Overview
The Kingdom of Ierendi is an archipelago nation of tropical islands, a former colony of the Thyatian Empire that won its independence through a long and arduous struggle. It is a nation of seafarers, explorers, and adventure-seekers, and its government is a unique blend of a parliamentary monarchy and a meritocracy. The ruler of Ierendi is elected by the people based on their accomplishments, usually as a famous adventurer. As a result, the nation is ruled by a council of kings and queens, a constantly shifting group of heroes and celebrities. It is a land of beautiful beaches, dangerous jungles, and a society that values courage and daring above all else.
Appearance
The landscape of Ierendi is a tropical paradise of volcanic islands, lush jungles, and white sandy beaches. The islands are separated by crystal-clear blue waters, and travel is almost entirely done by ship. The architecture is a blend of traditional native styles and the grand structures of the Thyatian Empire, with thatched-roof huts sitting alongside grand stone temples. The people of Ierendi are a mixture of ethnicities, a result of their history as a major port and their ties to the Thyatian Empire. They are often clad in colorful, light clothing and are known for their love of tattoos and body paint.
Culture
The culture of Ierendi is one of adventure, risk-taking, and a deep reverence for the sea. They are a freedom-loving people who have a great love for stories of heroic deeds and grand adventures. Their government and society are built around the idea of a "hero king" or "hero queen," and a person's status is measured by their accomplishments. A great adventurer can become a noble, a powerful merchant, or even a ruler. Their religion is a mix of native spiritualism and the worship of the Thyatian pantheon, with a focus on gods of the sea, luck, and daring.
Society
Ierendian society is a unique mix of democracy and monarchy. The nation is ruled by the "Council of Heroes," a group of ten individuals who have proven themselves through a series of "Hero Trials." This council then elects one of its members to be the "King" or "Queen" of Ierendi for a one-year term. Below the council are various noble families and a powerful merchant class. There is a great deal of social mobility, and a person's status is not determined by their birth but by their actions.
Territory
The Kingdom of Ierendi is a sprawling archipelago of islands located in the southern seas. Its territory includes a number of major islands, as well as countless smaller, uninhabited ones. The nation has a number of fortified ports and coastal cities, but much of the interior of the islands remains untamed wilderness, full of dangerous creatures and hidden ruins.
Resources
Ierendi's primary resources are its tropical goods and its strategic location. They produce a surplus of exotic fruits, spices, and lumber from their jungles. They are also a major producer of fine silks and dyes. Their strategic location on major trade routes makes them a key port for any vessel traveling in the southern seas, and the revenue from port fees and tariffs is a major part of their economy. Their greatest resource, however, is the courage and daring of their people, who are willing to sail into any storm and face any challenge.
Military
The Ierendian military is a powerful naval force. Their navy is made up of a fleet of swift and agile ships, and their sailors are skilled at naval combat and exploration. They do not have a large land army, as they rely on their naval power to defend their islands from invaders. The military is made up of a mix of professional sailors and adventurers who are willing to fight for their home and their honor.
Relations
How Ierendi Feels about Others: Ierendi has a complex relationship with the Thyatian Empire, its former colonizer. They see the Thyatians as a powerful but arrogant people, and they are wary of their expansionist tendencies. They have a friendly relationship with the Grand Duchy of Darokin, and the two nations often engage in trade and diplomacy. They have a strained relationship with the pirates of the Minrothad Guilds, who often raid their shipping.
How Others Feel about Ierendi: The Thyatian Empire views Ierendi as a former subject that has strayed from the fold. They are wary of Ierendi's growing influence and its strong navy. The Grand Duchy of Darokin sees Ierendi as a valuable trading partner, and they often send their ships to trade for Ierendi's exotic goods. The pirates of the Minrothad Guilds see Ierendi as a rival for control of the seas and a source of potential plunder.
Reputation
The Kingdom of Ierendi has a reputation as a nation of adventurers, a land where any person can rise to power and become a king or a queen. They are seen as a free-spirited, daring people who are not afraid to face any challenge. They are also known for their powerful navy and their ability to defend their home from any who would seek to conquer them. They are a testament to the idea that courage and daring are more powerful than any army or fleet.