Tia

Tia is known by many honorifics among the Talinese: the “Ruler of Talin”, the “Great Reformer of Talin”, and even the “Light of Talin”. Such titles must constitute an impressive pedigree given that Talin is one of the most distinctive and conservative of the human kingdoms of Aurelica – a strongly matriarchal society governed by one of the oldest continuing sets of traditions anywhere in the world, lying in the far southeast of Aurelica’s main continent. In a generally male-dominated world, women in Talin Society occupy all of the major seats of power – economic, political, cultural, and military positions in Talin society are all controlled by women. These Talinese traditions are also reinforced by several other unusual customs, such as an unspoken requirement on men to remain in the house of their bride upon marriage, and that women will remain in their parent’s household forever.

Outsiders may see Talin in rather less welcoming terms: a xenophobic, hyper-traditionalist matriarchy that has chosen to sacrifice the economic wellbeing of their people to maintain a distinctive cultural identity, ruled under the stultifying hand of a council of elderly matrons. However, Talin’s inward focus is as much a result of military considerations as tradition. Talin’s rulers are obsessively concerned with limiting their people’s exposure to foreign societies, powers, and different social structures in order to maintain as much social homogeneity and obedience is possible. The powers that be in Talin also place a high emphasis on martial arts and physical fitness, including compulsory service in the Talin Guard, all of which have contributed to a very hierarchical structure organized around several great Talin Houses or clans.

Tia’s ancestry can be traced back to Talin’s original founder – Anna Animalaya, and she has remained close to the center of power in Talinese society owing to her relationship by marriage to Talin’s previous ruler before her ascension. Tragedy struck Tia and her sister at a young age with the untimely death of their parents, the sisters thereafter raised in the queen’s household. The former queen quickly recognized Tia’s talent, who became the court’s chosen successor. Tia immediately faced a large set of problems at the head of her new kingdom: civil disturbances within and privateering without, the encroaching armies of the Hirschbuck Empire on Talin’s border, the stratified social structure of Talinese society leading to discontent among the lower classes, and constant shortages of supplies owing to Talin’s lack of trade with external powers – not to mention the ever-present threat of forced abdication should Tia try to address any of these issues in a way not approved of by the other major houses.

Rather than take heed of her own safety, Tia launched herself and the kingdom into a dizzying series of reforms in almost all areas of Talinese life alongside her co-descendant of Talinese royalty and “Lunar Blademaster” Imogen, her closest confidante and virtual co-ruler. Aware of the potential danger to her life posed by these reforms, Tia organized a course of study for her sister with the Academy of Magic in the Hirschbuck’s Imperial Capital where she would remain safe if Talin’s politics turned sour. Nathalia proved a quick study at the Academy, where her Coldsteel armor from Queen Anna and Frost Blade drew plenty of admirers from the Wizarding Halls. Nathalia returned later and, alongside Imogen, provided Tia with the backing needed to implement her vision for Talinese society.

Tia abolished many sinecure positions held by the nobility in order to fill their ranks with new talent; she opened Talin’s ports up to commerce with other cities and encouraged trade with the nearby Free Cities and city-state of Pegasus in order to provide greater employment and a lift in material living standards; she instituted free and fair reforms to the Talin Civil Administration to remove the bias against male examinees and the influence of connections and clout on civil service appointments to hasten Talinese development. Tia’s burning ambition to see Talin transformed into a modern and prosperous society drove a substantial improvement in the people’s living standards and won her the favorite of all her many honorifics: “Light of Talin”.