The Nobility System of Rayhal
In Rayhal, nobility is not just a title but a reflection of power, influence, and lineage. Each empire has its own hierarchy of noble houses, but a universal system ranks them across the continent. The Rayhal Noble Hierarchy consists of five tiers:
Imperial Houses: The ruling families of each empire, often claiming ancient lineage or exceptional achievements. They hold absolute authority and are considered the pinnacle of nobility.
High Houses: Families with significant influence, often controlling vast territories or commanding powerful armies. They serve as advisors to the Imperial Houses.
Great Houses: Wealthy and influential families with strong political and economic ties. They often govern major cities or regions.
Lesser Houses: Minor noble families with limited influence, often serving as vassals to Great Houses. They may control small estates or towns but lack the resources of higher-tier houses.
Landless Houses: Families without significant territories or influence, often newly elevated to nobility. These houses are typically led by Journeyman or Vanguard-rank warriors, blacksmiths, artisans, or other skilled individuals who have proven their worth through service or achievement. Landless Houses are the lowest tier of nobility and must prove their value to rise in status.
This system ensures that power is concentrated among the elite, with each tier vying for greater influence and status. Landless Houses, while lacking in political power, are highly respected for their contributions to the empire, whether through martial prowess, craftsmanship, or other forms of service.
Citizenship Ranking System
Rayhal's empires enforce a strict Citizenship Ranking System to maintain social order and control. The system divides the population into four classes, with a unique twist: anyone who can use Willpower automatically becomes a first-class citizen, regardless of their birth or background. This rule applies to knights, blacksmiths, artisans, weavers, and any other individuals who can harness the Loom's power.
Citizens of the First Rank:
The ruling elite, including nobles, high-ranking officials, and wealthy merchants.
Willpower Users: Knights, blacksmiths, artisans, and others who can manipulate the Loom.
Privileges: Full rights, access to education, and exemption from certain taxes.
Citizens of the Second Rank:
Skilled professionals, artisans, and mid-ranking soldiers.
Privileges: Limited political influence but respected members of society.
Citizens of the Third Rank:
Laborers, farmers, and low-ranking soldiers.
Privileges: Few rights and often subject to heavy taxation.
Outcasts:
Criminals, exiles, and those without formal citizenship.
Status: Live on the fringes of society, often in poverty.
This system ensures that power and resources remain concentrated among the upper classes, while the lower classes struggle to rise above their station. However, the ability to use Willpower provides a rare opportunity for upward mobility, as even a lowborn individual can ascend to the first rank if they demonstrate mastery of the Loom.
Ruin Ranking System
Rayhal is dotted with ancient ruins, remnants of a bygone era when the Loom was said to have been woven by unknown hands. These ruins are ranked based on their danger, historical significance, and potential rewards. The Ruin Ranking System is a global standard used across the world, not unique to Rayhal. However, on Rayhal, only ruins up to Tier 2 have ever been discovered, making higher-tier ruins the stuff of legend and speculation.
Tier 1 Ruins: Relatively safe, often explored by scholars and adventurers. They contain minor artifacts and historical records. Examples on Rayhal include the Sandspire Catacombs and the Flamekeep Archives.
Tier 2 Ruins: Moderately dangerous, requiring skilled explorers. They may contain powerful artifacts or hidden knowledge. The Scarhold Vaults in Kharath and the Greenfield Tombs in Veylan are notable examples.
Tier 3 Ruins: Highly dangerous, often guarded by ancient traps or powerful beasts. Clearing a Tier 3 ruin typically requires a team of 20 Crusader-rank knights and at least 2 Exemplar-rank knights. These ruins are rare and have only been found in a handful of locations worldwide.
Tier 4 Ruins: Extremely dangerous, accessible only to the most skilled and powerful individuals. There have been vague instances of Tier 4 ruins being cleared, with two notable cases occurring on Eden. These ruins are shrouded in mystery and legend, and their existence is often debated.
Tier 5 Ruins: Mythical ruins, said to be inaccessible to mortals. No Tier 5 ruins have ever been publicly confirmed, though rumors persist of their existence in the most remote and treacherous parts of the world.
The ruins are rated based on their level of trickiness and the dangers inside them. Their structures are often labyrinthine, with hidden chambers, shifting pathways, and ancient mechanisms that defy understanding. There are cases of explorers discovering new sections of low-tier ruins, which sometimes leads to their reclassification to a higher tier. For this reason, it is strongly advised not to train in or explore ruins without proper preparation or a skilled team.
On Rayhal, only Tier 1 and Tier 2 ruins have been found so far, making higher-tier ruins a topic of fascination and speculation. Scholars and adventurers alike dream of uncovering a Tier 3 ruin or higher, but the dangers are immense, and the rewards uncertain. The ruins remain one of the greatest mysteries of the world, their secrets guarded by the Loom itself.
Key Figures, Cities, and Organizations
Each empire has its own key figures, cities, and organizations that shape its identity and influence its politics. Below is a detailed breakdown for each empire:
1. Kharath DominionKey Figures:
General Kael Draven: The Iron Fist of Kharath, a master tactician and a fearsome warrior. Known for his unyielding discipline and strategic brilliance.
Lady Seraphine Veyra: A noblewoman and diplomat, known for her political cunning and ability to broker alliances.
High Warlord Tharok II: A descendant of the empire's founder, revered for his leadership and unwavering resolve.
Commander Ryn Varik: A rising star in the Iron Legion, famous for his victories in the Scarred Wastes.
Priestess Althea Flameheart: The spiritual leader of the Eternal Flame, said to commune with the Loom.
Lord Malek Veyra: A powerful noble and Seraphine's brother, known for his wealth and influence in trade and commerce.
Captain Jora Sandstrider: A legendary scout and tracker, revered for her survival skills in the desert.
Archivist Kaelen: The keeper of Kharath's ancient texts and histories.
Master Forger Drakkar: The empire's foremost blacksmith, responsible for crafting the finest Loom-forged weapons.
Ambassador Lira Voss: A skilled negotiator who has brokered several key alliances.
Cities and Strongholds:
Kharathis: The capital, a fortress city carved into the side of a mountain. Its walls are reinforced with Loom-forged steel, and its streets are lined with statues of legendary warriors.
Scarhold: A military stronghold in the Scarred Wastes, known for its harsh training grounds and strategic importance.
Flamekeep: A city built around the Eternal Flame, the empire's religious center. It is a place of pilgrimage for those seeking enlightenment.
Sandspire: A trade hub in the eastern desert, known for its bustling markets and vibrant culture.
Ironveil: A fortified city on the border with Veylan, a key strategic location in the ongoing conflict.
Organizations:
The Iron Legion: Kharath's elite military force, renowned for its discipline and brutality.
The Eternal Flame: The empire's religious order, responsible for spiritual guidance and the preservation of ancient traditions.
The War Academies: Prestigious institutions that train the next generation of warriors.
The Sandrunners: A guild of scouts and trackers, essential for navigating the desert and gathering intelligence.
The Forge Guild: An organization of blacksmiths and artisans, responsible for crafting Loom-forged weapons and armor.
2. Veylan RepublicKey Figures:
Chancellor Elias Vorn: The head of the republic's ruling council, a charismatic leader and a skilled orator.
Dr. Lyra Solen: A renowned scientist and inventor, known for her groundbreaking discoveries in Loom technology.
General Marik Solen: The head of Veylan's military, a master strategist and a veteran of numerous campaigns.
Lady Elara Veyra: A prominent noblewoman and philanthropist, known for her charitable works and advocacy for education.
Archivist Kael: The head of the Great Library, a scholar of immense knowledge and a keeper of Veylan's history.
Captain Jorin Veyra: The leader of the Merchant Fleet, a skilled navigator and trader.
Master Artisan Lira: The head of the Artisan Guilds, known for her exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs.
Ambassador Ryn Solen: A skilled negotiator who has brokered several key alliances with neighboring empires.
Priestess Althea: The spiritual leader of Veylan, known for her wisdom and compassion.
Commander Drakkar: The head of Veylan's elite guard, a master of combat and a defender of the republic.
Cities and Strongholds:
Veylantis: The capital, a bustling hub of commerce and innovation. Its marble towers and bustling markets are a testament to Veylan's prosperity.
Greenhaven: A city in the Greenfields, known for its fertile farmland and peaceful atmosphere.
Riverspire: A trade hub on the Veylan River, known for its bustling markets and vibrant culture.
Ironhold: A fortified city on the border with Kharath, a key strategic location in the ongoing conflict.
Scholar's Rest: A city built around the Great Library, a center of learning and knowledge.
Organizations:
The Council of Electors: The governing body of the Veylan Republic, responsible for making key decisions and maintaining order.
The Great Library: A repository of knowledge from across Rayhal, housing ancient texts and cutting-edge research.
The Artisan Guilds: Organizations of craftsmen and artists, responsible for Veylan's cultural heritage and technological advancements.
The Veylan Academy of Sciences: A leading institution for research and development, attracting scholars from across the continent.
The Yanvel Fleet: A powerful organization that oversees Veylan's commerce and trade, ensuring the republic's economic stability. The fleet is named after Yanvel, a legendary merchant-explorer who charted many of the republic's trade routes.