Piquant

Piquant is a nation formed mostly of Tieflings and Tieflings are welcome here no matter where they come from, often given shelter, housing, and jobs if available upon arrival due to the low number of Tieflings in the world(compared to other species) and the difficulty in getting to Piquant. Once the easiest way to reach Piquant was through The Astarti Imperium, but due to the expansionistic nature of this neighboring empire the border tension has risen steadily, and it seems the Tieflings of Tirestir will once again face conflict from the outside people of the world.
The people of Piquant are a species that has suffered racism, distrust, and general misunderstanding. Tieflings are born from the union of humans/halflings/dwarves and beings from the lower planes of existence such as Devils, Demons, and Yugoloths. The nature of their origin and their strong visual characteristics of bright colored skin, horns, tails, and potentially wings, leads these people to be distrusted or discriminated against by almost all people on Tirestir. The Tieflings of piquant claim to generally be born of warlocks, parents who have made deals with devils, or descendants from an ancient war between the material plane and the lower planes.
The culture of Piquant is an isolationist oligarchy, where a council of elders oversees the national affairs with an leader or 'first-among-equals' chosen in times of national crisis. They typically disallow traders entrance into the interior of their lands and instead restrict them to specific border 'trade cities' to avoid cultural friction with outside peoples, despite this, the piquant people are avid traders and produce a lot of the treasured magic items in the outside world. Piquant doesn't just suffer hate from the peoples and nations of the world but also faces conflict from within. The Cult of the Lower Planes is an organization that seeks to connect individual Tieflings with the archdevils or lords of the abyss their bloodline stems from, in order to unlock more of their natural power. The Cult of the Lower Planes is officially illegal in Piquant, however, their growing numbers make the cult more of something you cannot openly practice than something actively hunted down. The reason for its illegality is due to the elders of Piquant not wanting their people to become the devils the world fears them to be, while the cult promotes making a unique Piquant culture, and to unlock the inner power of Tieflings to show the world that they are not to be pushed around endlessly.

Fauna & Flora

Infernolisk

The Infernolisk is a fearsome reptilian creature that roams the wild and rugged landscapes of Piquant. It is a powerful predator, embodying the strength and tenacity of the Tiefling people. The Infernolisk stands at an imposing height of eight feet, with muscular limbs and a sinewy, serpentine body.
Its scales glisten in shades of deep red, maroon, and obsidian, reflecting the fiery hues that resonate with the Tiefling heritage. Horn-like projections adorn its head, spiraling backward and tapering to sharp points. From its back extend leathery, bat-like wings, enabling the Infernolisk to take to the skies with grace and agility.
The Infernolisk possesses a pair of large, gleaming eyes that radiate an intense orange glow. This luminosity allows it to see clearly even in the darkest of environments, making it a formidable nocturnal predator. Its teeth and claws are razor-sharp, capable of rending through flesh and bone with ease.
As guardians of Piquant's untamed lands, Infernolisks embody the indomitable spirit of the Tiefling people. They are revered and respected by the locals, symbolizing the strength and resilience that lies within each Tiefling individual.
Emberblossom
The Emberblossom is a rare and enchanting plant native to the lands of Piquant. It grows in the secluded regions of the nation, hidden away from prying eyes. The plant's appearance is a stark contrast to the fiery prejudices faced by the Tieflings who call Piquant their home.
The Emberblossom is a small flowering shrub with slender stems and delicate, vibrant petals. Its blossoms come in various shades of red, orange, and gold, resembling flickering flames. The petals emit a subtle, warm glow, especially noticeable during twilight hours. This captivating luminosity has made the Emberblossom a symbol of resilience and beauty in the face of adversity.
The plant's leaves are narrow and serrated, resembling tiny flames themselves. They contain a volatile compound that, when crushed, releases a pleasant aroma reminiscent of exotic spices and smoldering embers. The scent of the Emberblossom is often used in perfumes and incense, becoming a signature fragrance associated with the nation of Piquant.