Eklaran

The vast continent of Eklaran is home to many nations. Demskland lies in the east with its sister nation Pfedriene. The Daneshi and the Pfredrin thrive on cold air and wild waters. In the southern lagoon La Merquigue makes it's home. Known for fine art and cuisine La Merquigians enjoy warm weather. The western half of the continent belongs to Madria. It is separated from Demksland by the Ghost Mountains. In the south Denathen struggles for land in a rocky desert.   Within these nations the Sovereign Magi Nation resides. The magi, have their own government, people, and culture, but only private land to call their own. The Magi Nation first formed in south western Madria and for a long time made it's capital in the magi city of Dhraoid Purt which sits in the coastal swamplands of that country. The Magi Nation quickly spread across Madria and Denathen where mages were feared and persecuted. Eventually it also spread into Demksland, Pferdriene, and La Merquigue although magi was view much more favorably in these places, particularly in Demksland and Pferdriene. As the magi began to draw their apprentices more and more from the aristocracy the Magi Nation soon became recognized within Madria although mages remained untrusted by the peasantry. The nation still exists today, though crippled by the downfall of the magi over the past 500 years.   Outside of the Magi Nation people in Eklaran exist largely in either the peasantry of aristocracy. The middle class is small and made mostly of land owners and the leaders of artisan guilds. Even normal artisans depend on steady work to make a living though they may have more savings than the poor farmers that make up much of Eklarans population. In Madria and La Mirquirgue it is even common for farmers to live in or near cities and travel short distances each day to their land. This is less common in Demskland which has more of a representative government and has started to become slightly more industrialized.   The lives of the aristocracy vary greatly from nation to nation. In Demksland nobles are expected to take an active role in government and many hold jobs like common citizens. In Madria, however, nobles have very little power unless they are in direct service to the monarch. Nobles instead manage the peasantry and exist largely on the feudal system.   The three big cultural groups in Eklaran are Madrian, Daneshi, and La Mirquigian. Pfedrin culture is very similar to Daneshi culture and, to a lesser extent, Denathian culture falls under Madrian culture.   Madrian religion in general is based on the natural order of things and nature. Outsiders are mistrusted and alternative lifestyles are looked down on. Daneshi religion focuses on one true God and morality. They also look preserve natural resources and can be nationalistic, particularly in the north. La Mirquigian culture focuses on the talent of the individual and finding personal happiness. They share many religious customs with Demskland although they are much more religiously diverse than either Madrians or Daneshi.   Over time customs of all nations have changed and melded together creating the Eklaran we know today.