Ruj

**Rujauhm**, commonly referred to as Ruj, is a sprawling subterranean nation concealed beneath the grandeur of the Aryaine Kingdom. Nestled within deep canyons and valleys, Ruj exists as a stark contrast to the elegance and prosperity above. Once united, the two nations have now diverged, each fostering its own distinct identity while maintaining a symbiotic relationship.

The country embodies the rebellious and lawless underbelly of Nexonia Prime, characterized by unchecked experimentation, crime, and an unregulated pursuit of progress. On the surface, the Aryaine Kingdom represents a more controlled and prosperous society, with a blend of medieval tradition and progressive advancements. The two nations, connected yet distinct, showcase the diverse facets of Nexonia Prime's societal landscape.

In the depths of Rujauhm, a volatile blend of innovation, crime, complex relationships, mysterious substances, and steampunk aesthetics shapes the narrative of a nation that thrives in the shadows, forging its destiny amidst chaos and unpredictability.

## Overview

While the Aryaine Kingdom exudes charm and progress, its concealed counterpart, Ruj, reveals a darker truth. Rujauhm occupies the natural valleys beneath Aryaine, serving as a clandestine reflection of its royal counterpart. While the Aryaine Kingdom exudes charm and progress, its concealed counterpart, Ruj, reveals a darker truth. Rujauhm occupies the natural valleys beneath Aryaine, serving as a clandestine reflection of its royal counterpart.

## Locations

* **Zephina** (Capital): Elevated to astonishing heights, Zephina stands as the crowning jewel of Ruj. Its skyline reaches towards the upper limits of the cavern, offering citizens breathtaking views of the neighboring cities. Architectural marvels and towering structures define the cityscape, reflecting the ambition and grandeur of Ruj's capital.
* **Jovaken**: Nexus of Innovation: Jovaken serves as a hub of unchecked technological advancement and innovation in Ruj. The city is a melting pot of inventors, engineers, and researchers who find solace in the unrestricted pursuit of knowledge and progress all without regard for the consequences.
* **Tunneltown**: Tunneltown is the industrial heart of Ruj, characterized by a labyrinthine network of tunnels and factories. The ceaseless hum of machinery echoes through its passages, symbolizing the ceaseless productivity that fuels the subterranean nation.
* **Gloomsville**: Gloomsville, despite its name and the glooming darkness, is a thriving cultural enclave in Ruj. The city is adorned with galleries, theaters, and expressive spaces where artists and performers bring vibrancy to the subterranean gloom.
* **Depthsville**: Depthsville is a residential district where citizens of Ruj find solace in a subterranean sanctuary. Despite the challenges of living in the depths, this city is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Ruj's populace.
* **Subterra City**: Subterra City stands as a bustling center of commerce and trade, serving as a crossroads for goods flowing between Aryaine and Ruj. The city's markets are filled with an eclectic array of merchandise, reflecting the diverse influences that shape Ruj's underground society.
* **Cavernsville**: Cavernsville is known for its awe-inspiring natural formations and geological wonders. This city, built around expansive caverns and underground landscapes, is a testament to the beauty that can emerge even in the subterranean depths.

## Trivia

### General

* Ruj perfectly serves as a hub for both legal and illegal goods, acting as a conduit for the flow of goods into Aryaine's black markets.
* Nextech inventors, constrained by Aryaine's regulations, often flock to Ruj where experimentation knows fewer boundaries, leading to breakthroughs and risks alike.
* Jovaken's pursuit of technological innovation knows no bounds. The city's unchecked experiments often lead to consequences that would be deemed unacceptable elsewhere. Losses of nevian lives in the name of progress are tragically normalized, creating a city where experimentation and risk are the currency of advancement.
* The unbridled industrial activities in Ruj have resulted in pollution and toxic runoff, creating hazardous environments that challenge the resilience of its inhabitants.
* Crime permeates every corner of Ruj, with approximately 1,500 crimes occurring daily. The stark reality includes a daily death toll of 5-20 individuals. In the absence of a formal legal structure, chaos reigns supreme. Only a handful of officers from the Aryaine Kingdom attempt to bring a semblance of order to this lawless nation.An average of 1,500 crimes are occurring every day. Twenty five people die by average.
* The history of Ruj is intertwined with its surface counterpart, Aryaine. The chaotic relationship between Rujians and Aryans has left a lasting mark on the history of both nations, contributing to a dynamic and often tumultuous coexistence.
* Notable inhabitants include Zeal, Violet, Jinx and Benjamin.
* The history of Ruj is intertwined with its surface counterpart, Aryaine. The chaotic relationship between Rujians and Aryans has left a lasting mark on the history of both nations, contributing to a dynamic and often tumultuous coexistence.
* Aether, the infamous drug of Ruj, is a mysterious and dangerous substance. Exhibiting a purple hue, Aether takes various forms, from crystals to liquids. In small doses, it possesses miraculous healing properties, capable of mending severe injuries. However, indulging in higher quantities results in grotesque mutations, granting individuals ultranevian abilities at the expense of their intelligence, sanity, rationality and overall health.
* The architecture, bars, and buildings of Ruj exude a distinctive steampunk aesthetic. Marked by gears, cogs, and industrial elements, the cityscape reflects the unchecked, lawless nature of this subterranean nation. The visual tapestry of Ruj is a testament to its rebellious spirit and resistance to societal norms.
* Ruj's name is shortened from Rujauhm, which was its official name that is less used in public.