Aquilaris

The water duchy in Lucandria. It is home to the island's source of water, regulation and trade. It is home to the land's Apop (aquapop) genre of music and dance. Life in this duchy is free and easy and most folks just go with the flow. Aquilaris is the 3rd biggest duchy by landsize, but has the least amount of land to live on.

General Information

Name of the Duchy

Aquilaris

Location

Northwest Lucandria

Continent/Region

Lucandria

Neighboring Territories

Breezehaven to the south, Bulnoriya to east

Capital City

Aquapolis

Motto

"Flow with Grace, Surge with Strength"

Coat of Arms

A silver trident crossed with a blue wave on a sea-green background

Flag

Blue with a silver wave and a trident in the center

Ruling Family

Duchess: Nomia

Other Notable Family Members:

Naira (Duchess Nomia's sister)

Thalassa (Duchess Nomia's mother)

Geography

Major Cities and Towns

Aquapolis: Capital city, known for its stunning canals and waterfront architecture
Riverside: A bustling town on the opposite bank from Breezehaven.
Pearl Cove: Famous for its beautiful beaches and pearl diving along the lake's shore
Hidden Grotto: Home to the merfolk

Landscape

Mountains: Small side of the main mountain range
Forests: Lush, temperate forests
Rivers/Lakes: Crystal River, Great Lake Serene
Coastline: Shores of the Great Lake Serene
Plains/Farmlands: Fertile plains ideal for agriculture

Other Notable Features

Majestic waterfalls feeding into the lake, abundant rice paddies

Climate

Weather is controlled by Breezehaven to be temperate year round

Typical Weather

Mild, humid, frequent rain

Seasonal Variations

Artificially controlled by Breezehaven to simulate warm and wet summers, mild and slightly drier winters

Economy

Primary Industries

Agriculture

Aquatic Farming

Rice and Aquatic Grains: Rice paddies are a staple in Aquilaris, with vast fields of terraced paddies that thrive in the water-rich environment. Other aquatic grains and crops, such as water chestnuts and lotus root, are also be commonly cultivated.
Seaweed and Algae Farming: In the lakes and rivers, the mika of Aquilaris cultivate seaweed and algae, both of which are valuable as food sources and for their medicinal properties. Seaweed can be dried and used as a seasoning or eaten fresh, while algae are harvested for its high nutrient content and used in various potions or health elixirs.

Hydroponic and Aquaponic Systems

Floating Gardens: Due to the large bodies of water, floating gardens would be common. These gardens consist of floating platforms covered in soil where crops like leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables are grown. The water underneath provides all the necessary nutrients, making this a sustainable form of agriculture.

Aquaponics: A combination of fish farming (aquaculture) and plant farming (hydroponics), aquaponics systems is highly developed in Aquilaris. Fish like tilapia or carp are raised in large tanks or natural water bodies, and their waste is used to fertilize plants grown in connected systems. This method maximizes resource efficiency and provides both protein and fresh produce.

Irrigation and Water Management

Advanced Irrigation: The mika in Aquilaris have perfected the art of irrigation, using canals, sluices, and controlled flooding to manage their water resources. These systems would allow them to irrigate crops even in areas not naturally flooded, ensuring year-round productivity.
Water Purification: With an abundance of water, purification systems are crucial. The mika use mana stones, and natural methods like reed beds and filtration systems to purify water for drinking and irrigation, ensuring that all water used in agriculture is clean and healthy.

Key Crops

Rice: A staple crop, grown extensively in terraced paddies. Lotus Root: Grown in shallow water, used in culinary dishes, and for medicinal purposes. Watercress: A leafy green that thrives in water and is rich in nutrients. Herbs: Aquatic and semi-aquatic herbs like mint, water celery, and water parsley.

Cultural Aspects of Agriculture

Rituals and Festivals: The agricultural cycle is deeply tied to the cultural practices in Aquilaris, with rituals performed to bless the crops and water sources. Festivals celebrating the harvest, the first rain, or the flooding season are common, with music, dance, and communal feasts

Livestock

Fish

A primary source of protein, with species like tilapia, carp, and catfish being farmed in abundance.

Eels

Raised in freshwater systems, eels are a delicacy and used for medicinal purposes.

Amphibians

Frogs

Particularly large species of frogs are farmed for their meat, which is considered a delicacy.

Frog farming would be a common practice in the wetlands and ponds of Aquilaris.

Salamanders

In some regions, salamanders might be bred, especially if they possess any unique properties useful for the mika, such as medicinal secretions or skins used in crafting.

Waterfowl: Ducks and Geese are raised both for their eggs and meat. They are well-suited to the wetland environments and could help in pest control by eating insects and weeds in rice paddies.; Swans; While more symbolic and less common, swans might be raised in noble households, valued for their beauty, feathers, and as a status symbol.

Water Buffalo: These animals are crucial in the labor-intensive rice paddies, where they are used to plow fields and transport goods. Their milk and meat also are valuable resources for the mika.

Crustaceans and Mollusks: Crabs, Lobsters, and Prawns are raised in brackish water or freshwater areas, these crustaceans are a prized source of protein and a key component of the local diet.; Freshwater mussels and clams are cultivated in rivers and lakes, both for their meat and the pearls they might produce.

Turtles

Softshell and Snapping Turtles

Farmed in freshwater environments, turtles could be used for their meat and shells, which might be crafted into tools, jewelry, or ceremonial items.

Domesticated Aquatic Creatures

Otters

Domesticated Otters

Intelligent and playful, otters are semi-domesticated in Aquilaris, assisting in fishing or kept as pets by the mika. They are sometimes also be used in rituals or cultural events.

River Dolphins

River Dolphins

River dolphins or other similar aquatic creatures could be raised by the mika. These creatures might be revered and protected, used in ceremonies, or even as transportation across larger bodies of water. They can be trained to help out boats in the rivers and deliveries in the canals.

Rituals and Symbolism: Certain animals, like swans or river dolphins, hold significant cultural or religious importance. These animals ar involved in rituals, festivals, or as symbols of the duchy’s power and connection to water.

Sustainability

Sustainable Practices: Livestock farming in Aquilaris emphasizes sustainability, with the mika ensuring that their practices do not harm the delicate balance of their water ecosystems.

The mika of Aquilaris place a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, understanding the importance of maintaining their water sources and the surrounding environment. Overfishing or over harvesting are taboo, with strict customs in place to ensure balance and harmony with nature.

       Manufacturing: Artisan crafts, house boats, water-based products
       Trade: Seafood, pearls, aquatic plants
       Other Industries: Tourism, boat building, 
   Major Exports: Pearls, seafood, handcrafted goods, fruit
   Major Imports: Metals, grains, textiles
   Currency: Aqua Crown
   Trade Routes:
       Land Routes: Well-developed road networks connecting to other duchies
       Water Routes: Extensive trade on and around the Great Lake Serene
       Trade Partners: Neighboring duchies, floating mark ets

Society and Culture

   Population:
       Total Population: 300,000
       Major Ethnic Groups: Mika, merfolk, selkie
       Languages Spoken: Lucandrian (common tongue), Aquarian (local dialect)
   Religion:
       Dominant Religion: Worship of lake spirits, ancestor worship
   Education:
       Major Universities: The Aquarian Academy, focusing on marine sciences and magic
       Literacy Rate: High
   Cultural Heritage:
       Festivals: Tide Festival, Celebration of Mother Water (the lake spirit)
       Traditional Music/Dance: Lake shanties, water dances
       Cuisine: Seafood dishes, fruit salads, aquatic plants
       Art and Architecture: Coral and seashell art, waterfront structures

Governance and Law

   Government Type:
       Monarchy/Feudal System: Feudal system under the Queen of Lucaria
       Administrative Divisions: Divided into several coastal and inland provinces
       Local Governance: Provincial governors
   Legal System:
       Common Laws: Laws protecting waterways, house boats, lake island homes, and lake areas
       Notable Laws and Regulations: Strict regulations on fishing and pearl diving
       Judicial System: Local courts, overseen by the Duchess's appointed judges
   Military:
       Army: Limited land forces, primarily for coastal defense
       Navy: Strong marine presence, including lake-based combat units
       Other Forces: Water mage corps, specializing in hydromancy
   Alliances and Rivalries:
       Allies: Magic Duchy, Earth Duchy
       Rivals: Fire Duchy (occasional tensions over land and misuse of water rights)

History

   Founding: Established as one of the original duchies of Lucandria
   Major Historical Events:
       The Great Flood: A significant event that reshaped the landscape
       Coral Rebellion: A rebellion led by dissatisfied coastal dwellers
   Notable Historical Figures:
       Duchess Maris: First ruler of Aquilaris
       Captain Nerida: Famous naval commander
   Historical Conflicts:
       Wars/Battles: Battle of Crystal River
       Rebellions: Coral Rebellion

Infrastructure

   Transportation:
       Roads: Well-maintained coastal roads
       Bridges: Magnificent bridges over rivers and connecting lake islands
       Ports: Major ports in Aquapolis and Riverside
       Other Means of Transportation: Boats, magical transportation devices, air ships
   Public Services:
       Healthcare: Advanced healing magic, lakeside hospitals
       Education: Public schools, specialized marine academies
       Security: Coastal guards, lake patrols
   Communication:
       Postal System: Efficient, using lake birds and aquatic creatures
       Telecommunications: Magical communication devices

Notable Landmarks

   Castles/Palaces:
       Aquapolis Palace: The seat of the Duchess
   Monuments:
       Statue of Tethys: In Aquapolis, a tribute to the water spirit
   Natural Wonders:
       Crystal Falls: Stunning waterfalls feeding into the Great Lake Serene
   Museums:
       Aquarian Museum: Showcasing marine life and history
   Other Points of Interest:
       Pearl Cove Beach: Renowned for its beauty

Miscellaneous

   Local Legends and Myths:
       The Siren's Call: A legend about a magical song that lures sailors
   Famous Personalities:
       Duchess Nomia: Current ruler, known for her wisdom and grace
   Recent Developments:
       Aquapolis Expansion: New waterfront districts being developed

Notes

       Aquarians can live in houseboats that travel the lake or the rivers. They are not allowed in canals because two-way traffic is not to be blocked.
       Merfolk are known for being performers and have weekly shows in the Hidden Grotto's amphitheater.

Racials

    *water walking
    *water breathing

Mana Stones

    *coolant: used for refrigeration, air conditioning and other food storage options. Along with the heating stones from Bulnoriya, they can create climate control for any dwelling.
    *filtering: filters water to make it drinkable. Helpful for farms.