Sarentekia

Sarentekia, a land of historical ingenuity and resilience, stands as a ghost of a once-mighty Confederation grappling with its shattered past. Nestled on the south-eastern edge of the continent of Aevolacor, the region is marked by its dense forests and the serene inland sea of Khasemar. The echoes of the Sarentek Confederation reverberate through its remnant-states, each unique yet bound together by a shared history and culture. Despite the region's scarred past and challenging present, Sarentekia continues to survive and adapt, embodying the indefatigable spirit of its diverse inhabitants.

The Sarenteki People

The Sarentek Confederation, a paragon of innovation and societal advancement, laid the cornerstone of the rich history of Sarentekia. Emerged from the ingenious and resolute spirit of the peoples of the region, the Confederation was a powerful, decentralized state encompassing various cultures and societies. This sprawling entity was linked through a common goal: to harness the power of crium for the betterment of all. This unified, technological golden age was reflected in everything from their grand infrastructure to the elaborate warmachina that stood guard over the territories. However, as is often the case, even the mightiest of empires can fall, and the Sarentek was no exception.
The Terminal Catastrophe, a global disaster of unparalleled proportions caused by the War of the Mirror, served as the fatal blow to the Sarentek Confederation. In the wake of this calamity, the Confederation crumbled, its crium supply drastically diminished and many of its leaders lost. The disaster fragmented the once unified entity into a multitude of remnant-states, each grappling with the remnants of a grand past. It was from these remnants that Sarentekia, as it is known today, was born.
The collapse of the Confederation had profound implications for the people of Sarentekia. Struggling with the scarcity of crium and the consequent cessation of their warmachina, the Sarenteki were thrust into a period of hardship and uncertainty. Many turned to the abundance of Khasemar, fishing its waters in a bid to survive. However, this overexploitation further impoverished the mineral supply of Khasemar, adding another layer of difficulty to their plight. Despite these trials, the people of Sarentekia, resilient as ever, managed to adapt, clinging to the vestiges of their former technological prowess and working towards the sustenance and preservation of their culture. Yet, the shadow of the fallen Confederation continues to loom over the land, a haunting reminder of a bygone era of abundance.

Geography

Situated on the southeastern edge of the continent of Aevolacor, Sarentekia is a region marked by its lush, forested lowlands and its proximity to the tranquil yet vibrant waters of the inland sea, Khasemar. Flanked by varied terrains, the region unfolds itself as a mosaic of distinct yet harmoniously interconnected geographical features.
Sarentekia's landscape is characterized by its verdant, sprawling forests. The flat, fertile lands, formerly graced by the presence of the slow-growing criumite trees, are a striking contrast to the region's periphery that extends into the vast grasslands of the Nelvaclist Flats and the arid expanses of the Soladurn desert to the west. In these forests, remnants of the once prosperous criumite tree can be found, a reminder of a past where these trees and their prized gemstones shaped the very course of Sarenteki history.
In the heart of Sarentekia lies Khasemar, an inland sea that serves as the lifeblood of the region's agricultural and maritime industries. Its mineral-rich waters, though now severely depleted due to extensive fishing, are still home to a diverse array of marine life. The shores of Khasemar, lined with settlements, offer breathtaking vistas, their tranquility often punctuated by the lively chatter of the local fishermen.
The region's eastern boundary, dotted in jagged cliffs, is met by the expansive Sundering Sea, a vast body of water that betrays the cataclysmic impact of the Terminal Catastrophe. Beyond the horizon lie the Shimeran Isle, and the remains of the once formidable Volion Lesethocracy. The southern reaches of Sarentekia give way to the Leviatharis ocean, so called because it is believed to be the domain of the Leviathan.

Culture and Demographics

The people of Sarentekia, shaped by the rich and tumultuous history of their region, form a unique cultural mosaic that speaks of resilience, ingenuity, and enduring traditions. With humans forming the backbone of the population, Sarentekia stands testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity and its adaptability in the face of profound upheavals. The Sarenteki people are defined by their innovative spirit and a deep reverence for their past. The intellectual elite, including engineers, artisans, technicians, and soldiers, form the middle class and are the driving force behind Sarentekia's industrious nature. Their contributions have ensured the continuity of Sarenteki society amidst the scarcity of crium, the once vital power source that shaped their way of life.
Other races, including dwarves, gnomes, and halflings, also constitute a significant part of Sarenteki society, adding their own unique customs and traditions to the region's cultural fabric. The stout-hearted dwarves, masters of stone and metal, lend their skills to bolster the region's defenses and infrastructure. Gnomes, with their intrinsic connection to the natural world, play an essential role in understanding and mitigating the ecological challenges brought about by the Terminal Catastrophe. Halflings, with their inherent adaptability, have proven vital in maintaining societal stability and cohesion in these uncertain times.
In the diverse melting pot that is Sarentekia, tieflings, lizardfolk, goliaths, half-orcs, and kobolds form the minority population. Despite their smaller numbers, these groups have left a distinct mark on the region's culture. The tieflings, with their unique magical propensities, tread a delicate path, often facing suspicion and mistrust, yet also inspiring awe and fascination. The lizardfolk, connected intimately with the land, play a crucial role in hunting and foraging, ensuring the people's sustenance. Goliaths and half-orcs, known for their physical prowess, contribute significantly to the region's defense, while the kobolds, with their intricate understanding of subterranean systems, lend their expertise to mining and tunneling efforts.
The two distinct dialects, High Sarenteki and Low Sarenteki, not only form a linguistic divide but also reflect the region's socio-cultural stratification. High Sarenteki, spoken by the well-educated urban populace engaged in production and industry, signifies the region's progressive strides, while Low Sarenteki, rooted in the native cultures of the provincial populace and those engaged in occupations other than production, echoes the region's rich historical legacy.

Political, Economic and Environmental Challenges

In the aftermath of the Sarentek Confederation's collapse, Sarentekia has found itself grappling with a myriad of political, ecological, and economic struggles. The remnants of the Confederation, a once flourishing alliance of states, have now devolved into isolated pockets of societies wrestling with the challenge of self-preservation. Their inherent desire for stability amidst a world reshaped by the Terminal Catastrophe has often led to the rise of authoritarian regimes, many leaning towards oligarchic, monarchic, or despotic systems.
Politically, these remnant-states are frequently at odds with each other, further straining the region's fragile equilibrium. The most ambitious among them have made attempts to reclaim the glory of the Confederation, inciting conflict with those who resist their efforts. The Fyrelorn Order, who have taken over the region's order as a paramilitary force, stands as a powerful influencer in this power play. Their harsh stance on magic has polarized the political landscape, leading to both passive acquiescence and fervent rebellion against their influence. The secret practice of magic has not only become a form of resistance but also a symbol of Sarenteki defiance against outside control.
Furthermore, two neighboring entities, the nation of Neskrior to the north and the monster kingdoms to the northwest, have emerged as significant antagonists in the political landscape. Neskrior, with its ambitions of territorial expansion, has launched numerous incursions into Sarentekia. While the Sarenteki remnant-states were part of the Confederation, they had the advantage of a united front and the aid of warmachina powered by the abundant crium. With the Confederation's collapse and the crium scarcity, defending against Neskrior's advances has become an uphill battle. The Fyrelorn Order, despite their dominant presence, have proven unwilling to extend their support in these conflicts, particularly in regions where magic is tolerated, leaving the Sarenteki states to their own devices.
To the northwest, the arid desert known as Soladurn serves as the home for a collection of monster kingdoms. These enigmatic entities, populated by creatures once considered the stuff of nightmares, pose a different yet equally daunting threat. Occasional raids from these kingdoms disrupt trade routes and settlements, their unpredictable nature adding another layer of instability to the Sarenteki political landscape.
Ecologically, Sarentekia is facing a crisis of untold proportions. The Terminal Catastrophe has altered the region's climate significantly, causing a steep decline in the criumite trees that once thrived around Khasemar. The scarcity of crium, a once abundant power source, has not only disrupted the region's technological capabilities but also threatened the balance of its ecosystem. Efforts are being made to comprehend and adapt to these changes, with a pressing need to preserve what remains of the criumite trees and replenish the mineral supply of Khasemar.
Economically, the scarcity of crium has brought about a seismic shift in Sarentekia's industry. The once thriving warmachina industry has been forced to halt, causing substantial unemployment and leading to a significant decline in the region's economic output. In response, the Sarenteki people have had to innovate, finding new ways to harness alternative energy sources and restructure their economy. Fishing in Khasemar has grown in importance, although it brings its own challenges in terms of overfishing and ecosystem disruption.

Religion

The religious landscape of Sarentekia is a rich tapestry of diverse beliefs, heavily influenced by the region's history and current socio-political dynamics. Chief among these beliefs is the syncretic practice of the Merillian Decadivum. Here, major deities, along with their lesser counterparts, coexist in a harmonious pantheon, their temples scattered across the land. However, this peaceful coexistence has been challenged by the imposing influence of the Fyrelorn Order. Clerics and paladins, those who directly receive their powers from the divines, are seen under the same light as magic wielders. The Fyrelorn's zealous pursuit to suppress magic in the region does not distinguish between the divine gifts of clerics and paladins and the feared unknown of arcane practices. As a result, clergymen have been pushed into the shadows, forced to carry out their worship and duties in secrecy or abandon their homes for more tolerant nations within Sarentekia. The absence of Decadivites is keenly felt throughout the region, leading to a vacuum in spiritual guidance.
This stringent stance against religious practices has added fuel to the simmering fires of rebellion. Even those who align with the Fyrelorn's cause are often put off by their unrelenting extremism, triggering discord and dissent.
Despite the prevalence of the Merillian Decadivum, it does not wholly define the Sarenteki religious sphere. Approximately a quarter of the populace follows unique local beliefs, independent of the Decadivum. Over half of the population harmonizes these local traditions with the Decadivum, embracing the inherent syncretism of the pantheon. Less than a quarter adhere exclusively to the Decadivum. A minuscule segment of the population, often viewed as outliers, posits an alternative interpretation of divinity. They acknowledge the existence of the deities but dispute their divine nature, suggesting that they are entities from another plane of reality, akin to mortals, thus proposing a unique form of atheism that rejects not the existence but the divine essence of these deities.

Trade

Trade within Sarentekia has seen significant changes and challenges following the Terminal Catastrophe. Once a major trading hub, connections with the eastern continent of Lesefaron have been severed due to the impassable nature of the Sundering Sea. This cessation of trade has forced the remnant-states of Sarentekia to turn inward, fostering relationships and exchanges amongst themselves and with neighboring regions.
Trade between the Sarenteki remnant-states and the nations of Hjalmskjar and the Nelvaclist Flats has proven to be crucial in maintaining the economic stability of the region. However, these trade routes are not without their difficulties. The constant threat from the monster kingdoms and Neskrior serves as a disruptive force, reducing the viability and profitability of these vital trade links.
Control over Khasemar, Sarentekia's inland sea, has sparked intense competition among the remnant-states. Particularly, the strategic Maradiel Strait, the sole passage in and out of Khasemar, has become a bone of contention. The nations of Tiralia and Sarachor, positioned on opposite sides of the strait, have attempted to capitalize on this geographic advantage. Their scheme to impose toll fees on passing vessels has been met with resistance, leading to conflicts and a decrease in trade volume through the strait.

Type

Region