Post by ENCYCLOPEDIA on Dec 15, 2010 12:49:07 GMT -5
THE WORLD OF VALIDEXO
[/color][/font][/center]01. THE HISTORY OF VALIDEXO
[/justify]Validexo is a small continent surrounded by a mist of uniquely sized and shaped islands. The term "Validexo" is a portmanteau, a combination of two words into one to create a new meaning. Validexo is a combination of "Validus" and "Extraho" (both of which are Latin), which combine to make "Strong Dragon". This is a world highly inhabited by dragons, both tame and wild. It is not yet clear by scholars how this continent was created, who specifically gave this land its name, or when the world of dragons began, however several rumors, myths, and legends travel through storytelling.
The most popular story claims that dragons used to travel in packs. One pack of dragons left their territory and took to the sky to find a new place to live - to live in peace and harmony. These dragons, now called the "Dragons of Vali", traveled for fifty years in the sky before spotting a mass of beautiful, empty land. Upon landing, the dragons quickly called it home. The oldest dragon was named Validexo, and he was the first dragon to pass upon the sacred soil. His remains were respectfully buried beneath an inactive volcano on an isolated island. Family members and close friends could no bare not being near his presence, and therefore moved to the island. They were known as "wild dragons" after separating themselves from society to consistently mourn their lost elder.
Three hundred years later, the first human came to the continent with his dragon. He called himself a Dragon Rider, although not many knew of the term. He was banned from his village when he told them of using a dragon not for hate, but to use as a loyal partner and a friend as well. The two partners came across Validexo during their journeys. While at first the other dragons were heavily threatened and very aggressive, they quickly learned that the human meant no harm, and meant for peace between the two species. The local dragons asked the human to bring back more humans. He happily agreed. The country of Validexo developed after that, as humans built cities and villages across the continent. Elves, Fairies, and Sorcerers also arrived.
About one hundred and fifty years ago, the land began to split. In the middle of a war between the people of Validexo and the dragons, society began to split. The north believed that after the clear signs of the dragons' capabilities of death and destruction, the dragons need to be tamed and under the regulation of humans. The people of the south believed that humans are just as capable, and therefore just as humans get freedom, dragons should be allowed just as much freedom as well. Some in the south even argue that the concept of dragon riders if offensive and should be abolished. The war was considered a tie, as both sides decided to make a temporary negotiation to stop fighting. However, the bitterness within society was evidently still present.
The King had two princes, named Ethaia and Thivea. The two princes also had contrasting views, similar to those of the north and the south. When the King had fallen ill, he had made a proposal to his two sons. He would split his land in half, and allow both of them to rule either the north or the south. The princes happily agreed, and separated into the north lands and the south. Due to bitter rivalry, Ethaia no longer wanted to be called a "King", but instead preferred the title of "Lord". With such distaste for his brother, he wanted to be as different from him as he could possibly be. Thus, Ethaia and Thivea began.
02. VALIDEXO'S CUSTOMS AND HOLIDAYS
[/justify]The people of Validexo have quickly developed their own unique customs and traditions. Although when the term started is still uncertain, "Vali" is a nickname for the land. The term "Dragon Riders" has also often times been shortened to simply "Riders". Clothing in Validexo is rather diverse. Depending on the wealth of the individual or his or her family depends on the type of clothing he or she wears. Also, the weather conditions of the area they live in has a rather large impact. For example, a large portion of Ethaia is cold, therefore requiring that their people wear warmer and heavier clothing. While a large part of Thivea can be very hot, suggesting that most inhabitants wear lighter clothing.
For those who are able to tolerate the other political views, and may even have a neutral perspective, an annual ceremony is held at the grave spot of the old King of Validexo. Other ceremonies take place across the country, however this is the largest celebration that brings the people of both Ethaia and Thivea together. The past couple years have been heavily regulated, however, because rioters will arrive to protest against their opposition.
Validexo does have celebrations for birthdays, and even for other holidays. Solivex, also called Scare Fest, is an annual holiday which allows the children to dress up in costumes and go to houses to ask for treats, money, or small gifts. The two major capitols hold parades and costume contests in honor of the event. Solifex began with the dragons, who used to wear hats in order to scare off any of the evil spirits of their dead ancestors who wanted revenge. Another annual holiday, which takes place the end of every year, is called Nivemun. Nivemun, also called the White Giving Day, is a holiday to celebrate families. Families will come together around a tree and exchange gifts on the days. Friends will also sometimes exchange gifts.
The most significant day of the year, however, is Exadies, which occurs shortly after the new year has begun. Exadies, also known as Dragon Day is a day to celebrate the existence of dragons. Each kingdom has a different way of celebrating, due to their separate political views, however dragons all across the continent will travel to Isle Lithera to celebrate peace amongst the dragons. Typically, they will simply tell stories.
03. THE KINGDOM OF ETHAIA
[/justify]Ethaia lays to the north. It is sprawled over a mountain range that is butted against an ocean with a few lakes filling in the valleys. There is little flatland, so its main product is mined goods. It then uses the gold, gems, et cetera it finds to trade for food. Besides food gardens, almost no farming happens, though there is a modest fishing industry.
In general, Ethaians have an almost cynical view of dragons. They are magnificent weapons with few weaknesses; they fly, breath fire, have skin tougher than steel. They can destroy whole towns in a matter of seconds. And many Ethaians are frightened by that knowledge. So - like people do when they fear something yet don't understand it - they want to control it. Slowly but surely over the years Ethaia has been subtly gaining ground in this cold war. Of course, there are political ambitions, too, but the scare tactic cultivates public support.
04. THE KINGDOM OF THIVEA
[/justify]Thivea, to the south, is almost completely level grassland. Naturally, it relies heavily on agriculture. Its second highest source of income comes from textiles it produces; its silk is especially popular. Though it has sea to the south and west, the fishing industry is almost nil. The land near the ocean is too inhospitable for people to live on it, though there are a few oases that allow people to operate small fishing villages.
Thivea is a more liberal-minded place. While they recognize the potential threat of the dragons, they nevertheless ignore them and rally for the true freedom of the dragons. Most take that only so far as to simply exert that they should not be used as weapons - many Thiveans see them as humanoid beings despite having no physical qualities of man - some radicals go so far as to claim that the Riders take advantage of the dragons and that the whole Rider business needs to stop.
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