Post by JonRoss on Feb 23, 2016 1:10:25 GMT -5
Mandalans have maintained political isolation for reasons mostly unknown to outside sources. They prefer to keep their society controlled and within their own borders. Asking for assistance from foreign parties does not come easy and often their pride will prevent them from pursuing lasting negotiations. The Mandalans may never concede that it was helpful, but the fact that the Celestine Empire lies between Mandala and the Amalgamation, may have saved them much trouble. Without the buffer of the Celesting Empire, the Amalgamation may have fully assimilated Mandala by now, causing them to lose the isolation they hold so dear.
Mandala’s primary source of foreign influence happens to also be the neighboring Celestine Empire. Nearby their seaside borders lies the nation of Cole, which remains a rival port city that holds no favor amongst the Mandalans. Trade is regulated by the ruling families of Mandala, exclusively. The Celestine, as well as those seeking negotiations, do well to maintain their alliances with the ruling families and are polite enough to not impose upon Mandalan privacy. Privacy is so important, that Diplomatic envoys from other countries are heavily restricted upon their visits. Often times, foreign envoys will be delayed by repetitive rescheduling and busy schedules, enough that dignitaries will eventually leave before setting foot in the Mandalan main city. Visitation only comes easy for those that are beckoned at the hands of the ruling families.
The Ruling Families
Five major families hold the most political power in the city-state, each is represented by a dragon of legend. The families all have a tendency towards a specific magical discipline, a discipline practice and passed down through several generations of their ancestry. This ancestry holds a sacred place amonst the heart of those born within each family. Defecting from the family you were born into is seen as slight against your house, a heinous offense. Each family elects an Ambassador to represent the country and the good name of their house. The Ambassador is never necessarily the head of the house, but is still revered as a trusted and respected member of the family, worthy of their position of leadership.
The Families:
Celsus
Dragon: Sen, the Dragon of War. Master of strategy and tactics; not mindless slaughter.
Magic: Warding, they specialize in buffing magic and terrain manipulation. They focus on hitting things rather than casting spells.
House Colors: Wine Red, Medium Gold, Black
Pliny
Dragon: Hé, the Dragon of Unification. Master of cooperation and getting people to work together, optimally.
Magic: Channeling; they practice physical arts of healing and promote unity through group health
House Colors: Mint Green, Sky Blue, Royal Blue
De Ariete
Dragon: Nao, the Dragon of Knowledge. Master of education and learning. History, engineering, and the sciences fall under Nao’s purview.
Magic: Very secretive, but known to practice all magic. They like to research new spells, have a specialty for unique alchemical concoctions, summoning, and are rumored to have practiced blood magic.
House Colors: Jade Green, Royal Purple, Goldenrod
Rubra Vena
Dragon: Mei, the Dragon of Grace. Master of the arts, philosophy, and honor. A renaissance thinker.
Magic: Sorcerers that have a strong fascination with elemental magic, most prevalently, fire and ice.
House Colors: Flame Red, Blood Orange, Ice Blue
Benlowe
Dragon: Fa, the Dragon of Prosperity. Master of commerce and trade, and also a master of logistics. A good judge of worthiness of both person and property.
Magic: Divination, alchemy, and dream magic have been commonly practiced. They like to use magic to see beyond the surface and to solicit human response.
House Colors: Powder Blue, Silver, Charcoal Gray
The Consul:
With as much power as the five families hold, there is still one who serves as the final word and highest ruling body in Mandala, the Consul. This position is always elected from the five ruling families and serves as the final word for political change, societal progress, and securities. The lower class and other miscreant parties within Mandala are deemed unworthy, thought to have nothing to offer greater society. Because of this, the ruling families, the heaviest magic users in all of Mandalan society, are found to be the strongest and wisest choices for this position.
Mandala’s primary source of foreign influence happens to also be the neighboring Celestine Empire. Nearby their seaside borders lies the nation of Cole, which remains a rival port city that holds no favor amongst the Mandalans. Trade is regulated by the ruling families of Mandala, exclusively. The Celestine, as well as those seeking negotiations, do well to maintain their alliances with the ruling families and are polite enough to not impose upon Mandalan privacy. Privacy is so important, that Diplomatic envoys from other countries are heavily restricted upon their visits. Often times, foreign envoys will be delayed by repetitive rescheduling and busy schedules, enough that dignitaries will eventually leave before setting foot in the Mandalan main city. Visitation only comes easy for those that are beckoned at the hands of the ruling families.
The Ruling Families
Five major families hold the most political power in the city-state, each is represented by a dragon of legend. The families all have a tendency towards a specific magical discipline, a discipline practice and passed down through several generations of their ancestry. This ancestry holds a sacred place amonst the heart of those born within each family. Defecting from the family you were born into is seen as slight against your house, a heinous offense. Each family elects an Ambassador to represent the country and the good name of their house. The Ambassador is never necessarily the head of the house, but is still revered as a trusted and respected member of the family, worthy of their position of leadership.
The Families:
Celsus
Dragon: Sen, the Dragon of War. Master of strategy and tactics; not mindless slaughter.
Magic: Warding, they specialize in buffing magic and terrain manipulation. They focus on hitting things rather than casting spells.
House Colors: Wine Red, Medium Gold, Black
Pliny
Dragon: Hé, the Dragon of Unification. Master of cooperation and getting people to work together, optimally.
Magic: Channeling; they practice physical arts of healing and promote unity through group health
House Colors: Mint Green, Sky Blue, Royal Blue
De Ariete
Dragon: Nao, the Dragon of Knowledge. Master of education and learning. History, engineering, and the sciences fall under Nao’s purview.
Magic: Very secretive, but known to practice all magic. They like to research new spells, have a specialty for unique alchemical concoctions, summoning, and are rumored to have practiced blood magic.
House Colors: Jade Green, Royal Purple, Goldenrod
Rubra Vena
Dragon: Mei, the Dragon of Grace. Master of the arts, philosophy, and honor. A renaissance thinker.
Magic: Sorcerers that have a strong fascination with elemental magic, most prevalently, fire and ice.
House Colors: Flame Red, Blood Orange, Ice Blue
Benlowe
Dragon: Fa, the Dragon of Prosperity. Master of commerce and trade, and also a master of logistics. A good judge of worthiness of both person and property.
Magic: Divination, alchemy, and dream magic have been commonly practiced. They like to use magic to see beyond the surface and to solicit human response.
House Colors: Powder Blue, Silver, Charcoal Gray
The Consul:
With as much power as the five families hold, there is still one who serves as the final word and highest ruling body in Mandala, the Consul. This position is always elected from the five ruling families and serves as the final word for political change, societal progress, and securities. The lower class and other miscreant parties within Mandala are deemed unworthy, thought to have nothing to offer greater society. Because of this, the ruling families, the heaviest magic users in all of Mandalan society, are found to be the strongest and wisest choices for this position.