Iruvia

Iruvia is a land of black deserts, obsidian mountains, and raging volcanoes. despite this hostile geography it is also the home of opulent cities, the mark of grand civilisations, many of which have risen and fallen against this fiery backdrop. No one truly knows when Iruvian civilisation first rose up in this region, each of the principle cities claiming to have hosted the capital of a glorious Empire at one time or another. As these empires rose and fell there has always been the background constant of the nomadic tribes. Able to thrive amongst the black sands and negotiate with whoever currently claims power these groups represent an untameable power. In the Modern Era Iruvia became the first to ally with the new Imperium, enabling itself to retain a modicum of independence. They have retained their military and have been able to keep the majority of political control. Each city has an enclave of Imperial diplomats and soldiers, but they hold little more than a ceremonial role. One of the most significant differences between Iruvia and much of the rest of the Imperium is the presence of significantly more Spirit Wells  of significantly greater power. The side effect of this is that there are significantly fewer ghosts than other Imperial Provence's. Demons are also more widely accepted, with many worshipped as rulers and gods.
Climate The land here is hot and windswept. The tides of the desert change with the seasons, the wind shaping and reforming dunes to reflect the new paths of the winds. Whilst in the time before the cataclysm this heat would have come from the oppressive nature of the Sun, but since the sky turned black other forces have provided it. The intense volcanic activity of the region means that all of the desert emanates heat, and only the rare outcrop of marble or sandstone can provide respite. in some cities this volcanic heat bursts through causing continually burning vents of fire. These in some cities such as U'Duasha are imense spirit wells no longer truely connected with the earth. in the rare pockets of water that run through this land the people make their home. utilising either the irrigation or natural springs to power their city.
Wildlife Alongside the heat very few animals haunt the deserts of this land. Some rare birds are able to traverse the lengths of the desert hunting small the insects and lizards that can survive amongst the black sands. These thin predators hunt by themselves and often are only recognisable by a rapid glint as they descend. Around the Cities you can occasionally find bigger more vicious birds, such as hawks and eagles. it is a rare mark of honour to be able to tame one of these birds as even raising them from birth is not enough to guarantee loyalty. Even more rare outside of the peninsular are the Yuthatal, giant lizard mounts tamed by the nomads and ridden to cross the vast stretches of desert. In areas of water abundance trees grow strong and tall, and all manner of lush plant life is cultivated. Some still need the luxury of radiant energy farming but others appear to still thrive in the darkness, drawing their strength from the heat below.
Culture Iruvia has a huge amount of history and culture permeating its very bones, from the tribal nomads, to coastal cities to communities nestled in the mountains. in every city this is presented in different ways, there are some that ate still centres of opulence and power. The capital of U'Duasha is one such city, with a grand spirit well named U'Du holding the greatest. Here the different factions follow Demon Princes that they believe are entombed in obsidian Demon Spires. On the coast the worshipping of demons is usually less and there is a greater focus on science, industry and learning. Out in the desert wastes where life is tough little stock is held for demons or spirits as both are forces they must contend with. The nomads focus on self reliance and the strength of the blade, putting little stock in the luxury's found elsewhere.
The Imperium There is a fraught relationship between the Imperium and Iruvia, complicated by their long history. as effectively a tributary state they have retained a large measure of independence and military autonomy. This was a tactical move by the powers that control Iruvian society as they sought to protect their wealth. This deal has stood strong for close to 500 years, but there are always those who would seek to tip the balance of power one way or another. Recently Iruvian spies in Imperial City uncover a plot by the Emperor to shift a large portion of the Imperial fleet to Bright Harbour. This appears to be the first stage in an aggressive move against Iruvia, potentially to launch a campaign toward the interior, and Iruvia’s vast mineral wealth around