Ochny
Pronunciation: OCK knee
Ochny is a massive, cold coastal nation covered in boreal forests and frigid shrubland. The local map covers around half of Ochny’s total size. The area sees low rainfall, mostly in the form of snow that doesn’t easily melt. Thus, the region gets most of its freshwater from collected ice and snow.
Ochny is very religious; they follow a Heavenly sect known as Paradeism. Paradeism is the belief that Heaven is eternal paradise for the virtuous, and God's word is the way to that paradise. It is extremely similar to Abrahamic religions, but without the belief of Jesus or any other prophet / holy figure translating the word of God. Unlike many other Heavenly sects, Paradeism does not worship any angels or other idols in addition to God; they believe celestials to be Rubiconians reborn into heavenly creatures due to their good deeds and virtues. They may respect the word of celestials, but they do not worship them. The Seven Heavenly Virtues are especially important aspects of Paradeism; these are humility, charity, chastity, gratitude, patience, diligence, and temperance. Through these virtues, Paradeists believe they will live good lives and be reborn in Heaven. Paradeist religious buildings are known as churches. These churches are always occupied by at least one cleric, if not several. Clerics assigned to a church are expected to preach and give sermons, lecturing about the virtues and the word of God. Rites of worship involve deep individual and group prayer, sermons, and feasts. Prayer is expected before every meal, before you sleep, and during sermons. The highest authority for Paradeism is the Archcleric of Santa Marello, the highest governing authority in Addolorata.
Zamokesnyy is the capital of Ochny; it is built around a heavily fortified keep where the Tsar lives. The city itself is walled and well defended, mainly as a result of the various revolutions that have shaken Ochny. The city has several large ports that oversee much of trade for the nation.
Verochka is a small city in the center of Ochny most well known for its religious architecture. Its buildings are very old, but very well maintained. It has a large wooden church that is famous for its beauty and comfort despite the frigid atmosphere.
Darnadezhda is a mid-sized city in southern Ochny. The city is largely unremarkable, but it is the largest urban center in southern Ochny; most of the nation occupies the northern parts of the nation, where its greatest exports are generated and manufactured.
Revodre woodlands is a boreal forest in the upper left corner of the local map. The forest has a near constant layer of snow resting over top of the ground, but it isn’t thick enough to prevent tree growth in the region. The coniferous trees in the region are large and densely packed.
Skogren woodlands is a coniferous forest that defines the blend between the Revodre woodlands and the Sokh shrublands. This area has dense shrubbery and evergreen trees; the region is populated by typical coniferous wildlife.
The Sokh shrubland is a large, frigid shrubland located in the upper left corner of the map. It is the only cold shrubland on the local map, and sees light snowfall year round. The area is relatively easy to traverse on account of the snow; the snowfall doesn’t allow for uncontrollable growth of the shrubbery in the region, unlike most shrublands.
The Ledis river is a slow-flowing river located in the bottom left of the local map. This river begins where the Kidemónas river and the Heltvan river combine. It later splits into two main estuaries, the Tomiza Estuary and the Trause Estuary. The river is where the majority of trade in the region takes place.
The Tomiza estuary is one of two estuaries that result from the split of the Ledis river. It connects the Ledis river to the Dalaiz Sea. It hosts much of the boat-driven trade in the region.
The Ryk coast is the northernmost coast on the local map. It has very high elevation and is composed of sharp cliffs, fjords, and densely packed barrier islands. The safest places for nautical travelers to reach the shore is through the Tomiza and Trause estuaries.
The Dalaiz sea is one of two oceanic saltwater bodies visible on the local map. It is the colder of the two seas and the sea floor sharply drops in altitude as compared to the Valonda sea. Many trade vessels use the Dalaiz sea to transport goods to and from the Ledis riverand down to the Valonda sea. This body of water is most similar to the real-world Arctic Ocean in terms of ecology, temperature, and total size.
Once a week, every Sunday, Paradeists celebrate a day of rest; according to many Heavenly religious stories, the last day of the week was declared by God to be a day of rest after His creation of the universe. Some cultures refuse to do anything at all on Sundays, even open doors, but most just treat the day more casually than the rest of the week and do not work their jobs unless absolutely necessary.
The First Day is the new year celebration for Paradeism. The day is celebrated as an anniversary of the “First Day”, when many religious stories claim that God began His creation of the universe. It is also celebrated as the day when Angels came down to Rubicon for the first time, when many devout worshippers believe they created the first people in Addolorata. The day is celebrated with feasts, fireworks, and candle decorations.
Dia Humilitas, or the Day of Humility, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of humility. On this day, paradeists will partake in several acts of humility: they will eat modest, simple meals and wear simple attire and no jewelry throughout the day. Several entertainment professions will take the day off as to not draw too much attention to themselves. It is also common for nobles and upperclassmen to mingle with the common man during this day, as an attempt of connection between the classes.
Dia Caritas, or the Day of Charity, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of charity. In the weeks leading up to this day, churches will collect donations from attendees at the church in order to give these donations to the poor and needy. On the day itself, clerics and able-bodied worshippers will roam their home towns looking to assist their neighbors and travelers in need of any assistance: doing yard work, fixing things, delivering packages, anything they can think to do for one another. Some of the more dedicated clerics will travel city to city, offering their services for free to those most in need.
Dia Castitas, or the Day of Chastity, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of chastity. Those over the age of 15 who celebrate will don masks and clothing that covers most of the body for the day, and refrain from any act of physical romance. Ironically, many of the less avid worshippers will also celebrate the midnight of Dia Castitas, marking the “end” of the day of Chastity with physical romantic acts; similar to a New Year’s kiss.
Dia Humanitas, or the Day of Gratitude, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of gratitude. Many worshippers will write letters in the week leading up to Dia Humanitas expressing their thanks to those who they are grateful for or who have done them good, often to clerics in local communities. Feasts are also often held at the end of the day to thank these people.
Dia Patientia, or the Day of Patience, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of patience. During the war, it has also been declared a day of peace; fighting is forbidden on this day unless absolutely necessary. It is treated as a memorial day to honor those who lost their lives in battle or those who have been murdered.
Dia Diligentia, or the Day of Diligence, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of diligence. The day is dedicated to work, with many worshippers committing to long hours at their jobs or beginning long projects. It is also a day that many swear to change their lives for the better, similarly to a new year’s resolution.
Dia Temperantia, or the Day of Temperance, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of temperance. For those who celebrate, it is a day of fasting where food is prohibited while the sun is in the sky. Ironically, many of the less avid worshippers will also celebrate the midnight of Dia Temperantia, marking the “end” of the day of Temperance with a midnight feast.
Current State
Demographics
The three most populous races that inhabit Ochny are giantkin (mainly goliaths, and frost giant related) at 65% of the population, humans (mainly forest and arctic) at 15% of the population, and burrowlings at 8% of the population.Trade and Relationships
Ochny primarily deals in lumber and ice exports, as well as boat manufacturing. They design boats specifically for the purpose of insulating as much of the cargo as possible, allowing for the transportation of large ice cubes without much loss from melting; they can’t go much lower than half the local map before the temperature becomes too much, though. Ochny has a self-sufficient supply of most other goods, only really importing stone. Ochny has good trade relations with Addolorata, Sambal, and Selvay. All three nations are in good social standing with Ochny, and all three rely on extensive nautical trade. Addolorata especially imports many goods from Ochny. Ochny has good social relations with Addolorata, Sambal, Krigjord, and Ichtslos. All of these nations follow the same religion as Ochny. They especially support Addolorata and Sambal due to their contributions in the war. Ochny has bad relations with Makami, Diyuō, Hiyami, and Avra. They all have opposing religious views and several of these nations actively support / contribute to the opposite side in the war. Ochny is one of the few nations that are openly Heaven-aligned in the war. Many citizens believe the war is real and actively participate, but most still consider Heaven a place where the righteous go when they die / opposite for Hell, and do not hold them as equals to Rubicon.History
Ochny was originally a collection of less-unified nomadic seafaring tribes. While many of these peoples shared a culture, religion, and identity, they remained separate for many years. Over time, one of the many nomadic nations gained military pressure over the others and began to take hold of these scattered groups, imposing uniform laws throughout the region. Soon after, a prototypical Ochny formed along the coast. This state expanded in all directions, conquering any smaller nation that opposed them. Their expansion only halted when they became introduced to Paradeistic ideals; exactly how Ochny converted to Paradeism is unclear, but the nation quickly flipped from arrogant warlords to proud zealots. There have been several revolutions that have been largely unsuccessful. They are still a conquering nation, but treat their expansion with greater internal scrutiny based on their religious ideals.Culture Overview
General Culture
Ochny is most similar to 16th-17th century Russia. They are a very religious and proud culture that values loyalty and faith above all else. They are a group-minded society and are generally communal. Outside of urban regions, entire villages take care of each other and see themselves as one large family. Entertainment in Ochny is mostly centered around public games, feasts and festivals, and regional activities. Children are taught by their families and other local families. The most common career in Ochny is being a lumberjack.Religion: Paradeism
Pronounced: para (like paradise) deism (like deity and ism)Ochny is very religious; they follow a Heavenly sect known as Paradeism. Paradeism is the belief that Heaven is eternal paradise for the virtuous, and God's word is the way to that paradise. It is extremely similar to Abrahamic religions, but without the belief of Jesus or any other prophet / holy figure translating the word of God. Unlike many other Heavenly sects, Paradeism does not worship any angels or other idols in addition to God; they believe celestials to be Rubiconians reborn into heavenly creatures due to their good deeds and virtues. They may respect the word of celestials, but they do not worship them. The Seven Heavenly Virtues are especially important aspects of Paradeism; these are humility, charity, chastity, gratitude, patience, diligence, and temperance. Through these virtues, Paradeists believe they will live good lives and be reborn in Heaven. Paradeist religious buildings are known as churches. These churches are always occupied by at least one cleric, if not several. Clerics assigned to a church are expected to preach and give sermons, lecturing about the virtues and the word of God. Rites of worship involve deep individual and group prayer, sermons, and feasts. Prayer is expected before every meal, before you sleep, and during sermons. The highest authority for Paradeism is the Archcleric of Santa Marello, the highest governing authority in Addolorata.
General Government
Ochny is a tsarist autocracy, with the highest authority in the nation being the Tsar. This title is passed down hereditarily via the firstborn son of each Tsar, or the closest male relative if the Tsar has no sons. The Tsar has absolute authority over Ochny.City Politics
The Tsar himself owns most land in Ochny; he grants power to several individuals throughout the nation who are able to carry out his laws; often, these people are wealthy or powerful clerics. Beneath them are the general unlanded nobility. Then comes the sizable middle class of artisans, merchants, and urban craftsmen. Making up most of Ochny’s population are the general commoners.Major Cities
Zamokesnyy
Pronounced: ZAH mo KYEZ (like you’re saying “key” without the e) kneeZamokesnyy is the capital of Ochny; it is built around a heavily fortified keep where the Tsar lives. The city itself is walled and well defended, mainly as a result of the various revolutions that have shaken Ochny. The city has several large ports that oversee much of trade for the nation.
Verochka
Pronounced: vere OCH (like “botch”) kaVerochka is a small city in the center of Ochny most well known for its religious architecture. Its buildings are very old, but very well maintained. It has a large wooden church that is famous for its beauty and comfort despite the frigid atmosphere.
Darnadezhda
Pronounced: DARN ah DESH (but a hard “sh”, like you’re shushing someone with a z sound) dahDarnadezhda is a mid-sized city in southern Ochny. The city is largely unremarkable, but it is the largest urban center in southern Ochny; most of the nation occupies the northern parts of the nation, where its greatest exports are generated and manufactured.
Notable Geography
Revodre Woodlands
Pronounced: reh VOD rayRevodre woodlands is a boreal forest in the upper left corner of the local map. The forest has a near constant layer of snow resting over top of the ground, but it isn’t thick enough to prevent tree growth in the region. The coniferous trees in the region are large and densely packed.
Skogren Woodlands
Pronounced: SKOG wrenSkogren woodlands is a coniferous forest that defines the blend between the Revodre woodlands and the Sokh shrublands. This area has dense shrubbery and evergreen trees; the region is populated by typical coniferous wildlife.
Sokh Shrubland
Pronounced: sockThe Sokh shrubland is a large, frigid shrubland located in the upper left corner of the map. It is the only cold shrubland on the local map, and sees light snowfall year round. The area is relatively easy to traverse on account of the snow; the snowfall doesn’t allow for uncontrollable growth of the shrubbery in the region, unlike most shrublands.
Ledis River
Pronounced: LEH diss (honestly sounds like you’re slurring the word “lettuce”)The Ledis river is a slow-flowing river located in the bottom left of the local map. This river begins where the Kidemónas river and the Heltvan river combine. It later splits into two main estuaries, the Tomiza Estuary and the Trause Estuary. The river is where the majority of trade in the region takes place.
Tomiza Estuary
Pronounced: tom EESH ahThe Tomiza estuary is one of two estuaries that result from the split of the Ledis river. It connects the Ledis river to the Dalaiz Sea. It hosts much of the boat-driven trade in the region.
Ryk Coast
Pronounced: Rike (like “pike”)The Ryk coast is the northernmost coast on the local map. It has very high elevation and is composed of sharp cliffs, fjords, and densely packed barrier islands. The safest places for nautical travelers to reach the shore is through the Tomiza and Trause estuaries.
Dalaiz Sea
Pronounced: da LIESThe Dalaiz sea is one of two oceanic saltwater bodies visible on the local map. It is the colder of the two seas and the sea floor sharply drops in altitude as compared to the Valonda sea. Many trade vessels use the Dalaiz sea to transport goods to and from the Ledis riverand down to the Valonda sea. This body of water is most similar to the real-world Arctic Ocean in terms of ecology, temperature, and total size.
Major Holidays
Day of Rest
Pronounced: self explanatoryOnce a week, every Sunday, Paradeists celebrate a day of rest; according to many Heavenly religious stories, the last day of the week was declared by God to be a day of rest after His creation of the universe. Some cultures refuse to do anything at all on Sundays, even open doors, but most just treat the day more casually than the rest of the week and do not work their jobs unless absolutely necessary.
The First Day
Pronounced: self explanatoryThe First Day is the new year celebration for Paradeism. The day is celebrated as an anniversary of the “First Day”, when many religious stories claim that God began His creation of the universe. It is also celebrated as the day when Angels came down to Rubicon for the first time, when many devout worshippers believe they created the first people in Addolorata. The day is celebrated with feasts, fireworks, and candle decorations.
Dia Humilitas
Pronounced: wayDia Humilitas, or the Day of Humility, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of humility. On this day, paradeists will partake in several acts of humility: they will eat modest, simple meals and wear simple attire and no jewelry throughout the day. Several entertainment professions will take the day off as to not draw too much attention to themselves. It is also common for nobles and upperclassmen to mingle with the common man during this day, as an attempt of connection between the classes.
Dia Caritas
Pronounced: DEE ah / car E tuhsDia Caritas, or the Day of Charity, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of charity. In the weeks leading up to this day, churches will collect donations from attendees at the church in order to give these donations to the poor and needy. On the day itself, clerics and able-bodied worshippers will roam their home towns looking to assist their neighbors and travelers in need of any assistance: doing yard work, fixing things, delivering packages, anything they can think to do for one another. Some of the more dedicated clerics will travel city to city, offering their services for free to those most in need.
Dia Castitas
Pronounced: DEE ah / cass TEE tuhsDia Castitas, or the Day of Chastity, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of chastity. Those over the age of 15 who celebrate will don masks and clothing that covers most of the body for the day, and refrain from any act of physical romance. Ironically, many of the less avid worshippers will also celebrate the midnight of Dia Castitas, marking the “end” of the day of Chastity with physical romantic acts; similar to a New Year’s kiss.
Dia Humanitas
Pronounced: DEE ah / human E tuhsDia Humanitas, or the Day of Gratitude, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of gratitude. Many worshippers will write letters in the week leading up to Dia Humanitas expressing their thanks to those who they are grateful for or who have done them good, often to clerics in local communities. Feasts are also often held at the end of the day to thank these people.
Dia Patientia
Pronounced: DEE ah / PAH tea EN tea ahDia Patientia, or the Day of Patience, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of patience. During the war, it has also been declared a day of peace; fighting is forbidden on this day unless absolutely necessary. It is treated as a memorial day to honor those who lost their lives in battle or those who have been murdered.
Dia Diligentia
Pronounced: DEE ah / dili (like diligence) HEN tea ahDia Diligentia, or the Day of Diligence, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of diligence. The day is dedicated to work, with many worshippers committing to long hours at their jobs or beginning long projects. It is also a day that many swear to change their lives for the better, similarly to a new year’s resolution.
Dia Temperantia
Pronounced: DEE ah / TEM per ANN tea ahDia Temperantia, or the Day of Temperance, is a holy day in Paradeism dedicated to celebrating the virtue of temperance. For those who celebrate, it is a day of fasting where food is prohibited while the sun is in the sky. Ironically, many of the less avid worshippers will also celebrate the midnight of Dia Temperantia, marking the “end” of the day of Temperance with a midnight feast.
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