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The year is 925.

Sivá Hora

Oppressor. Creator. Homeland. Sivá Hora is a region filled with craggy slopes, crystal clear streams, and tall, ominous mountains wreathed in mist, ever reaching for the skies above.

The current margrave of Sivá Hora is Isobela Jastrzeb. When she was last seen in public, she was a formidable woman, taller than most of the warriors that surrounded her and twice as bloodthirsty as any of her cutthroats and assassins. Isobela was infamous for her love of drinking, men, women, and any all pleasures life had to offer. She claimed Sivá Hora's throne after her mother died of old age, but cared little for the politics and economics of the region's day-to-day life.

This, of course, was all before she mysteriously vanished only a few months ago. As Isobela did little to rule Sivá Hora in the first place, her political and executive presence is not exactly missed, but the margrave's disappearance is an unprecedented event still. Even now, Lokaji and their handlers are out searching for the woman, though they always return with nothing but more rumours to chase. Last reports of the margrave state that she ventured north on a diplomatic mission, but all records of her travels end there.

While Isobela is missing, the margraviate is ruled by her younger brother, Záviš. Due to his young age (15), he relies heavily on Isobela's advisors. Záviš is never seen without the presence of Isobela's personal guard, a Lokaj handler named Helena. Helena is a knight and an experienced warrior, and is accompanied by a herald Lokaj named Clairvoyance (sword, lynx). Together, they have steered Sivá Hora into a state of unsteady calm while they await the return of the region's rightful ruler.

They say he wanted to run an orphanage, before the King called him to his side.

Rurik's Stronghold

Home to Rurik Zhdanov of Bukovec, this stronghold is known among Sivá Hora as a place where those apprentices cast away by their masters for their supposed lack of competence are offered a second chance.

The stronghold is nestled deep in the mountains and is perpetually guarded by Might, Rurik's lifelong companion.

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Bukovec

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On this page, you can find all materials for Lokaji available within Sivá Hora. The material that your Lokaj is made of is determined by their Cast, the string of information you acquire from a Steelchanter. This page merely holds the swatches for the individual materials. Your Lokaj's colours should be picked directly from these swatches.

If your Lokaj was forged in Sivá Hora, they can display up to three expected patterns and up to one remarkable pattern, listed further down on this page. You can freely select whichever patterns you want, or use none of them. Patterns will not be carried over if you use your Lokaj as an Exemplar during Steelchanting.

Blade/Bow Grip Materials

Use the swatch corresponding with the material listed in your Lokaj's Cast. You may utilise the full swatch to create patterns like countershading or dark points on the head/limbs, as long as everything is fully blended. You may add highlights to the feathered parts of your Lokaj using the bottom swatch.

Handle/Bow Limb Materials

Use the swatch corresponding with the material listed in your Lokaj's Cast. You may utilise the full swatch to create patterns like countershading or dark points on the head/limbs, as long as everything is fully blended. This part of your Lokaj should have no metallic highlights.

Expected Patterns

Select up to three of these patterns to apply to your Lokaj's design. The following rules apply:

Patterns can be any naturally occurring colour found in the region, i.e., similar to colours shown on this page.
Patterns can have different colours within them, but should have one main colour overall (e.g., they can be tan and fade into a light brown, but they cannot be tan on the chest and simultaneously black on the hind legs)
Patterns have no limited range or form – just keep it reasonable, make it resemble the theme/inspiration, and ask if you are unsure.

Thin, crescent-shaped patterns following the edges of the feathers.

Small marks occurring on the head, neck, tail and limbs.

A large pattern covering the shoulders and back.

Smoky, blended spots, such as those on a lynx.

A solid shape on the underside that splits and weaves back together.

Large, solid spots that sometimes connect into short lines.

A wide stripe down the back, head to tail.

A solid shape on the underside, like that on a wolf.

Remarkable Patterns

Select up to one pattern to apply to your Lokaj. Even when choosing patterns with unnatural colours, please avoid making the colours overly saturated. Your Lokaj should have no colours that cannot be found on animals in the wild.

A splash of natural red on the underside of the body.

A small, symmetrical strip of blue iridescence.

Large splotches of colour covering parts of the body.

Smoky, rust-coloured patterns, like those found on wolves.

In the year 631, the then-much smaller Develesja was losing one vicious battle after another to its northern neighbour, a vast and politically strong nation named Astrathal. It is said that during this nation’s invasion into Develesja, the enemy’s armies devastated the kingdom, having taken the then king’s vassals and knights by surprise. A dark future seemed to be looming over the horizon for Develesja… until a young blacksmith's son named Radomir arrived in the capital to spread a peculiar message among the people.

The accuracy of first-hand accounts from the war is disputed just as often as new, supposedly truthful accounts are discovered in faraway corners of the nation. It is said Radomir spoke of many things, but what the fragmented records seem to agree on is his passionate speech on the Distressing state of the art of blacksmithing. Radomir asserted that the people of Develesja had lost all passion, and their weapons have grown brittle as a result. He spoke at length of blades snapping against the enemy's shields, arrows failing to pierce even the thinnest of fabric. And it was then that the most controversial section of Radomir's claims followed: He blamed the then-king, Dalebor I., for his excessive obsession with academic pursuits and arts. Dalebor's frivolities have weakened the land, Radomir claimed, and only a return to the Develesjans' original craft could hope to save the nation.

While scholars squabbled over whether or not Radomir should be branded a traitor, the young man returned to his home village, and returned yet again to the capital – but this time, something accompanied him.

Radomir named the first ever Lokaj Contentment. Sightings of the creature report that the beast was as magnificent as it was deadly, sporting speed and strength unmatched among the enemy armies.

It was not long before Radomir was carried on the shoulders of joyful, faithful crowds as the new King of Develesja.

Belief as a blade

Sivá Hora is the original Develesja, and is also the place from which Lokaji originated. Steelchant was first discovered in Sivá Hora amidst a losing battle it was fighting with Astrathal, its northern neighbour. Following the creation of the first Lokaji, Sivá Hora conquered and annexed its two southern neighbours, Skaletaj and Sladké Tůně. Later, the nation's capital was moved to a grand fortress in the northwest called Hrad Zlatozář.

Borders Like Mortal Wounds

Develesja fought off the enemy, and Radomir I. led the nation into an age of prosperity and peace. But though the few remaining scholars within the nation disagreed on many things, they were united in one belief: this period of tranquillity would not last.

And unfortunately for all, they were entirely correct.

Radomir I. left behind an heiress. Dorota II., his young daughter, inherited much of his love for blacksmithing and Lokaji, but, regrettably, none of his desire for peace and quiet. Having been plucked out of the serene rural surroundings her father had grown up in and unceremoniously thrown before the royal courts of all the nations scrambling to meet the rulers of Develesja, Dorota knew no peace as a child, and recognised none of its value as an adult.

The mountains surrounding Develesja provided an easy-to-follow, indomitable natural border. But beyond their peaks lay lands filled to the brim with rich soil, rare minerals, bountiful rivers and valuable trade routes. And what kind of queen would Dorota be if she did not do everything in her power to secure such riches for her people?

Her knights, sat astride horse-sized creatures with blade-like feathers and razor-sharp beaks, met next to no resistance in the towns they set foot in. The few warriors loyal enough to face this impossible foe for the sake of their homeland were cut down mercilessly, and soon, Develesja's borders expanded significantly. "And expand they will," Dorota II. is quoted as saying, "as far as our blades can reach."

Soon, Develesja came to mean not only the densely forested, cold region in the north, but also the duchies of Sladké Tůně, and the margraviate of Skaletaj, the latter of which provided a haven for the scholars that had fled the northern region during the war. The original region of Develesja came to be known as Sivá Hora, named after the foggy mountains that originally bordered it. The newly annexed duchies and margraviate were allowed to keep their borders intact... for the most part – Dorota demanded to keep fort Slunovrat within Sivá Hora's official territories, for reasons no scholar has been able to discern.

For a while, Svetlovor held the title of capital, and the royal family of Develesja ruled from within its walls with confidence and ruthless determination. This, too, however, would not last; a few generations over, and a power struggle between two noble families resulted in a lost duel for Dorota II.'s descendant. The victorious young man, Wilk, who had just secured his family's claim on the Develesjan throne, held one stark difference compared to his rival: He was born within the duchies of Sladké Tůně, and it was there that he moved the capital of Develesja.

It took a handful of generations, court intrigue, duels, assassinations and power struggles for Develesja to settle into its current state. Its capital, finally titled Hrad Zlatozář, gained its current position to the northwest of Sladké Tůně. And though the current ruler's family has strong ties to Sivá Hora, locals do not hesitate to express their apprehension at the ruling family being at such a large distance from their home region.

Overview

Stronger Than Most

Image by Natasa Grabovac

Sivá Hora was only fighting a losing battle once, and in the end, they won it still. The region's people are hardy and favour physical strength over scholarly pursuits, and you never have to go far to find a tavern brawl or friendly spar.

Weapons of War

Image by Natasa Grabovac

Lokaji are viewed as instruments of war here. The residents of Sivá Hora regard Lokaj Handlers as capable warriors and will often house travelling Handlers as a show of respect towards Svarog, who is regarded as the deity of Lokaji.

Function Over Form

Image by Adrian Botica

Practicality is a pivotal aspect of Sivá Hora's culture, and this sentiment is reflected in virtually all facets of everyday life. Vanity is perceived as a weakness of character. It is perhaps this sentiment that has stoked the fires of Sivá Hora's enmity towards its southwestern neighbour.

Appearance

Between its dense forest coverage and inclement weather, Sivá Hora gets very little sunlight, and its cold nights and harsh winters add to this fact to form a climate often considered wholly unpleasant to live in during any other season besides summer. Due to these circumstances, the people of Sivá Hora tend to be pale, with grey, hazel, or light brown eyes. Hair colours are less consistent and range from light blonde to black. In recent centuries, however, residents of the considerably more sunny region of Sladké Tůně have started visiting the area and settling in it, thus influencing the visual traits of Sivá Hora's residents slightly.

Fashion

Commoner

Most fabric is worn in grey or brown.
Simple undershirts and robes covered by much thicker tunics worn over top.
Crude shoes reaching up to the ankles at most.
Dyed scarves worn over tunics, held in place with simple metal pins.
Simple jewellery made by local blacksmiths, worn as an appreciation of the craft.

Screenshot 2025-04-13 at 23-01-20 FOBO - Costumes A.D. 1380.png

Noble

Yellow is the most expensive dye and is thus considered the colour of nobility.
Simple undershirts or dresses with much more intricate tunics worn overtop.
Long, triangular sleeves, gold-coloured accents or accessories such as belts, clasps or bracelets.
Simple metal jewellery carved with symbols of the noble family, typically animals or Lokaji.

Armour

Very few Develesjans can afford a full suit of armour. By default, your Handler can only wear improvised armour made of various small pieces such as leather bracers, pauldrons or gloves, singular metal plates, etc. Anything more elaborate has to be purchased in the Market District.

Padded gambeson, dyed in the colours of its owners' knightly order, if they are a member.
Chainmail shirt.
The plate armour itself is kept fairly simple, with only carvings resembling family symbols or Lokaji being added.
A waffenrock, a typically sleeveless coat, is often worn over plate armour to protect it from the elements, and can be comprised of dyed or embroidered fabric.

Lokaji & Handlers

Over time, Lokaji Handlers have developed a somewhat unique style of their own, differing slightly from the rest of the region. As Lokaji cannot reliably wear armour or carry any items due to their ability to transform into weapon form, Handlers have likewise developed ways of carrying any items required for the Lokaj themselves.

Embroidered ribbons braided or tied into the Handler's hair are considered fashionable, especially if the embroidery displays the Lokaj.
Nature-themed tattoos matching the colours of the Lokaj are very common.
Saddles and collars with reins are often carried by Handlers, with saddles consisting of lightweight leather panels that can be rolled up and collars often being fitted to be usable as a belt when not on the Lokaj. Those who prefer to travel extra light may only use fabric saddles and substitute lengths of rope for the collar and reins.
Most Lokaj Handlers carry a knife or other close-range weapons for when their Lokaj is in living form. Shortbows are likewise an option for those who prefer to fight from afar.

Culture

Farming, animal husbandry, smithing and woodworking are the cornerstones of day-to-day life in Sivá Hora. Most residents work in service to a local Thane, and are expected to aid in harvesting crops on the noble's fields when called. Households typically consist of multiple family members, where the physically weaker individuals stay at home and help maintain the homestead, while their physically stronger relatives work in the fields or with their cattle.

At Home

Families consisting of at least two members are considered the base unit in Sivá Hora's society.
Houses are partially dug into the ground with narrow, barely-there windows.
- The most common construction materials are wood and clay, with stone being used in more mountainous areas.
- Homesteads are surrounded by woven fences, and the same is done for fields where cattle graze and reside.
- Holes dug into the ground and reinforced with clay and woven branches serve as long-term storage for grains.
- Houses typically have a fireplace or fire pit to keep the interior warm, and at least one family member always stays indoors to tend to the fire.
During winter, families take a much-needed break from working the fields and instead gather materials in the surrounding forest.

Painting of Field

Among Others

Villages in Sivá Hora tend to be sizable and surrounded by woven fences. At the center is usually a square serving as a gathering place for merchants, families, and friends.
Town and city buildings tend to be made of stone with wooden reinforcements.
In the center of the settlement lives the local Thane's Beneficiarius, a clerk appointed to act as an extension of the Thane's will, if the Thane does not live in the town themselves.
Most sacred places in Sivá Hora lay deep in the wilderness, and paths to them are regularly protected and cleared.
Celebrations in Sivá Hora are loud, and ceremonial songs are often accompanied by drums or stomping feet.
Messengers on horseback or Lokaji carry messages between settlements. Larger towns may have a town crier.
The god Svarog is of particular importance in Sivá Hora due to his believed involvement in the creation of the Lokaji.

As a Society

Sivá Hora places its heart and soul in blacksmithing and Steelchant. Its main exports are metal, wood, and weapons.
Education has no structure among commoners. Very few people outside of nobility, knights, and specific roles such as messengers are literate, though those residing in the region's cities are slowly gaining better education standards.
Guards are stationed in all settlements to enforce the law, and those who break it find themselves facing harsh punishments.
The Margrave maintains a steady presence in the region and is expected to make routine visits to larger towns.

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