Humans
From Darkfall Database
Contents |
[edit] General Information
The knights of Mercia ride proudly into battle for the sake of righteousness and the good of the people. These knights who worship the god of the noonday sun, Auros, will ride as one into battle with blades raised and banners flying.
The Mercians were once native Riada. Riada, a nation that gleamed with the morning sun, once lay in the eastern seas. The realm has since sunken to the depths of the ocean. The survivors of the drowned nation battled the Imric, the natives of Mercia, for the lands they were washed up on. The survivors eventually claimed Mercia their new homeland. The Mercians are known for being a prideful and arrogant race. They believe they are the children of the sun god Auros.
[edit] Culture
The Mercians worship a diety that they consider the father of their race. The god Auros is believed to be the bringer of both life and light. The according to Mercian myth, Auros populated the island of Riada with twelve human wives. For each year it is said that he bore twelve children with each wife. The resulting children were what became the Mercian race. With this belief the Mercians view themselves as half-gods.
No matter how far a single creature strays from light, according the Mercian faith, Auros recieves its life-spark upon its death. With this faith in mind, the Mercians believe they are doing any shadowbound creature a favor by removing it from the world and sending it to Auros for cleansing.
The general named Duke John is legendary for having lead the humans from Riada to Mercia. The decendents of the general have ruled Mercia for generations. King Robert the IV is the current ruler of Mercia. King Robert is known by his own subjects for his gluttony, hording of luxuries, and overall ineptitude.
While King Robert, also referred to as Robbie the Whale, is not entirely fit to rule, the Queen Morgaine makes up for his flaws. Queen Morgaine is not only a strong leader, but also a well respected warrior.
[edit] Enemies
[edit] Imric
For centuries, the Imric have been treated as a simple-minded underclass by their conquerors from across the sea. Now, as Malaut's whispers corrupt Mercian society from within, the Imric people have found the strength and will to rise up against their overlords.
Several of Mercia's peripheries - such as the region of Wychwode - have already fallen to native rebels, who in some cases have found allies in sylvan creatures such as centaurs and wild Ciel Fey elves.
[edit] Twilight Empire
Directly underneath Mercia lies the Twilight Empire, the vile and decadent domain of Malaut, who's is also known as the demon prince of greed. In recent years, Malaut has turned his gaze upwards, and his breath and whispers now seep continuously through the Mercian soil, luring the weak and the foolish into traps of excess and depravity.
Congregations of Malaut worshippers have emerged throughout Mercia, as individuals, families and in some cases entire communities are lured out of the light of Auros and into Malaut's shadow. Needless to say, the Mercian authorities spare nothing in their efforts to exterminate this sinister, rapidly growing faith.
[edit] Groups
[edit] Knights of Malregard
The Knights of Malregard are an order founded by the legendary Duke John. These knights have dominated the Imric and remain the Mercian champions.
[edit] White Order
Shining the light of Auros upon creatures of darkness, the White Order cleanses the countryside. Often this militaristic group will ride out against the Alfar and the Orks. Recently the focus of the White Order has shifted to the ever growing Twilight Empire and the Imric uprising.
[edit] Sons of Riada
As Mercian traditionalists, the Sons of Riada believe that ancient secrets were lost with the island of Riada. This group seeks out artifacts from the ruins and remains convinced great power lies within the past.
[edit] Church of Malaut
The Church of Malaut refuses to follow the Auran faith. They believe it to be a lie used to deprive them of the worlds pleasures. The members of this church seek luxury and indulgence. The group has been scheming to corrupt the Mercian society from withing and end the reign of the Auran faith.
[edit] Details
Shortly after landing on the mainland, Duke John organized his finest warriors into a knightly order which would serve as the vanguard of his armies. Mounted on fierce and towering warhorses, the Knights of Malregard won countless victories over the Imric, and ever since they have remained the indomitable and warlike champions of the Mercian people.
The primary task of the White Order is to shine the light of Auros upon creatures that scurry about in darkness and shadow. Traditionally, this has meant embarking on military campaigns against benighted foreign peoples, such as the Orks and the Alfar, but recently the Order has been forced to turn its attention to internal threats, such as the Imric insurgency and the growth of the Twilight Empire.
The Sons of Riada are a group of Mercian traditionalists who believe that many secrets were lost when the home island foundered. They seek answers and artifacts in ancient ruins, convinced that the keys to global supremacy lie buried in the past.
The Church of Malaut believe that the so-called light of Auros is a lie propagated by those who would force them into lives of pleasure-deprived austerity. Taking Malaut's chthonic whispers to heart, the members of the Church embrace excess and luxury. They seek to corrupt Mercian society from within, and their ultimate goal is to bring about the demise of the current regime.
