The Illuthians

Government
Illuthians are governed by a Monarchy. The three royal bloodlines have ruled the Illuthians for 100's of years. Illuthians are never appointed to a governmental position but are instead placed according to bloodline. There are currently 3 royal bloodlines with about 236 people. The bloodlines are Xerses, Cumtaliva, Yantalis. Yantalis currently holds the throne and has done so for the last 75 years. Before that Xerses held the throne for 75 and directly after the Chaos Wars Cumtaliva ruled for 100 years. The throne is passed down to the daughter of the ruling family. If there is no daughter then all the bloodlines compete to take the throne. There are a total of 39 challenges, however, the trick is that the common people are the judges. This means that it is very hard to challenge a well liked bloodline in the eyes of the public. The only other way for a bloodline to ascend to the throne is to find a special rare golden apple. This is an ancient tradition and no one has ever seen the mythical apple. It is thought that the apple may only be found in a time of strife. Once found the golden apple may be presented in court to the leader of the appropriate family. Once this has been done the families are considered at "war" and must compete. Whoever wins the 39 challenges becomes the new ruling family. All important offices are held by one of these families. The three family’s currently have control of large sections of the Living Forest. The Yantalis family controls the South Eastern border on the Shen Territories along with the city of Dewpoint. Cumtaliva controls the North part of the Living forest as the City of Sight. While Xerses controls the Southern part of the Living forest, including the city of Oakhaven. Oakhaven is the capital and seat of the ruling body. Although Xerses claims the city as part of their lands the City of Oakhaven is considered to be neutral ground for all houses and subject to the governing of the ruling house. Each house holds complete control of all Illuthien’s that live in their lands. The common Illuthien is considered a serf and holds no rights to land or title. A noble can grant lands or title to any Illuthien in that nobles lands. (Note, all players must declare what house they belong to t character creation and submitt with character history.) Soldiers, cooks, farmers, etc, and any commoner position can be attained by the normal means. The only way to get into one of the bloodlines is by marriage. Only the females of the bloodlines can ask for hand in marriage. All titles are passed down to the daughter. If the queen should die the King may take another mate of his choosing but their offspring may never ascend to the throne. Currently the Yantilis family has three daughters and are well liked by the people.

Illuthian Houses
There are three Royal Houses who lay claim to the entirety of the Illuthian lands. They divide this land fairly evenly between them as a balance measure. The three Royal Houses (Yantalis, Xerxes, Cumtaliva) each sponsor a number of Major Houses. Each of these major houses is granted title to an area of several hundred square miles. The exact area is some what fluid and may be changed by their sponsoring Royal House. Each of the major houses, with two exceptions, has been in existence since several centuries before the Chaos War. The Royal Houses could technically create new Major Houses, this has not been done since the final days of the Chaos War. Each of the Major houses is entitled to create Minor houses who swear fealty to them and their patron Royal House. These minor houses are often created to honor a family or individual who has performed a great service for either the Royal House or the Major House, and may be granted land and/or holdings in addition. The well-known houses are listed below, although there are probably more houses that are only known with Illuthian political circles.

Illuthian Racial Views
They are fond of the trees and it is known that when an Illuthian dies they seek out an oak tree and meld forever with the tree. Because of this they are very touchy when it comes to what trees can be chopped down, forest fires, deforestation, and general disrespect for nature. Illuthian dwellings differ greatly from any race. Their permanent cities are carefully molded around the trees. Some would say that they are grown. No true Illuthian town stays in one spot for long as they do not wish to harm the environment. They do this by a woven fabric that is water proof. These they hang from the trees and wrap around limbs to form walls and a roof. Because of this they can move a city if need be, although this has not been done since the Illuthian/Shen war over 200 years ago. Illuthian are very respectful of one another due to the very thin walls that most of their dwellings have. Illuthian elders are for the most part very quiet and calm. Illuthians of all ages have a very light sense of humor and are glib of tongue. The Shenn are viewed with distrust and contempt. Long ago a war was fought over land and many Oak trees were destroyed by the Shenn. Because of this many Illuthian will not do business or shun Shenn patrons. The Illuthians views on necromancy are very strict, it is simply forbidden and anyone caught will be turned over to the chirurgeries or killed out right. Crossbreeds - Halfbreeds can never own land, title, and will always be looked down upon by other Illuthiens. If a Halfbreed is murdered no investigation will be conducted and it is not considered a crime. Halfbreeds are usually cared for by the family that had them or thrown out to fend for themselves. However, it is perfectly acceptable to take another race as a lover, wife, husband, as long as there are no children produced.

Illuthian Artistic Views
They are fond of music, especially lutes, lyres, and pipes. They prefer wine and detest ale, beer and similar barbaric drinks. Illuthians are renown for their singing and prefer ballads of eternal love, heroic battles, damsels in distress, sly heroes, and beautiful woman. Illuthians are also known for their finely woven fabrics. Their nimble fingers allow them to weave some of the most complexingly beautiful, durable and light fabrics in the known world.

Illuthian Commerce
The Illuthians inhabit the living forest and they are the number one suppliers of lumber on the whole continent. Because of their close tie to the woods they can harvest large amounts of lumber with very little deforestation. They grow fields and harvest them very similar to corn. They also make a booming trade in cloth. They are known for weatherproof cloaks, fleece lined gloves, and many other clothing. Illuthians excel in shipbuilding and build some of the fastest and most seaworthy of all vessels. However, most of their ship commerce is sold to the Jenisari as they were born to sail. Several of the Jenisari fleets have contracts with the Illuthian government. They are sold ships for a reduced price and they must send warriors to crew Illuthian ships for a set period of time. Any of these warriors found deserting, or trying to mutiny are killed and their fleets contracts canceled.

Illuthian Cities
City of Oakhaven-This is the capital of the Illuthian Nation. This sprawling city is truely a wonderus art. Built through, above, below, and around the forest this truely is a living city! All non-Illuthian are allowed anywhere on the lower level of the city. Passes may be acquired for the upper levels. However, on the top level a non Illuthian must be escorted at all times. This is where the King and Queen hold court.
City of Sight-Originally built as a small fort and naval yard the City of Sight has blossomed into a booming trade city. Any type of race can be found here as well as any type of wares. Jenisari are almost as populus as the Illuthian.
Dewpoint-The second largest city in the Illuthian nation and boasting one of the largest Navies. Here you can find anything that can be dreamt of by any individual. This is also the main shipbuilding yard for most of the continent. Illuthian shipbuilders are the best woodworkers in the world and craft exquisite ships. Jenisari flock to this City for the best ships in the world. Sailors say that an Illuthian ship crewed by a Jenisari crew is the fastest in the world!
The Smoking Wall- Built with the Illuthian Shenn treaty these forts watch the large gate that allows passage into the Shenn realms.

Racial Makeup

Illuthians must wear a distinctive pattern of green makeup. This pattern can be detailed with brown, but green must be predominant.