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Tales from the Wave Rider, Vol 1: Splintered Light
9 years ago
General
In the event you did not notice, the Journal posted yesterday was an April fool's joke.
The Reader Driven Story shall continue and the winner was The Wave Rider, Vol 1: Splintered Light. Henceforth the title will be shorted to "Splintered Light".
Over the course of the next few weeks I will post Journals to help plan out the story and further involve Readers interested in helping to direct this tale. These Journals will remain open for several days so Readers may take time to consider the questions asked within. These questions may sometimes be open ended but will usually be multiple choice.
Before we get to that, however, for the benefit of those not familiar with it, we should discuss this story setting. Splintered Light takes place in a steam-punk world, which is to say a genre that involves incredible steps forward in science; where previously there was a lack of understanding there is now a great hunger for more information and advancements in all walks of life (not always for the best, unfortunately) happen daily!
The three points of focus on this discussion involve religion, science, and government. Readers from The Lead Crown may recognize much of this, but remember: the world has changed a little since the events 18 months prior.
Religion
The one and only acknowledged religious organization is the Church. The numerous kingdoms of the world all acknowledge the power of the church and adhere to the doctrine that reinforces the thought that there is a single God and that the men and women of the world must worship, fear, and love Him. Although the dogma of the Church varies from kingdom to kingdom it is a relatively unified organization that some suggest has more power than any singular nation; considering that it has ordered the death of kings in the past, this assumption does seem to have a strong basis in fact.
The founding of the Church heralds back to Mehnzil, the First Kingdom. Ages ago when the kingdoms were based on species, the great Dragon nation of Mehnzil spanned the majority of the continent. Almost a millennia ago, during the height of the Race Wars it fell to the combined might of numerous smaller kingdoms. The lands were divided by the victors and settled. The world became unified as species began to coexist within kingdoms devised by land boundaries rather than blood.
Even with the fall of Mehnzil, however, the Dragons, known as "The Servants Divine" maintained an arm's distance relationship with the people of the newly forged kingdoms. Holding onto their strong faith and conviction many withdrew from the mortal world and devoted themselves wholly to quiet study of the divine. Most dragons, however, accepted their new place in the world as punishment for their hubris and, over the course of several generations integrated into the kingdoms.
For the next several centuries the Dragons began to divide as a species; over a matter of generations those that stepped away from the sacred halls began to be born without wings or the glans that produced the fiery breath that had been known to dragons throughout history. The Servants Divine, those Dragons who maintained a life of study and piety, on the other hand, maintained both. These "holy agents" pointed to their devotion to God as the reason why they should be able to fly in His sky and exhale His cleansing breath.
In the modern age it is exceedingly rare for any Dragon born within the kingdom to have wings and almost unheard of for any to be capable of breathing fire; any who do exhibit either trait are immediately turned over to the Church for reclamation into the fold of The Servants Divine. To do otherwise is to risk excommunication, and the uninitiated child is usually put to death as irredeemable. This is a well-known law among Dragonkind but the occurrence is not common enough for most others to be familiar with it in this day and age-- and current winds of change indicate that this may not be as iron-clad as it had once been.
In the past fifty years there have only been sightings of five winged Dragons outside the church; three of the five were taken in. Sadly, the parents of the fourth divinely touched hatchling attempted to keep him from the church for personal gain-- the child was finally reclaimed at two years of age... far too late to be saved; all three were put to death. As far as the fifth? That rumor is mostly unsubstantiated. In that same time no reports of Dragons with The Breath have been formally documented.
Despite the Church being a traditionally draconic (draconian?) organization, far more than Dragons are counted among the priesthood these days. During the Gray Plague several hundred years ago there was a massive return to the divine word. The dragons opened up positions within the church for anyone willing to pledge themselves as servants to the one and only God. Even though Dragons remain the majority within the Church, the breakdown is now approximately 50/50... though the highest ranks of the divine institution remain scaled by vast majority.
The strongest political and social supporters of the Church are known as Traditionalists. Though they may or may not be pious themselves, they see the importance of the Church and encourage others to live by the divine rules set forth by its teachings. Most, though not all, also tend to model their lives after the Church's teachings and are generally inclined to regularly attend services and donate willingly. There is also a growing micro minority that are embracing other aspects of religion that coincides with but does not specifically follow the Mehnzylian Church doctrine.
The majority of Traditionalists are usually very rich or very poor. The former tend to view the Church as a stabilizing force in the world which helps maintain their place on top of the pecking order; the latter often seek the aids and comfort of the Church and its God during their times of need. Despite the broad extremes of the Traditionalists, there is usually a noted lack of representation among the middle class. This does not mean that the general public is not religious, it simply suggests that they follow the Church without having to side with it all of the time.
Science
Although there are many sources of knowledge and research, the best well-known center for enlightenment is known as the University of Progressive Understanding, or UPU for short. The organization's charter defines its purpose as a location where any may come to further man's comprehension of all things scientific and to work in unity to uncover the secrets of the world. Most would agree that the UPU has done just that... and then some. Having been the forerunner of developing science and industry the University has brought about a great revolution of learning, accomplishing more in the last hundred years than in the entire millennia before.
Originally sprouting up almost overnight in the kingdom of Lehsunia, the UPU started as a collection of learned Humans meeting several nights weekly at an ale house. Over time, the scholars increased their numbers as other races' thinkers, philosophers, and collectors of wisdom sought them out, looking for the opportunity to count themselves among the enlightened few. Eventually the tipping point was reached and the gathering created a formal charter then pooled their resources to make the University a reality.
King Hammond the Eleventh provided recognition of the University's charter and provided it a land grant and funding in the hopes that its studies would ultimately provide a lasting mark on the world; he had little idea just how much of an impact the UPU would truly have-- nearly elven decades later, the world is almost completely different, and shows signs of changing even more dramatically in the next hundred years. The king's lasting legacy is chronicled in the institution's records and honored by a brass statue of the wolf in the University's Great Hall.
While all races are allowed (and encouraged) within the halls of the University, few argue that it was the spark of ingenuity found among its original Human founders that led it to become what it is today. Considering the University's own teachings, many suggest that the Humans have always had a strong connection with innovation and creativity as they lack the natural weapons and the fur, scales, or feathers found among the other races-- these deficits instead instilled in them the importance of developing alternatives... and therein lays the seeds of invention that continue to drive the University onward.
Despite the strong influence from its Human founders, the University of Progressive Understanding holds no prejudice and welcomes all who are interested in contributing to the collection and development of knowledge. Even so, the percentage of Humans to other species remains relatively high within the walls of the University; approximately 25% of the scholars within the establishment are Humans while the ratio is barely 1 in 10 on the street. One curiosity in enrollment however is that there is a great lack of Dragons; most assume that this is due to old racial affiliations within the Church.
General studies are considered widely acceptable within the UPU, though most scholars, inventors, and researchers will tend to focus on a specific field. These fields were once related to the four elements: the Fire scholars (Alchemists) were dedicated to the understanding of chemicals and their numerous uses; Earth scholars (Engineers) studied metallurgy and construction; Water Scholars (Biologists) studied all aspects of life and health and the natural living world; Air Scholars (Technicians) elaborated on the various schools of study and focused their learning on how they could be combined for greater results.
During a great shake up (literally, as it involved a bomb in the Council of Deans) of power within the UPU, a revision was made to the charter and the methods used within the University. The organization that had once been ruled by the heads of the departments and fractured desires of the various scholastic disciplines has become a much more unified collection of learning. All scholars are expected to learn about the various sciences to the point that they have at least a passing understanding of other disciplines to better understand how their own chosen field fits among them. While this gave Air Scholars a leg-up in the beginning it also meant that they would either have to choose another specialty, or instead become devoted entirely to helping with the logistics of meshing the areas of study into an amalgamated whole.
The most recent, and one of the greatest discoveries from the University comes in the form of steam power. Only in the last twenty years has the incredible versatility of steam power truly begun to find places in every day life. It seems almost daily now the UPU is developing even more uses for their great ability to harness steam and turn it into inventions that continue to improve society in ways previously unimagined. Combined with numerous other advancements Steam Power has contributed to faster travel, more convenient energy generation, and efficient heating in homes. This is obviously not an exhaustive list.
The strongest political and social supporters of the University are known as Progressives. Although many Progressives are among the scholars at the University, it can be said that any man, woman, or child that seeks a better life through the innovations and discoveries of science may as well count themselves among their number. Most Progressives are quick to adapt to the new technologies being discovered and, though their willingness to help society evolve doesn't preclude the possibility that they may also be quite religious, most feel that the Church would rather smother progress instead of adapt, and that couldn't possibly be right.
Progressives can be found in any walk of life; the rich Progressives generally act as patrons for researchers and scholars while the middle class often has the most to gain from inventions and discoveries that benefit society as a whole; the poor, ideally find their lot improved as advances in industry and production provide them new jobs and more ways to increase their standing (ideally being the operative word). It is important to note that individuals may be both in favor of learning and a devout follower of the Church but, should that be the case they are not likely affiliated with either faction as they would probably be condemned for their lack of conviction.
Global Powers
Doelich (Doh-Lick)
Lodged between the high mountains along the southern border of Soyria and the meandering foothills north of Mehnzil are a step-like collection of plateaus and valleys that house the land-locked nation of Doelich. The people who populate this nation are hardy and resilient, making their living as sustenance farmers, hunters, and, within the most recent 200 years, shrewd traders. Despite how closed off Doelich is from the rest of the world almost any land-going caravan worth anything will choose a Doelichine Wagon Master over any other.
Doelich itself is rich in precious metals and so mining has always been a popular profession-- even more so as metal is becoming as popular as wood and stone when it comes to building materials. The people of Doelich tend to be wary of outsiders but once familiarity sets in they are warm, welcoming, and jovial. Major sought-after goods from Doelich include alcoholic beverages, candies (especially chocolate), and their spiced sausages. Although not always accurate, the usual stereotype for a Doelich native fits into one of two categories: the shrewd, hard-as-nails woodsman who knows the mountain trails like a city goer would know their front porch or a rotund drunkard who is more interested in his next meal than what's going on in the world.
Ilyse (Il-E-aze)
When one envisions Ilyse the usual impression is of a single, gigantic city stretched out along a western coastline as far as they eye can see. That impression is not entirely inaccurate. The vast majority of outsiders only ever see Vanica Bay, the largest city in Ilyse. In truth, however, Vanica Bay ONLY takes up 1/3 of the nation. Ilyse is a kingdom of traders, merchants, and businessmen. While the vast majority of Ilyse is poor the kingdom is incredibly obsessed about appearance, meaning any visitors to the nation will find that those without money do a surprisingly good job of patching together a semi balance of riches... usually at the expense of his neighbor, or else risking debtor's prison. Anyone incapable of putting on sufficient airs is usually kept out of sight of anyone and everyone that might matter.
Ilyse is, for all its poverty, a very rich nation, especially considering its lack of resources. In addition to relying on foreign trade, Ilyse also makes a solid income from its unequalled service industry. Nobles from all other kingdoms visit Vanica Bay to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and experiences that the city has to offer. Leading the world in art, fashion, and all things desired by anyone of interest, Ilyse is far more about appearance than substance. Stereotypes of the typical Ilysean are either a shrewd, nigh-criminal merchant who will do anything to make his next coin or else a vacuous, addle-brained fop who rarely understands even the most basic concepts that don't involve a well-kept lifestyle. Although only accounting for about 2/3rds of the population, most people think that all Ilyseans are Birds.
Jiuyan (Joo-yan)
The only nation of any note that is not part of the Mainland, the island kingdom of Jiuyan is located south east of Lehsunia in the Southern Sea. Known among its people as The Glorious Jiuyan Empire due to the fact that the Jiuyani consider each of its six islands a separate kingdom, the majority of the world simply consider it a nation and simply move on. Aside from what merchants and sailors have learned about the secretive island nation very little is actually known; only two of the islands will even except outsiders and the largest island, which is said to be home to the Emperor himself will execute any non-Jiuyani on sight for merely landing there.
The Jiuyani craftsmen are all masters of their field and their goods are desired far and wide. Despite this, trade is limited as few ships and fewer merchants from the outside world are given permission to conduct business with the island kingdom. The people of Jiuyan are mysterious and reserved in a way few can match and it is said that, although there are Dragons among them, they are far different than those of the Kingdom of Mehnzil and most travelers who have claimed to have seen one say they are incredibly tall, very thin, and of an otherworldly, airy appearance; most of these claims are proved to be fabricated. Despite there being so little information available about the Jiuyan people are quick to come up with first impressions and varied rumors rather than any specific stereotype. The one consistent thing said of the Jiuyani is that they live very strict, very regimented lives that focus on perceived respect; lack of respect is considered grave insult.
Lehsunia (Leh-Soon-E-Uh)
A moderately sized kingdom situated on a broad, roughly triangle-shaped peninsula, it is the youngest nation of the mainland. The majority of the kingdom's population live along the south-eastern portion of the land where the beaches and coast line are best suited for construction and the tides are most beneficial for trade. The kingdom is bordered on that side by the Iblian Gulf and its north-eastern border connects to the mainland while its western and south-western shores are comprised of the cliffs and rocky coastlines of the Southern Sea. Due to its ideal location Lehsunia serves as a central hub for all coastal trading, especially between the east and west coast of the mainland.
Despite being the birthplace of the University of Progressive Understanding the majority of the world still considers Lehsunia a quaint little backwater nation which is only once step up above the savages that make up the tribal people of its eastern lands. Until recently, most people of the settled lands believed that Lehsunia was nothing more than a neutral ground allowed to exist because of the peace accord between Ilyse and Wyra; once King Malcom, the nation's newest ruler took control he gathered a coalition of forces sufficient enough to successfully hand Wyra its first decisive defeat in over a hundred years. This has understandably given the rest of the world pause and they are reevaluating the stereotype of the average Lehsunian being a know-nothing, backwards savage. That's quite an achievement considering the Tribal Folk of Eastern Lehsunia are very much not what settled people would consider 'civilized'.
Mehnzil (Men-Zill)
Still known as "The First Kingdom", Mehnzil was considered the birthplace of modern society. Unlike other nations which were formed by multiple species, Mehnzil has always been comprised of reptiles and, most specifically, Dragons. Mehnzil brought together the world into its modern kingdoms, responsible in one way or another for the current national boundaries. Directly responsible for Ilyse, Wyra, and Soyria, the three kingdoms were at one point territories belonging to Mehnzil; Lehsunia was far enough distant that it was never conquered while Doelich resisted invasion long enough that eventually the rest of the kingdoms rose up and fought off control. Even if each kingdom has shaken off Mehnzyl's governmental control, the Mehnzylian Church still holds sway over them all.
Since the global defeat of the Dragons, Mehnzil has become much more open to other races and now the total population of The First Kingdom is now almost 20% "Other". It remains the religious center of the world and also an important civic influence but now stands more of a melting pot that includes other national identities in its popular culture. Nobody beyond the borders of Mehnzil has met with Mehnzil's Queen though she is assumed to be ancient, perhaps extended beyond the already lengthy lifespan of most Dragons due to her close spiritual connection to the divine. The average Mehnzylian stereotype involves an ultra-pious scaled priest who is just as likely to pray for the forgiveness of a sinner as they are to execute the wrath of God upon them.
Soyria (Soy-Re-Uh)
While the vast majority of kingdoms reside in relatively temperate regions Soyria spends nearly seven months out of the year covered in snow. During its brief spring and even shorter summer the people of Soyria are forced to work multiple professions as the kingdom transitions from planting, building, and harvesting in half the time most other nations have to complete the same amount of work. While it might be assumed that this means there is little room left for creative or artistic pursuits it is also important to bear in mind that long winters provide ample hours for what the hectic schedule of good weather days don't permit.
While the majority of good produced by Soyria are consumed in Soyria it does have two major exports: textiles and steeds. Clothing and other woven goods have been a staple of Soyria production for hundreds of years but recent changes in taste for raiments in Ilyse has led to a popularity for Soyrian garments to be considered at a premium. Soyrian Whites are rare steeds bred, raised, and trained only in Soyria by master animal handlers and are considered the best of the best, desired by the monetary elite all across the world. Despite how in-demand their goods, few people have positive opinions of the Soyria people, who are seen as staunch individualists who are more interested in survival than making friends; when running away from something alongside a Soyrian the common thought is that you should worry as much about the Soyrian as what your pursuit.
Trevosse (Treh-Vo-Say)
Shaped something like a bow tie, Trevosse is split between verdant, airable land on its western side and long, sloping, sandy beaches bordering the Sunwatch Sea on its eastern. South of Wyra and northeast of the wild lands separating Lehsunia from the rest of the mainland, Trevosse is a nation that has a little of everything coupled with a lot of personality. Art, culture, and cuisine are all the rage in Trevosse, second only to the nation's devout worship of God. Unlike the majority of Kingdoms, Trevosse's primary religion is reformed version of worship rather than the Mehnzylian Church itself. The primary clergy consist of females rather than males, which is another rarity. While there ARE male priests the majority of worship is led by the Order of the Sisters Divine of the Holy Hearth, a venerated and elite cadre of women in service to God.
While culture is considered to be Trevosse's greatest export that one subject includes multiple facets such as cuisine, art, style, and more. The upper class people of the world often argue whether Ilysean or Trevossian goods are 'the best' but there's enough opinion to go around and so both nations make a killing off of being the source for "the next big thing". The dichotomy of loyal service to God and the aptitude with which the Trevossian people adapt and create to social whim creates an unfair stereotype of a two-faced individual who appears to be pious and yet engages in all kinds of elicit activities in private. As such, the motives of most folk hailing from Trevosse are second-guessed more than most.
Wyra (Why-Ruh)
Although Mehnzil was once a great empire spanning the entire continent, eventually a coalition arose to resist it; the lands that would one day become Wyra spearheaded that resistance. A nation with an aggressive and martial temperament, it is said that the chief export of Wyra is war. While this is something of an exaggeration it is not entirely untrue. All boys join the military at the end of their primary schooling (age 10) and then spend the next six years in progressive service learning what there is to know about protecting their kingdom. Finally, upon reaching the age of 16 they then spend two years in the military. The best of these young men then move on to obtain the prestigious position of Soldier, which opens many doors within the kingdom for further advancement.
In addition to its military, Wyra is also known for its expert smiths, both those who create weapons or armor and those who work metal in much less martial ways. It has a standing navy second to none (though it is still recovering after having suffered some extensive losses in its defeat during the recent military action against Lehsunia). Although the majority of people who think of Wyra first consider the stereotypical brown-blood (a term for a Wyranese patriot since they bleed the colors of the kingdom), those who personally known a Wyranese can immediately identify an individual who has a great strength of character with true devotion to their beliefs, family, and friends. On the opposite side, most Wyranese are considered to be thick skulled and inflexible in their views.
Reader Input
Now that an overview of the world of The Waver Rider is available it's time to talk a little bit about the crew. While there are about 50 individuals on the ship there are fifteen positions of merit among the ship's crew accompaniment. Some of those positions are already filled and as the first act for Readers helping to Direct the story I'd like all of you to give some input on the open positions. This means we have our first set of questions! Look at the open positions in the list below and vote on which option you like the most for it-- and then vote! You can vote on as many or as few positions as you like! Included here are the 5 pre-assigned positions and 5 of the yet-to-be-determined ones. The remainder of the positions will be presented next week.
Bosun
This individual is third in charge of the ship (behind Captain and First Mate). In general, the Bosun serves as the supervisor for the crew, is the direct manager of the Foreman, and verifies that assigned tasks are completed to an acceptable extent.
The Wave Rider's Bosun is Mister Rolf Severna, a Prong Horn adventurer from Lehsunia.
Surgeon
This is the medical officer on board the ship. Usually a male, the Wind Rider has the unique status of having a female surgeon whose job it is to care for the crew and maintain their health by fixing wounds, repairing injuries, and curing those on board of any sickness or infection.
The Wave Rider's Surgeon is Dr. Christine Brownell, a Mouse doctor from Lehsunia.
Missionary
The ship's Missionary leads the ship's religious services and is responsible for acting as the diplomat to all indigenous people met during the Wave Rider's travels. A Missionary is expected to be a pious linguist with extensive people skills.
The Wave Rider's Missionary is Reverend Gustave Fischer, a Sea Otter preacher from Wyra.
Scientist
While not technically a standard maritime position, the Wave Rider's exploration of new and interesting locales certainly has need of a learned individual. This particular task involves familiarity with identifying edible, dangerous, and other noteworthy flora and fauna.
The Wave Rider's Scientist is Prof. Tobias Severna, a Prong Horn scholar from Lehsunia.
Captain
As the Wave Rider is not a commissioned ship nor is it a company vessel the Captain in this case is the owner and operator. It is naval custom to refer to this individual as "Captain" even though he does not truly hold a maritime rank.
The Wave Rider's Captain is Alistair Jacksoni, a Tiger adventurer from Ilyse.
First Mate
A ship's First Mate is the immediate subordinate to the captain. While military vessels may have a second, third, or even fourth mate, The Wave Rider has power delegated to only one other individual; if neither Captain nor First Mate are available then the next in line would be the Bosun.
The Wave Rider's First Mate is:
Ash-Moon, A Jackal Bone Tribesman from the Lehsunian Tribelands (By Reader Vote)
Foreman
Reporting immediately to the Bosun, the Foreman is considered his right-hand man and is responsible for any activities as assigned by the Bosun. In many cases a Bosun will run half the deck crew and have the Foreman handle the other. The Foreman is considered the fourth in command on the Wave Rider.
The Wave Rider's Foreman is:
Alan Drisel, A Goat Laborer from Doelich (By Reader Vote)
Gunner
The Gunner is in charge of the ship's naval artillery and other large weaponry. He is in charge of supervising the Armourer and the Engineer in areas where their tasks overlap. Unlike the Armourer, the Gunner is usually not a member of a landfall party.
The Wave Rider's Gunner is:
Lt. Karl Jak, A Rottweiler ex-Military Gunner from Wyra (By Reader Vote)
Armourer
The Armourer maintains and repairs the smaller weapons on the ship. This is usually limited to handheld weapons such as blades and pistols but he may occasionally be called to assist with the ship's cannons, mounted guns, and ballistae. The Armourer is also often chosen as a member of a landfall party.
The Wave Rider's Armourer is:
Mr. Chen, A Housecat Disgraced Grandmaster from Jiuyan (By Reader Vote)
Engineer
Commonly referred to as "The Chief", the Engineer is responsible for all operations and maintenance that has to do with machinery and equipment throughout the ship. Despite the fact that The Wave Rider is a sailing vessel it also has mechanical components including but not limited to guns and engines.
The Wave Rider's Engineer is:
Somus Veridius, A Dragon Scholar from Mehnzil (By Reader Vote)
Again, readers may vote on all 5 position but the first option in each position to reach 5 will win. Voting will be valid through next Saturday, 4/9 up until midnight (PST) whereupon any position that hasn't had 5 votes for a specific character will be chosen by the option with the most votes. In the case of a tie there will be a coin flip with the one not chosen being set aside as an option for next week's positions.
Time for questions, comments, and, of course, VOTES!
The Reader Driven Story shall continue and the winner was The Wave Rider, Vol 1: Splintered Light. Henceforth the title will be shorted to "Splintered Light".
Over the course of the next few weeks I will post Journals to help plan out the story and further involve Readers interested in helping to direct this tale. These Journals will remain open for several days so Readers may take time to consider the questions asked within. These questions may sometimes be open ended but will usually be multiple choice.
Before we get to that, however, for the benefit of those not familiar with it, we should discuss this story setting. Splintered Light takes place in a steam-punk world, which is to say a genre that involves incredible steps forward in science; where previously there was a lack of understanding there is now a great hunger for more information and advancements in all walks of life (not always for the best, unfortunately) happen daily!
The three points of focus on this discussion involve religion, science, and government. Readers from The Lead Crown may recognize much of this, but remember: the world has changed a little since the events 18 months prior.
Religion
The one and only acknowledged religious organization is the Church. The numerous kingdoms of the world all acknowledge the power of the church and adhere to the doctrine that reinforces the thought that there is a single God and that the men and women of the world must worship, fear, and love Him. Although the dogma of the Church varies from kingdom to kingdom it is a relatively unified organization that some suggest has more power than any singular nation; considering that it has ordered the death of kings in the past, this assumption does seem to have a strong basis in fact.
The founding of the Church heralds back to Mehnzil, the First Kingdom. Ages ago when the kingdoms were based on species, the great Dragon nation of Mehnzil spanned the majority of the continent. Almost a millennia ago, during the height of the Race Wars it fell to the combined might of numerous smaller kingdoms. The lands were divided by the victors and settled. The world became unified as species began to coexist within kingdoms devised by land boundaries rather than blood.
Even with the fall of Mehnzil, however, the Dragons, known as "The Servants Divine" maintained an arm's distance relationship with the people of the newly forged kingdoms. Holding onto their strong faith and conviction many withdrew from the mortal world and devoted themselves wholly to quiet study of the divine. Most dragons, however, accepted their new place in the world as punishment for their hubris and, over the course of several generations integrated into the kingdoms.
For the next several centuries the Dragons began to divide as a species; over a matter of generations those that stepped away from the sacred halls began to be born without wings or the glans that produced the fiery breath that had been known to dragons throughout history. The Servants Divine, those Dragons who maintained a life of study and piety, on the other hand, maintained both. These "holy agents" pointed to their devotion to God as the reason why they should be able to fly in His sky and exhale His cleansing breath.
In the modern age it is exceedingly rare for any Dragon born within the kingdom to have wings and almost unheard of for any to be capable of breathing fire; any who do exhibit either trait are immediately turned over to the Church for reclamation into the fold of The Servants Divine. To do otherwise is to risk excommunication, and the uninitiated child is usually put to death as irredeemable. This is a well-known law among Dragonkind but the occurrence is not common enough for most others to be familiar with it in this day and age-- and current winds of change indicate that this may not be as iron-clad as it had once been.
In the past fifty years there have only been sightings of five winged Dragons outside the church; three of the five were taken in. Sadly, the parents of the fourth divinely touched hatchling attempted to keep him from the church for personal gain-- the child was finally reclaimed at two years of age... far too late to be saved; all three were put to death. As far as the fifth? That rumor is mostly unsubstantiated. In that same time no reports of Dragons with The Breath have been formally documented.
Despite the Church being a traditionally draconic (draconian?) organization, far more than Dragons are counted among the priesthood these days. During the Gray Plague several hundred years ago there was a massive return to the divine word. The dragons opened up positions within the church for anyone willing to pledge themselves as servants to the one and only God. Even though Dragons remain the majority within the Church, the breakdown is now approximately 50/50... though the highest ranks of the divine institution remain scaled by vast majority.
The strongest political and social supporters of the Church are known as Traditionalists. Though they may or may not be pious themselves, they see the importance of the Church and encourage others to live by the divine rules set forth by its teachings. Most, though not all, also tend to model their lives after the Church's teachings and are generally inclined to regularly attend services and donate willingly. There is also a growing micro minority that are embracing other aspects of religion that coincides with but does not specifically follow the Mehnzylian Church doctrine.
The majority of Traditionalists are usually very rich or very poor. The former tend to view the Church as a stabilizing force in the world which helps maintain their place on top of the pecking order; the latter often seek the aids and comfort of the Church and its God during their times of need. Despite the broad extremes of the Traditionalists, there is usually a noted lack of representation among the middle class. This does not mean that the general public is not religious, it simply suggests that they follow the Church without having to side with it all of the time.
Science
Although there are many sources of knowledge and research, the best well-known center for enlightenment is known as the University of Progressive Understanding, or UPU for short. The organization's charter defines its purpose as a location where any may come to further man's comprehension of all things scientific and to work in unity to uncover the secrets of the world. Most would agree that the UPU has done just that... and then some. Having been the forerunner of developing science and industry the University has brought about a great revolution of learning, accomplishing more in the last hundred years than in the entire millennia before.
Originally sprouting up almost overnight in the kingdom of Lehsunia, the UPU started as a collection of learned Humans meeting several nights weekly at an ale house. Over time, the scholars increased their numbers as other races' thinkers, philosophers, and collectors of wisdom sought them out, looking for the opportunity to count themselves among the enlightened few. Eventually the tipping point was reached and the gathering created a formal charter then pooled their resources to make the University a reality.
King Hammond the Eleventh provided recognition of the University's charter and provided it a land grant and funding in the hopes that its studies would ultimately provide a lasting mark on the world; he had little idea just how much of an impact the UPU would truly have-- nearly elven decades later, the world is almost completely different, and shows signs of changing even more dramatically in the next hundred years. The king's lasting legacy is chronicled in the institution's records and honored by a brass statue of the wolf in the University's Great Hall.
While all races are allowed (and encouraged) within the halls of the University, few argue that it was the spark of ingenuity found among its original Human founders that led it to become what it is today. Considering the University's own teachings, many suggest that the Humans have always had a strong connection with innovation and creativity as they lack the natural weapons and the fur, scales, or feathers found among the other races-- these deficits instead instilled in them the importance of developing alternatives... and therein lays the seeds of invention that continue to drive the University onward.
Despite the strong influence from its Human founders, the University of Progressive Understanding holds no prejudice and welcomes all who are interested in contributing to the collection and development of knowledge. Even so, the percentage of Humans to other species remains relatively high within the walls of the University; approximately 25% of the scholars within the establishment are Humans while the ratio is barely 1 in 10 on the street. One curiosity in enrollment however is that there is a great lack of Dragons; most assume that this is due to old racial affiliations within the Church.
General studies are considered widely acceptable within the UPU, though most scholars, inventors, and researchers will tend to focus on a specific field. These fields were once related to the four elements: the Fire scholars (Alchemists) were dedicated to the understanding of chemicals and their numerous uses; Earth scholars (Engineers) studied metallurgy and construction; Water Scholars (Biologists) studied all aspects of life and health and the natural living world; Air Scholars (Technicians) elaborated on the various schools of study and focused their learning on how they could be combined for greater results.
During a great shake up (literally, as it involved a bomb in the Council of Deans) of power within the UPU, a revision was made to the charter and the methods used within the University. The organization that had once been ruled by the heads of the departments and fractured desires of the various scholastic disciplines has become a much more unified collection of learning. All scholars are expected to learn about the various sciences to the point that they have at least a passing understanding of other disciplines to better understand how their own chosen field fits among them. While this gave Air Scholars a leg-up in the beginning it also meant that they would either have to choose another specialty, or instead become devoted entirely to helping with the logistics of meshing the areas of study into an amalgamated whole.
The most recent, and one of the greatest discoveries from the University comes in the form of steam power. Only in the last twenty years has the incredible versatility of steam power truly begun to find places in every day life. It seems almost daily now the UPU is developing even more uses for their great ability to harness steam and turn it into inventions that continue to improve society in ways previously unimagined. Combined with numerous other advancements Steam Power has contributed to faster travel, more convenient energy generation, and efficient heating in homes. This is obviously not an exhaustive list.
The strongest political and social supporters of the University are known as Progressives. Although many Progressives are among the scholars at the University, it can be said that any man, woman, or child that seeks a better life through the innovations and discoveries of science may as well count themselves among their number. Most Progressives are quick to adapt to the new technologies being discovered and, though their willingness to help society evolve doesn't preclude the possibility that they may also be quite religious, most feel that the Church would rather smother progress instead of adapt, and that couldn't possibly be right.
Progressives can be found in any walk of life; the rich Progressives generally act as patrons for researchers and scholars while the middle class often has the most to gain from inventions and discoveries that benefit society as a whole; the poor, ideally find their lot improved as advances in industry and production provide them new jobs and more ways to increase their standing (ideally being the operative word). It is important to note that individuals may be both in favor of learning and a devout follower of the Church but, should that be the case they are not likely affiliated with either faction as they would probably be condemned for their lack of conviction.
Global Powers
Doelich (Doh-Lick)
Lodged between the high mountains along the southern border of Soyria and the meandering foothills north of Mehnzil are a step-like collection of plateaus and valleys that house the land-locked nation of Doelich. The people who populate this nation are hardy and resilient, making their living as sustenance farmers, hunters, and, within the most recent 200 years, shrewd traders. Despite how closed off Doelich is from the rest of the world almost any land-going caravan worth anything will choose a Doelichine Wagon Master over any other.
Doelich itself is rich in precious metals and so mining has always been a popular profession-- even more so as metal is becoming as popular as wood and stone when it comes to building materials. The people of Doelich tend to be wary of outsiders but once familiarity sets in they are warm, welcoming, and jovial. Major sought-after goods from Doelich include alcoholic beverages, candies (especially chocolate), and their spiced sausages. Although not always accurate, the usual stereotype for a Doelich native fits into one of two categories: the shrewd, hard-as-nails woodsman who knows the mountain trails like a city goer would know their front porch or a rotund drunkard who is more interested in his next meal than what's going on in the world.
Ilyse (Il-E-aze)
When one envisions Ilyse the usual impression is of a single, gigantic city stretched out along a western coastline as far as they eye can see. That impression is not entirely inaccurate. The vast majority of outsiders only ever see Vanica Bay, the largest city in Ilyse. In truth, however, Vanica Bay ONLY takes up 1/3 of the nation. Ilyse is a kingdom of traders, merchants, and businessmen. While the vast majority of Ilyse is poor the kingdom is incredibly obsessed about appearance, meaning any visitors to the nation will find that those without money do a surprisingly good job of patching together a semi balance of riches... usually at the expense of his neighbor, or else risking debtor's prison. Anyone incapable of putting on sufficient airs is usually kept out of sight of anyone and everyone that might matter.
Ilyse is, for all its poverty, a very rich nation, especially considering its lack of resources. In addition to relying on foreign trade, Ilyse also makes a solid income from its unequalled service industry. Nobles from all other kingdoms visit Vanica Bay to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and experiences that the city has to offer. Leading the world in art, fashion, and all things desired by anyone of interest, Ilyse is far more about appearance than substance. Stereotypes of the typical Ilysean are either a shrewd, nigh-criminal merchant who will do anything to make his next coin or else a vacuous, addle-brained fop who rarely understands even the most basic concepts that don't involve a well-kept lifestyle. Although only accounting for about 2/3rds of the population, most people think that all Ilyseans are Birds.
Jiuyan (Joo-yan)
The only nation of any note that is not part of the Mainland, the island kingdom of Jiuyan is located south east of Lehsunia in the Southern Sea. Known among its people as The Glorious Jiuyan Empire due to the fact that the Jiuyani consider each of its six islands a separate kingdom, the majority of the world simply consider it a nation and simply move on. Aside from what merchants and sailors have learned about the secretive island nation very little is actually known; only two of the islands will even except outsiders and the largest island, which is said to be home to the Emperor himself will execute any non-Jiuyani on sight for merely landing there.
The Jiuyani craftsmen are all masters of their field and their goods are desired far and wide. Despite this, trade is limited as few ships and fewer merchants from the outside world are given permission to conduct business with the island kingdom. The people of Jiuyan are mysterious and reserved in a way few can match and it is said that, although there are Dragons among them, they are far different than those of the Kingdom of Mehnzil and most travelers who have claimed to have seen one say they are incredibly tall, very thin, and of an otherworldly, airy appearance; most of these claims are proved to be fabricated. Despite there being so little information available about the Jiuyan people are quick to come up with first impressions and varied rumors rather than any specific stereotype. The one consistent thing said of the Jiuyani is that they live very strict, very regimented lives that focus on perceived respect; lack of respect is considered grave insult.
Lehsunia (Leh-Soon-E-Uh)
A moderately sized kingdom situated on a broad, roughly triangle-shaped peninsula, it is the youngest nation of the mainland. The majority of the kingdom's population live along the south-eastern portion of the land where the beaches and coast line are best suited for construction and the tides are most beneficial for trade. The kingdom is bordered on that side by the Iblian Gulf and its north-eastern border connects to the mainland while its western and south-western shores are comprised of the cliffs and rocky coastlines of the Southern Sea. Due to its ideal location Lehsunia serves as a central hub for all coastal trading, especially between the east and west coast of the mainland.
Despite being the birthplace of the University of Progressive Understanding the majority of the world still considers Lehsunia a quaint little backwater nation which is only once step up above the savages that make up the tribal people of its eastern lands. Until recently, most people of the settled lands believed that Lehsunia was nothing more than a neutral ground allowed to exist because of the peace accord between Ilyse and Wyra; once King Malcom, the nation's newest ruler took control he gathered a coalition of forces sufficient enough to successfully hand Wyra its first decisive defeat in over a hundred years. This has understandably given the rest of the world pause and they are reevaluating the stereotype of the average Lehsunian being a know-nothing, backwards savage. That's quite an achievement considering the Tribal Folk of Eastern Lehsunia are very much not what settled people would consider 'civilized'.
Mehnzil (Men-Zill)
Still known as "The First Kingdom", Mehnzil was considered the birthplace of modern society. Unlike other nations which were formed by multiple species, Mehnzil has always been comprised of reptiles and, most specifically, Dragons. Mehnzil brought together the world into its modern kingdoms, responsible in one way or another for the current national boundaries. Directly responsible for Ilyse, Wyra, and Soyria, the three kingdoms were at one point territories belonging to Mehnzil; Lehsunia was far enough distant that it was never conquered while Doelich resisted invasion long enough that eventually the rest of the kingdoms rose up and fought off control. Even if each kingdom has shaken off Mehnzyl's governmental control, the Mehnzylian Church still holds sway over them all.
Since the global defeat of the Dragons, Mehnzil has become much more open to other races and now the total population of The First Kingdom is now almost 20% "Other". It remains the religious center of the world and also an important civic influence but now stands more of a melting pot that includes other national identities in its popular culture. Nobody beyond the borders of Mehnzil has met with Mehnzil's Queen though she is assumed to be ancient, perhaps extended beyond the already lengthy lifespan of most Dragons due to her close spiritual connection to the divine. The average Mehnzylian stereotype involves an ultra-pious scaled priest who is just as likely to pray for the forgiveness of a sinner as they are to execute the wrath of God upon them.
Soyria (Soy-Re-Uh)
While the vast majority of kingdoms reside in relatively temperate regions Soyria spends nearly seven months out of the year covered in snow. During its brief spring and even shorter summer the people of Soyria are forced to work multiple professions as the kingdom transitions from planting, building, and harvesting in half the time most other nations have to complete the same amount of work. While it might be assumed that this means there is little room left for creative or artistic pursuits it is also important to bear in mind that long winters provide ample hours for what the hectic schedule of good weather days don't permit.
While the majority of good produced by Soyria are consumed in Soyria it does have two major exports: textiles and steeds. Clothing and other woven goods have been a staple of Soyria production for hundreds of years but recent changes in taste for raiments in Ilyse has led to a popularity for Soyrian garments to be considered at a premium. Soyrian Whites are rare steeds bred, raised, and trained only in Soyria by master animal handlers and are considered the best of the best, desired by the monetary elite all across the world. Despite how in-demand their goods, few people have positive opinions of the Soyria people, who are seen as staunch individualists who are more interested in survival than making friends; when running away from something alongside a Soyrian the common thought is that you should worry as much about the Soyrian as what your pursuit.
Trevosse (Treh-Vo-Say)
Shaped something like a bow tie, Trevosse is split between verdant, airable land on its western side and long, sloping, sandy beaches bordering the Sunwatch Sea on its eastern. South of Wyra and northeast of the wild lands separating Lehsunia from the rest of the mainland, Trevosse is a nation that has a little of everything coupled with a lot of personality. Art, culture, and cuisine are all the rage in Trevosse, second only to the nation's devout worship of God. Unlike the majority of Kingdoms, Trevosse's primary religion is reformed version of worship rather than the Mehnzylian Church itself. The primary clergy consist of females rather than males, which is another rarity. While there ARE male priests the majority of worship is led by the Order of the Sisters Divine of the Holy Hearth, a venerated and elite cadre of women in service to God.
While culture is considered to be Trevosse's greatest export that one subject includes multiple facets such as cuisine, art, style, and more. The upper class people of the world often argue whether Ilysean or Trevossian goods are 'the best' but there's enough opinion to go around and so both nations make a killing off of being the source for "the next big thing". The dichotomy of loyal service to God and the aptitude with which the Trevossian people adapt and create to social whim creates an unfair stereotype of a two-faced individual who appears to be pious and yet engages in all kinds of elicit activities in private. As such, the motives of most folk hailing from Trevosse are second-guessed more than most.
Wyra (Why-Ruh)
Although Mehnzil was once a great empire spanning the entire continent, eventually a coalition arose to resist it; the lands that would one day become Wyra spearheaded that resistance. A nation with an aggressive and martial temperament, it is said that the chief export of Wyra is war. While this is something of an exaggeration it is not entirely untrue. All boys join the military at the end of their primary schooling (age 10) and then spend the next six years in progressive service learning what there is to know about protecting their kingdom. Finally, upon reaching the age of 16 they then spend two years in the military. The best of these young men then move on to obtain the prestigious position of Soldier, which opens many doors within the kingdom for further advancement.
In addition to its military, Wyra is also known for its expert smiths, both those who create weapons or armor and those who work metal in much less martial ways. It has a standing navy second to none (though it is still recovering after having suffered some extensive losses in its defeat during the recent military action against Lehsunia). Although the majority of people who think of Wyra first consider the stereotypical brown-blood (a term for a Wyranese patriot since they bleed the colors of the kingdom), those who personally known a Wyranese can immediately identify an individual who has a great strength of character with true devotion to their beliefs, family, and friends. On the opposite side, most Wyranese are considered to be thick skulled and inflexible in their views.
Reader Input
Now that an overview of the world of The Waver Rider is available it's time to talk a little bit about the crew. While there are about 50 individuals on the ship there are fifteen positions of merit among the ship's crew accompaniment. Some of those positions are already filled and as the first act for Readers helping to Direct the story I'd like all of you to give some input on the open positions. This means we have our first set of questions! Look at the open positions in the list below and vote on which option you like the most for it-- and then vote! You can vote on as many or as few positions as you like! Included here are the 5 pre-assigned positions and 5 of the yet-to-be-determined ones. The remainder of the positions will be presented next week.
Bosun
This individual is third in charge of the ship (behind Captain and First Mate). In general, the Bosun serves as the supervisor for the crew, is the direct manager of the Foreman, and verifies that assigned tasks are completed to an acceptable extent.
The Wave Rider's Bosun is Mister Rolf Severna, a Prong Horn adventurer from Lehsunia.
Surgeon
This is the medical officer on board the ship. Usually a male, the Wind Rider has the unique status of having a female surgeon whose job it is to care for the crew and maintain their health by fixing wounds, repairing injuries, and curing those on board of any sickness or infection.
The Wave Rider's Surgeon is Dr. Christine Brownell, a Mouse doctor from Lehsunia.
Missionary
The ship's Missionary leads the ship's religious services and is responsible for acting as the diplomat to all indigenous people met during the Wave Rider's travels. A Missionary is expected to be a pious linguist with extensive people skills.
The Wave Rider's Missionary is Reverend Gustave Fischer, a Sea Otter preacher from Wyra.
Scientist
While not technically a standard maritime position, the Wave Rider's exploration of new and interesting locales certainly has need of a learned individual. This particular task involves familiarity with identifying edible, dangerous, and other noteworthy flora and fauna.
The Wave Rider's Scientist is Prof. Tobias Severna, a Prong Horn scholar from Lehsunia.
Captain
As the Wave Rider is not a commissioned ship nor is it a company vessel the Captain in this case is the owner and operator. It is naval custom to refer to this individual as "Captain" even though he does not truly hold a maritime rank.
The Wave Rider's Captain is Alistair Jacksoni, a Tiger adventurer from Ilyse.
First Mate
A ship's First Mate is the immediate subordinate to the captain. While military vessels may have a second, third, or even fourth mate, The Wave Rider has power delegated to only one other individual; if neither Captain nor First Mate are available then the next in line would be the Bosun.
The Wave Rider's First Mate is:
Ash-Moon, A Jackal Bone Tribesman from the Lehsunian Tribelands (By Reader Vote)
Foreman
Reporting immediately to the Bosun, the Foreman is considered his right-hand man and is responsible for any activities as assigned by the Bosun. In many cases a Bosun will run half the deck crew and have the Foreman handle the other. The Foreman is considered the fourth in command on the Wave Rider.
The Wave Rider's Foreman is:
Alan Drisel, A Goat Laborer from Doelich (By Reader Vote)
Gunner
The Gunner is in charge of the ship's naval artillery and other large weaponry. He is in charge of supervising the Armourer and the Engineer in areas where their tasks overlap. Unlike the Armourer, the Gunner is usually not a member of a landfall party.
The Wave Rider's Gunner is:
Lt. Karl Jak, A Rottweiler ex-Military Gunner from Wyra (By Reader Vote)
Armourer
The Armourer maintains and repairs the smaller weapons on the ship. This is usually limited to handheld weapons such as blades and pistols but he may occasionally be called to assist with the ship's cannons, mounted guns, and ballistae. The Armourer is also often chosen as a member of a landfall party.
The Wave Rider's Armourer is:
Mr. Chen, A Housecat Disgraced Grandmaster from Jiuyan (By Reader Vote)
Engineer
Commonly referred to as "The Chief", the Engineer is responsible for all operations and maintenance that has to do with machinery and equipment throughout the ship. Despite the fact that The Wave Rider is a sailing vessel it also has mechanical components including but not limited to guns and engines.
The Wave Rider's Engineer is:
Somus Veridius, A Dragon Scholar from Mehnzil (By Reader Vote)
Again, readers may vote on all 5 position but the first option in each position to reach 5 will win. Voting will be valid through next Saturday, 4/9 up until midnight (PST) whereupon any position that hasn't had 5 votes for a specific character will be chosen by the option with the most votes. In the case of a tie there will be a coin flip with the one not chosen being set aside as an option for next week's positions.
Time for questions, comments, and, of course, VOTES!
Foreman : B
Gunner : B
Armourer : A
Engineer : D
Foreman: B
Gunner: B
Armourer: A
Engineer: A
Unfortunately they are all over on SF.
It starts here:
https://www.sofurry.com/view/575257