Dyllarian Drae

This package is in addition to the information found in the NERO International Drae Race Package.

The Vornae of Miydranda (my-id-ran-dah) live by the idea of obtaining whatever it is they seek through deception and treachery. The most important aspect of Miydrandan culture is slavery, and slaves can be assigned to virtually any task that involves even the slightest manual labor. Though beneath the ground, very few Vornae do mining of any kind, preferring to enslave Dark Races to do the work, such as Dwarves. They believe this leads them open to more noble aspects such as Warfare and Arcane Studies, which they believe other races incapable of. Due to these beliefs most Vornae excel at whatever pursuits they choose to follow.

Though age is an important factor in following their studies, early admittance into one of the training facilities, where every Vornae is expected to train, is allowable. After their training they are expected to either join a guild, the army, or if from the Noble Clans, expected to return and help in the running of the Clan. Each guild and training hall guards its various secrets and requirements for entrance and graduation.

Treachery and deception is often the way of life for Vornae, and is often encouraged. Though there are Noble Clans in Vornae Society, there is a strict dictatorship ruled by the Divinitan. Noble Clans must tread carefully, for any dissent of treachery to the Divinitan class is immediately crushed. Since the beginning of the Vornae culture of Dyllaria, enforcement of a Caste System has been issued. The classes of the Caste System are as follows:

Shangus - artisans (members of lesser guilds or those of no guild affiliation), & soldiers

The Borsin are unmovable. They cannot escape their class regardless of what happens. Only a Divinitan can appoint the Narilis but the Garalant and Shangus allow free movement between them. The Valindak is accessible only through lifelong military service. The Divinitan is totally inaccessible except through birth.

Young Vornae are born into a class and their mobility within the Garalant, Shangus, and Narilis is both upward and downward. Membership into the Galiden class is through selection based on accomplishments while attending one of the various Vornae training facilities. The Borsin and Divinitan are closed with no access except through birth, or in the case of Borsin, banishment or punishment. The Valindak are those Noble Clans that follow the Divinitan. It has been known that when one of the Valindak Clans is getting too powerful, the Divinitan crushes them. The Valindak do change, when lesser Clans exchange warfare and the upper Clan is destroyed, but only then. The Divinitan encourages this warfare, for it keeps the eyes of the Nobles Clans from the Divinitan seat.

The Vornae society is a patriarchal one in which females defer to the will of males in most instances. Inheritance follows the male line, from father to son, and females are not permitted to own property of their own. In most cases males hold all positions, although in rare cases females are permitted the honor through special appointment.

Vornae are not a lazy people; they see everything as a challenge. Due to their longevity, they usually tend to see things in a different light, literally, than other races. Vornae, though usually treacherous, will often have a few select friends, whom they remain loyal to. Still, betrayal is not uncommon, even among friends. Slavery is encouraged amongst the Vornae and many own at least one slave. Although Vornae are usually treacherous, they do have a system of honor, as they see it. Once their word is given, they will not break it, even until their permanent death. It is very difficult to obtain a Vornae’s “word” and one must be careful when seeking it. The phrasing of the promise must be exact. For example, Jojo gives his word that he will not kill his enemy Rara. Jojo will not kill Rara no matter what the circumstances are, but Jojo will not see it as breaking his word if he hires an assassin to kill Rara. There is usually a time limit placed on a promise, though not always.

Vornae Combat is very organized and each individual will kill an enemy through any means. They have no sense of honor in battle as other races define it - it is kill or be killed. Vornae enjoy torturing their prey whenever possible.

Vornae will typically remain in the Under Realm unless running from the law, acting as part of an Ever Dawn raiding party, or they disagree with the Vornae beliefs. This last occurrence is extreme, and those that leave for this reason are generally hunted and slain or returned to work in the mines. In a few cases Vornae who wish to test their combat skills or follow scholarly pursuits that cannot be obtained in the Under Realm will also go above surface. In the case of disagreeing with Vornae beliefs or running from the law, the transgressor will become known as the “nokoraise” (noe·koe·rye·say), an ancient word meaning cursed. A band of soldiers known as a “motabear” (moe·tah·bee·are) will be sent after the nokoraise by the appropriate Narilis, Galiden, Valindak, or Divinitan. In addition, the family of the nokoraise will almost always be persecuted for his or her transgressions against the culture. This persecution generally results in imprisonment or death.

The common Vornae is quick to anger, although they will most often contain their feelings and remain calm at all times. When personal insult is claimed, however, a Vornae will remember and seek vengeance until the hour of their permanent death.

Vornae marriages are all arranged among the males of the society. The male chooses his wife from his class most commonly or (very rarely) from a lower class. A groom always receives a dowry from the bride’s family. Many times marriage is arranged to align noble Clans or guilds, so a good marriage arrangement is seen as a sign of power and prestige. There is always a feast that lasts at least a week, even among the common classes, and among upper classes it is seen as a mark of esteem to hold spectacular feasts and celebrations, often lasting more than one month.

The ceremony itself is a treaty of sorts between the bride and the groom’s family or guild. Usually the groom’s family chooses someone of a different Clan to speak the words. Monogamy is the societal standard, but adultery is not unheard of.

Vornae births are a time of great celebration if it is a male child. Female births are usually quiet affairs. Vornae couples typically raise one child at a time, and subsequent births will only take place after the current child’s Name Day. The Name Day occurs when the Vornae child reaches puberty, there is a naming feast held. During this feast the child is given its official name and is allowed to use the family’s surname. Vornae females take great pride when they are with child as it is a mark of great desirability and high esteem to be pregnant. They do not hide themselves and continue with their various tasks as normal, and many of them wear more provocative clothing when with child than when they are not. It is said that a Vornae female in battle, while with child, is a ferocious and fearful enemy.

When a Vornae dies a funeral is held at which his closest friends and family speak. A Vornae is not buried, which is seen as a great insult, but burned. Friends and family usually speak before the body is burned, no doubt due to the officious smell of the body. The reading of the deceased’s will is then performed. This can be a competitive affair, and any family members who feel that they were wrongly overlooked will often issue duels to the more fortunate recipients. Female burials receive much less attention because they own no property.

A Vornae life span averages about 500 years. Although there are cases of longer life spans these are rare cases and anything past 800 is extremely rare.

The Vornae have enslaved their enemies from the beginning of their independence. Slaves are viewed as spoils of war and a necessity to the very existence of the race. Therefore Vornae have a tendency to view all races as potential slaves and work with another race only when it will benefit them. These alliances are readily broken when they become inconvenient. As a result of this common cultural practice, individual Vornae have little respect for other races. They outright dislike Dwarves and Elves, and when forced to deal with them will often provoke a fight.

When more slaves are needed for the various tasks of the Under Realm it is not uncommon to stage an Ever Dawn raiding party, which sometimes take months of planning. Vornae do not go to the surface unprepared or without forethought.

Vornae live in a patriarchal society. Power lines run from the oldest male down to the youngest. Extended families are common but nuclear family structure is not frowned upon. Diversity among Vornae Clan members is encouraged, so that no one family can rise above the others. The Divinitan also has those of various skills around them for protection and furthering of knowledge. For the rest of the Vornae, the family trade is usually followed, except for those children of exceptional talent who go on to the training facilities.

The following is a list of the notable Vornae Clans and a brief description of each. It is by no means complete, as there are other countless Lesser and Greater Noble Clans within the society as well.

Aaradoria (Air-a-doria) – Named for the Collective it oversees, Aaradoria, it controls the ordered chaos found in this Collective. Little occurs in the Under Realm that Clan Aaradoria does not know. Rumored to have connections with an Ever Dawn mercenary order comprised of humans.

Abalithiel (A-bah-lith-iel) – Presides over what was Cil-Gariand, once a small, seldom visited Collective. Through tactical enterprises, it has made Cil-Gariand what it is today: a city known for its fine craftsmen and bazaars.

Akanatra (A-ka-na-tra): Once a lesser clan of Miydrandan society, they have risen to the status of Greater Noble Clan in 604, through much diligence, hardwork, and great services rendered to the Miydrandan Peoples. This Clan is known for its abilities of disguise, both magical and natural, and aptitude for subterfuge.

Amadrielae (Am-a-dree-lay) – The original ruling Noble Clan of the Miydrandan. Founded by the joining of the Noble Clans in the marriage of Eleviel Lagithranda and Elnina Miydeswer. They remain the ruling family until the assassination of Elnina VI. Quailen, who has formed an alliance with the treacherous creatures of Stonegate, rules what is left of the Northern Vornae.

Anithien (A-knee-the-en)– Greater Noble Clan in Tinadriethiel, this family is renowned for the ability of its Mages and Healers. The first Master of Magda Arcana, Tarang, was of this Clan.

Asirecia (A-sear-e-see-ah) – Governs over the Collective of Helten, it contains the greatest numbers of Healers in the Under Realm Collectives. Thought of as weak by some, for their non-combative ways; the love of the common people serves as their protection.

Eteinia (Et-enia) – Rules the Collective of Gloamwen, its known for its scholarly pursuits, the translations of Ancient texts, and the restoration of damaged books.

Glilmavie (Ga-lil-ma-vee) – Once a Greater Noble Clan, they betrayed Elnina I in the Wyrm War and were executed for their treasonous acts against the Crown. Amiwyn, a newborn child of the Clan, was allowed to live and was later adopted into the Greater Noble Clan Amadrielae.

Gwindra (Ga-wind-ra) – When Kuroiude fell, it took many years to restore. During these years Gwindra seized the opportunity to make Delithrandra a center for training and learning. Using its own coffers, many centers for this purpose were erected in Delithrandra.

Harania (Ha-rah-knee-ah) – Reigns in the Collective of Gloamwen, it contains large numbers of Nature Mages. Graenim Trenison is of this Clan.

Jeraleni (Jhar-ah-lani) – Controls the Elirith Collective, once renowned for its mining of precious gems. Now Clan Jeranlani is comprised of the most experienced and creative of gem cutters and jewelry designers.

Kaani (Kay-on-ee) – Rules in Meradoyok, one of its members, Dinen Kaani was responsible for finding the veins of Emeralds Meradoyok is celebrated for.

Lómithrandra (Low-myth-ran-dra) – Greater Noble Clan in Tinadriethiel, fighter’s of great ability and prowess hale from this Clan. Despite the shame brought upon this Clan during the Wyrm War, this Clan still has many in Tisservale. Other Clans regularly seek the expertise offered by Lómithrandra.

Miemeth (My-meth) – Governs the Collective of Theliven, this Clan controls the vast amount of Iron and Copper mining and production. Also regulates the unusually large number of slaves in Theliven.

Nilmathien (Nil-may-thee-in) – Located in Tinadriethiel, it is known for its fine warriors and large standing army. Many of this Clans’ warriors valiantly fell in the Battle of Bones, defending Reisen Krackor to the last.

Olarellan (Oh-lar-el-an) – Not as prestigious as Gwindra, though donated the use of its many slaves for the building of the training and learning facilities in Delithrandra. Many Master’s of the learning facilities originate from Olarellan.

Olendang- Slow to recover after the sacking of Kuroiude, it is becoming once again a powerful entity in the Under Realm, known for its magical enchantments of weapons and armor.

Thrélia – Governs in Tinadriethiel, it is unique in the fact that its large standing army comprised entirely of females.

Unaliclya (Yoon-ah-lick-el-ya) – Managed to survive the fall of Kuroiude relatively unscathed. A merchant Clan that deals in all oddities from both Ever Dawn and the Under Realm.

Vebridith (Veb-rih-dith) – Presides over the Collective of Kuroiude. Renowned for its’ mages Necromantic abilities, the winner of the Age of Wonder contest in 355 reigns from this Clan.

Zaobeth (Zow-beth) – Strongest Clan in Yimener, it produces some of the most creative Necromantic and Chaotic spells and formal rituals in the Under Realm.

A Vornae will usually go by their personal name in most instances, though a Vornae formal name generally consists of 4 parts, the personal name, secondary Clan name, primary Clan name, personal guild/trade name.

1. Personal name- This is the first name of a Vornae, it is the name given to them by their parents at their Name Day.

4. Personal Guild/Trade name- If the Vornae has joined a guild or has a particular trade; they will usually have a name that associates them to that particular sector.

All Vornae enjoy festivals and music. Many Vornae are able to play at least one musical instrument, and it is not uncommon for them to be proficient in several. Festivals are usually a grand affair, with music, special magical affects, and both Under Realm and Surface Realm delicacies.

Miydrandan often practice their combat prowess and enjoy games of strategy above all. Numerous training facilities abound in Vornae cities where citizens may go test their battle prowess in both Magic and Weapons.

Other games Vornae enjoy include: gem games, card games, chess, and upon occasion games of dice.

The Draku is a popular spectator sport in the Collectives in which the Vornae watch slaves battle each other or various types of creatures. Almost all Vornae strongholds have an arena for Draku competitions. Occasionally upstanding Vornae males will enter an annual Valindak Draku. This version is not to the death as are the other Draku competitions, and the contestants compete for rewards. Below is a list of the preferred Trade and Craft skills of the Vornae:

When the Vornae entered into the Dyllarian lands, most of their culture was abandoned, though many of the original traditions remained. The vernacular Vornae language eventually died out, but since the overthrow of Queen Mother Elnina VI many Vornae have begun to relearn their forgotten language (the Draelonde tongue - Japanese). Every Vornae knows and understands common (English).

Those who watch their backs meet death from the front. – Means worrying too much about what you can’t see will cause you to not see what is truly worrisome.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Typically means not to put things off, to get them done, and to meet them head on with courage.

To live without honor is to live another day. – Do what you have to do to accomplish your goals.

May the dark welcome you to her embrace. – A typical greeting among Vornae, this particular saying is one of many among this mysterious race with a double meaning. The first is a pleasant greeting, wishing the person a long life in the Under Realm. The second is a warning that any traitorous behavior will result in combat.

A Vornae knows that he or she is living underground, but since they believe they are superior to all others and are the one true race, they do not refer to themselves as beneath anything.

Dark Race – Any non-Vornae race, as in Dwarves, Trolls, Goblins, Elves, Biata, or Sarr.

Under Realm – The collective tunnels, caverns, and other underground regions of Tyrra.

Twilight’s End – A series of underground corridors and caverns that contain small Vornae settlements, usually beyond the boundaries of the cities.

Vornae – The name that the Drae call themselves. These people are esteemed and proud of their heritage, and do not consider themselves to be of Elven ancestry.

Drae – Originally a term for those of Elven blood that were race-changed into Vornae in ages past to help support the waning populace of Draelonde, this word has taken on a broader meaning within the Dyllarian sub-culture. This word is for those that are outcasts from Vornae society, and Ever Dawn raids are always instructed to hunt down and exterminate any Drae that they find. Even when another goal is their primary focus, this will be the raiding party’s secondary aim. A Vornae that is called Drae will be very offended.

Dark Elves – The name given to the Vornae by people of other (mostly Ever Dawn) cultures. Most Vornae find this term distasteful, although not all of them will take offense to it.

Settlement Types

Made (Quarter, pronounced MAH-day) – A Greater Noble Clan rules each Made, of which there can be several within each Collective. These areas can differ in size, and they are the primary judicial and legislative power within the Kingdom. The Lesser Noble Clans fall under the leadership of the Greater Noble Clan within each of these locations. Mades will contain marketplaces, shops, guildhalls, Clans, etc….

Collective – This is the name for Vornae cities, which contain several Mades. Usually the Greater Noble Clans are in the center of their separate Mades and the Lesser Noble Clans surround them at various points. Depending on the size of the Collective, there will usually be several marketplaces (selling everything from spices to weapons, but NOT slaves). Greater Guilds are usually near the Greater Noble Clans and the Lesser Guilds are spread out throughout the various Mades wherever there is room. There are usually no more than 4 ways out of the main Collective itself, though various smaller tunnels are not unusual. The Collective has no formal government, but occasionally each of the Greater Noble Clan Fathers will come together to make Collective-wide policies. This happens only rarely, and it is much more common to have Greater Noble Clans within the same Collective involved in trade wars that often turn bloody.

Twilight Hold – Areas set up outside of a Collective, usually for farms and moving goods between the various cities.

Gateways – Large iron gates at each main entrance into a Vornae Collective. Usually heavily guarded, especially since the sacking of Kuroiude, with several fighting complements of fighters, mages, and healers.

Tor’ara: Although not permanent areas, these caverns, always outside Collective walls are where Nobles, Commoners, and Guild members go to buy their slaves. Slavers keep their slaves throughout the cavern until the official day the auction begins. It takes great stealth and subterfuge to find the exact area of an auction. It is rumored that the largest slave auction contained well over 400 slaves and lasted more then a week.

Settlements

The Miydrandans are not a numerous people, but they are extremely motivated as compared to most of the other long-lived races of Tyrra. They reproduce at a limited rate due to strict practices of marriage and the harsh living conditions of the Under Realm. These factors combined with their overall “survival of the fittest” attitude means the unnatural death total is very high among the Miydrandans.

Name	Established	Population (approx)
Kuroiude	330	7, 000
Gloamwen	335	3, 200
Uniraswen	334	1, 900
Elirith	334	850
Theliven	335	2, 750
Tinadriethiel	215	16,000
Nimrath	405	200
Remiet	352	4, 000
Yimener	365	1, 500
Delithrandra	344	6, 600
Aaradoria	392	3, 400
Meradoyok	555	2, 950
Cil-Gariand	570	1, 000
Helten	519	600
Parion	498	1, 800
Ansavaru	400	350

Aaradoria (Air-a-doria))– Primarily a Collective where a Vornae can go to find some privacy, this is the Collective to visit. The many taverns and hostels have overseen more then one shady deal, including assassinations of higher members of the political structure.

Cil-Gariand (Sil-Gar-iand)– This Collective is mainly a craft city. Anything one could ever wish for is here and this is the one Vornae Collective where those from Ever Dawn can come to find certain things, though this is not a common practice since the reclaiming of the throne. Many markets line the streets and beautiful creations of raw materials abound.

Ansavaru (An-saw-va-roo) – This is not a true Collective, but should be mentioned as an area of note. This is an area where mercenaries, brigands, assassins, and those running from Vornae law will go, either for hire or anonymity.

Delithrandra (Del-ith-ran-dra) –The second largest Collective of the Vornae Under Realm, this area makes its money mostly off of the superb schools of training. Many Vornae come from the other Collectives to gain the elite education and training found here.

Elirith (El-i-rith) – Once a burgeoning Collective, it has fallen on hard times since its various mines of precious gems have stopped flowing.

Gloamwen (Glow-am-win) – Nicknamed the “Collective of Artifacts”, it has the largest library, one of the few open to any Vornae that wishes to study. Many ancient texts can be found among its shelves.

Meradoyok (Mer-a-do-yook) – This Collective found an unsuspected vein of emeralds, one of the rarest gems to be mined in this area of the Under Realm. Since then it has continued growing.

Kuroiude (Cure-i-oode) – The second Collective founded, it was sacked by the Dwarves in 408. Since then it has slowly rebuilt to its former splendor and is once again a powerful seat of political power and learning.

Nimrath – The smallest of the Collectives, much of the populace was lost in the freeing of the throne. As a result of the rampant loyalty to the Queen Mother many of the local guilds have fallen into disgrace.

Remiet (Rem-i-et) – One of the largest Vornae settlements, it has grown by leaps and bounds since it establishment.

Helten (Hel-ten) – This Collective has a river running through it, which gained fame as having healing properties at certain times of the year.

Theliven (Thee-live-en) – Largest producing Collective of Iron and Copper in the Under Realm.

Tinadriethiel (Tin-a-dree-thee-el) – Primary Collective of the Under Realm. Has excellent training schools, closed libraries, and the strongest Greater Noble Clans in the Under Realm. The main political seat is found here.

Yimener (Yeem-i-nar) – A small Collective, although it’s Earth and Necromancy Guilds are celebrated for the number of new and creative spells they produce.

Noble Titles

Sultan – This is the highest title in the land. All Under Realm citizens and nobles pay homage to the Sultan. He wields the highest military, legislative, and judicial power. His authority wanes when he is not around, and the Great

Dinen	K’vin	Altonvyr	Val’imar
Bella	Reison	Drak	Miriawyr
Aldwyn	Nilscire	Aloran	Risliet
Cingas	Leriat	Eirath	Esain
Rhilaldon	Drie	Brilikin	Khienn
K’let	Mirialith	Qer’rard	Thien
Caeloth	Kededriwyn	Saredus	Leglawyn
Adaenn	Caleli	Kae’kath	Laroawyn
Miriawyr	Yoakith	S’vor	Urintir

Aggripina	Tumeka	Nar’Jhana	Rhiannon
Nys’tye	L’yalet	Lisriel	Taneldaiel
Llyla	Preassi	Miraria	Naella
Ninoic	Aidana	Nyddiasa	Liswen
Ocoreve	Lea’lian	Ibilaeri	Kaerawien
Qilin	Paedia	J’raedia	Ceralia
Amiwyn	Zirelle	Olaenna	Peide

Settlement Types

Settlements

Name

Established

Population (approx)

Noble Titles