Hmoong Av

**Hmoong Av**, sometimes transcribed as **Hmoong Au**, **Khmon Au**, or (in Vozonid languages) **Khamon/Khômon Aulaz** or **Khônau(laz)**, is a large nation at central Esami, Jerde. It is located to the east of Zhang La and Kirticha; to the north of Pju; and to the west of Daizhou.

## Flag and symbols

Hmoong Av's flag is red with a white canton at the centre. At the four corners are tridents: they represent courage and the favour of the sky god Huab Tais Xi Va (Shiva). Sometimes a golden sun is placed at the centre of the canton, and sometimes a golden bird flies towards its right.

## History

Hmoong Av was founded by the royal court of the ancient warlord Txiv Yawg, after his defeat and their expulsion from their ancestral homeland. At some point in its history, its culture was influenced by Prisapuran merchants and ascetics.

Like Rukania, Tirkiatlor, Prisapura, and Daizhou, Hmoong Av has become a part of Gauvajut and Vozonid folklore, depicted as an exotic land in the Far West known for its medicinal herbs, vast forests, and white marble cities and temples.

During the Fifteenth Age, Hmoong Av had one of the earliest republican governments on Esami, aside from the earlier ganapadas of Prisapura. This country was smaller than its modern descendant and was divided between the Green Realm and the Black Realm, after the flags used by both countries. The Green Realm lost much of its northern marches to Tuksharan expeditions, so it sought the help of the Iozaean Empire. Ever since, both nations exchanged technology with each other.

## Geography

The country is shaped like a downward crescent. Much of this landlocked nation consists of mountainous forests.

* Nrongg Dawb (capital) - the White City, named because of its stone buildings and stupas.
* Hlen Yimd - northeastern city
* Los Nag Mountains
* Yos Lag - southern city
* Yuam Kem Lawm Mountains

## Government

Hmoong Av is a republic ruled by a president.

## Military

Hmoong Auvian soldiers wear white armour with blue or red stripes, and use plasma-based weaponry.

Hmoong Av is one of the last countries to continue using mechas, due to the mountainous terrain of the country making it unsuitable for flying tanks.

## Economy

Its main industries include agriculture, mining, tourism, and railroads.

## Culture

The Hmoong of their country are known as "Southern Hmoong", and many of them speak more unified dialects. Those living north of them, the "Northern Hmoong", are scattered between Zhang La and western Daizhou, and have become more diverse due to geographical separation.

People from Hmoong Av should be referred to as "Hmoong Choneng", and anything related to this country should be known as "Hmoong Zonli". They are also known as "Hmoong Auvian".

A popular haven for backpackers who enjoy its mountain forests, its highways, and its beautiful stone houses and tea.

## Religion

Mostly Theravada Buddhist, with minorities of worshippers of native gods, atheists, and Sandharmins (Hindus) of native descent. Nonetheless, Sandharmin customs have heavily influenced southern Hmoong culture like its neighbours, and many Sandharmin Hmoong Choneng venerate Shiva and Kali as their protectors.

The most popular deities in Hmoong Av are Dab Xwm Kab and Yaj Yuam: they are often associated with Vishvakarman and Revanta (Vi Xob Kham and Zev Vanb Da), the Sandharma gods of craftspeople and hunting. Another local deity is Maung Po Tu (Mau Phob Thus), one of the thirty-seven high nat of the Pju religion: in Hmoong Av, he is considered as the herald of Dab Xwm Kab and the bringer of good fortune. When people are in danger, they may invoke Shiva (Huab Tais Xi Va) and Kali (Niam Huab Tais Kha Li) for their aid.

## Diplomatic relations

### Pju

Pju is considered to be Hmoong Av's closest friend, if not a "brother nation". They even syncretise each others' gods.

It is the only nation whose borders are open to Hmoong Av.

### Siangwaan

In the olden days, the emperors and presidents of Siangwaan used to trade with Hmoong Av. When Siangwaan defeated the Thralondian oppressors and regained its independence, the Hmoong Choneng sent diplomats to reestablish relations with that country. They also suggested to remove the words "Sam Miao" from being used to refer to dangerous peoples and barbarians.

### Porashon

The Porasonids traded technology and energy fuel with the Hmoong Choneng, helping them defend themselves from invaders. In return, the Hmoong Choneng provided construction materials and Sandharmin scriptures to their Porasonid allies.

### Tukshara

Hmoong Av has a grudging relationship with Tukshara. They are at peace, but the Hmoong Auvians dislike the Tuksharans as entitled snobs. While its ancestors' two republics managed to resist the Tuksharan Empire, much of the western republic was lost to Tuksharan rule.

### Iozae

The Iozaeans and Hmoong Auvians are known for exchanging technology with each other, allowing both countries to resist many foreign invasions.

### Vozolaz

In Vozonid and Gauvajut world maps and legends, Hmoong Au was known as the Land of Marble due to its impressive architecture.

## Trivia

* Hmoong Av is based on the Hmong people.
* Their conversion to Hinduism (Sandharma) may be based on the histories of the Kirati and Ahom peoples, and a writing system for the Hmong language influenced by Pallava.
	+ The white stone cities and architecture in Hmoong Av may be inspired by Buddhist temples in Thailand.