Ninurta

Races: Luxodon, Tabaxi, Dryads, Ravenfolk, Cervan, Jerbeen, Luma, Mapach, Strig, Vulpin

Ninurta: The Land of the Eternal Song

Ninurta, known as the Land of the Eternal Song, is a breathtaking region nestled between the lush savannas of the Mossmerth Mountains and the treacherous black peaks of the Cataclysm’s obsidian range. The fertile grasslands and gentle rivers that flow through this region provide an abundance of food and resources, allowing its people to build a society that values harmony, wisdom, and spiritual balance above all else. Unlike the warlike nations of Jana, the people of Ninurta have cultivated a culture centered around community, music, and a deep connection to the natural world.
The capital city, Enil, is a magnificent stone-forged metropolis built directly into the base of the Mossmerth Mountains. It is said to be the richest nation in all of Jana, not because of its ostentatious displays of wealth, but due to the abundant natural resources within its borders. The mountains provide rich ores, the sea to the south yields an endless bounty of fish, and the lush savannahs offer a seemingly supernatural supply of grain and livestock. Even the barren, black peaks of the Cataclysm provide an almost limitless supply of obsidian, a material prized by artisans and weapon smiths alike. This prosperity, combined with the guidance of wise leadership, has made Ninurta a beacon of stability in a continent torn by conflict.

The Democratic Society of Enil

Despite its wealth, Ninurta is governed not by kings or emperors, but by a unique system of tribal democracy. There is no singular leader in Enil, but instead, each of the ten tribes of the region chooses a matriarch to represent their interests. These High Matrons come together to form the Council of High Matrons, the highest governing body of Ninurta. Each matriarch is elected from among the wisest and most respected women of her tribe and serves a life-long term unless her people vote to replace her. This council ensures that each race is equally represented, and no single tribe gains too much power or influence over the others.
The High Matrons meet within the grand Stone Choir Pyramid, a towering structure carved from the heart of the Mossmerth Mountains. It is said that every full moon, the citizens of Enil can hear the Great Matron Song rising from the peak of the pyramid, sung by all ten matriarchs as they thank the mountains themselves for the bounty they provide. This powerful, harmonious chant reverberates through the stone halls of Enil, binding the people together in a shared reverence for the land and their leaders. This ritual is a symbolic reminder of the unity and peace that has guided Ninurta through centuries of prosperity.

The Ten High Matrons

The Council of High Matrons is composed of the following leaders, each of whom carries the weight of their tribe’s traditions and values:
High Matron Zahari Earthsong, the Luxodon Matriarch: Zahari, a descendant of the legendary Lemara the Earth-Caller, is the voice of the earth itself among the council. With a deep, resonant voice that can command the stones to move, she is the spiritual and moral guide of the council. Her decisions are weighed carefully, and when she speaks, all of Enil listens. Her tribe, the Stone Singers, are the guardians of the ancient songs that can shape the land, and their druids are among the most skilled in Jana.
High Matron Sashira Quickstride, the Tabaxi Matriarch: Sashira is a swift and graceful Tabaxi, known for her diplomatic skills and her tribe’s mastery of bardic magic. The Wild Singers are the keepers of song and dance, using music to inspire courage and preserve the histories of their people. Sashira’s calm yet decisive nature has often served as the council’s voice of reason, advocating for peace and restraint.
High Matron Olyndra Greenbough, the Dryad Matriarch: Olyndra, the ageless guardian of the Whispering Glades, leads the Dryads of Ninurta. She is the keeper of the Heartwood Staff and a master sorceress who can command the plants and trees of the land to rise in defense. Olyndra’s tribe, the Leafbound Guardians, maintain the balance between nature and civilization, and their powers are crucial in defending Ninurta’s forests from any threat.
High Matron Kaera Shadowquill, the Ravenfolk Matriarch: Kaera, the enigmatic matriarch of the Silent Watchers, is the council’s master of secrets. Her tribe is known for its intelligence network, and she is aware of almost every event that occurs across Jana. With her sharp mind and ability to gather information unseen, Kaera ensures that the council remains informed of the shifting tides of politics and war in the surrounding regions.
High Matron Lyrath Moonantler, the Cervan Matriarch: The wise and serene Lyrath is the matriarch of the Tranquil Monks, a tribe that values introspection and non-violence. Her tribe is composed of disciplined monks who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of inner peace and enlightenment. Lyrath’s voice is often the one advocating for patience and non-involvement, believing that aggression only begets more aggression.
High Matron Tilda Willowfoot, the Jerbeen Matriarch: Tilda, though small in stature, possesses a spirit as mighty as the fiercest storm. The Stone-Willed Barbarians are the most warlike tribe of Ninurta, their warriors known for their ferocity and indomitable will. While Tilda is fiercely protective of her people, she upholds the Jerbeen warrior’s code of only fighting for the defense of the homeland. Her voice is one of strength, ensuring that Ninurta is never caught unprepared.
High Matron Elatha Brightsky, the Luma Matriarch: Elatha is a luminous and radiant figure, the leader of the Brightsky Wizards. Her tribe is known for their arcane knowledge and mastery of celestial magic. Elatha advocates for vigilance and preparedness, urging the council to maintain magical defenses and always be on guard against the supernatural forces that threaten their land.
High Matron Virella Farsight, the Mapach Matriarch: Virella, the cunning matriarch of the Farsight Paladins, leads the Mapach tribe with a strategic mind and a sharp wit. Her tribe, renowned for their tactical brilliance and sense of justice, serve as the defenders of Ninurta’s values. Virella is pragmatic and often speaks out against the council’s overly pacifist tendencies, reminding them that sometimes justice requires action.
High Matron Zhalka Nightwing, the Strig Matriarch: Zhalka is a fierce and unyielding leader, guiding the Nightwing Fighters, a tribe of small but courageous warriors who serve as scouts and messengers. Her people are renowned for their fearlessness and bravery, willing to face any danger for the sake of the greater good. Zhalka’s presence on the council ensures that the voices of the smallest tribes are heard and respected.
High Matron Veshana Firespire, the Vulpin Matriarch: Veshana, the matriarch of the Firespire Rangers, leads the Vulpin with cunning and a burning determination. Her rangers are masters of tracking and ambush, making them Ninurta’s eyes and ears in the wild. Veshana’s tribe sees every shadow and every whisper on the wind, and she often urges the council to be proactive in eliminating threats before they reach their borders.

The Unique Warrior Traditions of Ninurta

Though Ninurta is a land that prizes peace and harmony, its people are not defenseless. The Council of High Matrons understands that peace must sometimes be defended, and they have thus created one of the most formidable defensive armies in Jana. Unlike other nations where men and women serve equally in war, Ninurta’s martial traditions dictate that all women born in Enil must enlist in combat training from the age of 13 onward. Each tribe is responsible for training its young women in their own unique style, making the Ninurtan army a diverse force with highly specialized warriors. This focus on training has produced some of the greatest warriors and spellcasters in Jana, each tribe honing a specific role:

• The Luxodon are trained as Druids, their deep connection to the earth and ancient magics allowing them to call upon the elements to protect their homeland.
• The Tabaxi produce Bards, weaving spells through music and dance, inspiring their allies, and disheartening their foes.
• The Dryads are nurtured as Grand Sorcerers, wielding powerful nature magic to summon storms, shape the land, and ensnare enemies.
• The Ravenfolk train as Clerics, their healing and divine magic making them invaluable on the battlefield.
• The Cervan focus on producing Monks, their swift and agile fighters using unarmed combat and spiritual magic to neutralize threats.
• The Jerbeen are raised to be Barbarians, their small size belying their unmatched ferocity and resilience.
• The Luma produce Wizards, studying the stars and harnessing arcane power to alter the battlefield to their advantage.
• The Mapach focus on Paladins, sworn defenders of Ninurta’s values and protectors of the weak.
• The Strig are trained as Fighters, small but deadly warriors who specialize in guerilla tactics and quick, decisive strikes.
• The Vulpin are known for their Rangers, skilled archers and hunters who can move unseen through any terrain and lay traps for unsuspecting foes.

The Role of Men in Ninurtan Society

In Ninurta, while the women are trained in combat and defense, the men take on roles that are equally vital to the region’s prosperity. They are the builders, the artisans, and the lifeblood of the region’s thriving economy. Men of Ninurta are master craftsmen, creating intricate stonework, delicate jewelry, and magical artifacts that are sought after across Jana. The Luxodon men are renowned stonemasons, whose sculptures and carvings are said to resonate with the Song of the Mountains. The Tabaxi men are skilled weavers and acrobats, performing daring feats that entertain and inspire. The Luma men are herbalists and healers, using their knowledge of rare plants to concoct potent potions.
Men are also responsible for maintaining the sacred balance of the land. They tend to the fields, herd animals, and oversee the complex irrigation systems that keep Ninurta’s fertile savannahs blooming. The Cervan men are renowned gardeners, cultivating magical orchards that bear fruit year-round, while the Ravenfolk men are keepers of libraries and protectors of ancient tomes. Though not warriors, the men of Ninurta are essential to the continued growth and survival of their homeland, contributing their strength, ingenuity, and artistry to support their matriarchal society

The Growing Tension in Ninurta

Though Ninurta has never sought war and has maintained a policy of non-involvement in external conflicts, there is a growing unrest within the region. As news of the Admian invasion reaches their borders, fear and anxiety ripple through the normally serene society. The people whisper of the fall of Mercia, a neighboring region that has been under siege for years. They hear tales of Admian war machines and magical weapons—devices unlike anything the Janians have seen before. Many wonder if the Council of High Matrons’ pacifism is a virtue or a flaw.
Citizens are beginning to speak out, questioning whether Ninurta’s policy of isolation and neutrality can keep them safe in the face of such a relentless enemy. Murmurs of dissent have surfaced even among the ranks of the High Matrons, with some tribes—particularly the Mapach and Jerbeen—pushing for greater preparation and militarization. The Great Matron Song, once a symbol of unity and strength, now rings with an uneasy undertone, as the voices of the matriarchs carry the weight of indecision and fear.
Will the High Matrons choose to remain true to their ideals of peace, or will they finally decide to step into the fray and defend their way of life before it is too late? Only time will tell, and the people of Ninurta watch and wait, caught between their longing for peace and the creeping shadow of war.

The Obsidian Peaks of the Cataclysm 

Location under

Jana: The Continent of Boundless Magic