United Royal Court: Age of Correlan
"Nádur seyr" : Nature's Free
House Sepulchrave
- Maro Ofei, Earl of Sepulchrave
- Meg Jarlson, Emmisary and Advisor
The House of Sepulchrave, or commonly known its people as Saorsa, has shared a rich, vibrant history. It began as a quiet niche of what was to be the kingdom of Aquilaene approximately twelve to thirteen generations ago. Maolcholm Ó Cathaláin held a simple hope of freedom with everyone working in tandem to gain similar goals and through his extended family, it was achieved.
The Name: Saorsa, roughly translated, means freedom.
The Land - Geography: Beginning in the northwest, the lands of Sepulchrave roll gently down from the Divided Moritani border. Fields dot the country side, enclosed on three sides by mountain ranges. The Barrens to the north provide the SteelPeaks, otherwise known as the WatchTowers to the Saorsians. The tall, foreboding peaks remain devoid of life after Mount Govenlock's 1661 volcanic eruption. In the southwest, a small range known as the Silvercrest Mountains, act as a natural border to the lands of Di'Vanni. Within its foothills, it shelters the small city of Avonlea. The most insular corner of Saorsa for reasons of religion, the Fine McDonagh protects their people with a heavy hand. The Cyrinnes Mountains line the entire eastern border to the coast, separating Saorsa from the lands of Correlan. In the northern section of its peaks, Mt. Govenlock acts as the Aquilaene mainland's one known active volcano. Further south, the once protected city of Melchoir, the city of magic, was obliterated through the Mount Govenlock's destruction. Since that fateful day, the forces of magic have come to an utter stand still. The Cordon Valley claims central Saorsa, with its gentle, verdant hills. The Blackmoor Forest in the southeast corner, butted up against the Cyrinnes Mountains and the southern coast, mostly shelters the criminal element of the House due to its dense wood. The hardwood timber is a prized possession to the people; to those that live in the area, it is said that the Old Religion is found to be the strongest there. And finally, to the south, lies the coast and the land's capital city, Argonnes. The capital is a bustling port, acting as the major thoroughfare to the cities and villages beyond. Most of the land's exporting is conducted through the merchants of the city. For the people who long for a way of life that is not farming, Argonnes supports small, educational facilities. The White Cliffs that line the coast, stand several feet into the air and act as a beacon for all passing ships; it's light-colored rock reflects the light of the sun and moon.
The Land - Serving the People's Needs: The Saorsians began as the harvesters of the land and still remain so today. Rich, fertile stretches of field support crops of corn, wheat, tobacco and beans. The waters of the southern coast boast a plentiful supply of fish. The Blackmoor Forest in the southeast corner is full of a hardwood timber that is used sparingly by the Saorsians and exported for a substantial price. Cattle is raised, producing cheese, butter, and milk. A few farms support the breeding of horses for the needs of the Saorsians. The Cordon Valley is home to the bulk of the wool-producing sheep and the Cyrinnes Mountains provide fresh geological survey. Despite the generous wealth the land brought to its people, it is more popularly known for its physicians and taverns. The ways of the Old Religion brought the knowledge of herbs and healing. One could not say if it was skill or the power of their belief of their gods which brought cures to the ailments set before them. Taverns could be found in the heart of every village and were the people's social center. The sharing of an ale with a lively tune in the background always kept the spirits up while making the daily exchange of stories, goods, and even hands in marriage.
The People: "Nádur seyr" or "Nature's free"