The Heart Region, Buoea

Description

The Heart Region, known as Buoea, is characterized by its unique geography, with most areas submerged under gentle waters ranging from 5 cm to 2 m in height. While some elevated regions remain unfrozen, the cold climate creates a landscape dominated by snow and ice. Villages are sparse and isolated, often consisting of small communities that only interact when necessary for trade.

Government

Buoea operates under an Oligarchic Authoritarian system, where each small village is led by a central leader, typically born into the ruling family. These leaders are interconnected, descending from the nobility of larger cities, with those in the capital holding the highest authority. While most villages adhere to this structure, some function differently, relying on chosen leaders or elders.

Defenses

The region relies heavily on the capital's guard force, with local villages often employing mercenaries to protect them from banditry. The level of skill and training among these guards varies widely. Some villages choose to bolster their defenses with local heroes and adventurers, resulting in a disorganized and inconsistent approach to security.

Commerce

Trade in Buoea is limited but unique, focusing on underwater agriculture, particularly rice and other aquatic crops cultivated by the villages. While some neighboring villages engage in trade with each other, the economy remains largely insular. Artisan crafts, such as ice carving and carpentry, thrive in certain areas, but overall trade is minimal.

History

Buoea is notable for being the birthplace of Eldur, the Arch Angel of Wealth, who once sought to lift the region from economic ruin. Born into poverty within the kingdom of Loarkam the Fair, he quickly ascended through the merchant guilds, only to be shunned and ultimately killed. His legacy lives on, influencing local beliefs and economic practices.

Religion

The dominant faith in Buoea is strict adherence to Loarkam the Fair and her angels. Dissent or deviation from this path is met with severe repercussions, including punishment from village elders and the capital's "reformant squadron." Some villages, however, secretly worship other deities, such as Flax, in defiance of the prevailing religious order.

Law and Order

The region's legal framework is strict, with labor laws mandating that individuals spend their earnings to sustain the closed economy. Public dissent against leadership is prohibited, leading to a history of rebellion that was quashed after the fall of the central guard unity. Law enforcement varies dramatically between villages, with some being welcoming and free-minded, while others are oppressive. The overarching control of the capital strives to maintain dominance, ensuring that local authorities comply with its will.

Maps

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  Heart Region, Buoea

Population:
~11 million (Humans, Dormarlings, Beastpeople, Orcs, Gnomes)

Languages:
Common, Divaoli, Diabolo

Religions:
Dominant: Loarkam the Fair and her Angels
Tolerated: Flax, God of the Heart (though some villages practice it in secret)

Threats:
Deadly Monsters
Blizzards and Storms
Bandits and Murders
Snow Giants

Neighboring Nations

• The Challice Region, Evgenias
• The Cold Region, Pomysthos