Ha Irunah

Ha Irunah is a nation located in the middle of the western half of Cy'ǧetauriaz'zockistan'abulgra'der'iavichdriavillestondal'ewind-roadingt'o'n. The country lays on the midstream of the biggest river in the region. The country is a federation of small city-states with the most influential at the moment being Yaushkem Seht. Each of the city-states is ruled by a Nochuoro - a trade lord and a master of divination. The predominant race of the federation are the Pukkuru.

## Agriculture

### Farming

#### Penumi berries

Penumi berries are a type of berry that grows under water on the banks of the Kunappi river. These small yellow fruits are known for their sweet yet weak taste, and are often eaten raw or dried. They are also frequently made into flour and used to create a range of dishes, including bread, fruit buns, marmalades, and sweet soups.

Penumi berries require a lot of water to grow, which makes them well suited to the conditions along the banks of the Kunappi river. Once dried, these berries have a weak sweet fragrance that is characteristic of their unique flavor. They are a popular and highly valued crop among the Nhokchi, and play a central role in many traditional festivals and cultural practices.

#### Omshuin cane

Omshuin cane is a type of tall grass that grows mostly near the Kunappi river, although it can also be found in other areas of the Great Flats. While the cane itself is not typically eaten, the juice that is extracted from it has a sour flavor with a bit of sweetness. Omshuin juice is widely used in Nhokchi cuisine, and is often made into a refreshing drink or used as a seasoning.

In addition to its culinary uses, Omshuin cane has a number of other important applications. The fibrous nature of the cane makes it well suited for use in the production of sleeping mats and other woven goods. The crystals that are formed from the concentrated juice of Omshuin cane are also used as a sweetener, similar to sugar. Wine can also be made from Omshuin juice, which is an important part of Nhokchi culture and tradition.

Omshuin cane is a valued and widely used resource among the Nhokchi, and there is even a festival dedicated to it. This annual celebration is an important time for community bonding and for honoring the role that Omshuin cane plays in Nhokchi society.

#### Aepto

Aepto is a medium-sized red vegetable that grows mostly in the drier parts of the Great Flats. It is a hardy plant that does not require a lot of water, which allows it to thrive in areas away from the Kunappi River. When raw, Aepto has a starchy texture and a slight bitter taste. However, when cooked, it becomes creamy and develops a subtle sweetness.

In addition to its use as a food ingredient, Aepto is also valued for its versatility as a spice. Its seeds when dried and ground into a fine powder, become hot and spicy, and are used to add flavor and depth to a range of dishes. Aepto is an important part of Nhokchi cuisine and is used in a variety of traditional recipes. It is also valued for its nutritional properties, and is believed to have a number of health benefits.

### Animal Husbandry

#### Moshnish

Moshnish are medium sized creatures that are native to the Great Flats region. Their bodies are made up of segments, each of which is covered in a hard shell. Moshnish are able to float in the air due to special glands that produce a substance that allows them to hover. This substance is highly prized for its use in the production of alcohol and a silk-like fabric. Moshnish primarily feed on Omshuin grass and small flying animals and insects.

In addition to their use as a food source, Moshnish also have other practical uses. Their shells are often used as utensils, such as bowls and cups, and they can also be used to make shields. Moshnish are also considered to be sacred animals by some Nhokchi clans and are used in various rituals and ceremonies. The domestication of Moshnish has greatly benefited the Nhokchi people, as they have been able to use these creatures for a wide range of purposes.

#### Pon'happur

Pon'happur are small, grey slugs with yellow stripes that are native to the Great Flats region. They prefer wet environments near the Kunappi River, but can also be found in other parts of Kapkaporo mun. Although Pon'happur are poisonous to many species, the Pukkuru have developed an evolutionary resistance to their toxin and are able to safely consume them.
Pon'happur have a tender, delicate meat that is often eaten with other foods such as Penumi berries or Aepto vegetables. In addition to their use as a food source, the slime produced by Pon'happur is also used in traditional medicine by Nhokchi.

## Religion

The Nhokchi religion revolves around a pantheon of gods, each of whom presides over certain aspects of existence. These gods can be divided into two groups: the Gods of the Inner Sea, who oversee domains connected to the natural world and the land, such as harvest, rivers, and certain animals, and the Gods of the Outer Sea, who are associated with more abstract or intangible concepts, such as trade, stars, and travel. Among all the gods, the Nhokchi hold Patuurturko, the God of Travel and Discovery, in particularly high regard.

According to Nhokchi beliefs, when a person dies, their soul travels to the Inner Sea of the World. There, the soul atones for its sins and wrongdoing by helping the Gods of the Inner Sea with their duties. Once the gods believe the soul has been cleansed of its misdeeds, they place it on the back of an Akashram for a final journey in the mortal world. After completing this journey, the soul is believed to travel to the Outer Sea, where it joins its ancestors.

## Culture

The Nhokchi culture values freedom of movement, which was reflected in their nomadic lifestyle in the past and the use of Aa'toukui for travel. This has led to the development of a culture of hospitality and companionship among nomadic communities which later settled on Kapkaporo mun. However, it is important to note that while the Nhokchi value companionship, they are also opportunistic and will not hesitate to take advantage of a good trade opportunity. In Nhokchi cities, the communities are more interconnected, often centered around temples or villas of wealthy trade-lords. These city-dwelling Nhokchi use their Aa'toukui mainly for agriculture and transport of goods. The number of giant snails owned by a Nhokchi is a commonly used measure of wealth.

In general, the Nhokchi are not an aggressive society and prefer to resolve conflicts through negotiation and trade. However, if a disagreement cannot be resolved peacefully, duels may occur. Gender roles in Nhokchi society are not strict, and individuals may take on different roles depending on their circumstances and abilities. While it is common for men to take on physically demanding work and craftsmanship, and for women to engage in trade and intellectual work, these roles are not set in stone.

### Magic

Magic plays an important role in Nhokchi society, and is divided into two categories: Kih'heppen, or magic of the stars, and Ahu'heppen, or magic of the world. For a long time it was the case that Ahu'heppen was a magic of the common folk while Kih'heppen was reserverd for the Nochuoro and Hepshokoro - the clergy. However, recent events in Ha Irunah's history caused the liberalisation of Magic of the Stars. Nowadays people are allowed to use it to perform things like pathfinding and astral communication more freely, though divination and blessings are still reserved for the higher classes of society.

#### Kih’heppen

Kih'heppen, also known as the magic of the stars, is said to be the power of the Outer Sea. It can be used for star divination, astral pathfinding, astral communication, blessings, and even combat. In battle, Kih'heppen is used to perform long-range magical strikes, and prodigies who have mastered the art can use it to shower their opponents with a rain of magical attacks. However, Kih'heppen almost always requires a high-quality, star-filled waystone to be cast. Due to events in recent history (~550 AS) the restrictions placed on the use of Kih'heppen became much more loose allowing the common people to use some of the magecraft arts. It should be noted that using Magic of the Stars can cause damage to the psyche when used improperly.

[UNDER CONSTRUCTION]

#### Ahu’heppen

Ahu'heppen is the magic of the land and is believed to originate from the Inner Sea. It is used by common people to ease the burdens of daily life. Ahu'heppen can exist in two forms: transient and intransient. Transient arts are usually simple spells with instantaneous results that create impermanent things like light or fire, while intransient arts create permanent results in the form of solidified magic connected to a specific thing (e.g. fire turned into a warm magical orb). However, using intransient arts requires a lot of resources and a high level of skill.

[UNDER CONSTRUCTION]

### Cuisine

Nhokchi culinary traditions revolve around the use of a diverse range of ingredients and flavors, including sweet, sour, spicy, and savory. In addition to using fermented and dried ingredients to add depth and complexity to their dishes, the Nhokchi also make use of magic in their cooking. Ahu'heppen, or magic of the land, is often used to control the heat and flame of a fire when cooking. In more advanced applications, intransient Ahu'heppen is used to preserve raw ingredients for longer periods of time. Kih'heppen, or magic of the stars, is used in the kitchens of the Nochuoros to choose the best seasonings for their dishes.

Cooking is an important part of Nhokchi culture, and is typically done at the hearth at the center of each house. In the temples of Pathfinder, the most important god in the Nhokchi pantheon, there are also communal kitchens and food stalls where experienced cooks take on young apprentices and teach them the skills. Nhokchi meals are focused on the taste of the food, with a strong emphasis on cooking techniques.

#### Dishes

* Penumi Berry Soup: This is a creamy and sweet soup made with penumi berries. The soup has a delicate flavor and is often served as an appetizer. It is prepared by simmering the berries in water with other ingredients such as spices and vegetables, until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
* Aepto Porridge: This is a savory and filling breakfast dish made with aepto. The porridge is prepared by boiling the aepto in water or broth with other ingredients such as fruit and other veggies, until it reaches a thick and smooth consistency. It is often served with a side of pickled vegetables or fruit for added flavor.
* Moshnish Skewers: These skewers are a popular street food in Nhokchi cities, made with meat of small species of moshnish. The meat is juicy and it is often marinated in spices before being grilled on skewers.
* Pon'happur Stew: This is a hearty and spicy stew made with pon'happur. The stew is made by cooking the pon'happur with a variety of vegetables, spices, and broth, until it is tender and flavorful. The stew is often served with a flatbread to soak up the rich and spicy broth.
* Penpa is a traditional Nhokchi dessert made with a base of aepto flour and sweetened with Omshuin crystals. After being baked it is cut into small, bite-sized pieces. It has a soft and slightly chewy texture, and is often served at celebrations and festivals.

#### Seasoning

* Omshuin crystals: A common seasoning used in Nhokchi cuisine. They are obtained by extracting the juice from Omshuin cane and boiling it down until only the crystals remain. The crystals have a sour taste with a subtle sweetness and are often used to add a tangy flavor to dishes.
* Aepto Flame: Spicy seasoning made from Aepto seeds collected from mature Aepto and then ground into a fine powder. Aepto powder is used in a variety of dishes to add heat and depth of flavor.