Balshkia

The realm of
Balshkia, located to the south-east of Lordos, is a land of mystery and
superstition. Their origin remains unclear although it is commonly believed
that they were a Dolthic tribe that migrated far to the south and became
isolated from other tribes, forming a unique culture. Their language is similar
to that of Ehstvär, which has led many to theorise that they may have common
ancestors. The people of Balshkia worship a set of formless, nameless gods that
they refer to as Dôv Jedān or “The Ancient Ones”. The Dôv Jedān are seen as
fickle and capricious, giving life and taking it away whenever they please. The
Balshkiani appease their gods with bizarre rituals and the sacrifice of animals
and often humans as well. They are one of the few cultures that still practices
human sacrifice.
The
mountains of Balshkia contain many active volcanoes, which has created
incredibly fertile soil for cultivation and allowed Balshkiani civilisation to
flourish. However, the volcanoes are also known to suddenly and violently
erupt, destroying entire towns and filling the sky with black ash. The
Volcanoes themselves are worshipped as manifestations of the gods, responsible
for giving life and taking it away. 
Balshkia is
a puppet state of the Lordosi Empire. The Balshkiani once were ruled by Kings,
but a condition of their surrender to the Lordosi was that no kings could rule
under the emperor. Instead, the ruler of Balshkia would be a Grand Prince, who
swears fealty to the empire.
The Grand
Prince of Balshkia is chosen at a gathering of lesser princes, called the Gôs Tanak. The lords will participate in rituals and contests, arbitrated by the
priests of the Dôv Jedān, known as the Jedān Zuul Batār, to determine who will
be the next Grand Prince. Many of the lords will perish in the Gôs Tanak.
Category:Locations
Category:Nations
Category:Balshkia