Saladorian Empire Culture & History

A Great War fought between the realms of Man ended 20 years ago.

Slavery is now Abolished.

Salador was at the center of a lot of the industry on the Northern continent. They- along with the foremost dominant kingdom of the Southern Continent- Kudar- were the biggest benefactors of the practice, followed closely by Rammetesch- at least, that was the previous thought on the matter.  Salador and Kudar’s long-standing positive trade relationship has made both cultures very rich, and has also throughly mixed the two communities. Though definitely distinctly different from each other, the centuries spent communing have led to a population that spans the human rainbow of skin & phenotypes.

But stories have begun to be told of troublingly different levels of treatment of slaves involved in the trade. While slaves were treated as indentured servants throughout Salador and Kudar- slaves being made of defeated enemies for the most part- there were new stories of slaves being tortured through chattel slavery...and worse. Abominable sacrificial blood magic has been frowned upon for centuries, its practice now limited to fowl or fatted calf offerings on high holy days...but this was something else.

Salador’s unification under Emperor Branneron on the back of the end of Slavery has brought a peace that has allowed review and audit of the previous administrations, and the results have been grave.

The Valigorian people in particular have been ravaged by the savage practice, and both Kudar and Al-Khem have made enemies of many surrounding City States- but this appears a different sort of manipulation, one that may need the setting aside of longstanding differences to stand against an existential threat.

The irony of mankind’s moral decrepitude somehow festering into a shadowy threat isn’t lost on the current administration, they just hope they can do something about it.


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:24, Sat 03 Apr 2021.

Salador

The city state of Salador proper is a huge, international city with a bustling lake and River port that is a distribution center to much of the whole of the northern continent. Much of what is distributed is procured from island and sister-city Kalador, widely considered the hub of World trade across all of Earth. It is said on the Northern Continent that “All Roads Lead to Salador.” Its people have enjoyed a privileged lifestyle for a long time as a result of their position in both common trade and the slave trade. The recent cessation of slaving practices has created some strain amongst the citizenry- especially those whose profits, it has been exposed, were based almost entirely upon the presumption free labor. Without it some industries have floundered and tensions have heightened. Some of Harrenwold’s agricultural interests in particular have suffered, and they are the loudest about it.

Salador’s incredible diversity makes it difficult to really typify the citizenry. There are exceptions to every rule, a story of success out of every struggle.

Salador is the Capitol and Center of the Empire that carries its name.

Salador’s society does have a very community first ethos. Social services are prioritized, and helping people, being honest and trustworthy, and generally trying to “do the right thing” is praised and celebrated, culturally. They see themselves as “the good guys”- logical, thoughtful and (perhaps arrogantly) worthy of decimating justice and judgement.  As a result, Salador’s citizenry can be staunchly nationalistic, even if critical of specifics.

Salador has several Universities, as well as many temples and shrines to cults both domestic and foreign. Several schools of mysticism have cropped up as schools from Jīng, Rammetesch and even the wild western Hillmen styles have begun a lively new relationship with the colosseo, as the ludus’ struggle to find Gladiators to fill the games now that slaves are no longer proffered as fodder for the sands.

“The World is wide, and Salador is tall” - Saladorian saying.

Growing up in Salador has these effects on Statistics:

Int: +3, Str: +1, Dex: +1, Cha: +1


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Sat 03 Apr 2021.

Valigor

Lost its war with Salador proper.  The two have had a tumultuous relationship for as long as anyone can remember. Internally among Valigorians, two primary factions exist- Agir & Venra. The Agir eventually signed the treaty with Salador. Venra claim they never did. Mostly Agir live in Valigor- the city state. The Venra live outside of the capitol, with more moving everyday further west- into the badlands, populated by a variety of the rarely seen Moon races (Trolls, orcs, dwarves, elves, etc).  The Agir are forced to deal with longstanding problems further north, rumored to be the land of Giants.

Said to be the descendants of Giants, Valigorian folks tend to be fair skinned, but proximity and on again-off again occupation by Salador means that it is common to see dark skinned Valigorians, often in elevated societal positions. Their northern proximity and trade accessibility to the East means that there are also more Asiatic phenotypes that are culturally completely Valigorian.

Constant slave raids on their lands during the peak of Slavery, coupled with years of war, exploitation and occupation at Salador’s hands, have led to deep seeded distrusts of the Empire.

Rebelliousness is widely considered a Valigorian trait, but, like many stereotypes about the people, they don’t fit as a one size-fits-all garment. More accurately, they are fiercely independent, valuing personal opinion highly, while still acknowledging and working within a communally supportive system.  Valigorian political opinions run the gamut, and the opinions are often contradictory, even among neighbors.

Traditionally, Valigorians fight in units comprised of ten men. The units are called, appropriately, a “Ten.” Every member of a “Ten” is a Named man, having earned a title in battle.

”Life is hard. We are harder.”- Famous Saladorian saying, spoken by Old King Fredrik, long ago.

Growing up in Valigor has these effects on Statistics:

Str +3, Size +3


This message was last edited by the GM at 08:58, Wed 05 May 2021.

Hillmen

Valigorian people have migrated west and south gradually for centuries. Those people became the Hillmen. Not quite as big as their cousins, they can be hardier.  Hillmen culture is fiercely based around freedom and individuality. There is great emphasis put on self sufficiency. There are a lot of cultural similarities held with Valigorians, and many, often subtle differences. Hillmen generally find the Agir laughable, and roundly find their signing of a treaty with Salador cowardly, to a comedic degree. Many Hillmen are Animists, or Mystics, or, both.

Culturally, Hillmen fight in four person units called a “Quad”

Though not a part of the Saladorian Empire expressly, they interact with it regularly, often times in an auxiliary military capacity.

“Freedom or Death.” Common Hillmen Goodbye/Statement of parting ways.

Hillmen Cultural Statistic variances:

Str +3, Con +2, Size +1


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:16, Sat 08 May 2021.

Farallor

Essentially Hippies. Very conservative-progressive.  Never were really at war with Salador. Very inclusive & extremely intolerant of intolerance. Treaty based on trade and Farallor’s council management of the Elves and that peace. Culturally, friendly with animals as well. The region boasts experts in animal husbandry, farm & agriculture- which is the main trade.  High quality goods are prized over more industrial practices. The forests are home to a diverse array of flora and fauna as well, and Farallor has a plethora of unique herbs and spices that impart unique effects.  Their military centers around a strong missile, siege & war weapon production, but the regions political acumen seems to constantly keep Farallor out of any conflicts.

The University East of the capitol is considered one of the foremost centers of learning and study in the world, specializing in geography, history- of more than just humans, zoology, and agriculture, as well as corresponding Magic practices, across disciplines.

Farallor is a part of the Saladorian Empire.

”If the root is strong, the fruit is sweet.” - Farallorian saying.

Growing up in Farallor effects statistics thusly:

Pow: +3, Con: +2, Int: +1


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:17, Sat 08 May 2021.

Harrenwold

A softer culture. Harrenwold submitted to Saladorian rule after a very short, but very bloody, resistance. The Governing “Rainbow Council” was over ruled by the people, who didn’t want to fight. Nobles & officials were hung, and peace was subsequently sued for. Very capitalist culture. Emphasis on individuality in all things social. Lots of bureaucracy, government, corruption, nepotism, rhetoric & state neglect- coupled with high taxes.  A lot of the bureaucracy is unorganized & happy to give the run around and pass responsibility. This is a culturally accepted practice and when the people experience otherwise they can grow unsure and/or uncomfortable.

Harrenwold is home to a Large University- bigger than Farallor, but of lesser quality & questionable integrity.

The council itself is full of in-fighting, factions and political intrigue that have nothing to do with citizens and doesn’t aim to help the citizenry at all. Instead the council largely serves the interests of whoever has financial interest or investments in individual officials themselves.

Harrenwold claims to be the home of hundreds of Knights, specializes in Heavy Armor, practices chivalry & boasts a completely disconnected nobility.

Harrenwold has managed to make a good peace with the rugged Hillmen that range to the west -both cultures share a heavy emphasis on individualism- and the Hillmen serve Harrenwold as an effective buffer to the Primitives of the coast, and the Bloody Religion of the Ntocholokan to the South as well. Trolls live in endless tunnels beneath the hill sides and mountains, where the even rarer Dwarves live, though mostly to the north now- all are handled mostly by the Hillman through a complex series of treaties and agreements. Also to the south there are whispers of an increase in sightings of ophidians, Slargr’s and other lizardmen tribes and cultures- but no more than whispers. There are no formal treaties with the Hillmen around lizardmen though, as the swamps they call home is a bit of a distance from the Hillmen’s homelands.

Harrenwold is a part of the Saladorian Empire.

“Happiness is a sovereign right” - Common Harrenwold statement, used to justify almost anything.

Growing up in Harrenwold imparts the following statistical adjustments:

Con: +3, Cha: +3


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:19, Sat 08 May 2021.

Rammetesch

The city of Rammetesch is a beautiful series of palisades on a huge river oasis with a fantastic port, tons of trade, and architecture similar to Venice- small labyrinthine alleyways. The culture is civilized and spiritually forward. There in only one “God” for atheist purposes, and he’s not very combat oriented. He does offer awesome Miracles- just not offensive ones.  It’s not unusual for Rammeteschii to be initiated of the One God, and advanced members of another cult. The One God Cult is extremely inclusive and is almost an agreed upon social view of the “God,” as a greater idea.  There is a strong Sorcerous faction with several “academies” scattered about. There are similarly many Mystical “temples.”

There is also a Large, Shamanistic encampment that communes regularly just outside the city. The discussions are philosophical in nature and Shamans make pilgrimages to the City of Rammetesch to deepen their knowledge & understanding of the spirit world, it’s denizens, and it’s properties.

But the rest of the HUGE country of Rammetesch is sparsely populated by nomadic tribes that criss-cross the giant desserts along ancestral seasonal trade routes based primarily on star navigation.  As a result, many Rammeteschii are more familiar with specific tribes of the Moon races, as well as aware of, and on guard against, the despised Asp Empire- a war-oriented culture of snake people with hives in the Rammetesch dessert, as well as some of the jungle/marsh areas between Rammetesch and Farralor

Rammeteschii fighters are among the most feared in the world.

Rammetesch is a part of the Saladorian Empire.

“The Rammeteschii Sun’s heat either melts you, or forges you” - Ancient Rammeteschii saying.

Growing up in Rammetesch augments statistics thusly:

Dex: +3, Con+1, Str +1, Int: +1




This message was last edited by the GM at 17:19, Sat 08 May 2021.

Kalador

In many ways, the naval extension of the Saladorian Empire. Located on an island between the southern and northern continents, Kalador has long been tasked with keeping the peace...and becoming rich from the fact. The city-state boasts a labyrinth of city streets behind a glittering port that hosts the strength of the Saladorian naval fleet.  Kalador is cosmopolitan to the point of almost alien. You can find someone from almost anywhere in the world in Kalador. As a result, the city is awash in cults, brotherhoods, information and secret plots to a degree that can be overwhelming to the uninitiated, as you must avoid stepping into the many rabbit holes one can spiral down into unexpectedly at any time.

Assassins and Merchants from Kalador are considered the best in the world with the most exhaustive list of contacts and access to the most exotic and fantastic of equipment, fabrics, food and herbs, or...almost anything.  Kalador citizens can double the number of contacts they have during char-gen. Kaladorian citizens also automatically gain Lore (The World) at base value.  Additionally there is a chance they may know someone in relation to almost anything, in game.

Kalador is a part of the Saladorian Empire.

“I know a guy” - A common joke among Kaladorians...that is true more often than not.

Growing up in Kalador imparts these additions to statistics:

Con +2, Dex +3, Cha +1


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:20, Sat 08 May 2021.

Kudar

Located on the Southern Continent.  Considered to be the “first Civilized city.”  Widely engaged in the Slave trade, and an early initiator and dominator of the practice. Easily the richest city-state as a result. Also, huge Gold, Silver, Copper mines- and more- abound near Kudar. Gems, rare stones, precious metals- are all more commonplace in Kudar. The land surrounding Kudar- and particularly to the south- are primordial, with dinosaurs and ancient, giant beasts. There is a volcano to the South as well, a dangerous area. Kudar is surrounded by Jungle, but has a large Bay & a world class port and navy.

Kudar is NOT a part of the Saladorian Empire, but is its biggest and most trusted ally.

“Strength without wisdom is foolish. Wisdom without strength is feckless.” - Kudarian saying

Growing up in Kudar affects attributes thusly:

Str: +2, Siz +2, Int +2


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:21, Sat 08 May 2021.

Al-Khem

Al-Khem is located in the North Eastern region of the Southern continent. It is a place of higher learning, Magic, Gods & Mysticism. Pyramids interrupt the horizon and deserts spread across vast expanses like great oceans of dry sand. The city boasts the greatest historical library in the known world. An extremely advanced civilization with dangerous secrets.

Al-Khem is NOT a part of the Saladorian Empire. The relationship is still evolving.

“Faith & Works build Miracles” - A common Al-Khemetian greeting.

Growing up a citizen of Al-Khem augments statistics thusly:

Pow: +3, Int +3


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:22, Sat 08 May 2021.

Jīng

Further East is the Dynasty of Jīng, “The Glittering City.” Boasting one of the worlds largest Naval fleets, a rigid social structure, and an enlightened, fiery culture of competing schools of Mysticism, Jīng is a unique civilized nation state- more organized than any other place in the world. Salador is basing some of their Empire’s expansion on what Jīng has done historically. As a result, diplomatic ties between the two are strong.  The capital is Piào.

 Jīng is NOT a part of the Saladorian Empire, but is one of its most prized trade partners both in material goods and culture.

Growing up in Jīng grants the following statistical advantages:

“Balance in all things guide the path to Greatness” - Common Jīng saying

Int: +2 Dex: +2 Pow: +1  Cha: +1


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:24, Sat 08 May 2021.