Kovnarosk

## Geography

The southernmost part of the continent.

Kovnarosk is largely cut off from the rest of Stravica by the Steelspine Mountains, a vast mountain range rich with iron. South of the mountains lies the Aurean Expanse, a large tundra with scant trees and even fewer farms. The only woodland in Kovnarosk also rests in the Aurean Expanse - the Loneleaf Woods, a taiga surrounding the Kalastaja Lake. Still further south is the polar desert of Greater Dazh’anja, where the capital of Kal’teris lies. East of Kal’teris is the uninhabited Varo Island, home to many fearsome beasts, while to the southwest is the infamous Jacknife - a jagged peninsula that had long been the deadly fate of inexperienced sailors during early settlement. Finally, to the west is the Marakov Ice Shelf, home to the small fishing town of Yksinnen.

Kovnarosk to the south tends to be the more religious of the three main groups - a large percentage of Kovnarese worship the god Krelok. Its major cities are Kal’teris, Yksinnen, and Kalastaja.

## Food

Kovnarese food tends to be very simplistic in nature, as natural ingredients tend to be hard to come by without importing from the north, which can be expensive depending on the time of year. Cattle are more popular in the Aurean Expanse, the only place they can reliably graze. Beyond that, there are very few hunting opportunities in Kovnarosk, even in the Loneleaf Woods. Because of that, ice fishing and crab fishing have become lucrative markets, and plates are often seasoned with whatever herbs are found growing in the Aurean Expanse and Loneleaf Forest during the warmer months.

## Music

Songs in Kovnarosk often take on a more somber and melancholy tune. Rather than relying on lyrics, lots of instruments and improvised tools are employed to create unique sounds intended to exemplify various emotions. Of course, many songs such as those sung in temples and churches use choirs to create haunting yet beautiful hymns. Kovnarese music is meant to evoke hardship and trials, as well as the uncertainty of the future.

## Architecture

Externally, Kovnarese architecture is largely reminiscent of the brutalist movement, eschewing color and detail in favor of imposing, serious forms. Kovnarese people spend much of their time indoors due to the often harsh conditions, so their dwellings tend to be much more decorated - most houses only have a room for eating, a room (or 2) for sleeping, and a mud room just beyond the entrance for articles such as boots and coats.

Very few buildings outside of Kal’teris are designed to protect inhabitants from a Long Winter. Inside the bastion, however, thick stone barriers and deep underground attachments allow for citizens (at least the wealthier ones) to refrain from fleeing north in search of warmer weather.

## Art

Because of the lack of resources that allow for the creation of many pigments, Kovnarese art instead focuses on sculptures and glasswork; this becomes especially apparent within temples and churches. Such works often have an educational application, portraying important knowledge such as Kovnarese and Tezarian history.

## Faith & Beliefs

Kovnarosk is perhaps the most devout of the three nations. By far the largest religions follow the Soleran gods, with Eilek-Ar coming in at a close second thanks to Kovnarosk’s substantial elven population. Shamanism, though not as popular these days, still holds a place within Kovnarosk, especially in the eastern parts.