Melrath: Regional Attitudes
The Traditionalists vs the Modernists
There is a heated culture war taking place right now within the borders of Melrath. The nation is quite old when one considers the original inhabitants who dwelt in Fensalir preceded the refugees that arrived from Ne’haer by over a hundred arcs. These first people of Melrath find a deep connection with the spirits and are happy to shut the outside world out of their lives. They care not for opening up their borders to foreigners and wish to cling to their dark forests and spiraling mountains.
Most of these “traditionalists” dwell within the city of Fensalir to the south of Melrath. These forest dwellers scoff at the pampered people of Raelia who live safely behind the high walls of their stone city. The vast majority of the poor and middle class of Melrath hold this “traditionalist” outlook on life and prefer to keep to themselves.
It is the modernists that reside in the bustling city of Raelia that are the main force behind opening the borders of Melrath in order to allow foreigners in. They see this new influx of people and businesses as a means of increasing the wealth of Melrath along with filling their own personal coffers. The rich and wealthy of Raelia all tend to support this view and have been making every effort to further open the borders of their nation. Currently the Circle is dominated by these modern minded individuals, and that fact seems to show no sign of changing in the near future.
The middle class and lower classes of Melrath tend to treat foreigners with a gruff sense of disdain if they don’t choose to ignore visitors altogether.
You must spend at least a full Cycle within Melrath to begin being accepted as a local.
Domain Magic:
Domain Magic is treated as something of a double edged sword. It is considered a valuable gift and weapon to protect the nation from the will of the Immortals. Mages are treated with a mixture of respect and wariness within the borders of Melrath. Resident mages are required to spend at least a season (Or minimum 80 trials) of their lives in Raelia, where they are educated in the basics of using and controlling their magic. The focus of this education focused mostly on understand a Spark and becoming disciplined enough to handle it. There is minimal education required for the individual disciplines, although there are mentors avaliable to assist with furthering one's magical education. Once a mage has completed this basic training they are marked with a tattoo known as a Mage's Mark (you may have this placed anywhere easily visible) that certifies them as a state sanctioned user of Domain Magic.
The tattoo is the image of a Triskelion within a circle which symbolizes the powerful unending possibilities of magic but held within a circle that represents discipline. The tattoo is small, roughly two inches in width and it must be placed in a visible location. Many mages have them inscribed on the back of their hands so they are always visible.
All resident Melrathi mages must bear this Mage's Mark following initiation into any magic. Visiting mages staying for longer than ten trials in Melrath must carry paperwork with them that certifies that their local government considers them proficient in handling domain magic. This can be a simple note from a council clerk, but something must notate that they are safe to be in the presence of the public.
Mages who wish to move to Melrath must provide this paperwork upon petitioning the Circle for citizenship. Once they are accepted as a citizen they will be given the Mage's Mark.
Attitudes by Discipline
Abrogation: This magic is considered by many to be invaluable due to it's ability to produce mighty shields. Abrogators are revered with esteem since it takes a great deal of dedication and scholarship to fully master this exacting discipline. Many skilled Abrogators find themselves working as members of the Ragnari since their abilities have such a high value within the military of Melrath.
Attunement: The quiet and curious magic of Attunement is the least feared of the Domain Magic Disciplines. Because of this, many Attuners can lead fairly normal lives, although many find themselves engaging in more scholarly professions where their magic can be most aptly used. Many Attuners are also artists who find their way into the upper echelons of the crafting trade.
Becoming Becomers are a rare and elusive lot in Melrath as many shy away from the hustle and bustle of Raelia. Many spend their time in the wilderness, or living on the outskirts of Fensalir. The only faction in Melrath known to have several Becomers in it's ranks are the Ydalir Rangers. The Rangers hold the ability to transform into animals in high regard giving their close relationship to the natural world. However most Becomers are treated by the public as wild and strange.
Defiance Defiance holds a special place in the minds and hearts of the Melrathi people. Due to their spirit based religion many Melrathi consider it quite special that elemental Anak enjoy haunting a Defier's footsteps. Defiers are consider almost holy because of this tendency for spirits of the elements to hang around them. Many Defiers find themselves seeking to join the Aesir due to their affinity with spirits. The Aesir consider these mages to be uniquely skilled in dealing with the spiritual world, so many Defiance Mages find a welcome home among this priesthood.