The southern reaches are a wild land with deep history and cultures.
REGIONS OF THE SOUTH
The Hegemonic Colony of Viana
Militaristic Former Colony of Kalrua
Alignment: LN
Banner: A burning phoenix on a field of blue.
Capital: Viana (9,280)
Notable Settlements: Kalabata (8,620)
Ruler: Baron Zivko Kantrovich (military leader)
Government: Militaristic aristocratic council (Circle of Swords)
General Bolek Warskinov (military leader)
Languages: Common (Nomen), Toldan
Religion: Eastern pantheon, Selicean pantheon
The people of Viana are a two-tiered society. There are those who descend from the former colonial powers of Kalrua, that once ruled these lands. Then there is the under-culture of Seliceans that toil in the fields and perform the majority of the labor. In the capitol city of Viana, there are about 3000 Kalruan descendants compared to over 5000 Seliceans from the local indigenous tribes. In the city of Kalabata, there are over 7500 Seliceans, compared to only about 700 colonists that rule over them. There has always been a tense relationship between the former conquerors of the region and the Seliceans that have dwelt in the region since the Xaya people claimed these lands over two millennia ago.
Viana was once a colony of Kalrua. The colony was founded as a new economic hub for the growing power over a century ago. During the rise of Bael’s religion and Kalrua’s growing devotion to law and human supremacy, criminals and unwanted occupants of Kalrua were often shipped off to Viana as indentured servants to the colonial masters. Others came to Viana to pursue land and wealth on their own, taking advantage of the numerous slaves and cheap land to enrich themselves.
Slavery was once a predominate institutional structure in Viana. Whether an indentured servant from the north, or a Selicean tribes-person captured and subdued by the Viana military, slaves were common in the early days of the colony. When Viana declared independence from Kalrua, during the War of the Devils (about 50 years ago), Kalrua sent a military contingent to recapture the colony. In order to defend their homeland, the Viana government promised to free all the slaves as long as they would help defend the colony from recapture. The colony successfully defended itself from Kalrua’s retaliation. However, after the war ended, most Seliceans found themselves bound by economic slavery in the form of debts and share-cropping structures that kept them from prospering. That two-tiered, racially-based structure still exists to this day.
Outside of the cities, there are numerous plantations and cash-crop farms. Since slavery has been abolished, these farms now rely on share-cropping structures that keep the Selicean farmers working the land for the Kalrua-descended plantation masters and landowners.
In the wild lands, outside of the farms and plantations, there are thick jungles and trackless swamps. In these lands, there are still indigenous Selicean tribes that either maintain a hunter-gatherer or small farming society. The ancient Xaya Empire once spanned throughout the southern jungles and ruins of the once great empire can be found hidden in the thick jungles. The city of Kalabata is in fact built upon many ruined structures of the Xaya people. These ruins often attract historians and adventurers, many who wish to be the next famous explorer who discovers another missing piece of the Xaya culture.
There are many Selicean tribes in the region near Viana. Those that have been conquered by the Viana military are typically of the Ijo or Zenja tribes.
The Ijo are a tribe of Selicean/Xaya ancestry that live along the western coast of the Dragon Peninsula. They are a friendly people that hold strong to old Selicean religious traditions. Many of the Ijo people have been absorbed into the colonial power-structure of Viana, however there are still various groups that remain untangled by the outsider culture and live in traditional ways long the coasts north of Viana.
The Zenja are the most numerous tribes-people seen in and around Viana. Most of the share-croppers and laborers of the colony are of Zenja descent. Researchers estimate that there are many more Zenja-related tribes scattered throughout the jungles surrounding Viana. The Zenja are at constant threat of the nearby Zali.
The Zali tribes are the most war-like and dangerous of the Selicean people on the Dragon Peninsula. They worship dark gods and typically wear demon-shaped masks as they raid and attack all along Viana’s eastern border. The Viana military is ever vigilant about Zali attacks, especially since rumors have surfaced that the disparate Zali tribes are banding together to form a larger enclave.
The Free-City of Kulderon
Independent City in a Dormant Volcano Caldera
Alignment: NG
Banner: A watchful eye wreathed in orange flames on a field of blue.
Capital: Kulderon (6500)
Notable Settlements: Kingfisher Hollow (2700), Redgorge (620), Hollowsky (460).
Ruler: Town Council
Government: Half aristocratic, half democratically-elected council
Languages: Common (Nomen)
Religion: Eastern pantheon, Selicean pantheon
The city of Kulderon has a long history of independence. It was founded by people from Goldwall long ago and is a powerful, economically important city due to the highly varied altitudes surrounding the city, from the mountains, highland hills, and the jungles and swamps in the lowlands. The city exports numerous agricultural products that can be found no where else on Ularin. Kuldron maintains a long trade road down through the Dragon Peaks that eventually passes through the Firemyst Jungles and meets up with Viana.
The city of Kulderon finds itself in a dangerous area, as the demon-infested basin known as the Demonscar is nearby. And, more recently, the city of Kulderon was nearly destroyed by an unworldly power when the volcano underneath the city came to life and demodands from the hellish landscape of Carceri descended upon the city. Now the caldera of Kulderon is shattered and the lake at the center of the city has been reduced to a noxious pond. Thankfully, a mercenary army known as the Eternal Embers guard the region from internal and external threats in conjunction with a knightly order of Solarus, known as the Order of the Silver Dragon.
The Shining Coasts of Migara
Three Rival Trade Kingdoms of the Inner Sea
Alignment: N
Banner: Three crowns on a red, white, and green striped flag.
Capitol: Toscona (Lg. City, pop. 14,600); Elmo (Lg. City, pop. 10,540); Rizzi (Lg. City, pop. 12,450)
Notable Settlements: Enetal, Tegoia, Altedo, Gesso, Zagaria, Baseglia.
Ruler: King Jollan Cesoni (Mocaria); King Serlo Ballessi (Pietro); King Delinni Vitto (Farsa)
Government: Monarchy with Aristocratic merchant council
Languages: Common (Nomen)
Religion: Eastern pantheon, Selicean pantheon
The three kingdoms of Migara: Mocaria, Pietro, and Farsa each control a strip of land from the coast to the mountains with settlements primarily near the sea. The sea ports of Migara are said to possess some of the most beautiful beaches in Ularin. The warm winds of the Inner Sea keep the temperature in Migara warm and pleasant. The climate is typically sunny and dry most of the year, which allows the region to produce some of the best wine in the known world. The kingdoms also produce much of the fruits and nuts of the eastern kingdoms, with trade networks that reach all the way to Hopesdawn.
The city of Rizzi is perhaps the most famous travel destination. The beautiful city is built on a series of canals along the coast. Additionally, with its perfect white beaches, a large colosseum with frequent gladiatorial games, regulated and legalized prostitution and gambling, and more taverns and game halls than one can imagine, Rizzi is considered the place for entertainment by the affluent and travelling merchants.
The Wild Kingdom of Loyolla
War-torn Wilderness Nation
Alignment: CG
Banner: Longbow on a dark green flag.
Capital: Pensberg (7600)
Notable Settlements: Divol, Berstrand, Boiray, Servel, Poretta, Brindinford.
Ruler: King Dalik Pendragon
Government: Council of regional barons with weak monarchy.
Languages: Common (Nomen)
Religion: Eastern pantheon
Loyolla has always been a wild country. While the Nomenir built roads through the wild lands during the height of their empire, they did little to settle the surrounding region. The Toldan people of Loyolla formed numerous small baronies and kingdoms over the years after the fall of the Nomen Empire. The wild kingdom is loosely governed by the rule of the Pendragon family, better known for Draken Pendragon who started the Crusades into the Holy Land centuries ago that later culminated in the formation of the nation of Korenell. These days the Pendragons have little power, as regional barons maintain strong local control over their lands.
The primary export of Loyolla is prime timber from the western forests. The people of Loyolla are known as skilled woodsmen, hunters, and trackers. The expansive Wildren Forests are home to numerous wild game animals and interesting wildlife. The gnolls of nearby Gogrin wage a constant war against the settlements on the western edge of Loyolla. The Rangers of Loyolla, a band of woodsmen and archers, protect the western border from the gnolls and monsters that come down from the mountains.
The Loyollans also must ever be on guard for their northern border. During the War of the Devils, the Kalruan armies marched into Loyolla and razed numerous border villages. The city of Brindonford was besieged, but managed to hold out during the war. When the War of Devils finally ended, Loyolla received a wave of migrants who wished to flee to devilish hierarchy of Bael’s new nation.
The people of Loyolla have a mostly Toldan heritage, but their culture emphasizes personal freedom over societal order and is less legally restrictive compared to the more feudalistic nations of the north.
The Pirates of the Fire Islands
Volcanic Archipelago ruled by Pirate Lords
Alignment: CN
Banner: Skull on a black and white flag.
Capital: Manzano (4500)
Ruler: Council of Free Pirates
Government: Council of pirate lords
Languages: Common (Nomen), Selicean
Religion: Selicean pantheon, Eastern pantheon
The Free Pirates of the Fire Islands is a loose federation of smugglers, pirates, and thieves. These raiders prey on the many trade routes of the inner sea. The history of the Fire Islands is largely unknown, but numerous Xaya ruins are known to dominate the landscape, suggesting that the Xayan Empire once held sway there. Now these islands are ruled by fierce pirate lords who form a loose federation in order to protect their ill-gotten wealth and status.