Hayboria



The next subject of my sociological survey of Nexus is the so-called "Land of Hayboria", which I stumbled upon by sheerest accident when overhearing a conversation on the streets of Thayd. The Aurin Exodus has, as would be expected, created an intense desire to hold on to memories of the former home world, which has given rise to many enclaves named in memorandum (e.g. New Arboria, Arborian Gardens) all over Nexus. "Hayboria" is a notable deviation in that it combines broader Exile values with Aurin tradition, creating an evolving hybrid entity that I believe is deserving of further study. I have endeavored to report my observations objectively in the following pages; personal reflections are written in the first person, and should be self-evident. --- ZELZNER SQUIGG, XAS CHRONICLER

The Land of Hayboria is an informal autonomous collective [citation needed] known primarily for its vast reserves of hay and honeywheat. While not a major player in the ongoing war between Exiles and the Dominion, Hayboria is becoming increasingly popular as a vacation destination for battle-weary Exiles seeking relaxation and solitude.

Government

Hayboria is governed by a self-elected co-monarchy, with the "ruler of the week" selected from a pool of Hayborn candidates, all whom have sworn to uphold the governing principles of "being nice" and "taking turns". The title of the ruler is always "Hayborian Queen", regardless of sex, though no male has as yet taken the crown.

Role of the Monarchy
The Queen makes decisions of state, drawing from the advice of all other Hayborians who happen to be within earshot, applying her/his wisdom to do what is in the best interest of the land in the key areas of hospitality, accessibility, and the promotion of a "more awesome" Hayboria.

Customs

Founded by immigrant Aurin arriving on Nexus, the Hayborian social hierarchy borrows heavily from Arborian tradition, with some notable Exile influences (see fist bumps below). Unsurprisingly, "not being mean" is broadly accepted as the spiritual foundation for all true-hearted Hayborians.

Welcoming of Strangers
Warm and friendly, Hayborians are always excited to greet new visitors with an enthusiastic "Welcome...to Hayboria!", often accompanied by a grand sweeping gesture of the arm and an "infectious" sense of joy.

Hugs
As with Aurin cultural norms, hugs and hugpiles are common social interactions that are applied even to non-Aurin visitors. Hayborians use a system of hug formations such as "Hug Formation Alpha" (a one-on-one hug) and "Hug Formation Delta" (a dragnet designed to pull as many bystanders into the hugpile's event horizon, from which there is no escape). The "hug leader" will usually call the formation prior to initiating action, giving advance warning to savvy tourists who wish to avoid being squeezed.

Fist Bumps
While Hayborians are friendly and easy-going, they take their interpersonal bonds very seriously. Fist bumps are the ritual by which Hayborians express the beginning of a new bond or relationship. For example:


 * The common Fist Bump of Friendship is offered to visitors to Hayboria that seem fun, or seem to need fun.
 * The Fist Bump of Acceptance is offered to those who wish to become citizens, which entitles them to expanded visiting privileges and a discount on dry cleaning.
 * The Fist Bump of Doing Stuff is a declaration of intent made between participating individuals, often performed after a critical team decision is made.
 * The Fist Bump of No Telling is applied in situations when secrecy is of vital importance.

To non-Hayborians, the fist bumps often seem arbitrary and even silly. However, refusing to bump an offered fist can be construed as a grave insult, resulting in the "bumming out" of every Hayborian in the immediate vicinity of the snub. Repercussions vary from elevated volume of speech to outright shunning.

The gesture itself bears a strong resemblance to the casual Human/Granok form from which it is derived. In the Hayborian tradition, the name of the fist bump is called-out first, and the initiating fist is offered to all who wish to enter into the agreement. The gesture is sealed by simultaneous and sincere contact between fists. The specific position of fingers and orientation of the fist is not important, though practiced "bumpers" often develop a distinctive style of their own.

Common Expressions
Local wisdom is encapsulated in cryptically short phrases that hint at the confounding depth of Hayborian philosophy.


 * "Hey, Hayboria!" is a common expression with multiple facets of meaning, used both in celebration and in cautionary situations. At times, it appears to be used because Hayborians just like saying it, or sometimes to emphasize a telling point. There really is no wrong time to use this expression, when said with the primal earnestness that powers the Hayborian psyche.
 * Hayborians are fond of taking raw visitor reactions and using them for tourism campaigns; the current "Hayboria: It's Neat!" campaign is derived from the dumbfounded reaction of one recent visitor when asked what she thought of the land. [citation needed]
 * "The hay has its ways" is an expression referencing the belief that hay can have mystical effect on people, particularly the variety of hay that is commonly found all around Hayboria. It is used more often when a "wait and see" attitude is the logical course of action.

Controversy

Hayboria is not without its detractors. There have been allegations that Hayborians are "cultists", though I have not yet seen supporting evidence. I shall remain vigilant.

Geography

Hayboria has a temperate climate, perpetually cycling between summer and autumn seasons. Fully 80% of the land mass is covered by fragrant hay, flowers, hoogles, and trees. As there are no known predators or poisonous fauna in Hayboria, it is said to be an ideal place to camp-out and daydream with friends new and old. [citation needed]

Visitors who plan to spend the day in Hayboria may find the following guide helpful.

The Olde Stack
The Olde Stack (AKA The Stack) is the centrally-located pile of hay, sometimes referred to as The Old City Center or The OCC by long-time residents, though there is no archaeological evidence that any such large-scale structure ever existed on the site. Nevertheless, The Stack is the oldest structure in the region, and is regarded as the official birthplace of Hayboria.

Although The Stack is not built on the foundation of an ancient city, there are indicators that an active pre-hay settlement did exist prior to the founding of Hayboria; artifacts from this bygone age are marked by red balloons designating their protected historical status. [UPDATE: The historical status of these so-called artifacts are now in question, and the balloons are no longer to be found --Squigg]

The Mother Tree
The Hayborian Mother Tree rises from The Olde Stack, shelter beneath its gnarled root system. First-time visitors to Hayboria often choose the Mother Tree for their stay, as it is easily accessible and offers a magnificent view of the Golden Hills to the northwest.

The Golden Hills of Hayboria
Also known as the Golden Fields, these visually-striking hills are piled high with hay for as far as the eye can see. It is best appreciated as a whole by looking toward the northwest from the Mother Tree at sunrise. In the evening, a spectacular moonrise casts a romantic silvery glow over the entire landscape.

Adventurous visitors can hike up the Hills to enjoy a picnic or just roll around and play. It's an excellent place to hoverboard. A few minutes in the Hills is said to be a transcendent experience by many, while others claim to be driven to madness by the overpowering mellowness rising from the sweet hay underfoot. According to Hayborian lore, these latter are believed to be Grumps, a type of "proto-meanie" held in low regard by most locals. A small meditation shrine, freshly stocked with incense, can be found beneath an olive tree in the farthest north of the fields. It is just barely visible from the Mother Tree.

The Wishing Well
Reportedly one of the first capital improvements made to Hayboria upon its founding, the Wishing Well is regarded as the symbol of the dreams and aspirations of all its people [citation needed]. Its golden form is first visible upon entering the land, rising to the right behind beyond the gated entrance to the land. Tourists can often be seen making wishes during times of day that are said to be "particularly auspicious." A popular rumor is that the Well sometimes diverts unsuspecting teleporter users into Hayboria if it senses that they need to "chill out." [citation needed]

Hoogles
The mythical Hoogle is the official mascot of Hayboria, and giant statues of them dot the landscape. According to Hayborian legend, these hoogles guard Hayboria from unpleasant thoughts and other non-mellow spirits. A local myth claims that ascending to the top of each hoogle in a particular order brings good luck and glad tidings; superstition aside, the views are genuinely quite striking from these vantage points.

For visitors seeking a bit of local color, the hoogles shelter specialty food stands, hidden libraries, and secret chill-out nooks beneath their stony wings

Hoogles Back Alley
On my most recent visit, I have noted a new tree-lined "commercial district" behind the main line of Hoogles in the southwestern reaches of Hayboria. The Bug Crackery bakery has relocated here, and is now accompanied by a meat smoking structure and a juice bar. There is also a stage and a picnic area under construction; my impression is that the Hayborians are expanding the reach of their hospitality. The main entrance to the back alley is through the Hugging Tree Gate on the western edge of the land, with a little-known secondary entrance hidden between two large hoogles.

The Hayborian Suites
Toward the southeast corner of the land lies The Hayborian Suites, a modern single-floor dwelling built for visitors desiring more upscale amenities. Built with sustainable Aurin methods using local hay and other renewable materials, the Suites serve convenience with a stunning view of Nexus from both the main living area and from the rooftop vantage point. The Suites also include a meditative Peace Garden that is immediately visible upon exiting the main cabin. By the gate is an alternative path through a Meditation Pond.

Peppercorn's Place
Just south of the Stack, Peppercorn's Place (so-named for its primary inhabitant, an Aurin named Peppercorn) is a tree house built high up on the Mother Tree. It is a small open-frame structure that is said to offer a splendid view of the Hayborian Hills to the North. It also has the highest concentration of pillows of any structure in Hayboria. I have not confirmed this for myself, as the treehouse is quite unreachable by non-Aurin such as myself. When confronted with this fact, the locals merely smile and say, "The hay has its ways" while pointing at the haypile as if the answer is self-evident. I shall return with a ladder.

Notable Hayborians

As of this writing, the co-monarchy is overseen by the traveling magic troupe of Outo, Peppercorn, and Sri.


 * Sri is the current reigning "Queen", charged with overseeing capital improvements as well as maintaining the quality of life for all Hayborians and their guests.
 * Peppercorn is the current reigning "Queen" of Hayboria as well. She is charged with ambassadorial duties as well, which from my observations seems to be spreading the name of Hayboria throughout Nexus, being nice to people, and setting them up on dates.
 * Outo serves as the "Court Magician", a position frequently underestimated by those do not grasp the subtleties of Hayborian politics. He also serves unofficially as "Court Scribe" [reference needed] and general council.

Notable Friends of Hayboria

Other notable figures of Hayborian society are:


 * "Master Electrician" Saean
 * "Beloved Benefactor" Lumina
 * "Hunter" Nithos, a hunter and preserver of meat operating in Hoogles Back Alley

Many of the lamp posts and hay rolls that give Hayboria its distinctive "rustic magicality" were provided by these and other generous benefactors.

[OOC] Getting There

Hayboria is a public lot owned by player Sri on the North American Evindra RP/PVE server. It is open for public RP. Come visit!