At the heart of Varsemia lies the mountain range known as Salacia. In it, hidden amidst the vast peaks, cliffs and vales, lives the warrior tribes known as the Rubran Confederation, known for being specilized in guerilla warfare.
The rubrans live in mazelike settlements made of stone known as castros. These settlements are filled with round shaped houses and walls, usually in higher ground, to make sure that it is easily defended. Outside of warfare, they are known for their solid swordsmithing and their viniculture.
Each castro has a master house, where the "Father" lives, who is usually elected through merit. Each castro is usually a big family, with the exception of their main hub, Olísipo. Here, the Confederation leader, a chieftain known as Viriatus, has both political and military power, and coordenates the tribes in a trimestral gathering with the various chieftains.
Weekly, the neighbouring castros meet to compete, doing several friendly skirmishes, that go from boxing matches, duels, but also clashes between all the warriors. In rubran lands, status is gained through merit, the ones who get the most in each castor, belong to a group known as the table, which is presided by the "Father". A rather interesting thing about rubran society is that since each castro works like a single family, they are known to adopt people to bolster their ranks, thus it wouldn't be out of place to see foreigners as part of the table of a castro.
These meritocrats are a nation that easily adapts against it's rivals and to the terrain. Even though they have their own religious pantheon, they are open to all religions. They have adapted the cretian judicial system, the discipline and military rigor of the Lamporian City-States, the natural mysticism of the Beveritan Tribes and have strong commercial ties with the Meynari, Minzao and Lao-Tse. Olísipo is by far one of the most diverse cultural pots in all the continent.
The rubrans are known to exploit the vales of Salacia to develop bountiful vineyards and olive groves but also to produce strong cattle. Not only that, they are known to produce swords stronger than normal and they use all these as exports.
Militarily, they work better in small groups, easier to manage and to prepare for ambushes. Masters of guerilla tactics, the rubrans have managed to keep their independance thanks to an exceptional knowledge of the land, and using it to their advantage. Their main rival is the cretian empire, whom wish to get Salacia's mineral veins.
Their soldiers usually wear a leather armor, for ease of movement, a small wooden shield reinforced with metal (Caetra), a heavy bladed sword (Falcata), a dard made entirely of metal (Saunion), and a few throwing spears (Falarica). Chieftains wear chain shirts instead of leather armor and women usually serve a scout role.
The Rubrans can be divided into four main tribes: the Luztineans, Iribeans, Cabatrians and Orutanians.
Luztineans live amidst the highest peaks of the mountain range. They are quick on their feet and stubborn beyond measure, but they are known to be the best ambushers amidst rubrans.
Iribeans live close to the rivers of the region. They are deadly slingers and expert sailors.
Cabatrians live amidst the vales of Salacia. They have a deep understanding with horses and bulls and are expert in mounted combat. their animals are known to be more resilient than usual.
Orutanians live on the outer edges of the region. They are known to be more reclusive and prefer the comfort of the few woods that exist in the land. They see the wolf as their spirit totem and some can even be seen with trained wolves.
A typical rubran has between 1.50 and 1.80 metres tall. Men are usually stocky while women tend to have a slender body structure. Both have dark hair and prefer to have it long, tieing it during war times. Their eyes are dark or hazelnut and men like to have strong beards. While men dress with dark clothes and small cloaks, women prefer to dress with strong colors and long cloaks.
Main Hub
Olísipo
The rubran main hub is a settlement consisting of the four main rubran tribes. Situated in a valley inside the mountain range of Salacia, the city also serves as the main hub for merchants who want to ply their trade in rubran lands.
Olísipo is a fascinating place where altars are made in the opening for most pantheons, inviting any passerby to be able to have a small sanctuary. Not only that, but the city has it's own international quarter, where a whole neighbourhood serves as the temporary lodgings for foreigners passing by the city.
True to a tipical castro, the place is heavily fortified and the four clans work closely to ensure that it continues to be a safe gathering spot for whoever wants to be immersed in this unique place.
