The Dominion of Treth is a grand and ancient land, founded at least ten thousand years before the birth of Queen Ása. Located to the east of Ásaterra and sharing a border with both the frozen tundra of Skovva and the blistering deserts of the Wastes, the Dominion of Treth is a particularly unique land. The rich and vibrant culture and deep-seated dark traditions and beliefs of Treth clash heavily with the laws and culture of Ásaterra.
The Dominion of Treth is highly religious and exists as a theocracy. The Paragon rules as the ultimate authority, and is supported by the Dominata, the ruling families of Treth. The lower classes of Treth are known as the Supplicantem. The Dominion of Treth has always been considered a threatening presence to the people of Ásaterra and their way of life, however, due to the large mountain range separating the countries, conflict has been kept mainly to minor skirmishes over the last thousand years. Nevertheless, Treth has long claimed that the lands of Northern Ásaterra originally belonged to them, and many Paragons of Treth have tried to stake their claim to the Ásaterran throne. So far, none of their attempts, political or military have been successful, but the Council of Ásaterra continue to keep a close eye on their neighbours. Diplomats are sent regularly, but the Dominion have shown little to no interest in establishing an alliance with Ásaterra thus far. The Dominion of Treth has a history as a predominantly human land, but in recent centuries, some degree of diversity has become more positively accepted by the most powerful families.
The Dominion of Treth is a land of great wealth and prosperity, thanks to the rich metal and gemstone mines and, more notably, their system of ‘Penitence’. The Dominata, the ruling class, are said to be sent from the Gods to govern and protect the Supplicantem, the common folk of Treth. In payment for this protection, at the age of thirteen, the Supplicantem enter into Penitence; ten years of unpaid service to the Dominata.
Religion[]
Religion is the core of life in the Dominion, and it governs every moment of the lives of the people of Treth. Like the Monarchy of Valclya, the Dominion of Treth worship a similar pantheon to their Ásaterran neighbours. However, unlike Valclya and Asaterra, the Dominion have a very different relationship to, and belief in the gods. Religion is of the highest importance in Treth and worship is taken very seriously and celebrated with countless ceremonies, sacrifices and rituals passed down through the generations. The Dominata believe themselves to be the descendants of the gods, with each family descended from one particular god.
The Paragon is held up as the mortal body containing the divine spirit of one of the pantheon. Although the Dominata each hold a single god in highest regard, there is also a belief that unity is key to progress and growth, and therefore all citizens of the Dominion are expected to offer due respect and loyalty to all of the gods. Although the gods of the Treth pantheon resemble the Ásaterran gods, they are not the same. In the eyes of outsiders, Treth’s gods seem twisted and violent, but to the people of Treth, their gods are what empowers and emboldens them, what made them into the mighty civilisation they are.
The Pantheon[]
The pantheon of the Dominion is as follows, along with their Ásaterran counterpart:
Aygün (Cosmia): At the head of the Trethian pantheon stands Aygün, goddess of diplomacy, politics and adaption. She embodies power and it's ephemeral nature and transferal through the generations, and she is the protector of all Paragons. She also represents the transition of power at the end of penitence, and the end-of-days.
Alamgeer (Magnus): Alamgeer is the conqueror of land and of people; he is the embodiment of glory and might over others. It is said that through his teachings that the Dominata of Treth first practised Penitence, to exercise their God-given right to dominate others. The Day of Penitence is in his honour.
Favian (Skiaselveyn): The ever-wise god of knowledge is the patron of all scholars and priests and represents the need for preservation and traditions. Favian also represents something much darker; as the brother to Alamgeer, he stands as a warning against sibling rivalry and plots. Stories are told of his many tricks and schemes to overthrow his brother. It is because of this bitter rivalry that the Paragon is forbidden to have more than one child.
Maulla (Annatarra): The fearsome goddess of bloody justice strikes fear into the hearts of many. Often depicted as a blood-soaked warrior astride a savage lion, Maulla represents revenge and absolute authority. Much like Alamgeer, she is seen as a patron to the Dominata and is feared by the Supplicantem, who dread her wrath should they step out of line. However, Maulla also represents structure and duty and the unity of the Dominion.
Asher (Brutus): The only god more feared than Maulla is Asher, the savage war god. Consumed by bloodlust and violence, he embodies killing, expansion and the spoils of war. Yet, many often look to Asher for courage and strength when facing adversity. His symbol is often carved into the silver talisman of the warrior class Penitents.
Euphemia (Lyre): Euphemia represents the pleasures in life, from fashion, to fine foods and drink to love and desire, both chaste and lustful. She is the goddess of loyalty; to family, spouses and to masters.
Eademona (Sigismund): Eademona, the androgynous god of purity represents perfection in everything. It is through them that the people of Treth only marry and reproduce within their own class. Yet, Eademona is more than just pure; they are the guardian against darkness and corruption, against the forces that seek to destroy the Dominion and its people.
Balkar (Mordon): The blacksmith god brings wealth and prosperity through the mines and through the skills of Treth’s smiths. She is the symbol of building and of progress.
Isiri (Florentina): Isiri, the wife of Balkar, is the goddess of wealth and trade. She ensures that the mines never run dry and the new Penitents ensure the country prospers. Supplicantem will often take small idols of her with them on their Day of Penitence.
Muehleborns Water Palace, set design for a production of Undine by Karl Friedrich Schinkel
Deniz (Omar): In such a dry and warm climate, water is a precious resource and Deniz is the deity of water in all its forms. He resides in the oceans and brings promise of renewal and growth. He also ensures bountiful harvest for the fishermen and smooth sailing for traders and voyagers.
Yamelia (Fifaldia): Yamelia is the goddess of the harvest and of growth. She also represents hard-work and loyalty, because of this she is often seen as a patron to Penitents, encouraging them and protecting them.
Tssilah (Lady Death): Finally, there is Tssilah; the void, the emptiness, death. For mere mortals, Tssilah is the cold embrace of death, but for the Paragons, they are the hand that guides them into the heavens to re-join their brothers and sisters of the pantheon. Tssilah is formless and eternal, but is often portrayed as a black cloak with an outstretched hand protruding from its folds. Tssilah symbolises not only the end of life, but new beginnings and of the cyclical nature of existence, renewal and rebirth.
As a note: The Dominion of Treth do not recognise Nitphil as a deity. This is for several reasons, the prominent of which being that Nitphil embodies chaos; and chaos and disorder has no place in the Dominion.
Social Hierarchy[]
Slaves serving at a banquet – mosaic floor. Found in Dougga, Tunisia, 3rd century A.D
The social hierarchy of Treth is divided in five main classes. At the top is the Paragon, believed to be a deity in human form. They have complete power over the Dominion of Treth and their very word is sacred. Below the Paragon are the Dominata. These are twelve families who are each believed to be descended from a particular god, with the Elder of each family leading the worship of each respective god. Below them are the classes of Supplicantem; Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron. The Supplicantem serve the Dominata and Paragon through the practise of Penitence; ten years of servitude. A Supplicantem’s class decrees what kind of service they provide, and their rank in society.
The Class Hierarchy is rigid and unmovable; you may not marry or breed outside your class. A member of the Dominata may only marry another member of a Dominata family; an Iron Supplicantem may only marry another Iron, and so on. Marriage between cousins is sometimes practised in some of the more powerful families of Treth, as well as the Dominata, in order to keep bloodlines pure and to protect family ties. Sibling marriages were sometimes practised in ancient Treth, but have now been outlawed for nearly two thousand years. The penalty for Supplicantem for relations outside of your social class is banishment from the Dominion and the protection of the Paragon, more often than not to the frozen wastes of Skovva. The penalty for a Dominata having sexual relations outside their class is death. The only way to change class for a Supplicantem is on their Day of Penitence. If they are proved to excel beyond the class they were born into, they may be assigned to a higher rank. This means, however, that any ties they have with their family must be erased, and they may never see them again.
The Paragon[]
The Paragon is the ultimate authority in the Dominion of Treth. Believed to be the embodiment of a god on earth, their word is law and their actions unquestionable. They reside in the Golden Temple in the centre of the Dominion, where they may survey their land.
Thousands flock to the temple, Dominata and Supplicantem, to gaze upon their Paragon and to gift them with all manner of food, drink, objects, even sacrifices. The Paragon lives in the temple with their Penitent servants and a large collection of companions, doctors, magical advisers and other officials. Four times a year, on the Summer and Winter solstice and the Spring and Autumn equinox, the Paragon will leave the Golden Temple and conduct a tour of Treth, often visiting the Dominata. However, for the Paragon’s feet to touch the earth is considered sacrilege, so the Paragon is carried wherever they go on a golden throne on the backs of Penitents. It is said to see the Paragon on their throne is truly a sight to behold.
According to records, the bloodline of the Paragon is ancient and pure, stretching back thousands of years; before the birth of Queen Ása, even before the unity of the clans of Valclya. In order to continue the line, a Paragon is required to marry and procreate. As such, the Paragon, no matter their personal orientations, is required to take a partner of the opposite sex, and this partner must be a member of the Dominata, as anything less would be considered a smear on the glory of the Paragon. When a Paragon reaches their twenty-seventh year, the Dominata select their most suitable candidate from each family and they are to be sent to the Golden Temple. Upon arrival, the candidates are inspected for every impurity or defect; their family trees scrutinised, their intelligence assessed, their magic tested and their dedication to their gods questioned. The candidates who pass this examination will then proceed to live in the temple for up to six months. During this time, the Paragon will choose a suitable companion who will join them in the Golden Temple as their spouse. If no suitable partner is amongst those sent, then the selected will be sent back to their families and the process will begin again the following year until a spouse is selected. This is not to say that the union between the Paragon and their spouse is a loveless one. Many Paragons and their spouses have lived happy and loving lives together.
Virtual reconstruction of Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, Italy.
A Paragon and their spouse may only have one child. The presence of more than one sibling containing the essence of a god invites rivalry and imbalance. When a Paragon’s child reaches the age of one, a grand and sacred ceremony takes place to determine which god the child embodies. The heads of the Dominata gather in the Golden Temple to conduct a ceremony involving chants, songs and sacrifices. The child is then placed in the centre of the chamber, surrounded by idols and symbols representing each of the gods. It is believed that the child will be drawn to object that represents the god whose essence resides in them. The ceremony is followed by a week of celebrations, during which the child prepares to take up the mantle of godhood. Should a tragic occurrence cut the Paragon’s child’s life short, it is deemed that their mortal vessel was not strong enough for the holy essence contained within. Only in this case may a Paragon and their spouse have another child once they have mourned their last.
A Paragon remains so until their death. Despite their divine spirit, their mortal vessel still ages, rots and dies. When a Paragon begins to age and their child approaches their twenty-fifth year, they have only one option; to enact the ancient ceremony of Animae Liberande (Liberation of the Soul) in which the Paragon releases their own spirit from their mortal body to re-join the Pantheon. Once a Paragon has died, their body undergoes a series of rituals, which ends with the corpse being encased entirely in gold and interred under the golden temple. The Paragon’s spouse, if they still live, has the option to re-join their Dominata family, or join their Paragon in death.
There is a prophecy that one day a Paragon will be born who encapsulates all aspects of the pantheon. That day will bring about the end of days for the enemies of Treth, elevating the Dominion to divinity and extending their reach across the globe.
The current Paragon of the Dominion of Treth is Paragon Kamilla, a young Paragon born in 1297BA,, having only just recently inherited the title from her father, Paragon Pontius. Paragon Kamilla is the first in eleven generations to embody the raw majesty and power of Aygun, bringing about a new age of ambition and drive to the Dominion after years of complacency.
The Dominata[]
The wealthiest and most powerful families in the Dominion are known as the Dominata. These families can trace their ancestry back thousands of years, believing that each of their families are descendants of the pantheon. Every member of each of the Dominata dedicate themselves body, mind and soul to their family’s god; much like the Paragon, they consider themselves representatives and descendants of the gods. When a member of the Dominata reaches thirteen, they are tattooed with the symbol of their respective god on their forehead. Each of the houses of the Dominata are led by their Elder, usually the most senior member of the family, and control a large portion of land; but all fall under the power of the Paragon to whom they display unconditional loyalty.
That is not to say that there aren’t rivalries and plots between the Dominata. The Elders of each of the Dominata families also hold the position of high priest of the temple of their respective gods. They are expected to uphold the aspects of their god, set an example to Dominata and Supplicantem alike, and take part in religious ceremonies and rites. Although each of the Dominata holds their own god in the highest regard, the need for unity between the houses is of great importance to the growth and prosperity of the Dominion.
Neoptolemus[]
The house of Aygün enjoying an era of great popularity and favour as the current paragon embodies the founder of their house. The members of house Neoptolemus are primarily in the political and informational spheres, controlling the information flow to the Trethi public and dealing with the bureaucracy of the da t strive always for excellence in all they do, as such many of the house’s members hold positions of great wealth and power within many different parts of the Dominion.
Saunio[]
The house of the Alamgeer deal with the bureaucracy and supervision of the Penitents. This includes recording their details, training them and the placement of their Penitent Amulets. House Saunio are also responsible for the welfare of each and every Penitent that lives within the Dominion; their predecessors had even published a manifesto detailing laws about the proper treatment of Penitents. The members of the household themselves responsible for ensuring these laws are followed and should they not be, they will rehome any Penitent that has been abused and pass the punishment of their abuser over to the authorities.
Caepio[]
The house of Favian are the sworn protectors of the lore and history of the Dominion. Members of the house will often dedicate their lives, forsaking all other things, to recording even the smallest details of their nation. When such scholars die, their skulls are blanched and decorated before being placed on a pedestal to oversee their beloved texts and books.
Glysias[]
The house of Maulla are the hand of the Paragon and through them the laws of the Dominion are maintained. By their hand, justice is served, often through extreme acts of public arrest and punishment. House Glysias work closely with the agents of Burrus, who uncover those who break the laws, whilst Glysias hunt them down and dispense bloody justice. No one is beyond the bloody reach of the house should Burrus bring a compelling case before them. The purpose of this is to ensure that through a few acts of extreme punishment, others will be dissuaded from breaking the laws of the Dominion. It is well known that Glysias are second only in power to House Illius, thanks to their alliance with the Burrus. The alliance between the houses is the only power keeping Illius in check .
Illius[]
The house of Asher the war chief is a house strewn with bloody history. The house is responsible for the training and maintenance of the armies of the Dominion; many generals and war-heroes are part of the war-god’s chosen house. Over a century ago, the ancient line of Akarshan, the previous house of Asher, were wiped from the history books through the violent conquest of the house Illius. The upstart Uriel Illius fought against the bloodthirsty waves of the Akarshan armies with unrelenting will and determination, choosing to allow them to wear themselves out. Every tactic house Akarshan tried to use against them was quickly countered with decisive action and despite being the smaller force, Illius would not break. It was this demonstration of the wilfulness and tactical nature of the war god that drove Uriel Illius to overwhelming victory against greater numbers. Following his final victory against Akarshan, Uriel gave his first order; every man, woman, child and Pentient were killed and replaced by his own family, stronger than the last.
The house of Illius has strong elven blood. General Uriel Illius, the head of the house and leader of their bloody upheaval of house Akarshan, is amongst one of the most efficient leaders the armies of Treth have ever known. House Illius choose to follow and practise different teachings of the war-god, teachings that won them their victory over house Akarshan; un-dominated will-power, tactical warfare, courage and determination. The house is the only in the Dominion not to actively practise the single-child law, believing that rivalry is the key to challenge and numbers the key to success, General Uriel himself boasts a brood of five children from two marriages. For the past few centuries the armies of Treth have been mainly defensive, even decorative, but perhaps the new Paragon and her War Hound have different plans.
Ahala[]
The house of Euphemia preside over the rituals and ceremonies of marriage throughout the Dominion. The house work closely with the Burakasi and Neoptolemus in order to select partners of suitable bloodlines for both Dominata and Supplicantem, from the lowliest carpenters to the Paragon themselves. House Aksoy pride themselves on their partnerships and the resulting offspring and they strive to create matches that are not only suitable in terms of breeding, but in personality too. Despite the need for pure breeding, the ‘matchmakers’ still believe in finding companionship and even love. Amongst the Dominata, it is tradition that a newly-wedded couple stay in the household of the Ahala the night of their wedding.
Burrus[]
The house of Eademona holds the record of the bloodlines of every individual in the Dominion of Treth, both Dominata and Supplicantem. It is the Burrus’ duty to aid in the selection of spouses for both upper and lower classes. However, the Burrus’ skills and knowledge are not limited to selecting mates for the people of Treth, but also keeping them in line. The Burrus intelligence network works relentlessly to dig out corruption and dissent from the roots. They work in all circles of the Dominion, ensuring peace is maintained and darkness is snuffed out. This inquisition works closely with house Glysias- the vengeful justice of Maulla. Burrus’ act as the spies, whilst their neighbours seek and dispense justice.
Urizan[]
The house of Balkar, the Master Crafter, have worked hand-in-hand with their neighbours, the Nummus, for generations. Much like their deities, the houses work together for the betterment of the Dominion, its people and for themselves. Between them, Urizan and Nummus hold the vast proportion of the wealth and Penitents of the Dominion. House Urizan owns the biggest mines in the Dominion and generates huge amounts of ore and precious gems for use in all manner of crafting and of course trade with other nations. The duty also falls to house Urizan and their workers to manufacture the metal bases that will be enchanted into Penitent amulets.
Nummus[]
Ruby Neckpiece by Talwar Jewelers
If Urizan are the suppliers, House Nummus are the dealers. Every merchant, every trader owes money and allegiance to the house. Along with their neighbours, Nummus are the wealthiest house in the Dominion and with that comes rivalry, especially with House Illius. The Nummus are also best known for organising the day of Penitence, the occasion on which every Supplicantem who has had their thirteenth birthday is rounded up and taken to their local Temple of Penitence. The great house of Penitence in the capital was named in their honour, and it is there that Penitents are distributed to their new positions.
Scorpa[]
The house of Deniz oversee the trade and voyages overseas. Working with their neighbours, House Nimudia, almost all trade and overseas skirmishes go through them. The house oversees the docks and the distribution of trade and sailing licenses. Furthermore, House Scorpa are responsible for the building and maintenance of the city aqueducts and bathhouses which are frequented by both the poorest and the wealthiest, with separate rooms for each of course.
Torquantus[]
The house of Yamelia are responsible for the Dominion’s agriculture and growth, not simply food and drink, but also the production of healing herbs and alchemical ingredients. The Torquantus family own many of the farms and breweries in the Dominion, but their empire is also comprised of farms and fields owned by lower-class families and rented land all of which owe a share of their profits to them. House Torquantus are also responsible for the storage and distribution of food and water in times of need, it is because of them that even the poorest in the Dominata never go hungry.
House Vulso[]
The house of Tssilah are amongst the most ancient houses of the Dominata. It is their sacred duty to protect and perform rites of birth and of death. The members of house Vulso are trained from a young age in all aspects of life and death; anatomy, medicine, diseases, midwifery and funeral rites. Amongst the Paragon’s personal retinue are members of House Vulso and it is their duty, and theirs alone, to bring a Paragon’s child into the world, to care for their health and to prepare a Paragon’s mortal vessel for the afterlife. Members of house Vulso have always served at the Paragon’s side and are responsible for their physical wellbeing.
Supplicantem[]
In Treth, status is everything, even amongst the lower class. Every Supplicantem wears their Penitence Talisman around their neck to denotes their class and role. Penitence is an ancient tradition, dating back to the formation of Treth. Penitents play a role in almost every sector of the Dominion; they serve as cooks, soldiers, assistants, maids, some even being selected as companions for the Paragon. It is said the five thousand years ago, a great evil spread across the lands, and it was the Dominata who, with the favour of the gods, protected their people from destruction. In gratitude for their actions and in deference to their godlike power, the Supplicantem, those who were protected, vowed to each spend ten years of their lives in payment.
Before their unification into a Kingdom, the Elven clans of Valclya made up the majority of Treth’s Supplicantem population. Many of the Elven Supplicantem families today can trace their ancestry back to the original Valclyan clans.
Iron Supplicantem[]
Supplicantem with an Iron talisman are the lowest ranking. Penitents of this rank perform some of the lowliest tasks in the Dominion; fishermen, farm workers, miners or servants to higher class Supplicantem families. Goblins form a large proportion of the Iron class population for their skills in tunnelling and mining. After Penitence, an Iron Supplicantem may continue the same profession for a wage, perhaps in a higher position. Many open shops selling agricultural produce, or basic wares.
Bronze Supplicatem[]
Supplicantem with bronze talismans are the merchants, and businesspeople of the Dominion. Bronze Penitents are often educated and take up the roles of accountants and assistants, or apprentice in skilled labour, such as smithing or apothecary. Once they have finished their Penitence, they may go on to own their own shop, or become a master of their own art. Physicks, Blacksmiths, and higherclass business owners are Bronze Class.
Silver Supplicantem[]
A mosaic depicting gladiators.
Supplicantem with a Silver talisman belong to the army. Silver Penitents make up over a third of the soldiers of the Dominion. These Penitents are specially selected for their talents for warfare and obedience. Silver class Supplicantem are highly prized for their strength and skills, and Penitents from Iron or Bronze classes often aspire to be promoted to Silver. If they survive their ten years, Penitents often go on to take command positions.
Gold Supplicantem[]
Finally, the highest-ranking Supplicantem are the Golden class, bearing golden talismans. These Supplicantem work for the Dominata and the Paragon. Penitents often work in Dominata estates in the kitchens or stables, working their way up throughout their ten years. When their Penetence has finished, many take on positions of seneschals, personal attendants, housekeepers, or even personal advisors. Many Supplicantem of the golden claslive in relative luxury and are clothed in a way befitting their station. Many have households of their own, with their own servants. It is exceedinly rare for a lower ranking Penitent to be inducted into the golden class, as mostly only those born into it may have the honour of such a rank.
Penitence[]
On the Day of Penitence, every Supplicantem who has had their thirteenth birthday that year are rounded up in the Temple of Penitence. They are subjected to stringent examinations to determine which caste and profession would best suit them, although it is rare for them to be placed in a different class than their own. Many purposefully chose not to chance class if offered the chance, as to do so they must cut all ties with their birth family.
Once their profession has been determined, the Penitent undergoes a brutal process by which a surgeon places a talisman of a specific metal into their chest. The process is done without any anaesthesia or pain relief, as the free people of the Dominion believe that a Penitent must undergo the pain of having their talisman implanted in order to be reborn into their new role. The talisman will remain visible on their chest throughout their ten years of service; at the end of which it is removed and worn around the neck as a symbol of their class.
The talismans that are implanted into the Penitents are specially made by the artisans of the Dominion: A Talisman of Revealing. The talisman ensures not only that a Penitent may be recognised at a glance, but also that if any Penitent tried to leave before their ten years were up, then they would be easily found and returned. The punishment for abandoning their duties as a Penitent can range depending on the individual they are serving; some choosing lighter punishments such as undesirable chores, others opting to make examples out of their runaways. Violence is not unknown to Penitents of lower classes, although it is frowned up; gross mistreatment of a Penitent can result in heavy fines and the Penitents being transferred to a new position. However, in other lands, Treth’s system of Penitence is viewed with distaste at the very least, if not outright condemnation.
Magic in the Dominion []
One of the reasons for the rigid class system of Treth is the belief in preserving magical purity. The Dominata are belied to have the divine right to magic within Treth, and no Supplicantem is allowed to practise or study magical skills on pain of death. The Dominata believe that magic runs within their bloodlines, a belief which several Ásaterran studies have disproven, but which Treth believes is the divine truth. The Dominata believe that magic solidifies their place as the ruling class of Treth, and that to breed with a non-magical supplicant is to dilute their divine bloodline, which is why such a crime is punishable by death. Teaching magic to a Supplicantem is also punishable by death. The few Trethian’s in Ásaterra are Supplicantem who were unable to control unusually strong innate magical talents, normally as children, and were forced to flee.
Geography & Architecture[]
The Dominion of Treth is a dry and hot land with ragged mountains of red stone and planes and deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see, and it owes its climate to the scalding
winds and deserts of the Wastes which border it. That is not to say the land is barren; the Dominion of Treth is interspersed with beautiful oases and winding rivers, and the vast mountains encase rich deposits of metal ore and gemstones.
The cities of Treth are built around these oases, or underground springs. City houses are similar to those found near the north-eastern boarders of Ásaterra; high, plain walls surrounding a beautiful courtyard, often decorated with stunning mosaics and glistening pools of water. The estates of the Dominata are truly something to behold: gleaming marble columns and floors; carved stone archways decorated with gold leaf; silk tapestries and drapes as light as air.
Appearance and Fashion[]
Marchessa Spring Collection, 2011
Due to the climate of Treth, clothing is usually loose and light fabrics wound around the body in various patterns, leaving the arms and sometimes the legs exposed. Fashion in Treth is extremely important especially to the higher classes who aim to display their wealth and power through their clothing. The people of Treth take great pride in their appearances, even down to their Penetents, who they will dress in clothing suitable for their sponsor's social class, often mirroring the colours and patterns their sponsor’s wear.
Due to the rich mining industries in Treth, jewellery is easily available and made from many varieties of precious metals and stones. However, like most things in Treth, only certain social classes may wear certain types of jewellery; the lowest class restricted to plain iron and cheap clay beads, whilst the upper classes are free to wear gold, platinum and any variety of gemstone available.
Many in Treth choose to keep their heads completely shaved, due to the hot climate. Through this particular fashion, they are able to keep themselves cool and adorn their heads with beautiful head scarves and tattoos, and at times wigs. But fashions will always change in the Dominion; some months it will be the height of fashion to colour one’s lip exotic colours such as purple or blue, or veils adorned with colourful feathers, piercings that drape golden chains from nose to ear.