Soletar (Sol-tar)

The island nations of Soletar is a harsh environment that has bred a hard and strong people. Rocky terrain, limited resources and a strict warrior culture have honed these people to a razor's edge, so much so they are some of the most feared warriors in the world.

Structure

Soletar is led by a council of Lords, or Shan. Shan is not an inherited title, rather it is earned. Every Shan is a leader in their particular field, whether it be warrior, poet or philosopher. Each Shan is also a teacher of students.
There are a dozen Shan at any one time, but one among them is the Dai Shan, or Battle Lord. This is the Shan who leads during a time of war. The Soletari realize that in battle, there is no time for debate or compromise, a single voice is needed and a leader is chosen. There are several ways to become Dai Shan, either by right of combat or by election of their fellow Shan, but they are always a warrior and a leader of men. During times of peace, the Dai Shan is a figure head and a voice of calm in the storm. but also the leader of the warriors.

Culture

Soletar's culture is a caste culture. Three sides of a triangle: the Worker caste, the Religious caste and the Warrior caste. A common phrase is "They work, you pray, we fight".
Caste is put upon you at birth, but it does not have to stay this way. At the age of 16, every citizen is sent to do public service for the state. This service is when you have a chance to change your caste. If you choose Warrior caste, you become a soldier. If you choose Religious, you become a person of faith. If you choose Worker, you can become a laborer such as farmer or a smith.
Once a caste is chosen, oaths are taken and they receive tattoos, displaying their caste.

Assets

Soletar is known for its swordsman, but also its sailors and its ships. Soletari ships are the finest in the world and their captains are world renowned for their skill.

History

Soletar's founding is steeped in mythology, stating its warriors were born of the battles during the Breaking. The Creator's chosen people came to these islands after the Great Battle and they were sent trials to make them stronger than any other. While this sound wonderful to bards in taverns, its likely unfounded.
What is recorded is that Soletar formed from the chaos of the Breaking and their culture has been slowly developing ever since. They are a warrior people and have had civil wars in the past with different islands revolting and breaking away only to be crushed and brought back under one banner.

Demography and Population

Soletari are largely human (80%) and half elves (15%). The rest are a smattering of full blooded elves and exiles from other lands.

Territories

Soletar is not only the capital city, it also encompasses all 12 islands in its string. This changes as sometimes individual cities, and therefore their island, break away from Soletar's rule, but they always return.

Military

Soletar has a strong warrior tradition, so they obviously have a strong military. Every Soletari is taught how to handle a blade at a young age and every child is required to do the state a service for at least 2 years, with those of the Warrior caste becoming soldiers. Most are common infantry soldiers, these serve as domestic guards most of the time but can and are mustered to fight when needed.
The next level of warrior are the Sword Singers. They are named this for the song the blades make as they cut the air during a strike. These elite warriors garner tremendous honor and popularity among their people.
The final level of soldier is called a Kensei, or Saint of the Sword. These men and women are known to command supernatural levels of prowess, using the spark to achieve amazing feats.

Technological Level

Medieval tech levels. Histories are kept on brass cylinders, notes are written on pads of wax, small lamps are used for light at night and merchants use abacuses.

Religion

The Soletari worship the Creator almost exclusively, though worship of the Light is welcome and not frowned on. Outsider worship is illegal, seen as unnatural bindings with things beyond reality, as is worship of the Shadow.

Foreign Relations

Soletar's foreign relations are generally strained. They've invaded Alik'r more than once, so there is no love lost between them. Highrock was neutral, but around 20 years ago there was a battle at sea and the Soletari ship sank. Highrock then pointed the finger at them, insulting them. No open warfare has begun, but its not far away. Illyria is an ally, opening trading with Soletar for spices and silks.

Agriculture & Industry

Agriculture is incredibly important due to how difficult it is on Soletari soil. Industry has yet to be even a thought in the Soletari's minds. Artifice is nearly unheard of, as is alchemy. While showing them these things wouldn't inspire attack, neither would it win you any friends.

Trade & Transport

Trade is done entirely by ship. The 4 cities are all port cities, allowing the sailors to get goods from one place to another quickly and easily. Transport on a island is done mainly on horseback and cart.

Education

Education is done by parents and family units as it is a great dishonor to raise a child that is not ready for the world upon his ascension at the age of 15. They must know how to read and write as well as how to survive on their own, also they are expected to know how to make some form of music. Any lack of education is seen as a great failing on the part of the family.

Infrastructure

Soletar doesn't have much in the way of infrastructure except for their ports, which are well built and maintained.

Own the day

Founding Date

0

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Alternative Names

The Islands of Blood and Sand

Demonym

Soletari

Currency

In Soletar the currency is named after the Black Eagle, the symbol of the House of Shans. Gold pieces are called Talons, silver are called Feathers, copper are called Eyes

Major Exports

Oils, cottons, silks, fabric, spices and some hallucinogenic drugs

Major Imports

Steel and wood.

Legislative Body

The House of Shans write the laws, deciding on nearly everything of importance.

Judicial Body

Once something is a law, it is the Religious caste's job to act as judges. One or more members interpret the law and decide whether someone is guilty or not. Once thats decided, punishment is decided by representatives of the Worker caste.

Executive Body

Representatives from the Warrior Caste are sent to enforce the laws. These could be common soldiers, or in special cases, a sword singer.