T'Varra

T'varra is a nation considered to be a mystery to most outsiders, an insular land nestled between the mountains of the Ketsuo Peninsula. The strangely mountainous terrain surrounded almost entirely by coastline makes the T'varrans innermost settlements all but impossible to reach for any foreigners, who are not permitted to pass beyond the nation's borders.

T'varra itself consists mostly of plains among the snowy mountaintops, some lush and verdant valleys heated by springs in the depths of the mountains. On the slopes themselves, tiered cities will rise, ringed by ancient walls that hearken to a time when the mountain clans fought amongst themselves. In the present era of peace, however, vines and gardens drape across the fortifications, tended carefully by generations of T'varran gardeners and priests of Khela. Each city or swathe of territory is controlled by a Clan, and each clan led by a Chieftain.

Each Chieftain holds authority over their own territory, but each one chooses a representative that they send to Teranaerec, the ancient and holy city that is the T'varrans' capital, to join the Grand Convocation, who oversee the collective nation. They are far from a militaristic culture in this day and age, with their armies made up mostly of volunteers. Since they have never needed to campaign beyond their borders, their society mostly relies on local militias to keep order when needed.

The remainder of the population devote themselves to either humble callings such as farming, stone or woodcraft, or serving their Gods in study and contemplation. Their true warriors are called Battle Pilgrims, each and every one a devoted follower of the Goddess Vhara. These are the soldiers who maintain order in the coastal towns and mountain passes that lead into the inner country, the stalwart defenders who stand true against any who wish to cross the sacred borders of T'varra.

In time, the name Pilgrim came to refer to any who left T'varra itself, departing for reasons of their own or to serve a worthy cause. Some Pilgrims would leave alone, some in groups or warbands. History is dotted with the tales of brave Pilgrim companies, rag-tag bands who descend from the mountains to take up causes in the world outside. Most recently, one such company joined the Exodus Kingdoms' Coalition on their way to break the siege of Evermarch in 751 AR.

The T'varran religion bears many similarities to the brand of Vantean Ascendantism that holds sway in much of the world, though with several key differences. While they acknowledge the existence of Ethain as the Lord Above All, their worship generally focuses on the Goddesses of Light and Shadow: Siran and Vhara. They believe themselves to be the holy kingdom created by the two celestial powers, and much of their worship is focused on the relationship between Sun and Moon.

T'varrans believe the two to almost be halves of a whole, two shields that guard their nation of the faithful from the dangers of the Abyss beyond. Contrary to many depictions in the rest of the world, the Goddess Vhara is often displayed as an armoured warrior, holding her moonlit shield across the world to guard it during the night. She a black and silver mirror to traditional depictions of Siran, the vengeful holy warrior that protects her Children during the day. As such, eclipses and other occasions where the nights grow longer and the moon does not shine as brightly are considered cursed or ill-fated. Followers of this belief seem to await a destined day of coming, where the two goddesses will join forces once more and smite the Abyss together for good and all, ending the Reign of Night forevermore.