Post by facemelter on Jan 23, 2012 19:17:18 GMT -5
Founded by Emperor Kordillus Drakon, the Orlesian Empire or simply Orlais is one of the most powerful nations in Thedas. Val Royeaux is the capital of Orlais, as well as the Chantry's seat of power and home to the Divine. Amongst its previous rulers were Emperor Reville and Emperor Florian. Orlais conquered Ferelden in 8:44 Blessed, but was expelled before the beginning of the Dragon Age by King Maric Theirin.
Culture and Society
Ambitious and wealthy Orlais is the most powerful single human nation in Thedas. Under its current ruler, Empress Celene I, Orlais has a large aristocracy famed for its culture and extravagance. Celene shares the expansionist dream of Orlais's founder, Kordilius Drakon, that the nation's borders should stretch to the edges of the continent.
Another characteristic of the noble class is their penchant for high fashion, often copied in other lands such as Nevarra and the Free Marches but always at its most extreme within Orlais. Both men and women wear cosmetics of various kinds, with subtle differences that indicate social standing. In public, they are also prone to wearing very elaborate masks. These are hereditary and identify one's family almost as uniquely as the heraldry on a crest.
The capital city is Val Royeaux, which boasts the University of Orlais: a major center of learning that attracts young nobles from all over Thedas with the best education one can buy. The University is a relatively modern institution, whose liberal-minded professors have already clashed with religious conservatives over the content of their classes. This is likely to become a much larger issue in the future.
Aristocratic society is vicious and marked by fawning envy to the powerful. Orlesian nobles often entertain bards in their courts despite their roles as spies, assassins and saboteurs for their employers (usually other nobles). Nobles welcome such entertainers with full knowledge that any could be a bard; the thrill of outwitting a spy is a notion the Orlesian aristocracy can hardly resist.
Meghren during The Stolen Throne was known to import many of his Orlesian tastes, such as masks in the royal courts or Orlesian furniture.
Politics
In Orlais, land is owned exclusively by the aristocracy. Power rests solely in the Emperor or Empress as in many monarchies in Thedas where power descends from the throne, unlike Ferelden whose power derives from the support of freeholders.
During the years leading to The Mage-Templar War, many Orlesian nobles began to plot to re-conquer Ferelden. This was against Empress Celene's wishes, who did what she could to hold the peace and bring her nobles under control, but seditious plots were still whispered, increasing tension with many Fereldans.
Titles:
Below is a list of titles which holds its origin to the Empire of Orlais, it is based on the Dragon Age lore, but the missing links are filled out to complete the hierarchy. Be aware, this list of titles may change in the coming future.
Within the Empire of Orlais, there are many Lords and Ladies, and they all play the Grand Game of reputation and patronage, where moves are made with rumors and where scandal is the chief weapon. The game is not gentle; more blood has been spilt as a result of the Grand Game than any war the Orlesians have fought. If one is not a noble, one aspires to be--or at the least aspires to be in the good graces of a noble.
The Emperor or the Empress holds the ultimate power in Orlais and acts as an absolute monarch over many nations, or a in this case, a large piece of land. The line of Emperors began at the foundation of the Orlesian Empire, when the successful military general Kordillus Drakon was crowned Emperor by the first White Divine. The land is today ruled by Empress Celene I, decedent of Drakon himself. Celene's ascension to the Orlesian throne however is swathed in rumors, with some Orlesians claiming that she organized the assassination of her uncle to seize power.
Among the Orlesians, the title Lord Chancellor is perhaps the one most desired, except for Emperor/Empress title itself. Being a Lord Chancellor of Orlais is a great honor, one which gives the privilege to be the advisor to the ruler, though a position only earned if the ruler of the Empire chooses you. When news of the hostilities in the east reached Val Royeaux, the capital of Orlais, the Chancellor called in for conscription, which was met by riots among the populace.
They who are related to the Emperor or the Empress, but who is not the next in line, hold the title Archduke or Archduchess. The title can be removed or given to a simple Duke or a Duchess should the current ruler feel the need for it. According to the present ruler, there is none however to claim such a title.
The title Grand Duke or Grand Duchess is a title often held by the heir, and thus it may also be seen as a title which can only belong to a royalty within the same family as the current ruler, though if the current ruler has no heir, the title will go to the oldest related, one capable of succession. At the moment it is firmly known that Grand Duke Gespard de Chalon (possibly a relative of Empress Celene I) holds that title, and among his allies he have plotted and started a civil war to overthrow the Empress.
A Duke or a Duchess is a title held by many different individuals, either a royalty or nobility. The unofficial Duke Prosper de Montfort is perhaps one that may be considered within this group of nobles, a close friend to Empress Celene I who was killed at Chateau Haine.
The Marquis or the Marquees of Orlais are often the Emperors or the Empress hand chosen defender, one who protects and fortify the land against potentially hostile neighbors. They are commonly taken from the royal family itself, as holding an army is as important as it is dangerous. With a civil war beginning in Orlais, the Marquis de Chevin left with the northern host to aid Empress Celene I against Grand Duke Gespard and his allies.
The title Comte or Comtess, also known as Count and Countess are commonly known to those that own a county. They are responsible for the land they own and the people within it. Countess de Argent was last seen with Marquis de Chevin and Comtess de Launcet in Kirkwall.
The Vicomte or the Vicomtess is the title held by those individuals whom have been given one certain city to rule and govern, the rulers of Kirkwall adopted this title under the name Viscount which ended after the rebellion in Kirkwall. A Vicomte or a Vicomtess however still holds much responsibility in Orlais, but serves the Comte or the Marquis.
A Baron or a Baroness has great wealth, power, and influence in a specified sphere of activity. They are often of noble birth, but others may gain the title should it be entitled to them. There are stories about a Baroness of Orlais which became the ruler of the Blackmarsh in Ferelden, whose fate ended badly.
Those with the title Baronet or Baronetess are commoners, ordinary citizens without political rights. They are not a part of the high nobility and they do not have a knight’s title, nor are appointed as such. One may simply gain the title by buying it, but it cannot be passed on to others.
Many Orlesian nobles belong to its renowned knightly order, the Chevaliers. The martial training of the Chevaliers is legendarily harsh, instilling in the knights a fierce discipline and code of honor that takes precedence over the value of their own lives. The penalty for dishonor is death, something that a Chevalier would welcome if he or she has failed their lord. They are honored by many and are considered amongst the best of all soldiers but they also have unlimited rights when it comes to handling the peasantry; a cause of many conflicts.
The Knights of Orlais are fierce warriors, brave and relentless. They compete in tournaments for themselves, their lords or their lands. For years the Knights have only been males, but since the days of Aveline the knighthood have also drawn the attention of a few women.
The title Seneschal is granted those who are considered an officer within the important noble houses, they are put in charge of justice and administration, following the laws and commands to their master.
Forms of Address
All Orlesians are addressed by their first name and where they are from, linked by “de” which means “of”. Here is an example of a common Orlesian name; Garad de Montfort, meaning that Garad is from the city Montfort. Now should Garad hold the title Comte, then his name would change into; “Comte Garad de Montfort” or simply “Comte de Monfort” as there might not be many whom hold the same title, who is from the same city. When it comes to the Emperor or the Empress, a simple “Emperor Garad” is enough, considering that Orlais only have one Emperor or Empress.
When speaking to an Orlesian it is customary for a person to greet them by saying “Madame” or “Monsieur”, now should the Orlesian hold a high ranked title it would be preferable to call them after what title they hold, especially the Empress or the Emperor.
Culture and Society
Ambitious and wealthy Orlais is the most powerful single human nation in Thedas. Under its current ruler, Empress Celene I, Orlais has a large aristocracy famed for its culture and extravagance. Celene shares the expansionist dream of Orlais's founder, Kordilius Drakon, that the nation's borders should stretch to the edges of the continent.
Another characteristic of the noble class is their penchant for high fashion, often copied in other lands such as Nevarra and the Free Marches but always at its most extreme within Orlais. Both men and women wear cosmetics of various kinds, with subtle differences that indicate social standing. In public, they are also prone to wearing very elaborate masks. These are hereditary and identify one's family almost as uniquely as the heraldry on a crest.
The capital city is Val Royeaux, which boasts the University of Orlais: a major center of learning that attracts young nobles from all over Thedas with the best education one can buy. The University is a relatively modern institution, whose liberal-minded professors have already clashed with religious conservatives over the content of their classes. This is likely to become a much larger issue in the future.
Aristocratic society is vicious and marked by fawning envy to the powerful. Orlesian nobles often entertain bards in their courts despite their roles as spies, assassins and saboteurs for their employers (usually other nobles). Nobles welcome such entertainers with full knowledge that any could be a bard; the thrill of outwitting a spy is a notion the Orlesian aristocracy can hardly resist.
Meghren during The Stolen Throne was known to import many of his Orlesian tastes, such as masks in the royal courts or Orlesian furniture.
Politics
In Orlais, land is owned exclusively by the aristocracy. Power rests solely in the Emperor or Empress as in many monarchies in Thedas where power descends from the throne, unlike Ferelden whose power derives from the support of freeholders.
During the years leading to The Mage-Templar War, many Orlesian nobles began to plot to re-conquer Ferelden. This was against Empress Celene's wishes, who did what she could to hold the peace and bring her nobles under control, but seditious plots were still whispered, increasing tension with many Fereldans.
Titles:
Below is a list of titles which holds its origin to the Empire of Orlais, it is based on the Dragon Age lore, but the missing links are filled out to complete the hierarchy. Be aware, this list of titles may change in the coming future.
Within the Empire of Orlais, there are many Lords and Ladies, and they all play the Grand Game of reputation and patronage, where moves are made with rumors and where scandal is the chief weapon. The game is not gentle; more blood has been spilt as a result of the Grand Game than any war the Orlesians have fought. If one is not a noble, one aspires to be--or at the least aspires to be in the good graces of a noble.
- Empress/Emperor
- Lord Chancellor
- Archduke/Archduchess
- Grand Duke/Grand Duchess
- Duke/Duchess
- Marquisý/Marquees
- Comte/Comtess
- Vicomte
- Baron/Baroness
- Baronet/Baronetess
- Chevalier
- Knight
- Seneschal
The Emperor or the Empress holds the ultimate power in Orlais and acts as an absolute monarch over many nations, or a in this case, a large piece of land. The line of Emperors began at the foundation of the Orlesian Empire, when the successful military general Kordillus Drakon was crowned Emperor by the first White Divine. The land is today ruled by Empress Celene I, decedent of Drakon himself. Celene's ascension to the Orlesian throne however is swathed in rumors, with some Orlesians claiming that she organized the assassination of her uncle to seize power.
Among the Orlesians, the title Lord Chancellor is perhaps the one most desired, except for Emperor/Empress title itself. Being a Lord Chancellor of Orlais is a great honor, one which gives the privilege to be the advisor to the ruler, though a position only earned if the ruler of the Empire chooses you. When news of the hostilities in the east reached Val Royeaux, the capital of Orlais, the Chancellor called in for conscription, which was met by riots among the populace.
They who are related to the Emperor or the Empress, but who is not the next in line, hold the title Archduke or Archduchess. The title can be removed or given to a simple Duke or a Duchess should the current ruler feel the need for it. According to the present ruler, there is none however to claim such a title.
The title Grand Duke or Grand Duchess is a title often held by the heir, and thus it may also be seen as a title which can only belong to a royalty within the same family as the current ruler, though if the current ruler has no heir, the title will go to the oldest related, one capable of succession. At the moment it is firmly known that Grand Duke Gespard de Chalon (possibly a relative of Empress Celene I) holds that title, and among his allies he have plotted and started a civil war to overthrow the Empress.
A Duke or a Duchess is a title held by many different individuals, either a royalty or nobility. The unofficial Duke Prosper de Montfort is perhaps one that may be considered within this group of nobles, a close friend to Empress Celene I who was killed at Chateau Haine.
The Marquis or the Marquees of Orlais are often the Emperors or the Empress hand chosen defender, one who protects and fortify the land against potentially hostile neighbors. They are commonly taken from the royal family itself, as holding an army is as important as it is dangerous. With a civil war beginning in Orlais, the Marquis de Chevin left with the northern host to aid Empress Celene I against Grand Duke Gespard and his allies.
The title Comte or Comtess, also known as Count and Countess are commonly known to those that own a county. They are responsible for the land they own and the people within it. Countess de Argent was last seen with Marquis de Chevin and Comtess de Launcet in Kirkwall.
The Vicomte or the Vicomtess is the title held by those individuals whom have been given one certain city to rule and govern, the rulers of Kirkwall adopted this title under the name Viscount which ended after the rebellion in Kirkwall. A Vicomte or a Vicomtess however still holds much responsibility in Orlais, but serves the Comte or the Marquis.
A Baron or a Baroness has great wealth, power, and influence in a specified sphere of activity. They are often of noble birth, but others may gain the title should it be entitled to them. There are stories about a Baroness of Orlais which became the ruler of the Blackmarsh in Ferelden, whose fate ended badly.
Those with the title Baronet or Baronetess are commoners, ordinary citizens without political rights. They are not a part of the high nobility and they do not have a knight’s title, nor are appointed as such. One may simply gain the title by buying it, but it cannot be passed on to others.
Many Orlesian nobles belong to its renowned knightly order, the Chevaliers. The martial training of the Chevaliers is legendarily harsh, instilling in the knights a fierce discipline and code of honor that takes precedence over the value of their own lives. The penalty for dishonor is death, something that a Chevalier would welcome if he or she has failed their lord. They are honored by many and are considered amongst the best of all soldiers but they also have unlimited rights when it comes to handling the peasantry; a cause of many conflicts.
The Knights of Orlais are fierce warriors, brave and relentless. They compete in tournaments for themselves, their lords or their lands. For years the Knights have only been males, but since the days of Aveline the knighthood have also drawn the attention of a few women.
The title Seneschal is granted those who are considered an officer within the important noble houses, they are put in charge of justice and administration, following the laws and commands to their master.
Forms of Address
All Orlesians are addressed by their first name and where they are from, linked by “de” which means “of”. Here is an example of a common Orlesian name; Garad de Montfort, meaning that Garad is from the city Montfort. Now should Garad hold the title Comte, then his name would change into; “Comte Garad de Montfort” or simply “Comte de Monfort” as there might not be many whom hold the same title, who is from the same city. When it comes to the Emperor or the Empress, a simple “Emperor Garad” is enough, considering that Orlais only have one Emperor or Empress.
When speaking to an Orlesian it is customary for a person to greet them by saying “Madame” or “Monsieur”, now should the Orlesian hold a high ranked title it would be preferable to call them after what title they hold, especially the Empress or the Emperor.
