Scaliga

The Serpent Realm of Scaliga, [Serpentine: ᚾᛋᚩᛏᚱᛏᛖᛚ (Nsotrtel)], is a nascent yet powerful nation-state on the southwestern continent of Halinn in Abexilias. Led by the "Great Nephilim" Fury Vyrashk, Scaliga rose from the snowy realms after the Great Migration following the destruction of Rathnir and Eldham. The realm's inhabitants, primarily the snake-like Serpentin (ᛋᚱᛃᛏᚱᛏᚱ), along with living shadows and other supernatural beings, are united in their sacred duty to prevent another collapse caused by sin. At the heart of Scaliga lies Scalireth, the capital city, home to the Great Amethyst Pillar, a powerful artifact with ties to ancient Boulderist Mythology.
== Theories of Scaliga's Purpose ==
=== Theory of the Scourge's Ascended Beings ===
Another theory suggests that the Serpentin and other inhabitants of Scaliga were engineered during the Great Migration as a response to the Sin Scourge that plagued Abexilias. Unlike the Boulderist-centric view, this theory posits that these beings were selectively bred and imbued with superior abilities to function as a ascended beings, specifically tasked with the non-consensual removal of sinful humans. Their existence is seen as a necessary measure to protect the world from the pervasive corruption that led to the downfall of Rathnir and Eldham. The Great Amethyst Pillar in Scalireth acts as a conduit of immense power, vital to their ongoing mission.
=== Theory of Boulderism's Divine Creation ===
According to the most devout followers of Boulderism, The Boulder, the sole god of their faith, saw the rampant sin and corruption that threatened the fabric of the new world of Abexilias. In response, The Boulder created the Serpentin and other supernatural beings of Scaliga as a master race, designed with the sole purpose of eradicating sinful humans and restoring purity to the world. The Amethyst Pillar, seen as The Boulder’s primary tool, channels divine energy, empowering these beings in their holy mission. This theory is steeped in religious doctrine, portraying the Serpent Realm as an extension of The Boulder’s will to maintain worldly stability and prevent another catastrophic collapse.
=== Theory of the Chosen Enforcers ===
The final theory focuses less on religious origins and more on a pragmatic approach to world stability. It posits that the Serpentin and other supernatural beings of Scaliga are the chosen enforcers of a new world order. Formed in the aftermath of the Great Migration, these beings are believed to be the ultimate solution to human sinfulness, embodying physical and mystical prowess far beyond that of ordinary humans. This theory suggests that the Serpent Realm uses extreme measures, including potential war crimes, to achieve its goals of eradicating sin. Reports of ruthless purges, forced conversions, and other brutal tactics have surfaced, indicating that Scaliga's mission to cleanse the world of sin may involve significant ethical and moral compromises. The Amethyst Pillar is revered not as a divine artifact but as a powerful relic central to their strength and purpose, symbolizing their unyielding resolve to maintain order at any cost.
== Scaligan Culture ==
=== Architecture and Aesthetics ===
Scaliga's architecture is a macabre reflection of its dark and foreboding culture. The capital city of Scalireth is an imposing metropolis characterized by its sinister, gothic structures. Buildings are adorned with sharp spires and intricate gargoyles that cast eerie shadows on the cobblestone streets. The structures themselves are crafted from jet-black stone, lending a perpetual aura of night to the city, even under the midday sun. The roofs are made of vibrant purple tiles, shimmering ominously and contrasting starkly with the dark walls. The overall effect is one of dread and awe, as if the very buildings themselves are watching and judging the souls of those who pass beneath their shadowy eaves.
=== Cuisine and Dietary Practices ===
The cuisine of Scaliga is as disturbing as its architecture, reflecting the brutal and uncompromising nature of its inhabitants. The diet of the Serpentin and their supernatural counterparts is notoriously grisly, often involving cannibalistic practices. Human flesh is a common delicacy, prepared in a variety of ways from raw consumption to elaborate dishes involving roasting and spicing with potent, dark herbs.
One of the most infamous dishes includes the consumption of body parts that are considered particularly potent or virile, euphemistically referred to as "powerful morsels" among the Serpentin. These practices are steeped in ritualistic significance, believed to imbue the consumer with the strength and vitality of their prey. Additionally, the organs of fallen enemies are often consumed in elaborate feasts, serving both as a grim reminder of the Serpentin's dominance and as a means to absorb the perceived life force of the vanquished.
=== Festivals and Rituals ===
Scaligan culture is rife with festivals and rituals that are both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Celebrations often include blood rites and sacrificial ceremonies designed to honor the Great Nephilim and appease The Boulder. The streets of Scalireth run red with blood during these times, as both willing and unwilling participants are offered up in grisly spectacles of loyalty and power. Music, a haunting blend of deep, resonant drums and wailing flutes, accompanies these rites, creating an atmosphere of frenzied reverence.
=== Clothing and Adornment ===
The fashion of Scaliga mirrors the somber and gothic aesthetic of its environment. The Serpentin and other inhabitants favor dark, flowing robes adorned with purple and crimson accents. Jewelry made from bone and obsidian is common, with pieces often crafted from the remains of their enemies. Tattoos and scarification are widespread, marking significant life events or achievements in battle. These markings are not merely decorative but serve as a permanent testament to one's status and history within the realm.
=== Daily Life ===
Daily life in Scaliga is a relentless pursuit of strength and dominance. The Serpentin are trained from a young age in the arts of combat and survival, with the weak quickly weeded out in brutal rites of passage. Supernatural beings, too, are subject to strict hierarchies and constant challenges to their authority. The constant threat of violence ensures that only the most cunning and powerful survive, creating a society that is both feared and respected by outsiders.
== Geography of Scaliga ==
Scaliga, located in the frigid landscapes of the southwestern continent of Halinn in Abexilias, is a land of stark beauty and harsh climates. The realm is predominantly covered in polar terrain, from the frozen spruce forests in the north to the expansive snow plains stretching across the south and west. Despite the inhospitable conditions, Scaliga's capital, Scalireth, stands as an oasis of relative warmth, nestled in a rare meadow that offers a stark contrast to the surrounding icy expanse. Additionally, the region of Viperwood, located in a dense taiga forest, serves as a critical center for the nation.
=== Biodiversity ===
Scaliga's frozen climate, with temperatures plummeting to below -40°C during winter, supports a limited but unique array of wildlife and flora. Among the notable species are the Scaligan snow hare, known for its exceptional speed and camouflage abilities, and the formidable ice drake, a creature of legend said to inhabit the highlands. The Riveri snow fox, with its thick, white fur, and the towering Frostpine trees, which can withstand the extreme cold, also thrive in this harsh environment. The Amethyst Asp, a serpent with scales that shimmer like the prized gemstone, is a symbol of the Serpentin people and their connection to the land.
=== Climate ===
Scaliga experiences severe temperatures ranging from -10 to -15°C during the summer months to a bone-chilling -40°C in the winter. Frequent snowstorms sweep across the land, and the ground remains permafrost for most of the year, making traditional agriculture nearly impossible. However, in places like New Horneck and Scalireth, innovative hydroponic farms have been established, allowing for limited cultivation of hardy crops.
The waterways of Scaliga are predominantly frozen year-round, with only a few ports, such as Scalireth and Viperwood, remaining navigable due to geothermal springs that keep the waters warm. These ports are crucial for trade and supply, providing the lifeblood for Scaliga's economy and survival in the harsh climate.
=== Mythical Features ===
The geography of Scaliga is also steeped in myth and legend. The Great Amethyst Pillar, located in Scalireth, is said to be a conduit of immense magical power, linking the realm to ancient Boulderist mythology. The mysterious Frostfall Caverns, hidden beneath the icy plains, are rumored to hold treasures and relics from a bygone era, protected by enchantments and guardians.
In conclusion, Scaliga's geography, while challenging and severe, is rich with unique biodiversity, mythical wonders, and strategic locations that enable its inhabitants to thrive in one of the most extreme environments in Abexilias. The blend of natural beauty, harsh climate, and mystical elements makes Scaliga a realm of intrigue and resilience.
=== Settlements ===
* Scalireth (capital)
* Ilnius (largest town)
* Fornost
* Castle Rex