#fe solm

Solm's recreation.

The activities mentioned by the characters of Solm include:

Shopping

Cooking, barbecuing, outdoor eating and dining.

Camping

Singing and music

Wolf riding

Partying and dancing

At the Somniel Solm's recreation is represented by the flea market and the camping area. Characters can be seen singing (Timerra and Pandreo), playing the lute (Fogado and Pandreo), interacting with animals (Merrin) and dining (Bunet and Panette). The flea market represents Solm's economic interest in drafting trade deals, the market bazaars and the travelling merchants from their country. Timerra also enjoys a little retail therapy. The camp site represents the freedom to travel anywhere and do what they please as well as the outdoors theme of the queendom's recreation. 

Outdoors Recreation

The importance of Solm's outdoor activity orientation is that it represents freedom and friendliness. In Solm you are free to go where you please, do whatever you please and speak with anyone. A royal could make friends with a rebel (Timerra and Panette), a humble priest (Fogado and Pandreo), a commoner from a family bistro (Fogado and Bunet), or a runaway from a tribe (Timerra and Merrin). Anyone could be friends with anyone, no matter the differences of class, interest or religion.  The Solm royals create no boundaries between themselves and their people. This is represented quite literally by royals who are never in their castle, there are no walls or gates separating them from everyone else. They are out in the wild socialising and directly helping people.  Fogado actively goes around helping people as mentioned in his ‘bucket brigade’ conversation with Hortensia. When it comes to her people Timerra is just as proactive as she locates and defeats bandits to protect her people as mentioned in her support conversations with Alear. When comparing methods of leadership with Diamant she states that:

‘Then we’re one and the same. I hang out with folks in town so I can protect them. After all, can’t keep someone safe if you don’t know who they are.’

The social activities relate to the style of leadership of the royals. They are literally one of the pack. 

Wolves are an important symbol for the Solm leadership and way of life. In Japan, the wolf and wild animals were associated with the mountain spirit Yama -no-kami. The mountains were considered a dangerous and untameable place and the wolf was considered the territory's guardian and protector. The wolf riding royals and their retainers serve as guardians and protectors of Solm. The wolf also symbolise 匹狼(ippiki ohkami) which means ‘loneliness with pride’ which means that a person is proud to do their own thing without concern about what others think. The phrase can also refer to a person's independence and self sufficiency. 

Solm's environment

Solm is a semi-arid desert which has the following his ecological features and considerations:

Aridity - plants and animals have to adapt to survive in a very dry climate. The cactus has adapted by reducing Leaves to sounds to reduce water loss through transpiration, wide and deep roots, waxy skin and a short growing season. Camels have also adapted to the extreme environment and these include: wide hoofs, nostril flaps, long eyelashes, far storing hump and a long tail.

Less rainfall - This can cause problems such as the soil drying out and plants dying. Many herbs and spices can survive less rainfall such as rosemary, clives, oregano and thyme. The flow of streams and rivers can decline, water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall and the depth of  water in wells increases. This could let to social and economic issues.

Velocity of wind - Wind is common because the air near the surface is heated and rises then cooler air replaces this hot rising air and this creates wind. In an arid desert the minerals have nothing to hold onto. Solm has housed built to withstand sciroccos which is a dry and hot Wind that can turn the sky red.

Low Humidity - temperatures can rise so high that people and wildlife are at risk of hydration and death. These areas of high temperatures cool quickly at night because of the lack of humidity and clouds.

Low soil quality - only specific crops can grow.

Low population density

Wild wolves are found in Solm and can be domesticated to become cavalry. Wolves are at the top of the food chain and the position as apex predators means that they have an important role within an ecosystem. They control the population of large herbivores which prevents overgrazing and protects vegetation.

The Dishes of Solm

The dishes of Solm reflect the Mediterranean and Arabian influences in the cuisine of Sicily, the country Solm is inspired by. These dishes fall into various categories:

Special occasion food eg; milk nut pie, tiramisu,

Cold food suitable for the hot climate eg; chilled vegetable soup, berry sauce panna cotta,

Sharing food eg; classic pizza, seafood paella,

Easy to create and preserve eg; salt pork, meatballs and beans, tomatoes in sweet vinegar

Street food/take away food eg; soft candies, churros

Milk Nut Pie - This dish seems to be inspired by baklava. The foundation of all baklava, whether it is Mediterranean or Arabia, is: nuts, dough, butter or oil and syrup. Traditionally baklava is served at special occasions and was considered an aphrodisiac because of the ingredients.

Rice Nut Pudding - This dish seems to be inspired by zarda. Zarda can be served as a celebratory dish. The simplicity of the recipe and small number of ingredients make this a meal that can be enjoyed by commonfolk and nobility. 

Dome Bread - This dish seems to be inspired by Panettone. Panettone is served at special occasions because of the long time it takes to prepare. 

Chilled Vegetable Soup - This dish seems to be inspired by gazpacho. The reason the soup is cold is to reflect the hot weather of Solm. It is a refreshing soup that can be made with any fruit and vegetables available, traditionally tomatoes are the star ingredient.

Prosciutto - These thin slices of ham can be enjoyed as a light meal by themselves, placed in a sandwich or panini, in salads or as an antipasto. The uncooked ham suits the hot climate.

Kebabs - This dish is inspired by chicken kebabs. From the amount of meat Timerra consumes and the different places she cooks her kebabs it is clear that meat is plentiful. Kebabs can be marinated in a variety of spices and sauces to maintain moisture. It can be simply made as well as being as complex as desired. 

Seafood Paella - This dish can be with simple ingredients or with complex flavours. Paella is a Valencian word that means ‘frying pan’, it is named after the fact it can be cooked in just one pan. In the Mediterranean it is traditional to create huge paella to share at festivals or village gatherings. 

Meatballs and beans - This dish seems to be inspired by Cannellini bean and meatball stew. Just like the paella in that it can be made and served in one pot. Large quantities can be made to share at festivals. Stews and paellas are great for using up leftovers and ingredients of less quality.

Tiramisu - The name comes from the Italian ‘tirami su’; 'pick me up'. One slice of this Italian dessert is meant to cheer you up. It is often eaten as a celebratory treat. The great is always meant to ‘pick you up’ in another way because it is considered an aphrodisiac.

Berry Sauce Panna Cotta - The name means ‘cooked cream’ in Italian. This dish represents culinary artistry and elegance. It can be served as a snack or as a dessert to finish a meal. It is served cold, perfect to refresh in the Solm weather.

Seafood medley with garlic - This dish seems to be inspired by Cioppino. The word “cioppino” comes from the Ligurian dialect “ciuppin” and means ‘chopped to pieces’. This stew is easy to make and is the ideal meal for mariners and port workers in Solm. 

Fried Sardines - This dish seems to be inspired by ‘Sarde Fritte’, Fried Sardine Fritters. They can be served with a dip or with various sidedishes such as rice or salad. They are quick and easy to create.

Vegetable Stir Fry - This dish seems to be inspired by ‘sauted vegetables'. The dish can be made with any available or seasonal vegetables, it can also be a quick and simple method to use up leftover ingredients. 

Tomatoes in Sweet Vinegar - This is a way to reconstitute tomatoes for easy use. The tomato is hydrated in vinegar or oil and can be used in antipasto, as a snack on crusty bread. 

Crème Brûlée - In French ‘Crème Brûlée’ means ‘burnt cream'. This dish has a topping of a layer of hardened caramelized sugar with custard underneath. The top is slightly warm but the custard underneath is cold. It is traditionally a celebratory dish. In Solm's hot weather it is a refreshing dish.

Churros - Churro is onomatopoeic, it imitates the sound of frying. Churros are often sold by street vendors as a tasty treat. In so w reasons of Spain and Portugal they are eaten for breakfast with chocolate sauce.

Soft candies - This dish is inspired by ‘torrone'. It is a type of nougat made of honey, sugar, egg whites and nuts. They can be shaped into bars or a round cake. It can be eaten as a dessert good or a high energy snack.

Classic pizza - This dish is one that can be made in huge patches and stored. It can be eaten hot or cold to suit the climate of Solm. It is also traditionally a shared meal.

Risotto - Risotto means ‘young rice’ in Italian. Risotto is not the easiest meal to cook despite the few ingredients needed to make it. Risotto should be rich and creamy while al dente with distinct separation of the grains. The texture should be fluid and if spread there should be no watery pool. It should be eaten once it is ready. It can be eaten as a main course or as a side dish.

Rice croquettes - These are often sold as street food, served as a side dish or eaten as a tapas.

Rosetta Bread - This dish can also be known as michetta or rosette so ate.  The bread is shaped into a rose shape and is expected to puff up. They take a couple of days to make but make for a versatile bread. 

Acqua pazza - Acqua pazza means ‘crazy water’ in Italian. It is a recipe for poached white fish in a herb broth. This was traditionally eaten by fisherman but clever Italian peasants would make it with leftovers from wine making. 

Veal rolls - Solm is based on Sicily so it would be appropriate to call this dish ‘veal involtini’. In the Middle Ages beef was considered a coarse, tough meat to eat. Veal was considered tender so many peasant farms would slaughter a cow for their meat once their milk had dried up. 

Religion

Pandreo's church has a unique way of worshipping the Divine Dragon. Here are some of the ways his congregation worship;

Parties 

‘You spoke of pious songs and dances. I was expecting something rather solemn._Instead, it was a circus! Everyone hopping about and yelping like rabid dogs.’ (Support B between Vander and Pandreo)

Parties give Pandreo's flock an opportunity to unwind and find comfort. It also serves as escapism from people's daily lives and the war. 

Howling (English translation only)

‘That’s just a way members of my congregation express their fervor. A little crass, I know.’ (Support A between Alear and Pandreo)

This could be inspired by dogs howling at Azaan (the call for prayer in Islam). 

Celebrity guests

Alear, Veyle and Vander feature as ‘celebrity guest's at Pandreo's church. People get to meet their deity, that is powerful, imagine how inspiring that could be. Veyle and Alear aren't  distant, unrelatable deity, they are among the people, understanding and experiencing humanity while displaying how human they are. The problem of a distant deity is that followers can often feel unheard. When a person prays there is nothing but silence. People can see Veyle using the offerings of food to throw a party. They can talk to her and express their desires for peace. They can see her trying to help people. Alear is inspired by the people at the party to stay strong and bring peace, the party even lifts their spirits. Alear is inspired by getting to know her people and the people are inspired by the Divine Dragon being awake.  Religion in Solm is about dragons and people mixing in the same way the royals interact with their people. 

At a Vander is able to share stories about Lumera and inspire the congregation. 

Offerings

Veyle is given food by the faithful. 

Prayer

Prayer is the main way to express a wish and wish the soul of a dead person peace. 

Confessions

Pandreo offers to listen to the confessions of his congregation.

Pandreo and Veyle

The Queendom of Solm tend to worship the Divine Dragon but they are open minded enough to allow worship of other deities.  This is demonstrated by the conversation between Pandreo and Veyle. When Veyle expresses concern about Pandreo, a cleric of the Divine Dragon, offering a prayer to her, a Fell Dragon, Pandreo response with;

‘No. Solm is an open-minded queendom. When they see me praying to you, others will follow suit. Just you watch.’

Attitudes towards Solm. 

‘Solm is an open minded country. They have always had good relations with Firene.’

That is how Alfred in Chapter 4 : A Land in Bloom, introduces Solm to Alear. The introduction is friendly and paints a positive picture of the queendom. It is mentioned that Queen Eve had no problem agreeing to sign a nonaggression pact with them which continues the friendly picture. 

Céline is a little more cautious when she considers Solm. When Fogado invites her for tea in their support conversations

Fogado: ‘Being royals of Solm and Firene, I think it’s important we get to know each other. Talk about different values and whatnot. Could be beneficial for both of us.’

Céline: ‘Haha, spoken like the prince of a nation obsessed with trade.’

Fogado: ‘Nothing wrong with a little give and take.’

Céline: Forgive me, but I must decline for now. The Firenese lifestyle is more pastoral. We lack your taste for intrigue and risk.’

Fogado: ‘You make tea with me sound like some kind of big adventure.’

Céline: ‘Quite a dangerous one, yes. Good day, Prince Fogado.’'s

Céline's role as a princess and protector of Firene requires a certain amount of suspicion and caution. Two royals from different countries engaging in tea is not as simple as tea with friends. There are risks of secrets being leaked and offence being caused. Her attitude towards Fogado's invitation is not surprising considering these facts. In her mind Solm is a trading nation that keeps secrets and can engage in unconventional and risky political and diplomatic activity. She is also aware that Fogado uses his charisma to gather intelligence.

‘Such as the way you curry favour with foreign nobility to pry information out of them.’

Her view of Solm is as a nation engaging in secretive and risky activity and any engagement comes with hidden motives. I

Hortensia is equally as suspicious of Fogado's motives. 

‘Act innocent if you want, but even in Elusia, we’ve heard what a flirt you are.’

She accuses Fogado of being a flirt and is surprised to learn that he is actually helping people and not just socialising for the sake of it.

There is a theme of ignorance about Solm's environment and culture. This is evidence through the various support conversations the Solm characters have with characters outside their kingdom. 

Vander is surprised by the singing, howling and dancing at a religious gathering he attends with Pandreo

Framme selects an outfit for Timerra made of heavy fabric which does not suit the heat of Solm and limits movements which is important for her ability to fight at a moment's notice. 

Boucheron teaches Panetta the etiquette of Firene and is surprised to learn that there are no etiquette requirements for nobles in Solm.

Alcryst is invited to parties by Pandreo. At first he fails to enjoy them because he is trying to apply British convention to them. He is surprised to learn that there are no rules or structure to a Solm party.

 Anna asks Timerra what would sell well in Solm. 

Diamant tried Timerra's style of leadership, intrigued by her concept of being able to protect her people if she knows them.

Solm is known as the queendom of freedom and at the start of the game is ruled by Queen Seforia. Princess Timerra is the next in line to her throne, her sibling is Prince Fogado and he is captain of the sentinels. 

The inspiration for Solm is Sicily. Solm Palace is inspired by Palermo, the interior is based on  Palatine Chapel. The temple the Four Winds become trapped in and the Desert Stronghold are inspired by Agrigento’s Valle dei Templia and the Northern Fortress is inspired by Salemi Castle. 

Solm's emblem is inspired by the eagle on The Kingdom of Sicily flag. As the King of the Skies, the eagle serves as a messenger bringing a message of power, courage, strength, cunning and immortality. 

Solm is possibly named after the House of Solm peerage of Germany and the Kingdom of Sicily. The name is derived from the Old Norse for sun.