Welcome to the Ye Olde Compilation Post Finally-Finished! Here, we will be merging and finalizing information that is posted as well as identifying what can be refined. This isn't a final step, but narrowing our information when we are presented with a lot of it is very important for going forward. I haven't made any changes to this yet, but I will be working on a new one as we find changes. Remember, while Silver Hills is shaping up to seem like a more mature piece of land, we are still looking for it to be Free Realmsy, where it is easy to approach and has some idealistic and juvenile aspects to it.Incoming post with all previously posted Silver Hills information compiled into one post where what we currently have can be finalized (somewhat, at least).
"In Ch 2 of the FR RP it was established by me that the Queen of the Pegasi and Unicorns was a friend of Selina and named Celestra (as was King of the Nightmares Shadowfire also a friend)"
"Kaya is correct. She has relations with the pony folk and should be able to tide things over rather quickly.
Silver hills, as pictured by Spencer Colt Meg and I, is a large territory, rather than the cities and towns we are used to. I will let Spencer go into the terrain as we pictured it a little more, as he has put more thought to it than I. I focused mainly on the dynamic of the people and its government. The elves have three princes, we know, and since we never heard tell of a king or queen, I think it's fair to say it can be deemed a cooperative principality. Each prince has a division of the Silverhills, east west and north. The south is largely uninhabited and is maintained under the protectorate of the Ranger General. Basically border patrol. The Capitol city, which we fancy Aleria, is in the very center of elf country, and is home to the Royal Palace. I have a full right up of government that I have been fiddling with, and I can post it here or send it to you on fb once I get to my computer.
One thing about the terrain I do know it that a large forest exists close to the barrier and expanses the whole of the southern border. The elves, as masters of magic, can influence the climate to change to their liking, and so the forest ISNT an iceberg with pines. Flora and fauna thrive in the forest. I do believe this bit of terrain is crucial to an event planned with Colt and Zio."
"During one of the Struggles in Shrouded Glade(there were three, with Shrouded Gloam(ig event that we didn't do in the rp, or at least not in chapter two I dont think) being one of them) Selina and Zio summoned various magical and mundane species to aid them. It was the third time. The second was when they evacuated to FTF."
"Known inhabitants of Pony Vale from Free Realms:
Yarith Yewroot - Leader of main Druid camp exploring and helping the horsefolk in Pony Vale
Princess Dreamdust - Pegasi (?) monarch
Honeydew - Horse(?)
2-3 other named horses
1 other named pegasi"
"Towards the beginning of Ch 2 Selina mind spoke requesting help from Queen Celestra ((A) ruler of pegasi & unicorns), a Unicorn Pegasi to get to Zio; a little later Selina requested aid from her friend Shadowfire King of the Nightmares (She had befriended both during her wanderings between druid academy and the summons back during Ch 1 (or maybe between when she returned to SG and beg. of ch 2))"
"About the Silver Hills terrain/geography, we've thought that the North, East and West are divided up between the three princes, who we assume are brothers. The North goes to the middle child, the east goes to the oldest, and the west to youngest, if I remember correctly. The southern pie-slice of Silver Hills is like a neutral/mutually-owned territory, so that no prince has domain over the Crystal Barrier.
We've imagined a vast forest that reaches from somewhere towards the south, and into the west. The weather is usually mild, so there are flowers that grow in the area and animals that aren't usually out in cold climates would be running around; the forest would occasionally be struck by huge ice-storms, so you never know when it's safe to go inside the forest, but many people go in to see the magical creatures that live there.
Somewhere, (in the north or east) there's a field from a war long ago that caused strife for the entire nation. The area is thought to be cursed, and strange magics have been used there from the wars. The air in that area can be toxic to some after an extended period of exposure."
"I dont think any ways mentioned, other than the fact he was the arch magus of the three princes...
This is the simplified version:
SECTION 1 GOVERNMENT
1.1 Three Princes rule, but are advised by a council of 13 elders chosen by the nation every __ years. If they unanimously oppose the princes, they can over turn anything; law, ruling or decree. The Council also serve as the Ruling Body of Aleria. In times gone by, the Princes have been refused entrance to the city when opposition was heavy.
1.2 The Princes are each charged with a section of the Silver Hills: North, East and West. Each Principality is under the absolute authority of the sovereign Prince, except in Judicial matters. All trials and hearings are handled by the Elders from that principality, both civil and criminal. Each Principality is allotted 3 Elders, the other 4 from Aleria itself. In Aleria’s case, if a majority ruling cannot be reached, the most Senior Elder’s vote will decide the outcome. The Princes all contribute to the Royal Guard, Magisterium, and Ranger Corps.
SECTION 2 MILITARY ORDERS
There are 4 officially recognized Military Orders in the Silver Hills:
2.1 The Royal Guard (Zenith Guard) - Consisting of magic and melee trained Elves, the Royal Guard protects the Royal Family and their households. And, because the Palace of Aleria is not under the Council’s control, the Elders have no jurisdiction over them OR the Palace. The current Commander, an ex-Magister himself, resides in the Palace of Aleria most of the time.
2.2 The Magisterium - the Magisters are the Keepers of the Arcane. They are the most powerful of the Elves, masters of nearly all disciplines of magic. They double not only as the Historians of the Elven Race, but also as the Healers. Magisters are known to be keen with a sword, and each of the Princes are trained as Magisters so that they might truly be powerful. The Magisterium is governed by 3 Maguses, with the Arch Magus being the Leader of the Order. The Current Arch Magus was exiled by the Princes seemingly without cause, though the Magisterium has lobbied enough support from the Council of Elders to secure his return.
2.3 The Ranger Corps - the Rangers patrol the borders of Silver Hills and act as the de facto police force. Though trained primarily with a bow and arrow and swords, a number of them practice magic in order to serve as combat medics as well as to set wards. The Ranger-General of Silver Hills resides in the farthest most south outpost – the one closest to the Barrier.
2.4 The City Guard (Aleriae) – the Aleriae, like the Zenith Guard, have a mixed-ranks population. However, the City Guard often reserves officer positions for its version of Magisters. The Aleriae report to the Council of Elders and their authority supersedes the other three orders while in the city. Though, since the Magisterium is located within Aleria (and under it), these two often clash. Since the Council of Elders direct this order, the commanding officer is dubbed the Acting Captain."
"The elves are divided into four territories - one to each prince and the other owned by none. I’m going to divide this by each territory.
The Southern Territory (Keinri)
Keinri is a mix of all of the territories. Life in this area is a lot less sophisticated and a lot more wild, due to the few Elves who live in this area. They’re the “common” folk, if you will, and they produce the most rangers.
The people who live in this area prefer plain, practical clothing with few decorations. Their houses are usually stone walls, wood floors, and slate roofs. While most occupants live in the tundra area of this territory, few have even built cottages in the Keinri Forest and have become hermits.
The Eastern Territory (Albion)
The Albion are an educated, witty, and hard-working lot. They have the mind to see their dreams and resilience to see them through. The Eastern Elves have the drive to make themselves the best they can be physically, mentally, and magically. They value peace and natural beauty, and shun excessive, materialistic lifestyles. They don’t rely on their magic for survival, as many other Elves do. They find doing everything with magic takes the fun out of it, and they will sometimes view those who rely on their magical abilities as lazy.
A plain that stretches between Albion and Namdalen, the Plains of Misery, is a toxic battlefield from the early civil wars of the Elves.
The Eastern Elves’ clothes are modest, beautiful and efficient, but not extravagant. An Easterner might have one or two extravagant outfits for a ball, banquet, et cetra, but otherwise, they stick to earthy/neutral tones. The Easterners prefer large houses with wooden floors and tall windows, and large grounds with beautiful flowers and animals.
Prince Laranthir, the eldest of the three, resides here. He is very old and wise, not to mention powerful. Like his people, he values natural beauty and peace. However, do not mistake him for a pushover. It is best not to forget that he is the eldest Prince, and as such, is not one to be trifled with. He is tall, with blonde hair and kind silver eyes. Because he is immortal, he appears to be in his thirties, rather than his true age.
The Northern Territory (Namdalen)
The Namdalenian are fairer and taller than the rest of their people; they bear hair so light a shade of blonde it’s nearly white, and skin so clear and pale it’s almost like untouched snow. They are known to be wealthy, elegant, and kind. The Namdalenian are known to be family people. They adore lavish balls and banquets. Although they’re among the wealthiest of the Silver Hills, they wouldn’t boast of their money, nor would they look down their nose on those in need. They would gladly share their wealth and radiance with their neighbors.
Namdalen is known for it's amazing mountainous ranges, and harsh weather, especially in the deadly tundra Kelten Fuar. A large frozen lake (I like the name Andavan Lake, but I feel like that's not for me alone to decide.) resides in the center of Namdalen, and makes up many miles of it. There is a thin and impossibly tall glass and gold spire protruding from the lake's icy surface, with powers not completely comprehensible to the Elves: all they know is that it emanates extreme power; a seemingly endless stream of light is shot up into the sky from the tip of the mysterious spire. Underneath the icy surface resides a deep and dark lake, in which one of the main cities of Namdalen sits (or floats, rather). The shining city is composed of glass domes held together by metal (I always think of Otoh Gunga from Star Wars), and placed near the side of the lake, so some parts of the city go into the underwater cliffside.
The Namdalenian are scholars and artists. They push themselves to be as perfect as they can. It’s usually desired by the Namdalenian to become Magisters, if they wish to go to a government position.
Their style of magic is very fluid and elegant, and usually results in bright colors. They’re superior defensive combatants and healers. It is commonly said that “the fury of the Northmen is a spectacle for all to fear and admire.”
The style of fashion in the north is very regal, and the colors and intricate embroidery are inspired by nature. The homes in Namdalen are very large and grand, because of the large sizes of families. The estates hold lofty ceilings and dark wooden floors; intricate works of artistry usually hang on walls, or stand in gardens. Nearly every home in Namdalen has a garden - usually made warmer with magic - full of beautiful flora and fauna.
Auberon, the second eldest of the three, occupies this area. Auberon is the tallest of his brothers. His face is perfectly symmetrical, and his eyes are the most peculiar color of blue, that often changes colors depending on his mood. His hair is short, compared to most Elves, and possesses the signature lightness that the Northmen are known for. He is gracious to his people, and loved by them all. Since he’s been ruling over Namdalen, this land has prospered. Although he rarely comes from the far north to Aleria, when he is, it’s all the talk, and everyone wants to get a glimpse of the radiant and good Prince.
Auberon is not quick to anger, but he can hold a grudge, despite his good spirit.
The Western Territory (Abrassia)
The Abrassa stand out amongst their kin, having a darker complexion than the rest of the elves. The center of life in Abrassia is on the coast, where the City of Tema, and the Cas da Sha, sits in Glory. In Abrassia, magical strength is valued above all else. They enjoy trickery and other light hearted debauchery, though that isn’t to say they aren’t kind. The are the life of the party and are eager to get everything they can out of their immortal lives. Their heavy attachment to magic, however, has proven to be quite the buzz kill. Loving, though they are, they rely so heavily on magic it has become almost an addiction. This, however, has lead to many new discoveries and advancements where magic is concerned.
The eldest families of the Silverhills settled upon the land of Abrassia shortly after traveling to their new home. They couldn’t adjust to the cold climate, and having the magic to do so, changed their new home to their liking. A Great River runs through the heart of Abrassia, and along its banks many communities can be found. The elves are always seen in their very best, often ornate clothes. They are quick to change their appearance, should it suit them, whether that be in their fashion or their physical appearance. They live to enjoy life.
Their buildings and other structures are all very grand, mainly consisting of stonemasonry, tiled roofs, and sliding doors. Most live on Manor Estates, where two or three families live together. They are ever the artists, taking pride in their contemporary and out-of-the-box designs in fashion and architecture.
Kio, the Prince of Abrassia, is known throughout Silverhills for his charm and decorum. In contrast to his subjects, Kio dresses very modestly. His eyes are a bright shade of honey brown, which is very rare amongst the Elves. His high cheek bones and exotic appearance has rendered the youngest prince quite handsome, something he uses to his advantage. He can throw a party better than most anyone, and is often the carefree of the three brothers. However, he very rarely fails to get what he wants, and can be quite the adversary. Huge thanks to Colt and Zio for the help in writing all of this and the ideas. We were each responsible for writing each section. (I did the North and South, Zio had the West, and Colt had the East.)"
"Zio is busy at the moment but he wanted me to say that there are no other races, just the elves. Woodland creatures exist in the lower regions, though arctic animals can be found everywhere but the west. The Syndicate's objective is to act on behalf of Sacred Grove, specifically the Queen, and have been given exclusive rights to do so for the time being. "
"Yes. But in the Keinri Forest there may be strange animals, and normal woodland creatures. Like rabbits, deer, etc. except that they've adapted to the colder climates. As in strange animals, maybe weird things like jack-a-lopes, or some things you could find in the avatar series? Just a thought, lol!"
"I think we should still go to PV, Selina wants to see the commitment she made to her friend through, though it will be a brief times pent there.
I think we should keep the SH strictly Elves. They created the barrier, and even if an odd human or two got to go with them I hardly think there would be enough to continue a single bloodline, let alone a minority race. Though to be fair, we never did find out if Pixies had similar life spans, since Silversnow was never really explained. He would have to be a few centuries old if he was friends with the Elves. But that could have been a magical occurrence. The safest thing to do is keep the sentient race, or the only human one at least, singularly the Elves.
I think the animals should possess strange or supernatural characteristics, perhaps the Deer species have huge antlers and can communicate? Or we could do the whole OTHER avatar thing, where the animals can interact with the Elves through their mind at a level higher than we can now, but less than, say, a Dragon Bond? I don't know, I just feel like the uniqueness of the fauna should be less physical and more metaphysical.
The elves in my mind possess a social class that isn't based on monetary value. They all, for the most part, can buy whatever they cannot conjur up. I think in that respect the elves are rather Utopian. Power, both magical and political, determines your place in society. It's all rather complicated, and it's for that reason the question of a caste system is really at the back of the Elves' minds. It's there, but it also has no demand for attention. Other than the Royal Family and the Elders, all the other Elves are assimilated. Granted that those in the South are more the 'Rohan' of middle earth, they still contribute to society. I'm not sure if I just confused things more, but once I talk to colt I can usually make things more plain. Will update if I can/have to. "
"
What we know of the elves:
Elves have both common and full names. Their full names are used at birth upon naming and common names are used when they are developed. Full names are typically only used as a formality or when addressing one for the very first time. Chugzy's common name was Chugzy while his full name, as stated in-game, was Chugo'Zytok'Rylary the Banished. We are assuming that "the Banished" was added to his name when he was sent out of Silver Hills.
Skin colors vary depending on region and the areas of which each elf's parents came from. Light pastels and natural colors are the norm. Chugzy was a pale pastel blue/purple in-game.
Common eye colors for the elves are all of the standard human ones (browns, greens, blues, greys, hazel, etc.) with the addition of black. Certain eye colors may be more common in certain areas or families. Chugzy had black eyes. Black eyes may be associated with how/why he was banished, but I'd like to leave black eyes open as a typical option."
"I like your idea on plants, Colt, and maybe it could extend to some animals, as well? Maybe not the healing bit with the animals, but having some of the same animals along with different animals and variations of animals that we've already seen in the Northwestern Sacred Grove area"
"Oh, okay!
The higher class, in my mind, are richer and more powerful than the rest. They're older and smarter than the rest of their kin.
Middle class are normal, working people. They live in large homes, still, but they have jobs (i.e., sword-makers, tailors, jewelers, etc.)
The Lower class work as well. Their houses are smaller, and their clothes aren't as ornate and elegant. They're usually the weakest of the Elves, and the most uneducated."
"The vast majority of the Elves in Abrassia fall into the upperclass; they live in the Mannir Estates with other Elf families, usually extended branches of their own. They also live in Tema, the costal Capitol of Abrassia. The working class is really non existent in Abrassa culture, for obvious reasons. The lower class is very small, and they still claim some tie to a large fortune, but they are the elves that were designated to maintain the fields and farmlands in the eastern part of Abrassia, mainly along the Great River's Banks."
"Peerage system
The 3 Princes are referred to as Their Majesties Most High. Their immediate relatives, such as children and spouses, who also bare the prince/princess title, in turn are referred to as their Highness.
Most any elf can claim some lordship or another. Titles are so common some families have dropped them all together due to their vast sizes. However, there remains those titles that cannot be rendered obsolete.
The peerage is arranged as so:
Prince
-------------------------------------------
Great Lords
---------
Arch Duke --- High Steward
The Arch Duke ranks in just under the prince, with each territory putting their own version to use. He is the highest ranking member of the peerage, and is responsible for the governance of the Prince's land and management of the other Lords and Ladies of the peerage.
The Lord High Steward is responsible for the day to day running of the Capitol City and Household of each of the Princes, especially in his absence. Most all matters are brought to him before the Prince. The High Steward of the Palace of Aleria, however, is styled in old Elven tradition. His Formal Title is Master of Home, Hearth, and Key, though he is commonly referred to as the Lord Master.
-------------------------------------------
Middle Caste Lords
---------
There are various titles and other nominal honours to that effect, but they are all referred to as Lord and Lady. They usually retain a few lands through out the Territory, though each case is different. The Members of the Council of Elders are also styled Lord and Lady.
-------------------------------------------
Lesser Lords
---------
These Lords and Ladies often make up the majority of the Princes' Courtiers. Their claim to the nobility is a strained one. Some heirs of titles that have been vacant, dissolved or are otherwise held in abeyance often live at court as well, and are referred to as Honorable.
There are several Old Families that have great influence over Elf Politics. That being said, their politics are often roundabout and indirect. More on the politics to come, thought it isn't important right now. "
"The Northern Territory (Namdalen)
The Namdalenian are fairer and taller than the rest of their people; they bear hair so light a shade of blonde it’s nearly white, and skin so clear and pale it’s almost like untouched snow. They are known to be wealthy, elegant, and kind. The Namdalenian are known to be family people. They adore lavish balls and banquets. Although they’re among the wealthiest of the Silver Hills, they wouldn’t boast of their money, nor would they look down their nose on those in need. They would gladly share their wealth and radiance with their neighbors.
Namdalen is known for it's amazing mountainous ranges, and harsh weather, especially in the deadly tundra Kelten Fuar. A large frozen lake (I like the name Andavan Lake, but I feel like that's not for me alone to decide.) resides in the center of Namdalen, and makes up many miles of it. There is a thin and impossibly tall glass and gold spire protruding from the lake's icy surface, with powers not completely comprehensible to the Elves: all they know is that it emanates extreme power; a seemingly endless stream of light is shot up into the sky from the tip of the mysterious spire. Underneath the icy surface resides a deep and dark lake, in which one of the main cities of Namdalen sits (or floats, rather). The shining city is composed of glass domes held together by metal (I always think of Otoh Gunga from Star Wars), and placed near the side of the lake, so some parts of the city go into the underwater cliffside.
The Namdalenian are scholars and artists. They push themselves to be as perfect as they can. It’s usually desired by the Namdalenian to become Magisters, if they wish to go to a government position.
Their style of magic is very fluid and elegant, and usually results in bright colors. They’re superior defensive combatants and healers. It is commonly said that “the fury of the Northmen is a spectacle for all to fear and admire.”
The style of fashion in the north is very regal, and the colors and intricate embroidery are inspired by nature. The homes in Namdalen are very large and grand, because of the large sizes of families. The estates hold lofty ceilings and dark wooden floors; intricate works of artistry usually hang on walls, or stand in gardens. Nearly every home in Namdalen has a garden - usually made warmer with magic - full of beautiful flora and fauna.
Auberon, the second eldest of the three, occupies this area. Auberon is the tallest of his brothers. His face is perfectly symmetrical, and his eyes are the most peculiar color of blue, that often changes colors depending on his mood. His hair is short, compared to most Elves, and possesses the signature lightness that the Northmen are known for. He is gracious to his people, and loved by them all. Since he’s been ruling over Namdalen, this land has prospered. Although he rarely comes from the far north to Aleria, when he is, it’s all the talk, and everyone wants to get a glimpse of the radiant and good Prince.
Auberon is not quick to anger, but he can hold a grudge, despite his good spirit."
"On Abrassia's northern border lies the Sacred City of Imvarda. The city was carved into the mountainside, hanging down under a massive white cliff. A shroud of mystery encases it; no one quite knows who built it, for it long predates the Elven Culture, but they have made it their own.
This city is Sacred to all Elves. There was a time when the land was torn asunder by the ravaging magic let loose in the War of Misery: elf turned on elf and nature itself lashed out at the proud race. Imvarda was a refuge, for all sides. An ancient and complicated spell was woven into the very mountain, by some long forgotten race, rendering magic useless.
The city is maintained and governed by the Citadel of Silence, named in reference to the prohibition of magic. It sits in the very center of the city, and is the deepest reaching of all the buildings. The city has always been led by a woman, dubbed The Lady of Silence, with the current being Princess Daea, wife of Prince Kaivos. They maintain a distance relationship so that she can remain a neutral party.
The Voiceless are a sect of the Magisters devoted to serve defend and protect the Lady of Silence and Imvarda. The have taken many vows, namely one of silence. While they can't practice magic they are incredibly skilled herbalists, apothecaries and swordsman. An initiative in their order learns early on what poisons to coat his sword in, whether it be to immobilize or cause insanity. They will revert to violence to instill peace.
Elves travel to Imvarda for spiritual guidance and penance. They live simple lives, away from magic and their ostentatious lifestyles.
The Lady of Silence is tasked with promoting peace, and though isolated in her temple city, hers is a long reaching hand. With agents in most facets of the Government, the Citadel maintains a firm grasp on peace throughout Silver Hills.
((Imagine the Western Airbender Temple in Avatar
))"