Bual (‘bual)
The name Bual comes from the Thaebaean word meaning "metal." The Xihthilans sometimes call the province Ganiaču, from their word meaning "toil," for they were the ones put to mining the metal Bual was named for. Bual has experienced much turmoil during its existence. The class divides are strong here, with the rich patricians sitting lazily off their olukuz ore riches, while the poor fight for sport in gladiatorial arenas and mine their lives away.
Table of Contents
Towns (1,000–6,000)
Villages (<1,000)
Landmarks
Architecture
Bual's structures are primarily built from stone, with some wood and occasional metal accents. The unforgiving nature of the region's terrain means that buildings are rarely uniform, instead adapting to the land as needed. One of the most populated provinces in Kima, next to Fuñta and Aelfsa, most of Bual's populace lives in the major cities of Alkuxalč and Bhohaeč. There are so many people living in Alkuxalč that the city has had to expand vertically. Multiple tiered levels extend into the sky and into the earth, largely coinciding with class divides. It extends so deep that the roots of the Ehloh can be seen in some parts of the infrastructure. This is the main draw of the city, attracting scholars and mages from all over the continent to investigate and see the roots for themselves.Economy
Bual's economy is heavily skewed toward the wealthy. Furthermore, Bauli delegates and representatives are almost always members of the upper class, as the poorer populace can't afford to fill those positions or aren't considered educated enough. Olukuz is what made Bual rich, and is also what keeps it poor. The most common Buali job is mining, and is what the majority of the lower class do to survive, along with construction and ship carpentry. Those who reject that lifestyle usually find themselves working for the House of Eternity, one of the largest (often times criminal) organizations in Kima, as couriers, mercenaries, gladiators, servants, and more. The small middle class often find themselves in artisan jobs, like smiths and tailors. Buali upper class, who have usually made their fortune off of exploiting miners, get to practice more creative work, get into politics, or do no work at all. There is also a growing population of mages and scholars, usually who have come from other provinces.Populace
The Buali are a gruff people, wary of outsiders, hard-working, and sarcastic. Their loyalty, however, once earned, is nearly unbreakable. Their determination is steadfast, and their acuity is hard to match. They make excellent shipbuilders, carpenters, smiths, warriors, and survivalists.Attire and Weaponry
Clothing is often purchased from other provinces, typically made of hides and wool to withstand the harsh, desert-like conditions of Bual. Armor is often patched together from bits of leather and metal, and weapons are usually fashioned from smith's and carpenter's tools. The only Buali who possess high-quality armor and weaponry are the wealthy. Hair can be of a variety, and there isn't really a standard among the Buali populace. Jewelry and tattoos of all kinds are also incredibly popular, and the mixing of cultures and residents from other provinces means that all sorts of techniques are common.Culture
Similarly to Oru, Bual is a place where the divides of Xihthil and Thaebaean cease to exist. Among the poor and downtrodden, there is no place for caring about idealogical differences. As long as a Buali's neighbor isn't hurting them or forcing them to practice what doesn't pertain to them, no one cares. That being said, this also makes Bual and interesting blend of culture, especially among the curious youth.Gazetteer
Cities (6,000–25,000)Alkuxalč*
Bhohaeč
Ulth
Bhohaeč
Ulth
Fthaen
Uomaenae
Uomaenae
Bhalf
Čae
Čelz
Čuhoh
Hencae
Niihathxuo
Šohyx
Thxaeyk
Xun
Čae
Čelz
Čuhoh
Hencae
Niihathxuo
Šohyx
Thxaeyk
Xun
Akdaegio Wetlands
Čulthla Island
Bual Conservatory of Magic
Olukuz Mountains
Silverwood
Thafak Ridge
Čulthla Island
Bual Conservatory of Magic
Olukuz Mountains
Silverwood
Thafak Ridge
