Braxyl

Skyriders

Founded by Queen Elsysande Joraeth, daughter of Corvux, the Skyriders are an all-female Host who undergo rigorous training considered more intense than that of their male counterparts. Known for swift and coordinated attacks, inspired by the movements of birds of prey, the Skyriders wear cloaks made from the feathers of their namesake bird. They are the guardians of Braxyl’s most sacred sites.

History

The seeds of modern Braxyl reach back to Valoria, when the northern plains served as a buffer against marauders. For long centuries men and women fought and died here, and the people of the plains became renowned for their horsemanship and marital prowess.

When Valoria fell, the plains dissolved into strife as numerous military leaders forged aristocratic houses and to seize control. This time, which lasted for many generations, has come to be called the Era of Strife, and it is marked by unending violence and warfare.

Out of this chaos came House Joraeth. Through a combination of decisive victories, strategic marriages, and shrewd diplomacy, House Joraeth secured a lasting dominance over the others, establishing the modern kingdom of Braxyl. The first king setup many of the patterns of power that remain today, including the loosely aligned regions with a degree of self-governance.

The people of Braxyl are known for their resilience, loyalty, and deep sense of community. Living on the open plains, they value unity and strength. Martial prowess and horsemanship are cornerstones of Braxylian life, and men and women master each from a young age. The People of the Plains cherish their heritage, remembering the past through festivals and celebrations.

In form, Braxylians tend to be tall and robust, with a physique honed by generations of hard living. Their skin tones range from fair to olive with hair colors generally darker shades, from deep browns to jet black and worn long and either braided or tied back.Their eyes are typically vivid and striking, with colors like steel blue, deep green, or dark brown.

Without exception, Braxylians mark their bodies with complex tattoos that tell of their house, alliances, and life. Someone familiar can, with a glance at their face, know the heritage of any citizen of Braxy.

Braxyl consists of a tapestry of loosely connected regions called vaeryns, each ruled by a prominent house. The regional houses are granted considerable autonomy and each maintains their own military horde. The vaeryns are all united under the overarching authority of the House of Joraeth.

Law and order is handled by the ruling house, but both the Skyriders and the Vhaegard (vay-gard) have authority across all dominions. The former in their role as protectors of Braxyl holy sites, and the latter in their role as royal police.