Literature

Sicinia Salis can boast of many fine writers, some of history, others of theology, and still others of fiction and theater.

History & Theology

The distinction between historical works and theological works in Sicinia is very blurred, as most histories are taken as some sort of spiritual guidance, while most theologies have a good deal of history.

• The Maillion: The premier historical/religious text in western Sicinia, which deals with the life of Michael and his brother Auguste.

• The Narratives of the Struan: Written over a process of 40 years (1476 to 1516), they were intended by their author, Gilford Farr of Surren, to be the complete history of all of western Sicinia. He died before they could be completed, and today there are only 17 of the planned 30 volumes in existence. The Narratives of the Struan (Struan meaning stream in the local vernacular, referring to the Salis) are today the most important historical work of western Sicinia, detailing the area from the first settlement of the Sicinii to the beginning of the War of Unification. However, they are also considered to have a spiritual significance, and portions regarding Saint Michele are often read aloud at church.

• Enumerari: Considered an important holy book by both believers in the Three Queens and by Christians, this book was written in the form of instruction on how to lead a good and moral life. It is attributed to Michael, but it is unclear if he actually wrote it. Believers in the Three Queens see it not as a pathway to Heaven, but as a pathway to Truth.

• The Celbinax: The first and foremost text of the Three Queens, the Celbinax was an oral tradtion until 1027, when it was written down by captured Akaeian scribes at Sicinium. Originally recited as a song or chant, the words and melody were thought to have been created by Aingeru, an early Sicinii High King and one of the Spiritual fathers of the Eight Tribes. Through the story of a character named Arnsel attempts to instruct the listener on the ideal path to Truth.

Modern Text & Memoirs

• The Study of the Inherent Rights of Humanity: Published in the 1670s by the famous Enlightenment thinker Montreaux, it was originally banned in Sicinia. A sharp condemnation of tyranny and the divine right of kings, it instead offering up the idea of a government based on the governed as the ideal authority over all. One of The Study's most avid readers was Henri Rechamp, who attempted to apply the teaching's of Montreaux when he assumed control over Sicinia.

• A Confessing Declaration: As Henri Rechamp remained in hiding in Denard after the fall of The Commiserat, he began writing his memoirs. Written as if he were explaining himself before his imminent execution (which was all-to possible at the time) Rechamp explored and explained his actions and his ideas, as well as why they went wrong. Published in 1727, it was an instant bestseller and continues to be.

• L'Guerre: Written by infantry lieutenant Robert Pocharde after the Panselle War, it is in part a memoir and in part a condemnation of the horrors of war. After the return of The Nation-Kings under Reynarde, the book's scathing remarks regarding the motives and ineptitude of the government during the Panselle War got it banned, and Pocharde was later made to disappear for his beliefs. After the fall of the monarchy L'Guerre, like so many other books, was allowed back in print once more, and Pocharde became a popular hero and martyr of the Revolution.

• Moi Madamoiselle: The crowning achievement of Hugo Matelin, Sicinia's greatest playwright, it is the favorite of almost all of the country. A hysterical comedy regarding the folk hero Jean Louis and his less than modest daughter Claudette, the piece is performed at both county fairs and the Royal Theater, earning it the nickname of "The Great Equalizer", as it is enjoyed by both rich and poor alike. Other works of Matelin's include the comedies Margot and Run Rabbit, as well as the famous drama J'Accuse!.

• The Life of a Soldier: Written by biographer Edward Barallier in 1599, the famous piece details the life, exploits, and achievements of Gordain d'Yseult, Sicinia's most famous and important general of all time. Along with "on Armies (Below), it has set the stage for general military doctrine in Sicinia, with many of the quotes of d'Yseult often applied in the modern army. Some are even quite amusing, such as: "A wealthy merchant from Martinique traveled north to the Sicinian Army near Denard. On his first day the army joined battle against the Akaeians. The merchant watched in amazement as the Sicinian soldiers marched bravely out to do battle against three times their number. Turning, the man asked Gordain d'Yseult, the famous general, "Tell me sir, what drives your men on? What courage or patriotism stirs in their hearts to do such incredible deeds? "To which d'Yseult replied, "Courage and patriotism have little to do with it. It is a question of fear and direction. My men are terrified to face me, and so by standing here they understandably will move in a contrary direction. That the enemy lies in that direction is simply for them an unpleasant coincidence."

• On Armies: Written by Gordain d'Yseult as a treatise on the application of professional armies in combat, it has served as the formative work of Sicinian military practice, with the modern Shock Armies virtually unchanged from the Legion de Choc described by d'Yseult two hundred years earlier.