Capital: City Qayn
National characteristics: The Ricossans are known for polite manners, secrecy, strict religious practice, and an even stricter justice system, regarded as barbaric by others. They normally dispute leadership of the continent with Jaryar.
History: Ricossa suffered greatly from the civil War of the Throne between 568-575, commemorated by the Ten Pillars in the Square of Silent Remembrance. The Ten Great Families who rule Ricossa eventually made peace by agreeing the New Governance (see below). At the time of the Council of Vach-roysh (to which Ricossa sent an observer) the dual monarchs were King Aigith and King Garadyish.
At the time when “The Servant’s Voice” begins, in June 642, they were King Aigith (Evening King) and Queen Zinial (Morning Queen.) At the time of Rorash b’Shen’s visit to Falli in 652, they were Queen Belimet (Evening) and Queen Rommi (Morning.)
The New Governance is the nearest thing to a written constitution on Ragaris. Its main points are: Two monarchs, one for war and defence, and one for economic and other matters, are to be appointed for life at a Conclave, and are to renounce any individual Family loyalty. Slavery is abolished, but it is permitted to guarantee confidentiality in a servant by making them Voiceless. The Families will establish the Great College (see below.)
The Great College The College is situated in the town of Sapientia, about thirty miles south-west of the Lake from City Qayn. Students attend lectures and practicals by Doctors in various Schools. The primary course is two years in length and covers an assortment of subjects – from music and theology to geology. The full seven year course is for those wishing to teach, or to follow careers in law or medicine. All students are trained in fighting. Study is not free, and the few commoners at the College usually work as servants (servitors) while studying. Discipline is strict.