Inoniyas

The continent of Inoniyas has faced struggle countless times before. Here I will lay out it's history of it's people, which kingdoms have risen and fallen on this region, cultural norms, and ethnic groups present on the land.

## Mythos and Folklore

This only pertains to Folklore and Myths in relation to geographical features.

### The Creation of Inoniyas

Many in this region believe that Inoniyas was once a great monster, a hydra, with heads that lashed about and teeth so sharp and powerful they could kill you with one bite. Then there was a great hero, Inoniyas, who is said to have been borne of the sea. In some Velenian rendition it's said he is the son of Miros, the Istenek god of the sea. Many Xyloni (sea-blooded in this region) believe that he was an ancient Xylem king, coming to kill the monster that ravaged his lands. Historically speaking, if this story was true, the man would most likely be ancient Suyan but in most depictions he has more features you would find on Ionians than you would find on Suyans.

It is said this man, Inoniyas, faced the hydra and in an epic battle he prevailed. When he slayed the giant creature it fell, it's skull cracking to create headland island and crackjaw island. It's body created this landmass that would soon be called Inoniyas, in honor of the hero who'd slain the monster.

## Kingdoms

This does not include the longstanding tribes such as that of the Demacia and Fre'ord but keep in mind that these are not weak tribes. They are powerful and play a part in the history of Inoniyas just as much as these kingdoms do.

### The Ionian Kingdom

It was founded in the Age of Flame by the Abier tribe and others in order to protect themselves against the dragons, who were steadily spreading their power to the north. Together they were able to protect southern Inoniyas and eventually founded The Ionian Kingdom. Eventually their original ruling family, the Zhuk, was overthrown after the losses faced in the Crevarian-Ioni war and House Cecil rose to power. The Kingdom has great military might but faces struggle amongst it's people, with most peasants believing House Cecil should not rule over them.

### Kingdom of Crevaria

Also founded in the Age of Flame by tribes but was slower to truly develop until the Age of Kings came. As they built their kingdom the Ionian Kingdom claimed that they should have a truly united Inoniyas and began to march to Crevaria to try and conquer it and combine their kingdoms. With the great military might Crevaria built up in the years they were able to defeat Ionia. Some believe they achieved this feat through dealings with the undead as when the war ended they crowned a vampire as their King, he has been ruling for about 300 years.

### Kingdom of Zhay

The most recent Kingdom on this land, founded in the Age of Peace. This kingdom arose due to the distaste of the Cecil rulership, specifically that of Khalamon Cecil III. So the dwarven house, Rockfort, seceded from Ionia, taking half of their land with them. Not wanting to begin a war the king allowed them to do so but was humiliated in the process.

## Culture

Though culture varies depending on regions there is one thing that is certain. The people of Inoniyas are a proud sort, proud of their family names and proud of their people. When challenged they will never back down, most likely a belief they carried on with them even after they unified their tribes and created these extravagant kingdoms.

### Fashion

Because of the mining of minerals in the Nipaneau mountains, wearing metal on oneself is considered a showing of one's class. Royalty and noble landowners often wear mantle pieces or corsets with metal detailings. Dresses are often embroidered with metal thread, metal wire so thin it acts as thread. In recent fashion porcelain corsets have become quite popular, increasing Inoniyas trade with the Ettinish lands. Though jewelry is less common because of the extravagance of mantle pieces and corsets it is still worn, though earrings aren't worn very often.

Dresses are often low cut, showing off a lady's shoulders and sometimes her cleavage. Poorer women who can't afford corsets often wear low cut dresses with a simple metal waist chain to accentuate the hips. If these women have enough money they might embroider the edges of the dress. Very poor women will try and fashion similar dresses using cheaper materials such as burlap or wool.

More northward the inclusion lace is a prominent feature of most dresses and suits. Lace is a prominent feature of Crevarian culture involving fashion and has been a staple throughout it's history.

## Ethnicities

   Because of this region being a melting pot of various races there is quite a lot of variety of races, though it depends on which region you're in. Keep in mind that in the Ionian Census they count sea elves apart from sea-blooded in the elf category, which explains the high number. Also keep in mind the Crevaria does not provide information on it's population so it is also an estimate of sorts.

Goliaths are found mostly in the Nipaneau Mountains in the various tribes. Dwarves are also found there and in the newly made kingdom of Zhay. The increase of Tieflings came during the Age of Kings when the Crevarian-Ioni war struck, several soldiers and generals making dealings with devils and such.