Naggaryn (Nar-Gah-Rin)

Naggaryn is nation in name only, unified in concept alone. In truth, it is a collection of personal fiefdoms and realms caught beneath the cultural axiom that strength must be admired, and none were more admire than their founder. As such, there is no real sense of organisation or hierarchy that can reliably be said to extend across the country. The most prominent speak of one's lineage to Scarrow Black, a feature of defining importance within the nation.  

• Rois des Naggarn: The King of the Naggarn, a title as ancient as it is ill-used. Reserved exclusively for the recognised ruler of the nation, none have borne this title bar the legendary Scarrow Black. Many have claimed it, many more have attempted to usurp its power, but all have failed - cut down in the brutal politicking of this land in shadows. It is an archaic term, frequently replaced with newer language to reflect the modern era, but its potency remains unchecked.

• Dauphain/Dauphine: This title is given to the Head of a Great House and the heir to Naggaryn. It reflects their legitimate claim upon the Silent Throne. Outside of this, it provides little direct power, but those who can call themselves such are individuals of immense wealth, ruthless and cunning by nature. It is a name that carries more expectation than reward, for those who do descend from Scarrow Black himself - and are only ever one step away from dominion. By law there can only be one Dauphain, but none recognise the legitimacy of the others, and without a King to determine their claim this title has changed in usage since its inception.

• Noblesse du Sang: Those others within a Great House who do not rule may claim the title of Noblesse du Sang - A Noble of the Blood. This is more custom than legality however, and is rarely used, for it carries the stain of disrespect. Despite this, it would be unwise to cross one, for what they lack in legal right they more than claim in personal power.

• Marquis/Marquess: A catch-all title for those who represent lesser Houses within Naggaryn, it is usually claimed by those born to lines of bastards or singularly successful commoners. Technically, they possess the same rights as any Noble of the Blood, but in practice this is rarely executed. Like so much within this nation, they are granted only the respect they can take for themselves. Countless other titles of equivalence exist, each with their own specific function or cultural relevance, but they are rarely used outside of political affairs and local matters.

• Maire: Within the grand complexities of Naggarn, there are those cities both great and small, regions torn between one house and another. In such places, a Mayor usually resides over the day-to-day affairs of the state; managing both the politics and logistics of life caught up in such a disparate land. The powers and appointment of such a position is a diverse affair, with some like the Maire de Niefen holding almost as much power as some nobles, while others are little more than figureheads designed to appease the populace during the ever-evolving Kinstrife.

  Other titles have appeared over the centuries that have garnered some measure of respect. Since the nation has, in truth, change not at all since its found; much of their influence is derived from custom rather than law, and is only as strong as the arm that possesses it.

 

• The Black Prince: A title of universal respect within Naggaryn, the Black Prince is the foremost general and leader of the Tanlyn - the elite guard of the Silent Throne who have maintained rule in the capital since its founding. By virtue of their rank, they also claim dominion over the military of the nation who answer to no one but them, no matter the coin or pull employed. By decree, no member of nobility can hold this position, though this has been tested in the past.

• Vassal: An easily confused title for those outside of Naggarn's unsual blend of theology and politics. The Vassal is the unoffical title granted to the leader of a Fane, one of Naggaryn's Mystery Cults in dedication to a specific Cryptic or Pact. It recognises one who has grown so close in nature to their patron that they are seen as their embodiment upon the Clock; indistinguishable in role to the lesser spirits who serve as they do in the Shade. Those souls who have earned such a rank are given a wary respect, for not only are they dangerous, but more often they are completely insane - as obsessed with their own nature as any fae or darkling dream.

• Cypher: Equal parts mystic and mercenary, Cyphers are those who have struck bargains with a specific Cryptic and now serve their patron in exchange for power. Many are members of a Fane, though plenty exist who operate outside of the scope of such rigour. They hold much in equivalence to the hedge knights of the north, both mistrusted and respected by those they encounter. Due to the general prohibition against open warfare within Naggaryn, they serve often as agents for the various Great Houses - and as such are afforded a degree of welcome rarely seen within the Empire - for few wish to find themselves opposed to one who can call upon the Shade.

Naggaryn's culture is one caught between two violent opposites. To the common folk, a life of quiet avoidance and general peace is all they seek - staying far distant of the Kinstrife where possible - searching for any means of escape if not. They are fearful of change, content with their traditions, for progress rarely means well in Naggaryn, either because the nobility caused it, or because they fear it. This is not to say that they are a fearful people, but rather the opposite. They are deeply traumatised through generational lines, desperately seeking a moment to recover.   The inverse to this comes from the royal lines. Often blighted with the Melancholia, the nobility of Naggaryn are forever pushing boundaries in one way or another. From novel forms of art to recreational drugs to petty feuds and conflicts to arcane experimentation; each and all of them are crazed in some manner, forever seeking the new not just to placate their own blood, but to stand out amidst a thousand others competing the same. They are reckless and yet brilliant; eager to act where caution would be better placed.   In many ways, this dichotomy defines the struggle the nation endures. Caught between polar positions in constant turmoil, Naggaryn is best described as a culture of extremes - where the middleground offers nothing but foes on either side.

To describe the agenda of Naggaryn would be to admit that there was such a thing as Naggaryn at all. So riven and warped by internecine conflict, there could be no agreement as to the goals of the nation, any more than there could be agreement to settle all disputes and follies in a rational and calm manner.   In short, there cannot be one, because the nation exists in name only. The only unifying element of the Great Houses that govern this land is their desire for power, and each and all stand opposed to the others for that reason.

As a nation older than most, Naggaryn has developed, and then destroyed, much of itself throughout the centuries. It's realm is littered with ruins of great wonders and institutions, but many stand to this day - a testament to the ingenuity and wit of their benighted people. Even more than it is ancient however, it is vast, and within its borders lie uncounted resources and wealth yet untapped, ensuring its power despite its every effort.

Resources

• Elfar'Vier: Technically under the control of the Naggaryn Empire - these mountains are a formidable bulwark protecting the elves of the Tennen'Cairn from the endless curiosity of their northern neighbours. Those that dare, however, find it rich with ore and metal veins; as though the lifeblood of the earth runs through its valleys. Despite this, the metal is of a poor quality, brittle and frail, though its sheer bounty more than makes up for this inadequacy. The true treasure, however, lies in the Elvarn Steel that can be found within its shadow; a fearsome metal of occult properties and historical importance to whom the secrets of its forging are known only by the Elves.

• The Sylvan Run: The Vhalian Desert is known for, outside of its sheer lethality, the quality of sand that can be found within its borders. Possessed of an unusual brilliance that catches the light; glass blown from it is known as Crystal and is highly sought after due to this refractive beauty. The artisans of Tol Baldir in particular pay greatly for even a handful of the silver dust, for the Rulers of Jainir possess a near-endless craving for the works of art they produce with it. Perhaps more importantly, however, are its temperature-resistant properties - the resulting vials and philters proving vital to the more modern sciences and alchemy.

• The Rattery: Named for the byzantine maze and labyrinth tunnels, the Rattery is one of the largest mining operations on Amilyn. It does not produce iron or copper however, nor even silver, but gold - the earth in the region rich with the rare metal. Despite this, few countries favour it, for it is possessed of a strange crimson cast that many believe is cursed. Naggaryn cares little for such things however, using the mine to mint endless wealth for their endeavours and schemes. These coins are nearly always identifiable, lending itself to the origin of the phrase, 'Caught Red-Handed'.

• The Lake Seirn: One of the bloodiest regions in Naggaryn, the Lake Seirn is a near-lifeless body of water fought over violently by three villages that cannot agree on the name. The reason for this hostility is due to its contents, being both a vast source of salt, and of being home to the Glimmerfyn Trout. Possessed of scales nearly as hard as iron, as light as silk; and beautiful beyond words - countless battles are waged over even the smallest catch.

• Lanmyr Forest: An unusual micro-climate within the typically temperate Naggaryn, Lanmyr Forest was home to countless species of plant and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Moreso, it proved a perfect breeding ground for many of the spices and herbs discovered in Jainir - as well as serving host to countless rare reagents craved by alchemists across the continent. With the coming of the Strifescar however, the ensuing climate change led to catastrophe, and the forest died with it. The Ebonyr claim it can be saved, however, were things to return to normalacy.

Structures

• The Ebonyr College: More than just an institution for arcane study, the Ebonyr College is a marvel of engineering and innovation in its own right. Constructed from the remnants of a thousand ruins; each piece is cursed and possessed by a Cryptic soul that lingers within the cracks that lace through its form. This resulting riot of magic lends itself both to impressive experimentation with the occult, as well as serving as a foundational library to whom every brick and pillar serves as a wealth of knowledge. Unsurprisingly, some of the most talented Cyphers have studied here, and Arcanists come and go freely to explore and share their worldly knowledge with like-minded souls.

• The World Fair: Known also as the Coin Exchange, and the Market Galore - the World Fair is the largest of its kind within Amilyn. Situated in Niefella, some say that the entire city is but a part of this sprawling bazaar, serving nothing but the needs of trade that pours in from across the world. Served by its deep harbour capable accepting even the leviathan vessels of the Uluk Triarchy; it is the lack of regulation, taxation, and interference from governing entities that truly attention.

• Sable's Tower: The pride and joy of D'Modri - Sable's Tower is a burst of colour in a land otherwise cast dreary by their very nature. In exchange for her continued alliance and friendship, the House swore to Elohim that they would harm no creature of feather or beak who made their home upon or within the delicate structure. Over years, birds of all colours and kind from across Erodas have flown to nest and roost within its lattice and they are protected by the immortal promise of the Harbingers that there are fates worse than death.

• The Church of the Ill-Made: Naggaryn has long excelled in the arts of binding and negotiating with the Cryptic world. That said, there has never been a more audacious experiment than the Church of the Ill-Made; an artifical Ban designed to house one of the Firmament in place. It is an edifice of constant innovation and artisinal mastery; with every brick and every decoration crafted to sublime perfection using only the most creative and exotic methods. Within lies the spirit of Malfyn - the Cryptic of Collapse - a being of engine-break and ruin. Lured here long ago, they spend their time in a constant war of destruction, slowly corroding the delicate instruments and designs even as it is forever rebuilt. Within Naggaryn, an artisan is not considered a true master until they have been granted leave to add their own adornment to the church.

• The Dreilin Docks: Not as advanced as the Brazen Empire, nor as experienced as the Balduran; the Bleak Armada of Naggaryn solves this discepency through one singular method. Quantity. The Dreilin Docks are a leviathan industrial project capable of laying and fitting nearly thirty vessels at a time. Fortunately, Naggaryn is rarely inclined to such endeavours, and many of the vessels produced are sold to merchants and explorers across the continet.

• Château de Dimval: With the seizure of the Silent Throne by the administrative functionaries of the Naggarn State - the Great Houses were forced to meet and maintain their pretense of lordship elsewhere. Over time, Dimval became their regular haunt, owing to its proximity to the capital and the general stability of the region. A manor was built, and over centuries, each of the Great Houses poured wealth and coin and treasure into its improvement - each seeking to overshadow the next. To this day, it stands as one of the most luxurious and exploitative wastes of money in the land; a sprawling palace capable of hosting thousands amidst a level of opulence unknown outside of its rarified halls. Few complain however, for what time they spend battling over decorative styles, they do not spend battling with swords.

• Dùnpala Tyn: One of the oldest buildings within Naggaryn, Dùnpala Tyn stands as one of the last bastion of Lanmen architecture still in working condition. Placating the many spirits of Elfar'Vier while maintaining a ready eye for those to whom offering is not enough to buy their peace. Many make pilgramges here, and Cyphers from across the world seek communion with their Patron within its halls - though the Lanmen who hold its sanctuary are peculiar in who they allow entrance to this great Fane.

• The Silent Throne: Both a structure and an object, the Silent Throne is the seat of the true ruler of the Naggarn, and the palace that surrounds it. With the disappearance of Scarrow Black; no member of nobility has been able to set foot inside for the law of the Throne is clear. Only those by invite of the King may enter, and the custodians who maintain it and the fractured realm of Naggaryn claim that none of the blood were ever invited inside. This has led to no small amount of strife, but the administrators maintain order nonetheless - and from here rule in lieu of a rightful heir as best they can.

Military

• The Bleak Armada: In many ways the most important part of Naggaryn's military strength, the Bleak Armada is the only arm that sees any regular conflict. A vast organisation possessed of countless warships and marines trained in naval warfare, they spend much of their time dealing with Stormlander Raids and ensuring the security of the vital trade routes that keep Naggaryn alive. They are violenty apolitical, serving only the Black Prince as they command, and even where they lack in talent and technology, they more than excel in the sheer quantity vessels they can put out to sea.

• The Tanlyn: The official armed forces of Naggaryn, they are an elite yet small contingent of trained soldiers and Cyphers. Under the command of the Black Prince, they form the heart of any military action taken by the nation, and are granted extraordinary powers to raise and field their own forces if needed.

• The Raven Watch: A religious order initially set up by House Cyrin, they are now an independant force that maintain the border with the Crowlands and ensure what darkness lingers does not escape into Naggaryn. Small in number, but skilled in their role, they are exemplary trackers and skirmishers and ar. In truth, however, they have far more experience fighting the forces of D'Modri these days, for the Ashen Cult seeks forever the secrets best left buried.

• The Mystery Cults: Servants of the Fanes, the Mystery Cults are an eclectic and diverse series of organisations possessed of mystic warriors dedicated to one Cryptic or another. Each is their own unique creation, and no singular description can apply to them all - but they are a formidable tool to the Great Houses and the nation when deployed.

• The Nyr'Fen Expeditionary: A collaberative force of the Great Houses and Naggarn's military - the Nyr'Fen Expeditionary are those currently deployed into the Thenian theatre. A violent, paranoid, yet deeply experienced army; they have endured the hell of their station for years without fail, battling monster, man, and uluk alike in their guerilla war.

• The House Guard: The catch-all term for the various forces deployed by the Great and Lesser Houses; much like the Mystery Cults, they are a disparate and hard to describe force. Some are great and terrible, capable of fielding hundreds if not thousands of soldiers alone, while others are little more than patrols suited for scouting the path. Combined, however, they are an eclective and varied milita.

Founded in the year 30/40/03 - Naggaryn had before been a disparate and mostly empty land inhabited by the tribes of Lanmen who lived in the Elven Ruins scattered across the region. Over time, migration from the area now known as Penchant would begin, leading to a turmoil and strife that would come to define the nation for centuries to come. Settled slowly, it would be on this year that one would emerge from the mists of history - Scarrow Black.   Both the Lansmen and the Naggarn claim him as their own, but the truth is fractured by the ravages of time and constant conflict. What is known is that he appeared out of nowhere, named Prince after slaying a local warlord, before turning his expansionist goals across the land. He would rally the Lansmen to his cause and seek alliance with the Tennen'Cairn - utilising both in the battle against the Naggarn migrations from the north. It would take many years, but by 28/40/03 - only the Mordant folk of Western Naggarn would stand against him. History at this point grows even murkier, merging as much into myth and legend as fact. Some say that Ashur approached the young Prince, while others say he called for aid in recognition of the Iron Triach's dominion. Some texts even indicate that it was a bargain of desperation, defeated by the Mordant folk for the first time, and unwilling to see his ambitions shattered as his army fled. Regardless, a pact between the nation of Naggaryn and Ashur would be bound in blood - a pact that holds true to this day.   It is said that Scarrow Black took from this bargain a mastery over the world itself, a bound strength that would ensure none could ever best him in battle. Sure enough, he would never be defeated again, and on the pyre of a million slain would he ascend to the throne and claim title as the First and Last King of the Naggarn. The tales from this time are plentiful, of wandering champions slain without barely a breath, of gods and kings humbled before his might. Like all stories however, there lies a tragedy as it unfurls. Time would be the one foe he could not fight, and in desperation he sought answers as to its defeat. None could give them however, until at last he plead to Death itself. Death heard his bargain and set but a simple challenge. If Scarrow Black should defeat his champion, then Death would grant him immortality. The King agreed and met in battle the Wyld Hunt, and the two clashed in brutal conflict. True to Ashur's bargain, however, Scarrow Black could not be defeated - and so he struck the head from the Hunt and turned to Death for his reward. So it was that Death agreed, whisking the King from the land of the living, anointing him as the new Wyld Hunt; immortal but enslaved to a life of violence and rage.   The truth of this story is obviously suspect, but it is known that Scarrow Black went missing shortly after forming his kingdom. His children would all vie for the Throne, plunging Naggaryn into a decades long conflict known only as the Kin-Strife - and in the ashes of this great war would there be no victor. The Great Houses would arise from the ruins, each claiming lineage to the distant king, but the Throne would sit empty forevermore, a fitting symbol of Naggaryn's own hollow heart.

Naggaryn is a disparate land, more a collection of feudal kingdoms than any true unified nation. As such, it is of no surprise that the population of its interior is reflective of this chaotic state. The Naggarn and the Lanmen are the most dispersed, having spread during times long past across the entirety of the region. Both are old and rich with custom and tradition. traditions that often clash with the other ethnic groups that form the mainstay of Naggaryn. The Ashlanders and the Erlish migrated later, as the Crowlands spread and the Ashweald turned to horror - bringing with them their own history as they settled along the borders of the nation.   The Mordant, an offshoot of the Lanmen of the West, still reign in the lands of D'Modri, while the Ophelian live in the central heart of Naggaryn. The Rivièns cling to the south however, following the coastal borders of the kingdoms. The Falian and Tennar rest in their own dominions - the great woods of the land and rarely venture out without good cause. They are a client people of Naggaryn, a relationship that is rarely put into practice for fear of the repercussions it would bring from such a proud people.   Outside of that, Naggaryn is a multi-cultural land, less concerned with the race or ethnicity of a person than their lineage and faith. All are welcome, provided they know their place, and provided they are willing to work within the effervescent madness that lingers within every interaction and obligation.

Naggaryn, being as vast as it is, contains within its borders many regions and territories - most of which change with the turning of the tide as strife and turmoil upend permanency without a care. As such, when discussing the regions of Naggaryn, it tends to be detailed via specific geography rather than political affiliation.  

• The Crownlands: Bordering the Ashweald and the Ashuran Ocean, the Crownlands represent the original heart of the Naggaryn Empire. First settled by the Lansmen, they were displaced later by the northern migrations as it soon became the bastion for the Naggarn culture, a thirving hotbed of mysticism and royal grandeur. To this day it houses some of the most historically important cities and towns, as well as serving as the political capital of the nation. Anyone who matters has a presence here, and blood flows as fast as coin through its many rivers.

• The Vigilant: Largely unsettled due to the surrounding dangers, the Vigilant is a border region filled with hardy survivalists and determined traders. Countless Mystery Cults, Knightly Orders, and other unsavoury organisations find their home here, far from the prying eyes of nobility. It also contains the vital trade route with Glymgol, and for that reason only, efforts by the Great Houses to claim the territory largely fail - hampered by their competition who would rather it remain lawless than fall into opposing hands.

• The Houserealm: Possessed of fertile lands, open space, and natural harbours - the Houserealm is the blood that keeps the nation alive. From agriculture to industry, its countless cities boast a vast population caught between the eternal attentions of the Great Houses who vie for control amidst a world slowly turning away from the laws of old. It is here that the Free Cities are most common, given great leeway by the old rulers in exchange for the vast profits and beautiful creations that pour through their open gates.

• D'Modri: Ostensibly part of Naggaryn, D'Modri stands as an outlier in a nation defined by its exceptions. It is here that the Lansmen fled during the Unification, keeping much of their old ways even as they welcomed refugees from ancient Erlfane. Fiercely independant and famous for their inhospitable manner, many of Naggaryn's woes have started in this quiet realm of mystery and wilderness. Countless Cults and societies have settled within its borders, far from the prying eyes of those who would judge them without understanding.

• Rym'Nal: Known also as the Dreamwood, this vast forest is the home of the Tennen'Cairn and the Seat of the Winter Solstice. A strange and feral place, it is rarely visited by any outside of the noble blood, for cruelty and malice are as common as the breaths we take. Technically, it is a client realm under Naggaryn, but few would be foolish enough to press such an issue to the Darkling Princes.

• An'Mor'Nar: The home of the Failin'Die, the Forest Aflame is a mystical place of great beauty and danger. It is said always that music plays from within its borders, that the scent of perfume and lavender lies thick on the air even through winter's chill. That what can please can just as quickly kill at a moment's notice. Like its kin in Rym'Nal, the forest is a vassal of Naggaryn, but rarely is much made of the issue - for the elves of the wood are glad to engage without pressure.

• The Vhalian Desert: A mysterious expanse of desolate land located on Naggaryn's western shore, the Vhalian Desert is a source of much study and wealth. There is no mention of this expanse in the Elven Histories, yet the Lansmen speak as though it has always been here - raising the question as to its origin and relevance even as it is plundered for the rare salts and minerals entwined within its sand.

• Nyr'Naggarn: An enclave found within the Thenia, Nyr'Naggarn is a militant and fortified hellscape of stone walls, bitter marsh, and constant threat. Under control of the Black Prince, it is the only region managed directly by the Tynlan, and even the Great Houses are forced to accede to their authority when passing through. Few civilians live in this region, outside of the scant locals who are watched constantly for signs of sedition. Instead, it is a soldier's home and a soldier's grave.

The military of Naggaryn is a disparate thing that defies description, for its makeup and design truly depend upon the context of the threat, and the nature of those involved. At its heart stands the Tanlyn, in service to the Black Prince. This is the official military of the Black Rally, and they are granted great powers to levy the Nobles, the Commoners, and the Cyphers alike when required. Fortunately, this is rarely needed, and instead they serve more as a policing unit dedicated to maintaing some degree of stability in the nation.   The Bleak Armada stands separate, a private navy in truth that maintains the trade routes and coastal waters of the nation against the threats of pirates and reavers. Each of the Great Houses pay into their maintenance, and those that don't soon find great tragedy befalls their endeavours. Though allied with the Tanlyn, they are technically exempt from the Black Prince's command, though the two often work closely together to ensure the security of Naggaryn.   Outside of these come the Great Houses. Each of these maintain their own armies and men-at-arms, though each are as different from each other as they are similar. Due to Wodan's Ban, they are mostly reserved for outside excursions or to provide to the Tanlyn when requested, as internal altercations are typically handled by Cyphers and Mercenaries. Lastly, there are the Cypher Cults who maintain small yet dedicated groups of soldiers, blessed and gifted by their Cryptic Patron. Their services are frequently sold or provided for some benefit or another, and their type can be found across the length and breadth of the nation.   As such, the military of Naggaryn is a complex network of loyalties, alliances, and context. While disorganised asnd frequently disloyal, the cultural divides lend itself to a versatile and varied force that is difficult to counter. Their reliance upon Cryptic bargains and Cyphers also provides them with great capability, for hidden within the teeming masses lie individuals capable of battering walls and rending entire contingents apart on their own - their gifts as volatile as themselves.

The official faith of Naggaryn is the Cairn, a collective of spirits, Cryptics, and Darkling creatures from the Shade. Led by Ashur, it is a wild and mercurial pantheon covering thousands of eldritch beings that flicker through the world like a passing haze. The reality, however, is much more complicated. There are no priests of the Cairn, nor are there temples to its praise. Rather, individuals typically pay duty and notice to those Cryptics who would most benefit in the moment - offering a sacrifice for a good harvest to Beal before throwing a coin to the Tricksy One when gambling away their life savings. It is less a faith and more a contract, obesience provided for material gains.   Outside of the common folk, this relationship becomes both less and more. The Great Houses deal with the Cryptics as they would any other powerful neighbour - haggling with them in exchange for power and service as required. Even the quiet D'Modri is not above such dealings, and much of their power descends from their alliance with unsavoury creatures outside the scope of the Cairn. The Cyphers also lend themselves to added complexity, for many are dedicated to a singular patron, banding together to form Mystery Cults that spread the concept and message of their spirit far and wide. Others, however, serve many Cryptics - exchanging individual acts for a collection of favours called upon when needed.   Religion then, like all things in Naggaryn, is a matter of constant change. It is a matter of immediacy and gratification, with such petty concepts as faith and worship reserved for those in more peaceful climates, where the next day is not merely another chance at tragedy.

Being one of the largest and oldest nations with Amilyn, Naggaryn has a long and storied relation with many of its neighbours. Unsurprisingly, they are rarely positive, marred by the constant strife and schism that permeates the society at large. That said, though they are unreliable and mercurial, they are also a nation of great wealth and brilliance - and many are willing to overlook their eccentricities for access to their vast markets.  

• The Uluk Triarchy: One its more complex relationships, Naggaryn and the Triarchy have been engaged in a near centuries-long conflict within the depths of Thenia. This war has flavoured many aspects of their diplomatic relations, with both sides levying tarrifs and taxes, seizing goods and property, and otherwise engaging in a tit-for-tat battle of spite outside of their brutal engagement. Despite this, Uluks and Naggarn still travel freely between each others lands, and engage in artful negotiations while refusing to address or even recognise that there is a war in the north.

• Tol Baldir: Despite its past as a client state of Naggaryn, Tol Baldir now stands as an equal peer with the great nation. Both share the curse of the Melancholia, and both delight in the discovery of something new. Alas, this shared ground does little but breed competition and envy; joint projects often failing quickly as one side tries to usurp the other.

• Glymgol: In times past, Naggaryn and Glymgol maintained strong relations, both being cultures defined and derived from a shared madness. This relation did not lend itself to the easing of the infamous Glymar Ban, but many of the legendary goods of Makar found their way to Naggaryn in lieu of more favourable markets in the north. With the coming of the Strifescar however, there has been no contact, though Naggaryn has welcome refugees from the mountains with open arms - happy to exploit their prowess.

• The Makaran Empire: It is unknown what led to the deep divide between the people of Naggaryn and the Makaran Empire, but to this day, there is a deep mistrust that permeates their relations. Little trade flows between the two, and caged by the mountains of the north, Naggaryn is forced to seek alternative routes across Amilyn - for fear of drawing the Delver's ire.

• The Brazen Empire: Long standing rivals and bitter foes; both nations see themselves as the rightful power on Amilyn. This constant tension has been eased only by the difficulty in reaching one another, forcing both sides to resort to more subtle methods rather than outright war. Assassinations, proxy conflicts, and sabotage - this does nothing to hamper the cultural spread as art and technology become the latest competition between each side.

• Dazima: A curious city-state of magic, Cryptics, and bitter bargains - Dazima is a natural ally of Naggaryn in the north. Both understand each other better than anyone else, both having been born in strife and madness. Their shared mysticism makes dialogue and diplomacy simple, and nearly impossible for anyone else to understand.

• Thenia: Due to its disparate politics, and the fact that Naggaryn has been engaged in a decades long guerilla war with the local inhabitents, relations with Thenia can best be described as disasterous. What started as a colonial project has quickly descended into a near-genocidial war of terror and ethnic cleansing, as both sides resort to the foulest strategies in their search for victory.

• The Ashweald: Home to the Rag-Fleets that plague the Ashuran Ocean, the Ashweald is a difficult neighbour that Naggaryn is forced to tolerate due to the inhospitable nature of its geography. Lacking any form of government, the Black Rally instead maintains relations with numerous Princes and Admirals, paying them off in gold or steel rather than deal with their nuisance.

• The Vokai: Distant kin of the Tennen'Cairn, Naggaryn has a healthy respect for the Reaver's of the North. That said, the great distance means there is little communication or trade between the two, a fact that Naggaryn is happy to maintain.

• Jainir: A curious new player in Amilyn politics, Naggaryn has so far made little contact with enigmatic Jainir. This is partly due to the vast distances separating Naggaryn from the northern continent, and partly due to the severe cultural divide. Jainir's disdain for the arts of magic and Cryptic bargain sit poorly with Naggaryn's own mystic philosophies, and their obsession with gear-work and engines has left the Black Rally suspicious of their ties to the Brazen Empire.

• The Rout: Outlanders from the Maw, the Rout have a violent relationship with Naggaryn, spanning from ancient oaths and deep alliances, to constant bickering, conflict, and cultural one-upmanship. For now, they work together with an easy respect, the events of the God's Bane long forgotten, and the occasional raid and retaliation soon swept beneath the rug in the face of greater ventures shared together.

Naggaryn is a land of feudal dominion, and the casual tyranny of this system of government is evidenced wherever one travels. The Noble Houses set the law, interpret the law, enforce the law - and fairness is a concept foreign to the divine right of ancient blood long sick with the Melancholia. As such, the concept of justice is an amusing joke, interpreted freely as a sense of obligation rather than equality. That said, there are exceptions. In those cities and towns outside of the direct control of the nobility, laws and regulations are often passed by the local maire or leading citizens. While not perfect, they are far preferable to the malicious whims of blue-blooded lordship, and in such places even the nobility must tread carefully for fear of finding their power is not without its limit.   There also serves the House of Advocates and the Last Court - Cypher Cults in service to Landa and Wodan - who serve their strange interpretations of justice to any who would pass their notice. No one is above their declarations, and as such they are the respite of the lowly and poor. They charge steeply for their services however, though not often in coin, and as such it is usually the desperate who find their path to them. Their rulings and decisions are upheld across the country, and it would be a foolish soul who would strike out against them rather than pay the price.

Naggaryn is a country of both great wealth and povery in equal measure. It's formidable size and large population lend its strengths to a sizeable agrarian and industrial economy that is sadly unexploited by the lacking education, intense social inequality, and general instability that limits investment and future planning. That said, these struggles are offset by their flashes of brilliance. From the Wines of Blackwood to the Creations of the Ebonyr, from the smiths of the Elvarn Forges to the Silk Spiders of Delial - what masters one can find in Naggaryn are matched by none. This ensures a lively and erratic trade that in no way benefits those not blessed by the correct lineage.   This over-reliance on mastery has caused problems in the past. Their army frequently suffers from shortages, and even simple tools can be hard to find during certain times of the year. Without a noble patron or merchant investor, it is nearly impossible to stay in business - and even farms are reliant upon their feudal masters to sustain them. As such, they produce bespoke equipment for those who can afford it, made from the finest materials, treated by the greatest artisans, each piece selling for a small fortune as elsewhere their people struggle and starve. As is ever the case in Naggaryn, the brilliance festers amidst the sickness.

Though trade is a vital part of the Naggarn economy, the country is far more reliant upon its own internal industry. Afflicted by ruinous price controls, erratic mercantile policies, and the general difficulties of operating in a strife-torn land, it is the provenance of only the truly wealthy to organise caravans and shipments to distant lands. These leave through the great ports of Niefella and Nar-Garyn, escorted frequently by the Bleak Armada to ensure the noble's coin is well protected. Such transports are usually laden down with the raw resources that Naggaryn is famed for, the plentiful metals and bountiful harvests that may not match others in quality, but certainly outclass it in quantity.   Internally, most trade is organised along the great River Imuriel that runs through the heart of the nation. Thousands of esturies and small passages spin off from the waterway, reaching nearly all parts of Naggaryn and protecting merchants from the typical bandit or wandering beast. For those who cannot take such routes, there are numerous highways in various states of repair scattered throughout - though they are often belaboured by toll gates and guards masquerading as bandits. This makes trade a dangerous affair to the more remote regions, and such caravans are a rarity, celebrated upon their arrival should they survive the journey.   A sizeable portion of Naggaryn's economy, however, is in bespoke creations. From jewelry to alchemical devices, to weaponry to more - the masters of Naggaryn are near-peerless in their artisanal skill. That said, few of their wares make it out onto the open market, but instead require the client to travel to the master in question - ordering, paying, and waiting until its completion. Those who try otherwise may find their purchase 'requisitioned' by a noble's wandering eye, with little room for recourse.

Education in Naggaryn is an elitist affair, like so much else. Affordable only to the wealthy and the noble alike, most within the nation make-do with the teachings of their parents, or by passing Chronicles spreading their wisdom as they are wont to do. As such, the common folk tend to be superstitious yet remarkably talented within their field of expertise, having done little but learn about their role in life and the necessities of their industry.   Some Mysteries offer education to those who are nearby, though many demand service in exchange for this provision. For those with the coin to spend however, tutors from across the world can be hired to provide the best education possible, and if they prove gifted, the halls of the Ebonyr College will gladly welcome you. As such, the wealthy of Naggaryn tend to be exceptionally urbane compared to their contemparies, though lacking often in any particular specialty or practical understanding.

To describe the infrastructure of Naggaryn would be to describe the world in motion; an ever-changing affair defined by a single, strict rule. Nothing stays the same. One town may be a beautiful vista of grotesque artistry and elegant creation while the next, barely half a mile away, could have fallen into complete disrepair. So much is defined by the patronage of the nobility, that as their fortunes wax and wane, whole regions sink and rise with them.   Even the King's Road exists in a state of constant erosion, with whole stretches maintained out of obligation or pride by families whom own the land through which it passes. Next door however, it crumbles away once again, ignored by those with better things to waste their coin on. As a nation defined by its communal politics, the individual greed renders all such endeavours as futile and utterly wasted. As such, river travel is preferred by most, for not only is it faster but it relies on no one to maintain the waters. For this reason, most of the crime and difficulties that occur do so along the waterways, and in turn does most of the civil enforcement watch the rivers with interest.   The only extant outlier to this general rule are the Bastion Keeps. Dotted around the border of the nation to ward against the myriad threats waiting outside, they are maintained not just by the noble houses, but by the governance itself and the Mysteries that support them. Fortunately for the brave defenders, the latter take their obligations far more seriously, and for many departments and cults, the maintainance of these keeps is the beginning and end of their raison d'être.