NationStates Jolt Archive

Elflord Cassandra, reigning monarch of the elfin nation Ealdwode, is in her bathrobe. Yes, she knows she should really be wearing the regal robes of state. Oh dear...what would the other monarchs think of one of their number sauntering about in her nighties? Quite simply, she does not care.

The elves here have long ago learned and practiced the One Law: Have fun. At one time, the elves had many laws, but they realized that many were not followed, some were unenforceable (sp?), and others were ridiculous and not worth the scrolls they were printed on. So, Elflord Gregory, in his wisdom, had abolished all laws, save one: Have fun.

Naturally, there was chaos at first. Murders, thefts, licentiousness of all sorts. Gradually, though, the elves began to learn. To lie, to steal, to kill...these were not fun. Expensiveness wasn't fun. Charging for services wasn't fun. Giving cheaply or freely was fun. Kindness, compassion, honesty. These were fun. Finally, a race had learned what Fun really meant, in the absolute sense.

And so, though Elflord Cassandra really should be wearing at least a sweater at this early morning hour, she finds a silk bathrobe more than adequate. She sips a crystal goblet of strawberry juice in one hand, her other hand lightly placed on the railing. For she stands on the Ivory Tower in Bel Vidis, capital of Ealdwode, and center of learning and meditation. Her palace is small compared to the city, carved from quartz, which towers rise high.

And the mists are cool and blue as the sun god rises, conquering the dark forces of night once more. The Elflord's eyes look east, far across her city, into the countryside, where farmers and hunters roam. The artisans of Bel Vidis aren't up yet. Bel Vidis elves don't enjoy early wakeups, so they usually don't wake up early.

But Elflord Cassandra is awake, sipping her strawberry juice, and smiling with anticipation as dawn embraces her country.

(OOC: I hope this humble post is worthy of a community as rich and, well, old as this one. I've read through some of your histories and stickies and am quite pleased. I just hope no Sylorthian Superlaser Terrorships rain nuclear death on my ancient/fantasy nation. Speaking of which, should I go ahead and just BE on another planet?)

ooc: Very good first post, how do you want this thread to progress?

Ooc: I honestly hadn't thought too far. I'm a fantasy writer with a world to build. So when I saw Nationstates, I figured: Whoopee! A place to test run one of my world's nations, develop a particular nation's culture and history, and finally get around to designing its economic/trade system. I think I'll go with the wolfelves, though.

Ic:
Just then, a female skyelf in a white cape, red suit, and red badge of office landed softly beside Elflord Cassandra. The skyelf stretched her blue-gray wings, doffed her feathered cap and said, "Your majesty, the mayor of Eilam gives his greetings and a message."

The Elflord turned and said, "Can it wait til after breakfast?"

The skyelf shook her head, light brown hair in a bun, "Afraid not, your majesty. It has to deal with the wolfelves."

"Those savages? Bother...Alright, then," Cassandra smiled, blue eyes glinting, "What does Victor need?"

The skyelf brought a brown parchment out from beneath her cape, handed it to Cassandra, and stood, waiting for the response. Cassandra began to read:

"Your majesty, our town is in a bit of unrest. Years, ago, we were commissioned to help defend the Wall of Gregory. As you know, we must always keep watch in case of dragon attack or worse. However, recently, a band of unruly wolfelves have been raiding from the highlands here on the southwest side of the wall. They have been stealing food, toppling statues, and covering our buildings with mindless graffiti. Worst of all, I fear their ranks are growing. Many of our wolfelf servants and laborers have deserted in the night. Without their service, we are being forced to farm for ourselves, jeopardizing our duty to the wall. We request at least a squadron of the Rose Guard to help us keep this rabble out and reclaim our lost assets.

Ever yours,
Mayor Victor Oleander"

Wolfelves...years ago, we decreed that, while slavery is not Fun, service is. Why won't those fools accept the gift of lifelong servitude?

Cassandra sighed. "Tell Mayor Victor that the Rose Guard will not rest until you have your laborers back under control. And that I give him my word as a descendant of Gregory and Frederick that these raiders shall be punished for profaning Fun."

"Yes, your grace." With that, the skyelf took off, south and east, toward Eilam. Meanwhile, Cassandra walked back into her chambers and paced the floor. Finally, she left for her dining chambers, dressed in her yellow cloak and sky blue dress. She wore a silver circlet. When she sat at the oak table to eat, she made her decision:

"I will have eggs and bacon."

OOC: Just a few points to make clear before proceeding any further. A while ago, I thought it would be neat if my elves used wood instead of metal. Not that they don't use metal at all, but they use wood more. That being said:

Ealdwode uses bark armor from the Lorellan black oak. Swords are carved from lumber as well. Cheaper weaponry and armor can be made from softwoods, but hardwoods are best. Some Ealdwodean plants have also been known to be used in construction (vines) or weaponry (sunflowers, stalk and all). Ealdwodean plantlife is, by nature, of a sturdier stuff than the plantlife on the rest of the continent (Mithika, my fantasy world). Thankfully, they can still eat some vegetables and all fruits without cracking their teeth.

I do have one question: If anyone's interested, I have more information on the background of the kingdom, timeline, royal bloodline, scientific advances, etc. I know it's cool to do a New Nation thread where I introduce my nation, but where do I post it?

ooc: Commonly for information about your nation, background, history that sort of thing, you create a factbook.
Here is a link on how you could make a factbook.
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=412728

OOC: Thank you. That is just what I needed.

ooc: Happy to help.