Q'barra

Q'barra stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the legacy of the Empire of Galifar, albeit one hardened by the challenges of frontier life and strategic alliances. This nation, carved out of the wilds, operates under a distinct organizational structure, a blend of feudal tradition and pragmatic adaptation. Understanding this structure is key to grasping the complexities of Q'barra's politics, its relations with its neighbors, and the simmering tensions within its borders.

At the apex of Q'barra's hierarchy sits King Sebastes ir'Kesslan, grandson of the settlement's founder and ruler from the bustling port city of Newthrone. Sebastes embodies the authority of the crown, holding sway over the land and its resources. However, the realities of a frontier nation dictate a more decentralized approach to governance.

Q'barra adheres to a feudal system, reminiscent of old Galifar. Power is delegated to local lords or magistrates, who wield considerable authority within their respective territories. This system allows for swift and decisive action – a necessity in a land beset by dangers. However, it also fosters a culture where justice is often harsh and readily dispensed, particularly toward outsiders. This decentralized legal system often leads to inconsistencies and potential abuses of power, especially as it filters down to settlements far from Newthrone.

The nation's interactions with its neighbors have deeply shaped its internal structure and foreign policy. Constant threats, such as the warbands from Valenar and the marauding Lhazaar pirates, constantly test Q'barra's defenses and demand unwavering vigilance. While King Sebastes actively seeks diplomatic solutions to the Lhazaar threat, striking agreements with the Lhazaar Princes, the constant threat necessitates a strong, localized defense capability.

Following the end of the Last War, Q'barra actively participated in the peace talks at Thronehold, seeking recognition of its sovereignty. Despite harboring a general distrust of the Five Nations, Q'barra actively cultivates relationships with the emergent nations, particularly the Mror Holds and the Lhazaar Principalities, understanding the strategic importance of regional alliances.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Q'barra's organization is its burgeoning relationship with the Inspired lords of Riedra. The Inspired, skilled diplomats and shrewd strategists, have showered King Sebastes with praise, forged trade agreements, and even deployed troops to bolster Q'barra's defenses. While these garrisons are currently small, the promise of future reinforcements raises concerns about Riedra's growing influence within New Galifar. This alliance, while seemingly beneficial, could have long-term consequences for Q'barra's autonomy and cultural identity, raising fears of manipulation and eventual assimilation.

The Human Settlements

Among the "civilized races," three primary communities have carved out their existence, often in uneasy proximity:

• New Galifar: Representing the lingering shadow of the old empire, New Galifar is the largest and most established human settlement. Ruled by King Sebastes ir'Kesslan from the city of Newthrone, with the aid of noble lords, their culture is one that strives to restore a semblance of the past glory and order of the pre-Last War kingdom. They embody traditional hierarchical structures and a desire for stability in a volatile land.
• Hope: Located in the southwest, the communities within Hope are a testament to resilience and pragmatism. Composed of refugees from the devastating Last War, their culture is less about inherited titles and more about survival and mutual aid, led nominally by Elder Nevillom, a veteran whose experience in conflict likely shapes their practical, adaptable approach. Wyrmwatch, at only three years old, exemplifies the raw, emergent nature of these settlements.
• Cyran Refugees: Unique in their displacement, Cyran refugees exist within both New Galifar and Hope. Having lost their homeland, their culture is one of profound loss and adaptability, seeking haven wherever it can be found. They represent a smaller, more desperate, and potentially more integrated element within the larger human communities.

Despite their differences, all human settlements share the common goal of survival and carving out a new existence in a land that is both promising and perilous.

The Lizardfolk Tribes

Spread across the vast jungles and plains of Q'barra, the lizardfolk tribes represent a diverse, ancient, and often dangerous aspect of the nation's culture:

• The Blackscale Lizardfolk: Residing in the jungles around Haka'torvhak, the Blackscales are overtly hostile to the common races and exert a brutal dominance over other lizardfolk tribes. Their culture is steeped in devotion to the black dragon Rhashaak, whom they revere, and their interactions are characterized by aggression and intimidation.
• The Poison Dusk Lizardfolk: Primarily found in the northern regions, the Poison Dusk also revere Rhashaak. However, their relationship with the Blackscales is one of humbled respect, viewing the Blackscales as chosen warriors. Their culture is thus subservient to the Blackscales' will, acting in concert with their more dominant kin.
• The Cold Sun Tribes: A significant coalition of 24 lizardfolk tribes, the Cold Sun reside in the north and east of Q'barra. Their culture is notably varied; while only seven tribes directly border human settlements, their interactions range from embracing the new communities to living in fear of them. The Cold Sun tribes harbor an intense hatred for the Blackscale lizardfolk, yet are wary of engaging in open warfare. This internal conflict makes them a volatile wild card, especially as sinister entities like the Lords of Dust are actively attempting to fan these hostilities into a full-blown war.

Intercultural Dynamics and Tensions

Q'barra's cultural fabric is defined by these interactions, creating a complex web of alliances, animosities, and cautious coexistence:

• Human-Human: While sharing the common bond of being "civilized races," New Galifar's traditionalism often contrasts with Hope's more pragmatic, frontier spirit. Cyran refugees represent a shared vulnerability that can bridge these gaps or highlight the underlying differences in security and status.
• Human-Lizardfolk: The human settlements face constant threat from the aggressive Blackscale and Poison Dusk tribes. The Cold Sun tribes, with their varied responses to human presence, represent both potential allies against the Blackscales and another source of unpredictable danger.
• Lizardfolk-Lizardfolk: The Blackscales exert a brutal dominance over other lizardfolk. The Cold Sun's animosity towards the Blackscales is a simmering volcano, a potential powder keg that could reshape the balance of power if ignited, especially with the manipulative influence of the Lords of Dust.

Age of Goblins

During the time of the Dhakaani Empire the lizardfolk resided on the Talenta Plains. The goblins drove the lizardfolk across the Endworld Mountains and into the unamed, uninhabited area of Q'barra. The lizardfolk begin to live in the Basura Swamp region sticking closely to the Torva River. Some scholars believe that these were the members of what are now the Cold Sun tribe and that both the Poisondusk and Blackscale Lizardfolk had their origins in Xen'Drik, this could explain the deep seated hostilities between these two sects of the same race, as well as their physical differences.

Under Galifar

During the reign of Galifar the region called Q'barra by the Lhazaar princes was mostly ignored. Seen as an inhospitable territory dominated by lizardfolk and without any desirable resources many were content to leave Q'barra alone. During this time the lizardfolk tribes spread across Q'barra and established their tenuous peace after many long decades of guerilla fighting.

The Last War

When the Last War began many who had put their loyalties in one united Galifar were psychologically shattered. Unwilling to profess their allegiance to one nation these patriots set out to found a new region that would hold to the old tennants of Galifar. Duke Ven ir'Kesslan petitioned for rights to settle the previously uninhabited region known as Q'barra. He was granted those rights and he took a flotilla of ships set out along the coastline to find a place to settle the first of what they believed would be many cities to come. The journey was doomed from the start. Rough seas and piracy thinned the number of flotillas down by nearly a third. Finally the beleagured caravan sojourned up Adder Bay and founded Adderport.

Over a decade Adderport slowly grew in size and the numbers of settlers swelled as more individuals, disenfranchised with the Last War sought refuge. As Adderport grew it quickly outgrew it's territory and new settlements spread out into what the people believed to be uninhabited Q'barra. They soon found that they had traveled over sites sacred to the Lizardfolk tribes. In 969 after 41 years of relative peace the settlements were attacked by the Cold Sun Tribes. The battles were bloody and suddenly those who sought refuge from the neverending conflict of the Last War found themselves thrown into an altogether new fight. Veterans of the Last War took charge as field commanders and trained up militia.

After a year of bloody conflict the settlers managed to repel the lizardfolk with magical skills, advanced weapons and superior tactics. Five years after the Twilight Walkers, one of the Cold Sun Tribes, approached the capital city of Newthrone and sat down with King Sebastes ir'Kesslan. At first the nobles were skeptical but after a long week of discussions the two parties had come to a tenuous accord known as the Vhak Za'shata. Since then the Twilight Walkers have acted as a liason between the human settlements and the Cold Sun Lizardfolk tribes.

• Lizardfolk 40%
• Human 30%
• Kobold 7%
• Halfling 7%
• Dwarf 3%
• Khoravar Half-elf 2%
• Other 3%

The rugged and untamed land of Q'barra, a haven for refugees and fortune seekers, is also a crossroads of faiths. While a melting pot of cultures has taken root in this frontier, the dominant religious influences stem from the original settlers of the region, primarily followers of the Silver Flame and the Sovereign Host.

The faithful of the Silver Flame brought their unwavering devotion to this land, seeking to ward off the darkness and protect the innocent. Their tenets of courage and sacrifice resonate deeply with the challenges faced by the settlers in this perilous territory.

Alongside the Flame, the Sovereign Host holds a significant place in the hearts of many Q'barrans. While followers of all nine deities can be found, Aureon, the Sovereign of Law and Lore, and Boldrei, the Sovereign of Home and Community, receive particular emphasis. Aureon's wisdom is sought in navigating the complexities of survival and governance, while Boldrei's guidance provides solace and strength in building a community amidst the wilderness.

Beyond these primary faiths, Q'barra's diverse population means that virtually any religion known in Khorvaire can be found within its refugee communities. This creates a vibrant, albeit sometimes fragmented, religious landscape, where different beliefs coexist and occasionally clash, contributing to the rich and complex tapestry of Q'barran society. The religious landscape of Q'barra is a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity and the diverse origins of its people.

Industry

The economic backbone of Q'barra is undoubtedly its rich Eberron dragonshard deposits. These crystalline fragments, imbued with magical energy, are the region's greatest resource and command high prices across Khorvaire. The extraction of these shards forms the cornerstone of Q'barra's industrial output. Mining operations, often rudimentary in nature but incredibly productive, are widespread across the region, making dragonshards the primary export.

Beyond the earth's bounty, Q'barra's dense jungles conceal another significant economic driver: exotic plants with valuable alchemical properties. These flora range from medicinal remedies to potent magical catalysts, and their harvesting and processing constitute a vital secondary industry. Specialized knowledge is required to identify, gather, and prepare these rare botanical components, which are then used to create a myriad of alchemical goods for trade.

Agriculture

While industrial endeavors dominate its export market, Q'barra's agriculture is primarily subsistence-based, focused on feeding its own population. Given the pervasive jungle environment, cultivation likely centers on hardy tropical crops suited to such conditions. This includes a diverse array of root vegetables, fruits, and other essentials cultivated for local consumption rather than large-scale export. The unique properties of some native plants might also lead to small-scale cultivation of specific alchemical ingredients, blurring the lines between agriculture and industry in certain specialized communities.

Crucial to Q'barra's economic model is its carefully curated trade network. While it has begun trading its dragonshards and alchemical plants to outsiders, Q'barra deliberately avoids significant commerce with the successor nations to old Galifar. Instead, the region prefers to deal with the Lhazaar Princes and the Inspired of Sarlona. This preference reflects a deep-seated distrust of the "traitorous" Galifaran heirs and a strategic alignment with powers that maintain a certain distance from the established continental order. This specialized focus on raw resource extraction and unique alchemical goods defines Q'barra as a frontier economy, rich in specific assets but self-reliant in its basic needs.