Gestrini (guest-ree-nee)

The nation of Gestrini is well-protected by mountain ranges to its west and to its east, created by Meloch to discourage attackers from trying a sea invasion. However, geographical reasons are not the only reasons why Meloch can afford to declare herself as neutral in all conflicts; it is also because Gestrini hosts many of Domhan's greatest healers, both for physical and mental wounds. Because of this relative peace and the somewhat lax laws of this land, many make their way to Gestrini to find respite from constant conflict - and Meloch is happy to oblige their vices. Their capital is the grandiose city of Nukkua. The people who are born in Gestrini are called the Gest.

Government

Gestrini's government revolves around the worship of Meloch and in the upholding of her principles over the country. Gestrini is a staunchly neutral theocracy, and its inhabitants all work together to uphold the ideals of the Amorous one.
As Meloch herself can't be everywhere, she hand-picks a few of her worshippers (often Roglaw themselves, though not always) to serve as Sages, the arbiters of Meloch's will upon Gestrini. These Sages speak with the authority of the goddess herself, and so their words are law. The Sages often communicate together, especially to solve difficult societal problems or conflicts. The people are often happy to follow their decisions, though there have always been malcontents and those who believe they are abusing their power over the people.

Culture

Meloch is the goddess of love and passion, and this reflects in every aspect of a Gest's life. They always seek to live life to its fullest, and to share their passions with other people. They throw themselves, body and soul, into any task they undertake; be it their work, or their hobbies, or even their courting. Their culture is focused on two things: the pursuit of passion, and neutrality.
The Gest understand that they are the only nation on Domhan to be truly neutral. They know the importance of this, as people come from the world over to Gestrini in order to relax, and find peace in this war-torn world. It is the holy duty of any Gest to make sure that these poor souls are welcomed in their land, and to make sure that this neutrality is kept even when opposed cultures mingle.
The Gest live in a cold land, and dress accordingly. Their homes may be warm, but the outside certainly isn't, so they tend to wear heavy clothes, often with fur. They tend to have a second set of more relaxed clothes beneath, that they only reveal once they're inside. They prefer leathers and wool for said clothes.
Their day-to-day life consists of following their passion to its fullest, partaking in it even into the deep hours of the night.

Agriculture and Cuisine

The land of Gestrini is cold, and so only plants and trees that can grow in such temperatures are cultivated on the island. Beets, carrots, turnips, cabbage; all of these things are very common on Gestrini, and since people tend to be passionate about their work, their fields can extend over large distances, and are often very well taken care of. The agricultural knowledge obtained from other countries, and the method of coaxing nature obtained from the Children, certainly contributes to a healthy agriculture.
Their cuisine often involves meals that are meant to be consumed very warm. Because the Gest are so passionate, they burn a lot of energy, and so their meals are also, often, passionate and long affairs, sometimes taking up to multiple hours.

Biome

Gestrini, surrounded by mountain ranges to its west and east, is covered by a vast, rocky tundra that grows to be very cold during Winter. There are a few prevailing theories as to why Meloch chooses to keep the island so cold and somewhat barren. Some say that the cold helps with the treatment of wounds, as well as the conservation of Husks. Others have cruder theories.

Uniqueness

The two mountain ranges of Gestrini are, by definition, unnatural. Meloch rose them herself when she separated a chunk of land from the mainland to claim for herself. Collectively, they are known as the Embrace - the western and eastern protectors of the neutral continent.

Relation with other countries

Though Gestrini and Meloch may be neutral, they entertain good relations with a lot of nations. People go there to seek respite, and as long as they abide to the island's rules, the Gest are happy to provide.
Free Domhan: Meloch looks unfavorably upon the people of Free Domhan, though she does understand Aramach's cause. Nonetheless, she wishes that things could've been talked over before things escalated. The whole nation of Gestrini watches in bated breath in anticipation of what the Reformation Army may do next, especially as they are neighbours, with the Separation Sea and the Embrace their only defenses against a potential assault.
Welmenni: The people of Welmenni are famed in Gestrini for their decadence and their particular tastes. The two nations are exceptionally friendly with each other, and the Welmennians are often favored guests amongst the Gest. This has allowed Gestrini's Fleshcrafting technologies to be nearly as good as they are in Welmenni.
The Junction: Meloch understands that the Twins control the largest continent on Domhan, and that they were to declare peace, the rest of Domhan would likely follow. Therefore, the Gest have gently tried to ingratiate the idea of peace and love to their Joined guests, which has allowed pacifist ideas to truly make their way into the kingdom. Trade still regularly takes place regularly between the two nations. They are amicable with each other.
Holy Dragon Empire: Draconic envoys are perhaps the more rowdy of all the visitors on Gestrini; as a matter of fact, they've accrued a bit of a bad reputation. Luckily, Meloch is always there to keep them in line, but more than one incident has involved a dragon that could not keep their arrogance in check, or felt they were slighted somehow. Still, the island welcomes them, and the gifts that the more generous dragons bring, such as magical items or rarities and oddities, are often quite prized.
Vengeance: Meloch and Rastlin have always been at odds, but the two nations are so geographically distant that the latter has never dared to declare war thus far. The island sees no trade with Vengeance, and only a few envoys are ever Children of Domhan. Nonetheless, the Gest have no particular prejudices against them, so long as they can keep their wars out of their island.

Type

Geopolitical, Country