Usta

The Floating City

"Gold and riches can be found anywhere if you know where to look." The people of Usta are seafaring sort and tend to be on the sea most of their time. They boast the largest naval army and have the best shipwrights and sailors in the land. When they are on the land, their first thought is to head to the local shanty for a drink.
While many nations have an unusual nature about them, mostly due to the cataclysmic event, Usta is by far the most strange. The island that they call home is constantly being pulled across the ocean by the Kraken. No one on record has seen the Kraken, despite what some drunken Captains will lead you to believe. It is thought to be the biggest and deadliest monster in the world, due to the strength it'd need to drag the island.

One Big Ship, Many Passengers

The Nation of Usta is located on a temperate rainforest island that seems to move across the sea at the whim of a mythic beast known as the Kraken. The island is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, with dense forests and mist-covered hills giving way to sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It is known for its mild climate and abundant rainfall, which helps to nourish the lush vegetation and diverse array of plant and animal life. Despite its idyllic appearance, Usta is not without its dangers. The dense forests are home to all manner of beasts, from fierce predators to venomous snakes. The sea surrounding it is also a treacherous place, with powerful storms and unpredictable currents posing a constant threat. 
It is likely that the constant moving of the island has led to some unique adaptations in the species that call it home. The constant movement has disrupted traditional migration patterns, leading to the evolution of species that are better to adapt to the change. Some species of plants have also developed the ability to cling deep into the ground, or other surfaces more effectively, allowing them to survive. Many species have developed the ability to better tolerate extreme weather conditions, such as droughts or heavy rainfall, while others have adapted to be more resistant to disease and parasites. A few examples of unique plants and animals are shimmering seaweed, known for its iridescent green and ability to glow in the dark, found in the shallow waters of the island. Animals include the Skywing, which has large, translucent wings, which allow it to soar above the mist-covered hills catching thermals; as well as the deepwatcher, a rare species of fish known for its ability to survive at great depths, and is prized by fishermen for its delicious meat. 

It's A Pirates Life for Me

The people of Usta are primarily seafaring, with a strong naval tradition and reputation for being some of the best shipwrights and sailors in the land. While they are incredible navigators on the sea, most Ustans are notorious for their poor navigational skills on land. They prefer the freedom and excitement of the open water and often feel out of their element when on solid ground. This has led to many amusing and sometimes embarrassing tales of Ustans getting lost or stumbling around on land. 
 The only place on land a Ustan feels like home is their shanty towns, which are small ramshackle settlements that are built on stilts and anchored to the ground by large chains. These towns are built to withstand the movement of the island and provide a simulated feeling of lurching and being on the water.  It is a tradition in Usta to gather in the local taverns and sing sea shanties and other songs of adventure and exploration. They are considered the nation's pastime and are often accompanied by lots of drinking and storytelling. 
One of the most notable societal norms in Usta is the importance of the Pirate's Code, which is seen as a scared guide by Maphine, and is strictly enforced by the Pirate Council. 

Honor Among Thieves

The Pirate Code is a strict set of rules that govern every aspect of life on the sea as well as on land for Ustans. It dictates how people should behave on land, as well as how disputes should be settled at sea. According to the code, Ustans are forbidden from fighting on land, as this is considered dishonorable. It also dictates that Ustans should always honor their word and never betray a fellow of member of their nation (unless a crazy amount of gold is involved. See Pirate Code Section V Article I) Those who break the code are punished severely, often by being marooed on a deserted island or facing a trial by combat. 

"Thou shalt share equally in the spoils of the sea...unless thou art feeling particularly greedy and the drink is impairing thy judgement. In that case, thou mayst try to sneak a little extra for thyself, or even haggle with thy fellow pirates for a bigger share." 

— Pirate Code V:I

Capital
Guilge 

Leaders 
 Whittaker 'Betrayer' Orfeo, Delpha 'Hooked' Smythe, Lynn 'Four-Eyes' Milton

Leader Title
 Supreme Captain

Government System
 Oligarchy

Economic System
Market Economy

Currency
Gold Standard

Major Guilds
The Red Sails
The Cult of the Sea
The Dealers


Official Languages
Common
Ustian
Thieves' Cant

Notable Citizens
 Ottilie 'Pleasant' Lore
Timon Starfall
 Wolfgang 'White Beard' Zero 

Major Natural Resources
 Mercenaries
Liquors