Cetandar
Cetandar is by far the largest of the human lands, spanning over half the continent it rests upon, sitting between the northern Fahrym Unions and The Kuneirmeru Desert to its south. The people that live here, known as the Cetandari or simply the Cets, are an adventurous and happy people, seeking out new lands and experiences. Due to this outlook, Cetandar is called home by a vast number of different peoples, from humans, elves, dwarves, halflings, gnomes, and everything else inbetween. Inwold, the capitol of Cetandar is home to some of the most prestidgious schools of martial training in the world, much less within the country. This is due to the dueling culture present throughout much of Cetandar that began due to their adventurous way of life requiring most citizens to learn to defend themselves. Almost all Cetandari know how to use a blade of some sort, typically favoring broadswords—though both longswords and shortswords are also common—trained in one of the numerous styles present throughout the country. Cetandar has a close alliance with both of its neighboring countries, though only holds the alliance with the deathless Kuneirmeru due to the immense trade benefit it receives, purchasing not only material goods but magic and magical items as well.
Inland Cetandar is a beautiful country filled with forests, rolling hills, and deep rivers. Much of Cetandar is unspoiled, only being controlled in name alone, with most of the farming and livestock occuring along the eastern edge of the country, though a good deal additionally happens near the center of the country where it is split by a great river coming from the White Jaw mountains to the north and flowing out to the ocean. Along this river is also a thriving fishing community, pulling the great bounties of trout and salmon from the banks and shipping them all across the country. The primary livestock raised in these lands are sheep, while pigs and cows are much less common. With the abundant food both grown and found in nature, it is said that no man can starve within Cetandar.
The unclaimed wilderness of Cetandar is as much a source of trouble for the Cetandari as it is a source of adventure. Many humanoids and monsters consider these open lands their homes, and it is not uncommon for ogres, orcs, and other foul beasts to attack wanderers and adventurers, or for them to organize and attack farming villages or small towns. It is perhaps because of these very attacks that the idea of a single standing army never particularly took hold in Cetandar. Most towns have a patron lord who maintains a military force of his or her own, and this force is who risks their lives to protect not only the lord but the town in general from attacks of monsters or other lords seeking more land. The Imperial Riders are an elite force of highly trained messengers and warriors that report directly to the emperor, being charged with running and warnings to the cities to then disperse amongst their territories, as well as being able to summon the individual armies of each territory in times of war.
Culture and Society
Nowhere in all of Elaris is there a place with such a dichotomy of types of people. In the fields and farmlands, Cets are a simple folk who love the land, enjoy a good story, a good drink, and any form of merriment. Their only greater love is that of the sword and dueling. The people of the land are plain speaking, saying what they mean and meaning what they say. This can often upset some visitors from the Kuneirmeru, leaving behind the flowery language of the desert and those seeking not to upset them. They wear simple clothing, are very practical, and have an earthy common sense about them. Then you enter the cities, or to a lesser degree, the castles, keeps, and small towns that dot the landscape. City folk tend to be better-spoken, better trained with the sword, and a touch more self-serving than those of the countryside. They often pride themselves on their weaponry and fashion, wearing more colorful clothing and carrying more fancifully crafted blades that are more style than function. These are the people who strut around with their highly decorated dueling ribbons, showing off their victories. The Cetandari who seek the life of the sea are very different to their land-dwelling brethren. They have a more worldly view, having seen more of Elaris than most people ever will. These are the sort one may meet anywhere in the world far from Cetandar herself. The sailors often wear the exotic clothing of other nations and generally have a looser moral code than those on land. They often make satirical songs and jokes about Cetandar as well as almost any other land they visit, and generally view both city and farm folk as fodder for their humor.Religion
The religion of the Cetandari is a minor one, split off from the typical human pantheon long ago. The most commonly worshipped deities worshipped throughout Cetandar are Hetaradas and Tessarandi, who many Cets see as their heavenly mother and father. Outside of this, the Cets have a few more minor deities who form a pantheon of their own, but the Cets do give worship to the human pantheon, particularly Eesis, Theldar, and Ulla.The Cetandari Mindset
People in Cetandar live to explore and experience new things, but this lifestyle does not come without difficulties. Monsters and beasts stalk the lands of Cetandar, and thus every person much be capable and knowledgeable on how to defend themselves. Due to this, a tradition of dueling has arisen in Cetandar, and nearly every man, woman, and even children know how to use a blade of some sort. This culture has grown into more of a sport than anything, with people tracking wins and losses within official duels, being able to boost their ranking in the country and earn different honors. While any type of sword is allowed within a duel, the original intent behind the tradition was to learn to defend one’s self from dangerous creatures and thus weapons well-suited to dueling but not to true combat against beasts are frowned upon, and none more than a rapier. A person open to a challenge wears a red ribbon on their left arm, and if they are wearing such a ribbon they cannot turn down a duel—whether official or not—unless it is a clearly uneven challenge. Thus, a commoner wearing a duelist’s ribbon could turn down a challenge from a clearly trained knight, but could not turn down a challenge from a farmer. Even without a ribbon, one can be challenged to a duel at any time, but they are far less likely to be challenged without it, and they retain the ability to turn down any challenge at all. In addition to these ribbons, each duelist that has joined official duels wears a mark showing their skill level, and wears a ribbon on their left arm with beads, showing how many wins in official duels they hold against both those who have won a duel before and those who have not. Non-official duels are not held to any rules, though it is common practice to have a priest watch over the duel, helping to avoid any unnecessary deaths. All official duels are watched by a priest of the Cetandari faith and must follow official rules. As such, neither combatant is allowed armor nor a shield, but may wear a dueling vest or dueling dress. Typically these duels go until first blood but, if decided before starting, may go till one party gives in instead. This combat-focused society has blossomed into being something far greater, and has attracted numerous smiths to the country in hopes to sell their wares at a high price due to high demand. In turn, there have been large groups of these smiths that have come together in order to set standardized prices and required quality of items sold. These groups, or guilds, have made large names for themselves and many even have specific specializations. While guild works tend to cost more than a smith off the street, there is a guarantee to the quality of the item that many people—duelists and adventurers alike—find helpful to put their mind at ease. While each city tracks its own wins and losses for official duels, they are frequently reported to the capitol to keep a better count—as well as to keep track of duelists of note in order to offer them recruitment into the military should they wish to join. This allows one to begin in their own city, gaining rank without needing to compete against people from across the entire country, but when they believe their skills will match up to more skilled duelists, they are able to do so without losing their reputation.Geography
Cetandar, a vast and diverse realm, occupies a prominent position on the continent it calls home. Located between the northern Fahrym Unions and the sun-scorched Kuneirmeru Desert to the south, Cetandar's geography is a striking blend of natural wonders and fertile landscapes. Its borders span over half the continent, and within this expanse, Cetandar's diverse terrain captivates all who venture within.
Inland Cetandar is a picturesque landscape filled with dense forests, rolling hills, and meandering rivers. The heart of the empire remains largely unspoiled, retaining a sense of untouched wilderness. The majority of farming and livestock activity takes place along the eastern edge of the country, where fertile soil and temperate weather yield abundant crops. Additionally, agriculture thrives near the center of the country, along the banks of a grand river originating from the White Jaw Mountains to the north and flowing gracefully out to the ocean. Along this river, a thriving fishing community thrives, pulling bounties of trout and salmon from its banks to feed the population.
However, the unclaimed wilderness of Cetandar is as much a source of adventure as it is a cause for concern. It is a territory fraught with danger, as various humanoids and monstrous creatures consider these untamed lands their home. Ogres, orcs, and other formidable beasts frequently pose threats to wanderers and adventurers. These creatures often band together to attack farming villages and small towns, prompting local lords to maintain their own military forces for protection.
Ecosystem
Cetandar's diverse and captivating ecosystem is a reflection of its varied geography, encompassing lush forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. This rich landscape teems with a wide array of biological organisms and components that interact in intricate ways with their physical environment.
The forests of Cetandar are home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, boars, and a myriad of bird species. These animals play a crucial role in the ecosystem by spreading seeds, maintaining plant diversity, and supporting predators such as bears, wolves, and mountain lions. The rivers and streams that traverse the land are inhabited by thriving fish populations, particularly trout and salmon. These aquatic species serve as a vital food source for both wildlife and Cetandari communities, contributing to the region's prosperity.
Inland Cetandar's fertile soil supports a variety of plant life, from grains and vegetables to orchards of fruit-bearing trees. The cultivation of crops sustains the human population and supports livestock, such as sheep, which graze on the rolling hills. The livestock, in turn, provide meat and wool. Overall, the intricate balance of biological organisms within Cetandar's environment ensures the sustainability of its ecosystems and the well-being of its inhabitants, fostering a harmonious coexistence between nature and civilization.
Ecosystem Cycles
- Spring. As spring arrives, the forests burst to life with the emergence of new leaves, blossoms, and abundant insect life. Many bird species return to Cetandar during this season, signaling the start of their breeding and nesting activities. Migratory fish, like salmon, swim upstream in the rivers to spawn. Herbivores such as deer and boars give birth to their young, taking advantage of the lush vegetation to provide nourishment for their offspring.
- Summer. Summer in Cetandar brings warmth and long daylight hours. The forests are teeming with activity as animals forage for food and raise their young. It's a season of plenty, with a wide variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetation available for consumption. Predators are more active during this time, taking advantage of the abundance of prey.
- Autumn. With the arrival of autumn, the forests transform into a kaleidoscope of colors as leaves change, and temperatures begin to drop. Many birds and insects begin their migratory journeys southward to warmer regions. Herbivores are busy preparing for the winter months by foraging for food and storing energy reserves. For some species, like bears, this is a crucial time for fattening up in preparation for hibernation.
- Winter. Winter in Cetandar is a challenging season for both wildlife and the human population. Many animals, such as bears and some reptiles, hibernate to conserve energy and survive the cold. Bird species that remain in Cetandar during winter rely on stored food and food caches. Human communities also adapt, engaging in activities like ice fishing and relying on preserved food stores. The landscape is transformed by snow, providing a stark but beautiful contrast to the other seasons.
Climate
Cetandar experiences a temperate climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm and relatively dry, with long daylight hours, making it an ideal time for farming and outdoor activities. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Winters are cold, often with heavy snowfall, challenging both wildlife and human inhabitants. Spring heralds the return of warmth and life to the land, with blossoming flora and the arrival of migratory species. The climate's seasonal shifts influence everything from agriculture and hunting to the cultural traditions and activities of the Cetandari people.
Natural Resources
- Woods. Cetandar's vast forests are abundant sources of timber. Cetandari Oak, known for its strength and durability, is a prized wood used in construction and crafting. Additionally, the forests provide ample firewood, essential for heating homes during the harsh winters.
- Grains. The fertile fields of Cetandar yield a bountiful harvest of grains, including wheat, barley, and oats. These grains are essential staples in the Cetandari diet, used to make bread, porridge, and other staples. The surplus is often traded with neighboring regions, bolstering Cetandar's economy.
- Animals. Cetandar's diverse ecosystems support a wide range of animals. Livestock, including sheep, provide wool and meat, while pigs and cows are raised in smaller numbers. Wild game, such as deer and boars, offer additional sources of meat. Riverbound Otters and various fish species from the region's waterways provide an abundant source of fresh fish.
- Metals and Stones. The White Jaw Mountains to the north of Cetandar are rich in minerals, including iron, copper, and silver. These metals are mined and smelted to create tools, weapons, and jewelry. Additionally, the mountains contain valuable gemstones, including sapphires and emeralds, which are cut and used in crafting intricate jewelry.
- Other Items. Cetandar's waterways are rich in aquatic life, including trout and salmon, which are harvested by local fishing communities and distributed throughout the region. The rivers also provide freshwater sources essential for agriculture and daily life. Medicinal herbs and plants are abundant in Cetandar's forests, supporting the region's apothecaries and healers.
This is a stub
This article will be expanded upon in the future
This is a
Good Article
Type
Continent
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Related Ethnicities
Inhabiting Species
