Document+from+Atravita

Historical Document from Ironcoast, a region of Atravita
And so it came to pass, in the days of Joran, King of Atravita, that he resolved to establish three brotherhoods in the region of Ironcoast. This was done so that the region could have just rulers, strong blades and powerful mages to protect it. King Joran caused three circles to be created: the Circle of Sovereigns, the Circle of Swords and the Circle of Spells.

The Circle of Swords is established to be a brotherhood of the most highly trained blades in Atravita. Males and females both can be admitted to the order. The order is overseen by a central authority known as the Mother or Father of Blades. Serving underneath that person are five advisors and swordmasters known by the names of specific blades: Katana, Bastard, Claymore, Rapier and Gladius. These advisors can be male or female and are addressed by using the appellation Lord or Lady and the name of the blade.They are granted their title by the Mother or Father of Blades. Any holder of the title has to be a master of that particular type of sword. Children who wish to join the Circle of Swords may enter for six months of training as a postulate. After that, if they wish to remain, and if they are judged worthy, they can speak to one of the Lords or Ladies and enter the Circle as novices. After six years of intensive training in all forms of bladed weapons, the novice is raised to a full brother or sister of the Circle. This includes the taking of sacred vows and engaging in secret rites, which may not be spoken of to anyone outside the Circle. Members of the Circle are forbidden from ever using magic.

The Circle of Spells is formulated in much the same manner. Males and females both can be enrolled in the order, but the child must demonstrate mage talent before he/she can be admitted as an apprentice. The central authority is called the Archmage, who can be either male or female. The Archmage is advised by a council of powerful mages, who represent each of the five elements (Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Spirit). They are addressed by the term Lord or Lady and the element they represent, for example the Lord of Water or the Lady of Fire. After six years of intensive training, the apprentice can be raised to the position of Adept, and made a full member of the Circle of Spells. Like their counterparts in the Circle of Swords, they take sacred vows and participate in a secret rite of initiation which may be spoken of to no others. Members of the Circle of Swords are forbidden from using bladed weapons of any kind.

The Circle of Sovereigns is created to be the ruling body of Ironcoast and the arbiter of justice. A position in the Circle is passed down from the current member to his or her handpicked successor. The Archmage and the Mother or Father of Blades always sits on the Circle, as does a representative from the nobility. Three additional seats are given to members of religious orders, those serving the Lady of Sorrow and Joy or the Dragon Lord. Finally, three seats are held by tradesmen and women, representing farmers, artisans and other laborers. All the members of the Circle, excepting only the Mother or Father of Blades and the Archmage, serve in secrecy. When the Circle of Sovereigns appears in public, they are robed and hooded in deepest purple to hide their identity. They maintain their secrecy to avoid corruption and possible attempts to bribe or flatter.