Everzyn

## Notable Locations

Religion: Tresceia/Eth-a Ghul

Government Body: An oligarchy ruled by the rich and powerful, whose interests align-- however loosely-- enough to instill in each a vested interest in preserving the state. In practice, the Freefolk of the strait exert an inordinate amount of control over the governance of Everzyn, having secured power over many politicians through threats and bribery.

Geography: Everzyn encompasses two distinct landmasses on either side of the strait that bisects the nation: The more developed mainland and the wild outer territories. While the mainland consists of hills and light forests which exist in a perpetual state of autumn, the outer provinces are jagged and rocky, extending from the sea to the very foot of the mountains and walls of Alanach towering far above. Several smaller islands are counted among the outer provinces, though they are of little use except as harbors or fortifications.

Notable Places:

* The capital city of Gaveroe, situated along the mainland shores of the strait. The terraces and harbors of the city are sturdy and well-kept, and vessels of all stripes anchor there at any given time. Beyond the docks, merchants hawk their wares from stalls lining the winding streets and inns maintain roaring fires. Further into the darkened alleys, criminal circles gather and see to their devious business with little fear of reprisal from the authorities;
* Across the strait, a massive series of walls along a range of mountains marks the border of Alanach. Though impossible to cross, the border is something of a curiosity for locals and visitors alike: Only Syldor’s Cold Gate affords a more direct view of the insular nation;
* Past the western edge of the mainland lies Soutley Island, a rocky landmass that acts as an uneasy no man’s land divided between the nation’s mainland and Freefolk inhabitants. The island is an erratic patchwork of fortifications, harbors, and smugglers’ caves where– for the moment– each faction is content to leave the other to their own devices. Soutley Island is of particular importance to the Freefolk, who use its proximity to Ghul Inira to harass merchant vessels bound for the safety of Ghul Inan harbors;
* The northern landmass across the strait houses the nation’s Freefolk; pirates, marauders, and thieves who extort and bribe their way into positions of prominence on the mainland. The Freefolk maintain their own small settlements and fleets, which they use to wreak havoc along the continent’s western coast, threatening any merchant foolhardy enough to take to the sea.

Commerce and Crime: Corruption runs deep in Everzyn. Though the mainland is developed and generally peaceful, the outer provinces are dominated by the Freefolk, a loose confederation of thieves and pirates who raid ships travelling up the coast as far as Yueh-Rautha. Despite this, the Freefolk-- and the nation as a whole by extension-- enjoy generally favorable relations with the Empire of Asteveil, having reached a mutually beneficial arrangement some time past. Resulting from the illicit activities of the Freefolk and the mainland politicians who enable them, Everians are regarded poorly by foreigners, having garnered a reputation as liars and thieves. Despite this, life within their own borders is comfortable enough, though not without its difficulties.