New Neris

## Overview

New Neris, primarily called Neris, though formally the Governorate of New Neris, but known by its native inhabitants as Balai'ir, is a small kingdom within the Federation of Za'daa in the west of Surala. It borders Ugueme to the northwest.

### Cities

* Monloe (mon-low-ah): the capital city at the confluence of the Kefaar and Maasuroe rivers; it is an administrative and trade center with around 40,000 people
* Jedaal (jed-doll): a city of about 15,000 in the northwestern mountains upon the banks of the Maasuroe River, relying heavily upon mining and masonry for its industry; due to its proximity to the border, it maintains a garrison of 5,000 soldiers
* Kestuum (kess-tomb): a city of about 25,000 in the northwestern mountains and upon the banks of the Maasuroe River, relying largely on blacksmithing and crafting of weapons and jewelry, as it is downriver from Jedaal and has many mines of its own
* Aadjrenloe (ah-dren-low-ah): a city of about 50,000 in the central plain upon the Maasuroe River, as well as an agricultural hub, with many vineyards, breweries, and farms
* Axiin (ahk-sheen): the only permanent Bolutaal settlement before the arrival of the Neri in Balai'ir, and upon the confluence of the Jilga and Maasuroe rivers, with a population of nearly 20,000; due to its proximity to the Bolutaali Swamplands, Axiin has a garrison of 2,000 and is a center for logging, particularly due to the Neri's intention to hinder the Bolutaal by reducing their swampland
* Nuriba (new-ree-ba): a city of about 10,000 on the Kefaar River in the west between the mountains and plains; it is a center for textile manufacturing, due to the central plains being nearby where many herdsmen roam with their cattle
* Asaroe (ah-sah-row-ah): the largest and wealthiest of the seven Neri cities, being the only coastal city in New Neris, with a population of about 70,000 and a garrison of 3,000; it is a center of trade, fishing, and shipbuilding

### Peoples

* Neri (nair-ee): the primary rulers and inhabitants of New Neris, which was given to them by Za’daa after helping it to win a war against Ugueme and conquer Balai’ir from its native inhabitants that had been pestering the Za’dai for generations; the Za'dai also claim that Balai'ir was once theirs many centuries ago, but were removed and killed when the old Uguemi Empire ruled more of wesern Surala and given to their allies: Bolutaal, Axira, and Ueloyi
* Bolutaal (bow-loo-tahl): the only remaining indigenous tribe of Balai’ir to maintain most of their ancestral lands and autonomy, inhabiting the jungled Bolutaali Swamplands, though their territory diminishes daily with logging from Axiin; small bands of Bolutaali frequently raid Neri lands near their jungle, but they remain a secretive society and none enter their swamp without their leave
* Axira (ahk-sheer-a): inhabited the central hills, plains, and river valleys, but were defeated and conquered easily; they live as a minority (roughly 10% of the population) and most are enslaved or impoverished, working as laborers in the cities or farmers in fields
* Ueloyi (way-loy-ee): inhabited the northwestern mountains, but after the War of Balai'ir between Za’daa and Ugueme, they retreated and integrated into the Uguemi civilization after being defeated

### Government

New Neris is a semi-autonomous hereditary governorate within the Federation of Za'daa ruled primarily by the Governor. The Governor is a member of the Neri royal family and approved by the Congress of Za'daa. Neris is currently ruled by Co-Governors, King Tuhlaht and Queen Anoe.

In addition to the Governors, the government is also served by the Imperial Magistrate and Vizier.

The Imperial Magistrate is appointed by Congress of Za'daa to represent the federal government, advise the regional ruler, manage the federal bureaucrats and soldiers in the region, and provide honest information to the federal government on the region and its rulers; the Imperial Magistrate can also temporarily serve as the ruler of the region in case the local ruler in unable to lead. They serve two year terms. Lady Za'jaiana is the current Imperial Magistrate.

The Vizier's sole purpose is to restore Old Neris and destroy Kamuhn. They engage in secretive operations, diplomacy, and other activities to achieve victory. The title of Vizier was taken from Kamuhn, being blatant irony, so that a Vizier, which has always been a Kameen title, is the one working the most towards the empire’s downfall. They serve at the liesure of the Governor. The current Vizier is Prince Ifahn, brother to King Tuhlaht.

The Neri Governor also appoints a Representative to the Congress of Za'daa. The current Representative is Arasoem, a Neri commoner, but of most impressive cunning and loyalty, who has served King Tuhlaht for many years.