Souttenska

# Kingdom of Souttenska

## Summary

Souttenska is a small kingdom located in the far South of Sabrim. It is notable for being the smallest nation on the map. The current leader is Güçik I (Güçik meaning "Sturdy"), formerly known by the traditional name "Metchska." It operates under a feudal monarchy with no elections.

## Flag

The Souttenskan flag is a red Vetch cross, a symbol of the peace of the Vetch people and the wind that guides them. Placed over a new Souttenskan black cross that symbolizes the dead, an aspect that is becoming more relevant in Souttenska following the Great Tragedy.

## History

Souttenskan history is tragic. It starts with the Vetch, a nomadic tribe once located in modern day Midastead. However due to following ancient religion, they listened to the Great Kütsi (religious head) who issued a prophecy fueled only by hatred for Midastead that said if the Vetch were to not leave their homes immediately to a new land, they would all be killed by Midastead. Therefore the Vetch built small boats to sail South in hopes of finding more frozen lands. However ship-building and sailing never were natural to the nomadic, land based Vetch. The Great Tragedy occured where around 65% of the Vetch were wiped out in a storm at sea. The survivors were scattered and only 5% made it to modern Souttenska. There Metchska took over as the tribe's leader. Disease hit a month in due to the cold and another fifty people were killed. That period goes down in Souttenskan history as the "Korkuwaq" or the "Fearful Times."

However it was not all bad, Metchska, now known as Güçik I was a strong leader. Infrastructure was built up, the population recovered and famines ended due to new rationing laws and farms. The "Тауlekeler Beyaz jae Kayder Gri" was complete (The boulder of the white mountains). This new fort also serves as a storage place for food. New underground tunnel networks were built to compact the already limited living space and to combat the cold.

## Cuisine

Souttenskan cuisine is usually bland due to a lack of access to spices and sweeteners.

1. Balaramici is the most common and the national dish of Souttenska. It consists of herbs like kelp and weeds baked over an open fire for an hour. They are salted and sit for 1 week in the cold outdoors to dry. Next, traditional Bal is prepared. 2 fish, usually cod are caught and lightly heated over a fire until warm, however it should keep the raw fish consistency. It is then served over the herbs for texture.
2. Another common Souttenskan dish is Köpei Et (Dog meat). Souttenskans love their hounds but unfortunately due to famines long ago during the days of Vetch nomadic tribes, dogs became food due to their size and caloric yield. Dogs also remain the only native land animal in Souttenska. The Köpei is salted and buried in permafrost for 3 months. By the time it is dug out the meat tends to be frozen solid. It is therefore put over a fire to soften the ice and meat. Next the meat is sliced into small circles while the bones are hollowed and used to make instruments like the Jetuf (a sort of flute). Next a fish tongue is prepared around each circle and cooked until fried. The final garnish is a fish tail, which is placed on top though usually not eaten and instead thrown to the hounds for good luck. The dog's coat is used to create carpets.