Salvians

[_pok_ 1768]

Salvians

 

A Brief Summarization of the History of the Salvian People

Authored by Alexander Mercer, 1461

Throughout history the Salvian people have been ravaged by war, plague, and political turmoil in their homeland. All the Salvian people desired was peace and prosperity, yet great wars were waged on them, thousands slaughtered for the fertile land that their humble city rested on top of. The people endured great plagues where again thousands fell to the Creator’s wrath. Salvus has also gotten the lion’s share of controversy, upheaval, and hardship in human history. However it’s people have survived these obstacles and are prepared for whatever else fate may have in store for them.

 

Salvians gained their independence sometime during the fall of the First Orenian Empire. Dawn Perea, once Queen to the beloved Pampo Perea, fled with many loyal followers to an isolated ssland southeast of the capital Al’Khazar. For nearly 25 years she reigned on this island left virtually untouched by outside civilization. Their people flourished, thousands flocked to the island for safe haven from the hellish conditions that engulfed the continent of Aegis. The climate on this island was like no other in Aegis, the sun was hotter here and the days longer. The land was fertile nearly year round and winters were not nearly as harsh as they had once been in the Orenian heartland. It was on this island that the Salvian people began to distinguish themselves from other humans. Their skin was more tan than that of a Heartlander because of their constant exposure to the sun. A Salvian could also be identified by their dirtier blond hair which also was a result from constant sunlight, supposedly. Over the years they developed a light accent though not enough to clearly distinguish themselves from the typical Imperial though like the accent of a Raevir or Illatian.

 

The Salvian people are known for their extravagance and expensive tastes especially when involving food and drink. Reknown for their outrageous and often exorbitant celebrations, Salvians are the people of excess. They gained this reputation during Asulon when Salvus was never without a surplus of food and alcohol and a majority of the people lived well above the line of poverty. Their fashion and culture defined the very spirit of what it meant to be an Orenian and often Salvians were appointed in positions of power based off their wealth alone both in Oren and abroad. For many decades Salvians were the apex of civilization and brought with them culture wherever they went. The common-people adored the fancy dresses and suits the Salvians wore, non-Salvians envied the power and status of the common Salvian, and in Anthos the city of Kingston was even more popular than the capital of Abresi.

 

This was all before the Great Collapse in Anthos, of course. The Great Exodus led to the departure of dozens of Salvians and led to the temporary closing of the city. The leading family, House Hightower, disappeared, and then the Orcs invaded. The fall was, for the lack of a better term, inevitable. Since the collapse, the Kingdom of Salvus has been nothing but a memory spoken of in hushed whispers. The former citizens of the once peaceful nation wait for the day that a strong monarch will return and restore their Kingdom to its former glory once and for all.

 

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I. Traits

 

• The typical Salvian has a lighter shade of hair. Usually their hair colors are light browns, blondes, and on rare occasions strawberry red.

• A Salvian naturally has darker skin, not dark like the Southeron but much darker than the skin of the normal adult Imperial male. This is because of the warm, sun-baked climate that the Salvian people tend to inhabit.

• Salvians are also defined by their light eye colors. Usually a lighter shade of brown, green, or in some cases even blue. Their eyes are usually more round than the average Imperial as well and in many cases help distinguish the face of a normal human to the face of a Salvian.

• Throughout their history Salvians have been known for their feasts, parties, and festivals that are known for their bright colors and wide variety of events ranging from jousts to drinking contests. They are also known to not spare any expense on the matter.

• Because of the heat that keeps the city warm year round and the general lack of cold weather Salvians prefer light clothing like silks and light woolen material like zephyr

• Salvian men do not wear facial hair due to the excessive temperatures and general taste of the Salvian women. Should a man choose to have facial hair it is usually in the form of a well trimmed mustache or beard.

• In large part due to the usual surplus of food as well as the good living conditions of the city of Salvus in general, the average Salvian lives to be about 100 years of age and in some circumstances until they are burned to death [A jest at the late Queen Dawn Perea]

• Perhaps it is a result of the festive atmosphere of the city but Salvians are highly fertile. The typically family in Salvus consists of at least four children and perhaps an unfortunate tumble down the stairs somewhere in between to keep the family from getting too large.

• Salvians throughout history have been patrons of the arts and culture both in the Kingdom and out of it. They often pour large sums of money into commissioning art projects which serve as symbols of strength and wealth. Most Salvians prefer the arts over more primitive displays of strength such as warfare and combat.

 

II. Myths & Legends

[Credit to Redbaron for these stories]

 

Story One: The Witch’s Curse

It was a bleak, dark night as a light fog crawled across the lightly frosted ground as the people of Salvus slept uneasily inside their homes. With the rain pouring down, most guards could be found inside the  great stone gatehouse, sleepily watching the road that lead to the city for any signs of disturbance. Nothing more than a small fire accompanied them, and the weak flames provided limited warmth to the room.  This was common at this time of the year, however, on this night in particular, something was wrong. There was a chill in the air, the kind that rested on people’s hearts more than on their skin.

A small boy of about 12, named Daniel, ran through the streets. Having snuck out to play in the rain, Daniel splashed through the roads, rain pelting his face as he ran past the darkened houses and alleyways. He seemed oblivious to the strange weather, and almost joyful despite the chill that everyone else seemed to feel.

 

By sheer chance, Daniel found his way to the bridge of the Salvus keep, curiosity filling him as he marveled at the structure. Cautiously walking across, he examined the building in a state of amazement, every detail of the structure astounding him.  At first, his eyes ran along the apex of the palace, falling slowly to the balcony, where a single woman stood, appearing not to move for the longest time. Unexpectedly, a bolt of lightning struck in the near distance, deafening thunder following no less than a second later. Shocked, Daniel fell to the ground, his feet slipping on the smooth stone under his feet that lined the path.

 

   

Still on the ground, Daniel shook his head, rain flying from his hair as he looked up the balcony, yet now there was only empty space, as if the woman he had seen before were no longer there. Confused and a bit frightened, Daniel stood and ventured deeper into the courtyard, his feet sloshing through the rain the entire time. A sheer drop off met him, the edge of a cliff touching his feet. Still a bit confused, the boy decided that the woman must have went back inside, turning his attention to the rain and the feel of the stone beneath his feet. Satisfied  with his small adventure, he turned quickly, in hopes of escaping before any guards found him in the palace grounds after curfew.

   

A vile sight greeted Daniel's young eyes, a woman stood only feet from him, her hands crossed behind her back and her skin the dusky gray of the deceased, her face torn to shreds revealing the stark white bone below, the face of Dawn Perea, former queen of Salvus and it’s people. Daniel panicked, he attempted to step back as Dawn advanced,  his questing feet finding nothing but air, plunging him  to the rocky shores below, his screams echoing off of the rock walls, before being mercilessly cut off by the slabs of stone lining the river.

 

As the sun stretched it’s first rays over the horizon, the citizens of Salvus awoke, the men beginning to gather the things needed for the days work, and the woman preparing for their daily routines. The rituals were interrupted by a distinctly feminine shriek, that of a grieving mother. Down river from the keep, the broken body of a boy had been found, his back snapped clean in half with his skull shattered beyond belief. Yet no physical injury could compare to the horror etched onto his face, the pupils of his eyes dilated and an expression of inhuman terror twisting the features of his face into a permanent, and final scream.

 

Only weeks after the discovery of the body, some have reported sightings of a woman standing on the balconies of the Hightower keep, wearing nothing more than a white funeral gown, and a crown of shining silver. Bodies have also been discovered in the river, usually those of small children, thought missing by their parents, only to turn up bloated and decaying on the banks of the river, the expressions of fear always the same…

 

Story Two: The Dreaded Braig

Long ago, the townspeople of Solace told tales of a creature so vicious and bloodthirsty that many would run and hide merely at the mention of it’s name. The Braig. This creature was said to dwell in the forests near the capital, and it’s prey were any who traveled through. Those who did venture through the forest growth, and lived through the experience, would tell of a monster the height of a house, with four legs as thick as the trees  in which it climbed. It could leap the height of the tallest wall with ease, and it’s skin secreted a substance that could make a man sicker than the plague itself. Those who chose to brave the forest would never return, and those who managed to make it through would tell great tales of the monster, claiming to only get away by the skin of their teeth. It was not long before the people decided that the forest was far too dangerous, and they built a long road around it, urging no traveler to venture into the heart of it.

 

- a creature that tore out even the strongest men’s hearts. Brave warriors came from unbeatable around, intending to rid Salvus of this monster, but none returned as they had been. Most never returned at all, but those who managed to get away either died of the monsters sickness soon after, or lived the rest of their lives in fear that the monster would grow hungry and remember them, to hunt them down and devour them as it had the others.

 

   Once the people of Solace had all but given up on ever being rid of the Braig, a stranger happened to travel into the town, a man by the name of Ruorn. After walking through the deserted streets he came to the inn, and inquired to the innkeeper why everyone was so afraid. The innkeeper told him the tales of the creature, explaining in horror the tales that had been told, and warned Ruorn to stay away from the forest, lest he be taken and eaten like so many others.

 

   Ruorn was incredulous, and swore it could not be true. “A beast like that cannot possibly exist, it must be a tale woven by travelers and fed by fear. Such a creature cannot possibly exist!”

 

   The innkeeper only shook his head, having heard many such as this man say such things, and knowing that those who chose to prove the stories false were lost to the creature as surely as any who tried to defeat it. The innkeeper told Ruorn this, and he thought on it for a time. Though he had been warned, Ruorn swore that he would be the one to slay the creature, if such a thing existed at all in the sunlit world, or prove that it was all no more than a story woven by rumors and fear.

 

The people in the inn who had heard his vow ran and told all the people they knew, and it was not long before all of Solace knew of Ruorn’s vow. All of them that could went to the edge of town the next morning to watch the stranger go. Once Ruorn had gotten a distance away, he turned back and called back to the people, “Should I not return in three days time, you will know that the rumors are true, and the creature has slain me.” Then, without another word, he turned, and without hesitation, entered the forest.

   

   Though the people hoped and prayed that Ruorn would return by the fourth day, many mocked him, saying, “What a fool. If only he had listened to the stories, perhaps he would have moved on from Solace, and lived to have a future.” And as they all returned to the day’s business, they tried to forget about the life that had been lost.

 

   Meanwhile, Ruorn began his journey through the forest with a cheerful heart, believing that there truly was no monster. Though the woods were dark and gloomy, still he was not afraid, and he traveled many hours through the trees, finally arriving in a small meadow. Just as he was about to take a seat on a rock and rest, he heard a cry for help from somewhere just beyond his sight. Being a caring man, Ruorn immediately straightened and went to help. He hadn’t gone far beyond the edge of meadow before he found a little old woman lying on the ground.

 

   “Oh dear me,” the old woman said, “It is a good thing you came by, or surely I would be lost forever in this fearsome place. It appears that while traveling through, I tripped on an exposed root and hurt my leg. You wouldn’t mind carrying me somewhere safer where I can rest, would you?”

 

   Ruorn immediately lifted the woman in his arms and began to carry her back to the meadow. However, though he had believed the journey to be a short one, he soon found that the old woman seemed to grow heavier in his arms the more he walked, and he found himself tiring of carrying her, and it felt that the meadow was moving farther and farther away from him. Finally, just as Ruorn was beginning to feel that he must have gone in the wrong direction, and would have to put the woman down, the meadow appeared in front of him, and the woman lightened until she was easy to carry. Ruorn brought her to the rock in the center and set her down. The moment he did, the old woman became a beautiful Sorceress, and she stood upon the rock looking down at the now astonished Ruorn.

 

   “You have a kind heart,” the sorceress said, “Many have come into these woods to rid the kingdom of the Braig, but they were all rude and unkind to the little old woman they all found in the woods just as you have. Because, however, you have done me a kindness, I shall do one for you as well, and I will tell you the way to defeat the Braig.”

 

   The sorceress held up her hand, and a handful of dust appeared in it. She put it in a bag and tied it, offering it to the man. “This dust will put the Braig to sleep. Simply throw it in the air at the mouth of his den and wait a few moment. When you hear the rumble of thunder from the cave, you will know that the Braig is asleep and you will be able to enter. However, once you have broken the barrier at the mouth of the den, you will have to move quickly, for the spell will break and he will begin to awaken.”

 

   Then the sorceress held up her hand again, and this time gloves appeared in it. She handed the gloves to Ruorn, and said, “These gloves will protect you from the poison of the Braig. Keep your sleeves pulled up, for if the poison touches your skin, you will surely die.”

 

   The sorceress held up her hand for the final time, and a sword appeared in it, glittering with many magnificent gems inlaid in the hilt. “This is the only weapon that can pierce the hide of the Braig,” the sorceress said, “If you strike the monster with this weapon it will fall.”

   

   At last, the sorceress left Ruorn with a warning, “The monster is cursed,” she said, “All who meet it shall die from it. Though you may fight, and perhaps conquer, it is likely that you will not survive.”

 

   Ruorn thanked the sorceress gratefully for the gifts and promised to heed her warning, and the sorceress turned into a bird and flew away, leaving Ruorn again alone in the wood. Tying the sword to his side and pulling the gloves onto his hands, Ruorn set off again into the wood, and soon found his way to the Braig’s nest.

 

   The entrance to the nest was a cave mouth, and inside it was filled with the bones and other remains of those who had attempted to slay the monster before Ruorn. Ruorn quickly removed the pouch of dust from his satchel and threw it up and around the mouth of the nest until he had used all that was in the pouch. Then he found a good place in the brush to hide, and waited to see if the dust would work. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before he could hear what sounded like rumbling thunder from the cave, and Ruorn took the sword his hands, and carefully made his way over the bones and into the cave.

 

   Quickly, Ruorn rushed into the heart of the cave to find the monster awakening. With a roar it’s jaws came forward to snap at him, and Ruorn only just jumped back in time, swinging the sword at the snapping jaws. His swing hit the creature in the side of it’s gaping jaws and sliced clean through as easily as if it were a piece of bread he was cutting. The monster roared and reared, putting it’s front legs high in the air. Growing more confident, Ruorn lunged forward, slicing clean through the monsters right front leg. The member crashed into the bones and the monster roared again, charging at Ruorn.

 

   Ruorn cried mightily and ran at the beast again, leaping up to land on the monster’s head, and stabbing his sword down into the monster’s head. The monster jerked back, ripping the sword from Ruorn’s hands and crashing around the nest in pain. Ruorn scrambled back, slipping from the monster’s head and trying to get away from the dying creatures last rampage. Finally the monster crashed onto the ground and lay still.

 

   As Ruorn recovered from the battle, he began to notice a pain that was searing through his right hand. Looking down at it, Ruorn realized that his glove had been ripped off when the monster had pulled the sword from his hand, and that in falling his skin had touched that of the monsters. Though the creature was dead, Ruorn would not survive the battle either, just as the sorceress had said.

 

   Already becoming weak from the monster’s poison, Ruorn struggled to leave the cave. He managed to crawl his way out, fighting to stay awake, and managed to get to his feet. He stumbled for sometime through the forest, until finally arriving at the outskirts near Solace. The people were shocked to see that he had made it out, and while he rested, he told them the tale, and how the Braig had been slain. Before the night was out, Ruorn died. The people of Solace mourned his death greatly, but celebrated his triumph with as much vigor as they could. Some brave souls ventured into the forest to find the body of the Braig, but were unable to remove the sword from it’s head. Legend says that the Sword of the Sorceress remains to this day in the nest, trapped in the head of the Braig, and that one day a hero like unto Ruorn will come to save the people from the evils of the day, and will be able to remove the sword and bring it once more to the aid of the people.

 

III. Values & Beliefs

 

PROSPERITY

To put it lightly, Salvians like to be successful. In many ways they will do whatever it takes to be successful even if it is by less than legal means to do so. Prosperous may be the best adjective to use when describing the people of Salvus as a whole and could be considered the best single word definition of the entire culture. Ever since Aegis Salvus has been known for it’s large surplus of goods, especially those used for parties and large scale celebrations.

 

CIVILITY

Salvians are known for their respectfulness and obedience to authority. They are also just and fair people that believe the code of law is the best way to deal with an issue such as theft or murder. The notion that two wrongs make a right is a foreign concept to the average Salvian and revenge is not something that the people as a whole support. Perhaps this is a direct result of the atrocities that have been committed against the Salvian people as a whole, but it still stands as a pillar of Salvian values.

 

COMPASSION

Compassion is in the heart of every Salvian. It is something they are taught from birth, to respect and learn from those who may not be the same as you. Salvians are very much believers in the ancient proverb “You don’t know a man until you’ve walked a hundred miles in his own shoes.” Again this could be a result of the decades of hardship and being stomped on by greater powers. Another theory is that the aptitude for compassion comes from the great amount of excess and wealth that Salvians are not hesitant to share with those in need of aid.

 

TRUST

Salvians are trustworthy people by nature. A Salvian is not hesitant to place his trust in any man or woman who approaches him. However with this high amount of trust comes a large amount of retribution through the order of law should this trust be broken. Salvians are sometimes characterized by their own trustworthiness and loyalty to their liege and friends as well, making them ideal vassals and companions.

 

IV. Cuisine

 

Drinks

Tokay - Named after the vintner who first crafted this elegant wine on his vineyard outside of Solace, Tokay is a sweet, aromatic wine made from grapes affected by the uncommon noble rot. Tokay can be found in several inns and taverns and is typically more expensive than any other vintage.

 

Merlot - Made from black wine grapes, it makes for soft, velvety texture like that of a ripe plum. In it’s most popular form, Merlot wines are very soft, fruity, and smooth and develop in the bottle for several decades making them the most expensive of Salvian vintage.

 

Pinot Noir - A wine named for the grapes that define her taste, Pinot Noir is elegantly crafted in the vineyards of Salvus for her people. It’s dry, fruity taste makes it the most popular wine among Salvians. Usually complemented by earth-driven layers, one might recognize game-like qualities that make this vintage unique to Salvian vineyards. It is the wine of choice among the Salvian elite, even though it is not as expensive as Merlot or another vintage.

 

Appetizers/Snacks

 

Ricotta Fritter - A ball of flavour. After gathering a plethora of herbs and spices and vegetables, including Basil, Tomato,  Chile and Garlic to a pan and frying gently with oil, mix the bright flavoured interior with a cheesy, Ricotta batter mainly consisting of flour, cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, lemon zest and egg. After shaping into spheres, and then deep fry the fritters in a sensible amount of hot-to-touch oil. Serve in large portions for groups.

 

Prosciutto - Dry cured, thinly sliced pork that is served uncooked. Often served plain, but cheeses and other small additions can be made to the light dish to improve flavour.

 

Bruschetta - A Salvian appetizer usually consisting of grilled or toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Bruschetta is best when made with all fresh ingredients which not only gives it a delicious taste but also color to brighten any meal.

 

Entrées

 

Cozze Pomodoro -  Otherwise known as Stuffed Muscles, this delicious seafood dish intertwines the fragile flavours of seafood with the vibrant spices and herbs grown within Salvus and beyond. Still keeping the shell of the mussel. The dish is broiled, and then served hot on a plate of multiple mussels, often in portions of 4-6.

 

Salvian Loaf - A loaf of bread with a hard crusted outside- often laced with light herbs. The inside of the bread, a fantastic and fluffy interior. Perfected over years of hard work, Salvian bread has become one of Salvus’ most iconic and unique aspects of it’s cuisine. Like no other, Salvian bread is to die for, and there’s plenty of it.

 

 

Main Course

 

Salvian Pizza Bread - (Sasha’s favourite) Salvian Pizza Bread is a heavy meal consisting of a thick dough, covered in Thyme, Basil, Garlic, Tomato, and diced pieces of roast pork. Once covered with the range of meat and flavoursome spices and vegetables, cover generously with Mozzarella Cheese and bake in the oven. Can be served cold, or warm- in squares enough to fill individuals stomachs.

 

Pork Ragu - A well seasoned pork stew, served atop of manicotti and topped with thyme and basil.

 

(Haha get it salvus) Salviccine Alfredo - This Salvian favorite is a pasta dish made with salviccine (a special cut of pasta that is only achievable from Salvian wheat) that is tossed with Parmesan cheese and butter. As the cheese melts, it emulsifies the liquids to form a smooth and rich coating on the pasta. Often served with bread, this dish is a staple of Salvian cuisine.

 

Desserts

 

Trifle - A delicious and rich flavoured chocolate and a coffee liqueur semi-liquid dessert. Also consisting of vanilla, plain sponge cake, brandy, dark chocolate and vanilla custard- the dish is a mixture of rich and flavoursome ingredients. Usually portioned for one or two, the dish is often seen as romantic and served cold.

 

Coffee Tiramisu - A soft and light dessert consisting of the mixture of coffee, cheese, and edible spongecake. Sometimes also infused with rum, instead of coffee the outcome is a layered sponge cake with cheese, coffee and topped with chocolate flakes.

 

Cheese Cake - A cheese cake, thick, and without a crust. The interior is soft, and often given extra flavour from added lemon zest and enhanced by the essence of vanilla. Baked as an entire cake, and served individually in slices. Usually created for formal occasions, or for the wealthy. Served for parties and for large groups.

 

 

V. Art & Fashion

• ARCHITECTURE
  WIP
  As an actual city has not been built yet, it would be inaccurate to determine the exact style of the revived Salvian culture.

 

 

• CLOTHING
  The normal Salvian attire consists of light, yet elaborate and detailed outfits that define the personality of the wearer. The jewels and embroidery on the outfit help symbolize social status and on many occasions the outfits are padded to give off a form completely different from their natural one. The tone of Salvian dress is that of grandeur and strength which displays the proud history of the Salvian people.  
  
  The peasantry uses basic and practical clothing that allows them to move throughout their daily lives with ease. Usually leather and thick woolen materials define the outfits however as the nation grows wealthier more peasants are able to afford nicer clothing.
   

• PAINTINGS/STATUES
  Salvian art is known for unique depiction of ancient royal traditions combined with incredible new techniques used in painting. Salvian painters typically utilize oil paintings and are recognized for their meticulous detail and beauty. Artists are often commissioned by the nobility to paint portraits of themselves or entire families.
  
  Salvian sculpture is often varied and executed on a grand scale. Resulting from increased state funding, sculpting has risen to prominence in Salvus as the arts also grow in size and respect. No distinct style has been found as of yet but the state encourages all young artists to take part in defining this new age in Salvian history.

 

VI. Influence

Salvian culture has impacted Human civilization for several generations. Since the rise of the first Kingdom of Salvus, it has both positively and negatively affected the collective human experience and helped mold humanity into what it is today. Slavian cuisine, style, and ingenuity have influenced that of the entire human race and in turn have won it the respect of the many cultures that have followed behind them.

 

The Kingdom of Salvus and her people, the Salvians, have seen their fair share of hardship and uncertainty but ultimately have risen to the occasion and overcome adversity in order to preserve their beloved nation. Renowned for their tranquil outlook on life, Salvians and the lands in which they preside are typically inhabited by peoples who share this belief. An accepting people, they only wish to help those that wander onto their lands and throughout history have gained a reputation of doing just that.

[Austin 697]

((I love the irony in this, you made contributions to the destruction of salvus initially))

[Malaise 1570]

Somewhere in Kaldonia, the Kaedreni known as Rhys Briarwood receives a horrid nosebleed.

[The Media Wizard 2958]

[i cannot wait for Salvus to return! My home city is making a comeback, and I'm already preparing the horse heads and silly string.]

[ACanadianCraft (Nate) 682]

How convenient.
I've been considering RPing a farmer/peasant for some time.

[Hanrahan 2983]

BungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBungaBunga

 

PAAAAAAARTAY

[Mouse 324]

Cuisine is no longer a work in progress! :D

[_pok_ 1768]

Updated with the glorious cuisine thanks to the Master Chef Fail_Plane!

[Aetosion 2062]

This is a really solid thread, props to you Pok. 

 

 

Also, irony noted. :')

[Draeris 3124]

It'll be interesting to see Salvus again, though I do not expect to be welcomed by its leader after Forum Roleplay feuds, a pity.

[Birdwhisperer 1174]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.