Nation Name: The Forge-Cities of Fornax Flag: [img=http://th05.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2013/147/4/8/greece_alt__flag_by_romaniatricolor-d5cv9wu.png] Region/color on map: Tasogare Capital: Fornax Capital Population: 43, 476 Other Major Settlements: Varkul, Malkaz, Helmzeir, Jorvund, Randunachz, and Kelzeir Population: 239, 896 Racial demographics (Discounting visitors): 97% Fire Trolls, 3% Other Social dynamics: The Fire Trolls are a peaceful race and rarely seek violence with outsiders. The Fire Trolls respect craftsmanship and revere members of their society who can manufacture unique metalwork. However they dislike theft and plagiarism greatly and are willing to accept contracts from outsiders. The Fire Trolls take pride in their work and if they are tasked with making something (especially if they get something in return) they will create it in the best way possible no matter the cost. Fire Trolls are known to be divided into the following classes: Builders: The Builders help maintain the impressive architecture seen within Fire Troll cities and expand as needed. (20% of Population) Metalsmiths: These Fire Trolls produce the legendary metal-works that the Fire Trolls are known for. (30% of Population) Extractors: The Extractors are responsible for creating the volcanic metal alloys used for Fire Troll metal-working (20% of Population) Inventers: Inventers create new and innovative ways of working with the common obsidian-iron alloy that Fire Trolls use to create their metal-works. They also may have Metalsmiths work for them to create more organized products. (20% of Population) Peacekeepers: As their name would suggest. The Peacekeepers act as a military police for Tasogare and keep the Fire Trolls safe from threats (Be them internal or external) (10% of Population) Fashion: Fire Trolls commonly use custom made armors for clothing. The armor is a testament of the individuality of the Fire Troll. Calendar: May 2nd is Sorvenjund Remembrance Day in which the remembrance of the cataclysmic explosion of the volcano Sorvenjund is ensued. August 9th is the annual celebration of the Fire God Enze, a unique flora is added to the volcanic forges of Tasogare on this day that change the smoke produced by the volcanic mountains to a crimson red. November 12th is celebrated every five years as a selection ceremony for a governmental leader. The ceremony tests the potential candidates in a “forge-off” to see who can make the most impressive metal work. The festivities last until November 24th and the leader is put into service. Art: Most of Fire Troll art comes from the exquisite arches and buildings made from the unique volcanic alloys found on Tasogare along with various weapons and armors. Law: Law amongst the Fire Trolls is simple: If you cause problems you are exiled or executed (Depending on the severity of the crime) unless the treachery is a part of an extremely economical commission from a foreign power. Example: If an Inventor works one of their Metalworkers to death they would be given a choice of exile or death. Unless if the Inventor has been commissioned to make a large order of goods for a vast sum of money. Education: Fire Trolls do not take priority in education as much as other nations. Fire Trolls are taught how to survive within their own culture (i.e. metal-casting, extracting, processing, etc.) along with reading and writing, however they are not taught as thoroughly as some of Tasogare’s neighbors. Type of Government: Marshal Law with publically selected leader. Influence and relations: The High Elves of Aethinia are a popular commissioner of Fire Troll metal-work and have grown into allies, The Hold of Grimmanar are a greatly respected ally of the Fire Trolls (as both nations create masterful works with metals.) Important People: Chief-Commandant Forze Grenveer is the current military leader in charge of the Forge-Cities of Fornax. He is known to be fair and collected for the majority of his command but is not afraid to lay down a fist to dangers in Fire troll society be it domestic or otherwise. Trading and tax: Tax: The Forge-Cities of Fornax rarely set taxes on their goods as the Fire Trolls are almost entirely self-sufficient and because their handiwork is so unique they rarely need to over well their products. Trade: If a trade is to be made internationally the other nation must submit a commission to the Inventor from any of the seven Fire Troll Forge-Cities of their choosing. Once a price is agreed upon (Any sort of payment will be taken but the more valuable it is, the better the quality of the end-product) the Inventor will then task his/her workers for the immediate production of the commission; as soon as the product is finished the trade will ensue. Major industries: Mining, Processing, Metalwork, Crafting, and Architecture Major Associations: Each Forge cities’ Peacekeeper Garrison (responsible for the safety of each assigned volcano), Fornax House of Trade and Commerce (responsible for international trade and internal distribution of resources), and the Murveer Mining Division (the largest mining company in Fire Troll territory; mass producers of iron-obsidian alloys.) Currency: The Fire Trolls use basic forms of trade within the Forge-Cities and have no true currency. In regards to foreign trade: Mostly raw metals, minerals, and coins (The Forge-Cities of Fornax do not accept note based currency) Military: As the Forge-Cities of Fornax are led by Marshal Law each Forge-City (Volcano) has their own Peacekeeper Garrison. These garrisons maintain order in each Forge-City and the commanding officer serves as mayor. All Peacekeepers are led by the, publically selected, military general in the volcano Fornax. Totals of Peacekeepers per Forge-City: Fornax: 7,347 Varkul: 4,453 Malkaz: 4,238 Helmzeir: 3,975 Jorvund: 4,512 Randunachz: 3, 986 Kelzeir: 4,227 Landscape: The landscape of Tasogare can be divided into three regions. (All of which are volcanic and hazardous to extended exploration.) Forveer Mountains: The entire western coast of Tasogare is dotted with mighty volcanic mountains. Seven of which have been made into Forge-Cities where the Fire Troll population lives. Besides adding a scenic view the Forveer Mountains are a maze of treacherous cliffs and lava-spewing rifts which Fire Trolls use as a natural defense against invaders. Durnveer Fissures: The north-east half of Tasogare is ravaged by countless fissures, ravines, and pitfalls that makes this region of Tasogare uninhabitable. The only life that thrives in or around these fissures (the ones that don’t eject lava that is) are giant serpent-like animals that are extremely dangerous and carnivorous. Talveer Mesas: Occupying the south-east corner of Tasogare are the impressive basalt mesas. These wondrous rock formations provide natural beauty and natural defense for the Fire Trolls cities to the west. Wildlife: Forveer: Little or no impressionable animals live atop the volcanic Forveer Mountains. However several unique species of flora grow from the volcanic soil around the mountains that provides a substantial amount of food for the local Fire Trolls. Durnveer: Other than sparse species of cacti the only life living in the Durnveer Fissures are the feared Ran’Turi. The Ran’Turi are a species of giant worm-like serpents that make their nests deep within the fissures in this region. The Fire Trolls fear these massive creatures and advise any/all visitors to avoid this area of Tasogare. Talveer: No interesting plant life thrives amongst the Talveer Mesas but large herbivore basilisks consume them as a food source. Notable places: The ruins of Sorvenjund are a hotspot of activity for the local populous. Memorials and funerals are commonly held near this area of Tasogare. The, now extinct, volcano known as Moya is a widely known vacation spot; years after the last lava poured from the mountain, the main vent collapsed inward and turned the entire volcano into one large crater. Water has found its way into the depression and has created a massive hot spring that’s steam can be seen for miles. Hundreds of Fire Trolls and other visitors use the hot springs for relaxation today. Summary: In all, Tasogare is a hellish badlands ejecting molten rock from any available crevice yet somehow life has managed to force its way into this region and now calls it home. History: Foreign scholars believe that there was once a natural land-bridge connecting Tasogare to the nearby Xai that allowed the ancient Fire Trolls to settle the region. Strengths: Dangerous volcanic environments provide natural defense and dissuade enemy invasion. Weaknesses: The landscape makes life in this region shorter on average. Impassible mountain ranges and hostile animals make further settling almost impossible. Name: Fire Troll (Veer - Traule ) Classification: Sentient Appearance: Hulking humanoid-beasts standing on average at 6-7ft (around 2 meters), sharing a common jet-black skin tone and a rough complexion (Commonly seen wearing custom-made armor pieces). A pair of small tusks are visible amongst razor sharp teeth and a small mane occupies the back of each Fire Troll’s head. Shared traits: Fire Trolls have evolved to have a small amount of resistance to fire/heat. Natural abilities: Fire Trolls have a vast knowledge of metalworking and blacksmithing. Some are also masterful architects and traders. Lifespan: 40-50 years Relations with other races: Fire Trolls are friendly to races that wish to commission them for their metalwork as well as visitors. Fire Trolls prefer to remain passive in world affairs. History: Some say that the Fire Trolls used to be tribal and aggressive, like their more primitive cousins, but after years of seclusion and metalworking the once savage species of Troll evolved into the modern day Fire Troll. Scholars have asked the Fire Trolls if this this was accurate but only received annoyed grunts and responses such as: “No comment.” No further study on this subject has developed. Languages: Common (English or whatever) and Traulevish Religious beliefs: The Fire Trolls revere their Got of Fire Enze. He is said to be “the bringer of everlasting flame” and the source of the fuel for Fire Troll forges. Preferred occupations: Blacksmiths, Miners, and Architects Famous people: Tazo Skowerveer: Famous for his masterful works with Fire Troll and Dwarven metals. He was commissioned by a dwarf-king to make a set of royal armor; the armor was made of standard iron-obsidian alloy (commonly used by Fire Trolls) but was uniquely processed with liquefied diamonds and sapphire to add an awe inspiring shine. The success of this commission went so well that it started a lasting alliance between the Forge-Cities of Fornax and the Hold of Grimmanar. Commandant Varley Forzo: The famous military commander-in-chief in charge of Forge-City Sorvenjund. When the cataclysmic explosion of Sorvenjund’s forges occurred, Forzo led a massive evacuation of the lower city at the cost of his own life. Thousands of Fire Trolls were saved by his sacrifice. Strengths: Naturally strong and born with a resistance to fire, adept at crafting with metals and proficient at creating weapons and armors quickly. Weaknesses: As Fire Trolls are mostly passive in international affairs they have a military force mostly made for policing. Fire Trolls dislike the cold and tend to feel uncomfortable in even moderate climates.