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Terre D'Ange.

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the Danrau, running in both Skaldia and Terre d'Ange, akin to the Danube the Rhenus, akin to the Rhine, which runs too deep and fast to be forded, has been seldom bridged since the days of the Tiberium Empire, and forms the border between Terre d'Ange and Skaldia; the Lusande which runs through Kusheth, likely akin to the Loire The country's western border is a great ocean; the true land of Terre d'Ange, where Elua resides for eternity, is said to exist on the other side of that ocean.

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Statistics Name Terre D'Ange Capital City City of Elua Government Type Absolute Monarchy Current Ruler Roi Bastien de Morhban Political System Theocratic Feudalism Social Structure Egalitarian Primogenital Official Language D'Angeline Currency Types Argent Allies Alba & Eire Aragonia Rivals Carthage Hazaran Main Strengths Commerce, Diplomacy, Sexual Trade, Education, Arts and Exploration

Contents 1 New Page Draft 2 Overview 3 Geography 3.1 General 3.2 Regions 3.3 Climate 4 Culture 4.1 General 4.2 Clothing 4.3 Education 4.4 Arts and Crafts 4.5 Diplomacy 4.6 Technology 5 Society 5.1 General 5.2 Noble Titles Equivalence 5.3 Classes 5.4 Renowned Families 5.5 Naming Conventions 6 Religion 6.1 Origins 6.2 Additions 6.3 Current 7 History 7.1 General Development 7.2 In the Last Century 7.3 New Developments and Current Hooks 8 Relevant Book Quotes

Overview

Terre D'Ange is the 'land of angels', and the central axis most of the mu* storylines revolve around. The country's emblem is a golden lily on a field of green surrounded by seven golden stars that stand for their founder Elua and his Companions. The government was historically a Parliamentary Monarchy, but the last member of the De La Courcel dynasty changed that to an Absolute Monarchy not long before her demise. For more details on that see story arch.

The political system is close to a theocratic feudalism, where the relationships of peerage with vassals and lieges tends to gravitate strongly around ties of blood to the founding Divine Companions. Diplomacy is a great strength of the country, as are trade routes, commerce and the many different arts.

Geography

General

Terre d'Ange is a large country divided into seven provinces; each one named after its founding Companion. The east and northeast of Terre d'Ange have a broad, rocky mountain range (the Camaeline Range) that helps protect the border with Skaldia. Most of the in-country area are forests or verdant plains, with many rivers, occasional lakes and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Three broad rivers run through Terre d'Ange; the Danrau, the Rhenus, and the Lusande. All are used to show some form of boundary between either province or country; the Rhenus, for example, sits at the eastern border between Skaldia and Terre d'Ange. All three meet the sea eventually and combined with their broadness are important for transportation and commerce. Old Tiberian roads also are seen across the country, Eisheth's way is one of those and goes all the way south to the coast.

The country's north, northwest, west, and south borders all meet the ocean, while southwest is linked via mountain ranges to Aragonia and east with the flatlands, Skaldia, and Caerdicca Unitas.

Regions

Azzalle

Normandie/Belgium

Camlach

Aiglemort

Eisande

Mereliot

Kusheth

Morhban

L'Agnace

Sommerville

Namarre

Troyes le Mont

Siovale

Toluard

Climate

Terre D'Ange is located on the western edge of europe, and within the northern temperate zone. The north and southwest historically have a Maritime Temperate climate, which means there is less variation between summer and winter, the average temperature no going higher than 72 °F or lower than 27 °F, while the rest varies according to altitude. In the south-east a Mediterranean Climate prevails, with dry summers and cool, wet winters. Towards the west, the climate is predominantly Oceanic with a high level of rainfall, mild winters and cool summers. Inland the climate becomes more Continental with hot, stormy summers, colder winters and less rain. The climate of the mountains in Camlach and other mountainous regions is mainly Alpine, with the number of days with temperatures below freezing over 150 days per year and snow cover lasting for up to six months.

Normally, that is. In the past few years and since the longest winter the land has been slowly recovering and heading back to where it is meant to be, but the winters have been much cooler than they should.

Culture

General

Considered one of the hubs of society and culture and on par with Caerdicca Unitas, the other nations of the world strive to emulate Terre d'Ange's success, seeing these people with a mix of yearning and envy. The D'Angelines themselves tend to refect this with arrogance, and a 'holier-than-thou' attitude.

D'Angeline society is heavily based on Elua's precept of "love as thou wilt"; people should be free to love who they want, how they want. This has created a certain openness and freedom unseen in the other nations. The concepts of gender disputes or sexual repression are things "those foreign barbarians do"; in Terre d'Ange, for example, a female can become the ruler as Queen, while in other nations the King is always first. People are generally quite sexually liberated; bisexuality and homosexuality are common and marriage certainly doesn't halt anyone from having other bed partners. Jealousy in such things is nearly unheard of.

D'Angelines are generally nonaggressive in terms of physical violence, though this has certainly not stopped them from using other means to get what they want such as diplomacy, coercion or stealth. Outright murder is rarely considered even by hardened criminals; that sort of task is for the more barbaric people. Thanks to their angelic lineage they live long and fully, celebrating their majority at the age of sixteen except in the case of landed property and titles which are rarely (if ever) deeded before the age of twenty-one.

Clothing

They wear whatever happens to be the fashion of the Royal Court; styles change at a sometimes frantic pace. Generally, the most accepted - if boring - garb for men is a doublet or tunic (as elaborate as possible), close-fitting leggings, hose, or breeches, and such additions as a cape or cloak, stylish hat, and leather boots.

The styles for women tend to change much more rapidly. Influenced by the Caerdicci and Aragonians, D'Angeline female styles reflect showing off the body's curves rather than hiding it with padding or too many layers. Dresses tend to be more elaborate and complex for more important functions; daily wear tends to consist of a simpler dress or skirt-tunic ensemble more suited to the task or season. Trousers or leggings on women are very rare, except in working conditions.

While there are very few destitute people in Terre d'Ange, even the poorest can usually find or make themselves decent clothing. Since fashions change so often, it's quite easy to purchase very cheap second-hand articles. And who knows, maybe the next month it'll be back in style!

Education

The D'Angeline peerage is said to be one of the most educated people in the world. It probably has to do with the proven longevity of their people and their thirst of knowledge. Siovale is the realm of Shemhazai, and in such its citizens tend to be the most educated, though there are always exceptions. Until recently education would take form of private or collective tutoring, as well as scholarly pursuits abroad such as in the universitas of Tiberium where many famous D'angelines have been known to attend. The last few years have seen a revival of this, culminating with the opening of the D'Angeline University and a general sense of educational revival in the less affluent classes.

Arts and Crafts

For those who know and have heard them, the D'Angeline arts always carry something divine within them. This is most clearly seen in performance arts: when interpreted by full blooded D'Angelines -while there aren't that many of those who actually choose such professions- the experience tends to be an almost religious one for those who are used to them, and an awe-striking one for those who are not. Please note that the term 'full-blooded' does not necessarily imply noble lineage, but it is more of a combination of traits that can and will show in all strata of society in different degrees.

The largest example of this is embodied by the Night Court in general, and House Eglantine in particular since the selection among those accepted in their gardens is strict enough to bring in the purest of blood and talent together. That, coupled with the intensity of their training often makes any fully marqued courtesan a rare commodity anywhere in the civilized world. They are well known, and sought after even if it is not always through the most straightforward means.

Diplomacy

Terre d'Ange has generally good relations with the neighbouring countries, though they are highly dependent on who is ruling and their personal relationships with the heads of state. Delegations and diplomats are sent and received on a near-seasonal basis to discuss things such as trade routes, military movements, important news, and even current fashions. As such, diplomats are an important part of maintaining good bonds with neighbours.

The exception to the rule is Skaldia - while recently they've been more civil than usual - even sending their own diplomatic delegations to neighbouring countries - in the past they've proven to show no hesitation in attacking or betraying anyone they see fit. After the Hazaran debacle, though, things seem to be warming up rather well in that area.

The nobles of the D'Angeline peerage are also able to legally marry into foreign families, though the foreign spouse or previous children of the arrangement is not eligble to become heirs of the D'Angeline House. For example, a Duchess married to an Aragonian prince cannot become Queen of Aragonia, and the prince can never become King of Terre d'Ange (though their offspring can become either). In this way, safety of two lineages can be assured instead of just one and can form quite strong bonds with the countries in question.

Foreigners in Terre d'Ange are widely regarded as either barbarians or children -- D'Angelines believe themselves blessed compared to the other countries and thus tend to look down upon foreigners, though acknowledge their presence as a sort of necessary evil. The exception in particular is the orderly and civil Caerdicci, whom the D'Angelines tend to view with respect.

Technology

Technology has never been a great focus for the D'Angelines. The lives of both the nobility and the commonfolk alike are fairly simple and easy - there's no real need to improve and adapt things much. Most of the newest technology comes from the industrious nation of Caerdicci Unitas, and even in that they pick and choose what suits best the D'angeline lifestyle. In general, travel is by horse-and-carriage, farming is done by ox and plow, and the creation of steel furnaces in Caerdicci has improved the quality of toolmaking considerably, such as eating utensils, plows, and weaponry.

Society

General

Terre D'Ange is generally divided among a number of specific social classes, with each person trying to better themselves or their family in society, either by simply being successful at what they do or by giving their children more options in education and trade than they were had to choose from. Even a peasant family, given a few generations of hard work, considerable luck, and good patronage could become nobility. This social divide is less important on the lower rungs of the ladder; peasants will freely mingle with tradesmen and merchants, for example, while nobles will generally stick with other nobles. The money factor tends to be significant as well - those who are better-off will pursue activities that allow them to flaunt their wealth.

Noble Titles Equivalence

King/Queen- (Roi/Reine)
Heir apparent - (Dauphin/Dauphine)
Prince/Princess - (Prince/Princesse du sang)
Grand Duke/Duchess - (Sovereign Duc/Duchesse)
Duke/Duchess - (Duc/Duchesse)
Marquess/Marchioness - (Marquis/Marquise)
Viscount/Viscountess - (Vicomte/Vicomtesse)
Count/Countess - (Comte/Comtesse)
Baron/Baroness - (Baron/Baronne)
Milord/Milady - (Monsieur/Madame)

Classes

The D'Angeline peerage system is a very important part of their society. While the visual arrangement is monarchic, the country is ruled by the various Houses of each province in a very feudal-like situation that gives them quite a bit of autonomy. These Houses are typically large, powerful families, with the head of the family being the Duc or Duchesse for that province. The Ducs are also known to delegate their power as well (again, feudal system, having several Marquises in their confidence arbitrate and manage different parts of the provinces in their name. While most titles are inherited or deeded by the crown, Marquis status belongs to the individual him or herself, and usually means that they are highly trusted by either the crown or the Ducs they serve. Smaller Houses are not uncommon parts of the nobility - after all, the Houses higher on the ladder need other families to marry into. In this way, alliances and loyalties between multiple families can be acquired by key family members marrying into more powerful or influencial Houses. Marriage below one's station is hardly ever seen, in the clear interest of maintaining bloodlines.

Typically, there are so many family members in a House that even if the Duc or Duchesse has no direct heirs, there is always enough cousins, nephews, nieces, and so on to take their place; usually this is the eldest who is chosen. Thus, intrigue and conflict can happen even in the same house if the next-in-line is particularly unscrupulous.

The general line of peerage goes as follows:

• At the bottom of the ladder are the commonfolk. They have no noble title. There are no slaves in Terre d'Ange; everyone is paid for work. Much like serfdom, commoners rent a small tract of land or farm on a larger estate and pay a portion of their income to the estate's owners, in exchange for protection and representation in government. Unlike in serfdom, D'Angeline commoners are free to sell their land and move elsewhere if they don't like where they are. The commoners, thus, form the backbone of the land's industry, economy, military, and mercantile systems.

• Second to the commoners are minor nobility. These are comprised by landless gentry, Barons, Counts and Viscounts. The seven provinces are split into smaller baronies and estates, each ruled by a House; these tend to lay over very specific tracts of land, such as a forest or a series of hills. Some of the more influencial Houses might acquire larger or multiple estates. All landowners are directly responsible for the well-being and protection of anyone living in their territory.

• Each province is ruled by a larger House, the head of which is called the Duc or Duchess. They hold a considerable amount of power in the noble court and are regarded with nearly as much respect as the King or Queen. Second to the Ducs are their right and left hands, the Marquises and Marquesses of each province. These don't actually control a particular barony or county but rather are the most common link (and filter) between the lower nobility and the Duc him or herself. Most Heirs and non/heir children of a Duc will have held a Marchisate long before they come into their power.

• The King and Queen have typically always come from the line of House Courcel, as that family descends in an unbroken line from Blessed Elua himself. However, recent events have left the family with no apparent legitimate direct heirs, and so the other Houses were left with the difficult decision of deciding which was to become the next royal House; the Duc de Morhban was chosen by his peers in a very contested resolution then, starting the De Morhban dynasty. The heir to the throne is typically called the Dauphin or Dauphine (the crown Prince or crown Princess) and the non-House spouse of the King or Queen the Prince/Princess Consort. The King and Queen are the most powerful authorities in the country.

In addition, there is also a House of Parliament; while in the past they had actual authority and power, recent events have led to the changing of Parliament into more of an advisory role to the Royal Throne. Advisors and Ministers are currently handpicked by the King or Queen and given appropriate titles (such as Minister of Finance); while they are highly respected throughout the country, they have no real power on their own - every decision must be approved first by the King or Queen. Or so it is said.

For more information and a breakdown on the social classes see the Society page.

Renowned Families

Content to be added

Naming Conventions

First names are chosen normally from the frankish roots. French sounding names will always work well for a D'angeline character, and it is fairly common for a person to have two of them.

Last names follow different rules. Patrilineal when the issue is from a spouse or acknowledged consort, and matrilineal otherwise.

When someone is adopted into a family or household the prefix 'nó' is added before the last name. This is most common with courtesans, since most of them are adopted into their houses and bear their names as their last rather the one they were originally born with. Some may choose to use both, some just one or the other. It is a personal preference and a measure of their closeness with their families of birth. Examples are: "Favrielle nó Eglantine", "Phedre nó Delaunay" or "Raphael Murain nó Gentian"

When someone has the deed to lands the prefix 'de' is added before the name of the land, as in "Phedre nó Delaunay de Montreve" and in certain cases it happens that the families are old enough to simply have the landed name as their last name, like "Gaspar Trevalion" even if his lands were in Fourcay. In cases like this the name would be twice composed "Gaspar Trevalion de Fourcay."

Religion

Origins

The original settlers of Terre d'Ange had a religion much like those of the early Albans and Aragonians, a celtic background of spirits of nature and the world that was somewhat mixed with the Tiberian politheism to form a Way of the Gods. There are little to no remaining aspects of this religion to be found, however, because once Elua set his foot in the land near the end of The Eluine Cycle things changed dramatically.

Additions

After Blessed Elua and his Companions moved on to the True Terre d'Ange, temples rose in their honor, determined to maintain the teachings and strengths of each of them. In time ties of blood and lineage became less than an issue, though the oldest houses pride themselves on tracing their lineage directly as scions of one or another of the angels. There are few if any D'Angeline without a trace of Angelic blood in them, and most will be descendants of more than one if not all.

Worship varies from temple to temple and in the Night Court itself where Naamah reigns supreme, but most of the D'Angeline life is thoroughly imbued in its different facets, where it is to enjoy Anael's bounty in a meal, Eisheth's in a particularly beautiful performance or Camael's through martial pursuits. Shemhazai is worshipped in learning, Azza on its pride and exploration of new things, not always geographically, and Kushiel in atonement for wrongs committed. Cassiel himself has a special place in the D'Angeline heart as well, speaking of loyalty and renunciation at times. All are joined in Elua's love.

Current

At the time in which the game is set, religion is one of the most important facets of Terre d'Ange, and what sets it aside from all other lands. The D'Angeline accept the existence of the one god, yes, and while he is known of and aknowledged, their loyalty and prayers go to those who separated from him so long ago. Blessed Elua and the Companions are the fundamental stone in their daily life, without one standing out over the others but rather complementary to each. Thus while a person may have a certain link to one of them in particular all of them are revered just about the same.

For more information and detailed information, please see the Religion page

History

General Development

Content to be added

In the Last Century

Content to be added

New Developments and Current Hooks

Content to be added

Relevant Book Quotes

---

Kushiel's Dart:

"quote"

―attribution ^source

Kushiel's Chosen:

"quote"

―attribution ^source

Kushiel's Avatar:

"quote"

―attribution ^source

Kushiel's Scion:

"quote"

―attribution ^source

Kushiel's Justice:

"quote"

―attribution ^source

=Original Page=

==Geography==

Terre d'Ange is a large country divided into seven provinces: L'Agnace, Namarre, Azzalle, Camlach, Eisande, Siovale, and Kusheth; each one is named after its founding Companion. The climate of the country is generally temperate, though it's large enough that it can get quite cold in the north and wet at the coasts yet be quite different further inland. The east and northeast of Terre d'Ange have a broad, rocky mountain range that helps protect the border with Skaldia. Most of the in-country area are forests or verdant plains, with occasional lakes and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Three broad rivers run through Terre d'Ange; the Danrau, the Rhenus, and the Lusande. All are used to show some form of boundry between either province or country; the Rhenus, for example, sits at the eastern border between Skaldia and Terre d'Ange. All three meet the sea eventually and combined with their broadness are important for transportation and commerce.

Terre d'Ange's north, northwest, west, and south borders all meet the ocean, while southwest is linked via mountain ranges to Aragonia and east with Skaldia.

==The People==

The people of Terre d'Ange are, thanks to their supernatural heritage, quite different from the rest of the world in general. All D'Angelines are exceptionally beautiful and graceful, and they tend to act refined and civilized even in the worst of situations. Generally, many D'Angelines acquire whatever basic traits their founding angel had depending on the province they originated from - in L'Agnace they tend to be excellent farmers and hunters, in Azzalle they tend to be proficient sailors, and so on.

On the other hand, this blessed heritage has also made D'Angelines think somewhat highly of themselves, abandoning most shows of humility; they are a proud people and many other countries are deemed 'barbarians', such as Skaldia, and Alba and Eire.

Physically, a D'Angeline tends to be fairly tall; the men around 6 feet tall and the women around 5'8-9". Facial hair on men tends to be sparse, and in some of the older bloodlines there's none at all. While not as outwardly physical as their neighbours, the common D'Angeline is no stranger to a good day's hard work. They tend to live a more relaxed and peaceful life than their neighbouring countries, thanks to the richness of their country and the protective geography of their borders.

==The Culture==

D'Angelines are generally nonaggressive in terms of physical violence, though this has certainly not stopped them from using other means to get what they want, such as coercion or stealth. Outright murder is rarely considered even by hardened criminals; that sort of task is for the more barbaric peoples. 

They wear whatever happens to be the fashion of the Royal Court; styles change at a sometimes frantic pace. Generally, the most accepted - if boring - garb for men is a doublet or tunic (as elaborate as possible), close-fitting leggings, hose, or breeches, and such additions as a cape or cloak, stylish hat, and leather boots. A recurring theme for men is also the addition of a rapier and flintlock pistol (unloaded!) worn on the belt - even if the wearer doesn't know how to use them.

The styles for women tend to change much more rapidly. Influenced by the Caerdicci and Aragonians, D'Angeline female styles reflect showing off the body's curves rather than hiding it with padding or too many layers. Dresses tend to be more elaborate and complex for more important functions; daily wear tends to consist of a simpler dress or skirt-tunic ensemble more suited to the task or season. Trousers or leggings on women are very rare, except in working conditions.

While there are very few destitute people in Terre d'Ange, even the poorest can usually find or make themselves decent clothing. Since fashions change so often, it's quite easy to purchase very cheap second-hand articles. And who knows, maybe the next month it'll be back in style!


==The System==

D'Angelines Peerage is a quite important, affluent part of their society. While nominally a monarchial system, the country is ruled by the various Houses of each province. These Houses are typically large, powerful families, with the head of family being the Duke or Duchess for that province. Smaller Houses are not uncommon parts of the nobility - after all, the Houses higher on the ladder need other families to marry into. In this way, alliances and loyalties between multiple families can be acquired by key family members marrying into more powerful or influencial Houses.

Typically, there are so many family members in a House that even if the Duke or Duchess has no direct heirs, there is always enough cousins, nephews, nieces, and so on to take their place; usually this is the eldest who is chosen. Thus, intrigue and conflict can happen even in the same house if the next-in-line is particularly unscrupulous.

The general line of peerage goes as follows:

* At the bottom of the ladder are the commonfolk. They have no noble title. There are no slaves in Terre d'Ange; everyone is paid for work. Much like serfdom, commoners rent a small tract of land or farm on a larger estate and pay a portion of their income to the estate's owners, in exchange for protection and representation in government. Unlike in serfdom, D'Angeline commoners are free to sell their land and move elsewhere if they don't like where they are. The commoners, thus, form the backbone of the land's industry, economy, military, and mercantile systems.

* Second to the commoners are barons or counts. The seven provinces are split into smaller baronies and estates, each ruled by a minor House; these tend to lay over very specific tracts of land, such as a forest or a series of hills. Some of the more influencial Houses might acquire larger or multiple estates. All landowners are directly responsible for the well-being and protection of anyone living in their territory. The very largest landowner families, yet smaller than the provincial Houses, typically are ruled by Earls rather than Barons or Counts.

* Each province is ruled by a larger House, the head of which is called the Duke or Duchess. They hold a considerable amount of power in the noble court and are regarded with nearly as much respect as the King or Queen.

* The King and Queen have typically always come from the line of House Courcel, as that family descends in an unbroken line from Blessed Elua himself. However, recent events have left the family with no legitimate direct heirs, and so the other Houses are left with the difficult decision of deciding which is the next royal House; when that House is chosen, the next most powerful Earl of their province will take their Duchy when they move on to the Kingship. The heir to the throne is typically called the Dauphin or Dauphine (the crown Prince or crown Princess) and the non-House spouse of the King or Queen the Prince/Princess Consort. The King and Queen are the most powerful authorities in the country.

In addition, there is also a House of Parliament; while in the past they had actual authority and power, recent events have led to the nobles changing Parliament into more of an advisory role to the Royal Throne. Advisors and Ministers are handpicked by the King or Queen and given appropriate titles (such as Minister of Finance); while they are highly respected throughout the country, they have no real power on their own - every decision must be approved first by the King or Queen.

==Their Allies and Enemies==

Terre d'Ange has generally good relations with the neighbouring countries, though they are highly dependent on who is ruling and their personal relationships with the heads of state. Delegations and diplomats are sent and received on a near-seasonal basis to discuss things such as trade routes, military movements, important news, and even current fashions. As such, diplomats are an important part of maintaining good bonds with neighbours.

The exception to the rule is Skaldia - while recently they've been more civil than usual - even sending their own diplomatic delegations to neighbouring countries - in the past they've proven to show no hesitation in attacking or betraying anyone they see fit. 

The nobles of the D'Angeline peerage are also able to legally marry into foreign families, though the foreign spouse or previous children of the arrangement is not eligble to become heirs of the D'Angeline House. For example, a Duchess married to an Aragonian prince cannot become Queen of Aragonia, and the prince can never become King of Terre d'Ange (though their offspring can become either). In this way, safety of two lineages can be assured instead of just one and can form quite strong bonds with the countries in question.

Foreigners in Terre d'Ange are widely regarded as either barbarians or children -- D'Angelines believe themselves blessed compared to the other countries and thus tend to look down upon foreigners, though acknowledge their presence as a sort of necessary evil. The exception in particular is the orderly and civil Caerdicci, whom the D'Angelines tend to view with respect.

==Technology==

Technology has never been a great focus for the D'Angelines. The lives of both the nobility and the commonfolk alike are fairly simple and easy - there's no real need to improve and adapt things much. Most of the newest technology comes from the industrious nation of Caerdicci Unitas, and even in that they pick and choose what suits best the D'angeline lifestyle. In general, travel is by horse-and-carriage, farming is done by ox and plow, and the creation of steel furnaces in Caerdicci has improved the quality of toolmaking considerably, such as eating utensils, plows, and weaponry.

[[Category:World]]