Nofkort

**Nofkort** is a country in the northern sea of the Known World. It is home to the Nofkorti peoples, who live under a parliamentary system with a ceremonial head of state.

## **Etymology**

Nofkort is a combination of the Old Fenizian words of NOFUZ (meaning white) and KORTUX (meaning judgement).

## **History**

Nofkort was first colonised by Fenize during its occupation of Grand Pridain and was used mostly as a prison camp for dissentors both within and outside of its ranks. Prisoners were forced to mine the frozen wastes for precious metals to be used in the expansion of the empire. After the collapse of the Fenizian empire the camps were abandoned and the officials and troops posted there fled, leaving behind much of the infrastructure they had built. The prisoners who were abandoned in the frozen land quickly established their own hierarchies and set about creating permenant settlements.

Around the time of the Crowning of Pridain Nofkort was in the grips of a civil war between monarchistic ideals and republican ideals of which the republic won, establishing an electoral system with which to govern. This victory was secured by the first wide spread use of firearms in the Known World.

In recent years Nofkort's relationship with its closest neighbour, Pridain, has been strained due to the monarchy's increasing grip over the empire and a vague feeling of dread relating to a possible colonisation of their land in the future.

## **Geography**

Nofkort is a frigid land of steppes and frozen wastes. It is scattered with mountains that the nation mines for ores. The southern stretches of the country are the greenest and most populated. The northern areas on the other hand are hostile and frosty, filled with unending blizzards and deadly creatures desperate for their next meal.

## **Politics**

Nofkort is a republic with a ceremonial head of state. Politicians are elected to their seats by popular vote.

## **Culture**

### **Religion**

Nofkort is a strictly secular society. While some private religious practice is allowed any show of public religiousity is punishable by law. As such there are no established churches or temples of any kind within Nofkort.

### **Economy**

Compared to Pridain Nofkort is a relatively poor country, with the wealth disparity between high and low classes being much smaller too. Their main exports are the metals and precious gems pulled from their mines and the sale of their firearms and related tech to other nations. Nofkort also has a large mercenary force that it hires out to nations who seek their superior mechanation.

### **Technology**

Nofkort is one of the most mechanised nations in the Known World and accepts styles of technology and mechanisation that many other nations shun. Their use of firearms is well known throughout the world but they also produce mechanical vehicles and automated systems for homes and businesses that do not rely on magic in the slightest.

The modern firearm was created in Nofkort during their founding civil war and is a symbol of pride for many Nofkorti people. Almost every adultcarries some kind of firearm with them when they are out and about. These are usually merely for show and in civil areas they are an accessory and nothing more. Due to Nofkort's general egalitarian nature crimes involving firearms are relatively rare compared to their widespread use.

### **Magic**

The esoteric and arcane is shunned in Nofkort, for the most part, and its relationship to daily life is negligable. The teaching of magic is banned due to its perceived connections to unknown realms and its anti-humanist agenda. However, those born sorcerous are still allowed to practice their innate skills in war and combat and usually find work in the harsh and wild northern-most areas of the land where wild monsters roam and threaten life.

## **Known Nofkorti**

### **Razbud** **Persughof**

The ambassador to Nofkort in Pridain. He resides in Fowkverton with his family, including his daughter **Byodya Persughof** (Bea Persughof).