The Four Queens - Mothers of Visla
Zalik the Brilliant, Star Nest Ruler
Personality type:
The Logistician
Disposition:
Future-orientated. To meet those ends, she's decisive, forceful and clever.
Ideology:
Believes strongly in progress and technology, that it will give the Star nest continued security throughout the generations.
Palace:
The Palace of Ancients, a colossal and time-worn structure that resides in the deep labyrinth of the Star nest. It is difficult to enter unless you are the Queen or one of her guards, for reasons of safety. The main reception is a long hall with giant carved pillars and an impossibly tall ceiling. At the end of the hall is towers a jade-coloured stalagmite throne, where the Queen is seated. Pools of water filled with bio-luminescent green algae light up the stalagmites beneath her, illuminating the hall in a dim and unnatural light.
Biography:
An early prodigy, Zalik was forced into ruling at the young age of 35 with her mother at her side. The elder Queen had stepped down in order to give Zalik indisputable reign in the case that a political overthrow occurred. She would play the role of Queen while being a puppet to her ambitious mother. On top of the grueling hours of study she had to endure, her parents raised her on stories of The Great War in an attempt to teach her the darker side of Vislan history. It taught her to praise victory and, lesser known to her parents, she became obsessed with stories of the extinct nests. When she became old enough to take compulsory study into her own hands, she was able to discover the truth about Caeli civilization and how her forebears had fought each other for the power and wealth that lay under the Star Nest.
The elderly Queen eventually passed away in her sleep, sometime around Zalik's 100th birthday. While the rest of the nest mourned, Zalik was thrilled by her newfound freedom and swiftly exiled her father and elders in revenge for the loveless life she had been forced to lead. Since then, she has led the Star nest into stability and prosperity with her impeccable knowledge that has only grown more immense during the last 50 years. Zalik has been an absolute ruler with immense control over all facets of the Star Monarchy.
The Logistician
Disposition:
Future-orientated. To meet those ends, she's decisive, forceful and clever.
Ideology:
Believes strongly in progress and technology, that it will give the Star nest continued security throughout the generations.
Palace:
The Palace of Ancients, a colossal and time-worn structure that resides in the deep labyrinth of the Star nest. It is difficult to enter unless you are the Queen or one of her guards, for reasons of safety. The main reception is a long hall with giant carved pillars and an impossibly tall ceiling. At the end of the hall is towers a jade-coloured stalagmite throne, where the Queen is seated. Pools of water filled with bio-luminescent green algae light up the stalagmites beneath her, illuminating the hall in a dim and unnatural light.
Biography:
An early prodigy, Zalik was forced into ruling at the young age of 35 with her mother at her side. The elder Queen had stepped down in order to give Zalik indisputable reign in the case that a political overthrow occurred. She would play the role of Queen while being a puppet to her ambitious mother. On top of the grueling hours of study she had to endure, her parents raised her on stories of The Great War in an attempt to teach her the darker side of Vislan history. It taught her to praise victory and, lesser known to her parents, she became obsessed with stories of the extinct nests. When she became old enough to take compulsory study into her own hands, she was able to discover the truth about Caeli civilization and how her forebears had fought each other for the power and wealth that lay under the Star Nest.
The elderly Queen eventually passed away in her sleep, sometime around Zalik's 100th birthday. While the rest of the nest mourned, Zalik was thrilled by her newfound freedom and swiftly exiled her father and elders in revenge for the loveless life she had been forced to lead. Since then, she has led the Star nest into stability and prosperity with her impeccable knowledge that has only grown more immense during the last 50 years. Zalik has been an absolute ruler with immense control over all facets of the Star Monarchy.
Taivas the Noble, Northern Nest Monarch
Personality type:
The Consul
Disposition:
A pragmatic conservationist, she cares deeply about retaining their unique Northern tradition and the environment which surrounds it. This is augmented by her demeanour of good-natured optimism.
Ideology:
The Northern ideology is one of loyalty, trust and tradition, which she intends to uphold.
Palace:
The Marble Palace lies in the heart of the Northern nest, surrounded by the many branches of its fractal architecture. Her reception room is a large white circular dome, with an elevated marble platform covered in piles of luxurious fur, blankets, and pillows to create a soft throne for the Queen. Though the room is simplistic, she spends most of her days there within easy reach of her people. The Northern monarchy has always allowed frequent communication with their subjects, as it allows for many problems to be conquered before they can start.
Biography:
Born in trying times, herbalists were unsure whether the premature hatchling Queen would make it through the harsh winter. Her mother, the elder Queen Mirian, chose to nurture the premature Taivas believing that her daughter would survive.
Spring arrived with gentler weather and more food, which was when the young Taivas started to flourish.
She was lovingly raised by Queen Mirian who easily taught Taivas everything she would need to become a fair ruler. Taivas was given compulsory lessons on Northern history, seasonal patterns, and royal etiquette, though she did recieve plentiful amounts of emotional nurturing from those around her. Taivas was always naturally kind, and her stable upbringing taught her how to be the wise leader she is now.
Eventually she succeeded her mother when she was 80 years old. Through unfortunate circumstances, Taivas took upon herself the responsibility of the throne abruptly after her mother's unexpected death. The elder Queen had fallen gravely ill after sustaining injuries from a fight with dire wolves, and her death left behind a grief-stricken Taivas. Over time, she came to terms with her mother's death and became the fully-fledged Queen that she is now.
The Consul
Disposition:
A pragmatic conservationist, she cares deeply about retaining their unique Northern tradition and the environment which surrounds it. This is augmented by her demeanour of good-natured optimism.
Ideology:
The Northern ideology is one of loyalty, trust and tradition, which she intends to uphold.
Palace:
The Marble Palace lies in the heart of the Northern nest, surrounded by the many branches of its fractal architecture. Her reception room is a large white circular dome, with an elevated marble platform covered in piles of luxurious fur, blankets, and pillows to create a soft throne for the Queen. Though the room is simplistic, she spends most of her days there within easy reach of her people. The Northern monarchy has always allowed frequent communication with their subjects, as it allows for many problems to be conquered before they can start.
Biography:
Born in trying times, herbalists were unsure whether the premature hatchling Queen would make it through the harsh winter. Her mother, the elder Queen Mirian, chose to nurture the premature Taivas believing that her daughter would survive.
Spring arrived with gentler weather and more food, which was when the young Taivas started to flourish.
She was lovingly raised by Queen Mirian who easily taught Taivas everything she would need to become a fair ruler. Taivas was given compulsory lessons on Northern history, seasonal patterns, and royal etiquette, though she did recieve plentiful amounts of emotional nurturing from those around her. Taivas was always naturally kind, and her stable upbringing taught her how to be the wise leader she is now.
Eventually she succeeded her mother when she was 80 years old. Through unfortunate circumstances, Taivas took upon herself the responsibility of the throne abruptly after her mother's unexpected death. The elder Queen had fallen gravely ill after sustaining injuries from a fight with dire wolves, and her death left behind a grief-stricken Taivas. Over time, she came to terms with her mother's death and became the fully-fledged Queen that she is now.
Mairi the Loving, Seashore Nest Queen
Personality type:
The Advocate
Disposition:
Idealistic, with an abundance of charisma and creativity. Kind and warm, her ultimate motivation is to have created the perfect nest.
Ideology:
Equality, justice and hard-work are her core beliefs.
Palace:
The Summer Palace is a carefully crafted work of art, with the most sophisticated Caeli architecture to date. The Palace is named as such because of the year-round warmth and tropical weather, which remains trapped inside the sandstone walls. This is so noticeable that the fountains appear to give off fog and the air is fragrant from steam and lilies. The entire structure is self-contained, with a constant temperature and several skylights where climbing plants grow on lattices. Filtered water runs through shallow pools, complete with flowered lotus plants and small fish. The main palace meeting room is a circular and brightly lit area, filled with colourful cushions to lay on while discussing important news.
Biography:
Deep in the Star nest, a royal lady closely related to the queen once had an affair with a standard from the coal mines. Heavily pregnant and desperate to regain her status, she later abandoned her egg. Instead of ever telling her lover, she gave it to an old retired herbalist. While her lover was poor, the herbalist had no children and was educated in caring for others, so she felt that he was the best choice. When the egg hatched, he realised he had been duped. There were grave consequences for harbouring an illegitimate queen, and if anyone found out he would likely be imprisoned. He quickly escaped with the child and as many belongings as he could carry, and fled to the neutral Seashore area.
He took her to a cavern on the cliffside, where no one would ever look, and raised her for several years there. However he had never planned on dedicating his life to the burden of raising or mentoring a Queen, and so left her alone as he returned to the Star nest. He let some of the Golden field farmers know of her location, and did sometimes visit with supplies and food. The farmers also did not wish to incriminate themselves with her upbringing, and so only a few kind individuals would come to check on her every few days. These visits would be the most exciting days of her life during that age.
Although Mairi struggled to survive throughout childhood, she did flourish into a young and capable caeli. In her desperation for kindness and contact she dedicated her life to creating a nest in which every caeli would wish to live in. Several decades later this dream was realised. Neighbours from the fields, refugees from the Marsh, deviants from Star and tourists from North eventually would come to settle in her nest. They had come for the good weather, fertile lands, and the uniquely beautiful homes that Mairi had prepared for them.
However, once she claimed her sovereign title as Queen Mairi of the Seashore Nest, advisors and elders streamed down from the Star nest in an attempt to gain fame, power, and favours. In her naivety, Mairi accepted their advice and became restricted in her abilities and power to directly help the people. She was designated a guard and mostly kept within the palace, out of harm. While it did serve to prevent any attempted assassinations it left Mairi even more lonely than she once felt. Being a recognised Queen was not turning out to be how she had originally envisioned it, and began disobeying orders from her advisors. Instead, Mairi chose to immerse herself in helping her people as much as she could, eventually abandoning all advisors that were not natively Seashore. Mairi fully returned to her grassroots stance, taking on even more roles as a Queen than she did before.
The Advocate
Disposition:
Idealistic, with an abundance of charisma and creativity. Kind and warm, her ultimate motivation is to have created the perfect nest.
Ideology:
Equality, justice and hard-work are her core beliefs.
Palace:
The Summer Palace is a carefully crafted work of art, with the most sophisticated Caeli architecture to date. The Palace is named as such because of the year-round warmth and tropical weather, which remains trapped inside the sandstone walls. This is so noticeable that the fountains appear to give off fog and the air is fragrant from steam and lilies. The entire structure is self-contained, with a constant temperature and several skylights where climbing plants grow on lattices. Filtered water runs through shallow pools, complete with flowered lotus plants and small fish. The main palace meeting room is a circular and brightly lit area, filled with colourful cushions to lay on while discussing important news.
Biography:
Deep in the Star nest, a royal lady closely related to the queen once had an affair with a standard from the coal mines. Heavily pregnant and desperate to regain her status, she later abandoned her egg. Instead of ever telling her lover, she gave it to an old retired herbalist. While her lover was poor, the herbalist had no children and was educated in caring for others, so she felt that he was the best choice. When the egg hatched, he realised he had been duped. There were grave consequences for harbouring an illegitimate queen, and if anyone found out he would likely be imprisoned. He quickly escaped with the child and as many belongings as he could carry, and fled to the neutral Seashore area.
He took her to a cavern on the cliffside, where no one would ever look, and raised her for several years there. However he had never planned on dedicating his life to the burden of raising or mentoring a Queen, and so left her alone as he returned to the Star nest. He let some of the Golden field farmers know of her location, and did sometimes visit with supplies and food. The farmers also did not wish to incriminate themselves with her upbringing, and so only a few kind individuals would come to check on her every few days. These visits would be the most exciting days of her life during that age.
Although Mairi struggled to survive throughout childhood, she did flourish into a young and capable caeli. In her desperation for kindness and contact she dedicated her life to creating a nest in which every caeli would wish to live in. Several decades later this dream was realised. Neighbours from the fields, refugees from the Marsh, deviants from Star and tourists from North eventually would come to settle in her nest. They had come for the good weather, fertile lands, and the uniquely beautiful homes that Mairi had prepared for them.
However, once she claimed her sovereign title as Queen Mairi of the Seashore Nest, advisors and elders streamed down from the Star nest in an attempt to gain fame, power, and favours. In her naivety, Mairi accepted their advice and became restricted in her abilities and power to directly help the people. She was designated a guard and mostly kept within the palace, out of harm. While it did serve to prevent any attempted assassinations it left Mairi even more lonely than she once felt. Being a recognised Queen was not turning out to be how she had originally envisioned it, and began disobeying orders from her advisors. Instead, Mairi chose to immerse herself in helping her people as much as she could, eventually abandoning all advisors that were not natively Seashore. Mairi fully returned to her grassroots stance, taking on even more roles as a Queen than she did before.
Pyril the Powerful, Marsh Nest Matriarch
Personality type:
The Defender
Disposition:
Opportunistic; she is careful, calculating, and sharp-witted. There is the expectation of respect, in return for the protection and strength she lends her nest.
Ideology:
End justifies the means, as she hopes for the Marsh nest to be rebuilt from the ashes.
Palace:
The Mirefort Palace has been damaged on several occasions over time, either by civilian disputes or through internal sabotage. This means that several areas of the Palace are unsalvageable and have simply been filled-in with rocky rubble. However, those areas which remain have kept their elegance and comfort, designed by previous generations. The main reception hall consists of a large roaring fireplace and several large canvases that cover the walls in murals. Long carpets line the floor, following the layout of the room until reaching a throne of carved antler and wood. Pyril has since closed access to the hall and instead prefers to sit in the Marsh Nest courtyard.
Biography:
The Marsh Queen's existence was once covered up as a legend, her name turned into a cursed word. The story goes like this...
A long time ago, a baby queen was born in the nest of the Dark Forest. Upon her hatching, all the elders in the nest gathered to greet and bless the small child. They gasped with fear and concern once they realised the unlucky child had been born with four sets of wings, an ominous and strange sign. Clearly, they said, the little queen wasn't going to live for very long.
The elder queen, Queen Lapis, drove out all the elders in rage. At first sight, she had already loved her child despite whatever warnings they screeched at her and continued to care for the child as long as she could manage. While the child's life was filled with unrelenting pain and difficulty, she lived happily under her mother's care.
However, one day the elder queen suddenly fell sick to an illness of stone. No longer would her body move, nor carry itself under her weight while her bones locked into a stony obstruction. The elders screamed curses and misery down onto the child, warning her that the whole nest would soon fall to the illness if she did not leave. With little idea of where to go, she fled into the Dark Forest. Never again was the would-be queen seen, and her name became an unutterable profanity. After her exile, the nest continued to dwindle in numbers as the citizenry suffered from the stoney illness and queenless state. Though, some did say that every once in awhile they would see the shadow of a four-winged beast.
...
She eventually returned to the Marsh Nest more than a century later, convinced by four brave adventurers from all across Visla.
The Defender
Disposition:
Opportunistic; she is careful, calculating, and sharp-witted. There is the expectation of respect, in return for the protection and strength she lends her nest.
Ideology:
End justifies the means, as she hopes for the Marsh nest to be rebuilt from the ashes.
Palace:
The Mirefort Palace has been damaged on several occasions over time, either by civilian disputes or through internal sabotage. This means that several areas of the Palace are unsalvageable and have simply been filled-in with rocky rubble. However, those areas which remain have kept their elegance and comfort, designed by previous generations. The main reception hall consists of a large roaring fireplace and several large canvases that cover the walls in murals. Long carpets line the floor, following the layout of the room until reaching a throne of carved antler and wood. Pyril has since closed access to the hall and instead prefers to sit in the Marsh Nest courtyard.
Biography:
The Marsh Queen's existence was once covered up as a legend, her name turned into a cursed word. The story goes like this...
A long time ago, a baby queen was born in the nest of the Dark Forest. Upon her hatching, all the elders in the nest gathered to greet and bless the small child. They gasped with fear and concern once they realised the unlucky child had been born with four sets of wings, an ominous and strange sign. Clearly, they said, the little queen wasn't going to live for very long.
The elder queen, Queen Lapis, drove out all the elders in rage. At first sight, she had already loved her child despite whatever warnings they screeched at her and continued to care for the child as long as she could manage. While the child's life was filled with unrelenting pain and difficulty, she lived happily under her mother's care.
However, one day the elder queen suddenly fell sick to an illness of stone. No longer would her body move, nor carry itself under her weight while her bones locked into a stony obstruction. The elders screamed curses and misery down onto the child, warning her that the whole nest would soon fall to the illness if she did not leave. With little idea of where to go, she fled into the Dark Forest. Never again was the would-be queen seen, and her name became an unutterable profanity. After her exile, the nest continued to dwindle in numbers as the citizenry suffered from the stoney illness and queenless state. Though, some did say that every once in awhile they would see the shadow of a four-winged beast.
...
She eventually returned to the Marsh Nest more than a century later, convinced by four brave adventurers from all across Visla.
PITHANAYIKA the PASSIONATE, DESERT Nest SOVERIGN
Personality type:
The Entertainer
Disposition:
Spontaneous, passionate, energetic, a young Caeli full of life who sees beauty and opportunity in everything. As a child, she has an open mind and more easily accepts new approaches to things. However, she is still grounded in her family ties and responsibility, enough to seem far older than her chronological age when she is working as Khumara.
Ideology:
The Desert ideology is one of joy, spirituality, and cultural tradition, and the Queen holds this dearly to her.
Palace:
The Mosaic Palace lies in the heart of the Desert nest. The entrance is pure and solid sandstone, carved in intricate columns and designs from the very bottom step to the top of the canyon. A true labour of love, the overwhelming size of the palace is impossible to ignore from the rest of the street. The palace entryway starts with a terracotta tiled pathway that runs through an indoor courtyard with walls of multi coloured and patterned mosaic murals, the ground floor filled to the brim with overgrown potted ferns, parlour palms, and places to sit. Ascending further through a set of stairs leads to the inner palace, a visual delight of stained glass, mosaic patterns, and indoor ponds. The inner palace is where the Queen meets guests, and her throne sits in front of a tall stained glass window with a balcony overlooking the nest.
Biography:
Prompt Sheet
Desert Nest Event Summary
Desert Nest Event Epilogue
The Queen previous to Pithanayika had died 100 years previous to her birth. An obstinate and unpopular leader, she had refused to produce an heir with anyone who was not her partner. It was likely that she believed very soon somewhere in her branch family another Queen would be birthed from noble blood. However, this was not the case for another two generations until Pithanayika’s mother hatched her first child at an older age. Until that stage the family existed in harmony but her hatching changed things immediately. Political factions split the family into parts and the Queen was turned into a puppet-figure by her mother, Lady Amarisa, who immediately took over the Nest as the stand-in for her daughter who was too young. As Pithanayika grew older, she became increasingly aware of the complex dynamics surrounding her. While her family’s guidance shaped her understanding of leadership and diplomacy, she yearned to have both a normal childhood and yet also claim her rightful place as the Queen of the Desert Nest. In her maternal uncle, Amous, she found a trusted confidant and mentor who understood the delicate balance she sought. Amous, was one of the few in her family who would indulge her as a child, working as her personal tutor and also fighting to carve out time for her to be a child. At present, she is still learning under her uncle’s gentle tuition how to be a Queen and how to be a child
The Entertainer
Disposition:
Spontaneous, passionate, energetic, a young Caeli full of life who sees beauty and opportunity in everything. As a child, she has an open mind and more easily accepts new approaches to things. However, she is still grounded in her family ties and responsibility, enough to seem far older than her chronological age when she is working as Khumara.
Ideology:
The Desert ideology is one of joy, spirituality, and cultural tradition, and the Queen holds this dearly to her.
Palace:
The Mosaic Palace lies in the heart of the Desert nest. The entrance is pure and solid sandstone, carved in intricate columns and designs from the very bottom step to the top of the canyon. A true labour of love, the overwhelming size of the palace is impossible to ignore from the rest of the street. The palace entryway starts with a terracotta tiled pathway that runs through an indoor courtyard with walls of multi coloured and patterned mosaic murals, the ground floor filled to the brim with overgrown potted ferns, parlour palms, and places to sit. Ascending further through a set of stairs leads to the inner palace, a visual delight of stained glass, mosaic patterns, and indoor ponds. The inner palace is where the Queen meets guests, and her throne sits in front of a tall stained glass window with a balcony overlooking the nest.
Biography:
Prompt Sheet
Desert Nest Event Summary
Desert Nest Event Epilogue
The Queen previous to Pithanayika had died 100 years previous to her birth. An obstinate and unpopular leader, she had refused to produce an heir with anyone who was not her partner. It was likely that she believed very soon somewhere in her branch family another Queen would be birthed from noble blood. However, this was not the case for another two generations until Pithanayika’s mother hatched her first child at an older age. Until that stage the family existed in harmony but her hatching changed things immediately. Political factions split the family into parts and the Queen was turned into a puppet-figure by her mother, Lady Amarisa, who immediately took over the Nest as the stand-in for her daughter who was too young. As Pithanayika grew older, she became increasingly aware of the complex dynamics surrounding her. While her family’s guidance shaped her understanding of leadership and diplomacy, she yearned to have both a normal childhood and yet also claim her rightful place as the Queen of the Desert Nest. In her maternal uncle, Amous, she found a trusted confidant and mentor who understood the delicate balance she sought. Amous, was one of the few in her family who would indulge her as a child, working as her personal tutor and also fighting to carve out time for her to be a child. At present, she is still learning under her uncle’s gentle tuition how to be a Queen and how to be a child