Hylia
Contents |
Background
Hylia is a secret kingdom of halflings located in the Unnowne Territory. Few people realize that halflings have an expansive intelligence network, and fewer still know that Hylia is the hub of this network. There is little that occurs in Grundleworld that the spies of Hylia do not find out.
Hylia is a monarchy, currently ruled by King Barowin VIII. The royal family represents the top of Hylian society, but Hylia's true power lies with the Agents. Agents are halflings who train their whole lives to become spies and assassins, and they make up the vast intelligence network. The most prominent family of Agents is the Darkshadow family who are treated almost as if they were royalty.
There are few in the outside world who know of the existence of Hylia, but King Barowin VIII does have secret alliances with some foreign rulers. Those rulers consider Hylia to be a very useful ally.
Not all members of Hylian society grow up to be agents. Hylia is a self sustaining kingdom, and as such, requires some citizens to tend the fields, run shops, and carry out the various other duties that keep a kingdom functioning.
Geography
Hylia is located in a valley surrounded by a ring of hills. These hills help to provide both secrecy and protection from some of the more wild races that inhabit the Unnowne Territory. The Hylian River flows out of the Western Hills, and through the center of the city. After passing the royal palace, the river flows through a single gap in the hills and eventually flows into the sea. This gap is barred by a great gate that is guarded at all times.
Most Hylian homes are built into the sides of the hills, but there are some citizens who dwell in above ground houses. The royal palace is located within the greatest of the hills, and is very vast. It is a stunning specimen of halfling architecture, but very few people from the outside world ever get to glimpse its beauty.
Society
Most citizens of Hylia live comfortable lives, and as such, few desire to ever leave their home. There are some born with a spark of exploration who wish to see the outside world. Most of these halflings train to become Agents, because Agents are the only citizens outside of the royal family who can leave and return to Hylia as they wish.
Those who wish to leave but do not desire to become Agents are allowed to do so, but they may never return. This rule may seem harsh, but it is necessary to ensure the secrecy of the Kingdom. The halflings who choose exiled are blindfolded and led from the kingdom. They are taken by small boats down the river to Hylian Bay. Here, they board larger ships and can only remove their blindfolds when they are escorted below deck. These ships set sail for various destinations, and the exiles are allowed to leave when the boat makes port at the first populated city. At this point, they are no longer Hylian citizens, and they can never find their way back.
Politics
Hylia has always existed as a monarchy, and the ruling family has always been the Kardon family. King Barowin VIII belongs to this family, just as every king and queen before him have. The Kardon family is very large, and even common citizens can become part of this family. Anyone who marries into the Kardon family takes on all of the rights, duties, and privileges of belonging to the ruling family.
Children born into the Kardon family begin training to become leaders from a very early age. When they are mature enough they take on roles as advisors to the King and help to run Hylia.
