Etymology

Leilior (LAY-lee-or) means “in the shade of the peaks” in the tongue of the ancient Duindir tribesmen from which modern Leiliorans descend. It was used to describe the region at the base of the Slayt Mountains where many of the Duindir clans resided.

Geography

Leilior is a long, yet narrow country, encompassed by three rivers, a mountain range, and a sea. Its two primary regions are known as the “Highlands” and the “Lowlands”. The Highlands encompass the northern panhandle of the country as well as lands just north of the capital city of Aldasar. The Lowlands are made up primarily of the lands east of the Slayt Mountains and south of Aldasar.

The eastern border of Leilior is comprised of the Mondira River. Its southern border with Ornis is marked by the River Ornis. The northern border with Jossia is marked by the the Ros River. The country’s western border is comprised of both the Slayt Mountains and the Aejennan Sea.

Cities and Places of Interest

The capital city of Aldasar lies on a tributary of the Mondira River near the center of the nation. South of Aldasar, on the River Ornis, lies the twin cities of Pylar-Hollton, of which one half (the city of Pylar) is considered under Leilioran rule. North of Aldasar is the city of Kivley, marking the beginning of the Highlands. The cities of Skeene and Braith are in the northern panhandle of the nation.

To the west, off the coast of Leilior in the Aejennan Sea, lie a series of islands which house the townships of Rahgnall and Afraig.

Leilior is home to three Towers of Sorcery: Tower Duin to the south, near Ornis, Tower Morag on one of the western islands, and Wizard’s Peak in the northern end of the Slayt Mountains.

History

The region now known as Leilior was originally occupied by two tribes—one Midron (the Duindir) and one Northron (the Rhuadir). The Duindir were mostly based in the Slayt Mountains and have largely died out, their only remnants are their language (modern Leilioran) and the original Midron racial stock of the region.

The other tribe, the Rhuadir, occupied much of what is now known as “the Highlands”, the northern panhandle of the country. They, too, have been absorbed into the mixture of racial stocks that form modern Leiliorans. However, it is their culture that lives on in much of modern Leilior. They live on in various family names and northern customs, as well as their brogue-heavy dialect known as “Highland Leilioran”.

The Imperial Period

The Duindir were completely conquered by the growing Acheran Empire, with their numbers largely decimated and their survivors incorporated into Imperial life. Though some of the Duindir escaped into mountain strongholds, it is widely believed that these folk died out centuries ago. The Rhuadir survived, and thrived in their northern fortresses, biding their time.

As the Empire declined, the Rhuadir had grown strong. They eventually swept out of the Highlands and beat back the Imperial forces that loosely held what became the nation of Leilior.

Post-Imperial Leilior

As the Empire made its way south, out of the region, the Rhuadir secured the region now known as Leilior, establishing relations with the Ornishmen and Boraelans to secure the southern and eastern borderlands. Since that time, the Rhuadir have mixed thoroughly with the old Duindir and Acheran peoples that populated the “Lowlands”, creating a new culture that is uniquely Leilioran.

Laws and Governance

Leilior is governed by a strong, hereditary monarchy. Rule of Leilior is passed from mother to daughter, queen to first-born daughter. The current monarch, Queen Rowena Ma’Geddes, is known to be a stern, but fair queen.

Laws in Leilior are fair, balanced, and benefit the common good.

Royal, Noble, and Political Titles In Leilior

Economy

The Leiloran economy is based primarily on their control of much of the Aejennan Sea and its trade. There is much mining in the south, at the Slayt Mountains. Leilior also controls much of the river trade on the Mondira River, collecting income from the various trade craft that ply its waters. Leilioran wool from the Highlands is world-renowned for its high quality.

Money System

*CP = Copper Piece, SP = Silver Piece, GP = Gold Piece, and PP = Platinum Piece

Ethnic Groups

While most citizens in Leilior are descended from either the Duindir or Rhuadir, there is also a sizable contingent of Acheran-descended peoples living primarily in the lowlands of the nation. Its shared border with Ornis and Borael also allow for a population of Boraelan and Ornish descent.

Racial Characteristics

Leiliorans are primarily a Midron race, marked by their fair hair and eyes. Many are known to have blonde or even red-gold hair.

In the lowlands, it is possible to see more of a mixture of Southron racial features, such as darker hair and eyes.

Languages

Other than Tradespeak, the primary languages spoken in Leilior are Leilioran and Highland Leilioran. Many Leiliorans speak with a Highland brogue. Eacenian, Boraelan and Ornish are also sometimes spoken and High Acheran is sometimes used in ancient court documents.

Popular Names

Most Leiliorans have both first (given) and last (family) names. Some denote a family trade (Carter, Chandler, etc.). Others note some great feat or characteristic of a past ancestor (Orcsbane, Tallbirch, etc.). Some are ancient clan names that have become common family names (Clyne, Gallacher, Leith, Morren, Nairn, Nysmith, etc.).

• Noble houses : Ma’Geddes (Royal), Ma’Bailios, Ma’leod, Ma’Phorick, Ma’trosen, Ma’Yarrow

• Male: Alasir, Anghus, Eoin, Dhomnall, Duncan, Fearghus, Maghnus, Rhudiard, Cilin, Cainnach, Maol, Uilliam

• Female : Aine, Caitrona, Ealusaid, Fenalla, Fiona, Isobail, Muriel, Saraid, Seonaid, Siobhan, Sorcha

Religions

The Midron pantheon is the primary religious practice of the region, though Mazranism does have a modest foothold in Leilior, particularly in the “Lowlands”. The practice of religions devoted to Evil are outlawed in Leilior.

Sorcery and Wizardry

Leilior is a signer of the Athanasius Pact. In fact, Wizard’s Peak is the home of the High Council of Magic. The practice of both Wizardry and Sorcery are both well tolerated in Leilior.

Culture

Music

Leilioran music comes in two forms: formal and folk. Folk music is marked by its lively rhythm. It is played primarily on stringed instruments. Formal music is more atonal and played on bagpipes, pipes, fife, and drawn.

Cuisine

Leilioran cuisine is known as a very simple fare, though the Highlands are known for a dish made from the stomach of a sheep that is quite an acquired taste.

Clothing

Highland males, and even lowlander members of the nobility, are known to wear kilts depicting the colors of their noble house or ancient clan.