Story notes and stuff

Important Notes

---

Important Country 1: The Republic, a loosely-connected set of fiefdoms overseen by a council of Chancellors, who are chosen by each little state in their own manner. Some are small monarchies, others are democracies, a few are autocracies, some use other methods. The Republic was only recently founded after a tumultuous invasion coordinated by their neighbors, in order to have a common military and be more united in their culture. Famous for their rich culture, gorgeous women, and ferocious beasts (Quinotaur, Tarasques, Peludas).

The most common religion is a polytheistic religion that worships the "Seven," the children of an ancient "Father" who are said to watch over the country. Each of the Seven is a patron of something, and each one has a number of demigods and spirits associated with them, which act as patron saints for various concepts, similar to Catholicism. Each one has positive aspects, and negative aspects as well, and most children find their "patron" when they come of age.

Important Country 2: The Archipelago, a theocratic nation ruled by an ancient line that go back as far as time can tell. The inhabitants are noted for their fantastic appearances: many have some resemblance to animals, and those folk are in the majority on the Archipelago. They are famed for their mystics and highly exotic peoples, but the kings and queens that rule the land do so with an iron fist, with dissent being one and the same with heresy. Despite this, the king provides trained mystics and mages to his people, allowing for great prosperity despite the small size and inefficiency of their bureaucracy.

The most common religion is, of course, worship of the Theocracy. The theocracy are regarded as being the heirs and guardians of the world. Under the heirs, though, there is a Shinto-esque system of spirits in most everything, those spirits organized into a hierarchy- which is rather similar to the bureaucracy that the Archipelago is organized into. These spirits are associated with nearly everything- from foxes and birds to entire lines and famous heroes.

---

Important Characters:

Alain: Tall, black-haired, and skilled with alchemy and various forms of esoteric magic. Sent by his father in order to oversee a deal between a notable court mage and one of the Republic's magical schools (which was funded by his family). Despite his noble heritage, great magical skill, and position as heir to his family's assets, he's quiet as a mouse and far prefers his books and horses.

Czerig: A monolith of man, bald-headed but with a wiry white beard. He has guarded Alain's family for most of his life. He's middle-aged, but is an absolute monster in combat. In the rare moments he's not charged with guarding Alain, he is a quiet, meditative type. He's descended from northern barbarians that raided the Republic in days long past- that now serve as mercenaries and soldiers for many states.

Tsubame: A beautiful woman of the Archipelago whose features are highly suggestive of birds, having taloned feet and wings rather than arms. With glossy black feathers and piercing yellow eyes, she serves as a courtesan and entertainer in the mansion of the court mage. When Alain came to visit- and stay at the mansion in order to learn more about Archipelago- she was assigned to take "care" of him.

Momoka: An experienced court mage, interested in the relation between Republic Alchemy and how it relates to the spiritual magic of the Archipelago. Bookish, with features more in line with a hound, she works diligently, but isn't one for social form or grace. She and Alain often discuss the intricacies of magic with each other.