Nelvaclist Flats (/nɛlvəklɪst/)

The Nelvaclist Flats, a sprawling region characterized by its gentle rolling grasslands and vast fields of grains like rye, wheat, barley, and oats, lies comfortably between Sarentekia to the east, Vorragor to the west, Soladurn to the north, and Leviatharis to the south. With a climate that ranges from 13°C in the north to 6°C in the south, it provides an ideal environment for agriculture and has become known for its bountiful harvests.

Geography

The Nelvaclist Flats is a region that is both extensive and uniquely gentle in its topography. Contrary to what its name might imply, it's not an entirely flat plateau but rather a vast slope that gradually rolls down towards the sea. This gentle gradient is dotted with farmlands that stretch across the horizon, providing a landscape rich in various grains like rye, wheat, barley, and oats.
The climate varies across the region, with temperatures ranging between an average of 13°C in the north to 6°C in the south. These temperate conditions create an ideal environment for agriculture, and the open expanses have become the breadbasket of the region.
An important geographical landmark in the Nelvaclist Flats is the sacred lake Orisonmere. Situated in the lower reaches of the region, it has a deep spiritual significance for the Orisoni people who have built their capitals around it. The lake adds a shimmering beauty to the landscape, reflecting the clear skies and the gentle swaying of the surrounding grasslands.

The Nelvaclist People

The Nelvaclist people, residing in the gentle rolling grasslands of the Nelvaclist Flats, are divided into two major cultures: the Orisoni and the Naevelas. Both cultures share a profound love for the arts, but their expressions and foundations differ significantly. Their population is predominantly human; elves and half-elves can also be found, along with a sprinkling of other races such as halflings and gnomes.
The Orisoni people see religion as an all-encompassing way of life, integrating it into every aspect of their existence. This devotion to spirituality is not merely confined to worship; it extends to laws, morals, literature, plays, and daily routines. The divinee of the Merillian Decadivum are ever-present, guiding the Orisoni in their personal and collective lives. The sacred lake Orisonmere is a central symbol of their faith, and the cities built around it are holy sites.
Contrastingly, the Naevelas people are more culturally inclined, using rituals to celebrate significant milestones in life such as births, adulthood, marriages, and so on. While they also follow the Merillian Decadivum, their approach is less rigid and more celebratory. They embrace the arts as a medium of expression and joy, leading to a rich culture of literature, music, dance, and visual arts.

Economy

The economy of the Nelvaclist Flats is characterized by its agrarian focus and a deep appreciation for arts and culture. The extensive grasslands provide a fertile ground for growing various grains like rye, wheat, barley, and oats. These agricultural products not only sustain the local population but are also traded with neighboring regions, making agriculture the backbone of the Nelvaclist economy.
However, the Nelvaclist people are not just farmers; they are also renowned for their artistic flair. Both the Orisoni and Naevelas cultures have a love for the arts, and this passion has given rise to a vibrant industry of artisans, painters, musicians, writers, and performers. Their works are celebrated within the region and sought after in neighboring territories, especially by the Soladurni people.
While not particularly rich in mineral resources, the Nelvaclist Flats leverage their geographical position and cultural offerings to foster trade with nearby regions. They have generally peaceful relations with Vorragor, and their connection with Soladurn opens up avenues for trading in arts and literature.
In the theocratic societies of the Orisoni, religion also plays a role in the economy, influencing laws, morals, and even economic practices. The blending of religion and culture creates a unique economic model where spiritual values are integrated with commerce and trade.

Religion

Religion in the Nelvaclist Flats plays a profound and multifaceted role, shaping the lives and cultures of the region's inhabitants. Among the divines with particular importance to the Nelvaclist people, Sovereign Seraphel, the Divine Scale and Maelis, the Songbird are particularly prominent.
The reverence for Sovereign Seraphel is deeply institutionalized within the Nelvaclist society, especially among the Orisoni people. Grand temples and sanctuaries dedicated to Seraphel are prominent, often constructed near centers of governance and justice. Judges, magistrates, and other decision-makers frequently begin their duties with ceremonies dedicated to the Divine Scale, seeking guidance in maintaining justice and fairness. Furthermore, a common ritual involves individuals placing two objects on either side of a miniature scale before making significant decisions, symbolizing the weighing of choices under Seraphel's watchful gaze.
Worship of Maelis is more organic and integrated into everyday life. Given the Nelvaclist's cultural inclination towards the arts, festivals, and public gatherings in honor of Maelis are frequent and lively. These celebrations are often marked by performances, where artists showcase their talents, hoping to earn the Songbird's favor. On a more intimate level, households might have small shrines dedicated to Maelis, where family members offer poems, songs, or even just melodious hums as a morning ritual. For the Naevelas, these practices are especially pronounced during personal milestones, where Maelis's blessings are invoked for inspiration and joy.

Influence of the Terminal Catastrophe

The Terminal Catastrophe had a profound impact on the Nelvaclist Flats, especially in their relationship with Sarentekia and their trade connections.
Prior to the Terminal Catastrophe, the powerful Sarentek Confederation had an imposing and supremacist presence in the region. Its influence often led to tense relationships with the Nelvaclist people, marked by power imbalances and sometimes antagonistic interactions. However, following the collapse of the Confederation that fragmented it into remnant-states, the shift in power dynamics allowed the Nelvaclist to forge a more advantageous and balanced relationship with the Sarenteki people. The once-dominant and assertive Sarenteki states became more docile, opening doors for cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual respect.
On the economic front, the creation of the Sundering Sea as a result of the Catastrophe had significant repercussions. Previously, the Nelvaclist enjoyed trade connections that extended eastward, reaching beyond the boundaries of Aevolacor into Amdirion, and even all the way to Divim Rasa. This once-thriving trade route became impossible to traverse, isolating Aevolacor from the rest of the First World, severing vital economic connections. This disruption forced the Nelvaclist to recalibrate their trade strategies, focusing on strengthening relations with neighboring regions like Vorragor and Soladurn.

Type

Region