Morgham

The Korat of Morgham is located in a low part of the eastern side of the Crags of Narlingol bordering The White Woods. The korat, which was initially founded by many of the artisans of the fallen Golmaran civilization, has some of the best masons and blacksmiths in Koru. Humans and the region's native elves enjoy equal rights and are both fully integrated into the society as citizens.

Structure

The Korat of Morgham is governed by the High Kora whose permanent court is at Castle Kabrakt. This regent can be a human or elf of either sex. Regardless of gender and species, the same title is used. The spouse of the High Kora carries no official title or power.
Morgham is divided into four administrative regions, each also confusingly referred to as korat. Each of these korat—Dern, ruled from Silverfall and consisting of the Dale; Dorl, ruled from High Dorl and consisting of that town, Koral’s Landing, and the town of Kabrakht; High Lake, consisting of that region and ruled from Northwatch Keep; and Southlanding, ruled from Southwatch Keep and consisting of Southlanding and Mountain’s Gate—is ruled by a kora (again a gender/species neutral term). Kora do not inherit their position. They are elected by the kromer, the heads of the korat's clans, by majority vote and can be removed by kromer through the same process. Candidates are usually, although not always, chosen from among the kromer, and the winners are determined based on their cunning, wisdom, fairness, strength as a warrior, and skill as a leader. Strong warriors who have not led their clans well will be unlikely to win the position. The High Kora is elected in the same way, usually chosen from one of the four kora, except all the kromer of Morgham are involved in the vote. Kora, including the High Kora, rule for life or until removed by the kromer.
It is customary for each kora to hold a parliament every Red Month (i.e. every 42 days—one cycle of Sahr) or every White Month (i.e. every 16 days—one cycle of Kala) if deemed necessary. Any one of the kora’s subjects can voice their grievances at the parliament and are legally protected from reprisal for their opinions. Such parliaments are one of the primary ways in which the kora keep tabs on the goings on of their korat. The kora also attend the Koratrasks, a moot of the kora at Kabrakht which is essentially a parliament involving the High Kora and the four kora. In this way, the kora serve as intermediaries between their people and the High Kora. It is also possible for citizens to petition the High Kora directly, although this is less common, and carries the danger of angering their own kora.
The way to becoming a kromer is different in each clan. It is often similar to the process of electing a kora, although it can also be hereditary, won through martial combat, or even through a game.

History

When the human refugees fleeing the destruction of Golmara crossed the Crags of Narlingol they spread into three areas. The lands west of the mountains had recently been devastated by an invasion of the horde of Katşetzekzalana. The invasion was eventually driven back into the Underworld, but the region was left desolate. A group of refugees led by Kabrakt, the master mason of Sardan, settled in the mountains west of the North Pass. This region was home to a few scattered tribes of elves, but was mostly uninhabited. The native elves were allowed to stay in their villages and were incorporated into the new state. Some of the native elves had been inhabitants of the White Circle's cities and had fled to the mountains to escape the rampaging Katşaska. These elves were able to add some of the techniques and technologies of the Pale Queen's followers to what the refugees brought with them from Golmara. This also had the effect of bringing Morgham closer to the White Circle.
Much later, when the Radiant Army invaded Morgham, The Pale Queen's rek-haur played a pivotal role in repelling the invasion. As a result, Morgham pledged itself as a vassal to the White Circle, a relationship that remains to this day.

Military

Morgham has a powerful standing army. The mountainous terrain of the region renders cavalry mostly impotent. As such, the army of Morgham consists primarily of heavy infantry. These soldiers fight as a unit using heavy shields and steel pikes and swords. The Domrakht, an elite order of scouts serve as the eyes and ears of the army. Initially the Domrakht were native elven scouts who knew the languages of the birds and trees. Some humans have managed to learn the art, however, and it is now a heterogeneous group.

Religion

There is no state religion in Morgham. The people are generally free to worship as they choose and various Korsamu, leru, and maruthar are worshiped. The Pale Queen is held in especial reverence, and the Morghaian are proud to be the only nation populated by her direct descendants (which, according to local legend, they are by means of Drayan's union with the Pale Queen). They tend to see themselves as her favored people and they generally associate the color white with goodness.
The only strong religious proscription is against worship of the Dark King, and any non-violent interaction with makar is forbidden as is the practice of sorcery.
The Morghaian celebrate various festivals throughout the year, which is based off of the lunar calendar of Golmara. Their festivals include midsummer, midwinter, and harvest festivals. The Night of the Dead, the time when all three moons are simultaneously new and the spirits of the dead return from the land of twilight, is an important time in Morgham. Households put out food and beer for the spirits of their ancestors and speak with them when they come to visit. It is not a time to be feared, and is met with excitement by the people.

Agriculture & Industry

The Korat has an abundance of natural resources and many skilled artisans. Silver is mined at Silverfall, Iron at Nolbarand, and lead at High Dorl. The Morgai swords were some of the best in the world even before Skyfire and the ensuing dark age.
Most of the nation's food comes from the mystic soil of Hidden Valley which allows them to grow far more food than would normally be possible in an alpine valley of its size.

Trade & Transport

The enmity between Morgham and Nobrakh means that there is virtually no trade, or communication of any sort, between the two nations. As such, the Morghaian primarily trade with Black Paw Village which acts as an intermediary between Morgham and other peoples. Trade rafts usually leave from Southlanding and head down the river to the lake. They return with goods from the White Circle and beyond.

Infrastructure

Building is an extremely important aspect of Morgham culture. As the mountainous terrain on which most of the country is built does not lend itself to agriculture, widespread terracing of mountainside has occurred. The deep chasms between mountains are spanned by seemingly impossible stone bridges. Sewers, aqueducts, irrigation canals, and flood control systems are all commonplace. Wind and watermills are ubiquitous features in the countryside.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Demonym

Morghaian (noun), Morghai (adjective)

Currency

The Korat of Morgham mints its own silver coins, although rings from the White Circle are often found as well.

Neighboring Nations

• Nobrakh
• The White Circle