Domains of Relantria

AKA Relantria, The Domains, Domains of the Relantrii

Overview: 

The Relantrii, located in sector Z, are basically a humanoid race with wings. Their features are generally fair, with golden hair and blue-green eyes. There are some slight modifications in those living near the coast and the desert region; this allows them to survive and thrive in their chosen environments.

Navigation: 

CoLC Index

Index: 

Q-dex / Technology / Mystic
Size / Population / Climate & Geography / Flora & Fauna
History / Government / Foreign Policy / Domestic Policy
Society / Languages / Religion / Castes / Economy
Military / Sports & Leisure / Major Population Centers / Chronic Problems
Submission Information 

Q-dex: 

T 565.6734/837.699O M 700.4235/891.42

This Q-Dex shows significantly more mystic capability than technological prowess. All objects are basically built of life and mana, with energy forming the additional impetus in the formation of matter and essence. 

The technology side of this Q-Dex is a Life/Energy zone with an average handling ratio, above average advancement ratio and an average quantity measure. Tech storms are slightly violent, quite frequent, very short, and below average in size. Tourism is encouraged, the stability of the government is very high, and the relationship the Domains have with the Omnet is very good.

The mystic side is an above average handling ratio, high advancement ratio and an abundance of mystic energy. Mystic storms are below average in size, very infrequent, short, and average in size.

Technology: 

Technology is at a moderately low level, equivalent to that at the time of the Darelan Age of Expansion, due to the vast influence Darel once held over this empire. The technologists are the only ones who routinely work with technology and their capabilities are limited, although Darelan aid has improved them significantly in the fields of replication, crystalline and gravitic technology. However, weapons are still very low tech when compared with the Darelan's new disruptors and energy drain fields, equivalent to the Darelan's second level of p-wave whips and early mana draining beams. 

Synthetic minds are also common, but are limited to educational, research and governmental purposes for the most part.

Mystic: 

Sorcery, Psionics and Conjuring form the major portion of the Domains, and it is these that power the daily workings of the Domains. Each school of mystic knowledge has its own training, philosophy and methods of accessing mana and life. Life in its own way, when paired with mana, creates the ability to manipulate matter, as the psychic incantations alter the very nature of life beneath the matter. 

Incantations, totems, rituals, spells and psionics form part of the repertoire of mystics known to the Relantrii. Their knowledge of mystics is constantly growing as they continue to expand and improve. 

All Relantrii are quite adept magically, and the most powerful of the Relantrii have matter/essence manipulation on the molecular level.

Size: 

8 systems and the Relantrii Nebula. The Relantrii Nebula surrounds two of the eight systems and provides rich raw materials in energy and mana for the Domains. It is also one of the most beautiful sights in the Domains.

Population: 

80 billion.

Climate and Geography: 

R'lai (the Home World) is temperate, with sufficient rains, gentle weather and easy, very mild seasons. It orbits the star known as F'orral. There is a region on the largest continent where a large desert where wild magic exists. The boundaries of this desert change constantly. Speculation about the origin of this desert abound with experts constantly arguing and disproving each other's theories. One thing they have agreed on is the name: S'ynidyrn.

Flora and Fauna: 

Basticas: A large cat species native to R'lai. Over the centuries, they have been changed by the populace to become more intelligent, and have traces of psionic power. They are much like familiars, and often guard and aid their owners.

There are still large groups of basticas in the wild who seem to have a wild form of power which is still in the process of being documented. Groups living near the region of the S'ynidyrn are far larger than normal ones, and possess an almost demonic intelligence. Tales and legends abound about these cats, some good and some bad.

Hordra: An animal with the head/body of an equine and the body/head of a dragon. These animals are carnivorous, and inhabit the deep seas of R'lai. A few have been captured and attempts were made to train them to be war steeds. However this was abandoned when the trainers more often than not became the main course. 

They are immune to magic, but use a form of mesmerizing magic to entrance their prey and persuade it to willingly enter their maw. Their favourite foods are fish and other large mammals found in the ocean. 

There are other species of flora and fauna in the other planets and on R'lai, which are still being observed and documented. The information will be released when the research has been completed.

History: 

[Vestis Note: This entire section relies greatly on historical records provided by the Bradis Librae Citadel on Darel IV, taken from Darelan records. The Relantrii language is complicated, and data on historical records obscure and often fragmentary due to the Darelan Occupation.]

Before the Darelan Occupation, the Relantrii were basically a peaceful culture with little in the way of warfare or even the need for much military.  Although they had begun to colonize the nearby worlds, they had yet to truly develop any military capacity beyond that of the various small fleets of individual worlds for their own defense. 

The Darelans invaded the Relantrii in 879 AD, once basic understanding and tech/mystic adaptation to the Relantrian quantum zone was completed after a hundred years of research and detailed experiments. The Relantrii inhabited the second quantum zone conquered by the Darelans in their expansion, which was perhaps the most significant for the fact that it was totally unlike the other two zones known to the Darelans.  In point of fact, the Darelans adapted to the thought of varying mystical/technological principles rapidly and without much real shock, almost as if they had been conditioned to understand it from the very start of their empire.

The Darelans promptly set up the Imperial Crown City of Sharian, and installed a provincial governor to advise the local council. Relantrii were swiftly recruited for the scientific and mystic schools of the Imperium as well as for the Grand Fleet, Imperial Shock Lancers and the Tal'Shikar. Those there often rose far, but none reached the esteemed position of Plutarch Sentra or Imperial Council until the time of Venren the First, who was elevated to the position of I'endikai for the Sector of Gar'galion and served three terms in office. 

In 1060 AD, Imperator Meracles Dai was assassinated while on tour through Relantrii space, resulting in an angry crusade against the Relantrii that left nearly 30,000 dead before evidence was discovered that the House of O-belah had been behind the assassination. 

In 1598 AD, the Relantrii threw off their overlords and slaughtered the Imperial I'endikai (Sector Governor) on R'lai, beginning the Relantrii Conflict that lasted for 10 years and ended with the near total decimation of the Imperial Grand Fleet of Darel. The sorcery and tech the Relantrii had obtained was more than enough to defeat the already weakened Darelan Grand Fleet, resulting in the ceding of 15 systems to the Relantrii and the recognition of Relantria's independence by Imperator Varys Ennervai-edis Dai. 

Chaos ensured as the various factions that had headed the rebellion broke into infighting and struggles over the form of government.  A trading empire such as the distant Ruqua was considered, and many merchants attempted to coerce the rebellion to form such a government, only to be stopped by force. Pro-Imperium forces attempted to launch several strikes, but were driven back with considerable losses on both sides.  The remaining Darelan garrison forces were besieged, but refused to give up, fighting to the last man.  The Sword Legions fought to the end, refusing all offers of amnesty to die fighting for their Imperator and Imperium.  They were brutally slaughtered in the end by angry mobs of Relantrii.  Even civilians who were of the Imperium were mercilessly slaughtered by angry mobs before the Council could stop them.  Out of the nearly thirty systems under the control of the new Domains of Relantria, twenty two were abandoned as the war drew resources and equipment from the outskirts back to the core systems. 

Finally, the pro-democracy movement led by Conway the Great successfully defeated both the merchants and the pro-Imperium forces to found the Domains of Relantria and the Val'kor Council. From there came years of military and scientific/mystical research to ensure that the Darelans were unable to take them back by force. Tensions were high on the borders for many years, and even now, the Relantrii keep several fleets on the Darelan border to counter the existence of the Fifth Mandate of the Imperial Grand Fleet.

Government: 

The Relantrii are ruled by a council of elected representatives, the Val'kor Council. A total of 15 members sit in the council at any one time for 20 years each, unless removed for unsatisfactory performance. 

Elected consuls serve on each of the individual worlds, and they are in turn supported by a council of their own, elected from the local population.

Foreign Policy: 

On the whole, the Relantrii are firmly in support of the principles of peace and fair trade, however, they will act swiftly to defend their borders from hostile action. 

The Domains has maintained ties with the Darelan Imperium, although it is of course strained due to the nature with which Relantria obtained its independence in the Succession Wars of Darel. Imperator Varys Ennervai-edis Dai was forced to sign away the First State of Relantria to the ruling House of Relantrii in order to preserve his borders following the devastation of the Succession Wars. Feelings between Relantria and Darel are strained at best, and many among the Darelans and Relantrii believe that the time will come when both Empires will either go to war or merge again.

The Domains have kept up a good relationship with the Omnet, despite the recent problems with the Order of the Future Faith and the falsified data that swept through much of the Omnet. 

Domestic Policy: 

The Domains does not interfere in its people's rights except in extraordinary situations, where the lack of interference means the stability of the Domains is threatened.

Society: 

The people are mostly opened minded and willing to accept change, though there are a few groups of die-hards who hold to the old ways, before the Awakening (see history). Previously, technology was viewed with a great deal of suspicion and users of technology were shunned; but with trade, there is a stronger acceptance of technology.

Though quick to forgive any wrongs, the Relantrii have a deep abiding dislike of the Darelans, due to their love of technology and their insistence that they are the Chosen race of Kendis-dai. However they have lived in relative peace with the Darelans since they obtained their freedom and trade is conducted amicably. Of course, Darel and R'lai both maintain a large contingent of military forces on the border between their space.

The head of the family is the mother and she exerts great influence over the family. Children are valued and encouraged to follow their interests. This has led to a caste system, though it is not a rigid system as the populace is allowed to move in and out of it. For example, if a citizen is working with magic, than he/she belongs to the Mage caste; if later, s/he becomes interested in Technology, s/he may apply to the Technologist caste, and begin his/her training under one of the Masters there. Being relatively long lived, many Relantrii frequently take the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and move between the castes.

Relantrii tend to live in peace with each other and their surroundings, though this is not to say that crimes have not occurred. However, the incidence is rather low as the law is fairly strict with offenders. Persons caught stealing are indentured and forced to work to pay off the object stolen, this sentence holds except in special circumstances. Murderers are severely dealt with, the method of sentencing is borrowed from the Darelan system.

The Relantrii are very open and do not view nudity as a taboo; first time visitors to R'lai and its other planets are often disconcerted by their frankness and openness (especially in the area of fashion and clothes). To the Relantrii, honesty is a virtue and encouraged amongst both the populace and visitors alike.

As mentioned, there are 4 major castes. In addition to this, there are several major guilds for the major trades in Relantrii space. They are:

  • The Merchants Guild
  • The Technologist Guild
  • The Artists Guild

These are a part of Relantrii society and play a role in the determination of the policies by which the Relantrii conduct their businesses and trades. 

Languages: 

There are several languages used by the Relantrii. This is dependent on the area which they come from. (Research continuously being carried out in an attempt to document the different dialects in use.) There is one common language used by the populace in official and business correspondence and is taught to all children of school-going age. This language is known as Ser R'lai. In communicating with other races and trading partners, the Relantrii rely on the use of the bio-links provided by the synthminds. 

Religion: 

The Relantrii believe in and worship both Shauna Kir and Kendis Dai. In most villages and towns, there will be a temple dedicated to both. Priests lead the populace in worship and play an important role in educating the youth of the Relantrii.

With the influx of trade with other races, newer religions and beliefs have made their way into Relantrii society. Although priests of the older order lament the dilution of their centuries-old faith, most have accepted and adapted to the new beliefs. 

Castes: 

There are several castes based on the principal of each caste serving a different purpose in the society.  They are:

  • Mage Caste
  • Warrior Caste
  • Technologist Caste
  • Worker Caste

The older and more experienced Masters of the Caste serve to teach the young Relantrii and oversee the more complex projects that the government orders from time to time. 

The Mage Caste is where all the wizards and other magical artificers work and train. Here too is the construction of the mystical artefacts that are used in day to day life. This construction is often done with the aid of the Worker caste. 

The Warrior Caste is the caste in which all members of the military and fighting forces are trained and practice their craft. They are often aided and have close ties with the Technologist and Mage castes. Most of the weapons used are either designed by these castes or imported from the other trading partners. 

The Technologist Caste is one of the newer castes, dating to the time of the Darelan Occupation and the discovery of Darelan technology. They are perhaps the least trusted caste of all, though this is beginning to change as trade barriers are lowered and newer products are brought in. Many of them prefer to maintain a bit of aloofness from the other castes, perhaps due to the earlier distrust. They have close ties with the Warrior and Worker castes.

Economy: 

Gemstones are among the most precious items on R'lai as they are used in the arts of creating magical artefacts and charms. In trade, Relantrii prefer to have metals in payments for their exported products due to the rarity of metals in their planets. 

The economy is a mixture of government-controlled and privately owned industries, with both sexes working in tasks suited to the Caste and Guild in which they work. Almost all the companies are in some way related to one of the Guilds, based on the work they do.

Military: 

The military of the Relantrii is well equipped and armed. Although their technology is only on par with early Darelan designs, in the field of mystics their knowledge is second only to some of the major empires and the spacers. The mystic ships sail the interstellar void, carrying sorcery and living off the natural energy of the quantum zone.  Dragon hulled and deadly, the living ships use star-portation to travel the distance between worlds.  Answerable only to the Val'kor Council, the military has maintained a constant state of readiness on the Darelan-Relantrian Border for the past 200 years. 

The military is divided into a Naval Division and a Land Division. The Naval Division, also known as the Sharien Fleet, are perhaps one of the better mystically equipped fleets, although their abilities in technological space are severely hampered when compared with their closest neighbour, the Darelan Imperium. The Naval Division is equipped with both magical aid, including the 'whitefire' staves and the 'icefire' projectors, and technological equipment, including the 'p-wave distrans' and the 'p-wave whips' commonly used by the Imperial Grand Fleet in 1598 AD. 

The Land Division, known as the Order of the White Flame, are a precise, efficient, and deadly fighting force almost equal to the Nakkar gene-soldiers of Darel and almost as good as the elite units of the Lights of Ja'lel. They serve in all ground fighting and boarding of enemy ships. They are equipped with some of the best equipment possible, including handheld energy weapons and magical blades.

The Mage, Technologist and Warrior Castes all serve in the military in some way or another. 

Sports and Leisure: 

The Relantrii are very artistically-minded and have developed an artistic culture. They enjoy music, paintings, magical sculptures and other 3-dimensional artforms.  

A thriving business in telepresence hauntings from the FSS and the Darelan Imperium is also enjoyed by the Relantrii.  In addition, the Relantrii also produce their own hauntings, some of which are in very high demand among the more intellectual people of the nearby empires.

Major Population Centers: 

The capital city of the Relantrii is Felitha. 

The Relantrii have a long history, and have many monuments to their past, one of which is the Imperial Governor's Palace. This palace was built by the first Darelan Governor to come to Relantrii, a member of the House of Darr. Under his leadership this building, combining the best of both Darelan and Relantri architecture, was built to commemorate the joining of the two races into one single Empire.  Architecturally it is still one of the most beautiful buildings in existence, and lends credence to the tale that all Imperial buildings are built beautifully to foil enemy attack: the buildings are so beautiful that even the enemy will not destroy it. Currently, it is used as a war museum and museum of the Darelan Occupation. 

Chronic Problems:

Reluctance of the inner system areas to accept changes, despite the overwhelming evidence that such change is necessary. In addition, the Masters of the various Castes have a tendancy to stagnate, becoming set in their ways and refusing to accept any form of change or innovation. Finally, there is an apathy to research into adapting mystical items to technological items to ensure the Relantrii will be able to use them in non-mystical quantum zones.

Submission Information: 

Submitter's Name: Rachel Lee
Submitter's Email: tigercat@geocities.com

Sifter: Matt Karlov