Alania, otherwise known as the "Millennium Kingdom" (千年王国, Chitose ōkoku), has the longest history of any nation that has emerged since the collapse of the ancient kingdom of Kastuul. The kingdom of Alania is located in the north east of Lodoss, and borders Kanon to the south, via the Forest of No Return, and Flaim to the west through the Wind and Fire Desert. Most of the land is occupied by the White Dragon Mountains to the north or the Forest of No Return to the south. Therefore, there is very little flatland in the region. However, what little is available, is highly fertile land suitable for farming. Agriculture is the fruit of Alania and has greatly supported the prosperity of the kingdom. It is said that the Earth Mother Goddess, Marfa fell to the land of Alania when she was defeated in battle with Kardis, Goddess of Destruction, and that she still continues to protect the land. Due to this myth, the Marfa faith is the most popular religious sect in the kingdom.
Alania also hosts the only Academy of Sages on Lodoss. The school of sorcerers has spent many untold hours researching the arts of magic. Many of these graduates join the magical warrior division in the Alanian army, called the Silver-Hoofed Knights. The Alanian coat of arms has adopted the emblem of this younger order. Alania and Kanon maintain a healthy alliance, and royal marriages between the two nations have occurred many times in the past. Alania has long been revered as the largest power on Lodoss. However, Alania’s long history has given birth to much corruption, especially in the ruling class. The aristocrats devote themselves to power struggles, and bribe civilians to assist them. Now the kingdom has declined significantly due to an internal conflict over the right to ascend the throne.
Social system[]
In the kingdom of Alania, the king is the absolute monarch, with the royal family and his seniors below him. There is a social division system that continues with senior knights, lower knights, civilians, and commoners. Of these residents of the kingdom, the senior knights and civilians form the aristocratic hierarchy, while the junior knights and the general public are categorised as the lower class. The king occupies a vast area under the direct control of the royal capital, Alan. He ranks above all royalty and aristocrats and also has an order of knights directly at his command. Senior knights have territories and titles, accompanied by civilians and junior knights. Even amongst the aristocrats, there is a clear disparity between great halls of those from a patrilineal tradition and those who are not. There is a long history of corruption in the aristocracy, and corrupted senior knights are in a constant power struggle. These nobles are obsessed with their own interests, yet most of the national affairs and territorial management that are in the hands of civilians, is entrusted to these civil servants. For this reason, civilians take advantage of their position.
Civilians are openly demanding bribes from the aristocrats to further their status in society. There is no sign of this trend changing. Now even commoners such as the general public and farmers excel in power and are appointed as knights and civilians. This is rare though, and most stay tied to their original lifestyle, usually as a child of a merchant or a farmer. However, in the fertile rich soil, and the thriving industry in the country of Alania, the lives of the commoners are not so poor. For this reason, the scale of open corruption wasn’t significant. However, after the outbreak of the War of Heroes, and the assignation of Kadomos VII, the political situation suddenly became extremely unstable and the land was plunged into a civil war. The lives of the commoners had become difficult due to the turbulence of the internal conflict. However, The Temple of Marfa was trusted by the people of Alania, the sect had temples all around the world. Marfa’s teachings of equality and compassion were widespread among the common people. The temple has often taken a rebellious attitude toward the ruling class. This is also a factor in the popularity of the faith.
History[]
Foundation[]
Alania was founded roughly one hundred years after the fall of the Ancient Kingdom of Kastuul. Shortly after the era of the ancient kingdom ended, a woman known as Naneel, the "Queen of the Dead", who was high priestess of the Kardis, the goddess of destruction, set up cults in the land of Alania. The region was a dark place before the civilians rose up in defiance, led by a hero named Kadomos, a man who would become the founding king of the Kingdom of Alania. Kadomos, with the full support of the Temple of Marfa, won the battle against Naneel and expelled her forces from the land. However, Naneel was blessed with an unholy power; her soul would reincarnate into another woman's body every time she was killed. She was in a sense, immortal, and could not be forever vanquished when destroyed by conventional means such as defeating her by the sword or magic. Still, Kadomos never gave up on his hunt to finally destroy the dark priestess and prevent her from returning to the Material World. This indomitable will showed the inhabitants of Alania that Kadomos would be a great king. Kadomos collected masses of literature from the ancient kingdom and after many untold hours of research, under numerous scholars and sages, he finally discovered how to seal the soul of Naneel. However, it would be at the expense of a High Priest of Marfa.
The battle between Kadomos and Naneel lasted for decades. During this time, many brave warriors gathered under the hero Kadomos one after another. Together, Kadomos marched on Marmo and sealed the Queen of the Dead’s soul. Thus, the kingdom of Alania was founded, on the bravery that defeated Naneel, and King Kadomos took the throne. Naturally, the brave warriors that fought alongside him became knights of the kingdom. Alania was established as a major power in Lodoss, but immediately after its founding, the national power did not expand. In fact, a rift began between the Marfa Sect and the aristocrats, as the nobles started to fall into corruption, as seemed to be the trend at the time. The internal conflict prevented Alania from taking the opportunity to expand its borders.
Year 473[]
The Alania region is far away from the Moss region, which was the centre of the Demon Wars. However, that did not mean that the damage caused by the demons was insignificant. A wave of demons bringing death and destruction washed over the kingdom of Alania. At that time, King Kadomos VI of the Kingdom of Alania and the aristocrats abandoned the territories and used the knights to protect themselves. For this reason, there was a backlash against the kingdom and aristocrats among the people. Some of the disgruntled inhabitants started an uprising and refused to pay taxes. However, it was the priests of Marfa in Tarba who played an active role in protecting the people of Alania. That included one of the Six Heroes, Neese, a high priestess who was praised as the "Earth Mother Goddess’s beloved daughter" after venturing to the Deepest Labyrinth and defeating the Demon King. At the end of the War of the Demon King, she stayed in the village to protect the inhabitants from the villainous imposters masquerading as members of the Hundred Heroes which had begun to infest Alania. The chaos and damage caused by the imposters was particularly severe, so much so that the king issued a decree to imprison all the Hundred Heroes in Alania.
Year 510[]
When the kingdom of Kanon was invaded by the Marmo Empire, the king of Alania, Kadomos VII, though reluctant to do so, made the decision to close the border after seeing off the enemy troops. This move signalled that Alania wouldn’t intervene if the Marmo ruled Kanon, despite their alliance with the kingdom. At one point, the kingdom of Valis, the kingdom of Flaim, the Principality of Moss and their allies participated in the battle against the Marmo. Alania also joined but Kadomos VII was assassinated by his younger brother, Duke Raster, and so the army was withdrawn from the conflict. Since this act, the kingdom of Alania has been plunged into a civil war between Duke Raster and his rival for the crown, the Count of Norvis, Amosun. The turmoil from the cities eventually spread to the more rural areas of the country. Thus, a movement for autonomy was founded in the village of Zaxon.
Years 512-515[]
Due to King Kadomos VII being replaced by his younger brother Duke Raster during the War of Heroes, Alania was still in a state of civil war. Meanwhile, in the village of Zaxon to the north of the kingdom, a militia was organised by the Sage of the North, Slayn. The group declared autonomy from the kingdom of Alania. However, this independence movement faced repression from both sides, exposing the wraith of both Duke Raster and Count Amosun. On the other hand, the civil war had reached a stalemate. It had been this way for a long time at this point, but it was Duke Raster who formed an alliance with the Marmo Empire to give him the advantage in the conflict. This was a significant change in the history of the Millennium Kingdom.
Year 525[]
Duke Raster’s army attempted to subdue the settlements north of Alan with the aid of the Marmo forces. The Duke captured Norvis, but was defeated by the Flaim army and the Zaxon militia. The Duke was executed and a newly discovered heir to the throne, Ropus II was crowned king. The Academy of Sages has reopened with the famous sage Slayn as the headmaster. Once again, Alania was becoming the center of learning and knowledge for Lodoss.
Locations[]
Alan[]
Alan (アラン, Aran), the royal capital of the kingdom of Alania, is the largest city on Lodoss. Alania’s capital’s graceful traditions and blooming culture are renowned amongst the other countries. The cityscape and the royal castle Stone Web were constructed by the dwarves who live in the north in the style of the ancient kingdom that perished five hundred years ago; it is elegant and well suited for defence. The high stone-paved street runs vertically, and there is also fresh water and a sewer system. For this reason, travelers who visit this city aren’t concerned about their cleanliness and are usually surprised at the richness of the people’s lives. Guards are always on patrol. Security is also good because it is a part of the public order. Also, in the suburbs of the city, there is a port built on a bay called Crimson Wave Bay. Ships travel southbound to the various kingdoms. Rood in Kanon, Roid in Valis, and Venon in Moss, are all key points of trade that fund the prosperity of the royal capital.
Stone Web[]
Alania's Royal Castle, Stone Web (ストーンウェブ, Sutōn'u~ebu) is located in the city centre of Alan and can be viewed from practically anywhere in the city. This castle was constructed by hands of the northern dwarves when Alania was founded. Therefore, it was built with marble, in imitation of the style of the ancient kingdom. The beauty of Stone Web is comparable to Shining Hill Castle in Kanon, which is said to be the most famous castle in Lodoss. In Moss, the people, who value healthy living standards and are particular when it comes to beauty, sometimes refer to it as "the symbol of self-satisfaction of Alania." The castle is equipped with a fresh water supply, air conditioning, dehumidification facilities, etc. It has a habitability that is unparalleled in other castles on Lodoss Island. On the other hand, military facilities such as barracks and stables stand independent from the main castle, which is itself protected by large reinforced walls. Stone Web was designed as both a fortress and a place for people to live in comfort.
Academy of Sages[]
The famous Academy of Sages (賢者の学院, kenja no gakuin) was founded in the capital city of Alan around two hundred years ago. Ancient magic is a lost art developed by the sorcerers of the collapsed kingdom of Kastuul. Those who cannot use magic on Lodoss are afraid of those that can. And there are many who are distrustful of any reproduction of the magic of the ancient kingdom. For this reason, sorcerers are wise to protect themselves and their way of life. The academy was created for these people, to pursue the taboo art of magic in a safe environment. It was agreed that research would be conducted for the betterment of the kingdom and Lodoss in general. Therefore, when the Academy of Sages was established it imposed various conditions on its members. The destructive power of magic is represented by the Fireball spell. Those who admonish the use of magic and use it for their own desires and pleasures will be severely reprimanded and in most cases expelled from the academy. Through these efforts, the magicians and the academy were gradually welcomed among the people.
Soon Alan became the city with the largest number of sorcerers of all of Lodoss. However, just before the War of Heroes, after the death of then-Headmaster Larcus, the academy collapses due to the betrayal of a sorcerer named Wagnard. About 20 years ago, due to defying the academy and studying the forbidden art of Black Magic, Wagnard was cast out from the academy. What was worse for Wagnard was that Headmaster Larcus placed a geas on him, which prevented him from using magic. If Wagnard attempted to, he would feel an intense pain throughout his body. Wagnard becomes the Court Magician for the Dark Emperor Beld on the Dark Isle of Marmo, waiting for an opportunity for revenge. After Lucas's death, he murdered the magicians who were studying at the academy one after another. In addition, Wagnard robbed the academy of valuable books and ancient crafts, and razed it to the ground. Currently, only an abandoned site remains in the place where the academy was. However, many of the magicians who studied at the academy stayed in Alan and opened a private school, where they continued their research on magic.
Norvis[]
Norvis[1] (ノービス, Nōbisu) prospers as the second largest city in the kingdom of Alania. Northeast of the city are the White Dragon Mountains, with the Forest of No Return to the southeast, and the Wind and Fire Desert to the west. Due to these natural barriers, the city has rarely been invaded in its long history. Partly because of this, Norvis is an open city with no walls. The cityscape heads from the central square with gates on all sides, spreading radially with the High Street as its main line. All the streets are paved with cobblestones and freshwater. A sewage system is maintained in the city centre. Therefore, the city is beautiful and clean, although it is not quite as grandiose as Alan. Livestock farming is popular around Norvis. In addition, many traders take advantage of the highway. The wealth acquired by these traders has also become a financial resource that supports the prosperity of the city. The lordship of the city is traditionally assigned to one of the royal family, usually the king’s younger brother, who is given the title of Duke of Norvis. However, at the beginning of the War of Heroes, the younger brother of King Kadomos VII, named Raster, did not receive the honour. Instead, Amosun, the former duke’s son, was granted the title of Count of Norvis. The Duke of Norvis (or Count) has over one hundred knights directly under their command. Count Amosun of Norvis used these knights when he contested the throne, and threw the country into civil war.
Tarba[]
Tarba (ターバ, Tāba) is the northernmost village of the kingdom of Alania, and also the northernmost village on Lodoss Island. Located in the basin, overlooking the White Dragon Mountains, the village is extremely remote, but in the suburbs, there is a large temple dedicated to Marfa, which is famous throughout Lodoss. The population of the village is about 100, of which about 10% are dwarven traders from the Iron Kingdom, or pilgrims. The area around the village is cold, it is a region where ice spirits gather, thus the land is not suitable for farming. For this reason, foraging in the forests, hunting, and trading with dwarves supports the lives of the villagers. Except for the winter, when it is completely covered with snow, there are many Marfa followers who visit the village. Among them are men and women who wish to get married. But all of them are trying to receive a blessing ritual at the Great Temple. The road that these pilgrims come and go on is called the Blessed Road. There are many inns that provide bedding and warm meals for these pilgrims. The Great Temple of Tarba has a ritual to seal the queen of the dead, Naneel. The head of the temple is the high priestess Neese who dedicated her heart to the goddess and released the ice dragon Bramd from his curse. The temple is also known for producing numerous saints.
Marfa faith[]
The doctrine of Marfa is called "the law of the earth" and preaches living in harmony with nature and giving birth to and raising children. The sect also takes a negative stance on battles, unless for self-defence. Many of Marfa's followers are farmers who pray for fertility, but there are others in Lodoss who worship Marfa as she also governs marriage, creativity, charity, and healing. Most of the people who live in Alan worship Marfa in some way. Marfa is also popular with the dwarves, with worshippers growing in numbers, along with the war god Myrii, who is actively opposed to the Goddess of Charity. However, the Marfa sect’s true enemy is the cult of Kardis, the goddess of destruction. It is said that the two goddesses fought a fierce battle, concluding the War of the Gods but resulting in both of their deaths.
Road of Blessings[]
The Road of Blessings is a highway leading from the northernmost village of Tarba to the royal capital, Alan. The road is used by pilgrims visiting the Great Temple of Marfa in Tarba. And has been given this name for that reason. The Road of Blessings is a road primarily for pilgrims, but at the same time, it is also a trade route for caravans that can be seen going back and forth. The destination of these traders is the Iron Kingdom of the dwarves.
Zaxon[]
Zaxon (ザクソン, Zakuson) is a remote village in the middle of the peninsula in the northeast of Lodoss Island, about two days south of Tarba and ten days north of Alan. It is also the starting place for a number of heroes, namely the Free Knight Parn, the Sage of the North Slayn, and the Priest King Etoh. The village originally had a population of about 120, and in addition to farming, a forest borders the north side. The villagers forage and hunt in the forest for food, but in the depths of this forest there are places where dark sprites such as goblins and kobolds nest. Thus, most hunters don’t venture too deep. Also, the money that is donated from the pilgrims who use the Blessed Road is a valuable source of income. On the west side of the village, the river Ice Dragon’s Tear flows, which originates in the White Dragon Mountains. Its fresh water is used as water for the village. Originally it was a small village with only one tavern. However, due to the influx of villagers during the civil war that occurred at the end of the War of Heroes, and the independence movement, headed by the Sage of the North, many inns have been erected. The forest was cultivated to adapt to the growth. Now that the village hosts over one thousand refugees, Zaxon has greatly expanded.
Birruni[]
Birruni (ビルニ, Biruni) is a port town located in the north east of the kingdom of Alania. The port mainly hosts ships on southbound voyages that set sail for Crimson Wave Bay going to Alan. Otherwise, the port of Birruni is used for ships on the northbound route on their way to Flaim and Raiden. The trade, especially with Raiden, has brought enormous wealth. Birruni was a powerful financial strength for Zaxon’s Independence Movement during the civil war at the end of the War of Heroes, when the villages in the area rebelled for autonomy against the crown.
White Dragon Mountains[]
The peninsula at the northeast tip of Lodoss is mostly occupied by steep mountains, named the White Dragon Mountains (白竜山脈, Hakuryū sanmyaku). This mountain range becomes higher and steeper toward the north and hosts a number of small settlements that are scattered between them. It is said that the mountain range has two king spirits as its masters. The demon wolf Fenrir, king spirit of ice and the king spirit of earth, Behemoth. It is rumoured that when Fenrir stays on the mountain, he is the source of long harsh winters that cover Alania and the entire island of Lodoss in thick snowfall. North of the village of Tarba is Fenrir’s territory. Though the wolf’s existence has yet to be confirmed, there have been reports of its howl, and no one has returned that has ventured deep into the mountains, when Fenrir is said to be active.
Behemoth, the king spirit of the earth, is said to be responsible for the numerous earthquakes in the area. Every year there is at least one earthquake in Alania. Due to this, over the years many villages have been destroyed. In addition to these two king spirits, the ice dragon Bramd is regarded as a third master of the White Dragon Mountains. Bramd is one of the five chromatic dragons that were cursed by the last governor of Kastuul and forced to guard the Governor’s Treasures. The curse was lifted at the beginning of the Demon Wars by Neese, who came to be known as "Dragon Tamer." After that, Bramd lived a quiet life as a friend of the Marfa sect.
Forest of No Return[]
Deep in the Forest of No Return (帰らずの森, kaerazunomori), a forest in the southern part of the kingdom of Alania lies the secluded village of the high elves. Due to the battle between the barbaric humans and the sorcerers of Kastuul during the Fall of Kastuul, the high elves withdrew from the conflicts on Lodoss in disgust. The high elf Elder placed a curse on the forest, via a pact with Ent, the king spirit of the forest. The curse prevented anyone from setting foot past a certain point in the forest, except for forest animals, the high elves themselves and their kin. The curse confined all other trespassers to another realm created by Ent. Many people disappeared due to the curse. Therefore, the woodland has become known as The Forest of No Return. The forest trapped a great number of humans over a period of five hundred years. Some years after the War of Heroes, the curse was lifted at the request of Deedlit.
Iron Kingdom[]
The Iron Kingdom (鉄の王国, Tetsu no ōkoku) is the home of the fae of the earth, the dwarves of Alania. The kingdom is a enormous subterranean city that is connected by a network of labyrinthine tunnels. It is a little-known fact by the general populace of Lodoss, that the kingdom stretches beneath the island and once connected to the Stone Kingdom in Moss. However, the crossroads were closed after the Stone Kingdom was destroyed in the Demon Wars, preventing passage between the two dwarven kingdoms. The dwarves of the Iron Kingdom make various craftworks, and trade it with humans to survive. They also import distilled wine and produce a strong alcohol called fire liquor. This is by far the strongest liquor on the island of Lodoss, most of which the dwarves consume themselves, though they do export a small amount.
People[]
Individuals who are from or have sworn allegiance to Alania include:
The name of Alania has been written as either "Alania" or "Allania", even in the Japanese source material. The name "Alania" appears in the Japanese versions of The Lady of Pharis (volume 2, page 52) and Chronicles of the Heroic Knight (volume 1, page 30), while the name "Allania" appears in The Grey Witch manga (volume 1, page 12) and The Crown of the Covenantnovelandmanga. The 2014 edition of The Grey Witch manga has a third alternative spelling; "Allanya" (volume 1, page 2). In English translations "Alania" is more common than "Allania". The two animes use Alania and the novel does as well. When it comes to manga, the translators seem to use the spelling that was used in the original Japanese versions, if they exist. In the English version of the Welcome to Lodoss Island! manga, "Alania" is used.
The same issue exists with the name for Alania's capital city Alan, which, even in Japanese releases, has several spellings, such as Alan, Allan and Aran.
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