Great Pinhou

The Great Pinhou is certainly not a cultural or military powerhouse their name might suggest, but instead a largely agrarian society. Known for the ancient floating castle in Davramalit and it’s giant abandoned elven castle. While the majority of the population is made up of gnomes, they are fairly accommodating of other races as long as they obey the law and look law-abiding.
The upper class wear fine fitted linen with almost no patterning and symmetrical in shape and design. While the lower class wear conservative tunics and trousers of rough cotton with thin detailed border patterns in grey embroidery.

Structure

The gnomish gynarchy (rule by women) is ruled by the great council of Pinhou which elects an Elevated Sovereign at the death of the previous Sovereign. While local bureaucrats are selected based on ability by the great council regardless of gender, the council representatives are exclusively women.
The current Elevated Sovereign is Fausta of the Golden Hair. She is young to be elevated to the position and desired to quickly increase the nation’s power and bring in new industries. This eagerness does not sit well with some of the great council who prefer not to make Pinhou a target on the international stage.
In the rural areas, even with disasters, the culture coninues mostly the same as it has for over 400 years.

Religion

The worship of the returned Pallas Athena is had through much of the land. The story of her kidnapping by the dragon Grounathouramott and final restoration at the hands of the great warrior woman Pinh are foundational to the mysteries of the religion. She embodies strength, cultivation and stability to the people of Pinhou.
The memorial day of Pinh in the summer is a time of bathing, physical competitions, and offerings of incense in the spelt fields.
In winter is the great water festival where men will strip to their breechcloths and jump in the freezing water to chant the songs of returning light to the world. This is followed by the warming by large bonfires.

Infrastructure

The architecture is similar to Roman architecture, with an added height and towers. The use of inner and outer courtyards with fountains and public baths are a common sight. Columns with geometric carvings are popular, often painted with blue and navy colorings.
The most impressive buildings of Pinhou are on the floating castle in Davramalit used by the great council and Elevated Sovereign for all official business. Accessed by sky gondolas from tall towers to the lower reaches of the floating castle.

Type

Geopolitical, Republic

Demonym

Pinuan

Major Exports

Spelt is heavily farmed for export as well as baking of bread. The area is also known for their excellent birds; duck, chickens, turkeys and emu. Producing a great number of eggs and various meats and animals for export.

Major Imports

A great many other goods are imported, including various preserved foods, rice, dairy and magical items. Most especially the great council looks for magic that would benefit and improve the agriculture of region.