A brief primer on the Holy Menagerie
Original article by Bartholomew Oobleck.
Abridged and edited for the Historical Eye by Jack Blumenthal and Lisa Lavender
In the annals of history, Menagerie (or Holy Menagerie as it is known to the faunus) emerges as a realm of profound wonder and enigma, rivaling in size the largest islands of our known world. Perhaps the most famous aspect of Menagerie geography are the Celestial Titans, a mountain range of majestic grandeur, whose towering peaks are said to reach more than 12 miles into the sky, piercing the very clouds.
The societal fabric of Menagerie, unique in both structure and philosophy, has evolved over centuries. Foregoing the path of technological advancement, its people have cultivated a profound bond with the natural world. This harmonious relationship with the elements is deeply rooted in ancient faunus folklore and is a conscious choice born from the absence of Dust and Menagerie's self-imposed isolation.
Yet, despite their scorn of technology, Menagerie's military might is renowned as the greatest in the known world. It is said to be bolstered by an extraordinary number of Immortals – Menagerie is believed to have more than double the number of these legendary beings as the rest of the world combined. These Immortals have not only shaped the realm's defence strategies but also carved out its place in history through countless legendary battles, many of which have been fought against humans.
At the apex of this society is the Imperial Family, the venerable House of Bel, whose rule has spanned across ten thousand years. The naming conventions of this illustrious lineage, a blend of given names with the prefix "Bel" and a suffix denoting their inherited Shadow Power (which itself is poorly understood by human scholars), are a testament to their noble heritage and their profound connection to arcane forces.
Princess Blake Bel A'Donna, widely known as The Lady of the Setting Shadow, stands as a notable figure within the House. Her title is said to have been inspired by her childhood habit of roaming the palace grounds after dusk and her ability to elude the capture of the guards. The last member of the Imperial Family to receive such a title was Blake's great grandfather, Titon Bel A'Coran, nearly 4,000 years ago, indicating the high expectations placed upon her. Her inherited Shadow power, Donna, reputed to enable the summoning of an army of shadow clones, remains shrouded in mystery, with its true nature known only to a select few within the faunus community.
The society of Menagerie, firmly entrenched in a hierarchy of strength, sees its Immortals reigning supreme. These beings, akin to A and S rankers in human terms, hold unchallenged sway over the mortals, who, though treated with fairness, live in a state of servitude. This social structure, unyielding and unchanging, is a reflection of ancient principles that have guided Menagerie through the ages.
Despite its splendor and might, Menagerie's stance towards the discrimination of faunus in other lands is one of indifference. The Imperial Family, particularly under the guidance of Queen Kali Bel A'Mira, advocates for the return of faunus to Menagerie, a view not shared widely by mortal faunus living in the outside world, who fear a life of subservience.
The disappearance of Princess Blake has sparked much speculation and intrigue. Known for her outspoken views on faunus rights, contrasting sharply with the family's traditional stance, her disappearance remains a subject of debate, although she is expected to remain somewhere in Menagerie. Historical accounts suggest that such departures are not unprecedented in the annals of the Imperial Family, often leading to profound personal growth upon return.
In a land where the names Blake and Belladonna are as common as the stones lining its shores, locating the princess is a task of near-impossibility. Coupled with her ability to create perfect replicas of herself, the search becomes akin to seeking a shadow in the depths of night.
Menagerie, with its population of 1.4 billion faunus, is a testament to the enduring power and majesty of a realm untouched by time. The Royal Palace, an architectural marvel, remains hidden from human eyes, a symbol of the realm's insular nature and its commitment to preserving the sanctity of its traditions.
In this land, where human visitors are confined to the port city of Chal Awas, Menagerie stands as a realm of shadows and strength, mystery and might, a land where the past lingers in the present, and the future is written in the annals of its enduring legacy.