Who's to say werewolves in this world are deterred by any of that? xD
Still coming up with some details here.. but as a start- I've scratched some ideas down about one of the first nations I saw. Should I drop the info here? or PM it to you to add to a bigger thread or something?
what do you guys think? I'm trying to leave some things open ended, that way there is room for character input and expansion...
Altara
A Kingdom of Shining Cities and Shadowy Forests
Their Nation flag is a green field with gold Diagonal Line from top left to bottom right. Something will be in the center in silver, but haven't figured it out yet
This kingdom is nestled between two rivers, has a think forested center, and is bordered to the south by the Sea of Storms. The river Eldar to the east, and the river Manetherendrelle to the west. The southern border of this nation is guarded by a mountain range with high cliffs that look over the sea, and greatly limit the maritime entrances to the nation.
The nations geography is mostly forest and mountains, with some plains and hilly areas. The economy is mostly held up by agriculture, and mercantile in the southern port cities. In the North it's farming, and in the mountain ranges there are metal mines, as well as quarries. The city is quite able to stand on their own, but find it hard to stay isolationist when they share strong ties with other Kingdoms nearby.
This nation's capital sits on the tip of the southern peninsula. This is a port city that is nestled between the Venir mountain range to the east, and the sea to the west. The River Eldar separates the city into two halves, as well. This bright shining city is called Ebou Dar.
Ebou Dar is the center of mercantile for the nation, as well as the crown seat of their King: His Grace, King Trellion Arconi- The White Keep. Named aptly- like most buildings in this city, they are a white color with lots of arches and spires among the many canals. The city is divided by the Eldar river, and also divides the 'classes' of the people who reside here. On the west, with the White Keep, is the half most people call the Shining City, and the eastern half- separated by several bridges, is called 'The Alleys'. Aptly named here, as well, as this is an overcrowded area where crime is high, and the buildings are build near on top of each other. The people here are generally slightly xenophobic- as they are a nationalistic people. Family is big, and religion is, as well.
The main religion here is one of a small polytheistic panthenon [Weather, Sun, Moon, Fortune, Love, Protection, Justice, etc]. There are specific gods for different aspects of life. They are all celebrated under one Temple, and often have murals and statues depicting the gods in rows and on the walls.
Other cities in the south are similar, but not as big and grandiose. Shining white buildings with beautiful architecture of arches, buttresses, and spires.
The other major city in this kingdom is Salidar. It's more of a sprawling village, than what one would think of as a 'city'. It's heart is at the western half of the central forest- that has many names. The inhabitants here are environmentally conscious, and tend to live among the wilderness, using the natural valleys, and enormous trees as part of their dwellings. The architecture here is very organic, and rounded, with a lot of knot-work type designs. They are a very free-spirited people, but hold a lot of pride in who they are, and what they stand for. Many tunnels, and wooden rop-bridges between trees and cliffs spiderweb throughout the quadrant of the forested area, linking the smaller units of villages together to form the 'city' here.
There are several farming villages around the plains and hilly areas, as well as peppered with small trade towns and hunting lodges and inns.
To the north there aren't many major settlements among the hills and valleys. Though to the north east, there is a large ridgeline called Garen's wall. This serves as another natural barrier, and boundary line to Altara. A few smaller castles and fortresses lie close to the openings of this ridgeline built back during wars from years ago.
The Kingdom is no stranger to war, and the military is considered an honorable position within the nation. They aren't naturally aggressive people, but they are fierce in defense, and dispensing their versions of justice. Their stance is normally neutral, and slightly isolationist, but they aren't so stubborn to not assist allies in need. They have a very strong army, able to field mixed units and have an acceptable naval force since they do sit on a coastline. They have moderate cavalry, very good light and heavy infantry units, and excellent bowmen that normally come from the center of the nation from the wooded area. Their weapons and armament are well balanced, some light infantry and cavalry units make use of slightly curved swords- akin to a mix of a saber or katana and a longsword. Other standard military armaments apply. Their navy is built for- and holds a reputation for being a strong defense, but not much for an attacking force. Magic in this country is an intense rarity. People are fascinated by it when they see it, but are almost just as fearful of it- and don't generally trust people who can use it.
The Monarch of this nation also traditionally serve in the military, though take a more learned approach- and are well known for their grasp on strategy. The country is not the most rich- but they are by no means poor. They can provide for their own, and have enough to export food goods to nearby Kingdoms, and have rare strong woods that come from the thick forests from the center of the Kingdom.
The inhabitants of this Kingdom are about 60% human, 20% of all different breed of Elves, and 20% other races. They have a moderate sized, but very well trained military. Heroes from here are likely to be Fighters, or Rangers, and the skilled Rogue from the large city here aren't unheard of. The people here are generally accepting of all races. The large amounts of trade in the southern part of the Kingdom brings in all kinds of people, so their population is pretty diverse. Most humans and elves share a fairly isolationist stance in foreign affairs- but the more liberal of them will always pledge for moving with the times and being more open minded like the rest of the minority races that are slowly growing here.