[center][img]https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcQC728MDKBx_YsZsS8sD2CQdeApuQcSeCYg1jWBVch9H4y86_1Z[/img] [color=DarkMagenta][h3]Second Rhaetian Republic (Rhaetia)[/h3][/color][/center] [color=DarkMagenta][b]Quick Description:[/b][/color] Rhaetia is a complicated landscape of diverse geography and bloody history. From the fertile southern plains and plentiful sea, to the towering wooded peaks of the north. Throughout the land are heavily fortified towns and villages, always located in strategically important locations atop bluffs or straddling vital river crossings. Various districts are governed by a senate of elected officials who can hold their office for no more than four years. It is an ancient land peopled by a relatively modern race born of the forced union of Arkonian soldiers and the now virtually extinct local Orcish population. [color=DarkMagenta][b]The 3rd Rebellion:[/b][/color] Rhaetia sided with the Crown during the 3rd Rebellion. [color=DarkMagenta][b]Population/Races:[/b][/color] The dominant species in Rhaetia are the Ruline, a hybrid species created following the First Rebellion in which Arkon soldiers crushed local Orcish tribes that had risen against the King from Beyond the Sea. The Orcs that survived were enslaved and became little more than strong backs and breeding stock. From this strange union came the Ruline; strongly built humanoids with green, almost red-tinged, scaly skin and notable jet black hair. The Ruline can grow no facial hair. There are still a few Orcish tribes clinging to the deep mountains but their numbers dwindle every year. Arkronians, Avan, and Humans are represented in small numbers, usually as diplomats, merchants, or as skilled tradesfolk. [color=DarkMagenta][b]Culture/Society:[/b][/color] Rhaetians are well known for their horsemanship, celebrations, and desire to enjoy every meal like it was their last. Much of their culture revolves around horses, which were introduced by the invading Arkronian forces. Breeding, training, and owning horses is a integral part of Rhaetian society and even the poorest home is likely to own at least one horse that can compete in local events or carry a soldier to battle. For the best riders there is fame and fortune to be had. Rhaetians build a house around a garden, not the other way around. Great care is taken to ensure their homes are beautiful, well built, inviting and tranquil. Gardens are everywhere, as are elaborate water features that help calm the mind and cleanse the spirit. Music and dance is often taken for granted, but Rhaetians are famous for their elaborate dances, brightly coloured costumes, and wide range of musical instruments. The guitar is the most popular and the best musicians and bards are fetted and celebrated for their skill. Rhaetians can be accused of eating simply to have a conversation. Major meals are taken twice daily and can last several hours; they are a very engaged affair and those who share a table will discuss anything and everything. Food is often simple but delicious and comes when it is ready, forcing everyone to share dishes among the group, thus encouraging more participation among guests. [color=DarkMagenta][b]Religion:[/b][/color] There is no notable faith among the Rhaetian people. The state itself recognizes no official religion and allows its citizens to worship as they wish, providing it does not disturb the order of things. [color=DarkMagenta][b]History:[/b][/color] The dominant species in Rhaetia are the Ruline, a hybrid species created following the First Rebellion in which Arkon soldiers crushed the local Orcish tribes that has risen against the King from Beyond the Sea. The Orcs that survived were enslaved and became little more than strong backs and breeding stock. As four hundred years passed, the Ruline spread out across Rhaetia, slowly replacing the Arkronians as the dominant race. It was during the Second Rebellion that the Ruline became the dominant race when the King stripped every Arkronian he could find from the region to fill the ranks of his army. By this time the Ruline, widely referred to as Rhaetians, had established themselves as excellent horsemen and were called upon to provide light horse archers and scouts to the Kings army. They did so with skill and distinction, so much so that when the Century of Chaos finally came to and end, the King rewarded the Rhaetians with their own nation. The First Rhaetian Republic was a mitigated disaster as the fledgling state attempted to rule itself even as thousands of young men returned from the wars. The senators at the time were those who had remained home and gotten rich; their laws and policies aimed at protecting what they had gained. The Second Rhaetian Republic was born in a twenty four hours of blood letting when veterans stormed the senate, slaughtered the senators, and proclaimed a new government. There were hiccups along the of course, but with time the Republic managed to find its legs and several generations later entered the Third Rebellion as a loyal vassal of the crown. [color=DarkMagenta][b]Government:[/b][/color] Republic, controlled by a Senate whose head is known as the First Consul. [color=DarkMagenta][b]Economy:[/b][/color] Agrarian [color=DarkMagenta][b]Military:[/b][/color] Every Rhaetian youth is expected to learn how to ride and fight from horseback. There is no standing army, nor core of professional soldiers, but in times of war, every able bodied Rhaetian can be called upon to form an impressive horde of light horsemen. Vulnerable to sustained close contact with heavily armed knights or infantry, they rely on their mobility and speed to wear down and destroy an enemy. The Third Rebellion actually led to the first Rhaetians integrating with the Arkronian siege train. Rhaetian armies can now be found operating mobile siege weapons in the form of chariots and battle wagons. These are relatively knew since the Third Rebellion but are becoming increasingly popular among those folk who have little or no skill fighting on horseback. [color=DarkMagenta][b]Territory:[/b][/color] See the map [color=DarkMagenta][b]Factions:[/b][/color] This feels like something I should hold off for when the RP starts and as I write them in. [color=DarkMagenta][b]Characters:[/b][/color] This feels like something I should hold off for when the RP starts and as I write them in.