Seredina

Overview

Seredina is the humble capital city of Kholodnyy and the largest population center within the country. Seredina has a small but tough population. Nestled within the Dragonspine Mountains, Seredina is a stronghold that has yet to be successfully conquered by hostile forces, although not due to lack of effort. Snowfall in Seredina ceases entirely for only 2-3 months out of the year, giving would-be invaders a very small window to overthrow the resilient Seredinians. Even invaders from the lower Dragonspine Mountains struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of Seredina.

Infrastructure and Layout

Unlike other cities, Seredina does not divide its people into particular areas of the city by race or socioeconomic status. All people within the city reside in the area that they desire to live in.

The streets of Seredina are paved with cobblestone to ease the process of clearing pathways through the snow during periods of heavy snowfall (which are very frequent). The main street of Seredina is lined with a few inns, shops, and stables. The home of the Vlad - or mayor - is the largest building in Seredina. The Vlad’s home also contains the barracks of the local guardsmen and a large shelter for those displaced by harsh weather conditions. 

Government and Economy

As previously mentioned, visitors of Seredina would consider Seredina to be a democratic socialist community. Nearly all of the city’s income is spent on community resources to help citizens in need, or to maintain the town’s modest infrastructure. Despite being the elected leader of the city, the Vlad’s income is little more than the average citizen. This encourages any would-be Vlad to run for the position out of genuine care for the community, rather than financial gain. Any Vlads displaying selfishness or corruption are executed at the end of their five year term, as is the right of the Seredinian citizens. Vlad Dekan is the current leader of Seredina.

Religion and Culture

Seredinians do not primarily worship a deity like other cities. In fact, most Seredinians follow several deities, with the most popular combination in the region being Aris and Omis. Offerings are made to Omis for blessings fo strength and vitality, while offerings to Aris are made for pleasant weather and sunshine. 

Above all else, Seredinians value family. Because of this, many Seredinian households are multigenerational homes. Young Seredinians are taught that their elders are a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Everyone fights their battles as long as they can, and when its time to lay down their weapons, it is the duty of the young to take on their fight and honor their sacrifices. 

Den Rezni

Den Rezni is the Seredinian celebration of great victory over Tetloan invaders at the end of the Dragonspine Skirmishes almost 400 years ago. The festival is dedicated to the great hero Zhevat, who ventured far and wide to unlock the seals of Darak’Dur to unleash the wrath of the Twelve Witnesses upon the Tetloan army as they marched to seize Seredina.

Den Rezni is a festival of color, symbolizing the fiery explosions of magical force that rained down upon the Tetloan invaders. The brown adn gray landscape of Seredina is transformed into a sea of reds, greens, blues, and every color in between. People throw brightly colored powders at each other. Bards play ballads of Zhevat’s heroism and the elderly tell tales to children about the incredible power of the Twelve Witnesses. Despite not knowing their names, titles, or appearances, children run rampant wearing homemade masks depicting the Twelve Witnesses. Finally, as the sun begins to set, a large parade is held and marches through the main street of Seredina.