Aylea (Ilarion Enviroment)

Capital

Pax Valyn

Government

Republic

Leaders

1 Princeps Senatus, 12 Senators

Deities

Heliosa, Phoebus

Language

Aylic

Population

34,860,000

Diversity

75% Ayleans, 7% Lave Landere, 6% Bjerg Folke, 5% Dwarves, 4% Thamiri, 3% Minotaurs

Ancient law and tradition, tempered by military pragmatism, define most aspects of life and conduct in Aylea. Strict social etiquette is observed among the wealthy and politically active. Marshal law is frequently employed to circumvent the slow, pondering pace of bureaucracy.

The massive slave trade has caused the loss of employment for the lower classes, resulting in increasing poverty. There is more than just a visual dichotomy between the opulence, excess, and luxury of the ruling class and the filth, squalor, and misery of the lower class: education, meals, entertainment, and even outlook are vastly different. A peasant uprising or slave revolt would be bloody and disastrous. Both are imminent.

Geography

The Mountains region is in brown, the Valley Basin is in green and the Lowlands region is in orange.

Aylea can easily be divided into three regions based on its geography: the mountains, the valley basin, and the lowlands.

The Mountains

The hills and mountains are dotted with mines and quarries as brave Ayleans work to uncover the hidden riches buried in the earth. As the men are often miners or soldiers, the young and old tend to flocks of sheep and goats while the women grow gardens in clay pots. Gladiatorial arenas are common in this area, but pit fighting is looked down upon as having no honor and offering no glory.

Geographical Features

Parvus Mountains
Situated in the center of the Valley Basin, this small mountain range houses the capital on its southern face. The Parvus (PAR vus) Mountains form most of the northern border of Aylea. There is much volcanic activity in this small mountain range.

High Guard Mountains
The High Guard Mountains form the western border of Aylea. High cliffs mixed with loose rock slide areas make this range difficult, but not impossible, to pass.

Wolf Peaks
The Wolf Peaks form the eastern border between Aylea and Crisania. There are a few high passes aside from the Wolf's Den Pass, but these are likewise maned by Crisanian forces. Scattered dwarf trees and scrub brushes are the most predominant features. Caves and mines are common in these mountains.

The Valley Basin

Filled with monsters, like Catoblepas, Basilisks, and Manticores, and flooding annually the valley is a difficult and dangerous place to scratch out a living. Fishing, logging and gathering wild plants make up the majority of work in the area. True gladiatorial arenas are very rare in this area, but pit fighting is quite common.

Geographical Features

Hirudo Mire
This leech-infested swamp is a dangerous patchwork of bogs, deep water, and thick vegetation. The Hirudo Mire is located in the heart of the valley basin.

Black Water River
The Black Water River runs through the west of the Parvus Mountains to the Lowlands. It is ruff and swift in the rainy season but calms during the dry season. silt is ever changing its path but also brings valuable minerals.

The Lowlands

Life in the lowlands is much more idyllic, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and fertile farmlands. Logging, farming, and herding are among the most common professions. Gladiatorial arenas can be found in large cities, but pit fighting is almost unheard of and considered quite scandalous. The Lowlands are often referred to as the breadbasket of the nation.

Geographical Features

Wolf Peaks
The Wolf Peaks form the eastern border between Aylea and Crisania. The foothills are home to many vineyards. Caves and mines are common in these mountains.

Black Water River
The Black Water River runs through the center of the Lowlands to the sea. It is wide and calm and while it floods in the rainy season it is rarely ever severe. The river makes for fertile land and easy trade.

Cities

Pax Valyn is marked with a star.

All Aylean cities have at least one administrative building (legislative and judicial may be housed together or separately), a military training ground (with single-story barracks), an open-air marketplace, a jail, and a colosseum.

Agrios Domitus (ah g ree ohs DOM ee tus)

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The northernmost of the two largest settlements in the Valley Basin, Agrios Domitus' population swells every spring to nearly 500,000 as the mountain runoff floods the swampy valley. The population is primarily Ayleans, with Dwarves and maybe Minotaurs, so you will hear Aylic and Sprache on the streets. The city is known for fishing and a white soapstone monolith sits at the center of the city. The streets are laid out in such a way that the monolith can be used as a sundial. For fun, citizens will play a ball game similar to lacrosse. They claim their globuli (sweet fried cheese curd) is the best.

Aureuspolis (OW rey us poll is)

Aureuspolis stands where it does because of the many small spring-fed ponds and rocky tors that create natural walls around the city. Owing to its natural beauty the city is home to many artists and poets. Aureuspolis is therefore liberally endowed with grandly-carved stone buildings, statues, and fountains.

Aurumzia (OW rum zee ah)

Famed for its gold production Aurumzia is the southernmost city of the mountain region. An aqueduct of red stone brings water down from a frigid lake. The main gate into Aurumzia is made of iron but covered in gold.

Aquila (AH quill ah)

Aquila was built on a series of cliffs and has three massive dwarven lifts connecting them. Perched atop the highest cliff is an elaborate temple to the gods. The streets are paved with large flat stones, many of which are carved with images directing travelers to various important sites and businesses.

Coronoplis (coo roh noh plis)

Coronoplis is laid out like a compass, streets radiating out from a central circle. In that circle stands the administrative buildings. Eight wide roads shoot off in the Cardinal and Primary Inter-Cardinal directions. Superimposed on the radial street pattern are concentric ring-roads, in ever widening circles.

Horazia (hor ah zee ah)

Located in an old, vast rock quarry Horazia looks like a dry gully breaking the low rock cliffs that face a deep lake. Great iron gates set into building walls can close off key streets in the event of an invasion.

Lido di Marinus (li doh dee mar in us)

Lido di Marinus the nation's sole seaport.Situated on the many islands created by the river’s delta it is as unlike an Aylean city as it gets. It has no city wall, the streets are all wide and as straight as possible, and each island is connected by multiple drawbridges to its neighbors. Docks surround each island on all sides.

The Flotsam is a collection of forty decommissioned ships, chained together and permanently anchored, that has become home to hundreds of the cities poorer residents. This tangled mass of timber, rope, and canvas hosts a robust black market and crime syndicate.

Cuisine in Lido di Marinus

Common Ingredients

Meat: Trout, anchovy, eel, seabass, swordfish, sole, tuna, lobster, squid, shrimp, octopus, sea urchin, cuttlefish, scallops, mussels, oysters, clams
Dairy products: Pecorino (a soft or semi-firm cheese depending on age) is made from ewe's milk and is the most commonly used cheese.
Herbs and spices: Basil, rosemary, wild marjoram, cumin, fennel, and garlic are the most commonly used but trade has made many others readily available. Imported herbs and spices are used more and in greater variety.
Grains: Bread is largely replaced by beans and legumes, only a small piece from a plain, white, unsalted loaf is used to sop up leftover sauce, broth or juices. Rice is also used more frequently.
Legumes: Lentils, chickpea, black bean, kidney bean, black-eyes bean, broad bean, garden pea, and grass pea
Vegetables: Artichokes, pimentos, beets, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, leeks, onions, zucchini, squash, truffles and wild mushrooms
Fruits: Cherries, dates, melons, figs, grapes, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat, citron, oranges, blood oranges, mandarin oranges, peaches, plums, and pomegranates.
Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, sesame seeds and peanuts
Greens: Arugula, chicory, grape leaves, lettuce, cabbage, algae, kelp, seaweed, and puntarella.
Dressings and sauces: Fish sauce, chili oil, olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt, and vinegar. Bottarga, the dried roe of mullet, served grated as a sharp, fishy seasoning.

Common/Popular Dishes

Breakfast

Breakfast is served at dawn. Soup is a common main dish, and olives, mixed cut fruit, and cold cuts common sides. Fruit juice, tea, or espresso are the most common drinks served.

 Honey Almond Ricotta Spread With fruit (sliced fruit, typical peaches of apricots, honey mixed with sliced or crushed almonds and ricotta. can be used as a topping for pancakes or to dip the fruit in)

 Shakka (eggs are baked with a slew of veggies, typically onion, garlic, and peppers, topped with feta cheese and fresh herbs, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This is an import from Thebia)

 Tuna Salad (baked tuna, flaked and mixed with capers, sliced olives, diced roasted red peppers, parsley, and black pepper then dressed with salt, lemon juice, and olive oil then served in a fresh green leaf)

 Cucumber rolls (thinly sliced cucumber, tzatziki, bell pepper, onion, and feta)

 Kakavia (a Crisanian fish soup made from the smallest fish caught by fishermen, along with olive oil, onions, and saffron)

 Onion soup served with vinegar

 Greens boiled in a clear stock made from shellfish (Can be served as a soup, or with flatbread)

 Eggs scrambled with olives, zucchini, prosciutto, and crab meat (often served in the crab shell)

 Baklava (nuts and lard are layered into phyllo and baked, then drizzled with honey)

 Spinach pie (spinach, feta, lard, and olive oil are layered into phyllo and baked)

Lunch

A small lunch is eaten in the late morning and often consisted of eggs, bread, cheese, and the leftovers from the previous day.

 Cured Meat Platter (served with olives, pepperoncini, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, various cheeses, and vegetables in oil or vinegar. In Lido di Marinus, anchovies, various smoked fish and shellfish are included)

 Frittatas (a baked dish with vegetables, cheese, and meat in an egg mixture)

 Bruschetta (bread spread with salt and olive oil, topped with sausage, or vegetables and mozzarella)

 Polenta with sausage, eggs, and cheese

 Salads (leafy greens are optional, cheese is not)

 Stuffed peppers (stuffed with a mixture of bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, herbs, and sausage)

 Grilled vegetables tossed in salt and olive oil

 Ribollita (a hearty soup made with cannelloni beans, cabbage, kale, and leftover bread. A poor man's soup)

 Focaccia di Recco (Thin sheets of focaccia bread filled with a creamy layer of Cresenza cheese)

 Involtini (any outer layer wrapped around a filling typically bite or two bite-sized. Wrappers are usually meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables, with fillings like cheese, vegetables, cured meats, and nuts)

Dinner

The main meal served in the evening. For the wealthy, it can last until well into the night, especially if guests are invited. A proper dinner consists of nine courses: Drinks (alcoholic for the men), appetizers, first course, second course, side dish, cheese and fruits, dessert, coffee, and digestives.

 Zucchini flowers filled with mozzarella cheese and game meats, battered and deep fried

 Whole peppers stuffed with a mixture of bread crumbs, sausage, and cheese then baked

 Whole artichokes filled with minced garlic and parsley then cooked in olive oil

 Clear broth with dumplings

 Rice with cabbage (flavored with little pieces of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese crusts, that slightly melt while cooking)

 Oxtail stew cooked with celery, clove, and bitter chocolate

 Polenta with sausage, eggs, and cheese

 Gnocchi Carrati (flavored with bacon and pecorino cheese)

 Oven-baked layered dishes of sliced eggplant, zucchini, and/or squash with mixed cheeses (feta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella or a local cheese) and scallions, artichokes, mushrooms, basil, garlic, and ground meat (may be omitted if necessary)

 Saltimbocca (veal is wrapped with prosciutto and sage then marinated in wine or oil)

 Mussels stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice

 Steamed mussels prepared with parsley, onion, bay leaf, white wine, olive oil, and saffron sauce

 Cod cooked in a pan with potatoes, olive oil, garlic, parsley, onion, red pepper, salt, and black olives

fisherman's risotto (prepared with various types of clams, squids, and cuttlefishes, with shrimps and a broth made from the boiling of seafood shells)

Side Dish

 Deep fried sliced zucchini dressed with vinegar and fresh mint

 Fried eggplant dressed chili peppers and vinegar

 Sliced peppers pan fried with black olives and capers

 Leaf vegetables pan-fried with oil, garlic, and chili pepper

 Very finely shredded cabbage and carrot and dressed with salt, lemon juice, and vinegar dressing

 Cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, 

 Brussels Sprouts sautayed in olive oil and pork fat

 Roasted vegitabls with Parmigiano

 Roasted mushrooms in a browned butter, garlic and thyme sauce

 Grilled asparagus 

Desserts

Ayleans rarely indulge in sweets (outside of fine dining), but when they do they prefer either cakes or confections made with dried fruit and nuts.

 Tiramisu (made of sponge cake fingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, flavored with cocoa)

 Turrón (a nougat confection, typically made of honey, sugar, and egg white, with toasted almonds or other nuts)

 Marron glacé (a chestnut candied in sugar syrup and glazed)

 Pignolata (a soft pastry, covered in chocolate and lemon flavored syrup/icing)

 Penuche (a fudge-like candy made from brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk, nuts especially pecans, can be added)

 Panettone (a sweet bread loaf that contains candied orange, citron, and lemon zest, common among the lower classes)

 Pandoro (a sweet yeast bread, served dusted with vanilla-scented icing sugar made to resemble the snowy peaks of the Parvus Mountains)

 Cassata (round sponge cake moistened with fruit juices or liqueur and layered with ricotta cheese and candied fruit)

 Bombolone (a filled doughnut)

 Biscotti (twice-baked almond biscuits, always served with espresso)

Festival/Holy day Foods

 Pevarini (a cookie made with molasses, lard, white pepper, and flour)

 Ricciarelli (a type of macaroon made with almond flour, sugar, honey, and egg white)

 Marzipan (a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal)

 Baxin (a sweet made of anise seeds, sugar, flour, and lemon)

 Pignolo (a macaroon made with almond paste and studded with golden pine nuts)

 Zeppola (a pastry consisting of a deep-fried dough ball topped with powdered sugar, and filled with custard, jelly, cannoli-style pastry cream, or a butter-and-honey mixture)

 Pasticciotto (a type of pastry filled with either ricotta cheese or egg custard)

 Panna cotta (sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and molded, may be aromatized with coffee, vanilla, or other flavorings)

 Struffoli (deep fried balls of dough about the size of marbles, typically glazed with honey and rolled in cinnamon, and bits of orange rind)

 Diplis (a sweet crisp pastry made out of dough that has been shaped into thin twisted ribbons, deep-fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar)

A species of small green crabs are harvested during the few hours they are soft shelled and fried is an annual treat in Lido di Marinus.

Snacks

 Cured olives

 Flatbreads topped with olive oil, mozzarella, and basil leaves

 Dorate e fritte (vegetables that are deep-fried with flour and egg, the richest version adds pieces of liver, ricotta, and cow's brain)

 Fried Onions

 Panino (a roll or flatbread cut in half and filled with sliced meat, cold cuts, sliced or shaved cheese, and leafy greeds and/or fresh herbs. Can be grilled)

 Carciofi all giudia (fried artichokes)

 Ciambelle (a chewy cross between bread and a pretzel with fennel seeds throughou)

 Fried motzzarella 

 Fried Ravioli (giant ravioli filled with a cheese, broccoli rabe, sausage, and cherry peppers then fried)

 Polpette (meatballs)

 Cicenielli (tiny baby fishes, either steamed and dressed in oil and lemon or deep-fried in a light dough, with little pieces of some sea algae)

cuppetiello di pesce (mix fried fish both small cuts and small whole fish, mixed fried seafood and a lemon wedge)

Beverages

wine is commonly consumed (alongside water) at meals, which are rarely served without it, though it's extremely uncommon for meals to be served with any other drink, alcoholic or otherwise. Wine is normally mixed with water immediately before drinking since the fermentation is not controlled and the alcohol grade can be high. Wine is also often flavored. Beer is considered vulgar.

 Espresso (very strong coffee, often diluted before drinking. Beans are roasted medium to medium dark in the north, and darker as you move south)

 Rosemary Limeade (lime juice, honey, rosemary, and sparkling water or water)

 Cold-brew Hibiscus Tea

 Blackberry and Sage Sparkling Water

 Sparkling Peach Punch (green tea, lime juice, peaches, honey, basil, mint, and sparkling water)

 Sangria (wine, pomegranate juice, cinnamon sticks, black tea, honey, thinly sliced orange, lemon, lime, and apple)

 Basil Lemonade Punch (lemon juice, basil, green tea, and honey)

 Amaretto (liqueur that tastes like sweet almonds)

 Caffe Macchiato (Espresso with milk) 

 Lemon and Cream (cream or yogurt, sparkling water, and lemon juice)

sheets of apricot paste which is dissolved in water to make a cooling drink.

Lucruma (loo krum ah)

Centered on an old fort (now housing the jail, barracks and training grounds), Lucruma has a series of three high walls linked by ramparts. The main street of the city passes through three huge ornate gates. A moat has been dug around the city, though in the summer months it is dry.

Luxpolis (luhks pol is)

The westernmost city in the nation, Luxpolis is renown for natural hot springs and mineral baths. This high-walled city sits atop an immense hill. The tops of the walls are planted with grass and the walls themselves resemble a cliff face.

Nerva (ner vah)

Known for apple orchards and the best pie and cider in all the land Nerva has many large stockyards, market areas, and caravan marshaling areas just outside the city walls.

Othozia (OH tho zee ah)

Othozia is a nondescript cluster of gray stone buildings, jammed together without parks or trees to break their gloom. The narrow and maze-like streets are set with many drains leading to large sewers to cope with the annual flooding. Visitors will look for landmarks in vain, there are none.

Pax Valyn (paks vay lin)

Seemingly carved from the very mountain Pax Valyn overlooks the valley basin. A wide zigzagging road flanked by tall buildings leads from the city gate to the massive fortress which houses both the administrative and military power of the city, including the Senate.

During the annual floods in the valley basin, the population swells to one million.

Seneca (Sehn ehk ah)

Built on and around a cluster of tall, flat-topped rock formations, Seneca has a large city square and it’s outer wall encircles a lake and a good deal of farmland.

Government

Each city in Aylea has a praetor and a magistrate. The magistrate is an elected official that handles the administrative needs of the city. The praetor is a military position and is responsible for protecting the city and upholding the law. The magistrates' jurisdiction only extends a mile outside the city, but the praetors' extends as far as fifty miles.

The thirteen largest cities also have a senator who is appointed by the city's magistrate. The Senate, lead by it's most senior member, runs the nation.

Those that live in the cities are considered citizens with full rights while those living outside the city are considered laborers. This difference is because outside of the magistrate’s jurisdiction there is little tax collection. Any laborer can become a Citizen by serving in the armies of Aylea for a five-year period.

The national colors are gold and green, and the national symbol is the eagle.

Foreign Relations

Crisania: There have been ongoing border skirmishes in the Wolf's Den Pass for the last two hundred years. In the last twenty-five years, the trade road has been open more often than it has been closed. (Enemy, Cessation of hostilities)

Thebia: Trade with Thebia is good. (Neutral, Peace)

Fjallheim: Border relations are tense but not violent, trade is fair. (Enemy, Cease-fire)

Halcyon: Border relations are good, trade is fair. (Neutral, Peace)

Dao Ming: Trade is good. (Neutral, Peace)

Military

Aylea has a standing army of 30,000 soldiers – mostly infantry and cavalry – and a reserve pool nearing 345,000 persons in times of emergencies.

Boasting one of the most powerful militaries of any nation on Ilarion, Aylea is surrounded by mountains that hamper troop movements.

Law

Aylean Law defines property, contracts, and crimes.

Trial Procedure

In most civil and criminal cases, a magistrate defines the dispute, cites the law and refers the problem to a judge. The judge, along with some advisors, listens to the arguments of the attorneys, weighs the evidence, and pronounces the sentence. Citizens have the right to appeal legal cases to the capital, while the others have to rely on local magistrates.

Crimes and Punishments

Arson: Burned alive.
Assault: This includes brawling. Slaves are flogged or executed, free persons are flogged or sentenced to physical labor, and citizens are flogged.
Forgery: Slaves are executed, free persons are flogged and fined, and citizens are fined or banished.
False testimony: Slaves are executed or crucified, free persons are flogged and fined or executed, and citizens are fined or banished.
Kidnapping or unlawful detainment: Slaves are executed, free persons are sentenced to physical labor, and citizens are sentenced to physical labor.
Murder: Slaves are crucified, free persons are executed, and citizens are banished (or executed if the victim is their father or the head of their family).
Rape: If the victim is slave a fine is paid to the slave owner for damage of his property. If a slave commits rape they are executed, unless it is against another slave, then they are flogged. If the victim is an unwed woman free persons are fined and/or flogged, and citizens are fined. If the victim is a married woman free persons are flogged, sold into slavery and/or executed, and citizens are fined, flogged, sold into slavery and/or executed depending on the woman's social standing. If the victim is a child the punishment is crucifixion (this is one of two crime a citizen may be crucified for). If the victim is male it is a civil matter unless the victim is old or infirmed, then it is treated as assault.
Slave revolt: Crucifixion
Theft: Slaves are executed, free persons are flogged and pay damages five to ten times the object's value, and citizens pay damages five to ten times the object's value. If restitution cannot be made the thief is sentenced to one year of physical labor per 10 gp of the items cost. If the item cost more than 100 gp the thief is sold into slavery.
Treason: Slaves are crucified, free persons are crucified, and citizens are executed.
Unlawful assembly: Slaves are flogged, free persons are flogged and/or fined, and citizens are fined.
Unlawful use of magic or use of arcane magic: Use of arcane magic is considered to be treason, but even citizens may be crucified for it. Unlawful use of non-arcane magic is almost always handled by the church. Execution or Crucifixion are the most likely punishments, but minor offenses have been known to be punished with the loss of the right hand or arm.

Banishment: More than mere exile, banishment strips a person of their citizenship and even the most basic protection of the law. Foreigners are afforded more rights than the banished. If you are marked as banished anyone can do anything to you without fear of reprisal.
Crucifixion: A crossbar with a hole is tied to the arms across the shoulders, the criminal is led out of town to a pole. The crossbar is fitted onto the top of the pole and the feet are secured with a leather thong. The criminal is left on the pole until decomposition sets in, then they are put to the pyre.
Execution: A varied punishment, the manner of execution is essentially up to the judge to determine. The praetor or magistrate may alter the method but not the sentence (unless they push for retrial in the capital). All executions are public and most are made into a spectacle. Fighting in the gladiatorial arena (either man or beast) is common, as is simple beheading. If fighting in the arena one may be forced to fight until death or have the opportunity to be purchased as a gladiator.
Fines: If fines cannot be paid on time the criminal is sentenced to one month of physical labor per 1 gp of the total fine. If the time would exceed ten years the criminal is sold into slavery.
Incarceration: Lesser crimes are often punished by serving time in the local jail. No more than ten months time may be served in jail, those with longer sentences are ship off to labor camps where they serve food and make repairs to the camp's structures.
Physical Labor: Physical labor is really two distinct punishments, labor and hard labor. Shorter sentences, no more than two years, can be carried out over a longer span of time on public works projects. Long sentences and hard labor sentences are carried out either in the military or at work camps.
Public flogging: Carried out with a whip, cane, or switch a flogging is administered in bouts of no more than fifty a week (twenty to thirty for women).

Slavery

Slaves, whether they are prisoners of war or debtors, are commonplace. Slaves earn a small wage for food and clothing and may save their coin to purchase their freedom. However, their owner is free to ask whatever price they wish.

Slaves have few if any rights at all. They are thought of and treated like merchandise. However, slaves do cost money to buy so many of their punishments do not inflict lasting damage; the lash being the most common. The next is to be branded on the forehead.

History

Flag of the Seven Kings.

-171 - 72 Rule of the Seven Kings

King	Year	Event
-171 - -133 - Gaius & Germanus Twin grandsons of the warrior king Aelius Junius Cassius, Gaius Horatius Otho and Germanus Horatius Otho, ruled together. According to legend, they were nursed by a she-wolf after their mother died in childbirth. It is more likely that they were nursed by a prostitute, as 'Lupa' is the Aylic word for both she-wolf and prostitute. While Germanus saw to the running of the kingdom, Gaius lead many campaigns to expand their territory; acting more like a general than a king. Only Gaius' successes were well documented, his greatest defeat is largely known about because of the unusual ransom.
	-171	Founded Pax Valyn. They raise a golden two-headed wolf on a green field as their standard.
	-170 - -154	Gaius makes several successful campaigns against neighboring city-states, extending the kingdom's territory greatly.
	-159	Germanus sets up a temporary housing district for the refugees displaced by the Valley Basin's annual flood. This becomes their permanent refuge.
	-144	Gaius is defeated by Silvanus Balbus Caesonius ransomed back to his brother for 1,000 wolf pelts
	-133	Cassius, Germanus' eldest son, negotiates Silvanus joining the kingdom, later that year Gaius & Germanus abdicate the throne to him.
-133 - -91 - Cassius Horatius Otho Cassius is credited with many of the ancient religious conventions of Aylea. In an effort to make the Ayleans less war-like, he diverted their attention with religious spectacle and terrifying omens from the gods. organized the people into guilds based on the occupation of the members whatever their origin, to stop them from identifying first as coming from the city-state of their forefathers instead of as Ayleans.
	-126	There was an eclipse as Cassius lit the pyre of a brilliant general and dear friend of his uncle. Cassius proclaimed that the gods embraced to meet the man together, the greatest honor.
	-117	A cult to the succubus Lylia springs up among the poor and the slaves
	-108	A massive forest fire caused a shortage of lumber, and workers
	-102	Kingdom doubles in size when Cassius married his eldest son to the daughter, and only child, of Vitus Varius Regulus, a warlord from the south.
	-95	The slaves rebel under the influence of Lylia, and are crucified for it.
-91 - -60 Lucius Horatio Otho Lucius doubled the population of Pax Valyn by conquering a city-state on Aylea’s border and moving much of the population to the capital. He required the conquer nobles to join the cavalry.
	-86	A Plains fire caused famine
	-82	A volcanic eruption pushed a great deal of iron ore to the surface. It devastated nearby towns.
	-76	The city of Aquila broke away from the kingdom.
	-71	A cult, worshiping a hydra, rises to power
	-67	An invasion is foiled by a brave and fleet-footed sheepherder delivering news in time for the army to be mobilized. He is allowed to marry Lucius’ youngest daughter.
	-63	Lucius assigns a praetor to keep the peace in each major city under his rule
-60 - -35 Regulus Horatius Otho Regulus commissioned the construction of a great many bridges. He also established the annual games in the capital to coincide with the end of the flood season.
	-52	A prisoner rebellion at a quarry led to a year-long campaign. Eventually, the prisoners were recaptured and either put to death or made slaves.
	-49	Formed a Senate; the magistrate of each major city in the kingdom would send a representative to the capital to inform and counsel the king.
	-41	Led a successful campaign to reclaim Aquila, he continued to conquer two more cities.
	-37	Slew the Hydra, bringing prosperity to the kingdom.
-35 - 2 Junius Horatio Lucius Junius, Regulus' nephew, commissioned drainage projects to alleviate the troubles of the annual flood.
	-30	Used economic pressure to bring Nerva under the kingdom’s rule
	-23	After squashing a peasant rebellion he gave citizenship to all persons born within city walls
	-15	Rooted out and executed the last vestiges of the Hydra cult
	-6	Conquered the last of the city-states that make up modern Aylea
	-5- -1	Joins the other nations in a five-year push to eradicate the Giff.
	-1	Receives a grievous injury in the final battle that never fully heals, despite clerical treatment.
2 - 45 Vitius Horatio Lucius Vitius was cruel and temperamental. He ruled through fear and intimidation.
	9	Vitius declares the worship of Melanthia as the official religion.
	19	Begins restricting the rights of non-ethnically Aylean citizens.
	27	Many non-ethnically Aylean citizens and laborers flee the kingdom due to heavy taxes and harsh treatment.
	34	Riots break out in many cities, temples to Melanthia are set ablaze. The rioters are crucified by order of Vitius regardless of citizenship.
	45	Publicly declared insane and deposed by his eldest son, Varius.
45 - 72 Varius Horatio Lucius Each of the Senators stabbed him, to share the guilt of his murder equally in the masses cried out for their blood. It is believed that the tipping point for the Senate was the rape of a member's beloved cousin, whether by Varius or one of his sons is unknown.
	52 - 72	Waged war with Crisania.
	60	Civil unrest and supply shortages become widespread problems
	66	There is open talk or revolt in the streets, Varius responds by raising taxes on the poor and lowering them for the wealthy.
	72	Assassinated by the Senate. The Republic is born. Peace is negotiated with Crisania.

72-368 Early Republic

Princeps Senatus	Year	Event
72-115 - Claudius Aetius Rufus A decisive and fair leader, he established the Princeps Senatus' role as more of an overseer and not one of a tyrant.
	72	The Kingdom of Aylea becomes the Republic of Aylea. The Nation's flag is changed from a two-headed wolf to a two-headed eagle.
	80	A major eruption in the Parvus mountain range threatened the capital and cut-off access to the city for three months.
	89	Claudius ordered the extermination of all Jibade living in the kingdom due to their use of Giff artifacts.
	92	Minotaur villages spring up in the mountains
115-155 - Tacitus Sergius Vibius Tacitus lead the nation in an unprecedented 40 years of peace. He focused the nation's resources on improving the productivity of the farmlands rather than mindless incursions into neighboring lands.
	127	Tacitus created an alliance of senators from the plains to look out for the interests of farmers and other laborers that provide food to the nation
	131	The Senate writes The Codex de Legibus, Aylea's basis of all future laws.
	145	A colony of basilisks establishes a foothold in the valley basin
	151	The basilisks population increases dramatically. Tacitus calls for them to be hunted down.
155-181 -Tiberius Severus Nonus Tiberius enforced religious reform and increased the kingdoms defence. He was known for his caution and forethought.
	158	Spearheaded a purge of the unfaithful within the temples of Heliosa.
	163	Sent an invasion force into Crissania, around the southern end of the Wolf Peaks.
	174	Ordered massive fortifications around the nation's border.
181-218 - Regulus Vespasianus Pontius Not well liked by the people, Regulus was a hard man who made many unpopular decisions for the good of the nation.
	185	Minotaurs are pushed out of land ownership in favor of ethnically Aylean citizens.
	191	Raised Taxes on the middle class and the wealthy.
	198	Commissioned a massive fleet to invade Crisania. Construction problems ended the campaign before it began.
	203	Minotaurs move to the plains due to oppressive laws
	209	A cult assumes control of Othozia
	215	A massive fire destroys Othozia
218-254 - Maximus Marcellus Manius Viewed as a weak leader his time as head of the Senate was fraught with internal strife.
	224	Raider activity rises along the Black Water River
	231	Successful campaign to against Fjallheim.
	238	A failed peasant rebellion resulted in a massive fire in the capital.
	250	Minotaurs that live outside of city walls do not pay taxes to the magistrate are only subject to the rule of the praetor.
254-287 - Loukios Horatius Faustus More successful in his civic endeavors, Loukios was still passonate about expanding the nation's borders.
	255	Admited sons of freedmen into the Senate. He also asserts the right of freed slaves to hold office.
	269	Commissions the first of many roads and aqueducts.
	276	Improvements in farming lead to bountiful harvests
	283	Failed push to acquire more Fjallheim territory depleted the nation's wealth considerably.
287-328 - Crispus Cassian Balbus Crispus spearheaded both increases trade and an aggressive push against Crisania. He used the additional wealth to fund the nation's army.
	292	Leveys a tax on guilds, and a series of tariffs on luxury goods to increase the nation's wealth.
	301	Successfully defended against a Fjallheim invasion force.
	305	Steady trade with Thebia begins
	317	Aylea begins long-term aggressions with Crisania, with a concentrated campaign to secure the Wolf Den Pass.
	324	Many citizens move to the south due to oppressive laws requiring them to serve additional military service.
328-368 - Augustus Claudius Brutus Augustus focused his energies on internal problems. He strengthened the nation through public works and improved military training.
	335	Construction of large public baths in all major settlements was commissioned.
	343	Commissions a warship to protect the port city Lido di Marinus from pirates.
	347	A hag’s corpse was found hanging from the main gate of the capital. It is unknown where it came from or who slew it, but Augustus’ wife was never seen in public afterward.
	355	The homes of four members of the Senate are burned to the ground by a group of malcontents
	357	The arsonists were brought to justice but there was much debate over their punishment. Eventually, they were burned at the stake.
	363	Established a colony on Prospeculor Island.

368-596 The Modern Age

Princeps Senatus	Year	Event
369-413 - Cassius Aetius Rufus
	376	Orders the posting of important news in public spaces. The Daily Acts, written on metal or stone, include details of military victories, lists of games and gladiatorial bouts, and birth and death notices.
	379	The trebuchet was invented and deployed in the Wolf Den Pass.
	388	Commissioned an Observatory in Aquila
	392	Introduced a government-run postal system
	404	Concrete was invented
413-459 - Horatius Gaius Lucius
	419	Ordered the proceedings of the Senate to be made public, posting it with the Daily Acts.
	428	Began programs for subsidized food, education and other expenses for the needy.
	430	Invention of the lathe
	442	Ordered massive repairs to the roads and highways
	446	After a particularly mild winter and a dry spring the summer was fraught with wildfires both in the lowland plains and the mountain forests.
	452	Invaded Thebia, but found the harsh desert too difficult to hold
459-502 - Regulus Severus Nonus
	469	A visiting diplomat from a Halcyon dies under mysterious circumstances, straining relations
	472	Criminal activity rises in urban areas, Regulus responded by instituting a curfew.
	480	A plague strikes the kingdom, killing many.
	491	Relations break down with Halcyon resulting in a war
502-537 - Augustus Balbus Pontius
	504	A record harvest increased trade with Thebia.
	516	New ideas acquired via peaceful contact with Thebia result in an increase of academic pursuits
	530	The Crown of Gaius, lost when he was defeated by Silvanus Balbus Caesonius is discovered within a ruined fortress.
537-577 - Crispus Claudius Brutus
	541	Three generals try and fail to overthrow the Aylean republic
	546	A massive vein of iron ore discovered in the southern reaches of the High Guard Mountains.
	556	New Irrigation techniques increase prosperity in the kingdom.
	560	A shrine to a forgotten, possibly Giff, deity is discovered.
	577	Crispus is assassinated
577-present - Tiberius Sergius Vibius
	582	Completion of a massive Coliseum in the Aylean capital
	586	Following a publicised incident, the kingdom rulers enact laws that severely restrict certain members of society
	592	A peace accord is reached a with Fjallheim, opening trade between the two
	596	Massive earthquakes shake the region.

Society

Status is very important to Ayleans. They value external and internal honor equally. External honor is basically prestige and/or reputation, while internal honor is doing the right thing while being fair and honest. It is very important to respect your betters.

While the caste system is technically no longer law, it still exists in practice. Slaves (mostly prisoners of war) at the bottom with no rights and little in the way of protections. Laborers (free men who live outside of the cities) are next and while protected by the law they cannot enter into contracts. Citizens (free men that live in cities) are near the top with both greater protections under the law and rights like forming a contract, or access to civil court. There is little legal distinction between patricians (landowners and politicians) and citizens, but they are often given preferential treatment even in legal proceedings. There are no laws that prevent moving between castes: a slave can be freed, a laborer can join the military to earn citizenship or relocate to the city and pay more taxes, a citizen can purchase land or run for office.

Mannerisms and Customs

Ayleains tend to not initiate eye contact with those of higher social standing, as a sign of respect. Wealthy Ayleans almost never make eye contact with their servants. However, when speaking with an equal it is important to maintain eye contact while talking, otherwise, Ayleans will think you are hiding something.

Personal relations are scrupulously maintained with loyalty highly valued, especially in families.

Last names and appropriate titles should be used until one is specifically invited to use their first name.

Ayleans are very expressive and gesture frequently while speaking.

Punctuality for business meetings is expected and tartiness is seen as rude. However, at social events, being up to half an hour late is perfectly fine.

Drinking without eating is rare. Hard drinking is unusual and not appreciated. Even mild intoxication is considered ill-mannered. Women drink very little.

Burping is considered extremely vulgar.

If giving gifts, quality is of the utmost importance. A single glass of fine wine or piece of quality chocolate is preferable to a high quantity of mediocre sweets or wine.

Ayleains talk with their hands a lot. To avoid accidentally hitting someone in a moment of excitement they tend to stand at arm's length, even for intimate conversations.

Greetings

On the first introduction, a handshake is usual, although not necessarily firm or a measure of strength.

Ayleains greet friends and acquaintances, with two light kisses on the cheek, first the right and then the left. The gesture is repeated upon leaving as well.

Superstitions

Never wish an Aylean 'Good luck', it's bad luck. Instead, say 'Into the wolf's mouth', they must respond with 'Let the wolf die'.

Thirteen is a lucky number, but seventeen is unlucky. The numerals XVII can be rearranged to spell VIXI meaning 'I have lived' a line that is commonly used to begin and end of recitations of personal histories for the deceased.

Spilling salt or olive oil is bad luck. To fix it throw a pinch of the spilled salt over each shoulder, or dab a bit of the spilled olive oil behind each ear.

Touch a piece of iron to avoid tempting fate.

Sexism

Even though they worship Heliosa the men of Aylea see women as weak. Men inherited the goddess’ strength and battle prowess. Thus they believe that the goddess favored her sons.

A woman does not speak in the company of men. A woman’s place is at home and a woman’s job is to produce strong male heirs. Cooking and child rearing is woman’s work, although cleaning can be done by either gender. Women cannot carry weapons or be trained how to fight. An unwed woman with no male relatives to take her in can be taken in as a slave. All prostitutes in Aylea are slaves. Women cannot own property, but they can own slaves and livestock. A good man will treat his wife with respect and strives to find a good husband for his daughter. He will give his wife an allowance to buy food, livestock, slaves, and finery.

Marriage and Family

Marriage is often arranged, and both parties must seek their own father’s permission to wed. Both parties must be adults (15), and they cannot marry more than one person at a time. Divorce is unheard of. So, a great deal of care is taken when selecting a marriage partner. The bride and groom cannot be closely related. In general, marriage is forbidden between relatives four times removed, and between anyone connected by marriage. Thus, you cannot marry your fourth cousin or your sister's husband's brother.

Clothing

Men and boys wear a knee-length tunic (chilton), either sleeveless or short-sleeved, with a wide shawl-like cloak over it. Rich or important men, that are citizens, will dress in a long toga.

Women and girls wear a longer (often ankle-length) tunic under a neck to ankle stola, high-waisted and fastened at the shoulders with clasps. Rich women wear long tunics made from expensive cotton or silk. They accessorize with jewelry and make-up, strong perfumes and elaborate hairstyles.

Children wear a bulla, a necklace with a pouch that contains amulets or charms to protect from evil spirits. Boys wear the bulla until they become men and girls wear them until marriage.

Wool is the most commonly used fiber in Aylean clothing. Black wool is used for workers' clothes as it hides stains. Silk is prized amongst the wealthy. Linen, made from flax or hemp, is used as undergarments or work clothes; it is less popular as it resists dyeing. Nettle or poppy stem are sometimes interwoven with flax, to produce a glossy smooth, lightweight, and luxuriant fabric.

Colors are used to indicate rank. Only the Princeps Senatus can wear a solid purple garment and only the Senators can wear a garment with a purple border. Reds, yellows, blues, greens, and browns are all very common. Black is less desirable but not difficult or expensive. Dark blues are popular among the wealthy, as they look similar to purple. Many people will wear the colors of their favorite chariot racing team.

Architecture

For safety reasons, no building in Aylea can be taller than seven stories. Most buildings are only one or two stories tall; made primarily of brick faced with plaster and marble. With the advent of concrete high domes have become the norm on temples and government buildings. Columns, mosaics, and frescoes adorn most buildings, inside and out. Spiral staircases are a common feature; as are hypocausts, an underfloor heating system.

Art

Stone carving and statuary of heroic figures, busts, and historic moments are the most common forms of artwork in the nation. Bird motifs are also common, as are alligators, bears, and lions. It is rare to find insects depicted in Aylean artwork as they represent death, illness, and nature (nature is to be conquered and put to use serving the needs of people). Sex scenes are often kept in private collections but are considered scandalous to display.

Paintings are rare in Aylea as canvases can draw moisture. Tile mosaics are used to portray landscapes in homes and civic buildings. nature scenes can also be painted directly on walls in drier areas.

Entertainment

Gladiatorial arenas are common, as is pit fighting. Going to the Colosseum is a fine way to spend a day while attending a pit fight is crass and for the lower classes. Chariot racing and athletic competitions are equally common. Women are allowed to view these events but not participate in them.

Brothels and gentlemen's clubs are acceptable places for men to spend their time and coin. Bars, pubs, and taverns are like restaurants, for the poor. Street prostitutes are considered to be like rats, carriers of disease.

Swimming, whether in a public bath or a local river, is a common pursuit. There is a wide variety of ball-games, most played on a standard sized court called a sphaerista.

Plays and recitals are quite common, different theaters will compete to put on the best version of the most popular play of the season. The weathly prefer plays with complex plots and deeper philosophical meanings, while the poor favor cheap laughs and simple morality plays. Historical plays are at least moderatly popular with everyone.

Music is often practiced at home, and a singer, while popular entertainment in resturants and taverns, will rarely find fame.

Games

Card and dice games are very common and there is no distinction made between children's games and adult's games.

Senate - Typically played by two people on a 12 by 8 grid, with 12 plain tokens and one special token to a side. To capture an enemy token, simply flank it. To win, capture the opponents special token. Advanced players arrange their pieces all over the board to start (rather than lined up on each end), which requires more strategy.

There is a four-player variation of Senate. The players split one set of plain tokens, the other set is set up in the middle of the board surrounding the special token. They take turns placing or moving one token to capture the other pieces. The special token counts for three tokens. The player with the most tokens at the end wins.

Three little Stones - a two-player game on any square grid three or more to a side. Tokens are placed or moved one at a time until either the board is full or one player gets the side size in a row diagonally, horizontally or vertically.

Gambling

Gambling is an acceptable pastime. while care must be made not to overindulge as long as one can cover their bets no competition or game of chance is off limits to betting. Bookies are well respected, and honest businessmen.

Festivals

Gladiatorial games, chariot races, and athletic competitions are common to all festivals during the day. Music and recitals are common at night. Individual cakes, dried fruit and nuts stewed in honey and wine, cured olives, fried vegetables, and grilled meats are common fair for festivals.

Common Festivals

Pyre Blessing - Each year after the thaw, but before the first blooms a Festival of the Dead is held at the pyre grounds were the departed are remembered and given offerings. The grounds are purified through animal sacrifice. Observing these ceremonies ensures that the deceased will rest happily.

Spring Equinox - Friends and neighbors exchange well wishes and gifts of figs and honey with one another in the hope of gaining good fortune for the new year. Most Ayleans also chose to work for at least part of New Year’s Day, as idleness is seen as a bad omen for the rest of the year.

Summer Solstice - The festival begins with six runners running the six miles to the temple. A procession follows bearing food offerings and new clothes for Heliosa. The statue of the goddess is cleaned and dressed in this new finery. If she is pleased the harvest will be bountiful. After dark offerings of wine are made to Phoebus so that rain will come to the crops.

Autumn Equinox - Offerings of the first-fruits of the earth are given to the goddess in thanks for a bountiful harvest. Branches of olive bound with wool are hung by children near the doors of houses to ensure a good harvest. During the day wrestling matches and other athletic competitions are held. At night poetry is recited and music is played.

Republic Day - A play reenacting the death of Varius Horatio Lucius is performed at midday in the forum. From there a parade is held from the forum to the pyre, where his effigy is burned (sometimes the effigy is a two-headed dog). Actors wearing masks of the Seven Kings recite their own eulogy. After extinguishing the embers with water or wine, all people present sing a patriotic song as they are sprinkled with pure water three times. The ashes are dried by cloth and smudged on each person's forehead as they leave. The government buildings are purified by scrubbing every surface with warm water.

Winter Solstice - Community members come together to clean, clear snow from, and sanctify the funeral pyre grounds. They then light the pyre and give prayer to the gods. They tell stories of deceased relatives and ancestors. A play is usually performed about important local figures.

Illness, Death and the Pyre

When someone dies, the eyes of the deceased are closed, the body is washed with warm water, anointed, and its limbs are straightened. If the deceased held an office, a wax impression of his face is taken. The body is dressed in a toga and placed on a funeral couch with its feet facing the door. Flowers are placed around the couch and incense is burned. Pine and cypress branches are placed around the door to show that death has polluted the place.

Within three days the body is carried to the pyre grounds (Funerary pyres are forbidden within city walls), surrounded by family, neighbors, and friends. At the head of the procession is a band of musicians, followed by people singing dirges, actors wearing masks of the deceased's ancestors.

A son or a near male relative usually gives the eulogy – recounting the history, and achievements of the deceased – but a public authority may give it for a well-known person. If it was not held in the Forum, the eulogy is given privately at the house or the pyre site.

For the poor, a shallow trench is filled with dry wood and after the cremation is over, dirt is heaped on the ashes. The wealthy are placed in a sarcophagus and burnt on a pile of wood. Spices, perfumes, gifts, and tokens are often thrown on the burning pyre.

After extinguishing the embers with water or wine, all people present say a final farewell. Pure water is sprinkled three times over the people, and only the immediate family stay. The ashes are dried by cloth and placed in an urn of clay, glass, alabaster, or bronze. The home is purified by scrubbing every surface with warm water.

After nine days the immediate family returns to the pyre grounds, with bare feet and retrieve the ashes. After ten months of mourning the ashes are spread according to family traditions. For children ages 3-10, the ages would be equal to the months of mourning.

Sickness and Medicine

The Four humors The human body is filled with four basic substances: Blood (produced exclusively by the liver), Yellow bile (Excess causes aggression), Black bile (Excess causes depression), and Phlegm (associated with apathetic behavior). When they are in balance a person is healthy. All diseases and disabilities resulted from an excess or deficit of one of these four humors.

Ayleans believe mental illness is caused by an imbalance of the humors. Many healers tend to think that mental illness is a symptom of disease and treat it as such. Those suffering long-term mental illness are looked after by their families, or they ended up on the street.

Ayleans are great believers in a healthy mind equaling a healthy body. There is a belief that if you kept fit, you would be more able to combat an illness. Rather than spend money on a healer, many Ayleans spend money on keeping fit.

They believe that illnesses can have a natural cause and that bad health can be caused by bad water and sewage. Personal hygiene is also a major issue in the day-to-day life of Ayleans. Most settlements contained a public bath of some sort. The entrance fee for the baths is extremely small to ensure that no-one forgoes bathing because it is too expensive. The sick are encouraged to bathe as it is believed that this will help them to regain their good health. All settlements have public toilets which are flushed clean by running water, as well as extensive drainage and sewage systems.

Ageing

The privileges granted to the aged generally take the form of exemptions from duties rather than positive benefits. At the same time they are both permitted and expected to continue to participate actively in society for as long as they are able.

Sixty is generally regarded as elderly, and any death after seventy is considered a natural one. Most senators are in their 40s or 50s. Most communities note the risks in giving power to men subject to the potential liabilities of old age.

Education

While the poor in Aylea do not receive a formal education, many still learn to read and write. They also tend to disdain the teachings of philosophy.

Children from rich families are taught by a private tutor at home or attend school. Lessons begin at dawn. School is attended seven days a week, but not held on holidays, festival days, or during the harvest season. Philosophy is a common subject, alongside history and a more practical trade.

Schools are rarely an individual building but an extension of a shop separated from the crowd by a curtain. Girls are generally taught in the home. Formal education is mostly for boys and can be quite brutal. The slightest offense or an incorrect answer may be met with a birch switch. Children up twelve are taught to read and write and to do basic mathematics, with an abacus, a stylus, and a wax tablet. Older children go to more advanced schools where they study specific topics.

Cuisine

Salt is the fundamental seasoning; it is so necessary an ingredient that it has become a metaphor for intense mental pleasure. The Aylean word for salt is a synonym for wit.

Most people in the cities live in apartment buildings that lack kitchens; a shared cooking facility might be available in a ground-level common area. A charcoal brazier can be used for rudimentary cookery such as grilling and stewing in a pot, but ventilation is often poor and braziers are fire hazards.

Prepared food is sold at pubs and bars, inns, and food stalls. Some establishments have countertops fitted with openings for pots that keep food warm over a heat source. Carryout and restaurant dining are for the lower classes.

Since restaurants cater to the lower classes, fine dining can only be found at private dinner parties in well-to-do houses, or at banquets hosted by social clubs. The private home of an elite family will have a kitchen, a kitchen garden, and a trained staff with a chef, a sous chef, and kitchen assistants.

Mills and commercial ovens are usually combined in a bakery complex, where customers may either buy bread or bring in their own dough to be baked.

Among the members of the upper classes, it is customary to schedule all business obligations in the morning. After lunch, the last responsibilities are discharged, and a visit is made to the baths before dinner. For the poor, traditional routines correspond closely to the daily rhythms of manual labor.

Common Ingredients and Dishes

Common Ingredients

Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, mutton, goat, wild game, duck, goose, chickens, small birds, and trout. No portion of the animal is allowed to go to waste, resulting in blood puddings, meatballs, sausages, and stews. Rural people often cure ham and bacon. Sausages are made from a mixture of ground meats, herbs, and nuts, with eggs as a binding ingredient, and then aged in a smoker. Fish is eaten very rarely, except in Lido di Marinus where fish and shellfish are the main sources of protein.
Dairy products: The milk of goats or sheep is thought of as superior to that of cows. Fresh and hard cheeses, regional specialties, and smoked cheeses are all very common. Butter is disdained by most Ayleans. Lard is used for baking pastries and seasoning some dishes.
Herbs and spices: Basil, coriander, cumin, fennel, garlic, and juniper berries are the most commonly used but trade have made many others readily available. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pepper, and saffron are the most commonly used imports.
Grains: Bread is a mainstay and eaten with almost every meal. It is mostly made from wheat but also rye, millet, barley, and emmer. Millet is considered poor food, used to feed slaves and livestock. Rice is a recent import.
Legumes: fava beans, lentils, chickpea, black bean, kidney bean, bitter vetch, broad bean, garden pea, and grass pea
Vegetables: artichokes, beets, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, leeks, onions, peas, rutabaga, sweet peas, truffles and wild mushrooms
Fruits: berries, cherry, dates, figs, grapes, lemon, lime, oranges, peach, plum, and pomegranate. Apricots and sweet melons are common imports.
Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, sesame seeds, cashews, pecans, macadamia nuts, and chestnuts. Fruit and nut trees could be grafted with multiple varieties.
Greens: arugula, chicory, grape leaves, lettuce, and puntarella.
Dressings and sauces: Fish sauce, highly regarded in for its distinctive flavor, can be used as a seasoning during cooking, in place of salt, as a condiment, or sauce. Olive oil is used only for raw vegetables and - occasionally - to fry. Sweeteners are usually honey or wine-must syrup; cane sugar is an exotic ingredient used as a garnish or in medicines. Vinegar dressings are used for salads.

Common/Popular Dishes

Breakfast

Breakfast is served at dawn and is commonly accompanied by cheese, dried fruits, honey, boiled eggs, and/or olives. Fruit juice, wine, or espresso are the most common drinks served.

 Bread soaked in egg and fried

 Wheat pancakes

 Torte (a baked layered dish with an egg mixture and flaky crust)

 Cornetti (a bread-like pastry similar to a croissant, but filled with a dollop of chocolate, jam, lemon curd, or a paste of ground nuts and honey)

 Crespelle (very thin pancakes that are made from a batter of flour, eggs, and  milk or water, rolled, folded, or stacked with a savory or sweet filling)

 Meat-Filled Omelet Roll (typically ham and a soft-cheese)

 Tramezzini (a triangular sandwich of soft white bread, with the crusts removed, made with mayonnaise, then plied with various cold cuts and other toppings)

 Ciambella (a ring cake made with lemon juice and zest, yogurt, and honey.)

 Grilled, sliced meat or sausage and bread 

 Bread soaked in wine (for the poor on the go)

Lunch

A small lunch is eaten in the late morning and often consisted of eggs, bread, cheese, and the leftovers from the previous day.

 Cured Meat Platter (served with olives, pepperoncini, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, various cheeses, and vegetables in oil or vinegar. In Lido di Marinus, anchovies, various smoked fish and shellfish are included)

 Frittatas (a baked dish with vegetables, cheese, and meat in an egg mixture)

 Bruschetta (bread spread with salt and olive oil, topped with sausage, or vegetables and mozzarella)

 Polenta with sausage, eggs, and cheese

 Salads (leafy greens are optional, cheese is not)

 Stuffed peppers (stuffed with a mixture of bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, herbs, and sausage)

 Grilled vegetables tossed in salt and olive oil

 Ribollita (a hearty soup made with cannelloni beans, cabbage, kale, and leftover bread. A poor man's soup)

 Focaccia di Recco (Thin sheets of focaccia bread filled with a creamy layer of Cresenza cheese)

 Involtini (any outer layer wrapped around a filling typically bite or two bite-sized. Wrappers are usually meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables, with fillings like cheese, vegetables, cured meats, and nuts)

Dinner

The main meal served in the evening. For the wealthy, it can last until well into the night, especially if guests are invited. A proper dinner consists of nine courses: Drinks (alcoholic for the men), appetizers, first course, second course, side dish, cheese and fruits, dessert, coffee, and digestives.

 Zucchini flowers filled with mozzarella cheese and game meats, battered and deep fried

 Whole peppers stuffed with a mixture of bread crumbs, sausage, and cheese then baked

 Whole artichokes filled with minced garlic and parsley then cooked in olive oil

 Clear broth with dumplings

 Rice with cabbage (flavored with little pieces of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese crusts, that slightly melt while cooking)

 Oxtail stew cooked with celery, clove, and bitter chocolate

 Polenta with sausage, eggs, and cheese

 Gnocchi Carrati (flavored with bacon and pecorino cheese)

 Oven-baked layered dishes of sliced eggplant, zucchini, and/or squash with mixed cheeses (feta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella or a local cheese) and scallions, artichokes, mushrooms, basil, garlic, and ground meat (may be omitted if necessary)

 Saltimbocca (veal is wrapped with prosciutto and sage then marinated in wine or oil)

Side Dish

 Deep fried sliced zucchini dressed with vinegar and fresh mint

 Fried eggplant dressed chili peppers and vinegar

 Sliced peppers pan fried with black olives and capers

 Leaf vegetables pan-fried with oil, garlic, and chili pepper

 Very finely shredded cabbage and carrot and dressed with salt, lemon juice, and vinegar dressing

 Cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, 

 Brussels Sprouts sautayed in olive oil and pork fat

 Roasted vegitabls with Parmigiano

 Roasted mushrooms in a browned butter, garlic and thyme sauce

 Grilled asparagus 

Desserts

Ayleans rarely indulge in sweets (outside of fine dining), but when they do they prefer either cakes or confections made with dried fruit and nuts.

 Tiramisu (made of sponge cake fingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, flavored with cocoa)

 Turrón (a nougat confection, typically made of honey, sugar, and egg white, with toasted almonds or other nuts)

 Marron glacé (a chestnut candied in sugar syrup and glazed)

 Pignolata (a soft pastry, covered in chocolate and lemon flavored syrup/icing)

 Penuche (a fudge-like candy made from brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk, nuts especially pecans, can be added)

 Panettone (a sweet bread loaf that contains candied orange, citron, and lemon zest, common among the lower classes)

 Pandoro (a sweet yeast bread, served dusted with vanilla-scented icing sugar made to resemble the snowy peaks of the Parvus Mountains)

 Cassata (round sponge cake moistened with fruit juices or liqueur and layered with ricotta cheese and candied fruit)

 Bombolone (a filled doughnut)

 Biscotti (twice-baked almond biscuits, always served with espresso)

Festival/Holy day Foods

 Pevarini (a cookie made with molasses, lard, white pepper, and flour)

 Ricciarelli (a type of macaroon made with almond flour, sugar, honey, and egg white)

 Marzipan (a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal)

 Baxin (a sweet made of anise seeds, sugar, flour, and lemon)

 Pignolo (a macaroon made with almond paste and studded with golden pine nuts)

 Zeppola (a pastry consisting of a deep-fried dough ball topped with powdered sugar, and filled with custard, jelly, cannoli-style pastry cream, or a butter-and-honey mixture)

 Pasticciotto (a type of pastry filled with either ricotta cheese or egg custard)

 Panna cotta (sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and molded, may be aromatized with coffee, vanilla, or other flavorings)

 Struffoli (deep fried balls of dough about the size of marbles, typically glazed with honey and rolled in cinnamon, and bits of orange rind)

 Diplis (a sweet crisp pastry made out of dough that has been shaped into thin twisted ribbons, deep-fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar)

Snacks

 Cured olives

 Flatbreads topped with olive oil, mozzarella, and basil leaves

 Dorate e fritte (vegetables that are deep-fried with flour and egg, the richest version adds pieces of liver, ricotta, and cow's brain)

 Fried Onions

 Panino (a roll or flatbread cut in half and filled with sliced meat, cold cuts, sliced or shaved cheese, and leafy greeds and/or fresh herbs. Can be grilled)

 Carciofi all giudia (fried artichokes)

 Ciambelle (a chewy cross between bread and a pretzel with fennel seeds throughou)

 Fried motzzarella 

 Fried Ravioli (giant ravioli filled with a cheese, broccoli rabe, sausage, and cherry peppers then fried)

 Polpette (meatballs)

Beverages

wine is commonly consumed (alongside water) at meals, which are rarely served without it, though it's extremely uncommon for meals to be served with any other drink, alcoholic or otherwise. Wine is normally mixed with water immediately before drinking since the fermentation is not controlled and the alcohol grade can be high. Wine is also often flavored. Beer is considered vulgar.

 Espresso (very strong coffee, often diluted before drinking. Beans are roasted medium to medium dark in the north, and darker as you move south)

 Rosemary Limeade (lime juice, honey, rosemary, and sparkling water or water)

 Cold-brew Hibiscus Tea

 Blackberry and Sage Sparkling Water

 Sparkling Peach Punch (green tea, lime juice, peaches, honey, basil, mint, and sparkling water)

 Sangria (wine, pomegranate juice, cinnamon sticks, black tea, honey, thinly sliced orange, lemon, lime, and apple)

 Basil Lemonade Punch (lemon juice, basil, green tea, and honey)

 Amaretto (liqueur that tastes like sweet almonds)

 Caffe Macchiato (Espresso with milk) 

 Lemon and Cream (cream or yogurt, sparkling water, and lemon juice)

Commerce

Imports: beef, cotton, dyes, glassware, leather, jewels, marble, perfumes, silk, spices, wine, and other luxury items.
Exports: grapes, grain, metal weapons and tools, olive oil, papyrus, pottery, timber, wine, and wool.
Currency: Aylean currency consists of gold, silver, bronze, orichalcum (a golden-colored bronze alloy) and copper coinage called denarius (dee nar eh us, plural: denarii). Each coin is worth 10 times the lower denomination. Denarius are not bullion, the value of a coin is slightly higher than its precious metal content. Tesserae are tokens, of cheap metal, the needy can use to buy price-controlled goods, such as corn, oil, wine, bread, and pork. Vendors then exchange them for gold or an equivalent reduction of their taxes.
Taxation: Taxes paid by individuals range from 2 to 5 percent of income and property, as well as a poll tax and may be paid in cash or with goods. An inheritance tax of 5 percent is assessed when citizens above a certain net worth leave property to anyone but members of their immediate family. Revenues from the estate tax and from a 1 percent sales tax on auctions go toward the veterans' pension fund. There is a 4 percent tax on the sale of slaves paid by the purchaser. An owner who frees a slave pays a "freedom tax" of 5 percent of the slave's value.

Traits

The following are regional traits for Aylea:

Child of a Praetor: You are a scion of one of the noble families of Aylea and are well versed in maneuvering through the cutthroat world of politics. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Knowledge (society) and Sense Motive checks. Select one to be a class skill for you.

Freed Slave: You were either born or sold into slavery, but were freed by you master, either for good service or bought with your own coin. Your strong will helped you persevere in captivity, and gave you strength to start again from nothing in your new life. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Will saves.

Ex-Gladiator: You must be male to take this trait. You have fought in the arena. Your training and your struggles have taught you how to survive combat and how to win the support of the crowd. Select one of the following skills: Acrobatics, Influence, or Perception. You gain a +1 trait bonus to that skill, and it is always a class skill for you.

Legion: You must be male to take this trait. Having fought for Aylea's military, possibly even in the Wolf Den Pass, you have learned how to fight and live in cramped conditions. Aid Another actions grant your allies a +4 bonus, additionally, you begin play with a free short sword, and gain +1 to all attacks and combat maneuvers made with such weapons.

Gilded Cage: You must be female to take this trait. As the daughter of a noble house, you enjoy both a life of privilege and relative anonymity. Men are free with their words around you, their wives and daughters are trusting of one of their own. You gain a +2 trait bonus on Influence checks to gather information, and can do so in half the normal time. In addition, Influence and Knowledge (society) are always class skills for you.

Unseen: You must be female to take this trait. You were or are a servant in a noble house. The art of being unobtrusive as you go about your assigned tasks was rigorously drilled into you. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Stealth checks, and Stealth is always a class skill for you. This trait bonus increases to +2 in urban areas.

Gear

The following is a list of gear commonly available in Aylea:
Weapons: Cestus, Chain, Spiked, Club, Dagger (Pugio), Drusus (Masterwork Gladius), Gladius (15g, 1d8 x3 3lbs.P/S), Great Club (Barbarian class only), Hand Axe, Javelin (Pilum), Longsword (Spatha; only used by the cavalry), Net (Gladiators only), Mattock, Quarter Staff, Sap, Scythe, Short Bow, Short Bow, Composite, Short Spear, Sickle, Sling, Spear (Hasta), and Trident (Gladiator only).
Armor: Leather Armor, Studded Leather, Chain Shirt (Lorica Hamata; standard for infantry), Breastplate (only worn by Officers), Banded Mail (Lorica Segmentata; army only), Greaves (See Piecemeal Armor), Shield, small wooden, Shield, large wooden (Scutum), Military Belt (See Piecemeal Armor).
Adventure Gear: Basket, Wicker, Bedroll, Cloak Bag, Cooking Kit, Flint and Steel, Furca, Hand Saw, Mess Kit, Net Bag, Sarcina, Satchel, Leather, Shovel, Soap, String (50 ft.), Trail Rations, Turf Cutter, Waterskin.

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