You Did Great Today And Deserve To Be Told That, You Did Your Best (even If You Dont Think It Was Much)

“you did great today and deserve to be told that, you did your best (even if you don’t think it was much) and i am for sure proud of you”

— Unknown

POV: You tried bullying your beneficiary... now with spoilers!

Thank you for the WBW Ask, @tabswrites!

What are some status symbols in your world? How do upper-class people typically show off their wealth?

(I'll go with the world of The Last Wrath for this one <3)

This is a very interesting question to which the answer is, yet again lol, it varies a lot.

In the Morosyn Empire:

They go all in when it comes to showing off wealth and status. To the people of the Morosyn Empire, power, wealth and influence are everything one should strive for, and this could very well define someone's life (or at least their future prospects of success).

It's all about posturing in the Morosyn Empire, always trying to look like more than one really is, in the hope of getting in the good graces of the Imperial court. As such, grandiose displays of status are more than encouraged, within calculated measure, that is: extravagant gold-plated (or at least gold-trimmed) clothing tailored to the latest fashion and usually holding the imperial colors; large intricate mansions made out of pure marble and stone that stand atop the mighty hills of the capital; attending the finest masquerades to make an impression and always striving for more connections in high standing places; etc.

Making one's House well seen and influent in Morosyn society is the goal of pretty much every single Lord and Lady there, as following the Imperial standards is not only paramount to impressing peers but sometimes vital if they want to avoid becoming pariahs.

Some nobles of the Imperial court become rather hedonistic and indulgent, though that increasingly common behavior - when extended out of moments of celebration or festivals - is considered lazy by the Emperor himself, who prefers cold practicality and strength above all else.

Unfortunately, the Morosyn's displays of power also extend to the subjugation of their enemies, be it by conquering kingdoms and vanquishing their opponents in battle, by endorsing the Radiant Hunts, or even through the practice of slave trades. In the Empire, sending a message of their "power and glory" is considered more important to them than mercy.

In the Free Realms:

Each kingdom has its different version when it comes to showing off power and wealth, but even then, they're definitely way more chill about it than the Empire.

Usually, in the Free Realms, showing off status usually comes in the form of stylish and intricate clothing, according to each kingdom's beauty standards, varied hairstyles (including the ample use of jewelry. Sometimes, the jewelry in someone's hairpiece can clearly let others know which kingdom they are from, as styles and materials are very specific to each region), etc. Fashion - much like in the Morosyn Empire, but to a much lesser extent - is important to making a good impression and showing off.

Here are some interesting, more specific, ways people show off status in each of the kingdoms within the Free Realms:

In Kestrall, a kingdom that is very much centered on the warrior's way of life and which values might in battle above many things, wearing Blue-Goat fur is one of the highest honors a person can have, and though middle-class commoners use attires made from said material in very special occasions (usually marriages, and the Yuletide Festival), for the upper class and nobles, coats and cloaks made from Blue-Goat fur are a daily attire (plus this clothing style is a favorite of the Ketrallian Queen as well). Another way to show off status, especially for people in the military, is to keep one's armor in perfect condition while showing signs of having been worn in battle (A delicate shining armor for the Kestrallian people is the sign of an untested rookie knight. A well kept, but battle worn, armor, is the sign of a practiced warrior, something to strive for). Intricate sigils, symbols, and carvings can be professionally engraved with colorful metal/melted dragon scales onto the armor as well, but this is an honor reserved for high-ranking knights/dragon riders only.

In Vellamere, one would show off status by wearing intricate jewelry carved from the shells of sea-monsters slain by their own navy. Wearing bright colors and delicate silk clothing embroidered with pure gold is also a sure sign of someone very wealthy who does not have to sail their own ship - usually a noble or a very rich merchant. Powerful sea captains often pride themselves in each scar collected in battle, and they often wear distinct colors that match that of the flags of their ships.

In Nethilor, a kingdom famous for its tie to nature, members of powerful Houses often wear jewelry inspired by the same, and their sigils usually match a specific natural figure. While this habit is not reserved for rich people/nobles only, some designs are a sure sign that someone belongs in the royal court of Nethilor. For example, the current House Regent of Nethilor - House Renfelli - is represented by their sigil of thorns and roses, which is proudly replicated onto their attires in delicate embroidered patterns, and into their jewelry as well (Prince Regent/King Maeryn Renfelli is known for wearing a pair of delicate silver bracelets that have the design of a rose patch engraved in gold upon them, and his crown follows a similar design), being pretty recognizable.

Ergyre is by far the most hedonistic and at the same time unprincipled of all of the Free Realms, especially due to the lawlessness of the heart of the Borderlands (where it is located), the constant inner conflicts, and its proximity to the Morosyn Empire. They are a living example of what happens when the expression "carpe diem" goes terribly, awfully wrong and extreme (this becomes way clearer once one reads Darian's POV as a rebel in Ergyre). The non-rebel people of the Ergyre - especially those supportive of the reigning Tryarchy and are against the rebels - are known to partake in indulgent festivals and gatherings, one more extravagant and over-the-top than the other, and more often than not, of extremely questionable morality. Wearing bright colors, statement pieces/jewels, and extravagant makeup is often the norm for people who want to showcase their wealth, and trust me, they are not subtle about it.

And so on!

For the Mageborn: Mageborn don't really consider showing off wealth as something important to them, but magical power is. The more powerful a mage is, the more distinct and apparent are their runic markings, and their eyes become more unnaturally colored (usually the same color of their markings or of their power, but it does vary). Mages from especially ancient and wealthy houses often strive to achieve this as a way to prove themselves to their ancestors.

For the Elves: In Agrannor, Elves are a proud race (and by this I mean, very proud). Honor and status before one's society are highly important to the elven individual, though typical wealth is not as important as one's personal valor. Elves usually show off their position in society by keeping their hair long and cared for, usually loose or slightly braided (they're the only race in Agrannor that considers hair as something this important). Long hair is not only the sign of an individual considered respectable by other elves, but it is also sacred to some elven creeds. Having one's hair cut short is usually something reserved for traitors and exiled pariahs, something that powerful elves try to avoid at all costs. (Elves do not grow facial hair, nor do they show signs of aging before their 500 birthday, only half-elves do. "Pure Elves" - as they often call themselves - actively look down on and resent half-elves as the spawn of the humans that they despise. To avoid being called out - and cast out - as a half-elf, half-elven individuals try to fit in by abiding by their peers' styles.)

For the Fae: Fae don't have the concept of wealth and power as humans, mages and elves have. They consider themselves to be one with nature, and according to the fairy creed "nature does not pick favorites, though it reaps the weak". If prove your worth during your coming-of-age trials, you will be respected and accepted among Fae peers. If not, you're on your own.

For the Merfolk: Merfolk also don't have the concept of wealth, as they don't have monetary items. But they do have the concept of power, and it is everything to them. They pick their leaders through duels, in which only the strongest - or most apt - survive until the next duel season comes, and the stronger/more powerful Merfolk have many privileges - especially when it comes to hunting grounds and prey - when compared to their smaller/weaker kin.

Note about Vampires and Dhampirs: Vampires, much like mages, live among human societies. To avoid being discovered as vampiric beings, vampires and dhampirs often try to pass as excentric humans, and are often very proud (bordering on vain), loving to show to the world and peers how wealthy they are, showing off in the same way humans in the Free Realms do, but exaggeratedly, though they rarely ever reveal the location of their homes.

WBW Ask

I’m a little out of it still so I’m just going to post this here and everyone can feel free to answer!

What are some status symbols in your world? How do upper class people typically show off their wealth?

Tagging: @athenswrites @gummybugg @elshells @writingmaidenwarrior @sam-glade @writernopal @pheita @mysticstarlightduck and anyone else feel free to share!

This is my favourite frog drawing I've ever seen. I think everyone should see it because it made me happy so I wish it to make more people happy 😁

(I am someone who enjoys the simple stuff in life ngl)

Happy Worldbuilding Wednesday! Thank you so much for the ask, @tabswrites!

In The Last Wrath - there are many kingdoms and therefore many capitals (especially when considering the Free Realms, which consist of independent, sovereign kingdoms that are not part of a greater empire). Here go a few curious/major ones:

The Capital of the Morosyn Empire is the city of Elsohra, the so-called "Empire's Pride". The mageborn refer to Elsohra as the Bloodtainted Jewel - for obvious reasons (the Radiant Hunts that the Empire endorse). Elsohra is a vast - and mighty city - sprawling upon the rocky hills on the heart of the Imperial Lands, a heavily fortified strategic point. The city is known for its beautiful - and enormous - Imperial Palaces, which are home to the Emperor himself and most of the royal court. It is also a rather commercially bustling city, incredibly respected within the Empire and the Borderlands, holding some of the most important resources of its lands within its grasp.

Meruvvon is a city-state principality in the far shoreline of the Free Realms, directly facing the Lost Sea (it's capital is therefore, Meruvvon itself). Due to it's maze-like structures and vantage points, it happened to be where the first fated battle between the Free Realms and the Morosyn Empire - which started the War of Prophecy - took place in the ending of The Last Wrath's Book 1. Aside from that, Meruvvon is a city built like a maze made of almost pure white marble, made to withstand the brutal sea storms and monster attacks that come from the bowels of the Lost Sea. Known for it's craftsmanship and talented artisans, Meruvvon is a city that, supposedly, "can build anything", also having some of the best strategists in the realms. The young Crown Prince of Meruvvon - Denarius Ahnora - was a close friend of the rebel Isolde Kierah and Princess Ellinor of Arkellya, even overulling the city council in order for him and his army to side with the Free Realms in the up coming War against the Morosyn Empire, instead of accepting to fall under Imperial Occupation (which was what the council wanted).

The capital of Vellamere is the city of Aesiira, located in the safe shores of the Free Realms, being lucky enough to be far away from the Lost Sea. Known for its sailing culture as well as mighty sea commerce, Aesiira is a pride to behold within the Free Realms, as well as one of the most important and powerful cities one could ever have the chance to visit, blissfully away from the Morosyn Empire to be far away from the first throes of war. It's the home of a wide range of cultures and Agrannorian species, as well as a proud - sometimes vain - elite of merchants and noble sailors. It's architecture ranges from sandy colored castles high upon the coastline, to carefully built wooden buildings next to the harbor where merchants set up their stalls.

Kestrall's capital is the mighty city of Kestrall itself, nestled high-above the snow covered peaks of the mountain range known as the Scarp - where the rest of the kingdom expands across through settlements, villages and cities all across the frozen mountains low and high. Home to the fabled Dragon Riders, protectors of the skies, which now share rule of the kingdom with the City Watch, due to their Queen's orders, leading to some political tensions. Kestrall - the kingdom and the capital - are known for making the best weaponry of all (runic weapons made by Forgebearer mages) as well as having the finest, most well trained fighters there ever was and being one of the most strategic - and most well fortified - points within the Free Realms - making it a priority for the Empire to capture, which happens in the early chapters of the Last Wrath, in the Siege of Kestrall.

The capital of Midtaren, known as Arrangrove, is hidden within the gigantic ancient forests of the kingdom, impossible to find from the outside. It was also the ancient home of both mage Houses Eiriant and Ashiren (later on), before both clans were massacred. Their rulers still uphold the Old Customs, swearing a vow to defend the ancient magic sources - even after the deaths of two of their Houses. Due to this, it has quickly become known as a safe haven for magically talented people (mageborn, elves, faefolk) wishing to escape the wars and fleeing the Radiant Hunts. Even after many attempts, the Morosyn Empire has brutally failed to breach the forest grounds (might I add that some trees are hundreds of feet tall, as tall as towers and equally wide) or even pass through the forest sprites and wardens. They're still safe, and will continue to be, as long as the forest that protects them lives.

And so on!

In Tales of Wilted Flowers - the most relevant capital in the lands of Ravaryn is the kingdom of Wenhorn, protected by the Fortress of Twinecrest and ruled over by King Tieran Kallasen - former friend of knight Arcturus Wildwood, whom Tieran comdemned long ago as a supposed traitor. The story actually starts in the rather faraway city of Thysfire, in the outskirts of the land, where Lorelai Wildwood meets Xarian Argyris. The capital of the elven and faefolk kingdom is the city-state of Allannar, next to the fabled "Lydean Sea" and the Whispering Forests.

WBW Ask

I’ve had the second worst week of my life so we’re doing asks like this for a bit until my brain stops hurting!

What is the capital city (or cities) of your world? Why is it the capital?

Tagging: @pandoras-comment-box @mysticstarlightduck @pheita @writingmaidenwarrior @sam-glade @writernopal but anyone feel free to answer!