Bezinca

Heavily affected by the powers unleashed during Wesri's ascension, the lands of Bezinca are riven by yawning canyons, turning the land into a series of isolated landmasses connected by bridges. From these chasms emerge beasts from the world's very heart, proving a constant threat to nearby surface dwellers. Chittering horrors are not the only thing to be found within these great fissures; great riches and exotic treasures await those with the daring and cunning to take the plunge and survive. No few groups of would-be adventurers have disappeared forever into the dark depths, but some possess the wit, skill, and luck to survive many a dive. Some of these minaderos go on to form groups, often becoming famed trailblazers and mercenaries. Of these companies, none are more exalted than the Pepperburst Knights. Armed with their signature Burstpistols, these mercenaries/dungeon divers combine efficacy and spectacle in ways that make them captivating to watch and horrifying to face.
Bezincan settlements are often built into the walls of the spiderwebbing canyons, all the better for their primary industry, mining. These "prospector towns" are often beset by the earthcrawlers, bizarre amalgams of flesh, stone and metal, gliding through the earth as mortals do air. These beings are mindlessly focused on destroying any mortal being or construction within or near the chasms, eradicating all traces of mortal presence with ruthless, methodical efficiency. Theories abound as to their true nature; some say that they are yet another result of the energies unleashed during Wesri's apotheosis, others think that they are the spawn of some ancient creature nestled in the earth, still others believe that they are the spirit of the world made manifest, wrathful towards those who would trespass into her body. A few members of the latter group go so far as to worship the earthcrawlers, though their affections are strictly one-way.
Regardless of their true nature, the earthcrawlers seem to grow in number and danger the deeper one goes. While the immense dangers posed by these creature-constructs keep even many minaderos out of their protected tunnels, the rewards are even greater than the rich veins of dragonbrass found closer to the surface; machinery made of flesh and stone with fantastical properties, strange liquids that respond to the thoughts of those around them, even strange, obedient creatures that defy description. As dangerous as expeditions to the Hollow can be, the discovered treasures can be worth a king's ransom, and so the brave and stupid alike continue to brave the absolute depths of the world.
In recent days, the threat of the earthcrawlers has only gotten more severe. The frequency and force of attacks only continues to rise and even surface settlements must regularly defend against their hordes. New, more dangerous creatures have been sighted, possessing apparent knowledge of town defenders and their tactics. This sudden shift in their apparent knowledge has many Bezincans worried for their lives, but there is a deeper fear than that. If they can learn and evolve, it lends a terrible credence to those who claim that they are truly sapient. And if they are sapient, their motives may be as terrible as they are unknowable.

Culture

Bezincans generally have a lighthearted, devil may care attitude towards life. A common saying translates to "What fear have the dead of death?". This, and their free-spirited and lighthearted dispositions, lends to the stereotype of them all being dashing, adventurous rouges out to steal hearts and purses. Despite its inaccuracies, many Bezincans take amusement from this view of their people, appreciating its romanticism.
Bezincan family structures do not end at blood ties. Especially for those that live underground, family extends to all those you have fought earthcrawlers with, all those who live in immediate proximity of you, or even all those within your settlement. Massive, community-wide feasts are held to honor memorable accomplishments and holidays, a time to make merry and appreciate life while it lasts. It is during these times that many blood-families move into the homes of others that they consider family, partially to strengthen bonds between groups and partially to create more living space within the all too cramped caverns.
Bezincan children are often raised on tales of the mythical minaderos, undauntable explorers and warriors whose bravery sustains Bezinca. Stories like those of Jairo the Swift, Maria the Bold, and the innumerable deeds of the legendary Pepperburst Knights make up Bezinca's rich oral traditions. While often given some level of training and equipment by their communities, most trust the terrors of the deep to weed out all those without the heart or ability necessary to become a minadero, though this often leads to many a terrified teenager returning home with tail tucked between their legs. Indeed, many never return at all, with their likenesses preserved in intricate mosaics painted around tunnel entrances, reminding all of the dangers of the depths.

Type

Geopolitical, Province

Parent Organization

Wesrino