Orlais

Intro
Orlais or the Orlesian Empire as it is formally known, was founded by Emperor Kordillus Drakon I, a deeply religious man who also establish The Chantry. After the near collapse of the Tevinter Imperium, Orlais emerged as the single most powerful country in all of Thedas. With its vast territories stretching from the Tirashan plains to the Frostback Mountains, It dominates south-western lands of the continent, also making it Thedas’ largest nation.

In the past the Empire has proven its might through military conquests, invading Ferelden twice, battling its closest rival Nevarra, leading four Exalted Marches against the Imperium. They the daily also crushed the Dales, last true home of the elves in the name of Andraste. Only the Qunari, with their advanced weapons and explosives are considered Orlais military superiors.

Orlais has become almost synonymous for its cultural superiority, extravagance and wealth. It is a land where excess is always in fashion and expected in all things from clothing to cusine. While the ever ambitious nobles live their overindulgent lives, often without legal or financial restraint. All of the aristocracy are forced to play the nation's infamous Grand Game. A game where rumours and scandal are deadlier than any blade or poison and to lose may cost you even more than your reputation. For those who are not fortunate enough to be nobles, aspire to be-or at the least aspires to be in the good graces of a noble, and is ever watching for a way to enter the patronage of those better placed in the Grand Game.

With the Grand Cathedral, Heart of the Chantry and the centre of Andrastian power, located in the nation’s Capital of Val Royeaux there are few places that the Chantry’s influence is more ubiquitous than in Orlais. It is here that religious organisation reaches and affects the lives of all echelons of Society from the lowest peasants to the Royal family.

Orlais is a vast and a complicated Empire, which despite it constant political games remains strong and unchallenged. It has rightfully earned the envy and jealousy of all other nations which are forced to watch in the shadow as the Empire shines with all the radiance of the Sun which is so proudly displayed on its coat-of-arms.

Ruling Dynasty
As noble families go, the La Geurry’s are a relatively young house by Orlesian standards with many of its noble houses stretching back before the founding of the Empire. By comparison the La Guerry’s are barely four centuries old. Before their ascension to the ranks of Royalty, they were snidely regarded as new money, by the same nobles who now bow to them and clammer for their favour. The House of La Guerry, came into being when Charlise De Bené, the youngest daughter of the Marquis of Val Chevin, married Louis La Geurry, a poet and the son of a chevalier. Soon a series of unfortunate moves in Grand Game brought the house of De Bené to extinction. Being the sole surviving heir Charlise and Louis, became the new rulers of Val Chevin, by Royal decree. And so the house of La Geurry was founded in 6:30, Steel.

For the next few centuries the La Geurry’s ruled as Marquis of Val Chevin, despite their humble origins the family thrived and Val Chevin became a power in Orlais. Though they were still looked down up by many of the older noble houses like the Valleau’s of Lydes and the Durands of Arlesans. Even becoming cousins to the de Chalons through marriage and by extension the Royal Family Valmont, but this only served to agitate the older houses, who believed that this young house was getting ahead of itself.

When the Orlesian civil war broke out in 9:38, Marquis Frédéric La Guerry a fervent supporter of Empress Celene rallied his armies and the northern host and lead them against his own cousin the usurper Gaspard de Chalons. Earlier in the war Fréderic was felled by Comte Laurent Valleau, who lead the famed peacock Knights of Lydes against the walls of Val Chevin and besieged the city itself. With Fréderic dead it fell to his eldest son Just to rally Val Chevin’s defences. Just proved himself a capable leader in those dark weeks and it was he alone the held the cities demoralized defenders. He and his forces managed to hold out long enough for Francoise Renaud Savoie and his armies to force the army of Lydes into retreating and lift the siege.

After Empress Celene was assassinated in 9:40, Just Le Guerry truly proved his cunning and mantle. While the Empire was still reeling from the shock of the Empress’s death Just had already outmaneuvered the other would be contenders for the Throne and was soon crowned Emperor Just II by the Divine.

So it was that in the space of only four hundred years, a house went from meager beginnings to sitting upon the throne of the most powerful nation in Thedas.

Notable Members of house La Guerry

 * Emperor of Orlais Just La Guerry
 * Empress of Orlais Emmanuelle La Guerry (née Clavarie)
 * Crown Prince Eteinne
 * Princess Justine


 * The Lady Dowager, Maria Thérese La Guerry.
 * Prince Leopold, the Marquis de Val Chevin
 * Princess Maria Amalia
 * Princess Maria Carolina

Government/Ruling Model
The ruler of Orlais has absolute power among his or her people. As an absolute monarch they wield unrestricted political power over the sovereign state of Orlais and its people. It has been a hereditary role in the past but there are other means of transmission of power, as has been seen recently with His Radiance Just la Guerry. Unlike Ferelden, Orlesian rulers are not constricted by limitations. They have absolute power. However, because of the Great Game the ruler of Orlais must be counterbalanced by political groups from among the aristocracy, the Chantry and even the bourgeoisie, and proletarians.

"L'état, c'est moi" ("I am the State!")
An former Orlesian Empress once said, "The interests of the state come first. When one gives these priority, one labours for one's own good. These advantage to the state redounds to one's glory."

The Divine Right of Monarchy is the theological justification for this absolute monarchy. Orlesian rulers claim supreme autocratic power by divine right, and that their subjects had no rights to limit their power. The Orlesians “right to rule” apparently stems directly from the Maker. The Maker chose them and the Maker is the only one over them. Not even the Divine has power over an Emperor or Empress but they must respect and listen to them - though Orlais has been known to have the odd ruler who fought politically with a Divine.

Nobility
Though sometimes thought of as a Meritocracy, the theory being that even the lowest proletariat can become a noble, the truth is that the notion of ascension is more a dream than a reality. Rebellion is far from most Orlesians minds and it is the status of the nobles and the ruler that keep it this way, as well as the role of the Chantry. Always one looks for patronage of one better placed in the Game, whether it is a Grand Duke or a lowly lord, there is always someone above you - unless you have the title of Emperor or Empress. Appearance, above all, matters the most, and getting the better of your peers is what the game is all about. They will do anything to achieve these goals, and harm anyone who gets in their way.

Politics
In the Age of the Dragon Orlais is not as powerful as it was under Drakon but it is still the most powerful country in Thedas. Politics revolves entirely around Orlesian customs and social nuances, the rules set by the Great Game. To be a politician is to put yourself forward for scrutiny, betrayal and hunting, so one must be clever, cultured and ruthless.

The Great Game
Sometimes called "Le Grand Jeu" (The "Grand" Game) or "La Grande Jeu" (The "Great" Game") the Game itself is the competition for influence and power amongst the aristocracy. It is the means by which they increase their power and often their wealth, out maneuvering others in order to get closer to the throne and receive the patronage of those above them. Manipulation is a key skill and from birth all Orlesian nobles are subject to it, by their family and their peers. If they fail to grasp this skill then they are destined for a life of failure in the eyes of their society and will likely be sent away by their family to the edges of the Empire - or married off in the hope of producing better than they proved to be themselves.

As player or pawn, all nobility are a part of the Game, even those still in swaddling clothes. The routes out of the Game seem to be via The Templar Order, The Circle of Magi and… supposedly The Chantry. Taking Holy orders can be used as a decoy though, as some nobles have learned when trusting Chantry family members and the like.

The goals of the Game are as follows:
 * Personal prestige
 * Reputation
 * Patronage

And the rules?
 * Anything goes!

Employing assassins and bards is the norm, though using the House of Crows can be risky. Having a personal bard is common, though they may be disguised as friends or lovers. Social engineering - or constructing a facade, is also important - the culture of masks, elaborate dress and social engagements are important tools in this endeavour.

Connections with other countries
Due to conquering and bullying other nations Orlais has rather sour relations with its neighbouring countries. It has invaded Ferelden twice, it continues to threaten Nevarra, and has participated in (and indeed organised) four Exalted Marches against the Imperium. It has misused and abused the Marcher states and all but crushed the elves. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given their history with the Chantry and Templars, they have fostered an excellent relationship with the Dwarves of Orzammar, have reached out to Kal-Sharok and have begun trading with Kal’Hirol.

The Chantry
In -3 Ancient the Temple of the Maker was completed and Kordilius Drakon was crowned the Emperor of Orlais. His first act was to declare that the Chantry was the established Andrastian Religion in Orlais. The Divine Age began and Orlais became, and has remained, the heart of the Chantry.

The Templar Order/Circle of Magi/Seeker of Truth
The first incarnations of Circles were in Tevinter, but after the First Blight and Andraste’s march the chaos that ensued ended up with the Nevarran Accord which was signed in 1:20 Divine. The Templar Order was created to catch mages and oversee the safety of those in the Circle and the Seekers of Truth were formed to root out corruption. Orlais has had this regime in place since 1:20 Divine and it continues to keep its mages in Circles. Their connection to the Circle is strong, the Templar Order and Seekers are a part of the Chantry - the military arm, so in Orlais Templars and Seekers have power they can wield.

The Bard Guild and Academies
Orlais is the birthplace of the bard and its Bard Academies are the most prestigious in Thedas. The Guild itself has connections to the monarchy and has both aided and hindered the Valmont line. Generally, like the Great Game, the Bards exist as a part of Orlesian culture and they have only grown in importance to the country as years press on. Aristocratic society is vicious and marked by fawning envy to the powerful. Bards often entertain nobles in their courts despite their roles as spies, assassins and saboteurs for their employers who are usually other nobles. Nobles welcome such entertainers with full knowledge that any could be a bard; the thrill of outwitting a spy is a notion the Orlesian aristocracy can hardly resist.

The Grey Wardens
The connections to the Wardens in Orlais are numerous and varied. Often the country has needed the Wardens to aid them, especially in Blights. However, a more permanent barrack was established in Montsimmard, the Wardens being supplied by nobles and by the crown to keep control of the Western Approach, particularly the Rift. Darkspawn activity is high there and in recent years the Wardens have needed to address darkspawn activity in cities, even Val Royeaux. Orlais has an unwanted connection and reluctant alliance with the Wardens.

Shadow of the Emperor
The most active guild of assassins in Thedas are the Shadows of the Emperor, the personal cadre of killers employed by the throne of Orlais. Almost exclusively, the Shadows work against other noble families in Val Royeaux. No one knows who they are, not even the sitting emperor, and some in the court dismiss them as only a myth. The assassins have slipped into aristocratic life working as palace servants, ladies-in-waiting, and, on one notorious occasion, the chamberlain himself.

Culture
When it comes to Orlesian culture, one could write millions of pages and still not be done with it. There is a tendency towards extravagance in almost everything, though such a thing is more often witnessed in Orlesian fashion. It has to be noted that the element of wealth and nobility superiority is dominant in the arts, education and, generally, in all areas which are associated with the country’s culture.

Regarding education, Orlais, and especially Val Royeaux, is considered the beacon of knowledge for all the young learners across Thedas. However, it is mostly accessible for people with high socioeconomic status. The University of Val Royeaux is a rather modern institution, whose personnel consists of professors with liberal views, and is usually the best choice for the ones who can afford it.

When talking about Orlesian culture, it would be a shame not to mention the Great Game and the bards. The bards are highly trained entrepreneurs, infamous for their work as hired spies and assassins. Yet, they are a must in every single event that transpires in Orlais. Nobles and bards play the Great Game on a daily basis, and the schemes and intrigues have become a part of the Orlesian culture, equal to the Arts and Education. Culture is indeed a big aspect of Orlais, however, its treasure is a privilege of the nobility, with the poor getting little to no attention in a world meant to be enjoyed by the rich.

Language
Orlesian language, like the country itself, dates back to the ancient age. The Ciriane and Inghirsh, the two human tribes which inhabited the region that is now called Orlais, used to speak a very basic form of the language modern Orlesians speak now. As the years passed, society changed and so did the language, yet, the original structure remained.

Phonetically distinctive Orlesian sounds are the nasal vowels and the uvular r. There are three types of accents to indicate the pronunciation of a word. It has to be noted that Orlesian are not spoken as they are written, since there are many silent letters. For example, final consonants are generally not sounded.

Orlesian language has become the means to various forms of art and is strongly connected to the country’s culture. Writers, poets and minstrels feel inspired to compose lyrics and sing in Orlesian, believing that there is a certain melody in the way it sounds. Surprisingly enough, foreign artists tend to agree on the fact. Quite proud of their language, Orlesians refuse to speak to foreigners in other tongue other than their own, unless there is a very good reason for them to do so. With the majority of Orlais’ population being highly educated, it is more likely than not that they know how to speak more languages than Orlesian. Yet, they insist on strictly communicating using their own, even with people who are not familiar with the language of Orlais.

Art
Orlais can be rightfully considered the major centre of Arts across Thedas. With many Academies in the university focusing on various forms of art, Val Royeaux is the city with the highest number of artists within its borders. Painters, poets, writers, dancers, actors and minstrels find their way to the Orlesian Empire and almost never do they want to leave. There are many events associated with the arts that transpire all across the region, throughout the entire year. Nobility schools the children from a young age and great focus is given on learning of all the important people who have helped in going Orlesian culture a step further.

In the Grand Theatre of Val Royeaux, one can watch the best performances across the continent and it is the dream of every theater troupe to perform on its stage. Within the theatre, dancing troupes also make their appearance, one of the most famous being L’ ecole de Dance de Val Royeaux.

In painting and music, there is a certain style which artists like to follow in their work. It approaches the world through a romantic view. Painters use bright colors like red, yellow and green, combined with earthly browns and beige. Even the darkest of themes, like death, will be usually presented through the extravagance of bright colors and romantic views. In music, minstrels’ favorite themes are love and death, the tragedy which equally exists in the two, brought out by the sweet melody of a lute.

Fashion
As it has been mentioned before, the element of extravagance is quite present in everything Orlesian, especially in fashion. Public appearances are an indication of status and wealth and as thus, people tend to take good care of how they look and of what they wear. Usually, nobles and commoners alike, try for looking their fancier best, however, coin buys quality so the nobility’s outfits are more likely to make an impression.

Strange hats, shiny jewelry, clothes that speak of high socioeconomic status; all of these can be seen when walking down the streets of Orlais. Also, wearing makeup is another popular tradition for both men and women. There is difference between the makeup that men and women wear, however, it may be hard for a foreigner to notice said difference. Again, makeup- and its quality- is yet another indicator of social standing.

When speaking of Orlesian fashion one should not neglect masks. Masks are a privilege of nobility and it is rare, if not impossible, for a commoner to wear one. They symbolize one’s social status and affluence of their family, thus it is dangerous for someone to wear another’s mask. Either painted, decorated with tiny pieces of jewelry or with other, more extravagant, ornaments, masks play a grand role in Orlais. In fact, a noble making a public appearance absent their mask is considered, at least, outrageous. Expensive outfits, makeup, masks and jewelry; all part of Orlesian fashion. One could safely say that there is no other place across Thedas where fashion has become such an important part of culture.

Military
Though some will think that the empire count mainly on its soft power (Presented in both the chantry and bards guild) to maintain dominance, fact is, Orlais possess the strongest ground military force in Thedas. There is always a full army maintained and sustained over the year, even in peace times. With fully operated castles, military academies, and full time soldiers. That make the empire stand out from most countries who rely heavily on mercenaries to do the monarch’s deed.

The country’s geography and history reflect that dominance, and the countless campaigns Orlais have launched against Ferelden, Free Marches, Nevarra, Tevinter Imperium, and the Qunari can give a hint about its strength. Even with some failed campaigns, it didn’t fire back at the Orlesian mainland which stayed free from occupation since the foundation of the empire, and stayed the largest country in Thedas.

Chevaliers
With the famous yellow feature attached to their masks or helmets, the chevaliers are easily recognized in ballrooms or battlefield. They are the elite military Orlesian organization, the proud knightly order consists of nobles, mainly men. But women are allowed to join, following the footsteps of the first female knight, Aveline. They are having strictly professional training in Academie des Chevaliers in Val Royeaux or its branches in the borderline provinces, instilling in its knights a fierce discipline and code of honor that surpasses even value in their own lives, and ensure their loyalty to the empire is absolute.

If not chevaliers themselves, the emperor and the ranked nobles can enlist a chevalier as their champion, especially nobles whose duties are related to military, security and safeguard of the empire (Protecteur, and Marquis for example). They work as a direct coordinator between the nobility and the order, or present them in war councils.

In war times, chevaliers command the armies, acting as officers over the commoner foot soldiers and forming elite military legions of knights only. Being elite doesn’t mean being scarce, as the order is the biggest and strongest arm of the Orlesian army, and its members skills are unmatched in the whole range of melee weapons, in both warrior and rogue (duelist) styles, as duels forms a big part of the knights mentality.

Shadows of the Emperor/The Snipers
The Crows of Antiva may be the most famous and most expensive of Thedas's assassins, but they are not the most active. That dubious honor belongs to the Shadows of the Emperor, the personal cadre of killers employed by the throne of Orlais.

Almost exclusively, the Shadows work against other noble families in Val Royeaux. No one knows who they are, not even the sitting emperor, and some in the court dismiss them as only a myth. The assassins have slipped into aristocratic life working as palace servants, ladies-in-waiting, and, on one notorious occasion, the chamberlain himself.

The assassins works under the mysterious mage advisor to the emperor, Renad du Sael, having their orders from him or from his agents to eliminate any potential threat to the empire and - more importantly - to the throne, be it a high ranking noble, a traitor bard, or even a chantry individual. None are far from the reach of the shadows

Soldiers
Like other countries, Orlais have the casual soldiers, chosen from commoners in servitude to nobility. Children are picked at young age and trained to do the lesser military and guard duties. Their work are overseen by Chevaliers, and always get severe punishments at failing to do this duty, or even not appeasing the knights. And at big scale wars, they can work as cannon fodder.

Being a commoner soldier in Orlais doesn’t hold the same honor or social rank as being a knight, but a military family are still regarded as a mid class family, just below the artists and literate families. Having a son joining the Orlesian army can be a short way to rise from the bottom of society into decent servants of the nobility.

Other assists
The empire doesn’t rely on its military ranks only to achieve its martial dominance but it use other arms within many organizations

Bards
The infamous guild of bards have not been only involved in the political game between the nobles in Orlais, but they also served as a front line spies and saboteurs. One bard almost brought the whole Ferelden rebellion to an end by crushing the rebel forces and killing the rebellion leader, prince Maric. But her love for Maric and betrayal to empire have changed the tides.

Circle of Magi
Through the ages, the mages played as an asset to the empire in war efforts. Providing healers, advisors,and even fighters for the army. Though a war between mages and templars have embarked over a full decade, the loyalists circles in Orlais still provide its support for the emperor.

Religion
The Chantry was founded by the first Emperor of Orlais, so it is only natural that the Orlesian Empire remains the heart of Andrastiandom in Thedas. Located In Val Royeaux is the Grand Cathedral, which houses the Sun Burst Throne, the very seat of the Divine herself. It is from here that the words of the Maker’s most Exalted Servant carry throughout the continent. As such the Chantry wield incredible influence over commoner and noble alike, for there is no law above Chantry Law. The majority if the nations people are fervent Andrastian’s, where they wish to be or not. Because of the sheer power the Chantry wields in Orlais, they cannot be ignored and is expected to be shown the utmost respect and reverence. So it is that everyone in Orlais from peasant to Emperor, is expected to pay heed to the Chantry and its teachings.

Even the city elves are devout in their belief at least publicly. Privately many worship the old gods of their ancestors, but few would do so openly, for it would only serve to ostracise them from society and likely incur the wrath of Chantry fanatics. In the old elven capital of Halamshiral, the elves there tend to freely practice their own religion if they so wish, but also show proper deference to the Maker more so to appease those in power. Naturally the Dalish elves who inhabit Orlais forests and grasslands continue their worship of their gods without interference from the Chantry, though the clans avoid the more populated areas of the Empire, lest they become targets for human aggression.

The wilder clans of the south also do not adhere to the will of the Chantry, having their religion and gods. These are considered little more than barbarians and are actively hunted down by the lords of the south, yet they and their beliefs still managed to survive. Though the Chantry are becoming more vocal in their attempts to have these practices, beliefs and if necessary the wilders themselves exterminated for good.

Views on Magic
As with most Andrastian nations, magic in Orlais is tightly controlled and regulated by the Chantry, who continue to promote the belief that magic is a dangerous curse, that must be kept in check for the safety of all. As such mages instill great fear in the general populace, who do not hesitate on reporting anything remotely magical in origin to the Templars. Due to this distrust of magic, few mages born in Orlais ever escape the Templars notice for long and are whisked off to the Circle of Magi as soon as their magical talents emerge. Families, especially those of limited means often willing give up any child they may have with magical talent, if not out of fear then out of the knowledge that the Circle will provide their child with a better life than they ever could.

With all the circles in the empire being loyalist ones, the Chantry has total control of the mage population. From an early age any thought of dissension or rebellion are crushed from the young mages minds, who are taught to obey and trust in the Chantry’s laws and teachings. With such heavy handed influence from an early age, Orlesian Circle Mages are some of the most devoted and loyal servants the Chantry can command. With this unquestionable loyalty comes new freedoms granted by the Chantry to Orlesian circle mages. Freedoms include mages being allowed more liberty with their research, though always under the strict supervision of the Templars. Still with the greater variety of study available to them, they have become the best and most highly trained of the loyalist mages. This freedom has been instrumental in the development of powers used by Knight-Enchanters, a class of spell warriors, unique to Orlesian Circles. Other privileges granted are limited release from the circle, given permission and a templar escort, even family visits are permitted on occasions.

Individual mages can also attempt to gain authority and promotion through politics and the Grand Game. First Enchanters are often expert players of the Game and can gain considerable influence from it, even being assigned to Royal court, in advisory capacities to the Emperor himself. This freedom for mages to be allowed to ascend the ranks of Orlais has dispersed most fears the nobility may have of mages and some noble house are even permitted to have mage advisors of their very own. Though the Chantry giving such permission is exceedingly rare and when a mage is assigned to a noble house, they are usually accompanied by Templars.

Economics
During the two wars over the last decade in Orlais tax rates have surged and stayed quite high. Titles were taken and estates absorbed into the crown and many wealthy nobles found themselves barely able to cover costs. Only recently have these taxes been eased up on and fewer groups of Orlesians have been executed for not paying what they owe the crown.

Trade into Orlais comes from all over Thedas, but most especially from Orzammar with lyrium and from Ferelden and Nevarra for food and other things. Fruits and other foreign delicacies come via the Waking Sea from all over the world. Furs and silver sell well in Val Royeaux. What Orlais exports tend to be wines from their fruitful vineyards and various metals and other ores from their numerous mines. This is Orlais’ wealth.

Geography
Orlais, topographically, is one of the most varied countries Thedas with elevations ranging from sea level to the highest peak of the country the Urthemiel Plateau. Much of the country is ringed with low mountains and vast flatlands. In the northeast are the Fields of Ghislain, which extends partially into it's neighbor Nevarra. Along the south are the Heartlands and to the west is the Western Approach, a desert with purple sands and filled with darkspawn corruption. The core of Orlais is the Imperial Highway, starting in the southeast with the lowland of Halamshiral and runs throughout the entirety of Orlais. Low hills cover much of the country with a wide marshland bordering both the Urthemiel Plateau and the Western Approach. There are no main river systems that flow through Orlais but there is a plethora of small tributaries which flow into both the Waking Sea and Lake Celestine. The Nahashin Marshes contain over two hundred small bodies of water.

Cities/Provinces
The country of Orlais is home to a wide variety of cities and provinces. The capital, Val Royeaux, is both the largest city and the seat of the Divine. Val Royeaux is also home to the University of Orlais, a major center of learning that attracts young nobles from all over Thedas with the best education money can buy. It is a relatively modern institution whose liberal-minded professors have already clashed with religious conservatives over the content of their classes. Other cities in Orlais include the former capital of the Dales, Halamshiral, the headquarters of the Grey Wardens at Montsimmard and the nearest major city to Ferelden, Jader.

Like many regions in Thedas, Orlais is far to big for a single entity to govern. Knowing this, the Empress/Emperor has given a few regions to the noble families of Orlais. Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons rules the lands of Val Chevin and Verchiel. Duke Remache rules the lands in and around Lydes. Also like many regions in Thedas, Orlais has a plethora of small town where the common folk live and work. Velun is one of these towns. The country of Orlais also has a series of fortresses for both national defense and defense against the Darkspawn horde but most have fallen into disuse over the years. Andoral's Reach, Adamant Fortress and Garrote are a few of these fortresses

Flora and Fauna
Orlais' flora and fauna are as varied as its range of topography and climate. It has forests of oak and beech in the north and center, as well as pine, birch, poplar, and willow. The Massif Central has chestnut and beech; the sub-alpine zone, juniper and dwarf pine. In the south are pine forests and various oaks. Toward the Waking Sea are olive trees, vines, and mulberry and fig trees, as well as laurel, wild herbs, and the low scrub known as maquis.

The various hills and small mountains are the home of the brown bear, chamois, marmot, and alpine hare. In the forests are polecat and marten, wild boar, and various deer. Hedgehog and shrew are common, as are fox, weasel, bat, squirrel, badger, rabbit, mouse, otter, and beaver. The birds of Orlais are largely migratory; warblers, thrushes, magpies, owls, buzzards, and gulls are common. There are storks in Val Firmin and elsewhere, eagles and falcons in the mountains, pheasants and partridge in the south. Flamingos, terns, buntings, herons, and egrets are found near the coast of the Waking Sea. The rivers hold eels, pike, perch, carp, roach, salmon, and trout; lobster and crayfish are found in the Waking Sea.

Regional Racial Characteristics
Complexion: Mostly fair/light complexions Common eye colors: Any eye color Common hair colors: Any hair color General Description: The Orlesians are usually characterized by light tones and fair skin. Their hair-eye color combinations may vary. Their typical features include averagely short stature, slender build and narrow facial characteristics (like pointed noses, narrow head and generally delicate features).

History
The Orlesian Empire is a country with long history. In the days of old, the human tribes Ciriane and Inghirsh inhabited the region which is now known as Orlais and they are considered to be the ancestors of modern Orlesians. One of the most important moments in Orlesian history dates back to Ancient Age when the worship of the Maker’s religion spread in the southern lands and the first great temple was constructed in Val Royeaux. Kordillus Drakon, a man and a general to remember, was a fierce supporter of this new faith and waged holy wars in the name of the Maker. When he was crowned an Emperor and formed the Orlesian Empire, Drakon declared the worship of the Maker as the official religion and established the Chantry. A few years later, in 1:1 Divine, the free use of magic was banned and was considered illegal, with the exception of the mages who were strictly operating under the Chantry’s auspices.

The history of Orlais continues with battles, blood and Exalted Marches. Quite the conqueror, Orlais managed to capture many regions throughout the course of time. The Anderfels, the western Free Marches, Nevvara City, the Dales and Ferelden were some of its successful military campaigns. Most of them managed to gain their freedom as the years passed by though. It has to be noted that the war against the elves resulted in the Dales being integrated into Orlesian lands, with Alienages being formed for the elven population who submitted. It was a brilliant victory for Orlais and a tremendous defeat for the elves.

An interesting part in Orlesian past is Ferelden. Orlais invaded it two times, failing the first but succeeding the second. During the Blessed Age, Emperor Reville, also known as the “Mad Emperor”, attacked Ferelden and by 8:44 Blessed, Orlais had fully occupied the country. Orlesian forces remained under control of the situation for years until 9:2 Dragon arrived. Fereldan people managed to win back their homeland and drove the conquerors away. As expected, their relations were damaged and there was more than enough hatred from both sides.

When Empress Celene I ascended to throne, a peace treaty was signed between the two, yet the bitter feelings remained. When the Fifth Blight hit Ferelden, Orlesian nobles began plotting about re-conquering it but Empress Celene was against such a move. She tried to keep them under control, however, the Orlesian Civil War broke out in 9:38 Dragon. Two years later, Empress Celene was assassinated and Emperor Just La Guerry, the current Emperor of Orlais, took over the throne.

Ancient Age

 * ""-11 Ancient:"" The worshipping of the Maker’s cult spreads and the first great temple is constructed in Val Royeaux.
 * ""-3 Ancient:"" Kordillus Drakon is crowned an Emperor and shapes Orlesian Empire. Declares the worship of the Maker the official religion and creates the Chantry.

Divine Age

 * ""1:1 Divine:"' Justinia I becomes the first Divine. The free use of magic is declared illegal with the exceptions of mages who operate strictly under Chantry’s auspices.

Glory Age

 * ""2:5 Glory:"" Orlais begins a war against the elves.
 * ""2:20 Glory:"" The elves are entirely defeated. The Dales becomes a part of the Orlesian Lands and alienages are formed for the elven population who submitted.

Towers Age

 * "'3:10 Towers:"" Third Blight begins. The Orlesians push back the darkspawn from their borders.
 * ""3:25 Towers:"" Orlais sends aid to the final battle in Starkhaven. After the battle they find the Free Marches in a weakened state and capture Nevarra City but in 3:85 Towers they are ousted.

Exalted Age

 * ""5:12 Exalted:"" The Fourth Blight begins. Orlais sends but a few soldiers to aid their neighbors.

Storm Age

 * ""7:25 – 7:85 Storm:"" War against the Qunari. During these years, Emperor Freyan gives women the right to become knights.

Blessed Age

 * ""8:5 Blessed:"" Kirkwall regains its freedom from the Orlesian Empire.
 * ""8:24 Blessed:"" Emperor Reville, also known as the Mad Emperor, invades Ferelden.
 * ""8:44 Blessed:"" Orlais conquers Ferelden.

Dragon Age

 * ""9:2 Dragon:"" Ferelden wins its freedom. A truce of peace is signed between the two countries after Empress Celene I ascends to throne.
 * ""9:30 Dragon:"" The Fifth Blight begins.
 * ""9:37 Dragon:"" The Mage-Templar War is ignited.
 * ""9:38 Dragon:"" The Orlesian Civil War breaks out. Orlesian nobles are plotting about re-conquering Ferelden in its weakened state after the Fifth Blight. Empress Celene is against this and tries to bring them under control.
 * ""9:40 Dragon:"" Empress Celene is assassinated.
 * ""9:47 Dragon:"" The Orlesian Emperor, along with The Divine, King Alistair, Knight Vigilant, and the Grand Enchanter write the Weisshaupt Accord and the ceasefire between Templars and Mages begins.