Nations of Gosusia
There are three nations located along the River Vorn in Gosusia.
Full List of Nations
Corranach
Corranach is a nation situated in the central region of Gosusia, along the banks of the River Vorn. The people of Corranach are hardy and determined, known for their resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the constant pressure from the Agh Maw orcs to the south, the humans of Corranach have managed to hold their ground, defending their territory fiercely against the orcish threat.
The nation of Corranach is ruled by a monarchy, with a king or queen as the head of state in their capital city of Innisdior. The current ruler, Queen Eirlys, is well-loved by her people for her strong leadership and dedication to protecting her nation. The human settlements in Corranach are primarily agrarian, with a focus on farming and fishing to sustain the population. The people of Corranach have also developed a thriving trade economy, exchanging goods with the neighbouring nations of Elaurra and Steinhallr.
Corranach has a rich cultural history, with a love for storytelling and music deeply ingrained in its people. The nation is known for its bards and minstrels, who travel from town to town entertaining the locals with tales of heroes and legends. The people of Corranach also have a strong tradition of swordsmanship, with many young men and women training to become skilled warriors in order to defend their homeland from the orcish threat. Despite the constant danger, the people of Corranach remain hopeful, believing that their determination and strength will see them through any challenge that comes their way.
However, tensions between Corranach and Elaurra have been rising as the Agh Maw Orcs continue to exert pressure on the humans in the south. Corranach has been forced to cede territory to the orcs and move some of their people further north, putting a strain on their resources and economy. The humans have been seeking aid or even land from Elaurra, located to the north of Corranach across the River Vorn. However, the elves have been hesitant to provide assistance, viewing the humans' troubles as a result of their own greed and expansionism. This has created a diplomatic impasse between the two nations, with both sides wary of making any concessions that could be perceived as weakness.
Elaurra
Elaurra is a kingdom situated in the northwestern banks of the River Vorn. The capital city of Avinhon, also known as the City of Wind, is located in the northern half of the kingdom, which is desertified and considered sacred. Despite being isolated and requiring all necessities to be carried north, the city remains populated.
The people of Elaurra are skilled in the art of magic, with a particular focus on healing magic. They are known to be a peaceful people and have maintained neutrality in conflicts with their neighboring nations. However, political tensions have arisen between Elaurra and the nation of Corranach due to pressure from the aggressive Agh Maw orcs on Corranach's southern border.
The Elaurrans have made efforts to heal the land in the northern half of their nation, but progress is slow and it is estimated to take centuries before it fully recovers. Despite this, they have managed to establish a strong economy through trade and agriculture, making use of the fertile lands along the continent's massive river. The people of this ancient civilization are also known for their beautiful craftsmanship in jewelry and textiles, which are highly sought after by traders from other nations.
Steinhallr
Steinhallr is a proud and stalwart dwarven kingdom, known throughout the land for their expert craftsmanship and their fierce loyalty to their kin. The name Steinhallr comes from the Old Norse "Steinn," meaning stone, and "Hallr," meaning hall, reflecting the dwarves' deep connection to the earth and their expertise in crafting with stone.
The kingdom is nestled in the rolling hills and towering peaks of the central mountain range, where the dwarves have carved out a network of grand halls for their massive underground city. The dwarves of Steinhallr are known to be fiercely independent and self-sufficient, with a strong emphasis on maintaining their own culture and traditions.
Despite their insular nature, the dwarves of Steinhallr are respected and admired for their contributions to the wider world. They are renowned for their masterful stonework, which includes intricate statues, ornate jewelry, and sturdy weapons and armor. Many other kingdoms seek out the dwarves of Steinhallr for their expertise in mining and metallurgy.
Steinhallr is ruled by a council of elder dwarves, known as the Thingmenn, who are elected by the populace for their wisdom and experience. The Thingmenn oversee the various clans and guilds that make up the kingdom, and they are responsible for ensuring the continued prosperity and security of Steinhallr. The dwarves of Steinhallr have a deep respect for tradition and lineage, and there is great pride in being a member of one of the ancient clans that have long inhabited the kingdom.
The Arcanists of Caelum Civitas
The Arcanists are a powerful and enigmatic group of individuals who inhabit their last remaining city, Caelum Civitas, a flying fortress kept aloft by their incredible magical abilities. The people of the nations below view them with awe and reverence, seeing the Arcanists as beyond reproach, untouchable, and unreachable.
The Arcanists' magical prowess makes them functionally immortal, and they respect magical ability above all else. Their politics are cut-throat and dangerous, leading to a society where only the strongest survive. The Arcanists have no military, but their incredible powers are enough to keep them safe from any threat.
The rest of the Arcanists' ancient cities have fallen to the ground due to the resource depletion they caused, but Caelum Civitas maintains a delicate balance with what is left of the fertile ground. Despite this, the Arcanists still exact a heavy toll on the ground below, draining resources to sustain their way of life.
The Arcanists view the people on the surface as lesser beings, sub-races who are mere pawns to be used. They see themselves as superior, above reproach and beyond the concerns of those who dwell beneath them. They are a menacing threat, and their presence looms over the nations below like an ever-present shadow.
Despite their menacing reputation, the Arcanists remain shrouded in mystery. The people of the surface know little about them, and what little they do know is shrouded in myth and legend. To the Arcanists, the people below are insignificant, mere insects to be studied and used as needed. They are an enigmatic force, with their true intentions and motives remaining a mystery to all those who dwell beneath their floating city.