Shixra, the Twilight Expanse
Shixra is the land at the roof of the world, where the sun never rises nor sets, but always glows dimly just at the edge of the horizon. Colder than nearly any other place on Edras, Shixra is filled with barren tundras, mountains of ice, and frozen seas. Despite the glacial temperatures, the Twilight Expanse does not see much snowy, instead existing in a constant state of permafrost, leading many to believe the area was once desert. The frozen seas around Shixra are treacherous and difficult to navigate, but they are also home to many unusual creatures and mysteries. Some of the tribes believe that there are ancient ruins or lost cities buried beneath the ice, waiting to be discovered. Others tell stories of sea monsters and spirits that haunt the depths, luring unwary sailors to their doom.
Shixra is ruled over by a loose tribal monarchy whose current leader is High Chieftain Glynceran, Son of Glaciers. Since most of the tribes of Shixra are nomadic in nature, tracking gargantuan land beasts across the tundras, their leaders rule from wherever their tribe currently sets up its tents. Law travels slowly and great clan moots happen infrequently at best. For the most part, each tribe makes its own laws and customs, though deferring to those of the current High Chieftain whenever there is a conflict. This arrangement has worked well for the Shixrah for thousands of years and shows no signs of changing in the near future. The lack of a centralized government in Shixra can sometimes lead to conflicts between the tribes. When this happens, it is typically resolved through a clan moot, where representatives from each tribe come together to discuss and debate the issue at hand. These meetings can last for days or even weeks, and are conducted according to strict customs and protocols.
Shixra is fairly inhospitable and is lacking in a strong centralized government, thus most civilized nations have no need or desire to trade or ally with the people of Twilight. The single exception to this truth is the Ru’ora Archipelago, who remember the land of Shixra and how their distant ancestors travelled from the roof of the world to its southernmost islands to settle. Rumor has it that there are even ancient stone portals that connect the two distant peoples.
Shixrah are people of the land, relying on it for all of their needs. They waste nothing and endeavor to respect all things - animate and inanimate. The tribes of Shixra are very skilled at hunting and tracking, and have developed specialized techniques and tools for capturing the gargantuan land beasts that roam the tundras. These creatures provide them with food, clothing, and other resources, and are considered sacred to the people of Twilight. They value spirituality and cooperation with nature above all things, though they have a strong instinct for survival and are not shy about protecting what is theirs. Despite the harsh conditions of their environment, the people of Shixra are known for their hospitality and generosity towards travelers. It is a deeply ingrained cultural value to share what they have with others, and to treat strangers with kindness and respect. However, they are also fiercely independent and will not tolerate any threats to their way of life or their homeland. The most common professions among the tribes of Shixra are shamans, hunters, leatherworkers, messengers, and warriors.
The Song of Edras is the dominant religion of Shixra, a shamanistic religion that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. It teaches that everything has a spirit or essence, and that humans must live in harmony with nature in order to maintain balance and avoid causing harm. The shamans of Shixra are the spiritual leaders of their communities, and are highly respected for their wisdom and insight.
While magic is not widely practiced in Shixra, there are a few exceptions. For example, some of the tribes use natural magic to communicate with the spirits of the land or to heal injuries and illnesses. Others use it to enhance their hunting and tracking abilities. However, these practices are generally limited to those who have been specially trained and initiated into the secrets of magic.
The Tribes of Shixra
There are many tribes that make up the population of Shixra, each with its own customs and traditions. Here are some examples of notable tribes in Shixra:- Icecrasher Tribe: The Icecrasher Tribe is one of the largest tribes in Shixra, known for their impressive hunting skills and their ability to track and take down massive beasts. They are also famous for their icy totems, which they craft from the bones of the creatures they hunt.
- The Ice Fang Tribe: This tribe is known for their skill in hunting giant ice wyrms, ferocious creatures that live beneath the permafrost in the tundras of Shixra. The Ice Fangs are fierce warriors and expert trackers, with a reputation for never backing down from a fight. They are also famous for their ice harpoons, enchanted weapons made from the frozen water of Shixra's lakes and seas.
- The White Wolf Tribe: This tribe is made up of expert hunters who specialize in tracking and killing the white wolves that roam the tundras of Shixra. They are known for their agility and stealth, and are considered the best scouts and spies in the land. The White Wolves have a reputation for being fiercely independent, and they are not afraid to challenge the authority of the High Chieftain if they believe his decisions will harm their people.
- The Stone Hammer Tribe: This tribe is known for their skill in mining and metalworking. They live in the mountains of Shixra and have built intricate underground cities that stretch deep into the earth. The Stone Hammers are expert blacksmiths and armorers, and are famous for their beautifully crafted weapons and armor. They are also skilled architects, and their underground cities are considered marvels of primitive engineering.
- The Raven's Flight: This tribe of Ikwiikwii is known for their incredible speed and agility. They are skilled hunters and trackers, and are often called upon to scout out new territories for other tribes. The Raven's Flight are led by a charismatic chieftain named Skyfeather, who is known for her sharp wit and strategic thinking.
- The Sky Dancer Tribe: This tribe is made up of expert climbers who live in the peaks of the tallest mountains in Shixra. They are known for their skill in navigating treacherous mountain paths and scaling sheer cliffs, and are considered the best mountain guides in the land. The Sky Dancers are also famous for their acrobatic dances, which they perform in honor of the spirits of the mountains.
- The Starwatchers: This tribe of Loxodon is renowned for their expertise in astronomy and navigation. They navigate the vast frozen wastes of Shixra by following the stars, and are often called upon by other tribes to help guide them on their travels. The Starwatchers are led by a shaman who is known for her powerful magic and divination abilities.
The Laws of Magic
- In Shixra, only natural magic is practiced, and while arcane and divine magic are not illegal, they are not commonly used or valued by the people. The practice of necromancy is outright illegal, and magic that comes from pledging oneself to outsiders or agents of the Primordials is strictly forbidden.
- Sorcerers are viewed as chosen shamans and great seers, and their abilities are respected and valued by the people. However, they are still subject to the laws of natural magic and cannot practice magic that violates the natural order.
- The Shixrah view magic as a way of connecting with nature and the natural order of things, and they believe that using magic for personal gain or to subvert the natural order is wrong. As such, the laws of magic in Shixra are primarily focused on preserving the balance of nature and preventing the misuse of magic.
- Shixra is the only cullic kingdom in Edras where the Circle of 12 Seals holds little to no sway.
Demography and Population
Population: 6,550,000
Demographics:
- Firbolg 24%
- Ikwiikwii 18%
- Loxodon 14%
- Goliaths 12%
- Kodan 8%
- Dwarves 8%
- Elves 6%
- Halflings 6%
- Misc. 4%
Founding Date
781 AS
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Demonym
Shixrah
Ruling Organization
Government System
Tribalism
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Barter system
Currency
Shixra has no recognized currency, instead relying on bartering and reputation based trade
Location
Neighboring Nations
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