Bellum

## Ruler or ruling Faction

King Regent Adementos Belarian; deals with affairs of the military

Crowned King Karanos Belarian; Deals with the affairs of the People

Arbiter of the throne: Liljana Theria Belarian (former if needed for story)

Other Royal Family Members: General Demnos, General Matej, Palace Head Security Krasomila, The Head of the Royal Intelligence Zlatica

### CULTURE

Bordering Peregrande on its entire north border, Bellum has cultivated a society where they are able to hold off the border skirmishes. They fiercely protect the border, one thing that no matter the walk of life that they follow, all agree on.

They have Amicable relations with Iceberg and the border with them they do send supplies through the passes there into the icy country, helping the tribes there.

The entire country, at first glance is a warm desert with many different Oasis's dotting it, however, the very center of the country is a thriving farm land that is maintained by the green mages that call the country home. It is violently protected from wild animals...and anyone that thinks that they will attempt to take what is there.

Their Religion is vast, most following Thaulos, a Fire God that their elite force of ten Holy Warriors are all blessed by to varying Degrees.

Bellum is a highly aggressive country, both without and within, many things handled by combat. From each child being 'blooded' when they are fourteen and allowed more freedom emotionally and sexually to Marriage and sex. They are a people that run as hot as the fire magic that runs through most of their veins.

Marriage is a sacred thing to the people of Bellum. Courtship is a long process (or short, depending on the two involved) that starts with sparring, testing the physical strength of one another. The 'couple' (and the term is used loosely, as dating is for the most part casual) will fight, one of the two braiding their hair after a formal declaration of Courtship. The fight that transpires is one of dominance, but more as well. There are one of two outcomes: the braid is cut, or the 'challenger' is defeated, which can mean their death.

Like most formal rituals in Bellum, the end result can be Death, though the Defender of the Ritual need not kill them if they do not wish to; there is no shame in mercy of one's own people, only those that would betray the tenets of the Land. The people live their lives in a constant war for their borders and while they fear death, fear that loss, they do not let it hold them back.

## Sex,Emotions, Intimacy and Private Lives

Bellan people are very open with their emotions: if they don't like you, they will tell you. To your Face. Thus the reason for constant skirmishes within the country and at it's borders. They let their opinions be well known and while they can be loud, they know that sometimes, a Loud Voice can be Bravado.

Sexuality is not frowned upon in Bellum. While there is nothing like the Sudehpah order within the country, among general education, both mage and non-mage alike, intimacy, sex and safe practice is long taught from the age of 10 on. At 14, they go through a specialized combat rite, that on top of what is similar to an induction from Bosco (the shedding of virginity) is also their first Duel with Sharp Blades.

Prostitution is legal, in fact, there are pleasure houses in the cities, some that travel with the fighting units and these men and women are respected. Sexuality and Pleasure are not shunned in Bellum, but an accepted part of life.

Within the home, sex can happen anywhere, save the Bed. No one knows where the Tenant began, but it has been passed down, generation to generation. The Bed is a place for Rest, Passion can be shared anywhere else. Anywhere. It is not uncommon for Warriors coming out of skirmishes to not wait to get to tents to relieve the tension in their bodies.