A human nation unique in Thadas, where the culture of the Qun, tribal beliefs and the Chantry all compete for influence. The country is bordered almost entirely by water, save for a land bridge to the northwest connecting it to Antiva. The two nations share the picturesque Rialto Bay but little else.
Rivain is home to the only peaceful Qunari settlement on the main continent in Kont-aar. The influence of the Qun, of not absolute adherence to its teachings, is present throughout Rivain, getting stronger as one heads north twords Kont-aar. The Chantry must also compete for influence among the many hedge witches known as seeres.
The Rivaini trace their roots to a pantheists ancestors, and many still believe their God and the universe are one in the same.
Traditionally the Rivaini are a matriarchal society, and much of the nation still hold the belief women are best suited to rule. All decisions involving the welfare of most Rivaini communities rest solely with the eldest women. The most senior of these women are called seers who freely practice magic. The nations relative acceptance of magic, at least among traditional Rivaini, has led to odd relations with the Chantry and Circle of Magi. The Circles of Rivain function similar to others in Thedas with support from Andrastian nobility, however they tolerate and work with seers allowing the wise women to keep apprentices and remain free so long as the aid the nations templars when required.
Nowhere in Rivain is the Chantry's influence stronger than in Dairsmuid, the capital. Rivaini royalty are Chantry faithful, but also progressive in their beliefs if only out of necessity. The nation with its patchwork of cultures, remains one entity through consensus and compromise.
While the people of Rivain do not have a currency based economy, they tend not to attach any particular value to amassing wealth, instead emphasizing the welfare of the whole. Communities support each other, if one is having a bad year, the others will send supplies and labor to ensure it's people do not suffer.
Because of it's location, and the lack of Chantry authority beyond Dairsmuid, Rivain is the favored hole of raiders and those who wish to skirt Chantry laws common in other nations.