Hualasi Diarchy

The **Hualasi Diarchy** is a nation dominating the western half of Nitaiset. Though it is considered a standalone Diarchy, Hualasi is a vassal state of The Dominion. Politically, although it has its own heads of state, Hualasi is subject to the laws of The Dominion. Though it spans from the western coast all the way to the Saimugal Ranges, the Dominion has interest in expanding their borders via the Empire.

## Geography

### Ashen Valley

*Main article: Ashen Valley*

The Ashen Valley is the eastern part of the Midlands, previously controlled entirely by the Fahisi. During The Burning Plains, the Dominion took control. Notable locations include:

* **Khatinaro:** a small trading and farming village located on the Ashfield Crossroads.

## Society

### Demographics

The people of Hualasi vary culturally. Taking a lot of influence from their parent state, most of their food, politics, and music come from Oremsaida. However, especially to the east, cultures have mixed. During the invasion of the Dominion into the mid country, effort was made to stamp out local customs. The people remaining in these plains had no choice but to integrate or run. Some old traditions were conserved, but become more scarce the further west toward the capital you travel.

### Politics

Traditionally ruled by two long-standing branches of the same royal family. The head of each house rule together. One branch, House Hynder, favours the guilds - this includes the Minzeru Priories under Dominion rule. With the promise of their protection (and a little tax), the priories can run unbothered.

The other branch, the House Stokelige, favours trade and mercantile, nobles and court, and has generally been the less powerful branch. As favour is lost through the guilds, and industry begins to take over, this branch gains power.

##### Tax collectors

Known locally as 'Vipers', tax collectors are sent across Hualasi accompanied by Hand of Flame guards. These tax collectors are usually not local, sent across the ocean from Oremsaida. Though these collectors are only supposed to collect tithe, they have an unspoken secret duty to ensure that old traditions and uprisings from the remnants of Mid Country culture are not rising to the surface.

Special contigents are sent along with Vipers to inspect the Silkdust mines and Minzeru priories.

##### Ouroboros

Whispered in dark alleys in fear, the secret service of the Dominion are called the Ouroboros. Employed not only within Oremsaida, this division of The Dominion also makes itself known in the courts of Hualasi. They are loyal to the Dominion, powerful, and are said to employ the work of assassins.

##### Nobility and houses

Taking from the Dominion, Hualasi has a number of noble families. The most powerful of these are from the Mercantile and Guild branches, though noble houses exist outside of this influence. Each house is generally responsible for some aspect of trade or knowledge, own land, and have a voice in court.

### Military

##### Hand of Flame

> → *Main Article: Hand of Flame*
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The Hand of Flame is a gendarmerie that serves as the primary law enforcement arm of the Dominion, as well as its military reserve. They are sent throughout each major city in order to keep the peace and ensure the Dominion's ideals are upheld. The branch of the Flame located in the Hualasi Empire are more loyal to the Empire than to the Dominion itself.