Shini-O

Shini-O is the oldest surviving nation in the Southlands, with a recorded history tracking back over one thousand years. People from Shini-O are often called Shins, but there are a variety of ethnic groups within the borders of the old empire.   Major Cities and Landmarks   The capital city of Shini-O is Encentrem, the Seat of Ages and Home to Kings. The Royal Family of Shini-O famously claims their home to be Encentrem, but there is also the Kings' Estate, 3 miles outside of the city center. The Royal Family actively works to hide their locations at any given time, and it is not publicly known whether or not the estate is actually a residence or merely an elaborate ruse.   Some of the other major cities in Shini-O include the Lakeshore Triplets Culorio, Rulio, and Internlund; Nasel, home to the Galumær embassy; Nordlund, famed for its Blacksmiths Guild; Fletchem and Demis, separated by the Bear River, have the entertaining nickname of The Eternal Rivals; and Carolin, the youngest of Shini-O's major cities, conquered from Charyb 200 years ago.   Despite being a landlocked nation, Shini-O is able to maintain its current borderlines largely due to its control of water. For example, the nation commands the majority of Lake Nord's coastlines. Additionally, Bear River's acting as a natural border between Galumær and Shini-O allows for a sort of freshwater naval defense.   Uniquely, Shini-O's has historically been the home to Nomad Cities, designated spaces where Nomads are guaranteed safe passage and life. These Nomad Cities are typically sponsored by the cities closest to their spaces; however, the Nomad Cities sponsored by Culorio and Rulio have been taken in the Galumær invasion of Crowded Rivers.   History   The Millenniarium, as Shini-O is sometimes known, came together in a period of war. The Century Conflict was marked by the rise and fall of more than seventy warlords and their respective clans. Midway through the Century Conflict, the clans of Mocollom, Shini-in, and O-Kareo became embroiled in a military stalemate. The Shini-in and O-Kareo clans united to wipe out the Mocollom, and built a city together as a sign of further peace between the two. The settlement was named Shini-O, a portmanteau of each tribe's names.   Shini-O eventually became an independent city state from its progenitors, growing in power and influence over the local population. For nearly two hundred years, Shini-O was ruled by a council known as the Encentrem, repelling invaders and keeping its independence through the remainder of the Century Conflict and beyond. With the machinations of the first king, Michel Rolanda, Shini-O expanded to become a fledgling nation of its own. The city was renamed Encentrem as a representation of its centralized power.   The Rolanda Dynasty ruled Shini-O for nearly three hundred years. Following a succession crisis in which a set of quadruplets all claimed power, the nation was left kingless for nearly four years. This time, known as the Quadruple Anarchy, was ended when the Encentrem council of old was reformed in order to select a new king. The ultimately selected leader was Rodrergo of the Filbert family, who claimed descent from the long lost Mocollom clan. King Rodrergo instituted the Succession Laws of the nation, which are still in place today:

1. No Royal Family may remain in power should they lose the major support of their Lords
2. A Council of Lords must convene in Encentrem, should a Royal Family Lose their support
3. Only the first two of a Royal Family's progeny may inherit land, title, or army
4. Ancestry of the Land must be present for a new Royal Family to be legitimate

  The Filbert famously was rather infamously deposed by its own Council of Lords after Rodrergo's son Berdrigo bungled a public execution. The Collen family was selected to follow, and they ruled for two centuries following. This time was known as The Dynasty of Peace, as the Collen royal family dedicated their time to economic and pastoral growth, rather than military.   The final King of the Collen Dynasty, Bencoben, died in his sleep without any heirs. The Council of Lords was convened, and Shini-O's first ruling Queen was chosen: Queen Soyana of the Feraol family. The Feraol Royal Family has maintained their position in the centuries since.   Culture     The people of Shini-O, commonly referred to as Shins, have an international reputation as being either incredibly haughty or acting as if put upon by others. This is typically seen as a sign of class divide between different groups within the nation: the twenty or so Major Families of Encentrem have been part of the ruling class for generations, while others make up a clear second class.     Shins that have a lineage tied to the Major Families often are seen as having a superiority complex: raised their whole lives with the expectation that they are bound for a grand legacy, regardless of their ability.  On the other side of the coin, Shins who are from any other upbringing are seen as guaranteed to a life of service under the Major Families.  Those with ambition may change their station in life, but that is rare.  The youngest Major Family, the Chansen, reached their place over two hundred and fifty years ago.     Shins view history as an important aspect of everything: it is known and expected for many items to have a long story connected to them.  This obsession with histories is not always obvious to some Shins, but an outsider may be curious about the shocking amounts of knowledge that people may have about their hometown, posessions, or neighbors.   Races     Most Major Families in Encentrem are of Elven or Orcish descent, but there are many Half Elves and Half Orcs among their ranks.  Typically, common Shins are Humans, Halfings, or Dwarves, but there is a large population of Tieflings in the formerly Charybese city of Carolin.  The area around Lake Nord is incredibly Halfling-dominant - over 80% of the people living in that area are of Halfling descent.   Religion     The most prominent religious faith in Shini-O is known as "Following the Path."  Essentially, Shins are expected to continue the legacy or traditions of their ancestors, while giving respect and admiration to those who came before.  Clerics who Follow the Path take on specialized training in order to commune with the ancestral memories of other people, and are often called upon to investigate and exorcise ghosts.  These Clerics are often working within the Knowledge or Life Domains, though there are some whose families have a more unique lineage.  The holy symbol of Clerics that Follow the Path is most often a hand with a pointing finger.