Aspua

Aspua, often regarded as Neskrior's younger sister, stands as a landlocked nation nestled between the formidable Granite Spine to the west and the vast expanses of its sibling, Neskrior, to the east. Dominated by savannas and deserts, Aspua shares much of its cultural heritage with Neskrior, as part of the larger Neskrioth culture. The Granite Spine plays a crucial role in Aspua's landscape, contributing to its desertification and isolation, both factors that have shaped the character of its people.
Though seen by Neskrior as an "autonomous" part of their nation, Aspua asserts its own identity and governance, operating as a direct democracy like its larger neighbor. Economically, Aspua leans towards extraction of resources, contrasting Neskrior's emphasis on agriculture and Heartwood trade. Despite the familial resemblance and shared cultural bonds, relations between Neskrior and Aspua are tense and complicated, each viewing itself through a lens of independence and distinctiveness, yet inextricably linked by history, geography, and a shared legacy of survival and adaptation.

The Aspuan People

The Aspuan people are part of the greater Neskrioth culture, though sharing a common cultural origin with their counterparts in Neskrior, have evolved distinct characteristics and traditions, shaped by the unique environment and political landscape of their landlocked nation.
While the people of Neskrior often find their identity intertwined with the remnants of the Shimeran Jungle and the lush northeastern coast, the Aspuan people are more connected to the arid savannas and deserts. This difference in geography has given rise to variations in art, architecture, and daily practices.
The war-like nature seen in Neskrior is present in Aspua but somewhat tempered. The focus on conquest and raiding is less pronounced, perhaps due to Aspua's relative isolation and dependence on strategic trade relations. In Aspua, there's a greater emphasis on collaboration and community, a necessity given the challenging environment.
Language and religious practices also bear slight differences. Though the Neskrioth culture does not have a unifying language, regional dialects and variations of the common tongue have emerged in Aspua. The practice of the Merillian Decadivum is similar but may involve unique rituals and symbols that reflect the desert's influence.
In art and architecture, Aspua's Neskrioth people often incorporate geometric patterns inspired by the desert landscape. The architecture is simple and functional, reflecting the need for practicality in the harsh environment, but with an aesthetic flair that is distinctively Aspuan.
The relationship with Neskrior is complex and often strained, further emphasizing a distinct identity for the Neskrioth people in Aspua. The sense of autonomy and nationhood is strong, and this pride in their unique identity is a unifying factor among the Aspuan Neskrioth.

Economy

Aspua's economic strength is deeply rooted in its extraction economy. The country's landscape, though dominated by savannas and deserts, is rich in valuable resources, including minerals, precious stones, and unique desert flora that have special applications in alchemy and medicine.
This focus on extraction is a central pillar of the Aspuan economy. Mining operations, both large-scale and artisanal, are common throughout the region. Minerals and gems are carefully unearthed and processed, ready for trade with neighboring regions. The unique desert herbs are cultivated and harvested with expertise, fueling a demand in various markets.
The extraction industry in Aspua is not just a commercial enterprise but has cultural and societal significance. Many communities rely on mining and resource extraction for their livelihoods, and the techniques have been honed over generations. The revenues generated from these extraction activities are essential for Aspua's economic stability and growth.
Given its unique geographical location, bordering the Soladurni desert, Aspua enjoys a privileged position in trade. The Soladurni nations, with their mercantile focus, provide an essential gateway for Aspua to trade its mined minerals, desert herbs, and other extracted resources. This connection to the Soladurni trade network has played a vital role in Aspua's economic development.
The economic ties with Soladurn have not only enabled the export of goods but have also allowed the import of essential commodities that may be scarce in the arid lands of Aspua. These trade relationships have thus created a mutually beneficial economic ecosystem, where the resource-extraction focus of Aspua complements the mercantile ambitions of the Soladurni nations.

Type

Geopolitical, Country