The
Symbol

It can be found all over this site, sometimes subtly, other times not-so-subtly. It's even faintly stamped onto the background this text is on. What does it stand for?

Two things, actually.

It is the Brutal Sun Studio Symbol; it looks brutal, and somewhat like a sun.

But it also represents the seal of the Empire of the Seven Provinces, on which Brutal Sun Studio is based. The center disk stands for the main province, where the Imperial City lies. That's where the Emperor dwells, when he's not traveling (which he almost always is). The dark triangles stand for the three provinces most faithful to the Empire. The outlined triangles stand for the provinces less faithful to the Empire.

The province of West Braulio, where Belkis, Aleron, and Alerah were from is an example of a "faithful" Province. While not perfect, it is better off than other provinces, because of its submission to the Emperor. It is wealthier, and stronger.

The province where Kai-Ila was born is an example of an "unfaithful" province. It has a history of rebelling against the Empire, behaving more like the violent self-centered civilizations outside of it. As a result, it is poor and desolate compared to other provinces. It cannot experience the full blessing that being under good leadership brings.

In most instances the symbol is depicted with little nicks and tears, which represent the Empire's wounds and growing pains.

There are likely to be some variations in how the symbol is depicted throughout the Empire. Different cultures may render it a little differently, adding their own artistic embellishments to it. Some of these variations will continue to be revealed in upcoming projects by Brutal Sun Studio.