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Ale
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Wood
Furniture
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Stone
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Olives
Slaves
Shellfish

Marsh Walker (Draconid)
Marsh walkers are huge upright lizards which stand on two legs, have a huge body, and two long arms with long claws. Their snouts are long, with a huge spine which unfurls on their back, giving them a very alien appearance to most who see them. Marsh Walkers, as the name suggests, primarily live and hunt in the Ok’van swamps, being relatively neutral scavengers which eat fish, but do not sway away from hunting humanoids as well. Marsh Walkers do not like high heights and can swim very well, in fact, most can even go out to sea and swim for miles to hunt whale, seal, and sharks.
East Highland Spiketail (Draconid)
Spiked Tails is a type of small wyrm around the size of a dog with a roundish head, and a spinal tail. Spiketails use the spines on these tails to launch bone like protrusions at would be prey at high velocity, injuring their target so they may catch up with them while in flight. The Eastern Highland Spiketail is primarily identified as having a bluish and dark teal skin, making nests in the lonesome parts of the inner mountains. They primarily hunt larger animals such as bears, cattle, and horses.
Muhan Red Drake (Draconid)
Red Drakes are large and highly intelligent red dragons, natural predators of other draconids and bane of herders. The Muhan Red Drake primarily, as the name suggests, come from Muha and their sacred mountain. Muhan Red Drakes build nests in the many abandoned tombs and cities, fortifying their nests and attacking elven herders or traveling to the inner highlands to hunt Draconids. Red Drakes can breath fire, have rending talons which can easily puncture most armor, and can fly very fast. Muhan Red Drakes live long lives, and thus breed rarely and can sleep for 60 years at a time after a hunt.
Gull Drake (Draconid)
Gull drakes are small drakes which primarily live on beaches and riversides, feeding primarily on fish. Being no larger then a dog, Gull drakes hunt in packs and have a blindingly white hue, and their scales often make them look more terrifying then what they actually are. Gull Drakes are beutiful to look at, and often fight with actual Gulls and grapple with sharks. Gull Drakes are becoming increasingly rare along the Bountiful coast, due to so many knights and hunters destroying their nests for various reasons, and their hide sells very well along the coast.
Muhan Stag Reaver (Draconid)
Stag Reavers are large upright draconids about the size of a small house, being primarily plains monsters with stubby arms and huge mouths. They have a reddish and purple scales, hunting stag populations in Muha and sometimes crossing into southern Muoarma. Stag Reavers hunt in small families of 4-5, their nests often found in small forest clearings where they can defend them easily. While fairly distant from any humanoid settlement, they often also hunt cattle and lone humans and elves. Stag Reavers are feared more by farmers then others, being hardly able to pierce their hide with even a sizable militia. Muhan elves hunt these creatures, or least try desperatly to drive them off, although how successful they are is difficult to tell.
Olman Cathedral Wyrm (Draconid)
Olma is home to a rare kind of Draconid which is primarily urban, flocking and nesting near or in cities, primarily on large stone roofs of castles, cathedrals, and ruins. Cathedral Wyrms are gray in color, about the size of a small horse. They are quite unique and dangerous, having armor piercing claws and fangs, have a poisonous breath, and very tough scales. These Wyrms primarily make nests and socialize ontop of roofs, often avoiding humans below and feeding off of garbage, and hunting in nearby forests for stags, bears, and cattle. Considered pests for causing unncessary damage and creating nests in the attics, Olma often avoids the creatures and tolerate them, although many foreign visiters often remain frightened of such creatures.
Revenant (Undead)
When souls die via murder or by some extremely unjustified means, there is a small possibility for the corpse to simply rise again as a Revenant. Revenants simply cannot be destroyed, as their body will ultimately reform via some way or another until they kill their would be murderers or have been appeased. Revenants seems to prop up frequently in Muoarma, possibly due to the court politics which is done there, and are especially known to rise after a Pogrom had taken place.
Olman Vampyre (Undead)
Also referred to as ‘Olman Bloodsuckers’, the Vampyre is an ugly, deformed, and undead abomination which rises from the crypts of Olma. Descendents from an ancient blood magic ritual gone wrong, Olmans have a small chance of rising from the grave as powerful creatures of the night. Vampyres are very ghoulish, and mostly have semi-sentience and are barely aware of their own undeath. They often salvate a blackish ooze from their wounds which when feasted on, enthralls their victims permanently, which is often why the can command a swarm of rats, flies, and even other humans. Olman Vampyres are vulnerable to silver, mercury, and sunlight.
Marshland Guardian (Undead)
In ancient Okan religion, Horned Kings take the strongest warriors amongst the Okan into the deep marshes, turning them into guardians. Guardians are warrior liches of the ancient Okan faith, having had their hearts torn from their chests and replaced with a pulsating mass of roots, marsh muck, and weeds. These gaping wounds spread roots through their veins, and in doing so, seemingly gives them better sentience and magical power over the Ok’van marshes. The creatures retain memory, and sleep in the trees, and are supposedly guarding the inner marshlands and attacking any who seek to exploit them or harm the ancient priests of the Okan religion. Many guardians are old, many still remember the Muha Imperium, and most are extremely malevolent.
Bogger (Undead)
Many dead things lay in the Ok'van marshes, and those dead are preserved for almost forever. The corpses, having drowned in the mud, have a high chance of rising up as Boggers for those who wander over their graves, their dried undead flesh shambling towards would be foes to tear them apart or pull them into the marsh and forcefully drown them in it's wetland bog. Boggers are often human, primarily most known Boggers are those who participated in the conquest of Egdk, making many think the Okan have some hand in the creation of boggers themselves. Boggers tend to be born of those who become traumitized by sinking into the bog, and usually dismembering the creature seems to do it the most harm. Boggers are often difficult to spot, and shamble mindlessly in or around their grave.
Marsh Banshee (Undead)
Marsh Banshees are a rare form of undead horror in the Ok'van marshes, which rise primarily in distant Okan villages and occassional Edgk hamlets. Women are sometimes 'called' into the marsh by a Horned King, are killed, and buried in a defiled way which causes their spirit to rise up as decaying woman surrounded by swarms of biting insects and leeches. Their echoing and tortured screams are often part of it's pained existence, but the real damage they cause is by floating in and around the Ok'van marsh, summoning a legion of undead insects to devour others, sickening humanoids with it's vile aura, and causing waters to rise up in floods, making it easier to command its army of leeches. Fighting the banshee requires an immense amount of magic, but often proper burial and appeasement (often through killing or appeasing a Horned King) seems to help them to move on.
Painted Wraith (Undead)
Art and undeath do not normally mix, but in decadent socities such as Muoarma and Muha, painted wraiths have been known to exist. Those who died very tragic and cruel deaths during particularly happy times have their spirits latch onto paintings of themselves, making most Painted Wraiths former nobles. Painted Wraiths live in the paintings, coming out during the night to feed on it's owner's life, aging and decaying them rapidly. Painted Wraiths are particularly deadly, being invulnerable and difficult to spot above other specters. They also reform in the painting as well, and often only visible via irregularity within the painting itself, reliving it's own story. Only by burning the painting seems to release the spirit.
Lych'ii (Undead)
Muha families have many eleborate customs for burying dead magi and hosts of angels, but at times these eleborate rituals can sometimes produce a Lych'ii, a undead Magi who returned to protect their tomb. Gifted with unholy necromantic magic, and constantly floating helplessly above the ground, the creatures have an unnerving but imperial look. Many Muha elves believe the Lych'ii are guardians, allowing only Muhan elves to pass into their tombs of their family line, but is hostile to all others. Lych'ii however can be pest-like, often leaving their tombs and killing anything living or casting some kind of rotting spell to mindlessly kill things in an area. They also suffer from Mage Rot, and can accidently destroy themselves during combat.
Spriggan (Undead)
One of the darker parts of the old Okan religion, Marsh Guardians tend to implant 'seeds' into living prisoners, and occassionally 'gifts' of Okan youths. Spriggans are killed having the seeds travel through their bodies, and are then puppeted by their puppeteer to be soldiers. Spriggans often resemble pale, rotting beings who crunch with each step and have various sticks and twigs growing out of various wounds and often have many of their orfices overgrown or have sticks peaking out of them. Spriggans are mindless, and unlike other undead, are entirely a unique feature of Okan necromancery. Spriggans are never sentient or naturally made, and thus when one is present, they are usually in the control of some higher being.
Rat Toothed Vampire(Undead)
Rat Tooths are nightly higher undead beings with a strange history. Rat Tooths are distant cousins of Olman vampires, found primarily in Muha and Muoarman cities, and sometimes in Ok'va. Rat Tooths can only drink on blood, have sharp rat toothed fangs, and long claws. Rat Tooths are immortal, but are more 'ritualistic' in their nature, such as refusing to enter into homes without permission, petty in making sure things are clean and tidy, and often never being able to tell lies within holy places. While highly intelligent, most had earned their intelligence and increased power over illusion by sucking the blood of hundreds of people over their long lives. Terrifyingly fast and having some limited mastery over illusion, their many strange abilities is often linked to their early 'ancestors' having killed and absorbed the magical power of an infected host, and spread it's basic power to those it bit and survived.
Horned King (Fae)
Deep lands, or lands mostly untouched by humanoids, tend to spawn all kinds of horrors or grant them safety. One such horror are Horned Kings, huge vicious guardians of the green. Horned Kings resemble a huge monkey of sorts, covered in moss, foliage, and animal bones. They wear a ‘spine’ of upright animal rib cages and sport two huge antlers like a moose. Horned Kings are mostly malevolent creatures who guard their territory religiously, demand worship from those they tend to extort, and often make up cruel rituals for their gifts. Ancient Okan religion worships the Horned Kings as gods, or at least their avatars, with a number of them being very prominent in the Ok’van Marshes. However, some exist in Muoarma as well.
Muhan Satyr (Fae)
Muoarma has such a vibrant culture of decadence, that Fae can spawn from their festivals known as Satyr. Satyr come primarily from Muha, and are more prominent (and accepted) there. They appear as half elven from their chest and upward, and with half goat features on their face and legs. Satyr appear during the midst of vibrant parties where they are least expected, partying mindlessly amongst guests and appear to liven up the party if given acceptance. However, many of their ‘fun pranks’ become cruel jokes, and can turn very violent and dangerous. Sometimes, Satyrs will just continue to spawn amongst the party, and then begin attacking the party goers and destroying the party with an all out raid, kidnapping guests back to their unknown realm. The only real way to remove Satyrs is often via magic or simply bore them. Satyrs often thrive only in places which do not believe in their existence, or where they are popular ‘guests’.
Lady (Fae)
Ladies are strange and evil beings who live on the edge of villages and hamlets, Fae creatures who only spawn near ancient ponds and small forests. They appear as beautiful, nearly nude woman with a toga of flowers and weeds. They beckon villagers to follow them, and once out of sight, they use powerful forest magic to turn them into trees, a process which is slow and painful. Ladies seem to feed on these trees, adding to their groves, and improving their powers. Ladies use their powers to turn others into animals, such as boars, foxes, and wolves. Other abilities have included summoning vast swarms of ravens to peck their foes to death.
Arconic (Fae)
Arconics are rare Fae beings, but are immensly powerful and are the main rivals to Horned Kings. Arconics resemble cloaked wraiths, who emit a dangerous amount of buzzing, as most Arconics often inhabit a swarm of insects. They dwell primarily around towns and road sides, devouring night time travelers who bother them or try to interact with them. Arconics are powerful beings who rely on curses and using their insect forms to devour others. They tend to use powerful curses to force villagers to appease them with gifts, while also silencing them while it hangs around a village, stealing babes and children to mark. Those marked by an Arconic usually live short lives, often being weakened by the marking, but if somehow the Arconic dies or is banished, their swarm appears in those who are marked.
Wulvan (Fae)
Wulvans are large wolves and the primary enemy of demonic beings, although they are also wholly malevolant. They take the form of huge wolves, often horse sized, and having huge hedgehog quills cover their backs and bright green eyes. They command packs of wolves, roaming around the forests and hills, hunting travelers. They primarily hunt and kill Black Hounds, feeding on their demonic forms and using their power to enhance their pack. Wulvan tend to religiously hunt demonic beings, and will travel great distances just to murder them. Wulvan are often a sign of trouble, as either a demon is in the area they are hunting, or their pack just downright slaughters those who get in their way.
Mountain Hag (Fae)
Mountain Hags are a mountain Fae, although most rightfully call them demons. They resemble nude, grayish obese women with huge gaping mounds and long noses, often called She-Trolls by others. They primarily hunt humanoids, but survive on goats and birds of prey. While 'kind of' sentient, they are very primitive, often invading mountain homes to set up their own homes and living in burrows. Hags tend to use a unique form of Fae witchcraft, one which protects them primarily from other Fae and hides them, as other Fae seem to hunt them for food it seems. Usually protecting them are magical circles and fetishes made of human bone, and destroying them often means another Fae will travel to either kill them, drag them away to be eaten for later, or enslave them to their wills.
Forlorn (Fae)
Forlorns are mist Fae, inhabiting shore lines and are incredibly rare, but are one of the more beneficial fae who are tolerated by both humanoids and other fae. Forlorns live in the mist and travel along with, resembling near invisible floating men. They often conjure rain for those who present offering to it, but also conjure short lived thick fog for ships who try to insult it or purposefully displease it. Forlorn seem to not be able to attack physical things nor control them, often their 'sweat' often is collectable and distilled to make powerful anti-magical salves and potions to cure minor curses.
Royal Leshen (Fae)
Royal Leshens are a rural creature, resembling old men with goat legs and horns, inhabiting and haunting large estates and have a mixed reputation. They burrow into larger estates and often reveal themselves only to children, granting them blessings and natural treats, nearly harmless by most standerds. However, those who displease them can become horribly cursed by them, often killing entire families except for their children which it allows to live and 'guards' over till they grow. Most sorcerers are convinced that the Royal Leshen marks children in someway, feeding off their spirit subtly in order to sustain themselves, and using their power to protect themselves. Royal Leshens are not fond of other Fae, often considered dangerous but tolerable family guardians by many Muoarmans.
Imp (Demon)
Imps are very minor demons who live in burrows, almost specifically under dungeons and taverns. Imps are creatures which are by demonic standards, scavengers, which often live within a short distance of those drowning their sorrows in rum, or are wasting away in the dungeons. Imps resemble small black humanoids with long arms and legs, who emit an aura of extreme heat and who’s claws burn on touch. Imp burrows are especially considered deadly as these burrows can ignite with enough imps, killing the Imps but also burning down the structures the burrows inhabit. Imps are difficult to kill as well, often swarming their opponents, refusing to leave their underground nests, and can scatter very fast and simply return to their burrows once danger has passed.
Black Hound (Demon)
Black Hounds are demonic entities who were once possessed but had fallen ill to a specific kind of demon which had fed off primarily their meekness and exhaustion, turning the possessed into a Black Hound. Black Hounds resemble large dogs with black scaly fur which roam the night in packs, killing any they come across with poisoned teeth. Black Hounds do not always kill, but prefer to capture and torture their victims in their lairs, making them weak enough to be inhabited by a demonic entity which turns them also into Black Hounds over time. Black Hounds tend to follow dark creatures such as Olman Vampyres, Horned Kings, and Gargoyles which gain their command by collaring and leashing them.
Gargoyle (Demon)
Gargoyles are rare demons, primarily found in Olman and Muoarman cities, resembling demonic statues. Gargoyles are demonic beings which inhabit the bodies of church gargoyles, living on the top of roofs and spying on things below. Gargoyles will only ever attack at night with stone fists, and molding their body if incomplete from a local quarry. Gargoyles do not usually kill their victims, but prefer to ‘add them’ to their collection of stone statues and using brutal torture to turn them to stone over time, and often sometimes turning them into Black Hounds with stone collars and chains. Gargoyles are very much feared in Olma, which is often why Olman carve their stones with chains to hopefully prevent their terrifying sculptures from ‘escaping’ their perches. Despite popular belief, Gargoyles cannot fly, but they can teleport like most demons.
Tormenter (Demon)
Tormenters are small pack demons, often resembling larger then normal dark green imps with rounder faces and wielding a variety of clubs, farming tools, and knives in makeshift cloths. Tormenters live in small woodland packs, attacking travelers to make off to their warrens where they torture their victims for weeks, but it isn't unhead of for them to torture for months or years. They primarily keep only one prisoner and eat the rest, often being highly creative with their torment and vicious. Most tormenters can fly, and as a minor demon are often bound to higher demonic beings in and around Muoarma. Tormenters can only be killed, as they tend to pretend to be 'appeased' by their barely legiable demands for young adults.
Incubus (Demon)
The Incubus is a higher demonic being, often associated with cities, and Muha. Incubuses often come in the forms of beutiful figures, only to reveal their long sharp claws and fanged teeth when along. Despite common belief, the Incubus is not inherintly lecherous, it just uses its good looks and charm to get it's victims alone. What the Incubus is known for is tormenting it's victims slowly, and using it's memorizing glare to enslave others to it's will. While powerful and often commanding other demonic beings such as Tormenters and Black Hounds, the Incubus is not known to be good survivors and are inherintly rare, even in their 'home' of Muha. Many often fall victim to their own hubris, arrogance, and general lack of competence when it comes to political affairs.
Shadow (Demon)
Shadows are from Muoarma, a rare and lonesome demonic beings which haunts those with rare conditions such as sleep paralysis. Shadows take on the form of shadowy men and drain the spirit from others, causing paralysis while it eats. Shadows are very self serving beings, which often makes them seemingly helpful against other demonic entities or dangerous fae, as they do not wish death on their feed. Shadows tend to be difficult, quite literally living in shadows themselves or in shadowy cracks. Shadows tend to only be banished if they are stabbed at while feeding, and are often intelligent enough to not fall into most obvious traps. Shadows are feared by other demons, and even some Fae, as they seem to give them a wide berth.
Hunter Killer (Monster)
Hunter Killers are large insectoid creatures, typically being 7 to 8 feet tall. They resemble large upright worms, and move via their tail. They have a huge bone shield for a head, with two scythe like claws for arms. The creatures launch grooved bone spines from their bodies at incredibly high speeds, and spawn in wretched dens hidden in sewers, destroyed villages, and close to human contact. Hunter Killers are animals by most sense of the word, but they are also extremely intelligent and often hunt with care. Most who face them will die, as they have been known to easily handle everything from Gargoyles, to Horned Kings, to Red Drakes.
Megafauna (Monster)
Megafauna are massive, horse sized, dragonflies which roam the Ok’van marshes, feeding on the other large insects and the occasional creature there. Peaceful normally, they are considered sacred by the Okan and pests by humans due to their strange appetite for chickens and dogs. Megafauna often do no avoid humanoid contact, and rarely stay in one place, and tend to swarm all around towns and villages. Their connection to Okan is well known, often being considered royal pets and a popular ‘carrier pigeon’ for their armies.
Bear Otter (Monster)
Bear Otters, also known as Bea’vuka are huge bear sized otters which roam the Ok’van marshes and rivers of upper Muoarma. Despite their playful nature and bear-like tendencies, often avoiding human contact, they are much more dangerous than bears and do not shy away from swarming and killing humanoids. Being very fast and traveling in families of 6 or 8, Bear Otters eat large fish and sharks while in the water but will hunt elk and wolves on land. Bear Otters playfulness, while a heart breaking sight for poets and writers, is hated by villagers and fishers. Bear Otters tend to ‘play’ by destroying hamlets, eating fish, and snatching up younger villagers and throwing them around like an otter with a stone, breaking bones without care.
Sunken (Cursed)
Sunken are humans who had died at sea, but had refused to die over the perceived injustice much like a Revenant. Only issue is, the victim of this hatred is the sea itself. Sunken come to shore at night, and cannot physically leave their beaches or watery graves, often being so parched for food and drink that they turn to eating human beings and gorging on fish. Sunken can only be removed either by having their sentient selves come to grips with their death, or burying their bodies properly. Sunken are not fully undead, but rather are closer to spectral projections of their decaying waterlogged bodies. They tend to long for the afterlife and have the personality they had in life.
Mourner (Cursed)
Mourners are women who had become so emotionally distressed from loss, that they seem to simply disappear and weep endlessly for times on end. They can only be heard when they are not seen or best noticed, which tend to frighten others quickly. Mourners are not dangerous at first, but their hunger in their own pocket dimension can grow immense, and their spirit seeks to fill the void by sucking the life from others, causing miscarriages or killing the elderly. Mourners can sometimes appear as wraiths, attacking living things to feed themselves. Only powerful magic and religious rites can ‘return’ Mourners from their own sorrow, and live in what seems to be the future.
Damned (Cursed)
Demons sometimes do not like to eat all their meals straight away, but instead will ‘mark’ their victims after capturing them, and letting them go, especially Magi. Damned are usually given a simple sign, often partially subtle, such as brand mark, a cursed wart, or a black eye which never heals. This mark slowly feeds on the victim, stealing from them their spirit and life, until they become old husks. Damned can only be cured via religious rites, which seems to dispel the magic quickly. If the victim ignores the mark long enough, Damned become increasingly corrupted and warped into demonic appearance themselves as their spirit is burned away, and eventually they burn into ash or their corrupting flesh implodes in on itself and kills them.

According to the Imperial Doctrine (Year 757)…

A thousand years ago, the Muha emperor’s concubine, Sha-laxas Itha, pregnant with her firstborn son, was sent away, far away, to escape the danger of the rampant hordes of wickedness. Across hills and under branches, her chariot took her, until the horses were coughing blood and running on stumps sanded away by stone and root. So long was the journey, that before their unknown destination was reached, Sha-laxas Itha gave birth, and that which she had born was the son of the dawn and the night, emperor of tide and storm, or tree and beast. When the soldiers who had helped her returned the son to her arms, his very touch sealed shut the wounds he had torn on his way out, and from his first minute, the boy could speak.

So the young emperor spoke: “Bring the chariot to yonder hill; stick so your swords in the grass, o guardsmen, and wait until the sun has set. When dawn again has cast its rays upon this virgin soil of old, the realm my blood shall rule eternal, clearly will be seen.”

The guards obeyed, for none could dispute the miracle before themselves. So they in place of tortured horses shouldered the chariot by its drawbar and shaft, and with the mother and the emperor in the carriage, they brought it to the hill up ahead. At the top, they dug their blades into the soil and went to sleep. That night, they saw visions of a second Muhakim - a greater Muhakim - ruled by imperial blood as divine as had ruled their home for centuries.

When they woke up, at last, their emperor had spoken true - before them laid the rays of heaven, glaring down at the distant plain. There, between the lake and desert, the capital to stand a thousand years would be built.

Written by the predecessor to the current ruling dynasty, the Imperial Doctrine has become a staple of the imperial cult and the heritage of the royal family. However, in spite of its acceptance as historical fact, it overshadows the true founding of the Gu-Wei empire:

The first elves to settle the Xinguo, the empire heartlands between the Midland Sea and the southern deserts, may at some point have had ties to the Muha empire. However, the settlement of the heartlands happened 848 years ago as opposed to a thousand, and was largely limited to a small coalition of elven escapees from the north. Armed and armoured with superior technology, this coalition (known as the Guzu) began conquering and assimilating surrounding elven refugee tribes. Efforts were made early on to establish a centralised government, but due to limited access to food, rampant disease and constant conflict with local human tribes, the Guzu could never keep enough soldiers to maintain larger order. In the end, they were driven from the Xinguo heartlands and forced to trek northwards, where they eventually settled by the Midland Sea. In the year 207 of the second age, the settlement of Shi was founded by the first Guzu emperor, Rizan of the Shi dynasty.

The lakelands suffered few of the same issues as the heartlands, with the foreign tribes being fewer, less aggressive and easier to defend against, and the access to waterways allowing for much greater degree of inwards communication. Rizan was a capable emperor and a dedicated diplomat. He made peace early with the lakefarer tribes and initiated cultural exchange programs to acquire as much knowledge as he could about the land, the lake, the flora and fauna. Through these exchanges, the Guzu learned of the tribes’ foes, allies, disagreements and internal struggles. These slips of the tongue shortly became the graves of a multitude of tribes, as the Guzu pitted them against one another, bribed them, turned on old allies in favour of mightier favorites. The Guzu equipped their closest with bronze tools and weapons and watched them wipe out the smaller rebels who stood against the growing might of the Shi dynasty. By the year 297, the Guzu controlled all of the southern lakebank and a considerable chunk of the heartlands.

With the heartland recaptured and the empire’s strength boosted beyond recognition, Rizan looked away from the forested empire centre for a moment at the distant riverlands to the west. Tales from the human traders told of food in immeasurable abundance, and the last hundred years certainly had tested the larder sizes of the empire. They first moved in with diplomats, trying to learn from the multiple tribes along the great rivers; learn of their motives, their cultures - their enemies. Initial contact was friendly enough - trade agreements were settled and grain, fruit, legumes and vegetables flowed into Shi. However, the trade was lopsided - the royal advisors cautioned that much of the realm’s wealth was being drained in return for much too little crops. At the time, the Guzu had a complex iron industry, using iron sludge from the eastern swamplands. In return for a week’s worth of crops, the river tribes demanded enough iron to amount to two weeks of work. The trade simply wasn’t sustainable.

In 314, Rizan had had enough. The empire was by now in severe debt, and all too dependent on the grain trade, so the emperor rounded up the royal forces and went to war against the river tribes. It would be a conflict which would outlast the emperor himself, for the river tribes were crafty. They knew the wetlands would swallow whatever heavier cavalry the imperial forces employed, and their canoes and rafts much outpaces and outmaneuvered the cumbersome battle fleet of the Shi dynasty. The first few skirmishes brought nothing by losses to the empire: Ships were sunk; warriors, drowned; horses and chariots, forever lost in the swamps. In 361, after 47 years of war, emperor Rizan died of unknown causes. The losses the empire had suffered were immeasurable - some land had been conquered, only to be lost promptly thereafter as the enemy rallied against them. Fortifications built would just sink into the ground and break. Before long, the empire itself fell into turmoil as bordering tribes to the south and east initiated revolts. An opposing political faction arose in court known as the Sons of the Phoenix. They garnered support among the uprising factions as faction members would lead raids against imperial institutions and set free prisoners and slaves. In 366, the Phoenix Rebellion reached Shi and the Shi dynasty capitulated.

The Phoenix Sons’ saying went as such: “Like the bird of flame, our empire shall fall and rise again, more beautiful than ever.” In many ways, that mission succeeded. The first action the new emperor, Laoqun of the Feng dynasty, did was to end the grain trade with the river tribes. While this decision was unpopular at first, the empire’s population had been reduced so immensely that little to no starvation followed. Secondly, the emperor reduced the taxes on iron, salt and fabrics, nearly bankrupting the state a second time in a decade. However, public opinion was high and Laoqun dedicated his rule to building up again the lost trust of the border tribes. The ban on other races than elves at court was lifted, and the royal family was soon counselled by elves, humans and even the occasional muckling. The diversity of the empire prospered as a result, and the proto-tribes of the Middlings and Druïtha could be seen working their crafts in street shops. However, not all bonds would heal so easily, and the river tribes were particularly hateful of the Guzu. Laoqun thus decided to never send elves to negotiate with them, but instead send humans. After all, humans had much more in common with other humans than elves did.

However, the peaceful solution Laoqun had dreamed of did not come to pass. By year 401, the lake tribe coalition that had sworn fealty to the Feng dynasty was at war with the river tribes, and the contract binding the lake tribes to the empire forced the imperial army into the conflict. The royal coffers had barely recovered in the past forty years and Laoqun knew that the empire couldn’t survive another war like the dreaded War of A Man’s Age. The emperor sent out emissaries to all corner of the empire, begging for support. A number honoured their oaths, but the emissaries returned largely empty-handed.

The emperor thus had no choice but to raise the taxes. Initial backlash was merciless, with open rebellion in the eastern regions and the threat of a two-front war on the horizon. However, the Feng dynasty couldn’t afford to break its alliance with the lake people: for one, they kept the coffers full with loyally paid taxes and trade; secondly, they were much too close. In the year 407, as the east drew closer and closer to a loss and the river tribes gave no sign of struggle, the emperor died of a stroke. His successor, Mengshi, unrelated to the emperor by blood and instead chosen on account of his merit, ordered the lake tribes to pull out of the river lands and concentrate fully on containing the eastern rebellions. While initial responses were stubborn and unwilling, the lake tribes eventually left the river lands and sailed east to the Iron Swamps. With the reinforcements in place, the Guzu forces allied with loyal human tribes and the lake peoples turned the tides of war completely, forcing the rebels far away into the eastern forests. The Guzu commanders installed a powerful garrison and made bloody examples of rebel prisoners in the streets and on the borders -- blood eagle torture and flaying were commonly practiced to instill fear in the hearts of the rebels. The Guzu blamed all the horror in the region on the uprisers, and a hatred begun to fester in the people against the opposition. In year 406, enemies of the Feng dynasty were given a bounty of ten bei, enough to feed a family of five for a month. Traitors were rooted out like weeds in the garden, and the witch hunt almost started a second round of turmoil; however, it was much more stable than the region had been before.

With the east under control, Mengshi set his eyes west again. There would be no hope in a frontal assault again. While control of the east provided a much needed source of income for the imperial coffers again, an attack on the river lands would be outright suicidal. So he would wait. The river tribes would never leave their own lands to attack - it was much too easy to defend and nigh impossible to attack from; however, could the emperor give them a reason?

For centuries, he planned and taunted the riverlands, often offering them mockingly beautiful gifts to show how stellar the heartlands had become. By 580, alliances made with the Druïtha and various other human woodland tribes came together to conquer the heartlands in the name of the Feng dynasty, so silk flowed through Shi like water through the riverlands. Emissaries were constantly sent back without their heads, hands, legs or noses, but Mengshi pressed on. Surely enough, by the year 600, various factions in the riverlands begun viewing the empire through different lenses. Trade opened up again, but the emperor’s men were certain to keep the prices under their control. The empire prospered, and slowly, slowly, the imperial traders were feeding the river tribes misinformation, lies and deceit about their allies, turning the tribes against one another. In 611, the chief of the Jianger-Kaan, one of the smaller river tribes, came to the royal court for an audience. They spoke of oppression and betrayal from the Ungur-zun, lords of the headwaters, and wanted their vengeance. If the empire offered their aid, the Jianger-Kaan would smuggle a force across Laojiang, the widest river and the biggest thorn in the side of any attack plan to seize the wetlands. While the imperial warfleet was well known and hated among the river tribes, none would suspect the small galleys of Jianger-Kaan.

This was the opportunity the emperor had waited for. Immediately, he agreed to send over ten thousand troops to lay siege to the Ungur-zun capital of Dosr-ung. The assault happened later that year; the river clans had not a minute to react. The transport across the Laojiang had been swift and efficient, and the soldiers had hidden in the dense woods until the time came to strike. When the war horns sounded, an unprepared city faced ten thousand armoured elves and men. Dosr-ung fell within hours.

With the greatest and most powerful river tribe under imperial control, more and more rose up against their oppressive masters in hopes that they would gain imperial favour. By 613, the riverlands, the bane of emperor Rizan and the Shi dynasty, and a five century old thorn in the side of the Guzu elves, were finally under the control of the Feng dynasty.

A hundred years of prosperity followed: Riverland grain flowed into the capital of Shi and the population grew with unprecedented speed. In fact, population growth was so rapid that the nobles at court began to fear that the empire had become dependent on the western riverlands - too dependent. Various factions rose up at court, all of which came up with their own solutions to the problem. Emperor Mengshi, while popular among the people (or, well, those that knew of him), had grown quite unpopular in court of late, primarily among the elven cliques. The ones united Sons of the Phoenix had split into a multitude of subfactions, which added deeper complexity to the already diverse court. In 715, a grave plague broke out in Shi that spread out across the land, bringing with it an unfathomable death toll. Emperor Mengshi took ill and died within weeks of the outbreak, and in his place rose a faction of the Muha Brotherhood, a faction believing in the supremacy of elvenkind. They quickly surrounded themselves with guards and walls of words, arresting anyone who spoke up against their segregating ways. Other races were banned from court, causing great turmoil in the many factions of the empire. The plague that had ravaged the realm was blamed on the mucklings’ unclean way of life, and a great culling followed, effectively ending muckling society as it had existed for millennia.

In 737, the Druïtha of the Heartlands burst into an outrage as imperial forces sent lumberers to turn Düatha-de-Eamhair, the main grove of the northern circle, into farmland. The outrage was met with violence, which spurred a great rebellion which would come to be known as the Ashen War. Druïtha humans were vicious in their attacks and knew their wooden terrian better than the imperial armies of Guzu elves, Jianger-Kaan sailors and various other human tribes. As brave as the woodland tribes were, however, they could not withstand the fire arrows and pitch-rolled boulders of the imperial forces. The entire grove was reduced to ashes, and the Druïtha subdued through force. By 755, the Muha Brotherhood cast aside the name of the Feng dynasty and instead named their own emperor, Guxiong of the Ge dynasty.

Guxiong began his work immediately, ordering every writer and historian in the capital to draft a census of lineages in the court, and to begin work on what he and the Muha Brotherhood called the Imperial Doctrine. For too long had the Guzu mingled with lesser races on the quest for greatness - it had soiled their sacred heritage and impeded their mission to lay all the world beneath a new Muha empire. As such, the Muha Brotherhood and the emperor’s men wrote volumes upon volumes of history tracing Guxiong’s bloodline back to the last emperor of Muha, and his favorite concubine, Sha-laxas Itha. The court enforced this new doctrine that spoke of a sacred magical heritage from a thousand years past, and a bright future that would, like the phoenix, rise again out of the ashes even stronger than before.

A complete overhaul of the state was also in order: For nearly five hundred years, the state had been primarily built around the capital of Shi, with few to no actual elven settlements beyond. Lesser races had not actually been governed; they had gone about their own ways, occasionally paid taxes and then taken up arms upon the emperor’s command. In terms of control, the previous emperor could point to but a few lose lines on a map and vaguely declare that those were the empire’s borders. However, everyone at court knew that over half the peasants, woodlanders, lakefarers and other tribes they governed only knew of the empire as two to three armoured guards that occasionally stopped by their village demanding grain.

Guxiong and his clique agreed - this would not do.

It began in 758 with the installment of a new rank - governor. The country was divided into sixteen provinces, each to be governed by an elven governor sent from the capital. The governor would enforce imperial law and doctrines on the citizens of the empire, and see to it that not only taxes were paid, but that the citizens also paid an imperial tithe directly to the imperial family. To avoid separatism, each province was also monitored by an envoy of the emperor, and the traditionally tumultuous east was divided into a multitude of provinces to avoid any one province seizing power in the area.

By 760, however, it became abundantly clear quite quickly that the peoples of the empire had quite the opposite opinion on how the country should be run. In the newly dubbed provinces of Duyin (Druïthim) and Duhan (Dûna-de-Hama), the imperial doctrine of an emperor of divine origins strictly counterspoke the Druïtha belief that no living being could ever descend from divinity, and that the only contact the living could establish with the gods was one through harmony and unity with nature. Furthermore, the local governors agreed that the main commodity of value in the province was silk, and it was declared that the local tithes should be paid in silk. However, the harvesting and processing of silk was a sacred ritual to the Druïtha, and to hurry it along in any way was considered wanton blasphemy. Any effort to increase production in time for tithe season was thus met with hostilities and at times open conflict.

The provinces of Guokoubei (Northern Riverlands), Guokounan (Southern Riverlands) and Jiangdi (Jianger) faired little better. The local festivals around sowing season and harvesting season were banned on account of overlapping with the emperor’s birthday and the Month of Ancestors. Immediately, this sparked rampant riots throughout all three provinces. Food exports to the Heartlands were stopped nigh overnight, and chaos erupted soon after in the central regions. In the east, too, tensions grew high as the oral traditions passed down for generations were suppressed in favour of the imperial cult. Even the far south, which had been a largely stable part of the country for centuries, experienced riots as Draconians grew unimpressed by the weak-bodied leadership of puny elves.

As quickly as they could, the governors sent messages to the emperor, urging him to roll back the tithe reforms and the emphasis on the imperial doctrine, but the emperor would not answer them back. No, for as riots ravaged the countryside and the capital grew famished, the emperor and his closest delved into the deepest dungeons of the imperial palace, where they began to call for angels, demons - anything that could save them in their peril. Meanwhile, one of the governors, Yandi of Sunguo (Sunnaland), united the other governors of the east in a rebellion against the Ge dynasty. Yandi had grown sympathetic to the Esterlings’ cause, seeing the tyranny in suppressing centuries of culture all to legitimise a despotic rule. The rebel armies met little resistance on the way, indifferent governors and supportive soldiers allowing them safe passage. They entered the royal palace to see that the emperor and his who clique had committed ritualistic suicide in a vain effort to summon some form of dark magic. Whether they had succeeded is unknown, but what was certain was that a new leader was needed. Yandi took it upon himself to see the systems of his predecessor undone, and was in 763 crowned emperor Yandi of the Wu dynasty.

During his reign, Yandi removed the restrictions on who could serve as governor, but he did not quite open up the court. During his initial days as ruler, he uncovered a dozen unfinished or prototype plans for possible reforms, many of which he confessed were quite revolutionary. Among other things was a population census, far from completed but vaguely drafted. It categorised the many citizens of the empire into actual groups for the first time: There were two kinds of elf, likely to legitimise the number of elves he threw out of the city for disagreeing with the imperial doctrine; the humans were united into one group, perhaps a reason behind their recent rebellion; the mucklings, who had been reduced to meagre vermin stalking the streets of Shi and the banks of the Midland Sea, were included for some reason; and the Draconians of the south. It was a rough draft, but a draft nonetheless.

Further digging into the many proposals made Yandi ponder if the previous emperor truly had been so mad and despotic as he had thought: Many of these reforms would effectivise the state considerably, including a standardised system of writing, a standing army, quarterly taxation instead of monthly… The list went on. Yandi would keep some and scrap some.

By 783, the majority of governors were from the actual province they governed, which solved a number of issues. Yandi declared that the imperial doctrine should no longer be enforced, but instead taught as imperial history to those seeking to enter a position at court. Local customs were legalised once more, and the tumult slowly begun to die down again. Governor power was restricted further, and beyond taxation and military drafts, the central government remained largely invisible to the majority imperial citizens. Anyone seeking a position in government had to learn the standardised script known as guwen; traders and trading guilds who operated with written accounts also had to learn to be allowed into imperial ports. The Greater Shi area developed a local dialect which became the official tongue of the empire, known as guanyan. Finally, the bei was introduced as the standard currency for all to use, phasing out among other things the barter economy of the Druïtha. Standard weights and measurements were also enforced, based on the Middling units used in trade.

A century passed under Yandi’s rule and reforms were passed slowly and allowed the populace time to adjust. Yandi’s royal court had come to be known as the Huangzu, just as Guxiong and his clique had wanted. These elves were of Yandi’s own blood and served in the highest seats of government. The emperor made certain to maintain good relations with them all at all times, and was thorough when it came to emphasising that he was descended from Muha, and that he himself had been chosen to rule out of all of his family by angelic mandate. This idea of the angelic mandate was spread throughout the empire and adapted for local cultures. All would know that to unseat the emperor was to go against the will of the angels and gods. The tax system had filled the state coffers with metal, food and fabrics, all of which were spent on great structures to honour the greatness of the Wu dynasty. Shi was no longer alone in being the only great city in the empire. Other centres of industry, trade and growth popped up around the realm: Jiangla and Jianger in the riverlands, with populations numbering almost a million each; Amarra, jewel of the east, an industrial port city with nearly seven hundred thousand diligent workers keeping the iron forges flaring day and night; Norrabi in the Sunnaland province, uniting the fabrics of the Druïtha groves and jewels and minerals of the southern deserts with the markets of the north. The country was blooming; the phoenix had risen again from the ashes.

At the mark of the 900th year of the 2nd Age, emperor Yandi declared to all that the empire of the Guzu elves, which for so long had existed without a truly defined name beyond the Guzu or whatever name of the dynasty in power had chosen, were to be given a true name. He took the first character of the Guzu name, 古, meaning ancient, and claimed the only character he deemed worthy to describe the empire: 威, wei, the guwen character for might. In guanyan, thusly, the empire was named Gu-Wei, ‘ancient might’.

To a high degree, the whole empire follows a loose set of laws laid out by various emperors since the dawn of the empire. These include the usual passages, such as prohibiting murder, stealing, adultery and various other malicious practices. However, while a standardised system of law has been in the works over the past two centuries, the Elves of Shi cannot seem to rid their realm completely of a number of older laws that stick to their subjects like marrow in the bones.

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A remarkable trait among the riverlanders is their blood debt law, which states that any murder entitles the family of the deceased to a life from the killer’s family. This debt can be paid either through servitude, death or property. Due to the severity of the two first options, most choose to pay the family of the deceased the amount equal to the life of their dead relative. These prices are standardised, with the death of an adult male costing a thousand bei; an adult woman, two thousand bei; a child under the age of fifteen summers, five hundred bei; an elder above the age of forty summers regardless of gender, a thousand bei.
Occassionally, however, some will choose the path of servitude. In the event that this happens, the killer or someone from the killer’s family is chained to the deceased’s family until death, regardless of whether the family believes the debt has been paid. The family chooses how they wish to treat the servant, and the servant has no right to argue against unfair treatment. Most servants die shortly after enslavement due to overworking.

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The sacred groves are defined as any forested area that the druids have declared carries seeds of the gods. These groves are respected and cared for like children, for they are the only worldly connections to the gods, without which the world would be doomed. Therefore, harming the groves in anyway is punishable by death. Harming can be as little as peeling bark off of the trees.

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Nature takes its time with everything - nothing is ever hastened along, or so the Druïtha say. Unlike their Esterling neighbours to the northeast, the Druïtha shun all manner of mass production or unsustainable resource extraction. Therefore, any effort to ‘hurry nature along’ (that being increasing production at the cost of nature, for example filling the forest with silk worms which then eat all the leaves and shrubberies around), is prohibited and punishable by death.

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Few qualities are more important to an Esterling than pride - the very act of losing face or causing someone to lose face can ruin a person’s whole career - whole life, even. Thus, whenever an Esterling is insulted gravely, they can invoke the right to duel, at which point the insulter and insultee will both draw swords and fight until one of them falls. This right is culturally accepted and the winner is not charged with murder afterwards regardless of the imperial laws prohibiting such.

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The Middlings believe in great profits, and centuries of knowing the markets and trade have led them to choose any port whenever, regardless of whether its friendly or mean. Due to their importance to the imperial coffers, the Middlings are effectively allowed to smuggle and trade with the enemy as much as they want, provided they can show the port authorities adequate documents.

Crafting carries many meanings throughout the empire: In the east, crafting refers to the way of life for the citizens of the forge-cities, fashioning rusty sludge into iron tools and weapons; to the Druïtha, craftsmanship is turning silk into fabric and wood into totems and idols; the Jianger-Kaan see craftsmanship in culinary art, spending hours and even days perfecting recipes; the Draconians see craftsmanship in jewelry and even martial arts; the mucklings practice shell art and stone carving to shape idols of worship in their villages and slums.
The Elves, both Huangzu and Puzu, practice goldsmithing and jewelcrafting using the resources imported from the south, and the Middlings build great ships for both the trade fleet and warfleet of the empire.
Additionally, the Guzu elves of old passed down schematics and trade secrets in medicine, papercraft and construction, which especially the Puzu Elves make good use of in expansion of Gu-Wei culture throughout the realm.

Clothing varies a great deal throughout the empire, with each ethnic group differing slightly depending on local customs and climate. Largely, however, the availability of silk and flax fabrics and the overall warmth of the southern temperate areas, the majority of the populace wears light clothing in the form of tunics, robes and baggy pants.

Gender:
Gender differences is viewed differently throughout the empire, but the imperial doctrine is quite specific about the role of women in government - that being that it is nonexistent. According to the imperial doctrine, women serve as masters of the home, not what’s beyond it.

Among the Huangzu, this means that women possess quite a lot of authority within the imperial palaces, but are functionally powerless outside of them. Women cannot hold positions of governance or military posts, either.
Among the Puzu, the laws stay much the same: Women are largely restricted to the home while men decide matters relating to what’s outside of it. The same culture applies to much of the Jianger-Kaan and the rest of the riverfolk, which coincides neatly with imperial doctrine.

In Esterling and Druïtha territory, however, women have traditionally taken a much greater role outside of the home: Forge-cities are manned just as much by women and men, and Druïthan men are forbidden from serving in the military, as they instead must follow the path of druidism. These cultural rifts have caused numerous disputes throughout history, and the Druïtha still do not offer soldiers to the imperial army on account of the male requirement.
Hierarchy:
Social mobility isn’t impossible in the empire, but it’s strictly controlled. The Huangzu make all imperial decisions, and all the realm’s subjects must (ideally) accept them without question; however, the various governors around the realm and their advisors make more specialised decisions on the local scale. Furthermore, a small minority of advisors at court comprised on non-Huangzu officials may potentially have a small sway in national decisions, but these are few and reliant on connections to spread their influence.

Outside of the royal sphere, however, potentially anyone can rise to become a lesser official or even provincial governor. All they require are is an education at the Imperial Academy in Shi and a mentor who will speak for them during elections. This right is universal for elves, humans and draconians. Mucklings are not allowed to apply to the Imperial Academy.

Any decision made at the provincial level is absolute and will be enforced through law. For this reason, locals are often encouraged to participate in local politics through dialogue with the provincial government to achieve the most harmonious agreements.

In terms of racial hierarchy, the elves regardless of type are above humans, and enjoy certain handicaps in court of law, such as shorter and milder sentences compared to their shorter-lived counterparts. Draconians and humans have equal standing in society, though kobolds that sneak across Gu-Wei borders are treated as lesser and often shunned. Mucklings are at the bottom.

As mentioned, the written word, guwen, is standardised across the whole realm as the only written language accepted in transactions, official and unofficial documents and literature. It’s a logographic script supposedly derived from ancient Muha magical glyphs. It is incredibly difficult to learn and requires a great deal of financial and time investments, which is one of the reasons literacy rates are borderline nonexistent outside of the higher gentry and nobility. However, guwen has been a boon for Esterlings, Middlings and Jianger-Kaan alike, as these civilisations never possessed a written language, or used one that was underdeveloped and insufficient. The Druïtha unofficially use a runic, syllabic script that is officially banned, but secretly allowed for religious reasons.

As for spoken languages, the Gu-Wei empire is incredibly diverse in the centre and much more unified in the riverlands. Water unites, so the Jianger-Kaan dialect of xiyu (western talk, or riverfolk speak) is not so different from the Ungur-zun all the way up to the northern border.


In the east, the situation is similar: Rivers and the Midland Sea have united most of the east and Midland around very similar tongues, exceptions being the borders between Origo and Ithram, where dense forests and scattered populations have led to the development of some strange languages that are largely unintelligible to the rest of the Esterlings.


The southeastern Heartlands and Druïthim, however, have some tongue that even after 500 years of cultural exchange remain largely uninfluenced or unchanged from the isolated languages native to the Druïtha woods. The Druïtha speak in total eight different languages with a much greater number of dialects. The languages spoken in the Dûna-de-Hama province, specifically in the provincial capital Hi-Dûna, have been heavily influenced by Esterspeak due to trade, with the Hi-Dûna dialect even having been changed slightly at a syntactic level.


The language spoken in Shi, specifically the one used by the Huangzu and the Puzu, is known as guanyan. This is an old Elven-derived language with tones and limited consonants. To know it fluently is a requirement to graduate from the Imperial Academy in Shi, and is used in all political processes. Among traders it also functions as a lingua franca within the empire.


The Muckling tongue commands a wholly different repertoire of sounds than what elven or human mouths can properly replicate. Several words incorporate croaks of different tones and intensity, sounds which are completely necessary to properly convey meaning. Differences between stressed and unstressed croaks may mean the difference between warning someone that the village is in danger and calling one’s conversation partner fat. The grammar lacks tense, instead conveying meaning by laying down a context then explaining one’s point; for example, in order to tell someone else that something else happened yesterday, a muckling would say “yesterday, something happens”. In addition to the already difficult oral elements, the Muckling language incorporates a number of hand and facial gestures to convey meaning, such as tapping their chests to indicate 'self' or tapping their fingers together to convey the word 'name' before pronouncing it. Furthermore, while it’s been severely marginalised over the course of the centuries, there is a higher form of Muckling speech known in history scrolls as croaksong or rrurrt-yk-xechen. Once, this was a special dialect of mucklingspeak with its own grammar and diction, entirely dedicated to oral poetry, song and religious practices. Long strings of various croaks and ribbits would weave together into religious choral music that went on long into the night. These days, only a number of ageing tribe shamans are familiar with the tongue; in town slums, the tongue has been lost for ages.

While the different kinds of cuisine vary quite a lot throughout the land, all the ethnic groups of the empire focus their diets around large amounts of carbohydrates.
Western Cuisine (Jianger-Kaan and Western Heartlands):
Rice is a staple food of the west, being almost single-handedly responsible for the enormous and steady population growth. The riverfolk see rice as the basis for all other meals, and a typical day starts with a large bowl of rice, often served fried in egg with corn, peas and scallions. The wealthy may also eat steamed wheat buns stuffed with soy sauce fried meats.
The most important meal to the riverfolk, however, is lunch at midday. Due to the hot and moist climate, working the fields at this time of day becomes nigh self-torment. Therefore, people instead flock to the cooler inns and taverns for bowls of beef noodle soup, grilled and seasoned river fish or soy-fried eggplant on rice, eaten with a side of water buffalo milk and pineapple or coconut cakes. If there is room for more, the riverlanders usually eat rice until they’re full.
For supper, the riverfolk either eat at home or with their neighbours in the village centres. The typical dishes served are based on what the families grow in their fields: eggplant, cabbage, carrots, turnips, scallions, bok choy, soybeans, spinach and more, often seasoned with peppers of varying spiciness. These vegetables are commonly served with broiled or grilled fish. Jianger-Kaan cooking typically uses soybean oil or buffalo tallow to cook their food in large woks. This meal is the primary source of fiber for most riverlanders, where darker greens provide a nutrient-rich and filling alternative to denser grains. All of this is typically served with rice and, if the families can afford it or own water buffaloes or ducks or chickens, steak and eggs.
Other important parts of the riverfolk diet include fruits like watermelon, oranges, lychee and goji berries. Due to Elven influence, tea has also become a staple of the diet and is frequently drunk for supper or between meals. The access to soybeans has also lead to the Jianger-Kaan becoming adept tofu-makers, and the local mapo-tofu is known throughout the whole country.

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Eastern Cuisine (Esterling, Middling and Northern Druïtha):
Where rice is the staple of the west, wheat and millet form the basis of all food in the east. Furthermore, they incorporate to a much greater extent various meats and fats to support their hardworking lifestyle, chief among which is pork. Morning routines are similar to those in the west - breakfast consists of pork chops with sides of bread and millet gruel, typically eaten at home.
The first vegetables of the day are consumed around lunch, where the workhouses and taverns near workplaces (or the housewife if one is a farmer) typically serve salted pork, fried fish, pork buns or fresh bread with sides of carrots, boiled bok choy, fermented beans or sautéed spinach. Middlings typically switch the salted pork for even more fish, like lake catfish, carp, minnow or other species. Especially the Druïtha, but also Esterlings and Middlings, supplement lunch with various fruits like oranges, peaches and lychee, and roasted cashew nuts. These are typically also snacks throughout the day.
Supper is, like breakfast (and possibly lunch), enjoyed at home in the form of salted pork, fried pig’s fat or bacon, supplemented with either bread, wheat noodles or rice from the west. Occasionally, if the family has access to soybeans, tofu will also be made and served in exciting sauces.

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Northern Cuisine(Huangzu and Puzu):
Elven food differs from the rest of the regional specialities in that it has a heavy reliance on various spices and flavourings to achieve greatness. Without the added complexity of spices, Guzu cuisine is largely restricted to rice, meats and vegetables; however, Guzu are expertly familiar with the local spices growing in their area, and make full use of them. These spices are cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds and numbing pepper, and together they lift all elven dishes to a much higher culinary level than their peers, save perhaps for the Jianger-Kaan. The Puzu fishermen also produce fish sauce from the lakefish, which provide a much needed umami boost to otherwise uninteresting meats.
While the Huangzu and Puzu are radically different in terms of social standing, their diets haven’t diverged too much during their 100-200 years of separation, the larger differences being mainly due to differences in wealth.
A day typically starts with a piece of fried fish, a bowl of rice and a bowl of hot soup or light porridge, like millet gruel. The nobility will usually have long, drawn-out breakfasts with tea instead of soup or porridge, which they’ll drink for nearly two hours every day. Puzu farmers may downplay the fish in favour of more carbohydrates in the form of more rice, corn or Esterling bread.
Lunch to the Puzu is similar to the riverfolk’s - around midday, most Puzu Elves will head to the nearest tavern or inn (or foodstall, if they work in a city) to have grilled duck, chili-cooked fish, soy-braised beef and more, served with cold noodles in a vinegary soup and bok choy woked in oil. The Huangzu have a similar diet, but the quality is substantially improved upon, and the food is often served with wine brewed from rice, wheat or fruit and supplemented with cakes and sweets. Seeing as they never leave the palace complexes, they never get to experience the outside foodstalls of Shi’s streets.
Supper is eaten at home, typically consisting of spicy fish, beef or pork served with a side of rice and chopped lotus cores, if they can afford it. If not, the lotus cores are swapped for bok choy or spinach. After supper, even Puzu elves enjoy a long break with hot tea and, if they can afford it, sweets in the form of pineapple cakes or biscuits. Huangzu will typically towards the end of the day bring out heavier wines if the occasion calls for it (if it doesn’t, some will make an occasion), brewed in great clay pits for a whole year. The product is known as baijiu.

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Southern Cuisine (Druïtha and Draconian):
The Druïtha kitchens are perhaps the dullest, seen from the perspective of the rest of the country. Many Druïtha eat their food raw and unprocessed, and small groups hold on to ancient traditions that forbid them from eating anything they haven’t caught themselves, which makes their eating patterns erratic. The majority, however, have taken to northern cultural influence and cook their food in manners resembling the Guzu and Esterling cuisines.
For breakfast, Druïtha typically eat fruit and nuts to start the day. If they have access to it, they may also eat dried meats or drink millet gruel. However, the distance between towns is long in Druïthim and Dûna-de-Hama, so inter-village trade is typically erratic and unpredictable.
Lunch provides the Druïtha with one of their main protein sources: fried silkworms. Typically served in a bowl by themselves or on rice if available, these provide a much needed protein boost in an otherwise wanting diet. Many choose to drink this with coconut water or a local drink known as éonimhir, which is milk mixed with animal blood, commonly boar or cow, if available.
Supper consists of additional fats in the form of nuts and sugars from fruits, nowadays typically fried and tossed with soy sauce, rice and bits of bird or rabbit meat.

Draconians, on the other hand, are carnivores, and eat meat imported from neighbouring provinces or whatever they can catch in the lands bordering the desert.

Education for everyone is among the chief accomplishments of Emperor Yandi. After the Imperial Academy was founded in 759 by Emperor Guxiong as a way of educating Guzu elves to become proper bureaucrats, the only applicants to be accepted were Huangzu. In 768, five years after Emperor Guxiong had been overthrown by Yandi of the Wu dynasty, the Emperor decreed that Puzu and even human nobility would also be allowed to attend, provided they could pay for their own tuition. By 770, all restrictions on race and class were removed and whomsoever had the means could send their sons to attend the academy (women are not allowed to attend still).
Students who are enrolled begin their studies at eight years old. There they are given a bed in a twelve-man dormitory, which they will sleep in for the next ten years of their education. Classes begin at dawn and finish at sundown, after which the student will be given assignments, usually in the form of essays, poetry, painting, speechcraft or reading and reciting. In a seven day week, students are given one day off, which better be spent studying if they want to pass the year.

Year 1-4: The student is taught to read and write guwen. By year two, they are expected to be able to read and write commentaries showing understanding of old poems and essays; by year three, articles and philosophical documents. Guanyan is the oral language used in teaching and the students no longer have dedicated classes to oral guanyan after year three; by that time, they are expected to know it fluently. At the end of year four, each student is given an exam which involves remembering ten passages from a set of essays and articles written by the royal family throughout Guzu history. The list changes every year and the exam form is recitation of the passages to a panel of three teachers. Remembering at least seven out of the ten passages flawlessly by heart is a requirement to pass; however, a passing grade is rarely considered good enough.
Year 5-8: After passing the final exam of year four, students are taught imperial history, philosophy, mathematics, natural sciences, astrology, medicine, military theory, literature and politics. They are given access to the Academy library and study halls and encouraged to delve into literature outside of what they focus on in class. During these years, each semester has an exam at the end which tests a subset of everything the students have learned throughout the semester, culminating in a final exam at the end of the eighth year which challenges the student to demonstrate their knowledge of everything in an oral presentation before their teachers in each subject. The students are given the final two months of the final semester to prepare, and each exam may last a period of time based on an hourglass used by the teachers (roughly an hour and a half). In order to pass, the student must adequately present the subjects’ most important lessons with examples and answer any questions posed by the teachers without fault. Any deviations from this may result in a failure.
Year 9-10: By this point, the student is considered adept at the key subjects that a statesman is expected to know. During the final two years, students are to begin work on their final thesis which will be presented at the Literature Festival. The student is free to choose his subject from those he’s been taught in the years at the Academy, even being allowed to compose his own work of poetic literature. The most commonly chosen subjects, however, are medicine and history. Philosophy is a subject students commonly start with, until their supervisor berates them for challenging the official imperial doctrine, at which point their careers may be in danger. At the end of the tenth year, the student presents his work to his supervisor and receives feedback and a final evaluation of their school performance as a whole. The evaluation takes into account three criteria: Academic performance, overall conduct and degree of expression of Guzu gentlemanliness, so-called junzi.
It should be noted that to fail at any exam, even semester exams, automatically leads to expulsion with no recompensation for already paid tuition that now will be lost. However, tuition is a yearly expense, so to fail in the beginning of the year is a lot worse than to fail at the end. A student is allowed to enroll at the Academy and fail a total of two times, though most who fail the first time never return on account of both the academic and economic pressure.
All books and tools used for tuition are to be paid by the student himself or the student’s family. The Academy provides only rice paper to write on. Theft is not uncommon, but punishable by beatings or, if the offense is grave enough, expulsion.

Junzi is a key term repeated throughout the whole education process. In addition to a formal education, the student is also taught the cultural aspects of the junzi - the ideal gentleman, portraying every quality expected of a man of the Gu-Wei state. Early on, students are taught the importance of diligence in one’s work and to avoid temptations like bullying, cheating and procrastination. However, due to the immense pressure to succeed as well as a thorough culture of competition, the former two are typically ignored unless the culprits are caught. Students are then taught the proper way to dress and address classmates, superiors, royalty, women, children and many more. They are taught to use self-deprecating pronouns about themselves and respectful, uplifting words to address others. Finally, students are taught proper form when greeting, writing, eating, bowing, kowtowing and more.
As students grow older and master the basic concepts of a proper student, they are taught to express themselves before crowds, how to develop a sense of charisma and rhetoric, and traditions for bestowing gifts and arranging feasts and buying food and drink. They are taught to distinguish poor wine from good, and what sorts of food are acceptable when hosting other statesmen, superiors, subjects and royalty. They are taught to lead, and a select few exceptional students are given opportunities to lead social or construction-related projects in or around Shi.

Guzu architecture is one which has spread through the realm with great success, being adopted by the majority of ethnic groups throughout the realm. Typical traits for buildings is bilateral symmetry to signify balance and harmony, as well as strict adherence to the four winds: The city of Shi is built like a grid in that all buildings either face the south or the east. While this system fall apart towards the city fringes in the slum areas, the emphasis on city planning has spread to newer cities throughout the whole realm.


Buildings are typically built on slightly raised platforms. The main material used is wood, though larger structures such as temples, palaces, governmental offices and forts are primarily constructed from dark gray clay bricks or stone. The roofs are commonly supported by large wooden beams, and the timber frames used to keep the structure’s integrity connect primarily through joinery and dowelling alone - nails, glue or other adhesives are seldom needed. Walls are typically thin and movable as sliding doors, as the beams carry all the weight of the roof. The roof itself is gaubled with inclines ending in points at the tips. This style of building now dominates new architecture throughout the realm, with two types of housing complexes being the most common.

• The courtyard (yuan): A small enclosure typically reserved for one family, containing houses for servants, kitchens, stables (if the family has the means), sleeping quarters, studies, dining hall and more, all surrounding a central courtyard with a paved core surrounded by grass and flowers. The yuan is built facing the south to absorb as much sunlight as possible, while the northern winds blowing in from the Midland Sea are left blowing at the back wall of the house.
  
  The yuan [+]

  
• The sky well (tianjing): More common in the west and south, where the heat gets intense in the summers. The tianjing is a large, circular (or rectangular) building complex that houses a community of multiple families. The term “sky well” comes from the large open courtyard in the centre of the complex, which allows for ventilation. Furthermore, the roofs cave inwards so rainwater may be collected in a well in the centre of the complex.
  
  Sky well complex [+]

  

The architecture is particularly popular in the west, where is has largely replaced the traditional bamboo huts the riverfolk used to live in. Today, cities like Jiangla, Jianger, Kaan and Dosr-Ung are centres of Guzu city planning and expansion.

In the east, the architecture is prominent, but due to an already strong urban population, many of the cities have failed to adopt Guzu-style city planning, expanding in more natural sprawls. Furthermore, some local Esterling groups regularly express their preference for their people’s traditional stone huts. These share a limited number of traits with the Guzu architecture.

Druïtha architecture has adopted the fewest traits from the Guzu, taking a rather conservative approach to housing in general. Druïtha traditionally live in burrows between the roots of their sacred groves, the deepest of which stretch nearly fifty ten down into the ground, or in small huts fashioned from mud. However, due to increasing influence from their neighbours, more and more Druïtha move closer to Hi-Dûna in Dûna-de-Hama province in hopes that they may live in an actual houses. These typically belong to the younger generations, which are heavily condemned by their elders in Caitir in Druïthim province. Caitir is the largest Druïtha settlement which does not contain a single house. It is a collection of holy groves and home to several thousands who live in burrows or just around in the trees. The temperature makes heating obsolete, so the inhabitants need only protection from the elements, which the trees will occasionally be able to grant by themselves.

The chain of command in the Gu-Wei army is divided into four levels: The head of command, the commanding ground officers, assisting officers and veteran troops. These have different names depending on which section of the military they belong to:

• Navy: Admiral - Fleet Commander - Ship Captain - Phoenixes of the Blue Flames. The admiral functions as an overall commander and director of all naval forces, delegating orders to the fleet commander, who acts these out with the subset of ships granted to him. Each ship is commanded by a captain, and each crew ideally has a small squadron of Phoenixes, elite warriors whose experience serves to guide the conscripts in a conflict.
• Army and cavalry: General - Commander - Lieutenant - Phoenixes of the Red Flame. Both of these sections are led by the same commanders: Generals who lay down battleplans and delegate orders to their commanders. Commanders oversee a section of the army, like the cavalry or the infantry, and have a large number of lieutenants to move smaller companies according to the generals’ plans. Making up the bulk of the elite cavalry, as well as the main sources of experience to pass on to the conscripts, are Phoenixes of the Red Flame.
• Artillery: General - Artillery Commander - Archer-Lieutenant - Phoenixes of the Yellow Flame. The generals analyse enemy positions and the surrounding terrain - locations of forests, canyons, hilltops and so on - and draft up plans for placement of archers, crossbowmen, catapults and rocket artillery. The artillery commander delegates the troops and equipment accordingly, typically sending archer-lieutenants into forests with a company of archers to ambush the enemy early on before retreating while larger artillery, commanded either by the commanders or by the generals themselves, bombard the enemy giving chase. Phoenixes of the Yellow Flame are the military’s rangers, elites specialising in assassinations, stealth and scouting out terrain and enemy positions.

The key requirement to sit in the chain of command (Phoenixes exempt) is to have completed an education at the Imperial Academy and to have focused one’s final thesis on military theory. To apply for a position at the chain of command, one’s thesis will be read and evaluated. If found satisfactory, the candidate will be given the rank of cadet and put through a three year intensive training program at a selected military institutions that delves deeper into warfare as a subject. The cadet learns of the various different battlefields throughout the realm; he learns to fight to a degree (though this is expected to be trained on one’s own accord); he learns to ride horses, navigate ships and to survive in the wild. At graduation, the cadet is promoted to the assisting officer rank. However, only those of the Huangzu can ever be promoted to the rank of general or admiral. This assures that the command of the military always stays in the hands of the imperial family.

Phoenix is the highest rank a professional soldier can reach without attending the Imperial Academy. It is given to soldiers who have served in the army for at least fifteen years. They are given the highest salary and the military will subsidise their enrollment at the Imperial Academy if they wish. Their rank gives them limited command, up to one company (100 soldiers), and they may take act as mentors for other soldiers to help them become phoenixes. Armourers, weaponsmiths and bowyers all line up to prepare equipment for Phoenixes on account of their deep pockets.

The Navy is the core of the Gu-Weian armed forces, centred around the use of great warjunks manned by archers and armed with heavy artillery like three-stringed ballistae, catapults and rocket artillery, flanked by lesser ships manned by more archers and boarding crews. The warjunks are plated around the edges of the deck and the deck is constantly kept wet during combat to avoid fireworks sparks setting the ship aflame. While the vessels are incredibly dangerous at a distance, the warjunks are very vulnerable up close - especially to fire ships and fire arrows. The lesser ships are therefore tasked with keeping assailants away from the warjunks.

Gu-Weian cavalry is small and underfunded on account of the empire’s terrain. While the bare open areas around Shi allow for cavalry charges and even chariots, the vast majority of the land within Gu-Wei borders is unsuitable for wagons or shock attacks on account of being too densely forested or too soft of ground. Still, a small number of elites make up an elite group of cataphracts, tasked with defending the generals on the field and flanking enemy forces if possible. Cataphracts are heavy cavalry armed with lances and coated in thick armour to withstand even arrow fire. Furthermore, the wetlands dwellers of the west have tried to get around the issue of horses by replacing them with water buffalo, which fare considerably better as wetland mounts. They aren't as fast, of course, but they are faster in their environment than any horse would be.
While chariots are being slowly phased out along with the remainder of the cavalry, they are still used in races and to a very limited degree in warfare to carry around officers and wounded.

Gu-Weian infantry contains the fewest professionals of any military section. Being nearly entirely conscripted, the infantry are typically far from skilled, consisting of peasant levies given halberds and very light armour and tasked with keeping the enemy armies away from the artillery. Typical weapons include the ji halberd and spears.

Artillery is to a large extent considered the pride of the military, regardless of its size relative to other sections, as well as the amount of funds spent on it. This is in large part due to the advances in fire and powder-based weaponry. Black powder is made with Esterling charcoal, saltpeter made using bat guano found in the various ancient Druïtha burrows in the Heartlands, and sulfur harvested from salt pits in the southern regions.
Artillery has the second fewest number of professionals, the vast majority of soldiers being conscripts given bows and crossbows. Siege weaponry comes in the form of triple crossbows, catapults with various forms of ammunition, and rocket artillery. The triple crossbow packs enough of a punch to pierce fortified stone walls, and the rocket artillery will set alight any city built with thatch roofs. The catapult is typically loaded with balls of hay rolled in pitch and lit aflame.

The Gu-Wei state have a number of heavily fortified positions throughout the land, the majority of which are now staffed at a minimum. There can mainly be found within each regional capital and serve as a base of operation for local peacekeepers and soldiers. Some forts also lie on the borders - there’s one on the northern border with the Zentauri.

In Guism, there are no gods, but ancient kings and heroes that have been venerated to godhood. There are to be given sacrifices in the form of food, commodities or live animals every month, lest they bring misfortune and instability upon the realm. The Month of the Ancestors is the most important time of the year. Since this religion is part of the Imperial Doctrine, all governors and students at the Imperial Academy are required to practice it. This has caused the majority of those in state positions, regardless of ethnicity, to pass on the faith to their family and peers. Today, Guism is the most widespread faith in the Empire, often mixing into local faiths.

While Guism has replaced many of the original deities in the ancient riverfolk faiths, the small collection of different, yet quite similar, sects spread throughout the riverlands keep a certain set of traditions that Guism has yet to wash out.

• Veneration of livestock: All farm animals are sacred to the riverfolk, venerated for the food they give in the form of eggs, milk and meat, as well as for feathers, bones and hides. Animals are to be treated as well as people up until the point when they are to be slaughtered, which is done as quickly as possible to let the animal feel the minimum necessary amount of pain. The animal’s skull is then added to the family grave.
• Reincarnation: The riverfolk believe that all living creatures have spirits which, upon the owner’s death, will enter a newborn somewhere else in the riverlands and continue its life until a new host must be found.

Along the northern borders of the riverlands, a small minority worships the Zentauri faith. These live in hiding as their faith is illegal under Imperial law.

Here, too, Guism has made a considerable dent in the local faiths. Luckily, the Guist concept of ancestral sacrifice to avoid misfortune coincides well with the native belief that not pleasing one’s family patron god or matron goddess will lead to the downfall of the whole clan. Esterlings, and to a certain degree Middlings, are incredibly proud of their heritage and clan identity is at times more important than wealth and position. This reflects itself in their religion, which almost universally operates by venerating their clan originator, whether that be an ancient mother or father. This person is referred to as a family’s patron god or matron goddess. While the concept used to go much deeper, with various rituals depending on the wishes behind the sacrifices, Guism has watered out many of the old rituals, and the two faiths are functionally the same with different semantics.

The exceptions to this rule can be found deep in the forests of eastern Origo and southern Ithram, where isolation from the outside world has preserved the ancient faiths of Esterling religion to the point where it no longer is considered part of the faith and instead supersition. These esterlings have public alters and arenas were different clans can publicly sacrifice and duel in the names of their patron and matron gods.

Druïthism is likely the most well-preserved faith on the whole among the ethnic religions. It has large geographic variations, but the general gist revolves around preservation of the sacred groves. The sacred groves are centres of communication between the mortal world and the divine beyond, according to the faith, and the whole society is structured around them. The most popular occupation for a Druïtha is that of the priest, which are respectively called druid and witch for man and woman. These are responsible for tending the groves, gathering food from around the forest and meditating on the nature of creation and life. Due to the scarceness of food in the region compared to their neighbours, Druïthism teaches asceticism for all its worshippers, both to keep them from sin (which for many is basically defined as anything their neighbours would do) and overconsumption.

What has created the largest rift between Druïthism and Guism is that Druïthism forbids its believers from seeking divinity from other sources than the sacred groves. This is why Druïtha who go to the Imperial Academy either keep up a convincing act or are forced to give up their faith and be forever shunned by their people.

Being the main source of income for the state, the tax policy demands that every province offer a percentage of their quarterly production to the state’s use. This percentage varies depending on province and produce, with Red Clay paying up to three fifths of its iron produced per quarter on account of the massive scale of production, while Drakka pays measly ten percent of the crops they produce, as the overall yield is very low on account of poor soil. As the tax primarily affects communities rather than the individual, villages either grow closer or split apart; when the tax collector comes, one can either band together to pay or root out those who cannot contribute.

This method of taxation isn’t without its faults, and depending on what product is taxed, the tax collectors can cause local famines, tool shortages or loss of business. On more than one occasion have riverfolk villages starved because their crops are taxed, while Esterling villages’ larders are full as they pay their tax in iron.

Taxes is handled by a small ministry under the provincial governor, and everything they collect is stored in the provincial capital or in storehouses in other centres of commerce if the distance is too great.

As a whole, the government tries not to interfere too much with the regional trade, as the routes that already have been established already provide a most harmonious outcome. However, any ship bringing wares from another province must pay tariffs to the local provincial government before they may bring their wares onto the dock. These tariffs vary depending on the ware, with the grain tariffs being practically non-existent and the tariffs on Elven jewelry being so high that it’s almost improfitable to sell them to anyone but the richest of nobles. This also counts for international trade, with tariffs on Tsorodar minerals being lowered as a show of good faith.

Tsorodar sugarcane is almost like a drug to the Gu-Wei nobles, and is in the highest demand. Honey makes a close second, as the smokey flavours of southern honey is especially popular among the riverland gentry and nobility. Minerals like salt, iron, copper and others are also important. FInally, due to its properties of being thinner and translucent, Tsorodar silk is occasionally bought to be used in speciality products, such as hems, veils and undergarments.

On the map, the province names are written as they are referred to by their local populations. However, the Guzu refer to them by their names in guanyan. These are:

• Beiguokou (N. Riverlands): Provincial capital is Dosr-Ung. Second most populous province in the country. Drier than the south, but still quite humid. Largely flat.
• Nanguokou (S. Riverlands): Provincial capital is Jiangla. Most populous province in the country. Incredibly humid and warm with soil fertility that is replenished every year by floods. Flat.
• Longwei (Longway): Provincial capital is Longway. Hot and humid region with the majority of its population being concentrated in the north. Dries out the further south you go. Borders Tsorodar. Hilly towards the south.
• Longjia (Drakka): Provincial capital is Tazakk. Dry and hostile environment that supports a small group of Draconians, largely immigrants and escapees from Tsorodar.
• Jiangdi (Jianger): Provincial capital is Jianger. Hot region with occasional dry seasons caused by desert winds. A centre for growth of grapes, dates and wheat. Heavily forested in the north.
• Guoxin (Heartlands): Provincial capital is Chang’an. Heavily populated in the north with almost no permanent settlements in the south. Largely reliant on the Midland Sea for proteins and fats, but also produces large yields of agriculture and livestock products in the northern half. Very warm with cooling lake winds in the north.
• Shiwei (Greater Shi): Provincial capital is Shi. The capital province and home to the largest city in the empire. Has little to no proper food production by itself and is entirely reliant on imports from its surrounding provinces. The fringes of Greater Shi are home to farms akin to those found in the Heartlands, but these don’t come close to producing the amount of food necessary to feed the capital. The majority of the province consists of small towns and villages surrounding the capital proper.
• Duyi (Druïthim): Provincial capital is Caitir. The whole province is one great, largely untouched jungle. Simultaneously the richest province on account of the silk trade, and the poorest as almost all of the profits are collected by the provincial governor in Caitir. Incredibly warm and humid.
• Duhan (Dûna-de-Hama): Provincial capital is Hi-Dûna. The home province of the only Druïtha trading port, through which almost 99% of all silk produced in the realm flows. A great deal of the previously untouched jungle here has been removed to make way for the steadily expanding provincial capital, as well as other villages which house Esterling immigrant workers.
• Dasha (The Deadlands): Provincial capital is Sandcleft. The second least populated province, though an incredibly important one. Home to the largest salt mine in the empire, the Deadlands large serve as a penal province for prisoners and slaves. Rocky and dry, it contains vast gem mines, as well, making it an incredibly rich province despite its purpose.
• Shajiang (Shajiang): Provincial capital is Graystone Keep. The least populated province. Shajiang also carries a status as a penal province, but whereas the Deadlands actually attracts a few law-abiding citizens on account of some fertile land in the north, Shajiang is nearly completely without fertile land, relying on food from Origo to sustain itself. Its main exports are salt and gems.
• Nandi (Sunnaland): Provincial capital is Norrabi. An agricultural centre in the east, Sunnabi serves as the main source of food for the citizens of Dûna-de-Hama and much of the east. While they don’t have the same fertile soil replenishment as the Riverlands, much of the realm’s food is produced here.
• Zhongdi (Midland): Provincial capital is Midta. Most populated province in the east, though in large part because of how the border is drawn. The provincial capital is the second largest trade port after Shi. Temperate and comfortably warm towards the north with much warmer and more humid regions in the sound.
• Hongtu (Red Clay): Provincial capital is Amarra. Centre of Esterling industry and home of the largest forge-city, Amarra. The province name comes from the iron-rich soil, which collects and forms rust deposits in the various swamps and bogs. Wet and humid landscape.
• Wugu (Origo): Provincial capital is Longon. A province which prosperity is divided near-perfectly down the middle: The west is advanced and well-connected to the rest of the empire; the east is considered backwards and underdeveloped, many living in much the same way as their ancestors did centuries ago. This is due to the nigh sudden appearance of thick forests halfway through the province, and these endless woods now feed a powerful charcoal industry in the province.
• Yilan (Ithram): Provincial capital is Estenkampt. Like Origo, Ithram is also considered quite backwards as more than sixty percent of its landmass is covered in nearly impenetrable jungle. The provincial capital sits, however, on the rivers connected to old Muha, so it’s considered a vital part of the empire’s cultural exchange with its roots.

An Okin is considered to have come of age when they complete The Gauntlet. It is a highly secretive challenge where a young Okin is required to swim through flooded underwater tunnels without armour and weapons; defeating a creature cast into the tunnels by Okin Elders is the crux of the challenge. The creature is then eaten by the clan and the newly minted warrior receives a necklace of teeth or claws taken from the deceased creature.

Despite its fun name and images of dancing furry fun, it would not be further from the truth. Twice a year, during the solstices, all Okin gather deep in forest and engage in two days of sacrifice, drug fuelled dancing, and tests of strength, speed, and daring-do. This is the only time a challenger may come forward to try and take the place of Skipper (An individual in charge of a clan), or Chief (The highest ranked of all Okin). The challenge is always made without armour and weapons, and always is a fight to the death.

Okin have two parts to their name. The first name is often a single syllable in length. The second name, or last name as humans might call it, is earned through action. This of course leads to some Okin sharing similar last names but it does not mean they are related.

Okin identify with their Holt, or home, more than their name. For example, the High Chief is Rab Streambattle of Holt Lutra.

Okin music reliant on drums and the deep sounds made at the back of the throat. Other instruments are common of course but most dancing involves consuming the bark of a Bethadh Tree, which brings on a type of trance. Dancers sway and gyrate around fires to the ethereal rumble of the music.

WIP

This Clan lives primarily along the shores of the Inland Sea. They are excellent fisherfolk and enjoy clam bakes, hot summers on the beach, and attempting to murder the crew of unwary ships.

So named for their existence deep in the Okke homeland and the grottos they call home. These are the most feral of the Okin and often the strongest. They are constantly at odds with their environment and The Romp is held in their lands.

Found to the East where the riverlands begin to give way to drier climates, the marshes here are broken by rock formations that make make for a unique and fascinating place. The Okin here enjoy a sort of water slide sport down the side of jagged rock formations where one rides the smooth stones on their belly to splash into deep pools of cool water.

To the North, along the Muoarma and Olmani borders, the rock is a strange reddish colour all along the bottom of rivers and creeks. The Redrock Clan are the most battle hardened of any clan and they are often chosen to lead the Okin into battle. Rob Streambattle, the High Chief, of Holt Lutra is from this region.

The Holts, or individual family units, are numerous and can have up a thousand members in them. They're often settled in a small area with natural defences such as deep creeks, dense brush, or with jagged rock formations to make an approach difficult. The Holt is an Okins ultimate loyalty and only male Okin would leave a Holt to join that of their spouse.

-Physical Appearance-
The Varovnian people are often lean of build and dusky-skinned who are usually fit in order to survive the harsh world they inhabit. Brown eyes are common while green eyes is believed to be a sign of being favored by the gods.
-Clothing-
Clothing is practical with fur, wool, and warm clothing being common as well as caps and fur coats with bear and mink coats being well sought after.
-Cosmetics-
Tatoos and make-up is not uncommon despite the general lack of wealth in many parts of Varkovnia. It is not uncommon to see people in the countryside wear kohl underneath their eyes or for runic tattoos to be seen on persons’ bodies including the arms, torso, or hands.
-Jewelry-
Jewelry is relatively uncommon and usually seen in the larger towns of Varkovnia in particular the city of Volchya with emeralds being seen as the most valuable gemstone.
-Hygiene-
Most Varkovnians are rather poor, but attempt to bathe themselves at least once a week. The common human peasantry often smell poor in contrast to elves, gnomes, and those in larger towns. The production of soap was once a common good throughout Vozinya and later Varkovnia.

-Rite of Passage-
Most Varkovnian humans are considered of age by 15 years and is around the time most are expected to play a larger role in their communities. This is helped by the relatively high death rate and short-lifespan many Varkovnians will have in their lives. A common rite of passage is to send youths to nearby, isolated villages on a dangerous journey to visit relatives on their own. At this point most will have basic survival skills and prepared with knowledge and warding gestures to keep evil at bay.

In elven communities the young go on a hunt to claim the bounty of a ferocious wild beast or monster in order to take their place as an adult in elven society given the Anqualan people’s connection with nature and the wilderness. One must be able to use their wits and skill to overcome monsters far mightier than them and more numerous than them in order to keep their people safe from the many dangers of the world, including those of men and other humanoid races who’d encroach on their territory.

Gnomish youth are often tasked with coming up with a new invention or perform a task to impress their elders with their ingenuity and creativity in a manner that would benefit Gnomish society as a whole.
-Burial-
Varkovnian humans are often buried in small cemeteries in their home villages. Gifts are given by family and close friends to the deceased to symbolize the importance the deceased had in their lives. Songs of joy are sung to celebrate the life of the person, focusing on the positive difference made by him/her. Priests bless the grave to prevent dark magic from perverting the body and to help the soul find passage into the afterlife.

Varkovnian elves perform a ritual that involves entire communities as it is a rare occasion and significant one when an elf passes given the small numbers their people have these days. The

-Gender Roles-
Varkovnia was once quite a patriarchal society, however, with the fall of the nation practicality has outweighed old traditions as a result of the need to survive with the role of women considered on par with men in terms of tasks assigned and given. Both men and women hunt, serve in local militias, and conduct manual labor to ensure their communities survive the harsh reality they live in. Women normally take a leading role in the household, however, it’s not too uncommon for men, especially those who are injured or maimed, to rear young while their wives work to put food on the table.
-Festivals and Holidays-
The changing of seasons each have their own festivals with Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer being celebrated. The harvest is commemorated with a night of feasting and celebration. Prayers are uttered to many gods in order to achieve a bountiful harvest and protect livestock from predation.

The second day of the new year is Jaromir’s Day, celebrating the heroism of the man and a day the legendary triumphs of many Varkovnians are celebrated as well as a time when bold hunters display trophies from their escapades. Those who slew mightier beasts become local celebrities and free drinks. The famous Hruzaski (Literally: Terror Hunter) or monster hunters of Varkovnia in particular gather to boast of their great deeds together.

The second week of Spring has Barghest Maltzurrak’s Day, where all Varkovnians stay indoors for the entire day. The tale is said of an infamous ghostly black worg said to kidnap wandering children who disobeyed their parents. Depending on the village, he tale of Barghest Maltzurrak tells of how the beast takes children’s souls to consume them, imprison them, or, worst yet, turn them into her monstrous children to feed on the innocent. The traveler who enters a village on this day will find an eeriely quiet town seemingly abandoned. It is considered an ill-omen of an impending attack should the howling of wolves’ be heard on this evening.
-Hospitality-
In general Varkovnians are wary and suspicious of outsiders. Those who are strangers could be a shapechanger seeking to gain trust and entry in order to kidnap children or murder others to sate their sick, monsterish desires or so the Varkovnians believe. The more hospitable seem detached and give basic niceties to travelers, especially if they pay well or appear well-groomed and wealthy as it is believed monsters care nothing for wealth therefore vagrants and poor-looking strangers are frequently chased away out of fear.

-Place in Society-
Religion once played a key role in Varkovnia, however, the diverse pantheon of Varkovnian gods has steadily fallen out of favor as despair and hopelessness has caused most to give essentially lip-service to the gods unless a family member is ill then seers and priests of the gods are suddenly well-sought after to heal their family from their clear impiety. The most favored gods are
-View of Priests-
Priests are often revered and respected, however, they are not often sought after unless a family wants something which is normally blessings, protection from evil spirits, or a cure to illness and disease. As of late there has been an increase in the piety and offerings given to priests or their functionaries in order to please the gods.
-View of the Gods-
The gods are viewed as demanding and largely uncaring about the people, but the more pious would argue that is because of the lack of piety of the majority with each new generation of the elderly decrying the lack of reverence by the younger generations. As of late, the recent Varkovnian generation of age has grown more pious than previous generations coinciding with increasing fortunes of the people. This has begun an increase in belief of the gods and increased offerings and rituals to keep the favor seemingly earned.

-The Family Unit-
Varkovnian families are often large if they can afford to be without starvation. It is not uncommon for families to have three generations living under the same roof and for their neighbors to be direct relations. This has led to the need for adolescents to travel to different villages to avoid inbreeding with their own blood. Families often belong to a local clan that protects each other and discuss issues in surroundings villages in local councils made of the strongest, richest,and eldest men and women.
-Marriage-
Marriage is often a contract between families for the survival of the two families coming together with arranged marriages being common. Wealth or resources are traded as well as common protection against local threats of bandits, monsters, and forces of nature. However, folklore and tradition has many young couples forming out of love in spite of family wants or desires, leading to tensions that result in ostracization of rebellious couples that must leave their villages for stranger parts of Varkovnia.

-Pets-
Domestication of animals include livestock and dogs, which have recently been relatively recently tamed from wild wolves. The Vozinyan Wolfhound is both a guardian and a hunting companion for hunters and gamesmen with characteristics of wolves in that barking is rare and they are seen as tools and useful companions in their working lives.

-Acquisition-
Serfdom is the system in which peasants are tied to the lands of the lords appointed above them. The number of serfs in Varkovnia has decreased since the collapse of the Vozinyan Republic, but it remains significant in parts of the realm where remnants of old families maintain estates and influence townships and villages. Most are born into serfdom, but criminals of free persons can also become serfs.
-Ownership-
Landed nobles are privileged to own serfs and can determine whether or not one can be freed from their obligations with unlimited authority in a manner not differing much in slavery in several respects.
-View of Slavery-
Varkovnians are a free-willed, independent minded people and most dislike serfdom. It is a dying institution from the bygone era of strong nobility. As it stands Princezna Velinka is the only strong noble and the rest of the land is largely governed by burgomeisters either independently chosen by its elders or appointed directly by her, therefore diminishing the role of serfdom and nobility.

-Kinds of Foods-
Varkovnia has numerous foods that befit the diet of peasants and woodsmen with meat of beasts being commonplace and to a lesser extent flesh of monsters that feast on man. Some traditional foods include: Bors soup, rice, beans, Carnati, mamliga, gouda cheese, sarmale, Vozinyan Wine, Varkovnian spirits, and Shawarma.
-Eating Habits-
Varkovnians have increasingly become carnivores due to the loss of farmland to moors, forests, and the increasing importance and tradition of hunting for game. Outside of festivals or celebration Varkovnians eat relatively due to the relative poverty they live in.

-Music-
Music is perhaps one of the most important aspects of Varkovnian culture. Music and songs express many stories, moods, and emotions with competitions being commonplace. Bards and musicians are commonplace with common themes of tragedy and hardship, but also songs of overcoming difficulty and of supernatural feats supposedly witnessed.
-Dancing-
Outside of festivals and holidays dancing is rare and there is little sophistication in it other than the ecstasy of enjoying a rare occasion of joy in an otherwise harsh and solemn lifestyle about survival.
-Games and Sports-
Hunting is a common sport for Varkovnians given their ties to the land around them. Archery therefore is a common competition in villages as is wrestling.
-Stories-
Stories in Varkovnia include glory of a rich past, including that of the Republic of Vozinya and grand cities that are only legendary now. A common story is about the disappearance of the hero Jaromir Prohaszka and his supposed return with an army of brave warriors to come to the salvation of the people. Another includes the stories of ghosts and monsters taking away children and the innocent to be sacrificed to evil gods or worse to return as monsters in order to consume their loved ones such as the tale of the werewolf or the barghest.
.Another tale speaks of Zivko Varkov’s ghost wandering around demanding revenge for the betrayal that led to his death and robbery of his land from him. There are whispers the spectre of a king makes demands of those he encounters that must be answered or faced with death.
-Performance-
Arts from the remnants of old Vozinya exist with open-air theatre existing in small towns as well as shadow puppetry which remains popular across Varkovnia. Puppetry is seen as mysterious and mystical as well as a good medium for sharing folklore and tales and the nearest thing to ‘sorcery’ that most would tolerate.

Varkannian is the primary language of Varkovnia, which is spoken by most of its human inhabitants and significant number of its elven and gnomish population speak or understand it as well with Anqualan elven being as secondary tongue. Despite Pincezna being Anqualan she is said to primarily speak in Varkannianwhen seen.

-Written Form-

The written language of Varkovnia is based on the Anqualan
-Dialects-
Varkannian is closely related to its parent language Vozinyan which Varkovnian has emerged from. The dialects of Varkovia are based on region with the most common divisions being ‘western’, ‘eastern’, and ‘southern’ dialects. However, dialects are often divided between major towns and outlying villages due to relative isolation. Each region borrows some from local languages therefore likely leading to increasing divergence in the land in language.

-Tools and Weapons-
Most weaponry found in Vozinya is made of iron or steel with silver-edged weaponry being uncommon and made for slaying monsters. There are rare tools and weapons of legend with magic-runes but those are few and far between. Gnomes are said to also be capable of using alchemical to create magical blades, but if such a thing exists it is likely held between few or is simply gossip.
-Architecture-
The towns of Vozinya once sported huge spires, crowded, yet organized and well-built cities that once had great visions of city-planning to house cities with populations beyond 100,000 in the distant past. As of now, these buildings can be seen in a ruined state as large cities’ ruins dot the landscape as wildlife, plantlife, and monsters now reclaim these places from the realm of men. Most villages and small towns have small wooden buildings with thatch or wooden roofs being common. Castle Valasek’s majesty as a castle is perhaps the most maintained reminder of the architectural beauty and mystique of Varkovnia’s past.
-Art-
Paintings and mosiacs were once commonplace in Vozinya and are a treasured rarity in Varkovnia today with depictions of Princes, nobles, warriors, and gods depicted as well as events such as battles, weddings, tragedies, or triumphs throughout Varkovnian history. A famous piece is a tapestry commenorating Vozinyan victory against the Mukahim Imperium known to be in Castle Valasek itself.

Varkovnians are a people that are mired in survivalist instincts in isolated villages and small towns with deep, black forests filled with monsters and beasts. This has led to often fatalistic,cynical attitudes as well as a measure of individualism and self-reliance being commonplace. Outsiders are normally seen as either naive, arrogant, or loud-mouthed in a land where beasts’ sense of hearing could lead to one’s downfall if outside the village.
-Mannerisms-
To an outsider A Varkovnian is often one that comes off as rude, blunt and straight to the point when met with flowery words or flattery due to inherent cynicism and mistrust of outsiders even those from different villages or regions. Black humor is common as are insults toward outsiders who are usually seen as naive or arrogant in a local’s eyes.
-Value-
Varkovnians value survival of their family above all as well as their traditions, faith, and proud history. They respect honesty, being straight-forward, and brevity.
-View of Good and Evil-

-Superstition-

-View of Outsiders-

The governing body is known as the Valasek Court. The Velitzsky Rytirs are the primary enforcers of the realm and act as a personal bodyguard and as military leaders of the Principality. The Valasek Court’s functionaries are unknown to the general public due to the reclusive nature of the castle and its government to the common people who largely see mercenaries, Rytirs, and locally appointed burgomeisters running day-to-day affairs in major towns such as Volchya.
-Ranks/Positions-
Suveran (Sovereign) - Liege lord of Varkovnia
Rytir (Knight) - Chivalry and knighthood is not a concept in Varkovnia, yet, the same role is filled by appointed warriors loyal to the Suveran to be an enforcer of her will in the role of commander of militias, temporary governors of towns, or fortifications.
Burgomeister - Appointed civil leaders chosen directly by the Suveran or appointed by people in areas not directly controlled by the monarch.
-Division of Governorship-

The Burgomeisters of towns and villages are the local ruling authorities across Varkovnia. They are mix of those loyal to Czermak, quasi-independent mayors chosen by elders, and those seeking to restore a republic in Varkovnia.

Varkovnian laws are based on old Vozinyan laws to ensure public order across the land. Laws found are typical of most states with crimes against theft, murder, and other anti-social acts punished by militia and burgomeisters’ enforcers.
-Justice System-
The Varkovnian justice belongs to Princezna Velinka Czermak ultimately, but is usually carried out by her Rytirs, Burgomeisters, or local lords of old nobility that remain. Independent judges are unheard of and legal experts are normally serving the interests of their benefactors.
-Magic Laws-
Varkovnia has laws dictating that magic users are to be brought before Castle Valasek to be handled by the Rytirs of Princezna Velinka. Magic-users are taken from their homes likely in service of their suzeran in some form or manner. Those who resist are normally outcasts or remain secretive of their abilities.

Varkovnians have basic rights to be freepersons across most of the land with the exception of those who have the misfortune of being born on the land of the old boyarski and nobility. They still live in serfdom as Vozinya once held across the land.
-Rights and Responsibilities of Common Folk-
The common people are allowed freedom of movement and ability to conduct their affairs according to the laws and traditions of Varkovnia. They are to be deferential to authority figures which lie in the form of the Rytirs or the Burgomeisters and their appointed subordinates.
-Rights and Responsibilities of Nobility/Rich-
The nobility has the rights to maintain their old estates and lands as well as maintain their own serfs, however, each town is a free city officially with some nobles or wealthy attempting to dominate via wealth or influence.
-Rights and Responsibilities of Foreigners and Immigrants-
Foreigners are given roughly the same rights as common folk, but are likely to be treated far more poorly when crossing the law or accused of crimes as foreigners are distrusted generally.
-Ownership of property-
Free people can purchase and own property which includes most Varkovnian people with foreigners on occasion allowed to purchase buildings in townships.
-Gender Rights-
Historically Varkovnia was patriarchal, however, laws are officially gender neutral though practice of this varies depending on where one is in Varkovnia.

The Rytirs are the primarily military force of Varkovnia and serve directly under the command of Princezna Velinka Czermak. They are considered her personal guard, police, and primary military forces of her regime.
-Recruitment and training-
Rytirs’ training and selection is rather unknown to the population at large. They seem to derive mainly from Anqualan elves, but it seems at least some members are human. Their training involves swordplay, archery, horsemanship, and have the competency of knights from other realms although it is clear they are not nobility and are simply professional warriors at the service of their liege.
-Payment-
Their payment is unknown as they are quite secretive in many respects.
-Garrison and Mobilization-
They are based in Castle Valasek where they handle security.

-Recruitment and training-
Drawn from the peasantry most members of the militsiya (or militia) join to defend their villages and towns and to patrol the few roads that is safe to do so in their localities. They vary greatly in training with the better ones being comparable to a town watch and the worst ones being simply a peasant given a spear, shield, and helm and expected to look busy.
-Payment-
Their pay is usually low and minimal. They are fed, clothed, and sometimes housed if they are in a sizeable town with a barracks or otherwise live in their family’s home whether or not they are part-time militia or not.
-Units-

The origin story of the world in that a great void existed until the chaos of nonexistence formed reality. It was here the gods were made, representing aspects of life known today such as life, death, joy, fear, forests, mountains, war, and peace, men, and monsters. The gods fought to become the greatest, but none among them could gain dominance. A new order was created where instead of fighting each other in fruitless battle mortals were created where they would contest for the souls of mortals to venerate them and therefore creating the numerous cults of gods known today.

Mortals believe they must appease multiple gods to compete for their favor and earn safety from the enmity of the gods spurned. This has led to the belief that gods are loosely in alliance with one another in the conquest of mortals souls in order to prepare armies of the faithful in battle with the darkness that will end the world in the form of the destroyer of the world; or D’abelsky the Destroyer. D’abelsky will lead to the end of reality to be reformed under his ruthless control. It is believed that demons and monsters are created by this malevolent and therefore grant him power through their worship in him and it is the duty of mortals to oppose him through prayer to the gods and heroic or just deeds in their mortal lives so that they may then champion the gods in the afterlife for the battle to save the world and the afterlife from the void of destruction.

-Tihomil-
Justice, Honor
-Dobrota-
Goodness, Selflessness, Luck
-Svaroh-
Mysticism, Secrets
-Divocina-
Life, Birth
-Mozha-
Death, Funerary
-Zycien-
The Wild, savagery
-Dazboh-
Civilization, Industry
-Placeholder-
Description Here

-D’abelsky-
Archfiend, Destroyer of creation
-Pohjici-
The Devourer, Mother of Monsters
-Dejna-
Witchcraft, Misfortune

It is believed the afterlife is a place of plenty, comfort, and a place to prepare for the end of reality against D’abelsky and his minions when the world and the afterlife will be tested to defeat devils and demons in the end.

-Doctrines-
There is no unified holy text, but numerous books speak of the numerous traditions that tie together the culture and beliefs of numerous deities that fit in the pantheon of Varkovnia.
-Views-
Infidels and Heathens- Faithless people who either do not care for the end or serve the devil himself.
Witches- People lured by dark power, although some might argue this power could be used for good.
Atheists- Fools to be disregarded.
Heretics and Excommunicates- Misguided souls.
Homosexuals and Adulterers?- Pleasure-seekers that are sinful and do not help the survival of the people.
Magic- A dangerous tool that has mostly been used for evil other than those used by legendary heroes or monster hunters.

=Fauna=
The animal life of Varkovnia reflects that of dense, temperature to pine forests with common predators including bears, wolves, snow leopards, eagles, and worgs. Common monsters include griffins, wyverns, cockatrices, basilisks, and, occasionally, barghests and werewolves. The most common threat faced by people are worgs or larger wolves that have an uncanny intellect with the supposed ability to speak if they so chose, mimicking the voices of people.
=Flora=
Plantlife is typical of that found in temperate forests, moorlands, and pine forests with conifers, shrubs, variety of grasses, and the occasional toxic plants that cause rashes. Most notably are white tulips that are a national symbol and sought after by the wealthy.
=Resources=
Common: Wheat, Furs, Potatoes, Meat, Plums, Dairy, Lumber, amate(for parchment), alchemical reagents (Drakefire), Stone, Marble, Ceramics, Beer, Vodka, Spirits, Chickens, Cattle, Hogs, cats
Uncommon: Iron, Lead, Copper, Leather, Wool, Herbs, Grapes, Wine, elixirs/potions, donkeys, horses, sugar, honey
Rare: Mithril, Gold, Ironwood, Scurnze, Tobacco, ivory, opium
=Landmarks=
Castle Valasek, in the northeast of Varkovnia is the impressive fortification created during the Muha era known to be impenetrable and stands above the City of Volchya.
=Cities=

The Hruzaski Monster Hunters guild are the most well-known institution across the land which formed after the Great Hunt called by Prince Pavel Varkov centuries ago. They are based in the city of Sarnogorsk which is largely in ruins other than their own guildhall and some nearby establishments. Monsters are rampant in their own city as well as much of Varkovnia, leading many to idealize them as heroes and the older folk see them as fools running toward their deaths.

-Agriculture-
Agriculture includes small farms dotted along the clearings of woods and copses across.
-Domestication and Herding-
Sheep and goats are herded and domesticated alongside Varkovnian Wolfhounds for domestic use by herders and hunters.
-Hunting-
Hunting of wildlife and monsters lead to the sale of meat and furs important for exports.
-Harvesting-
The harvest of wheat and potatoes are among the most important produce taken from farmlands in the land.
-Production-
Weapons, Armor, and masonry are among the most important products made through metallurgy.
=Guild and Company Rights=
Local guilds are given rights to move products and materials throughout Varkovnia, but must obtain permission from burgoemisters or appointed Rytirs to move trade to other realms. Current nations with permission to move freely in Varkovnia include:
Zemnalkov Republic

=Main Export=
Furs, lumber, meat, amate, wine, ivory, honey, opium
-Specialized Resources-
Ironwood, scurnze, alchemical potions/elixirs
=Main Import=
Mercenaries, steel, silver, spices, silks, incense.
=Trade Laws=
Merchants pay a tax in the cities they do business in and foreign merchants cannot do business outside of the city their people are permitted by the Princezna or her appointed burgomeisters

Varkovnian Mark (Gold, silver, copper)

Poor outside of Volchya and northeastern Varkovnia

Mercenaries include humans, elves, gnomes, hobgoblins, and Okke folk.

Birthdate- 751
Race- Apparent: Anqualan/Wood Elf (True:Greater Barghest)
Sex- Female
Occupation- Suzeran of Varkovnia
Background-
A monster of the land with demonic qualities. The barghest grew stronger from each kill as it absorbed the power of her victims. Maltzurrak, as she is known among her kind, ferociously hunted down worthy human heroes of Varkovnia. As the hero Jaromir was fighting the beasts of the land, Maltzurrak managed to pounce on Jaromir and devour him on the battlefield. Unbeknownst to the beast, Jaromir was bonded with an angel. The magical essence of the hero’s body caused a transformation in the monster to ascend in mental capacity alongside stealing all the memories of the fallen hero as well as an extended lifespan. With the knowledge and magical power gained, the beast decided upon a sinister deception to more easily consume her preferred prey in bold, powerful heroes of the land. She took Castle Valasek and Volchya alongside a collection of monsters and humans she managed to rally and began to rule as the elf known as Velinka Czermak to rule over the humans as an unpopular suzeran and to easily call to adventurers and would-be heroes to her court in order to set them to near-suicidal tasks on her behalf. The greatest of whom would be richly ‘rewarded’ and given an estate. Only, none chosen were given an estate or wealth but instead became gruesome victims to the tyrannical, monstrous ruler of Varkovnia.

Draconians, or Dragonborn as known by some, are humanoid beastfolk with dragon ancestry. And like beastfolks, very much resembles their heritage. They stand tall, between four feet for the smallest subspecies, and seven and a half feet in height for the largest. Tend to have bulkier forms. Many have wings, but only one subset of this race is capable of true flight. They have a hide of scales, and while tough is not enough to prevent a purposeful swing from a sword cutting through. Their scales are representative of the colors of dragons in which they draw heritage from. While capable of reproduction, they are not natural to the world initially. The detail of the races initial origins had been purposefully destroyed, and remains coveted with the hopes of it fading from time. Draconians often have very specific traits, physiology, social behaviors, and temperaments that is related to their scale color. This is largely something that is instinctual and almost always manifests themselves to varying degrees. Because these behaviors are so exact and constant, the Draconians have given each scale color a name.

Aurak: Extremely rare, highly feared and distrusted by their kin. Auraks are the only Draconians who do not have wings. Many, including elves, may often live their lives and never see an Aurak. They are often naturally clever and intelligent. Many tend to become highly talented mages. The personality temperament of an Aurak tends to always sit at the end of personality extremities. They can be highly mentally unstable. They can be completely oblivious of the world. Zealots of Justice. Unusually Cruel. And so forth.

Baaz: Smallest and weakest of the Draconians. And the most common - making the bulk of the draconian population. And the most likely to spread outside of the empire and settle in other nations and lands. Many are also taken by a natural wonderlust. They stand at the average human heights. With the smallest wings. Despite their bulk, they are able to use their wings to build speed when running, making them quite fast and efficient at crossing large distances. These dracos are well known for being gregarious. If any other race is likely to have a draconian for a friend, it is most likely a Baaz. There is a joke among the Draconians about Baaz’s, Two Baaz’s whom are conversing with each other will likely die in that same conversation.

Bozak: Draconians of Bronze color with tints of green along the wings. Their temperament tends to be the closest to humans. However innately, these draconians tends to be natural leaders with other draconians gravitating to them naturally. They are often found as village leaders, politicians, teachers, generals, and captains. They hold a natural charisma, and tend to work from goal to goal to achieve the greater picture.

Kapak: Draconians of Copper Color. They are often the more atheletic and acrobatic of the draconians are are normally found in mountainous or rocky regions of the empire. Other draconians will often describe the Kapak as the most sarcastic, glib, are abrasive people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. It’s not by intentional rudeness. The Kapak, much like the copper dragons, have a love for jokes, truth, and wit. You would not be friends with one if you did not have a thick skin. But you know you’re in for a good time if the court jester happens to be one.

Sivak: Draconians of Silver Color. The second largest, and second most fierce. They have the largest wingspans, and are the only draconians capable of flight. They have been well known to have a personality similar to dwarves. Because of their natural ability of flight. Many are employed as Messengers, and Cartographers. Many more often enter the Military as a Career. And will be employed as Scouts, Outriders, Skirmisher, Flankers, and Vanguard.

Alethi: Draconians of Red Color: The most notable feature of them is that the Alethi are the fiercest, most aggressive, and most competitive of the draconians. There is a joke with merit that the best way to make friends with an Alethi, is not by a “How do you do”, but to call them a gecko and punch them in the face. They are the largest of the draconians with the smallest height being six feet. Their natural ferocity and sense of competition often makes many of the glory seekers. Some set out to become adventurers, many go into the military as shock troops, and even mercenaries. If they become craftsmen, tradesmen, or merchants there is guaranteed to be extreme competition and aggressive marketing.

Skaa: Draconians of Blue Color: These draconians have the most flexible wings and second largest wingspan, often disproportionate to their height. While not capable of flight, they tend to have a natural talent of riding the winds. With a strong enough gust of wind, they can sail for long distances. Their most common temperament is patient and polite but also prone to jealousy and envy. It is very difficult to rouse a Skaa’s anger, but even then it is often controlled. The Skaa takes honor and oathes very seriously, and have an extreme distaste for lies. A Skaa’s pride, vanity, and honor are their lives, and will become incredibly distraught if it is tarnished and will usually seek means of redemption. From duels, achieving incredible goals, to even commiting suicide if their shame is great enough. That being said, Skaa tends to be loyal to whatever faction they devote themselves too. And will be the most common draconian found in knighthoods, or paladin orders.

Blanc: Draconians of White Coloration: The only warmblooded draconian, these draconians are highly adaptable to many environments, and including the cold. Unfortunately, these draconians can be described as mentally the slowest of all draconians. Their intellect is below average. And while not bumbling idiots, they tend to be very gullible. They are not very good at thinking or making decisions. As a defensive trait to being tricked, they would often leave all decisions to someone they trust. Because of their dependency on someone they trust, they are often found as servants, close friends, or lovers with others and rarely leave their sides. They are also surprisingly emotionally expressive. Despite their addled minds, they actually have the most superior memory of the draconians. Though this expands mostly to things they deem important, and they lack the brain power for many abstract concepts such as sarcasm or synonyms. If a Blanc were to become a librarian, they would be able to remember every detail about that library. The number of books. Who has borrowed a book. Who has a late book. The contents of a book word per word. The exact location of an exert inside an obscure book.

Kobolds are another type of beastfolk. They originally hail from the unknown lands, and primarily found within the Tsoroshar empire. They are often highly underestimated across the world. Which is not surprising as many adventurers describe them as cowardly weaklings when sharing stories in taverns. This however, is a smoke screen to prevent the larger world from threatening their tribes and learning the deadly truth: that though diminutive, kobolds are as vicious and vengeful as the dragons to whom they claim ancestry. These creatures are meticulous, highly organized, sophisticated, industrious, and inventive. A Kobold’s cleverness is often their deadliest weapon. Whats more, they are hardwired for survival through and through. These heterothermal creatures have an outstanding number of adaptations that allow them to survive in most conditions as long as there’s food, water, and air. And though they are weak, they often lack a natural predator. Like their draconian cousins, each color of Kobold tends to have certain personality traits that resembles the dragons they take lineage from.

Black Scales: Many of kobolds of this color can be found in swamps and mires. They are very capable in the art of stealth and silent swimmers. Many of these kobolds also enjoy keeping Oozes as pets... much to the chagrin of the other kobolds. Morality tends to be an alien concept to them, and fails to believe in good and evil. They are described as cruel and sadistic, but the kobolds do not quite see it the same way. They see results, and will do what ever gets them. These kobolds often enjoy Fermented and pickled foods.

Blue Scales: These kobolds are orderly and neat, and have a deep respect for hierarchies as well as organizations of honor. They are extraordinary schemers and planners. Capable of brutally effective ambushes, traps, and tactics. Though many often fall short in the skill of improvisation. More interestingly, blue scale kobolds can mimic the sounds and voices of creatures they have heard. They have a love for art, beauty, and music.

Green Kobolds: These kobolds are at home when surrounded by foilage. Like their green cousins, they are naturally great hunters and trackers, as well as practiced in the arts of shamanism. Of all kobolds these tend to be the most tolerant of non-draconic races and have been known to guide lost travelers to safety - often in secret.

Red Kobolds: Fierce and Competitive, these kobolds respect power. A tribe of red will gladly accept the patronage of any whom they deem worthy. Even if they themselves are unimpressive. They are often described as the work horses. More well built, and with a better constitution.

Gold Scales: These kobolds have a love for knowledge. They are well known for hording a vast assortment of books, or recording events of history in secret. The rarest of the race, these kobolds are most commonly found in the empire's grand library. Where their service as a scholar's assistance can be purchased.

Silver Scales: The friendliest, and most social of the kobolds. These kobolds often seek friendships with humanoids. And tend to keep friendships with multiple generations of that friend's family long after they pass. This behavior also leads to these kobolds acting as servants to the nobility, knighthoods, and orphanages.

Bronze Scales: Most commonly amphibious in nature. These kobolds have a love for the sea, and will make their colonies near the ocean, under the sea in caverns with pockets of air. Or will aquire large boats and spend the rest of their lives on the sea acting as traders.

Brass Scales: These kobolds enjoys stories and tales from travelers. Wild tribes have been known to creep closer and eaves drop near campfires when a tale is being told, or a song is being sang.

Copper scales: These kobolds love heights and mountainous regions. They are very atheletic and are capable jumpers. Like the Kapak, they are well known for their abrasiveness and sarcasm.

Much of the past histories of the land that bears the Tsoroshar empire has gone up in flames, and destroyed. But what is known is the era of the Draconian uprising in the vast deserts of the Sea of Glass.

Few remember the origins of the Draconians. Reportedly, they were discovered by the Muha Elves whom had completely enthralled them with their way of life. The superior technology the Muha elves held, healing practices, rituals, and their magic had brought a measure of great fear and reverence into the Draconians. The elves, seeing a potential resource had used these amendities to further enwrap and vassalize the Draconians with promises of a better and fulfilling life.

Through many years, the Draconians were conditioned to unconditionally love and serve their elven overlords. The elves sought to it that the Draconians revered them as just short of gods. And perhaps more, as gods whom were powerful beings were only tangible in imagination. Where the elves were tangible in reality. And what the elves held, though not nearly as impressive, was also very real.

As part of the Muha society, the Draconians were among the lowest cast. They were slaves, though their knowledge of it was masked by laced promises and dreams. They were primarily used as a means of Labor, and of course as shock troops for the harsh reality that the Sea of Glass held. While the Muha inhabbited the desert, there were still a race of feral beastkin that were not nearly as impressed as the faithful draconians. And the Draconians had fought and died in the Muha Elves name and to protect their way of life.

However, with time, the Elves had made several mistakes and lasps in judgement. The Draconian's gradually grew aware of what was being done to their people.

The Elves, seeing a resource in the hardyness, strength, aggression, and intelligence in the draconians had felt reason to fear them.

Through the years of conditioning they had also been working to control their population. With scheduled breeding, controlled separation of males and females. And of course shattering unscheduled draconian eggs after telling them "Trust us to do what is best." And that they were to bring forth all unapproved eggs for destruction.

There were also multiple clans of Draconians that had completely disappeared. The occasional traveler would find their small village eerily inactive. But on closer inspection they found that many of the Draconians appeared to have died from disease. The scent of elves had lingered like a stinking perfume, but the elves openly denied involvement.

The next few generations of Muha Elves after the first that the Draconians had seen were not so careful as their ancestors. Where the first had entranced the Draconians into servitude with honeyed words. The next generations of elves had openly abused this trust and gradually disillusioned the Draconians of the promises and revealed them for the lies they were.

When the demands for what was promised began to rise from the Draconians, the elves continued to diplomatically dodge the demands. Their words had bought them time, and appeased the instinctually aggressive draconians for some time. But the effectiveness quickly began to fade.

Eventually, the final mistake was made. The Elves decided to use a display of force to remind the Draconians of their superiority. They had turned magic and weapon onto the rabbling crowd and began to kill.

While such a tactic would normally work on any other race forced into servitude. The Elves had forgotten a few key details about the Draconians in their arrogance.

First, the Draconians are warlike and are naturally aggressive. Violence is met Violence, and comes as ferociously as a passing huricane.

Second, not all Draconians could grasp the concept of magic. But many understood that it was limited to the caster's physical condition. And even then, the time it took to put an arrow into the mage's eye was probably faster than the time it took to utter the first syllabul of a killing spell.

Third, While the race of draconians had their population heavily reduced to something managable, They had only feared possible insurgence from males. And had completely forgotten that females shared very few anatonical and visual differences from their male counter parts. And in fact, have been known to commonly show a level of aggression far more extreme than the male counter parts. A detail the elves may have known, if they had attempted to collect the eggs for destruction themselves.

Needless to say, the elves were expecting the Draconains to be subdued the next day. Instead they were greated with a tidal wave of horrifically enraged scaled warriors, averaging two-hundred pounds eac, armed with claws, teeth, tail, stones, stolen spears, stolen bows, and what ever they could get their hands on.

The streets of Elven cities ran with thick blood. Great pillars of smoke flooded the skies for days. The elves who could not flee fell prey to the brutality that had awaited them. There was no intent for enslavement, no intent for ransome, no compromise. The mercy was death in those last moments of their lives. And that was it.

These events have became known among the Empire as the Color of Trust. A tale which bards occasionally sing of as a historical reminder.

Once the elven overlords had been tossed out, the draconians had began to regroup back into tribes whom were fixed in place. Though there were some who had seen a benefit in practices used by the elves, and began to set up systems of feudalisms. Tribes of draconians were absorbed into multiple different feudal states of many different sizes.

During this time, Draconians have also adopted Kobold tribes into these feudal states in a symbiotic relationship. Promising protection and prosperity in exchange for their subterranean architectural skills, and natural tenacity for work. Learning from the Kobolds, and past elven constructions, the draconians began to learn how to build permanent structures both above ground and below ground. As well as experiment further to improve their way of life towards prosperity.

Many different feudal states have risen and fallen during this period. Some states had collapsed from critical failure, by the lack of proper resources, or from destruction of fauna and infighting. While others have been absorbed by more stable feudal states.

Eventually, a single Skaa draconian who had became known as the Storm Lord - born on the day of an unusual coloration of lightning - had risen and sought to forge the Tsoroshar Empire. He had succesfully taken several feudal states, and forced them to bend to his will through military might. He had died from old age, and his son had taken his place. The offspring had set forth the current culture of the empire as he walked through his father's legacy from Natan to Uri, unknown to his subject, with not much more than a single waterskin, a black veil, and a cloak.

Several generations have passed before finally the Empire has reached the size it is now today.

During this period, the Tsoroshar faced stability problems. Draconians were naturally aggressive, competitive, and frequently sought an outlet. It was not uncommon to see civil wars pop up. Though instead of the wars being directed towards the government, it'd be villages and cities facing off on one another. And entire villages had been dismantled in such acts.

The Empire had sought a means to remedy this, and began a revolution to the draconian culture. Much of the draconian's old ways were maintained. But rather than focusing souly on survival, the draconians were encouraged to procure other means of competition. Originally, this did not pick up. But it did not take very long for two draconians to start fighting over one another's skill in some artisan task. Sculptures, Glass blowing, paintings, tapestries, began to pop up like wildfire. The desire for trading also began to grow as merchants began to discover that to better compete and best their competition importing goods for foreign locations would attract more customers. And so forth.

Several Provinces had disappeared during this time. Not by force of arms. But from the attempt of an early form of a representative government. The desire for competition in the draconians had caused this system to collapse immediately as riots broke out in the streets. These failed provinces had been absorbed, and the caste system had been established across the entire province. It greatly discouraged such fearce competition, but not qwell it fully. As the system had established an early form of a meritocracy.

A special breed of beast like troll exists in the Badlands. Originally thought to have been utterly destroyed in the days of their elven overlords, the Draconians have waged war against the trolls once again and have began to beat them back and burn them out. Towards the end of the war, search and destroy parties sweeped the areas to ensure that all body parts of the trolls had been adequately destroyed. Cave systems that acted as their homes were either burned out or collapsed.

Under the rule of Empress Thubia, The Sapphire star, the Empire had began to patch relationships with their northern neighbors. Decedents of the old Muha empire.

The Empire soldiers employ various weapons, and leans towards several favorites which are listed listed here.

The Ashandarei - The Sword Staff
The name quite literally means the "Sword and Spear" in draconic. The Ashandari is a polearm employing the combination of a quarterstaff, and a blade at the top. It is often confused with the Gu-Wei Naginata - which can be called a close cousin. Like the Naginata, the quarterstaff is made to be oblonged shape to allow for edge alignment in motion. Unlike the Naginata, the staff is not curved. And the blade often closely resembles the more common short sword. Complete with a sword's hilt under the blade. The blade is most commonly single edged with a curved cutting edge. The secondary edge usually only reaches a fourth of the way down the blade to allow for optimized thrusting. Other blades can be attached as well depending on the need of the user.

The Ashandarei offers a unique mixture of defensive capabilities with the hilt and extended range and reach. The length enables it to be very effective at fighting mounted units. And the additional length also makes it very handy for fighting heavily armored units as more power can be applied into the swing thanks to leverage. It can behave as a spear making it useful for formations, and bracing against charges. And is certainly handy enough to be used in close quarters combat. The hilt can be used to catch and chamber weapons, and hook and trip targets.

Needless to say it is a favored weapon for infantry. Though it requires more training than a common spear to reap the full benefit. It can sometimes be found in collections outside of the empire. Either as a trophy a soldier may have taken. Or simply a weapon collector.

One handed Swords
Primarily used as a side arm. It is often the fallback weapon when the Ashandarei has entered a situation where the length of it becomes a burdon. Largely when in the tighter confines of a thick woods, or when a battle has devolved into a melee and the aid of a shield is more desirable. These weapons are most commonly a scimitar.

Yasogar - "The Cheap Dusack"
The favored sword of kobolds. Most commonly called the Cheap Dusack. It is a cheaply made sword that a blacksmith of poor skill can often produce and still manage to somehow be effective. Unlike most swords the weapon does not have a true handle or hilt. Instead the blades tang is is extended and curled into a guard. Because of this design, Kobolds have came up with many ingenious uses for the weapon. For using it as knives, swords, spears, climbing toolsdw, to hook something, and so forth.

Horn Bows
Due to the environment. Wood is not a commodity that is easily wasted. And because the training for archery takes years, wood is not spent on bows. Instead, bows are often made out of a composite of horns and sinew. They are designed short and with a double recurve and points of leverage on both ends of the bow. The result is a short bow that is comparable to a common longbow in performance. However, unlike the longbow the bow does not perform as well with heavier arrows - thus does not have the same armor penetration capabilities at range.

Due to the nature of these bows, these bows take much longer to produce and are generally expensive. These bows are much more difficult and time consuming to create and requires an experienced bowyer to produce a bow of acceptable quality. Critical failure of a poorly made drawn horn bow is often times fatal to the handler.

The bow also must be kept dry due to the glue. However, many of the bows in military service are often wrapped with something to protect it from the elements. Either a scaley hide or the bark of an ash tree. The bows are often stored in cases strapped to the side of the soldier or hunter.

However, the bow is fully capable of being used while in motion and mounted.

Largely due to history, those who are training for archery are trained to shoot while not standing in a static position. Archers are trained to shoot while moving. They must be able to shoot and hit thrown targets while jumping forwards and backwards. They must be able to hit a target while running forward and back pedaling. They are also trained into two drawing techniques that allows them to fire their bows in rapid succession. These techniques are holding the arrows pinched between each finger of their drawing hand. And to hold and draw arrows from the hand that is holding the bow. This training is true among the citizens as well.

Slings
Origionally more commonly used by the empire's kobolds. The versatility and ease of handling the sling has brought the weapon into more common use. The sling is often outfitted with multiple different types of bullets and ammunition. Fire grenades, lead bullets, rocks, caltrops, and so on.

All infantry units carry a sling, and a handful of bullets. Each soldier is trained to be able to load the sling with a single hand. And to be able to hit a single target at variable distances while stationary. And to sling the weapon in barrages while moving.

Kobolds are often far more proficient with the weapon. And squads of them are used as skirmishing units to pelt enemy units with barrages of rocks and fire grenades.

Hoopac
A type of sling that has additional uses of versatility. It is a quarterstaff made of flexible wood. On one end is a sling shot like addition. On the other end is a spear point. The hoopac can be used as a sling staff. Be stabbed into the ground and used as a sling shot to fire heavier ammunitions. Or be used as a spear. It can also be spun about to make a bullroar sound as a form of music.

Javelin
Even though it is outclassed by the horn bow. The javelin still has found usage in the military. The Javelin is primarily used in the light cavalry and skirmishing units. Unlike the common javeline, the Tsoroshar empire's javelin has been made shorter and leans towards the heavier side. When used by light cavalry, the spear's additional weight allows it to punch armor, or take out the mount with the aid of opposing momentum. When used by skirmishers, siveks are the primary users of this weapon. Their ability to fly allows them to throw the weapon from greater heights and take advantage of the weapon's heft.

Armor within the empire is often times slanged to the term of a Harness. This is due to most of the armors created for use within the empire do not feature an aketon for draconians and kobolds, and are normally worn with the aid of a harness or other materials. An aketon is used for humanoids who are in the army.

The common lack of an aketon is mostly due to the scaley hide of draconians and kobolds. It often works well enough to deflect an errant swing of the sword. Though does not quite offer the same protection as a gambeson. The use of full plate is also rare in the empire compared to other nations. While it is agreed that it offers the best protection, it is often viewed as an unnecessary luxury due to the impracticality that comes with it. The requirement for assistant to put on and remove, the expense and length of time required to craft it, and the in ability to easily pass it on to offspring gives it a lack-luster view.

These are the most common sources of protection used in the army.

Splint Mail
Armor most commonly used by heavy units. The Splint mail is an armor formed from a mixture of bands of steel called 'splints' being attached to variest pieces of leather both hardened and soft. The armor also sometimes features gambeson patches on major sections for added protection in the event something manages to get through the small gaps and the hardened leather. A chainmail is also often worn, but not always.

Brigadine
Quite literally a coat of plates. and by far the most common assortment of armor. It is forged by rivoting plates onto a hardened leather coat.

Gambeson
Often worn only by skirmishing units and kobolds. It is surprisingly protective and quite resiliant to punctures and cuts. Due to it being cloth, it is often times died to help the skirmishers blend into the environment.

The Artillery of the army is predominantly designed to target infantry. These weapons are much smaller, and are designed to fling a scatter based ammunition, rather than a single large stone or arrow.

The most common artillery is a small catapult. The loading bowl is designed to be much larger and to allow the loaded ammunition to scatter.

The army will employ various different types of ammunitions. From Fire Grenades, Stones, vials of oil, and so forth. But perhaps their most famous are the Morderivaren.

The Morderivaren, "Glass balls of death"
Globes of thick hollow hardened glass. Surprisingly cheap and easy to make. They are difficult to break, and can be dropped onto a hard stone from hip height with only a crack. However, when provided with enough energy, say being launched from a catapult, the orbs will shatter on impact. Due to the excess energy, the thousands of tiny glass shards are easily flung ten feet through the air at a high velocity. This flings glass into various exposed areas, cutting skin, the eyes, getting in the mouths and nose. The glass also works its way under the armor and will run through gambeson and cloth and begin to cut at the skin underneath. And larger glass shards often punch their way through boots when stepped on. The weapon isn't known for killing immediately. But the damage it causes later is massive and is a heavy strain logistically. Many of the soldiers impacted by the weapon often die from blood loss, or infection from hundreds of cuts lining their bodies. Fortunately, the weapon is as a discourtesy for the opposition to die in battle. So it is not often Employed.

The structure of Tsoroshar military and armies consists of Squads, Banners, Armies, and Grand Legions.

Squad
A squad is a subgroup of a banner. A squad can be of variable sizes, from five to five hundred men. And will be lead by a squad leader often called a Captain.

Banner
A Banner is a collection of squads, commonly equating to over a thousand men. A banner's count is often optimized to cover a predetermined area of land. A banner of infantry can easily be three thousand men, while a banner of calvary could be only a thousand mounted units. Yet they take up the same defensible area in multiple formations. This makes it easier to make commands, while having a rough estimate of what lines or formations will look like in the field. The leader of a banner is called a Banner-General.

Army
An army is a collection of Banners. A Lieutenant-General will often command a small number of banners at once.
The Captain-General is the leader of the army.

Legion
A legion is a collection of armies. Usually under the command of a High lord. If not directly under command of a high lord, than by his appointed "Lord Captain-Commander" and generals.

Grand Legion
The Grand Legion is the entire military collection of the empire. The Grand Legion is under direct command of the current Empress/Emperror, the spouse, and generals.

Kupalo, the God of summer fertility. In his honour people sing songs and jumped over a bonfire. This ritual act has become an annual celebration of summer solstice, celebrating the longest day of the year and beginning of a new year cycle.

Death among the Колóese is a private but simple affair. When an Колóese dies they are said to have gone Back to the Mud. The ceremony completed by members of the deceased's family, involves cremating the body of the deceased before scattering their ashes across the landscape.

In the old days Maslenitsa was for remembrance of the dead. So the burning of the figure of Maslenitsa signifies the deities funeral. But with time the Колóese, longing for fun and entertainment, turned the sad holiday into jolly Maslenitsa with blini (pancakes) - round, yellow and hot as the sun, sledding and horse sleigh riding, fistfights and mother-in-law chatting. The rituals of Maslenitsa are very unusual and interesting because they combine the end of the winter holiday rituals and the opening of new spring festivals and ceremonies, which were to promote a rich harvest.

The Druzhina Cavalry are arguably the heaviest of their kind, the Колóese utilizing them to brutal effect as a powerful shock force that can literally mow down entire enemy formation in a great, thunderous charge. It is this bold resilience that attracts Колóese to Druzhina -- for it is hard not to respect an animal that will continue to bite and slash even when its brain has ceased to function. The Колóese have tried to capture and break the beasts for mounts since they first encountered the Druzhina -- although for centuries every attempt ended in death or crippling injuries for scores of Колóese.

Khanty Cavalry are the strongest of the Колóese who ride the fearsome juggernauts known as Khanty. Khanty Cavalry are a rarer sight than Druzhina Cavalry . This is mostly due to the fact that Khanty are large and ornery beasts, and are thus quite difficult to tame. Even when broken to saddle, the extreme stubbornness and poor eyesight of the Khanty makes it hard to maneuver them on the battlefield with anything remotely resembling accuracy This means that only the toughest and most determined Колóese can do so.

The Nattmara are a feline species of large, pack predators that inhabits the slopes and caves of the northern mountains. They are predatory creatures that hunt down prey in large hunting packs, their body being extremely muscular, covered in thick fur to survive the near inhospitable landscape, and a pair of large gaping fangs that is strong enough to pierce armour or gore their prey. Although the Nattmara are predators, there are some who have been tamed and used by the Колóese as hunting animals, or companions to their masters. They live in packs and can hunt down prey as big as a Mammoth.

A Nøkken are a hulking four-legged beast that strides the glacier-ridden lands of the far north and the northern mountains. It is a primordial creature that has survived since a bygone era, a time when the entire world was sheathed in ice. However, it has not done so unchanged. Over many generations, the warping effects of raw magic has gradually turned the Nøkken into a walking patch of winter. The Nøkken emanates frost, sending out chilling waves of freezing air that lap around its mammoth hide, slowing all who dare approach the great beast. Special clothing and magically powerful riders are required to survive riding these beasts into battle.

Vittra are massive, horned, woolly beasts endemic to the mountains of the north, that the Колóese tame and use in battle. They are massive beasts of muscle and violence, each many times the size of an average cavalry mount and - if it can be believed - several times as dense. Intelligence is of little import to these great beasts however, for each Vittra is quite literally a living fossil, its skeleton hardened by the same rock as the mountains where it makes its home. As legendary as their hardiness is their belligerence; in fact it is said that a Vittra will take any opportunity to headbutt something to death and trample its corpse into paste. Such is its colossal mass that the impact of its charge is like a boulder plummeting from a mountaintop, a deadly combination of weight, momentum and a bad temper.

Giants are not uncommon in Колóмна. They can be found in small villages in the deeper mountains and often prey on humans for food. During times of war however they can be incorporated into an army through payment of food stuffs. They tend to wield large hand weapons and prove very difficult to kill.

Skallagrim are massive, heavily armoured, bears found along the edges of the northern oceans, that the Колóese tame and use in battle. Bristling with heavy blunted claws, sharp teeth, nasty tempers, and capable of incredible violence, each can kill a horse with a single swipe of a massive paw. Raised from cubs, these are among the few non-humanoid residents of the north who are sentient; they can communicate with humans. This intelligence makes them extremely unlikely to allow a rider, though it is not unheard of in Колóese history and lore.

The Principality of Mолоток is the largest and most powerful of the various Колóese states. They cover much of the Western portion of the traditional Колóese territories.

The greatest rival to Mолоток, Varjagŭ holds generous coastal regions and have done well for themselves in foreign trade. The greatest of the Колóese seaports are found here.

One of two middling states at the heart of the Колóese world, the Kŭlbjagŭ region has always produced some of the finest beast masters and monster tamers. While small and few in number, none can argue their impact on the national stage.

Pinned in the centre of everything, tight next door to Kŭlbjagŭ, this region is almost entirely mountainous. The Princes of this region have maintained strong ties with the Yakovia and claim, rightly or wrongly, that they were the only humans never fully conquered by the Muha.

The Dwarven Kingdom associated with Колóмна. Firm allies and traditional suppliers of metals and all things precious, they are in the deepest north of the region. It is rare for one of their kin to be seen beyond the northern mountains, and unheard of them to cross the sea.

A land of rolling hills and generous steppe that ends at jagged rocky shores and the pounding surf of the ocean. This eastern most region is famous for its horse archers, dancers, and fine honey mead. Much of the culture and architecture found throughout Колóмна began here.

A land of islands and savage reefs, it is here that Колóese scholars and mages travel to train and learn. Protected by the reefs, pounding waves, and countless spells, the isolated, and yet stunning, islands make for an ideal and fertile training ground.

Novyye, or "The New Land", is the southern island that fell into Колóese hands over the past hundred years. This new and lush region is still a hot bed of fighting and elven resistance as Колóese troops, fighting under one banner, seek to take complete control of the island. No one Principality rules here, yet.

-Physical Appearance-
Despite variation the races of Zemnalkov, many of them bear similarities in their personal appearance. For instance, most Zemnalkovians, regardless of their race typically have longer hair, with the males commonly wearing the hair on their scalps in buns and topknots while letting the bottom of their hair flow freely. Beards are not entirely common as the only race that can grow a full, thick beard are the Bugbears which is rarely done, as both Gsomvrosians and Anqualan men grow thin beards that result in goatees and sideburns. Despite this, both Anqualan and Gsomvrosian men have thick hair, and Anqualans in particular commonly style their hair into dreads.
-Clothing-
The people of Zamnelkov, while they hold differing cultures in various forms, typically have similar themes to their clothing as with most other things. Much of Zamnelkovian clothing follows the theme of being baggy, long clothing that can be easily wrapped around, and worn in layers. These clothes are typically made from wool, although linen is also commonly used for undergarments, especially by the poorer classes. The Upper classes typically wear wool and velvet. Regardless of gender, typical clothing includes a long tunic which is often layered over other shirts, loose baggy pants, leather shoes or boots, and an overcoat or vest. These vests typically have embroidery and threading on them, a fairly common practice in Zemnalkov. Another common staple of Zemnalkov clothing are cloaks, scarves, and mantles. Bugbears, being covered in much more fur and hair than the other races, typically wear less clothing, and most commonly expose their arms and legs, and being a more warrior oriented people, also typically wear some form of light armor, commonly a leather cuirass or gambeson. For around the waist, Goblins and Bugbears typically will wear leather belts, where as the Anqualan elves and Gsomvrosian Humans will typically wear sashes, which in turn are being adopted fairly quickly by the former, especially their upper classes. Other common accessories come in the form of daggers, which most people carry around both for self defense and as a fashion accessory.
-Cosmetics-
Cosmetics, particularly make up, is a highly sought after industry in Zamnelkov, particularly by the females of both the Kulskiel and Anqualans. Cosmetics in Zemnelkov consists of fairly typical makeup, lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, and anything that can cover up or remove blemishes and imperfections. However one style of cosmetic that is used fairly frequently is the use of paints to draw simple designs and patterns, a tradition adopted from the Anqualans. One of the most popular forms of makeup with this incorporated are the “Anqualan Tears” which are two stripes coming from the lower eyelid and crossing down towards the cheeks, typically the same color used for eyeshadow. Another typical style, usually among Kulskiel females, is a straight line from their hairlines down to their chins in the middle of their face although the color varies.
-Jewelry-
Jewelry is a fairly common sight in Zamnelkov, especially among the Kulskiel and Burvengi, who are a rather vain and greedy people, and love nothing more than to collect material things such as jewelry. As a result, jewelry of all sorts can be found readily among even the common folk, the most popular of which are rings. The materials used, as well as the intricacy varies on the social class of the wearer. Most commoners use iron or silver for their jewelry, which usually are barren of gemstones. The gemstones that are most commonly used however are Garnet, Topaz, Jade, and Amber, with the most cherished gems being Opal and Amethyst, with Opal especially being desired, not only for its beauty but also because of the belief that it is magic in a physical form. Other common types of jewelry are nose piercings of various sorts, and due to the Kulskiel, Burgvengi, and Anqualans all being long eared races, ear jewelry as well that often go beyond simply piercings. As the Kulskiel and Burvengi also have tusks and fangs protruding from their mouths, so it isn't entirely uncommon for jewelry to be present on their tusks as well.
-Hygiene-
The people of Zemnalkov consider themselves fairly civilized, and they view hygiene as an important part of being civilized. That said however, most commoners only truly clean themselves once a week, typically bathing at a local river or heating up a barrel of water to wash themselves in. Wealthier classes typically have bathtubs, with those that can afford servants typically having them fill and heat the bath for them. Within more urban environments however both social classes typically bath more often especially due to the presence of bathhouses which are not only opportunities to clean oneself but also to socialize. Other common hygiene is the use of grooming kits, usually combs and tweezers, made from various materials depending on wealth. The cleaning of teeth, especially among Kulskiel and Burvengi, is fairly popular, especially due to the fact that their tusks and fangs jut out of their mouths.

-Gender Roles-
Zemnalkov is a very much a matriarchal society, stemming from both Zemnal culture and Anqualan culture, with Gsomvrosian culture adopting heavily from Anqualan culture. While there are few laws that separate the genders or restrict them to certain roles, there are many things that are taboo culturally and each gender is expected to act within a certain manner. Women for instance, are held to the stereotype of being capable leaders, intelligent scholars, and skilled craftsmen. Men on the other hand are seen as strong workers and warriors. Gender roles within the household dictate that men are expected to do the cooking and the more physical tasks such as house repair and cleaning, whereas females are expected to do things such as tailoring, bookkeeping, and raising the children. In terms of professions, men are expected to go into more physical fields such as lumbering, mining, farming, building, whereas females are expected to go into more specialist roles such as shopkeeping, tailoring, smithing, carpentry, alchemy and banking. The most notable roles in society that men are very rarely allowed to hold are those of government officials and clergy, unless it is of a faith in which it is necessary for men to hold the title of priest. That said however there are many gender neutral roles within Zamnelkov society, particularly the roles of fishermen, hunters, and soldiers. Both genders are allowed to become soldiers, and there is no real social stigma against either becoming them.
-Burial-
The people of Zemnalkov typically bury their dead rather than cremating them, believing that cremation will damage the spirit of the deceased. In such burials, the deceased are typically wrapped in some form of cloth, which kind being dependant on social class. Poor classes typically wrap their dead in linen while wealthier classes will use velvet, or even silk. These dead are then buried within a coffin and entombed in a cemetery, which are commonly carved out of caves or built underground. Wealthy families will typically build an entire crypt and tomb for their family, so that each generation will eventually be added to the family crypt. The Zamnel try to bury their dead as quickly as possible as they are of the belief that if one leaves a corpse laying above ground, then evil spirits will possess the corpse and raise it as a vengeful undead that will strike at any living creature.
-Festivals and Holidays-
One of the largest holidays practiced in Zemnalkov is the holiday of Sonurasat, which occurs near the end of Autumn, which is a large festival in the center of town where games are played, food and pastries are eaten, and beer and vodka is drunk. This festival usually last for five days and is to celebrate the last harvest before winter, although sometimes local officials and lords will extend it for a few more days if they are wealthy and have the food to spare. Another fairly popular holiday is Idish Padu, although is only celebrated the Kulskiel and Burvengi, as it celebrates the Zamnel conquest of what is now Zamnelkov. This is usually a one day affair where everyone takes a day off and celebrates by drinking and eating finer food, although in the past this holiday used to involve parades and festivals, although these were toned back when it caused anger and unrest in Anqualans and Gsomvrosians.
-Hospitality-
The manner of hospitality experience in Zamnelkov can vary greatly depending on which race one approaches. Kulskiel Goblins are usually quite well mannered, being friendly and inviting to others, especially strangers, as they have an innate desire to socialize, but most importantly to learn about strangers and how best to get something from them in return. For this reason Goblins are fairly open to inviting others into their homes and will readily offer food and drink, and despite Goblin homes being cramped and filled with other Goblins, they will readily offer a bed as well. However, it is not uncommon for strangers who accept such an offer to “loss” a few of their belongings by the time they leave.
Burvengi Bugbears on the other hand are rather indifferent of outsiders, and take a more honorable approach, and will offer food and water to strangers only if asked. They only do these things because it is expected of them, however they can be fairly boisterous and friendly, especially with other bugbears and goblins.
Anqualan Elves are by many considered to be the least friendly; they very rarely offer anything to strangers unless they give something in return or are truly in need. Anqualans are typically reserved and guarded around strangers, and will only really offer good manners once they get to know them and feel comfortable with them being in their communities, in which case they are fairly polite and well mannered.
Gsomvrosians take a great deal after the Anqualan, and are typically reserved in their dealings with strangers although are much quicker to accept people into their communities. They are fairly well mannered and polite and will become friendly and open to others fairly quickly.

-Place in Society-
Religion, while in many places is very important, it isn’t so much in Zamnelkov, at least not politically. Religion very rarely influences politics, and Zamnelkov is a fairly tolerant society when it comes to faith, as it is seen as a more personal matter rather than something that should get involved with the state. Most Zamnelkovians merely pay lip service to their chosen faiths, however the most religious of people can typically be found among the Anqualans, who take their religion of Pericaran fairly seriously.
-View of Priests-
Much like with the view on religion as a whole, Zamnelkovians do not pay too much mind to priests until it is time to attend church, otherwise most of them pass them in the street as they would any other. That said, priests do typically hold a fair among of respect among their laity, and hold enough power that they can organize a church than can support and fund each priest of the faith in the realm.
-View of the Gods-
Gods are seen as more of an afterthought for most Zamnelkovians, something to give lip service to and pray to every now and then, especially in times of desperation, but mostly because of tradition. This is because to most Zemnalkovians the Gods don’t seem to interfere in their day to day activity unless they actively participate in their religion the way priests do. This is not to say that the Zamnelkovians do not respect the gods or have little faith, but rather they don’t waste their time worrying about the gods unless they require something or there until it is a holy day to pay tribute to them.

-The Family Unit-
Zemnalkovian families, especially goblin families, are typically quite large due to higher birth rates. Zemnalkovian families are based mostly around the women of the family and the families themselves are clan based due to their size, with a large family of a few dozen living with each other in the same building or neighborhood. The women in the family, especially the mothers and grandmothers wield the most authority, with the eldest being the most respected. Goblin families specifically are very democratic, due to being born in litters, no one goblin is made an heir or inheritor, but rather the entire litter is, who then most employ a form of democracy in their decision making, although the females of a litter usually get more say. Whoever is voted for will be the leader of the litter, and will typically act as the inheritor or manager of their family’s wealth and property, and it is their litter that will be the heirs. When a family grows too big, the extended branches are expected to move out to another home to establish their own clans.
-Marriage-
Marriage among the Zemnalkovians are fairly typical with the exception of the fact that women are the dominant force in marriages, not only because they are allowed political power and in most circumstances own the property, but also because women are allowed polygomous marriages. Females are allowed multiple husbands, but not vice versa. Marriage is also restricted between the races, although this is more taboo than law, although humans and elves specifically seem to break it more often than others. The reason for marriage can vary, it can be done for love, but it can also be done for financial and political reasons. It is for this reason that intermarrying between different social classes is also typically frowned upon, especially by the upper class.
-Pets-
The most common pets used in Zemnalkov are cats, as Zemnalkovians prefer smaller pets such as cats, small to medium sized dogs, and ferrets. Goblins especially like smaller pets as they are more manageable for them. Cats are especially liked due to their ability to hunt pests, although dogs are more often used as companions, guards, and hunters. Bigger dogs are typically used more for hunting and guarding, and large war dogs are even used as mounts by Goblins.

Slaves are a relatively rare sight within Zemnalkov, as they are seen as unnecessary and by some seen as an evil practice, and are only really purchased by the wealthy who typically use them more as personal servants and assistants within their homes, rather than as cheap labor. Those that do buy slaves en masse for cheap labor are usually seen as desperate or even on the edge of poverty for resorting to slave labor rather than fair and paid skilled labor. Most slaves as a result come from purchasing them from foreign lands, rather than any breeding or raiding programs that other nations might use. However, most Zemnalkovians have an aversion to beastfolk and so rarely make use of them as slaves.

-Kinds of Foods-
Most foods in Zemnalkov are rather hearty and thick foods, most of which make use of potatoes, onions, carrots, beets, and mushrooms. Mushrooms especially are a staple in Zemanlkovian dishes, commonly being used for sauces and in soup. Pork and Beef are the two preferred meats, and are commonly minced and ground for use in other foods or to make meatballs, although various kinds of fish are also popular. Staple Zemnalkovian foods are kebabs which usually uses beef and potatoes, stroganoff which is a thick creamy sauce made from mushrooms and filled with beef that is typically put over other foods such as pasta and rice. Borscht is another popular food, being a beet soup filled with potatoes, onions, carrots, and meats, with another popular soup being potato soup, which is also usually loaded with onions and meat. Two more popular foods are Dumplings and Pirozhki, both of which are made out of dough and filled with minced meat, onions, and mushrooms, with Pirozhki being the larger of the two. More common and less intricate foods are typically various types of bread, steam potatoes and carrots, as well as mashed potatoes.
-Eating Habits-
Zemnalkovian eating habits are based around eating utensils, with a knife and spoon being the two most commonly used tools for eating. Plates and bowls are typically wooden with middle class and upper class families using ceramic and eventually pewter for their wares. However, depending on the food, eating utensils aren’t typically used, especially by poorer families, who will use their hands to eat things such as Pirozhki or kebabs. Bread slices can also typically be used as a plate for solid foods, and is also typically eaten with soup as a makeshift spoon. Zemnalkovian families are typically all over the place when eating, as they can be large, and so they dont bother all sitting at the same table, but will remain in the same room as eating dinner or breakfast is seen as a social gathering. Servants and slaves however are kept separate and away from the family when eating. Guests however are reserved a seat at the main table when invited to eat.

-Music and Dance-

Music is fairly prevalent in Zemnalkov among all races, as it is not something that is restricted, and in fact is played by many people as both a hobby and a profession. It is not unusual to hear many people playing music at festivals, taverns, parties, and even at home. Music comes both in the form of singing and instruments, with most instruments being stringed such as lyres and lutes, with more specific ones being the Gusli and its Qanum counterpart, as well as the Tanbur and Balalaika. Another very common instrument that is used is the jaw harp, due to its small size and ease of transportation. The music that is played is usually quite energetic, as Zemnalkovians like to have fun when playing music and is typically accompanied by dancing. Dance, much like music, is a common sight among Zemnalkovians, and is seen often in taverns and at local events, although the type of dance differs between social classes, with upper classes typically performing slower and more “refined” dances, as wilder more fun dances are seen as wild and uncouth, something the lower classes perform.
-Games and Sports-
Most games and sports are competitive in nature, with many also requiring some form of physical capability. Common sports and games include archery, which is by far the most popular, wrestling, hammer throwing, axe throwing, and games such as football where two opposing teams try to kick a leather ball into another post. Another popular game played mostly by the upper class is the “Palm Game” in which an interior court is used with a net in the middle, in which both opponents will smack a ball onto their opponents court usually with the palm of their hand until their opponent misses. Some versions of this game use rackets instead with a smaller ball. Many of these games are also often open to the public or held in public places for audiences to watch as a source of entertainment.
-Stories-
Story telling doesn’t hold any particular place in the hearts of the Zemnalkovians, especially not the goblins or bugbears, as they are not typically too concerned with the past or made up tales, although do enjoy hearing more fantastical tales from bards and travellers in taverns. Stories seem to be more important to the Anqualan Elves and Gsomvrosian Humans, who use them not just for entertainment but also to impart morals and teachings in them, and so many of their stories often revolve around characters doing something wrong and being punished for it. What really excites people however, especially those outside of the urban areas of cities and towns, are travelers who bear news of the realm and outside of the realm, and so strangers and travellers are typically asked several questions when coming into town.
-Socializing-
Socializing is seen as a very important activity, and is done nearly every day, with many local events often incorporating socialization, especially at festivals and town meetings. Socialization takes place nearly everywhere in Zemnalkov, with more urbanized areas such as cities and towns harboring bath houses which are one of the most popular areas to socialize in, with other popular areas being town squares and taverns. Gossip is one of the favored forms of socialization among Zemnalkovians, although other popular forms involve the hosting of parties and feasts, especially among the middle and upper class who can afford to host such events.
-Performance-
Performance, such as acting, poetry, and acrobatics, are quite prevalent within Zemnalkov although at varying degrees especially based on social class. In urban areas, theaters are common, but these are mostly used by middle to upper class, in which they observe more “cultured” performances such as plays, acting, comedy shows, and poetry. The more common forms of performance however come in the form of street performers and circuses. Circuses are very popular and harbor various sorts of performances, such as acrobatics, juggling, sword swallowing, and animal tricks, with some of the more daring circuses having captured monsters on display.

Due to being a conquered land ruled by foreigners, the people of Zemnalkov dont speak only one language, rather there are two main languages, and a few minor ones spoken by minority ethnic groups. The two main languages are Mogdroma, the language of the Goblins that came with them, and Anqualan, the language of the Anqualan Elves which is also spoken by the Gsomvrosian humans. Both languages are spoken equally although in different contexts. Anqualan is mostly spoken by elves and men, as well as in more rural areas, where as Mogdroma is spoken by the goblinoids and is usually spoken in more urban environments, and as the official language of the government.
-Mogdroma-

The language of the Zemnal Goblinoids, it was originally the language of the Dradark Hobgoblins that had ruled the Zemnal but is now a commonly spoken language among all people of Zemnalkov, which uses it as the official language in all government documents and proclamations, and any one that is in office must be able to speak it fluently. It is a harsh and flemy yet melodic sounding language.
-Anqualan-

The Anqualan language is an old language, and while the majority of Zemnalkov are now goblinoids, the language is still heavily spoken, mostly as a native language by the humans and elves, but also as a second language by the goblins and bugbears, sometimes even as a first language depending on how rural they are. It is a smooth sounding language that makes use of rolling Rs and Xs.
-Varkanian-
Varkanian is primarily the language of the Varkovnian people that are located in the western parts of Zemnalkov, in the region of Semelia. It is its own language, although its written form is based off of Anqualan, and the two langauges have some borrowed words. Due to Zemanlkov also bordering Varkovnia, it is not uncommon for those closer to the border to speak it as a secondary language.

-Wares-
If Zemnalkovian craftsmanship can be summed up into one word, it is extravagance. To Zemnalkovians, displays of wealth translates to power and status, and so much of Zemnalkovian craftsmanship in their wares, whether it be weapons, armor, jewelry, or clothing, is made for appearances, usually made ornate and detailed with precious metals and engravings. This is not to say however that they disregard the functionality of their wares, and in most cases, Zemnalkovians items are sturdy and functional, although it can often be clear that most such items often sacrifice their capability of being considered masterwork or excellent in function, in exchange for aesthetics.
-Architecture-

Zemnalkovian architecture is a mixture of varying different styles, having become a mix of Anqualan, Gsomvrosian, and Kulskiel architectures. However, this mixture has allowed there to be common features on modern buildings, particularly the use of stone and geometric shapes, particularly octagonal shapes for towers and walls, with the use of arches being prevalent. Another prominent feature in their architecture is the use of domes on the top of their towers and roofs, particularly hemispherical and onion domes. Most such buildings are also made for their sturdiness, and one of the most pronounced features of Zemnalkovian architecture, especially those buildings of wealthier families and cities, is their use of color in their bricks and roofing, and most importantly their use of copper and in rare cases even gold to cover their domes.
The architecture of more common buildings such as houses however follow similar principles albeit made from more common materials. In cities and towns, houses are made of stone and take after the stockier builds of wealthier buildings, being sturdy and made to last, although features such as towers and onion domes are typically rare on houses. The more rural a settlement gets, generally the worse or cheaper the construction of houses and public buildings are, using more locally available materials. This means that the more rural areas typically with become making their homes out of wood rather than stone.
Architecture can also vary greatly in terms of what race is living there. Most buildings, particularly homes, while large on the exterior, their interior can be relatively small due to the prevalence of goblin influence, making it uncomfortable or even impossible for larger races to dwell in. More public buildings on the other hand are built to be large both to impress and show wealth, and also to accommodate medium to large races. Another common feature, particularly when goblins and bugbears are involved, is the use of underground and cave homes, where they will dig in or carve out homes into the earth, or even expand downward from their surface homes. With goblins this is most popular, and even more difficult for medium to large sized races to enter due to how cramped and clasutrophobic they can become. This is particularly used in the countryside, which is not only a stylistic choice, but also defensive in nature to ward off invaders larger than the goblins.
-Art-
Art is heavily prevalent in Zemnalkov, as to most it is a sign of wealth and status. The forms of art however is varied, with the most common form of art being sculpting and painting of frescos. Sculpting comes from both Anqualan and Kulskiel influences, as the Anqualans already had a love of stone sculpting and wood carving, and typically carved stone to reflect forestry and trees, while the Kulskiel are already skilled masons and sculptors due to their belief in their religion of Tamashverja, which necessitated they carve statues of their gods. However, painting, particularly frescos has become popular, although are only found in the homes and establishments of the upper class and within government buildings. Paintings on canvas are generally seen as artwork for the middle or even lower class. Most art is made by professional artists, and it is seen as more of a luxury skillset, mostly to be used to make busts of upperclassmen where other cultures would paint portraits to immortalize them.

-Mannerisms-
Zemnalkovians, with the exception of the Anqualan Elves, are a generally expressive people in their movements, typically moving their hands, and heads while conversing with another, although the Anqualan Elves while being restrained with their body movements while speaking. Regardless of this Most Zemnalkovians despite their race will be quite expressive with their voices and laughter, and it is very common for them to imitate the voices of those they are quoting or gossiping about in characterizations. They are also not afraid to stand relatively close to those they speak to, especially among Goblins, and they do not shy away from touching others, usually on the shoulders or arms. It is because of this that Zemnalkovians are not shy about their greetings either, which among strangers typically involves a handshake, or in more formal settings, kissing the hand, while among friends and family, the elder Zemnalkovian will kiss the forehead of their younger counterpart as a sign of the younger’s respect to the elder of the two. This practice was originally Anqualan although has been adopted by all the races of Zemnalkov.
-Value-
Materialism is one of the most accepted parts of Zemnalkovian culture, particularly among the goblins, which often paints them as being excessively greedy. Zemnalkovians are very much possessive of their belongings and theft is taken as a very serious crime, although their greed and desire for more material things means that theft is also the most common crime. This can also translate into territorialism concerning property, and land disputes are fairly common among Zemnalkovians. Currency and jewelry in particular are highly valued, with one of the greatest goals in society is to acquire more of it to both progress in social and financial status.
-View of Outsiders-
The view of outsiders by most citizens is often one of neutrality, as Zemnalkovians don’t particularly care about foreigners nor see any reason to drive them away. At worst they are viewed as strange, alien, and as nuisances, while at best they are seen as potential allies and friends, or people to exploit for either profit or political purposes. This can often paint the view that Zemnalkovians are manipulative and deceptful, which in many cases can be true.
-Goblin Herd Mind-
Kulskiel Goblins are known for a unique psychological trait, sometimes known as Goblin Craze, it is a form of herd mentality in which goblins’ confidence and willingness to take risks increases the more goblins are around them, especially if they are trying to accomplish the same goal. This comes from a sort of strength in numbers mentality, which can often result in Goblins being suicidal in their pursuit to achieve their goals. This can most often be observed in battles, where Goblins will attack their enemies almost relentlessly and willingly sacrifice themselves for the case, as long as there are other goblins around them doing the same thing. Fight a goblin on their own however, and they will quickly run away, as there are no other goblins to bolster their confidence.

Current Baskozh- Veedan Hasmukich
Meaning Chairman, Chancellor, or even Doge, it is the successor title of what was once the Warmaster. The title of Baskozh, much like the Warmaster title, is an elected one, and is the central ruler of the Republic. However, the powers of the Baskozh is limited to foreign and military affairs, holding the responsibility of how the Republics treats with foreign powers, as well as organizing and commanding the military. She is also held responsible for maintaining order and cohesion between the various realms of Zamnelkov. Unlike most other sovereign rulers however, the Baskozh only rules for 10 years, unless re-elected. The Baskozh is also not allowed to meet with or open letters from foreign leaders without members of the Baskoncil and Liga Baninik present, who keep the Baskozh under surveillance. The Baskozh is also paid only moderately, and most of the wealth they wield and display is typically from their already wealthy families, and also from lucrative trade deals. However the treasury from which the Baskozh draws from is from a tithe paid by the Geruktures
Powers-
Holds the power to command and raise armies to defend Zemnalkov and its interests.
Holds the power to assign citizens of Zemnalkov to the Baskoncil, which includes the appointment of Marshals to general the armies of Zemnalkov.
Holds the power to hire mercenary companies such as Kondotyri.
Holds the power to meet and deal with foreign sovereigns and their emissaries.
Holds the power to invest in construction projects across Zemnalkov.
Holds the power to deal with rebellions across Zemnalkov, including Geruks with the majority approval of the Liga Baninik.
Limitations-
Not allowed to become Baskozh, while in office as a Geruk, if so, they must abandon their Gerukture Office to become Baskozh.
Not allowed to hold property or territory in foreign realms.
Not allowed to meet with or open letters from foreign leaders unless in the presence of a Geruk or a representative of the Liga Baninik.
Not allowed to remove a Geruk from office without the unanimous vote of the rest of the Liga Baninik.
-Rule of Election-
A Baskozh is elected every 10 years, after which the prior Baskozh is expected to vacate the office in Pekevdorog with all of their possessions that they brought with them. Only a land owning Goblin or Bugbear is allowed to run for the office, although they do not need to hold any position of office within any of the cities. The actual people who do vote however must also be land holding goblins and bugbears, and elves and humans, or truly any non goblinoid is not permitted a vote. There are no term limits but it is unusual for any one individual to hold office for more than two or three terms.
-Baskoncil-
The Council and bureaucracy of the Baskozh, they are her aids and agents, carrying out her will across the Republic. They are made up of marshals known as Maresals, for military purposes, ministers to aid in the governing of the land and the city of Pekevdorog, and in a less official capacity, spymasters, as well as general advisors. Most of the Baskoncil is appointed by the Baskozh herself, rather than these positions being elected into their positions. They act as her court, and any citizen of Zemnalkov is allowed into the position, even non-goblinoids, which is typically the highest position humans and elves can gain within the republic.

The Liga Baninik is the core ruling body of Zamnelkov, although it is not a united one. The Liga Baninik refers not to a government body, but rather the institution that makes up the federation, the various sovereign realms that have joined Zamnelkov. The Liga Baninik is founded on the simple principle of the mutual benefit militarily and economically for all participating members, although not all realms within Zamnelkov are full member states. It does however have the power to hold meetings and vote on various issues that would affect all members of the Republic. Typically, anything they vote on must have unanimous support of all members. Such voting can be about any aspect of the Republic, whether it be to remove the Baskozh, reform part of the government, or declare wars or blockades against foreign nation when the Baskozh refuses to do so.
-Geruk-
Meaning Duke, or Prince, they are the individual rulers of the member states that make up the federation that is the Republic of Zamnelkov. Much like with the Baskozh, they are a position that is elected into power every 10 years, and can only be voted into power by property owning Goblins and Bugbears, and are typically elected from the more influential families of the ruling city. They hold the authority to dictate laws within their own territories, hire their own mercenaries and city guards, and in times of war, are permitted to raise militias if it is necessary. This can all be done, as long as it does not go against the unity and cohesion of Zamnelkov.
-The Teslencha-
Also known as the Meeting or the Gathering, the Teslencha is one of the most important and cherished parts of government, at least by the common people, as it is the forum in which they make their will known to their Geruks. The Teslencha is a meeting within the town square or town hall, in which the Geruk his court is present, to both listen to and discuss the issue brought up by the people of the city, who gather there to bring forth their ills. This is usually done at least once a month, but the most important part of the Teslencha is the mechanism through which the citizenship can vote, not just on the next Geruk but also on policies and actions that the Geruk must enact. While only land owning Goblins and Bugbears can vote, any one that lives within the city as a citizen can bring forth their opinion or issue, or even motion for a vote to begin.
-Division of Governorship-
Geruktures: Geruktures are the realms within Zamnelkov that are full member states and thus are bound by its laws and responsibilities to the Republic. However they still hold their own local governments that harbors its own laws and customs.
Associates: Associate States are states that are not full members within Zamnelkov and so are not bound to its laws, however likewise they are unable to vote on the Baskozh nor partake in any meetings of the Liga Baninik. Associates are typically states that have allied with one or more Gerukture, which in effect allies them to all of them. However, one important aspect of this arrangement is that the associate must come to the aid of any Zamnelkov Gerukture even if it is not the one they had initially allied. Associate states are also typically expected to become trade partners with Zamnelkov as well. The leaders of these states are usually Geruks, although they are not considered Geruktures in the sense of Zemnalkov’s government
Oblasts: Oblasts are conquered territories and are therefore neither Geruktures or Associates. These states have not yet been fully integrated into Zamnelkov, and are jointly ruled by at least three Geruks from Geruktures, which rotates every five years.

While Zemnalkov is a federation of various governments and city states that are able to determine their own laws within their borders, there are various common laws that have been set and voted on by the Liga Baninik. Most common laws are fairly standard across most realms, such as no killing, stealing, raping, or fraud. Most other common laws however have more to do with the Liga Baninik and the Baskozh, rather than laws pertaining to the common citizen. For instance there are the laws that forbid a Gerukture from leaving the federation that is Zemnalkov unless the Liga Baninik is in unanimous support of them leaving, while five judges are present to determine whether the Geruture is leaving under the proper legal reasonings.
-Justice System-
The Zemnalkovian justice system revolves around the use of judges in trials. They take place in Justice Halls, usually a court within an urban settlement such as a city or town, and dependent on how large or powerful the city is, it can be its own independent building or part of the town hall. Within these courts will be five judges, who most often are either goblins or bugbears but in some rare cases have humans or elves among them. These five judges will hold trials where they will examine all the available evidence against the accused to determine their guilt or innocence. However, rural towns and villages very rarely have such a court, and so must often transport their criminals to the nearest settlement that does to be judged. This can be a long and arduous process, bringing the criminal, the evidence, and witnesses to these courts, so it is also common for the nearest judges to travel to the village of the crime instead. However, due to the fact that most Judges are goblinoids, most human or elven settlements will often not report these crimes and will settle them themselves, both out of fear that the goblinoids will judge them poorly and unfairly but also in the case that the accused is a goblinoid and receive lenient punishment. These fears are not unfounded as such things do happen on occasion. Common punishments typically involve imprisonment, confiscation of property, outlawing, or exile, sometimes all of them or some of them. Punishments like torture and mutilation are also commonly used, especially against crimes committed against the government.
-Magic Laws-
Magic is not necessarily a restricted art nor is it viewed with fear or superstition, but rather it is seen as a science that makes ones heavily privileged. That being said however, the Zemnalkovian governments recognize that innate power and threat that comes from magic, and so ensure there are certain laws in place to ensure it will not be easily abused. One such law, for instance, is that any crime committed with the use of magic will be punished twice as harshly as some one not using magic. Often times this can result in execution or long term imprisonment, in which case the prisoners are often gagged or in more extreme cases have their tongue removed to avoid spell casting. No one in Zemnalkov is particularly forbidden from casting spells or using magic, although due to the rarity of it and the power it brings, spellcasters must be registered with one of the arcane universities, so that the government can keep better track of them. Those that are found casting magic and not registered almost always have their tongues removed and are flogged.

-Citizenship-
Citizenship within Zemnalkov is one that requires a great deal of paperwork, which is fortunate due to the amount of bureaucracy present. Citizenship is awarded to all that have been born in Zemnalkov, although there are varying forms of citizenship that one can bear, ranking from First Citizen, Second Citizen, Third Citizen, and Slave. Citizenship was proven in a variety of manners, most typically through reputation and relationships. For instance, the daughter of a First Citizen would very clearly be a First Citizen, and would be known to be such by her community. Each Gerukture also takes a census every five years, which they also use to record everyone’s citizenship, which in turn is given to the Baskoncil in their use to determine citizenship on a national level. The use of birth certificates is also prevalent and used by the government, albeit is optional for parents, but if they do sign up for a certificate it must be within 30 days of the newborn’s birth. One can also request a citizenship grant, which is a small seal that proves the holder’s citizenship. The penalty for fraud in citizenship is often death due to how serious the Zemnalkovian take their citizenship.
-Rights and Responsibilities of First Citizens-
First Citizens are the people that have true citizenship, being fully capable of voting and participating in all levels of government within Zemnalkov. However, the caveat is that only land or property owning goblins and bugbears are allowed to be First Citizens, and they are expected to learn how to read and right and in many cases required to participate in government. While many First Citizens are upper class in status, not all first citizens are, most being middle class, with some being lower class.
-Rights and Responsibilities of the Second Citizens-
Second Citizens are Goblins and Bugbears that do not own land or property, but also humans and elves that are property owning, typically landed nobility. They are not permitted to vote in the elections, although they are allowed to participate and vote in the Teslencha, and are also allowed to participate in most forms of government, being able to pick up lower offices and in some rare occasions higher offices.
-Rights and Responsibilities of Third Citizens-
Third Citizenship is limited to Humans and Elves that are not land owners, but also to goblins and bugbears that have been shamed and disowned, typically because they are convicted criminals or are unable to prove their citizenship of higher levels. It is typically this level of citizenship that foreigners gain when they apply for citizenship in Zemnalkov, which often requires they live in the same city for at least five years and pledge their loyalties to the city and then Zemnalkov. Third Citizens are not allowed to vote in elections or in the Teslencha, although they are allowed to attend the Teslencha and bring forth issues and ideas. They are also allowed to attain lower offices in government but never allowed higher offices until they achieve Second Citizenship. Third Citizens are not allowed to own or carry weapons larger than a dagger unless granted permission by a Marshal, often in the form of a deed.
-Rights and Responsibilities of Slaves-
Slaves are the lowest class in Zemnalkov although are typically a rare sight. They have no rights to any form of elections or participation in government other than acting as servants and aides to government officials. That said however slaves in Zemnalkov enjoy a fair amount of rights that protect them, such as their owners being unable to kill or abuse their slaves, or even steal any items the slave might own. Slaves are expected to be paid a small wage for their work and must be clothed, housed, and fed by their owner. Should a slave misbehave or refuse to work, their owner can bring forth and accusation to the court where they will decide if the slave has been lazy or disobedient, and if found guilty the master has permission to punish the slave, which can range from a simple beating to cutting down their food supply to even imprisonment.
-Ownership of Property-
Property in Zemnalkov is any item that can be purchased, inherited, or potentially sold, and the Zemnalkovians are a very materialistic people and so they hold their property dear to them. That said, anything that is property in Zemnalkov is available for purchase, and there are very few items that are banned or illegal. Ownership of weapons is prevalent and there are no weapons that are necessarily illegal, other than Third Citizens and Slaves not permitted to own weapons larger than daggers unless approved by a Marshal. However, more important properties, like land, buildings, ships, and businesses are required to have a deed of sale and sufficient paperwork to show that the person that has purchased them does indeed own them.
-Gender Rights-
There are few laws that forbid certain genders from doing certain things, however there are plenty of taboos, particularly since Zemnalkovian culture is primarily Matriarchal. For instance, while there are no real laws forbidding males from running for government office or owning businesses, it is heavily frowned upon and the establishment will commonly try to halt any attempts. The females also typically have all property and political influence transfered over to them when they are married to a male that would have such things.

Also known as the Federal Army, it is both the standing army, and the navy of Zemnalkov. It is not under the control of the Geruks, but under the control of the Baskozh and her generals, the Maresals. The Ormiya is responsible of the defense of Zemnalkov and is broken apart into various smaller armies led by the Maresals so that they can more easily cover Zemnalkovian territory or garrison cities and keeps. When they need to be mobilized for war however they will meet and the most senior of the Maresals will lead the entire army while the lesser ones will serve as captains for their companies.
-Recruitment and training-
The vast majority of recruits for the Federsiya Ormiya are Goblins and Bugbears, with most Goblins being volunteers from the cities, although many goblins are also often conscripted from the countryside in times of need. Most volunteers are enlisted a foot soldiers, with only wealthier goblins that are able to afford their own equipment and animals being enlisted as elites. Bugbears on the other hand are typically born into the army as a sort of warrior class, being raised from childhood by their parents to be warriors. Because of this, they are typically among the more elite warriors, and given equipment by the Federsiya Ormiya. Other races such as humans and elves do not typically join the Federsiya Ormiya, due to not being allowed to, although the higher one’s status, the more likely they are allowed to enlist.
-Payment-
The soldiers of the Federsiya Ormiya are salaried meaning that they receive payment of coin. This payment comes bi-annually, so twice a year, with the wage usually being moderate, although the amount of payment varies on one’s rank or unit type. For instance, soldiers from wealthier families are paid more due to the maintenance of their equipment being higher.
-Units-

The various mercenary companies found throughout Zemnalkov, they are commonly used throughout the realm, often being hired by individual Geruktures to be the armies and guardsmen of the various city states, as well as smaller companies being hired by the individual families as house guards. However in times of war they are hired to supplement the Federsiya Ormiya. It is also fairly common for Kondotyeri to travel to other lands to offer their services.
-Recruitment and training-
Recruitment into a Kondotyeri company varies company to company, although most of them are no different from businesses or other career choices where their recruits voluntarily join the company in exchange for the promise of profit. Most companies give their recruits moderate training, as to most it is simply a job as most companies end up taking contracts for guard duty for the cities or for wealthy families. Unlike with the Ormiya, the Kondotyeri companies are not shy about hiring any race that is willing to join them, and so commonly will have all races of Zemnalkov in their forces.
-Payment-
Kondotyeri companies are paid by their captains, who set their wages, and who are in turn paid by their employers and contractors. Typically these companies are paid in coin, although the wages can vary from company to company. Some pay better than the Federsiya Ormiya, some pay worse, some only pay with the prospect of looting and raiding, while others turn to little more than banditry or thievery.
-Units-

The Soytifna are the various auxiliary forces within Zemnalkov that commonly supplment the Federsiya Ormiya in times or war, or are the local militias and guards of villages and towns outside of the cities. Most often they are the are militias and knights of the Gsomvrosian Humans and Anqualan Elves, typically remnants of the days before the Zemnal Goblinoids conquered what was once Anqualith. The Anqualans in particular have maintained most of their armories and martial arts, that they typically train to their own prospective warriors. Much in the same way, the Gsomvrosians have maintained the tradition of Knights amongst their nobility, a tradition adopted from the Olmans when they had ruled over the Gsomvrosians. These traditions and warriors are tolerated by the Zemnal rulers due to them filling niches that the Federsiya Ormiya does not.
-Recruitment and training-
Recruitment and training varies among the Anqualans and Gsomvrosians, however most of them
-Payment-

-Units-

Tamashverja, also known as the Stone Faith, or the Stone God Belief, is the primarily religion brought over by the Kulskiel and Barvengi. It is a primarily totemist pagan religion, that believes in the Stone Gods, an endless horde of disembodied spirits or gods that cannot take form or interact with the world unless they are bound to a physical being. In the case of the Tamashverites, they believe that by carving a large stone into a totem of sort will attract and awaken these spirits into gods, thus giving them consciousness and names. This means that each city, town, and village has their own unique gods, and no one priest knows all of the gods, however there are popular gods who will have totems carved in the image of the first totem, which the Tamashverites believe will extend their spirit to the new totem as well. Because of this, Tamashverja bases itself around cults, with each settlement having a cult to a certain god. Tamashverja is also a syncretic religion, and they will readily adopt foreign gods into their pantheons, as they view their teachings as just being peculiar to that specific deity or deities.
=Deities=

=Afterlife=

Pericaran is the religion that worships the deity Pericar, the god of nature, and was primarily worshipped by the Anqualan elves, although has since spread to the Gsomvrosians and to the Kulskiel and Burvengi. It comes in two schools of thought, however, both considering each other heresies. First is Orthodox Pericaran, the original, and Sravdan Pericaran, also known as Sravdanism, which was adopted when the Anqualans were conquered by the Muhakim. Both have core tenants that both believe, primarily that one must respect nature and its danger and beauty, as well as being self reliant and strong, that one should be capable of hunting and surviving on their own, as well as moderation, as taking too much from the land can damage it. They also shun otherworldly things such as demons and to a lesser extent angels, viewing them as unnatural, which can at times extend to magic users. Orthodox Pericarans however believe that the followers of Pericar should be in harmony with nature and never to dominate it, and so believe they should live more rural lives, and that cities and civilization are against Pericar’s will.
=Deities=

=Afterlife=

=Fauna=

Lycanthropes- Lycanthropes, also known as the beast cursed, or weremen, are creatures that are half man half beast, with a devious bloodlust and desire to devour humanoid flesh above that or animals. No one quite knows where they come from, or whether the first Lycanthrope was first a Lycanthrope that spread its curse, or a human that was made into a Lycanthrope. They are one of the most common forms of monster found throughout Zemnalkov, and come in many forms, such as WereRats, WereBears, WereBats, WereCats, and, the most common and feared of them all, the WereWolf. There are considered to be two types of Lycanthropes, True Lycanthropes, and Cursed Lycanthropes. Cursed Lycanthropes are those afflicted by the curse, and may not even be aware they have been cursed, but change to their monstrous form during certain times, such as full moons, and lose all control of themselves, often plaguing their home villages. True Lycanthropes however, are those born into the curse, and are fully aware of it and are in full control of when they change shape. However, the curse afflicts them differently, as their mind is that of the beast no matter the form, making them insidious and bloodthirsty creatures that will trick and infiltrate groups and communities to better hunt their prey.
Barghests- Believed to have come to Eae’t along with the Zemnal Goblins, the Barghests, much like Lycanthropes, are insidious creatures that are known for their shape shifting abilities, although the Barghests hold much greater control over their power. Their natural form is that of large black furred wolves or hounds, although they are capable of changing shape to that of a humanoid of their choosing, and are experts at infiltrating humanoid societies and masquerading as them. The greatest threat they pose however comes from their ability to pick up traits from those they devour, which often leads them to devour specific targets, usually great warriors, heroes, leaders, or in some cases mages, which grants them their power and knowledge over magic. It is their ability to gain the power and skills of their prey that makes the Barghest one of the most dangerous monsters.
Rusalka-
Wendigoes-
Skin Walkers-
Blifher-
Dryads-

=Flora=

=Fauna=
Werewolves-
=Flora=

-Pekevdorog-
Also known as the city of Copper, it is the acting capital of the Zemnalkov republic both because it holds the palace of the Baskozh, and the Hall of the Liga Baninik, where the Geruks of the Republic hold their meetings. It also harbors the palace and castle of the Geruk of Pekevdorog, as the city remains its own Gerukture despite the presence of the Baskozh. Pekevdorog was the first city of the Zemnal Goblinoids, having been built upon the ruins of the Anqualan city of Altavasium, which was abandoned in the region due to the popularity of Orthodox Pericaran causing the elves to leave. Since then the Goblins have incorporated the ruins into their own city, often repairing the more impressive buildings, and eventually adding their own with their own architecture. It is known as the copper city due to the amount of copper that has been used in the roofs and domes of the wealthier districts, giving the city a copper shine from a distance.

-Agriculture-
Zemnalkov has a fairly successful agricultural industry that is fully capable of feeding is population, growing a variety of crops, that are mostly food crops. The most common of these crops are potatoes, carrots, cabbages, and onions, although beets and mushrooms are also commonly grown. Wheat and Rye is also grown, although it is predominantly grown in the region of Krenirelvka due to the warmer and flatter climate, and so the grain must usually be shipped across Zemnalkov. Rice is also grown to a lesser extent, although this is only really grown in the wet environments of Gsokevnia, which is also in turn shipped across Zemnalkov, although mostly remains in Gsokevnia as a local food.
-Domestication and Herding-
There are many domesticated animals within Zemnalkov although most of them are farm animals used for various things. The most common farm animal is the sheep, although they are primarily used for their wool rather than their meat. Likewise, chickens are also common but are very rarely eaten as they are mostly used for their eggs, and only wealthier people eat chicken regularly as a sign of social status. Pigs and cows on the other hand are commonly used for meat, although cows are also used for their milk and thus also cheese. Other animals, particularly dogs and cats are also heavily domesticated, with cats being used as both companion animals and as pest control. Dogs are used for companions, but more commonly are used as guard or hunting animals, with the Sobatak breed being used as both warhounds and as mounts by Goblins.
-Hunting-

-Harvesting-

-Production-

=Guild and Company Rights=

=Main Exports=
Lumber-
Wool-
Fur-
Textiles-
Dyes-
Honey-
Salt-
Paper-
Iron-
Silver-
Tin-
Gemstones-
-Specialized Resources-
Zemnal Velvet-
Sobatak Dogs-
Anqualan Vodka-
Weapons and Armor-
=Main Imports=
Gold-
Jewelry-
Spices-
Silk-
Sugar-
Wine-
Glass-
Coal-
Marble-
Copper-
Ivory-
Gemstones-
=Trade Laws=

Appearance Here(Optional)
Birthdate- 965
Race- Kulskiel Goblin
Sex- Female
Occupation- Baskozh of the Zemnalkov Republic, Magister of the Artzvol Academy
Background-
An accomplished Sorceress of the Haskumich family, Veedan Haskumich is a native of the city of Artzvol where her family enrolled her in the Artzvol Academy, where she studied various magical subjects, particularly monsters, which has always been something of interest to her. Her speciality with monsters and her family’s banking experience allowed her to successfully be voted as Baskozh in 996, to tackle the growing monster problem as well as revitalize the Baskozh’s treasury. She is said to be humble and determined, as well as wise beyond her years. However, rumor has it that she that she performs cruel and sadistic experiments on monsters and beasts alike, and she has been known to dull out harsh punishments on criminals.

Appearance Here(Optional)
Birthdate- 974
Race- Burvengi Bugbear
Sex- Female
Occupation- High Maresal of the Federsiya Ormiya
Background-
The closest friend of Baskozh Veedan Hasmukich, she is also her most efficient enforcer and put in place as High Maresal to continue her loyalty to the Baskozh in a more official capacity. She was once a monster hunter, and was frequently hired by Veedan to capture monsters for her research, although this relationship has since turned her into her bodyguard and closest military advisor. While she is certainly cunning and skilled in battle, many claim that she is also an imbecile in any matter outside of it.

Appearance Here(Optional)
Birthdate- 969
Race- Kulskiel Goblin
Sex- Male
Occupation- Minister of Secrets
Background-
Husband of Baskozh Veedan Hasmukich, he was a treasure hunter who fancied Veedan and so would commonly shower her with treasures, primarily jewelry he had found. This eventually turned into a more serious relationship when she sent Aldawu out to find more magical items, and his usefulness to her has seen to it that he was made Minister of Secrets, essentially a spymaster, and archivist.

Appearance Here(Optional)
Birthdate- 947
Race- Kulskiel Goblin
Sex- Female
Occupation- Geruk of Pekevdorog
Background-