Duchy of Vaedisia

"'Wine, Women, and Warhorses, the Vaed's got all three things a man needs.' "

"— Damien Hecher, Sessland Merchant"

Vaedisia, also known as the Duchy of Vaedisia, the Grand Duchy of Vaedisia, the Greater Vaed, or simply the Vaed is a major nation in middle Orbis that stands as a substantial political, economical, and military powerhouse. Formed as a culture during the Second Era and later establishing itself as an official nation in the Third Era. The people of Vaedisia - the Vaedi, originally made up 5 Great Clans before uniting to oppose Titus's conquest of the Vaed.

The most populated nation on Orbis, Vaedisia finds itself a major superpower in it's vast wealth through trade. Verone, the capitol of Vaedisia, sits atop the Bessair Peninsula, and acts as the largest port in the entire world. Furthermore, rivers flow through the Vaed like blood through veins, and many of those across Orbis who wish for exotic goods must often go through a Vaedisian.

Vaedisia has two founding dates, one being the founding of an early proto-nation in defiance to Titus's conquest, and the second being the founding by the merchant family of Rysoras, becoming the first official King and Queen of the Vaed. While previously named as a Kingdom, modern Vaedisia touts itself as a Grand Duchy in defiance of their last rulers. Vaedisia is currently ruled by Grand Duke Oruss de Veron, the 19th of the Veron family to hold the throne. Here, he rules from the capitol city of Verone, within the island fortress known as the Godscastle.

The Vaed has long been coveted by her neighbors for both the strategic position it holds, aswell as holding the gateway of trade to a wider Orbis. To envy the Veron family is ill-placed, for they face ravenous enemies both abroad and within, and the fertile vale of honey and wine oft has daggers and cloaks behind the orchards in an attempt to secure a power most ultimate for themselves.

The First Era
"'It is quite the conundrum, we pay the Eluringi Tribe with fine Aelv-made jewelry, we pay the Oridones with lands across the Venildar for keeping the Quidii at bay. But what do we pay the Vaedi with? We pay with wine, and so much so do they love this beverage that I fear that millennia from now it is all they will drink.'""— Miraith Encuilduir, High Scribe of Arbor Arathil, written sometime during the First Era"Little is known of Vaedisia during the First Era, for such lengths of time and the loss of knowledge has forever damned much of its early history. Vaedisian scholars pour through countless ancient texts in search of the early tales of the Vaed, though because of the technological regression during the First Era and lack of Human records - most information is deciphered from Aelvi scrolls from this age.

The Aelvi were the first to settle the lands that would become Vaedisia, which they would name the Vale of Aeru. Here, the land was dotted with Aelv homesteads, watchtowers, and cities and lived in relative peace. At some point during the early First Era, Mankind would migrate from the eastern shores of Orbis across Sabora, Terrus, and Orbis proper. It is likely around this point in time where the early progenitors of the Vaedi came across the Vale of Aeru.

While now inhabiting the Vale of Aeru, those early tribes whom would eventually become the Vaedisians were barred from co-habitation with the Aelvi, whom followed a code that discouraged them from communicating and attempting to uplift Humanity, believing that it would be best for Man to develop once again at their own pace. For millennia, the early proto-Vaedisians would roam the forests, hills, and mountains of the Vaed in search of game. They would face an admixture of persecution, extermination, uplifting, and respect at the hands of the Aelvi inhabiting the Vale, which would drastically affect the progress of their people and society.

At some point around 25,000 1E, the knowledge of agriculture and farming once again came to Humanity, and the proto-Vaedisians began creating permanent settlements across the Vale. The Aelvi mostly tolerated the spread of Human habitation, and aided in their recollection of agriculture, with Aelvs from Arbor Arathil in particular gifting and teaching the proto-Vaedisians how to farm kale, brocolli, and potatos, which they would then sell this produce to other tribes. During a battle from this era in which the proto-Vaedisians aided the Aelvi, were they gifted with several barrels of wine. This event so profound in Vaedisian history that it has been engrained deeply within modern folklore and tradition. While it is unknown as to whom gave the Vaedisians this great gift, their spirit has woven its way within the modern Vaedisian pantheon as Luic and Lucila, the twin-Gods of winemaking.

The early Vaedisians insisted to know the secrets of winemaking, but were denied by the Aelvi which would sour relations between the two races. After both the siege of Thanagorul and the sea-borne catastrophe, the early Vaedisians were extremely hesitant on lending aid to the Aelvi, whom at this point had lost their military manpower and economic domination of Orbis. Over the centuries leading to the close of the First Era, the proto-Vaedisians (like many other Orbisians at this point) moved into old Aelvi settlements, whom could not resist the migration with any amount of combined manpower. Here, the foundations of cities and towns well into the modern Era lie. During this time, Aelv and Man mated and would eventually come to form the modern Orbisian, this union would also form the 'Middle Orbisian' phenotype.

Aristocratic Dukedom
The center of Vaedisian political power lies officially within its myriad of dukedoms, counties, and baronies over the vast swathe of land that is Vaedisia. Here is where the great power of the Vaed is mustered for both times of peace and war. Those whom demonstrate that either their own selves, or their family worthy in the eyes of the Grand Duke may receive a proclamation that names them as a Lord-Elector. Lord-Electors participate at the highest levels of Vaedi society, being given an esteemed position, their own Godguard, and the ability to cast their vote within the Dynastic Electorate.

While those whom are favored receive boons from the royal family in the shape of Lord-Electorships, most will live and die as sons and daughters of the aristocracy. Those inhabiting the aristocracy dwell in decadence, with the trade of the Vaed reinforcing this hedonistic lifestyle. Balls and festivals are hosted monthly, and 'court dates' occur between the youth weekly. The youth also accompany the Vaedisian armies that march to war, though this is much more for appearances and seen as an adventure, rather than the harsh reality it is.

It should be noted that the Vaedisian aristocrats do not lack compassion or care for their people, but are largely desensitized to the wider world. Many are quick to question their servants for celebrating week-ends or holidays when they need not work, or wondering why common-people do not eat more of the finer foods. The great wealth of Vaedisia no doubt sullying the mind and soul of the aristocracy into one without want and need. Those who break the miasma of boundless feasts and banquets become noble princes and princesses of their dynasty whom champion the wills of their people, and do not relent from wielding the blade in defense of the Vaed.

Dynastic Electorate
Within the Grand Duchy of Vaedisia, the succession of the throne is planned through an ancient system, dating sometime after the Vaedisian Guild War, called the Dynastic Electorate. Put simply, when the ruling family of the Vaed has more than one child, the Lord-Electors of the Vaed may place their vote and support for either of the heirs. This support carries until the death of the current ruler, though a Lord-Elector may change whom they support at any time.

The Dynastic Electorate no doubt fuels cunning feuds between the children of the royal family, whom all wish for the opportunity to rule the Vaed. While it is the greatest crime to kill your own kin, royal heirs have found that with cloak & dagger and intrigue do they ply the support from Lord-Electors, or deny their votes to their brothers and sisters. While bitter resentment may be felt by those whom do not win the throne, the brothers and sisters of the new ruler oft provide esteemed counsel after this organized quarrel for the throne.

Political Factions
The Vaed has five major political factions within it, each vying for their wishes to be heard by the royal family. Being part of a political faction is a tenuous ordeal, as you may incur the wrath of other factions whom will seek to 'silence' you in a plethora of ways. Thus, politics (besides the Commoner Council) is strictly an aristocrat's game. Those of common blood whom wish to partake in higher politics are often unknowningly used as pawns to further the political goal of one's faction.

Military
"'They always ask me what makes Vaedisians so deadly, it ain't their steel, nor their fancy contraptions. It's the masks. You can see fear in a Pevians eye, and you can see it in a Bretish eye. With the Vaedisians? They all look like Renaut himself, always calm, that's what makes them so strong, it's something in your head that makes you run from 'em.'" "— Aviran of Sallos, Menneian Sword-Sergeant"

From the early tribes of the Vaed during the First Era to the Late Fifth Era, the Vaedi have always held themselves in high regard for all things, military included. While not as bloodthirsty as the Skaanians, nor as regimental as the Bretish, the Vaedisians have been renowned for one virtue throughout the millennia - Honour. It is this virtue that many flock to Vaedisia in search of earning for themselves an honourable reputation.

But while honour is a virtue, men win wars, and any Orbisian knows that few virtues endure a siege, nor does it endure a knife to the gullet. Because of this there is an apparent difference between the views of the Vaedisian military during times of peace and war, and they may be as quick to turn into monsters as the next army.

The Vaedisian Military itself is split into three divisions, first there is the professional armies of the state - the Matratorre, the private armies of the Grand Dukedom's retainers - the Sefratorre, and the professional independent militias - the Cittatorre.

The Matratorre is a new branch within the Vaedisian military and after the Arapasi coup, was essential to have formed. The Matratorre make up the army of the Grand Duke and operate seperately from the leading family's retainers, as well as the plethora of martial organizations that operate under the ruling family. Thus, the Matratorre make up all men-at-arms under the Veroni household, aswell as any Knighthoods, Mercenaries, and Militias that directly pledge themselves to the Matratorre. What differentiates the Matratorre from the Sefratorre is a pledge of eternal loyalty to the ruling household, one that is made upon the blood of the incumbent's family.

The Sefratorre makes up all men-at-arms in service to the retainers of the current ruling family. Made up largely of both professional soldiers, levies, and mercenaries, aswell as menial jobs, such as cooks, bards, and even courtesans. While the Matratorre swear eternal allegiance to the Grand Duke, the Sefratorre having varying pledges - or none - to join a lesser baron or count's retinue.

The Cittatorre are the oldest of all military organizations, dating back to the First Era's when Vaedisia was nothing but sparse city-states and tribes. To combat threats both ancient and new, professional city-militias were formed. As time carried on the tradition of loyalty to one's city never died, and many of the Cittatorre evolved into mercenaries. The Cittatorre as an organization act as the first line of defense against any invasion or siege, ranging from the Vaedisian Capitol itself to small hamlets along the Troc-Permaine. The Cittatorre swear allegiance to their land first, before their ruler, a system which has caused many rebellions and revolts, but one that has endured for millennia.

Military Organizations
Within the three branches of Vaedisian military organization lie a plethora of organizations to ease the cogs of the great Vaedisian war machine. While it is debatable to the validity of many of these organizations, those that have been officially recognized consist mostly of Knighthoods, sworn-mercenaries, and executive organizations.

The various Knighthoods of Vaedisia stretch back as far as the late second era and can be formed by an entourage of Knights with the same values as eachother, or mandated by the crown of Vaedisia. Those that have survived consist of the most battle hardened retinues to grace the Vaed, Sess, and Oller. While sworn-mercenaries, or Condotti are groups of land mercenaries that are loyal only to Vaedisia, being paid a set premium. Finally, the executive organizations of Vaedisia, such as religious warbands, spy agencies, propagandists, or even troupes of servants are organized to ensure a style of life that is lavish, even while on march.

Knighthoods
The sworn Knighthoods of Vaedisia are organizations dedicated to various causes, ranging from border watchers to royal guards. These creeds vary in both size and quality, often due to the nature of their duty. The most prestigious of Knighthoods swear themselves to barons and dukes across the Vaed, while others act independently from the regal families, but still serve Vaedisia. It should be noted that Vaedisian Knighthoods are not referred to as 'Knighthood' in any sense, and simply referred to by their organization's name.
 * Chevali de Praus, also called the Praushelites or Prausans are a Knighthood dedicated to patrolling the Praesis Grasslands, east of Druima.
 * Chevali de Meyva

Culture
"'We all worship corpses one-way 'er another, what's so wrong with burying the dead in our walls?'""— Benevi Rabierscot, Charchule Fisherman"

Food
Vaedisian diet differs greatly compared to their neighbors on Orbis, but compared to the entirety of the world, doesn't deviate drastically. A varied panoply of meats, fruits, fish, vegetables, grains, and mushrooms make up the 'bulk' of Orbisian meals, however Vaedisians are particularly fond of shellfish, such as lobsters, crabs, shrimp, and prawns, and create extravagant fillets of crab-bowls, lobster tails, flat tomato and shrimp, et cetera.

Many Orbisians cultures find shellfish as revolting in appearance, and are hesitant to eat anything regarding it. Because of this, many attribute Vaedisians as 'daemon-eaters' for having the gall to consume an 'unnatural creature'.

Clothing
Clothing in Vaedi society is a testament to the wealth of a family, and acts as a first impression for many without even uttering a word. Most Vaedisians have at least one specially tailored set of clothes to wear for social gatherings, with richer Vaedisians having entire wardrobes of commissioned clothing, often worn for very specific occasions.

Men
Middle class Vaedisian men such as merchants and tradesmen are often accompanied with a two-coloured muffin cap, Welneer doublet, a cape not passing the arms and above the knee, loose pantaloons or slops cut at the knee, and folded boots. Merchants often have several pouches of coin hanging from their belt, and a couple rings adorning their fingers.

Poorer Vaedisian men, such as serfs, daytalers, servants, and military auxiliaries are still adorned with a two-coloured muffin cap, but otherwise have a noticeable decrease in quality clothing. Wearing a Baunier doublet or often plain shirts, a cape that forsakes societal norms, loose pantaloons, and Lainat boots. These men might have a single copper or silver ring, or a pouch with a few pieces of gold in it.

Meanwhile, the upper class of Vaedisian men, such as large business owners, landholders, mercenary company owners, captains, and generals are adorned with three-colour muffin caps, silk or velvet Arbouge doublets, sometimes a robe in place of a cape (though this is not particularly common), loose long cotton breeches, and finely made folded boots which are embroidered above the ankle.

Finally, Vaedisian men whom are part of regal families, from barons and counts to the princes of the Veroni family vary in their attire. Money is oft the least worry to these aristocrats, and many are quick to purchase extravagant and exotic apparel, while others are more inclined to traditional Vaedisian attire, dressing in certain fashions throughout Vaedi history. General wear for these families include embroidered insignias on (at least) one article of clothing for distinguished houses.

Women
While male fashion in Vaedisian society is straight-forward, with only one general look, women's fashion vary, and falls within three general groups. These groups are ill understood by most men, which leads to particular scorn from the wives of Vaedisia. To this, a response most women find amusing, from 'De Sil aun Amere' of the Playwright's Guild.

"By my blood Woman! Pick a damn dress already!" Spoke Gaspard de Mae

[Maurie stabs him]

Pannar
Pannari fashion is the most traditional, and widely 'adopted' style that most Vaedisian women follow. Most Pannari women are between the low-middle class, and work jobs from cooks, artisans, merchants, daytalers, military auxillaries, et cetera. Most women would be adorned with a snood or wimple (though it is not required), letting their hair flow freely along her cheeks or back. Accompanied with a finely woven bodice, an ornate ankle or knee-length under-skirt and an often dirty over-skirt that could be detached. A chemise, of which would vary in quality since most women would've woven it herself, with the skill of the craftsmanship oft dependent on her social class. Finally, a pair of slippers, boots, pattens, clogges, moccasins, or whatever would best fit a woman's daily job. Pannari fashion is regarded as the middle ground in a working woman's fashion, providing for both a socialite life, aswell as a working one.

Calbet
Calbeti fashion is the newest and most functional of women's fashion. Rather than knee and ankle length dresses of Pannari fashion, Calbeti women wear patterned hosen and embroidered leggings, leading to the fashion being adopted by women whos daily routine involves being active. Women would also wear tall, unfolded boots that would reach between the ankle to knee. Women who are not too keen on revealing their posterior will oft wear two-colour or three-colour kilts of differing length. A long chemise adorned with a corset or jerkin would cover the upper body. Finally - and most importantly - rather than a wimple or veil, Calbeti women often wear muffin caps much like their male compatriots, often with a quill or inkwood attached to the top. Calbeti fashion is particularly adopted by vintners, gardeners, servants, and entertainers, to military auxiliaries and even Sisterly Orders. Vaedisian women often refer to it as 'adventure garb' for the ease of movement, and is the de facto 'combat dress' for Vaedi women accompanying men on campaign in the form of Orders or Auxiliaries, or alone as mercenaries and adventurers.

Salbier
Salbieri fashion derives from a mixture of different cultural attire but with a distinctive Vaedi appearance.

Death Customs
Quite possibly the strangest of Vaedi customs, and one that is frequently mocked by their neighbors are the rites involving death. Vaedisians of every prestige and class bury their dead within their walls, often tearing down spaces unoccupied, or building new sections of their home. It should be known that Vaedisians don't bury the cadaver itself, but rather the bones, assembled in the likeness of a human body. On the wall are (usually) 3 death-masks, the molded around the ages of 15-20, 30-35, and one taken at death followed by an epithet of the persons life. Vaedisians celebrate 'Béssomanie, Béssohvadi, and Béssomora' which are the official holidays of 'face-taking' (with Béssomanie being for the youth, et cetera.)

If a Vaedisian family cannot afford to honour their dead, or take the likeness of themselves or their family there are county and ducal governments which provide communal mausoleums. These mausoleums are oft times cramped, crowded, and lack the personal connection between Vaedisian families as befits of their pantheon. Stigma exists against families who inter their dead in mausoleums.

If a Vaedisian household is taken by another family, a rival family, or by the state, laws are afforded for the previous family to make pilgrimages to the household on days of worship. Still, this has not halted rival families from taking advantage and many Vaedisians lie dead because of rash actions and harsh words during these visits. Thusly, one of the greatest insults in Vaedisian society universally shunned by every Vaedisian religious or otherwise is the destruction of a panel that includes an ancestor, yours or anybody else.