Namporschia

**Namporschia** is a small landlocked country in the western Olden World, bounded by Lopphargia and Silegre to its north, The Megails Sea to the south, and Lobevia to its southwest, west, and east. The country is fairly low in population, 300,000, to which about 67.7% (About 203,100) are practicing witches. The country is ruled by the Witch Council.

## Etymology

The name "Namporschia," is said to come from the Old Namporic tongue, the ancient language once spoken across the misted forests of the land. "Nam" referred to shadows or dusk, the time when the veil was said to become paper-thin between the spiritual and the mortal, "Por" means wood - the dense primordial realm where faefolk were said to roam, and "Schia" indicated edge or boundary, where civilization met the untamed depths of the forest. If translated to Common, Namporschia loosely translates to "Land of shadowed wood" or "realm at twilight's edge."

Legend has it the name manifested on a dark, new moon night long ago, when strange mists were said to erect and voiced spirits called out from the gloom. Shepherds braving the fog heard the susurrus of leaves forming this word upon the wind. Some Lobevian or southern Lopphargian scholars point to even older root words suggesting "place where dreams walk" or "borderland of phantoms."

## History

Namporschia began as a small, forested region within the larger Kingdom of Lobevia over 900 years ago. The dense woodlands were inhabited by tribes who held animist beliefs and practiced earth-based spiritual traditions. They lived in balance with the natural world and revered witches as spiritual leaders.

As Lobevia grew into a powerful empire, Namporschia maintained its autonomous status due to its inhabitants' use of magic to ward off invaders with curses, illusions, and charms. The northern borders of Lopphargia and Silegre also provided a natural buffer.

In the 11th century, the first official Witches' Academy was founded in the capital of Angoylin to formally train new generations of spellcasters. Over time, a council of wise women leaders emerged to advocate for Namporic tribes.

By the 15th century, Namporschia had developed into a prosperous yet mystical dominion. Advanced herbalism and alchemy industries sprouted. Scholars studied astrology, mysticism and magic at the Academy. The Namporic language crystallized with influences from Lobevian traders.

In modern times, Namporschia remains a safe haven for magical folk. The borders are heavily warded from mundane folk. The Witches' Council now forms the highest governing body, focused on environmentalism and balance. Tourism brings revenue from those wanting to experience the country's eerie natural beauty and ancient magic.

## Government and Politics

The Witches' Council acts as the highest governing body. It has 13 members representing different magical lineages and skills (healing, herbology, divination, etc). Council members serve 20-tear terms and are elected democratically by all adult citizens of Namporschia. Elections involve magic-based tests of merit. While having ultimate authority, the Council rules via consensus and prioritizes maintaining balance in both government and the natural world. Day-to-day administration is handled by a Primus who acts as the head of state for a 5-year term. They oversee government ministries. Politics is less about "parties" and more focused on differing philosophies - those who prefer tradition vs those open to outsider ideas, protectionists vs integrationists. As an isolated nation, they strive for neutrality in world affairs and protecting their borders from mundane influence and pollution. Citizens highly value individual freedom and self-governance as long as it doesn't harm others or the environment. Laws focus more on restoring balance.

## Climate

Being surrounded on three sides by the towering Ossipeak Mountains and facing the churning Megails Sea to the south, Namporschia has a maritime climate modulated by its dense woodland interior. Warm sea currents ensure mild temperatures year-round, with average highs of 15 C in winter and 23 C in summer. However, the pervasive damp fog rolling in off the sea creates an omnipresent chill. Mists blanket valleys and brood amongst trees for much of the year. Come nightfall, an ethereal fog settles like a silken shroud across darkened landscape. According to lore, will-o-wisps dance eerily in the spectral vapors.

Moss-strewn forests retain moisture like a soggy sponge. Rainfall is frequent yet gentle, keeping vegetation lush and green even in the depths of winter. Periodic light drizzles and mist create a pall of gloom. Autumn brings colorful molds that bloom upon tree bark. The last leaves drift to opaque carpet below as mushrooms push up overnight.

## Demographics

Ethnicity:

* Nampors: 42%
* Lobevians: 30%
* Lopphargians: 15%
* Silegreans: 8%
* Other Old Worlders: 4%
* Owandites: 1%

Religion

* Witch Folk: 67.7%
* Wicca or Druidry: 15%
* Unaffiliated: 10%
* Christianity: 5%
* Other: 2.3%

Sexuality:

* Heterosexual: 55% Bisexual: 20%
* Gay: 15%
* Lesbian: 7%
* Queer/Asexual: 3%

## Flora and Fauna

Red foxes have an extremely high population in Namporschia, estimated at over 150,000. They are a common and beloved feature of the landscape, thought by some to carry forest spirits. A sizeable population of culpeos also thrive here, having been protected for their ruddy orange and cream fur. About 50,000 of them range the hills and marshes. Numerous cave systems provide roosts for up to a million bats of various sizes and species, from smaller pipistrelles to larger greater mouse-eared bats.