Umberia

Culture and Locations

Umberia is ruled by a king and has the Red Temple (Arngosian Creed) its state religion, which believes in a dichotomy of powers -- of good versus evil forces -- and this belief mostly originates from the fact that Red Temple was the heart of early Vastion culture after the Darkness. Umberians are very prideful people, boasting both about their long ancestry in the region and about their domineering view of the lesser neighbouring kingdoms. The capital of Umberia is Umburn, which houses the first Red Temple, and to the north lie the Moon Stones.

Umberia is almost entirely made up of temperate regions. The central area is known as Umberia, while the southwestern end is known as Arngos. The Chonnar Islands lie off the southwestern corner, and the Thirsir Islands lie closer to Margon. The largest rivers include the Whever, which flows through Graulon, and the Teusir, which flows through Umburn.

Demonym: Umberian, Umberians

Population: 11,000,000

• Umberian Kingdom
  • Paurask Duchy
    • Umburn, capital, 84,000
  • Solutosk Duchy
    • Puttern, 42,000
  • Wholecia Duchy
    • Wolgom, 34,000
  • Birren Duchy
    • Graulon 17,000

History and Relations

The kingdom has been the heart of ancient Benevan culture for around 2000 years, and was formed in its modern state after the Benevis Empire broke apart in 550AL after the assassination of Emperor Halartus Benevarus. Almost all people in Umberia are Nor. Umberia has a long history of conflict. Despite during its brief inclusion in the Benevis Empire, Umberia has never made peace with its neighbours, often trying to coerce or lobby them via such avenues as the Red Temple. Much of this hearkens back to the War of the Ten Kings. Umberia mostly exports timber, hide, wool, and Vastin Yellow pigment.

Military and Art

Umberia has a long history of using elite longbowmen, often requiring that every man of fighting age practice the longbow in his spare time in case he is called to war. The concept of everyone taking up arms to defend their country goes back a long way. Common architectural features include tall towers and buildings, spires, and canals, and common artforms include large choirs, orchestral music, and making pilgrimages to and from the Red Temple.