Othari

Qorayal warrior, having reached adulthood.

## Misc.

### Magical Literacy

Either none, or if Gifted, extremely high. Magic practitioners were rare, and in a vast majority, could only harness one branch of elemental magic.

## Overview

The Othari hail from the region of Othari'xhuumal, translated literally to Home of the Breathing (or Othari, the Home, for short). They are a perseverant, intuitive collection of warriors, fisherfolk, and artists that find a seamless unity of the natural world's gifts and mortalkind's needs to create an oasis of progress.

Othari society sees itself in constant conflict due to its own interests, unable to decide on a path to development that can align with the entirety of its population. Its ruling class and vast majority, known unofficially as *qorayal* (translated roughly to the seeded, grounded, wisened) see the need to stick to their centuries-old traditions, finding a better result in a people appeased by the simplicity of their lives. Others, like the *Iya'xum,* or magic-blooded, see magic as the source of their potential, where the Gift is something to be used, rather than contained.

## Geography

### Natural World

Othari is home to a vast swathe of unclaimed land, mostly due to the treacherous nature its forested areas, the lengths of uncharted savanna, and rocky mountainous terrain. It has lost territory to the inability to maintain it, feuds with neighbouring territories, and its most recent secession from Ulyssan rule.

### Significant Locations

At its heart of the jungle of Baqahl with heavy downpours all year round, the waterbound citadel of J'sari stands tall and proud. Founded at the start of Othari rule, J'sari rests above the high ocean-facing cliffsides, using the many rivers that lead to the ocean as a source of power, sustenance and travel.

## Politics

### Government

Othari government is centered around the concept of egalitarian rule, where all voices should be heard. In practise, however, its system fails to provide an equal priority for issues, despite seven of the most prominent families acting as messengers and envoys for less powerful communities. Its Xelaar, or Council, acts as a centralised and all-powerful force, governing over the militarised forces of not just its capital, but all other cities, presiding over the Artisans' guild, and controlling all merchant markets.

Its system is pseudo-democratic with tinges of oligarchy, with consistent elections every eight years in which only certain citizens can participate in. Such citizens must demonstrate they are primarily affected by the decisions of their superiors and have contributed to the progress of Othari society, usually landowners of agriculturally primed land, those who possess fleets of fishing vessels, and the heads of sectors of commerce.

### Law

Othari rule has enacted a series of rules and laws that work on the basis of natural rights, centered on non-violence and pacifism. Its tenets hinge on safeguarding an individual's respect, their life, and the property they possess.

Othari society values the service of their citizens and the value it provides to their communities, and therefore, punitive service is not practised. Instead, a crime with enough severity is punished with imprisonment, public humiliation, or exile.

## Civilization

### History

#### **- Annexation to Ulyssa,** 2*E 2304*

The Othari find warring Ulyssa at their borders, marking the start of their first conflict in centuries. The Qorayal advise peaceful surrender in an attempt to minimise the cost of life, while the Iya'xun meet the Ulyssans head on several battles that would take place over several of the following seasons. Many Iya'xun are killed or heavily injured, far too outnumbered and unable to pierce Ulyssan defences. Any battles won leave their battlefields, usually small villages and ports, torn asunder due to the volatility of Othari magic and the kidnapping of Othari youth. After deliberations, the Othari Council decides on complete surrender.

#### **- Secession from Ulyssa,** *3E 456*

The nation of Othari take advantage of Ulyssa's Second Border War and use this moment to demand independence from their rule. The Imperial forces are insufficient to fight a war on two fronts, and the two nations agree to split without shedding blood.

#### **- Year of the Tides,** *3E 458*

Othari hosts a Council vote, commonly carried out every seven years, to elect (or re-elect) its seven heads of leadership. Emboldened by their recent independence, Iya'xun youth rally the people in favour of new beginnings. In an unprecedented turn of the tides, for the first time since its foundation, a magicblooded majority of the council is appointed, outnumbering their non-magical counterparts five to two.

#### **- The Age of Vitality,** *3E 458 - 789*

After their appointment, Othari civilization flourishes. Its capital city is revitalised with technology centered on water and nature magic, creating sources of expansive agricultural boom and an abundance of marine life. Over the years, J'sari triples in size, and new bastions of life are created around the coast of Othari territory. Natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes and typhoons become more common, usually only affecting civilised settlements. Iya'xun councilmembers deny their importance and attempt hide their consequences.

#### - **The** **Fall of Magic**, *3E 789*

Discontent over continued catastrophes drive the smallfolk of J'sari to take over the city by force, storming temples and imprisoning Iya'xun and their adjacents. Quroyal elders retake the Council Temple and precede over it unanimously. Democratic elections are prohibited.

#### - **Battle of the Bloody Roses**, *3E 1031*

For hundreds of years following the Fall, tensions between Othari and Ulyssa run high. Othari raid parties are sent into Ulyssan territory, previously Othari, staking claim on raw material and fertile land. Ulyssians wish for their surrender, and in a demand for reparations ask for subjugation. Following Othari declining, Ulyssian soldiers resume slaving practises on Othari outposts. In the year 1031, Ulyssa sends a large platoon, met by Othari forces en-masse. Both empires suffer a fatal blow to their numbers resulting in a bloody battle that "painted the flowers red". Neither empire formally surrenders nor declares peace, yet assails on either front stop following the battle.

### Appearance

Othari are usually a stocky people, with heights that ranged from barely under five feet to just under six. Their skin colour could vary from dark to light brown, and their typical features are broad with prominent noses. Their eye colour leans to the darker blacks, browns or even gray, with vibrant colours found in magicblooded people.

Their hair is coarse, darker, and naturally straight, with no special consideration on gender in regards to its length. Although it can be worn loosely, it is often braided with ribbons that match their attire. Hair on the face is considered unpleasant, but nature collaborated with art by endowing the men with only meager beards. Shaving was therefore the norm, and only old or distinguished elites wore beards, and these were at best thin and wispy.

Clothing is of utmost importance to the Othari people, due to their need for practical wear that can help with the humid climates, the ever-changing weather, and still remain fashionable and a mark of their social standing. Citizens are able to identify key elements of an individual's life through the clothing due to their elaborate weaving in of pictographic manuscripts that line the edges of their clothes.

As their main traditional clothes, the Othari commonwear, called 'zhuba' consists of loose-fitting robes and legwear, with long sleeves and a wider-than-usual waist, and its front is opened from the right side. The robe is made from woolen fabrics among farmers, and leather gathered through huntsmen, adorned with knotted cords. These robes can range in length, acting as simple tunics, or long dresses, with wide fronts and buttoned on the right side. Through the colder seasons, the collar, front edges, cuffs and/or the lower hem of the gown are mostly edged with fine and soft fur or colourful cloth.

As accessories or additions to their clothes, Othari people can be seen wearing short half-cloaks, sandals, veils or other facial coverings, long, shoulder-covering hats, or even ornate sashes. It is the norm to wear jewelry, and although it can be plain, the amount tends to be more than many other cultures. Bronze and gold necklaces, earrings for both men and women, and wristbands can be purchased throughout J'sari, while silver is usually reserved for the elites.

These garments are crucial to people of all social standings within the empire, ranging from the commoners, to merchantfolk, hunters, and the elites. Not only were the qualities of the materials used to denote social status but they were also used to mark significant events in one's life, such as marriage, births, or even death. They are marked with motifs denoting accomplishments, origins, traditions or values, used to symbolise a person's community, their identity, and their aspirations.

## Instruments of Progress

### Technology

Although magic has divided the culture and alienated many citizens, most use the fruits of its application unknowingly, through its vast piping systems, climate control and methods of protection against the dangers of the untamed land.

### Magic

Magic is both a blessing and a curse for the Othari, particularly due to how rare it is, and their stance of avoidance on magic. A gifted individual is respected and feared, for their history is troubled and catastrophe has struck due to its misuse. Magic is exceedingly rare, and mages are shunned and for who they are, always kept closely monitored in a sign of distrust. Although discrimination isn't rampant, strict guidelines are set for practitioners, where they are not allowed to use their magic in areas of dense traffic, public spaces, or when in presence of a high-ranking elite.

The most common branches of magic are found in close proximity to the natural world, usually seen linked to Elemental magic, or even certain Contract magics that associate themselves with wildlife and divinity.

### Weaponry

Othari weaponry is both functional in its use for combat as it is for hunting and acquiring sustenance. They waste no resources on implements of vanity, ceremonial weapons, or other impractical uses. Common Othari implements of offense are short blades like daggers or one-sided curved swords, long spears with sturdy hafts and no guards, sharpened javelins and shortbows.