Susma

In the center of Valerick lies an area of wasted land. Sand and blazing sun as far as the eye can see, a lack of easily available water sources. A desert wasteland, seemingly. But due to the Rivers Tiber and Sumor cutting their paths through this desert, and indeed meeting each other, this region is inhabited. River towns hold most of this nations inhabitants, though the deserts are dotted with small Oasis settlements. This nation is indeed the least populated but its population is hardy, and they stand unified more than almost any other nation by necessity.

(Flag Concept: Mirage Battalion among the Dunes)

Structure

Though they have their own...cultural terms for such things, this nation is indeed a monarchy of sorts, and their leader is First Blade Zenar Himaria. This nation is structured much more militantly than any other nation in the south, again due to necessity.

Public Agenda

To thrive where none can and to stand against the dark of the Black Mists

Assets

Though Susma is indeed a desert nation, in the north of the country is a large swath of the 'Golden Sea' the agricultural heartland of the continent. All manner of farming is done here, and all manner of crop thrives. These two regions are the most important and most heavily populated of the country. Other than that, Susma has many towns and settlements along both the Tiber and Sumor, which given this desolute stretch of land, is key to the flow of trade along these two river highways of the continent. Places to rest, resupply and make repairs if necessary.

History

Susma was the second nation retaken, and it was done in fury of fire and violence, a sandstorm of men and women who would not give an inch. They swept through region after region without mercy or fear, pushing back the taint of the Black Mists slowly and surely. By 811, they were home, their nation reclaimed, and capital of Tiate reinstated. Since that time they have developed up and down the riverlands, and entered, historically, into the Heartland Defense Pact, along with the nations of Rohara, Raechin and Valewyr in 919. This pact is an oath of responisibility and a promise no matter what were to happen, even if conflict were to start between any of these four nations, that the farmland known as the 'Golden Sea' would never be in any way razed, raided or otherwise purposely and violently targeted. An oath to protect this region above all else, and from all danger. It is to important to the continent, so much of the food to feed all the people of Valerick is grown here. This pact is honored to this day, and is one that has led to excellent trade relations between Susma and her neighbors to the north, and west.

Demography and Population

Human/Vrock: Majority
Others, minority-moderate

Military

Militarily speaking, as befits such a harsh desert environment, Susma favors light, quick tactics, guerilla style warfare, and light armored troops. Their intelligence apparatus, known as the 'Whisperers' are well known for their silver tongued tactics

As to their elite force, they are oft called 'Ghosts of the Desert', but their official title are the Duneblades. Swordsmen one and all, quick, well trained in hit and run tactics, and masters of desert warfare.

Estimates would suggest Susma can field nearly thirty thousand troops if necessary.

Technological Level

Early to mid Renaissance

Religion

Worship of all nine heroes is allowed, obviously, but the favored god here is Varis Tomain, the silver tongued. This is a strange combination of circumstance, but one that makes some sense. First legend tells us Varis was a castaway from halfling society, finding life amongst the desert folk. He fought in the Draconic Wars to accumulate more power and wealth through seemingly selfless acts. His church teaches one must be hungry, but not greedy, and conniving, well spoken. Seek to acquire and be as much as you can, others in your way be damned, but...play within the rules. If the rules are obstructing you, talk, charm, outwit, or bribe your way around the rules. Finesse, not violence. Violence is seen as a...barbaric option that should not be necessary and if it ever becomes necessary those of this order see it as a personal affront on their station and influence

In Tiate stands his cathedral, a massive house of gambling, cards, debate halls and negotiation rooms. A place to play and practice your crafts in the name of your chosen patron.

Foreign Relations

A member of the Heartland Defense Pact: Rohara, Raechin, Susma and Valewyr

This pact is an oath to never raze, raid or otherwise willfully and violently interfere with the agricultural production in the heartland known as 'The Golden Sea'. It is also an oath to protect and defend the land, the people whom work it, and the food supply it allows us all to grow at any and all costs, against any and all threats. An oath to last in perpetuity

Agriculture & Industry

The northern counties of this nation, of course, make it an agricultural superpower. Many would find this surprising when you realize that over seventy percent of the land is desert but that thirty percent puts in a lot of work. The riverlands also are fertile giving a good agricultural spread and allowing internal trade and resource manipulation that a country in a desert would not normally be expected to have.

Alcohol is also big business here, almost all the largest breweries and distilleries are here, the families who own those companies some of the upper class. Out in the desert there are some quarries and mining facilities near certain towns, but not large amounts by any stretch. Enough to support a stable local economic option, but not enough to trade externally or to feed the whole nation such material.

Trade & Transport

Most trade runs through the northern farmlands, or via the Sumor and Tiber. However, there are some smaller oasis communities, and those require overland travel, a dangerous, but doable prospect. Roads are not...really a thing, the shifting sands making a proper finished roadway nearly impossible. Instead markers and signs are placed on the routes between these towns, intended to hopefully keep travellers on the right path.

Education

This nation also uses a public education system, but one again adapted for humans or orcs. Longer lived races choose to educate their own generally speaking

Infrastructure

Timber is used, along with sandstone and fabrics. Towns are built closely knit, to provide some shielding from sandstorms. Watch towers and barracks are much in attendance around larger communities, small walls or palisades are used where proper walls can't be funded, though in the case of a sand giant raid, such smaller walls and palisades are of no real benefit. Irrigation ditches span the northern farm lands, carefully maintained.

Face the Sandstorm!!

Founding Date

811

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Alternative Names

The Great Waste

Demonym

Susmains

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Power Structure

Autonomous area

Economic System

Market economy

Currency

Copper Stars
Silver Moons
Gold Moons

Major Exports

Food stuffs
Silks and fabrics

Major Imports

Metal, ore and minerals
Lumber
Spices

Legislative Body

This nation is run militantly in many ways, and this includes legislation. Much is handled by the First Blade and his advisors, no real democratic process required. This is how the people here have chosen to handle the sheer adversity of the environment they call home, to allow for faster and more absolute decision making.

Judicial Body

The military, along with judges of course and a whole legal framework.

Official State Religion

Followers of the Ascended

Official Languages

• Valarian

Neighboring Nations

• Kang-Chorath
• Mora
• Raechin
• Rohara
• Valewyr
• Waston