Aquilaris

Aquilaris

Water Duchy

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 would be 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 could be dried and used as a seasoning or eaten fresh, while algae might be 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 would 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.

Livestock

Fish

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

Amphibians

Frogs and other amphibians are raised for food or medicinal uses.

Water Buffalo

Used for labor in rice paddies and as a source of milk and meat.

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.

Sustainability

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 overharvesting 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.