Halcyon (Ilarion Environment)

Capital

Izamir

Government

Monarchy (Democracy)

Leaders

1 King, 30 Princes, 21 Hosts

Deities

Helis, Foy

Language

Şıge, Ötmek, Tale, Sprache

Population

67,815,000

Diversity

35% Şahin, 33% Doğan, 8% Lave Landere, 7% Bjerg Folke, 6% Minotaurs,5% Orcs, 3% Thamiri, 2% Badawi, 1% Aylean

In Halcyon hospitality is very important. Room for guests is considered when building a home, and tables are always set with an extra place or two.

Geography

There are two major regions in Halcyon; the savanna in the northeast, nestled between the Wandering Stone Mountains and High Guard Mountains; and the vast veldt of the southwest.

Veldt

The Veldt is a wide-open rural landscape covered in grass and low scrub with very few trees. Frost, fire and grazing animals allow grass to grow but prevent the growth of trees.

Geographical Features

Sarı Kaya (sah rree kah yah) River
A river in the north of the veldt, the bed is generally rocky but a good deal of silt is washed down from the mountains. Gold and other ore can be panned in this river.

Dönemeç (dayh ne mech) River
A broad and meandering river that is shallow, but rarely goes completely dry in the summer.

Mount Kahin (Ka hoon)
An earthen dome covered in thick vegetation and with a long, well-maintained road winding around it. Villages dot the mountainside and a grand temple sets on the summit. This mountain is a long-dormant volcano.

Savanna

The savanna is a rolling grassland scattered with shrubs and trees that do not form a closed canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the ground. The dappled light caused many of the local variety of animals to have spotted, stripped, brindled, or mottled coats.

Geographical Features

Dönemeç River
A broad and meandering river that is shallow, but rarely goes completely dry in the summer.

Taş (Tahsh) Mountains
A small chain of mountains connected to the Wandering Stone Mountains running along the northern half of the western border of the savanna.

Cities

Roads, lanes, and even alleyways are always wide enough for two horses to pass comfortably. Cities are rarely walled but often have a fort nearby. There are also carved cobblestones on the streets to collect water for birds and street animals may drink, as well as numerous fountains for horses and people. Shelters and hospitals are also a common sight.

Azkale (ahz kuh leh)

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Just outside of Azkale there is a massive glassworks. The windows of almost every building in the city have glass panes that let in copious amounts of sunlight. The fine white sand gathered from the beaches is ground even finer in an old mill on the glassworks grounds to produce nearly clear glass. The airy windows and wide winding roads give the whole city an open, spacious feeling. While the harbor is bustling the rest of the city enjoys a more relaxed pace.

Bulamli (boo luhm leh)

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Bulamli houses a large indoor bazaar and the famed Blue Garden, a botanical park and garden filled with over 1,000 poisonous plants. The Garden was planted by the current prince's grandmother after the death of her husband. The city's streets meander in a maze-like pattern; several even looping back to cross themselves. Large ornate buildings are often used as landmarks to keep from getting lost.

Dogamli (dog uhm leh)

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Dogamli has a large library complete with translations of books from other cultures, as well as original manuscripts. The broad streets are laid out in a grid-like pattern. A series of watch towers circle the edge of the city.

Limalkan (leh muhl kuhn)

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The Limalkan Observatory sits high atop a rocky tor at the south end of the city. Much of the southern half of the city is dedicated to scholarly pursuits. The north houses more factories and warehouses. While the main roads are laid out logically side roads twist and turn seemingly at random.

Elmasar (ehl muh suhr)

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Elmasar's streets are mostly straight, one or two follow the river and one arcs along the edge of old town (a remnant from when the city was much smaller). The fountain in the town square is fed by a natural spring. The bells of the clocktower can be heard throughout the city.

Huzundi (hoo zoon dee)

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Huzundi was built along a bend in the river in three distinct phases: a modest fishing village, a bustling trade hub, and finally a wealthy city. Larger houses ring the warehouses and shops that ring the docks and small homes of the original village. The opposite shore there is a fresh water clam bed.

Kamakli (kuh muhk lee)

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Situated amid sprawling hills, Kamakli is home to numerous windmills. Occasionally houses or shops have been built directly into the hills. At the center of the city is a large public garden, which boasts many songbirds year-round, and a massive swarm of fireflies in the summer.

Huzuva (hoo zoo wuh)

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Built at the foot of a tall cliff, Huzuva is overlooked by the fortress above. From the town to the fort there is a steep trail, just wide enough for a single horse to use. While the fort is stock and kept in good repair in case of a siege, it's primary function is as a winery. The city also boasts an impressive amphitheater.

Izamir (ehz uh meer)

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Izamir is a city of mist and smoke. Fog rolls up the banks of the broad river in the evenings and clings to every shadow. Smoke billows from the huge forge at the center of the city. A large enclave of Dwarves that live and mine in the nearby hills operate the forge day and night. The opulent palace of the king overlooks the city from a small bluff.

Nebiozar (neh bee oh zuhr)

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The country surrounding Nebiozar is filled with low grasses and ground covering plants, useful for little more than sheep farming. The city itself subsists mostly on fishing and the bounty of the small river it is nestled against. Because of the hard, rocky ground, there is little in the way of agriculture in the area, save for rooftop gardens.

Orharbasi (ohr huhr buh see)

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Orharbasi is home to a beautiful, sprawling library with many botanical gardens. There is an observatory just outside of the city. the library began as a memorial to a poor woman's young son. She carved shelves into an old tree and put his favorite books in them. A local smith made cabinet doors to protect the books from the weather. Then a carpenter made benches to sit upon while reading. An old widow began reading to the children, so a farmer put up a small single room building, so they could continue in the cold month. A scholar collected the rare plants from one book and made a garden to show the children. And so on.

Omuturak (ohm oo too ruhk)

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The original town was built on a hill overlooking a winding river. Omuturak spread out from that hill as the precious metals brought by the river allowed the town to prosper. It is illegal to kill white goats in the area, as legend has it that the metals are produced when they stamp their hooves on the rocks of the river bank. As such goats are a popular motif in the city. The region's goat cheese and cashmere are second to none.

Piranözü (peer uhn ayh zeey)

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Piranözü is called the city of lights. The streets are lined with blown glass lanterns hung from iron poles. A massive lighthouse keeps ships from crashing into the rocks that ring the bay. Night fishing is a common practice.

Sivzendi (swee zehn dee)

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Along the main road in Svizendi the buildings are connected together by bridges. Most of them are made of rope and timber. Children crowd onto the bridges during festivals to watch the races. The uppermost floor in any building more than three stories high can be used as a guard post for the watch.

Government

The Hosts, leaders of democratic semi-military communities, do not swear allegiance to the king rather they pay an annual tribute to him for the privilege of self-governing. Princes who rule a community do swear allegiance to the king. Şahin and Doğan communities are equally as likely to have a Host as they are a Prince.

The Host, the judge, the scribe, the lesser officials, and the clergy are all elected by the community. The people and territories are subdivided into regimental and company districts, and village posts. Each settlement, alone or in conjunction with neighboring settlements, forms military units and regiments of light cavalry and can respond to a threat on very short notice.

Princes often appoint important positions under their authority, but allow lesser positions to be elected. Any territory can remove its prince by sending him, alive and unharmed, to the capital with ten thousand akcsék and a letter of intent from the newly elected Host.

Foreign Relations

Aylea: Border relations are good, trade is fair.

Crisania: Trade is fair.

Thebia: Border relations are good, trade is good.

Fjallheim: Border relations are fair, trade is fair.

Dao Ming: Trade is fair.

Military

Halcyon has a standing army of 80,000 but can raise a militia of ten percent of the population on short notice. Halcyon is well known for its effective light cavalry. They do however have a very weak naval force.

Law

Halcyon Law defines property, contracts, and crimes. While each city is governed by its own set of laws, there are some more or less universal laws.

Trial Procedure

In Prince controlled cities: The judge is responsible for investigating all aspects of the case, then if there is sufficient evidence of guilt, deciding on a punishment. The Judge's decision is usually announced in the town center.
In Host controlled cities: Each side is responsible for conducting its own investigation. Both sides may command the attendance of witnesses. The opposing sides present evidence, examine witnesses, and conduct cross-examinations, in front of a jury of three or seven anonymous citizens called a Committee. The judge functions as moderator. In criminal cases, a Judge Advocate represents the victim and/or the community.

Crimes and Punishments

Arson, Homicide, Repeated Serious Theft, Slavery, Stealing a Horse, or Use of Arcane Magic: Execution.
Abuse of trust: The denial of receiving goods belonging to another, or the unauthorized use or misuse of such property. The penalty is six months to two years imprisonment and a fine dependent on the value of the property and any damages.
Assault:Between four months and one-year imprisonment, or a fine if the injury is minor, otherwise one t0 three years. If the victim is a family member, disabled, acting as a public official, or is injured by use of a weapon, the penalty is increased by 50%.
Causing insult: Attributing an act, or fact, to a person in a manner that may impugn that person’s honor, dignity or prestige, or attacks someone’s honor, dignity or prestige by swearing, in front of the victim or three witnesses. The penalty is three months to two years imprisonment or a fine. If the insult is committed against a deceased person or a public official due to the performance of his public duty the penalty to be imposed shall not be less than one year. If the insult is committed in public, the penalty to be imposed shall be increased by one-sixth.
False testimony: Flogging and a fine that includes any court fees or loss of wages due to trial.
Marital Rape: Marital Rape is defined as harm inflicted on the wife rather than a lack of consent. The husband is ordered to desist and pay damages.
Property Damage: Partially or completely destroying, damaging, rendering unusable, or soiling another person’s property (including animals). The penalty is imprisonment for between four months and three years or a fine dependent on the value of the property and the damages. If the damaged property belongs to the church the penalty shall be increased by one third.
Rape: The use of any kind of force is considered as a denial of consent from the victim. This includes the application of physical force, the presence of duress (such a from the threat of starvation or suffering the cold of winter), or the threat of future harm either to oneself or those close to oneself, or if the victim is unable to give valid consent, as in the case of minors, or mentally ill or unconscious persons. If the victim is a married woman or underage the punishment is stoning. If the victim is an unmarried woman the punishment is a flogging of 100 lashes and a fine equal to her dowry paid to the victim. A woman who kills a man while defending herself or another woman or child against rape is not guilty of murder.
Theft: Between one year and three years imprisonment. If the offense is committed during the night, the penalty is increased by half. The theft is considered to be serious when the value of the item(s) stolen is more than 100 gold, or its absence endangers lives; flogging is added to the sentence.

Execution: Is carried out by hanging. The property of someone put to death is not confiscated for the public treasury but handed down to that person’s heirs.
Fines: Minor crimes can be punished by fines. If the fines cannot be paid in a timely fashion one day of physical labor per 1 sp of the total fine plus one third can be substituted. Hosts and Princes may double any fine to be paid to the victim of a crime and retain up to half for the public coffers.
Flogging: Carried out with a horsewhip a flogging is administered in bouts of no more than ten a day and fifty in a week.
Incarceration: Lesser crimes are often punished by serving time in the local jail. Those with longer sentences can ship off to worksites or even mines.

Slavery

Slavery is illegal in Halcyon. It is also regarded as highly immoral, as no one would treat another person with such disregard and cruelty. Freedom is highly valued in the kingdom.

History

-341 - -206 First Dynasty

King	Year	Event
-321 - -299 Izam the Falcon Izam was born into the Kartal tribe, but he and his family were cast out after his father was poisoned by a band from the Serçes tribe. He was captured by the Baykuş tribe and held for two years before escaping with the help of a guard. He was married to Banu of the Atmaca tribe, honoring the agreement made by their fathers, and they had four sons and three daughters: Asur, Bata, Erol, Ediz, Irem, Lale, and Sule. Banu was kidnapped by the Kurt tribe. Aided by his friends Bijan, Khan of the Karga tribe and Demir, Khan of the Yarasa, Izam managed to rescue her. Izam and his friends began to drift apart, each having different ideas of how Halcyon should be run. Bijan and Izam rose in power becoming the leaders of opposing forces.
	-340 - -320	In the two decades, or so, before he became Kahn of Şahin, Izam implemented a supply point route messenger system. A chain of relay stations 14 miles to 40 miles apart, were used to give food, shelter and spare horses for Halcyon army messengers. Messengers would go to the next relay station and give the information to the second messenger and rest and let the second messenger go to the third relay station to hand the document to the third messenger. This way information or documents were constantly on the move without each messenger getting tired. Izam's armies traveled very fast, so their messengers had to be even faster, covering 125–185 miles per day. This quick relay of information was key to many of Izam's victory.
	-321	Izam defeated Bijan and had united or subdued the Yarasa, Kurt, Atmaca, Baykuş, Serçes, and Karga tribes. He was given the title Khan of Şahin.
	-319 - -311	Izam began a war against the western Doğan tribes. They allied with him or surrendered quickly. With a force of around 50,000, Izam marched to the capital city of Hisar. Izam took control of Hisar after starving the city into surrender. Kahn Basir moved the capital south to Azkale. Izam claimed the titles Khan of Doğan and Sultan of Halcyon.
	-308 - -306	Izam sent three messengers to Pharoh Kaphiri, head of the Jibade Empire (modern-day Thebia) seeking a peaceful trading alliance. One of the messengers was beheaded and his head sent back to Izam with the other two messengers. This began a war that destroyed the cities of Baghal and Khanufasa. Izam had completely destroyed the Jibade Empire and much of the population had been massacred.
	-303 -301	Izam and his victorious army made their way back to Halcyon raiding Aylea on the way. At the same time, a splinter force of 20,000 led by his sons was sent to attack southwestern Fjallheim. Though successful the splinter group was forced to winter in Wandering Stone Mountains before returning to Halcyon. Izam summoned his sons, who each controlled a part of Halcyon, to a meeting. They all complied except the eldest who had disagreed with his brothers and father over the massacre of civilians and had made an alliance against his father with Pharoh Kaphiri.
	-300	The Thamiri of western Thebia united with the Jibade to resist the Halcyians. Izam’s eldest son died, possibly poisoned for going against his father's orders.
	-299	Having taken a number of important cities, Izam succeeded in taking the Doğan capital, Azkale. Soon after the Doğan Khan surrendered. He and his family were executed. A meeting of all the Halcyon leaders was held. It was decided that Izam’s third son Erol, would be the next leader.
-299 - -272 Erol Izamzade
	-286 - -281	Under Erol, the war in Thebia continues with sieges at Nahas Nahr and Jastafar against the Jibade Empire.
	-280 - -277	Erol constructs a Halcyian capital city called Izamir.
	-279 - -273	Halcyians sack Valnidlund, invade Aylea, Talia, and southern Fjallheim. Talia is annexed.
	-272	Erol dies in a battle against Aylean forces pushing into Halcyon.
-272 - -262 Naz Ozanoğlu Izamzade
	-272 - -270	Naz, Erol's wife, becomes Regent. She works in the background to get her eldest son, Esri, the throne.
	-269	Naz orders the nation's first census. Tin-glazing of ceramics is invented.
	-268	Esri dies. Arzi, the eldest son of Ediz, is elected Sultan. Some of his relatives rebelled and Arzi kills all who would challenge him from the Asurzade and Batazade families. Arzi sends his brothers Hidir to war in the Fjallheim and Kiral to war in Thebia. His youngest brother, Orhan remains in Izamir.
	-267	Halcyon invades Aylea. Arzi dies. Kiral captures Yafir.
	-266 - -263	Hidir establishes the hastası, slaves turned soldiers. All prisoners of war or liberated slaves are trained in their ranks. Kiral defeated by Giff mercenary soldiers working for the Jibade. Both Orhan and Kiral are declared Sultan. Civil war between the two breaks out.
	-262	Kiral becomes the Sultan. Naz steps down as regent.
-262 - -236 Kiral Edizade
	-257 - -237	Yang Fu, a Dao Ming traveler, comes to Halcyon to create relations with Kiral. In exchange for Kiral's hospitality Yang Fu taught him about Jin Feng and Yin Tuzi. It was not long before Yang Fu was made a royal advisor to Kiral. Yang Fu left in -237, a year before Kiral's death, bringing a Sultan's ransom with him.
	-253	Conquered the Jibade Empire. Kiral founded an Ötmek language school.
	-251 - -235	Kiral's wife Eda dies. Kiral makes it a personal goal to take control of Thamirian Thebia because it had never been done. But as the Halcyon ships were on their way to attack a storm stuck and smashed the boats into the side of the rocky coast. Destroying the boats and killing most of the warriors. The few that did survive were found and killed. Only one man was allowed to survive and spread the word of the loss to demoralize Kiral. Several more attempts are made to invade but none are successful.
	-240	Spectacles were invented.
	-236	Kiral died from depression by turning to food and alcohol.
-236 - -206 Yusef Tansuzade Kiral's grandson.
	-231 - -227	Halcyon forces invade Thamirian Thebia. They are eventually defeated and return home.
	-225	Postal routes open for public use.
	-213	Rebellion in Jibade Empire against Halcyon rule. Yusef crushes the rebellion.
	-206	Thamirian Thebia overthrows the Halcyon rule of the Jibade Empire. Yusef and his sons are murdered by assassins.

-206 - -60 Second Dynasty

King	Year	Event
-206 - -185 Reign of Two Sultans Bahri Alimzade, is elected Khan of the Şahin, while Zand Kaş Özdemir Çoban is elected Khan of the Doğan. They agree to rule side-by-side rather than split the nation.
	-202	Laws codified into a uniformed system.
	-198	Temple built in the capital.
	-190	Bahri and Zand select an heir.
	-185	Zand dies, and Bahri steps down.
-185 - -170 Basir Farhi Özdemir Taş Khan of the Şahin, Khan of the Doğa, Sultan of Halcyon, Lord of Horses
	-182	Basir requires each Khan under his rule to pay him a tribute of one horse per hundred civilians every ten years. Most Khans began giving all able-bodied males military training in response.
	-177	Allows the sons of hastası to be trained as hastası. They are the first freemen in its ranks.
	-171	Having no sons, Basir declares his eldest daughter's firstborn son his heir.
-170 - -138 Tezer Farhiová Gürová Mother of Daughters. Tezer ruled Halcyon for 38 years and never bore a son, she had nine daughters. Many were scandalized by Tezer gifting her daughters with horses at the age of three (a custom normally reserved for boys) and training them to use swords and bows. She also trained a separate all-female palace guard, called the Evlatlık, to protect her and her children. She and her daughters treated them like adopted family. (Evlatlık means both adopted/foster child and handmaid).
	-169	Tezer's first daughter is born. Her husband's brother suggests swapping the newborn girl for his three-month-old son. Tezer banishes him from the capital city, but his wife and three children remained in the city.
	-162	Viewing a female ruler as weak Aylean forces invade. Tezer repels the invasion using only the hastası. She decreed that the hastası would answer only to the Sultan (or regent) from then on.
	-154	Due to flooding in Fjallheim, the Lave Landere begin raiding the northern border. Tezer orders the raiders captured and either recruited into the hastası or executed; while also sending aid in the form of wheat and other grains to the effected Lave Landere villages.
	-147	A bridge was constructed near Izamir. Tezer commissioned a library.
	-139	Tezer suppressed raiding Orcs in the north. Her eldest daughter's firstborn son turned twenty.
-138 - -127 Amir Demirzade Farhi
	-136	Amir selects his cousin Deniz Halimzade as his heir, to avoid the situation his grandmother was in.
	-132	Deniz is killed in a border skirmish with Aylean forces. Amir selects his cousin Izer Kadrizade as his heir.
	-129 - -127	Giff immigrate into the nation in large numbers.
-127 - -112 Izer Kadrizade
	-124	Heavy taxes are levied on the Giff, mostly on ritual items.
	-123 - -115	Giff in major cities start riots and incite other violent incidents.
	-119	Izer's eldest son is assassinated. The Giff are suspected, given the method, but no evidence as to which one could be found.
	-114	Izer banned the practice of the Giff religion within city limits.
-112 - -88 Kutsal Izerzade The Tratoir's Reign.
	-112	Kutsal makes the Giff religion the state religion and repeals the taxes on the Giff ritual items. He appoints Dmitrik, a Giff, as Grand Vizier.
	-109	Kutsal divorces his wife and marries Dmitrik's daughter. 'Thier' first child, Ignati, is born later that year and is named Kutsal's successor.
	-104	Kutsal enact's a law that allows a landowner to take as a slave anyone that owes them more than 100g and cannot pay it within a year's time. Wives and unmarried daughters are included.
	-101	The temple at Izamir if converted to the Giff religion. Worship of other gods is outlawed.
	-88	Kutsal is murdered by his wife and son.
-88 - -60 Ignati
	-88 - -78	Ignati appoints Giff to govern each city and region. Growing civil unrest breaks out into riots, and then outright rebellion.
	-81	Ignati uses the hastası to invade Thebia. The hastası are 'wiped out.'
	-78	Many flee into Fjallheim. Ignati sues for the return of his 'property.' Fjallheim Declares any Giff forces in their lands an act of war. Fjallheim armies employ Orcs and Halcyon refuges as infantry.
	-74	Ignati is forced to close the postal routes, due to the rebellion's use of it to pass messages.
	-60	Ignati is assassinated and it is revealed that, as most suspected, he was not Kutsal's child, nor were any of his siblings.

-60 - -1 The Occupation

King	Year	Event
-60 - -49 Klavdii
	-60	All humans are declared slaves of the Giff in retribution of Ignati's assassination.
	-58	The Evlatlık are turned into a haram. Many take their own lives rather than suffer this dishonor.
	-55 - -49	Klavdii regularly holds public executions of Halcyians to shake the moral of the rebellion. As time goes on the riots following each execution intensify.
	-49	The remaining Evlatlık assassinate Klavdii and his family. Every Giff in the palace is slaughtered during the riot that followed.
-49 -32 Zhivago
	-49	Zhivago, a Giff general, manages to subdue the capital, declaring himself ruler. Zhivago ignores rebellion outside of Izamir, stating the those placed in authority should handle it.
	-42	Zhivago calls a halt to the executions of rebels, instead, their tounges are cut out and the first two fingers on each hand are removed. They are sent to work in fields and mines.
	-40 - -36	After a series of brutal murders and assassinations of key officials in his ranks Zhivago finds that the calling card left behind, a handprint missing the first two fingers, is not being perpetrated by identified and punished rebels, but by women using the severed hands of their rebel husbands (who either died in the mines/fields due to being overworked or committed suicide) to leave a false trail.
-32 - -1 Yerik
	-26	Yerik attempts to eradicate the local orc population, prompting the orcs to formally join the rebellion.
	-20 - -15	Rebels capture or raze every city in the Veldt
	-14	Yerik ordered searches of human dwellings, and lists of every human are made. If a family is caught housing a stranger they are all executed. Childhood friends are called brothers, strangers become cousins, uncles, and nephews. An empty seat is always left at the table. If a rebel is caught their entire family is executed. Rebels begin using the pseudonym Izamoğlu when they are captured.
	-14 - -1	The Doğan elect a Khan called Ozan Izamoğlu. Ozan wages bloody war on the Giff. He moves across the nation scorching the earth behind him. He takes no prisoners. Giff women and children are slaughtered, their heads are sent to the Giff leaders. Humans, Orcs, and Minotaur are conscripted if they are able to lift a sword. Children as young as ten are trained to fight. Women are taught to defend cities, the young and old must tend crops and flocks.
	-4 - -1	Aid arrives from Fjallheim, the descendence of those that fleed their return to Halcyon with supplies of wheat and grains 'from Tezer.' The Giff are not pushed back, they are eradicated. Their ships are burnt completely, their temples are torn to the ground brick by brick. Halcyon is freed.

1-389 The Third Dynasty

King	Year	Event
1-21 Ozan Izamoğlu Khan of the Doğa, Khan of the Şahin, Sultan of Halcyon, Lord of Horses, Hand of the People. Ozan's reign focuses on rebuilding the nation. During this time tribute to the capital is waved, but he retained the title Lord of Horses. Building standards were established quickly.
	1	Ozan is elected Sultan of Halcyon. He appoints the other candidates as rulers of the major cities, naming them princes, and making them an official part of the line of succession. If a successor is not named then the highest ranking Prince - the Crown of Princes - is the successor. Traditionally their first eldest son takes on titles and responsibilities of Sultan and their second son becomes the Crown of Princes and takes over their Principality. Slavery is made illegal, and punishable by execution. All who dwell in Halcyon are declared freemen.
	1-5	Ozan reestablishes the postal routes. Officials are sent out to ensure proper military training for every able-bodied male. Each village or hamlet is organized into a regiment of light or heavy cavalry. He also ordered the construction of forts within a days ride of each regiment. A treaty is established with the orcs allowing them to wander throughout the countryside freely in exchange for an anual tribute.
	12	Rebuilding of the palace is completed. The Evlatlık are reformed.
	16	Establishes peaceful trade with Thebia. Vertical-axle windmill is invented.
	16-19	Builds temples in Izamir, Hisar, and Azkale.
	21	Ozan steps down and Prince Asil Tahirzade, Crown of Princes, is his successor.
21-42 Asil Tahirzade Khan of the Doğa, Khan of the Şahin, Sultan of Halcyon, Lord of Horses, Hand of the People, Crown of Princes. Only twenty when his reign began, Asil had no children, yet. His wife, Azka Azizoğlu Tahirzade, was left in Azkale as regent of the Principality.
	22	The anniversary of the Giff defeat is declared a Holiday and is celebrated with a week-long festival.
	27	Between 10,000 and 30,000 slaves migrate from Aylea to Halcyon. The Aylean government petitions for there return. Asil politely declines. He is quoted as saying, 'No man is a slave in my home, just as no man is a slave in the house of Helis.' Aylea declared war.
	32-38	Aylean forces periodically attack the borders, but cannot muster the manpower - or support back home - to breach Halcyon's defenses. Wounded soldiers left by retreating armies are cared for until they heal and given a donkey to ride back to Aylea.
42-64 Izer Asilzade
	45	Aylea sues for peace. Izer accepts.
	51-52	A cabal of wizards attempt to usurp the throne using duplicitous magics.
	56	Berik Chakoğlu founds a principality on Seahills Island. Izer refused to legitimize his claim.
	62	Izer initiates the practice of granting land to high ranking military officers.
64-103 Baki Izerzade
	65	Baki pardons a man about to be executed on the condition that he give up his old identity, and live an ascetic life of servitude. Some believe that the crime the man committed was the murder of a priest. This is the first member of the sect of monks called “the Nameless”.
	78	Baki recognizes Berik's principality on Seahills Island. As the Island does not produce horses, Baki wonders how Berik will pay him the tribute of one horse per hundred civilians every ten years. Berik responds by training the women of the island in basic combat, calling them the Seahill Evlatlık.
	91	Minotaur migrates from the north in startling numbers.
103-152 Ata Bakizade The Twins. Ata Bakizade and his sister Ece Hasadoğlu Bakizade looked so similar that they would trade clothes and masquerade as the other. It is speculated that she spent more time on the throne than he did, especially in the later years of Ata's reign. After their deaths, dressing as the Twins became popular at masquerades and during festivals.
	111	A clan of Minotaurs called the Zyr begin to provide guards to aristocratic families. They quickly earned a reputation for their honor unto death and fanatical loyalty to their employers.
	120	Ece's husband's cousin is publicly humiliated when he attempts to blackmail her, with false accusations, only to find he'd been talking to a disguised Ata the whole time. The cousin is skipped over later that year when his father stepped down as prince of Huzundi.
	127	Ata and Ece both play the role of Ata for nearly three weeks as he talks with generals about defense strategies against a rumored attack, and she dealt with the mundane troubles of the kingdom. The attack was prevented and little else is know of the incident.
	135-145	Ata commissions an academy in each major city.
	142	Ata (some say Ece) enacts a law giving widows the right to act in their husband's stead until they remarry.
	150	Ata orders an annual pronouncement on alterations to Halcyon law.
152-178 Umit Atazade
	154	The screw pump, a machine used for transferring water from a low-lying body of water into irrigation ditches, is invented.
	161	The Nameless begin accepting those that were contemplating suicide, not just those slated for execution.
	166-170	Fjallheim raiders attack settlements along the borders and down rivers. Umit employs the Tezer method of tracking down and executing the raiders while sending aid to any villages or cities that were in need of it.
	172	Using historical documents as a reference, poet Mir Aslan Haşim Kaş pens an epic retelling of the last battle against the Giff. His description of the burning ships as flickering stars on the vast ocean as a joining of hands between Helis and Foy after so long separated by Giff heresy is considered the height of romance.
	178	Jahel Demirová Kaldırımová was made the first female Prince in the nation when her husband dies.
179-215 Timur Umitzade
	181	Timur began the tradition of attendees of games and festivals cleaning the festival ground instead of using hired or criminal labor.
	195	Corrosive sublimate, also called salts of white mercury, is invented and used to disinfect wounds and treat syphilis.
	211	Tinder Twigs are invented.
215-254 Eser Timurzade
	221	Watercolor paint is invented.
	227
	233	The library of Omuturak is completed.
	239	Bridge mill is invented.
	245
254-276
		Hybrid trebuchet is invented.
276-309 Aziz Bakirzade Aziz introduced a broad range of reforms in the political, social, legal, economic, and cultural spheres.
		Orharbasi observatory
		Fritware, or stonepaste pottery, is invented.
309-351 Tahir Azizade
	Limalkan Observatory
		Hookah, or waterpipe, is invented
351-363 Erol Tahirzade Erol's reign is widely known as The Tulip period. It was a relatively peaceful period, commerce and industry bloomed. Nobles returned to gardens and the more public style of the court among the Princes. The Grand Vizier (Erol's son-in-law) was very fond of tulip bulbs, set an example for Izamir's elite who started to cherish the tulip’s endless variety in color and celebrate its seasonality as well. Tulips, from the flower markets to the arts to silks and textiles, permeated the country. The tulip as a symbol has come to be seen as a romantic monument representing the wealthy and elite, and the fragility of despotic rule.
		Watercolor rises in popularity due to the ability to paint outdoors.
		improving trade relations and enhancing commercial revenues
364-389 Eser Tahirzade
		XXX
		XXX
		XXX
		XXX
		XXX
		XXX Adopts a constitution. Princes may be deposed peacefully.

389-Present The Modern Age

King	Year	Event
389-429 Baki Eserzade
		Wove paper appeares in a published book. It is immediately sought out by artists using watercolor.
		XXX
		XXX
		XXX
		A wove paper ready-sized with gelatin is developed for use with watercolors. Sizing a sheet with animal glue, gum, or egg provides a protective coating that reduces damage caused by wetting, rewetting, and reworking.
		XXX
429-459 Demir Bakizade
		XXx
		XXX
		XXX
		XXX
		XXX
		XXX
459-486 Asil Demirzade
		The Beast of Sivzendi is said to be wolf-like, but much larger, with russet and black fur, a wide chest, a huge mouth, and giant sharp teeth. The beast was first spotted by a cattle rancher living near the city; she managed to fend the beast off on three separate occasions. It killed nearly three hundred people, mostly women, and children, over the course of three years. A force of 30,000 volunteers was organized to hunt the beast down but to no avail. Eventually, a Nameless monk went hunting the beast. Many an epic have been penned about their conflict. According to legend, he ended up shooting a giant wolf and bringing it back to the village to cut it open. When they looked inside, some accounts claim there were human remains.Though the attacks allegedly stopped, some stories claim the beast is still out there, roaming the mountainsides.
		XXX
		XXX
		Asil Demirzade died. His son had not yet been born so his wife ruled as regent.
486-507 Esra Silanzade Asilzade Queen-Regent of all Halcyon.
	489	A plague strikes the outskirts of the savanna. Aid from the capital prevented the disease spread.
	492	The library of Omuturak is destroyed by arson. The arsonist is caught and executed.
	498	Esra's decisive action puts down a Minotaur revolt.
	501	The mathematician and engineer, Medes, was assassinated in XXXLocation.
	507	Aylean forces sack Limalkan.
507-542 Ozan Asilzade
	509	A rifled musket is given to the king by the Dao emperor as a birthday gift.
	511	First printing press in Halcyon
	521	Treaty of Xlocation signed.
	536	Treaty of XxLocation signed.
542-Present Timur Ozanzade Xxx
	547	Reinstitution of the hastası as a rifleman unit, recruited from orphans, poor families, and fourth sons instead of slaves.
	561	First newspaper in Ottoman Empire (Bulletin de Nouvelles.)
	572	The Dao began peaceful trade with the Amazons.
	581	First newspaper in Omtek published by.
	591	The invention of the Flintlock gun.
	596	Massive earthquakes.

Society

Mannerisms and Customs

Greetings

Halcyonian never bow or curtsy when greeting others; they only nod their heads.

Greeting and farewells are never done in or across a doorway.

Merhaba means I am harmless and is a greeting for strangers.

Selam means peace and is likewise for those that are not well known. It is a favorite among merchants.

Among friends and family every greeting, especially after a long separation, is made with a hug and kisses on both cheeks. Kisses are also used to greet each other on the holidays.

Only ask about things you wish an honest answer to. If you ask a Halcyonian how they are, or about their health or family, they will tell you and it is considered rude not to listen.

Superstitions

Promiscuous sexual activity is caused the evil eye.

Do not turn back if you are halfway there if you realize that you have forgotten something at home or else something bad could happen to you.

If you find yourself between two people with the same name – make a wish.

If someone wishes you good luck, never say thank you. The correct answer is To the fires with it! Meaning you do not need luck, you have skill. Luck is a fickle and unreliable beast. (Many unruly horses are named Luck or some variation of it.)

It is bad luck to leave empty bottles on the table, especially alcoholic beverages. Put them on the floor instead.

If you pass under a rainbow you will change sexes.

If your neighbor or friend brings you a dish of food, you shouldn't return it empty. It bears ill tidings.

It’s unlucky to rename your horse

The shoe of a two-year-old filly placed in your butter churn will stop witches stealing your butter.

A horse found in its field all sweaty with a tangled and twisted mane and tail has spent the night being ridden by pixies

Vows taken on horseback have special sanctity and should never be broken.

A horseshoe nail (bent by a blacksmith into a circle) can be used as a talisman to ward off evil.

The tail of a horse was plaited with ribbons to keep it safe from witches

The deeper a horse dips his nostrils while drinking, the better sire he will be

Dreaming of a white horse is considered a death omen.

The horseshoe or crescent moon shape is seen as a sign of good fortune and fertility.

Witches fear horses, so they are also turned away by a door with a horseshoe mounted on it.

Gender, Marriage, and Family

While the roles of men and women are strictly divided, they are considered equal. A widow acts in place of her deceased husband. As long as a widowed woman is the head of the family, she retains all rights, including the right to decide when to grant sons their independence and patrimony. Once the family property is divided, the mother keeps and governs her share; she cannot, however, give it to someone outside the family. If she remarries a guardian is assigned to her children.

To protect her dowry a husband gives his wife a writ guaranteeing her ownership of one-third of his immovable property and thus securing her financial independence. Women are not eligible to inherit immovable property, except from their husband, because land ownership derived from military service.

Women cannot serve in the military but are trained to use crossbows, the scimitar, and daggers to defend their homes and families.

Few marry in the churches. In order to be considered wedded, a man and a woman would appear in front of a public gathering, say a prayer, and declare each other husband and wife. It is just as easy to divorce a wife by declaring that she is no longer loved. The dishonor of a divorce is removed after a new husband had partially covered her with his coat and then declared her his wife.

Clothing

Shoes and Socks

Jorabs are knitted socks with intricate patterns, often in bright or bold colors. They can be knee-high, mid-calf, ankle-length, or made as slippers.

Due to the long-standing tradition of taking off your shoes when entering a home, various types of slippers (called Terlik) are common in Halcyon. A household will have typically extras for guests. While often made of leather and soft soled, they can also be made of felt or have a stiff sole. The toes are always closed and usually pointed. Sometimes they are long and curled up, or decorated with tassels. They may be open backed (like clogs), have a small back but open sides, or fully encase the foot. Beadwork, embroidery, and embossing are common embellishments. Bright blue, red and yellow-orange are the most common colors but anything bright or bold would be acceptable and accessible.

Yemeni shoes are the most common outdoor footwear. They are constructed similarly to leather slippers, except with a rounded toe, wooden sole, and occasionally a small heel. They are typically not embellished or decorated, outside of punched-out patterns on the toe and/or sides, but are dyed in bold colors.

Mid-calf and knee-high riding boots are reserved for actually riding horses, as they are expensive. They are made out of leather with a short, curved toe, at least a small heel and an asymmetrical top (with the front taller than the back). Knee-high riding boots have nine buttons up the outside, typically of metal or bone and worked into an animal or plant motif. These can be secured by a lace that wraps around them and through tabs, or in buttonholes. Mid-calf boots have four or five buttons, as they are often less expensive or for children, the buttons are frequently glass or wood carved into simple shapes. Commonly the boots are left in their natural color, except for the panel the buttons are on and the tabs. Typically a single color is used but a gradation from a lighter shade to a darker one going down the tabs, with the panel being of the middle shade, has grown in popularity in recent years. Brightly colored piping can be added around the top and down the button panel for extra embellishment, but the lace must match the piping in this case. This is almost never done on boots with buttonholes.

Pants

Whether Şahin or Doğan, men and women alike wear baggy trousers gathered in tightly at the ankle, called Şalvar (shahl-vahr). It is fashionable in some areas for the gathered section to start just below the knee and be wrapped around the calf. Socks may be worn over the trouser legs in this case, or the legs can be wrapped in a ribbon of cloth. Some women have begun wearing them loose, or only gathering them with a drawstring sewn into the hem of the legs. The waist is secured with a cloth or leather belt, a cloth sash, a drawstring sewn into the hem, or two to four buttons on a wide waistband. Şahin women tend to sew large pockets on or near the hips, typical in the same fabric. Doğan women often embroider the gathered portion of their Şalvar.

Skirts are rising in popularity amongst women over their Şalvar; although prostitutes sometimes wear them sans Şalvar. They are usually made of light-weight fabric but in the north and the mountains they can be made of felt. Skirts may have a straight silhouette or be gathered at the waist with plenty of extra fabric to flair. They are either knee-length or ankle-length which are slit to at least the knee to make walking easier. While not typically embroidered they may be embellished by adding fringe (with or without bells or 'coins'), sheer layers, or creating a tiered effect.

Belts

Cloth belts are thin and typically tied, but can be buttoned.

Leather belts may be thin or wide and always buckle. Wide leather belts may be worn to secure coats and the like, especially if they are carrying a weapon.

Cloth sashes range from one to three feet wide (worn folded in half) and four and a half to eight feet long. A thinner sash or a leather belt can be worn over a wide one.

Tops

The most common top is a simple, long-sleeved tunic that is mid-thigh or longer and slit to the hip. The neck can be slit as far down as the waist and secured with buttons or laced up. Embroidery is common around the neck, hem, and sleeves, but may be done throughout.

A kaftan is a type of robe that is worn over a tunic by women. It has mid-length sleeves and is either open in the front and secured at the waist with a belt or sash, or done in a tunic style with buttons. They are generally made from lighter fabric than tunics. Brocade and embroidery are more common than patterns.

Vests are popular and usually have small pockets on the sides. They are usually heavily embroidered or otherwise embellished.

Jackets range from waist-length to knee-length, and sport any sleeve length and are more common among men. They are usually embroidered iether down the front and on the cuffs, or around the hem, neck, and sleeves.

Headgear

A skullcap (a round, brimless hat made of cloth) is occasionally worn by Şahin men.

A fez (a cylindrical felt hat with aflat top smaller than its bottom, occationally adorned with a tassel) is a worn by many Doğan men, and a few women. Typically they are red, but other colors can be found.

A kufi (a short, flat, circular hat) can be knitted or made of cloth or felt. It is very common for them to be embroidered. Şahin women typically wear one with several shear headscarves pined to the back.

Turbans are made from a cloth 1 1/2 ft to 3 ft wide by 3 ft to 9 ft long. Şahin men tend to wear a peaked turban, occasionally with two cloths intertwined. A flat, circular style is preferred by Doğan men, especially with a visible fez. It is considered disrespectful for a woman to wear a turban.

Headscarves are squares of fabric from 3 to 4 feet to a side. Generally, they are worn with another head covering to make a headdress, but older women will wear one by itself.

An alınlık is a metal head ornament, typically in the form of one or more connected chains. The alınlık vary by region. In the southeastern regions, the alınlık is decorated with thin metal disks that resemble coins in an imitation of the Badawi tradition of adorning their clothing with silver coins. On the coast, they are adorned with seashells. In Seahill they are a single chain clipped to the hair, or headdress, suspending an intricate gold and peral ornament at the center of the forehead.

Headdresses are typically fashioned using a fez (without a tassel) or kufi, one or more headscarves, and an alınlık. Doğan women favor the fez over the kufi. Şahin women prefer shear headscarves when making a headdress.

For Şahin women long hair is often left unsecured while Doğan women tend to keep their's either braided or short. Şahin men sport a lock of hair sprouting from the top, or the front, of an otherwise closely shaven head, the top long and the sides shaved, or short all over. Doğan men tend to have wavy or loosely curled hair of shoulder length. Beards and mustaches are common on both Şahin and Doğan men, but Şahin men are more likely to sport a long mustache and/or a full beard.

Jewelry

For Şahin women jewelry is used to indicate social status and wealth. Matching sets are more important than the actual value of the pieces; older sets that have been handed down are also preferred. A set consists of an alınlık, earrings, a necklace, two bracelets, and a ring. Silver is the most common metal used. Spheres, circles, semi-circles, and present are the most common shapes. A small gem or precious stone can be set in the necklace and ring, but otherwise, complex lace-like patterns are preferred.

Doğan women don't use lots of jewelry. A simple alınlık, a necklace of precious stones (as beads and/or set in silver), and a ring are usually it.

Jewelry always means something when a Şahin man is wearing it. Wearing gold means he is not the marrying type. Necklaces vary by type and material. Bracelets convey similar messages as necklaces but with more detail. Şahin men wear a silver crescent-shaped earring in the left ear if he is the only son in the family and in the right one if he is the last man in his family. Hoop earrings in both ears indicate he prefers men. A simple decoration pinned to the front of his turban marks him as a merchant. Rings are a show of wealth.

Doğan men wear only rings and bracelets that can be removed quickly. Both in silver bands with embossed patterns on them. A mirror-like shine is desired on any flat areas.

Additional Information

Traditional fabrics used in Halcyon are silk, velvet, linen, and felt.

Şahin women wear many layers of clothes and favor colorful stripes.

Şahin women of royal blood wear black silk brocade, a bright orange sash, and gold jewelry.

Doğan women tend not to layer. Amongst them the most common colors are red, green and yellow, and floral patterns are widespread.

Doğan women of nobility wear orange, burgundy, crimson and brown the most, with black as an accent. They prefer designs where the patterns are busiest on the hips and very sparse on the main section.

Şahin men tend to wear solid colored Şalvar, or Şalvar with smaller, subtler patterns. They preferring darker colors and reticulated patterns,

Şahin men of royal blood wear black silk Şalvar and crowns (gold for the sultan, silver for the princes)

Doğan men tend towards neutral colors and geometric patterns. They prefer diagonal stripes, quatrefoil patterns, and patterns where a set of repeating images run between intricate stripes.

Doğan men of nobility wear dark colors and do not bother with jewelry as their wealth and status should be apparent. They tend to use silver, gold, or white for their embroidery.

All men carry at least a dagger tucked into their belt. This has led it to be used in place of jewelry, so the hilt and sheath are often elaborately decorated.

Architecture

Buildings are generally brick covered inside and out by a material made of marble, lime, and plaster. Murals, frescos, and mosaics are common; almost no building goes unadorned. Most buildings have high ceilings and elaborate private gardens. Multistory buildings will have exposed-timber balconies and a pleasant view. Domed, tiered or garden rooftops are all a common sight.

Mosaics are replacing carved decoration in important public structures as brick and plaster are being used in addition to stone. Windows set with thin sheets of alabaster and elaborate courtyards are common.

Art

Epic poetry glorifying military feats and bravery are often written out in calligraphy and hung like a painting.

Simple watercolor paintings of famous battle sites, both after the battle and in present time, are immensely popular. Anyone that can afford to own one does so. It is preferred if a relative fought in the battle represented.

Entertainment

Games

Gambling

Festivals

Common Festivals

Illness, Death and the Pyre

Sickness and Medicine

Ageing

Education

Cuisine

No meal in Halcyon is less than three courses, and most are eaten in the home. Shops that serve coffee and tea are common, as Halcyoneans often take coffee between meals.

Common Ingredients

Meat: Milk-fed lamb is the most common source of protein, but beef, fish (mostly sardines and anchovies), Poultry (mostly chicken) and eggs are quite common as well. The main use of meat is the combination of ground meat and vegetables.

Dairy products: Butter, yogurt, milk (water buffalos, cows, sheep, or goats), cheese
Herbs and spices: Allspice, black pepper, cumin, mint, oregano, paprika, parsley, red pepper, and thyme.
Grains: rice, wheat
Legumes: chickpeas, beans, lentils,
Vegetables: cucumbers, Eggplants, garlic, green peppers, onions, tomatoes and zucchinis.
Fruits: The rich and diverse flora means that fruit is varied, abundant and cheap; fruit frequently accompanied meat as a side dish. Olives, currants or raisins, Plums, apricots, pomegranates, pears, apples, grapes, and figs, melons, many kinds of citrus either fresh or dried
Nuts: pistachios, peanuts, chestnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts,
Greens: spinach, vine leaves stuffed with meat and rice
Dressings and sauces: Sesame, hazelnut, peanut and walnut oils, olive oil, and sunflower oil are widely used for cooking. The tail fat of sheep is sometimes used in kebabs and meat dishes.

Breakfast

Halcyon means usually prefer a rich breakfast, typically consisting of cheese, butter, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, jam, honey, clotted cream (made from the milk of water buffalos, cows, sheep, or goats), spicy sausage or dried meat, various pastries, and soup. Tea is served at breakfast, the Ötmek word for breakfast (kahvaltı) means before coffee.

Lunch

Lunch is typically paired with coffee. In the hot summer, a meal often consists of fried vegetables and peppers served with yogurt or tomato sauce.

Dinner

Most meals are paired with coffee or wine. A typical meal starts with soup - especially in wintertime – and will always contain grilled vegetables. A pot of legumes with meat or rice accompanied by a salad is common next. In the summertime, many people prefer to eat a cold dish of vegetables cooked with olive oil instead of the soup and have a chicken, meat or fish plate in place of legumes and the main dish.

Desserts

Desserts do not normally contain fresh fruit but may contain dried varieties and various nuts are used extensively. Baklava-like desserts are common. Syrup and butter are used heavily. Sesame paste, creamy cheeses, and milk puddings are frequently found as fillings. Sorbets and flavored ice are considered more of a palette cleanser than a real dessert. A variety of small confections based on a gel of starch and sugar, Halc's Delight, containing chopped dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts and most commonly flavored with rosewater, orange, lemon, cinnamon, or mint is dusted with icing sugar, copra, or powdered cream of tartar, to prevent clinging. Various chocolate confections are also commonly served.

Snacks

Coffee and a pastry are often eaten between meals. Sliced fruit (drizzled with a sweet sauce of honey) or vegetables (served with yogurt, tzitzit or hummus) may be added or substituted. Fresh or roasted nuts, kababs, and thin, stuffed flatbreads are popular to eat on the go if one must eat on the go. Sliced fried meats and seafood, typically either heavily spiced or served with a flavorful sauce, are a popular snack in the south.

Beverages

Coffee beans are roasted and then finely ground before slowly simmering. Coffee is strong and bitter. Only children take sweetener in it, even if it is served with a sweet food or piece of rock candy. The grounds remaining in the cup may be read like tea leaves.

Tea is prepared by stacking two kettles. Water is brought to a boil in the larger lower kettle and then some is poured into the smaller kettle to steep several spoons of loose tea leaves, producing a very strong tea. When served, the hot water from the lower kettle is used to dilute the tea on an individual basis. Tea is drunk from small glasses to enjoy it hot in addition to showing its color. Any herbs, sweetener, or sliced fruit may be used to add or alter the flavor, but milk or cream is not.

A mix of yogurt and water, salted to taste is often served with fish and other seafood. Lemonade is a popular cold drink and may be flavored with other fruits. Many syrups are diluted with cold water to drink.

Halcyoneans like strong drink. Vodka and cognac are popular in the north, while ale and beer are favored to the south. Wine is common throughout the country and varies greatly by area.

Commerce

Imports: cocoa beans, cotton, jewelry, silver, legumes, palm oil, precious stones, rice, sheep hides, wheat
Exports: alabaster, chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee beans, copper, glass, glazed ceramics, gold, grapes, iron, marble, tobacco, wheat flour
Currency: Halcyon uses a large silver coin called an akçe (akche. plural: akcsék). An akçe is ten ounces of pure silver and is struck with a falcon on one side and the current ruler on the other. The mints allowed to make coins are very closely scrutinized and debasing the metal used is grounds for execution. While most use weight and simply cut coins to make change, a copper coin has recently been introduced for this purpose.
Taxation: Halcyon is a complex patchwork of different taxes, exemptions, and local customs. Each prince or host is free to raise his tribute to the king how he sees fit.

Traits

The following are regional traits for Halcyon:

Halcyon's Finest: You were given a Halcyonean Horse at a young age and taught to care for it. You start with a combat trained Halcyonean Horse. Additionally, you gain a +1 bonus to Handle Animal and Ride when dealing with horses.

Halcyon Militia: You served in the local militia and defended your settlement with honor. You start with a combat trained light horse and either a free short bow or scimitar. Additionally, you gain a +1 bonus to all attacks and combat maneuvers made with that weapon.

Born in the Saddle: You are adept at riding and performing daring stunts while on horseback. You start with a combat trained light horse. Additionally, you gain a +1 bonus to Ride and Acrobatics when dealing with horses. One of these becomes a class skill.

Riding Shank's Mare: For whatever reason you spent a great deal of your life walking in rough terrain. As a result, you can ignore the movement penalty of either rocky difficult terrain or thick underbrush for the 1st 5ft of difficult terrain per round. Additionally, you gain a +2 bonus to Survival while on the open plains.

Gear

The following is a list of gear commonly available in Halcyon:
Weapons: Bow, Short, Crossbow, Heavy, Crossbow, Light, Dagger, Hammer, Light, Lance, Mace, Light, Musket, Pistol, Saber (15g 3 lbs. 1d8 19-20x2 P/S +1 to attack when used while mounted), Scimitar, Shashka (Masterwork Saber), Short Sword.
Armor: Barding, Chain Shirt, Chain Mail, Dizcek (Knee and thigh armor, See Piecemeal Armor), Greaves (See Piecemeal Armor), Kalkan (Buckler), Krug (Four Mirror Armor)
Adventure Gear: Backpack, Bedroll, Canteen, Cloak, Felt, Cooking Kit, Flint and Steel, Horse Whip, Mess Kit, Satchel, Leather, Shovel, Soap, Trail Rations, Waterskin

Halcyonean Horses

Halcyonean Horses are heavy draft horses; they stand between 6 to 7 feet at the shoulder and weigh between 1,500 and 2,500 pounds. Their coats are grey, with dark skin and pale blue eyes. Most commonly they are iron or medium grey. Halcyonean Horses are born black or dark brown and lighten uniformly with age, ending up nearly white. The savanna Halcyonean horses may have brindle patterns. All Halcyonean Horses are branded with Halcyon script for falcon, and the name of the mare to track pedigree. Halcyonean horses cost 300gp or 400gp for a war-trained horse.

Halcyonean Horse CR 2
XP 800
Large animal
Init +4; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +6
DEFENSE
AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 11 (+4 Dex, natural +2, –1 size)
hp 19 (2d8+10)
Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +3
OFFENSE
Speed 55 ft.
Melee bite +5 (1d4+5) and 2 hooves +5 (1d6+5)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
STATISTICS
Str 20, Dex 18, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 17, Cha 11
Base Atk +1; CMB +7; CMD 21 (25 vs. trip)
Feats Endurance, Run
Skills Perception +8
ECOLOGY
Environment temperate to warm plains or forests
Organization solitary, pair, or herd (3–30)
Treasure none

The horse can fend for itself outside of settlements in all but the most hostile environments. If whistled for outside of a community, the horse typically arrives within 1d6 minutes.

If gained as an animal companion or mount as one of your class abilities, a Halcyonean Horse gains a bonus trick that does not count against the normal limit of tricks known by the animal.

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