The Rohakkim Nation
Easily recognized abroad by the masks that mark their station in life, the people of Rohakka enjoy the benefits of both secrecy and being precisely what they appear to be. They tell no lies about the nature of their society, built as it is to benefit the hungry and the crafty whose ambition exceeds their modesty. Their mages are renowned for their drive to uncover the truth of the world and the thieves guild sends famed rogues onto the roads of Forleah, looking for treasure and the right to send some of it home to Rohakka.
The Rohakkim have been pushed mostly off the central continent of Forleah, trading for much of their needed goods in a network of merchant caravans that spread up the rivers and out across the rest of the continent, trading with the Gidreen and even Siwarra, as well as any of the unaffiliated people along the borders. Some agricultural support is provided by the communities along the coast.
Since their culture is based on personal acquisition of power (and wealth, and knowledge) there is a reputation among outsiders that the Rohakkim are treacherous backstabbers. Their thieves guild holds a prominent position in society and provides a buffer between the nobles and common-folk. They also have a small percentage of the population who is magically sensitive, and these individuals receive training to support society as ship’s mages, noble aides, and master thieves with incredibly subtle skills.
A significant portion of its citizens are ship-bound for much of their lives, and draw loose counties based on their nominal port of call.
Structure
Feudal, with county leadership holding sway for a short sail in every direction. Ultimately answer to the Kerso, or Child of Heaven, an inherited dynastic ruler. The Great Families are constantly shifting in status under the current Kerso, and backstabbing is common.
One of the most notable features of Rohakki society is their tradition of wearing masks in public. These masks are elaborately decorated and generally cover less of the face as one’s status in society goes up, with nobles wearing slim domino-style masks and the lowest classes wearing featureless full-face coverings.
Public Agenda
The Rohakkim are known for their skills in manipulation. As such, they are generally not trusted and must conduct any operations with extreme care. The current Kerso is a fierce advocate for the cessation of hostilities between her people and Siwarra. Her tumultuous reign is marked by controversy and conspiracy, as she is seen as “less than” previous noble Kerso.
Assets
The Rohakkim are best known for their abilities in and on the water. The Rohakkim control a large number of small raiding ships and several larger vessels for the more adventurous. Any wealth they have has been accumulated from thievery and has been one of the primary reasons for being driven off the mainland.
History
800 Years Ago: End of the Golden Age
The bonds of victory over the rogue Sorcerer, Kil'Gash had subsided, and rifts between the people of the great land of Forleah became too great. To prevent war, the first boundaries were drawn on the map and the Gidreen withdrew to the Great Southern Forest, home of the Rift to keep watch over the grave of Kil’Gash. Siwarra and Rohakka split the remaining land among themselves, with the plains and rivers to the east being the homes of the Rohakkim and the mountains to the west of the continent the home of the Siwarri. The Order of Valo withdrew from everyday society and established the Pact of Empty Hands, a rule requiring anyone who can see the Tower of Valo to conduct themselves in peace.
200 Years Ago: Beginning of the Silver Age
The wars between Siwarra and Rohakka ended, with the Rohakkim forced almost completely into the water on an interlaced network of islands, reefs, and structures known collectively as The Shoal. The Siwarri were unable to match Rohakka on the water and negotiated an end to open hostilities in return for trade consideration. The Gidreen maintained distant contact with the other nations, and the Order of Valo were consulted only in the rarest of occasions. Peace, such as it is, settled over the land.
“A liar is whipped twice: once for his crime and again for getting caught.”
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