Post by Dread Gnat on Jun 29, 2012 5:01:11 GMT -5
~Mandala: Also along the western coast, Mandala is a citystate that knows a great many secrets. Ettiquette is fairly important to the diplomats and well bred within the city, as there is an art even to conversation, and tea plays a central role in most business dealings.
Mandala was once the home of the infamous Blood Knights, but they were considered too dangerous by the Amalgamation, and were put to death during the Purification.
Though Publicly Mandala is fairly peaceful, some still practice powerful blood magic, though the people have mastered the art of saying one thing while meaning another.
Along the western coast of the Expanse, east of the Drir Isles, and North of Castle Thorn, and Cole sits a most peculiar ring of mountains. What make them such a strange place to behold, is that gigantic valleys, seem to be carved as smooth as polished marble, almost as if the very rocks themselves had melted away, leaving an intricate series of strange twisting Valleys that spiral and cross through the mountains and mist filled forests of bamboo. Large forests of ancient trees with crawling roots also cover the landscape and are often referred to as the “Veins of the forest”. Their origins have been debated by scholars for centuries, but all Mandalans claim that their city, which lies at the center of these rings of mountains, is the remains of a lair once ruled by a powerful dragon. Many Mandalans still revere and worship that dragon to this day.
Beyond dragons, Mandala was also once the home of the infamous Blood Chalice, knights skilled in the art of Blood magic. The Blood Chalice, though strong and admirable, were also considered dangerous and uncontrollable by the Amalgamation. Fearing their growth of power, the Amalgamation and those who supported their cause, delivered a betrayal most wish they could forgot. During the Purification, all that was known of the Blood Chalice was eradicated. Their existence was left to float on the wind and wash away with the tides.
Mandala’s past is riddled with mysticism and darkness, but persistent notes of beauty, eloquence, discipline, and vigilance, remain steadfast in all that they were, and everything they are now. For a small nation, their way of living is highly advanced, complex, and hints at a past that was far more progressive than their Gael neighbors. Many historians find it difficult to reason their rapid industrialization, but many suspect intervention by forces more perspicacious than the tribes of the area.
One strong trait that set Mandalans apart from many nations, is their expression of etiquette. Mandalans have always shown a reverence for polite associations and civility amongst all that they do, thus breeding a form of etiquette unique to their people. Etiquette is fairly important in all diplomatic endeavors as they feel it shows a great amount of fortitude to endure people of many cultural backgrounds. Etiquette shows a measure of control, especially of the self. It is a practice well-nurtured within the city, and has added a level of artistry to conversation.
It is important to note that though etiquette is regularly practiced, it may not be the sort that is observed in places like the Amalgamation or elsewhere. Mandalan etiquette contains two unique traits that are world reknown; both admired and despised. First, in almost all forms of conversation, Tea plays a central role. It is observed in business affairs, political practices, common chat, religious ceremony, and as a national pastime. Second, they are masters of the art of saying one thing while meaning another, often leaving their company questioning conversations hours after they have ended. Hardly malicious, the Mandalans find it a way of being honest without resorting to rudimentary forms of dialogue in their dealings.
Overall, Mandalans have a deep and rich history that has led to an intense and prepossessing existence. Their way of living, far more distinctive than their neighboring nations. They are a fairly peaceful people that prefers to keep to themselves and observe a strong sense of nationalism. To defect from Mandala, is to turn your back on your blood, an unforgivable offense. With that said, it is a rare occasion that anyone would turn on the fertile land, sparkling rivers, luxuriant forests, grand mountain ranges, and the remnants of the people chosen by dragons.
Mandala was once the home of the infamous Blood Knights, but they were considered too dangerous by the Amalgamation, and were put to death during the Purification.
Though Publicly Mandala is fairly peaceful, some still practice powerful blood magic, though the people have mastered the art of saying one thing while meaning another.
Along the western coast of the Expanse, east of the Drir Isles, and North of Castle Thorn, and Cole sits a most peculiar ring of mountains. What make them such a strange place to behold, is that gigantic valleys, seem to be carved as smooth as polished marble, almost as if the very rocks themselves had melted away, leaving an intricate series of strange twisting Valleys that spiral and cross through the mountains and mist filled forests of bamboo. Large forests of ancient trees with crawling roots also cover the landscape and are often referred to as the “Veins of the forest”. Their origins have been debated by scholars for centuries, but all Mandalans claim that their city, which lies at the center of these rings of mountains, is the remains of a lair once ruled by a powerful dragon. Many Mandalans still revere and worship that dragon to this day.
Beyond dragons, Mandala was also once the home of the infamous Blood Chalice, knights skilled in the art of Blood magic. The Blood Chalice, though strong and admirable, were also considered dangerous and uncontrollable by the Amalgamation. Fearing their growth of power, the Amalgamation and those who supported their cause, delivered a betrayal most wish they could forgot. During the Purification, all that was known of the Blood Chalice was eradicated. Their existence was left to float on the wind and wash away with the tides.
Mandala’s past is riddled with mysticism and darkness, but persistent notes of beauty, eloquence, discipline, and vigilance, remain steadfast in all that they were, and everything they are now. For a small nation, their way of living is highly advanced, complex, and hints at a past that was far more progressive than their Gael neighbors. Many historians find it difficult to reason their rapid industrialization, but many suspect intervention by forces more perspicacious than the tribes of the area.
One strong trait that set Mandalans apart from many nations, is their expression of etiquette. Mandalans have always shown a reverence for polite associations and civility amongst all that they do, thus breeding a form of etiquette unique to their people. Etiquette is fairly important in all diplomatic endeavors as they feel it shows a great amount of fortitude to endure people of many cultural backgrounds. Etiquette shows a measure of control, especially of the self. It is a practice well-nurtured within the city, and has added a level of artistry to conversation.
It is important to note that though etiquette is regularly practiced, it may not be the sort that is observed in places like the Amalgamation or elsewhere. Mandalan etiquette contains two unique traits that are world reknown; both admired and despised. First, in almost all forms of conversation, Tea plays a central role. It is observed in business affairs, political practices, common chat, religious ceremony, and as a national pastime. Second, they are masters of the art of saying one thing while meaning another, often leaving their company questioning conversations hours after they have ended. Hardly malicious, the Mandalans find it a way of being honest without resorting to rudimentary forms of dialogue in their dealings.
Overall, Mandalans have a deep and rich history that has led to an intense and prepossessing existence. Their way of living, far more distinctive than their neighboring nations. They are a fairly peaceful people that prefers to keep to themselves and observe a strong sense of nationalism. To defect from Mandala, is to turn your back on your blood, an unforgivable offense. With that said, it is a rare occasion that anyone would turn on the fertile land, sparkling rivers, luxuriant forests, grand mountain ranges, and the remnants of the people chosen by dragons.