S - Jormungand

Jormungand is a military autocracy on Sethrophos shaped by its dragon heritage, marked by a fierce dedication to military prowess, cultural sophistication, and spiritual depth. Its history of conflict with the sphinxes and the mystical presence of the Tengu has forged a society that values strength, wisdom, and resilience, where the legacy of the dragons and the protection of the Tengu continue to inspire and guide its people. In times far past, a war between the dragons and the sphinxes took place, resulting in devastating losses on both sides. In the end, the sphinxes claimed a debatable victory over the dragons. As punishment, the dragons' wings were removed, and they were cast down to the surface, thought never to wage war against the sphinxes again. Seeking refuge on the Eastern continent, the dragons' fury grew, driven by their injured pride and desire to reclaim the skies. These dragons founded what would become the formidable nation of Jormungand.
Dragons in Jormungand are deeply revered, seen as symbols of power, wisdom, and protection. The cultural significance of dragons is evident in the nation's architecture, art, and religious practices. Temples dedicated to the dragon ancestors are sites of pilgrimage, where citizens seek blessings and guidance. The mythological dragon, associated with control over water, weather, and harvests, is integral to Jormungand's spiritual life. Festivals celebrating the dragons are grand events, marked by parades, dragon dances, and offerings. Adding to the nation's mystical fabric are the Tengu, supernatural beings revered as protectors of the mountains and forests. These beings are believed to possess great knowledge in combat and spiritual practices. Tengu are closely associated with the ascetic practice of Shugendō and are often depicted in the garb of its followers. They are known to stir up great winds with their magical feather fans and are seen as both protectors and, at times, disruptive spirits.The dragon-sphinx war, alongside the influence of the Tengu, left a deep imprint on Jormungand's culture and society. The dragons, now grounded and unable to soar the skies, have channeled their rage and pride into mastering the land. This historical conflict, coupled with the teachings of the Tengu, has inspired various martial disciplines that focus on agility, strength, and magical prowess, aiming to compensate for the dragons' lost ability to fly. These disciplines are taught in military academies and are essential for the nation's warriors, who are trained to be formidable on both land and sea.
Jormungand, ruled by a Dragonborn dictatorship, is a land where the primary focus remains the eradication of sphinxes. The nation operates through fear, force, and fury instilled by their founders, with slavery through conquering tribes being a common practice. Much of Jormungand's military power comes from the discovery of gunpowder and cannons, and conscription ensures a steady supply of soldiers. Lower-level inhabitants often dream of escaping the nation's oppression, and many seek financial progress through participation in fighting arenas or involvement in black market activities, as taxes imposed by the dictatorship are crippling. Despite these hardships, the leaders of Jormungand, filled with endless pride, will never bow to an invading nation. When their anger clouds their strategic judgment, they retreat to temples made of jade, finding the mineral soothing.
Jormungand's history is marked by periods of immense cultural and military advancement. The nation has undergone significant territorial expansion, urbanization, and population growth. Its leaders have focused on consolidating power and maintaining stability through a centralized, authoritarian rule. This era in Jormungand has seen flourishing arts, with traditional Dragonborn martial arts reaching new heights of sophistication. Techniques that combine physical prowess with elemental dragon magic are highly revered, and schools dedicated to these martial arts are found throughout the nation. The martial arts of Jormungand are heavily influenced by dragon lore and the teachings of the Tengu. The most esteemed warriors are those who can channel the elemental forces associated with dragons—fire, water, earth, and air—into their combat techniques. These warriors, often from noble Dragonborn lineages, are trained in secluded mountain monasteries and coastal fortresses, where they undergo rigorous physical and magical training under the watchful eyes of the Tengu. The pinnacle of martial achievement in Jormungand is to become a Dragon Sage, a master who embodies the virtues and power of the dragon.Jormungand's military strategy is deeply rooted in the ancient teachings of dragon warfare and the strategic insights of the Tengu. The use of gunpowder and cannons has revolutionized their combat tactics, allowing them to maintain superiority over their enemies. The nation's navy, known as the Jade Fleet, is particularly formidable, with ships equipped with powerful cannons and enchanted sails. These ships are designed to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, reflecting the dragons' desire to reclaim their dominance over the seas. The ongoing conflict with the "Lands of the Sphinxes" (Meridian, Thallasia, & Ethos) has led to a continuous state of military readiness in Jormungand. Border fortresses are heavily fortified, and dragonborn soldiers, guided by the wisdom of the Tengu, are always prepared for an incursion. The nation's leaders, aware of the importance of maintaining morale and unity, frequently invoke the memory of the dragon-sphinx war and the protective nature of the Tengu to inspire their people. This historical narrative reinforces the belief that the dragons are destined to reclaim their rightful place as rulers of the skies, and that Jormungand's ultimate victory is assured.
Outsiders with money to spend are generally welcome in the nation. However, the presence of Tengu ensures that the balance between welcoming outsiders and maintaining the sanctity of their land is carefully managed. These mystical beings contribute to the rich tapestry of Jormungand's cultural heritage, blending the reverence for dragons with the protective and sometimes mischievous nature of the Tengu.
== Notable Characters ==
The Dragonborn Emperor, Zhuan Xinyi "Fireheart" is the supreme ruler of Jormungand, guiding the nation with an iron fist and a fierce determination to reclaim the glory of the dragons. With scales that glint like molten gold and eyes that burn with the intensity of a thousand suns, Xinyi commands not just respect, but awe. His presence alone can silence a room, and his roar can rally an army. Under his rule, Jormungand has flourished into a bastion of power and tradition, ever poised to strike at the heart of its enemies.
Kuroshin the Ancient is a revered Tengu monk who has lived for centuries, mastering the ancient martial arts and elemental magics that are the backbone of Jormungand's military might. His feathered robes rustle with the whispers of the wind, and his eyes, sharp and penetrating, seem to see into the very soul. Kuroshin's movements are a dance of elegance and lethal precision, a testament to his centuries of training. To train under him is to learn the secrets of the skies and the depths of the earth, a privilege few ever achieve.
Kang Limu "Shadowclaw" is the elusive and cunning leader of "The Grim Shift," Jormungand's network of black markets and underground fighting rings, controlling a vast set of illicit activities. With a sharp mind and sharper daggers, Limu navigates the shadows of Jormungand's underworld with grace and ruthlessness. Her eyes, cold and calculating, miss nothing, and her presence is felt in every dark alley and hidden den. Those who cross her often find themselves facing not just her wrath, but the full force of her underground empire.