Welmenni (well-meh-nee)

The inhabitants of Welmenni, Welmennians, live in absolute decadence, their every needs attended by Rooks and homunculi and familiars specifically designed for that purpose. As Welmenni stands near a near-infinite supply of various ores, including the powerful Orichalcum, Rafinova and her apprentices have enough material to keep improving the life of her subjects. While Rafinova finds it of little interest to invade other nations as of yet, she has still built an impressive defensive network, meant for would-be attackers, especially those of Vengeance. As of recent, some of her troops have been spotted at the border of other nations, supposedly on reconnaissance missions - but for what purpose? Their capital is the technocratic city of Taqnia.

Government

Rafinova is the Technocrat of Welmenni, and that title is well earned. It is through her ideas, inventions, and work that the nation is where it is today. On the other hand, she doesn't really enjoy governmental work, preferring to focus on whatever challenge she has her mind currently set on. Instead, a minister with the title of Regulator rules Welmenni in her stead. That person is accompanied by two chambers; the Chamber of Robotics, that deals with all matters that deal with the Rooks and weapons, and the Chamber of Humanities, which deals with all matters of the flesh.
As perhaps expected of a government that was created by a goddess of decadence, the government is so fraught with corruption that it's a wonder that if even functions at all. Luckily, the attack from Rastlin has caused some politicians to whip themselves into shape, and start taking things more seriously.

Culture

The people of Welmenni live in sheer decadence and luxury, the likes of which would make many jealous - and many horrified at the conditions they live in. Because of the Rooks, the Welmennians have no need to take care of menial tasks themselves, like mining or farming or even cleaning. The Rooks make perfect servants in that respect, as they are non-sentient. Furthermore, thanks to Welmenni's aggressive trading strategy, they are never short on food nor on luxurious goods - and all born citizens of Welmenni are granted lodging once they come of age. Thus, with their basic needs met, they turn towards more indulgent pursuits.
The people of Welmenni enjoy nothing more than to partake in various parties, festivals, revelries, and other entertainment-fuelled pursuit. Prominent artists are essentially celebrities in Welmenni, as their art shapes current trends - if only for a little while. Singers, painters, poets, sculpters, builders, and especially Fleshcrafters - all enjoy considerable cultural pull in the decadent nation.
The people of Welmenni have two distinctive styles: their formal style, and their casual style. Their casual style often involves airy clothes, appropriate for their somewhat dry environment - like red-and-gold togas, for instance. Their armor, on the other hand, are works of art on their own. They embellish them with gadgets, gizmos, and elaborate technological enhancements to make them more resistant to certain dangers. In either case, the Welmennians prefer brilliant, high-saturation colors in their clothes.
The day-to-day life of a Welmennian is one that is free of worries. They wake up, eat the food provided by the government, and go to whatever shows, plays, or place that strikes their fancy that day. Some of them do work - those who feel overwhelming loyalty to Rafinova chief amongst them. They are often employed as engineers and innovators, or as technicians at the forefront of the war. Even then, the support network and benefits these people have would make a Gest blush.

Agriculture and Cuisine

Agriculture and farming is entirely taken care of by the Rooks. Because the soil of Welmenni is of extremely poor quality, they've had to use technology to create favorable conditions to grow plants and fruits in, and aggressively import seeds and other greenery from other countries.
There are two schools of thought regarding cuisine in Welmenni. There are those who understand it is an art, and partake only in the finest foods that it has to offer - especially meat, which is harder to get in Welmenni due to their poor soil. And then there are those who do not care, and mostly eat a mass-produced, vitamin-charged substance that fills their daily needs and does nothing else.

Biome

Welmenni is a montane grassland by definition, but the land itself is bereft of mostly anything green - and not just due to its high altitude. Rafinova cares more for the safety and well-being of her people than her own land, and so has drawn every resource there to near the breaking point. Orichalcum can solve most problems, but not all of them.

Uniqueness

The nation of Welmenni has many mines of the material known as Orichalcum. This causes a few oddities, especially around their capital, Taqnia; there the Orichalcum is plentiful, and strange growths of this material poke through the earth like gem forests. Since Orichalcum comes in many different colors, many find these "forests" to be hauntingly beautiful.

Relation with other countries

Welmenni relies on trade more than any other nation, and therefore they must be careful to keep everyone happy. Luckily, their technology is so much greater than everyone else's that they are mostly not worried about having their trade routes subverted.
Free Domhan: Rafinova regards the rebels as foolish children, and laughs at their feeble attempts to attack their trade routes to the north-east of the Vast. Welmenni barely acknowledges the existence of this nation, believing that their war is doomed to fail in the long run, especially since they are everyone's enemies.
The Junction: The Junction is Welmenni's oldest and most faithful trading partner. While they do not have a military alliance, the Welmennians are happy to keep trading with the Joined, sending over a part of their tech in exchange for astronomical sums of gold as well as materials they lack in their now-ruined lands, like wood. As long as the money keeps flowing, Welmenni would never even consider attacking their long-time friends.
Holy Dragon Empire: Welmenni has a number of trades going on with various power-hungry and influential dragons within the Empire. While Rafinova would not call the Empire their "ally", or even their "friend", she is certainly happy to provide the rich dragons with what they ask. The Welmennians have even come up with larger versions of their weapons and armor, adapted to work for dragon-sized beings - as long as they're willing to pay the increased price, of course.
Vengeance: Welmenni and Vengeance are at war. According to Welmenni, this is a war of aggression against them, for they did nothing to provoke Rastlin and his Children. Rafinova does not take this war very seriously, and is content to defend the Rampart while making no attempt to advance upon Vengeance lands. Of course, the fact that they've had to defend the sea as well is quite annoying - but Rafinova is glad to have a challenge that stimulates her mind.
Gestrini: The only reason that Rafinova can't call Meloch her ally is that the latter insists on remaining neutral in all aspects. In practice, the two nations have had a very long history of friendship, as the art of Fleshcrafting can be used for healing purposes as well. Welmennians love nothing more than to head to Gestrini to spend their gold and have a bit of a vacation, and they are more than happy to partake in the unique delights that the island offers.

Type

Geopolitical, Technocracy