Sevudia

The sigil of the Sevudian realm.

> *"The Earth shall Tremble"*
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One of the largest realms one the eastern continent, Sevudia has a long and difficult past. Risen from the ashes of war, they are struggling against both internal as external problems. The Sevudians are a proud people, willing to pay the blood price for their ambitions.

## History

Sevudia might be one of the oldest nations to still exist in the known world. Its foundation is shrouded in the legends of a grand hero that managed to bring the interior of Sevudia together - from the brink of constant war to peace and prosperity. From this somewhat mythological beginning, the realm of Sevudia started to usher into an age of expansion and prosperity.

Many historians are capable of telling how Sevudia managed to expand into all directions, starting to conquer neighbours and dominate small petty kingdoms into subjugation. As a rising local power, the Sevudians eventually came to face the kingdom of Ri-Doc. As expected, the Sevudians and Ri-Docians started to clash. From border incidents to all-out conflicts, the two realms nearly fought for three centuries before the Sevudians started to weigh down upon their ancient rival and foe.

Consolidating their influence and power over the realm of Ri-Doc, the Sevudians started to halt their campaigns of expanding their realm. Content with their conquests, the numerous noble houses of the realm started to focus on internal affairs. An era of peace and trade was brought into the nation, allowing to heal from the terrible conflicts it waged against its now conquered rival. But even during this rather peaceful period in Sevudian history, the noble houses weren't each other's best friends. Untold and countless matters of intrigue were conducted by the various Sevudian houses, to gain an edge over their political rivals.

Eventually, the neutral stance of Sevudia towards its neighbours came to a halt. Many of the populace was tired of the constant squabbling of the noble houses and unrest started to rise. In an attempt to avoid a rebellion that would perhaps change the way of Sevudian politics, the noble houses started to fund their campaigns against neighbouring powers. Incursions were led into the likes of Arewen, Onmos and Lagyre. Eventually, the region of Rong became the most favourite target as the political unrest and instability made it unlikely that the Sevudians would suffer a backlash.

But none of these incursions was more than summary raids and attacks - a mere attempt to create a distraction for their populace as to prevent any neighbouring power to grow too powerful to challenge Sevudia as a whole. This inadvertently created the idea that no foreign power could challenge Sevudia, furthering the idea that it was the chosen realm of the Maker. Allowing Rong to consolidate and eventually start to amass its power without the Sevudians attempting to intervene in full.

By the time that Rong had consolidated and gained rule over a large sway of land, some of the Sevudians started to become anxious. Yet the majority of the Sevudian nobility saw little danger. As Rong started to attack other nations first, the Sevudians were content to let their neighbours exhaust their resources against each other than against Sevudian subjects. As Rong then invaded Sevudia, the first attacks caught the Sevudians completely off-guard. But determined to defend their idea of being the hegemony of the east, the two powerhouses entered into a terrifying struggle.

Possessing a large number of resources under their disposal, the Sevudians did start to lose an inch of land with each fight. Each battle, whether victory or defeat, would allow the Rongese forces to start to weigh more pressure upon the Sevudian defences. Blood started to water the land and desperate measures were enacted to halt the Rongese advances. When it became clear that the fanatical Rongese weren't going to settle for anything else than complete domination, the Sevudian noble houses started to split into numerous factions.

As of the present, the Sevudians are split into numerous factions that still fight to regain hold of their homeland. Their arrogance has been crushed and now desperation is seeping in. Even as the precious few bastions of free Sevudia stand against the tide of Rongese might, it seems a near-impossible goal to ever allow Sevudia to obtain its hegemony over the east again.

## Noble Sevudian Sons

The military of the Sevudians is a complex one. Unlike many other nations, the Sevudians didn't have a rigid structure or form of military. The noble houses of the realm provided levies and professional forces - but won't fight themselves. But these troops and their expertise relied heavily upon from which region they were recruited. From the fearsome elephants that the Sevudians use to shock and awe their opponents, to the slithering and deadly assassins that are send out to kill important Rongese officers and commanders.

The most renowned and capable forces of Sevudia are as following:

* The Blood Tusks

Perhaps the most renowned and feared aspect of Sevudian military is their war-elephants. These creatures are large and powerful enough to crash through formations of man, striking fear as their tusks reap only dead and blood. Against foes that do not know how to deal with these beasts or not possessing the means to oppose them, the Blood Tusks are an unstoppable force.

* The Spears of Honour

The southern noble houses of Sevudia have a military orientation on strong infantry, backed up by various other military detachments. The Spears of Honour are an elite force of heavy infantry, that form tight formations that can hold their ground against many punishing blows. The discipline and training of these troops rival and even surpass that of many other forces. Thanks to the excellent equipment, provided by their noble houses, these men are willing to stand in the way of tides of foreign barbarians. Even if they are well aware they won't ever return to their homes alive.

* The Shields of Go-Zohan

The shields of Go-Zohan are a renowned force within the Sevudian force. They are combined force of ranged and melee footsoldiers. Usually garrisoned within various fortifications, these troops prefer a mixture of both mobility and protection - able to quickly respond to attacks upon their battlements.

What has made the Shields of Go-Zohan so effective is the nearly constant drilling and fighting against their foes. Unlike many other Sevudian military forces, the Shields of Go-Zohan are also accompanied by many men of the clergy. These holy men don't just perform rites to boost the morale of these fighting men but also serve as physicians, using their extensive medical knowledge to aid the Shields.

* The Guardians of Zo-Dan

Not many are ever aware that they are speaking or dealing with the Guardians of Zo-Dan. These men and women have devoted their lives to see the realm of Sevudia combat the occupation of Rong. Acknowledging that the Rongese forces can't just be beaten in either sieges or open battles, the Guardians of Zo-Dan have dedicated their lives to become masters of techniques, they are capable of rivalling many other operatives.

Interestingly enough, the Guardians of Zo-Dan aren't just formed out of people that are capable of moulding chakra - to utilize ninjutsu. A good portion of the Guardians also includes people who have been trained in the arts of espionage, their loyalty tested and known to be willing to die for the cause.

* The Ri-Docian Hunters

Though the conflicts of the Ri-Docian and Sevudian people are long past, the Ri-Docian tribesmen are still being recruited and dependent on by their Sevudian overlords. This to the pride of the Ri-Docians that have mastered the art of assassination and sabotage, easily rivalling that of western shinobi forces and other similar forces.

Brutally cunning, the Ri-Docian hunters are known to spare none in their task to eliminate a threat to their tribe and nation. Devout to perform their tasks to the end, many Rongese commanders fear the Ri-Docians enough to execute anyone foolish to announce their heritage to align with these frightening hunters.

## Important Sites

#### Bagalan

Balgan is an ancient fortress constructed in days by unknown people to halt the growing might of the Sevudian realm. However, those old and unknown people likely failed as the fortress was expanded several times in its history by Sevudians. Eventually, it became a desperate last stand of a Sevudian force against a Rongese invasion force - who took the fortress and spared none of its defiant defenders. In 477 ADS, a force of Jirians took the ancient fort from Rongese and used it as a forward base - to launch an offensive against an occupied Sevudia and, hopefully, cripple Rong.

#### Congbaek

Congbaek used to be a trade site from which large vessels sailed down the large river to venture into the southern seas. But those days are long past as Rong prevents the Sevudians from attempting to escape their clutch. A large Rongese occupation force is stationed in the city itself, for many of its residents combat the Rongese regime - secretly aided by the People of Qinjing.

#### Guuran

Guuran is one of the fortress cities that can allow or prevent access in the region of Qinjing. It has been a constant battle between the People of Qinjing and Rongese forces that desperately attempt to outdo each other. The natural defences in the form of nearby mountain ranges, valleys and swamps have bolstered the defences of Guuran. Before its constant fight against Rongese invaders, the fortress city used to be a mere monument of Sevudian architecture - a marvel of military ingenuity of defensive doctrine. Nowadays, that marvel is put to the test as Rong keeps battering at its gates.

#### Hanbulag

The sky-fortress of Hanbulag was one of the last places to fall to Rongese troops. The fortress is located high among the mountains, without a direct path leading to it. As such, the defenders of Hanbulag considered themselves safe from the Rongese invaders as they continued to produce many necessities in various ingenious ways. However, these days the Serpent crest of Rong is proudly hoisted over its walls as Rong uses the fortress for various covert reasons.

#### Hyebeak

Hyebeak was one of the first cities to fall to the Rongese forces. Victorious troops razed the grandeur and prestigious Academy of Sky and Earth as Divine Swords hauled many artefacts from this once prestigious institution. Hyebeak is now a city from which Rong sends forces to slam against the defences of the People of Qinjing - at the same time oppressing any thought of independence and enforcing the Chant on the residents.

#### Jangas

Jangas used to be a city of grand stature, but it is now reduced to a large ruin. In the ruins and shadow of the dead city, forces of Rong and the last vestiges of Royal Sevudian troops battle with each other. It is one of the few feasible passages that may grant a large force entry to the last trace of an independent Sevudia. Many people believe that Jangas is a haunted place and that many slain combatants continue their fight of resisting each other - despite not belonging in the world of the living anymore.

#### Jinsan

Located on the western side of the Qinjing region, Jinsan is a massive fortress where defiant Sevudians continue to fend of Rongese incursions. Located at one of the few feasible entries in Qinjing for large Rongese armies, Jinsan has suffered many sieges and attacks. To this day, the fortress is held, but the landscape is still scarred with the violence over countless decades.

#### Khark

Khark is the royal centre of Sevudia. It is the political centrum of Sevudia and where the council of Nobility continues to lead its loyal people and troops to defy Rong. It is a city of marvellous architecture and various essential institutions that together ensure that the history of an independent Sevudia will never be forgotten.

#### Shaowei

Shaowei was a city that was bolstered by many layers of defence. Because of preparations of troops, supplies and scouting the Rongese military capability, the Sevudians expected Shaowei to hold out for a prolonged time. If the Sevudians had accounted for treachery and bribery in their own ranks, Shaowei could have perhaps held out longer than three days of intense fighting. Not much of the violence is visible in the city's landscape as Rong uses the city to tunnel troops in Sevudia and direct those as reinforcements to other vital points.

#### Yueyang

Yueyang used to be the focal point of defence and trade with the Ulalic people to the north. The Sevudians ensured that if the people of Ulalic ever gained the brilliant idea to start expanding south, they would slam against Sevudian walls and be pierced by Sevudian steel. It is now unsure if there has ever been a major Ulalican-Sevudian war, but the stout city's defences weren't enough to fight against a Rongese invasion force. Nowadays, the city is used to provide vital supplies to various focal points of Rongese military activities.

#### Zhaoshu

The centre from which the People of Qinjing continue their resistance against the Rongese regime. Zhaoshu was considered the sister city of Khark but with no actual contact with the Sevudian monarchy or much prominent nobility. The People of Qinjing have established a more republican kind of government. Despite the constant threat of Rong breaking through their defenses, the people of Qinjing have kept the beauty and splendour of Zhaoshu alive.

## Demographics

### Population

The population of Sevudia is diverse but dominated by the Rénese culture. To the far western fringes, there are some communities of Taika culture people. But they have been constantly oppressed and considered to be lesser people in the opinion of their Sevudian overlords.

Then there are the Ri-Docians that inhabit various regions of the western sphere of Sevudia. The Ri-Docians are organised in tribes of their own. Both due to Sevudian design, to prevent the Ri-Docians to unite properly, as to their heritage of being ruled by tribe elders. Some of these Ri-Docians inhabit marshes while others go through a more nomadic existence - these tribes usually seen as enemy detachments by Rongese commanders, for the nomadic Ri-Docians are quite renowned to pillage and harass Rongese logistics to obtain wealth and resources of their own.

The majority of the populace is, however, made up by the Sevudians - which fall into the Rénese culture. The Sevudians are a people that are proud of their history and have a desire to see their prominence once more becoming a reality.

### Language

The dominant language is Rén. It is spoken by nearly all within Sevudia. A few local Sevudian dialects have surfaced and survived. Even the dialect of the Ri-Docian tribes is considered to be influenced by the Sevudians. A small portion of Sevudia is capable of understanding and speaking Taika. These are small communities in the western sphere of the Sevudian realm.

### Religion

The Sevudian people by large worship the Maker. This benign deity is considered the true god of the known world - having shaped and guided humanity through subtle interferences. But not unknown to create miracles in order to allow his faithful enjoy his love and consolidate his existence. Unlike Rong, the people of Sevudia believe that the Maker is somewhat more neutral and attempts to love all people. Even if they are heathenous barbarians.

## Political Structure

The Sevudian noble houses dominate the political playfield of the nation. These noble houses are capable of fielding armies of their own due to their immense wealth and influence, owning large sways of land - even despite the Rongese forces occupying a large portion of their lands. United as they may appear against any foreign foe, these noble houses are prone to bloody rivalries and feuds. Committing some of their resources to intrigues to weaken a rival house is not considered a crime, as long as they adhere to the laws of ancients.

For the laws of ancients is the laws that each noble house must abide by. This is further pressured by the Seats of Ancients, an assembly of chosen dignitaries of Sevudian's most powerful houses. The Seats of Ancients is responsible for dealing with outsiders in terms of diplomacy. Having resources of its own, the Seats of Ancients is widely respected and acknowledged as the governing body that attempts to keep order within the Sevudian lands and people.

The Sevudian clergy interestingly don't possess a large amount of power and influence. They are a prominent faction nevertheless, enjoying much respect from both the nobility as commoners alike. Usually, the clergy intend to use their influence to engage in various projects to maintain the temples and holy sites. But it isn't rare for them to engage in charity, to spend effort and resources to better the lives of the poor and bereft.

Another political entity within the Sevudian realm are the Ri-Docian tribes. These tribes once were part of a powerful state of their own. Only to be defeated and conquered by the Sevudians, the Ri-Docians have been splintered into various tribes. Many of them are still loyal to the Sevudians, whereas some more than happy to sell their services to the highest bidder. The interesting aspect of the Ri-Docian tribes is the fact they are quite diverse. Some of these tribes have managed to call various dangerous marshes their home, allowing refugees to seek sanctuary from the Rongese occupation. Other Ri-Docian tribes have embraced a semi-nomadic existence, where they travel in a certain area. This mobility has allowed them to become excellent trackers and hunters. Not to mention become competent masters of beasts, able to deploy terrifying elephants and dreadful dargs.

At the bottom of the Sevudian food chain are the common folk. The common people are usually nothing more than mere resources for the Sevudian noble houses. They are subjected to harsh servitude, being prohibited to just migrate to another place without their overlord's consent. Many as a result don't often leave the area they were born in - unless drafted for war.