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Ragman · February 4, 2008, 08:42 AM

"Secyclionia. A land so old given life once more. The red rocks still stand, and they will for eternity. The volcanoes may rage, yet the womb of the lands will never yield. They rise; proudly from the roots of the Eunesian Seas, guarding the well of secrets and wild islandic beauty of Secyclionia." -- Agaue Ionnidis, Poet and Philosopher

Geographical Location

Secyclion is the Eastern group of Islands of the Eunesian Isles. Ieffreon, Olympia and Chelseanna lies Westbound, and it is only slightly bigger in size to Olympia. Imperial Historians believe the strange claw-shaped Island came to be when a volcano eruption whose center now lies below the Nephele Bay exploded, and with the large amount of magma escaping it's core, the volcano collapsed to the seabed, leaving what a caldera which would be known as Secyclion in the aftermath of its destruction.

Like many of the Eunesian Isles, Secyclion is surrounded by deep waters, with a natural harbor within the Nephele Bay. Despite being sheltered from both sides by the natural curvature of the island around the Bay to protect the seas from the natural elements of strong winds; only the most skillful of boaters would dare to maneuver the waters due to the large reef rock formations (that are believed to have been formed in the volcanic catastrophe that formed Secyclion) that poses a danger to the unskilled and unfamiliar boatmen.

Because of the high volcanic activity on the island, coupled with the high humidity of the region, Secyclion was once known as the 'Mirage Island', for it appeared on good days where the visibility was clear, and seemed to completely disappear into an envelope of mist and smoke on other Brightenings. Observers from Olympia and Ieffreon used to observe the strange occurrence, yet dare not steer their ships near it for fear of being lost in the mists.

Brief History

Secyclion was one of the earliest inhabited Isles of Eunesia. Ask the typical native and they would tell you that the rest of the islands came to be occupied only when some of the Secyclionians living in the past decided to seek a better life than the harsh terrains of Secyclion. Not much is known before the caldera came to be formed, but the earliest settlers were the seafaring Vagrans, who, drawn by the strong physical beauty of the island decided to settle down.

Despite the steep walls of the caldera and plunging cliffs on either sides of the Nephele Bay, the fertile soil of volcanic residue allowed crops to prosper, and Secyclion soil today is still highly sought by serious gardeners all around the Empire for their rich mineral contents.

The 'Toichos Kikkimos', or the Red Wall, is the stretch of cliffs and caldera formation that over watches the Nephele Bay. So named because of its distinctive brick red color formed by deep volcanic residues embedded in the soil, this was also the first point of contact by the Vagrans. Exploration beyond the cliffs and the caldera only began roughly fifty ordinates ago, to the gentler sloping Northern plains, where newer City regions such as the continue to spring up. The North-Western portion of the island that borders Chelseanna continues to remain relatively unexplored and thus unknown.

It wasn't until Ieffreus Polytropos Panthoretes arrived upon Ieffreon did contact was established with the rest of the Eunesian Isles. The Imperials brought law and order to the island nation, as well as introduced the notion of trade, which Secyclion is heavily reliant on for goods which are hard to produce locally; and together with the rest of their sister islands, joined the great Aelyrian Empire.

Climate

Like the rest of their Eunesian counterparts, Secyclion experiences a relatively hot and humid Summer and a cool, breezy winter Autumn. Rain falls plentifully during Spring, while Winters are marked by frost waves that is never brittle enough to translate into snow. The climate of the City is also largely dependent on the location on the island because the mostly arid regions of the cliffs and the caldera is usually hotter and more exposed to the elements compared to the North-Eastern regions where groves of trees help to alleviate the bristling summer heat, where heat waves occur sparodically once or twice in the Summer, stretching over a cycle or two.

Cyclones and tropical storms are common in the Summer, and while the cliffs and mountains that had protected the Secyclionians for generations continue to perform their task silently, the lower lying regions in the North-Eastern regions are much more susceptible to those natural disasters, which sees the need to have stronger buildings that are able to contend with the forces of natures.

Another big part of the Secyclion climate would be the monsoon season, which stretches from mid Winter to the first two cycles of Spring. During these periods, Secyclion is marred by heavy rain, which makes it dangerous for many fishermen, as well as those living on the caldera due to mudslides and flash floods.

Terrain

The general terrain of Secyclion are the remains of the gigantic volcano whose center has sunk beneath the Nephele Bay. The Secyclion caldera, one of the rare and unique natural sights of the Empire occupies the South Western portion of the island while the North Eastern region is immediately marked by a steep drop of the craggy edges of the caldera where the newer settlers opts to reside. Believed to be layers of volcanic ashes that eventually settled down into the seabed, the estuaries have, over the Eras, hardened into land, and contains a high mineral content due to the mixture of freshwater streams and the salt water of the sea.

It is believed that mangrove swampy marshlands occupy the North-Western tip of the island, though it still remains a speculation due to the largely unexplored area. The highest point of the island is 'Rhea's Reach', which stretches deep into the air, and is usually completely obscured by the constant spew of volcanic ash that balloons around the island. Impossibly steep, no one is able to truly discern the true height of the mountain, though it is generally considered to be the highest point on Secyclion

Volcanic activity is still evident throughout the island, with both dormant and active volcanoes scattered about, though the two most prominent ones are 'Aeternia's Furnace' and 'Rhea's Bellies." The former at the southern most tip of the island while the latter consists of a series of active volcano and hot geysers located at the very foot of 'Rhea's Reach' near the center of the island. The volcanic fumes have been reported to cause a hallucinogenic effect when inhaled in large doses, which is why those regions are often avoided. Dunes of sand also occupy the Western bend of the island, where it is only separated from Olympia by a thin channel of water.

Because it is not as heavily commercialized like her neighbors, Secyclion remains a relatively quiet island, with much of the nature untampered with. All around the islands, small springs and geysers spring about like flowers, especially in the lower-lying regions, where the complex drainage system supports all the island's inhabitants with freshwater. The main river that runs down the slopes of 'Rhea's Reach' is called 'River Rhea', which eventually splits into numerous distributeries before meeting the Eunesian seas.

Famous beaches line the Southern and Eastern coasts, with the most famed one being Anatolia to the East, famous for its waves and pristine white sand while the Nephele Bay also supports various beaches that have calmer and peaceful waters due to the sheltering of the high peaks and cliffs. Sunrise from Anatolia is considered one of the best views on the Empire, and is a must see for any travelers to the island.

Demography

The main indigenous settlers are the Vagrans, that makes up almost 65% of its population. The rest of the 35% consists of other scattered races including Kattas, Dorin, Elves, Dwarves and even the occasional Dracon and Vysstichi. Because of their rather open attitude toward strangers, most races would find it easy to settle down amongst the natives if they do not cause trouble.

Because families have been dwelling within the island for generations, many of them are closely knit, and judging someone based on the name they bear would usually be enough to ascertain the kind of dealings and reputation that one possesses.

Being a tourist-attraction, many of the natives are able to speak Common fluently, as well as scattered languages that they pick up from travelers such as Elvish and Charismean, for example, and this has caused the Secyclionians to develop a unique dialect which is a fusion of the different languages. This fusion can be seen in some of their newer dishes, which are a favorite amongst tourists.

Currently, there are at least 8,000 permanent residents living on Secyclion, with an additional 3,000 either tourists, sailors or shipmates that had docked on the Secyclion Harbor.

Commerce and Trade

Secyclion relies heavily on trade for many of their finish products. While seafoods are plentiful and are exported to inland Kriskinstat Kaldira and Jiems, meat like beef and poultry are rare on the island because of the lack of land to graze and rear these animals. They are thus imported from the mainland, together with vegetables and fruits which the island lacks due to lack of cultivatable land despite the fertile soil that is found almost everywhere.

Precious gemstones are widely believed to be found near the volcanoes, yet there is only one gemstone mine found on the island, near 'Rhea's Bellies' as many of the others are considered too dangerous to be operable. The mine boast a huge selection of gems, though they are not found in high concentration. These gems are exported to neighboring islands or even the mainland where they are finished and fashioned into jewelry.

A famous local product of Secyclion is the Secyclionian Wine, which is fermented from a grape variety known as the 'Golden Grapes' that are native to the island. Grown on the fertile volcanic soil, the grapes and wine are highly sought after by the highest bidders, and the lack of cultivatable soil on the island makes them even more rare and expensive. They are harvested early Summer, before the heat waves settle in and spoil the fruit.

Felt is also produced from the indigenous Secyclion rams which live on the craggy cliffs of the island. The fabric is characterized by it's thick texture that is extremely adept at protecting against the cold due to its thick layer, and its ruggedness and durability. To be able to own a piece of Secyclion felt is considered of high status on the island. Other felts are also made, albeit of lower quality, because the Secyclionians skin the animals after their flesh have been consumed, to ensure that the animal's body parts -- in this case, its skin, is not being wasted by simply leaving the animal to rot.

Another local produce would be the Secyclion soil which is used to be fashioned as fertilizers for prized pots, as well as spa reagents. Some are even fashioned into incense which is said to have therapeutic purposes. Because of the high content of rare sand and volcanic ashes found only on the island, Secyclion also is famous for its glasswork, whose glass is said to produce a strange fiery imprint in it's natural form. Jewel crafters are also found on the Island, seeking to lay their hands and hone their craft on the precious gemstones uncovered from the mines.

The main income for the island city however, is tourism, which makes up the gross total of its revenue. An interesting note is that travelers require a permit to stay on the island for more than three months, after which, they must return to the permit office to get a renewal of the permit.

City Government

The City Government of Secyclion is no different from many of the other Allerian Cities, the Thane is the singular head of the City, second to no other and answers to the Governor of the Nesocratic Federation. While the general outline remains consistent, the Thane himself has included several other positions to assist him in the running of Secyclion.

His Principal Staff consists of the Prefect and Constable with regards to Law and Order, as well as Enforcement and Security; the Aedile, who is in charge of Civics and Housing issues, Harbor Master who answers to the Thane with regards to the entry and exit of visitors as well as the Head of Treasury who oversees trade and finances, as well as the important role of maintaining of the City's coffers. Last by not the least, the Speaker of the Council, after consolidating all the points from the Council members, will also be the one presenting his findings to the Thane and the rest of the Principal Staff for discussion.

The City Council, which varies from City to City, depending on the needs and representation, is also varied in Secyclion. Called the League of Secyclionia, it is considered an honorable position which is fiercely contested, with polls and elections set up for members who wish to enter the lobbying force that balances the Thane's control over the City.

Unlike the rest of the Cities where most of the Council members are elected randomly all over the City, the Thirty-One Member Council is being elected by their area of representation by the three main districts equally, which means that every district have ten spokesmen representing the interests of the region, be it the increase of public amenities, security issues or funds requirement. Each region elects their Council men and women via public balloting which takes place every three Eras.

Many Council men and women spend at least a Brightening every month to listen to the people they represent in order to garner their continuous support, which translate into their position within the League.

Diplomatic Relationships

City Militia

The City Militia consists of 600 men, out of which, at least 180 are held in Palati Ariadne, the Thanal Palace. Unlike Olympia and Ieffreon, Secyclion has other standing military, and because of its dangerous harbor that poses a danger to big ships, the Imperial Warships usually bypass the island to dock at the rest of the Eunesian Isles. The Secyclion Harbor is manned by at least 100 men, and the rest are delegated to island patrols, or coastal patrols around the waters of Secyclion.

The Militia also has ten Gorijas which they had bred from the Arakmat Wilderness, and these creatures act as loyal mounts which allows patrols to move from one place to another quickly due to their ability to maneuver mountainous terrain superbly well.

It is an interesting note that all of the 600 strong are extremely adept swimmers, and out of the 180 are 60 who are highly trained in marine warfare, who holds trials every Era to sieve through those who have the potential and physical aptitude to join their prestigious ranks. These fierce warriors called the 'Neptunalia' are the cream of the Militia, and are able to perform underwater maneuvers that the common man could not.

Nobility

Nobility in Secyclion isn't just title and privileges like some Cities, where Nobles wield considerably politic and financial clout; but also a lot of responsibility. While respect and certain privileges are granted regardless, the Nobles of Secyclion are also required to pay a 'Nobility Fund' every Era, usually a donation of sizable quantity to maintain public facilities such as libraries, theaters, Akademias and roads.

The children of these Nobles usually are not just brought up on Secyclion soil, but are also sent to the rest of the Eunesian Islands, be it for higher education, refining of arts and trade skills, or even to acquire much of life's experiences. Passage onto the mainland is rare, mainly because the Eunesians have a strong culture and tradition whose views upon mainland influences are often carried with a smirk of amusement.

On top of that, all sons and daughters of Nobles are required to serve for a period of time in the City Militia, and should there be a time when Secyclion engages in hostile relationships, are fully expected to be prepared to lay down their lives for the Island City, as per the Tenants of Nobiles decreed personally by the Thane himself.

While the Nobles possess limited power bases within Secyclion, many are required to fulfill their duties to continue achieving the same love and respect from the populace. Laziness is an aspect that is strongly deplored of Secyclionians, and the Nobiles are often seen doing charity work, helping out in public service sectors while their children defend the City; and not just wallowing in their riches and leisure.

February 4, 2008, 08:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ragman Former Staff Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Secyclion Posts: 2,020	General Information "Secyclionia. A land so old given life once more. The red rocks still stand, and they will for eternity. The volcanoes may rage, yet the womb of the lands will never yield. They rise; proudly from the roots of the Eunesian Seas, guarding the well of secrets and wild islandic beauty of Secyclionia." -- Agaue Ionnidis, Poet and Philosopher Geographical Location Secyclion is the Eastern group of Islands of the Eunesian Isles. Ieffreon, Olympia and Chelseanna lies Westbound, and it is only slightly bigger in size to Olympia. Imperial Historians believe the strange claw-shaped Island came to be when a volcano eruption whose center now lies below the Nephele Bay exploded, and with the large amount of magma escaping it's core, the volcano collapsed to the seabed, leaving what a caldera which would be known as Secyclion in the aftermath of its destruction. Like many of the Eunesian Isles, Secyclion is surrounded by deep waters, with a natural harbor within the Nephele Bay. Despite being sheltered from both sides by the natural curvature of the island around the Bay to protect the seas from the natural elements of strong winds; only the most skillful of boaters would dare to maneuver the waters due to the large reef rock formations (that are believed to have been formed in the volcanic catastrophe that formed Secyclion) that poses a danger to the unskilled and unfamiliar boatmen. Because of the high volcanic activity on the island, coupled with the high humidity of the region, Secyclion was once known as the 'Mirage Island', for it appeared on good days where the visibility was clear, and seemed to completely disappear into an envelope of mist and smoke on other Brightenings. Observers from Olympia and Ieffreon used to observe the strange occurrence, yet dare not steer their ships near it for fear of being lost in the mists. Brief History Secyclion was one of the earliest inhabited Isles of Eunesia. Ask the typical native and they would tell you that the rest of the islands came to be occupied only when some of the Secyclionians living in the past decided to seek a better life than the harsh terrains of Secyclion. Not much is known before the caldera came to be formed, but the earliest settlers were the seafaring Vagrans, who, drawn by the strong physical beauty of the island decided to settle down. Despite the steep walls of the caldera and plunging cliffs on either sides of the Nephele Bay, the fertile soil of volcanic residue allowed crops to prosper, and Secyclion soil today is still highly sought by serious gardeners all around the Empire for their rich mineral contents. The 'Toichos Kikkimos', or the Red Wall, is the stretch of cliffs and caldera formation that over watches the Nephele Bay. So named because of its distinctive brick red color formed by deep volcanic residues embedded in the soil, this was also the first point of contact by the Vagrans. Exploration beyond the cliffs and the caldera only began roughly fifty ordinates ago, to the gentler sloping Northern plains, where newer City regions such as the continue to spring up. The North-Western portion of the island that borders Chelseanna continues to remain relatively unexplored and thus unknown. It wasn't until Ieffreus Polytropos Panthoretes arrived upon Ieffreon did contact was established with the rest of the Eunesian Isles. The Imperials brought law and order to the island nation, as well as introduced the notion of trade, which Secyclion is heavily reliant on for goods which are hard to produce locally; and together with the rest of their sister islands, joined the great Aelyrian Empire. Climate Like the rest of their Eunesian counterparts, Secyclion experiences a relatively hot and humid Summer and a cool, breezy winter Autumn. Rain falls plentifully during Spring, while Winters are marked by frost waves that is never brittle enough to translate into snow. The climate of the City is also largely dependent on the location on the island because the mostly arid regions of the cliffs and the caldera is usually hotter and more exposed to the elements compared to the North-Eastern regions where groves of trees help to alleviate the bristling summer heat, where heat waves occur sparodically once or twice in the Summer, stretching over a cycle or two. Cyclones and tropical storms are common in the Summer, and while the cliffs and mountains that had protected the Secyclionians for generations continue to perform their task silently, the lower lying regions in the North-Eastern regions are much more susceptible to those natural disasters, which sees the need to have stronger buildings that are able to contend with the forces of natures. Another big part of the Secyclion climate would be the monsoon season, which stretches from mid Winter to the first two cycles of Spring. During these periods, Secyclion is marred by heavy rain, which makes it dangerous for many fishermen, as well as those living on the caldera due to mudslides and flash floods. Terrain The general terrain of Secyclion are the remains of the gigantic volcano whose center has sunk beneath the Nephele Bay. The Secyclion caldera, one of the rare and unique natural sights of the Empire occupies the South Western portion of the island while the North Eastern region is immediately marked by a steep drop of the craggy edges of the caldera where the newer settlers opts to reside. Believed to be layers of volcanic ashes that eventually settled down into the seabed, the estuaries have, over the Eras, hardened into land, and contains a high mineral content due to the mixture of freshwater streams and the salt water of the sea. It is believed that mangrove swampy marshlands occupy the North-Western tip of the island, though it still remains a speculation due to the largely unexplored area. The highest point of the island is 'Rhea's Reach', which stretches deep into the air, and is usually completely obscured by the constant spew of volcanic ash that balloons around the island. Impossibly steep, no one is able to truly discern the true height of the mountain, though it is generally considered to be the highest point on Secyclion Volcanic activity is still evident throughout the island, with both dormant and active volcanoes scattered about, though the two most prominent ones are 'Aeternia's Furnace' and 'Rhea's Bellies." The former at the southern most tip of the island while the latter consists of a series of active volcano and hot geysers located at the very foot of 'Rhea's Reach' near the center of the island. The volcanic fumes have been reported to cause a hallucinogenic effect when inhaled in large doses, which is why those regions are often avoided. Dunes of sand also occupy the Western bend of the island, where it is only separated from Olympia by a thin channel of water. Because it is not as heavily commercialized like her neighbors, Secyclion remains a relatively quiet island, with much of the nature untampered with. All around the islands, small springs and geysers spring about like flowers, especially in the lower-lying regions, where the complex drainage system supports all the island's inhabitants with freshwater. The main river that runs down the slopes of 'Rhea's Reach' is called 'River Rhea', which eventually splits into numerous distributeries before meeting the Eunesian seas. Famous beaches line the Southern and Eastern coasts, with the most famed one being Anatolia to the East, famous for its waves and pristine white sand while the Nephele Bay also supports various beaches that have calmer and peaceful waters due to the sheltering of the high peaks and cliffs. Sunrise from Anatolia is considered one of the best views on the Empire, and is a must see for any travelers to the island. Demography The main indigenous settlers are the Vagrans, that makes up almost 65% of its population. The rest of the 35% consists of other scattered races including Kattas, Dorin, Elves, Dwarves and even the occasional Dracon and Vysstichi. Because of their rather open attitude toward strangers, most races would find it easy to settle down amongst the natives if they do not cause trouble. Because families have been dwelling within the island for generations, many of them are closely knit, and judging someone based on the name they bear would usually be enough to ascertain the kind of dealings and reputation that one possesses. Being a tourist-attraction, many of the natives are able to speak Common fluently, as well as scattered languages that they pick up from travelers such as Elvish and Charismean, for example, and this has caused the Secyclionians to develop a unique dialect which is a fusion of the different languages. This fusion can be seen in some of their newer dishes, which are a favorite amongst tourists. Currently, there are at least 8,000 permanent residents living on Secyclion, with an additional 3,000 either tourists, sailors or shipmates that had docked on the Secyclion Harbor. Commerce and Trade Secyclion relies heavily on trade for many of their finish products. While seafoods are plentiful and are exported to inland Kriskinstat Kaldira and Jiems, meat like beef and poultry are rare on the island because of the lack of land to graze and rear these animals. They are thus imported from the mainland, together with vegetables and fruits which the island lacks due to lack of cultivatable land despite the fertile soil that is found almost everywhere. Precious gemstones are widely believed to be found near the volcanoes, yet there is only one gemstone mine found on the island, near 'Rhea's Bellies' as many of the others are considered too dangerous to be operable. The mine boast a huge selection of gems, though they are not found in high concentration. These gems are exported to neighboring islands or even the mainland where they are finished and fashioned into jewelry. A famous local product of Secyclion is the Secyclionian Wine, which is fermented from a grape variety known as the 'Golden Grapes' that are native to the island. Grown on the fertile volcanic soil, the grapes and wine are highly sought after by the highest bidders, and the lack of cultivatable soil on the island makes them even more rare and expensive. They are harvested early Summer, before the heat waves settle in and spoil the fruit. Felt is also produced from the indigenous Secyclion rams which live on the craggy cliffs of the island. The fabric is characterized by it's thick texture that is extremely adept at protecting against the cold due to its thick layer, and its ruggedness and durability. To be able to own a piece of Secyclion felt is considered of high status on the island. Other felts are also made, albeit of lower quality, because the Secyclionians skin the animals after their flesh have been consumed, to ensure that the animal's body parts -- in this case, its skin, is not being wasted by simply leaving the animal to rot. Another local produce would be the Secyclion soil which is used to be fashioned as fertilizers for prized pots, as well as spa reagents. Some are even fashioned into incense which is said to have therapeutic purposes. Because of the high content of rare sand and volcanic ashes found only on the island, Secyclion also is famous for its glasswork, whose glass is said to produce a strange fiery imprint in it's natural form. Jewel crafters are also found on the Island, seeking to lay their hands and hone their craft on the precious gemstones uncovered from the mines. The main income for the island city however, is tourism, which makes up the gross total of its revenue. An interesting note is that travelers require a permit to stay on the island for more than three months, after which, they must return to the permit office to get a renewal of the permit. City Government The City Government of Secyclion is no different from many of the other Allerian Cities, the Thane is the singular head of the City, second to no other and answers to the Governor of the Nesocratic Federation. While the general outline remains consistent, the Thane himself has included several other positions to assist him in the running of Secyclion. His Principal Staff consists of the Prefect and Constable with regards to Law and Order, as well as Enforcement and Security; the Aedile, who is in charge of Civics and Housing issues, Harbor Master who answers to the Thane with regards to the entry and exit of visitors as well as the Head of Treasury who oversees trade and finances, as well as the important role of maintaining of the City's coffers. Last by not the least, the Speaker of the Council, after consolidating all the points from the Council members, will also be the one presenting his findings to the Thane and the rest of the Principal Staff for discussion. The City Council, which varies from City to City, depending on the needs and representation, is also varied in Secyclion. Called the League of Secyclionia, it is considered an honorable position which is fiercely contested, with polls and elections set up for members who wish to enter the lobbying force that balances the Thane's control over the City. Unlike the rest of the Cities where most of the Council members are elected randomly all over the City, the Thirty-One Member Council is being elected by their area of representation by the three main districts equally, which means that every district have ten spokesmen representing the interests of the region, be it the increase of public amenities, security issues or funds requirement. Each region elects their Council men and women via public balloting which takes place every three Eras. Many Council men and women spend at least a Brightening every month to listen to the people they represent in order to garner their continuous support, which translate into their position within the League. Diplomatic Relationships City Militia The City Militia consists of 600 men, out of which, at least 180 are held in Palati Ariadne, the Thanal Palace. Unlike Olympia and Ieffreon, Secyclion has other standing military, and because of its dangerous harbor that poses a danger to big ships, the Imperial Warships usually bypass the island to dock at the rest of the Eunesian Isles. The Secyclion Harbor is manned by at least 100 men, and the rest are delegated to island patrols, or coastal patrols around the waters of Secyclion. The Militia also has ten Gorijas which they had bred from the Arakmat Wilderness, and these creatures act as loyal mounts which allows patrols to move from one place to another quickly due to their ability to maneuver mountainous terrain superbly well. It is an interesting note that all of the 600 strong are extremely adept swimmers, and out of the 180 are 60 who are highly trained in marine warfare, who holds trials every Era to sieve through those who have the potential and physical aptitude to join their prestigious ranks. These fierce warriors called the 'Neptunalia' are the cream of the Militia, and are able to perform underwater maneuvers that the common man could not. Nobility Nobility in Secyclion isn't just title and privileges like some Cities, where Nobles wield considerably politic and financial clout; but also a lot of responsibility. While respect and certain privileges are granted regardless, the Nobles of Secyclion are also required to pay a 'Nobility Fund' every Era, usually a donation of sizable quantity to maintain public facilities such as libraries, theaters, Akademias and roads. The children of these Nobles usually are not just brought up on Secyclion soil, but are also sent to the rest of the Eunesian Islands, be it for higher education, refining of arts and trade skills, or even to acquire much of life's experiences. Passage onto the mainland is rare, mainly because the Eunesians have a strong culture and tradition whose views upon mainland influences are often carried with a smirk of amusement. On top of that, all sons and daughters of Nobles are required to serve for a period of time in the City Militia, and should there be a time when Secyclion engages in hostile relationships, are fully expected to be prepared to lay down their lives for the Island City, as per the Tenants of Nobiles decreed personally by the Thane himself. While the Nobles possess limited power bases within Secyclion, many are required to fulfill their duties to continue achieving the same love and respect from the populace. Laziness is an aspect that is strongly deplored of Secyclionians, and the Nobiles are often seen doing charity work, helping out in public service sectors while their children defend the City; and not just wallowing in their riches and leisure. __________________ They say it changes when the sun goes down, around... here. Last edited by Ragman; February 5, 2008 at 10:10 PM.