Raishar
The kingdom of Raishar is a land of beauty and mysticism, rich with history and tradition. The Raishen people, who originally settled the land, are renowned for their martial prowess and their deep reverence for the dragons. Raishar's landscape is defined by its three large islands, with massive karsts dominating the scenery and a mountain range along the eastern border. Clusters of smaller islands can be found to the north and south of Raishar, though these islands are sparsely populated.
Despite its natural beauty, Raishar faces constant threats from the demon hordes that roam The Abyssal Plains to the east. To protect their kingdom from these attacks, the Dragonriders of Raishar patrol and defend the Celestial Wall, a massive fortification that stretches across Raishar's entire eastern border. In addition to the dragonriders, Raishar's defenses include a variety of constructs and war machines made by the Dhandoruhl Technate, as well as highly trained soldiers and guards. Raishar is a kingdom that values tradition and strength, with a deep respect for the power of the dragons. Its people are known for their martial prowess and their artistic talents, and the land itself is a marvel of natural beauty. Though it faces constant threats from the demonic forces of the Abyssal Plains, Raishar remains a beacon of hope and prosperity in a world plagued by chaos and darkness.
Structure
The Celestial Throne, the seat of power of Raishar.
At the heart of Raishar's government is the Dragon Emperor, Shan'fang'zhi'yu, who rules with a firm but just hand. The Dragon Emperor is regarded as a living embodiment of the dragons, and is revered by the Raishari people as a powerful and wise ruler. Under his leadership, Raishar has thrived, becoming one of the most prosperous and culturally rich kingdoms in all of Rheiknor. The Dragon Emperor's court is a hub of activity, with scholars, poets, and artists from all over the kingdom flocking to the capital to serve and gain favor with the ruler. The emperor is advised by a council of ministers, each responsible for a different aspect of the government, including defense, trade, and agriculture. Below the emperor and his council, Raishar is divided into several administrative regions, each headed by a governor who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the region. The governors are assisted by a network of local officials, including mayors and sheriffs, who ensure that the laws of the land are upheld and that the people are protected.Culture
A peaceful Raishari town enjoying the temperate weather of the Jade Isles.
The people of Raishar are centralized around two core principals, their reverence for the Dragon Emperor and their unwavering loyalty to the cause of defending their homeland as well as Rheiknor from the demons of the Abyssal Plains. They see themselves as the last bastion against the forces of the Rim. The basis of this belief is founded on their geography. The rest of the continent, except for the Ruzgad Plains, is protected by the vast body of water separating it from the Rim. The Jade Isles act as a bridge between the Rim and the continent. If it wasn't for Raishar and the Dragon Emperor, the continent would be overrun with demons and abyssal creatures, terrorizing the populace of all nations. Because of this reality, the people of Raishar see themselves as defenders of Rheiknor and this belief is instilled within them at a young age. Their purpose is service and the prevention of utter destruction of their nation, their emperor, and the world.
One of the defining aspects of Raishari culture is their unwavering devotion to their emperor. The Dragon Emperor is not only seen as a ruler but also as a revered and enigmatic figure, embodying the essence of power, wisdom, and immortality. The people hold immense respect for the Dragon Emperor, considering him a symbol of divine authority and protector of the realm. Rituals, ceremonies, and festivals are held in his honor, where the citizens offer prayers and make offerings to seek his blessings and guidance.
The martial spirit runs deep within Raishari culture, driven by the constant threat of demonic assaults from the Abyssal Plains. The people are trained from a young age in the art of combat, honing their skills to become formidable defenders of their nation. The Dragonriders, renowned for their mastery of aerial combat atop powerful dragons, are seen as the epitome of strength, bravery, and ferocity. Their presence evokes a sense of awe and admiration, and they are revered as the elite guardians of Raishar.
Raishari culture also places great emphasis on discipline, honor, and duty. The concept of selfless service and sacrifice for the greater good is deeply ingrained in the minds of the people. Each individual is expected to contribute to the defense of their homeland, whether it be through military service, craftsmanship, or scholarly pursuits. This collective mindset fosters a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among the Raishari people, as they understand that their combined efforts are crucial for the preservation of their nation and the world at large.Demography and Population
Raishari citizens walk the markets browsing for new wares and trinkets.
Raishar is also known as "The Land of the Three Peoples". It gets this name from the three primary races that make up the demographics of Raishar commonly referred to as the Trifect. These are the Dragonborn, the Raishen, and the Leonin. If these races are all considered children of the Dragon Emperor, then the Dragonborn would be the ambitious oldest brother, the Leonin the satisfactory middle child, and the Raishen the youngest but beloved child. Despite the love for all of his people, there is a sort of soft hierarchy structure within Raishar. The Raishen are considered on top with the Leonin closely beneath them but barely and the Dragonborn at the bottom. This hierarchy is not written nor explicitly followed as a rule of law. It merely is a symptom of the Emperor's favoritism bleeding into the politics and governance of Raishar. All three races can be found in all positions of power within Raishar, there is no exclusion or exclusivity for any of the three races. This hierarchy is unspoken and subtle and really only shows in private audiences with the Emperor and council meetings, but it is still present.
The Dragonborn have been in Raishar the longest and are commonly referred to as the first children of the Dragon Emperor. This title has more baggage than the surface would elude to. The Dragonborn and the dragons of Shan'fang'zhi'yu were the sole defenders of the Jade Isles before the Raishen and the Leonin showed up. It is unknown how long they dwelled on the isles fighting demons but one thing is known, they were slowly losing over the years. The Dragon Emperor would lead his forces into a growing number of ever-desperate battles and expected his children to deliver victory despite compounding impossible odds. As the Emperor's forces dwindled, his anger began to turn towards his children for their failure. This ire was especially present when the Raishen and Leonin arrived to the Jade Isles and began to single-handedly turn the tide, expelling the demons back into the Crimson Sea and the Abyssal Plains beyond. The Dragon Emperor was greatly pleased with the military prowess demonstrated by the new arrivals and this only reinforced the dissatisfaction with his first children. The Dragon Emperor does not despise the Dragonborn at all, he loves all of his children but there is a level of disappointment he feels towards them and that wound has never healed since. This emotional wound has instilled within the Dragonborn a great yearning to regain the favor of the Dragon Emperor. The Dragonborn are some of the fiercest fighters in all of Raishar but this fierceness has led them to make extremely rash decisions and suffer great unnecessary losses during battle in an effort to regain their lost honor. Dragonborn make up the majority of the dragonriders of the Obsidian Dragon Order which only lends credence to their lack of greater favor with the Emperor. Of the Trifect, the Dragonborn are the most diverse and complex, possessing more subgroups than the other races combined. This is not only from the different colors that they come in, but in the different ideologies and groups that seek to regain their honor and favor from the Emperor. Dragonborn make up just over a third of the population within Raishar and are most commonly found within the Jade Isles.
The Leonin are the noblest of the Trifect, which is saying a lot due to all of these races being noble at birth in a sense. The Leonin are crusaders of justice within Raishar and seek to defend the weak and needy in every way possible. Leonins make up most of the paladins within Raishar and can be most commonly found abroad from Raishar serving various paladin orders usually. They are the least populated demographic within Raishar and the most prone to wandering. Though they are the least populous among the Trifect, the Leonin's influence extends beyond their numbers. Their reputation for fairness, integrity, and their readiness to lend aid to the downtrodden earns them the respect and admiration of their fellow Raishari citizens. Their actions serve as a guiding light, inspiring others to uphold principles of honor and compassion. The Leonin's propensity for wandering also sets them apart, as they are more inclined to venture beyond the borders of Raishar. Their journeys allow them to experience different cultures, learn from diverse perspectives, and forge alliances with like-minded individuals across the world of Rheiknor. These encounters broaden their understanding of justice and shape their dedication to protecting the innocent, wherever they may be found.
Considered the favored children of the Dragon Emperor, the Raishen find themselves within the highest and lowest of ranks within Raishar and in every corner of the Jade Isles. They make just under two thirds of the population and have the highest birth rate among the Trifect. The Raishen are the most affluent magic users in Raishar and bring their gift of the elves with them. Their long years spent sheltered by the elves in Kevelon gave them an immense understanding of magic and the Rim. They utilized this knowledge to expel the demons from the Jade Isles and claim themselves as the champions of the Dragon Emperor. This understanding of the arcanum curried much favor with their new liege as his first children had been lacking in a sufficient proficiency in magic. This allowed the Raishen to aid the Dragon Emperor in areas where he had been struggling to understand or find solutions. The Raishen are the dominant spellcasters within Raishar and can be found in the highest ranks pertaining to the arcanum.Military
A Raishen soldier looks over the Celestial Wall towards the Abyssal Plains, waiting for the next attack.
The military of Raishar stands as a formidable force, shaped by the kingdom's devotion to defending its homeland and upholding its role as the last bastion against the forces of the Rim. Committed to the cause of protecting not only Raishar but also the entire realm of Rheiknor from the threat of demons and abyssal creatures, the military plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and safeguarding the people.
At the heart of Raishar's military strength lies the concept of unity and coordination among the Trifect races—the Dragonborn, the Raishen, and the Leonin. Despite any underlying hierarchy or favoritism associated with the Dragon Emperor's affection, all three races have an equal opportunity to serve in the military and rise through the ranks based on their merits and abilities.
The military forces of Raishar are organized into various branches, each fulfilling specific roles and responsibilities. The Dragonriders, comprised primarily of Dragonborn but still substantially formed by Leonin and Raishen, forms the backbone of Raishar's aerial combat capabilities. Mounted atop powerful dragons, these elite warriors take to the skies, bringing both fear and hope to the enemies of Raishar. Their close bond with dragons grants them unparalleled mobility, firepower, and a deep connection to the Dragon Emperor's legacy.
The Raishen, with their profound magical abilities, contribute significantly to the military's magical arsenal. They serve as enchanters, battle mages, and magical strategists, weaving spells and wielding arcane forces that tip the scales in favor of Raishar's forces. Their command of destructive and protective magic, along with their understanding of the Rim and its dark arts, allows them to counteract demonic forces and thwart enemy incursions with potent spellcraft.
The Leonin, known for their nobility and dedication to justice, form the righteous arm of the military. Many Leonin warriors choose the path of paladins, embodying the principles of honor, righteousness, and protection. They stand as a symbol of courage and inspiration, rallying their comrades and defending the weak against the malevolent forces of the Rim. The Leonin's propensity for wandering also allows them to gather valuable intelligence, forge alliances with other nations, and bring back knowledge that strengthens Raishar's military strategies.
Raishar's military also encompasses specialized units that cater to specific combat needs. These include archers, infantry, siege engineers, scouts, and intelligence operatives. Each unit plays a crucial role in defending the kingdom's borders, repelling incursions, and launching strategic offensives when necessary. Training and discipline are emphasized, ensuring that Raishar's military personnel are prepared for the challenges they may face on the battlefield.
The military's strength extends beyond its soldiers and units. The logistical apparatus is well-developed, ensuring the supply and maintenance of weapons, armor, provisions, and magical resources. The kingdom's strategic positioning in the Jade Isles grants it a unique advantage, allowing the military to maintain control over crucial sea routes and maintain a strong naval presence, safeguarding Raishar's shores from naval assaults and supporting coastal operations. Though their navy is not as strong as Osland, they maintain a strong aerial presence with not only dragonriders but airships as well. Raishar retains a large fleet of airships that monitor the skies and make up for any holes in the their defenses. These same airships also act as logistic supports to ferry large amounts of goods across the Jade Isles.
While not as extensive as the naval forces of some other nations like Osland, Raishar compensates for this by capitalizing on its mastery of airships. These majestic vessels serve a dual purpose within the military. Firstly, they act as aerial sentinels, patrolling the skies above the Jade Isles and monitoring any threats that may arise. This aerial presence allows Raishar to detect and respond swiftly to any incursions or enemy movements, bolstering their overall defensive capabilities.
Secondly, the airships serve as vital logistics support for the military. They have the capacity to transport large quantities of goods, supplies, and personnel across the Jade Isles, ensuring that the military remains well-equipped and supported in their operations. The airships act as a lifeline, bridging the gaps in Raishar's defenses and facilitating rapid deployment of forces to critical areas as needed.
The military's dedication to defending Rheiknor extends beyond Raishar's borders. Raishar often forges alliances with other nations, providing military support, expertise, and intelligence sharing in the fight against the forces of the Abyssal Plains. These alliances foster cooperation and reinforce the belief that the defense of the realm is a collective responsibility.
"Our will is unbreakable, our spirit unbeatable."
Founding Date
300 PC
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
The Jade Isles
Demonym
Raishari
Leader
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Palace economy
Subsidiary Organizations
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Comments