Synesthal

A creature in and of itself... The Living Forest.

The land of the superior elves, droving gnomes and witty halflings, Synesthal stands to be one of Kyrased’s most diverse countries. It is located on the western hemisphere of the mainland continent, its entire body almost entirely covered by forest. Wild fauna and flora of thousands, if not millions, of different kinds of species live in this mighty living country with variety so expansive that scholars to this day still struggle to identify everything they see when entering it.
Often those who first enter the Living Forest are awestruck by its absolute vivid and unrivaled beauty. The winding trees wrapped in moss and vines, the ground riddled with flowers, the animals prancing about their home with grace. Many believe that this is the most tranquil place in the entire country. Many of those people would be wrong. Despite its serene nature, Synesthal is home to some of the world’s most dangerous creatures, some of which are rumored to even rival that of Ancient Dragons. Those are rumors, nonetheless, and should be paid no heed. That being said, it is important to traverse the country of Synesthal with careful planning and good directional skills, it is not uncommon for unwary travelers to succumb to the beauty and be lost forever.

Structure

Synesthal is less so a unified country and more so a collection of communities that have come to a mutual agreement. Many of the towns, cities and villages operate independently of each other and, ultimately, only care for their own people and the well-being of The Living Forest that is Synesthal. Some communities consist entirely of one race - either Elves, Gnomes or Halflings. Others may be mixed. But one common trait they share is a sense of guardianship and xenophobia. Generally, outsiders are not so easily welcome into their lands. In the end, though, all leaders or the semblance thereof answer to one entity: The Elders.

The Elders of Synesthal

The Elders are three powerful, old and wise representative of each race that lives within Synesthal. This means there is one Elf, Gnome and Halfling Elder that acts on behalf of the forest and its people. Generally, they do not go out into the public unless given a very serious reason. Otherwise, they will direct Synesthal from the capital city of Ethren. From the Alliance's military to the chieftains or leaders of each village, if the Elders will something to be done, they have little choice but to comply. Sometimes, no one knows why certain things must be done, only that they must. They can only trust in the wisdom of the Elders.

Public Agenda

Generally speaking, the people of Synesthal care little for the politics of the world. The forest provides for the people what they need - food, shelter and protection. External conflicts and events of intrigue are little more than breezes of wind or falling leaves in the eyes of Synesthalians. As such their priorities are clear - the good of the forest is the good of their own well being. This mentality, however, breeds a more paradoxical reality. Just as any government understands, the Elders of Synesthal understand that to protect the forest - to protect their home - means to participate in the machinations of man and beast beyond their borders. As such, their motivations are generally quite clear.
Beyond that, however, there are rumors of other dealings behind the motivations of the Elders that breed concern. There have been whispers that certain aspects of Synesthal's power are weakening, to an extent that forces of the Alliance have been mobilized. No one knows to what extent these whispers hold truth, but whatever waves have been set in motion within the country have surely been acknowledged by the Elders.

Assets

Despite the disregard for politics beyond Synesthal's borders, the citizens of the country are no more ignorant of the importance of economics than any merchant would be. Just like any other country they are in need of certain supplies that even the forest can not supply. Thus they are willing to trade goods that no other country can get their hands on - rare and rich raw materials. This can range from the roots and herbs that grow on the forest floor, to certain species of trees that grow only in Synesthal. In some rare instances, certain animal species will be hunted upon special order - but only if deemed a necessary sacrifice by the guardians of trade. This, however, is only a small portion of their stock and trade. In reality, Synesthalians are excellent alchemists and agriculturists that make much of their profit by brewing potions, salves and other miracle materials that other countries may find necessary for their own sustainability - Asphodel especially.

Trouble Brewing

Unfortunately, another reality of their trade is within that of the black market. Where there are rare materials, there are rather exceptional ones. Being that these "expensive" items are not only difficult to find but almost impossible to cultivate within a lifetime, there are those within the country that will go out of their way to hunt, harvest and smuggle these products outside of the supervision of Alliance trade. Thus not only do black profiteers earn a pretty penny, but marketeers gather rather powerful ingredients. The use of these items can vary widely from powerful elixirs to extremely deadly poisons.
But on the opposite side of the spectrum is over harvesting - an act that can draw even corporal punishment. Within the forest there is of course an abundance of materials, but modesty must be practiced as to not bleed the forest dry. Merchants, however, see otherwise. They see an opportunity to make a profit so great it can not be ignored.

Demography and Population

Aside from the trading cities like Sanctuary, which are meant to appeal to travelers from all over, the citizens of Synesthal are usually entirely self-sufficient. Anything that they need is readily available in the natural environment, even the weapons and armor that they use can be crafted from the hardwood provided by Ironbark trees. Homes are often made by hollowing out either Elder or Redwood trees, which are so numerous that the population is far from capable of using every tree to house themselves. But just as the forest is diverse in its natural denizens, so are its citizens.

Wood Elves

The wood elves of Synesthal, hailing from the southern forests of Jura (a region within Synesthal), is probably one of Synesthal’s most prominent race. In every sect, order and job, wood elves can be found in every area of society. With this, their societal status is often found to be higher than that of others, especially due to their natural attunement to the forest. Although they are generally benevolent creatures, they do pride themselves in their profound connection to Ethren. Beyond that, though, they are generally friendly creatures who act as the most active caretakers of Synesthal. While the Wood Elves do live all over Synesthal, they derive from the southern forest lands of Jura, where the Redwoods are most prominent. It is here that they learn their craft: hunting, tracking and surviving off the land. It is for these skills that these elves have found themselves to be a leading force in the societal functions of Synesthal.

High Elves

The High Elves of Syrdon, the northern regions of Synesthal, contrast only mildly to their woodland brethren. Unlike Jura, Syrdon is not so tightly wrought with trees and flora. There you will find more space in between the Great Trees, allowing for more architectural structures to be built, rather than inhabiting the trees that they live around. Much of the standard fare stereotypes that Elves are regarded with often stem from those that have encountered the High Elves. Often travelers, bards and minstrels that travel from Caledor will simply follow the southern roads from a stopping point closest to Synesthal: Hammerfell. From here, the closest point of contact is Syrdon. Such quick exposure with little exploration has left the world, or at least the Caledorans, with a more grandeur expectation of Synesthal. The truth, however, often leaves those expecting rivers of flowing gold and cities of pure magic with disappointment.

Unlike the Wood Elves, the High Elves tend to remain in their northern regions, causing them to be seen as more sparse in sight. Justly so, though, as they are very attuned to magical forces. Often they will seclude themselves for years on end to master their craft in the art of magic. For this reason, though, they take a more supplementary position in society. Although they do care for their home, High Elves would rather reserve themselves as a supporting power to The Alliance, rather than take an active role in politics or trade. However, this means that the most powerful mages of The Circle often take origin from Syrdon. In this way, the High Elves have secured both soft and hard power within the sociopolitical realms of the country.

Gnomes

The gnomes, or the ground folk of Synesthal, are not natural citizens of Synesthal. Several thousand years ago, Gnome ancestry found themselves in the great plains of Caledor, back when the humans had not yet established themselves as a powerful force. But when the humans waged war against the Orcish tribes of the North, the war caused the Gnomes to vacate their homes. As a result, they became refugees that traveled to Synesthal. Thus after being welcomed, more or less, into the clutches of the Living Forest they had to make do with their new lives.

It is due to this past that Gnomes don’t particularly have a good position in the societal rungs of Synesthal. In the larger cities, where there are more bureaucratic processes, Gnomes can be found to be discriminated against since they are not recognized as "true natives". Paradoxically speaking, this should ring untrue due to the fact that they'd settled themselves for more than a millenia ago. Elven lifespan, traditions, moors and norms are everlasting, however, meaning that certain mentalities and attitudes have yet to evolve to this day. This leaves them in usually poverty ridden parts of those cities. The treatment they suffer may sometimes be due to the superior mentality that elves can harbor.

Their position in society, however, should not be mistaken for their industrious abilities. Similar to Dwarves, Gnomes are a very tinkerous folk - bits and baubles can often be found within their homes. Given their need to be self sufficient and a tenacity to create, Gnomes brought a a type of trading good that Elves themselves apparently were not capable of: tools. To be more specific, niche tools that may serve specific functions. Tracking lenses, automated compost systems, and many different types of traps to boot. Often this results in Gnomes fulfilling many important roles in society in a perfunctory fashion.

Halflings

Contrary to the gnomes, the halflings are in fact natives of Synesthal, maybe even longer than that of the Wood Elves. Like the Gnomes, they do suffer mild discrimination from the elves, but this is due to a different reason. Halflings take on a generally relaxed and care-free take on life, holistically due to their short lifespans and hedonistic tendencies. Given that they are not prowlers of the finer arts and magics, Halflings will often find themselves in professions that allow them to knock two Golems out with one Roc - productivity and flexibility. Halflings may often be found to be farmers, librarians, apothecaries or merchants. As such they perform a very supplemental role in Synesthal, albeit rather necessary ones. A bi-product of this work ethic has often, ironically, left Halflings in positions of economical oversight. Many trading caravans and merchant operations are indeed owned and operated by Halfling companies or families. As a matter of fact, one of the most famous guilds in Kyrased is the Mugveld Merchanting Guild, famous for the many goods and services it provides all over the world.
This does not mean, however, that Halflings shirk their military duty to Synesthal. On the contrary many Halflings will offer their lives up for service in The Alliance Military. Just the same as the other races in Synesthal, their home is at stake during times of war and conflict. Irregardless of their relaxed natures, even Halflings recognize a duty that needs to be done, otherwise they'd be terrible business owners! Duty bound and honor filled, they will serve the Alliance as scouts or footmen.

Military

Where there is no official government that binds together laws or policies that Synesthalian citizens recognize, there are indeed two exceptions to this concept. The first has already been recognized: The Elders. Whether it be village, town or city, Synesthalian people are expected to respect The Elders and obey their will.
The second exception is The Alliance. A reflection of The Elders, The Alliance is named such as recognition of the three races that form it: Elves, Gnomes and Halflings. Although no traditional law exists to control its citizens nation wide, The Alliance is capable of acting as judge, jury and executioner in all circumstances in which their business is involved - that of which may be decided by the Alliance themselves.

Education

Interestingly enough education in Synesthal is not as advanced in this country as, say, Caledor. Unlike its neighboring countries, where industry and technology is a major selling point of their economic prowess, the Synesthalian education system is almost entirely non-existent. Per major city you may find a school with varying degrees of education, but in general most schooling is done within families or communities. The only exception to this rule is the existence of The Druid Circle.
This, however, is a very specific exception. The Druid Circle, unlike the colleges and universities in other countries, is in fact a military branch as opposed to a formal schooling facility. Rather than serving to simply educate future mages, their purpose is to cultivate powerful mages to serve with the Alliance. While people may come to The Druid Circle with the intention to learn, there is a hefty tuition fee that follows. A method to benefit the student and country, Synesthal offers forgiveness to its students by contracting their service to the Alliance for 3 years.

As the forest lives, we shall live.

Founding Date

There is no official time in which Synesthal was ever formed or recognized. Just as the earth, wind, water and fire of the world has existed, so has Synesthal.

Type

Political, Triumvirate

Capital

Ethren

Alternative Names

Synesthal goes by many names - Wilds of the Fae Folk, the Herbalist State and even the Origin of Life. But by far the most popular name has been The Living Forest, accounted for by the many travelers and wayfinders that have ventured into these lands.

Training Level

Elite

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Demonym

Synesthalian

Leader

The Elders of Synesthal

Head of Government

The Elders of Synesthal

Government System

Oligarchy

Power Structure

Semi-autonomous area

Economic System

Market economy

Major Exports

One of the benefits of living in such a nutrient rich environment is being one of the greatest exporters of produce. This, of course, does not mean that Synesthal trades fruits and vegetables, but is greatly known to trade its raw materials. This can include herbs for potion making, hide from monsters and (in some rare instances) rare mushrooms for poison. Likewise, many Gnomes will invent simple tools and devices that act as excellent quality of life products, ones that even rival the magically driven devices of Caledor and eloquently designed tools of Sagesh.

Major Imports

Unlike Mount Sagesh, with its abundance of raw minerals and metals, and Caledor with its industrious capabilities, Synesthal relies on its neighbors to equip itself with competent military equipment. While Synesthal boasts an impressive military infrastructure that uses magic, it is laughably unable to provide itself with weapons and tools of war without the help of other nations. As a result, deep relations with Sagesh have become pinnacle to the military strength of Synesthal.