claude von riegan. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
godshattering) wrote2025-01-01 01:00 am
godshattering) wrote2025-01-01 01:00 am
abraxas horizon info
ALMYRA + FÓDLAN
Claude's domain is based upon where he's lived in Almyra and Fódlan to encompass several ideas and places. Both countries are set in what amounts to fantasy medieval ages and his domain reflects this as well.
Almyra is the kingdom and country where he grew up as Khalid, son of the king of Almyra and Tiana von Riegan, a noblewoman from Fódlan. It is loosely based upon and draws heavy influence from several ancient Middle Eastern civilizations and countries. Almyra is represented in the interior of his domain in both decoration and landscaping in the form of plants, flowers, and trees. Some of it is not unlike that of the Free Cities but with much more than can be found around Cadens to match his homeland's flourishing lands.
The Fódlan portion is drawn from the Leicester Alliance where he moved to and became Claude when he was sixteen to become heir to his grandfather, Oswald von Riegan, the leader of the Alliance. Fódlan roughly equates to Europe, and the Alliance in particular is a combination of medieval/Renaissance England and Italy. Specifically, the exterior parts of his domain are based upon Derdriu (alternate game map one and two), the capital where House Riegan was based and governed the Alliance which has many similarities to Venice (being referred to as a city on the sea, having canals running throughout it, etc).
Almyra is the kingdom and country where he grew up as Khalid, son of the king of Almyra and Tiana von Riegan, a noblewoman from Fódlan. It is loosely based upon and draws heavy influence from several ancient Middle Eastern civilizations and countries. Almyra is represented in the interior of his domain in both decoration and landscaping in the form of plants, flowers, and trees. Some of it is not unlike that of the Free Cities but with much more than can be found around Cadens to match his homeland's flourishing lands.
The Fódlan portion is drawn from the Leicester Alliance where he moved to and became Claude when he was sixteen to become heir to his grandfather, Oswald von Riegan, the leader of the Alliance. Fódlan roughly equates to Europe, and the Alliance in particular is a combination of medieval/Renaissance England and Italy. Specifically, the exterior parts of his domain are based upon Derdriu (alternate game map one and two), the capital where House Riegan was based and governed the Alliance which has many similarities to Venice (being referred to as a city on the sea, having canals running throughout it, etc).
from the exterior
When someone approaches Claude's domain, they'll notice that it appears to be set upon a river or perhaps a canal that stretches on for some time, like it replaces what they might know as a road, a sidewalk, or any other equivalent. It's mostly quiet aside from the occasional sounds of running water and the distant hum of what might be the activity heard in a busy city marketplace.
If they follow the narrow ledge along the water they can reach a pedestrian bridge that's in the distance and then follow another ledge to get back to their starting point on the opposite side. But also, a small rowboat waits at a dock right at their feet on one edge of the water, suggesting the best way to approach the weathered doors across the way is by using it. Once they cross, there's another small landing where the boat can be anchored. Even if it's not tied up, it won't float away. They'll find that the doors are always unlocked no matter when they stop by, too.
And if they walk far enough down the main canal and past the bridge, they'll end up at the docks of Garreg Mach Monastery, Hilda and Sylvain's domain. If he's not in his own domain, Claude can frequently be found somewhere in Garreg Mach or in the aerie visiting the wyverns there. Before reaching the docks, there's a junction that can be taken that would've once led to Brigid, Petra's Domain. Today, there's only a lone tree to mark the path.
If they follow the narrow ledge along the water they can reach a pedestrian bridge that's in the distance and then follow another ledge to get back to their starting point on the opposite side. But also, a small rowboat waits at a dock right at their feet on one edge of the water, suggesting the best way to approach the weathered doors across the way is by using it. Once they cross, there's another small landing where the boat can be anchored. Even if it's not tied up, it won't float away. They'll find that the doors are always unlocked no matter when they stop by, too.
And if they walk far enough down the main canal and past the bridge, they'll end up at the docks of Garreg Mach Monastery, Hilda and Sylvain's domain. If he's not in his own domain, Claude can frequently be found somewhere in Garreg Mach or in the aerie visiting the wyverns there. Before reaching the docks, there's a junction that can be taken that would've once led to Brigid, Petra's Domain. Today, there's only a lone tree to mark the path.
The courtyard inside
Just beyond the double doors, they'll walk into a smaller, walled off but still open air courtyard that's something like a vestibule or foyer of sorts. What walls are there are lined with greenery, including potted flowering plants and small trees. Anyone who stops by is welcome to cut a flower to place in a vase from the stacks nearby for just such a purpose to take back to decorate their own domain, if they'd like. If Claude's visiting their domain, he might bring a smaller, still potted version of any of these flowers as a gift. Other than that, there's not much to see in this area. It's not meant to loiter in long past appreciating the flowers, and there's a short walk to make to another open doorway.
Once they pass through, the courtyard will turn into a very expansive one lined with seating around a pond with a small fountain to aerate it for the ornamental fish inside. Vibrant greenery lines the tiled ledges and while the weather is warm, a breeze will drift through the area to keep it from being too uncomfortable. It's a pleasant place to sit and if someone does and they then glance to one of the side tables near each settee, they'll find a tea service tray with drinks and snacks. On the low tea tables various board games can be found ready to be played, with chess and backgammon each having multiple boards set up suggesting that they might be a favorite of the domain's owner. Just maybe. If you don't know how to play, Claude's happy to teach you.
The opposite end of the courtyard - away from where anyone would be seated and lounging, safety first! - is set up as makeshift training grounds. There's a rack of swords and axes if someone would like to practice with them, and also several archery targets. There's just a couple of silver bows on hand for anyone who's not Claude to practice with since he'll usually use whichever bow he has on hand that day, but anyone is welcome to use those as well.
This is where most visitors will be entertained/hosted if you catch Claude in his own domain when he's there. There are doors leading to what's ostensibly the inner rooms of the house that surrounds the courtyard but if someone tries to open them they'll find most every door is locked. No one will be able to pass through those unless Claude trusts them so whatever might be inside is a mystery, but there are a couple rooms now open to everyone.
Once they pass through, the courtyard will turn into a very expansive one lined with seating around a pond with a small fountain to aerate it for the ornamental fish inside. Vibrant greenery lines the tiled ledges and while the weather is warm, a breeze will drift through the area to keep it from being too uncomfortable. It's a pleasant place to sit and if someone does and they then glance to one of the side tables near each settee, they'll find a tea service tray with drinks and snacks. On the low tea tables various board games can be found ready to be played, with chess and backgammon each having multiple boards set up suggesting that they might be a favorite of the domain's owner. Just maybe. If you don't know how to play, Claude's happy to teach you.
The opposite end of the courtyard - away from where anyone would be seated and lounging, safety first! - is set up as makeshift training grounds. There's a rack of swords and axes if someone would like to practice with them, and also several archery targets. There's just a couple of silver bows on hand for anyone who's not Claude to practice with since he'll usually use whichever bow he has on hand that day, but anyone is welcome to use those as well.
This is where most visitors will be entertained/hosted if you catch Claude in his own domain when he's there. There are doors leading to what's ostensibly the inner rooms of the house that surrounds the courtyard but if someone tries to open them they'll find most every door is locked. No one will be able to pass through those unless Claude trusts them so whatever might be inside is a mystery, but there are a couple rooms now open to everyone.
The Study
The first open door someone will find is Claude's study from House Riegan back in Derdriu. It's somewhere he spent long hours learning whatever he could from his grandfather before heading to Garreg Mach, where many a meeting happened after becoming the Sovereign Duke of the Leicester Alliance, and a place he traveled back to frequently during the war.
The walls are paneled in dark wood and feature carved details of fine craftsmanship here and there, suggesting the room's based on something both old and with the weight of money behind it. Wrought iron chandeliers above will always be lit with candles to provide light, the fireplaces will always have crackling fires bringing the room to just the right ambient temperature to be comfortable, there's several plush armchairs waiting to be used, and the walls are lined with shelves featuring a seemingly endless number of books. While browsing them, it'll quickly become apparent they span a wide range of topics including:
sciences including Fodlan's version of medicine, astronomy, and crestology
old and hefty tactics and battle strategy volumes
hobbies such as chess, books on bead and gemwork with someone's name written in faded script on the inside covers, and manuals on creating one's own bows and arrows
a number of dusty books about the Church of Seiros and its history, some looking as though they've aged in a basement for several decades complete with mustiness and water stains
textbooks on Faith and Reason magic, theory, and spells
novels of all kinds and on all subject matter, including a series of chivalric adventures popular in Faerghus
maps and various tomes on the nations surrounding Fodlan, such as Albinea, Morfis, Brigid, and a scattered few about Almyra, though the latter are written from the perspective of the Leicester Alliance
All of them are recreated from Claude's memory. Flipping through a few here and there might reveal they also came with whatever notes he'd scribbled in the margins while originally reading them. The thoughts are usually scattered and written in shorthand, and often not intelligible to anyone but the writer.
There's a few tables with angled book holders where one can place something they're reading, benches to sit at, and the tabletops are stocked with fresh sheets of parchment and quills ready for the reader to take their own notes. If you're not familiar with using quills, you'll find these particular ones write like pens now that Claude's been introduced to those. Anyone's welcome to bring their own books to read (or create them on the spot to settle in) and use what's here to research. More than adequate lighting's provided here as well - no eyestrain on his watch.
An ornate desk with a globe mapped from Fodlan's view and yet another comfortable armchair round out the room's contents. The top of the desk will often be scattered with stacks of books, parchment with half-written notes, a number of quills... it suggests whoever owns this desk perhaps has their own system of organized absolute chaos. Nothing left out will be too revealing on its own; the desk also has a series of drawers which will be always locked, and rattling any of them suggest they're full of things. Attempts to pick the locks will be unsuccessful - whatever's used on them will snap instantly, as if this has been anticipated.
The walls are paneled in dark wood and feature carved details of fine craftsmanship here and there, suggesting the room's based on something both old and with the weight of money behind it. Wrought iron chandeliers above will always be lit with candles to provide light, the fireplaces will always have crackling fires bringing the room to just the right ambient temperature to be comfortable, there's several plush armchairs waiting to be used, and the walls are lined with shelves featuring a seemingly endless number of books. While browsing them, it'll quickly become apparent they span a wide range of topics including:
All of them are recreated from Claude's memory. Flipping through a few here and there might reveal they also came with whatever notes he'd scribbled in the margins while originally reading them. The thoughts are usually scattered and written in shorthand, and often not intelligible to anyone but the writer.
There's a few tables with angled book holders where one can place something they're reading, benches to sit at, and the tabletops are stocked with fresh sheets of parchment and quills ready for the reader to take their own notes. If you're not familiar with using quills, you'll find these particular ones write like pens now that Claude's been introduced to those. Anyone's welcome to bring their own books to read (or create them on the spot to settle in) and use what's here to research. More than adequate lighting's provided here as well - no eyestrain on his watch.
An ornate desk with a globe mapped from Fodlan's view and yet another comfortable armchair round out the room's contents. The top of the desk will often be scattered with stacks of books, parchment with half-written notes, a number of quills... it suggests whoever owns this desk perhaps has their own system of organized absolute chaos. Nothing left out will be too revealing on its own; the desk also has a series of drawers which will be always locked, and rattling any of them suggest they're full of things. Attempts to pick the locks will be unsuccessful - whatever's used on them will snap instantly, as if this has been anticipated.
The Lab
Another open door possible for someone to walk through will lead to what's clearly an amateur laboratory setup. Bookcases with drawers and books, journals, and rolled up notes are filled to the brim around the edges of the room. Jars of powdered ingredients, dried mushrooms, and different tinctures also sit waiting to be used. There's a row of windows letting lots of bright natural sunlight into the room - all the better to work by.
There's a workbench with a large countertop in the middle of the room with more parchments with notes resembling recipes, various beakers, test tubes, and small bottles labeled with only a scribble to help decipher what's inside of them. Some of them will be clearly finished projects waiting neatly in rows, with their contents ranging from liquid as clear as water to others with dried plants steeping inside of them still.
And as for those plants: there's several growing within pots stacked upon bookcases, other random shelves, and in baskets hanging from the ceiling. All are within easy reach to be harvested. Some are from Fodlan, some are ones Claude will claim are from Fodlan but only those from the Empire, the Kingdom, or the Alliance might question whether that's true, and some might be recognized as the ones which grow in the desert around Cadens.
What is it he's doing with them, anyway? If asked, Claude will merely shrug and say he's always had an interest in botany. Why not indulge it here? If the asker is someone he's close to, they might get more details. Otherwise, it'll be naught but taking him at his word.
There's nothing overtly suspicious about the room - it really does look like a laboratory where a curious mind is hard at work on many things, after all - but if someone picks up a particular vial, Claude might quickly retrieve it and suggest examining something else instead.
Just in case.
There's a workbench with a large countertop in the middle of the room with more parchments with notes resembling recipes, various beakers, test tubes, and small bottles labeled with only a scribble to help decipher what's inside of them. Some of them will be clearly finished projects waiting neatly in rows, with their contents ranging from liquid as clear as water to others with dried plants steeping inside of them still.
And as for those plants: there's several growing within pots stacked upon bookcases, other random shelves, and in baskets hanging from the ceiling. All are within easy reach to be harvested. Some are from Fodlan, some are ones Claude will claim are from Fodlan but only those from the Empire, the Kingdom, or the Alliance might question whether that's true, and some might be recognized as the ones which grow in the desert around Cadens.
What is it he's doing with them, anyway? If asked, Claude will merely shrug and say he's always had an interest in botany. Why not indulge it here? If the asker is someone he's close to, they might get more details. Otherwise, it'll be naught but taking him at his word.
There's nothing overtly suspicious about the room - it really does look like a laboratory where a curious mind is hard at work on many things, after all - but if someone picks up a particular vial, Claude might quickly retrieve it and suggest examining something else instead.
Just in case.
Claude's clothing in the Horizon
These days, Claude's outfits in the Horizon resemble more of what he wears every day in Cadens: boots with trousers tucked into them, a shirt, possibly a vest, and a scarf wrapped around his waist as a sash. The images above are meant as visualosities for what he might be wearing in some combination. His pants will generally be tan, brown, or black, with white shirts and golds, yellows, and greens as accent colors. He dresses for comfort in the warm weather so most garments will fit loosely unless there's some occasion that would call for something more tailored. If traveling to another's domain where weather might be chillier, a cloak will also be present.
He can also be occasionally found wearing traditional Almyran armor worn into Fodlan's war, or his day to day clothing as the leader of the Leicester Alliance. Both serve as reminders of the life left behind after being summoned to Abraxas, and he will have either bow seen in the above pictures: Wind Parthia from Almyra or Failnaught from Fódlan.
He can also be occasionally found wearing traditional Almyran armor worn into Fodlan's war, or his day to day clothing as the leader of the Leicester Alliance. Both serve as reminders of the life left behind after being summoned to Abraxas, and he will have either bow seen in the above pictures: Wind Parthia from Almyra or Failnaught from Fódlan.
say hi to the wyvern
Claude's beloved white wyvern also resides in his domain. Back home, she's much taller than a horse and somewhere closer to the height of a small building and has a massive wingspan. In the Horizon, his wyvern has reverted back to her fledgling years so she looks like the lower row of fan art.
She is friendly if not also standoffish with those she's meeting for the first time. New friends can win her over by scratching underneath her chin (fortunately no sharp adult sized teeth in the Horizon to worry about!) or by offering up a tasty snack in the form of fish, dried meat, or any new food she hasn't tried yet. The sky's the limit! Doting on her will also win some instant points with Claude - not to mention the wyvern.
Her normal haunts are flying around Claude's domain as if soaring through the sky, roosting in one of the trees within the inner courtyard, or keeping watch on the perch right inside the front courtyard to trill at any visitors both in greeting and alert. If Claude is out visiting others or just roaming the Horizon itself, she may tag along by either flying above him or to his side or perching on his forearm. If she's home by herself, visitors might be regarded with suspicion and followed throughout wherever they wander until Claude appears.
And, if someone was perhaps hoping to meet an adult wyvern, they can be found in THE AERIE created by Hilda at Garreg Mach. Heed the advice about bringing snacks for them and they might just even be able to take one for a ride around the Horizon.
She is friendly if not also standoffish with those she's meeting for the first time. New friends can win her over by scratching underneath her chin (fortunately no sharp adult sized teeth in the Horizon to worry about!) or by offering up a tasty snack in the form of fish, dried meat, or any new food she hasn't tried yet. The sky's the limit! Doting on her will also win some instant points with Claude - not to mention the wyvern.
Her normal haunts are flying around Claude's domain as if soaring through the sky, roosting in one of the trees within the inner courtyard, or keeping watch on the perch right inside the front courtyard to trill at any visitors both in greeting and alert. If Claude is out visiting others or just roaming the Horizon itself, she may tag along by either flying above him or to his side or perching on his forearm. If she's home by herself, visitors might be regarded with suspicion and followed throughout wherever they wander until Claude appears.
And, if someone was perhaps hoping to meet an adult wyvern, they can be found in THE AERIE created by Hilda at Garreg Mach. Heed the advice about bringing snacks for them and they might just even be able to take one for a ride around the Horizon.