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.
Malkier
In the far north of the Borderlands, Malkier stood strong against the Blight until 955 NE, when it fell to treachery and the Shadow. The loss of the Golden Crane and the Malkieri was felt and mourned throughout the world, until it was restored by al'Lan Mandragoran bearing the Golden Crane banner to Tarmon Gai'don. The nation grew quickly in the early days following the Last Battle, with the Blight receding and lingering Shadowspawn meeting their end at the point of Malkieri swords. It suffered numerous losses in the Seanchan War however, including tragically al'Lan Mandragoran and his queen, el'Nynaeve ti al'Meara Mandragoran. It has slowly rebuilt itself over time, but with the encroaching Blight and the press of Shadowspawn, Malkier remains a largely untamed frontier. Its people are hardy and skilled in survival and combat, as they must be. Malkier remains the point of the spear against the Shadow, and they are determined not to fall again.
Geography
The Seven Towers is Malkeir's capital and the largest city in the nation. Rebuilt in the early years of the Fourth Age, it serves as a hub of civilization and a final bulwark against the Blight, should the worst threaten once again. The Seven Towers house all the essential services one might expect to find in a major city, as well as the Academy of the Soaring Crane. Travel to the Seven Towers is considered a rite of passage for Malkieri youth, particularly the tomb marking the grave of al'Lan Mandragoran.
Herot's Crossing is the northernmost official settlement in Malkier. The terrain is highly defensive, with steep hills and cliffs on either side and the walls of the fortress blocking the major passes to the south. More than anything, Herot's Crossing is likely the center of Malkier's organized military response; Asha'man and Aes Sedai alike spend time here, along with Malkieri interested in cooperating against the encroaching Blight.
Shevar Trading Post is the closest thing to a permanent settlement north of Herot's Crossing. It serves as a place for farmers or trappers to trade for needed supplies, periodically restocked with essentials from the south. The men and women who frequent and defend the Post are, by necessity, hard as stone and as dangerous as anyone who's held a blade. It is not a place for the faint of heart.
Jehaan marks the spot where the Darkspawn were turned back during Malkier's first fall. Today, it is a bustling settlement populated by the descendants of Shienaran settlers who sought more opportunities in the North. Less a melting pot than the rest of the nation, Jehaan is a city that would not be out of place in Shienar itself, though the people wear the hadori and the ki'sain proudly.
Herot's Crossing is the northernmost official settlement in Malkier. The terrain is highly defensive, with steep hills and cliffs on either side and the walls of the fortress blocking the major passes to the south. More than anything, Herot's Crossing is likely the center of Malkier's organized military response; Asha'man and Aes Sedai alike spend time here, along with Malkieri interested in cooperating against the encroaching Blight.
Shevar Trading Post is the closest thing to a permanent settlement north of Herot's Crossing. It serves as a place for farmers or trappers to trade for needed supplies, periodically restocked with essentials from the south. The men and women who frequent and defend the Post are, by necessity, hard as stone and as dangerous as anyone who's held a blade. It is not a place for the faint of heart.
Jehaan marks the spot where the Darkspawn were turned back during Malkier's first fall. Today, it is a bustling settlement populated by the descendants of Shienaran settlers who sought more opportunities in the North. Less a melting pot than the rest of the nation, Jehaan is a city that would not be out of place in Shienar itself, though the people wear the hadori and the ki'sain proudly.
Governance
Malkier remains a monarchy under the line of House Mandragoran. Despite the loss of King al'Lan Mandragoran and Queen el'Nynaeve ti' al'Meara Mandragoran during the Seanchan War, the House remains strong under the authority of the new Queen, Elnore Mandragoran. The Queen is assisted by a close circle of chosen confidants and advisors, typically including an Aes Sedai advisor from Tar Valon. Chief among these, however, is Malkier's Captain-General and Asha'man, Maric Mandragoran. The monarchy's authority in Malkier is absolute, but the realities of frontier living mean that local leaders (or no one at all) hold sway over large sections of Malkieri territory. Smaller settlements or camps often defer to seniority; those who survive to old age in Malkier speak words worthy of being heard. Noble houses, often transplants from Shienar, have etched out small sections to call their own as well, though these are generally in more settled lands closer to the southern border. Despite the fractured nature of the nation, Malkieri are a steadfast and loyal people. When the Queen of Malkier calls, the nation answers.
Domestic Affairs
Malkier is a frontier nation, now more than ever. For nearly fifty years the people were able to survive and grow without the omnipresent danger from the Blight, but life was not easy. Malkieri fought and died in the war with the Seanchan, and they were never a numerous people. Core settlements cropped up around the Seven Towers and Jehann in the south, while Herot's Crossing marked the edge of what could be considered civilized Malkeir in the north. The resurgence of the Blight in 55FA threatened to push them back, but the people are stubborn and dangerous. Farmers, trappers, and warriors continue to live along the northern edge of Malkier, fighting to survive against the elements and anything the Darkspawn might threaten.
The Malkieri are a diverse people; when al'Lan Mandragoran summoned back the survivors of fallen Malkier, they did not come alone. Their families drawn from other nations followed, along with those seeking adventure and opportunity in the Fourth Age. Minor Shienaran nobility, always eager to make a mark, were perhaps the most common, but they were not alone. As a result, today Malkeri are a diverse mix of peoples and cultures, though they have largely adopted the hadori and the ki'sain as symbolic of their ties to their new nation. The Malkieri, despite their differences, are united in shared values of loyalty toward the crown and one another, and defiance against the Shadow until their last breath. Both men and women are trained in combat from early childhood.
Old customs such as the carneira have also reemurged, but remain a minority. The word "carneira" translates to "first", and regards a person's first lover. While young women chose their own carneira, young men do not have a choice; their carneira chooses them. When a young man is chosen by his carneira, she will have him make a daori, a long cord woven of his hair. When the man is holding the daori, his carneira has the advantage over him; the daori must be taken from the person by the carneira in order for this advantage to be laid aside. The daori is presented by the carneira to the man's bride on his wedding day. It works the same way in reversed situations with women and their male carneira as well.
The Malkieri are a diverse people; when al'Lan Mandragoran summoned back the survivors of fallen Malkier, they did not come alone. Their families drawn from other nations followed, along with those seeking adventure and opportunity in the Fourth Age. Minor Shienaran nobility, always eager to make a mark, were perhaps the most common, but they were not alone. As a result, today Malkeri are a diverse mix of peoples and cultures, though they have largely adopted the hadori and the ki'sain as symbolic of their ties to their new nation. The Malkieri, despite their differences, are united in shared values of loyalty toward the crown and one another, and defiance against the Shadow until their last breath. Both men and women are trained in combat from early childhood.
Old customs such as the carneira have also reemurged, but remain a minority. The word "carneira" translates to "first", and regards a person's first lover. While young women chose their own carneira, young men do not have a choice; their carneira chooses them. When a young man is chosen by his carneira, she will have him make a daori, a long cord woven of his hair. When the man is holding the daori, his carneira has the advantage over him; the daori must be taken from the person by the carneira in order for this advantage to be laid aside. The daori is presented by the carneira to the man's bride on his wedding day. It works the same way in reversed situations with women and their male carneira as well.
International Relations
Malkier enjoys the support of the united Borderlands, though perhaps are most closely tied with Shienar by blood and border. The legend of the fallen nation rising again to follow the Golden Crane to Tarwin's Gap is one told in every corner of the Borderlands, and many a gleeman's tale besides, and despite the years that have past their goodwill remains strong. On the other side, many Malkieri have sworn bloody vengeance against the Seanchan Empire when the opportunity presents itself; the loss of Lan and Nynaeve left a deep scar across the reborn nation's heart, one many Malkieri seek opportunities to repay.
Outside of the Borderlands, Malkier is closely tied to the White and Black Towers, with its currently leadership drafted from both Towers. Its ties are slightly closer to the White Tower due to lingering resentment of the Tower War, but both members of both Towers remain welcome sights on the frontier. Andor is also a close ally and partner dating back to the earliest days of Malkier's resurrection.
Outside of the Borderlands, Malkier is closely tied to the White and Black Towers, with its currently leadership drafted from both Towers. Its ties are slightly closer to the White Tower due to lingering resentment of the Tower War, but both members of both Towers remain welcome sights on the frontier. Andor is also a close ally and partner dating back to the earliest days of Malkier's resurrection.
Flag
Map
Available 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.
Queen Elnore Mandragoran
Consort to the Queen
Heir to the Malkier Crown
Captain General
House High Seat
Lesser House Noble
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.
Queen Elnore Mandragoran
Consort to the Queen
Heir to the Malkier Crown
Captain General
House High Seat
Lesser House Noble
Commoner
Malkier Oath
To stand against the Shadow so long as iron is hard and stone abides. To defend the Malkieri while one drop of blood remains. To avenge what cannot be defended.
