Korbantir¶
Korbantir
Info
This page may still change a bit but is mostly complete and accurate.
Korbantir (core-ban-tier) is a sovereign country at the north-most tip of the Dracsis Peninsula between the five central seas of Bhreia. It is bordered by both Parlina and High Maris.
Etymology¶
Korban + PIE -terΙ (cross over, pass through, overcome). Meaning Korban's Crossing or the place Korban overcame (see History below).
History¶
See also Timeline.
In the First Age, Korbantir was part of the Bhreia super-continent and primarily a home to a large variety of woodland creatures. Some of ancient forests still remain, but many have been cut down for timber over the years.
It wasn't until the Second Age that the large landmass fractured and Korbantir's shape was finalized. During this Age, the first Human settlements appeared around Korbantir's central lakes and it is thought that this area is the cradle of Humankind on Bhreia.
As humans expanded their territory along the peninsula, they came into contact with the Elves of Darvia, who had crossed the Three Brothers sea under the leadership of the Elf simply known as Korban. Humans and Elves made first contact at what is now known as the town of Korban's Landing in 1821. The regional Human tribal leaders, Cauldin of Leikon and his brother, Donitar of Leikon welcomed the Elves into their homes and paved the way for the intermingling of Elves and Humans now so common in Korbantir. Both the country and the sea which Korban navigated are now named after him.
However, during this period, Korbantir was roughly divided into two regions, the Western half of it was named Vesperlenda (roughly translated, Western Land), and the Eastern half Sunuzbern (roughly translated Sun Born or Sun Birth).
During the Third Age (which was marred by war and conflict between the many races) both regions kept a relative peaceful stance. Shortly after the start oft he Third Age, the two halves joined as Korbantir (see Politics below). There were some border skirmishes along the southern border, but in general, the country didn't see much conflict during the Age. Many attribute this to the development of a liberal multicultural society, others simply due to the fact that the country was difficult to attack because of its nautical borders ringed with many cliffs and difficult to traverse terrain. During this Age, Korbantir was one of the few places to prosper and became a home for many who craved neutrality above all else.
Yet, there were those Humans who mistrusted the growing influence of outsiders and feared the erosion of Human culture in what was thought to be the birthplace of Humanity. On one evening in 2208, night fell and and the sun did not reappear for many days. The world grew colder and Korban, who was in his latter years at this point, traveled eastward from Cauldin's Point to Korban's Landing where he was ambushed midway by a group of Humans who assassinated him. Hours after the assassination, the sun rose once more. This period of darkness is referred to as The Many Days of Night and still goes unexplained. The forest where he was slain is now named Korban's Ruin.
The assassination of Korban has lead to increased strain between the Human and Elven civilizations, though Korbantir remains a deeply integrated society into the Fourth Age thanks to the historical efforts of Korban.
Politics¶
Korbantir is a monarchy. While Donitar and Cauldin of Leikon are seen as the founders of the country, they are not the direct progenitors of the monarchy.
For a hundred years after encountering the Elves, the country was divided into two main regions: the Western half, ruled by the descendants of Donitar of Leikon, and the Eastern half, ruled by the descendants of Cauldin of Leikon. Due to unknown reasons (though some claim a family curse), the Leikon bloodlines ran dry and eventually neither half was left with an heir. The final Leikon heir died in 2052.
The nobles of Korbantir worked together to find a suitable replacement, but could not find one in the midst of their own bickering. They enlisted the help of Korban, who proposed a Half-Elf nobleman named Kaylan Dranathi whose parents were both of Darvian and West Korbantirian descendance. He proposed a marriage between Kaylan and a Half-Elf noblewoman named Allebeth Lethson, whose parents were of Darvian and East Korbantirian descendance.
Several nobles feared that this union would present a threatening Darvian influence and a dilution of Human influence. However, since both Kaylan and Allebeth were born and raised in Korbantir, the majority ruled in favor of the union. With their marriage, the monarchy became established in 2081 and, again with some resistance that eventually proved fruitless, they named their country Korbantir in honor of the Elf who was responsible for their unification.
This royal house, named the House of Dranathi-Lethson currently still rules over Korbantir.
Royal Family¶
The current (3079) royal family:
- King Kaylan VI, age 89
- Queen Bexatria, age 73
- Crown Prince Kaylan, age 52
- Prince Callum, age 43
- Princess Maruka, age 34
- Princess Anjanna, age 28
- Princess Kassina, age 11
Keeping with tradition, all kings have been named Kaylan and all marriages have resulted in Half-Elven offspring.
Geography¶
- Mountains
- Mendunon (Mountain of the Gods, PIE: men-dyu & -non suffix)
- Kleftmon (Cleft Mountain, PIE: gleubh-men, bastardized)
- Rivers and lakes
- TODO
- Notable Ancient Forests
- Korban's Ruin, east of Cauldin's Point
- Ravenwold, north of Crabpot
- Lagermend Forest north of Forisden
- Wesfirth Wilds, most of Korbantir's North West coast
- Lake Valley Woods, south-east of Leecham
Demographics¶
Though the country is home to many races of Peoples, the majority are Humans, followed closely by Elves.
Settlements¶
Notable settlements only; there are numerous smaller villages not listed.
- Donitar
, capital of Korbantir and named after one of the first human tribesmen, Donitar of Leikon. - Kleftmon, a large city built around a deep chasm in a mountain top.
- Mendunon, a city build on top of a mountain, near hot springs.
- Almaris, a border town thriving on import and export
- Basford, a port town bordering the Wesfirth Wilds.
- Cauldin's Point, a town that serves as an agricultural hub, named after Cauldin of Leikon.
- Crabpot, prime exporter of Korbantirian Crab.
- Forisden, known for its intense hunting expeditions and high quality game, south of the Lagermend Forest.
- Hindramon, the largest northernmost town, known for its scenic rivers and untouched wilderness.
- Hithe, a town slowly descending in poverty as the seas surrounding it are being depleted from overfishing.
- Korban's Landing, historical landing spot of Korban and common entry point for immigrants.
- Leecham, the largest supplier of fresh water fish in the country.
- Leikon, a lake town that's supposedly one of the first Human settlements.
- Salwen, build atop a high cliff face and producer of salt.
- Dimeola, the sole town on an island in the Sea of Korban.
- Midway, a village halfway between Cauldin's Point and Korban's Landing
Public Places¶
- The Lost Port: A port town that sunk into the Blessed Pass after a large earthquake hit the town during the Second Age.
- Giant Steps: Enormous footsteps in the side of a hill, thought to have been placed there by giants long ago.
- Royal Gardens: built by the Korbantirian royal family hundreds of years ago for the populous to enjoy. Houses many plants from around the world in a covered facility.
- Memorial at Korban's Ruin: A clearing in the forest where a marker stands memorializing the assassination of Korban on that very spot.
- Dual Sound Bluff: A natural rock formation that when struck by strong winds seems to emit the sound of two eerie singing voices.
Other¶
Korbantir
Korbantir
