The Nanšaleni Matriarchy is one of the Venerable Matriarchies of Harpylen. Ruled by the Nanšau matriarchs since its founding in 817 BA, they have occupied a very important role in Bulwari history as the owners of the Invader’s Pass, the main connection between Bulwar and the Forbidden Plains, as well due to their ties to the Araškaysit, the royal family of Akalšes.
History[]
According to harpy mythology, Nanšalen was founded by Nanša the Farseer, a daughter of Firanya, after her mother’s death, but according to scholars the flock already existed as a distinct entity within the first Harpylen Queendom before 817 BA.
Around 950, the matriarchs invited the Akalite people from the plains to invade Bulwar, after the Nazite king stopped paying tribute. This caused the end of the Nazite Kingdom and the establishment of the kingdom of Akalšes, which became Nanšalen’s (in theory Harpylen’s) tributary state.
After the fall of the Queendom Nanšalen remained in possession of the Invader’s Pass, establishing their roost near the Invader’s Gate. During this period they extended their influence to the Gelkar towns near Arkašul, and to Akalšes and the cities in the northern and eastern shores of the Naza.
During the Age of Monsters they fought for the control of the Naza plain with the Ever-Greater True Gnoll kingdom of Proxacha. And it was around this time when the relation between Akalšes and Nanšalen became stronger. The Book of Kings, the chronicle of the kings of Akalšes, tells that during the days of the First Harpylen, a group of Bulwari heroes joined forces to defeat the demonic Nikšaru, and between them were Queen Firanya of Harpylen, Queen Araš III of Akalšes, and Matriarch Nalaisa I Nanšau of Nanšalen. A friendship grew between Araš and Nalaisa, and after the feat was completed, Ardašir, Araš’ son, married Nanša, Nalaisa’ heir.
Despite the history, it seems that Akalšes remained as Nanšalen tributary, until the 7th century, when they formalized their relation into an alliance that remained until the destruction of Akalšes during the Deioderan.
Nanšalen remained confined to their core territories until the rule of matriarch Ninšara I. She became matriarch in 542, and during his rule Nanšalen grew to control most of the eastern Harpy Hills, thanks to her alliance with her half-brother, King Araš VIII of Akalšes.
During this period trade routes between Bulwar and the Forbidden Plains were established, bringing wealth to Nanšalen thanks to their control of the Invader’s pass. With these riches, Matriarch Ninšara built a new roost for her flock near the source of the Hatatun river: Vainviria, the Sky-blue palace.
Culture[]
Royal Harpies[]
The Nanšan Harpies can be recognized by their light bluish gray feathers, black hair, and red irises, and the nickname by which they are known in Bulwar, Royal Harpies, demonstrates both their relationship with Akalšes and the wealth they possess as a flock. Nanšan Harpies are the most Bulwarized group of harpies, and this can be seen in their way of dressing, preferring colorful Zanite dresses and jewelry made of bronze or Sihariš.
Mahdari
Also known in Bulwar as immortals, the Mahdari are the Matriarch's guard, composed of a thousand elite soldiers. They are known for their flamboyant uniforms, and since antiquity they have marched to battle as if they were parading, dressed with blue and gold tunics below the scale armor and adorning helmets covered in silver feathers. Their traditional weapon of choise were the heavy Nanšan bows, the only ones that take advantage of the superhumans strength of the harpies, but in recent times they have adopted the Agškastu rifle.