Ulalic

The symbol of the Beasmasters of Ulalic.

> *"We are the Storm."*
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One of the most mysterious realms of the eastern continent, the folk of Ulalic are distrusted by all. This not just because of their desire to remain isolated from the outside world but for their odd ways of war. They are renowned among the Rénese for making beasts bend to their will, rendering the foes of Ulalic asunder.

## History

The founding of Ulalic is a complete mystery. It is speculated that the kingdom was formed by force and then consolidated by a ruling dynasty, one of the Rénese Huangdi classes. What is known is that many old scrolls and tomes depict the people of Ulalic as the enemy of the Rongese and Sevudia centuries past.

The only written sources tend to come for their opponents. And the earliest are from Sevudian point of perspective. The Ulalic are depicted by the Sevudians from the days of yore as nothing more than a federation of power-hungry tribes. But many don't entirely desire to rely upon the Sevudian literature as their sources, for in the opinion of the Sevudians: all are beneath them.

The earliest Rongese literature depicts the Ulalicans in a slightly better light. They state that the Ulalicans are heathens that have a strong sense of honour and will, using that to break the spirits of their many beasts. The constant honing of their skill to tame various dangerous creatures have allowed the Ulalicans to learn how to enact powerful psychological warfare. Yet, according to Rongese sources, the Ulalicans were unable to prevail in their conflicts due to the misguided faith they once had.

Rong's occupation would become a fact, with Ulalic being one of the first neighbouring realms to become subdued. The occupation was firmly resisted by the populace. But over the centuries, many have accepted the yoke of the Rongese overlords, whereas the Ulalican resistance has started to become desperate. And crueler by each passing year.

## Beasts of Ulalic

The military of Ulalic is pretty much Rénese at its core. Utilizing the Wei-Suo system, in which soldiers are meant to be self-sufficient in terms of supplies and training.  But what truly sets the armies of Ulalic apart is their mastery over beasts of war.

* Beastriders

One of the most notorious warriors of Ulalic are their beast riders. These gifted warriors have been subjugated to grim tasks and tests before they are allowed to attempt to tame a griffon. These mounts are bred for the sole purpose of war: their natural attributes being nothing more than a lethal weapon, meant to tear an adult man to shreds and strike fear in their enemy with their shrieks.

* Daughters of Ulalic

While resistance against Rong has started to diminish, there is still a strong desire for freedom and having the ability to make destiny their own. It is has become accepted for women to also start fighting alongside men, to the point that there remains little disdain for fighting women among the Ulalicans.

## Important Sites

#### Saigol

Located near the rugged Ulalican coast with the northern seas, Saigol served multiple purposes. It was once a centre of trade that allowed travellers from overseas to visit Ulalic. But it also served as a bastion to fend off raids of some unknown people. These days Saigol doesn't receive traders from overseas or has seen any raiding activities. A strong Rongese garrison has been established, but without much resistance, things have been peaceful in Saigol.

#### Tsenvi

A hub of produce and trade, Tsenvi was the second largest city within Ulalic. The people of Tsenvi prided themselves on having one of the largest temples of their ancient gods. This temple was ravaged and razed by the Rongese invaders, who have built a temple for the Chant on top of it. Despite this crime centuries ago, the residents still harbour an intense hatred for the large Rongese structure.

#### Ulalic

The capital after which the realm was named, Ulalic is where the rulers of old resided with their impressive beasts. Legend has it that each ruler of the city and kingdom would be able to call upon a massive gryhpon. But this legend has been nothing more than a disappointment since the occupation of Rong over the Ulalican people. With the diminishing ranks of Ulalican beastriders, the importance of Ulalic as a city is waning - threatening to become nothing more than a few footnotes in the history of Rong.

## Demographics

### Population

The populace is entirely formed by Rénese. Structured in the traditional Rénese classes and society, it has been allowed to continue its current ways - for as long as the realm pays their tribute to their Rongese overlords. The major difference with other Rénese societies is that women possess a larger amount of freedom in Ulalic. Being able to own shops and land, as being eligible to govern - if they have the capabilities to do so.

### Language

The Ulalic have only knowledge of Rénese as a language. They have a slight different accent than their neighbours. Their accent is usually described to be rougher and uglier by the Sevudians.

### Religion

Before the occupation of Rong, the Ulalican people worshipped the Lord of the Sky. This deity was supposedly their first ruler. But this worship would end upon the Rongese occupying the majority of the country. Nowadays, the majority of the populace has started to worship the Maker and follow the Chant.

## Political Structure

The Ulalican nobility tends to also be responsible for answering to the demands of their Rongese overlords. This has led them to become harsher on their subjects and even inspiring rivalries regarding who can please their Rongese overlord better.

Aside from that, the political sphere is further influenced by the various rich merchants. Despised by traditionalist factions and elements from the populace, many of these merchant families have managed to acquire power and wealth from dealing with the Rongese. There are rumours that some of these rich families have betrayed the realm, all to ensure that Rong would be victorious in occupying Ulalic.