Matron Mysterium
One of the well known nations in the south of the Island Continent of Bellflower. The Mysterium is beset by the Kuo-toa empire, and at odds often with it's land based neighbor of the Argon Empire . They try to hold on to old customs even when those customs serve little modern purpose.
Structure
The Matron leads the nation, counseled by the Vertic Court. These nobles are all female and of low elf ancestry. The generals and captains are often men and run both the militia's and the People's Reavers . Local vassals can be of any gender or sentient race, and they help run local operations for government programs.
Culture
Women wear rough woolen skirts, with symmetrically patterned blouses. Black and Navy are popular colors to contrast with white linen blouses.
Men wear leather that is fitted, tied and died bright colors. Patterning is often in white or silver. High ranking military officers typically have silver "goldwork" embroidered badges and trim. These materials are provided by the one gnomish foundry in the nation.
Architecture is either of aged stonework or newer waddle and daub construction. Decorated wood beams are common, especially under the eaves of the newer construction.
The winter solstice festival focuses on femininity and the retellings or pageants of famous female heroes. The men will often compete in footraces and javelin tosses.
The harvest festival is marked by mens climbing contests, feasts and costumes of feathers and glass beads. There tends to be a bunch of drinking, often of sweet alcoholic beverages.
Assets
The Celestial Lenses provide a significant number of abilities to defend the capitol city. Their economy and stability are also quite good. Their geography is good for trade overwater and they are on defensible peninsula for protection.
Demography and Population
Largely Elven, of the Low Elven ethnic group. Small enclaves of humans and orcs live in the nation, while gnomes, halflings and dwarves are looked down upon and rarely stay. The Touched are also not desirable and the Spiked Conch is especially vocal about their removal.
Agriculture & Industry
The low lying areas produce large amounts of sugarcane. The leftovers from sugarcane tend to be fed to pigs, leading to a significant amount of pork on the market. Preserved ham hocks with sugar and salt are a large export from the nation.
A small organization of wizards known as the Spiked Conch is highly influential in reviving old enchantments to help with production. They are one of the powers allied with the Matron who rules the Mysterium.
Meat, Animals, Sugar
Leisure goods, Wood
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