Nostolus

Map of Nostolus

## Common Knowledge

A strange country in the north-east highlands surrounded by a no-mans-land of barren snowfields and harsh blizzards. Little is known about Nostolus beyond rumors, as traders never travel beyond Trading Post, nor stay for long.

Strange groups of warrior-mages from Nostolus have been seen roaming the continent for the past several years, both helping locals and occasionally causing problems for them. As such, the general image of a Nostolonian is a heavily-armored warrior-mage with no visible skin.

## Topography and Climate

### Topography

#### Wylder Forest

The great Wylder Forest encompasses most of Nostolus proper. Known for its boars, mushrooms, and unique flora.

#### Borgan Wetlands

A small swamp near Nostolus’ heart, where the devout followers of Demosvei meet to worship its decay. Home to many trolls.

#### Vuli Wastes

The vast tundra surrounding Nostolus, supposedly gifted to its people by the goddess Svuli herself. It lies in perpetual snowfall, and temperatures vary from mildly chilly to subzero. The Wastes are also home to various thick-furred creatures, such as bears and moose.

#### Tsvandoli Mountains

A small mountain range just west of Nostolus’s border. Being outside of the border, the Tsvandoli’s stand under perpetual snowfall, and are believed to be home to Dire Moose, a much scarier version of the already enormous moose. Certain myths also claim that a dragon lies slumbering at its peak.

### Climate

Nostolus is a little on the cold and muggy side year round, dotted with swamps and marshes.

## Exports and Trades

### Trades

#### K’vesten

K’vesten and Nostolus trade often with one another. Nostolus believes that the people of K’vesten are blessed by Demosvei, and would aid them if requested of them.

#### Adirondicka

Due to various cultural beliefs, Redwood is highly valued in Nostolus; as such, traders from Adirondicka that make their way over to Nostolus find themselves well-compensated for the effort.

## Government

Nostolus is a theocratic dictatorship, ruled by the Grand Speaker who acts on behalf of Hedemon themself. The Grand Speaker is head of both church and state, supposedly chosen directly by the gods, and controls governing affairs completely. Their control over the economy is limited, but through tariffs, taxes, and public works they still manipulate the economy as much as they deem necessary.

Though the Grand Speaker is chosen by the gods (supposedly), the signs that indicate one are difficult for normal people to see. As such, when a Grand Speaker dies (since abdication is forbidden) the Council of Elders assembles to search for the new Grand Speaker. This body, made from the oldest, most revered priests, only has the power to select a new Grand Speaker. Their practices are secret and concealed under the highest guard possible, but in truth the Council debates amongst themselves for which of the chosen candidates are the most “holy”.

Usually the Grand Speaker also publishes a new edition of the Hedecon, and as a result their views on the faith subtly shift the momentum and attitudes of the faithful. New editions of the Hedecon will sometimes face scrutiny from the church body at large, and in rare cases may even be rejected by the priesthood and cast an unforgiving light on the Grand Speaker.

The Grand Speaker’s symbol is a face haloed by six wings.

## Military

Lacking a traditional standing army, Nostolus relies on the constant vigilance of the Keepers of the Gate for protection. Though powerful, the Keepers are less organized than their neighbors’ troops. Brills tend to operate as they deem necessary, by their upright morals and righteous virtues. Some Brills cooperate in larger factions, but usually only towards concrete goals such as a particular crusade or the ousting of a specific group or creature. Other Brills embark on journeys through parts unknown, to spread their ideals, teach magic, and promote justice to the heathens beyond the drifts.

All Brills answer to themselves and their code, but must accept orders from the Grand Speaker and the Brillmaster when issued.

## Social Hierarchy and Culture

The people of Nostolus tend to be a serious bunch, though they try to enjoy life when they can.

Families in Nostolus tend to consist of 3-5 adults living together. Children are raised by their parents for the first 5 years of their life before they are sent to community schools, where they live and are educated for 10 years.

These schools are managed and run by various adults in the community, most of whom are parents of these children. During their school life, students learn basic skills, about their culture and religion, literacy and magic literacy, basic combat skills, and life skills needed for adulthood (cooking, cleaning, taxes).

When students reach the age of 15, they are given choices regarding their future. Many take up an apprenticeship, many more continue their education with a general school before making a decision later on, and some are given the opportunity to join up with the ranks of the Keepers of the Gate.

### Class System

1. Clergy
	1. Grand Speaker
	2. Priests
2. Nobility
3. Teachers
4. Warriors, Hunters
	1. Keepers of the Gate
	2. Warriors
	3. Hunters
5. Laborers
6. Craftspeople
7. Rabble
8. Criminals
9. Horned People

### Religion

Nostolus worships a lesser-known pantheon known as The Bearers, a set of 3 deities worshipped in different aspects. They also believe in the Destroyer Tzu, an antagonistic force to The Bearers.

The people of Nostolus believe in the elements of the world as forces of nature: Magic/Life, Rot/Corruption, and Water/Afterworld, as well as the antagonistic force of Fire/Destruction. They believe that these elements constantly flow and change the face of the world. They believe that, as their people are the chosen ones of their deities, that it is their duty to study and use magic. That said, they do not believe that others shouldn’t use magic, and instead, encourage others to learn and use it.

Priests of Hedemon are teachers, mages, healers, and often have a smattering of medical knowledge. Priests of Demosvei are necromancers, and warlocks, and handle the disposal of corpses prior to the expected funeral rites. Priestesses of Svuli handle the vital role of escorting mourning families to the northern coastline for the funerary rites, and to some degree comforting those present. Given the nature of this task, Svuli priestesses are often hunters, druids, and death-focused animi.

The priesthoods of the three worshipped deities are partially divided along the boundaries of presenting gender. Anyone may enter the priesthood of Hedemon, but priests of Demosvei must be male-presenting and priestesses of Svuli must be female-presenting. While no such individuals exist, a hypothetical Tzu priest must be dead.

#### Hedemon

The deity of Magic and Life, Hedemon (hed-eh-mon) represents mortalkind’s connection to the divine. For a deity of Life, Hedemon is notably stoic and impatient. They appear as a humanoid with no mouth, a pair of feathered wings, glowing orange skin, and wearing an impossibly dark blue set of armor, and is often displayed holding a wooden staff. They are also sometimes represented by an orange Goose with a blue beak and feet. Hedemon is unique among the Bearers in that they neither punish those they hate, nor reward those they love.

Hedemon chooses the people of Nostolus, so that Nostolus may represent their will on the world, to study and use magic as they see fit, to whatever end they wish. They also believe Nostolus to be blessed by Hedemon, and do not allow outsiders to travel there.

#### Demosvei

The god of Rot and Corruption, Demosvei (dem-moss-vai) represents the natural forces of the world. Demosvei is prone to anger, but favors those who assist him, often rewarding them with strength or power. He appears as a humanoid with no ears, rotted purple skin, and wearing tattered green clothes, and is often displayed holding a bronze spear. He is also sometimes represented by a purple Bear with green eyes.

The people of Nostolus believe K’vesten to be the domain of Demosvei, and that, as such, their people are similarly blessed, and worth doing trade with. In recent years, it has become popular belief that the appearance of the Fel (and the corruption of the Abyss) were the act and power of Demosvei. Many believe the Fel Hierophant to be a champion and actor of Demosvei.

#### Svuli

The goddess of Water and the Afterworld, Svuli (ss-voo-lee) represents the natural forces of Time and Eternity. Svuli is extremely patient, and very difficult to communicate with or understand, as she rarely speaks; though when she does, she speaks carefully and concisely, to be carefully considered and obeyed. Svuli appears as a jet-black merwoman with no eyes with extremely long and impossibly dark red hair, and is often displayed wearing an obsidian hourglass on a chain around her neck. She is also sometimes represented by a black oarfish with dark red fins.

The people of Nostolus believe the Oceans of Temporis to be the domain of Svuli, as well as the location of the Afterworld; however, as Svuli is considered more dangerous than Demosvei or Hedemon, many avoid her domain altogether. Aquatic races, particularly Merfolk, are considered dangerous beings, though sacred, and are greatly feared, and yearly offerings are made to the Merfolk in the late fall, who usually accept. Regardless, she is still revered by the people of Nostolus.

The Afterworld, which is the believed place of the Afterlife for the people of Nostolus, is the ocean itself. As such, saltwater fishing is highly illegal in Nostolus, and punishable with exile or death. Their believed perception of the Afterlife is a wondrous city beneath the deep sea, deep underwater where light does not reach; where their spirits become Merfolk.

#### Tzu

The antagonist deity of Fire and Destruction, Tzu (t-su) represents the evils of the world in an antagonistic point of view. Tzu is chaotic, unpredictable, crafty, manipulative, and persistent, and though a shapeshifter, is often represented as a demon with golden skin and silver eyes and horns, and is never displayed holding anything. Regardless of what form Tzu takes, it always has horns, and horns are seen as a symbol of Tzu, and of evil.

The people of Nostolus believe Tzu to be a powerful evil force in the world, incapable of being destroyed, except by Svuli at the end of time. The people of Nostolus believe that Tzu created the greater and lesser demons as a perversion of nature, and as such, demons are hated and persecuted in Nostolus. They also hate any beastfolk with horns, and hunt horned animals within their territories to the point of extinction. Volcanoes are seen as bastions of Tzu’s power, and wildfires are seen as displays of its power.

#### Practices

Religion is very important to the people of Nostolus, and it has a heavy hand in shaping their lives. They are also quite stubborn regarding their religion, and will often refuse to acknowledge anything that contradicts their religious beliefs, often citing Tzu as an actor of deception.

Each of the three worshipped deities (Hedemon, Demosvei, Svuli) have their own dedicated churches and priesthood. Each church has its own congregation who visits once or twice weekly for prayers, sermons, and animal sacrifices to their respective deity. Sacrificing certain creatures, specifically geese, bears, anything from the ocean, or anything with horns, is considered sacrilegious. A sacrificed creature is eaten by the congregation, as a sign of respect.

Along with the regular hunting practices, horned beasts are ritually hunted to eliminate Tzu’s influence from the world. When such a beast, like a moose or an elk, are felled, their bodies must be disrespected according to very specific doctrine. For example, you cannot burn that body, nor can you eat it or throw it into the sea or leave it to rot. Feeding it to beasts is acceptable, but then you cannot eat those beasts for at least two weeks, and you must cast the remaining horns into the tundra to be forgotten.

#### Hedecon

The Hedecon, so named for Hedemon, is the holy scripture of the Nostolonian religion and details traditions, stories, and sacraments passed down through the ages. Despite the centrality of this text to the faith, most of the stories reflect an older form of the pantheon and indicate that the faith has drifted somewhat in the eons since its origin. The most detailed myth is the apocalypse myth, describing a time at the end of days when Svuli floods the world and extinguishes all flames, ending Tzu. The Hedecon does not offer an explanation for where the deities come from, only that they simply are.

Most Grand Speakers have edited, revised, or added to the Hedecon throughout history, each reflecting that Grand Speaker’s own views and thoughts on the faith. The most recent edition is always the one taught from in churches, but some historians use collections of Hedecons to outline a history of the nation.

### Social Beliefs

There are many unique beliefs that the people of Nostolus hold.

#### Death

It is believed that, upon death, the soul goes to Svuli, and the body is simply left behind. Rather than a funeral, those who mourn the deceased instead trek across the northern snowfields to the coast, and make an offering to the Merfolk there, who often offer their condolences for the grievers.

#### Undeath and Necromancy

Undeath is respected, rather than feared, in Nostolus. Necromancy is practiced relatively often in Nostolus, though not any more often than other forms of magic. That being said, Nostolonian still recognize how dangerous undead can be, but treat most as one might treat a large predator species, rather than a kind of monster. For sapient undead, they largely consider them as people, though still recognize the potential threat they may pose.

The Hedemon Zoo, however, hosts a large number of (non-sapient) undead in its exhibits. The head zookeeper is a particularly friendly lich.

#### Phantasmal Magic

Memory and emotion manipulation, while still a taboo and crime to perform on an unwilling subject, is a form of magic, and is therefore still taught and practiced in Nostolus.

#### Xenophobia

Most Nostolonians are, even to a small degree, distrustful of outsiders and their cultures. While accepting any and all races, their orthodox tendencies and comparably esoteric beliefs usually create a rift between them and foreigners (the few that sneak into their country in the first place).

### Cultural Positions

Certain occupations and positions are highly-regarded in Nostolus, due to their religious beliefs.

#### The Keepers of the Gate

The Knights of Nostolus. While the general population of Nostolus are all trained in combat, the Keepers of the Gate are their top-of-the-line fighters, well-practiced in magic, especially elemental magic and aspects of soul magic. Ruthless in combat, the Keepers of the Gate use every form of magic available to them. Many Keepers of the Gate are Warlocks, though most are not; additionally, some Keepers of the Gate are Rune Knights, though they are rarer as essence manipulation is not common in Nostolus. Paragons are few and far between in Nostolus, particularly due to their connotations with Kuragma and the element of fire.

Historically, the Keepers of the Gate guarded a portal to the Abyss in Nostolus from demons, though recent events have left many Keepers unoccupied. As such, many now roam the lands of Orelisle in small groups known as “Brills,” which seek to keep the faith in various ways. Some go around teaching magic to those of other nations; many keep to themselves and go about learning more about magic; and some actively seek out and attack demons, minotaurs, and other horned beings, regardless of the legality.

## Cities, Towns, and Villages

### Hedemon

Describe the capital city, if relevant, as well as notable features of this city. Where it is, what it specializes in, any particularly noteworthy structures, like castles, keeps, and defensive fortifications, as well as any other major historical buildings or locations within the city. A population count may also help, as well as if the population differs from the rest of the country.

### Trading Post

A town known simply as “Trading Post” on the South-West border of Nostolus; the town is sparsely populated. Trading Post acts as the sole trading town of Nostolus, as well as the sole point of contact with the outside world, as outsiders are strictly forbidden from venturing further into the country. Most traders stay for the night, stock up on supplies, and turn back to the trade route out of the country.

Trading Post is also the sole town outside of the Gate.

## Alliances

### K’vesten

As K’vesten is believed to be the chosen people of Demosvei, the people of Nostolus will come to their aid if requested.

## Enemy Countries

### Kuragma

Being composed mostly of Minotaurs with an army called “The Silver Horn”, Kuragma was already distrusted and hated by Nostolus; however, following the Fel Invasion and Kuragma’s Invasion of K’vesten, Nostolus is now actively hostile towards the Silver Horn.

### Narak

Due to their cultural beliefs surrounding Demons, Nostolus is hostile towards Narak and demons in general, though have no intentions of declaring war.

## Further Information

* Fel Demon
* Fel Magic
* K'Vesten
* Kuragma
* Narak
* Silver Horn