kug: Copper coin, smaller than an Urudu, worth roughly a penny.
Castanans, especially those living in cities and large villages, can expect to see a representative of the royal tax collector visit them at least once a year. This is a fact, no matter which nation one originally came from or what religion one practices. However, since Castana is ruled by the Lumites, those of other faiths are expected to pay a little more to retain their freedoms and continue to live in a society where all faiths are welcomed and tolerated.
In a nation where tolerance among different faiths is well-known, it is not surprising that the social hierarchy is different from most other nations, with a few exceptions. Outside of the Royal family and the nobles, social standing is not necessarily built on bloodlines and accumulated wealth and lands. In Castana society, social standing is based more on what you do with your life and how you contribute to society rather than simply who your parents are or who you had the fortune or misfortune to marry. The following explains this somewhat unusual, and at times complicated, social hierarchy
The Royal Family
The Sultan and all of his family constitute the Royal family and all courtesies paid to the Sultan are expected to be paid to his wife, children, cousins, and so forth. This only includes blood relations recognized by the family. This does not include bastards, concubines and other members of the Royal household. Under Kuredin rule, only one of Kuredin blood could be named Sultan. Problems arose when Sultans would take Castanan born women as their wives but it was later decreed that the child claims the birthright of the father, so a son of a Kuredin Sultan and a Castana Sultana would be considered Kuredin by blood.
Nobility
There is a separate social standing within the nobility where houses can continually gain or lose social clout within the noble caste, though most of those outside of the nobility rarely see much of a difference. In most cases, Kuredin nobles stand the highest, followed by the Vesperan worshipping nobles. Few Orienite nobles remain in the lower portion of Castana, but those who do for one reason or another are considered the lowest of the three, though they still hold a great deal of wealth and power. They are by no means considered less than nobility.
Past this point, the social hierarchy is based on career and contributions rather than wealth.
Advisors to the Crown
Only rarely is a non-noble chosen as an advisor to the Sultan, but when it happens, that person is afforded almost the same respect and courtesies of the nobles. Some of those that are in the following categories view them with a sense of awe that sometimes borders on hero-worship, simply because that person has achieved a position normally reserved for the nobility.
People of Faith
While they remain somewhat outside of the social hierarchy in most ways, those who serve one of the three churches are generally afforded greater respect than many others in society because Castana is a land heavily influenced by their faith, whichever of the three churches one might follow. More in-depth explanation of those of the priestly caste can be found in the help files of the different religions.
Military
Those who serve to protect Castana from invaders and dissidents are well-respected in Castana for they provide a service which allows those not a member of the military to continue to live the lives to which they've become accustomed. Additional information on the ranks within the military can be found in the Military help file for Castana. This group only includes those in the recognized military organizations of the nation and her cities, it does not include mercenaries.
Creatives
Castana is a nation that loves beauty in all forms and those that can create and cultivate beauty are highly respected and their work sought after. The top of this list are the gardeners. The most skilled of them can become quite wealthy working for the nobility, or even the city itself, since all money spent on decorating the city comes from the royal coffers. Closely behind are the poets. Poetry is favored even higher than music, though both can be found in Castana. Following the poets are artists of all kinds. Painters, decorative glass-blowers, mosaicists, tile-makers, and those who create decorative iron works fall into this category. The Kuredin have brought many well-trained artisans with them to Castana, and the love of their work as become part of the Castana way of life as well. Also included in this group are the musicians and other performers, such as singers and actors.
Scholars
The Kuredin have provided Castana with a new love of learning and it is no surprise that those who follow scholarly pursuits are respected. This includes those who administer and teach at the universities and schools throughout the nation as well as those who considered themselves independent scholars. Those who conduct research in a variety of areas, whether it be in the sciences, literature, philosophy, history or mathematics. Many of these scholars are employed in libraries or by individuals who have the money to afford private instruction.
Merchants and Traders
This includes anyone in the position of providing various goods and services to the cities and towns of Castana without actually creating or laboring themselves. Not only merchants and traders fall under this category, but also proprietors of restaurants, taverns, inns, bath houses and other such businesses.
Craftsmen and Farmers
Those who do not create artful pieces but rather ordinary items needed for everyday living are found in this category. Potters, weavers, blacksmiths and general carpenters fall under this topic, as does a myriad of other labor-intensive positions. It also includes farmers and fishermen and any others who put food on the tables of Castana.
Laborers
These are generally those who do heavy labor, but without actually producing tangible goods. Nevertheless, their work is important, especially in the larger towns and cities. This would include dock-workers, delivery personnel, street cleaners, and other jobs that most people feel are beneath them. While they do, in the end produce something, those who work in general construction fit into this category as well. This would also include mercenaries, though many have become quite wealthy in their own right, much more so than most others in this group.
Slaves
For the most part, slaves have no real standing on Castanan society, but because they do exist, they are noted on this list.
Titles and means of address
Because of the mix of cultures, the titles of the royalty and nobility can be a bit confusing to an outsider. The nobility of Castana have retained their titles while Kuredin nobles and royalty use titles brought with them from the south. The following is a list of titles for both Kuredin and Castana royalty and nobility, as well as how they are to be addressed.
Sultan: Male ruler of Castana, royal seat is in the city of Esharra. Must be of Kuredin heritage. Addressed as His Majesty.
Sultana: Title used by a the wife of the Sultan, whether she be of Kuredin or Castana origin. She is addressed as Her Majesty.
Emir: Title given to the sons of the Sultan. The heir to the throne is addressed as His Royal Highness, all other sons are addressed as His Highness.
Emira: Title give to the daughters of the Sultan. All are addressed as Her Highness regardless of birth order.
Vizier: Title given to the Sultan's closest advisor and highest ranking member of his Council of Advisors. He is addressed with his title as well as his name or simply by his title. For example, Vizier Hazem ibn Zayeed or Vizier ibn Zayeed.
Qadi: Title used by the male members of the Sultan's Qadim. The title is used in the same manner as the Vizier's title.
Qadiya: Title used by the female members of the Sultan's Qadim. The title is used in the same manner as the Vizier's title
Sheikh: A title equivalent to Lord, it is a title used by all noble Kuredin men.
Sheikha: A title equivalent to Lady, it is a title used by all noble Kuredin women
Don: A title equivalent to Lord, it is used by the patriarch of noble Castana families. They are addressed with the name of their estate. For example, Miguel Gonzalez de Besora would be addressed as Don de Besora
Dona: A title equivalent to Lady, it is used by the matriarch of noble Castana families. Like the title of Don, they are addressed with the name of their estate, such as Dona de Besora.
Senor: Title used by all noble Castanan men, except for the patriarch. Like with the title of Don, the name of the estate is added to the title, such as Senor de Besora.
Senora: Title used by all noble Castanan women, except for the matriarch. Like with the title of Dona, the name of the estate is added to the title, such as Senora de Besora. Younger girls are generally referred to as Senorita rather than Senora.
Members of the military and the priesthoods are addressed by their titles. Those not of any of the aforementioned groups is given no official title, though it is common for them to be referred to as Master or Mistress. When meeting someone for the first time it has become customary to address the person as Senor or Senora if the person's title isn't initially obvious. Most nobles or others of rank are quick to make corrections.
Equality
Memorium is a look back at history and because of it, it lacks many of the 21st century beliefs we take for granted. Women and commoners tend to get the short end of the stick in most cases. There is no equality as far as these two groups are concerned. There are some instances in which woman hold a bit of power, but there is no woman who holds a position that cannot be overruled by a man. A woman cannot be a ruling Sultana, only the wife of the Sultan. She cannot be in the military and she cannot hold any position of authority in the Lumite faith. The only reason there are Ensi (priestesses) at all is because of Hebat. Most women are seen as excess baggage, baby-makers or opportunities to form political alliances, especially among the noble classes. Noble women rarely have a say in their marriage though commoners are generally freer to marry who they want. A marriage between a commoner and a noble is very rare. It is usually only the case when a family has too many daughters and never is the commoner brought into the noble family. The poor girl is regulated to lower class status. But again, this is very rare.
Laws tend to favor the rich. This is simply how things are done and how things were done. There is no 'innocent until proven guilty' in Castana and there is no Bill of Rights. Please keep this in mind if you chose to make a commoner. It does not necessarily mean you will be sought out simply to step all over you, but please do not expect equality. There is a difference between tolerance and equality. Castana offers tolerance to people of different religions, but it by no means that all religions are equal. Please keep this in mind during your RP, actions are not personal, they are simply keeping in theme with the game.
While the Castanan military suffered a great defeat at the hands of the Kuredin 200 years ago, they are again a fighting force not to be taken lightly. Like many other aspects of Castanan life, the Kuredin have influenced and improved the nation's military force. Where once each city or region maintained its own military force with little communication with other units, the Castanan military is now based in Esharra, with branches of a single leadership filling the various cities and towns of Esharra. While he generally doesn't take to the field of battle, the Sultan is considered the head of the Castanan military, though he rarely becomes directly involved with the day to day activities of the troops. His commands, when they come, are delivered by the Qadi of the Military to the troops.
Uniforms and Armor
The Castanan military did not have one singular uniform, they different depending on the branch of the military and the amount of money a soldier had to spend on his supplies. Only among the highly regarded Shar'ur, the royal guard, do all men wear the same uniform. Boiled leather is popular among the lower classes while those who can afford it wear a combination of leather and metal armor. Their helms, adopted from the Kuredin, are conical in shape and sometimes called the onion helm. They have guards over the ears and some have begun making them with guards over the noses as well. Because of the love of arts of all sorts, it isn't surprising to find enameled scabbards, tooled leather, and breastplates inlaid with different metals. Because the Katsuban consist of all nobles, it isn't surprising to find their horses as well protected and adorned as the men riding them. The one thing all men in the military have in common, no matter their rank or branch, is that all wear cloaks the color of their branch with the standard of their branch of the military on the back. Those that choose to wear tunics over their armor have them dyed the same shade as their cloak with the standard on the front.
Military Ranks
Masu-Sar - High commander of the Castanan military. His color is white.
Imin - Title for the commander of each branch of the military. Used in conjunction with his branch of the military, such as Imin Katsuban, or simply just Imin.
Sar - Not necessarily just below Imin, this rank is given to older members or members who can no longer serve in their full capacity. They are the bookkeepers and scribes for their branch of the military.
Lugal - The third-highest rank in the Castanan military, he serves under the Imin
Ku-sa - The highest rank a commoner can reach (except in the Kurum'ur) in the military. This is the lowest officer level.
Gibil - This is the rank given to all new members of the military and is the lowest active rank. Some members spend their whole lives as a Gibil, though those are generally commoners.
Dumu - While not an official military rank, this is the title given to all boys in training. If they complete their training they will be raised to the rank of Gibil and begin their military service.
Branches of the Military
Katsuban
The Castanan military is known for its cavalry. No where else in the known world can better horses be found and the warriors known as the Katsuban are almost as legendary. Before the Kuredin most riders used a short sword to fight, though this posed the problem of bringing their prized stock into the thick of battle. Some had begun attempts to use a bow and arrow, though with only limited success. Certainly not the skill which the Kuredin possessed, a skill which proved quite useful when Castana was first invaded. As the Kuredin took over Castana's military training with a shorter bow became the first order of business and soon the native Castanans were nearly as skilled as the Kuredin.
Because of the expense horses bring, only nobles can afford to ride and thus, with a few odd exceptions, the Katsuban is made entirely of nobles. Members are trained not only with the bow, but also with the short sword that is still a favorite among many Castanans.
Their color is red and their standard is a rearing horse.
Sukur
They are the foot soldiers of the Castanan military and their bulk is made up of commoners and lower nobles who did not have either the money or the skill to join the Katsuban. Spears, bows, axes, maces and swords are all popular among the Sukur though generally a member of the Sukur specializes in only one weapon.
Commoners always remain at the two lowest ranks of the Sukur, while nobles fill the officer positions. This can include members of the Katsuban, though leading a Sukur contingent is sometimes seen as a demotion, depending on the noble in question and his standing among the Katsuban. It is also common for members of the Sukur to be part-time soldiers, allowing them to work other jobs during peacetime but with full expectations that they pick up arms when the call comes. This is generally only found among those of the Gibil rank.
Their color is green and their standard is two crossed spears.
Masa'a
This branch is only found in the port cities of Castana where their ships patrol the waters. They are made up of men from all classes, though only nobles and members of noted military families can obtain positions of leadership. This group usually consists of a large number of Asipu as well, which is explained in the Lumite news files. They can also act as escorts for trade or passenger ships, especially when the passengers are members of the royal family or the Sultan's council.
Their color is blue and their standard is a ship.
Kurum'ur
Sometimes seen as less than the 'real' military, the city guard is indeed a faction of the military and the only one in which a commoner can rise to a rank of leadership. In fact, rarely does a man who comes from a military or noble family join with the Kurum'ur, it is seen as beneath them. The city guard is similar to a police force. They patrol the streets of the city and handle any situation requiring, their service, from bar brawls to destruction of property. They control the city's jails and handle all arrests, save for military or religious crimes, those are handled by the upper ranks of the military and the church, respectively.
While commoners can rise to the position of Imin Kurum'ur, he has little power outside of his faction. Only in time of great civil unrest can the Imin Kurum'ur order members of the Katsuban and the Sukur (but never the Shar'ur) to aid them should additional forces be required to once again bring peace to the city streets.
Their color is brown and their standard is two towers flanking a gate.
Shar'ur
Almost without exception members of the Shar'ur are the sons of current and former Shar'ur. This is the only faction of the military to reside within the Sultan's palace, as do their families. Their sons begin their training early, which is also conducted within the Palace by older members of the Shar'ur. Occasionally if a young man in training with one of the other branches shows great promise, he can be transferred to the Shar'ur. While this is not exceedingly rare, it is not common either. Members of the Shar'ur are extremely proud of their military heritage and the records of their families can rival those of some of the noble families.
The Shar'ur protect not only the royal family, but also the grounds and all who work in the palace. Younger members are generally restricted to watching servants while the most exceptional among them has the honor of protecting the royal family. They are part of the military but they are also outside of it. Their commander, known as the Inim Shar'ur, keeps the Masu-Sar informed on the activities of the Shar'ur, but members of the Shar'ur report only to the Inim Shar'ur. Even the youngest member of the Shar'ur cannot be commanded by an officer of one of the other branches.
With this great honor comes great responsibility. Oath-breakers are seen as the worst sort of man with death being the only punishment a Shar'ur can be given. If, for some reason, a boy does not live up to his family's traditions and cannot complete the training, he is disowned from his family line and passed down to one of the other branches of the military, if they will have him. Many young boys have committed suicide rather than face such dishonor and such an action is seen as honorable in the eyes of other Shar'ur.
Their color is yellow and their standard is a crown centered in a star
Mercenaries
The Castanan military will employ mercenaries and has done so many times in the past. When a single mercenary or a group joins the Castana military it is for a specific amount of time and for a pre-determined amount of payment. This is more common in times of war, but not always. If the Castanan military is engaged in war, a mercenary is enlisted, so to speak, for the duration of the campaign or he is not enlisted at all. A mercenary cannot hold the position of an officer in the Castanan military, no matter his background or rank among other mercenaries he may be leading. His experience and suggestions will be taken into consideration and usually asked for if the man proves to be valuable in that regard but he is not included in the discussion between military officers, especially in times of war.
Mercenaries are required to swear an oath of fealty to the Sultan that lasts for the duration of his enlistment, allowing the crown to kill him should he desert or otherwise betray the Castanan military and/or government before his period of employment is up. They are also required to follow all laws that govern all those who serve in the military. Failure to do so will end in swift and decisive punishment, usually much more harsh than that delivered to full time members of the military.
Most full-time members of the Castanan military tend to treat mercenaries as second-class members, men not to be trusted until they can prove themselves on the field of battle. They are men who sell their skills to the highest bidder and show no loyalty to any nation or leader, only to money and they are treated accordingly.
Their color is black and they have no standard.
Castanan names are derived from Spanish names of the medieval period, with some influence from Latin names popular from what had been the Roman Empire. In the early history of Castana, when the nation was little more than separate tribes or small villages, there was no need for surnames. However, as those tribes settled into villages and those villages grew into towns and cities the need for surnames was great. Generally, Castanan surnames evolved from the common practice as being known as "the son of" or "the daughter of", but rather than each father in turn giving his name to his children, families slowly began to pass on the same name from father to son. It may have been the name of a revered member of the family, or simply the desire for family members to actually appear to be one family.
Adding an -ez, which means 'son of', to the root of the father's name was the most popular way of deriving surnames. For example, the surname of Alvarez means Son of Alvar, Fernandez means Son of Fernando. While this was the most common, it was not the only way in which people are named. Some take their names from their professions or from a nickname. For example, Miguel the Butcher might become known as Miguel Carnicero (Carnicero being Spanish for butcher). Or perhaps Miguel is well known in his village for being very tall. Miguel the Tall would become Miguel Alto. The fourth way a surname might be derived is if a person had moved, and was known as Diego el de Aranda (Diego, the one from Aranda). Eventually he would simply be known as Diego Aranda.
Among the commoners all four of these practices came into play. Generally the nobility of Castana preferred the "son of" alteration of the name. It is rare to find a Castanan noble whose last name doesn't end with an -ez and those few that do are generally looked upon as 'lesser' nobility, having come from lower beginnings. The nobles also have an addition to their names, and that is a mention of the land they own. They are similar to the Avannais in this respect. A nobleman would not simply be known as Miguel Gonzalez, but rather Miguel Gonzalez de Besora, meaning he belongs to the family who owns the Besora lands.
If you have any questions about choosing a Castanan name for your character, please feel free to speak with the staff for some suggestions.
Some possible men's names include:
Abejundio, Aberri, Adolfo, Aioro, Alberto, Alfonso, Andros, Antonio, Arturo, Balesio, Baristo, Belarmo, Benicio, Birjaio, Carlitos, Cayo, Cordareo, Cortez, Demetrio, Diego, Domingo, Duarte, Ebardo, Emilio, Eneto, Enrique, Esdras, Esteban, Fabricio, Faustino, Felipe, Fernando, Florencio, Francesco, Garcia, Gelacio, Gerardo, Gonsalvo, Guillelme, Horacio, Iago, Ignacio, Isauro, Javiar, Julian, Lazaro, Leonardo, Lorenzo, Luciano, Mannuel, Marcos, Montes, Narciso, Niguel, Octavio, Oinaz, Omar, Pablo, Pedro, Porfiro, Quilo, Rafael, Raimundo, Reinaldo, Roberto, Rudolfo, Salbatore, Stefano, Teodoro, Tino, Ugaitz, Urbano, Valerio, Vicente, Wilfredo, Ysidro, Zarando
Some possible women's names include:
Abegail, Abelie, Acacia, Adelita, Adonia, Agatha, Alerbta, Almira, Alva, Amelita, Anarosa, Arluzea, Azcoitia, Baldesca, Beatrisa, Benita, Bernardina, Burtzesa, Calida, Camilla, Carletta, Casilda, Chaqueta, Conchetta, Consolata, Crucita, Darita, Delicia, Dionisia, Donalea, Dulcinea, Edelmira, Edita, Elba, Emesta, Esmaralda, Esperanza, Estafana, Faustina, Feliciana, Francesca, Gabriela, Graciela, Guadalupe, Hermosa, Hortencia, Ignacia, Iliana, Ines, Isabella, Jacinta, Javiera, Jeovanna, Jovita, Juanetta, Ledicia, Leonora, Lisina, Lorenza, Madalena, Manolita, Marabel, Mencia, Miguela, Mira, Miravalles, Nadalina, Nevea, Odilia, Olaia, Paolina, Pieda, Quila, Quinta, Ramira, Rioja, Romelia, Rosario, Rufina, Salvadora, Sancia, Suheil, Terese, Tiadora, Tomasa, Udara, Urdina, Valicha, Varela, Violeta, Visita, Zanetta, Zaviera, Zeltia
Players are not required to use names from this list, these are simply suggestions, though you are more than welcome to do so if you see one you like. If you have any questions as to whether a name is suitable for your character, don't hesitate to ask a staff member.
Names of PC factions in the nation and a contact PC (IC or OOC) who is in charge of that faction.