Difference between revisions of "Thaylenah"

Thaylenah encompasses a trio of islands, as well as a small number of islets, in the South-East of Roshar, on the ocean known as the [[Southern Depths]]. The largest of the three is several times bigger than the other two, and appears to be the country's population center. It's largely mountainous, with a tall range rising in the middle.{{map Toref|Roshar}} theThe north,mountains it'sreach separated fromall the [[Frostlands]]way byto the [[Longbrow'sshore, Straits]].with Theits nearestnorthern countriescoast tomade itup areof thetowering city-statescliffs. ofThe [[Kharbranth]]climate tois the northcold and [[Shallowfrigid, Crypts]] toalthough the eastlocals find it pleasantly chill.{{mapbook ref|Rosharsa2|1}}

Thaylenah appears to have little in the way of a land army, but they do have a long-standing naval tradition famous the world over.{{book ref|sa3|8}} Thaylen officers are trained in naval tactics and strategy to a far greater extent than their counterparts elsewhere, and their country boasts a large fleet.{{book ref|sa3|107}} Unfortunately, many of their ships have been stolen by former [[Parshmen]] following the first [[Everstorm]], crippling their capabilities in this regard.{{book ref|sa3|53}}

The kingdom holds five [[Shardblade]]s and three suits of [[Shardplate|Plate]], each owned by a different house.{{book ref|sa1|23}} Shardbearers are referred to as highguards. Prior to the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], known highguards are [[Hrdalm]], who wields the Shardplate [[Cvaderln]], and [[Tshadr]] and [[Estnatil]], who wield an unnamed Plate and Blade respectively. Following the Battle, Estnatil's Blade is now in hands of [[Kdralk]], the Queen's son.{{book ref|sa3|120}}

Thaylen people have long white eyebrows that they tuck behind their ears as a sign of respect.{{book ref|sa1|2}} The eyebrows are often styled in various ways, such as by spiking or curling into ringlets.{{book ref|sa2|1}}{{book ref|sa3|62}} Silk patterned vests, shirts, and skirts with removable hems are fashionable for Thaylen women to wear.{{file ref|Contemporary Thaylen Female Fashion.jpg|Contemporary Thaylen Female Fashion}} An older fashion -- though still apparently present in some form -- includes knee-lenght trousers tucked into socks and jackets with rolled-up sleeves.{{book ref|sa3|101}} Parasols to protect oneself from sun have also been popular for some time, a fashion that doesn't seem to have crossed over to the mainland.{{book ref|sa2|i|3}} Their architecture is flowery and decorative, unlike the more utilitarian [[Alethi]] structures.{{book ref|sa3|100}}

Thaylens can be found not only in their native country but also elsewhere in the world. While many of them are travelling merchants, some Thaylen settle in other countries, such as [[Alethkar]], permanently.{{book ref|sa3|62}} In some parts of the world, they have a reputation for swindling, but they are not considered particularly warlike.{{book ref|sa1|10}}

The dominant cultural tradition in Thaylenah is [[Alethi]] [[Vorinism]], albeit mixed heavily with local culture and native beliefs. Despite discouragement from the [[Ardentia]], belief in the [[Passions]] is common.{{book ref|sa1|8}}Even Thebeyond the Passions, the Thaylen stray slightly from the Vorin doctrine. Men are permitted to learn to read, and women seem to eschew the traditional Vorin full-sleeve [[safehand]], instead covering their left hands with long gloves.{{book ref|sa1|8}}{{file ref|Contemporary Thaylen Female Fashion.jpg|Contemporary Thaylen Female Fashion}}

Merchants in Thaylenah are ranked, from apprentice to master merchant. The position is equally open to both men and women, and even to non-Thaylens.{{book ref|sa2|i|3}} One can become a merchant by being taken in as an apprentice by a master, whereupon the latter becomes their legal parent, or ''[[babsk]]''. Traditional clothing, consisting of a flat-topped conical hat and starched robes, identifies master merchant from their servants and guards.{{book ref|sa1|i|4}} Ship captains -- who are often merchants themselves -- can be additionally identified by an item known as the '''captain's cord'''. The cord is a twenty-feet-long white rope, which the captain wraps in their own colors and strings on the ship's rigging to mark their ownership.{{book ref|sa3|i|13}} Traders without ships can rent barges to ferry them a short distance to and from Thaylenah, connecting them to the mainland.{{book ref|sa2|11}}