The Realm
A brief and incomplete overview of the nations and districts of Thalmoria
Assam
Overview: The nation of Assam, an ancient and storied civilization, is a land steeped in tradition, mysticism, and enduring cultural heritage. With its roots tracing back to the earliest epochs of human settlement, Assam has evolved into a decentralized yet cohesive society, where the past and present coexist in a delicate balance. Drawing inspiration from the grandeur of ancient Mesopotamia and the disciplined pragmatism of early Rome, Assam is a land of contrasts—where vast, fertile plains give way to sacred mountains, and where the ancient ways of magic are preserved alongside pragmatic governance.
Geography and Environment: Assam is located south of the great mountain range that separates it from the northern lands of Traria. The region is characterized by its diverse topography, including expansive river valleys, arid deserts, and dense forests. The most significant geographical feature is the River Anur, often referred to as the "Lifeblood of Assam," which snakes through the heart of the nation, nourishing its cities and farmlands. The fertile plains along the Anur have been the cradle of Assam's civilization, allowing agriculture to flourish and supporting the growth of its early city-states.
History: The history of Assam is one of continuous evolution, marked by the rise and fall of powerful city-states, dynasties, and empires. In its earliest days, Assam was a loose collection of city-states, each governed by its own priest-kings, who served as intermediaries between the people and the gods. These city-states were deeply religious, with each one dedicated to a specific deity or elemental force.
Over time, as the city-states grew in power and influence, they began to form alliances, leading to the creation of the First Assamite Empire. This early empire was known for its architectural wonders, such as the ziggurats of Ur-Kaldu and the grand temples of Nippur, which were built to honor the gods and solidify the priest-kings' divine mandate. The empire was also known for its advancements in writing, law, and governance, laying the foundation for Assam's cultural and legal traditions.
As the First Assamite Empire declined, the nation entered a period of fragmentation and decentralization. However, this period also saw the rise of a new class of leaders—warlords and merchant-princes—who established powerful trade networks and fortified cities. It was during this time that Assam developed its unique form of governance, where power was shared between the religious, military, and commercial elites. The Second Assamite Empire emerged from this era, with a more structured and disciplined approach to governance, reminiscent of early Rome.
Society and Culture: Assamite society is deeply hierarchical, yet fluid, with a strong emphasis on family, tradition, and religious duty. The population is divided into several classes, including the priesthood, the nobility, the warrior class, and the commoners. The priesthood holds significant power, overseeing the religious rites, interpreting the will of the gods, and preserving the ancient knowledge of magic.
The nobility, descended from the early priest-kings and warlords, controls the vast estates and agricultural lands that sustain the nation. They are also responsible for maintaining the ancient fortresses and city walls that protect Assam from external threats. The warrior class, known as the Aksharites, is revered for their discipline and prowess in battle. They are the protectors of Assam's cities and the enforcers of its laws.
The commoners, while not holding the same power as the upper classes, play a crucial role in Assamite society. They are the farmers, artisans, and traders who keep the economy running. Despite their lower status, they are respected for their contributions and are often deeply religious, participating in the various festivals and rituals that define Assamite life.
Religion and Magic: Religion is the cornerstone of Assamite culture, with a pantheon of gods and elemental spirits that are believed to govern every aspect of life. The priests, or "Kahini," are not only religious leaders but also the keepers of Assam's phagic traditions. Magic in Assam is deeply intertwined with religion, and the most powerful spells are often derived from ancient hymns, rituals, and invocations to the gods.
The Assamites believe that the gods bestowed upon them the knowledge of magic as a means of safeguarding the natural order and protecting their civilization. This belief is reflected in their strict codes of conduct regarding the use of magic, which is seen as both a divine gift and a sacred responsibility. The Magi are responsible for teaching the next generation of spellcasters, ensuring that the ancient knowledge is passed down through the ages.
Governance and Law: Assam's governance is a unique blend of theocratic and republican elements, reflecting its ancient Mesopotamian roots and the influence of Roman legalism. The nation is divided into several city-states, each governed by a council of elders, priests, and military leaders. These councils are responsible for making local decisions, resolving disputes, and maintaining public order.
At the national level, Assam is overseen by a Grand Assembly, a representative body composed of delegates from each city-state. The Grand Assembly is responsible for enacting laws, managing foreign relations, and coordinating the defense of the nation. The Assembly is led by the Samayi-Kahini, a position that combines religious, political, and military authority.
The legal system in Assam is based on a combination of ancient codes and more recent laws, with a strong emphasis on justice, order, and the protection of property. The laws are enforced by the Aksharites, who serve as both soldiers and law enforcers. Punishments for crimes are severe but fair, often involving fines, restitution, or exile rather than execution.
Economy and Trade: Assam's economy is primarily agrarian, with the fertile plains of the Anur River Valley supporting extensive farming of grains, fruits, and vegetables. The nation is also known for its skilled artisans, who produce high-quality textiles, pottery, and metalwork. Trade is an important aspect of Assamite life, with the nation maintaining extensive trade networks that reach far beyond its borders.
Assam's location at the crossroads of several major trade routes has made it a hub of commerce, and its markets are filled with goods from distant lands. The merchant class, though not as powerful as the nobility or priesthood, plays a vital role in the nation's economy and often wields significant influence in local governance.
Military: The military of Assam, known as the Aksharites, is a well-trained and disciplined force, heavily influenced by the martial traditions of early Rome. The Aksharites are organized into legions, each led by a seasoned commander. These legions are responsible for defending the nation from external threats, maintaining internal order, and leading military campaigns when necessary.
In addition to conventional warfare, the Aksharites are trained in the use of phagic warfare, combining their physical prowess with the phagic traditions of Assam. This combination of martial skill and phagic power makes the Assamite military a formidable force on the battlefield.
Architecture and Infrastructure: Assamite cities are known for their grand and imposing architecture, reflecting the nation’s ancient heritage. The cities are built around massive ziggurats and temples, which serve as both religious centers and seats of power. The streets are laid out in a grid pattern, with wide avenues and public spaces designed for gatherings and festivals.
Assam's infrastructure is advanced, with well-maintained roads, aqueducts, and irrigation systems that ensure the prosperity of its cities and farmlands. The nation also boasts impressive fortifications, including walls, towers, and fortresses that have withstood countless sieges throughout its history.
Culture and Festivals: Assamite culture is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on tradition, community, and the arts. The people of Assam celebrate numerous festivals throughout the year, each dedicated to a natural force. These festivals are marked by elaborate rituals, processions, feasts, and performances that bring the entire community together.
Music, dance, and storytelling are central to Assamite culture, with a deep respect for the oral traditions that have preserved the nation’s history and legends. The arts are seen as a way to connect with the divine, and many artists are also skilled practitioners of magic, infusing their works with spiritual and mystical significance.
Conclusion: The nation of Assam is a land where the ancient and the modern coexist in a delicate balance. Its people are deeply connected to their past, yet they are also pragmatic and forward-thinking, drawing inspiration from both the mystical traditions of ancient Mesopotamia and the disciplined governance of early Rome. Assam is a nation of contrasts—where magic and reason, tradition and progress, faith and power all come together to create a civilization that is as enduring as it is dynamic.
Traria and it’s reign
Traria is a formidable nation, defined by its unyielding nationalism, relentless pursuit of industrial progress, and a cold, calculated approach to human experimentation. Emerging from the aftermath of a series of conflicts and upheavals, Traria forged itself into a powerful state where the collective will and the advancement of the nation are placed above all else.
The people of Traria are deeply patriotic, with a strong sense of duty to their country. Every citizen is expected to contribute to the state's grand vision of progress, whether through military service, industrial work, or participation in state-sanctioned research. The nation's leadership, often described as a technocratic elite, places a high value on efficiency, innovation, and the development of cutting-edge technologies.
Traria's cities are sprawling industrial hubs, characterized by towering factories, complex networks of railways, and a ceaseless rhythm of production. The nation's economy is heavily geared towards heavy industry, with a particular emphasis on metallurgy, engineering, and bio-mechanical advancements. The state's obsession with progress has led to remarkable achievements in technology, though often at the cost of individual freedoms and ethical considerations.
One of the most controversial aspects of Trarian society is its willingness to experiment with human life. The pursuit of creating superior genetic beings is seen as a necessary step in ensuring the nation's dominance and future prosperity. These experiments are conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories, where scientists work to push the boundaries of human potential. The results of these experiments are a new class of citizens—genetically enhanced individuals who are stronger, smarter, and more resilient than the average person. However, the methods used to achieve these results are shrouded in secrecy, and the ethics of such practices are rarely questioned within Trarian borders.
In Traria, the state is the ultimate authority, and the concept of the individual is secondary to the collective good. The nation's leaders promote a vision of a utopian future where Traria stands as the pinnacle of human achievement—a society where the weak are culled, and only the strong survive. This vision, while inspiring to some, has also led to a society where dissent is not tolerated, and conformity is enforced with an iron hand. However, the cost of this progress is a society where human life is often viewed as just another resource to be optimized, leading to an environment of constant pressure and competition among its citizens.
The history of Traria is a tale of ambition, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of power. The nation’s origins trace back to a series of fragmented city-states and war-torn regions that were once scattered across the northern continent of Thalorim. These city-states were often at odds, vying for resources and territory in a brutal, survival-of-the-fittest landscape. Out of this chaos, Traria emerged, forged through bloodshed and an unyielding desire for unity and dominance.
The Unification Wars
The foundation of Traria was laid during the Unification Wars, a series of brutal conflicts that spanned several decades. A charismatic and ruthless warlord, known only by the title of the Iron Chancellor, led a coalition of the most powerful city-states. Through a combination of military might, strategic alliances, and sheer force of will, the Iron Chancellor systematically crushed opposition, either assimilating or annihilating rival factions. His vision was clear: to unite the fractured lands under a single, indomitable banner.
The unification process was marked by significant bloodshed, with entire populations either subjugated or wiped out. However, it also brought an unprecedented level of order and stability to the region. The Iron Chancellor's policies emphasized the importance of a centralized authority, and he began laying the groundwork for what would become Traria’s highly structured society.
The Genesis Project
As Traria’s industrial power grew, so too did its ambitions. The ruling technocrats believed that for Traria to secure its place as the dominant power in Thalorim, it needed to create a superior human race. Thus began the Genesis Project, a clandestine state initiative focused on genetic experimentation.
The Genesis Project sought to enhance the physical and mental capabilities of humans through selective breeding, genetic modification, and cybernetic augmentation. These experiments were initially conducted on prisoners and the impoverished, but as the program expanded, entire segments of the population were subjected to testing. The aim was to create a new breed of citizens—stronger, faster, and more intelligent—who could serve as the backbone of Traria’s military and industrial complex.
The results of the Genesis Project were both awe-inspiring and terrifying. While many experiments failed, leading to horrific mutations and loss of life, those that succeeded produced individuals with remarkable abilities. These genetically enhanced beings became known as the “Ascendants,” and they quickly rose to prominent positions within the military and government.
The Era of Supremacy
With the Ascendants leading its armies and controlling its industries, Traria entered the Era of Supremacy. The nation expanded its borders, subjugating neighboring territories and imposing its will across the continent. Traria’s military, now bolstered by genetically superior soldiers and advanced technology, was virtually unstoppable.
However, the rapid expansion came at a cost. The pressure to continually produce superior beings led to ethical decay within the Genesis Project. Scientists, driven by state pressure and the promise of rewards, began to cut corners, leading to increasingly unstable experiments. The failure rate of these experiments soared, resulting in a growing number of unstable and dangerous mutants, known as “Aberrants,” who were either exterminated or exiled to the fringes of society.
Internally, Traria’s society grew increasingly stratified. The Ascendants, seen as the pinnacle of human evolution, formed an elite class, while the unenhanced populace was relegated to lesser roles. This divide fostered resentment and unrest, but any rebellion was quickly quashed by the state’s formidable security forces.
Despite its apparent strength, cracks began to appear in Traria’s facade of invincibility. The relentless pursuit of perfection had taken its toll on the nation’s resources and morale. The state’s rigid control over society led to stagnation in innovation, as fear stifled creativity. Additionally, the growing numbers of Aberrants, along with the ethical rot within the Genesis Project, became a source of internal strife. What lies left is a nation filled with paranoia and blooming iron rot.
