Kohri
Ahgu may have fallen, but its people never will! We will rebuild, we will reclaim, and we will be renewed.Rising from the ruins of its predecessor, the sovereignty of Kohri has had to fight hard to survive. It has built itself from effectively the ground up, simultaneously rebuilding cities, trade routes, the government, and territory. Now with the establishment of the Lasting Peace and the creation of Arisu, the sovereignty seems to be entering a golden age of wealth and medicinal innovation.
Hallmarks: herbalism, rare exports, strong communities, smuggling, ruins
When creating a Kohrin character consider the following:
Ahgu's Legacy: Even now, Kohrins often define themselves through the Ahgu sovereignty. Noble families often trace their history back to Ahgu, politicians call for the reclamation of Ahgun territory, and art continues to mimic Ahgun techniques. What connections to Ahgu do you have? How important are these connections to you? How much emphasis do you place on the past?
Debt to Nature: Kohri thrives thanks to its forests and nature is revered throughout the sovereignty. Those with strong connections to nature, like druids and rangers, are common here. How strong is your connection to the natural world? How does this connection manifest either physically or socially? How much and for what do you owe nature?
Growing Prosperity: The sovereignty's recent good fortunes many Kohrins are optimistic about the future and excited to see what it holds. How optimistic are you? What are you most excited for? The increased wealth? The innovations in herbalism? How far will you go to see your and your people's hopes realized?
Ahgu's Heir
Kohri began as one of the many fragments left behind after the fall of Ahgu. Most of the fragments were easily conquered by the Ostarin Empire and those few that survived banded together forming two major alliances: Dilul, whose territory included Ahgu's capital, and Jlosa, whose territory was smaller but had been recovering better. The two allied together to push the Empire out of Kohtil and later to push into Shuar . As the war waged on, the two alliances negotiated to combine into one unified state: Kohri . Despite the unification, there remains some rivalries and even friction between the territories of the different alliances.The new sovereignty was able to take control of southern Shuar but was never able to keep a firm hold on the rest of the island and has never been able to reach Ahgu's greatest reach the southern Kalakirs . The fighting between Kohri and the Ostarin Empire only ended with the establishment of the Lasting Peace and the two sovereignties' relationship remains tenuous.
Government by Merit
I suppose we could call the Kohrins our allies in democracy. Instead of elections, their officials are chosen and promoted through a set of rigorous examinations covering everything from history to the lay of the land. I have no envy of the poor souls studying for such exams but I cannot deny the system's results.First used in the Jlosan alliance, every government official, from the Region Heads to the Proven Sovereign themself, earns their rank through testing. Not only does one have to score well, but they must also be able to outscore their fellow officials especially for the more prestigious positions like Department Head . The only exception are Distinguished Officials, officials who have proven their dedication and ability but have yet to test into becoming a Region Head. These are granted their position by their department's Region Head of the region they work in.
Shulavi
One of the most prominent groups of rebels who founded the Dilul alliance were the Shulavi. What once was a loose group of magic users who met to exchange tips and notes on magic quickly grew to become the magical division of the rebellion against Ahgu. The Shulavi elected a sorcerers named Dasu to be their leader and after they took Rasutil, he became the leader of the Dilul alliance. As the two alliances were joined, Jlosa's system of government was adopted albeit on a larger scale, Dasu became the first Proven Sovereign, and the Shulavi became an official part of the new sovereignty's government.The Shulavi helps regulate magic in the sovereignty, keeping track of the sovereignty's magic users and dealing with any threats they or the objects they create cause. They also serve as part of the Kohrin military providing the same services that they did in the revolution. Even if a magic user isn't normally part of the Shulavi, if one is conscripted they serve as part of the Shulavi. They continue to help sorcerers and other magic users with their magic.
Iesis, he's seven! All you have to do right now is wait. If you're really concerned about his control you can send him here but otherwise he's fine. It's not like he'll spontaneously combust. He may suddenly turn blue though.Despite being a division of the government, the Shulavi retain a degree of freedom that the departments lack. It is also the only governmental organization that does not require testing to enter and has few ranks in it. Most members of the government from poor backgrounds were originally in the Shulavi since it's the easiest way for poorer people to get an education. There has been a long tradition, beginning with Dasu, of the leader of the Shulavi eventually becoming Proven Sovereign.
Scarce Jungles
The lush rainforests which Kohri is so well known for, only make up a small strip of land along the southern coastlines of the two islands . Almost all of Kohri's population is concentrated there and along the eastern coasts where trading ships travel. The grassland interiors are largely ignored with only a few scattered groups of nomads living there.We retreated to the central grasslands. The Kohrins fought as if possessed, refusing to surrender and fighting to the last. The forest itself even seemed to favor them as they melted in and out of it seamlessly. I will continue the war but I'll not fight the Kohrins in the jungle again.
Medicinal Prowess
After decades of research and experimentation, a group of physicians and herbalists in Kohri finally developed a cure for Wicked Stomach. The disease that had regularly ravaged Duvi was weakened, trade routes became more stable, the alliance between the two sovereignties was strengthened, lives were saved, and Kohrin herbalism gained worldwide attention. Over the past year, interest in medicinal research and the potential uses of Kohrin plants has increased dramatically as has the amount of physicians and herbalists traveling to the sovereignty, particularly Jlosa, in hopes of discovering or helping discover the next great cure.After the Lasting Peace
Kohri was one of the most vocal supporters of the Lasting Peace when it was first created, in part because the war to keep Shuar had turned against them. They have thrived off of the increased trade since then and have poured much of their new wealth into improving and rebuilding southern Shuar, and medicinal research. Smuggling and piracy have remained common despite the lack of major wars to limit access and the sovereignty's and Harbor Inspectors' increased efforts to stamp them out.Culture
Most Kohrins belong to one of two ethnic groups:
The Kohtilans live in close knit villages on Kohtil, harvesting resources from the islands southern rainforests and bountiful coasts. They place great emphasis on community and respecting the natural world. One is expected to help other community members whenever and however possible. Giving thanks is reserved for outsiders, nature, quasi-deities, and the deities as they are not expected to always give aid. Kohtilans' close knit nature can make it difficult for outsiders to feel comfortable. Even in port cities with lots of visitors, Kohtilans tend to stick to their own areas and communities. They are often stereotyped as devoted, giving, and secretive.
The Kohtilans live in close knit villages on Kohtil, harvesting resources from the islands southern rainforests and bountiful coasts. They place great emphasis on community and respecting the natural world. One is expected to help other community members whenever and however possible. Giving thanks is reserved for outsiders, nature, quasi-deities, and the deities as they are not expected to always give aid. Kohtilans' close knit nature can make it difficult for outsiders to feel comfortable. Even in port cities with lots of visitors, Kohtilans tend to stick to their own areas and communities. They are often stereotyped as devoted, giving, and secretive.
There are no useless things, only uses that haven't been discovered yet.The Shuari, live on Shuar where they continue to rebuild their land and communities after years of war. They place emphasis on cooperation and making do with what one has. They have adapted well to changing times,keeping their unique arts and customs alive even as materials became scarce. Still, years of war take their toll and the Shuari know all too well what that toll is. Now that the Lasting Peace has been created, many older Shuari work to preserve these memories and loss so they won't be forgotten. Shuaris are often stereotyped of as resourceful, resilient, and sullen.
Religion
Each of the four deities has dozens of different interpretations of them, their domains, and their relationship to each other and most of these interpretations are at least partially endorsed by their respective deity or deities. In an effort at simplicity, most sovereignties officially recognize one interpretation to be the "correct" interpretation of a deity. This official interpretation is almost always the most widely worshiped in the sovereignty but is not necessarily the sovereignty's only common interpretation of the diety.
The official and most common interpretation worshiped in Kohri are:
Kerali, brilliant destroyer: The cold uncaring deity of death cares little for the other deities, and even less so for the mortals whose lives they take or even the plants they shine down on as Sol. Despite this, she is the most perceptive of the deities; nothing and no one can escape his gaze or hide from them. He is often invoked when swearing oaths or mediating disputes but rarely referred to by name otherwise.
Kerali is often represented as a person whose face is or is completely obscured by a giant ball of light. His body is made of bones. Sometimes the bones have patterns made of blood or etched into them. Rarer depictions show the bones having hundreds of eyes in them. Her symbols include bones usually arranged in a circular shape, white coloured animals, Sol, withered plants, eyes, and leopards.
Neja, the creeping green: The officially recognized interpretation of Neja, "the creeping green", is associated with nature, fertility, and hunting. He has a close relationship with Iesis as Neja is credited with blessing the islands with their lush rainforests; some legends even paint the two deities as lovers. Neja cares for all parts of the forest, even the predators. She encourages competition between and the killing of creatures, even draping the sky with his cloak each night so animals and people can hunt better.
As the creeping green, Neja is often represented as a vaguely humanoid shape covered in vines, bark, and serpents covering most of their body. He has exposed claws, usually bloodied, and dark red slitted eyes. Sometimes she is shown with exposed teeth. He wears a black cloak covered with star patterns. Their symbols include teeth, dark cloaks, seedlings, trees, vine covered buildings, snakes, and blood.
Neja, the immense black: Thought of as more force than deity, Neja the immense black is not officially recognized by Kohri but is very popular in Shuar, especially in the border region between Kohri and Sharo . Neja is a cruel force that brings war and death to the realm, then lingers on trying to twist and remold the Shuari culture to serve his own purposes. They are the force that all Shauris resist and make offerings up in hopes to dissuade her wrath and lessen his blows. Their name is only said while making offerings to him, to say it otherwise would invite disaster.
As the immense black, Neja only rarely depicted. When she is, it is often as a giant dark mass and rarely as a vaguely humanoid shape made out of pure darkness. His symbols include black, dark clouds, and bloody weapons.
Voas, great speaker: The friendliest of all the deities, Voas is a deity of interactions, communities, and oration. They use their deft tongue to work out divine disputes and agreements as long as she's present and not off in the mortal world. He often takes interest in mortal affairs, especially politics, and enjoys watching how different situations play out, providing guidance, and even protection when situations turn dire. She also often acts as an intermediary between the other deities and mortals.
Voas is usually depicted as a Kohrin person with many different ears covering his head each wearing a different style of earring . He has long multicoloured hair on the crown of her head and pulled up. His eyes are constantly shifting in hue. They have two or three pairs of arms. She wears a long mantle of brightly coloured feathers and a long purple robe. His symbols include mouths, hands, elaborate earrings, feathers, and parrots.
Iesis, creator of Kohri: The patron diety of Kohri itself, Iesis is associated with storms, rebirth, government, and Kohri's prosperity. He is credited for creating the sovereignty by providing the final push needed to destroy Ahgu in the form of Ahgu's Slayer. A few myths go so far as to say the storm was gifted setinence from Iesis or even that Iesis themself was the hurricane. Kohri's government system is also credited as a gift from Iesis to establish order and good governance in her hurricane's wake. As long as the Kohrins respect the gifts given to them by him, including their abundance resources, Iesis will continue to bring stability and prosperity, but if they abuse them as their predecessors did they are sure to meet a similar fate.
Iesis is often represented as a giant storm or as a vaguely humanoid shape made of storm clouds and water. When she's depicted in a more humanoid form, they're shown as a plump person with long hair made of water and skin made of storm clouds with large blue butterfly wings stretching out from her back. He wears a robe of flowers and jewelry and a crown made of the remains of Ahgu's buildings. Iesis's symbols include spirals, waves, tropical flowers, silhouettes of buildings either intact or in ruin, and butterflies.
Nadil has gained a significant following in the sovereignty, especially amongst Shuaris.
The official and most common interpretation worshiped in Kohri are:
Kerali, brilliant destroyer: The cold uncaring deity of death cares little for the other deities, and even less so for the mortals whose lives they take or even the plants they shine down on as Sol. Despite this, she is the most perceptive of the deities; nothing and no one can escape his gaze or hide from them. He is often invoked when swearing oaths or mediating disputes but rarely referred to by name otherwise.
Kerali is often represented as a person whose face is or is completely obscured by a giant ball of light. His body is made of bones. Sometimes the bones have patterns made of blood or etched into them. Rarer depictions show the bones having hundreds of eyes in them. Her symbols include bones usually arranged in a circular shape, white coloured animals, Sol, withered plants, eyes, and leopards.
Neja, the creeping green: The officially recognized interpretation of Neja, "the creeping green", is associated with nature, fertility, and hunting. He has a close relationship with Iesis as Neja is credited with blessing the islands with their lush rainforests; some legends even paint the two deities as lovers. Neja cares for all parts of the forest, even the predators. She encourages competition between and the killing of creatures, even draping the sky with his cloak each night so animals and people can hunt better.
As the creeping green, Neja is often represented as a vaguely humanoid shape covered in vines, bark, and serpents covering most of their body. He has exposed claws, usually bloodied, and dark red slitted eyes. Sometimes she is shown with exposed teeth. He wears a black cloak covered with star patterns. Their symbols include teeth, dark cloaks, seedlings, trees, vine covered buildings, snakes, and blood.
Neja, the immense black: Thought of as more force than deity, Neja the immense black is not officially recognized by Kohri but is very popular in Shuar, especially in the border region between Kohri and Sharo . Neja is a cruel force that brings war and death to the realm, then lingers on trying to twist and remold the Shuari culture to serve his own purposes. They are the force that all Shauris resist and make offerings up in hopes to dissuade her wrath and lessen his blows. Their name is only said while making offerings to him, to say it otherwise would invite disaster.
As the immense black, Neja only rarely depicted. When she is, it is often as a giant dark mass and rarely as a vaguely humanoid shape made out of pure darkness. His symbols include black, dark clouds, and bloody weapons.
Voas, great speaker: The friendliest of all the deities, Voas is a deity of interactions, communities, and oration. They use their deft tongue to work out divine disputes and agreements as long as she's present and not off in the mortal world. He often takes interest in mortal affairs, especially politics, and enjoys watching how different situations play out, providing guidance, and even protection when situations turn dire. She also often acts as an intermediary between the other deities and mortals.
Voas is usually depicted as a Kohrin person with many different ears covering his head each wearing a different style of earring . He has long multicoloured hair on the crown of her head and pulled up. His eyes are constantly shifting in hue. They have two or three pairs of arms. She wears a long mantle of brightly coloured feathers and a long purple robe. His symbols include mouths, hands, elaborate earrings, feathers, and parrots.
Iesis, creator of Kohri: The patron diety of Kohri itself, Iesis is associated with storms, rebirth, government, and Kohri's prosperity. He is credited for creating the sovereignty by providing the final push needed to destroy Ahgu in the form of Ahgu's Slayer. A few myths go so far as to say the storm was gifted setinence from Iesis or even that Iesis themself was the hurricane. Kohri's government system is also credited as a gift from Iesis to establish order and good governance in her hurricane's wake. As long as the Kohrins respect the gifts given to them by him, including their abundance resources, Iesis will continue to bring stability and prosperity, but if they abuse them as their predecessors did they are sure to meet a similar fate.
Iesis is often represented as a giant storm or as a vaguely humanoid shape made of storm clouds and water. When she's depicted in a more humanoid form, they're shown as a plump person with long hair made of water and skin made of storm clouds with large blue butterfly wings stretching out from her back. He wears a robe of flowers and jewelry and a crown made of the remains of Ahgu's buildings. Iesis's symbols include spirals, waves, tropical flowers, silhouettes of buildings either intact or in ruin, and butterflies.
Nadil has gained a significant following in the sovereignty, especially amongst Shuaris.
Foreign Relations
We Rise Together
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Kohrins
Leader Title
Currency
credit, barter, metal bars, cowrie shells, and other trade items
Major Exports
timber, medicinal herbs, coffee, bananas, citrus, pepper, vanilla, cloves, and brightly coloured feathers
Legislative Body
the departments
Judicial Body
the departments and the Proven Sovereign
Executive Body
the Department of Law
Official State Religion
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Related Professions
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Khasu, current leader of the Shulavi by Urania and invadersforever
Laws
Crimes are heard by a panel of officials from the Department of Law. In especially difficult cases the Region Head may be called in to hear the case.
Iesis, creator of Kohri by invadersforever
Comments
Author's Notes
Well this turned out a lot longer than I thought it would. It's almost double the length of my longest published article. I felt like my articles tend to be a bit dry so I'm trying to inject some more passion and emotion in my writing. Tell me what you think!