Introduction to Caramiza
The Caramizans has always been a very proud people. They were proud of the first monarchs that united the kingdom and they are proud of the current regent, who is upholding the high values of wisdom, curiosity, and level headed thinking for their united glory. The Caramizans are proud of the nation's growing industry and their riches in metals. So much, in fact, that they proudly adorn the clothes with thin sheets of metal. There is even pride in the many conflicts they have with neighboring states, pride in the military as well as the diplomatic corps that keeps the weaker vassals happy.
The Caramizans are the best people to live between the imposing Ukanten Mountains in the west and the glimmering Gamian Sea in the east. No better people would be best fit to charm and lead the neighbors across the Camiten Stream to the north, and no fiercer people would have been a better adversary for the barbaric ruffians to the south of the great Fenorian Swamps.
Every Caramizan is most definitely proud. Keep that in mind, if you want to say something different - you might upset the wrong people.
Political System
For generations now, the Caramizans are ruled by an absolute regent. The regency is passed along to the heirs, usually the next first-born son.
There have been some prominent female regents in the past when there was no suitable male heir.
There have been some prominent female regents in the past when there was no suitable male heir.
For a while now the growing bureaucracy apparatus has led to the creation of a partially appointed council of ministers, elected citizens, and clergy. This council proposes laws and can in theory veto the coronation of the heir in favor of the next in line.
So far this happened only three times though, and only once the veto was actually respected.
Church and Religion
As in most nations, the Pantheon of the six gods is worshipped in Caramizan as well. In most larer cties you can find at least a shrine to each of the gods and many sayings allude to the gifts and blessings of the deities for the daily life.
However, the most organized church is not dedicated to the Godfather Apac but the the god of trade and craftsmanship Maned. This is in line with the tradition of high quality craftsmanship in the region of Caramiza. Churches or Chapels to Maned are often combined with the settlement's smithery and face the village's or town's market square.
The priests of Maned used to be judges in all disputes as well, up until a few decades ago, when the judiciary was declared to be independent from the church. Still, people ask for judgement and mediation in trade related disputes.
However, the most organized church is not dedicated to the Godfather Apac but the the god of trade and craftsmanship Maned. This is in line with the tradition of high quality craftsmanship in the region of Caramiza. Churches or Chapels to Maned are often combined with the settlement's smithery and face the village's or town's market square.
The priests of Maned used to be judges in all disputes as well, up until a few decades ago, when the judiciary was declared to be independent from the church. Still, people ask for judgement and mediation in trade related disputes.
Well known settlements in Caramiza
Bealuki, The Capital
Bealuki is the capital of Caramiza, both the political and almost the geographical center of the nation. It is well known for its twin waterfalls spanned across by a bright blue bridge, which gives the town its highly creative nickname Blaustett, literally "Blue City". Everybody in Camariza is crazy about the famous and slightly unhealthy Bluepies, flat meat pies that originated in this city. Some rumors about some secretive church in the sewers are vehemently denied by the council.
Taymtstrom, The Biggest City
Taymtstrom, also known as Twirltown because of the common architecturally distinct twisted roofs, the spiral layout of the city, and the large geyser, is the largest settlement in Caramiza. The whole layout is centered around the massive geyser that erupts regularly. Mysterious still is the original of well hidden, ancient, and broken machine constructs scattered around this geyser. The city is well known for its very own breed of unbelievably flufffy sheep. The fluffyness is attributed to some magical properties of the geyser.
Walkust, The Growing Maritime Hotspot
Walkust is a rather small village in population but as a harbor for the Whale Oil industry absolutely essential. Many people seeking work travel to the "Black Barrels" to work a demanding and tough job, to fill the many blackened barrels full of oil. The village is a good place to admire the daylight auroras over the sea, if you happen to have spare time. But whatever you do, be careful if someone claims he has a job for you in warehouse no. 3. There is no warehouse no. 3.
Selversheyn, The Mystical Center
Selversheyn, nicknamed the silver ring, is spread out around a great number of the most intricate shrines on top of a ring of hills. Many shrines are decorated with silver from the local mines, adding to their beauty. The whole city is a hub of magical and mystical energy, underscored by their regional trees with fluorescent tree sap. But as the growing industry pulls people away from the city, ever fewer people are still aware of the thing at the bottom of the central lake.
Economy
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Caramiza and other Nations
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Comments
Author's Notes
A big thank you to Sloqush, Hugin Ronin, Serukis, and Qurillion for helping me with the inspiration for the main settlements and their twists.