Theocratic Realms of Cryshel

The Theocratic Realms of Cryshel are a religious state in the coldest corner of the Eastern Continent. Led by The Speakers, Cryshel is a place where your worth is measured by your skill and your devotion, requiring a large amount of both to truly rise the social ladder. The Bastions also hold much sway in the politics of Cryshel.

## People

The peaks of Cryshel are the ancient homelands of the Aarakocra but since the Giant Migration many Giants, Jotunkin and Goliaths call it home. Many Air Genasi also reside in the northern cities and many dragonborn make their way here as Cryshel is much more tolerant of dragons. Most citizens speak Eastern Common but Giant, Primordial and Draconic are also used frequently.

## Geography

Much of Cryshel is a flat tundra struck by freezing winds coming of the The Singing Seas. Much of the landscape is dotted by trees adapted to the cold. This makes for harsh travel conditions. Around Cryshel is a system of High Roads that are magically protected to allow safe travel between citites. In the areas between these roads are the wilds of Cryshel. Highly dangerous and hard to navigate, the wilds are where True Kitan take place.

## Flora and Fauna

### Flora

Much of Cryshels Flora is specifically adapted to the cold. Many of the native trees are coveted for their excellent shipbuilding qualities. Cryshel also has a large number of native flowers with alchemical properties.

### Fauna

Cryshel has much of the fauna expected of a Tundra region with Moose, Dogs, Horses and Bears. Much of the more exotic creatures are more dangerous and the western region of Cryshel is often the hunting grounds of odd magical creatures coming out of Red Mountain.

## Locations

### The Fangwood

The southern most region of Cryshel, The Fangwood is home to massive forests dominated by Icebark Trees and dangerous beasts.

#### Fort Grey

A large military city that marks the border between Cryshel and Shan.

#### Outpost Crogun

A military base that marks where the border meets the sea.

#### Hokai

The largest city in The Fangwood and the second largest city in Cryshel.

### The Witchmoor

The central, eastern region of Cryshel. Home to many nomads and outlanders.

#### Cryshel

Capital city of Cryshel and the home of the Speakers.

### Vale of Song

The flats between Kyiyto and Orsyn that hum with the sounds of Songbirds.

#### Kyiyto

Home to the Portal of Air and Aarakocra home city.

#### Orsyn

A monastery town on the north shores of Cryshel.

### The Lake

The Lake is the western most region of Cryshel dominated by Central Lake.

#### Langmin

Largest city on the Lake and third largest city in Cryshel.

#### Sleetreach

A small town next to the entrance to Jotiim.

#### Cooks Post

A small town known for its excellent cooking.

## Government

The leaders of Cryshel are known as the Speakers, the heads of each of the Bastions. Each speaker also heads a branch of Government. These branches are labelled with G-x where x is a number indicated by seniority. Each of these branches is the Head of certain departments.

## Military

Cryshel supports a large military that is often posted along the border of Shan. Based in Fort Grey, Cryshel's military is highly trained and is one of the best in the world. Cryshel also sports a small navy. All combined Cryshel has about 20,000 full-time soldiers but can field an army of 50,000 in wartimes.

## Economy

Cryshel has a number of natural resources that are refined and form the basis of their economy. Cryshel exports Icebark lumber, common herbs used in medicine, precious metals and dye. This wealth only flows through the major cities with many of the small towns priding themselves on a level of self-sufficiency.

Cryshel uses the Pontin, the currency used in Telan.

## Religion

Cryshel is the home of Lydecism and is heavily beholdcen to the laws of it. The holy leaders of Lydecism are The Speakers who are also the leaders of Cryshel. The Bastions of Lydec are important community centres in most of Cryshel's cities.

## Culture

Cryshel is a heavy meritocracy and nepotism is very discouraged in all aspects of life. Many parts of life for Cryshelians are bound by strict codes of Honour. Much of Cryshel culture is derived around the Kitan, the journey across the plains. Due to the harsh nature of Cryshel performing a Kitan is seen as a very difficult achievement. Recently travel between cities has become viable for those too weak but True Kitan is still highly respected. This respect for those better than them extends to holy people and officials as it is recognised by all citizens that to be put in this position requires much talent and hard-work.

True Kitan is the act of walking from one city to the next through the wilds.