Uelk (Yu-elk)
Uelk is, to put it simply, a divided nation. However, it is a rather functional one, since this divide is largely due to the isolation of the dwarves, who prefer to largely remain in the mountains. However, they agree to follow the laws and various demands of Uelk and are therefore technically not a separate sovereign nation.
Apart from this odd arrangement, Uelk is actually quite an active country--filled with the widest variety of races, religions and minor organizations all striving to establish their presence in the world. This is mostly the result of its disproportionately large Malfecent population, who have "infiltrated" certain parts of the government with the intention of creating a little "productive chaos". These actions make much more sense if you're familiar with Malfecent culture, but they've actually found quite a bit of success in this part of the world. While structure and order are still maintained, they are also very fluid--shifting every-which-way to adjust to the constant internal sabotage (which usually targets sections of government that the saboteurs believe to be unfair or morally wrong).
However, since most of these saboteurs are not sociologists, nor do they generally have a solid understanding of how a government works... they are usually just wreaking havoc on the system. When caught, they are quickly imprisoned.
Culture
Art is one of the most prominent influencers of this country's culture. As are certain drugs and alcohols... well, okay, every kind of drug and alcohol. As previously mentioned, this is all largely the result of their Malfece population, who seem to indirectly guide every part of this nation in every direction at once.
On a smaller scale, however, there are quite a few issues. Namely, their economy is unstable and largely dependent on internal resources as well as occasional aid from Milliel, their predominantly elven neighbor. This can be quite devastating for anyone without connections or the ability to sustain themselves. That said, this has become infinitely more manageable since they've adopted Milliel's currency as their own. This is worth noting because it did have a significant impact on their culture--and especially how the Malfece were viewed for a while. It also cast a lot of self-doubt in many Malfecent citizens, turning the overall religion away from more extreme behaviors to more casual/everyday acts of individuality. Now, walking down the decorated streets can be quite jarring for an outsider, since each house is aggressively decorated with the intent to express individuality.
Foreign Relations
While relations with Orthin may be rough, the struggling nation has become quite close to Milliel, who have not only an incredibly stable government/economy, but also a dominant religion that is surprisingly compatible with Malfece. This allows a comfortable connection to be made that have since brought a significant amount of stability domestically. Acting as a barrier between themselves and Orthin, Milliel has proven to be an invaluable ally.
Maps
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Uelk
Map of Uelk, Dwell's westernmost country and home to the largest population of dwarves and malfecents (though, for the most part, they are two mutually exclusive groups).
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Alternative Names
The Western Lands (informally)
Demonym
Uelki (Yu-elk-ee)
Government System
Ochlocracy
Power Structure
Semi-autonomous area
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Major Exports
- Art/Cultural Exports
- Ore/Building Materials (from dwarves)
- Machinery/technologies
Location
Neighboring Nations
Comments