Toralaithe (tor-ah-LAYTH (voiced th as in "then"))

31% Humans, 18% Dwarves, 14% Gnomes, 37% Other Races

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Dorstovoya, especially the western side, is a land where many very different cultures are pressed against each other, geographically close, but very distinct. Toralaithe is a melting pot, where the spectrum of northern cultures blend together with those from the south.

The Cosmopolitan West

Toralaithe has always had very open borders, chosing as often as possible to resolve their problems through diplomacy and trade. Over the years, this has turned into a strong mercantile tradition. Toralaithe is a constitutional monarchy, but the political power lies with its guilds. The country isn't a strong competitor for magical or engineering prowess on a global scale, but its craftsmanship thrives, and its people get by well enough. Its ports are also the easiest way to get to Sahil-Alnaar, and therefore the rest of the southern continent. Most imports and exports go through Toralaithe's guilds.

Toralaithe (Click for expanded map with annotations)

The Sanowary Trade Route

Timora, the capital of Toralaithe lies at the mouth of the Sanowary River, which flows from The Palisades north of Toralaithe. The nation's rich commerce centers around the trade that flows down the Sanowary River, ending in the capital, where they're sold in one of Timora's grand markets or exported across the world from its dockyards. The wealthy families of Toralaithe make their business wherever it thrives, but most of the cities along the Sanowary have a particular trade which upholds their economy.

Refuge

Between fugitives from the Underdark by way of Barathkalsa and Althruellian elves fleeing down the river, Toralaithe is seeing its fair share of refugees, just as it did in Barak'tor's civil war. Refugees are welcomed without question, but it's difficult to truly find success in Toralaithe without a connection to a guild. Craftsmen, like weaponsmiths, fletchers, brewers, and jewelers can usually find work, if paid only moderately well, but without a trade, it's extremely difficult to establish oneself in Toralaithe. Most of the recent refugees are used to a very different life than this one, and while it's a much safer place to be, it can be hard to make it a comfortable one.

Pictured: Timora, the capital of Toralaithe, viewed from the Meridian Docks on the coast.

Demonym. Toralaithic

Languages. Common, Dwarvish, smatterings of Gnomish, Elvish, and Undercommon

Government. Toralaithe is a constitutional monarchy, but it's common knowledge that the royal family's power pales in comparison to that of the trade guilds.

Demographics. Toralaithe was once a human nation, but it's become a melting pot over the years because of its position between many very strong cultures. With the recent influx of Underdavian peoples, barely anyone looks out of place here.

Military and Defense. The royal family manages the military, but most of the trained personnel in Toralaithe are city guards. There are very few threats in Toralaithe, even in its rural areas, so most of its towns and villages are defended well-enough by moderately capable soldiers. Toralaithe's real power is in their navy, which is far more formidable than its size would suggest. The royal family hardly has any sway in the country's governing, so their energy goes toward the navy. That's what Toralaithe's citizens think, anyway.

Economy. Toralaithe is a mercantile society headed by a number of trade guilds. Over the years, these guilds have become quintessential to business, and it's extremely difficult to make money without being part of them. This has allowed them to become extortionists, as anyone whose family isn't already part of a guild absolutely needs one to start a business. Most people work underneath guild members. This is less prevalent in rural areas, where the various breadbaskets of Toralaithe house people living far simpler lives, although the guilds still manage the flow of produce through the cities. Imports are also extremely important to Toralaithian society, as coffee, spices, tropical fruits, and magic items from elsewhere sell for high profit in the cities.