Brax

The most rugged of the Gallian kingdoms, Brax lies in the shadow of the Worldspine Mountains, prey to bandits and reavers who have ensured that the Braxians are a harsh, suspicious and bellicose people. The great plains of Brax are perfect for herding and the rearing of horses, and Braxians are said to be the best and most daring riders in all the empire. The vast grasslands appealed to the orcs who journeyed to Altea in ancient days, and the native humans have long feuded with the nomadic orcish bands, who were pushed into the Worldspines, becoming the frostlings, or snow orcs. Braxians, perhaps due to their brutal lives, tend to be larger and more robust than the average human. Outsiders have long whispered that the famous Braxian stature is due to illicit mingling with orcs, a suggestion that is certain to send many Braxians into a murderous rage. They themselves claim that they are infused with the blood of Veres and his son, Yalan Blackhoof. This blood gave Braxians the strength to defeat the invading orcs and secure the plains for humanity. 
The plainsmen are certainly known for being a passionate people, and they can change from deadly enemies to avowed allies in the course of one, boisterous feast. Braxians, independent as they are, greatly revere Hyal and Zarosh, asking the gods only for luck and a chance to achieve success at the expense of enemies. Kyrene, whom the Braxians call the Horsewoman, is also a figure of great devotion, for the Braxians exult in war. The plains are dotted with the rustic hillforts of the various Braxian chieftains who have seized a few hundred acres and declared themselves 'boyars,’ a claim that would seem laughable to the more prestigious houses of the other kingdoms. Boyars are served by great hosts, druzhina, and the mightiest warriors within a druzhina are tarkans. The most powerful chieftains are khagans, who can command many boyars in a shifting web of alliances and loyalties. These khagans pay lip service to the 'king' of Brax, named the Volosteli. This in fact means viceregent, and he and his court are propped up by the Gallian legions. The Viceroy of Brax has only limited control of the khagans and their hordes, but in times of crisis he can summon the legions, which usually prevent the plainsmen from being openly rebellious and encourages them to pay their taxes. 
Many Braxians sport blue tattoos of intricate design. These 'deed marks' show off a warrior's many accomplishments for a largely illiterate society. Tattoos often honor ancestral spirits and draconic deities, for the Braxians generally find the Outsiders too distant and subdued. The plainsmen are deeply connected to their land, its forests and lakes, and prefer small, easily accessible deities to grand entities that dwell in distant realms. Greatly feared are the forest witches, or the starukhas, the 'old women' who are believed to either be night hags from the Black Moon, or aspects of bitter Manah herself. 'Babas' are given great respect by the Braxians, who suspect that any old women might be a secret witch.
Category:Geography
Category:Nations