Nations of Interest
Doljinaar
Doljinaar geographically, is an absurdly flat plains area with only three areas that rise over a hundred feet above the otherwise uniform terrain. Filled mostly with farmlands, and well maintained orchards, seeing for miles is as easy in a tree as it is at certain arcs while standing in the low, one to two yard high crops. It is most notable for goblin hill, an unmarked and ill repute slum of slums for goblins, known locally as smatches. The hill is one of the few vantage points, and given the small size, of a only a few miles in diameter, it is quite a diseased stronghold. As such the goblins interbreed, live in filth and otherwise remain vigilant, with a major tactical advantage, not least of which being the rampant filth fever, uncharacteristically common in goblins. No other mortal race would be caught alive there...for long.
Culturally, Doljinaar was a very honorable kingdom, even fifty years ago. Doljinaar has nine noble houses, which each, in differing order, gain a scion to take the throne; or rather stewardship, at Feltmore. The last scion, was House Erebus, whom had long prior abstained from sending a candidate for the crown, in order to gain other favors (for passing their turn to another house, in return for compensation and favor). Erebus, to many, was just that. No one but his family, called him by his last name (traditionally the one given, as the first name is of the house). He was simply known as Erebus, a name not heard of in the front square of Feltmore all the way to the western hold of Stallwayvale. Those with a knowledge of history may very well know King Erebus's own name, no others would have a chance.
Erebus was assassnated fifteen years ago by his own champion, someone whom had staunchly guarded the King since the champion was only 17. Since then, the traitor has been a national enemy and a bounty of a single astral diamond is openly offered for his corpse.
The champion is described as the lancer, and his appearance is more well known by those with streetwisdom. Otherwise, he is more notable for his horned helmet, obscuring all but two eyes. The Lancer wears a suit of what is described as lamellar, but more closely resembles studded horse hide. Only an artisan might know the true distinction.
This is all clouded by the new reign, house Morindom. A house powerful twice in the last three centuries, Morindom Venessa is a scandalously bold queen. Her celebrations have resorted to literal public debauchery, and her defense against the eastern jungles, more specifically Jui Sae, has led to a new alliance, that is a very about face to Erebus's reign.
Jui Sae & Jui Rae
Outside of the elven, eladrin, fey and shapeshifter community, most are seen as visitors, very seldom receiving the welcome those forementioned would receive. Humans are next most prevalent, with half elves almost equally represented. Jui Sae and Jui Rae are both of one mind, on one thing, that is the matriarchy of station. Men are not allowed to marry, without their mother's consent, and in the absence of mother, s sister, then aunt, then grand mother, and finally great aunt are required to consent. Male subjegation, however, differs greatly between the two nation of Jui, once prominent lord of the Elves.
Jui Sae is ruled by drow, and those few eladrin are in line with the brutality of the nation. Fey and shapeshifter native do not border on monstrous, they are undoubtedly monsters.
Jui Rae on the other hand, is ruled by a tribunal of women that decide male placement far more kindly. Unlike Jui Sae, they are very egalitarian when promoting elves, eladrin, fey and shapeshifters. These are in order, and favor women, but have significant majority of male counterparts to each race.
In both nations, women are allowed multiple husbands and are allowed to divorce husbands, collect dowries for them, and marry them to other less affluent women. Men are scarred and husks of mortality in Jui Sae, but even in Jui Rae they seldom rise to a station above the vast majority of the female population. Still, the contrast of social order is obvious.
Both nations rely wholly on magical rituals, to present themselves as independent nations. In both nations, what primal magic exists is revered as beyond divine sanction. The laws of nature have no need of the laws of gods; and the reverse is very much assumed a given compromise. Arcane magic is consider to fall under either the primal representation or divine representation, as the two factions give order and balance to afford the arcane viziers. As such, arcane colleges are the equivalent of artisans in Doljinaar or the Fatherland. They are specialists, entertainers, or artificers, hired by coin and sanctioned by either caste of magic.
The Fatherland
Geographically a mountainous region that is most commonly accessed by Doljinnar fortress know as Stallway Vale, seen in Doljinaar for countless leagues. It is occasionally access by the jungle, mostly uncharted, but known as Karus Forest. The Fatherlands reaches to western ocean, which has never imported new travelers, it is assumed the western ocean is many thousands of miles of only saltwater. Voyages that had ample magical water supplies, ending up running out of patience and often food for those that only accounted for fishing. AS such, the Fatherland is contemperarly as far west as Sylvane goes. Charters that bring news, and detailed maps of to other terrain and lands, are offered in the range of thousands of platinum.
Culturally, the Fatherlands are a religious nation, but very aligned with good. From the Kord barbarians of Kurn, the humble Fatherlands' side of Stallway Vale access; to the scholarly temple of Ioun and adventurer's guild of Avadnra in the city of Valhollan; all the way to King Thaodin of the Fatherlands own military palace, Hillock Keep; and as far the distance again north: the fatherlands are a gerernous and welcoming people. Their gods, like their king, are those that have done them a service worthy of not worship, but loyalty in service, for their leadership and staunch support. Gods, in the Fatherland, are just Kings and Queens of the beyond, not detached or absent, just more distant.
The population is split, almost evenly between Muls, Dwarves and Humans; making up more than 70% of the population. Other races, other than orcs and tiefling, are welcome. Even drow and are given benefit of doubt until caught in crime. Orcs and tiefling, are not immediately barred entrance, but are subject to the only version of rigorous investigation the nation has for (V forgets the word, gaining access to a country by way of traveling from outside)
In the fifteen years after Erebus's death (see Doljinaar) The Fatherland have been at war up until the last five. A stalemate of both nations, arrived at a peace treaty. Doljinaar lacked the finesse and skilled craft of Fatherlands many fine wares, and the Fatherland...they simply lacked quantities of the fruits, grains and vegetables they had become accustomed to for generations prior.
Once thought of dwarves, was that they only ate meat, but this was misnomer, and mushrooms and mineral seasoning were the staple diet. The same has been true for the last five dwarven generations in regard to never eating plants, far the opposite; dwarves have found plain vegetables and fruits, to be great for their hardy stews and made for some of the best pastries. Even the import of grain became the rage for bread, a now staunch staple by royal decree. As such, the Fatherlands relented to agreeing to supply their recent enemies with weapons of their own craft, to spare the country famine and likely pestilence.
That's it for now! I'm late! VERY late!
