Rasko
Structure
The land of Rasko is ruled as a hereditary monarchy. The leader of all is the Golden Emperor, considered one of the holiest individuals amongst the churches of Rasko and of course hailing from the blessed bloodline of the kings and queens of old. Under them is the Chamber of Witnessess, a ruling council of high ranking clergy-men that act as advisors both political and spiritual.
Culture
From the outside looking in, Raskovian society is incredibly structured, horrifyingly so. It is almost like every day has enforced times and guidelines for how someone lives each and every day. While this isnt entirely true, there are very rigid and enforced times of each day for prayer and work. A curfew is in place at all times, for the lords sheep must rest for their work the next day. Only specific job holders may operate at night, and brothels are practically unheard of in the capital proper. Many view the Raskovians are prim and proper, even more so than the Bolsilvans, and why shouldnt the people of Niekpho believe so? They inhabit cities older than the church they worship, clearly a sign of his favor for the people of this land. They claim an ancient lineage, as the Flames first children, second only to Heymon the first prophet.
There is a disconnect between those of the holy city, and those of the smaller villages. Those of the city are typically more wealthy and of good birth, while those of the villages and towns are seen as expendable, humble workers. This leads to on and off civil unrest within the land as it is not unheard of for the Raskovi people to do war with one another. One of the most common causes for civil unrest and war is monks of humble villages declaring crusades against the corrupt nature of the church and the goverment. So much so that the sterotype is that the Raskovi do war with themselves more so than any warrior of hell.
However it isnt all faith and fire in Rasko. The land is known for some of the greatest painters this side of the planet, and even in Ashenfeld the painters of Rasko are commisoned to paint wonderous works of art for churches and nobles alike. While not as well traveled, the Raskovi people are also known for their stable trade lanes to mythical Catai, and because of this there is a sizeable minority of Cataian merchants and immigrants in the cities of Rasko. It is said that much of the oppulent style of Catai has also influenced the noble culture of Rasko, with palaces and keeps made to be as decadent as possible, in the flames glory of course.
History
What is immortal, even more so than the gods themselves? It is faith, faith in the undying, burning flame that warms the heart and scorches the heretic. Miracles are the cornerstone of faith itself, for without miracles how can the faithful believe. Such miracles are what birthed the people of Rasko, known as Raskovians. It is said when the tribes of mortals first traveled from the west, the many tribes that now inhabit Ustaria traveled north instead of west. The early tribes of the Rasko attempted to settle the lands of Trocno, but are claimed to have been driven out by the tribes that made their home there. So they traveled further north, and eventually came across a miracle.
Before the land knew great cities and buildings, when the most complicated construction known was a large tent, there stood a fortress of stone and marble. Its windows beautiful stained glass, speaking of fire and gods unkown. It gleamed with bright light that is said to be able to be seen from far away while in Rasko, and it entranced the tribesman so. The fortress was guarded by strange creatures of masks and blades, and wielded great beams of lightning and light that seered all who came near. These light beams seemed to drain the color of the tower everytime they were used, almost as if leeching off the very world and stone itself. Many champions attempted to breach the castle, but none succedded. It was only after a hundred years did a tribesman manage to break through, named Rayko Vasilov. He managed to break through after he found a strange mace of fire and parchment that helped him slay a great dragon, and he had his tribesman skin it and hold it over their heads as they approched the fortress. The beams of light and blades thrown at them simply bounced off the hide, and they were able to breach the door.
Strangely enough, upon entering, not a single inhabitant was found. Despite being shot at just moments prior, every one of the creatures and figures simply vanished, leaving empty but beautiful hallways of jewels and marble. It would take some time before the tribes people offically inhabbited the fortress, as some feared there was an evil curse upon the structure until a shaman was able to confirm no presence of evil spirits. So it was that Raskovians claim to have had the first structure ever known to the world (this is debated upon as for example many castles in Vebastonne were made by Elven and Dwarven hands long before the Vestoni learned how to. This isn't even mentioning how the elves and dwarves existance alone contradicts this point).
The Rasko worshipped the symbols of fire and torches carved all around the buildings, developing a sort of proto-religon before the church of the flame came to the land. This proved vital as the light from the fortress (now known as Nikepho) helped keep a light burning as the demonic tear ravaged the lands of Ustaria. The city was constnatly under assualt from demonic forces for three long years, and though the walls were breached multiple times, the city remained strong and unconquered. When the Rustil and the other kingdoms brought about a united force to drive back the demonic invasion, the Raskovians rushed out their walls, eager to escape the walls finally and charge. Their help was vital in securing the northern land from the ingernal meanance, and the fire they used in both magic and weapons is what helped seal the great rift in the sky. With this, the empire was made, and the Church of the Flame was brought to the land. The Rasko adopted it suprisingly fast, seeing the flame as what they've always been worshipping, they just simply knew not its name. So it has stood since then, the first of the faithful to charge into the fray. Fighting holy wars against local pagan tribes and even aagainst Trocno during the great rebellion. The chanting of hymnals is said to have begun long ago, and have never stopped since.
Foreign Relations
"May the flame guide our light onto the heathens of the south, and the heretics of the wider lands. Flame take me if we do not burn down Trocno in fire and brimstone, scour the Badlands, and kill any filthy beast lurking in the mountains if we do not do so in the next hundred years!" - Anghel Gavrilov Kochanov, Raskovi preacher
"Our kindred in the churches far north live a most glorious duty, for it is they that will guide the northern heathens to the true path, and perhaps one day rid the world of hells influence!" - Spencer John, Ashenfeld bishop
"I've met priests before, wackos they are, though the priests in Rasko are even bigger nutcases. Best to finish what buisness you have in the area and leave as soon as possible. I'd bet if you even get a lyric of a hymn wrong they would flagellate you in the town square" - Alleken Von Múlhain, Neundorf Sellsword
The other provinces of Ustaria and the empire is tense in some aspects, strong in others. Being one of the largest provinces in the empire, it has significant political sway over the empire, but its staunch stubborn faith has been known to cause many brawls in council meetings and petty feuds. Bolsilva they consider brothers and sisters, but with Trocno they have centuries of tension between the two nations. Of late, relations with Catai have become more strained, as the Jade Empress's iron grip of the faith of Catai has caused issues with traders arriving from Rasko, and rumors whisper of a possible trade war between the two nations if things cannot be settled by open hand.
Type
Geopolitical, Province
Demonym
Raskovin, Raskovi
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Parent Organization
