Ismatians

Originating from precursor tribes, the Ismatians are known for their numerous kingdoms and later their adaptation under the Morosian Empire. Ismatians excel in the art of war, logistical planning, and knowledge of the natural elements.

Home Region: Subcontinent of Ismia
Origin: Clans and Tribes dating back to 500 BR
Presence: Prevalent, but waning
Common Religions: Ismatian Pantheon, The Center of the World, Gods of Wind and Change
Real World Influence: Celtic, Frankish/French
5e Additions:
Magic Proficiency: Illusion
Non-Magic Proficiency: Nature

History

The Ismatians (also referred to as Ismians) are a diverse culture group, having once occupied all the land between the eastern coast of Severon to the Hersinos Subcontinent. Originating as clans, they were among the first to create structured chiefdoms and kingdoms by 100 BR. Notable among these first kingdoms were Ipran, Smam, and Verscex. These kingdoms were more akin to tribal confederations and loose alliance, but still had a leading figure declared as "king" or "head chief".
These proto-kingdoms would go to war several times over the centuries, neither gaining the upper hand over the others. When not fighting each other, there were other political entities to look out for - primarily the various Salkan states to the north than dared cross the Middling Ecart, as well as the seafaring Aetians who would settle on unclaimed parts of the coast.
Eventually there became three distinct sets of Ismatian kingdoms - the western, middle, and eastern kingdoms. The Western Kingdoms consisted of Bradon, Boi, and the Duchy of Evron and they interacted considerably with Rhalans and Slintans. The Middle Kingdoms consisted of the aforementioned Ipran, Smam, and Verscex. The Eastern Kingdoms were of the Kholamic culture, a culture that bore similarities to the Ismatians, but in many ways were nothing alike. These kingdoms are still lumped with the three distinctions, and consisted of the likes of Regala, Inzburg, Rhostad, and Dreistadie.

Morosian Dominance

Ismia was one of the first regions invaded by the Morosians outside of the Island of Moros. Having a superior military force gave the Morosians the edge in their initial invasions. After several failed defenses and counterattacks, the attitude of the Ismian people switched to diplomacy. In 150 AR, Morosia approached the Kingdom of Ipran with an alliance as Morosia became embroiled in the First Maetian War. Morosia had by this time conquered both Smam and Verscex, and so the Ipran Chief/King Chakrik felt increasingly desperate.
Ipran was tasked in attacking the Seleutine Empire's ally and benefactor Amphera, who's colony of Aklera bordered Ipran. Whilst smaller, Aklera possessed great resources, and in 151 AR a hastily readied Ipranian army marched on the Akleran town of Aeleutium. There, a local hero named Anthimus organized the defenses in response to the invasion and miraculously held off the Ismian armies.
Morosia's senates noticed this embarrassing defeat for Ipran, and under the guise of restoring public order, they conquered the last of the ancient Ismatian kingdoms. The Ismian people would continue to persist under a rather benevolent rule of the Morosians. While some rebellions did occur, the populace quickly came to accept Morosian rule, as it provided order and security to a civilization who had known only war for nearly 300 years at least.
Ironically it was the neighbors of Morosia's Ismian territory - the Rhalans, Kholams, and western Ismians that were agitated by Morosian presence and so raided and pillaged the borders often. Then, in the early 700s AR, the Ailesian Horde emerged from deep in Kholamic territory wherein they raided and pillaged deep into Ismia. By this time, many of Morosia's armies were locked in fierce combat with the Dresnids to the south and Poscaeans to the east.
Consequently most of the Morosian holdings in Ismia broke off in order to mount their own defenses against the Ailesians - thus creating Ismatian kingdoms once more. As of the 800s AR, Ismia is embroiled in chaos as dozens of small kingdoms struggle to survive against each other in the turmoil.

Traditions

The Ismatians are one of the only cultures to celebrate war and incorporate it into many different aspects of life. Most festivals are dedicated to a multitude of war gods, and mock battles are held in their honor on these occasions. Wargaming too is a phenomenon invented by the Ismians, who adapted the board games brought by the Morosians. It is for these reasons that the Ismatians violently reject sacrifices of any kind, as they adapted to utilize every resource at their disposal.
When Morosia instilled security, Ismatian traditions slowly blended with Morosian. While Ismatians had less of an emphasis on war after this transition, it still found itself prevalent in the monolithic festivals the Morosians loved to hold. It gave way to ever bigger mock battles and even entire stadiums and fields dedicated to the art.
Speaking of art, the Ismatians did not have as much as, say the Aetians. They did specialize in craftsmanship in the creation of everyday objects - including weaving and smithing. Especially in smithing, Ismatian weapons are quite unique and come in a wide variety of decorative styles. The Ismatians also founded the concept of woven or stitched dolls which soon made its way around the world in only a couple hundred years. Lastly the Ismatians famously made several amazing and complex tapestries which told stories in a whole new way.

Fantasy Additions

Ismia is home to a multitude of races, chiefly among them are halflings, who stand as tall as or shorter than dwarves. Many dwarves have also found their way into the Ismian culture as it borders the Vovik mountains. Both of these races make up the majority of Ismatian culture, with a fraction being made up of humans as well. All in all, Ismia is a rather diverse place in terms of how tall one stands.
Given the great prevalence of steel in war, and the Ismatian veneration of war, magic as a weapon is frowned upon in Ismatian society. Instead they took to airbending the environment around them as a way to shape things. This has given way to their discovery of illusion magic - which is more often used to make tricks rather than anything productive.

Artwork by Rhys Griffiths