Nomniza
A marshy nation ruled by a heraldic monarchy, "The King of Two Rivers" is bordered by two immense rivers on it's North and South. It has lately served as a bulwark against the Purshand Empire, and repairing it's relations with it's western neighbor of Stoneheart. It is unique in the world as one of the few nations of the world ruled by a Halfling.
Structure
The King of Nomnizia rules from the capital in the central province of the Kingdom. The other three provinces of the land are ruled by additional family members, or by trusted members of the royal circle. While they have wide latitude, they understand their authority is solely delegated, and as such, operate within the purview given to them.
Culture
Nomnizia is a largely mercantile culture, with an increased focus on militarism since the Triumverate War. Having expanded their borders, it now controls the breadth of two of the larger rivers in the area, and with it, the commerce that moves downstream for international and global trade.
History
Legend has it that the first settlements of Nomniza were founded by halflwings. An unlikely tale, likely used to justify and explain the kingdom's rulership, but a plausable one nonetheless. Like all nations, the roots go back to The Sundering, when the world was formed into what it is now, and the mortals of the world had to rediscover their world and adjust to it.
It is said that halflings found themselves caught between two fierce rivers on the north and south, an ocean to the east, and fierce enemeis to the west. Unable to cross any of these, they were forced against their tendencies to be constantly on the movie, and instead decided to settle here. Some have theorized this is more myth than history, as it would not have taken long to devise the appropriate boats or other means of crossing had the Halflings of the nascent first age desired to do so. Some have theorized if the 'fierce enemy' were the Stoneheart Orcs, or merely the predatory animals native to their lands. It also carries a lack of oversight in that it is unlikely that halflings were the sole founders of this land, just as it's rare to find pure communities anywhere else. It was a time of monstres and great threats in the early days, and it was a hard time for most. In the central area, there was a remarkable leader, named Hildrim. What this Halfling lacked in size, he made up for in courage, steel, and heart. Having been responsible for leading the force that made their area safe, the neighboring villages flocked to him. Fighting against monsters is one thing, leading armies is yet another. For the doubts that people had, Hildrim proved himself more than capable of pushing back barbaric hordes across the river that would define their border with what is now the Purshand Empire for centuries. Leadership and chaisma is not an inherited trait, unfortunately, and Nomniza has had a number of successful and unsuccessful leaders in the family line. Perhaps it's form the grace of Draenysis herself, there's always a great Halfling King to suit the moment when Nomniza most needs. it.
It is said that halflings found themselves caught between two fierce rivers on the north and south, an ocean to the east, and fierce enemeis to the west. Unable to cross any of these, they were forced against their tendencies to be constantly on the movie, and instead decided to settle here. Some have theorized this is more myth than history, as it would not have taken long to devise the appropriate boats or other means of crossing had the Halflings of the nascent first age desired to do so. Some have theorized if the 'fierce enemy' were the Stoneheart Orcs, or merely the predatory animals native to their lands. It also carries a lack of oversight in that it is unlikely that halflings were the sole founders of this land, just as it's rare to find pure communities anywhere else. It was a time of monstres and great threats in the early days, and it was a hard time for most. In the central area, there was a remarkable leader, named Hildrim. What this Halfling lacked in size, he made up for in courage, steel, and heart. Having been responsible for leading the force that made their area safe, the neighboring villages flocked to him. Fighting against monsters is one thing, leading armies is yet another. For the doubts that people had, Hildrim proved himself more than capable of pushing back barbaric hordes across the river that would define their border with what is now the Purshand Empire for centuries. Leadership and chaisma is not an inherited trait, unfortunately, and Nomniza has had a number of successful and unsuccessful leaders in the family line. Perhaps it's form the grace of Draenysis herself, there's always a great Halfling King to suit the moment when Nomniza most needs. it.
Demography and Population
Nomniza is a predominantly human nation, with them holding the majority of the seats of power within the nation. With peaceful relations with Stoneheart over several generations, there is a sizable Orcish minority, particularly among western lands. Along the coastal cities of the north and east, there are often pockets of elvish groupings.
Not the least because of the history of Nomniza’s leadership, the nation also has one of the strongest concentrations, as a percentage, of halflings in the world. With a Halfling ruling family, it has given some of their kind a rare case of the concept of ownership of a land, and so have gravitated here in an unusual fashion.
Territories
Nomniza covers roughlt 500,000 square miles of land, caught between the Tubutach River to the North, and the Eienzen River to the south. The central and southern coastline is primarily wetlands, though is dryer closer to the Tubutach River and it's northen border. This leaves the central area as a Tropical rainforest, with lush jungle life. As one travels west, wher the borders narrow and arrives at Stoneheart, the area gets less rain and could be more accurately characterized as a a monsoon forest. The country is predominantly flat and contains no prominent mountains or ranges to speak of.
Most of the population of Nomniza is in the central third of the country, pooling around the five rivers in the middle that lead out to the coastline.
Military
Surrounded by ocean on it’s eastern border and two large rivers, Nomnizia relies heavily on Naval protection for it’s safety. Although not able to match in size, Nomnizia follows the Linthalian tradition of Naval Warfare, as well as it’s organizational structure of it’s ships and the Officer Corps to command them.
A Northern and Southern River Flotilla consist of smaller sail barges, or large rowing ships, to patrol the vast rivers, watching for invaders and pirates. This Flotilla, sometimes referred derisively as the Marsh Men, also consist of forces of soldiers trained to operate in and along the coastlines; including being able to stealithy survey or cross through the waters and surrounding jungles undetected.
Religion
Foreign Relations
Nomniza’s most difficult relationship is with their neighbors of the Purshand Empire to the North, across the Tubutach River. The imperial government, such as it is, has done little to curtail raids by the barbaric tribes on it's fringes, but has also held it’s hand back from sending the hordes of its full army to aid the fight. They seek to gain full control of the River, but lack the training or equipment to do so, and are thankfully too distracted with their other border concerns.
The Tsar of Enztalia to the South has more in common with the Halfling Kingdom than it's northern antogonist. Not only are they both nations bordered by two rivers, but share a more common language and shared history. The Tsar was able to work out a harmonious deal for the two nations to share the river, largely uncontested. Although the goods at the end of the Eienzen River eventually reach Nomnizian ports, a compromise is met with a duty paid to the Tsar's coffers for the trouble. Some have labeled this as merely paying a bribe to a smaller nation, but it has been commonly regarded that this is preferable than waging war.
The smallest border Nomniza has is ironically one of it’s friendliest; that with the Stoneheart Orcs to the West. The harsh land and lack of tamable animals has made a consistent market for farmers looking to sell livestock. The First Queen’s lands also provide valuable stone, gems, and the like. Unlike the Skalds, the Orcs of Stoneheart know something of honor; being the strongest Adherants of Quarrgh’s edicts of hospitality. As reserved as the culture is, they remain staunch allies to their friends.
Nomniza has amicable relations with it’s intercontinental trading partner, Linthalia. The Maiden Queen’s exports provide reliable profits moving further inland. As the preeminent naval power, Nomniza has trained alongside them, and worked as allies on the high seas to ward against pirates and raiders farther to the west. Skald pirates in particular have proven to be a problem, harassing the Strait of Oxbreach and Cygian Strait, some of the narrowest points for transit, and also some of the most vital trade routes in the world.
Capital
Demonym
Nizian
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Major Exports
Livestock and rice are common exports to Stoneheart to the west.
Major Imports
As a relatively close nation to the famed trading capital of the world in Linthalia, Maiden Tea is imported here at a faster and cheaper rate, at a level beyond the needs of it’s national consumption. These merchants act as middlemen, transporting it deeper inland to the country and landlocked nations at deeply inflated rates. Precious materials like stone or textiles travel into Nomniza through the large rivers that make up it’s borders. Controling these waters has allowed them to impose tariffs and profit from the transport into coastal trade cities like Verzuhz
Judicial Body
The justice system has limited authority, and is structured top-down. It’s ultimate responsibility to rule on and punish the crimes of the masses, and not reign in or judge on the use of power by the executive or the legislature.
Executive Body
The Lord of Nomniza controls the majority of the nation. Although the lawmakers and the judges have their limited means of power, Ziebarra has the power to ignore or even dismiss the legislature at large, and personally chooses the judges that rule over the land, that may hold sway over his decisions and use of power.
As of yet, Ziebarra has not abused the power granted to him, but still holds the stain of some of his more corrupt predecessors. It has been remarked by many, particularly among the lower class, that while Ziebarra is adequate at his job as ruler, he is still doing as all rulers do and preserving the welfare and power of the wealthy and the powerful, to the detriment of the masses.
The voices of dissent for the structure are muted by the success and prosperity being brouth to Nomniza; should situations begin to change, that careful balance could dramatically change matters.
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments