Located in the middle of western Elara, Gallinea considers itself the heart of the world. With fertile farmlands throughout the Gallinean valley and abundant natural resources, the queendom of Gallinea has become a major power in recent centuries. Gallinea, like most of the continent of Elara, was once part of the ancient Qartan Empire.
Gallinea has a long history as a matriarchy, and in recent centuries has become known for its very egalitarian and inclusive views – a philosophy which has been tested since the former monarch, Queen Elisse, was assassinated. Her youngest daughter, now Queen Mariana, has tried to
maintain her mother’s policy of tolerance in the face of increasing clamor for a less open society.
Gender equality is usually a given in Gallinea, and freedom of religion is enforced by law – although only Asrianism is broadly accepted. Heterosexuality is the norm, but pansexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality are all embraced and supported by society. Gallinean inheritance passes along a matrilineal path, so most heads of noble families are female. The symbol of Gallinea is the pegasus.
The capital of Gallinea, Lutetia, is built upon a lake island and surrounded by 16 huge bridges that reach out to the farmlands and estates that circle the city.
Lutetia is known for its majestic architecture as well as its green parks. Landmarks include the Royal Palace, the Universities of Lutetia, the Grand Cathedral, and the Gallinean Library.
In the year 1199 PQ, a previously unknown writer named M.E. Labouret published a novel called “The Laughing Blade” that introduced a new character, Alais de Neversette.
“The Laughing Blade” took Lutetia by storm, and for the last fifty years there has been at least one book published in the official line, “The Various Adventures of Alais Neversette” – and many other knock-off novels – save for the darkest year of 1244.
Alais lives in the first half of the reign of Queen Delphine – usually said to be the 1150s to 1160s – and is the daughter of a minor noblewoman who snuck out from her studies and saved Princess-Regent Clarisse, the young queen’s stepmother,
from an assassination attempt. This bravery earned her a spot in the Queen’s Cavaliers, over the objections of her doting mother and father.
The exact identity of M.E. Labouret is unknown, and it’s said that even her – or his, or their – publishers don’t know her true identity. The leading theory held by Alais scholars is that Labouret is a pen name shared by several people over the years, perhaps a family, as distinctive patterns run through certain books and not others. Most scholars agree that the writer(s) of Alais are natives of Lutetia, and probably from the educated artisan class.
In the last month, Lutetia has been abuzz with rumors – the lost novel of 1244, which was not published due to the year of mourning for the late Queen Elisse and her daughter, has been found! Lutetia’s Lady-Mayor is holding a grand party to introduce the lost “Alais” to the public, and members of the Queen’s Cavaliers – the player characters – have been asked to attend.
Hosted and narrated by:
Queen's Cavalier (Caoimhe)
Started 02/04/19.
Scenes played: 2
License: Community License w/ Creative Commons
