The nation of Altara and its capital city of Ebou Dar have been in a constant state of unrest within its borders. It is well known even outside of the nation that few accept the sovereignty of the throne, rather, as they have for many years, the population of Altara submits to the laws set forth by their local lords and ladies who they consider more of their ruler than the one seated on the Throne of the Winds. The nation and city rose to existence just after the War of the Hundred Years and perhaps the rewards and protections offered by those of means to those without during this time spawned this continued loyalty to local nobles, rather than the unseen monarch on the throne in Ebou Dar.
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The following houses are those that are active factions within the city of Caemlym, but they are not the *only* houses in the city. If you'd like to be from a house not listed here, contact Andromeda, the Area Wiz. If you'd like to create your own faction, please see the Characters page.
Person to contact: Cresen or Emaline
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Culture
One of the world's most unique cultures can be found in the nation of Altara and its capital Ebou Dar. Still a young nation, there is a great deal of instability, both economic and political. A number of noble Houses exist, which keep fairly strong control over lands and people in their areas, and as a result there is little leftover patriotism for the nation as a whole. Perhaps this is why the Throne of the Winds is widely known as one of the more unstable positions to rule from -- few nobles even bother to follow the throne, paying lip service to obedience and plotting behind the monarch's back at every turn. Assassinations are not uncommon, and successions are frequent.
One of the more popular pasttimes in Ebou Dar are the horse races. A center for seriously heavy gambling and socializing, it is unsurprising that this pasttime leads directly into the other popular one: duelling. Altaran women have a strong reputation for being fierce, and both men and women are reknowned for their quick tempers. Duelling is a matter of honor for an Altaran -- refusing a challenge is likely to get a man -or- a woman disowned completely, if not killed and dumped in the river.
There are a few general characteristics of the Ebou Dari nobility and people that are necessary to mention. Altarans tend to be polite, since in a culture where insults are likely to have you fighting, one is careful with one's words. They are also noted for being moderate in their views toward Aes Sedai, and most Altaran rulers have had Aes Sedai advisors. Nobles have large bodies of servants, summoned by small silver gongs, who perform most of the tasks of a House -- even to dressing their masters.
The last custom mentioned here is a very important one: the marriage knife. In the marriage ceremony, the man gives his bride a knife, telling her to use it to kill him should he ever displease her. There are many customs tied up with this item that is both ornamentation and weapon. It is worn hanging hilt down from a choker around a woman's neck, and the hilt is set with jewels or colored glass. A white sheath means the woman is widowed and does not intend to remarry, while a blue sheath means she will consider offers. White stones in the hilt signify sons, while red signify daughters. If a son died in a duel, the setting of the stone is enameled red. If a daughter, it is enameled in white. If children die from causes other than duels, the settings are enameled black. Red and white settings are a cause for pride. Many women remove their children's stones entirely and effectively disown the children if they refuse a duel once past the age of sixteen. Women who are engaged to be married wear a choker, showing to the world that they have been promised a knife.
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Recent Events
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Wanted
For House Teptrin:
This house currently holds the rulership of Ebou Dar and lives in the Tarasin Palace.
A King: Need someone that can create RP and work with Andromeda to develop plots
A Queen: Need someone that can create RP and work with Andromeda to develop plots
Kids: Will need several.
Other family members to be determined by Andromeda, King player and Queen player. If you have an idea @mail Andromeda.
A Wise One: Will be on staff for the House. Will make sure everyone stays healthy, keep the kids in line, be a member of the Kin, keep in contact with other Kin members and do as told to make sure the House keeps in line with the agenda set by the Kin.
For House Adeistes:
They'll be damned if Teptrin remains on the Throne for long, there are others to place there.
A Wise One: Will be on staff for the House. Will make sure everyone stays healthy, keep the kids in line, be a member of the Kin, keep in contact with other Kin members and do as told to make sure the House keeps in line with the agenda set by the Kin.
Other Houses! Create your own! You don't want Adeistes to control the Throne do you? You don't want Teptrin to stay do you? Ask around, they didn't get there by being sweet and nice. Wouldn't it be better if your House controlled Ebou Dar?
Btw, each house will have a Wise One, if not Kin on staff.
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