|
|
|
Shienar
It is a tremendous struggle for the people of Fal Dara to live so close to the Blight. The constant fighting greatly affects the way the Shienaran warriors view life. The three most important values to the Shienaran warriors are peace, beauty, and life. Peace, because they have never known it. Beauty, because they are so near the corruption of the Blight. Life, because they are sworn to death. To the Shienaran warriors, it is the quality of life that matters, not any material wealth that is gained. The soldiers are buried unclothed. It is their belief that all came from the earth, and they wish to return as they came to the last embrace of the mother. The Shienarans are the finest heavy cavalry in the world. Like Fal Dara, all of the towns in Shienar are built to function as fortresses. All are built on hills, to gain a commanding view of the countryside. They are surrounded by stone walls and heavy iron gates. Nothing taller than short grass is allowed to remain for at least a half-mile beyond the town walls. Shienar’s capital city is Fal Moran. However, it is the cities closer to the Blightborder, such as Fal Dara, which more closely embody the fighting spirit of Shienar. Everything except the surrounding farms are enclosed within the city walls. Fal Dara, and the cities like it, were built for strength and beauty. Like all cities along the Blightborder, no man may be permitted to wear a hood or cover their face within the city walls. This is an effort to prevent Myrddraal from entering into the cities. Also, the streets of these cities are very well lighted, to try and prevent the shadows the Myrddraal need to appear and disappear at will.
|
