Dalecaria

The Republic of Dalecaria (Dal-uh-kar-ee-uh) is the smallest of the three nations of Stravica, occupying the northernmost part of the continent. Despite its size, however, it bears a rich history and is a focal point for trade in its region.

## Geography

The northernmost region of Stravica, with a generally tropical climate.

The Pillar of Naxari is a calm but active volcano (similar to Kilauea, but with a much higher prominence) resting in the middle of Ixtari Bay. Surrounding the bay are the Pexcoya Fields and the Boiling Vents (a thin strand of hot springs), with Zorion’s Branch, the island of Sen Matxin, and the temperate forest of Baldakia to the north, and the Deabru Dunes on the western shore.

The Moxtra Jungle lies to the south in the Halletar Valley, cut off from Leshedon to the south by a set of imposing cliffs known as High Halletar. Smaller rivers crisscross throughout much of Dalokaira, allowing for faster travel between cities and towns via skiffs. These smaller rivers branch off from the Springheart and Karaval Rivers, which flow in from Leshedon.

## Food

Because much of the land in Dalecaria is not suitable for farming, dishes in this nation are mainly derived from ingredients found naturally in the ocean (such as fish and seaweed) or the Moxtra Jungle, using wild grain such as rice for sides. A lot of Dalecarian dishes are influenced by other regions around Soleras, however, thanks to its diverse communities, and one can find all sorts of restaurants in and around Eldarport that cater to a wide variety of palates.

## Music

As with its food, Dalecaria’s music is also varied, but primarily light and hopeful, with cheerful string instruments or percussion and joyful, vibrant, or exciting tones. Lyrics typically involve discovery (of either the world or the self), perseverance, and optimism. Within Eldarport, there are all sorts of performers that attempt to either fit into or break this mold.

## Architecture

### Eldarport

Eldarport is perhaps best known for its unique historical buildings, most of which are composed entirely (or at least partially) of disused and decommissioned wood ships, left over from the first wave of settlers that arrived in Stravica many centuries ago. These ships were treated with a unique preservation process that gives the wood extra resilience, protecting it from all sorts of threats such as fire (except the magic variety), extreme weather and degradation.

As Eldarport expanded over the years, it became apparent that space would be an issue in constructing new buildings - especially due to the sparse resources of the region, as few stone quarries could be located and harvesting lumber from the Jungle proved to be much more dangerous than expected. As a result, citizens developed the creative idea of simply adding onto the existing structures. This resulted in an unusual complex of intertwining wooden walkways, bridges, and stairs throughout the inner section of Eldarport, connecting to buildings as tall as five stories.

This trend of construction did not last forever, though - after only 10 years, the method was abandoned after a 4 story building suddenly collapsed due to zoning errors, causing several deaths and costly damage to several nearby structures. Newer buildings in Eldarport are composed of a mixture of lumber and stone, brought in from Karavokrin and Leshedon respectively. Most of these buildings don’t surpass 3 stories, though there are a few towers that go as high as 7.

### New Eldarport

New Eldarport is the only city in Dalecaria whose buildings are primarily composed of stone. Because the construction of New Eldarport was funded by all three nations of Stravica, the quality of architecture compared to the old city is much higher, consisting of smooth white or gray mason work, and the streets are typically well-lit compared to other cities. Since this is a newer city, many parts are still under construction.

### Greater Dalokaira

Other buildings in Dalecaria are constructed in a similar fashion to Eldarport, though towns further inland are forced to make cautious use of material harvested from the Moxtra Jungle, rather than hauling ship refuse all the way from the ocean; they also make use of the landscape itself. Sen Matxin Institute, for example, was carved into the face of a cliff. Very few towers exist outside of the capital, and those that do are no more than 5 stories.

## Art

Dalecarians love to tell stories - coming from all walks of life, there’s never a shortage of tales of strife, danger, heroism, and adventure. Dalecarian artwork reflects this to a major degree, often focusing on entire scenes. Older works usually focused on the sea in some way, depicting voyages, storms, and fierce battles. Chiaroscuro is heavily employed for more dramatic and often historical scenes. Portraits, while not uncommon, are not quite as popular, usually only desired by wealthier classes.

Many paintings are done on wood canvases, directly applying oils to specially treated wood that prevents the quality from degrading over time. Woodcut is also popular, especially with the middle and lower classes looking for affordable artwork.

## Faith & Beliefs

Dalecaria is host to many followers of innumerable faiths, ranging from the worship of the Soleran gods, to Eilek-Ar, to shamanism and all in between. Finding churches, temples, and altars to worship at is not a difficult feat.

However, many Dalecarians (especially the ones residing in Eldarport) collectively hold superstitions regarding the Pillar of Naxari (nuh-SHAR-ee), the supposedly dormant volcano residing in the middle of Ixtari Sound.

The one that holds the most weight is the apparent sanctity of the mount - all are forbidden from climbing it. One could build near the base (provided they don’t extract material from the land around), but scaling the Pillar is said to risk the very existence of Stravica, potentially leading to plagues, famine, war, or even another catastrophic eruption (despite the reassuring of Sen Matxin scholars that the latter is very unlikely). In addition, the scent of ash and soot is considered normal, but if one smells sulfur, misfortune is said to follow quickly thereafter.

If a ship sails around the Pillar, it must complete its path and not turn around, or risk capsizing out at sea. Calling the Pillar a “volcano” is taboo, despite the fact that it is, indeed, classified as one.

The myriad, esoteric, and sometimes novel superstitions regarding the Pillar eventually led to a yearly summer festival in Eldarport, dedicated to celebrating the history and peoples of Dalecaria - as the festival grew more popular with people from the southern nations, it gradually morphed into a celebration of Stravican cultures in general, and became a major proponent of unification within the continent.

Travelers are also very strongly discouraged from leaving the main paths of the Moxtra Jungle, which were placed many centuries ago by the first explorers to reach what is now Leshedon. These roads are considered to either be blessed by the gods or simply have good fortune (depending on who you ask), but regardless, it is commonly held that the Jungle is a separate force all on its own, and to disrupt that force would spell disaster for a party. As long as you stick to the main roads, however, you will be (mostly) fine.

As nautical folk, the Confederations are very superstitious, and will often try to dissuade others from breaking taboo for fear of putting Dalecaria in jeopardy.