Neskrior

Neskrior is a diverse and vibrant nation, nestled between the coastal forests of the Sundering Sea to the northeast and the grasslands and savannas in the south and west. Its populace, a colorful mix of outcasts and refugees from the Terminal Catastrophe, have adopted the Neskrioth culture, uniting them despite their varied origins. Neskrior is known for its valuable Heartwood exports. It is a direct democracy, with citizens electing their representatives and leaders. The people are known for their martial prowess, often engaging in conflicts and raids with neighboring regions, but with a less successful track record against the Hjalmorsk people. Despite claiming Aspua as an autonomous part of their nation, the relationship is tepid at best. Neskrior's architecture is defined by its practicality, with buildings designed in simple, functional geometric shapes.

Geographical Origins

The origins of Neskrior are deeply intertwined with the remnants of the Shimeran Jungle, an ever-expanding magical forest that once dominated the region.
Before the Terminal Catastrophe, the Shimeran Jungle was a marvel, expanding day by day, its powerful magic causing it to flourish beyond the constraints of natural law. The Jungle was an entity in itself, a pulsating heart of natural magic, breathing life into every branch and leaf, and its borders reached far and wide. This verdant expanse was the source of the Heartwood, a softwood known for its durability and magical attunement, making it a sought-after resource.
However, the Terminal Catastrophe shook the region to its core. It disconnected the outer portions of the Jungle from its magical source, causing these edges to lose their magical influence. The once lush and ever-growing Shimeran Jungle began to recede, leaving behind lands that were fertile, but no longer held under the Jungle's spell.
What remained were the edges of the Jungle, now forming a part of Neskrior. The Heartwood trees, though no longer benefiting from the magical enrichment of the Jungle, continued to grow. The people of Neskrior, displaced by the Catastrophe and exiled from their previous homes, found refuge in these lands. They learned to harvest Heartwood, and it became a significant part of their economy.
Today, the lands of Neskrior still echo with the past. The Heartwood groves, remnants of the Shimeran Jungle, serve as a tangible connection to the region's history. The lessons of the past have not been forgotten by the Neskrioth people. They respect the land that has given them refuge, and in the Heartwood, they find a symbol of resilience and adaptability — qualities that define the people of Neskrior themselves.

The Neskrioth People

The Neskrioth people, inhabitants of the nations of Neskrior and Aspua, are a testament to resilience and adaptability. Born from the ashes of the Terminal Catastrophe, the Neskrioth culture is a melting pot, woven from the threads of social rejects from neighboring regions and those displaced by the Catastrophe itself. This diverse background has forged a culture that is unique in the First World, marked by a shared sense of identity rather than a unified language or customs.
Despite their diverse origins, the Neskrioth people share a fierce determination to survive and thrive. They are known as a war-like people, unafraid of conflict and skilled in the art of conquest and raiding. Yet, this martial prowess is balanced by an understanding of their own strengths and limitations, a pragmatism that guides their choice of allies and enemies.
In daily life, the Neskrioth culture is characterized by simplicity and functionality. Their architectural style reflects this ethos, with buildings structured from geometric shapes, designed for purpose rather than aesthetics. The remnants of the Shimeran Jungle within Neskrior's borders add a magical touch to their craftsmanship, especially in the trade of Heartwood, a material they've come to master.
Religiously, the majority of Neskrioth people follow the Merillian Decadivum, yet they interpret it in a way that resonates with their own values and beliefs. They are a people who value action and practicality, and their spirituality reflects these aspects.
Though young, the Neskrioth culture is proud and vibrant. It's a culture that celebrates the strength of the collective without losing the richness of individuality. Despite the odds, the Neskrioth people have managed to carve out a place for themselves in a harsh and often unforgiving world, building a culture that is both a reflection of their past and a promise of their future. The landscape, with its gradient of forest to savanna, mirrors the gradient of their culture itself, a blend of varied elements forming a cohesive whole.

Foreign Affairs

The Neskrioth approach to foreign affairs is indeed a unique one. As a nation primarily composed of social rejects from neighboring regions and people displaced by the Terminal Catastrophe, Neskrior holds a fundamentally different perspective on diplomatic ties and alliances.
Rather than pursuing traditional alliances, Neskrior maintains a position of relative neutrality. Their focus is predominantly inward, aiming to fortify their own nation and ensure the safety and prosperity of their people above all else. They are wary of the potential costs of entanglement in the politics of other nations and the potential loss of their hard-fought independence.
However, this does not mean that Neskrior is isolated. They are more than capable of trade and negotiation when it benefits them. For example, their trade of Heartwood with their neighbours attests to their engagement in regional commerce. They have created a niche for themselves, leveraging the unique resources they have at their disposal to carve out a place in the regional economy.
Where conflict is concerned, Neskrior takes an unusual stance. The Neskrioth people are warlike by nature, not shying away from conflict if it promises gain. They engage in wars for conquest or raiding with neighboring regions, although they are pragmatic about their targets. Their hostility is mainly directed towards Sarentekia, where they've seen good success. With Hjalmskjar, they maintain a state of neutrality, recognizing the formidable strength of the Hjalmorsk people.

Type

Geopolitical, Country