Oddbasil
It is said that long ago, as the first nations were being formed, an exiled elf from a long lost civilization found a magical grove. There they found the Iron Heart. From it grew strong, sturdy vines able to grow through the upper crust of Pallo. When the elf touched the Iron Heart, it imbewed them with the strength of the iron vine.
With this new found strength, the elf used the Iron Heart to expand those mighty vines into Oddbasil - the world vine. From it has grown tens of thousands of dryads across Pallo. While each shoot holds the same values as the others connected to it, most adopt the local culture and governance of the nation nearest them. There are those far from the borders of other nations, but that will only last so long.
Oddbasillians are not interested in conquest or domination: just peaceful cohabitation. Their expansion is out of convenience and intrigue, not necessity or desire.
Structure
Each shoot of the world vine is guarded by an Elder called a Liana. They have become the de facto leaders of each Oddbasilian shoot, though the decisions they make are solely in the interest of protecting the world vine, which in turn provides for the Oddbasilians. This is why they tend to defer to local governance for leadership. It is a mutually beneficial agreement in most situations.
Culture
Oddbasilians value growth and community above all else. While not strictly pacifist, they do not appreciate war, slavery, or murder. While this is not unique to Oddbasilians, they do not tolerate it as much as many other cultures have. It is known, however, that some of these decisions are often made by governments, and not people. But even when it is popular amongst populations, they seek to foster growth and rehabilitation.
When necessary to protect themselves or other people, they have been known to strike out. It is rare to see an Oddbasilian in military service, but not unheard of when the cassus belli is deemed severe enough by Oddbasilians. This stance has caused some strife amongst populations in the past where people were upset at their lack of involvement in a war they didn't deem needed or warrented their help.
Public Agenda
What little agenda they have to push outside of protecting their shoot, it tends to be nature preservation. Many turn to public service in the forrestry and park services.
Assets
They have little need for currency within the shoot, though it is needed when interacting with the rest of Pallo. Because of this, there is usually a modest amount of money stored as insurance for disasters. The iron from the buds of Oddbasil is often used to forge items for sale or even sold outright as raw material. It is not as abundant as iron mined from stone, but is replenishable and is often easier to enchant.
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