Savaşanlar Ailor

Savaşanlar Ailor
Race
Pronunciation	Sa-va-shan-lar ai-lor
Classification	Human
Racial Traits
Distinctions	Dragon worshiping militant Ailor loosely based on the Ottomans
Maximum Age	100 years
Eye Colors	Brown, green, grey, blue.
Hair Colors	blond, ginger, brown, black, grey.

The Savaşanlar Ailor are a Lineage of Ailor that shares a common ancestry with Ailor, but diverged at some point in history when their people moved south, while most other Ailor peoples moved north. Lineages sit somewhere in between a Culture and a Subrace, meaning the Savaşanlar are not quite as distant from Ailor so as to be a full-fledged different Race altogether, but are also not as simple as just a different culture. The Savaşanlar claim they followed their Dragon-Emperors south to the Land of Blood, which is a continent they claim as their Empire. The Land of Blood is currently not present on any of the Regalian maps, because it exists far to the southeast of Sendras, a location where Regalian explorers have not yet gone, and are generally recommended not to go by Savaşanlar who travel to Regalia, so as to avoid conflict with their Empire. Playing a Savaşanlar Ailor is a different experience that requires some nuanced knowledge of Dragon lore in particular, and as such is only recommended for experienced players (which generally applies to all Ailor Lineages).

Design

The Savaşanlar Ailor are practically identical to Ailor, though while Ailor are extremely varied, the Savaşanlar Ailor visually lean heavily towards their source of inspiration, being the Western Turkic people of the real world (Turkish, Azerbaijani, Dagestani), meaning a habit for dark hair colors, light to medium skin complexion, with styling reminiscent of Ottoman Turkish culture around the 16th century. The Savaşanlar are a very bureaucratic yet also very war-like people originating from a culture of conquest and civil strife, where power is both an end goal and a justified means to an end. Their symbolism strongly reflects the militarism of their society, with beards being common symbols of power and strength, and tattoos to record one's combat deeds on the body a common occurrence. The Savaşanlar are also fanatic Dragon Worshipers, meaning Draconic aesthetics are extremely common, and every single Savaşanlar Ailor themselves, are Archon.

Lineage Traits

When designing a Character, Proficiency Points allow for a limited Ability selection with Point Buy Packs. Racial Traits adds free Packs and Mechanics on top of that to help with cultural themes. Free Packs grant Abilities usually, while Mechanics change the way a Race functions in Roleplay through subtle, and usually out of Combat ways. In essence, Mechanics just add aesthetic flair that invest in the niche of each Race. Free Packs never cause a Character to become Occult, nor do they raise Proficiency Points.

Free Packs

• Savaşanlar Ailor can choose 1 Pack from any Category for free. If any magic is chosen, it is Dragon Magic.
• Savaşanlar Ailor gain the Familiar Disrupt Pack for free.

Mechanics

• Savaşanlar Ailor are the preferential lords of the Regalian Empire, Ailor are by nature always considered more seriously for job applications and positions of authority.
• Savaşanlar Ailor may spontaneously generate Divinium (either alone or shared with other Ailor) during Staff Events if they act within the ideology of their faith.
• Savaşanlar Ailor willingly can close their heart and mind to certain emotions or their conscience, allowing them to commit acts of great evil without feeling bad.
• Savaşanlar Ailor are, without exception, Archon. Additionally, they can swap Archon Lineages at will, but continue to serve the War Dragons. Aegis is the recommended default.
• Savaşanlar Ailor can use the Sofawaati Form like the Songaskians, but with aesthetics of Red Dragons, fire, brimstones, and magma.

History

Finding exact sources for Savaşanlar history is difficult, because both the information on this Wiki, as well as what Characters will discuss in Roleplay is always through the lens of Regalia's limited (or altered) lens. The Savaşanlar do not ever sit down to record their entire history to what they call "Çamur insanlar" (an old insult of the Savaşanlar because the Ailor lived in mud huts when they left Ceardia). This is mostly because Savaşanlar history is vast, spanning several thousand years, and also very intense, given the habit for great events to take place with a high frequency. It is generally assumed that the Savaşanlar left Ceardia, or were part of a massive migration of different cultures and people (and potentially even Races) from this continent to the far south, either over the span of several thousands of years, or through the direct intervention of the War Dragons. The Savaşanlar claim their people arrived in a continent that already had people on it, but that they were alien to their customs and Dragon Worship, and that they quickly set about to conquering the whole continent for themselves. Whether they own the entire continent in the modern era is a topic for debate, because the assumption can be made that such a war-like people would not stop merely by finishing the conquest of their homeland and would seek lands beyond it. The fact that they have not even tried prodding at Sendrass, likely means they have not fully annexed the whole continent, even if Savaşanlar visitors would claim they control it all.

The Savaşanlar subjugated a great deal of other people, some of which were Ailor of different cultures, some of which may have been different Races altogether. The Savaşanlar have many terms for the people that are part of their multi-cultural Empire such as the Voldaks, the Montrins, The Osnaks, and the Priotes, each with a culture of their own, but seemingly not significant enough to warrant any Savaşanlar explaining them in great detail to foreigners. What little is known, is that their state (which lacks an actual name, because they don't really acknowledge the sovereignty of foreign nations and claim hegemony), functions like an Empire with subjugated people that nominally have some local autonomy in exchange for increased taxation and military service, as well as potentially slavery. Local rulers are kept in their place, exchanging tribute to the Savaşanlar Emperor called the "Cetvel", which compares roughly to the office of Emperor in Regalia. Their structure became remarkably similar to that of the Regalian Empire with aristocracy and governors. Savaşanlar history is littered with legendary conquests and battles fought to expand their reach, which puts their existence somewhat at odds with what one would generally expect Archon to do, being to preserve life. The Savaşanlar claim this largely a necessity, believing that the minorities in their Empire as not as vigilant as they are, referring to the idea that Occult powers root themselves more easily in societies not controlled and dominated by Archon.

The most notable thing about Savaşanlar history, is their frequent civil wars referred to as "Brother-Wars". The Savaşanlar are ruled by the War Dragons Aclan, Imren, and Erdil. There can however only ever be one Cetvel, but all three Dragons have equal claim to this throne. When the previous ruler dies, all three are re-incarnated, and when they become adults, wage a civil war against each other over the sublime throne of the realm. This period can be quite bloody with many Archon perishing in the conflict as Savaşanlar society takes sides between the three "Prince-Dragons" as they are referred. One Dragon eventually ends up winning, killing the other two, and taking the sublime throne for themselves, thus establishing a rule of Start of War, Height of War, or End of War. When Aclan the Start of War rules, Archon armies are sent forth to conquer foreign lands, to subjugate their rulers and demand tribute in both Blood-Tax and financial Tax for the Empire. If Imren the Height of War rules, Archon agents are turned inwards to begin a wide purge to anything Occult-related that has seeped into suzerain society while they were too busy fighting a civil war. If Erdil the End of War rules, the Archon are mostly restive, with a focus on culture as martial culture shifts to more gladiatorial and championship expressions. Each Dragon rules for a period of roughly 100 years, before the next Brother-War starts when they die and reincarnate.

In the modern era, Erdil the End of War was last to win the civil war, however this happened more than 300 years ago. The Denial of Immortality as it is known among other Dragon Worshipers and Scholars did not seem to directly affect the War Dragons in causing them to disappear, rather, they became old, inactive and practically blind and deaf. This process remained a mystery to the Savaşanlar, who believed it had something to do with the other Dragons, as the cycle that their Empire had rested on effectively ceased overnight, and has been inactive for the last 300 years. Erdil will not die, but is also so inactive that nothing happens, and the Realm is (as the Savaşanlar call it) becoming "sick" and stagnant. The suzerain people are rebellious, even the Blood-Tax slaves have infiltrated high in sectors of government, extorting the buckling treasury with their high wages and control over paperwork and finances. Most Savaşanlar that other Races or normal Ailor will as such find in Regalia, are those Savaşanlar Archon who left their homeland in search for answers about why their Dragons aren't dying and being reborn. Most Savaşanlar are fresh off the boat, while others have lived in the Regalian Empire for decades, eventually becoming enamored more with the amount of conflict and wars in Regalia, and choosing Regalia more as a home, when the homeland seems so far away (and the problem seems less urgent).

Language & Naming

Savaşanlar Ailor speak real-life Turkish called "Dil" (referring to modern Turkish for ease of use), and use real-life Turkish naming customs, having both a first name, but also a surname name. Additionally, they also have a "War-Name", which is a poetic phrase, usually used as a battle cry. Savaşanlar first names are often very gender-strict with Male examples being: Cem, Uygu, Akoren, Melih, Sevki, Serhan, Ozbey, Aktug, Birkan, etc. Examples of Female names being: Sule, Nevin, Kudret, Ceyiz, Asya, Tunaydin, Adalet, Sevinc, Isin, etc. It is important that no Muslim-inspired names are used like Mehmet or Ali. There are however also gender-neutral names in nouns, for example the name Deniz meaning sea, or the name Ülkü meaning ideal. Surnames are often nouns, like Kaplan meaning tiger, Demirci meaning blacksmith, Avci meaning hunter, or Özdemir meaning pure iron. Finally, the War-Name is made of a poetic phrase like "The crimson sea crashes onward" or "The violent moon rises" or "Reaching daggers fly free". This name is both used as a formal announcement, a name in which the Savaşanlar take pride, but also to intimidate and call out enemies during battle, sometimes recited in the Savaşanlar own language, though often also spoken in the language of the people who they seek to conquer.

Religion

All Savaşanlar Ailor are without exception followers of Dragon Worship with a heavy emphasis on the War Dragons. They acknowledge other Dragons as Godly and Divine, but because the War Dragons are both their creators, rulers, and most divine presence, they are held above all others. It is effectively impossible for the Savaşanlar to disregard these Dragons, because they are so intricately linked with their history, and have proved their divinity time and time again. Though, for those who spend long enough in Regalia, a fondness for some other Dragons found around the world may eventually settle, holding them in near-equal esteem. The Savaşanlar are eradication fanatics, meaning they have a completely hostile attitude towards anything Occult, regardless whether it is their fault that they are Occult. This connects well with the Darkscale and Red Hunter Archon, which is why the War Dragons are sometimes loosely seen as allies to the Fire, Heart, and Bronze Dragons.

World View

• Slavery as found in the Regalian Empire or beyond is a very strange concept to the Savaşanlar, who enact a policy of Blood-Tax on their minority cultures and peoples. Rather than clasping them in chains and dragging them off at random, the Savaşanlar select the firstborns of any family, and provide good education and integration into the family unit, essentially raising loyal household bodyguards and stewards. Slaves are not treated like property, but rather a divine right and duty from both sides of society, while the Savaşanlar slaves end up being wealthy and well taken care of, often even retaining inheritance rights of their own.
• The Savaşanlar have a well known sweet tooth, taking dishes like Baklava and Savaş Delight with them from their homeland, and popularizing them in Regalia. The Savaşanlar have been trickling into Regalia for nearly 100 years, so these sweets are already well established among many bakeries.
• The Savaşanlar are very keen on hygiene and physical health, being very common guests at bath houses, and particularly Eronidas bath houses. These bath houses are used by the Savaşanlar both as relaxation and for general health purposes, but also serve as a great location to scout out potential sparring partners or opponents for duels.
• Savaşanlar have a form of Draconic worship involving a ceremonial danced known as Sema. It is a form of meditation, involving holding a weapon in both hands, raising the arms up, wearing white robes, and spinning in circles while chanting the War Dragon Lessons, with rhythmic music playing in the background.
• Savaşanlar cannot apply the Blood Tax in Regalia because it is not legally enforceable (and because children are not really born in Roleplay), so the act of applying the Blood-Tax in Regalia is more of a contract agreement between the Savaşanlar to protect the individual, in exchange for that individual doing some kind of service for the Savaşanlar.
• A lot of Savaşanlar who come to Regalia often end up being completely broke, because their understanding of finances is limited, with their slaves taking care of accounting at home. Some end up working as bodyguards, others end up opening bakeries or kebab houses, with some hilarity ensuing when some kind of Occult comes in to try and order a Döner.
• Savaşanlar culture feels very serious about food. One of the worst offenses given to a Savaşanlar, is not to eat free food that is offered by them. Meat is a strong component of Savaşanlar cuisine, with a heavy emphasis on lamb and beef, as pork is considered unclean. Yoghurt goes on and with everything, no questions asked.
• Family gatherings between Savaşanlar involve family members exchanging war stories and combat victories, while competing over the title of the most seriously wounded in glorious battle. Children are often left to their own devices during such engagements, or are given toy-swords to play with.
• The Savaşanlar hold grudges like no other, and will refuse to be on speaking terms for decades over something trivial. Every Savaşanlar person knows at least some relative who refuses to speak to their parents or siblings over something really silly.
• Partnership is a big deal in Savaşanlar society. If a Savaşanlar brings home a prospect partner, it becomes a major occasion with extended family being invited, free food and music, and a whole display of gifts and events planned. Outside of these engagements however, they rarely see their grandparents, to whom they only ever interact with over food, or to be called fat (even when in fact they are very muscular).
• Coffee remains "reading" for fortunes is common among Savaşanlar women, who often also have coffee evenings where they consume stove-boiled coffee. Savaşanlar coffee tends to be much more viscous and strong than coffee found in Regalia, which they consider "muddy piss-water". Regalians don't have anything on Savaşanlar tea culture either.
• Every Savaşanlar child is disciplined with a slipper. Slippers evoke fear and loathing in the Savaşanlar.
• The Savaşanlar often pour some liquid, either a drink or just water from a flask, over the floor before departing somewhere or accompanying someone on a journey. This is considered a gesture of good fortune and safe travels.
• The Savaşanlar in general take time very slowly, which explains why some of them may have completely abandoned their duty towards the War Dragons in seeking a cure for the strange ailment that has befallen them. What Regalians do in minutes, they can take hours to do. When a Savaşanlar says "I will be right there", they mean "I may be there in a few hours".
• The Savaşanlar are very emotionally expressive. While most Ailor Cultures are very reserved, the Savaşanlar want everyone to know how they feel, and especially want it to become everyone else's problem if they feel upset, or are unable to handle their feelings both in a positive and negative way.
• Because of the high standard of hygiene among the Savaşanlar, they can be very judgemental of other Races, and particularly those which they consider unclean (which basically means everyone except the Eronidas and Urlan who spend hours grooming their fur).
• Savaşanlar culture is very much a macho culture, with smoking in particular being a large part of expressing bravado. The Savaşanlar in general consume a lot of cigarettes, made worse in Regalia where they are far more accessible than what is imported from Dexai back in the homeland. Somehow, the Savaşanlar believe smoking is a sign of manhood.