Pyrnes

Home to the biggest catfolk population in Luctus, Pyrnes' citizens are renowned for their passion and for how hard they work, while also host to some of the biggest festivals in Luctus. Its associated deity is the Goddess of Fire.
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==Description==
Pyrnes, a land enshrined in the warmth of its people and the vibrant blaze of its landscapes, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who live by the creed of fire and passion. Home to the largest catfolk population on the continent, Pyrnes is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and the fierce devotion to the Goddess of Fire, who imbues the land and its inhabitants with an unquenchable zest for life.
==Geography==
File:Pyrnes Terrain 1.png|linktext=The literal and spiritual center of Pyrnes|The Flameheart Mountains
File:Pyrnes Terrain 3.png|Clear waters and pristine beaches mark Pyrnes' shores
File:Pyrnes Terrain 2.png|Porto Calido, capital
The country is characterized by its diverse terrain, ranging from the sun-kissed shores that sing with the tales of sailors and fishermen to the sprawling savannahs that stretch like a sea of golden grasses, alive with the roars of wildlife. At its heart lies the majestic Flameheart Mountains, a volcanic range that serves as both the literal and spiritual center of Pyrnes, believed to be the divine forge of the Goddess of Fire.
==Society==
Pyrnesi society is vibrant and dynamic, marked by a strong sense of community and an even stronger sense of individual freedom. The people are known for their fiery temperament, boundless hospitality, and a deep-rooted sense of honor and loyalty. The catfolk (Tabaxi & Leonin) and Harpies, with their varied tribes, hold a place of reverence and are integral to the nation's identity, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.
==Governance==
Pyrnes is ruled by a council of nobles, each representing one of the major noble families or communities within the country. This council is presided over by the Sun Queen, a figure of immense authority and respect, who is believed to be chosen by the Goddess of Fire herself. Governance in Pyrnes emphasizes consensus and the welfare of the community, with a strong focus on maintaining the balance between tradition and progress.
==Economy==
The economy of Pyrnes thrives on agriculture, with its fertile plains yielding bountiful harvests that sustain the nation and fuel its trade with neighbors. Artisanship is highly valued, with Pyrnesi crafts, especially pottery, textiles, and metalwork, renowned for their intricate designs and fiery motifs. The country also benefits from the rich mineral deposits in the Flameheart Mountains, including precious metals and gemstones.
==Military==
Pyrnes's military might is legendary, known for its fierce warriors and masterful use of fire in combat. The Pyrnesi excel in both conventional warfare and guerrilla tactics, with the catfolk tribes bringing their unparalleled agility and prowess to the battlefield. The military is deeply integrated into society, with service seen as both a duty and an honor. Pyrnes boasts an aerial fleet of flying ships armed with fire magic-powered canons making it a powerhouse of overseas military deployment.
==Culture==
The culture of Pyrnes is a celebration of life, marked by vibrant festivals, music that stirs the soul, and a culinary tradition that is as flavorful as it is fiery. The worship of the Goddess of Fire permeates every aspect of life, from the hearth in every home to the grand temples that dot the landscape, where flames dance in eternal tribute to the divine.
===The Ignition Festival===
A yearly festival known as "The Ignition" is the largest festival in Pyrnes. It is widely popular for its two weeks of constant dancing, drinking and singing while also hosting some of Pyrnes' most intense duels and its unique display of pyrotechnics possible only by the highly skilled Summer Wizards.
==Religion==
The Goddess of Fire is the heart of Pyrnesi spirituality, revered not only as a deity of destruction but also as a patron of creation, passion, and renewal. Rituals and ceremonies often involve fire, from the lighting of candles to the burning of offerings, symbolizing the Goddess's dual nature as both destroyer and nurturer.
===The Everflame===
Another pillar of Pyrnesi religion is the Everflame: an ancient artifact that channels the essence of fire, created and protected by the Cult of the Sun. Through its existence and influence, the country fights back the natural creeping of Skor's harsh frigidness allowing for its current climate.
==Relations with Neighboring Powers==
Pyrnes maintains a delicate balance of diplomacy and strength in its relations with neighboring countries. While its military prowess is respected and feared, Pyrnes often prefers to engage through trade and cultural exchange. Ever since the meltdown, Pyrnes has been at odds with Skor as its former Mercury counterpart but they maintain a tense peace.
==Aspirations and Challenges==
Pyrnes aspires to uphold the fierce independence and vibrant spirit of its people, nurturing the flames of creativity, passion, and resilience. However, it faces challenges in protecting its borders, preserving the delicate ecosystems of its savannahs and mountains, and reconciling the diverse aspirations of its many tribes and communities.
In its embrace of fire in all its forms, Pyrnes stands as a beacon of strength, passion, and unwavering vitality, a country where the warmth of its hearth and the courage of its people light the way through the darkest nights.
== Other==
===The Continent of Mercury===
Before the Meltdown, Pyrnes and Skor were once a singular country known as Mercury. Hundreds of years ago, the champions of the God of Ice and the Goddess of Fire fell deeply in love. While the patient God of Ice and the passionate Goddess of Fire were small elemental gods, they thought it interesting that their clashing values could come together in such a way.
Seeing their Gods interested in their union, the champions decided to build a country in their image, a country where balance would reign supreme. Fire and Ice could coexist and finding the balance between the two sets of values would lead every citizen to a successful life.
Sadly, this dream was short-lived as people decided to put a god’s values above the other’s. After years of arguing about which moral codes were more important to uphold, a civil war blew out, known as the Meltdown. Ever since then, Mercury has been split into Pyrnes and Skor, two countries at odds with each other bound to live on the same mass of land while a fragile peace is maintained.
===Notes===
*The campaign of Bleak Bonfire (B.B.) features Pyrnes briefly, as a group of Pyrnesian diplomats set out to discuss its fragile peace with Skor.
*Pyrnes is the only country in Luctus known to use flying ships, powered by the highly skilled Summer Wizards.
===Gallery===
File:Pyrnes Terrain 1.png|The Flameheart Mountains
File:Pyrnes Terrain 5.png|The vast savannah plains of Pyrnes
File:Pyrnes Terrain 3.png|Pyrnesian shores
File:Pyrnes Ignition Festival.png|The Ignition Festival
File:Summer Wizard 2.png|A Summer Wizard