Nepria

The Ruins of Tyr Kenath

## Background

Nepria is located to the west of Etria and is a relatively modern nation as well, but with slightly smaller cities and towns. It is ruled by Rowan Adriel, a king who is fairly well-liked. Because it is a landlocked nation, it relies on friendly status with Etria on the east and Tyderia to the west for trade. Needless to say, it means that historically, Nepria has been a staunch ally of Etria. Also, being a more inland country, it relies heavily on agriculture and cattle. Also, the land is abundant with wild horses, and Neprian steeds are prized throughout the continent as reliable and stalwart mounts. Additionally, the center of the Source church, the High Temple is located in Belen, the capital of Nepria. Some consider Nepria a pawn of Etria, but that is a source of contention if ever mentioned inside to a Neprian citizen. They have constant political and military tension with their neighbor, Messan, who would jump at the chance to have the plethora of natural resources that this country has.

## Geography

Nepria's geography is varied and similar to Etria's although it has a greater amount of plains and grasslands naturally suited to livestock and horses. The soil is especially rich and crops seem to almost sprout of their own accord. It has rolling hills and plains with some hilly and mountainous terrain to the north and marshes and wetlands to the west. It is a little warmer in most of Nepria except for the western border where many lakes dot the border with Togrea.

## Government

Nepria is ruled by Rowan Adriel. He is fairly popular with his people and known to be a just ruler. He can be a little obsequious in matters dealing with Etria since much of their livelihood relies on good relations with them. There are some amongst the nobility in Nepria that feel that this is the wrong tactic and that Etria also benefits from trade through the Inner Sea. They have a Council of Lords similar to that of Etria's and some on that council feel the same way.

## Economy

Nepria is a more agrarian society with lush meadows of crops and even flowers that are sold and traded in both Tyderia and Etria. The land is very fertile and some of the highest quality food stuffs come from Nepria. Neprian grains are rich in flavor and used for all manner of cooking and baking. The rich soil makes it easy and allows farmers to grow a wide variety of crops, often rotating them through the seasons. They are also large cultivators of livestock and cattle. They are most famous for their horses. Neprian horses are fine animals with strong constitutions and steady temperaments. They are experts in breeding a variety of different types of horses such as large muscular breeds that are strong workhorses and fast and light racing horses. They are most famous for their warhorses that range from light-weight scouting steeds to heavy-weight breeds that can be armored and remain steady in battle. What is often overlooked, however, is the fact that the Neprians are particularly adept at raising these horses. Therefore, their services are also valued commodities among the wise.

## Defenses

Nepria has a large and competent standing army and no navy. Due to their smaller size as a country, all young men at the age of 20 summers must spend two years in obligatory military service. They are best known for their cavalry, which are considered a valued force-multiplier. Theirs is a horse culture where all men are trained to ride at an early age. Within the ranks of the cavalry the Neprian Lancers are the most courageous and skilled. They are taken from the best riders and are fearsome in combat.

## Notable Locations

### Belen

Located on the eastern border of the country, Belen is the capital of Nepria. Although not as influential a city as Summerwyn, housing the High Temple in its city limits makes it potentially a powerful subtle influence through all of Astar.

### Thousand Lakes

On the western border of Nepria, separating it from Togrea, lies a large number of lakes that are nicknamed the Thousand Lakes. Some are interconnected and are used for irrigation in that area. Many towns and villages have sprung along he shores of these lakes.

### Tyr Kenath

At the base of the Moonstone Mountains in northern Nepria east of Thousand Lakes is the ancient ruins of Tyr Kenath. Although it was once a magnificent city-state and stronghold, its ruins were the site of the final battle of the Demon War. History says that hundreds of years before the Demon War, the citizens fell into ruin due to their own hubris and greed. Once, a thriving and powerful city, they began to dabble in dark magic and excess to satisfy their every-growing desire for power. Legend has it that their black magic consumed the city but no one knows for certain. Many swear the ruins are haunted and most won't go within miles of the area. It is where Lothar launched his attacks on the Central Kingdoms from and where he, eventually, met his demise.