In one Age, called the Fourth Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose in the Land of the Crystal Throne. It sped across the great Aryth Ocean to the Tai’Seanchan coast. It continued over the Mountains of Mist, picking up the scent of Two Rivers fine tabac and singing along to a tune made by a Tinker’s tea kettle. It swirled around the vast prairie known as the Caralain Grass, with it’s Black Tower fortress, and the island city of Tar Valon, home of the fabled Ogier-made White Tower...The wind swept through the valleys, skimming along the lake that once was Shadar Logoth, lifting the raven in flight. It howled through the Blight past the snorts and bellows of Trollocs, carrying on it the stench of their cookpots and rot as it whipped by a Myrddraal without creating so much as a ripple in its dark cloak. If you listen closely to the wind you can hear the sound of “friends” whispering in the dark as it whistles by you. The shadows beckon you to their warm embrace; where will the wind take you? For you must know, the wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was A beginning.
Manetheren
Manetheren had been one of the greatest countries in the Westlands, but when their King and Queen perished during the Trolloc Wars, it was lost to myth and legend. Over the years, there were multiple attempts to raise the Red Eagle once more, but none were successful. None until a man who did not want to rule, a ta'veren, sought to protect his land and his people, and the Old Blood runs deep...
Geography
Manetheren is a geographically fortified region in the mid-western portion of the Westlands. The Mountains of Mist stretch along its western limits, the River Arinelle along it's northern and eastern borders. The nation consists of three major regions: The Southern Territory (once Ghealdan), The Two Rivers, and the Northern Territory.
The Southern Territory stretches from the Forest of Shadows, also called the Great Blackwood, along the southern banks of the River Manetherendrelle, to the River Eldar in the south, and from the Mountains of Mist in the west to the immense ridge known as Garen's Wall in the east. This territory is a land of mountains and foothills in the west, the rocky lands along the ridge in the east, and large swathes of forest in between, such as the Dhallin Forest.
The Two Rivers or Central Territory stretches from the Manetherendrelle in the south to the Tarendrelle in the north, encompassing all the land and more that was associated with that region in the previous age. The Northern Territory stretches from the northern banks of the Tarendrelle in the south, up to Baerlon and east to the Arinelle and White Bridge.
Since the end of the previous age, a trade road has been built through the Forest of Shadows from Jehannah in the south to the original Old and North Roads in the Two Rivers, which run through Devin Ride, Emond's Field, Watch Hill, and Taren Ferry. The road continues north to Baerlon and finally east to White Bridge, connecting all of Manetheren's trade centers. In practical Two Rivers fashion, it has simple been dubbed the "New Road." A testament to Manetheren's wealth, it is fully paved in stone and is pristinely maintained. With the explosive growth of the community, an expanse of the Forest of Shadows was cleared along side the New Road to allow for more farms to support it and continue the trade of valued Two Rivers tabac and wool. In future, Manetheren may consider negotiations to develop the currently unclaimed land between Garen's Wall and the River Arinelle for farming to further support the citizens and nation.
Emond's Field Located north of Deven Ride and south of Watch Hill, the once country village is now the Capitol and center of Manetheren. Following a large influx of refugees and other immigrants during the end of the previous age, and the draw of a new, wealthy nation since Manetheren's cessation from Andor, Emond's Field has grown significantly. On level in size with cities like Baerlon and White Bridge, Emond's Field is a bustling, thriving Capitol, but manages to maintain the close-knit, involved community it was founded upon. The community is built surrounding a Green where the Winespring Water springs up and flows east through the Green under the Wagon Bridge, past the still standing Winespring Inn, out of the city and eventually splits into several flows in the Waterwood before draining into The Mire. West from the village stretches the Quarry Road which passes through the Westwood and the Sand Hills to terminate at the Mountains of Mist. While many citizens reside inside the community limits, several others live on outlying farms.
Jehannah Jehannah was once the capital of Ghealdan and the location of the royal residence, the Jheda Palace. It was built on the site of Shanaine, formerly a part of Old Manetheren, lying on the River Boern. Since it's annexation into the newly founded Manetheren, Jehannah remains an important hub of politics and trade. While the Jheda Palace is no longer a royal residence, it does remain a noble one. The Village Circle appointed Noble of the region lives and legislates from here, keeping the peace and aiding the prosperous trade of Mantheren.
Deven Ride lies south of Emond's Field and once served as the southern endpoint of the Old Road. The Westwood stretches west of the village, with the Sand Hills and Mountains of Mist further beyond. To the east lie the Waterwood and The Mire. Deven Ride's primary feature is its proximity to the northern banks of the River Manetherendrelle, known locally as the White River. The New Road now bridges the Manethendrelle and continues through the Forest of Shadows south towards Jehannah. As a community, Deven Ride is very similar to its northern neighbors though smaller in size. The primary activities of villagers consist of Tabac farming and wool gathering.
Watch Hill lies along the New Road, approximately halfway between Emond's Field and Taren Ferry. The village is uniquely positioned atop a natural dome-shaped hill. To the west of the community lies the Westwood with the Sand Hills and the Mountains of Mist further beyond. To the east of Watch Hill travelers will encounter several miles of excellent farmland ending at the Waterwood. Though smaller than Emond's Field, Watch Hill is slightly larger than Deven Ride.
Taren Ferry rests upon the southern banks of the Taren River several miles to the east of the waterfall known as Eldrene's Veil. The New Road continues at the town's ferry dock and travels south to Watch Hill and Emond's Field. A second ferry dock rests upon the north banks of the river where travelers can continue to Baerlon along the same route. Once the sole gateway to the area from the outside, commerce allowed Taren Ferry to prosper. While trade now flows up and down the main thoroughfare of Manetheren, Taren Ferry continues to enjoy bustling trade, if not in such a disproportionate amount that the lower villages once did. Buildings in the town are constructed on raised redstone foundations. These are necessary to ward against flooding when spring melt in the Mountains of Mist causes the Taren River to overflow its banks.
Baerlon is a key town in Manetheren where the ores from the Mountains of Mist are transported for smelting. The wealth of this mining town has been instrumental in growing the new nation's independence from neighboring Andor and their influence on the political stage. The town is surrounded by a log wall nearly twenty feet tall, with large gates that open only from sunup to sundown, a safety precaution followed because the city lies in the middle of the wilderness.
Whitebridge is a town that marks the eastern border of Manetheren, named for the huge milk-white bridge that spans the River Arinelle. The city grew up around the large stone-paved square at the bridge's eastern foot. The bridge is believed to date from the Age of Legends, and looks to be made of impossibly fragile white glass, yet is so strong even a chisel and hammer will not mar it and despite its glasslike surface, it never becomes slick, even in the hardest rain. The White Bridge is the only span crossing the Arinelle south of Maradon in Saldaea. As a result, the town flourishes on trade.
The Southern Territory stretches from the Forest of Shadows, also called the Great Blackwood, along the southern banks of the River Manetherendrelle, to the River Eldar in the south, and from the Mountains of Mist in the west to the immense ridge known as Garen's Wall in the east. This territory is a land of mountains and foothills in the west, the rocky lands along the ridge in the east, and large swathes of forest in between, such as the Dhallin Forest.
The Two Rivers or Central Territory stretches from the Manetherendrelle in the south to the Tarendrelle in the north, encompassing all the land and more that was associated with that region in the previous age. The Northern Territory stretches from the northern banks of the Tarendrelle in the south, up to Baerlon and east to the Arinelle and White Bridge.
Since the end of the previous age, a trade road has been built through the Forest of Shadows from Jehannah in the south to the original Old and North Roads in the Two Rivers, which run through Devin Ride, Emond's Field, Watch Hill, and Taren Ferry. The road continues north to Baerlon and finally east to White Bridge, connecting all of Manetheren's trade centers. In practical Two Rivers fashion, it has simple been dubbed the "New Road." A testament to Manetheren's wealth, it is fully paved in stone and is pristinely maintained. With the explosive growth of the community, an expanse of the Forest of Shadows was cleared along side the New Road to allow for more farms to support it and continue the trade of valued Two Rivers tabac and wool. In future, Manetheren may consider negotiations to develop the currently unclaimed land between Garen's Wall and the River Arinelle for farming to further support the citizens and nation.
Emond's Field Located north of Deven Ride and south of Watch Hill, the once country village is now the Capitol and center of Manetheren. Following a large influx of refugees and other immigrants during the end of the previous age, and the draw of a new, wealthy nation since Manetheren's cessation from Andor, Emond's Field has grown significantly. On level in size with cities like Baerlon and White Bridge, Emond's Field is a bustling, thriving Capitol, but manages to maintain the close-knit, involved community it was founded upon. The community is built surrounding a Green where the Winespring Water springs up and flows east through the Green under the Wagon Bridge, past the still standing Winespring Inn, out of the city and eventually splits into several flows in the Waterwood before draining into The Mire. West from the village stretches the Quarry Road which passes through the Westwood and the Sand Hills to terminate at the Mountains of Mist. While many citizens reside inside the community limits, several others live on outlying farms.
Jehannah Jehannah was once the capital of Ghealdan and the location of the royal residence, the Jheda Palace. It was built on the site of Shanaine, formerly a part of Old Manetheren, lying on the River Boern. Since it's annexation into the newly founded Manetheren, Jehannah remains an important hub of politics and trade. While the Jheda Palace is no longer a royal residence, it does remain a noble one. The Village Circle appointed Noble of the region lives and legislates from here, keeping the peace and aiding the prosperous trade of Mantheren.
Deven Ride lies south of Emond's Field and once served as the southern endpoint of the Old Road. The Westwood stretches west of the village, with the Sand Hills and Mountains of Mist further beyond. To the east lie the Waterwood and The Mire. Deven Ride's primary feature is its proximity to the northern banks of the River Manetherendrelle, known locally as the White River. The New Road now bridges the Manethendrelle and continues through the Forest of Shadows south towards Jehannah. As a community, Deven Ride is very similar to its northern neighbors though smaller in size. The primary activities of villagers consist of Tabac farming and wool gathering.
Watch Hill lies along the New Road, approximately halfway between Emond's Field and Taren Ferry. The village is uniquely positioned atop a natural dome-shaped hill. To the west of the community lies the Westwood with the Sand Hills and the Mountains of Mist further beyond. To the east of Watch Hill travelers will encounter several miles of excellent farmland ending at the Waterwood. Though smaller than Emond's Field, Watch Hill is slightly larger than Deven Ride.
Taren Ferry rests upon the southern banks of the Taren River several miles to the east of the waterfall known as Eldrene's Veil. The New Road continues at the town's ferry dock and travels south to Watch Hill and Emond's Field. A second ferry dock rests upon the north banks of the river where travelers can continue to Baerlon along the same route. Once the sole gateway to the area from the outside, commerce allowed Taren Ferry to prosper. While trade now flows up and down the main thoroughfare of Manetheren, Taren Ferry continues to enjoy bustling trade, if not in such a disproportionate amount that the lower villages once did. Buildings in the town are constructed on raised redstone foundations. These are necessary to ward against flooding when spring melt in the Mountains of Mist causes the Taren River to overflow its banks.
Baerlon is a key town in Manetheren where the ores from the Mountains of Mist are transported for smelting. The wealth of this mining town has been instrumental in growing the new nation's independence from neighboring Andor and their influence on the political stage. The town is surrounded by a log wall nearly twenty feet tall, with large gates that open only from sunup to sundown, a safety precaution followed because the city lies in the middle of the wilderness.
Whitebridge is a town that marks the eastern border of Manetheren, named for the huge milk-white bridge that spans the River Arinelle. The city grew up around the large stone-paved square at the bridge's eastern foot. The bridge is believed to date from the Age of Legends, and looks to be made of impossibly fragile white glass, yet is so strong even a chisel and hammer will not mar it and despite its glasslike surface, it never becomes slick, even in the hardest rain. The White Bridge is the only span crossing the Arinelle south of Maradon in Saldaea. As a result, the town flourishes on trade.
Governance
Manetheren is ruled by the newly founded monarchy, which is balanced by regional councils. While Perrin Goldeneyes never sat on the throne himself, he did lend his political clout to ensuring that the secession that had begun during his absence was brought about peaceably and amicably with Moranna of Andor. Tomas Aybara, son of Goldeneyes and the Lady Faile ni Bashere t'Aybara, was unanimously agreed upon as the first King of Manetheren. Village Councils and Women's Circles serve as local government in each of the cities or villages in the three regions of Manetheren. Every settlement sends their chosen Mayor and Wisdom to represent them in the Regional Councils, which then appoint a governor for each territory, as well as the nation itself: the Lord/Lady of Jehannah, Governor/ess of Baerlon, and the King/Queen of Manetheren on the throne in Emond's Field. The roles are not inherited, though familial lines have thus far been the favored choices. The Throne holds the greatest power in Manetheren, followed by the regional governors but they are not beyond reproach as each new ruler is appointed by majority vote of the Manethen Council Circles and may be removed by them if necessary. In practice, the Circles act as advisors and advocates for their villages and territories, the governors rule the day to day affairs of their territories, and the crown attends to national affairs such as maintaining infrastructure and establishing a national military.
The Village Council
The Council is comprised of exactly seven councilors and one mayor. All are men who have been elected to their office via popular vote. Council meetings take place in the common room of the Winespring Inn and are chaired by the Mayor. Of the remaining seven councilors, six are residents of the village and one is a farmer from the countryside who speaks for the outlying farms. Council business typically revolves around economics and the setting of prices for wool and tabac to visiting merchants. It is generally understood that these subjects are sensitive and not to be discussed outside council meetings. The council will intervene if villagers believe they have been traded with unfairly, or if local residents are in disagreement over property ownership; such as a dispute over land boundaries. The council will also negotiate with Councils of neighboring villages over matters jointly affecting the communities.
The Women's Circle
Village councils are balanced by - and often at odds with - the equally important Womens' Circles. Members of the Circles are always elder females who are chosen to join the body by village agreement and include at least two to three women from outlying farms. Unlike the Council which was chartered at exactly eight men, the size of the Circle is not set and has been known to fluctuate over time. The village Wisdom generally serves as the leader of the Circle, but she is considered co-equal during times when the Circle seeks consensus. The Women's Circle's main purpose is to serve as a guardian of culture. The Circle convenes on a wide array of social issues such as when a young woman is of marriageable age or whether a villager should be punished for misbehavior. Members will conduct meetings in secret and always seek to achieve complete consensus in decisions. Circle members are generally knowledgeable in weather and herb lore and will advise men when to plant and harvest crops. Because they are a nexus for culture and tradition, the Circle is the body that conducts marriages in the Two Rivers territory.
The Village Council
The Council is comprised of exactly seven councilors and one mayor. All are men who have been elected to their office via popular vote. Council meetings take place in the common room of the Winespring Inn and are chaired by the Mayor. Of the remaining seven councilors, six are residents of the village and one is a farmer from the countryside who speaks for the outlying farms. Council business typically revolves around economics and the setting of prices for wool and tabac to visiting merchants. It is generally understood that these subjects are sensitive and not to be discussed outside council meetings. The council will intervene if villagers believe they have been traded with unfairly, or if local residents are in disagreement over property ownership; such as a dispute over land boundaries. The council will also negotiate with Councils of neighboring villages over matters jointly affecting the communities.
The Women's Circle
Village councils are balanced by - and often at odds with - the equally important Womens' Circles. Members of the Circles are always elder females who are chosen to join the body by village agreement and include at least two to three women from outlying farms. Unlike the Council which was chartered at exactly eight men, the size of the Circle is not set and has been known to fluctuate over time. The village Wisdom generally serves as the leader of the Circle, but she is considered co-equal during times when the Circle seeks consensus. The Women's Circle's main purpose is to serve as a guardian of culture. The Circle convenes on a wide array of social issues such as when a young woman is of marriageable age or whether a villager should be punished for misbehavior. Members will conduct meetings in secret and always seek to achieve complete consensus in decisions. Circle members are generally knowledgeable in weather and herb lore and will advise men when to plant and harvest crops. Because they are a nexus for culture and tradition, the Circle is the body that conducts marriages in the Two Rivers territory.
Domestic Affairs
Inhabitants of the area live a lifestyle centered around agriculture and tradecraft. Men are usually farmers or masters of a trade skill. Two Rivers folk especially are known for a strong streak of stubbornness, a legacy of ancient Manetheren, which many in the newer territories have adopted either via necessity, or a sense of national pride. As a consequence they are a hardy folk unwilling to give up when times are tough. While on the surface it may seem to outsiders that the conflict between the Village Council and the Women's Circle is forever ongoing, villagers are actually fiercely loyal to each other. As a result they will fight united with every fiber of their being to protect their property and way of life.
The Southern Territory produces alum from it's mines in the Mountains of Mist, the Two Rivers wool and tabac, and refined ore out of Baerlon all lend to Manetheren's notable wealth and trade influence, especially in a country so young.
With Academies of the Dragon springing up across the Westlands, there has been discussions amongst the various Council Circles about courting one within Mantheren's borders as well.
The Southern Territory produces alum from it's mines in the Mountains of Mist, the Two Rivers wool and tabac, and refined ore out of Baerlon all lend to Manetheren's notable wealth and trade influence, especially in a country so young.
With Academies of the Dragon springing up across the Westlands, there has been discussions amongst the various Council Circles about courting one within Mantheren's borders as well.
International Relations
Manetheren maintains strong ties, politically and by blood, with neighboring Andor, and to a lesser degree, Cairhien. The secession agreement Manetheren made with Andor included a trade clause (Andor being the major recipient and refiner of Manethen goods) that allows both nations to prosper. Manetheren also trades in much smaller volumes with Arad Doman on the other side of the Mountains of Mist. There are also blood ties between the royal lines of Manetheren and Saldaea, fortifying trade and political alliances, if less so than those shared with Andor. Despite the tension between the Towers, Manetheren maintains fairly good, if respectfully distant, ties with Caralain and the Black Tower to the North.
Manetheren is both an ancient lineage and a very new nation, as such they are viewed in a variety of ways by foreigners. It was long said that “the only thing that comes out of the Two Rivers is wool and tabac” and many, even fellow countrymen, thought of the people of the area as all just shepherds and farmers. While the stereotype is changing slowly, it still permeates much opinion about them. Many, especially long established nobility, think of Manetheren as a bit backward, or uncivilized. Others, who have heard the songs and stories of Manetheren of old or the newer compositions detailing the stories of Perrin Goldeneyes, Nynaeve of Malkier, Mat of the Red Hand, the warrior Amyrlin and the Dragon Reborn himself look at the nation with a mix of awe and respect.
Manetheren is both an ancient lineage and a very new nation, as such they are viewed in a variety of ways by foreigners. It was long said that “the only thing that comes out of the Two Rivers is wool and tabac” and many, even fellow countrymen, thought of the people of the area as all just shepherds and farmers. While the stereotype is changing slowly, it still permeates much opinion about them. Many, especially long established nobility, think of Manetheren as a bit backward, or uncivilized. Others, who have heard the songs and stories of Manetheren of old or the newer compositions detailing the stories of Perrin Goldeneyes, Nynaeve of Malkier, Mat of the Red Hand, the warrior Amyrlin and the Dragon Reborn himself look at the nation with a mix of awe and respect.
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Map
Ranks
This is not an exhaustive list, feel free to apply for something not detailed to be considered by the Admins.
You may apply for any of the Adoptable or Restricted ranks, but only superior applications will be considered and must pass through Admins before being accepted.
Lady Steward Adora Aybara (Bio Link)
Heir to the Stewardship
Mayor of a City
Member of a Village Council
Member of a Women's Circle
Village Wisdom
Commoner
You may apply for any of the Adoptable or Restricted ranks, but only superior applications will be considered and must pass through Admins before being accepted.
Lady Steward Adora Aybara (Bio Link)
Heir to the Stewardship
Mayor of a City
Member of a Village Council
Member of a Women's Circle
Village Wisdom
Commoner
