Oru (‘oʀu)

The word "Oru" means "wood" in the Thaebaean language, for when they first settled there, that was the most abundant resource they could see. The Xihthilans first called it "Aenikil," meaning "jungle." The trees in Oru are some of the oldest and hardiest on the continent of Kima. The trees of Oru share a root system with the Ehloh, a unique quality that no other trees in Kima possess. Because of this, their bark is hardier than normal wood and has a range of alchemical and magical properties, making it highly valuable.
Table of Contents

1. Architecture
2. Economy
3. Populace
• Attire & Weaponry
• Culture
4. Gazetteer

Architecture

Most Orun residences are either built on hills overlooking whatever river or body of water the settlement is built around with raised floors and retractable mat walls for heat control, or off the ground within the trees themselves (with a little bit more wall-like structure to prevent accidents). In fact, a lot of similarities are shared with Aelfsan architecture. Many of the villages and towns have no buildings other than homes, besides the occasional open-air dining or living area. The cities are more urbanized, with structures built from the wood of the mučih trees to help with temperature regulation. Settlement layouts can get incredibly complex, with multiple levels ranging from ground to canopy and bridges connecting them. All Orun structures are treated with a mixture of river sediment and mučih tree sap to prevent them from deteriorating.
Most Orun settlements also have fencing and/or magical barriers separating them from the wooded areas, due to the unpredictable nature of the jungle's denizens.

Economy

Mučih tree produce makes up the bulk of Orun exports. Parts of the tree are used throughout the continent for a wide variety of purposes. Oru also provides a great deal of animal products to the rest of Kima, like leathers and hides, as well as medicinal plants that can only be found in the Śulugi Wilds. Hunters will also sell exotic animal parts from the magical creatures living in the jungle, though these operations are illegal and incredibly risky.
Oru itself largely works on a bartering system, similarly to Øghe, though the residents are not short on real currency either, in the event they need to purchase exports.

Populace

The Orun people are best known for their skills in carpentry, hunting, fishing, foraging, medicine, and cartography. Surviving in the great Śulugi wilderness is no easy feat, considering the jungle's magical nature. With trees constantly shifting and the last remnants of the ehluim hunting any intruders, it takes hardiness to live in Oru. Many Oruns make their living guiding and protecting others through the jungle. Others help to chop down mučih trees and break their parts down for export. Some learn the inctricacies of all that Oru has to offer in terms of alchemy, then use that knowledge to help or teach more people.

Attire and Weaponry

Due to the humidity of the rainforest, most Oruns are lightly clothed in hides and linen, as they're the easiest materials to acquire and not terrible for the heat. Armor, when worn, usually only covers the most vital parts of the body: the torso, groin, and parts of the limbs. Because of this, Orun warriors are especially skilled in avoiding and deflecting oncoming attacks. Weapons are most often made of sharped wood, bone, and rock, as metal can only be acquired by trading with other provinces and the Oruns have no way to forge it. Only the most accomplished and powerful of warriors possess metal tools and weaponry.
Short hair and clean-shaven faces are most common in Oru as it helps with the sticky heat that permeates every corner of the jungle. It also makes it easier to maneuver around the trees, as short hair is less likely to get caught in brambles.
Jewelry is common, though among those who venture into the wilderness, only stud earrings, rings, and other "non-dangling" items are preferred. For those who spend more time in the settlements, all sorts of necklaces, elaborate earrings, and other pieces are made from rocks, bones, plants, and even small bits of discarded metal. Tattoos are also common, either done manually with needle-like bones or sticks and mučih tree charcoal, or magically.

Culture

Oru is one of the few places in Kima where Thaebaean and Xihthilan people live with minimal separation or hierarchy between them. The appreciation and respect of each culture is heavily encouraged in Oru, and many Oruns practice aspects of each culture simeultaneously.
With its isolation from the rest of Kima due to the Spine and the Sapaen Wastes, and the hostility of the wilds, Oru has been able to remain blissfully neutral in much of Kima's violent past. The residents of Oru do care, however, as they always send delegates to political events in the capital and try to be present in nationwide happenings.

Gazetteer

Cities (6,000–25,000)

Ønthghøto*
Ukawthink

Towns (1,000–6,000)

Akkuyu
Atvon
Bakøn
Dafø
Faeñ
Thaepaew
Vuarkul
Yayiow

Villages (<1,000)

Aghp
Dnik
Ghihor
Inkense
Iwpun
Kabñ
Ketn
Kivu
Køk
Ølp

Landmarks

Lake Piak
Oru Conservatory of Magic
Puočaen's Grasp
Spine of Saya
Śulugi Wilds
Thaghabpi Forest
Visw Basin
Visw Depths

Forging the path.

Kima

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Type

Geopolitical, Province

Alternative Names

Aenikil

Demonym

Orun

Government System

Democracy, Representative

Power Structure

Semi-autonomous area

Economic System

Mixed economy

Official Languages

• Thaebaean
• Xihthil

Neighboring Nations

• Fuñta