Erisdar came from a small herd sequestered deep in the Icy Region. Where his Mystic Powers over Plains Regions magics came from is much a mystery. He set out on his quests like all young from his original herd do, and instead found he was more powerful than he thought.
He eventually settled himself near Torre, appreciating Sirona's healing magic. Here, he hopes to pass on the teachings of his original herd.... with a more modern twist of course.
Erisdar's land has no true permanent settlements, but hosts a lot of traffic and trade through the land. One of the tenants of Erisdar's land and teachings is Guidance, and much of the herd will spend their time along the rivers, assisting travelers. One of the main areas of trade is along the eastmost river that leads to Torre.
Where Erisdar came from, a lot was backwards. Mares did not have a say, and obeyed the lead stallion without question. Young colts were sent out on Quests to discover their purpose and earn their place, after which they could return and obey their lead stallion, never siring a foal of their own, or try to strike out on their own in the harsh and unforgiving Icy Region. Each quest that the young colts were sent out on was perilous, often resulting in never hearing from or seeing those colts again.
Before his Questing, Erisdar was already waking up to the backwards ways of the herd. He didn't like how the mares were treated, including his adopted sister, Aelin. He helped the other young Mystic escape in the night. Upon his Questing, Erisdar set out, and earned his crystal. However his time away showed him a new side of life, and a new respect for others. He tried to find his old herd, with the intention of challenging the lead stallion, but was unable to do so. Afterward he set out across the lands to find a place to settle for his own, eventually coming upon Torre. He spent time there, learning about his inborn Plains Region magic, and eventually founded a home there for himself and others: Echaria.
Erisdar kept a lot of traditions from his old herd. While twisted, it formed the foundation of Echaria as it stands today. One might even liken them similar to an order of Knights, sworn to uphold Honor and Justice.
Younglings of the herd still undergo tests, but not nearly as severe as those posed in his home herd. Another major difference is mares are held in equal regard to stallions in the herd. There are several steps to go through before becoming a Bearer, or one of the official adult herd members.
The first is a test of Knowledge. Each member must spend time learning about their chosen topic. Often this is spent in a mentorship, not always remaining in Echaria. Erisdar promotes travel and seeing the world. Once their mentor or teacher deems them proficient in their chosen topic, they have passed the test of Knowledge.
The second is a test of Honor. Several small trials are put forth, in which a Quirlicorn must prove their honor and morals.
The third is a test of Guidance. Be it guiding others, or mentoring another in the chosen specialty of the Quirlicorn, the third trial promotes a sense of working together and helping others.
The fourth is the Quest. Each Quest is different, and calls to a Quirlicorn in its own way. Some quests are those of helping others, some of self discovery. But upon finishing the Quest they are presented with their Crystal, and are considered a member of the herd. Many will adorn themselves with their crystal, as a show of their devotion and acceptance into the herd.
Erisdar is the leader of the lands, and the resident Mystic. He does his best to gently guide his herd, while providing support and leaving them the ability to fail with grace. He strives to be what his old herd leader was not - inclusive, welcoming, and warm.
Aoede was one of the first to join Erisdar, and was the first to earn her Crystal, which she wears on a chain around her neck. She was a young mare, lost and without purpose when Erisdar came along, and while she was initially distrustful of him, she came through and began to respect the older stallion. This respect has grown into a sort of love between the two, a deep, non-romantic bond between them.
Aradia is a younger mare who recently earned her Crystal, which she attached to the tip of her horn. She is full of life and exuberance, always ready to be the first to offer to help or take on a new project. Honestly she seems to be an endless fountain of energy. She looks up to Aoede, and idolizes the other mare.
Eilidh is perhaps one of the more difficult members of Erisdar's herd. She wears her crystal on a chain wrapped around her foreleg. She has a bit of a temper, and is a bit stuck up all things considered, but is a calm mind in a crisis and a steady presence (if a bit abrasive).
Arasine is a young stallion, and a bit of a goofball. He gets along well with youngsters, and adores watching over them and watching them learn. He has not yet earned his crystal, having recently joined the group.
Orabelle is an old soul, prone to melancholy. She was part of Arasine's band before Arasine joined up with Erisdar, and her main loyalty still resides with Arasine. She does not yet have her crystal.
Bellona is fierce, and protective of her cousin, Eirene. Bellona is a protector, through and through, and specializes in combat. She wears her crystal strung between her antlers.
Eirene is a sensitive gal, more at home quietly reading in a meadow of flowers than in any sort of social situation. Despite her flashy coloring, she tries to hide in the background. Despite her quiet and reserved personality, Eirene earned her crystal and wears it braided in her mane.
Wren, along with her three sisters, are foals in Echaria, not yet old enough for their quests. Wren is the troublemaker of the group, always up to something.
Sora, along with her three sisters, are foals in Echaria, not yet old enough for their quests. Sora is the strategist of the group with a brain for numbers and complex equations.
Rhea, along with her three sisters, are foals in Echaria, not yet old enough for their quests. Rhea is a nurturing gal, normally sticking close to the youngest and smallest of the sisters, Echo.
Echo, along with her three sisters, are foals in Echaria, not yet old enough for their Quests. Echo is shy, and mute. Despite her lack of voice, she has found ways to communicate with her sisters, who are always willing to interpret for her.
Kiran is a young stallion in Echaria. He wears his crystal braided in the bottom of his mane. He is never far from his partner, Anemone, nor their daughter, Epiphany. He is a protector and a strong naturalist, enjoying all parts of nature. He can often be found guiding others along the rivers.
Anemone was left in Echaria as a young foal, and grew up alongside Kiran. As they grew friendship turned to something more, and she now lives happily alongside Kiran and their daughter, Epiphany. Anemone assists with travel along the rivers, spending time wandering with her daughter and playing in the meadows along the way. She wears her crystal on the band that holds her mane. Although she found her birth family and siblings, she doesn't have much contact with them.
Epiphany is the youngest of the Echaria herd, and is spending time with her mother, Anemone, and father, Kiran, learning the world around her and the ways of Echaria.