Naros

## General Information

The Narosi are trademarked by dark skin, dark hair (often dyed with streaks of paler colour by the upper class) and very pale or colourful eyes. They also tend to bear colourful tattoos.

### Geography

Due to being an archipelago, the island has several major islands. Though usually very warm, climate can vary dramatically from island to island. The entire area is known as 'The Dazzling Sea'.

#### Quin-Shan (The True Capital)

The largest island, it is densely populated (est 1.5 million souls) despite the southern half being mostly jungle. Contains two volcanoes; Mt Ikamari, smaller and active, and Mt Jeon, the largest in all of Naros and dormant.

#### Xin-Wei and Xin-Wi

Also known as the Hanju Isles or the Twin Sisters, these are two very narrow islands that almost intertwine. Both are very flat but incredibly fertile and are known for their fishing as they are the home to the rare Shimmering Sun Koi which is a rare delicacy.

#### Yakuzawa Isles

A group of fourteen small islands where a number of small clans reside. It is on the edge of the nation so is considered a defensive line with many military postings there. It also has a strong Lacer presence with many bloodlines tracing back to this region. This is especially true for Water Lacers who travel to the ancient Wave Keeper temple here to learn the most prestigious forms.

#### Xynar Isles

The second largest island chain, this one is incredibly arid and mountainous. Despite having a low population, it draws many scholars and researchers due to having a large number of incredibly ancient ruins dating back to the age of gods. It is also considered the spiritual home of Earth Lacers.

#### Casia Isles

This series of small islands circle around Mt Qutong which is one of the highest peaks within the entire archipelago. Atop it is a temple that is central to the Air Lacing tradition.

#### Xianyan

The third largest island, it is home to numerous small and very active volcanos. It is home to both most Fire Lacers but also a lot of steel production.

### Important Settlements

#### Kairis

The financial capital, located on Quin-Shan.

#### Kishimi

The cultural capital and home to the Imperial Palace, located on Quin-Shan.

#### Dahairu

Second major port of Naros, located on Xin-Wei.

#### Tampo

A safe haven and pacifistic city with a no weapons policy located on Xin-Wi.

#### Orvi

Known for its gem cutting and stone masons, located on one of the Xynar Isles.

#### Miyatori

A super fortified city with magical anti-lava protections, it is home to the academy for Lava Lacing. Located on Xianyan.

## History

Founded in 432ED by Tyresian colonists during an expansionist phase. With a strong navy, it grew from a feudal, caste based culture that it has managed to cling on to. The emperor is elected from the highest castes, they rule for life though is nothing more than a figurehead. The expansive civil service runs most of the country, they are elected from and by the warrior, mage and civil servant castes.

## Modern History

Despite hiding it for some time in recent years, the Narosi have come forward about their strange elemental magic known as Lacing. It is combined with marital arts and involves the manipulation and control of the elements through techniques that do not belong to Natural, Divine or Arcane magics and is instead theorised to be some developed spiritual connection to the world around them. Though many people have travelled to the island to study it, no outsider has been capable of accurately recreating it. While there has been some success with certain spiritual individuals, the techniques these copiers perform only achieve the same basic results on the outlook while the very basis of the two techniques are fundamentally different. It is believed that only Narosi natives are capable of learning Lacing.

## Foreign Relations

Narosi steel is considered the best in the world and they are famed for their weapon crafting. Despite the low class of merchants, there is a great amount of trade flooding in and out of the country thanks to this industry.