Peoples of Ranu

Ranu is the name of the region of the continent of Ansulym in which this campaign takes place. The main countries of the region are listed in this page. Below are the nations (peoples) of the region:

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Affarian

The people of Affaria are a small nation related to the Rendruans, but independent. They are known for their magic and philosophies. Affarians live in the forested regions north of Rendru. Like many in the region, they have a tradition of many elders and members of their communities using "soul flying" to protect villages from misfortunes. It is claimed this practice originated in Affaria.

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Ahuĺny

The central Cesti peoples. Found mostly in Paurek, Fraxan, Belasar, Idangar, Murja, Dulocha, and Ottavia. They are known for their ancient tales, their connection to the fey, and their belief in a legendary homeland in the realm of Dreams. This belief drives them to make up incredible tales about it - the bigger and more absurd, the better - which others find ridiculous. They know these tales are exaggerated, but that is what makes them hold it so dear. They are said to always know their way around, and they have a deep belief in respecting the place they are in.

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Belasari

The people of Belasar are a distinct group of Cesti. They are mostly fey aligned, have a long military history, and are known for their complex traditions. They are a warrior culture who are cousins to the Fraxanians, but they are not in rebellion against the Queen of All Faerie. They pay her tribute and pride themselves in their military might. Their complicated traditions are in conflict with themselves - they honor war but favor peace, they pay tribute to the Queen but believe their king is superior, they tell their own tales but love to hear others'. They love their music, which they sing loudly and proudly, but if you disturb their silence, they might beat you down.

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Burevi

Burevis have a mix of Cesti and Omaevi backgrounds, having become a distinct nation hundreds of years ago. Their culture is dominated by their religion. They believe in the God Above All, an imperial deity who is supreme above all other deities, including other imperial deities, and that sometime in the past a figure known as Harkan (for whom a distant kingdom known as Harkanheim is named) died to create a Pit where false gods would be cast down to die. They believe in other messianic figures chosen by their deity, but the God Above All is most important. There are some among them who have rejected this religion or keep an older version of it, one less imperial, but they are heavily oppressed (killed).

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Cesti

The broad term for a majority of the nations in the region, including the Ahuĺny, Belasari, Delreči, Fraxanian, Pokorytařek, and Wspólny. See separate groups for more details.

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Coleshi

A broad term for the many nations of Colesh, the massive region of wilderness and semi-autonomous tribes and nations of northern Vesturia. Few come to Ranu, but those who do are usually seen as strange foreigners. The only commonality between them is a tendency toward being nomads and ancestor worshipers.

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Delreči

The southern nation of the Cesti. They are found mostly in Shar, Dulocha, Ollygrus, Burev, Ottavia, Kerrem, Murja, and Spokojno. They are known for their fraternal acceptance of peoples from other regions, their national pride, and their belief that they are the first of the Cesti. They love to share and connect with other cultures, and thus, they have brought in many aspects of other cultures to their own. They are welcoming and friendly until they are insulted, and then they are quick to anger and quick to forgiveness after the fists have stopped flying. They are known for their quickness to defend their neighbors (literally and culturally) as well, though not without a friendly amount of rivalry.

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Drugiye

The "others", about 100 different nations and ethnicities found in Vesturia and nearby countries who are descended of Coleshi, Dabusenese, Taggaran, or Mahadi peoples who have been lumped together into one category by the oppressors ruling Vesturia. They are too varied to even name a commonality other than the fact that Vesturians view them as lesser.

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Fraxanian

The people of Fraxan are a distinct group of Cesti. As their fey kingdom is in defiance of the Queen of All Faerie, they are very proud of their homeland and tie their identity to it. They believe Fraxan is a special place full of special magic, and they perform rites and rituals to honor it. They share a love of their cousins in Belasar, and many want to see unification of their lands. They also believe in the sacredness of the lands they dwell in as nature and as in the buildings there, with the stories of those places being shared as special.

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Immigrants

There are smaller immigrant groups from Jorgend, Remak, Hynof, Urskof, Galdun, Baraus, Bewindla, Dhun, eastern Ansulym, the Island Bridge, more distant parts of Taggarus and Dabusen, and more.

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Idangarian

The massive country of Idangar has its own nation of people who are fiercely independent. They are related to the Survans and Remakis. The Great Hunt is an imporant culture force in their land, and hunters are revered as a higher caste amongst them. Farmers and others are important and not oppressed, but hunters have special privileges. They see falcons as sacred and honor falconers as a special type of hunter. The taiga and the steppes dominate their land, and there is an elemental subculture amongst them that honors these landscapes. They are defiant in their independence and have refused conquest by imperial powers all around them.

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Kardisian

Kardis is a very cold country, and the people have survived in spite of it. They honor the spirits of winter and the north, of the ice and snow, and they make it central to their culture. They honor the harvest spirits as well, as the harvest is crucial to their survival. The year is about waiting on and expecting the winter, preparing for it, and keeping themselves cheerful through it in spite of the cold and dark. Outsiders sometimes call them cold-hearted, though this is a hurtful stereotype that could not be further from the truth.

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Kerremian

Kerremians are formerly conquered by the people of Ladrya; now they have been coopted by imperial powers and overrun by nightmare spirits. This has made their country a haunted one and the Kerremians both defiantly angry and burdened with fear. They are related to Rendruans and share a language, but they keep special customs to defy the nightmares and maintain some peace. They are known for their love of their forests and cultivating of them, but also for the dangers that lurk there. They are sailors in the south, farmers in the north, and makers of fine wooden wares.

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Kerupene

A broad term for the people of many countries west of Ranu, Kerupenes are a large immigrant community in the region with various backgrounds. They are stereotyped as lawful, strict, and war-like. They are said to brew great beer.

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Kherephuvian

A fey nation known for their secrecy and magic. They are ruled by their own Queen, whom is in alliance with the Queen of All Faerie but still proudly distinct, and they have their own practices, such as special journeys they undertake at maturity to see the world, worship of secret spirits, use of special music and unspoken words to communicate, and stories of ancient power that are only told amongst their own. Kherephuvians believe they are closer to Faerie than other fey folk outside of the realm, and thus, they have special rights other fey folk don't have when it comes to avoiding the power of the Wild Hunt (it is said the Hunt has not ridden there in 500 years). In truth, they outcast anyone marked for the Hunt to keep it away.

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Kordonian

Kordonians dwell in Rendru, Paurek, and Vesturia in what was once Kordonia. A nationalist movement of Kordonians that is a male supremacist movement has arisen in those regions. Though not all of Kordonian descent believe this, their culture has been coopted by powerful men who use their national identity to push an agenda of patriarchal power, blaming witches for the downfall of their kingdom instead of the imperials who actually did it. They have married themselves to Vesturians and Paurekis especially in pursuit of power, believing they can rise in their ranks to regain their lands. They push a set of beliefs that punishes women and children unless they serve the men. Their origianl culture was much the opposite, more egalitarian, and honored nature and the people alike, and some few Kordonians still believe in this.

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Kupci

A criminalized nation who have been forced to live in the shadows to survive. They are said to have violated Divine Law, but in truth, it was mortal laws they broke to be outcast. They dwell in shadows and have a special language that others have outlawed, and they survive by any means. They believe that no mortal law has relevance to them if it threatens their survival, and thus things like stealing from people outside their culture is acceptable if it is necessary. Though they do not do this often - mostly they just get by on their own, living as subsistence gatherers (it is illegal for them to own land in most places), and keeping their old ways, special dances and music, and unique fashions. They believe one day they will avenge themselves and come out into the light.

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Kuritsa

The matriarchal witch cult that exists throughout the region. They are more a pancultural subculture. There are many variations within it, often reflecting dominant cultures - those in elemental areas have a more elemental approach, those in fey or unaligned areas are more fey in nature, and those in imperial or popular regions honor celestial traditions. But what they share is a custom of witches being advisers, healers, supporters, and problem solvers for their communities, though often fringe or separate, and believers in and wielders of special magic. They oppose the abuses of patriarchal power and seek to keep the ways from before the Fall that others have forgotten, including a belief in equality, ancient stories, and deep practicality.

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Ladryan

A massive country from far to the south that once conquered a third of the world with a massive army of horseback warriors thousands of years ago, Ladryans once held part of Ranu centuries ago. Those who remain are now an oppressed people or assimilated mostly into other nations. Their culture was a warrior-culture that honored horses. They had special music for every part of the day and night, and they loved to eat and drink - except during special fasting times when they trained for war. They are rarer now, having long since abandoned these lands, and those descended from them mostly assimilated into local cultures.

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Mahadi

People from the continent Mahad, a broad category that includes many peoples and nations who are lumped together by Ranic peoples. The only real commonalities between them are some stories they share of forgotten countries that once stood against imperial might, their various religions that mix elemental, fey, unaligned, and celestial beliefs and deities, and their varied cuisine with some common features. They are discriminated against in most parts of Ranu, but more welcome in Shar.

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Malaerean

The ruling class of the eastern empire of Malaer, they are a powerful imperial nation who have colonized Rendru. Malaer was once a part of Srisia, but it rebelled about a century ago and has tried to spread as an empire for the last few decades. Their rebellion has always been seen with skepticism by other imperials, who believe it's a Srisian plot to spread influence indirectly, and Malaer still has cultural and political ties to the empire they split from. They have left behind the worship of the Spider God and belief in absolute freedom, but they embrace the soft power approach of their forebears and honor shadows as sacred. They wear all white to emphasize the darkness of their shadows, and they rule in Rendru in a manipulative and complicated manner.

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Murjan

Murjan culture is not a distinct nation, but a separatist movement from various Cesti nations that dwell in Murja. These noble families believe their blood is pure, and they wish to keep it that way to justify their dominance of Murja. They practice inbreeding and hereditary pseudoscience to keep themselves pure, and their culture has faded into their obsession with their own family histories.

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Nevysloveny

A fey nation living beyond the Veil. The GM will only tell you about them if you play one, and you may only play one if you are a wielder of fey magick.

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Odrekean

Odrekeans are an ancient nation found in Spokojno who were displaced or conquered by the dragon. They hold onto certian practices that are not outlawed, but slowly dying simply due to being non-dominant in the area, such as walking the borders of their lands once a month, planting special trees in certain areas, and retelling tales of their history that are never to be written, only remembered, word for word, passed down generation to generation. They are known for their special rounded hats and pointed shoes, and their disdain for dragons.

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Omaevi

People from a country just outside of Ranu, they are deeply influenced by Mahad, Ladrya, and Stayflies, but they are their own distinct nation. They are a people who have a mix of faiths, some coming from Mahad, some from the empires, and some of their own invention, but all syncretized into a specific set of beliefs that sees multiple cultures as valid. They are known for their distinct cuisine that has famous teas and sweets influenced by cultures from the south, their incredible architecture, and their spreading influence as they have conquered much of Stayflies and parts of Mahad.

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Paureki

A major nation with control over a huge portion of Ranu, they are a complex people who are currently ruled by terrible tyrants. Their rulers promote a culture of regret, grief, sorrow, and shame that keeps people in line, convincing them that change is impossible, they are all guilty of crimes, and that they owe the crown for many sins. This is reinforced by special days of sorrow and mourning, and a cultural obsession with suicide that has made it some sort of unspoken sacrament and method of serving the powers-that-be. This dismal culture is contrasted by their history as people who were tenders of lakes and fishers, as those who honored heroes and legends who fought tyranny, and their ancient honoring of peace and quiet to the point that they were said to be able to hear whispers for miles. They still remember these stories and customs, and many practice them in spite of the ruling powers' attempts to warp them.

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Pokorytařek

A large nation of Cesti from the north and western parts of Ranu and beyond. They are mostly in western Paurek, Kerupen, and Vesturia. They are known for their connection to the seas, their stories of dragonslaying and heroics, and their colorful clothing. They view bravery as a major virtue, and cowardice as the most grievous of sins. They are fishers and sailors, and seafood dominates their cuisine, but they also have a rich farming history. They love to wear colorful things, especially bright colors that are not common in their surroundings. They are known also for their special dances.

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Quvetsaili

Quvetsaili are people from a region of Paurek and Vesturia along a major sea who are known for their connection to the light. They are a small nation with cultural ties to both Paurek and Vesturia, but their ties to the sea mean they are culturally bound to it - fishing and sailing being important aspects of their culture. The light, though, is a signficant part of their culture, as they believe that all forms of light have different meanings. The sun is life, candles are guides, and the moons are aspects of the self, for example. Every different light has a special meaning to them.

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Renduran

A large nation spread through Rendru, Affaria, and Campurile, as well as some neighboring countries. Rendruans believe their people were marked by Death Herself 4,000 years ago to be protectors of the afterlife. They have many funerary practices and focus on tending graves, but they have many subcultures, including those that worship the seasons and flower spirits, and those who live in the principality of the Pumpkin Prince Trandafiru. They are skilled gardeners, and they believe in a complex set of spirits and deities. They are currently oppressed by the ruling class Malaereans who have taken over their original homeland, but so long as they are allowed their funerary rites, they believe they will survive this. They are also practicioners of soul-flying. Dance is an important part of their culture.

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Sbocciarian

The island peoples of Talune, some of them have immigrated to Ranu and found themselves oppressed. They are reputed to be criminals and shady people, but they are mostly just poor itinerants and farmers who long for the culture they left behind, especially the food.

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Sharian

A nation with a deep belief in fate. They believe that most people have a spirit called an ora which has dictated their story, and they try to make sure that story happens. They believe in ancient prophecies and honor days when certain events will occur one day. They make special fabrics that reflect the stories of what will be, and they draw from their history only to depict their futures. They have a deep connection with Mahadis and Omaevis, and they consider them sibling cultures, as they have been much influenced by them.

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Stayflian

Stayflies is the region of Ansulym to the south of Ranu. There are many nations there, but they get lumped together by the Ranic peoples. Their culture is rooted in ancient empires and city-states that are not currently recognized - their land is conquered by Omaev. They believe in many deities and have a rich history, and their legends often are the roots of others' legends. Art and music is highly valued by them, but their customs are largely left behind by those who have immigrated into Ranu.

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Survan

A sea-faring people with connections to countries north of Ranu, their culture is deeply tied to the seas. They are related to Idangarians and Remakis. Surva is a country where fishing is the most common occupation, and their entire culture revolves around seasons of the seas and of fishing. When the boats leave and return are major holy days to them, and offerings are made regularly to the Sea Mother. They believe sea life is magical and sacred, the source of their lives, and they speak to all fish and aquatic life as if it were intelligent, whether it is or not.

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Talunese

The people from the peninsula to the southwest of Ranu, there are many nations from there, but they get lumped together by the Ranics. Common features of their culture are a seafood- and pasta-based cuisine, music, and a pride from their past as a former empire. They believe wolves are sacred. They are a fractured people, as Talune is home to many city-states, and they are always interested in politics.

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Tridesian

The fey people of the Thrice-Tenth Tsardom. Tridesians honor witches as special parts of their culture and community. Witches are protected by law and honored as wise women (or people) who live apart but are consulted and relied upon. They have special privileges in Tridesy. Most Tridesians believe themselves to be part of the queendoms of Faerie and honor the Queen of All Faerie as well, more as a spiritual figure than an actual monarch, as their tsar serves that role. They believe heavily in stories and ancient legends, and their realm is home to many. Traditions that they recognize include sending the third child off on a quest upon their 16th birthday, requiring a seventh son or daughter to become a magic user, never eating without permission and promise of freedom afterward, not harming certain animals for fear they are transformed heroes or nobles, honoring chickens as sacred animals (though they still eat them), and always stopping to hear someone's story. In Tridesy, the Wild Hunt may ride in the autumn, and people make sure their debts are paid before then.

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Vartsargu

People who live in elemental shadow within Kardis. They have a city of dark wonders and are said to recognize 72 genders. The Vartsargu are not keen on outsiders, who are historically antagonistic toward them, especially more patriarchal cultures. They believe that the dark protects them, and they embrace it. They weave things out of shadow and use their own shadows to learn about themselves, including altering them to match their genders. They have a mostly matrilineal, matriarchal culture, though there is a mild hierarchy that elevates certain people on the merits of their shadow magic. They rely on trade with Kardisians for food that can't grow well in the dark. Their music is very quiet and droning, their art is more tactile, and their cuisine is seafood-heavy.

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Vesturian

Though Vesturia is a prisonhouse of nations, the ruling nation there is the Vesturians, who are also the most common nation in Vsemy, Smeshan, and parts of Rendru and Paurek. They are related to the Cesti. The culture of the ruling class nation of Vesturia is one where anything is acceptable in the pursuit of power. Slavery is a common practice, and the poorest will often sell themselves or their loved ones to the powerful either as slaves or for magical rituals that trade their qualities to the powerful in exchange for the money to survive. A poor man might give his strength to a lord in exchange for money for his family, for example, though it may be more specific or more esoteric. Culturally, snakes are considered sacred animals, and the wealthy own them as pets, wear their skins, and decorate their homes with them. The poor will milk them for venom to sell if they can, collect their skins for good luck, or accept a bite from a non- or mildly venomous one for pride. The Imperial Church honors foremost the goddess Dostizheniye, who promotes personal achievement and ruthless ambition as virtues. As part of the White Crown Concordance, Vesturia's culture is one that has assimilated many others.

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Virpristati

A small group of Cesti living in Virpristat who have been altered by the bizarre magic there. They were once a mix of different Cesti people who had come to the area, but the magic present there has forced them to adopt strange customs dictated by the unusual powers present. Days where they must run, hide, or perform rituals with no explanation, unfazed reactions to magical phenomena others find striking, and an understanding of time and distance that is variable are just some features. There is a cultural appreciation for math and science. It is commonly said there that nothing stays the same, which makes them very accepting of new or different things.

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Wspólny

The western Cesti peoples. They are found in Paurek, Fraxan, Belasar, and Vesturia. They are known for their old stories, their previously nomadic ways, and their complicated music. Their music involves many instruments, odd time signatures, and the telling of unrhyming tales with special significance. They have stories from all over the eastern parts of the continent, though they now live in a specific region, they once lived all over. Most of them know someone in every neighboring country, and they love to share stories with others. Their history has gotten much more dangerous of late as they are more and more oppressed, especially west of their current location.

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Yaidevi

The Yaidevi peoples are found in Paurek and Vesturia and nearby regions. They are known for their massive cemetaries and rituals of food and drink for every night of the year. Every night has a special meal and must be kept by at least one member of every family, or the spirits that are kept in the graves will be released. They are said to be a cursed people, though this is debated, bound to keeping the dead in their graves.

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Zatenenny

An oppressed nation in Vesturia who are the core of the people of Vsemy. They were born under the celestial shadow, and they maintain a culture of hope and resistance that others find either inspiring or mad. They refuse to let the troubles they face keep them down, and they have survived centuries of oppression and even genocide. They have a special love of the autumn, which they say is the time before the hard times, a time for preparation and gratitude.