Col Freole (Fréole)
Fréole is not part of Laerdt’nah, but is rather on a neighbouring continent known to its inhabitants as Spahl. Fréole is on the far western edge of Spahl, and a large portion of the southern lands of Féole are occupied by the Fréolaen desert, known as the Phalaen Sands. Fréole is governed by a quasi-theocratic government which claims power from their control over several oases in the desert that grow Sun Orchids. They claim that they have been chosen by their Goddess, Laelio, to grow and protect these plants. By having this control, they also control the making of Sun Orchid Elixir, making them the influential and powerful heads of Laelio’s Stewards (a theological order) and thus the “ruling family”. The people are Fréole are gnomes, though there are rumours of other inhabitants further east.
Anyone born in Fréole with a magical inclination either studies alchemy, becomes a priest, or studies horticulture throughout the education systems (which mostly rely on professorship/lectures and laboratory work). While education was important in Fréole, not all who wished to study were considered intelligent enough or gifted enough. For those who went through the formal education system, further studies were also available if you demonstrated sufficient aptitude or intelligence (or if you were well connected). The study of engineering was viewed very highly in Fréole, and a proficient engineer could easily become a wealthy and well-respected individual if they put their skills to work for Laelio’s Stewards or any particular school. Passing all tests (written, verbal, and practical) for advanced schools of engineering required years of diligence and hard work.
The People of Fréole
The people of Fréole are somewhat short, often studious or fanatical, and typically have dark hair and tanned skin. Fréolaens, by their nature, are not overly accepting of outsiders and are wary of becoming too close to anyone that they do not know well (a circular issue) or anyone they do not view as equally intelligent. While there are some groups in Fréole who believe they should work more diligently to convert others to their faith, the nation is insular overall and views themselves as "chosen" above others. Fréole has tenuous relations with Phesunlay and Brist, but they largely ignore Laerdt'nah.
Fréolaens were seldom known to take to the seas, and so they were very uncommon in Laerdt’nah. However, their skills made them very valuable and sought-after, and so those few who had crossed the Strait of Aloc were often very wealthy and influential.
Specific Places
The Phalaen Sands
The Fréole desert, known as the Phalaen Sands, were hot and vast, with onyx and golden sands whipping up into tall hills and vacating low valleys in the blazing sun most of the year. The Sands were dotted with oases and natural cave systems that appeared and disappeared within the shifting sands, though the edge of the desert bled onto rocky grounds and little lushness. Given the amount of sand available and the alchemical skills of many Fréolaens, many buildings were made of sand hardened to stone in dome and triangular shapes.
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