The Kingdom of Rao

The Kingdom of Rao is a nation native to the southern lands of Impolo. Alongside the remnants of the Electi, the Rao ruled the land as one sole nation under their flag, although it soon went to ruin as a beast known as the Leviathan ravaged its cities and kingdoms. Because of this catastrophe, the Kingdom of Umbuso, a Monic empire made up of Amicans took advantage of the Rao's downfall and soon took majority of the lands. The Kingdom of Rao now travels over the mountains and into Amnisica in seek of help to win the war against the Umbuso.

### Population

Raoan majority with a minority of pure and half-Electi, alongside a minority of non-humans

## Basic History

The Kingdom of Rao was once the strongest power within Southern Ludwag (Impolo), a centralized Kingdom ruled by a particular ethnic group of drows. Not much is known about their origins, but it is said that they are one of the last native groups in Impolo. They have stood against the tides of foreign invaders for centuries. Their story is one of a classic tragedy, as they ultimately fell from grace due to a culmination of events.

During their golden era around 700 years ago, the Rao drows and elves stood beneath one flag, ruling Impolo as a sole Nation in the south of the Elven continent - Ludwag. Unfortunately, multiple cities and elven Kingdoms from North and South Ludwag were severely weakened by the monster known as The Leviathan, including Rao. This brought the nation’s height of power to an end, as another group of races started expanding around impolo seeing the weakness that Rao fell into after that attack 600 years ago. The Mons expanded across all of Ludwag, meanwhile different ethnics stayed at Impolo, the majority of these being the Amicans. The Kingdom of Abantu and the Kingdom of Rao have fought over centuries for the reclamation of the lands of Impolo under their own banner, Amicans and Rao drows/elves growing a natural hate towards each other in this war, also known as The Impolo War.

To further elucidate on the conflict, Rao has not been annexed due to the unstable political status of Abantu. They are often used as a scapegoat to prevent revolts and civil wars amongst the client states that the expanse had formed. The political state of Rao is much stronger in comparison, with them being united under a sole ruling class since the end of their Golden Age. The Abantu and Raoans remain at war.

## Culture and Government

The Kingdom of Rao functions as an Elective Monarchy, with the Cendau Council picking the most eligible heirs from the previous Monarch’s children. The Ronau family has remained as the head of the country since its beginning. On a smaller scale, the Kingdom imploys chiefs and governors to manage smaller pieces of land. These chiefs often hail from wealthy families. Family ties are incredibly important, but merit is always valued over blood.

The ruling class and native people of Rao are Raoan drows. Raon drows possess green skin, which assists them in blending in with their swamp environment. Most of the time, they have dark green or black hair to follow. Their forces capitalize on the use of camouflage, often using special cloaks and war paint to further conceal themselves. This is combined with hit and run tactics, which make for a deadly combination.

Additionally, Rao is known for harboring the last tribe of the Electi - a race of gold-skinned elves with flowing white hair who descend from further North. They are a prominent minority, and many Electi elders are seen in high ranking positions within the Kingdom.

Culturally, Rao is incredibly hostile to outsiders, with the exception of a small minority in their lands. There is reason behind this, as much of their land had been seized by invading outsiders. Their language is a very confusing and coarse tongue, with many scholars finding it difficult to learn. In reference to real history, the Kingdom is based around Medieval Southeast Asia, both language and culture.