Lyrr - The Conquerors

The flag of Lyrr is a forest green field with a large golden star representing Dyat in the center, surrounded by five golden rays on each side. The five gold rays represent the Major Families of Sylvan, Hawthorne, Rowan, Hunter, and Elder, while the five green rays on either side of the star represent the Minor Families of Ash, Reed, Alder, Linden, and Yew. The green and gold colors symbolize the unity of the ruling class and the natural beauty of the forested nation.

Timeline

• 0E -1000T: The Lyrr family arrives in the forested land that will eventually become Lyrr.

• 0E -750T: The Lyrr family begins to establish their rule over the surrounding tribes and clans.

• 0E -500T: The first settlements are established in the forested areas that will become the cities of Lyrr.

• 0E -250T: The first roads are built, connecting the various settlements of Lyrr.

• 1E 10T: The Lyrran kingdom is officially founded by the Lyrr family, with the city of Lyrr as its capital. The first Epoch begins.

• 1E 73T: The Lyrran kingdom experiences a period of rapid expansion, bringing more territory and wealth under its control.

• 1E 87T: Lyrr's military campaigns against neighboring kingdoms result in the expansion of Lyrr's territory and influence.

• 1E 92T: Lyrr becomes the dominant power in the region, with other kingdoms either joining as vassals or being conquered.

• 1E 100T: Programs are implemented to settle frontier lands beyond the Lyrran forests, leading to further expansion of Lyrran territory.

• 1E 128T: Leadership of the military is reassigned to the Sylvan family to focus Lyrran responsibilities purely on domestic and foreign policy-making and managing the Monarchy.

• 1E 241T: The Lyrr family dynasty ends, as the last member of the family dies without an heir.

• 1E 408T: The Elder family splits into the Elder and Alder families after a scandal involving a bastard heir. This creates the new 10 Families of Lyrr.

• 1E 600T: The Lyrran arts scene flourishes with the founding of art and music schools in the capital, leading to a cultural renaissance in Lyrr.

• 2E 1000T: Lyrr experiences a period of peace and prosperity, with advancements in technology and industry driving economic growth.

• 2E 1154T: The revolutionary war that formed the nation of Arvan results in the loss of the southern territories for Lyrr.

• 2E 1200T: King Tyrus Sylvan introduces societal reforms that benefit all citizens of Lyrr and solidify Lyrr's position as the dominant power in the region.

• 2E 1300T: Lyrr's aggressive foreign policy leads to tensions with neighboring nations, with troop buildups on the borders and naval exercises along the coasts.

• 2E 1400T: The Lyrran economy thrives, with advancements in technology and industry.

• 2E 1550T: Eirik Sylvan, descendent of the great King Tyrus and son of the late King Arvid Sylvan, is crowned as the current King of Lyrr.

• 2E 1575T: The current year in Lyrr's timeline.

Lyrr is an absolute monarchy ruled by a King who holds absolute power and authority over the kingdom. The King is responsible for making all major decisions that affect the nation, including matters of national security, diplomacy, and the economy. He also serves as the final judge in legal disputes and is responsible for enforcing the laws of the land. As the head of the military, the King has the power to declare war and command his armies in battle. The King is considered to be chosen by divine right and his authority is not subject to challenge or questioning. The monarch's decisions are often influenced by his advisors, such as the Council of Nobles, but the ultimate decision rests with the King. The succession of the monarchy is passed down through the male line of the Sylvan family, and sons are considered the rightful heirs to the throne.

Learn More About the Lyrran Goverment >>

Lyrran society is divided into four social classes: the Major Families, the Minor Families, the Champions, and the Roots.

Major Families

The Major Families are the ruling elite of Lyrr, with members of the Sylvan, Hawthorne, Rowan, Hunter, and Elder families occupying positions of power and responsibility within the government, military, and other important institutions.

Minor Families

The Minor Families are also part of the ruling class, but they hold less power and influence than the Major Families. The Ash, Reed, Alder, Linden, and Yew families are responsible for managing important sectors of Lyrr's economy and infrastructure.

(See the Ten Families of Lyrr)

Champions

Becoming a Champion of Lyrr is considered one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon Lyrran Roots. It is a title reserved for those who have shown exceptional valor and bravery in service to Lyrr in times of war or other crises. To become a Champion of Lyrr, one must first distinguish themselves in battle or some other service to the nation. This could include acts of heroism, feats of exceptional skill or strength, or strategic contributions to a military campaign or other mission.  

Once a person has demonstrated their worthiness for the title of Champion, they must be nominated by a member of the ruling elite. The nomination must then be approved by a council of representatives from the Major families, who will evaluate the nominee's accomplishments and character before deciding whether to award them the title of Champion.  See also Harvesting

Champions are used as symbols of the nation's strength and superiority over other nations. They are often used as figureheads for propaganda campaigns to boost the nation's morale and promote loyalty to the ruling elite. Additionally, the resources and privileges that come with being a Champion are explicitly tied to loyalty and service to the nation. Champions might be required to swear oaths of allegiance or undergo special training to ensure their loyalty to the ruling elite, and failure to demonstrate adequate loyalty or service could result in the loss of their status as a Champion.

Given the oppressive life of a Root, often the willingness to put oneself at risk to be nominated as a Champion results in the deaths of thousands of Roots every Turn.

Roots

Roots are the lowest class of Lyrran society. They are primarily responsible for manual labor and service work, and have little to no say in the affairs of the government or society as a whole. Despite their low social status, Roots are still expected to demonstrate loyalty and obedience to their superiors.

In terms of culture, Lyrran society values discipline, loyalty, and strength. The military is highly respected, and many Lyrrans are trained in combat from a young age. Traditional arts, such as stringed symphonies and operas, are also highly valued and celebrated. The government and society at large are highly authoritarian, with strict laws and harsh punishments for those who disobey.

Learn More about Lyrran Society >>

Arts and entertainment are an important part of Lyrran culture, and the kingdom is known for its love of music, dance, and theater. Many of the major cities have their own theaters and music venues, and there are numerous festivals and celebrations throughout the year that showcase local talent.

Classical music is particularly popular in Lyrr, with the Lyrran Symphony Orchestra being one of the most prestigious orchestras in the region. Many of the major cities also have their own symphony orchestras and opera companies.

Dance is also an important part of Lyrran culture, with traditional folk dances being passed down through the generations. The Lyrran Ballet is a world-renowned dance company, known for its innovative choreography and stunning performances.

In addition to music and dance, theater is also a popular form of entertainment in Lyrr. The Lyrran National Theater Company is one of the oldest and most respected theater companies in the kingdom, and many of its productions have been performed in other countries.

Visual arts are also highly valued in Lyrr, with many talented artists creating works in a variety of mediums. The Lyrran Royal Academy of Art is one of the most prestigious art schools in the region, and many of its graduates go on to become successful artists both within and outside of Lyrr.

Overall, the arts and entertainment scene in Lyrr is vibrant and diverse, with a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated and preserved.

Sports are an important part of Lyrran culture and society. They are viewed as a way to promote physical fitness, mental sharpness, and teamwork, and are valued for their ability to bring people together in a shared passion. Many Lyrrans are enthusiastic fans of sports, attending matches and events, and even participating themselves in local clubs and teams. In addition, sports play a role in the Lyrran economy, with the horse racing industry and other sporting events drawing visitors from other nations and generating revenue for the kingdom.

Many sports in Lyrr are modern takes on traditional sports. 

Horse Racing

Horse racing is the most traditional sport in Lyrr, enjoyed by both nobles and commoners alike. The races take place on a specially designed track that is surrounded by elegant grandstands, where spectators can watch the thrilling action unfold. The jockeys ride on finely bred horses that are trained for speed and agility, racing to the finish line in a display of skill and determination. Betting is a popular aspect of horse racing in Lyrr, with many placing wagers on their favorite horses to win big. The races are often accompanied by live music, food, and festivities, making it a truly festive occasion.

Robotic Falconry

Robotic Falconry is a modernized version of the traditional sport in Lyrr. The use of robotic falcons adds a new element of technological advancement to the game, allowing players to control the falcons remotely and perform maneuvers that were previously impossible. The goal is to have the falcon catch a target or perform a specific task as quickly and efficiently as possible. It requires precision, timing, and skill to control the robotic falcon.

Shock Fencing

Shock Fencing is a modern take on the traditional sport of fencing in Lyrr. Instead of using traditional foils, épées, or sabers, the competitors use a shock-emitting weapon that resembles a lightsaber. Upon contact, the weapon delivers a stunning electrical shock to the opponent. The sport is played in a specially designed arena with digital shields that add an additional layer of defense. The sport is popular among the noble classes in Lyrr and is often played in tournaments and competitions.

Archery (Advanced)

Advanced Archery in Lyrr uses the Energy Bow, a modern weapon that shoots a bolt of electricity instead of an arrow. This new technology has transformed the ancient sport of archery, making it faster and more precise than ever before. In competitions, archers take aim at targets that are designed to test their accuracy and skill. The Energy Bow has also become a popular tool for hunting in Lyrr, allowing hunters to take down their prey with greater ease and efficiency.

SPEKOPS

The most controversial sport in Lyrr is called SPEKOPS, which is a war game between elite, well-equipped Lyrran warriors and often under-armed, untrained Roots. The game is played until one team is eliminated, and all weapons are stun-based. However, Lyrran Elites wear armor that eliminates the pain of being stunned, while Roots do not, making SPEKOPS an extremely painful game for them. The Roots team wears red and blue uniforms, the colors of Arvan, while the Elite team wears green and gold uniforms or is camouflaged to match the environment.

In addition to regular SPEKOPS matches, there are also matches between elite teams that are only staged when King Eirik is in attendance. These matches are rare and only occur on special occasions.

All Elite SPEKOPS (AES)

The All-Elite SPEKOPS (AES) tournament is the most prestigious SPEKOPS event in Lyrr, pitting the most elite teams in head-to-head competition for the King's Medal. Each Turn, dozens of teams from across Lyrr compete in the AES tournament, with only the top teams advancing to the final rounds. The AES tournament lasts for six Arcs, culminating in the championship match at the end of the sixth Arc. The teams compete in a series of elimination matches, with each match consisting of three rounds. The winning team advances to the next round, while the losing team is eliminated.

In addition to the King's Medal, there are several other awards given out during the tournament. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is given to the player who makes the most significant impact on the tournament, while the Best Teamwork award is given to the team that demonstrates the best teamwork and coordination throughout the competition.

Here are the names of the past five teams who won the King's Medal:

• Sun Hawks

• Golden Eagles

• Crimson Thunderbolts

• Black Dragons

• White Wolves