Gulanadur - Revision history

Nymphetamine: /* Food */

2021-09-05T18:39:56Z

Food

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:39, 5 September 2021
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	Using hydroponics, dark elves have access to potatoes, soybeans, legumes, and root vegetables as staples. Certain grains, such as rice, thrive in their hydroponic farms, but are somewhat less common. Many kinds of vegetation has to be imported, including most other surface vegetables. Formerly expensive and rare, these food sources have experienced a renaissance since Gulanadur opened for trade. Likewise, paper is a scarce resource, with Gulanadur writing mostly done on parchment, vellum, and similar ideas before widespread trade made paper more affordable.		Using hydroponics, dark elves have access to potatoes, soybeans, legumes, and root vegetables as staples. Certain grains, such as rice, thrive in their hydroponic farms, but are somewhat less common. Many kinds of vegetation has to be imported, including most other surface vegetables. Formerly expensive and rare, these food sources have experienced a renaissance since Gulanadur opened for trade. Likewise, paper is a scarce resource, with Gulanadur writing mostly done on parchment, vellum, and similar ideas before widespread trade made paper more affordable.

	Beef, most poultry, pork, and lamb as the surface knows them are rare, expensive imports. Gulanadur raises similar animals, long since mutated and evolved differently from their surface cousins. Average red or white meat from Gulanadur tastes tougher and tangier than its nearest surface relative, and is far more expensive. The only exception to this are chickens, which have been raised more-or-less similarly to ones on the surface (albeit leaner) for centuries.		Beef, most poultry, pork, and lamb as the surface knows them are rare, expensive imports. Gulanadur raises similar animals, long since mutated and evolved differently from their surface cousins. Average red or white meat from Gulanadur tastes tougher and tangier than its nearest surface relative, and is far more expensive. The only exception to this are chickens, which have been raised more-or-less similarly to ones on the surface (albeit leaner) for centuries. Gulanadurian chickens are pure black, with black skin, flesh and bones.

	Although fish has always been a staple of Gulandurian cuisine, other subterranean creatures, such as spiders, cave crickets, bats, and salamanders also form staples of Gulandurian cuisine, often prepared with mushrooms, lichen, and other various fungi. As with most cuisine, what is normal for dark elves may seem strange to outsiders.		Although fish has always been a staple of Gulandurian cuisine, other subterranean creatures, such as spiders, cave crickets, bats, and salamanders also form staples of Gulandurian cuisine, often prepared with mushrooms, lichen, and other various fungi. As with most cuisine, what is normal for dark elves may seem strange to outsiders.

Nymphetamine: /* Culture & Religion */

2021-08-28T19:50:03Z

Culture & Religion

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:50, 28 August 2021
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	Anasati governs dark passions: murder, the desire to do harm, jealousy, greed, and envy, for example. Hedonistic excesses are also her province, as well as various addictions, obsessions, and compulsions, taking creative passions to such extents as to neglect one's own care, or allowing one's protective instincts to cause more harm than intended when loved ones are threatened or hurt.		Anasati governs dark passions: murder, the desire to do harm, jealousy, greed, and envy, for example. Hedonistic excesses are also her province, as well as various addictions, obsessions, and compulsions, taking creative passions to such extents as to neglect one's own care, or allowing one's protective instincts to cause more harm than intended when loved ones are threatened or hurt.

			The priesthood is separated into three separate, but equal groups of priests and priestesses: those that serve Asherta, those that server Anasati, and the smallest group which have been called by both. Overseeing these clerics are a council of thirteen men and women dubbed the High Conclave; they are styled as 'high priest or priestess'. The Archpriest or priestess leads the Faith by will of the Lady and are counseled by the High Conclave.

			Acolytes are officially accepted into the clergy at their age of majority, around 80 years old. This is due to the nature of the priesthood's service. The priests and priestess of the Faith often times serve as divine prostitutes, guiding the passions of their parishioners through rituals of tantric sex and bondage; the clerics are known to be muses to those with artistic passions, and have often times urged artists to complete their work. During the dedication of an acolyte, an enchanted piece of carved obsidian known as a ''renor'ujuul'' is implanted at the base of their necks to ward off communicable diseases and fertility. The ''renor'ujuul'' can be removed without judgement at a later point if a given cleric wishes to become a parent. There are no brothels or whorehouses in Gulanadur, as the clergy of the Faith serve that role.

			At times, due to personal reasons and faith, a high priestess will feel compelled to perform the ascension ritual, seeking to become the Voice and Avatar of the Dual Face Lady. The ascension ritual is fraught with danger and risk, and requires a pilgrimage to the surface to collect a number of rare and magically potent items. It has been known to take several decades to find all of the reagents required, and many who set off in search of them never return to Gulanadur. Once the objects have been collected and the priestess returns, she secludes herself for up to one hundred days, taking on the meagerest of foods. She spends this time meditating and contemplating, preparing herself to become the vessel of the Lady's divine will. Following this cleansing, she takes the reagents she's collected, arranges them in a specific manner she has intuited, and invokes her goddess. What happens after this is unknown, for none of the Voices who survive have disclosed the events. Only six priestess have ever successfully completed the ritual. Upon doing so, the priestess takes over leading the Faith.

	Gulanadurian culture revolves around the Faith, its clerics and priests advocating for a balance between one's own light and dark passions. Excess impulses are routinely purged by way of seasonal festivals held at the Temple during the solstices and equinoxes every year. These festivals last seven days and tend to revolve around orgies and involve incense, various drugs, and excessive drinking. Other sections of the Temple provide access to the arena, which caters to all manner of blood sport. These festivals are seen as necessary elements to maintaining a productive lifestyle, lest an adherent's darker impulses unbalance them.		Gulanadurian culture revolves around the Faith, its clerics and priests advocating for a balance between one's own light and dark passions. Excess impulses are routinely purged by way of seasonal festivals held at the Temple during the solstices and equinoxes every year. These festivals last seven days and tend to revolve around orgies and involve incense, various drugs, and excessive drinking. Other sections of the Temple provide access to the arena, which caters to all manner of blood sport. These festivals are seen as necessary elements to maintaining a productive lifestyle, lest an adherent's darker impulses unbalance them.

Nymphetamine at 21:30, 8 August 2021

2021-08-08T21:30:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 8 August 2021
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	\| race2 =		\| race2 =
	\| race3 =		\| race3 =
	\| year_founded = 10,000 years ago		\| year_founded = 25,000 years ago
	\| currency =		\| currency =
	\| government = Competitive Dictatorship		\| government = Competitive Dictatorship

Nymphetamine at 21:30, 8 August 2021

2021-08-08T21:30:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 8 August 2021
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	\| government = Competitive Dictatorship		\| government = Competitive Dictatorship
	\| head_of_state = First Matron [[Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul]]		\| head_of_state = First Matron [[Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul]]
	\| privy_council = Crownblade [[Lassk]] <br /> ~~Arch Priestess~~ [[Siraz'jah Av'Zathrak]]		\| privy_council = Crownblade [[Lassk]] <br /> Archpriestess [[Siraz'jah Av'Zathrak]]
	\| religion = Faith of the Dual Face Lady		\| religion = Faith of the Dual Face Lady

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	The current Crown is the First Matron [[Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul]], who has held the office for the last two hundred years. Such stability is unprecedented and initially, was a direct result of the power vacuum that the First Matron left behind in the Spire during her ascent. Despite the ruthlessness in which she seized the Crown, her reign has been marked by a steady increase of production in all fields. Her rule has been relatively peaceful, and Gulanadur has flourished beneath it. She is the first Crown to have established trade routes with surface cities, beginning an unheard of rush of surface goods coming into the city. Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul is responsible for bringing Gulanadur to the attention of [[Arangoth]] and other countries by announcing its presence in 483, making it one of the first dark elven cities on the international stage.		The current Crown is the First Matron [[Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul]], who has held the office for the last two hundred years. Such stability is unprecedented and initially, was a direct result of the power vacuum that the First Matron left behind in the Spire during her ascent. Despite the ruthlessness in which she seized the Crown, her reign has been marked by a steady increase of production in all fields. Her rule has been relatively peaceful, and Gulanadur has flourished beneath it. She is the first Crown to have established trade routes with surface cities, beginning an unheard of rush of surface goods coming into the city. Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul is responsible for bringing Gulanadur to the attention of [[Arangoth]] and other countries by announcing its presence in 483, making it one of the first dark elven cities on the international stage.

	Her privy council is much smaller than previous Crown's, but she has the full support of the clergy in the form of her childhood friend, [[Siraz'jah Av'Zathrak]], the current ~~Arch Priestess~~ and [[Lassk]] of the Assassin's Guild.		Her privy council is much smaller than previous Crown's, but she has the full support of the clergy in the form of her childhood friend, [[Siraz'jah Av'Zathrak]], the current Archpriestess and [[Lassk]] of the Assassin's Guild.

	=The City=		=The City=
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	===The Temple===		===The Temple===

	The Temple is a large compound that contains a central statue. The statue of the Dual ~~Faced~~ Lady is an imposing female figure with a face on both sides of the head, one pale, one dark, both expressionless. The statue holds a dagger in one hand and the other was empty and upturned, ready to catch the souls of the dead as they fell into the afterlife.		The Temple is a large compound that contains a central statue. The statue of the Dual Face Lady is an imposing female figure with a face on both sides of the head, one pale, one dark, both expressionless. The statue holds a dagger in one hand and the other was empty and upturned, ready to catch the souls of the dead as they fell into the afterlife.

	===Violet Sun===		===Violet Sun===
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	=Culture & Religion=		=Culture & Religion=

	The Faith of the Dual ~~Faced~~ Lady is the sole religion practiced in Gulanadur. It is a monotheistic religion that worships a central matriarchal figure who is represented by two separate aspects: Asherta and Anasati, representing the light and dark sides of passion, respectively.		The Faith of the Dual Face Lady is the sole religion practiced in Gulanadur. It is a monotheistic religion that worships a central matriarchal figure who is represented by two separate aspects: Asherta and Anasati, representing the light and dark sides of passion, respectively.

	Asherta watches over those who engage in the creative arts and the lighter aspects of love. Temperance is a central tenet of Asherta's clerics, who advocate the moderation of all things, lest one fall into Anasati's influence. Compassion, familial love, loyalty to one's friends,		Asherta watches over those who engage in the creative arts and the lighter aspects of love. Temperance is a central tenet of Asherta's clerics, who advocate the moderation of all things, lest one fall into Anasati's influence. Compassion, familial love, loyalty to one's friends,
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	===Alcohol===		===Alcohol===

	As with any culture, Gulanadur has its share of alcoholic beverages. In the absence of grapes, they create wine analogues from rice, berries, or other limited fruits grown in their hydroponic farms. They did not develop a direct analogue to beer or ale on their own, though now that trade has opened with other nations they have begun to brew several unique varieties, including a technique of brewing chocolate in with dark-roasted malt that has become very popular abroad in only a short while. Their two most famous unique alcoholic exports, Coalwater and Kazel'Staj, exist in a dichotomy almost reminiscent of the dual-~~faced~~ goddess.		As with any culture, Gulanadur has its share of alcoholic beverages. In the absence of grapes, they create wine analogues from rice, berries, or other limited fruits grown in their hydroponic farms. They did not develop a direct analogue to beer or ale on their own, though now that trade has opened with other nations they have begun to brew several unique varieties, including a technique of brewing chocolate in with dark-roasted malt that has become very popular abroad in only a short while. Their two most famous unique alcoholic exports, Coalwater and Kazel'Staj, exist in a dichotomy almost reminiscent of the dual-face goddess.

	Coalwater, distilled from an unknown source, is an extremely harsh, highly-alcoholic beverage that produces a vaporous steam when first poured. Pitch-black in color, it almost seems to warn the user before they learn how incredibly strong it is. Coalwater exists for people who want to get drunk fast, stay drunk for a longtime, and look cool doing it. Very few people from the surface can stand the drink at first, though many of them try for the status.		Coalwater, distilled from an unknown source, is an extremely harsh, highly-alcoholic beverage that produces a vaporous steam when first poured. Pitch-black in color, it almost seems to warn the user before they learn how incredibly strong it is. Coalwater exists for people who want to get drunk fast, stay drunk for a longtime, and look cool doing it. Very few people from the surface can stand the drink at first, though many of them try for the status.

Nymphetamine: /* Origins & History */

2021-08-08T21:26:24Z

Origins & History

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 8 August 2021
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	Asherta and Anasati's efforts took centuries to come to fruition, and both were in their old age when Gulanadur was finally everything they had dreamed it to be. In that time, between the ambition of their two figureheads and the drive to accomplish the founding of their new nation, the Vuulari diaspora christened their city 'Gulanadur', meaning 'we choose'.		Asherta and Anasati's efforts took centuries to come to fruition, and both were in their old age when Gulanadur was finally everything they had dreamed it to be. In that time, between the ambition of their two figureheads and the drive to accomplish the founding of their new nation, the Vuulari diaspora christened their city 'Gulanadur', meaning 'we choose'.

	Following the deaths of Asherta and Anasati, both of whom were laid in state deep within what would become the Temple of Asherta, the Gulanadurian people forged their own paths. They had not been able to fully shake off the dark mores and habits of their heritage. It was a daily struggle to free themselves from the evil trappings of the Vermin Lords. Without Asherta's wisdom to lead them, they found themselves falling back on the practices that they had intended to escape from. Their children, however, having never known the hand of the Vuulari people, were able to cling to Asherta's teachings. This younger generation's belief and faith of their founders became a cult, at first. They spread tales and stories of Asherta and Anasati, and preached of her wisdom about needing to strike a balance in one's ~~hearth~~. It would be the foundation of the Faith of the Dual Face Lady.		Following the deaths of Asherta and Anasati, both of whom were laid in state deep within what would become the Temple of Asherta, the Gulanadurian people forged their own paths. They had not been able to fully shake off the dark mores and habits of their heritage. It was a daily struggle to free themselves from the evil trappings of the Vermin Lords. Without Asherta's wisdom to lead them, they found themselves falling back on the practices that they had intended to escape from. Their children, however, having never known the hand of the Vuulari people, were able to cling to Asherta's teachings. This younger generation's belief and faith of their founders became a cult, at first. They spread tales and stories of Asherta and Anasati, and preached of her wisdom about needing to strike a balance in one's heart. It would be the foundation of the Faith of the Dual Face Lady.

	In the subsequent generations that followed, the mythology of the Faith grew and expanded. The Temple of Asherta was constructed on the site of the founders' tombs. As the Gulanadurians practiced restraint of their worse tendencies, the need for a safe outlet grew. Recognizing this, the clerics that had stewarded the burgeoning religion prayed to their ancestress for an answer. Much to their surprise, she answered having been empowered by the true believers that had followed her teachings after her death. Asherta the goddess was benevolent and kind, and in the intervening years, she had grown as her children had. She revealed to her followers that following their passions were always acceptable, but to temper them from the dark ends that the Vermin Lords would revel in. Then, she showed the, a different face that they did not recognize, but still named after Asherta's partner, Anasati. This aspect explained the need for the quarterly festivals, to throw off the shackles of society and to engage in a raucous, wild celebration of their worst impulses, within certain limitations.		In the subsequent generations that followed, the mythology of the Faith grew and expanded. The Temple of Asherta was constructed on the site of the founders' tombs. As the Gulanadurians practiced restraint of their worse tendencies, the need for a safe outlet grew. Recognizing this, the clerics that had stewarded the burgeoning religion prayed to their ancestress for an answer. Much to their surprise, she answered having been empowered by the true believers that had followed her teachings after her death. Asherta the goddess was benevolent and kind, and in the intervening years, she had grown as her children had. She revealed to her followers that following their passions were always acceptable, but to temper them from the dark ends that the Vermin Lords would revel in. Then, she showed the, a different face that they did not recognize, but still named after Asherta's partner, Anasati. This aspect explained the need for the quarterly festivals, to throw off the shackles of society and to engage in a raucous, wild celebration of their worst impulses, within certain limitations.

Nymphetamine: /* Arcane Reservoir */

2021-08-08T21:14:59Z

Arcane Reservoir

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:14, 8 August 2021
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	===Arcane Reservoir===		===Arcane Reservoir===

	The arcane reservoir is a vault of arcane energy that the Mages' College ruling council have contributed to over the millennia since the city's foundation. It is located in a cavern beneath the Mages' College on the Floor of the city and guarded by the ~~entirety of the~~ population of the College itself. Locked behind seven sealed doors, only the ruling council and the Crown's entourage are ever permitted within the reservoir's cavern. The reservoir is a veritable fount of magic in semi-physical form. Appearing as a column of pale violet light in the center of the small chamber, it powers the barrier that surrounds the city and the arcane air renewal.		The arcane reservoir is a vault of arcane energy that the Mages' College ruling council have contributed to over the millennia since the city's foundation. It is located in a cavern beneath the Mages' College on the Floor of the city and guarded by the entire population of the College itself. Locked behind seven sealed doors, only the ruling council and the Crown's entourage are ever permitted within the reservoir's cavern. The reservoir is a veritable fount of magic in semi-physical form. Appearing as a column of pale violet light in the center of the small chamber, it powers the barrier that surrounds the city and the arcane air renewal.

	After the betrayal of the former Crown Arcanist Khaless Jhalavar in 483, the reservoir is additionally powered by five liches. Under the orders of Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul, the priestesses of ~~Asherta~~ cursed Jhalavar's five cohorts from the ruling council of the Mage's College to forever serve the city they had once betrayed. In doing so, the five mages were raised as the undead, bound by curses of the faithful to pour their arcane energy into the reservoir and then entombed in the walls of the chamber. Their phylacteries are kept within the Temple.		After the betrayal of the former Crown Arcanist Khaless Jhalavar in 483, the reservoir is additionally powered by five liches. Under the orders of Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul, the priestesses of Anasati cursed Jhalavar's five cohorts from the ruling council of the Mage's College to forever serve the city they had once betrayed. In doing so, the five mages were raised as the undead, bound by curses of the faithful to pour their arcane energy into the reservoir and then entombed in the walls of the chamber. Their phylacteries are kept within the Temple.

	===Assassins' Guild===		===Assassins' Guild===

Nymphetamine: /* Defenses */

2021-08-08T21:13:21Z

Defenses

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:13, 8 August 2021
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	The entrance to Gulanadur is guarded by sentries both inside the cave and outside at the surface. There is a carved out, intricate and magically shifting tunnel maze between the surface entrance and the actual city. A number of pitfalls reside in the maze, such as massive spiders and monstrous vampire bats. Other dangers include a number of booby traps, pits of spikes, dead ends and falling stalactites. As the maze is kept in total darkness, intruders must compensate for their lack of vision to even navigate it. As Gulanadurians can see in darkness, this is not something that troubles them. The maze is nearly a mile long for all its twists and turns.		The entrance to Gulanadur is guarded by sentries both inside the cave and outside at the surface. There is a carved out, intricate and magically shifting tunnel maze between the surface entrance and the actual city. A number of pitfalls reside in the maze, such as massive spiders and monstrous vampire bats. Other dangers include a number of booby traps, pits of spikes, dead ends and falling stalactites. As the maze is kept in total darkness, intruders must compensate for their lack of vision to even navigate it. As Gulanadurians can see in darkness, this is not something that troubles them. The maze is nearly a mile long for all its twists and turns.

	The main metropolitan area of Gulanadur is warded by a massive arcane barrier designed to prevent teleportation into and out of the city. It also wards against magic and reinforces the ceiling against collapse. This barrier is powered by the arcane reservoir that exists ~~below~~ the Mages' College.		The main metropolitan area of Gulanadur is warded by a massive arcane barrier designed to prevent teleportation into and out of the city. It also wards against magic and reinforces the ceiling against collapse. This barrier is powered by the arcane reservoir that exists beneath the Mages' College.

	==Features==		==Features==

Nymphetamine: /* Modern History */

2021-08-08T21:09:51Z

Modern History

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:09, 8 August 2021
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	In the last few centuries have seen an expansion of Gulanadurian borders beneath the surface. Hydroponic farming satellites have been established to meet the greater population needs. Slowly, in the last decade, trade with the surface has increased, bringing new wealth to Gulanadur. Exportation of liquor, spider silk, rare and precious raw metals and stone, and varieties of narcotics have flourished. Gulanadur imports wood and textiles, surface livestock for slaughter, and other items it cannot produce easily on its own.		In the last few centuries have seen an expansion of Gulanadurian borders beneath the surface. Hydroponic farming satellites have been established to meet the greater population needs. Slowly, in the last decade, trade with the surface has increased, bringing new wealth to Gulanadur. Exportation of liquor, spider silk, rare and precious raw metals and stone, and varieties of narcotics have flourished. Gulanadur imports wood and textiles, surface livestock for slaughter, and other items it cannot produce easily on its own.

	In ~~461~~, Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul beat out her rivals for the Crown. Ascending the Spire was a violent affair that left quite the power vacuum in her wake. Due to the support of her best friend and lover, High Priestess [[Siraz'jah Av'Zathrak]], First Matron Vyz'crul has been able to retain her hold on the Crown. Nearly two ~~decades~~ later, in 478, the High Priestess Av'Zathrak successfully performed the ritual to become the Voice of the Lady. Through her influence, the First Matron has guided Gulanadur to a period of unparalleled wealth and prosperity. The two women have been governing Gulanadur since.		In 261, Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul beat out her rivals for the Crown. Ascending the Spire was a violent affair that left quite the power vacuum in her wake. Due to the support and divine guidance of her best friend and lover, High Priestess [[Siraz'jah Av'Zathrak]], First Matron Vyz'crul has been able to retain her hold on the Crown. Nearly two centuries later, in 478, the High Priestess Av'Zathrak successfully performed the ritual to become the Voice of the Lady. Through her influence, the First Matron has guided Gulanadur to a period of unparalleled wealth and prosperity. The two women have been governing Gulanadur since.

	In the autumn of 480, Gulanadur assisted the [[Caern Rhia\|Caern Rhians]] with the liberation of their nation from the [[Zul Kiras\|Zul Kirans]]. In return they received knowledge of mithril's mining and smithing techniques, as well as access to the Caern Rhian mithril mines. This mithril has been used selectively to defeat the Gulanadurian's current rivals, the [[Vuulari]], such as in their capture of Chath'z'ress with a privy council of notable figures.		In the autumn of 480, Gulanadur assisted the [[Caern Rhia\|Caern Rhians]] with the liberation of their nation from the [[Zul Kiras\|Zul Kirans]]. In return they received knowledge of mithril's mining and smithing techniques, as well as access to the Caern Rhian mithril mines. This mithril has been used selectively to defeat the Gulanadurian's current rivals, the [[Vuulari]], such as in their capture of Chath'z'ress with a privy council of notable figures.

Nymphetamine: /* Origins & History */

2021-08-08T21:07:26Z

Origins & History

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:07, 8 August 2021
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	=Origins & History=		=Origins & History=
			Several generations after the [[Vuulari]] people left the surface elves' confederacy, a young Vuulari woman known as Asherta began to doubt and question the ways of the Vermin Lords. Seeing how the Vuulari noble houses kept their people trapped in a misery of squalor and fear, she began to speak in quiet words to her friends and family, preaching of a better way to live. Over centuries, Asherta gathered a following of elves to her cause, building a resistance to the order established by Maldrathass and her kin. Recognizing the Vermin Lords for the fel creatures they were, in her fifth century, Asherta led a significant but still small part of the Vuulari population out of Chath'z'ress and into the unknown north.

			Asherta and her followers traveled through unsettled lands for years, resorting to traversing the surface when the subterranean pathways failed them. They crossed the lands that would become Arangoth, traded with the young dwarves of Ruthmarna and eventually reached what would in the future become Caern Rhia, its volcanic carved mountains providing ample space for the fledgling nation. Their long wandering had come to an end.

			The site that would eventually become Gulanadur required much work. It was then that Asherta met a mage by the name of Anasati, a woman who had devoutly believed in the future that Asherta wanted to build. Together, they envisioned a vast, thriving city supported by magic and carved out of the living rock beneath the mountains. Leading a team of geomancers, Anasati was able to hollow out the massive chamber that would house their underground city. Eschewing the architecture of their Vuulari parents, they built a massive tower in the center of the city, and dug vast platforms in leveled tiers around the center floor area. Under Anasati's guidance, the mages poured reserves of mana into what would become the arcane reservoir, beginning a practice still maintained thousands of years later. Not wanting to live in the forever night of an underground city, the mages created a violet sun to light Gulanadur with its benevolent luminescence for all time.

			Asherta and Anasati's efforts took centuries to come to fruition, and both were in their old age when Gulanadur was finally everything they had dreamed it to be. In that time, between the ambition of their two figureheads and the drive to accomplish the founding of their new nation, the Vuulari diaspora christened their city 'Gulanadur', meaning 'we choose'.

			Following the deaths of Asherta and Anasati, both of whom were laid in state deep within what would become the Temple of Asherta, the Gulanadurian people forged their own paths. They had not been able to fully shake off the dark mores and habits of their heritage. It was a daily struggle to free themselves from the evil trappings of the Vermin Lords. Without Asherta's wisdom to lead them, they found themselves falling back on the practices that they had intended to escape from. Their children, however, having never known the hand of the Vuulari people, were able to cling to Asherta's teachings. This younger generation's belief and faith of their founders became a cult, at first. They spread tales and stories of Asherta and Anasati, and preached of her wisdom about needing to strike a balance in one's hearth. It would be the foundation of the Faith of the Dual Face Lady.

			In the subsequent generations that followed, the mythology of the Faith grew and expanded. The Temple of Asherta was constructed on the site of the founders' tombs. As the Gulanadurians practiced restraint of their worse tendencies, the need for a safe outlet grew. Recognizing this, the clerics that had stewarded the burgeoning religion prayed to their ancestress for an answer. Much to their surprise, she answered having been empowered by the true believers that had followed her teachings after her death. Asherta the goddess was benevolent and kind, and in the intervening years, she had grown as her children had. She revealed to her followers that following their passions were always acceptable, but to temper them from the dark ends that the Vermin Lords would revel in. Then, she showed the, a different face that they did not recognize, but still named after Asherta's partner, Anasati. This aspect explained the need for the quarterly festivals, to throw off the shackles of society and to engage in a raucous, wild celebration of their worst impulses, within certain limitations.

			From this, the Faith of the Dual Face Lady cemented itself. The meritocracy of Gulanadur was a competitive space, and those that gave into the impulses to murder their rivals were seen as weak and needed to repent their failures to rein in their worst impulses. Factions and alliances formed and were broken, while the true strength of the Gulandurian people continued to build upon itself. The city endured periods of instability as infighting took on pre-foundation levels of violence. In an insane ritual, the high priestess of the Faith reached out once more to their goddess, becoming the first Voice of the Lady. Invoking Asherta, she demanded a truce, and the participation of ritual purging to be endured by each of the offending noble houses.

			Shepherded by the living embodiment of Asherta, the Gulanadurian people entered a time of peace and prosperity. The noble and merchant houses engaged in the regular attendance of both the festivals and the services offered at the Temple of Asherta. The Crown remained stable until the time of their death. The dueling and fighting that followed was milder than it had been in recent years, and passed to the winner of such contests. Following the death of the Voice of the Lady several centuries later, it was a few generations before they resumed their bloody contest.

			So Gulanadur entered a pattern of needing regular reinforcements from the clerics to maintain their inner balance. The Faith grew and so too did its goddess, now presented as two aspects of the same benevolent goddess. Asherta, and sometimes Anasati, walked in their chosen mortals to guide their people.

	==Modern History==		==Modern History==

	In the last few centuries have seen an expansion of Gulanadurian borders beneath the surface. Hydroponic farming satellites have been established to meet the greater population needs. Slowly, in the last decade, trade with the surface has increased, bringing new wealth to Gulanadur. Exportation of liquor, spider silk, rare and precious raw metals and stone, and varieties of narcotics have flourished. Gulanadur imports wood and textiles, surface livestock for slaughter, and other items it cannot produce easily on its own.		In the last few centuries have seen an expansion of Gulanadurian borders beneath the surface. Hydroponic farming satellites have been established to meet the greater population needs. Slowly, in the last decade, trade with the surface has increased, bringing new wealth to Gulanadur. Exportation of liquor, spider silk, rare and precious raw metals and stone, and varieties of narcotics have flourished. Gulanadur imports wood and textiles, surface livestock for slaughter, and other items it cannot produce easily on its own.

	In the autumn of 480, Gulanadur assisted the [[Caern Rhia\|Caern Rhians]] with the liberation of their nation from the [[Zul Kiras\|Zul Kirans]]. In return they received knowledge of mithril's mining and smithing techniques, as well as access to the Caern Rhian mithril mines. This mithril has been used selectively to defeat the Gulanadurian's current rivals, the [[Vuulari]], such as in their capture of Chath'z'ress.		In 461, Szin'ilzt Vyz'crul beat out her rivals for the Crown. Ascending the Spire was a violent affair that left quite the power vacuum in her wake. Due to the support of her best friend and lover, High Priestess [[Siraz'jah Av'Zathrak]], First Matron Vyz'crul has been able to retain her hold on the Crown. Nearly two decades later, in 478, the High Priestess Av'Zathrak successfully performed the ritual to become the Voice of the Lady. Through her influence, the First Matron has guided Gulanadur to a period of unparalleled wealth and prosperity. The two women have been governing Gulanadur since.

			In the autumn of 480, Gulanadur assisted the [[Caern Rhia\|Caern Rhians]] with the liberation of their nation from the [[Zul Kiras\|Zul Kirans]]. In return they received knowledge of mithril's mining and smithing techniques, as well as access to the Caern Rhian mithril mines. This mithril has been used selectively to defeat the Gulanadurian's current rivals, the [[Vuulari]], such as in their capture of Chath'z'ress with a privy council of notable figures.

	During the summer of 483, Gulanadur announced its presence to the surface kingdom of [[Arangoth]], sending a delegation to the northern capitol of [[Tagrana]]. In closed negotiations, and under unknown circumstances, [[Arlok ul-Dorn\|King Arlok ul-Dorn ul-Arangoth]] granted a large tract of surface land in the northwestern part of Arangoth to the Gulanadurian Crown, acknowledging the sovereignty of the city state. The details of this particular treaty are unclear, but the Gulanadurians claimed mostly forested or mountainous land and did not displace any native Arangothians.		During the summer of 483, Gulanadur announced its presence to the surface kingdom of [[Arangoth]], sending a delegation to the northern capitol of [[Tagrana]]. In closed negotiations, and under unknown circumstances, [[Arlok ul-Dorn\|King Arlok ul-Dorn ul-Arangoth]] granted a large tract of surface land in the northwestern part of Arangoth to the Gulanadurian Crown, acknowledging the sovereignty of the city state. The details of this particular treaty are unclear, but the Gulanadurians claimed mostly forested or mountainous land and did not displace any native Arangothians.

			In 487, after much preparation, the Gulanadurians, allied with the Dol Drunni, led a holy crusade against the Vuulari of Chath'z'ress. Both the First Matron and the Archpriestess were in attendance as the two combined armies tore through Chath'z'ress. Every priestess and follower of Malthadrass was put to death upon capture, viewed as too dangerous to be allowed to live. Of the other citizens, all were put towards questioning by the clergy of the Lady. Given the opportunity to convert to the Faith of the Dual Face Lady, the Vuulari that did were allowed to live after their displacement to Gulanadur. Those that chose not to were given as spoils of war to the Dol Drunni, taken as slaves to their deep caves far below the earth.

	=Government=		=Government=

Shayde: /* Modern History */

2019-08-12T05:36:27Z

Modern History

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:36, 12 August 2019
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	In the last few centuries have seen an expansion of Gulanadurian borders beneath the surface. Hydroponic farming satellites have been established to meet the greater population needs. Slowly, in the last decade, trade with the surface has increased, bringing new wealth to Gulanadur. Exportation of liquor, spider silk, rare and precious raw metals and stone, and varieties of narcotics have flourished. Gulanadur imports wood and textiles, surface livestock for slaughter, and other items it cannot produce easily on its own.		In the last few centuries have seen an expansion of Gulanadurian borders beneath the surface. Hydroponic farming satellites have been established to meet the greater population needs. Slowly, in the last decade, trade with the surface has increased, bringing new wealth to Gulanadur. Exportation of liquor, spider silk, rare and precious raw metals and stone, and varieties of narcotics have flourished. Gulanadur imports wood and textiles, surface livestock for slaughter, and other items it cannot produce easily on its own.

			In the autumn of 480, Gulanadur assisted the [[Caern Rhia\|Caern Rhians]] with the liberation of their nation from the [[Zul Kiras\|Zul Kirans]]. In return they received knowledge of mithril's mining and smithing techniques, as well as access to the Caern Rhian mithril mines. This mithril has been used selectively to defeat the Gulanadurian's current rivals, the [[Vuulari]], such as in their capture of Chath'z'ress.

	During the summer of 483, Gulanadur announced its presence to the surface kingdom of [[Arangoth]], sending a delegation to the northern capitol of [[Tagrana]]. In closed negotiations, and under unknown circumstances, [[Arlok ul-Dorn\|King Arlok ul-Dorn ul-Arangoth]] granted a large tract of surface land in the northwestern part of Arangoth to the Gulanadurian Crown, acknowledging the sovereignty of the city state. The details of this particular treaty are unclear, but the Gulanadurians claimed mostly forested or mountainous land and did not displace any native Arangothians.		During the summer of 483, Gulanadur announced its presence to the surface kingdom of [[Arangoth]], sending a delegation to the northern capitol of [[Tagrana]]. In closed negotiations, and under unknown circumstances, [[Arlok ul-Dorn\|King Arlok ul-Dorn ul-Arangoth]] granted a large tract of surface land in the northwestern part of Arangoth to the Gulanadurian Crown, acknowledging the sovereignty of the city state. The details of this particular treaty are unclear, but the Gulanadurians claimed mostly forested or mountainous land and did not displace any native Arangothians.