Althrians are known for their government.

On earth, that statement would normally be taken as a damning comment. For when have we ever heard of a government being notorious for it's positive aspects?

But in this case, it is mostly positive.

Althrians developed their system of government after a horrific, truly world-wide war between alliances created by their six nation based clans.

Hatred and distrust brought them that war, and the subsequent leaders discovered that only understanding and honor would keep them from falling again.

Greed was not an option... So they decided to create a system of government which discouraged greed, but at the same time encouraged individual development and invention.

They developed a way to 'elect' their leaders that I can only dub as 'Standardism'

Leaders are decided through random recruiting of qualified individuals... If the criteria is met (you are between certain ages, you are physically capable, you maintained a certain grade in your education institution, you have an optimum level of genetic intelligence, you have held a job for a set number of years,) you are able to be the leader on a local or national level.

The only exception to this is the role of the royal overseer, the king... Those who wish to enter the trials for that title must do so on their own terms... if no one wants it, the title falls back to the previous king. If there is no previous king, the title falls to the one the previous king listed as their successor.

Regardless of their recruitment; Random or voluntary, all competitors are put through a tailor made set of tests and tournaments, pitted against each other

If none hit a standard level of competence or skill, all competitors fail and the trials are started again with a new batch.

The trials are notoriously long and grueling. Deaths have been reported, but they were (mostly) counted as failures.
(in one instance, a young woman was killed protecting the other hopefuls from a malfunctioning defense machine... Showing great courage, strength, knowledge, and sacrifice, she won the tournament. Her name was listed honorarily into the hall of kings. The others went through more tests and quests until a single other victor was found. Their name was listed after the young woman.)

In these tournaments, there are battles where the contestants must prove themselves against outside forces and each other. These are one of the only instances where fighting is condoned.
Althrians abhor war but understand that, when faced with an unreasonable and violent enemy nation, it can be necessary to defend one's self. Therefore, the contestant must know how to defend themselves and show tactical knowledge in doing so.

The Lysrylry, however, view fighting as much more than necessity. They see it as an art form and practice it with a passion.
The Lysryl Clan (Translated as 'Burning Light'... which is basically 'fire' ) are known for their abilities as fighters...

It is said that to face a Lysryl in battle as the last trial is to accept that you have failed.

The weapon of choice for most Lysrylry is the Rylor; The Lysryl Military Staff.

The weapon was designed by a committee, charged with creating a weapon for the Lysrylry faction of the international army. They needed something that could benefit from their people's unique education system.

A Lysryl child is raised much like a spartan, english squire, or young samurai... While learning the ways of the world and all they will need to know, they are required to master several fighting techniques and styles. 6 weapon and 10 hand to hand styles must be perfected before a Lysryl gains the title of 'adult'.

The Rylor facilitates 6 possible weapon styles... Though it is not the only weapon a student is trained with, it could be called their 'old reliable'.

A Lysrylry student will carry two during training, while a soldier normally keeps four on them at all times.

The weapon can be modified to utilize energized blades, tethered projectiles, or whip based styles... but pictured here is the standard Rylor in 6 different configurations.