Syncrest

**Syncrest** is a small continent in the realm of Europa. It is home to many cultures, including the Menewer, Umhari, and Fuli people.

## Governments

### Federation of Menewer

Sat in the mountains north of the Arfat steppe, the Federation of Menewer is a large federation incorporating many Menewer kingdoms. The imperial capital is Wundor. It has always maintained strong relations with The Republic and is at war with Kinsfal over disputed territory. It is the origin of the Har Mveri. The Federation swears military guardianship of the Hare Protectorate.

### Umbesi

Straddling arid desert and fertile grasslands, Umbesi (literally meaning 'Um[hari] Kingdom') is a densely populated kingdom in Qi home to most non-nomadic Umhari. It generally maintains good relations with the nomadic peoples of the steppe. Its primary religion is Umehet. Umbesi disavows Umhesi Nera, viewing them as a supremacist movement founded by nomads that seek to uproot Umhari society. Umbesi has always been diplomatically distant from the Federation of Menewer, and they both view themselves as quite different.

### The Republic

A relatively new province, founded centuries ago by objectionist elves who felt endangered in all corners of Syncrest, The Republic was built as a haven for secularism and peace. Located in the Arfat steppe, it was founded after the bandits of Arfat were drawn out by the First Republican Army. The Republic remains diplomatically friendly with the Federation of Menewer, Umbesi, Kinsfal and the Fuli Dominion, and is a favourite of nomads. However, because of the geographical and climate implications of living in a steppe, agriculture is very difficult. The province is also not very resource abundant. As a result, the Republic is dependent on imports and has never had a very stable economy.

### Kinsfal

Nestled in the low slopes eastern mountains, the cities of isolationist Kinsfal are distant and connected only by often dangerous roads, especially further north. Consequently, every city is highly fortified and as selfsufficient as possible. They have been at war with the Federation of Menewer for a long time over a large disputed territory in the steppe. Its inhabitants are mainly humans and elves. There is a significant Menewer population in Kinsfal, and a disproportionately high number of people from minority cultures.

### Fuli Dominion

The Fuli Dominion is a desert kingdom predominantly reliant on textiles and fishing. It is often subject to bandit raids. It maintains positive relations with the Republic. Though its economy is middling, the dominion is home to some of Syncrest's most senior mages, and its only college of magic.

### Istmor

Frigid, isolated, surprisingly well populated and a flourishing, export-heavy economy, Istmor is a predominantly elven island kingdom in Syncrest that likes to keep the other kingdoms at an arm's length for anything beyond trade. Though a relatively new state, it's built on the ruins of an ancient civilsation.

### Hare Protectorate

(pronounced hah-ray) The ancient holy land of Syncrestian paganism, Hare (or Imi Teha) is an independent protectorate of the Federation of Menewer, consisting of the city of Hare and its surrounding province. Racial tensions have made it difficult for Umhari and Fuli to visit. Most adherents of Umehet believe a prime church should be established in the city, as prophesised by their holy book the Eqomir.

### Har Mveri.

The Har Mveri is a radical breakaway state from the Federation of Menewer. Governed by the Har Mveri Church, a Harstei extremist sect whose goal is Menewer supremacy across Syncrest. They have committed acts of terrorism against Umher Nera and Umbesi, and advocate for the deportation of non-Menewer from Syncrest.

### Umher Nera

Expanding rapidly throughout the bandit domain, the Umehet extremist Umhesi Nera seek to establish a fundamentalist theocracy throughout the continent, to reclaim Imi Teha (Hare), and to convert as many people to their doctrine as possible.

### Unincorporated

Much of Syncrest - particularly the steppe and grasslands - is not incorporated under any government. These regions are mostly inhabited by nomads, although there are some independent settlements.

#### Bandit domain

Much of the unincorporated south is governed by a number of different, competing bandit groups who commandeer roads along popular trade routes and will either levy needless tolls or simply rob merchants.

## Geography

Syncrest is a relatively temperate continent. It is most temperate in the southern desert and grasslands, then progressively less so as you go northwards through the steppes, and then less temperate in the mountains and tundras.