Bard's Academy in Cear

[baby1111007]

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Bard's Academy is pleased to announce the first in a lecture series open to the public.

Where: The Academy lecture hall, in Empress Court
When: Wed, Feb 19, 1 PM Central Standard Time, US
Who: Sigrid
Topic: Tah'nai culture and heritage

[baby1111007]

Announcement

The Bard's Academy is pleased to announce the second in a lecture series open to the public

Where: The Academy lecture hall, in Empress Court
When: Sunday, March 2nd, 1 PM Central Standard Time, US
Who: Relvalis
Topic: Tel'Gothrim

[baby1111007]

Announcement

The Bard's Academy is pleased to announce the third in a lecture series open to the public

Where: The Academy lecture hall, in Empress Court
when: Saturday, March 15th, 1 PM Central Standard Time, US
Who: Phelan
Topic: Iryrodian culture and society

[Peregrinus]

Transcript and notes from Sir Phelan Almaran's Lecture on Iryrodian History and Culture:

Phelan's Notes ((Link to an external site, due to formatting of the notes, its impossible to post these to the forum.))

Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: This is our third in a series of lectures being given...open to the public. I first wish to thank you all for the support...and the interest.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *closes her book and takes her notebook to lap.. As well as a pen between her fingers. Lifts her head, squints her eyes a bit towards Reina*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Our speaker today is Sir Phelan Almaran who will be discussing Iryodian society and history with us. I ask that we reserve our questions until the speaker asks for them.
Sir Phelan Almaran: *nods*
Blackrose Consultor Maliker: *leans back on the bench, his arms draped over the backrest, turning his attention to Phelan*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: I also remind you all...that you are guests in my home...all of my guests are to be treated with respect.
Sir Phelan Almaran: *rises and moves the chair to the side*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Now...I give you Sir Phelan.... *she claps softly*
Sir Phelan Almaran: *smooths out his silk outfit, and looks about the room*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *claps softly too, shifts gaze to Phelan*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Before Dasaria, Iryrod was the most recent addition to the Empire.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Because it entered the Empire of its own volition and its isolation as an island, it has been allowed to maintain a cultural independence from the mainland, and is the only province allowed true self-rule.
Sir Phelan Almaran: This combination of isolation and independence leads to many misunderstandings about Iryrod, it people, governance and history.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Some of wish I hope to dispel.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *motions Zeo in with a finger to her lips*
Sir Phelan Almaran: To understand Iryrod, one must of course look at its founding and history.
Sir Phelan Almaran: As an elven-dominated culture, Iryrod has its origins long before the Imperial reckoning began.
Fledgling Zeo Snyder: *as he walks in he nods, walks up to Reina quickly before sitting down, whispering something to her*
Sir Phelan Almaran: With the elven diaspora from Rian.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *takes notes, completely focused*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Even among the Iryrodians the original reason for their exodus is forgotten... it may have been due to ideological differences...
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she nods to him*
Sir Phelan Almaran: They may have been an elven underclass who fled persecution...
Sir Phelan Almaran: Or maybe they were just adventurous folks who could not stand being cooped up in the woods, like many of the Rianians who we encounter now.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Regardless, they united under Neinna, who was known as the Shipwright for her skill in design and building of ships.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Gathering a great number together, they made a fleet to leave this continent and sailed the Black Sea west of what is now Old and New Varana.
Sir Phelan Almaran: In their voyages they encountered many trials, lost ships... from the Great Whirlpool which... to the Sirens of the Deep...
Sir Phelan Almaran: To honest to Rhauth Sea monsters.
Sir Phelan Almaran: But the final obstacle that stopped their journey was a great storm.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Sent by Rhauth to end their voyage.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Nobody knows why Rhauth took offense to their journey... my personal theory is that had they gone further west they would have encountered Exodon, whom the gods were preparing to punish...
Sir Phelan Almaran: But regardless, their fleet broke upon the shores of what would become Iryrod.
Sir Phelan Almaran: There they established their first city, I'winya-thond.
Sir Phelan Almaran: "The New Root"
Sir Phelan Almaran: Iryrod was a harsh land... the seas dangerous with monsters.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Unlike the woods of this continent, which are dominated by the fae and their kin, the land of Iryrod was home to many elementals.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Which held no love or kinship with the elves, and so the only thing that could be done was destroying them or binding them.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *looks to the door...motions him in with a finger to her lips*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Even to this day, in the countryside of Iryrod, most are trained in martial arts or other ways to defend themselves against the elementals of the land.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *Looks up at Phelan for a moment, tapping her lips with her pen*
Sir Phelan Almaran: The elves, and others who blew up on Iryrod's shores who were adopted and allowed to stay, soon spread out across the isle.
Lucian Ashe: [he steps inside and removes his bandana properly so..... stepping within gingerly and with an expression of mild confusion]
Sir Phelan Almaran: Now... I should explain, we call it and island.
Sir Phelan Almaran: But Iryrod is comparable in land area to Dasaria.
Sir Phelan Almaran: The distance from one end to the other is as far as the lands of the Tah'nai are to Gulashire.
Sir Phelan Almaran: And it is as wide as the area from the Kor Mountains to the sea.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *nods, begins to write again*
Hakki Kaga: *stare*
Sir Phelan Almaran: At any rate, for many years the Iryrodians lived in isolation, until ships from the Empire found its shores.
Lucian Ashe: [brief glance to the left at the masked figure]
Sir Phelan Almaran: Unlike many other regions, the Empire did not seek to conquer it... likely realizing that given the masters of shipbuilding the Iryrodians had and the distances involved, it would be logistically impossible.
Sir Phelan Almaran: And so instead, they sent out an olive branch, offering peace and trade.
Fledgling Zeo Snyder: *Leans forwards slightly, his elbows resting on the table and his chin in his hands*
Lucian Ashe: [after a moment, realizes he's blocking the way]
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *looks to the door, smiles and motions Quinn in*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Iryrod had many items of value to the Empire, silks, fine wines, and shipwrights.
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She slips in quietly and smiles to Rei*
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She smiles and quietly moves to sit next to Zeo*
Sir Phelan Almaran: This arrangement lasted for many years, under Stormqueen Newen.
Sir Phelan Almaran: *takes a deep breath and looks about the room*
Fledgling Zeo Snyder: *watches her for a moment and smiles offering a hand to her*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Stormqueen Newen's story is one which there are two versions...
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She smiles and takes his hand, then looks up to Phelan with a respectful nod and listens to his lecture*
Lucian Ashe: [slips into the entrance, not leaving, but keeping out of the way]
Sir Phelan Almaran: The one most know... which is that she was assassinated by her eldest daughter, Eliandra.
Sir Phelan Almaran: And her younger daughter, Elara, avenged her, stopping Eliandra's coup, and then ascended the throne.
Fledgling Zeo Snyder: *looks back at Phelan, listening*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Eventually, Stormqueen Elara brought Iryrod into the Empire in 526 MR.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *listens intently*
Sir Phelan Almaran: However... that story, like many... is not quite true.
Sir Phelan Almaran: When Iryrodians maintained their immortality like all elves of Rian.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Previous Stormqueens had only been replaced when they retired... or when they met an untimely demise.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *looks to the door and motions Xev in*
Sir Phelan Almaran: *nods to Xev, continuing the lecture*
Archmage Xev: *nods*
Sir Phelan Almaran: And with an elder daughter, Elara was unlikely to ever ascend the throne.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Further, Eliandra was not as enamored with Varana as her mother and younger sister, and made rumblings of ending the trade agreements with them.
Sir Phelan Almaran: If she ever ascended.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *looks to the door, motions Lady Mystery in*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *hastily scribbles in her notebook*
Terrah: [helps herself along, casually]
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She nods to Xev with a smile, then looks back at the front of the room.*
Sir Phelan Almaran: So... it is said that Elara arranged for her mother's, the Stormqueen's assassination, and then pinned it on her sister.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Eliandra fled Iryrod in the company of the Captain of the Guard...
Sir Phelan Almaran: Together they fled to the only known land free of Varanite rule, Dasaria, where she bore one child by the captain of the guard, and then died...
Sir Phelan Almaran: That child lived until Dasaria fell to Varana, and what happened to her since was lost to history.
Sir Phelan Almaran: At any rate, Elara, using the excuse of fear her sister would return, brought Iryrod into the Empire.
Sir Phelan Almaran: *takes a deep breath to gather his thoughts*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she takes a few notes as she listens*
Sir Phelan Almaran: As part of the Empire, Iryrod was allowed home rule, and only had minor changes to its laws... in fact, coming into the Empire greatly increased its wealth as trade became easier.
Archmage Xev: *glances over at the shelf and the doll size tinker and smiles a bit*
Sir Phelan Almaran: However, in 593 MR, the Call went out. *eyes looks to Xev a moment*
Sir Phelan Almaran: The Rianians called all who held their blood to return to Rian, or be stripped of their
Archmage Xev: *looks rather neutral about that*
Sir Phelan Almaran: The Iryrodians were forced to choose between Immortality and their homes.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Homes that were all many of them knew.
Blackrose Consultor Maliker: *frowns, leaning forward*
Sir Phelan Almaran: A Quarter of the population fled Iryrod, mostly the very young, who were not established, and the very old.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *her eyes shadow a little, listening to the history....and knowing the
Sir Phelan Almaran: These people are called by Iryrodians "Si bihuq'ama vihu"... the "Fosakers".
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *taps her lips with her pen when she looks up for a moment to Phelan*
Sir Phelan Almaran: While the Rianians are... disliked... for their decisions to make the Call... the Forsakers are hated...
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she scowls slightly at that*
Sir Phelan Almaran: For they abandoned their homes and chose their own immortality and lives.
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She sucks her lips into her mouth as she listens*
Sir Phelan Almaran: It would be... ill-advised for any of Iryrod who left to answer the Call to return... as while there is no law prohibiting it... it is likely they would be killed in the streets.
Sir Phelan Almaran: After the Call, the ravages of time began to affect the Iryrodians.
Sir Phelan Almaran: They had become... well... pointy eared humans in effect.
Blackrose Consultor Maliker: *chuckles*
Sir Phelan Almaran: This so distraught many, including Stormqueen Elara, that she turned to the gods for an answer.
Sir Phelan Almaran: And so made a pact with Lochwar...
Sir Phelan Almaran: In return for following certain rituals and taboos, the Iryrodians would not face the ravages of age until the last decade of their life.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Instead maintaining a youthful vigor throughout their time.
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *Quirks a brow in interest*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *wrinkles up her nose a bit, showing some disapproval*
Archmage Xev: *makes a little disgusted face*
Sir Phelan Almaran: The loss of their immortality, combined with the rituals of Lochwar have resulted in a general decline and fatalism among the Iryrodians.
Sir Phelan Almaran: The greatest masters set down their knowledge of magic and shipbuilding, the arts and lore.
Sir Phelan Almaran: So their accomplishments were recorded... but could never be duplicated, for none would have the time.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she winces slightly*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Further, hedonism spread, especially in the cities, as life was short, and people would want to live it up.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Fortunately, trade only made Iryrod wealthier, as Cuhanna opened up to trade and Dasaria also.
Sir Phelan Almaran: In the last few decades, Iryrod had begun to settle... as the generation who lost their immortality began to die off, and those born after came of age.
Sir Phelan Almaran: And this brings us to the modern culture of Iryrod...
Sir Phelan Almaran: Iryrod, arguably, has two very distinct cultures.
Sir Phelan Almaran: The first, and best known outside of the island, is the Court culture.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Based around I'winya-thond and Stormqueen Elara's court, it is focused on the elves of Iryrod and jockeying for position and prestige.
Sir Phelan Almaran: The nobles of the cities compete with one another, constantly trying to one up each other...
Sir Phelan Almaran: In clothes, poetry and song...
Sir Phelan Almaran: To uglier methods, like assassination and slander.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Nobles are judged not just on their own merits, but also on the merits of their slaves and servants, so a great artist or swordmaster can easily find patronage in one of the Iryrodian noble houses.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Slavery in Iryrod is practiced... but it is... different.
Sir Phelan Almaran: All slaves in the province are owned by the Stormqueen.
Sir Phelan Almaran: And she mets them out as favors to nobles who please her.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *frowns a bit, makes a few notes*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Slaves are not used for hard labor, but houseservants, status symbols and the like.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *nods*
Sir Phelan Almaran: The more slaves a noble house has, the more they are seen in favor with the Stormqueen.
Sir Phelan Almaran: This also means that the noble houses tend to treat the slaves fairly well.
Sir Phelan Almaran: As if they harmed them, they would be damaging the Stormqueen's property.
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She purses her lips at the mention of slaves and furrows her brow*
Sir Phelan Almaran: That is not to protect this... arrangement... the most popular type of slaves in Iryrod are those used for sexual activities.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Handsome men and women of human or Halfling stock are in high demand.
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She tenses and squeezes Zeo's hand more tightly as she listens*
Fledgling Zeo Snyder: *squeezes her hand gently as he listens*
Sir Phelan Almaran: This debauchery and hedonism of the Court culture stands in stark contrast to the other, larger culture, of Iryrod.
Sir Phelan Almaran: That which dominated the Country.
Sir Phelan Almaran: The countryside of Iryrod is dominated by local noble lords, who have received their grants of land either from the Stormqueen, or by Imperial mandate.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Those who hold Imperial mandate are generally looked down upon and left out of the matters of I'winya-thond, as they tend to be humans.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Humans that the Empire could not get rid of, but wanted to remove from being in actual positions.
Dame Amelia Almaran: *nods simply*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Who were, as the colloquialism goes "sent to Iryrod's shores."
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *makes a few notes*
Sir Phelan Almaran: These country nobles, both elven and human, look at the court of I'winya-thond with something akin to amusement.
Sir Phelan Almaran: The city is well protected, the nobles that have their houses there mostly owners of industries and merchants.
Sir Phelan Almaran: With little actual land.
Sir Phelan Almaran: The nobles of the country have to deal with the elementals, pirates, bandits and the like.
Sir Phelan Almaran: And so are much more militaristic in mindset.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *continues to write, but seems to gain a more and more disturbed look on her face*
Dame Amelia Almaran: *cracks her knuckles*
Sir Phelan Almaran: The silks sold in I'winya-thond, the rice, the apples the food... all are grown in the countryside.
Dame Amelia Almaran: *takes a piece of the apple in front of her and noms*
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She flexes the fingers of her free hand*
Sir Phelan Almaran: This makes the country culture of Iryrod much more practical.
Sir Phelan Almaran: They are interested in hiring good warriors, even granting them plots of land and authority over that land in return for their service.
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She leans in and murmurs to Zeo*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *a slightly annoyed look to her right side*
Fledgling Zeo Snyder: *whispers back to her but still listens*
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *Gives Yvae a sheepish smile and mouths an apology*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *simply arches a brow... her expression does not change, but she does refocus on her notes*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Now... I should say that I am not entirely unbiased in my judgments of the cultures.
Quaesitor Quinn Patteel: *She nods and stands, quietly making her way to the door*
Sir Phelan Almaran: My grandfather, Falson Almaran, was "sent to Iryrod's shores" by the Emperor after the fall of Dasaria.
Terrah: [Terrah reclines, arms bent and palms flat against the wall over her head. Her legs are crossed and eyes floating around Phelan's direction]
Dame Amelia Almaran: *nods simply*
Sir Phelan Almaran: As such, he was, technically, a country noble, and Amelia and I were raised in that culture.
Fledgling Zeo Snyder: *He quietly stands up and wonders towards Reina*
Sir Phelan Almaran: At any rate, this stark cultural contrast between the Court and the Country, between the elves and the non-elves, are all facets of Iryrod.
Fledgling Zeo Snyder: *he smiles Reina and nods kindly to her*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *nods*
Sir Phelan Almaran: As a final note, despite what some rumors say, humans have long been a part of Iryrodian society.
Sir Phelan Almaran: From shipwrecked sailors allowed to stay, to merchants to pirates, they have never been turned away.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *looks up at Phelan*
Sir Phelan Almaran: In fact, in the time of Stormqueen Newen, the captain of the Guard was a human swordmaster, and master of an unusual style based around the Metima Blade.
Dame Amelia Almaran: *smirk*
Sir Phelan Almaran: It was Stormqueen Elara who began to push humans to the edge of Court life.
Sir Phelan Almaran: And again, there is a difference between the Court and the Country in this... as in the Country, race is less an issue, as they are concerned with people merely pulling their own weight.
Sir Phelan Almaran: *takes a drink of the tea*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Are there any questions?
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *frowns lightly, looking over her notes*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *raises her hand*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Ahn-.. Mm.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Oh.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Reina?
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *nods to Reina*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Given...that many of the humans sent to Iryrod were...well...sent there as punishment....was there not worry that they would turn against the Empire and form their own society?
Sir Phelan Almaran: *frowns softly* Those sent to Iryrod were not sent as punishment per se... not officially at least.
Sir Phelan Almaran: They were often minor nobles or wealthy actors who were risky, but were basically... promoted and sent away with their households.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Most were fully Varanite.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: I am sorry...it was my understanding that to the Varanite society...being sent to Iryrod...was considered banishment?
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *cocks a brow, looks from Reina to Phelan*
Sir Phelan Almaran: It is banishment... but at the same time, it’s a promotion for many of them...
Dame Amelia Almaran: So could be seen both ways.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *gives Phelan a slightly questioning look*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she frowns slightly but makes a few notes*
Sir Phelan Almaran: And the fear of them making their own culture does exist... the idea was that there is no way for them to make trouble from Iryrod.
Sir Phelan Almaran: As they are effectively a second class within Iryrod society, and are far removed from those who would support them in their homeland.
Sir Phelan Almaran: For some it can be a fresh start...
Sir Phelan Almaran: A second chance after they lost a political gamble.
Sir Phelan Almaran: For others, yes, it is a major insult...
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *makes a few more notes and nods*
Sir Phelan Almaran: I cannot entirely explain it... as I was born there and my grandfather... well...
Sir Phelan Almaran: That's a different story.
Dame Amelia Almaran: Probably would be another ... long lecture.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Any other questions, Yvalee?
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *cocks her head a bit, then shakes it.* No.. No, my questions were also related to what Reina said... What I am curious about is the current standings of Iryrod in the War against Canas.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: I'm sure it's been posted somewhere, but have there been updates?
Dame Amelia Almaran: *frowns and nods looking to Phelan*
Sir Phelan Almaran: The last news from Iryrod, which was last summer, was that it still resists.
Sir Phelan Almaran: The Canites and Iryrod fight on the seas.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Those reports are a year old then. Or nearly.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Ahh... I probably should have mentioned that.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Has no news come around since?
Sir Phelan Almaran: The Canite Heresy never took root in Iryrod like it did in other Provinces of the Empire.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Iryrodian society had no special place for Canas, so he was never a major icon in their land, as their joining the Empire was more practical and voluntary than by conquest.
Sir Phelan Almaran: So the Imperial Culture of Varana, and its Founder Idolatry of Canas never really was a thing... this means that Iryrod did not have the home grown uprisings that made it so easy for the Canites to work in other regions.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Further, the Imperial Navy more or less split like the Empire has split, much of it siding with Iryrod and Dasaria over the Canites.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *nods*
Sir Phelan Almaran: So the Canites have focused on bottling up the Iryrodians rather than trying to conquer them.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *nods*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Though ships can still get through and make it to friendly lands.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: But... with effort.
Sir Phelan Almaran: The logistics on conquering Iryrod are... suffice to say... nigh insurmountable, even with the Canite's portal magics.
Dame Amelia Almaran: Last news I heard with my last shipment was there wasn't much of a change.
Dame Amelia Almaran: *offers*
Sir Phelan Almaran: With effort, any wall can be broken, but the question is the cost, as always.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Does anyone else have questions?
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Naturally. Now I've heard of the endeavors of the academy in the capital... It's a shame to hear too that the quality of their research undoubtedly has gone down since the call back to Rian, but I'd still be curious to seeing their efforts.
Sigrid: *peeks*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: What prime ways of magic are practiced there?
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *smiles to Sigrid*
Sigrid: *nods at Reina*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *taps her lips with her pencil, looking to Phelan inquisitively*
Sigrid: - *and to the others nearby*
Sir Phelan Almaran: Much of the magic practiced in Iryrod is arcane as is well known.
Terrah: [sees Sigrid....]
Sir Phelan Almaran: Due to the strong elemental influence, they focus on ways of dealing with them and damaging them.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: I'd imagine that conjuration is one of their focus points.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Conjuration, Evocation and Transmutation being the most common.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *nods*
Dame Amelia Almaran: Grandma liked fire.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *writes something down*Most people do, Amelia.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Unless they're set on fire.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Further, Iryrodians, due to their emphasis on the martial, tend to mix combat and spellcasting.
Archmage Xev: *smirks*
Dame Amelia Almaran: *rubs her head* Indeed.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Ah-.. Do they?
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: So I'd expect evocation to be a lesser school.
Sir Phelan Almaran: *frowns softly* I did not say they focused on using magic to enhance themselves and fight...
Dame Amelia Almaran: *shakes her head*
Sir Phelan Almaran: There is more than one way to mix magic and swordplay...
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: So since Iryrod is pretty much separated from mainland, is that then the way in which it surfaces? Integration in combat arts?
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: And how is it so much different then? Obviously I have no idea... *smiles*
Sir Phelan Almaran: *blinks* I’m not sure I understand the question...
Sir Phelan Almaran: Pretty much all differences between Iryrod and the continent spring from its separation...
Sir Phelan Almaran: its unique history and isolation.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Indeed... And naturally their best practices would, as you already said, differ from ours, I was just wondering how and to what extent.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: What we could learn from it.
Sir Phelan Almaran: I am not the best to answer that... my training, as a sorcerer, was unique to my family. I am only passingly familiar with the teachings and methods of the Iryrodian wizards and their schools of magic.
Xander: I do not think the Iryrodians are so alien where their magic use has little influence on how you use magic
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *nods* Very well. Thank you for your answer.
Sir Phelan Almaran: Suffice to say though, the way I tend to use magic is not irregular in Iryrod.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Mmmmhm, that much is clear.
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Or it would be, naturally. *smiles a bit*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Any more Questions? *she smiles, looking around*
Hakki Kaga: *stare*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: I wish to thank first Phelan...for the informative lecture....and all of you for attending...
Xander: Of course. It was enlightening
Xander: Thank you Phelan. *bows and sticks his hat on*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Again...if anyone has a subject that they would wish to hear a lecture on...or a subject that they would like to give a lecture on...please contact me so I can arrange it.
Sir Phelan Almaran: *bows lightly*
Sir Phelan Almaran: *collects his notes*
Blackrose Consultor Maliker: *applauds lightly*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: *claps*
Discipulus Yvalee Dy’Ner: Well done, thank you Phelan.
Terrah: [stretches]
Dame Amelia Almaran: Everyone, please help yourself to these apple tarts, fresh sliced apples, and homemade apple cider. All are straight from Iryrod.

[baby1111007]

The Bard's Academy is pleased to announce a repeat of our first lecture in a lecture series open to the public.

Where: The Academy lecture hall, in Empress Court
When: Wed, April 12, 12 PM Central Standard Time, US, 5 PM GMT
Who: Sigrid
Topic: Tah'nai culture and heritage

[Arkalezth]

Transcript from Sigrid's lecture on Tah'nai Culture:

Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *smiles kindly* I am Reina and I welcome you to the Acadamy for another in a series of guest lectures.
Julian Liam: *looks over the people here*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Our speaker today shall be Sigrid who will be telling us of tribal culture.
Julian Liam: *looks at the one speaking andthen to the one behind the desk*
Julian Liam: *bows to Claire* Greetings Milady. I hope you fare well?
Claire Sonnen:: *voice is barely above a whisper* I'm fine...
Dame Amelia Almaran: *adjusts small child as she comes in, small child looking sleepy and comfortable*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *waves to Amy*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Give me my niece
Dame Amelia Almaran: *hands her over*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she takes the baby *
Claire Sonnen:: *looks, wide eyed at Amelia a moment, then looks away*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she settles the baby against her, kisses her forehead*
Dame Amelia Almaran: It's nap time and she's full and happy but she wants snuggles
Julian Liam: *looks at the mother and child smileing slightly with slight pain evident in his eyes.*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Snuggles Auntie Rei Rei can provide....
Sigrid: *places a bag and a scroll on the desk*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she smiles a Julian* I did not get your name...
Julian Liam: I am Julian Liam milady.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: I am Reina...the little beauty in my arms is Butterfly...and her mother is Dame Amelia.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: The shy young woman seated is Claire....and Sigrid is giving the lecture.
Dame Amelia Almaran: *nods politely to Julian* Arina is her name really *smirk*
Julian Liam: It is a pleasure to meet you all and an honor to be here.
Sigrid: *nods and looks at Reina* Shall we?
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she nods*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she rocks the baby in continuous motions, lulling her to sleep*
Sigrid: All right, *clears her throat*
Sigrid: As Reina said, my name is Sigrid, and I am a Tahn'nai. In this lecture I will talk about my people and our culture.
Sigrid: I have been living in this region for a few months now, and I have noticed that many people . . . no offence meant, are ignorat or have some wrong ideas about the Tah'nai. I hope this meeting can make a small difference.
Sigrid: *takes the scroll from the desk and opens it, revealing a map*
Sigrid: *places it on the fireplace's shelf so they all can see it*
Sigrid: *points at the lands northeast of the continent*
Julian Liam: *looks at the map*
Sigrid: These are the lands of the Tah'nai: the plains of Arrith and the Khinaor mountains.
Sigrid: *turns*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *keeps the baby happy and quiet as the lecture starts*
Sigrid: It is a rough land, particularly in winter, and with hardly any city of considerable size.
Sigrid: Most of us live close to nature, organised in tribes. Sometimes these tribes are nomads, though others eventually settle down if they can find a suitable spot.
Sigrid: Every Tah'nai, both men and women, are taught to fight and hunt from an early age. Even the weakest Tah'nai will prove a competent opponent if a fight ensues.
Sigrid: Regarding our resources, they are usually scarce. As I said, we are hunters. We normally rely on what nature provides us with in order to get our food, except from the sacred animals of each clan, which are never hunted.
Claire Sonnen:: *listens quietly*
Sigrid: Some of the southern tribes often trade and make deals with Dasarian settlements, most of the time in exchange for weapons or hides.
Sigrid: *reaches into the bag she left on the table*
Sigrid: There are four clans among the Tah'nai, each of them with a sacred animal it is modelled after:
Sigrid: The Telkhmar. *takes a small figurine of an elk out of the bag and places it on the desk for all to see*
Sigrid: This is the clan I hail from.
Sigrid: The Wulark. *takes out a wolf figurine*
Dame Amelia Almaran: *baby is very well behaved, amy listens intently*
Sigrid: The Khagmen, *a bear figurine*
Sigrid: And the Aelkhor. *a falcon*
Sigrid: Even though all four clans share many similarities, they also revere some different aspects of those animals.
Sigrid: The Telkhmar revere the serenity and estate of alertness of the elk. The Wulark are fierce warriors that often travel in packs, like wolves. The Khagmen are strong as the bear they follow.
Sigrid: The Aelkhor *looks at the falcon figurine* . . . Not even I can tell you much about them. They live deep in the mountains and value their secrecy above all else.
Sigrid: There are many small tribes among the Tah'nai, but they all form part of one of these four clans.
Dame Amelia Almaran: *nods softly as Sigrid speaks*
Sigrid: In every tribe there are two figures that stand out above the rest:
Sigrid: The first is the chieftain, who is in charge and the one responsible for taking important decisions, as well as the protection and well-being of every person in the tribe.
Sigrid: In some cases, there is also a supreme chieftain that rules over all the smaller tribes of a certain clan.
Sigrid: The second figure is the shaman. *falls quiet for a moment, looking at the others as she speaks the word*
Sigrid: I know shamanism is a very controversial matter to some people, so I'll try to shed some light in here.
Sigrid: For those of you who don't know, I am a shaman myself.
Dame Amelia Almaran: *nods simply*
Sigrid: A shaman fills many roles withing a tribe. First and foremost, the role of spiritual leader. Shamans can reach into the spirit world and talk to the ancestors for blessings and guidance.
Julian Liam: *leans against the wall as he listens taking it all in.*
Sigrid: They also act as healers, and often as lorekeepers and advisors to the chieftains.
Sigrid: They are usually the ones making our famous charms too, like the ones Risa sells in the shop across the street. *tilts her head towards the door* . . . And yes, those charms work, if properly blessed.
Sigrid: As opposed to what some people who have never seen a Tah'nai will tell you, shaman practices are real and we are a lot more than a simple band of charlatans.
Sigrid: Regarding religion, Tah'nai recognise the pantheon and respect other faiths. As an example, praying to Ishtar before a battle is a common practice among many of us. However, some of our religious practices are different. *motions to the animal figurines*
Sigrid: *takes a breath* That councludes the first part of the lecture. This would be a good time for people to ask questions, if they have any.
Sigrid: *looks around at the others*
Julian Liam: *places a hand to his chin and digests the information he has heard.*
Dame Amelia Almaran: *taps a finger to her lips thinking, then shakes her head*
Claire Sonnen:: *just listens intently*
Julian Liam: I do have a simple question.
Sigrid: *nods at him*
Julian Liam: I hope that it doesn't sound to ignorant milady
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she rocks the now sleeping baby*
Julian Liam: Do Shaman actually speak personally with the spirits in the spirit world or are they interpreting the signs around them?
Sigrid: The former.
Sigrid: To keep it simple . . .
Julian Liam: True speech with the Spirit world then
Sigrid: *nods*
Sigrid: Imagine an alternate world inhabited by spirits.
Sigrid: Most people will never see it until they die, but shamans have a link with that world and are able to travel there and communicate with its inhabitants.
Sigrid: As well as bringing spirits to this world, temporarily.
Sigrid: I own a small business where I can carry out these sort of practices. A common request I get is contacting long lost relatives. Several people have been able to make contact and talk to them this way.
Julian Liam: *frowns slightly*
Sigrid: *shrugs* Their decision, not mine.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she brushes her lips over the baby's forehead*
Sigrid: Any other questions?
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *she rocks the baby, a pride on her face as she regards the sleeping child...waiting to see if others have questions*
Claire Sonnen:: *shakes her head lightly*
Sigrid: Then if no one has any more questions, that will be all for today. Thanks for attending.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Thank you Sigrid for a repeat of the lecture *she smiles and nods*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Please feel free to partake of the food and drinks.
Sigrid: If you need anything, you can contact me here. *hands out some fliers reading "Northern Winds - Tah'nai Spiritual Guidance" and an address in the docks*
Sigrid: *nods at Reina* Thank you for inviting me again.
Julian Liam: *nods*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: You are most welcome Sigrid
Sigrid: *gives a scroll to Reina*
Sigrid: These are my notes, if you want to add them to your archives.
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: *takes it with her free hand* I appreciate this Sigrid...thank you very much
Sigrid: *nods*
Claire Sonnen:: *looks about nervously and inches towards the door*
Sigrid: *watches her*
Magister Reina Lianacia Mellan: Julian...we hold these often...i will see that you are notified for the next
Sigrid: Thanks for coming.