Ostora

Ostora is one of the independent countries of Dawnforge. Currently it is believed to be the wealthiest land in the continent and one of the more wonderous realms. It is prized for its abundance of natural resources, its refined culture and society known for its nobility and chivalry.

For hundreds of years Ostora was an independent kingdom, comprised of merchant-nations, until the Great Unification Decree by the Mad King Jaret ir'Sasmael.

With the wounds of the Four-Crown War still fresh in Ostoran memory, they have slowly receeded back to their independence seeing as no standing army in Dawnforge can stop them. They maintain a high level of autonomy as their army is among the mightiest.

Ostorans value many things, but chief among them is their knightly pride and ability to take many conflicts in great stride, as all invasions are broken upon the shield of Ostora's many knightly orders.

Ostora is known for its noble knights, monster-filled mountains and a drunken, jovial way of life.

## Geography

From the rocky mountains once host to volcanoes to the beautiful beaches and rolling vineyards, Ostora is a massive and diverse land. The northerly and westerly lands are host to rocky mountains, lakes and rivers which hide caves and caverns.

The interior lands contain rugged hills, fertile fields and forests with broad, sloping leaves. The coast is famous for its bright and colourful natural life and people, where sparkling rivers run to the sea.

## Government

Ostora was founded as a monarchy and seeks to remain that way. It is currently ruled by the High Marshall Lorian d'Vaarqis.

Ostora has a reputation of its nobles being snobbish. This perception is usually derived from other members of the noble class who are most definitely jealous of Ostora's control over resources. Ostora is said to have as many as twenty noble houses, each hosting an order of knights or guild of knight-errants.

### Laws of the Kingdom

Ever since the Four-Crown War, Ostora has had strict entry rules that are as follows;

1. All persons entering Ostora must register with border/port officials.
2. Adventurers must acquire a charter before undertaking any operation as a group.
3. Harming dogs is forbidden.
4. Bow your head to nobility and royalty.
5. Knights of Ostora have the right to search anyone upon request.
6. Hunting on private land is forbidden.
7. To insult the High Marshall is to call upon the wrath of every Knight's honour.
8. To insult the Way of Light is to call upon the wrath of every Ostoran.
9. Necromancy is forbidden.
10. Worship no idolatry other than the Way of Light.

## History

Once a coalition of mercenaries who were offered lands in exchange for work, the new Ostoran nobility acquired a taste for conquering. They declared themselves a new territory and have forever been seeking further and further delights.

## Trade

Ostoran exports include; mercenaries, swords, ships, wine, grapes, plums, silver, dyes, fabrics, musical instruments, hats and spices.

Ostoran ships are known as caravels and caraccas which are famous for their speed and durability.

Ostoran smiths are regarded for being the only to make greatswords such as the estoc, flamberge and zweihander.

## Locations

### Towns and Cities

* Cassardis - Largest town in Laetizia.
* Doralle
* Feolen
* Jynesse - Border town between Ostora and Aldwynn. The town is built by a waterfall where they catch some of the finest tasting fish in the continent.
* Lyria - Major port and trading city, largest town in Rioja and acclaimed to be the capital of all Ostora.
* Maribor - Largest town in Valetta.
* Milandias
* Nivoire - A city in central Ostora in the duchy of Anziotte, it is a picturesque city of knights and wizards, studying the ways of combat.
* Oqimento
* Ozia - Largest town in Gulet, chained and hovering above the Stray Citadel.
* Saraign
* Stackspear - Mountainous town of half-dwarves where it is built on stilts to prevent collapse from the waves of earthquakes. The mine makes this place a target for bandits and a reclusive white dragon.
* Vercuzo

### States

* Anziotte
* Gulet - A rocky region squeezed between mountains Dolnares and Sorimor.
* Laetizia
* Rioja - A coastal region that elbows against Laetizia. Infamous for its dandies, shipbuilders and privateers.
* Valetta

### Places of Import

* The Stray Citadel of Gulet
* Windhand Valley

## Inhabitants

### Ostorans

Ostorans enjoy a warmer climate while they practice a much more sedated set of culture and customs than most other Dawnforgers. They have thinner, more pointed noses, thin lips, rectangular and oval face shapes. Their eyes are round or almond shaped with deep-set eyes and moderately strong brows. Their skin is typically a fair to light tan, and their hair can range from blonde, red, brown and black with wavy, straight or curly textures. Their eyes can be blue, green, hazel, gray, violet or brown.

### Factions

* The Frermas mes Canc Suolia - The Brotherhood of the Five Suns, a knighthood loyal to the collective will of the five ducs
* The Paladini - Holy protectors of the most important families in Ostora.
* The University of Ozia - A college of bards learned of the Stray Citadel of Gulet.

### Notable Inhabitants

* Casrada d'Berranzi - Lady Ambassador of the University of Ozia
* Doctor Anni de la Irrocia - Famous engineer and journalist
* High Marshall Lorian d'Vaarqis

## Culture

### Society

Ostorans make their own tradition, ignoring the ways of the old Drachen. They believe in generosity, wisdom, honour and courage. They are also believe in the power of a family's legacy.

Ostorans have an attachment to their wine, as they grow the finest plums and apples in the West. Ostoran nobility make their gold from their political games and merchant expeditions, while Ostoran knights exist in a state of perennial drunkenness and unchanging reckless joy. Many knightly Ostorans are much more attached to their codes of chivalry and courage, often to an absurd level.

One can always recognise an Ostoran masterless knight from their gaudy garb and greatswords. These same mercenaries are known for their exploits across the world, often appearing in legends and histories of other nations. Of course many tales can be exaggerated, but many that sound this way are not.

The major difference between them and many other human realms is their attachment to the ocean and the joy of meeting and intertwining with new cultures and peoples. Many of them are merchants, sailors, property owners and vintners.

### The Grand Game

The grand game refers to the perpetual competition for influence, wealth and esteem among the nobility of Ostora. Every Ostoran of noble birth is subject to this manipulation, with the ultimate goal being prestige, reputation and patronage. The rules of the game are as simple as anything goes as long as you can get away with the crime.