Noelictus, also known as the Kingdom of Shade and unofficially the Kingdom of Undead, is a landlocked[1] kingdom in the northwestern part[2] of Terandria. Their coat of arms sigil consists of a scythe and crossbow.[3]
Overview[edit | edit source]
Historically, Noelictus created tombs to inter their dead, and used them to infuse the land and skies with death magic. These vast tombs like the Tomb of Afiele exist in every province.[2] This greatly improved their agriculture and turned Noelictus into one of Terandria's breadbaskets. The dead in the tombs will also rise in defense of the kingdom when unsealed and called upon by the lord of the land.[4] These sacred resting places were themselves guarded by ghosts, and magically sealed such that not even Az'kerash could break in from the outside and animate the bodies within.[5][6]
As a result of the concentrated death magic, the weather has been affected, with the skies of Noelictus being gray in color, while the land receives less than six hours of sunlight per day, down to as little as two hours in the winter. Nights are pitch black, with stars rarely seen and even the moons are often obscured. Due to the lack of sunlight, the inhabitants have a pale complexion, and few plants grow well in Noelictus besides those that have adapted by leeching colors. The grass is ashy green, the flowers have more muted colors, and the trees look thin and withered with dark leaves, and dark or bleached white bark. Black and white are the predominant colors in the land. More dangerously, the undead rise much faster, often becoming reanimated within minutes to an hour after death. The local wildlife has adapted to evade the undead, though migrating animals that do not can still cause problems.[5][7][8]
Culture[edit | edit source]
The lives of the inhabitants of Noelictus are deeply influenced by the constant threat of the undead. It is forbidden to kill animals on a whim, with fresh kills required to be immediately decapitated. Almost every citizen are raised to be able to kill a basic zombie, with children even being capable of killing small undead such as rabbits or squirrels. Every settlement has walls surrounding them, and buildings are built to be sturdy, with thick shutters, barred windows and shuttered chimneys, to resist the attacks of Ghouls. Doors and shutters are always closed and lock. People living in the same abode will sleep in separate rooms, isolating themselves in case one of them died during the night, for the protection of others. Farm animals are also isolated in separate cages when they sleep, and the farms have much higher fences. In the event of undead outbreaks, the people barricade themselves inside until the threat passes or is dealt with. Hospitality is always offered to travelers without shelter, as nights are more dangerous with the threat of roaming undead.[5]
Inhabitants of Noelictus dress predominantly in black, and they are a somber people in attitude. Villagers like working to the tune of music, and every village will have at least one dedicated musician for the task.[5][9]
Government[edit | edit source]
Noelictus is ruled by a monarchy. The aristocracy is called the Court of Dusks, and its members vote in the Landsreight.[10] Local nobles have the additional class of [Deathkeeper], and have the duty of watching over Noelictus' honored dead and destroying undead outbreaks.[5]
Noelictus used to be a Necrocracy, but the practice ended due to the dead proving to be poor rulers. In modern times, it is considered a politically reclusive kingdom, and doesn't usually instigate wars.[5]
Economy[edit | edit source]
Noelictus is generally a poor kingdom. Its main source of revenue is its agriculture and export of food, such as to Deríthal-Vel.[11] Due to its unique qualities, it is a poor environment for growing cash crops like Sage's Grass.[5]
Military Strength[edit | edit source]
Noelictus is known for its Hunter's Guild, which has extensive knowledge of monster types, so much that Humans all over the world would first ask them for information rather than use local sources.[12] The Guild has specialisations like [Undead Hunters], [Demon Hunters], [Vampire Hunters], and [Witch Hunters]. The Hunters' Guild will march to war for Noelictus. [Demon Hunters] are sent to the Blighted Kingdom.[13]
They also possess siege weapons called Bloodbeast Slayers, which look like ballistae that launch giant wooden stakes. They were likely used to kill great monsters turned into Vampires in ages past.[14]
Knight Orders[edit | edit source]
Noelictus had almost done away with its [Knights], as the Hunter's Guild has largely replaced them.[5]
The Order of the Shadowed Blooms is based on Noelictus, but not much is known about their history or current status, aside from being active around 6211 of H.E.F. (Half-Elven Fall).[15]
Produce and Livestock[edit | edit source]
Locations[edit | edit source]
Earldoms:[edit | edit source]
Provinces:[edit | edit source]
Cities:[edit | edit source]
Villages:[edit | edit source]
Bordering Kingdoms:[edit | edit source]
Notable Inhabitants[edit | edit source]
- Dalius Bedornial - Ghost, Gravewarden of Afiele
- Fallien - Earl of the Evening of Ovela (Deceased?)
- Greina - [Duchess]
- Grishen Ladel - [Duchess]
- Haeight - Hunter
- Kadane - Princess[10]
- Lantal Afiele - [Lord] of Afiele (Deceased)
- Nicte Allorev - [King][10]
- Piral - Countess of the Morning of Ovela
- Violetta Geishart - [Cellist]
Trivia[edit | edit source]
- Cassielle, a former member of Griffon Hunt, is a member of the Hunters' Guild.[12]
- Duchess Greina of Noelictus is one of the most eligible bachelorettes of Terandria.[19]
- The Artien Family claims to have its roots in Noelictus, when it was recently founded (9,000 years in the past). As a noble house, they have a monster-hunting theme like the Byres Family.[16]
- Local foxes have grey pelts to camouflage with the flora.[5]
- Midnight Runuff is a kind of beer from Noelictus.[5]
- Noelictus has one Named Adventurer.[5]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Gravesong 1.05
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Gravesong 1.08
- ↑ Chapter 8.68
- ↑ Gravesong 1.10
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 5.19 5.20 Gravesong Book 1
- ↑ Chapter 9.15 VM
- ↑ Chapter 9.10 W
- ↑ Chapter 7.34 C
- ↑ Interlude - The Isles and Goblin and Minos
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Chapter 9.55 (Pt. 1)
- ↑ Chapter 9.01
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Chapter 7.15 R
- ↑ Chapter 7.35 C
- ↑ Chapter 8.75
- ↑ Gravesong 1.07
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Chapter 7.28
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Chapter 8.24
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Huntsong
- ↑ Chapter 7.16 L