[center][h1]DYRAEN[/h1][/center] Nation: Dyraen Race: Humans (95% population), (5% others) Race description: As a vibrant community, those in the lower classes may live until 60; noble classes until 80 or longer. Culture: Feudalism Geography: Dyraen is a prosperous nation partially landlocked into the greater continent of the Wold. Along the shores of the Great Expanse, Dyraen holds it’s western border. The nation stretches across from the shorelines inward and slightly northward nearly six hundred hundred miles, and is roughly two-hundred and eighty miles thick. It’s southern border is aligned with the Wretched Peaks, and it’s lands populate the valley until the northern border, aligned partially with a dense wood (Yulerd Wood), and partially by empty space. Approximate Population: 15 Million (Civilians and Military) Capital: Dyraen’s capital is Highcove, an enclosed stronghold with surrounding villages, all located on the eastern shores of Dyraen. The population here is made up of 100,000 Dyraenian soldiers (the rest located in strongholds throughout Dyraen’s shores and mainlands) and 500,000 civilians, for a total of 600,000 people. Of that total, about 70% live within the confines of the walls and the other 30% lie outside of it. Most work either in providing for city needs or in textiles, all from materials imported from farmlands in the Central Valley. Highcove is known for it’s immense size and capable defense by sea; the city’s western border is a sheer 500 foot drop, and many rivers that flow from the Wretched Peaks make their way into the city, and out through the waterfalls. 
There is a way to the ocean from Highcove, however. The land Highcove was built upon was highly riddled with caves and caverns, and a deep underground maze runs beneath the city, known collectively as the Boroughs. These are used both by the Dyraenian Force as well as the homeless and local civilians for illegal trade. Notable Cities: From West to East: Delta - Only other major city along the shore. A military outpost primarily, Delta functions as the main port along the Great Expanse, funneling imports and exports north to Highcove via a highly militarized road. Namesake is due to a river which runs past Highcove, alongside the militarized road, and pours out in the center-west of the city into the sea. Yulden Rise - City north and east of Highcove, Yulden Rise derives it’s namesake from the 1,000 step rise which leads citizens from Central Valley to the city. The city itself is literally built into the base of the Wretched Mountains, and serves as the hub of the nations stone workers. It’s people are hard and are generally known to be self-sufficient. Pare - City nearly in the center of the nation, in the heart of the Central Valley. Serving as a terminus for eastern cities to western cities, Pare is vibrant with passing travelers and known to be a place few wish to stop in for longer than a night on the town. Much magic is performed here, primarily for show. Lyrran - The smallest of the notable cities, Lyrran lies south and east of Pare, and serves as the primary hall of the wood supply for Dyraen. Yulerd Forest extends north of the designated border here, breeching into territory controlled by Lyrran for harvesting. Freemen and raiders are a constant issue here, and Lyrran’s only real partner this far east is Irianson. Irianson- Strongest city in eastern Dyraen, lying slightly north of Pare and far to the east, Irianson serves as the stronghold of Dyraen from all oppressors coming to the nation by land. This is the second largest city of Dyraen and holds the second largest Army - a local militia of 75,000 men. A large, vibrant lake to it’s west fuel it’s industry, Lake Maytel. The city holds a special contempt for westward folk—even though they’d defend them from intruders. National history: Dyraen was forged from the ashes of a great empire that ruled all of the lands nearby and surrounding the nation, built up from the ruins, intentionally secluded by the world. Kings ruled, lived and died for a thousand years of peace. But Dyraen grows anxious, and food grows scare in these lands. The shortage of food threatens to drive citizens to madness. The King of Dyraen faces choices that could mean solace for his people—or war. He’s fortified the Dyraenian Force in response to the unrest and near-civil war, but will he need them for use against other nations? Major Exports: Stone and stonework, Timber, Textiles, Iron Weaponry Major Imports: Livestock, Spices, Wines and Oils, Rare and Choice Articles Army: Of the lands of Dyraen: Local militias holding a combined force of 100,000 men total, and the Dyraenian Force (all branches of military) holding the strength of 200,000, for a total of 300,000 armed men across all of Dyraen. By Major City (Dyraenian Force and Local Milita): Highcove - 100,000 Irianson - 75,000 Delta - 50,000 Yulden Rise - 35,000 Pare - 15,000 Lyrran - 5,000 All other cities total - 20,000 across hundreds of minor towns in all of Dyraen Navy: The strength of Dyraen lies in it’s fortified location—strongholds to the east and west, the Wretched Peaks in the north, and the Yulerd Forest to the south. As such, the navy is quite small by comparison. The entirety of the navy is based in Delta, with it’s fleet comprising of 20 ships; half of which sail purely for trade (non-militarized) and the other half patrolling the shores of Dyraen. Magic: Most of Dyraen lies without the need of magic, with Pare being the only city with magic practiced openly for show and theatrics. A small sect of magic users (known as the Yulerd Mages) are located in Lyrran, and primarily protect Dyraen from supernatural threats within the forest, which threaten to come out from time to time. Sects of Elementals can be found in the Boroughs of Highcove, but otherwise, magic is scare, and in some places, highly doubted to even exist at all. Rumors spread of healers in the Dyraenian Force, however, centrally located in the stronghold of Delta. Even further rumors talk of a city by the forest, filled with magic and wonder. But stories in Dyraen are known for their exaggeration.