Setting:Unified Setting/Drow - Revision history

imported>Administrator: 21 revisions imported

2023-06-25T01:07:52Z

21 revisions imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 01:07, 25 June 2023
(No difference)

1d4chan>Slipmcripfist: direct links

2023-05-12T01:21:35Z

direct links

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 12 May 2023
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	[[Image:WilaRider.jpg\|thumb]]		[[Image:WilaRider.jpg\|thumb]]
	Drow are native to the northern continent of [[Londerfell#Zirnitraog\|Zirnitraog]], related to the Sidhe in distant ancestry. This doesn't concern them in the least as they are busy building a collection of city-states filled with highly competitive individuals. They primarily inhabit the area called Zirnitraog, a collection of islands large and small East of Vanawill.		Drow are native to the northern continent of [[Setting:Unified Setting/Londerfell#Zirnitraog\|Zirnitraog]], related to the Sidhe in distant ancestry. This doesn't concern them in the least as they are busy building a collection of city-states filled with highly competitive individuals. They primarily inhabit the area called Zirnitraog, a collection of islands large and small East of Vanawill.

	==The Wila==		==The Wila==
	The Drow (or more properly, the Wila, as Drow actually means "Raider") appear almost identical to their [[~~Unified_Setting~~/Elves\|elven cousins]]. They share the same comely, short, lithe humanoid form with notably pointed ears. The main and obvious difference is in skin pigmentation. Unlike the fairer elves, Wila skin is jet black in color. Naturalists aren't sure why this is the case. Some suggest that it enhances their ability to absorb both solar and magical energy in a cold, northern climate. The vast majority refuse to speculate. Elven history suggests that elven skin color is determined by ambient magic levels, however. The coloration of the grey [[Setting:Unified Setting/Sidhe\|Sidhe]], and the [[Caele]], who are white as milk, supports this.		The Drow (or more properly, the Wila, as Drow actually means "Raider") appear almost identical to their [[Setting:Unified Setting/Elves\|elven cousins]]. They share the same comely, short, lithe humanoid form with notably pointed ears. The main and obvious difference is in skin pigmentation. Unlike the fairer elves, Wila skin is jet black in color. Naturalists aren't sure why this is the case. Some suggest that it enhances their ability to absorb both solar and magical energy in a cold, northern climate. The vast majority refuse to speculate. Elven history suggests that elven skin color is determined by ambient magic levels, however. The coloration of the grey [[Setting:Unified Setting/Sidhe\|Sidhe]], and the [[Setting:Unified Setting/Caele\|Caele]], who are white as milk, supports this.

	While Wila are typically portrayed with white hair to contrast with their black skin, their hair can come in a variety of other colors. White, like blonde for humans, is culturally preferred, and so some wila are known to bleach the natural pigment out of their hair to appear more attractive.		While Wila are typically portrayed with white hair to contrast with their black skin, their hair can come in a variety of other colors. White, like blonde for humans, is culturally preferred, and so some wila are known to bleach the natural pigment out of their hair to appear more attractive.
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	As mentioned above, Wila have the ability to absorb ambient magical energy. For the vast majority of Wila, this is an utterly useless ability, the equivalent of a human appendix. Some zealots however have honed this racial quirk into a talent that gives them an edge against mages in battle.		As mentioned above, Wila have the ability to absorb ambient magical energy. For the vast majority of Wila, this is an utterly useless ability, the equivalent of a human appendix. Some zealots however have honed this racial quirk into a talent that gives them an edge against mages in battle.

	The noble Wila houses meet for political negotiations wearing very little. This has to do with an old tradition of showing that you have no concealed weapons on your person. When the houses established diplomatic relations with the other races, this led to a misunderstanding and now there's a belief among [[~~Unified_Setting~~/Humans\|humans]] that Wila are a nation of BDSM whores. Only top Wila diplomats ever dress in this fashion however, and they only do so in important meetings.		The noble Wila houses meet for political negotiations wearing very little. This has to do with an old tradition of showing that you have no concealed weapons on your person. When the houses established diplomatic relations with the other races, this led to a misunderstanding and now there's a belief among [[Setting:Unified Setting/Humans\|humans]] that Wila are a nation of BDSM whores. Only top Wila diplomats ever dress in this fashion however, and they only do so in important meetings.

	==Government==		==Government==
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	Note: The term city-state refers to the domain controlled by a House. However in the northern reaches there are few cities worth the name and the scattered villages and trading posts serve only as meeting points for the mostly nomadic Drow living there. The term city-state will continue to be used for simplicity, even in reference to the northern "barbarians."		Note: The term city-state refers to the domain controlled by a House. However in the northern reaches there are few cities worth the name and the scattered villages and trading posts serve only as meeting points for the mostly nomadic Drow living there. The term city-state will continue to be used for simplicity, even in reference to the northern "barbarians."

	The government of the Drow Republic is the Great Council of Houses (sarcastically called the Council of Great Houses due to their influence). This is a meeting of all Houses to decide on matters affecting the Drow. The Republic requires almost unanimous assent to make a decision and there is little the Houses will agree upon outside of war or an urgent foreign policy matter. The Republic mostly serves as a place for the Great Houses to jockey for power and influence against each other, but it has been known to take quick and decisive action in the past (notably during the rise of [[~~Sergal_Fluff~~\|Sergal]] Empress Rain).		The government of the Drow Republic is the Great Council of Houses (sarcastically called the Council of Great Houses due to their influence). This is a meeting of all Houses to decide on matters affecting the Drow. The Republic requires almost unanimous assent to make a decision and there is little the Houses will agree upon outside of war or an urgent foreign policy matter. The Republic mostly serves as a place for the Great Houses to jockey for power and influence against each other, but it has been known to take quick and decisive action in the past (notably during the rise of [[Setting:Unified Setting/Sergal\|Sergal]] Empress Rain).

	==The Great Houses==		==The Great Houses==
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	===The Great Houses and Religion===		===The Great Houses and Religion===
	All of the Great and Lesser Houses claim that they are the true keepers and main influencers of the [[~~Unified_Setting~~/Religion#Wila\|Wila faith]]. While strange to outsiders, the Wila are a pious people and treat their religion with great seriousness and pride. It is difficult to sort out the conflicting claims as Wila doctrine changes over time and is opaque to outsiders. To date no outside religious scholar has been able to determine the message of "Zantos and The Triplet Courtesans" which seems to be a bawdy romp currently packing theaters in the Wila Republic.		All of the Great and Lesser Houses claim that they are the true keepers and main influencers of the [[Setting:Unified Setting/Religion#Wila\|Wila faith]]. While strange to outsiders, the Wila are a pious people and treat their religion with great seriousness and pride. It is difficult to sort out the conflicting claims as Wila doctrine changes over time and is opaque to outsiders. To date no outside religious scholar has been able to determine the message of "Zantos and The Triplet Courtesans" which seems to be a bawdy romp currently packing theaters in the Wila Republic.

	===The Great Houses and Wila Assassins===		===The Great Houses and Wila Assassins===

1d4chan>Cruxador at 05:13, 26 March 2022

2022-03-26T05:13:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:13, 26 March 2022
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	==The Wila==		==The Wila==
	The Drow (or more properly, the Wila, as Drow actually means "Raider") appear almost identical to their [[Unified_Setting/Elves\|elven cousins]]. They share the same comely, short, lithe humanoid form with notably pointed ears. The main and obvious difference is in skin pigmentation. Unlike the fairer elves, Wila skin is jet black in color. Naturalists aren't sure why this is the case. Some suggest that it enhances their ability to absorb both solar and magical energy in a cold, northern climate. The vast majority refuse to speculate. Elven history suggests that elven skin color is determined by ambient magic levels, however. The coloration of the grey [[Sidhe]], and the [[Caele]], who are white as milk, supports this.		The Drow (or more properly, the Wila, as Drow actually means "Raider") appear almost identical to their [[Unified_Setting/Elves\|elven cousins]]. They share the same comely, short, lithe humanoid form with notably pointed ears. The main and obvious difference is in skin pigmentation. Unlike the fairer elves, Wila skin is jet black in color. Naturalists aren't sure why this is the case. Some suggest that it enhances their ability to absorb both solar and magical energy in a cold, northern climate. The vast majority refuse to speculate. Elven history suggests that elven skin color is determined by ambient magic levels, however. The coloration of the grey [[Setting:Unified Setting/Sidhe\|Sidhe]], and the [[Caele]], who are white as milk, supports this.

	While Wila are typically portrayed with white hair to contrast with their black skin, their hair can come in a variety of other colors. White, like blonde for humans, is culturally preferred, and so some wila are known to bleach the natural pigment out of their hair to appear more attractive.		While Wila are typically portrayed with white hair to contrast with their black skin, their hair can come in a variety of other colors. White, like blonde for humans, is culturally preferred, and so some wila are known to bleach the natural pigment out of their hair to appear more attractive.

1d4chan>Root: moved Unified Setting/Drow to Setting:Unified Setting/Drow

2012-06-11T18:46:20Z

moved Unified Setting/Drow to Setting:Unified Setting/Drow

← Older revision	Revision as of 18:46, 11 June 2012
(No difference)

71.192.10.129 at 17:45, 24 May 2012

2012-05-24T17:45:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:45, 24 May 2012
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	Well, that is how they are portrayed in the sensationalist fiction of Vyntril. The reality is quite different. House Zorya is officially known as "The Lost House" but that doesn't seem to slow them down at all. Technically the lands surrounding Zorya are under the administration of arbitrators from House Peklenc, but they seem content to let the people manage themselves. Operating under restrictions that are never discussed with outsiders, the people have dedicated themselves to support of the arts, medicine and learning. Zoryan theaters, hospitals and universities have spread across Zirnitraog and can be found in the territory of all the Great and most of the Lesser Houses.		Well, that is how they are portrayed in the sensationalist fiction of Vyntril. The reality is quite different. House Zorya is officially known as "The Lost House" but that doesn't seem to slow them down at all. Technically the lands surrounding Zorya are under the administration of arbitrators from House Peklenc, but they seem content to let the people manage themselves. Operating under restrictions that are never discussed with outsiders, the people have dedicated themselves to support of the arts, medicine and learning. Zoryan theaters, hospitals and universities have spread across Zirnitraog and can be found in the territory of all the Great and most of the Lesser Houses.

	Despite their official status of being "The Lost House" Zorya still has a representative in the Great Council of Houses, though he is ~~refered~~ to as the Speaker for Zorya instead of the Speaker of Zorya.		Despite their official status of being "The Lost House" Zorya still has a representative in the Great Council of Houses, though he is referred to as the Speaker for Zorya instead of the Speaker of Zorya.

1d4chan>Cruxador at 06:03, 25 June 2010

2010-06-25T06:03:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:03, 25 June 2010
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	[[Image:WilaRider.jpg\|thumb]]		[[Image:WilaRider.jpg\|thumb]]
	Drow are native to the northern continent of [[Londerfell#Zirnitraog\|Zirnitraog]], ~~possibly~~ related to the ~~elves~~ in distant ancestry. This doesn't concern them in the least as they are busy building a collection of city-states filled with highly competitive individuals. They primarily inhabit the area called Zirnitraog, a collection of islands large and small East of Vanawill.		Drow are native to the northern continent of [[Londerfell#Zirnitraog\|Zirnitraog]], related to the Sidhe in distant ancestry. This doesn't concern them in the least as they are busy building a collection of city-states filled with highly competitive individuals. They primarily inhabit the area called Zirnitraog, a collection of islands large and small East of Vanawill.

	==The Wila==		==The Wila==

1d4chan>Cruxador: Fixed what spelling and grammar errors I could see

2010-02-11T05:25:15Z

Fixed what spelling and grammar errors I could see

174.51.44.36: /* Assassins */ Changed Drow references to Wila.

2010-02-07T06:04:38Z

Assassins: Changed Drow references to Wila.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:04, 7 February 2010
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	==Assassins==		==Assassins==

	~~Drow~~ assassins are considered the best in the world. This is true. The reason is that ~~Drow~~ prefer to crush their rivals politically, economically, stylistically or legally. (~~Drow~~ lawyers are considered at least the second-best in the world. Debate rages over the #1 slot.) To use an assassin is an admission of failure, which is why such hits are always untraceable. For a rival to be linked to the actual death of an enemy would be a fashion and legal disaster. Hence ~~Drow~~ assassins are masters of seemingly accidental and natural-causes deaths.		Wila assassins are considered the best in the world. This is true. The reason is that Wila prefer to crush their rivals politically, economically, stylistically or legally. (Wila lawyers are considered at least the second-best in the world. Debate rages over the #1 slot.) To use an assassin is an admission of failure, which is why such hits are always untraceable. For a rival to be linked to the actual death of an enemy would be a fashion and legal disaster. Hence Wila assassins are masters of seemingly accidental and natural-causes deaths.

	Rumors that any particular House specializes in or condones assassination is base slander and the foolish prattle of old women.		Rumors that any particular House specializes in or condones assassination is base slander and the foolish prattle of old women.

174.51.44.36: /* The Great Houses and Religion */ Added internal link to Wila faith.

2010-02-07T06:03:47Z

The Great Houses and Religion: Added internal link to Wila faith.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:03, 7 February 2010
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	===The Great Houses and Religion===		===The Great Houses and Religion===
	All of the Great and Lesser Houses claim that they are the true keepers and main influencers of the Wila faith. While strange to outsiders, the Wila are a pious people and treat their religion with great seriousness and pride. It is difficult to sort out the conflicting claims as Wila doctrine changes over time and is opaque to outsiders. To date no outside religious scholar has been able to determine the message of "Zantos and The Triplet Courtesans" which seems to be a bawdy romp currently packing theaters in the Wila Republic.		All of the Great and Lesser Houses claim that they are the true keepers and main influencers of the [[Unified_Setting/Religion#Wila\|Wila faith]]. While strange to outsiders, the Wila are a pious people and treat their religion with great seriousness and pride. It is difficult to sort out the conflicting claims as Wila doctrine changes over time and is opaque to outsiders. To date no outside religious scholar has been able to determine the message of "Zantos and The Triplet Courtesans" which seems to be a bawdy romp currently packing theaters in the Wila Republic.

	===The Great Houses and Wila Assassins===		===The Great Houses and Wila Assassins===

174.51.44.36: /* The Great Houses */ fixed wrong word

2010-02-07T05:56:36Z

The Great Houses: fixed wrong word

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:56, 7 February 2010
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	"Take it to Peklenc." is a common Wila saying. It is the equivalent of "In the name of all the gods I worship and on my sacred honor, what I say to you is true or may I be stricken dead!" but since Wila would still laugh at that there was a market opportunity. That has been filled by the arbitrators and appraisers of Peklenc. An early trading port, since eclipsed by Ozwiena, they sold their expertise and later their impartiality to other Wila.		"Take it to Peklenc." is a common Wila saying. It is the equivalent of "In the name of all the gods I worship and on my sacred honor, what I say to you is true or may I be stricken dead!" but since Wila would still laugh at that there was a market opportunity. That has been filled by the arbitrators and appraisers of Peklenc. An early trading port, since eclipsed by Ozwiena, they sold their expertise and later their impartiality to other Wila.

	The presence of a Peklenc arbitrator is welcomed in most dealings as their expertise and neutrality makes things run smoother. Less welcome are the rare, golden-masked arbitrators ~~who's~~ calling isn't bound by contract. Instead they mete out justice as they see fit, often harshly.		The presence of a Peklenc arbitrator is welcomed in most dealings as their expertise and neutrality makes things run smoother. Less welcome are the rare, golden-masked arbitrators whose calling isn't bound by contract. Instead they mete out justice as they see fit, often harshly.

	While the major Houses grumble and complain there is little they can do. The Judges (as called by the humans) are beloved by the ~~wila~~ people and operate outside of Peklenc authority. Most Wila chalk up an encounter with a Judge as the cost of doing business, as one would an encounter with a storm or a gelatinous berg.		While the major Houses grumble and complain there is little they can do. The Judges (as called by the humans) are beloved by the Wila people and operate outside of Peklenc authority. Most Wila chalk up an encounter with a Judge as the cost of doing business, as one would an encounter with a storm or a gelatinous berg.

	*'''House Zorya (Lost)'''		*'''House Zorya (Lost)'''
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	===The Great Houses and Wila Assassins===		===The Great Houses and Wila Assassins===
	While their spheres overlap to a great extent, the Great Houses rose to prominence by specializing in a particular field. This has lead some to speculate that one of the Houses specializes in the art of murder-for-hire (at which the Wila infamously excel). No house will admit to sheltering assassins, but they are all suspect. Chernogbog has the best hunters, Rugiewit the best soldiers, Ziwia's mastery of alchemy makes them the best poisoners, Ozwienans have the skills to get close to a target, nobody would ever suspect a Peklenc and Zorya is always suspect.		While their spheres overlap to a great extent, the Great Houses rose to prominence by specializing in a particular field. This has lead some outsiders to speculate that one of the Houses specializes in the art of murder-for-hire (at which the Wila infamously excel). No house will admit to sheltering assassins, but they are all suspect. Chernogbog has the best hunters, Rugiewit the best soldiers, Ziwia's mastery of alchemy makes them the best poisoners, Ozwienans have the skills to get close to a target, nobody would ever suspect a Peklenc and Zorya is always suspect.

	Wila when asked always laugh when pressed on the issue and dismiss the entire idea as ridiculous and a bit insulting, but if you are serious then they might know a guy who knows a guy. No promises of course and they will need a little cash up front to grease the wheels....		Wila when asked always laugh when pressed on the issue and dismiss the entire idea as ridiculous and a bit insulting, but if you are serious then they might know a guy who knows a guy. No promises of course and they will need a little cash up front to grease the wheels....

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:25, 11 February 2010
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	==The Wila==		==The Wila==
	The Drow (or more properly, the Wila) appear almost identical to their [[Unified_Setting/Elves\|elven cousins]]. They share the same comely, short, lithe humanoid form with notably pointed ears. The main and obvious difference is in skin pigmentation. Unlike the ~~fair~~ elves, Wila skin is jet black in color. Naturalists aren't sure why this is the case. Some suggest that it enhances their ability to absorb both solar and magical energy in a cold, northern climate. The vast majority refuse to speculate. Elven history suggests that elven skin color is determined by ambient magic levels, however. The coloration of the grey [[Sidhe]], and the [[Caele]], who are white as milk, supports this.		The Drow (or more properly, the Wila, as Drow actually means "Raider") appear almost identical to their [[Unified_Setting/Elves\|elven cousins]]. They share the same comely, short, lithe humanoid form with notably pointed ears. The main and obvious difference is in skin pigmentation. Unlike the fairer elves, Wila skin is jet black in color. Naturalists aren't sure why this is the case. Some suggest that it enhances their ability to absorb both solar and magical energy in a cold, northern climate. The vast majority refuse to speculate. Elven history suggests that elven skin color is determined by ambient magic levels, however. The coloration of the grey [[Sidhe]], and the [[Caele]], who are white as milk, supports this.

	While Wila are typically portrayed with white hair to contrast with their black skin, their hair can come in a variety of other colors. White, like blonde for humans, is culturally preferred, and so some wila are known to bleach the natural pigment out of their hair to appear more attractive.		While Wila are typically portrayed with white hair to contrast with their black skin, their hair can come in a variety of other colors. White, like blonde for humans, is culturally preferred, and so some wila are known to bleach the natural pigment out of their hair to appear more attractive.

	As mentioned above, ~~drow~~ have the ability to absorb ambient magical energy. For the vast majority of Wila, this is an utterly useless ability, the equivalent of a human appendix. Some zealots however have honed this racial quirk into a talent that gives them an edge against mages in battle.		As mentioned above, Wila have the ability to absorb ambient magical energy. For the vast majority of Wila, this is an utterly useless ability, the equivalent of a human appendix. Some zealots however have honed this racial quirk into a talent that gives them an edge against mages in battle.

	The noble Wila houses meet for political negotiations wearing very little. This has to do with an old tradition of showing that you have no concealed weapons on your person. When the houses established diplomatic relations with the other races, this led to a misunderstanding and now there's a belief among [[Unified_Setting/Humans\|humans]] that Wila are a nation of BDSM whores. Only top Wila diplomats ever dress in this fashion however, and they only do so in important meetings.		The noble Wila houses meet for political negotiations wearing very little. This has to do with an old tradition of showing that you have no concealed weapons on your person. When the houses established diplomatic relations with the other races, this led to a misunderstanding and now there's a belief among [[Unified_Setting/Humans\|humans]] that Wila are a nation of BDSM whores. Only top Wila diplomats ever dress in this fashion however, and they only do so in important meetings.
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	Great Houses are named after the dominant city in their area of influence.		Great Houses are named after the dominant city in their area of influence.

	* '''House Chernogbog (Northern)~~'''~~		====House Chernogbog (Northern)====
	An icy marshland. The natives are considered somewhat slow by the other Wila. When they can be bothered to reply, the people of Chernogbog say they don't talk much. There isn't much call for conversational skills in their homeland, but it does produce the best hunters and wilderness scouts of the Wila Republic. Their ability to operate in hostile environments without support, and the demand for those skills by other houses has given them an enviable information network. They are also highly practiced in the Wila arts of anti-magic.		An icy marshland. The natives are considered somewhat slow by the other Wila. When they can be bothered to reply, the people of Chernogbog say they don't talk much. There isn't much call for conversational skills in their homeland, but it does produce the best hunters and wilderness scouts of the Wila Republic. Their ability to operate in hostile environments without support, and the demand for those skills by other houses has given them an enviable information network. They are also highly practiced in the Wila arts of anti-magic.

	* '''House Rugiewit (Northern)~~'''~~		====House Rugiewit (Northern)====
	A proud military house and an upstanding pillar of the Republic. Or to put it another way, the center of the Wila's abominable history of piracy and raiding. Blessed with sheltered ports, plenty of timber and a central location, Rugiewit raiders terrorized every country their ships could reach until the southern Houses put a brake on things. Now they are the shipyard and recruiting center of the Republic as ambitious sons and daughters of Rugiewit seek their fortune in the Republic military.		A proud military house and an upstanding pillar of the Republic. Or to put it another way, the center of the Wila's abominable history of piracy and raiding. Blessed with sheltered ports, plenty of timber and a central location, Rugiewit raiders terrorized every country their ships could reach until the southern Houses put a brake on things. Now they are the shipyard and recruiting center of the Republic as ambitious sons and daughters of Rugiewit seek their fortune in the Republic military.

	* '''House Ziwia (Southern)~~'''~~		====House Ziwia (Southern)====
	A strong agricultural region, often called the "Baetica of Zirnitraog." Their volcanically fertilized soil produces bounteous crops, allowing them to export both food and influence across the Republic. However the volcanic ash emitted by the Water Forest is a mixed blessing, bestowing the occasional life-warping magic alongside fertilizer. The Ziwians have capitalized on this by capturing, studying and using the occasional bizarre mutant in the alchemical arts at which they also excel.		A strong agricultural region, often called the "Baetica of Zirnitraog." Their volcanically fertilized soil produces bounteous crops, allowing them to export both food and influence across the Republic. However the volcanic ash emitted by the Water Forest is a mixed blessing, bestowing the occasional life-warping magic alongside fertilizer. The Ziwians have capitalized on this by capturing, studying and using the occasional bizarre mutant in the alchemical arts at which they also excel.

	* '''House Ozwiena (Southern)~~'''~~		====House Ozwiena (Southern)====
	House Rugiewit may be the Republic's biggest ship builders, but nobody gets more use out of them than the Ozwienans. They were traders before trading was cool and ~~excell~~ at the mercantile and diplomatic arts. The Wila language draws no distinction between commercial and political negotiations and a member of House Ozwiena will be present at almost all negotiations inside or outside the Republic. If not present in an official capacity they will still show up and offer to handle the entire thing at half the price.		House Rugiewit may be the Republic's biggest ship builders, but nobody gets more use out of them than the Ozwienans. They were traders before trading was cool and excel at the mercantile and diplomatic arts. The Wila language draws no distinction between commercial and political negotiations and a member of House Ozwiena will be present at almost all negotiations inside or outside the Republic. If not present in an official capacity they will still show up and offer to handle the entire thing at half the price.

	(On a side note: The Wila language draws no distinction between commercial and political negotiations and there is only a subtle distinction with the words denoting the pimping of prostitutes, marriage negotiation and murder-for-hire. Non-native speakers should be precise with suffixes.)		(On a side note: The Wila language draws no distinction between commercial and political negotiations and there is only a subtle distinction with the words denoting the pimping of prostitutes, marriage negotiation and murder-for-hire. Non-native speakers should be precise with suffixes.)

	* '''House Peklenc (Southern)~~'''~~		====House Peklenc (Southern)====
	"Take it to Peklenc." is a common Wila saying. It is the equivalent of "In the name of all the gods I worship and on my sacred honor, what I say to you is true or may I be stricken dead!" but since Wila would still laugh at that there was a market opportunity. That has been filled by the arbitrators and appraisers of Peklenc. An early trading port, since eclipsed by Ozwiena, they sold their expertise and later their impartiality to other Wila.		"Take it to Peklenc." is a common Wila saying. It is the equivalent of "In the name of all the gods I worship and on my sacred honor, what I say to you is true or may I be stricken dead!" but since Wila would still laugh at that there was a market opportunity. That has been filled by the arbitrators and appraisers of Peklenc. An early trading port, since eclipsed by Ozwiena, they sold their expertise and later their impartiality to other Wila.

	The presence of a Peklenc arbitrator is welcomed in most dealings as their expertise and neutrality makes things run smoother. Less welcome are the rare, golden-masked arbitrators whose calling isn't bound by contract. Instead they mete out justice as they see fit, often harshly.		The presence of a Peklenc arbitrator is welcomed in most dealings as their expertise and neutrality makes things run smoother. Less welcome are the rare, golden-masked arbitrators whose calling isn't bound by contract. Instead they mete out justice as they see fit, often harshly.

	While the major Houses grumble and complain there is little they can do. The Judges (as called by the humans) are beloved by the Wila people and operate outside of Peklenc authority. Most Wila chalk up an encounter with a Judge as the ~~cost~~ of doing business, as one would an encounter with a storm or a gelatinous berg.		While the major Houses grumble and complain there is little they can do. The Judges (as they are called by the humans) are beloved by the Wila people and operate outside of Peklenc authority. Most Wila chalk up an encounter with a Judge as the risk of doing business, as one would an encounter with a storm or a gelatinous berg.

	*'''House Zorya (Lost)~~'''~~		====House Zorya (Lost)====
	The lost house. Their home city attempted to conquer all of Zirnitraog and was destroyed in a bloody civil war. The scattered survivors are a death cult/assassin guild plotting to control the Great Council of Houses for an unknown, but sinister goal.		The lost house. Their home city attempted to conquer all of Zirnitraog and was destroyed in a bloody civil war. The scattered survivors are a death cult/assassin guild plotting to control the Great Council of Houses for an unknown, but sinister goal.

	Well, that is how they are portrayed in the sensationalist fiction of Vyntril. The reality is quite different. House Zorya is officially known as "The Lost House" but that doesn't seem to slow them down at all. Technically the lands surrounding Zorya are under the administration of arbitrators from House Peklenc, but they seem content to let the people manage themselves. Operating under restrictions that are never discussed with outsiders, the people have dedicated themselves to support of the arts, medicine and learning. Zoryan theaters, hospitals and universities have spread across Zirnitraog and can be found in the territory of all the Great and most of the Lesser Houses.		Well, that is how they are portrayed in the sensationalist fiction of Vyntril. The reality is quite different. House Zorya is officially known as "The Lost House" but that doesn't seem to slow them down at all. Technically the lands surrounding Zorya are under the administration of arbitrators from House Peklenc, but they seem content to let the people manage themselves. Operating under restrictions that are never discussed with outsiders, the people have dedicated themselves to support of the arts, medicine and learning. Zoryan theaters, hospitals and universities have spread across Zirnitraog and can be found in the territory of all the Great and most of the Lesser Houses.

	Despite their official status of being "The Lost House" Zorya still has a representative in the Great Council of Houses, ~~but~~ is ~~distinguished~~ as ~~being~~ the Speaker for Zorya instead of the Speaker of Zorya.		Despite their official status of being "The Lost House" Zorya still has a representative in the Great Council of Houses, though he is refered to as the Speaker for Zorya instead of the Speaker of Zorya.